Henry Catlin, age 14 - Deported
Transportation and Penal Servitude in Britain 1750-1900
In 1842, when he was 14 years old, Henry Catlin was sentenced to be transported to Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania) for 14 years. He had stolen 3/6d (17 ½ pence).
His father, John Catlin, who had stolen 2/6d (12 ½ pence) in a separate offence, was sentenced to transportation for 7 years. He served out his sentence on the Prison Hulks.
Henry arrived with the other 185 surviving prisoners on 23rd September 1843. He stayed on in Australia after he had served his sentence, and died in Victoria in 1918.
In this section you will find background information and activites relating to the case of Henry Catlin and imprisonment and transportation in the 19th century.
The KS 3 & 4 activities are aimed at students but provide a wealth of additional information and insight to the life of a boy from a poor family in Bedford during the 19th century.
We are grateful to the Freemantle and Tasmanian Museums and to Henry's descendants in Australia for the additional information they have provided.
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A case study for Key Stage 3, Britain 1750 - 1900 and GCSE History. The materials can also be used for general interest. |
This section has reports and documents relating to the life of Henry Catlin that can be used for research or for completing the activities provided with this case study. |
