Petley Book

This project will include the history of the Petley name following Captain John Alexander Charles' line back to the 1500s and beyond, a story of the life of Captain Petley of the 58th Regiment of Foot, and exploring the first two generations of his descendants in New Zealand.

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Captain Petley lived an interesting, mysterious life. You will find wealth's of information everywhere you look. The wave of information at the start leads sadly lead to endless brick walls.

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This was extremely frustrating to me, but also inspiring. I hope to bring a conclusion to our family's unanswered questions and bring resolution to many peoples life long search for their story.

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Captain Petley was an officer in the British imperial army, guarding convicts on ships to Australia, before being deployed in New Zealand during the New Zealand Wars from 1845-1858. He would later take his discharge in New Zealand and ultimately start what would become a long line of Petleys in our country.