The Dictionary of Sydney was archived in 2021.
Ayres, William
Convict and saddler who was transported to New South Wales aboard the First Fleet ship, Friendship. He was convicted of highway robbery with violence in 1783 and attempted to escape on a ship for America in 1784. He spent two years on a prison hulk before arriving in Sydney. He was attacked by a group of Aboriginal people while collecting herbs for tea in 1788. He departed the colony after his sentence expired.