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y separately published work icon The Franklins, or, The Story of a Convict, in Three Parts single work   children's fiction   children's  
Issue Details: First known date: 1863... 1863 The Franklins, or, The Story of a Convict, in Three Parts
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AbstractHistoryArchive Description

The story begins in rural England and centres on the Squire Oakley who acquires surrounding properties to increase the size of his estate. One of the property owners, Franklin, refuses to sell, despite financial problems. There is an incident where the two men have an argument and Franklin's gun is discharged. A lengthy description of the court trial is given and Franklin is found guilty of attempted murder and for punishment is sent to Australia for 20 years. Squire Oakley subsequently purchases the Franklins' farm. Franklin's wife escapes to Australia with the help of her maid, leaving the son, William, behind in the care of the Oakleys and he becomes a part of the family. When he is old enough, Squire Oakley finds William a position onboard a ship and the story describes his adventures at sea. Eventually, William is reunited with his parents and takes up life on the land in Australia. However, he returns to England to restore the rift that has grown between the Oakleys and their own son, and remains there, marrying his childhood friend.

Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of

First known date: 1865
Serialised by: The Weekly Herald 1863 newspaper (7 issues)
Notes:
Appeared as a serial in the Weekly Herald, where it was reprinted from the Leisure Hour. The first instalment appeared in the Weekly Herald on 11 February, 1865.
First known date: 1863
Serialised by: The Leisure Hour : An Illustrated Magazine for Home Reading 1852 periodical (4 issues)
Notes:
Appeared as a serial in the Leisure Hour between 3 January, 1863 and 27 June 1863.
Last amended 27 Apr 2015 11:35:14
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