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HOW AUSTRALIA WAS SETTLED: FEMALE CONVICTS |
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CULTURE AND RECREATION IN AUSTRALIA This page was created by Ilene Woda on 6/18/03. It has been updated 1 time. |
"On arrival, female convicts were sent directly to the
Female Factory. Some did not live in the Factory, but were housed nearby
and went to the Factory every day for work. Many only remained a day or
so before they were assigned to settlers to work as domestic servants.
Many women were married soon after arrival. The idea was that any man wanting to marry one of the women would apply. They were lined up at the Factory and the man would drop a scarf or handkerchief at the feet of the woman of his choice. If she picked it up, the marriage was virtually immediate. Although some convict women were classed as depraved and prostitutes, others had been in domestic service in England and were transported for stealing from their employers or shops. After arrival, though, many had to take up prostitution to survive and the system of selection of servants often meant that the gentry and officers would choose the pretty young convicts. Instead of Iron Gangs, troublesome and hardened female prisoners were sent to the Female Factory. Children of convict women either stayed with their mothers or were moved to an orphanage. Young convict girls were also employed in the Female Factory. (CONVICT WOMEN)' This image is from www.australia.com
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