From Clare to Van Diemen’s Land

   Alphabetical list of 'Calcutta' passengers  

   Notes




  

View of Hobart c 1860

In July 1851 20 orphan girls from Corofin Workhouse were sent to Van Diemen’s Land on board the 'Calcutta' as part of an assisted emigration scheme. On their journey they were joined by 98 female orphans from other Clare workhouses. In this article Michael MacMahon outlines the background to the assisted emigration scheme and the preparations made for the girls’ journey as well as reports on the voyage. This article originally appeared in The Other Clare, vol. 22, 1998, pp 51-54. Clare County Library is grateful to Michael MacMahon for this article.