In the 18th century, the British government devised a plan to reduce the population of the poor, which involved transporting them to Australia. According to historian Neil Tonge, many poor people and criminals were sent to Australia, which was designated as a penal colony at the time. The crimes committed were often minor, such as stealing food, but were considered "worthy of being transported" if the stolen goods were worth more than one shilling (5p today). Decommissioned ships were moored on the River Medway to detain prisoners destined for Australia. Unaccompanied children as young as eight were also sent to Australia. One prisoner was recorded as choosing to be hanged rather than sent to Australia. Prison overcrowding was another reason for this course of action. Between 1788 and 1868, over 162,000 British and Irish convicts were shipped to Australia. The so-called First Fleet, comprising 11 ships and over 700 convicts, sailed from Portsmouth to Botany Bay in New South Wales. Despite the harsh conditions and isolation, some settlers managed to prosper. One such example is D'Arcy Wentworth, a member of the gentry who was accused of robbing stagecoaches. Although he was acquitted, he voluntarily boarded the Second Fleet for Australia in 1790 and went on to become a surgeon, superintendent of police, and a founding member of the Bank of New South Wales. The transportation of convicts continued until 1868. This practice raises questions about the treatment of the poor and the use of penal colonies as a solution to social issues. It also highlights the complex and often contradictory nature of historical policies and their impact on individuals and communities.
