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.

Richard Porter (1766–1849)

Richard Porter was found guilty on 20 March 1789 at the Nottingham Assizes of breaking into a house and stealing a silver watch and items of clothing Sentenced to life transportation he arrived in Sydney in 1790 aboard the Surprize. He married Ann Hutchinson on 8 October 1797. The next year he was granted 30 acres of land at Eastern Farms (Ryde). In 1800 he had 10 acres of wheat sown, 7 acres maize to be sown, 26 pigs, 1 goat, and 2 sheep. He was granted a conditional pardon that same year. By 1822 he had 100 acres of land.

Following Ann's death in 1805 he lived with Ann's daughter, Mary, who had also lost her partner. Porter and Mary had five children together and were married on 8 June 1811.

Citation details

'Porter, Richard (1766–1849)', People Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://peopleaustralia.anu.edu.au/biography/porter-richard-29694/text36750, accessed 19 September 2024.

© Copyright People Australia, 2012

Life Summary [details]

Birth

1766
England

Death

20 September, 1849 (aged ~ 83)
Pennant Hills, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

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.

Passenger Ship
Occupation
Key Events
Maps
Convict Record

Crime: theft
Sentence: life
Court: Nottinghamshire
Trial Date: 20 March 1789
(1789)

Post-transportation

Children: Yes (6)