Peter was particularly interested in the convict era of Van Diemen’s Land, and especially that of the southern parts of the colony. However, his knowledge was wide and, as a social historian, he was always interested in taking contracts that wove together the stories of the lower classes. This page selects out some of the themes that he returned to many times, but some are not yet comprehensive.

Convicts and Settlers: Colonial life, craftsmen, tradesmen, artists

Convict subcultures: Gangs, bushrangers, black markets

History as a Process: How it has been dealt with, mistakes and untruths

Irish Tasmania: Social history: colonial towns, immigration, communities

Local History: Local communities, local issues, largely in southern Tasmania

Military History: Colonial era, World Wars I and II

Music and Musicians: Music, musicians, instrument makers, entertainers

Environment and Conservation: Gardens, wildlife, harvesting the wilderness

Port Arthur and Point Puer: Convict period: Port Arthur, Point Puer,Tasman Peninsula, related sites

Working Tasmania: Land use: farming, gardens, forestry, mining, conservation