- Conditional pardon - the convict was free as long as they remained in the colony. The vast majority of convicts granted pardons were granted a conditional pardon
- Absolute pardon - the convict's sentence was entirely remitted. That is, they were free both within and outside of the colony and could return to Britain.
Overview
Early Governor's discretionary powers
In the formative years of the Colony the Governor possessed the discretion to grant free pardons and conditional pardons as rewards for good behaviour, for special skills or for undertaking special responsibilities. (Hirst, Convict Society, p.85). From 1790, the Governor was empowered to remit, either absolutely or conditionally, the whole or any part of a prisoner's sentence. (Shaw, Convicts and the Colonies, p.82). Pardons were also sometimes granted on arrival to educated or gentleman convicts with private means.
Governor Macquarie’s new regulations on granting pardons
Following Governor Macquarie's arrival, persons who had received pardons and certificates after the 'Rum Rebellion' were required to surrender them. They were then examined and reissued subject to Macquarie's approval.
The Select Committee on Transportation in 1812 expressed concern about the number of pardons granted and about those given to convicts on arrival. In response, Macquarie introduced new regulations setting minimum periods to be served for both pardons and tickets of leave.
A court case in England declared invalid absolute pardons granted before 1819 because they had not been issued under the Great Seal. The issue was resolved by the New South Wales Act of 1823 which 'gave to all pardons previously granted the Standing of a pardon under the Great Seal'. (Hirst, Convict Society, p.159). The Act also allowed the Governor to recommend but not grant pardons, although they were to take effect from the date of the Governor's signature.
Restrictions on Absolute pardons
Conditional pardons required their recipients to remain within the 'Government limits', that is the colony until their original term had expired. In a despatch dated 20 July 1845 Governor Gipps received instructions to restrict the issuing of absolute pardons and to introduce two classes of conditional pardons 'the first class to be valid everywhere except in Europe' which was to be given to those who were under the former system would have been recommended for absolute pardons and the second class 'to be valid only in the Australian colonies including New Zealand' to those who 'under ordinary circumstances be recommended for conditional pardons'. (HRA Vol 24, pp.410-411). We hold records which reflect these changes see NRS-1175 and NRS-1176.
Greater movement for holders of conditional pardons
In a despatch dated 13 May 1846 it was further decided 'to give the convict, either colonial or British, the power of removing to any place he may desire provided he should not return to the country or colony from which he had been transported'. (HRA Vol 25, p.56). 'This arrangement will have a retrospective effect and will apply to all conditional pardons now in force'. It was hoped that this would draw off the 'redundancy of labour' in Van Diemen's Land. (HRA Vol 24, p.411).
From 1847 the main series of conditional pardons NRS-1172 bear the wording 'valid in all parts of the World except Great Britain and Ireland'. If the person had been tried elsewhere that colony would also be added.
Imperial Pardons
Imperial pardons are pardons for offences not committed in the Colony
- Absolute - granted by the Governor and approved by the Secretary of State, remitting entire sentence. Prepared in same way as Conditional Pardons.
- Conditional - granted by the Governor and approved by the Secretary of State, on condition of recipient remaining in the colony until original sentence had expired. Details were provided on a printed form that was completed in duplicate, one copy being sent to England. When approved by the Secretary of State, the certificate was registered and the Instrument sent to the Clerk of the Supreme Court - a copy certified by him was afterwards sent to the Principal Superintendent of Convicts for delivery to the Party.
- Royal Warrants - warrant from the Monarch authorising the grant of pardon.
Colonial Pardons
Pardons for colonial offences
Granted absolutely by the Governor, and approved by the Secretary of State. All were executed only in the original which was sent to the Clerk of the Supreme Court. When certified by him it was referred to the Principal Superintendent of Convicts for delivery to the party concerned.
- Reprieves from death sentences. These were issued on condition of the person involved being sentenced to hard labour in a road gang, or to a penal settlement. The death sentence was to be immediately carried out if the convict was found at large in any other place
- Commutation of sentence. This was made on condition that the convict concerned remained in the colony as a convict
- Conditional Pardons remitted the remaining part of the sentence provided the convict remained in the colony.
- Absolute Pardons remitted the whole of the sentence
- Special Pardons remitted the entire sentence. Notes from CSIL Bundle [4/1124]
Indexes to the records
The main series to check for conditional pardons are Registers of Conditional Pardons, 1791-1825, NRS-1170 and Copies of Conditional Pardons, 1826-1870, NRS-1172.
Search across the following indexes in the Convicts Index »
- Index to tickets of leave certificates of emancipation and pardons, 1810-1819
- Index to conditional pardons, 1826-70
Other indexes to check:
- Index to the Colonial Secretary's Papers, 1788-1825
- Joan Reese's NSW Colonial Secretary's In Letters Index to convicts and others, 1826–96, available in the Reading Room
- Index to letters sent re convicts, 1826–May 1855 (compiled by Joan Reese)
- Contemporary Colonial Secretary's Indexes and Registers, 1826-1900, NRS-922
Record series
Colonial Secretary
The main records for conditional pardons are in the Colonial Secretary's records.
Series | Title | Dates | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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[4/4430; 4/4481] |
Registers of conditional pardons The first volume shows: name, ship and year of arrival, native place, trade and calling, offence, place and date of trial, sentence, year of birth, height, complexion, and colour of hair and eyes. The second volume records: number, name, date ordered and date of issue. There are indexes in front of the volumes and an index is available on State Records' website. Available in the Convicts Index »
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16 Dec 1791-6 Dec 1825, 1 Jan 1837-27 Aug 1841 |
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NRS-1172 |
Copies of conditional pardons registered by the Colonial Secretary The following personal details are noted on the back of the pardon: name, ship and year of arrival, master's name, native place, trade or calling, offence, sentence, year of birth and physical description. There are indexes in front of the individual volumes and an index is available in State Records' reading rooms and website. Available in the Convicts Index »
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6 May 1826-11 Aug 1870 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NRS-1173 |
Registers of convicts recommended for conditional pardons The first two volumes record: number and date of pardon; name; ship; master and year of arrival; native place, trade or calling; offence; sentence; year of birth; and physical description, together with details of who recommended the pardon and the result of the application. The last volume notes only name, number, and ship of arrival with occasional other details. Available in the Convicts Index »
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6 May 1826-30 Jun 1856 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
[4/2567.1], Reel 799 |
Letters received
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1842 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
[4/1124] |
Special bundles
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1826-1839 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
[X62], Reel 798 |
Special bundles
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1826-1845 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
[4/1122.1], Reel 798 |
Special bundles
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1830-1841 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
[X733] |
Special bundles
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3 Dec 1831-31 Dec 1833 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
[4/1123.1], COD 513 |
Special bundles
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1835-1839 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
[X645-646], Reel 591 |
Special bundles
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1838-1839 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
[4/4493-4494], Reel 771 |
Registers of colonial pardons Colonial Pardons concern crimes committed in the Colony. There are indexes in front of the volumes. Available in the Convicts Index »
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1 Mar 1788-29 Jul 1867 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
[4/4495, 4/4428], Reel 772 |
Copies of royal pardon warrants Copies of warrants from the Crown authorizing the grant of a pardon. Frequently many personal details of the convict are also noted. Includes those for machine breakers per Eleanor and convicts per Hashemy. There are indexes in front of the volumes. Available in the Convicts Index »
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4 Feb 1791-26 Jul 1873 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
[SZ75-76], Reel 2910; [SZ47], Reel 773 |
Registers of absolute and conditional pardons The volumes frequently provide details of why the pardon was granted. Due to their fragile condition they cannot be issued. [SZ47] has been indexed in detail at COD 264 available in the Reading Room. Information on early land grants is also included in these volumes.
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1792-1809 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
[4/4427 part, 4/4492], Reels 601, 774, 669 & COD 18 |
Copies of returns of absolute and conditional pardons granted Available in the Convicts Index » |
1810-1819, 1836, 1838-1841 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
[4/4427 pp.120-165], Reel 601 & COD 18 |
Returns of pardons and certificates of freedom surrendered Available in the Convicts Index » |
29 Jan 1810-18 Feb 1811 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
[4/4431], Reel 774 |
Copies of butts of conditional pardons The volume records number and date of pardon, name, ship and year of arrival, when and where convicted, term, native place, calling, year of birth, and physical description. Available in the Convicts Index » |
30 Sep 1824-9 Feb 1827 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
[6/884], Reel 798 & COD 221 |
Alphabetical register of pardons The volume records details of the number of the pardon, name of prisoner, ship of arrival, date of pardon, whether conditional or absolute, by whom signed, date received and date certified copy transmitted. |
1828-1862 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
[4/4482], Reel 799 |
Register of first class conditional pardons A first class conditional pardon applied 'in all parts of the world except Europe and the Islands adjacent thereto'. The register provides the following personal details: name; ship, master and year of arrival; native place; trade or calling; offence; sentence; place and date of trial; year of birth; and physical description. There is an index in front of the volume. Available in the Convicts Index » |
7 Mar-20 Jul 1846 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
[4/4483-4484], Reel 799 |
Register of second class conditional pardons, During the term of their original sentence the holder of a second class conditional pardon was to remain 'wholly within the whole of Her Majesty's Australian Colonies and New Zealand, but not elsewhere' otherwise the pardon would become void. They concern imperial convictions. The volumes provide the following personal details: name; ship, master and year of arrival; native place; trade or calling; offence; place and date of trial; sentence; year of birth and physical description. There are indexes in front of the volumes. Available in the Convicts Index »
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16 Mar-20 Jul 1846 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
[4/4486-88], Reel 800 |
Registers of absolute pardons For period 1791-1810, the register is only a list of persons receiving absolute pardons (showing number, date of pardon, and name, until the commencement of Macquarie's administration, and then from 17 March 1810-24 August 1825 providing much fuller details). The first volume contains manuscript copies of the pardons from 1 December 1830-26 February 1842. The other volumes contain duplicates of the actual pardons. There are indexes in front of the volumes. Available in the Convicts Index »
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16 Dec 1791-1 Jul 1843 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
[4/4489-90], Reel 800 |
Registers of recommendations for absolute pardons These volumes record details of convicts recommended for pardons and usually the names of the person or persons who did so. There is an index in the front of each volume. Available in the Convicts Index »
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6 May 1826-1846 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
[4/4491], Reel 801 |
List of absolute pardons granted The list notes the date and number of the authorizing despatch, the convict's name and vessel of arrival, and occasional other notes. There is an index in front of the volume. Available in the Convicts Index » |
1 Jan 1837-31 Jul 1841 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
[4/4485]. Reel 801 |
Register of exceptive absolute pardons During the term of the original sentence the Exceptive Absolute Pardon was valid 'except within the limits of the United Imperial Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland'. The volume provides full personal details of the convict, and has an index. Available in the Convicts Index » |
15 Mar-1 Sep 1845 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
[X749], Reel 801 |
Returns of pardons The record provides details of: name of prisoner, offence for which tried, date of conviction, name of judge, sentence, date of release and whether absolute or conditional pardon, name of Colonial Secretary of the time, nature of advice or opinion of minister if any on papers, and any further remarks. |
1869-1873 |
Courts of Petty Sessions
Series | Title | Dates |
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NRS-3344 |
Queanbeyan — Record of applications for tickets of leave, passports and conditional pardons |
1841-1859 |
Judge Advocate
Series | Title | Dates |
---|---|---|
[5/1151], Reel 772 |
Conditional and absolute pardons Original pardons, mostly for colonial convictions, granted to the following convicts:
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1788-1803 |
Principal Superintendent of Convicts
Series | Title | Dates |
---|---|---|
[SZ1051] |
Original tickets of leave and conditional pardons These are original tickets of leave and conditional pardons which were returned to the government or were not collected. Some correspondence is also included. An item list is available in the Reading Room. |
c.1834-1848 |
[2/1907-13] |
Conditional, absolute and colonial pardons returned These are original pardons returned by the convict. Many of these pardons contain seals, most of which are damaged. Due to the fragility of the seals they cannot be issued. Index available in the reading room on Reels 1250-1251. |
1827-1874 |
Other sources
Series | Title | Dates |
---|---|---|
COD 212, Q41 |
Returns of free and conditional Pardons The returns, of free and conditional pardons separately, record date, name, where and when tried, sentence, ship of arrival, and when arrived. This is a facsimile of A1192 pp.805-909 held by the Mitchell Library. There is an index on pp.106-113 of the volume. |
1801-1819 |
Sources held elsewhere
Series | Title | Dates |
---|---|---|
State Library. Sydney Morning Herald 22 June 1850 pp.2, 3, 6. See the National Library of Australia's Trove website. Copy also available on Reel 2907 in the reading room. |
List of absolute, exceptive and conditional pardons unapplied for This list is arranged by type of pardon and then alphabetically by individual name. It gives the convict's name, ship and year of arrival. It appears to be a list of pardons still in the Principal Superintendent of Convicts Office which had not been collected. The convict had not applied to collect them. Some appear to relate to convicts who arrived as early as 1813. The pardons are for imperial and colonial offences. |
4 June 1850 |
Records of commutation of sentences
A commutation of sentence granted a reprieve from the death sentence usually to a term of transportation or penal servitude.
Attorney General and Justice
Series | Title | Dates |
---|---|---|
[5/7702], Reel 2227 |
Special bundles
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1856-1875 |
Colonial Secretary
Series | Title | Dates |
---|---|---|
[4/7020], Reel 6070 |
Commutation of sentences Original documents, signed and sealed by the Governor, commuting sentences. They provide information on the trial and conviction of prisoners, the crime and the conditions imposed. The sentences commuted are all for colonial convictions. The original documents bear fragile seals and there are restrictions on their issue and photocopying. |
1810-1822 |
NRS-1164 |
Warrants commuting capital sentences to transportation for life |
11 Jun 1821-15 Apr 1822 |
[4/1265], Reel 6070 COD 222 |
Register of commutation warrants The volume records date of commutation, name, and when and where tried. Sometimes further details are given as to sentence and place of transportation. There is an index in the front of the volume. |
17 Sep 1821-10 Nov 1823 |
[4/4544], Reel 1260 |
Register of sentences remitted or commuted Register of alleviated colonial sentences, showing reference (Colonial Secretary's In-Letter number), name of convict, ship, sentence, sentence remitted or commuted (period remitted, terms of commutation), date and to whom commutated, by whom recommended and any remarks. There is an incomplete index in the front of the volume. |
Feb 1838-Dec 1841 |
Convict Classification Board
Series | Title | Dates |
---|---|---|
[4/4517-4518], Reel 688 |
Copies of letters sent, There are indexes in front of the volumes.
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18 Jan 1849-15 Oct 1867 |
[4/4515-4516], Reel 688 |
Minutes and proceedings The Board was chiefly concerned with considering the cases of individual convicts with the view to promoting them, remitting sentences, and indulgences such as tickets of leave, etc.
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31 Jan 1851-12 Apr 1866 |
Sheriff
Series | Title | Dates |
---|---|---|
[4/6271], Reel 687 |
List of prisoners from Norfolk Island for commutation of sentences The volume records name, ship, original and colonial sentence, and commutation |
1840-1841 |
Supreme Court
Series | Title | Dates |
---|---|---|
[X734], Reel 2801 |
Return of commutation of sentences The return records number of case, name of prisoner, offence, judge, verdict, condition of prisoner, date of trial, sentence, commutation and reason for it |
20 Jan-2 Jul 1844 |
Additional sources
- Musters and Census records - A person's condition (free, convict, ticket of leave, certificate of freedom, conditional pardon, absolute pardon) is often recorded in muster and census records.
- Convict Indents often contain annotations concerning tickets of leave, certificates of freedom and pardons.
- NSW Government Gazettes, available on the National Library of Australia's Trove website. NSW Government Gazettes1832-50 have also been indexed in the Australasian Genealogical Computer Index (AGCI) available through The Society of Australian Genealogists.
- Some records concerning tickets of leave, 1834, 1836-7 and pardons, 1834-1859 have been filmed from records held in Britain as part of the Australian Joint Copying Project.