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George Laburn (c. 1806–1891)

George Laburn, a bookbinder, was found guilty on 16 June 1821 at the Old Bailey, London, of stealing one soup ladle, value 30 shilling; ten spoons, value 3 pounds 15 shillings; and one mustard pot, value 1 pound, from a dwelling-house. He had previously been in custody for a month for stealing a watch. His death sentence was commuted to life transportation. He arrived in Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania) in July 1824 aboard the Phoenix. He was described as being 4 feet 3½ inches tall, with brown hair and blue eyes. He had a large scar on his forehead, a scar on his chin, and was pockpitted.

On 7 October 1829 he was recaptured after absconding from the prisoners barracks. In 1830 and 1832 he was assigned to public works. He was granted a ticket of leave on 5 December 1832, and then again on 17 April 1848. On 11 August 1851 he was granted a conditional pardon.

In 1844 he was working for Henry Edmonds at Frederick St, Hobart.

Laburn died on 23 February 1891 at the New Town Charitable Institution, Hobart. He was listed as a pauper, his age was given as 85.

Citation details

'Laburn, George (c. 1806–1891)', People Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://peopleaustralia.anu.edu.au/biography/laburn-george-30174/text37451, accessed 10 November 2024.

© Copyright People Australia, 2012

Life Summary [details]

Alternative Names
  • Laborn, George
  • Laburne, George
Birth

c. 1806
London, Middlesex, England

Death

23 February, 1891 (aged ~ 85)
New Town, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

Cause of Death

general debility

Cultural Heritage

Includes subject's nationality; their parents' nationality; the countries in which they spent a significant part of their childhood, and their self-identity.

Religious Influence

Includes the religion in which subjects were raised, have chosen themselves, attendance at religious schools and/or religious funeral rites; Atheism and Agnosticism have been included.

Passenger Ship
Occupation or Descriptor
Key Places
Convict Record

Crime: theft
Sentence: life