The Convict and The Compass

The Untold Story of James Meehan

Peter Bradley

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English

Ventura Distribution
11 November 2025

History

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Sentenced at 26 years old for his role in an uprising against British rule in Ireland, James Meehan arrived in Australia in 1800 as a servant to English explorer Charles Grimes.

Through talent and diligence, he rose to Acting Surveyor General of the young colony, working for five governors from 1800 to 1822. Meehan was instrumental in mapping the Sydney environs and planning the town’s layout, as well as early expeditions to the Hunter Valley, Port Phillip Bay, King Island and Tasmania.

Kings and governors respected him and he played a crucial role in establishing Australia’s first Roman Catholic place of worship, St Mary’s Church. However, Meehan is a forgotten man in Australian historical writing. The story of how this Irish political prisoner became a fine explorer, conscientious surveyor and excellent busman, is at the heart of Peter Bradley’s thoroughly researched historical non-fiction.

By: Peter Bradley
Imprint: Ventura Distribution
Country of Publication: Australia
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 153mm,
ISBN: 9781920727420
ISBN 10: 1920727426
Pages: 592
Publication Date: 11 November 2025
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Peter Bradley is a passionate historian whose interest in family history began when he discovered his great-grandfather’s engrossing first-hand account of surviving a shipwreck. In 2013 he had the journal published, which sparked a determination to share his ancestor’s stories with the world. By day Peter works in the field finance and accounting. He lives in Canberra with his wife and children. Author Location: Canberra, ACT.