The Parramatta Lumberyard

Richard Rouse (1774-1852)

Richard Rouse (of Rouse Hill) was the supervisor of the lumberyard, and was in charge of all government works in the Parramatta district. When James Gough arrived at the Parramatta Lumberyard 200 years ago, in early 1815, there were 100 men listed working there. He was one of six men in the team of carpenters, and was one of the two joiners. Extensive renovations were underway at Government House and two new wings were being added to the original building, to provide a more comfortable residence for Governor Lachlan Macquarie and his family. 

(Photos of the interior of Government House and full details of the work undertaken by Gough and his team, are all included in the James Gough book)

On the run...

 

On 1 April 1815, the Sydney Gazette published the following description concerning James Gough. It was noted that he had absented himself from his place of employment and that all constables were strictly required to use their utmost to apprehend him and return him to custody.

James Goff or Gough, Joiner, age 25 years, native of London, 5 feet 10 ½ inches high, ruddy complexion, brown eyes, brown hair, tried at the Old Bailey, London in 1812, and sentenced to transportation for life. Came in the Earl Spencer transport in 1813

On 6 May, Gough surrendered to the Superintendent of Convicts at Sydney and was later returned to the Parramatta Lumberyard and placed in an iron gang.

Who was James Gough?

Who really was James Gough the convict joiner and builder who arrived in 1813 aboard the transport ship Earl Spencer? What was his story? Who were his family? Did he ever have contact with them again in England? 

Exciting new information has recently been discovered about James Gough that was previously completely unknown and will be revealed in a new book about his life, to be published early this year. It involves a complex family tale that is reminiscent of a Dickens story.  His origins in England and family connections reveal some surprising ancestors. A chance discovery of an item in an old newspaper has led to the unravelling of a most intriguing family story.

Please join this site to share in the James Gough story especially if you are a descendant, to discover his history in the colony, including his time spent at the Parramatta Lumberyard, in the Hawkesbury district, and later at Sutton Forest.