My father's family came from Thurleigh, Bedfordshire, my direct line back being Francis COLGRAVE (sometimes spelt Colegrave) who was sent to Tasmania (Van Diemans Land) in 1831 for theft.  Francis married Isabella Watkins (also a convict) and they had a large family around the Evandale area of Tasmania. 

 

His brother, Samuel had also come to Australia as a convict, before him, however Samuel went to NSW.  He lived on a farm south of Yass, and never returned to England, even though he could have done at the end of his sentence.  He had a wife and two children back in Thurleigh.

 

Not a great lot is know about the COLGRAVE family in Thurleigh, and I would love to make contact with anyone who is able to assist me tracing my ancestors further back.

 

Thanks,

Min

miggy42