Rosie and Will

Rosanna & William Lane

Rosanna Morgan and William Lane were something of an odd couple. Both convicts transported for their perceived misdeeds.

William was indentured as a brickmaker in Ledbury, in the west country of England. When he completed his indenture, he joined the Critish Army and the 99th Regiment of Foot, known as “The Queen’s Pets”. He was assigned to New South Wales, and when the First Maori War broke out, he was wounded. When he returned to service, he disappeared. When he returned some three months later, he claimed he’s been kidnapped by the Maori. The authorities put him on trial for desertion.

Found guilty and sentenced to transportation for life with thirty months hard labour and 150 lashes, he was sent to Norfolk Island.

Finally transferred to Tasmania, he met Rosanna Morgan, who had been transported for seven years at the age of 16. Her crime? Stealing a coat.

Finally receiving conditional pardons, the worked their way through New South Wales and settled at Wyrallah, on the Richmond River where they lived out their lives. There are some 3000 of their descendants spread across Australia. My books The Brickmaker and Rosie’s Will tell their story.