Mary Bryant

Mary Bryant (1765–after 1794) was a Cornish convict sent to Australia. She became one of the first successful escapees from the fledgling Australian penal colony.

Early life

Bryant was born Mary Broad (referred to as Mary Braund at the Exeter Assizes) in Fowey, Cornwall, United Kingdom, to William Broad and Grace Symons Broad, a fishing family. She left home to seek work in Plymouth, England, where she became involved in petty thievery. After being arrested for highway robbery of a silk bonnet, jewellery, and a few coins, she was committed by J Nicholls, Mayor of Plymouth, to gaol, with two accomplices – Cathrine Fryer and Mary Haysoning – and then Mary was sentenced to seven years' transportation to Australia.

Transportation

In May 1787, Bryant was sent as a prisoner with the First Fleet aboard the ship Charlotte. Bryant gave birth on the journey to a baby, whom she called Charlotte. When she arrived in Australia, she married William Bryant on 10 February 1788. Bryant, a convicted smuggler, was also on the Charlotte with Mary and they later had a son, Emanuel, born on 6 May 1790.

Mary Bryant (disambiguation)

Mary Bryant (1765–after 1794) was a Cornish convict who escaped from an Australian penal colony.

Mary Bryant may also refer to:

See also