Prisoner of Conscience
George Weightman was one of four ringleaders of the ill-fated Pentrich Revolution of 1817, the last revolution in England. He died, aged 68, in a colonial cottage adjacent to this spot in 1865.
The idea of revolution gained momentum after the Napoleonic Wars when recession, poverty, bad government and an extravagant monarchy inspired groups of people intent on political reform. Unfortunately, these groups were infiltrated by government spies and history was to prove the Pentrich Revolution to be an exercise in entrapment by the British Government.
Weightman was the only one of the four ringleaders to escape execution. He was transported for life and spent much of his time at Jamberoo and Kiama. Although he proved to be worthy and upstanding citizen, Weightman never returned to England or saw his wife and family again.
Where you are standing was once a general store owned by Joseph King. The attached house was where George Weightman lived for some time until his death in 1865. The building was demolished around 1900 to make way for the railway.
The round plaque states:
PENTRIDGE REVOLUTION JUNE 9 1817
MM
To mark the life of Pentrich Rebel George Weightman. Died Kiama 1865.
If you had seen them around, you are welcome to have a look at the collection of plaques in the district.
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