John Campling love token (front)

This token may relate to John Camplin, 15, who was tried and convicted at Middlesex Gaol Delivery for stealing a silver watch. Initially sentenced to death, this was later commuted to transportation for life. He sailed for Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania) on the Surrey in September 1818.

Camplin’s conduct record makes depressing reading. He was subjected to numerous official lashings and had his sentence extended by three years in 1833. His record shows that he was fined for drunkenness and theft on several occasions.