Opening his eyes, focusing on a beam of sunlight crossing the room, he thought “What a beautiful 1854 spring morning. Longer, warmer days. It’s great to be alive”
At nineteen the world seemed full of opportunity for a strapping young lad all the way from County Cork, Ireland growing up in Liverpool, England. He had big plans for today. Waving to his mother as he headed out the front door into the busy industrial streets of Toxteth Park. He could see all the way to the docks at the end of the street. The shipyards alive with noise of people hurrying about their day. It didn’t take long to find familiar faces. Thomas Brown strutting towards him with Elizabeth Rafferty and Mary Stanley, on each arm.
“Oh what I wouldn’t do to impress Mary” he thought
Just then he felt a shove.
“Move over, give me some room” came a voice from beside him.
Again he focused his eyes and his surroundings became clear. Sitting in almost darkness, cold and cramped, with chains on his ankles. Impressing Mary had cost him everything. The girls had noticed a somewhat drunk cart owner, Mr Bibby staggering towards home late that evening. They jostled with him in a playful tug-of-war. Then, Mary wrapped her night scarf around his neck and, holding tight let out a yell;
“Quick, check his pockets. He’s sure to have some money”
In that moment life changed.
John Brady, in the charge of Savage Garrotte Robbery, Seven Years Transportation
Learn more about Convict 3944 – John BRADY
Source: Liverpool Mercury Newspaper, 14 March 1854
HAA004 Writing Family History
Week 1 E-tivity – The Story in History
University of Tasmania
Darryl Brady
Student ID: 425182
Liverpool Street
It reads like he was perhaps the fall guy. Is that the case? I hope the girls got their just deserts.
Yes Steve the girls did also get charged and were sent to New South Wales.
Believe it or not the top photo is from the 1930’s.
Apparently it shows one of the many courtyards that existed off Scotland Road in north Liverpool.
(The clothing of the women on the left hand side are a good indication of the date, even though the picture looks like something from the 19th century).
Hi – I find your ‘Last Days of the Rest of His Life’ very interesting.
My parents, born in Liverpool married in 1936 & moved to London in 1938.
My Mum said they first lived in a cottage. Since researching on Ancestry I’ve seen Census records mentioning Cottages.
Do you by any chance have information re Cottages and is there one in your top photo at the end of the of the Court?