Family and Social History
John SIMS was from a labouring family in the village of St Mary Bourne in Hampshire. On the 22nd November 1830 he took part in the local swing riots with his brother Daniel and father William amongst others. For his part he was transported to Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania), a place from which he would … Read moreJohn SIMS (1806-1866)
Daniel SIMS was from a labouring family in the village of St Mary Bourne in Hampshire. On the 22nd November 1830 he took part in the local swing riots with his brother John and father William amongst others. For his part he was transported to New South Wales, Australia, a place from which he would … Read moreDaniel SIMS (1810-1885)
William SIMS was until 1830 a labourer in the parish of St Mary Bourne, Hampshire, England. He was a husband with a large family to support. On the 22nd November 1830 he was by all accounts the ring leader in the local swing riots this was to change his life forever. For his part he … Read moreWilliam SIMS (1778-1862)
Before the convicts set off on their journey to New South Wales they were transferred from the Gaol they were held at to a Prison Hulk, there is a little confusion here as on Ancestry the hulk is named Hardy, a hospital ship and in other secondary sources the hulk is stated as being the … Read moreThe St Mary Bourne rioter’s journey on the Convict Ship Eleanor, 1831
“The Swing Riots were a widespread uprising by agricultural workers;” [1] In the St Mary Bourne area there are two recorded events. Thursday , 18th November 1830 “Friday Night – A Hay-rick, at Wadwick the property of Mr. Longman, was burnt last night. The fire was visible at Andover. It is supposed to be the act on … Read moreAccounts of the St Mary Bourne Swing Riots