John Hudson was the youngest known convict to sail with the First Fleet.
The Story of John Hudson
John Hudson's journey to Australia as part of the First Fleet highlights the severe circumstances faced by many young individuals in 18th-century Britain. Described as "sometimes a chimney sweeper," John's early life was marked by hardship, which ultimately led to his transportation.
Key Facts about John Hudson:
- Initial Sentence: John Hudson was remarkably young when first sentenced, being only nine years old.
- Arrival in Australia: Upon the First Fleet's arrival at Sydney Cove in New South Wales, John Hudson was 13 years old.
- Ship of Passage: He voyaged to the new colony aboard the Friendship, one of the eleven ships that formed the First Fleet.
- Offence: He was identified as a "boy thief," a common descriptor for young offenders of that era.
His transportation with the First Fleet underscores the practice of sending children, often for minor offences, to the penal colony established in Australia. Despite his tender age, John Hudson endured the long and arduous sea journey, becoming a part of Australia's foundational history.
John Hudson's Journey at a Glance
For a clearer understanding of John Hudson's profile within the First Fleet, here is a summary of the key details:
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | John Hudson |
| Primary Occupation | Sometimes a chimney sweeper |
| Crime Description | Boy thief |
| Age at Sentencing | 9 years old |
| Age on Arrival | 13 years old |
| First Fleet Ship | Friendship |
| Arrival Location | Sydney Cove, New South Wales |
John Hudson's story is a compelling reminder of the significant number of children and young people who were part of the First Fleet, contributing to the initial establishment and development of the European settlement in Australia.
