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Transportation papers

Catalogue reference: Q\SCt

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Reference
Q\SCt
Title
Transportation papers
Description

Under Acts 4 and 6 George I regulating the transportation of convicted felons, merchants were obliged to enter into bonds with the clerk of the peace to regulate the conveyance of prisoners convicted at both Assize and Quarter Sessions courts to the American Colonies. These bonds, together with contracts and order survive for each year between 1725-1775 and state name and length of term of the prisoners. On average about ten prisoners are involved per year, and the papers probably represent an almost complete series. The loss of the colonies on the mainland of America in 1776 and the inability of the West Indian colonies to take all transportees meant that many served their sentences on prison 'hulks' in England before the 'First Fleet' sailed to Australia in 1787.

Incomplete for Q Session transportees

Related material

<p>See Q/SO - for copies of missing documents</p>

Held by
Somerset Heritage Centre (South West Heritage Trust)
Language
English
Record URL
https://beta.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/id/63d72cbb-6fe6-4ca9-a4a0-f6cd03ca5d0c/

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Within the fonds: Q

Somerset Quarter Sessions

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The Court in Session

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Transportation papers