Child convicts of Australia
From 1788, for more than 50 years, convicts were transported from Britain to New South Wales. These included children as young as nine years of age.
What was life like for these children who had been sent to the other side of the world for crimes like petty theft? All convicts, including children were expected to work. If they behaved badly, their youth did not protect them from being punished as harshly as adult convicts. Some child convicts went on to learn a trade, gain their freedom and live successful lives.
Step into the shoes of these child convicts to find out more about their stories.
Produced by ABC Education and Museums of History NSW
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