Convict Orphans

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In late 19th century Australia, many abandoned children were exploited as free labor, their stories largely hidden until now. Lucy Frost's thorough research reveals the plight of convict orphans, whose histories were often buried due to family shame surrounding convict ancestry or illegitimate births. Among these forgotten tales is that of Agnes, who arrived on a convict transport at four and was abandoned by her mother to escape an abusive husband. Similarly, Maria and Eliza Marriner were placed in state care after their mother died and their father deserted them. Inside the austere Queen's Orphan Schools, they, along with hundreds of other children, were under the watch of the feared Matron Smyth. At twelve, they were forced to work without pay on farms and in homes, often in abusive environments. Although colonists referred to this as white slavery, authorities ignored the grim reality. The children's stories include both abuse and the kindness of those who helped them. While some managed to create fulfilling lives, many struggled against a system designed to fail them. Disturbing parallels exist between the Queen's Orphan Schools and contemporary children's institutions in Australia.