Phoebe Elizabeth Ratcliffe

Phoebe’s surname was listed in the school records as Radcliffe.

Phoebe Elizabeth was born 23^rd November 1831 at Clarence Plains Tasmania.

His mother Sarah Phillips was born 19^th September 1802 at Bristol England. She was convicted of larceny, stealing a pound note from a man. Transported for 7 years and left on the “Lord Sidmouth” arriving in Hobart 1823. She was assigned soon after and later married James Ratcliffe at St Davids Church Hobart on 1^st March 1824.

James Ratcliffe, a chimney sweep, was born about 1800 in England. He was convicted with two others for stealing 8 yards of fustian and some clothes. Transported for 7 years. He arrived on the “Almorah” to Sydney and then “Pilot” to Van Diemen’s Land arriving 24^th December 1816.

Sarah and James had a small holding in Ralph’s Bay of about 50 acres.

They had 6 children: James, William Marshall, Robert Felix, Phoebe Elizabeth, John and Joseph Josiah.

James Ratcliffe died 9^th March 1837 at York Plains. There are no details about his case of death.

Sarah kept the eldest son James to help on the farm and the two youngest children John and Joseph to stay with her.

Robert Felix, William Marshall and Phoebe Elizabeth were taken to the Queens Orphan School by Sarah in 1837.

Phoebe Elizabeth and her brother Robert Felix were collected by their mother when she remarried to Thomas Blake in 1840. William Marshall had absconded and returned home that year.

Phoebe married at age 17 to Thomas Lattimore age 46 in Hobart in 1848.

Thomas was convicted in Middlesex Court of house robbery in 1830 and arrived in Hobart on the “John1” in January 1831 where he was assigned to public works. Her mother and then partner, Richard English were witness at the wedding.

I have not found any more information about her life.