March 2009
Linda Paton and husband Michael with Enid Jarvis, Chairman of the History Society, with the Manor Road sign.
One of her maternal ancestors was a John Martin. First indicted for stealing a mare and a grey horse in 1839, he was in court again (aged 21) for entering the home of William Lantsbury (The Manor in Manor Road) and stealing a caddy and a spoon. He was found guilty and sentenced to 15 years transportation to Australia. There he married another convict and thence the family fortunes grew, settling finally in Toowomba in 1864, where Linda and her husband still live.
Staying at Broomhill the night before, they had an interesting experience when they encountered Pat Parish, Broomhill receptionist and an active member of the Society. Asked by Pat whether they were visiting family, Linda replied that one of her ancestors had been transported to Australia. "Not for stealing the sugar bowl" replied Pat. "So is it safe to go into the village?" the Paton's asked. "Possibly" replied Pat "but you will see the wanted posters".
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