Between 1833 and 1837, fourteen ships carried nearly 3000 single women from Britain and Ireland to the colonies of New South Wales and Van Diemen’s Land. The women migrated in response to promotional material which emphasised the shortage of women in the Australian colonies. Life at home contrasted dramatically with the opportunities provided by the colonies and many enterprising women were encouraged to migrate.

The life experiences of these women demonstrate that they were drawn from a wide cross-section of nineteenth century society. They contributed to the development of the colonies through their employment as domestic and agricultural workers, their enterprises as dressmakers, midwives and teachers, and as wives and as mothers of the rising generation. This book tells their stories.

ISBN: 978-0-980335460

RRP: $39.95
Postage within Australia & NZ: $10.50
Postage outside Australia on request

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