Lot 910

Description

Convict love token, George III Cartwheel penny 1797 with reverse shaved and inscribed, 'Sara Burge/When/this you see/remember me/C Burge/1831'. Coin worn, good, fine inscription on reverse.

Charles Burge, age 19, born at Pagham, Sussex in 1811. He was one of the 'Swing Rioters' of South East England in the period 1830-31, who was sentenced to 14 years at Sussex Quarter Session on 3 January 1831 and transported to Van Diemen's Land on the Eliza, departing 2 February 1831 and arriving 2 October 1831. His sentence was very high as only 35 'VDL Swingers' received terms greater than 7 years. He was pardoned on 6 August 1838 but had to remain in Van Diemen's Land and then received an absolute pardon on 22 August 1843 under Government Notice No.208.