The Exiles

The Exiles were the only convicts transported directly to the Port Phillip District. They were Prisinors of the Crown who through meeting a set number of pre-requisites were offered Royal Pardons conditional upon their accepting transportation to the Australian Colonies. All the Exiles were selected from among the populations of Pentonville, Parkhurst and Millbank prisoners and their pardons took effect on disembarkation.

Based on the Parkhurst Scheme of 1838, the scheme was a way to continue transportation after 1842 when New South Wales stopped it. Prisoners had to spend a period of time reflecting on the "evils of their former course" and to show good behaviour and potential for reform. They would receive training in a useful trade. Prisoners were listed until a suitable number were ready for the next ship, the Queen signed their pardons and they had to undertake not to return to the UK until the time of their original sentence was up.

Between 1844 and 1849 exile ships transported 1727 Exiles to Victoria, these ships also took supplies for Hobart and when they arrived they layed off anchor at Launceston until advised which colony would accept them, then pardons were issued and prisoners disembarked. The Government provided accommodation and food until employment was found. They could then leave the ship and were left to their own devices and relinquished Government help.

Victoria in 1845 turned away the exile ships due to public feeling that did not wish to take in any more transportees and they had to find other ports of disembarkation.