Henry Browne Hayes

Sir Henry Browne Hayes (1762–1832) was an Irish-born convict, transported to New South Wales. Hayes was born in Ireland, the son of Attiwell Hayes. Hayes was admitted a freeman of the city of Cork in November 1782, was one of the sheriffs in 1790, and in that year was knighted. In July 1797 he became acquainted with Miss Mary Pike, heiress to over £20,000, and on 22 July abducted her and took her to his house. In spite of Miss Pike's protestations a man dressed as a priest was brought in who went through a form of a marriage ceremony. Miss Pike refused to consider it a marriage, and was eventually rescued by some of her relatives. Hayes fled, and a reward of £1000 was offered for his apprehension. Hayes was not found until some two...