What did a convicts house look like in Australia?

Answer 1

As the Convict was the lowest of the social pecking order, their accomodations and care were not of a great priority, yet as forced labour some modicum of consideration was given.

The more hardenned repeat offenders lived in leg irons and were worked in gangs of 25. This was made up of 6 groups of four with a supervisior, a convict as well. They would be shacklled to cross beams which were linked to a draw bar and to this bar the chain or dray was attached. These men replaced the beasts of burden (oxen) as there were more convicts than oxen.

The English had even less time for those political prisoners from Ireland and Scotland and to the road gangs many were assigned, even though they were not felons, yet had been exiled for the term of their natural lives.

The 'slab hut' was the standard for convicts. This was built to a standard, being, 18 feet long and 12 feet across, with a centre pole to hold the ridge, with walls 6 foot above ground. The slabs were hand cut from logs and are around 4 x 12 inches by 8 to 10 feet in length

Two huts would be assigned to a road gang, even though the design of the hut was meant for ten people sleeping on the floor. Six at one end and four at the other around the fireplace, the English jailers found it more effective to crowd 25 into space for 20.

They would be chained to the centre pole to prevent them from absconding overnight.

Imagine the conversations at night during winter between the political prisoners, talking of a world better for their kids than this one.

Their dream has become Australia.

Answer 2

Convict houses in Australia were typically simple structures made of local materials like timber and wattle-and-daub. They were small and sparsely furnished with basic amenities such as a fireplace for cooking and heating. Privacy was limited, and living conditions were often cramped and crowded.