Why did the First Fleet sail from Portsmouth?

Answer 1

It is uncertain whether the question means "Why did the First Fleet sail?", or "Why did it sail from Portsmouth?"

The First Fleet sailed with a load of around seven hundred convicts bound for New South Wales on the Australian continent, to establish a penal colony there. This would alleviate the problem of overcrowded prisons in England.

The fleet sailed from Portsmouth because that was where a large natural harbour lay, on the southern coast of England. It was a major naval port, and capable of easily holding the eleven ships of the First Fleet. Although not the closest port to London, the capital city, it was certainly the largest, most navigable port, and a logical choise for the First Fleet to depart from.

Answer 2

The First Fleet moved to Port Jackson because it proved to be a more suitable site than botany Bay for settlement.

There was fresh water available; plenty of timber for building; better soil; and a deep, safe harbour for ships.

Answer 3

The First Fleet stayed at Port Jackson because it proved to be a more suitable site than Botany Bay for settlement.

There was fresh water available; plenty of timber for building; better soil; and a deep, safe harbour for ships.

Answer 4

Botany Bay was not quite the ideal site for a settlement that James Cook and Joseph Banks believed when they first sighted it. The First Fleet moved to Port Jackson because it proved to be a more suitable site than Botany Bay for settlement. Captain Arthur Phillip, leader of the First Fleet, investigated further north to find a better location. Port Jackson offered what Botany Bay did not offer: there was fresh water available; plenty of timber for building; better soil; and a deep, safe harbour for ships.