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This timeline begins in the year 1780 at Macclesfield, in the County of Cheshire, England. It is in this area at around this time William Buckley was born. Historical records, or lack there of, expose inconsistencies in his given date of birth but for the sake of consistency let us assume that 1780 is the place to begin. |
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Started a bricklaying apprenticeship with Mr. Robert Wyatt. |
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William Buckley joins the 2nd Cheshire Militia when formed in 1798. |
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2nd Cheshire Militia goes to Helder, Flanders to fight the French. |
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Volunteers for the 1st Battalion, signing on for unlimited service. |
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Service Records | |
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Private William Buckley claimed by the civil powers at Cuckfield. |
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Tried and found guilty of burglary at the Summer Assizes at Lewes. To be hanged by the Neck until dead. (Reprieved - Transport for Life) |
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Under sentence of death at Lewes, discharged from the 1st battalion of the 4th Foot. |
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Imprisoned on the Portland, a convict hulk moored at Langstone Harbour, Portsmouth. |
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He spent six months on the hulk, working at the 'fortifications of Woolwich'. |
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Along with 362 other prisoners, William Buckley leaves England in the convict ship H.M.S. Calcutta. |
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Arrives at Port Phillip Heads on the H.M.S. Calcutta at 5am. Was put to work building a magazine.
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The British flag was hoisted officially for the first time in what is now known as Victoria. | |
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At 9.00pm William Buckley and 2 other prisoners escape from Sullivan's Bay (Sorrento) penal colony. |
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Walked along a sandy beach the Wathaurong call "Kooraioo", an area now known as the Geelong Waterfront. |
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Arrived at a place called "Woodela" near Clifton Springs. |
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Reached "Barwal" meaning hill rising out of the sea, which is now called Swan Island. |
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William's companions decide to return to Sullivan's Bay Settlement but William decides to carry on. |
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Buckley loses track of time in relation to place but he walked through the following locations: |
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William Buckley spends the next 32 years living with the local Wada wurrung balug (Barrobool) and Bengalat bulluk (Indented Head) clans.  |
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A white reconnaissance camp had been set up at St Leonard's by John Batman's expedition. William Buckley walks into camp. |
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William Buckley receives a pardon and begins working as an interpreter for the colonising English government. |
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William Buckley assists Foster Fyans (Geelong Police Magistrate) assemble the Koories living within a 30km radius of Geelong in order to receive gifts. In all 297 men, women and children were counted. |
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William Buckley sails out of Melbourne for Hobart. |
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William Buckley arrives in Hobart. He quickly starts work as the storekeepers assistant at the Immigration Home in Hobart. |
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William Buckley marries Julia Eagers. |
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William Buckley retires. |
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William Buckley dies from injuries received in a horse and cart accident. |
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At the time of Williams death, there were less than 20 surviving Wathaurong out of the 297 men, women and children counted back in 1837. |
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