The Hulks

The harbours around Portsmouth were home to many of the prison hulks, notorious for their terrible conditions, used to house thousands destined for transportation to Australia. There were several daring escape bids, most of which were thwarted by the thick harbour mud. Although these hulks held prisoners from all over the country, Portsmouth residents did not escape this cruel fate. Poor Samuel Winklayer was not only transported for stealing in January 1801, but he was also fined one shilling as well!