What was the Scarborough?
Q: What was the Scarborough?
A: The Scarborough was one of six convict transport ships in the First Fleet.
Q: What was the purpose of the First Fleet?
A: The First Fleet carried convicts and soldiers to Australia to start a penal colony.
Q: When did the First Fleet leave England and arrive in Australia?
A: The ships left England in May 1787 and arrived in Australia in January 1788.
Q: What was the size and command of the Scarborough?
A: The Scarborough was a ship of 430 tons under the command of John Marshall. She was 111ft (34m) long and 30ft (9m) wide.
Q: How was the prison deck of the Scarborough?
A: The prison deck was very small and cramped. The height of the space was only 53in (135cm).
Q: What was the contract between the Scarborough and the British Government?
A: The ship had a contract with the British Government to carry convicts. The owners were paid at a rate of 10 shillings per ton per month. They had to agree to keep the prisoners secure and in safe custody.
Q: Where did the Scarborough sail after transporting convicts to Australia?
A: After transporting the convicts to New South Wales, the Scarborough was under contract to work for the East India Company. Scarborough left Australia 5 May 1788, and with the Lady Penrhyn, sailed to China. On 17 May 1788, she landed at Lord Howe Island for birds and vegetables, and got back to England on 15 June 1789.
