Many historic books have been written about Tasmania’s convict past, but few include New Norfolk’s Invalid Station and Insane Asylum and even less are written for both adult and young reader alike. Simon Barnard seems to capture Willow Court’s history in this beautifully 88 page illustrated book. Two pages are dedicated to Willow Court’s history with a rich amount of information. Among a scaled drawing of the Barracks there are a range of well researched topics and include subjects like:

Treatment at New Norfolk,

Population,

Rations,

Riots,

Problem Staff and

Arson.

There also are a number of stories of individuals including Convicts and Staff. The book was published in late September 2014.  The level of detail in the illustrations and research has been praised as extremely accurate. illustration examples

About the book:

“Seventy-three thousand convicts were transported to the British penal colony of Van Diemen’s Land in the first half of the nineteenth century. They played a vital role in the building of the settlements, as well as the running of the newly established colony. Simon Barnard’s A–Z of Convicts in Van Diemen’s Land is a rich and compelling account of the lives of the men, women and children who were transported to Tasmania for crimes ranging from stealing bread to poisoning family members. Their sentences, punishments, achievements and suffering make for fascinating reading. And the spectacular illustrations, each one carefully drawn in meticulous detail from contemporary records, bring this extraordinary history to life.”

Click here to see the ABC 7.30 Report Interview with Simon  (contains Carlton House yard shot)

Simon Barnard’s Book

About the Author:

Simon Barnard was born and grew up in Launceston. He spent a lot of time in the bush as a boy, which led to an interest in Tasmanian history. He is an illustrator and collector of colonial artifacts. He now lives in Melbourne with his girlfriend and a little dog.