People Australia

  • searches all National Centre of Biography websites
  • searches all National Centre of Biography websites
  • searches all National Centre of Biography websites

Browse Lists:

Cultural Advice

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website contains names, images, and voices of deceased persons.

In addition, some articles contain terms or views that were acceptable within mainstream Australian culture in the period in which they were written, but may no longer be considered appropriate.

These articles do not necessarily reflect the views of The Australian National University.

Older articles are being reviewed with a view to bringing them into line with contemporary values but the original text will remain available for historical context.

Thomas Gilbert (?–?)

Thomas Gilbert was master of the Charlotte when he arrived at Sydney in January 1788 as part of the First Fleet. He was appointed captain of the Neptune in 1789 to being out another group of convicts. Gilbert and Lieutenant John Macarthur exchanged violent exchanges (including a duel) about who had ultimate authority on board the ship and Gilbert was replaced with Donald Trail at Portsmouth.

Gilbert may have fathered the child born by Jane Langley at the Cape of Good Hope in October 1787. The entry in the log when Langley's daughter was born reads 'Jane Langley delivered of a Girl namely T----G----' giving rise to the possibility that the actual father might be Gilbert. Perhaps he had taken her on board the Charlotte for female company as had Henry Lidgbird Ball with Sarah Partridge. It would account for the absence of Langley's name from Surgeon Bowes list of convicts. Jane may have been sent to the Lady Penrhyn for the delivery.

* information from Mollie Gillen, The Founders of Australia: A Biographical Dictionary of the First Fleet (1989), p 142 and 213

Related Entries in NCB Sites

Citation details

'Gilbert, Thomas (?–?)', People Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://peopleaustralia.anu.edu.au/biography/gilbert-thomas-31170/text38557, accessed 2 December 2023.

© Copyright People Australia, 2012

Life Summary [details]

Passenger Ship
Key Events