The class consists mainly of stories which have been taken from the Internet or from my large personal collection of books. I try not to be too structured as I find that questions are often asked in one class which I can answer in more depth the following fortnight. Hence I do not follow a strict timetable of subjects and prefer to keep the topics ‘light on’ as I’m sure that most come to hear interesting topics and not be bored with heavy history.
Australia’s history may include pre-1788, however most of the topics are from then on and right to the present. Last week’s happenings are also history although I do not encourage political discussion.
Whenever I can I invite guest speakers to attend the class and tell us their stories and interests and this has proven most popular over the years. Class members are also invited to speak on topics of interest at various times and are also encouraged to contribute in class to add to what is being discussed.
WHY AUSTRALIA?
The overwhelming reason for the formation of a colony at NSW was the enormous overcrowding of gaols in Great Britain. The Industrial Revolution brought increased prosperity in England, and the population rose steadily, as the quantity and quality of food increased. Mechanisation brought with it wealth for the land and factory owners but also lead to widespread unemployment. Many who had made a living as farm workers had nothing to do, as machines were doing it all. The same applied to the factories. Where manufacturing was previously done by manual labour, the advent of more modern machines meant that many factory workers were jobless. Many of the farm workers flocked to the city looking for work.
Country estates flourished and the cities expanded. It was good in many ways, but slums developed, which led to huge poverty, and as a result theft and prostitution increased. In fact all types of crime increased, as there were no police other than constables who were usually too old or infirm to have an impact on crime. Slave trade also abounded, as did child labour.
The punishment for crime was barbaric even for trivial offences. Public hangings became similar to fairs, with everyone going along to be entertained by the sight, and pickpockets abounded there.
Many crimes in the mid 1700s carried a death penalty. To pick a pocket of more than one shilling carried the death penalty. Some magistrates however were merciful and lenient in handing down their sentences. An accused person could claim ‘benefit of clergy' a plea originally intended only for clerks. This was however available to anyone who could recite a verse of the Lord's Prayer in Latin. Therefore it was possible for a first offender with a death sentence over his head; to be transported or even reprieved.
If goods were valued at over 40 shillings that was a capital offence, but if the amount could be reduced to 39 shillings, it carried a sentence of transportation for 7 years.Gaols contained not only those who had been convicted, but also those on remand awaiting trial. Even if they were found not guilty, they had to pay the gaolers for their upkeep and necessities of life. Females prostituted to gaolers for food, as the gaolers were not civil servants but private persons, who sold food and services to the prisoners. His small income obliged him to to keep the gaols in good repair but in reality they were quite ineffective. Chains were often used to keep the prisoners in order, and disease spread. Hundreds died of smallpox and fever each year.
Hulks, which were old warships and merchant ships, were used to house the prisoners. These were old wrecks of ships which were moored on the Thames River. This state of decay lasted for 100 years and the hulks became disgusting disease ridden places. Occasionally they were inspected by the authorities, but nothing much was done to improve matters for those living on board.
In 1775 it was decided to send many of the prisoners to Gambia in West Africa. About 700 prisoners were sent there but most died from tropical diseases and starvation. This caused hostile reaction in England and the practice was quickly stopped. Many were also sent to the American colonies. They were actually sold to shipping contractors for up to $25 a head, to work on the plantations, but the war of American Independence from 1775 to 1783 put a stop to that. With the prisons full alternative places had to be found. Britain wanted rid of her ‘criminal class'. They wanted rid of the criminal class and also to forget about it. The farther away the better, out of sight, out of mind, seemed to be the thought of the day.
In 1770 Captain James Cook had ‘discovered' Australia, or at least the east coast, and made claim of it for England. The opportunity was there and it was decided to take it. Hence began plans to settle the unwanted in a new country on the other side of the world.
Colonial Pioneers, Prisoners and Places
Leader: Shirley McLeod
Venue: Auburn RSL
This class is held at Auburn RSL and is a small friendly group who freely discuss the subject at hand. This is facilitated by the fact that we sit in a circle so that each person can see the others and so that encourages them to add their comments and opinions.
The format is similar in most respects to that of Exploring Australia’s Past and whenever I can I find guest speakers to give a change of pace I do.
Members of the group seem to be avid travellers and although it may not always be Australian content they are encouraged to tell of their travels and show their photos.
