Each entry in this index provides name, alias (if any), ship, year of arrival (if known), status (such as free, holding a Ticket of Leave or Conditional Pardon), State Records reference number, reel number and remarks. There are c.1300 entries.
Accessing the records
Microfilm copies of the Convict Bank Accounts can be viewed in our reading rooms.
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The copy service fee is $25.00 (includes administration, postage/handling and the first entry). Additional entries are $1.50 each.
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Historical background
Prior to Commissioner Bigge's Report on Convicts (printed in 1822) taking effect, convicts could retain the money they brought with them for their own use. This money could often 'purchase' a more comfortable life during their period of servitude.
One of Commissioner Bigge's recommendations concerned the care of convicts' property (including their money) on their arrival in the colony:
'It is recommended ... that their Clothes and Bedding should be taken care of on their Landing and that the Money belonging to Individuals should be taken and deposited .... and not allowed to be held by the Superintendent or any other person.'
Following the implementation of the Bigge Report, the Surgeon-Superintendents of the ships on which the convicts were transported were entrusted with convict monies during the voyage out (some lists may be found in CGS 1155 Musters and other papers) and these funds were then deposited in the Savings Bank on arrival.
In addition to these arrangements, friends or relations could deposit money to be held in trust for a convict or a convict could earn money for extra work or duties performed. The convict could not access the money until proof of reformation could be shown such as having received a ticket of leave, pardon or on completion of sentence. Extenuating circumstances such as the money being required to pay for defence in a court trial were also taken into consideration. Application could be made to access the sums held to their credit and if approved a warrant was issued which authorised the money to be withdrawn.
See the record series used to compile the index
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