John Hudson
John was born in 1774 as an orphan. Like
most working class children, he was unable to read or write and kept no diary
or written record of his life. John endured life on the streets, becoming a
chimney-sweep where he would climb the inside of chimneys and brush away all the
black dust.
In 1783, at the age of 9, John was charged with breaking and entering into a London house with a friend where they stole one shirt, five silk stockings, one pistol and two aprons. To his luck, John avoided death sentence and instead was sentenced to seven years transportation. This included life aboard a number of prison ships before leaving for Australia in 1787. John arrived in Australia the following year at the age of 13.
With those on the First Fleet dividing into convict settlements, John was sent to Norfolk Island. The settlement later became notorious for child abuse. This included John receiving "50 lashes for being outside his hut" after 9pm.
In 1783, at the age of 9, John was charged with breaking and entering into a London house with a friend where they stole one shirt, five silk stockings, one pistol and two aprons. To his luck, John avoided death sentence and instead was sentenced to seven years transportation. This included life aboard a number of prison ships before leaving for Australia in 1787. John arrived in Australia the following year at the age of 13.
With those on the First Fleet dividing into convict settlements, John was sent to Norfolk Island. The settlement later became notorious for child abuse. This included John receiving "50 lashes for being outside his hut" after 9pm.
For more information please visit the following website:
https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2001/02/orph-f20.html
https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2001/02/orph-f20.html