The Library's summer opening hours are in place from Monday 23 December 2024 until Wednesday 1 January 2025 (inclusive). Before planning your visit, check our opening hours and temporary changes to collection access.
MS 4199 comprises eight original autograph letters signed. Six letters are from Josiah Godber, transportee, to his wife Rebecka at Ripley in Derbyshire, one written on the 'Retribution' hulk at Sheerness, one written from the ship 'Tottenham' taking him to Australia and the other four from Sydney dated from December 1817-August 1822. There is also a letter (4 p.) from George Brassington, a friend and fellow transportee of Godber, written from H.M. General Hospital, Sydney, July 1823, informing Mrs Godber of her husband's death on 19 November, 1822. Another letter is written by William Kirkland, Mrs Godber's landlord, (1 p.) in March 1824, serving notice that if Mrs Godber did not quit her home in Ripley the rent would be increased to 12 pounds a year (1 folder).