Elizabeth Roberts (1812–?) was the daughter of Warwickshire-born William Roberts, (1754–1819) and his wife, Jane (née Longhurst, c.1785–1836). Both William and Jane had arrived in the colony as convicts: William on the Second Fleet in 1790 under sentence of seven years for horse theft, and Jane, also sentenced to seven years, in 1803. They were married at St. Phillip’s Church in Sydney in 1810, by which time they’d had at least two children together. William had earned his freedom by this time and, favoured by Governor Macquarie, had won the first of a number of lucrative government contracts for the construction of bridges and roads in Sydney and districts including Liverpool, Appin, and Camden. In addition, Roberts ran a pub on Hunter Street and was involved in farming and various other ventures. Elizabeth, one of eight children, was born in Sydney in 1812. In March 1831, at St. James’ Church, she married John Farmer, a soldier in the 39th Regiment of Foot. Elizabeth accompanied her husband to India when the regiment was ordered there in July 1832; the subsequent details of her life remain unknown.
Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2013
Accession number: 2013.26
Copyright image request form
Request a digital copy of an image for publication
On one level The Companion talks about the most famous and frontline Australians, but on another it tells us about ourselves: who we read, who we watch, who we listen to, who we cheer for, who we aspire to be, and who we'll never forget. The Companion is available to buy online and in the Portrait Gallery Store.
Explore portraiture and come face to face with Australian identity, history, culture, creativity and diversity.
Timed ticketing, location, accessibility and amenities
We depend on your support to keep creating our programs, exhibitions, publications and building the amazing portrait collection!
Principal partner
Strategic partner
Cultural partner
Media partner
Beverage partner
Imaging partner
Digital partner
Audio visual partner
