Publication details

Convicts are a fascinating part of Australia's history, but has their role been over-dramatised and distorted? This book brings to life the day to day working lives of convicts in private assignment. In particular, life and work on Belgenny Farm at Camden Park near Sydney, and the Tocal estate in the lower Hunter Valley where large numbers of convicts were assigned.

Chapter 1

  • Convict assignment and convict tools

Chapter 2

  • Working with timber
  • Clearing and stumping
  • Building huts, sheds and other structures
  • Fencing

Chapter 3

  • Working with stone and brick
  • Stonemasons' tools
  • Working with bricks

Chapter 4

  • Working with iron

Chapter 5

  • Working the soil
  • Ploughing and weeding
  • Trenching, draining, road building

Chapter 6

  • Harvesting the crops

Chapter 7

  • Working with animals
  • Sheep and convict shepherds
  • Cattle, pigs, milk, butter and cheese
  • Meat for the table
  • Leather for harness, boots and shoes

Chapter 8

  • Hauling, carting and moving things
  • Wheels for wagons, drays and other vehicles
  • Barrels, casks and buckets

Chapter 9

  • Living

Title          Convict tools - Working at Camden Park and Tocal       
Author(s)         Walsh and Ralph Hawkins        
Pages          92         
ISBN          9780987418425         
Catalogue number          B748         
Year published          2013         
Publisher          NSW Department of Primary Industries         
Price          $30.00AUD (inc GST)


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  • Other ways to buy

  • Order by phone
    Phone: 1800 025 520 International: +61 2 49398888
  • Order by fax
    Click here to fill out the order form Cat No.L B748 - Price $30.00 Fax: 02 4938 5549 International: +61 2 4938 5549
  • Order by mail
    Click here to fill out the order form Cat No.L B748 - Price $30.00 Tocal College, CB Alexander Campus, Paterson NSW 2421