Where were the convicts on the First Fleet kept?

Answer 1

The convicts were kept below decks. Occasionally they were permitted up on deck for the purpose of walking around and getting fresh air, but otherwise they spent all their time below decks. They were not chained or shackled, but they were shut in and secured there by a trapdoor.

Answer 2

Below deck, and trust me it would not have been a nice experience. You would be chained up below deck for over 6 months without sunshine, shower etc. Sleeping in feces, vomit whilst the women were raped and go knows what else.

If the convicts survived the ordeal they had a chance to build themselves a new life. Many often wrote back to their families in Europe telling them to find any way possible to be sent there because the opportunity was beyond belief. This is why so many were sent to Australia for petty crimes ie, stealing a loaf of bread.

Answer 3

The convicts of the First Fleet were initially not housed anywhere, but slept out in the open, as Australia's climate was very warm. Tents were soon erected, and gradually, over time, these gave way to makeshift lean-tos and basic slab huts.

Answer 4

While on board the ships, the convicts of the First Fleet were kept below decks, where they had hammocks for beds. Conditions were very crowded and unsanitary, as they could not come above the deck unless weather conditions were favourable - which was not very often.

Once they arrived in Port Jackson, as there were no buildings, the convicts ate and slept out in the open. Once tents were erected, they had some shelter, but huts were not built for many months.