Butts of Convicts’ Certificates of Freedom 1827-1867

Certificates of Freedom were awarded to convicts on completion of a fixed term of sentence. They meant that the convict was now free and could choose to continue in Australia as a settler or return home to the country of their birth. Certificates were available for prisoners on a fixed-term sentence, usually 4, 7 or 14 years. They were not available for those serving life. Instead, they could be awarded a conditional or absolute pardon. The certificates vary in the amount of detail they give. Earlier certificates show the bare details of name, sentence and ship while later certificates give much greater detail including occupation or calling, native place and distinguishing physical marks. They may also note whether or not the convict previously held a ticket of leave, which would allow him limited freedom before the end of his sentence.