Transportation of Convicts from Nottingham

Transportation emerged as a punishment in 1717 and was viewed as a humane alternative to the death penalty. Most convicts were initially transported to America but this ceased in 1776
with the start of the American revolution. After this, convicts were held in prisons and because they became overcrowded. Old ships (hulks) moored in coastal waters were used. Conditions on these hulks were very grim . They were overcrowded floating dungeons, poorly ventilated, infested with vermin and disease. Even by the standards of the day this was seen as unacceptable.

Transportation to Australia began in 1787 when the first fleet set sail. It was seen as a solution to the overcrowding of prisons and hulks and as a temporary measure . Transportation reached a peak in the 1830's and continued for 70 years until 1857, by which time new prisons were opening - many of which are still in use today. Transportation wasn't formally abolished until 1868.

The convicts on this list were tried at Nottingham Borough Quarter Sessions Court which tried less serious offences . The Quarter Sessions minute books are at Nottingham Archives . Offences deemed to be more serious were tried at the Assizes Court . These records are at the Public Record Ofiice, Kew, London. Both Assizes and Quarter Sessions trials were reported in local papers of the era . These are available at Nottingham Central Library and the National Newspaper Library, Colindale, London

The nature of the crimes listed appear trivial by todays standards and the punishment harsh . Most were repeat offenders who had been in trouble with the law before but often driven to despair by poverty. Most on this list were sentenced to 7 years transportation. A few will have died on the voyage and a small number may have escaped. However the vast majority arrived in Australia served out their sentence and eventually received a certificate of freedom or ticket of leave. Very few once free returned to England, most wanted to stay, build a new life, marry and become respected citizens of Australia.

A-C
D-F
G-J
K-M
N-R
S-V
W-Z

Interest in Convict research has grown in recent years and many have discovered they have Convict Ancestors including some from this list. There are some fascinating histories already and more waiting to be found. If enough convicts are claimed I plan to publish some of the research.

To claim a convict and for details of Convict Research Services contact:

p.westwood1@ntlworld.com  
 
Philip Westwood
Genealogy Services UK