How many warders’ families lived on St Helena Island during the prison era?
How big were the households that lived in the married cottages?
What were the issues faced by women living under penal rule?
How many babies were born at St Helena Penal Establishment? 10? 100?
What contribution did women make to the success of the Warder’s community?
If you are keen to know the answers, then Belinda Daly’s presentation at the Qld State Archives on the 25th June 2026 is for you!
Over the last year, Belinda has been busy researching and writing a paper as part of her Visiting Fellowship for Griffith University. The focus of this paper? WOMEN.
Too often, when we research the history of our ancestors, or want to know more about the lives and experiences of women in colonial society, we struggle to find a mention of women in recorded documents. At best, this leads to generalisations and at worst, leaves women written out of history.
On St Helena Island, information on women and children has been sparse and fragmented, or simply doesn’t exist. Belinda’s mission is to change that. And she has! Belinda’s research has created new and original statistics, analysis and information that will permanently change what we know about St Helena P.E.’s warder community.
Please come along to hear Belinda’s presentation, open to everyone with a passion for history, women’s stories and St Helena Island .
Warders, wives and children – The families of St Helena Penal Establishment
When: Thursday 25th June 2026
Time: 11:00am to 12:00 noon
Where: Qld State Archives, (enter via main entrance)
There will be time for questions and conversations afterwards.
Click on this link to book: QSA Talk: Warders, wives and children – The families of St Helena Penal Establishment
