Summary
Personal Information
Crime
Voyage
Transportation
Henry Williscroft was transported on the Joseph Somes, departing 2nd Jun 1847 and arriving 24th Sep 1847 with 251 passengers.
Built 1845 at London. Wood ship of 780 Tons. The owner was Thomas Colyer of Kent, the son-in-law of Joseph Somes. Two voyages with transport convicts to Australia: 1845/1846: 1847: 248 male people (known as "exiles" landed at Point Henry, Geelong, Victoria and 1 went on to Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania). Queen Victoria had decreed that all of these men (many of them youths from Parkhurst, Isle of Wight) should be treated as "free" upon arrival (significant backlash to transported criminals at this time).
Joseph Somes (generic)References
| Primary Source | Australian Joint Copying Project. Microfilm Roll 92, Class and Piece Number HO11/15, Page Number 191 (97) |
| Source Description | This record is one of the entries in the British convict transportation registers 1787-1867 database compiled by State Library of Queensland from British Home Office (HO) records which are available on microfilm as part of the Australian Joint Copying Pro |
| Original Source | Great Britain. Home Office |
| Compiled By | State Library of Queensland |
| Database Source | British convict transportation registers 1787-1867 database |
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Convict Notes
Worcestershire adjourned Sessions. Joseph Williscroft, 14, shoemaker, Henry Williscroft, 13, nail-cutter, and Frederick Williscroft, 12, labourer, three destitute brothers, natives of the metropolis, but who have for some time past been living on their wits, were convicted on a charge of stealing two tame rabbits, the property of one Joseph Milliachip, at Dudley, the 20th instant, and were sentenced to a week's imprisonment. A second charge for stealing boots, the property of Joseph Harper, of the same place, was proved against them, and the Court taking into consideration their destitute condition, sentenced them to seven years' transportation, with view of making future provision for them. Worcester Journal, 29 Feb 1844.
Henry Williscroft was one of 3 brothers, the sons of Joseph and Mary Ann Williscroft. Joseph was 14 and a shoemaker and Frederick was 12 and a labourer. They were 3 destitute brothers who had been "Living by their wits". When convicted the court, taking into consideration their destitute condition, sentenced then to 7 years transportation, with a view of making future provision for them. Henry was convicted of stealing 2 rabbits and a pair of boots. He was 13 years old when convicted and 16 years old on arrival in Victoria. 25/4/1844: Sent to Parkhurst prison and was taught to be a tailor. Henry could read and write imperfectly. Henry disembarked the Joseph Somes in Geelong and worked as a general servant for George Faithful at Wangaratta. His salary was £20 per annum including rations. 1852: Unclaimed letter with Mr Saunders of Melbourne. Feb. 1853: There was a H Williscroft who set sail for London per the "Bombay" on the 18th. The Bombay made it to Rio and Henry does not appear to have stayed in Brazil, but no other records of him found.