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The Escaped Convict and the Transformation of the British Colonial Order

Tom Hayes

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Published in Imperial Underworld: An Escaped Convict And The Transformation Of The British Colonial Order (Critical Perspectives On Empire)

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Imperial Underworld: An Escaped Convict and the Transformation of the British Colonial Order (Critical Perspectives on Empire)

by Bobby Akart

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4976 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	330 pages

The story of William Buckley, an escaped convict who lived among the Aboriginal people of Victoria for over 30 years, is a fascinating one. It offers a unique insight into the complex and often troubled relationship between Indigenous Australians and European settlers. Buckley's story also sheds light on the ways in which the British colonial order was transformed over time, as it came into contact with different cultures and environments.

Buckley's Early Life and Escape

William Buckley was born in England in 1780. He was convicted of theft at the age of 21 and sentenced to transportation to the penal colony of Van Diemen's Land (now Tasmania). In 1803, Buckley escaped from the colony along with several other convicts. The escapees made their way to mainland Australia, where they were captured by a group of Aboriginal people. Buckley's fellow escapees were killed, but Buckley himself was spared. He was adopted by the Aboriginal people and given the name "Murrangurk."

Buckley's Life with the Aboriginal People

Buckley lived with the Aboriginal people for over 30 years. He learned their language and customs and became a respected member of the community. He also played an important role in mediating between the Aboriginal people and the European settlers. In 1835, Buckley was rediscovered by a group of European explorers. He was taken back to Van Diemen's Land, where he was pardoned for his escape. Buckley returned to England in 1837, where he spent the rest of his days.

The Transformation of the British Colonial Order

Buckley's story is a reminder of the complex and often contradictory nature of the British colonial order. On the one hand, the British were determined to impose their own culture and values on the Indigenous people of Australia. On the other hand, they were also willing to adapt their own practices to suit the local environment and culture. Buckley's story shows that the British colonial order was not a static entity but rather a constantly evolving one. It was shaped by the interactions between the British and the Indigenous people, and it was ultimately transformed by those interactions.

The story of William Buckley is a fascinating one that offers a unique insight into the complex relationship between Indigenous Australians and European settlers. It is also a story that sheds light on the ways in which the British colonial order was transformed over time. Buckley's story is a reminder that the colonial experience was not a one-sided affair but rather a complex and multifaceted process that involved both conflict and cooperation.

Imperial Underworld: An Escaped Convict and the Transformation of the British Colonial Order (Critical Perspectives on Empire)

by Bobby Akart

4.6 out of 5