Iconic treasure published online

‘Old Register’ volumes 1 to 9

We are thrilled to announce the online publication of this iconic treasure from the State Archives Collection.

The Registers of Assignments and Other Legal Instruments from 1794 to 1824, known colloquially as the ‘Old Register’, were inscribed on the UNESCO Australian Memory of the World Register in 2009. Representing some of the earliest colonial records in NSW, the Old Register is a nine-volume series of registers dating from 1802 to 1824 (backdated to 1794) that record private legal transactions and dealings between individuals and businesses. They deal with a wide range of matters, including land transactions, marriages and separations, convict–master relationships, deeds, and sealing and shipping agreements.

These records offer fascinating insights into early colonial times, providing information about the details of social relationships as well as the demographics and values of the colony. This index was compiled by Lois Sabine, Indexer, and is published in collaboration with the Office of the Registrar General.

Search the index by name, subject or place