The Stolen Gown

    By natsa7

    The Stolen Gown cover image

    07 Dec, 2023

    a painting of a boy in a hat and jacket on a city street with buildings and a street sign

    Life in London during the 18th century was grim for Elizabeth Haywood. She was just 13, but her life was already marred by crime and punishment. Apprenticed to a clog maker, she had a rough existence, but it was about to get harder.

    a painting of a man in a suit and tie with a mustache and a bow tie on his head

    Her master, Mr. Thomas Cross, was a stern man who cared little for her plight. He was more concerned with his profits than the welfare of his apprentice. Elizabeth resented him but had nowhere else to go.

    a painting of a woman in a white dress and a black hat with a red ribbon around her neck

    One night, Elizabeth made a decision that would change her life. She stole a linen gown, a silk bonnet, and a bath cloak from her master, hoping to pawn them for money.

    a painting of a woman in a library with bookshelves in the background and a clock on the wall

    She sold her stolen goods to a woman named Sarah Phillips, who also went by Constance. Sarah was known for her dealings in the shady underbelly of London. Elizabeth was unaware of the danger she was stepping into.

    a painting of a woman in a white shirt and black jacket with a white collar and a black and white striped shirt

    It didn't take long for Mr. Cross to notice the missing items. The law took its course, and Elizabeth found herself facing the stern Middlesex jury at the Old Bailey.

    a painting of a woman with a camera in her hand and a man in the background with a camera

    In the courtroom, the jury didn't care about her age or circumstances. The verdict was harsh, and Elizabeth Haywood was sentenced to seven years transportation to the new colonies in Australia.

    a painting of a young girl in a life jacket in the water with a cloudy sky behind her and a blue and white background

    The journey on the ship Lady Penrhyn was arduous. Elizabeth, the youngest convict on board, had to endure harsh conditions, seasickness, and the constant fear of the unknown.

    a painting of a woman in a white hat and a cityscape in the background with buildings and lights

    On January 26, 1788, they finally reached Sydney Cove, Australia. The night was hot and humid, and an electrical storm added to the fears of the new arrivals.

    a painting of a woman with a red collar and black jacket and white collared shirt and a red and white collar

    Elizabeth was assigned as a servant to Mary Johnson, the wife of Reverend Richard Johnson. Mary was kind-hearted, unlike Elizabeth’s previous master, and treated her with dignity.

    a painting of a girl with a white shirt and black vest and a white headband on her head

    Elizabeth's life in the Johnson household was challenging, but she managed. She did her chores, kept her head down, and tried to avoid trouble. But trouble, it seemed, had a way of finding her.

    a painting of a woman in a dress holding a bottle of wine and a hat on her head,

    On February 9, 1788, an unknown incident occurred. Accused of insolence, Elizabeth was given 30 lashes as punishment. The harsh punishment left her physically and emotionally scarred.

    a painting of a woman in a white jacket and black shirt standing in front of a cityscape

    As punishment for her insolence, Elizabeth was sent to Norfolk Island. She survived a shipwreck on the way to the island.

    a painting of two children with a bird on their head and a bird on their head, one of them is holding the other

    Elizabeth's life was not an easy one, but she refused to let it break her. Four years after she arrived on Norfolk Island, Elizabeth married fellow convict William Nicholls. Elizabeth had two surviving children, Margaret and George. Elizabeth faced adversity head-on and emerged stronger for it. Her story is one of survival, resilience, and strength.

    The Stolen Gown

    AI Historical Stories