Married women immigrating to Australia in the 19th century could travel on board with their husbands and families. Single females were physically separated from male passengers and crew, and placed under the guidance of a matron.

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From the 1830s the British government began to encourage women to emigrate. Particularly seeking unmarried women or widows of good health and character, between the ages of 18 and 30, the government offered assisted passage to Australia. The imbalance of the sexes meant it was ‘impossible to get Women enough as Female Servants or for other Female Employments.’

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Married women could spend time together with their husbands and other family members on deck; reading, writing letters and diaries, sewing, or preparing for shipboard concerts and entertainment.

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The single women who emigrated during the 19th century showed courage, adaptability and determination. Women who had likely travelled no further than their own town, made the voyage to Australia of up to four months alone, seeking to improve their circumstances, through either marriage or employment.

Digital order no: a4196010

‘His Majesty’s Government, in order to encourage the Emigration of Single Women and Widows of Good Character to the Australian Colonies, where the number of Females … is greatly deficient … has authorized the Emigration Committee to grant a Free Passage to such Single Females, between 15 and 30 years of age …’

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‘The lady who is not going to throw herself away on the first fellow that offers.’

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Edward Thornbury, surveyor, migrated to Australia in 1880. In 1881 his wife Pauline and their four children travelled to Sydney on the City of Adelaide as saloon class passengers. They were accompanied by Edward’s father, Nathaniel Henry Thornbury, who died en route, and widowed sister, Grace Mallock.

Digital order no: a6747001

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