The Wheel, Launceston, Tasmania

[JuniperEccles]

My g-g-g-grandfather, Ephraim Francis, was transported to Tasmania in 1836 and on 2nd November, 1841, he was sentenced to 30 days hard labour on the wheel at Launceston for 'assaulting the Constable and drunkenness'. I've tried, but failed, to find out what this 'wheel' was. Can anyone help, please?

[Captain2]

Seems to be short for The Treadwheel - hope this link works

http://www.southernmidlands.tas.gov.au/assets/southernmidlands_williams_arch_survey_2004.pdf

[Captain2]

If you open the link, you will have to scroll down to Page 70 of the report (not page 70 as it opens because there is other blurb before the report)

[jackthehat]

This is a picture of one of the tread-wheels.
https://ancestrysearch.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/treadwheel.jpg

[JuniperEccles]

Brilliant, Captain2 ! Many thanks.

[Coppit]

My 4 x gt gf's illegitimate son, bn. England was appointed superintendent of the Launceston treadmill but left c, 1839.
Try the excellent Australian newspaper site

Trove

- your man might be mentioned, if you're lucky.

Make sure to set Results to show earliest first.

[JuniperEccles]

Many thanks, coppit.

[paddywak]

Still plodding on with mine,but tend to give it a miss during the summer and then start again during the winter months when it's to dark and miserable to do anything outside.

[paddywak]

sorry wrong thread