The story of a Devizes man who was the first to build a road over the Blue Mountains in New South Wales is on sale at Devizes Books.
Eric Leeson from Wimborne in Dorset is raising money for Cancer Research UK from sales of the short biography of William Cox, who lived in Devizes between 1789 and 1796. Cox was born in Wimborne but moved to Wiltshire as a young man.
It was there that he met and married Rebecca Upjohn from Bristol.
The couple set up their home in a timber-framed house in St John’s Alley, just off St John’s Street.
Their first six children, all boys, were born there.
Cox joined the Wiltshire Militia and later joined the 68th Regiment of Foot, where he was promoted lieutenant.
He and his family emigrated to New South Wales in 1797.
His career led him to build the road over the mountains using convict labour.
The booklet is on sale at £3.99 at Devizes Books.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel