The Most Famous Convict on the First Fleet, Ranked

Choose the convict you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 3, 2024 07:04
Historical events often leave behind a rich tapestry of stories and figures, each carrying their own distinct mark on history. The First Fleet, a fleet of ships that transported convicts to Australia, is no exception. Among these was a cohort of individuals whose actions and legacies have sparked curiosity and debate among historians and enthusiasts alike. By participating in the ranking of these notable convicts, users have the unique opportunity to engage with history in an interactive way. This not only helps in understanding the human elements of historical events but also offers a chance to influence how these figures are remembered in popular consciousness. Your votes help shape the narrative, bringing new perspectives to light.

Who Is the Most Famous Convict on the First Fleet?

  1. 1
    85
    votes
    Captain Arthur Phillip
    Francis Wheatley · Public domain
    Although not technically a convict, he was the first governor of the colony and led the First Fleet. He is widely known as the founder of modern Australia.
  2. 2
    29
    votes
    She was a convict who escaped from the colony and sailed a small boat to Timor with her husband and children. Her story became famous for its daring and the fact that she managed to survive against all odds.
  3. 3
    16
    votes
    A notorious bushranger who was one of the first convicts transported to the colony. He became famous for his daring escapes and his ability to evade the authorities.
  4. 4
    14
    votes

    James Squire

    Malt Shovel Brewery
    A convict who became the first brewer in Australia and established the first commercial brewery in the colony. He is considered a pioneer of Australian beer culture.
    James Squire is a popular beer brand in NSW, known for its craft beers that celebrate the adventurous spirit of its namesake, James Squire. It offers a range of quality beers that cater to different tastes and preferences.
    • Beer Type: Craft Beer
    • Alcohol Content: Varies by beer type
    • Flavors: Varies by beer type
    • Brewing Process: Small-batch, handcrafted
    • Availability: Year-round
    James Squire in other rankings
  5. 5
    10
    votes
    Husband of Mary Bryant, he was also a convict who escaped with his family. He played a key role in the daring escape and helped navigate the small boat to safety.
  6. 6
    21
    votes
    A convicted murderer who was transported to the colony and later became a successful businessman. He is famous for being one of the first people in England to be caught by telegraph.
  7. 7
    3
    votes
    Henry Kable
    Bluedawe · CC BY-SA 3.0
    A convicted thief who became one of the wealthiest men in the colony. He is famous for being the first person to be married in Australia, to fellow convict Susannah Holmes.
  8. 8
    6
    votes
    Elizabeth Macarthur
    Unidentified painter · Public domain
    Wife of the famous wool pioneer John Macarthur, she was also a convict who played a key role in the development of the colony's wool industry.
  9. 9
    7
    votes
    A convicted forger who became the first person in Australia to be executed by hanging. His story is significant because it highlights the brutal nature of the colonial justice system.
  10. 10
    9
    votes
    John Irving
    Dr. Jost Hindersmann Krimidoedel · CC BY 3.0
    A notorious convict who was transported to the colony for stealing a large sum of money. He became famous for his daring escapes and his ability to evade the authorities for years.
    John Irving in other rankings

Missing your favorite convict?

Graphs
Discussion

Ranking factors for famous convict

  1. The nature of their crime
    The more serious and notorious the crime, the more likely the convict is to be widely known and remembered.
  2. Their sentence
    The length and severity of the sentence can indicate the severity of the crime and the significance of the individual in the eyes of the law.
  3. Their contribution to the colony
    Some convicts made significant contributions to the establishment of the colony, such as William Bryant's escape with his wife and three children from Sydney in a stolen open boat in 1791.
  4. Their conduct in the colony
    Some convicts managed to turn their lives around, becoming productive and respected members of the early colonial community, such as James Ruse who became the first convict to successfully establish a farm and John Irving, who was instrumental in building the first church in Australia.
  5. Their impact on history
    Some convicts went on to have a significant impact on Australian history, such as John Caesar (known as Black Caesar), who became the subject of many stories and legends posthumously.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous convict on the First Fleet. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Criminal is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2214 views
  • 196 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Criminal once every 24 hours. The rank of each Criminal is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Categories

More information on most famous convict on the first fleet

The First Fleet was a group of eleven ships that set sail from Britain in 1787, carrying convicts, soldiers, and supplies to establish the first European settlement in Australia. The journey was long and arduous, taking over eight months to reach their destination. Among the convicts onboard were some of the most notorious criminals of the time, including thieves, murderers, and political agitators. One of the most famous convicts on the First Fleet was perhaps Mary Bryant, who escaped from the colony with her husband and children and sailed over 3,000 miles to Timor in a stolen boat. Her incredible story of survival and escape has captured the imagination of many, and she remains a popular subject of historical interest to this day.

Share this article