News and Events
Latest media coverage
BBC interviews Sarah Thornton on the case of Thomas Burbury and the evidence behind his conviction.
“Thomas Burbury was a 21-year-old silk weaver living in Coventry when he was convicted of leading a mob that burned down a mill during the 1831 weavers’ riots...
Almost 200 years later, one of his descendants, Brisbane-based author Sarah Thornton, has uncovered evidence that casts serious doubt on his conviction. Her historical novel, Unwoven, is based on the events surrounding the riot and the fate of those accused.“
More media coverage – click here
Events
Sarah is launching her debut historical novel:
Based on a true story
UNWOVEN: Book One of the Thomas Burbury Series
Coventry, England, 1831 and thousands of silk ribbon weavers are close to starving. News of the town’s first steam engine threatens to destroy what little work remains, and tensions are rising. Even so, no one expects the violent revolt that erupts that day.
Young weaver Tom Burbury is swept into the chaos and, takes a split-second decision that will change his life forever. Tom is arrested and his neatly woven life begins to unravel. Separated from those he loves, he finds himself at the mercy of a justice system stacked against him, powerful men with agendas of their own, and a government determined to make an example of someone.
Yet as hope fades, Tom’s pastor rallies an unlikely band of supporters in a relentless campaign for mercy—refusing to give up even as time runs dangerously short.
Closely based on a true story, Unwoven is a gripping historical drama about injustice, courage, and the extraordinary power of ordinary people who refuse to abandon one of their own.
Events – come along, I promise I won’t be boring!
Radio Interview – BBC CWR Radio
Date: 2 Nov 2026
Time: 11.15am GMT, 9.15pm Brisbane AEST, 10.15pm Hobart, Sydney, AEDT
Venue: Listen live here
Interview with: Vic Minett
Book Launch – Brisbane, Qld [sold out]
Date: Thursday 29 October 2026 (sign up for the newsletter for details or follow Sarah Thornton Books on Facebook).
Time: 6pm
Venue: 6 Gartrell St, Albion, Brisbane, Queensland
Launch event: UNWOVEN. Q&A, book signings, complimentary bubbles or beer
RSVP will be required. Stay tuned via Sarah’s newsletter or Facebook page for details.
936 ABC Radio Hobart
Date: TBC
Time: Joel Rheinberger “Tasmania Afternoons”
Livestream: TBC
Book talk: Unearthing the story of Oatlands identity, Thomas Burbury
Book Launch – Oatlands, Tas.
Date: Saturday 7 November 2026 (195 years to the day of the Coventry Weavers Riot 1831!)
Time: 3.30pm
Venue: Kentish Hotel, Oatlands, Tasmania
Launch event: UNWOVEN. In conversation with award-winning Tasmanian author, Katherine Johnson
Free bookings here: The Kentish
Book Talk – St Helens, Tas
Date: Wednesday 11 November 2026
Time: 10 – 11am
Venue: St Helens Library, Tasmania
Book talk: UNWOVEN: Book One of the Thomas Burbury Series. Q&A, book signings.
Free bookings here.
Book Talk – Devonport, Tas
Date: Monday 16 November 2026
Time: 5.45pm- 7pm
Venue: Devonport Library, Tasmania
Book talk: UNWOVEN: Book One of the Thomas Burbury Series. Q&A, book signings
Free bookings here.
Book Talk – The Hobart Bookshop
Date: Thursday 26 November 2026
Time: 5.30pm- 7pm
Venue: The Hobart Bookshop, 22 Salamanca Square, Hobart
Free bookings here: Come and join me at The Hobart Bookshop. Q&A, book signings
Free bookings here.
Book Talk – Books@Stones, Stones Corner, Brisbane
Date: Thursday 18 March 2026
Time: 6.30pm
Venue: Books@Stones, 360 Logan Rd, Stones Corner, QLD
Free bookings here: Bookings not yet available. Sign up to my newsletter and you’ll be first to know.
Book talk: UNWOVEN: Book One of the Thomas Burbury Series. Q&A, book signings.
Book Talk – Hervey Bay, Qld
Date: Monday 22 March 2027
Time: 10 – 11am
Venue: Hervey Bay library, Qld
Free bookings here: Bookings not yet available. Sign up to my newsletter and you’ll be first to know.
Book talk: UNWOVEN: Book One of the Thomas Burbury Series. Q&A, book signings.
Book Talk – Maryborough, Qld
Date: Tuesday 23 March 2027
Time: 10 – 11am
Venue: Maryborough Library, Qld
Free bookings here: Bookings not yet available. Sign up to my newsletter and you’ll be first to know.
Book talk: UNWOVEN: Book One of the Thomas Burbury Series. Q&A, book signings.