Frances Williams (convict) facts for kids

Frances Williams (born around 1760, died 1801) was a Welsh woman who became an early settler in Australia and Norfolk Island. She is known as the first Welsh woman to settle in Australia. Her life story shows the challenges faced by many people who were sent to the new settlements in Australia during that time.

Early Life in Wales

Frances Williams was born in Flintshire, Wales, around 1760. We don't know much about her early years. She lived in a village called Whitford. She worked at the Holywell estate, which belonged to an artist named Moses Griffith.

In the summer of 1783, Frances left her job at the estate. She moved to Liverpool with her brother. People have suggested different reasons for her move. One idea is that she needed to find new work in the city.

A Difficult Situation

On August 1, 1783, Frances was involved in a difficult situation at the Holywell estate. Some items were taken from the property. The next morning, her hat was found nearby. This led to a report being made to the local official, Thomas Pennant.

Frances was later found at the port of Parkgate in Cheshire. She had several items that belonged to the estate. The value of these items was recorded as about two pounds.

Trial and New Beginnings

Frances Williams's trial took place on September 2, 1783, in Mold. The official in charge, Thomas Pennant, found her responsible. She was given a very serious sentence. She was then held in the old prison in Flint.

However, on August 24, 1784, her sentence was changed. Instead of the original punishment, she was to be sent away for seven years. This was known as "penal transportation." She was moved from Flint to Portsmouth on March 26, 1787.

Frances then boarded the ship Prince of Wales. This ship was part of the First Fleet. The First Fleet was a group of ships that carried the first European settlers to Australia. The fleet set sail on May 13, 1787. It arrived at Port Jackson in Australia in January 1788. Many people believe Frances Williams was the first Welsh woman to settle in Australia.

Life in Australia and Norfolk Island

During the long sea journey, Frances Williams met Robert Ryan. He was a soldier with the Royal Marines. They started a relationship. On July 16, 1789, their daughter, Sarah Williams, was born in Sydney Cove.

On March 5, 1790, Frances and her daughter moved to Norfolk Island. They traveled on the ship HMS Sirius. Robert Ryan left the navy in December 1791. He was given land on Norfolk Island. Around this time, Frances also had relationships with two other men, John Cropper and Noah Mortimer.

In November 1794, Frances and Robert Ryan moved back to Australia. They sailed on the ship HMS Daedalus. Robert joined the New South Wales Corps. They returned to Norfolk Island in April 1796 on the ship HMS Supply.

Frances had three more children between 1791 and 1796. One daughter's father is not clear. She had another daughter with John Cropper. She also had a son with Robert Ryan.

When Robert Ryan left for Australia again in 1799, Frances stayed on Norfolk Island. She passed away there in 1801. Her daughter Sarah died the next year. Frances's other children were cared for by John Cropper and Noah Mortimer after Robert Ryan left the island for good in 1804.