Advertisement
General News
3 March, 2026
First Fleet Convinct Women and Their Struggle to Survive
The early days of the First Fleet’s settlement in Sydney Cove in 1788 were not for the weak or the timid. The female convicts, greatly outnumbered by the males found themselves in a dangerous situation. It is not widely known but the very first days of the colony were days of shame as tragically anarchy and debauchery resulted. Surely no other nation has begun in such a lawless and immoral manner and surely it was the worst possible start for women in Australia.
As the First Fleet entered Sydney Harbour the female convicts must have felt that the end of the horrific living conditions they had endured for eight months was coming to an end. Unfortunately their first few days ashore were to be days of shame as the men, fueled by rum began a night of anarchy and debauchery that Governor Arthur Phillip was powerless to stop.
Subscribe to Our News to read the full story.
Subscribe
Already have a subscription? Please login.
Login
You do not have access to this article. Please check your subscription status in the account area below.
Account
Account
You are not subscribed this newspaper: or The Clifton Courier. You can update your subscription in the account area for no additional charge.
Account
Account
Advertisement
