The Castle Hill convict rebellion began #OnThisDay 4 March 1804. Led by Irishman Phillip Cunningham, the rebels aimed to overthrow the British Colonial authorities and sail back to Ireland.
Martial law was declared and, under the command of Major George Johnston, the NSW Corps assembled to meet the convict rebels. After failed negotiations, a short battle ensued which ended the rebellion and Cunningham was arrested and later executed without trial in Windsor. More than 30 convicts died in the uprising and ensuing court martials.
Source:
- NRS 898 [SZ992], Reel 6037, p.18
- Whittaker, A. (2009). Castle Hill convict rebellion 1804. The Dictionary of Sydney
Related
- National Museum of Australia website: Defining moments in Australian history
- See entry in Colonial Secretary's Index under Castle Hill Rebellion
- See entry in Colonial Secretary's Index under George Johnston (Lieutenant Colonel)
From the Collection
Castle Hill Rebellion - Martial Law imposed. NRS 898 SZ992 6037 Page 16:
March 5th 1804
C S Precaution
Proclamation
By Philip Gidley King Esquire Captain
General and Governor in Chief in and over
His Majestys Territory of New South Wales, and
Its Dependencies &c &c &c
Page 17:
Whereas a number of Labouring Convicts of Castle Hill,
And other parts in this District have assembled in a
Rebellious and droving? manner have Attacked and Robbed
Several of His Majestys peaceable and Loyal Subjects of their
Property and arms, and proceeded therewith to great Acts
Of Outrage, which the preservation of the Lives and Property
Of His Majestys Liege Subjects demand an immediate Stop
Being put to, by the most effectual means;
I do therefore Proclaim the Districts of
Parramatta, Castle Hill, Toongabbee, Prospect, Severn and
Hills to become a
State of Rebellion
And do Establish Martial Law throughout those Districts
I do therefore strictly Charge and Command
All His Majestys Liege Subjects to be assisting in apprehending
And giving up to the nearest Office or Magistrate every
Person they may stop, who is unprovided with a Pass, under
pain of being tried by a Court Martial
And every Person who is seen in a State
Of Rebellious Opposition to the Peace and Tranquillity of this
Colony, and does not give himself or themselves up, within
Twenty four hours, will be tried by a Court Martial, and
Suffer the Sentence passed upon him or them
And if they, or any of them give up the
Ringleader to Justice, it may be an effectual means of
Processing them that Amnesty which it is so much
Page 18:
My wish to grant
Given under my hand at Head Quarters
Parramatta this 5th March 1804
Signed
Philip Gidley King
God save the King
By Command of His Excellency
Signed
W N Chapman
Secy
