By Kate Shilling — 9th September 2022
Have you ever noticed how female convicts don’t seem to get much airtime in the media? For those of us with convict roots, it’s worth taking a look at Cascades Female Factory in Tasmania, one of Australia’s most significant historic sites associated with female convicts. It’s important to note that records of the lives of convict women living in Tasmania are well-preserved, while those documenting the lives of their counterparts in Sydney have been destroyed.
The World Heritage-listed Cascades Female Factory in South Hobart tells the story of the displacement, mistreatment and forced migration of convict women and girls, and their contribution to colonisation throughout the history of colonial Australia to the present day. The women who arrived at this cold, damp establishment were immediately divided, in both class and duties, with Governor Arthur insisting that the women be placed in three distinct classes that ‘on no account be suffered to communicate with each other’.
The first class was to consist of women recently arrived from England who exhibited good behaviour on the journey, as well as those who had already seen out their probation in second class. The second class included those guilty of minor offences and those who had graduated from the ‘crime’ class. The third or ‘crime’ class was allocated to women guilty of misconduct on the journey from abroad or had committed offences before the Supreme Court.
The first class women were usually employed as cooks and hospital attendants, while second class convicts made clothes and repaired linen. The crime class were sent to the laundry and also made to spin wool. Women were forced to labour up to 12 hours a day under strict supervision. Punishments for misdemeanours were harsh, including solitary confinement in a darkened cell.
The convict women were not allowed to speak to men and often resorted to smuggling letters inside chickens to prospective lovers.
Take a Convict Women’s Tour to hear fascinating stories of perseverance and triumph, and discover the physical and psychological strength and courage required of these female convicts as they faced oppression, control and hard labour. Alternatively, the Proud and the Punished Tour tells an incredible story of rebellion and redemption through a one-woman, 40 minute performance.
Who knows – you might have an inspirational female just like this in your own family tree.
A Family History Holiday in Tasmania is a great way to add depth and richness to your own family history through the exploration of the state’s various historical landmarks and buildings. While you’re there, don’t miss the famous Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) just outside Hobart, hike the breathtaking national parks and consider exploring some of Tasmania’s world-class wine regions. As well as its stunning wines, Tasmania produces famous cheeses, premium beef, honey, and some of Australia's best boutique beers.
Image credit: Cascades Female Factory, Tasmania
