Convict Love Token - 1836 - David Odwell
It is likely that this token relates to David Hodwell, 23, who was tried and convicted at the Central Criminal Court on 4 January 1836 for breaking and entering Harriet Hodwell's (his sister-in-law's) house in Brewer's Lane, Hampstead, on 13 November 1835, and stealing a number of items that he later attempted to pawn. When his sister in law was re-examined and asked to identify the stolen items she responded: This is my gown - I know it, having stained it with blackberries - this cape belongs to it - the shirt was my husband's - he was killed in it, and I have lined it with calico. Hodwell responded: I am innocent of everything they have been saying. He was sentenced to transportation for life. He sailed for New South Wales on the Norfolk on 27 October 1836, arriving 12 February 1837.
Transcription
Back
Token with stippled cursive text:
No Pen
can write no
Tongue can tell
the aching
Heart that
bids fare
well
Front
Token with stippled cursive text:
David
Odwell
for Life
4th Jany
1836
Diameter
34.0 mm
Copyright: National Museum of Australia
