The Anson - a floating probation station in the Derwent
The history of the Hobart docks and the convict women. It’s a history of their arrival, resilience and above all hope.
The AWBF is excited to have Cascades Female Factory join us for the 2025 Festival at Princess Wharf No.1 (PW1) Maritime Marketplace. Here, they'll be showcasing the deep connection between the Hobart docks and the thousands of convict women, children and babies who sailed across the oceans in the wooden transportation ships below deck.
Visit the stall and talk to their knowledgeable staff about the women and docks and their stories of survival to escape.
There were 129 ships that arrived in Hobart transporting convict women, children and babies to the Cascades Female Factory. Once the ships docked, the women were made to wait below deck until 4am, then disembark and start the guarded 3km walk to the Cascades Female Factory in the darkness of early morning. This is where their journey began.
Discover the stories of strength, courage and resilience of these women by joining a tour at Cascades Female Factory. Visit their stall at PW1 Maritime Marketplace to receive a voucher for 10% discount on entry.
The journey of the Rajah Quilt
Visit the Cascades Female Factory stall and learn about the fascinating journey of the Rajah quilt. This unique quilt was sewn on board the ship Rajah by convict women, then on arrival at Hobart docks, it was presented to Lady Jane Franklin. It was sent back to Elizabeth Fry, then lost for 141 years until it was found in a cupboard in an attic in Scotland, and finally returned to Cascades Female Factory to become an Australian National Treasure.
Visit the Cascades Female Factory from the 7th-10th Feb for their children’s activity—making a quilt square—and hear the story of young convict girl, Rose Ford, transported aboard the Rajah at the age of 13. The activity is free upon entry to Cascades Female Factory.
Tattoos and convict women
With over 162,000 convict men and women transported to Australia, some 37% of male convicts and 15% of female convicts were recorded as having tattoos. Most tattoos were initials or symbols—a way of remembering their loved ones.
Visit the Cascades Female Factory stall at PW1 Maritime Marketplace with your children to receive a free temporary tattoo.
The Anson - a floating probation station in the Derwent
On arrival to Van Diemen’s Land, many women spent their first six months on board the Anson probation hulk moored in the Derwent. The probation system was first for female convicts, then later for male convicts. This system meant arriving convicts had to spend six months in the system.
Visit the Cascades Female Factory stall at PW1 Maritime Marketplace to learn more about the Anson and the women who spent time on board.