What kind of criminals went to Australia?
The majority of convicts were transported for petty crimes. More serious crimes, such as rape and murder, became transportable offences in the 1830s, but since they were also punishable by death, comparatively few convicts were transported for such crimes.
Why did the British send convicts over to Australia?
The convicts were transported as punishment for crimes committed in Britain and Ireland. In Australia their lives were hard as they helped build the young colony. When they had served their sentences, most stayed on and some became successful settlers.
Who was the youngest convict sent to Australia?
John Hudson
John Hudson, described as ‘sometimes a chimney sweeper’, was the youngest known convict to sail with the First Fleet. Voyaging on board the Friendship to NSW, the boy thief was 13 years old on arrival at Sydney Cove. He was only nine when first sentenced.
What did the female convicts wear?
The women wore clothes such as ‘slops’ in blue or brown serge, or a stuff gown, white apron and straw bonnet for Sunday with a jacket and a coarse apron for weekdays. Children remained with their mothers at the Factory until the age of four, at which time they were placed in Orphan Schools.
Who came first in Australia?
The first people who arrived in Australia were the Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders. They lived in all parts of Australia.
Who are the most famous criminals in Australia?
McGrath’s offending was so prolific, the true number of his victims will never be known. Father Gerald Francis Ridsdale, paedophile, Australian Catholic priest convicted of sexual abuse against scores of children. The true number of Ridsdale’s victims will never be known but by his own admission, is believed to be in the hundreds.
Where can I find convict records in Australia?
Convict Records > Home. Welcome to Convict Records. This website allows you to search the British Convict transportation register for convicts transported to Australia between 1787-1867. Information available includes name of convict, known aliases, place convicted, port of departure, date of departure, port of arrival, and the source of the data.
Are there any true crime stories in Australia?
This collection features some of Australia’s most infamous crimes from the 20th century, showing how they were investigated by authorities and reported in the media at the time. Australians are fascinated by true crime stories. They offer up real-life heroes and villains and force us to acknowledge that humankind has a dark side.
Why was Australia ashamed of its criminal history?
At first, the fledgling Australian colonies were ashamed of their criminal roots and tried to shake off the association, but today, Australians take a perverse pride in their convict history.
