MARY BRYANT THE CONVICT GIRL. The Real Story

New softcover, 1st edn. The true story of 'Convict Girl' Mary Bryant is an astonishing tale of hardship and determination in the 18th century. Born Mary Broad in 1765, at the age of 20 Mary committed a minor felony. Such was the savagery of Britain's judicial system that Mary was sentenced to 7yrs transportation to the new penal colony of Botany Bay. The privation and desperation of the prisoners were compounded by starvation and disease. Mary, her fisherman husband Will Bryant, their 2 young children and 7 convicts made their escape by stealing the colony's small fishing boat. So began one of the most incredible voyages in sailing history. Will navigated their open boat for 3,250 miles round the east and north coasts of Australia to land in the Dutch colony on the island of Timor. But their troubles were far from over...With Historical Notes. 304pp. New softcover.