The following book review appears in the current edition of History, the Magazine of the Royal Australian Historical Society March
2014
James Gough: a very
industrious man
Author: Marion Starr
Convicted London joiner and
carpenter James Gough (1790 -1876), who arrived on the Earl Spencer in 1813, was involved in the joinery at Old Government
House, the first Hospital and the Barracks at Parramatta and projects in the
Hawkesbury. After gaining his Conditional Pardon in 1821 he won the contracts
to re-roof the Old Supreme Courthouse in Sydney. Private commissions included
John Wylde's 'Cecil Hills' at Cabramatta; schools in the Hawkesbury and
Blacktown; the White Hart Inn between Parramatta and Windsor; William Cox's
house in O'Connell Street, Sydney and by 1828, Joseph Underwood's terraces on
Church Hill. Awarded the construction of Berrima Gaol in partnership with John
Richards in 1834, the contract was terminated in 1836.
The publication includes
biographical details of fifteen people including Gough's wife Ann Cain and
later partner Mary Allen and their children; an appendix of nineteenth century
carpenter's tools; extensive bibliography, notes and index. Starr also reveals
a serendipitous finding which led her to further research into Gough's English
family, that adds a fascinating epilogue. Illustrated with photographs,
drawings, plans, tools, portraits and documents, Starr has produced a work that
uncovers the legacy of the man in the well-chosen title and the vicissitudes of
life in the colony.
Margaret Dalkin RAHS
No comments:
Post a Comment