10th December 1840. William Smith was transported to Van Diemen’s Land on the ship ‘Duncan’ for a fourteen year sentence. He was one of 263 prisoners on the voyage.
Van Diemen’s Land was a penal colony, which later became known as Tasmania. Transportation was a common punishment at the time, as an alternative to imprisonment in Britain. When convicts had completed their sentences, they would be allowed to settle in the colonies. It would have been a tough life.
Read about my ‘ordinary people’ project here.
I wonder what happened to William after his sentence ended?
I wonder too. I hope he became a successful farmer or something, it was possible out there.
Wow! This is such an interesting post and project! Great idea, NS! Keep them coming! ❤️
Thanks! Something a bit different for my blog 🙂