RootsChat.Com
England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Kent => Topic started by: Chris Nilsen on Monday 13 April 15 07:38 BST (UK)
-
I am hoping that somebody with local knowledge of Maidstone can interpret some old handwriting for me.
I have attached an image from a Van Diemen's Land convict record.
In the bottom right hand corner is a reference to a place of birth.
I can see that it says:
"???? near Maidstone"
but despite haveing a good search around, I cannot work out what this place might be.
Any ideas from any of the locals?
Thanks.
Chris.
Adelaide, Australia.
-
This link suggests Lews
http://foundersandsurvivors.org/pubsearch/convict/chain/c31a31250470
-
It could be Leeds - no, not the one in Yorkshire ;D ;D There is a Leeds near Maidstone - has a lovely castle, once occupied by Catherine of Aragon. :)
-
Hi
I reckon it could possibly be Loose, about 2 miles south of Maidstone
Ancestry UK has his conviction on the criminal register in 1838
Late addition from Wiki ..... "Loose is pronounced 'Looze' to rhyme with booze"
Peter
-
This link suggests Lews
http://foundersandsurvivors.org/pubsearch/convict/chain/c31a31250470
However, that's the same document as the one attached so it's just someone's interpretation
There's a George Knox baptised in Linton in 1820. Pros: it's only 4 miles from Maidstone. Cons: the original doesn't look anything like Linton to me
-
I do like the sound of blue's Looz (which is only 1 mile from Linton)
-
However, that's the same document as the one attached so it's just someone's interpretation
Yes.
And taking a further look my second interpretation is there is a W after the L and E :)
-
Yes, I'm voting for written Lews, pronounced Looze, actually Loose
-
Yes, I'm voting for written Lews, pronounced Looze, actually Loose
And that's where local knowledge trumps :)
-
I would go would Loose too. It's a neighbouring parish to Linton.
-
Wow!!
Thank you everybody for your help. I can see now it is obviously 'Lews' (Loose).
As I was looking for the Linton baptism on familysearch I found a corresponding entry in Loose. Same date, same parents, but baptism in Loose as well as Linton. So I am not sure which one is correct but I think it is proof enough for me to know I have the correct person.
The Criminal Register stated that he was frequently in custody.
Would this appear in newspapers somewhere?
I do not have any subscription to any newspaper sites. Are there any free newspaper sites online that I can search for this George Knox alias George Noakes?
Thanks everyone for your help.
Regards,
Chris.
-
I do not have any subscription to any newspaper sites. Are there any free newspaper sites online that I can search for this George Knox alias George Noakes?
Thanks everyone for your help.
Regards,
Chris.
Trove is a FREE Australian newspaper collection site and as he is a convict , I would suggest he is featured heavily. As to his 'career' before he was transported I cant offer any British newspaper insight
Though a quick look suggests he was a good boy after he received his Ticket of Leave. I would need to look more closely to define the right Knox for any misdemeanors
-
Edited this - wrong timeframe
-
I should add that he was transported in 1838.
-
Yes realised after I'd posted :-[
-
OK, on findmypast there's an entry in the Kentish Gazette on 26 Nov 1833 of an attempted murder & burglary of Mrs Whatley at Bearsted where the circumstances of the outrage continued to be enveloped in great mystery
Two men named barney O'Blagh & George Knox were in custody
A man & woman had also been in custody at Lewes on suspicion of being involved