Date of Conviction: 10/10/1810

Age at Conviction: 13

Crime Convicted of: Theft

Court/s Convicted at: Lancaster Quarter Sessions (held at the New Bailey, Salford) x2 and Chester Assizes (Chester Castle)

Sentence Length: 7 Years

Ship Transported on: Minstrel

Where Arrived: Port Jackson, New South Wales

Departure Date: 04/06/1812

Arrival Date: 25/10/1812

Biography: Mary Ann was described as a single woman of Manchester, though in reality was still a young child and had stolen spoons and other items from a Mr Hillidge.

She seems to have been more commonly known as Mary Ann Walworth after arrival and was listed as a bonnet maker. In 1814 and 16 she was recorded as a servant to Mr Cosser at Sydney and in 1817 and 18 as a servant. When she died on the 8th May 1818, free, she was buried at the Old Sydney Burial Ground three days after with a mysteriously beautiful headstone which had said -“To Mary Ann Walworth. 1818 – age 21; erected by a master ship builder. May Heaven’s glory rest with you. Our toils are full dear friend adieu”.

This stone was erected by her employer, and perhaps partner, William Cossar who was the master ships builder mentioned on her gravestone. He refitted convict ships as well as constructing new vessels for routes between Newcastle and Van Diemens Land and was within government service. From a month before Mary Ann’s death William started to receive letters saying his work was slipping and by November he was harshly sacked from HM Dockyard.

There is some confusion that also links the death of this Mary Ann with a 30 year old soldier’s wife of the same name but the memorial stone would suggest this to be incorrect.