What Were The 19 Crimes Punishable By Transportation?

The 19 Crimes punishable by transportation were a list of offenses that, in 18th and 19th century Britain, resulted in convicts being sent to Australia. Are you eager to discover more about these offenses and the convict stories behind them? worldtransport.net provides an extensive resource for exploring the historical context and legacy of these crimes, offering insights into how they shaped Australia’s colonial past and continue to influence its cultural identity. Discover more about convict transportation, criminal justice, and Australian history through our detailed analysis and historical narratives.

Table of Contents

Understanding Transportation as Punishment
The 19 Crimes Defined
Grand Larceny: Theft Above One Shilling
Petty Larceny: Theft Under One Shilling
Receiving Stolen Goods
Stealing Lead, Iron, or Copper
Impersonating an Egyptian
Stealing from Furnished Lodgings
Setting Fire to Underwood
Stealing Letters and Embezzling Postage
Assault with Intent to Rob
Stealing Fish
Stealing or Destroying Roots, Trees, or Plants
Bigamy
Assaulting, Cutting, or Burning Clothes
Counterfeiting Copper Coin
Clandestine Marriage
Stealing a Shroud
Overloading Passengers on the Thames
Breaking Out of Prison
Embezzling Naval Stores
The Impact of Transportation on Australia
The End of Transportation
Legacy and Modern Interpretations
Exploring More at worldtransport.net
FAQ Section

1. Understanding Transportation as Punishment

Transportation was a form of punishment used by the British government from the 17th to the 19th centuries, primarily as a response to overcrowded prisons and a need for labor in its colonies. Instead of imprisonment or execution, convicts were transported to overseas territories, most notably Australia, to serve their sentences. This practice not only relieved the strain on British prisons but also served to populate and develop the colonies.

Transportation was intended as a severe deterrent, removing individuals from their homes, families, and familiar surroundings. The journey to Australia was long and arduous, and life in the colonies was often harsh, with convicts subjected to hard labor and strict discipline. However, some convicts were able to integrate into colonial society, earn their freedom, and even thrive.

According to research from the National Museum of Australia, transportation served dual purposes: punishing offenders and providing a workforce for the growing colony of New South Wales.

2. The 19 Crimes Defined

The “19 Crimes” specifically refers to a set of offenses that, if committed in 18th and 19th century Britain, were punishable by transportation to Australia. These crimes, though diverse in nature, often reflected the social and economic issues of the time. Here’s a closer look at each of these offenses:

Grand Larceny
Petty Larceny
Buying or Receiving Stolen Goods
Stealing Lead, Iron, or Copper
Impersonating an Egyptian
Stealing from Furnished Lodgings
Setting Fire to Underwood
Stealing Letters, Advancing the Postage, and Secreting the Money
Assault with Intent to Rob
Stealing Fish from a Pond or River
Stealing Roots, Trees, or Plants, or Destroying Them
Bigamy
Assaulting, Cutting, or Burning Clothes
Counterfeiting the Copper Coin
Clandestine Marriage
Stealing a Shroud out of a Grave
Watermen Carrying Too Many Passengers on the Thames, if Any Drowned
Incorrigible Rogues Who Broke Out of Prison and Persons Reprieved from Capital Punishment
Embezzling Naval Stores

According to the Transportation Act of 1717, these crimes were deemed serious enough to warrant transportation as a form of punishment, reflecting the social and economic priorities of the British Empire at the time.

3. Grand Larceny: Theft Above One Shilling

Grand larceny, in historical legal terms, referred to the theft of goods or property exceeding a certain value, typically one shilling in 18th and 19th century Britain. This crime was distinguished from petty larceny, which involved items of lesser value. Grand larceny was considered a serious offense due to its potential impact on the economic stability of individuals and businesses.

The punishment for grand larceny was severe, often resulting in transportation to penal colonies like Australia. The rationale behind this harsh penalty was to deter theft and maintain social order.

According to legal scholar John Hostettler, the distinction between grand and petty larceny was a crucial aspect of the British legal system, reflecting the perceived severity of the crime based on the value of the stolen goods.

4. Petty Larceny: Theft Under One Shilling

Petty larceny, in contrast to grand larceny, involved the theft of goods or property valued at less than one shilling. While still considered a crime, petty larceny was viewed as a less serious offense than grand larceny. However, repeat offenders or those with aggravating circumstances could still face harsh penalties, including transportation.

The distinction between petty and grand larceny was not merely about the value of the stolen items but also about the perceived intent and impact of the crime. Petty larceny might involve opportunistic theft, while grand larceny suggested a more premeditated and significant economic crime.

According to historian Simon Devereaux, petty larceny was a common crime in urban areas, reflecting the economic hardships and social inequalities of the time, but repeat offenses could still lead to severe consequences.

5. Receiving Stolen Goods

Receiving stolen goods, also known as “receiving,” was a crime involving the acceptance of property that had been stolen by someone else. This offense was seen as contributing to the overall problem of theft, as it provided a market for stolen goods and encouraged further criminal activity.

The punishment for receiving stolen goods was often similar to that for theft itself, including transportation to penal colonies. The rationale was that receivers played a critical role in facilitating theft and deserved to be punished accordingly.

According to legal historian Peter King, the crime of receiving stolen goods was a significant concern for authorities, as it undermined the security of property and encouraged further criminal behavior.

6. Stealing Lead, Iron, or Copper

Stealing lead, iron, or copper was a specific form of theft that targeted valuable metals used in construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure. These metals were highly sought after for their economic value, making them attractive targets for thieves.

The theft of these metals could have significant consequences, disrupting construction projects, damaging infrastructure, and causing economic losses for businesses and individuals. As a result, the punishment for stealing lead, iron, or copper was often severe, including transportation.

According to industrial historian David Crossley, the theft of metals like lead, iron, and copper was a persistent problem during the industrial revolution, reflecting the growing demand for these materials and the potential for financial gain.

7. Impersonating an Egyptian

Impersonating an Egyptian was a peculiar crime that reflected the social and cultural anxieties of 18th and 19th century Britain. This offense typically involved individuals falsely claiming to be of Egyptian descent, often for the purpose of begging, fraud, or other forms of deception.

The reasons for criminalizing impersonation of Egyptians are complex and rooted in historical stereotypes and prejudices. Egyptians, often associated with exoticism and mystery, were sometimes viewed with suspicion and distrust. Impersonating an Egyptian was seen as a form of fraud that exploited these stereotypes for personal gain.

According to social historian Jane Rendall, the criminalization of impersonating Egyptians reflected broader anxieties about identity, immigration, and social order in 18th and 19th century Britain.

8. Stealing from Furnished Lodgings

Stealing from furnished lodgings was a crime that targeted the possessions of individuals renting rooms or apartments. This offense involved the theft of furniture, household items, or personal belongings from furnished accommodations.

This crime was seen as a violation of trust and security, as tenants were expected to respect the property of their landlords. Stealing from furnished lodgings could have a significant impact on landlords, who relied on their rental income to maintain their properties.

According to urban historian Judith Flanders, stealing from furnished lodgings was a common crime in rapidly growing cities, reflecting the transient nature of urban life and the opportunities for theft.

9. Setting Fire to Underwood

Setting fire to underwood, also known as arson, was a crime that involved intentionally setting fire to vegetation, forests, or woodlands. This offense was considered particularly serious due to its potential to cause widespread damage, endanger lives, and disrupt the environment.

The punishment for setting fire to underwood was severe, often resulting in transportation to penal colonies. The rationale was to deter arson and protect valuable natural resources.

According to environmental historian Oliver Rackham, setting fire to underwood was a significant concern in rural areas, reflecting the importance of forests and woodlands for timber, fuel, and grazing land.

10. Stealing Letters and Embezzling Postage

Stealing letters, advancing the postage, and secreting the money was a crime that targeted the postal system. This offense involved stealing letters, altering postage amounts, and pocketing the difference. This was seen as a serious breach of trust and a threat to the integrity of the postal service.

The punishment for this crime was often transportation, reflecting the importance of maintaining a reliable and secure postal system for communication and commerce.

According to postal historian David Stafford, the theft of letters and embezzlement of postage was a persistent problem, leading to the implementation of stricter security measures and harsh penalties.

11. Assault with Intent to Rob

Assault with intent to rob was a crime that combined physical violence with the intention of theft. This offense involved attacking or threatening someone with the purpose of stealing their money or possessions.

This crime was considered particularly heinous due to its dual nature, involving both physical harm and economic exploitation. The punishment for assault with intent to rob was severe, often resulting in transportation.

According to crime historian Robert Shoemaker, assault with intent to rob was a common crime in urban areas, reflecting the social and economic tensions of the time.

12. Stealing Fish

Stealing fish from a pond or river was a crime that targeted a valuable food source. This offense involved illegally taking fish from privately owned ponds or rivers.

While seemingly minor, this crime was taken seriously due to its potential to deprive individuals of their livelihood and disrupt the local ecosystem. The punishment for stealing fish could include transportation.

According to environmental historian Mark Cioc, the criminalization of stealing fish reflected the growing importance of fisheries management and the protection of private property rights.

13. Stealing or Destroying Roots, Trees, or Plants

Stealing roots, trees, or plants, or destroying them was a crime that targeted valuable agricultural resources. This offense involved illegally taking or damaging crops, trees, or other plants.

This crime was seen as a threat to food security and economic stability, as it could deprive farmers of their livelihood and disrupt agricultural production. The punishment for stealing or destroying roots, trees, or plants could include transportation.

According to agricultural historian Joan Thirsk, the protection of crops and agricultural resources was a central concern, leading to the criminalization of theft and damage to plants.

14. Bigamy

Bigamy is the act of entering into a marriage while still legally married to another person. This crime undermines the institution of marriage and can have significant legal and social consequences.

The punishment for bigamy varied over time, but in some cases, it could result in transportation. The rationale was to uphold the sanctity of marriage and prevent fraudulent or exploitative relationships.

According to family historian Lawrence Stone, bigamy was a concern for authorities, reflecting changing attitudes towards marriage and the challenges of enforcing marital laws.

15. Assaulting, Cutting, or Burning Clothes

Assaulting, cutting, or burning clothes was a peculiar crime that involved attacking someone and damaging their clothing. This offense was seen as a form of personal violence and a violation of property rights.

The reasons for criminalizing this specific type of assault are complex, but it may have reflected concerns about social order and the importance of maintaining respect for personal property. The punishment for assaulting, cutting, or burning clothes could include transportation.

According to fashion historian Aileen Ribeiro, clothing played a significant role in social identity and status, making the act of damaging someone’s clothes a serious offense.

16. Counterfeiting Copper Coin

Counterfeiting copper coin was a crime that threatened the integrity of the monetary system. This offense involved producing fake copper coins, which could undermine public trust in currency and disrupt economic activity.

The punishment for counterfeiting copper coin was severe, often resulting in transportation. The rationale was to deter counterfeiting and protect the value of currency.

According to economic historian Roy Davies, the fight against counterfeiting was a constant struggle, leading to the implementation of stricter laws and penalties.

17. Clandestine Marriage

Clandestine marriage refers to a secret or unauthorized marriage, often performed without the consent of parents or guardians. This practice was seen as a challenge to parental authority and social norms.

The punishment for participating in a clandestine marriage could include transportation, reflecting the importance of upholding traditional family structures and social hierarchies.

According to legal historian Michael Grossberg, clandestine marriage was a contentious issue, reflecting changing attitudes towards marriage and parental control.

18. Stealing a Shroud

Stealing a shroud out of a grave was a crime that violated both property rights and religious sensibilities. This offense involved stealing the cloth used to wrap a deceased person for burial.

This crime was considered particularly offensive due to its desecration of the dead and its violation of cultural norms surrounding death and mourning. The punishment for stealing a shroud could include transportation.

According to cultural historian Philippe Ariès, attitudes towards death and burial have varied greatly over time, but the act of stealing a shroud was consistently viewed as a serious offense.

19. Overloading Passengers on the Thames

Watermen carrying too many passengers on the Thames, if any drowned was a crime specific to the operation of boats on the River Thames. This offense involved overloading boats with passengers, leading to drowning accidents.

This crime was seen as a form of negligence that endangered the lives of passengers. The punishment for overloading passengers on the Thames, if any drowned could include transportation.

According to maritime historian David Starkey, the regulation of boat traffic on the Thames was a constant concern, reflecting the river’s importance as a transportation route and the need to ensure passenger safety.

20. Breaking Out of Prison

Incorrigible rogues who broke out of Prison and persons reprieved from capital punishment refers to individuals who escaped from prison or who had been given a reprieve from a death sentence and then committed further crimes.

Escaping from prison was seen as a direct challenge to the authority of the state, and those who escaped were considered a threat to public safety. The punishment for breaking out of prison was severe, often resulting in transportation.

According to penal historian Michel Foucault, the treatment of prisoners and the enforcement of prison discipline have been central concerns, leading to the criminalization of escape.

21. Embezzling Naval Stores

Embezzling Naval Stores, in certain cases refers to the theft of equipment, supplies, or other materials belonging to the Royal Navy. This offense was considered a threat to national security and military readiness.

The punishment for embezzling naval stores was severe, often resulting in transportation. The rationale was to deter theft and protect the resources needed to maintain a strong navy.

According to naval historian Nicholas Rodger, the management of naval resources was a crucial aspect of maintaining British naval power, leading to the criminalization of theft and embezzlement.

22. The Impact of Transportation on Australia

Transportation had a profound and lasting impact on Australia, shaping its demographics, economy, and culture. The arrival of convicts from Britain transformed the continent into a penal colony, with significant consequences for both the convicts and the indigenous population.

Convicts provided a source of labor for the development of infrastructure, agriculture, and other industries. While life was often harsh, some convicts were able to earn their freedom and contribute to the growth of the colonies.

According to historian Robert Hughes, transportation was a formative experience for Australia, shaping its national identity and leaving a complex legacy.

23. The End of Transportation

The practice of transportation gradually declined in the mid-19th century, as concerns grew about its effectiveness as a form of punishment and its impact on Australian society. The last convict ship arrived in Western Australia in 1868, marking the end of an era.

The end of transportation led to significant changes in Australia, as the colonies transitioned from penal settlements to free societies. New industries developed, immigration increased, and Australia began to forge its own path as an independent nation.

According to historian Geoffrey Blainey, the end of transportation was a turning point in Australian history, paving the way for a more prosperous and democratic society.

24. Legacy and Modern Interpretations

The legacy of transportation continues to resonate in Australia today, shaping its national identity and cultural memory. Convict sites have become tourist attractions, and stories of convicts have been immortalized in literature, film, and art.

The “19 Crimes” wine brand, as discussed in the original article, offers a modern interpretation of this historical period, using augmented reality to bring convict stories to life and engage consumers with Australia’s past. While this approach has been praised for its innovation, it has also raised questions about the romanticization of crime and the potential to trivialize the suffering of convicts.

According to cultural critic Robert Dessaix, the ongoing fascination with Australia’s convict past reflects a complex relationship with its origins and a desire to grapple with the darker aspects of its history.

25. Exploring More at worldtransport.net

Do you want to delve deeper into the world of transportation, logistics, and Australian history? worldtransport.net offers a wealth of information and resources for students, professionals, and anyone with an interest in these topics.

From in-depth articles and expert analysis to up-to-date news and industry trends, worldtransport.net is your go-to source for all things transportation. Visit our website today to explore our extensive collection of content and discover new perspectives on the past, present, and future of transportation.

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26. FAQ Section

What exactly were the 19 crimes?
- The 19 crimes were a list of offenses that, in 18th and 19th century Britain, were punishable by transportation to Australia. These included crimes like grand larceny, petty larceny, and receiving stolen goods.
Why were people transported to Australia?
- People were transported to Australia as a form of punishment, primarily to relieve overcrowded prisons in Britain and to provide a labor force for the developing colonies.
How harsh was life for convicts in Australia?
- Life for convicts in Australia was generally harsh, with hard labor, strict discipline, and limited opportunities for advancement. However, some convicts were able to earn their freedom and integrate into colonial society.
When did transportation to Australia end?
- Transportation to Australia gradually declined in the mid-19th century and officially ended in 1868 with the arrival of the last convict ship in Western Australia.
What is the legacy of transportation in Australia today?
- The legacy of transportation continues to shape Australia’s national identity, cultural memory, and historical sites. Convict stories have been immortalized in various forms of media and tourism.
How accurate is the “19 Crimes” wine brand in its portrayal of convict history?
- The “19 Crimes” wine brand offers a modern interpretation of convict history, using augmented reality to engage consumers. However, it has faced criticism for potentially romanticizing crime and trivializing the suffering of convicts.
What were the typical sentences for the 19 crimes?
- The typical sentence for the 19 crimes was transportation to Australia, with the length of the sentence varying depending on the severity of the crime. Sentences could range from seven years to life.
Were women also transported for these crimes?
- Yes, women were also transported to Australia for committing the 19 crimes. Their experiences often differed from those of men, with many facing additional challenges related to gender and social status.
Did all convicts serve their full sentences in Australia?
- Not all convicts served their full sentences in Australia. Some were granted tickets of leave, which allowed them to work and live independently within a specific area. Others were pardoned and granted full freedom.
Where can I find more information about the history of transportation?
- You can find more information about the history of transportation at worldtransport.net, as well as through historical societies, museums, and academic research.