The Botany Bay Medallion

‘He [ Barrett] may have been the maker of the Botany Bay Medallion…a skilfully engraved metal medallion inscribed with a relief description of the voyage dated 20 January 1788 and a representation of the Charlotte at anchor in Botany Bay. Mollie Gillen, Founders of Australia, Library of Australian History, Sydney, 1990

1788 – February 27, Sydney Cove: Thomas Barrett was the first person hanged in European Australia. A plague on the corner of Harrington and Essex Street in Sydney’s Rocks area marks Barrett’s fleeting presence in and dramatic exit from Australia.

Barrett fashioned the ‘Botany Bay Medallion’ AKA the ‘Charlotte Medal from a ‘silver coloured metal kidney dish’ belonging to Dr. John White who, as Chief Medical Officer would have certified Barrett’s death. See: From Here to Eternity 

White an excellent medical administrator was nevertheless a flawed character exemplified by the controversy over the Watling Collection of paintings that remains currrant to this day.

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FROM HERE TO ETERNITY  – THOMAS BARRETT

 ‘The death penalty was brought to Australia with the First Fleet. Mike Richards, The Hanged Man, The Life and Death of Ronald Ryan, 2002

One (1) month after disembarking from the ‘First Fleet’ Thomas Barrett was hanged.

His execution was public theatre staged to instil terror into all spectators; be they convict, soldier, sailor or the silent, unseen locals – The First Australians.

A small plaque at the corner of Harrington and Essex Streets in Sydney’s Rocks area marks Barrett’s fleeting presence in Australia.

‘The arm of a large tree was fixed upon as a gallows’. Arthur Bowes Smyth Surgeon Lady Penrhyn, Journal ed. Fidlon and Ryan, Australian Documents Library, 1979

1788 – 27 February, Sydney Cove:  Thomas Barrett a convict aged about 30 years, was accused on ‘shaky evidence’ in company with three (3) others – Henry Lavell, Joseph Hall and John Ryan- of stealing from government stores.

‘In determining the daily ration no distinction was drawn between the marines and the convicts…the standard adopted was that of the troops serving in the West Indies’. Wilfrid Oldham, Britain’s Convicts to the Colonies, Library of Australian History, 1990

It is a matter of record  the day before  – 26th –  they received their full ration.

Nevertheless at twelve (12) noon the four (4) men appeared before a hastily convened court. Found guilty as charged and sentenced to death the execution was to take place before nightfall. (more…)

‘The arm of a large tree situated between the Tents of the Men and Women was fixt upon as a Gallows…the body hung an hour and was then buried in a grave dug very near the Gallows’. Surgeon Bowes Smyth, Journal 1787-1789, Australian Documents Library, Sydney,1979

1788 – 27 February, Sydney Cove: Thomas Barrrett was the first man hanged in European Australia just one (1) month after disembarking in Sydney Cove.

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