Convict Sydney: The real-life stories of 32 prisoners.

Convict Sydney is a collection of biographies of the men, women and child convicts that were transported to Port Jackson between 1788 and 1840. It’s not a compilation of the most successful or the worst offenders, but a medley of the everyday citizens that lived and breathed in Sydney town. Each character has been brought to life with glimpses into their personalities and their social lives, their hopes and aspirations. Their individual experiences offer a broader insight into the daily happenings of Sydney and the convict system. From Elizabeth Sullivan, who was known about town as the ‘Fighting Hen of Cooks River’ with her flamboyant dress and tough countenance, to Robert Sidaway who entertained local residents by hosting dramatic performances in his theatre.