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Galway Assizes June/July 1820

Would anyone know whether records of the Galway Assizes for the second half of  1820 have survived?   I am looking for evidence cf hearsay about two Ribbonmen: Captain Patrick Staunton originally from Longford and Peter Larkin from Gort.  I believe that both were convicted of seditious practices at the Galway Assizes shortly after June 1820.  Larkin was sentenced to death but this was commuted to transportation for life.  Both came to Australia per John Barry (2) arriving Sydney 7 Nov 1821. Their lives in NSW were intertwined, and Staunton’s son married Larkin’s daughter.    I have searched many newspaper repositories and academic sources for Ireland-based references to the charges, trial and sentencing but no luck.   Thanks in advance for any assistance you can offer.   

kayeschofield@…

2 replies

Kaye,

It’s not very likely the court papers have survived. They were probably destroyed in the 1922 fire in the Public Record Office in Dublin. If they have survived, they should be in the National Archives in Dublin. You might want to search their on-line catalogue.

Newspapers at that time used to report the Assizes but often with the briefest of information. For example, see the attached from the Globe in March 1820 which has just 4 lines on some Ribbonmen convicted at Galway Easter Assizes 1820 and sentenced to transportation to Botany Bay. (3rd column of the paper).

The Limerick Gazette of 22.8.1820 has 7 lines on two named Ribbonmen who were convicted at Galway summer Assizes, and were sent to Cork for transportation, presumably along with Staunton & Larkin. (4th column of the paper).

But you don’t get the background information or the sort of detail that a modern newspaper would provide. You may struggle to find much information on your ancestors' backgrounds. 

Elwyn, IrelandXO Volunteer ☘IrelandXO Volunteer

Thank you very much Elwyn for your reply and for both newspaper articles.  While NSW convict records provide considerable detail re charges and sentencing for Larkin, there seems to be some uncertainty about Staunton and I was puzzled by various letters that say he was "not indicted on capital charges".  I had a faint hope that there may be more (the earlier Lent Assizes have some newspaper coverage).  But I must be grateful for what I have already.   Thank you, Kaye

kayeschofield@…

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