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The Convict and The Compass

The Untold Story of James Meehan
By Peter Bradley
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Brief Description
Sentenced at 26 years old for his role in an uprising against British rule in Ireland, James Meehan arrived in Australia in 1800 as a servant to English explorer Charles Grimes.ย  Through talent and diligence, he rose to Acting Surveyor General of the young colony, working... Read More
Format: Hardback
$7500
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Sentenced at 26 years old for his role in an uprising against British rule in Ireland, James Meehan arrived in Australia in 1800 as a servant to English explorer Charles Grimes.ย 

Through talent and diligence, he rose to Acting Surveyor General of the young colony, working for five governors from 1800 to 1822. Meehan was instrumental in mapping the Sydney environs and planning the townโ€™s layout, as well as early expeditions to the Hunter Valley, Port Phillip Bay, King Island and Tasmania.ย 

Kings and governors respected him and he played a crucial role in establishing Australiaโ€™s first Roman Catholic place of worship, St Maryโ€™s Church. However, Meehan is a forgotten man in Australian historical writing. The story of how this Irish political prisoner became a fine explorer, conscientious surveyor and excellent busman, is at the heart of Peter Bradleyโ€™s thoroughly researched historical non-fiction.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781920727420

Publisher: Ventura Press

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 11 November 2025

Country: Australia

Imprint: Ventura Press

DIMENSIONS

Width: 153.0mm

Height: 234.0mm

Weight: 0g

Pages: 616

Collections

Australian & Pacific History History & Archaeology History & Military Non-Fiction Peter Bradley

About the Author

Peter Bradley is a passionate historian whose interest in family history began when he discovered his great-grandfather's first-hand account of surviving a shipwreck. After a career in finance, Peter's passion lies in uncovering the past, and bringing to light his ancestor's remarkable legacy.

His first book, Convicted, is an engrossing and highly imaginative retelling of the story of a father, son and grandson, entwined with the history of Australia from the landing of the First Fleeting in 1788.

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