Discover the life and times of emancipated convict Andrew Thompson, and his legacy in the Hawkesbury, with author and historian Annegret Hall on Wednesday, 29 June at 6:30pm.
The presentation will be based on Annegret's recent biography of Andrew Thompson, a rural Scot transported to the colonies for 14 years for stealing textiles, when he was only a young man. His sentence was for 14 years and he arrived in Sydney in 1792. Over the next two decades he became a renowned settler in colonial Australia. As Chief Constable, he gained prominence for his bravery during disastrous floods and was appointed to positions of responsibility by successive Governors. He established a vast business empire despite fierce opposition from the powerful NSW Corps and John Macarthur. Thompson was the first ex-convict to be made a Chief Magistrate and was popular amongst the Hawkesbury settlers. Despite this, his family in Britain had shunned him, and after his death they resisted accepting the huge fortune he left them in his will.
Anyone interested in history is welcome to attend this informative talk which will be held at Hawkesbury Central Library, 300 George Street, Windsor. There will be a small charge of $5 and that will include light refreshments. Bookings are essential and can be done via www.hawkesburylibrary.eventbrite.com or call 4560 4460 to secure your spot.
