Thomas Bennett was born at Wickhamford on 31st August 1811, the third of five children of Thomas and Fanny Bennett. He was baptised in the Church of St John the Baptist, Wickhamford, on 26th January 1812. His life changed dramatically as the result of an incident which occurred at the home of William Allard in Pebworth on the night of 17th January 1831. As a consequence, he and his friend, William Allard Junior (grandson of the person they were robbing), were transported to Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania) later that year, and Thomas’ older brother, John, was hanged at Gloucester Gaol.
The full, sorry story may be found in the article, BENNETT, John (1808-1831) & Thomas (1811-1860); ALLARD, William (1811-1885) – Hanged and transported.