On 2 December 1838, sixteen-year-old David Leary stole 65lbs of pewter from London tradesman Uzziel Emarmel. Tried at the Old Bailey, he was found guilty and transported for ten years to Van Diemen’s Land. This retelling shows how a boy’s small theft led to exile across the world.
Tag Archives: Van Diemens Land
This Day in History: 1 December 1838 — The Servant, the Spoons and the Silver Basket
On 1 December 1838, servant Ludlow Tedder stole two silver spoons and a valuable bread-basket from her master, Fitzowen Skinner. Tried at the Old Bailey later that month, she was convicted and transported for ten years to Van Diemen’s Land. This retelling explores trust, temptation and punishment in Victorian London.
The Sage Page 