THE TEN POUND POM - A DAY IN FREO

Freemantle Prison

Years ago when we lived in the UK many of our friends considered emigrating to start a new life in Canada, South Africa, New Zealand or Australia - as did we.  We chose Canada. 

Many chose Australia, travelling under the ten pound ticket program. The journey by sea to Freemantle could take up to 6 weeks.

Those newcomers became affectionately known as “ten pound poms” - a reference to POHM - Prisoners of His Majesty.

Prior to migration by choice there was the “enforced migration” program - the penal colony. 

While the bulk of convicts transported arrived in Botany Bay in New South Wales, as the Freemantle settlement grew a labour shortage arose and a request was made to direct convicts to Freemantle. Ironically the letter granting this request did not arrive until after the first ship of unfortunates had arrived in Freemantle.  After the initial shock, the convicts were put to work building their future home - Freemantle prison.

Freemantle's "Cappuccino Row"

Listed as a World Heritage site today, the prison is a remarkable and foreboding limestone building and the tours offered are revealing and colourful.  Life as a prisoner was harsh considering most convicts had been transported for nothing more than stealing a loaf of bread.  Stories of successful, and not so successful, escape attempts testament to a dreamer’s ingenuity.

Cappuccino Al Fresco

With the image of the hangman’s noose fixed firmly in our minds (there were 44 hangings at the prison) we ventured to another Freemantle landmark on the waterfront - the Maritime Museum and its fine collection of sailing vessels, including Australia 2, winner of the Americas Cup in 1983. 

Freemantle's weekend market

The Museum has a wonderful display illustrating the busy migration years, not only “the ten pound poms” who travelled in relative luxury, but the large number of refugees fleeing Europe.  The names of all who entered Australia via Freemantle are listed on the walls at the Museum’s entrance.  Touching to see. 

 

Fish and Chips - Seagulls with that?

Freemantle has so much character and charm - its lively weekend market where vendors yell out their bargains, cappuccino row - a street bursting with outdoor cafes - and the restaurant and bar scene on the waterfront, home to the best fed seagulls in Australia.

While we chose Canada as our adopted home, it could have been Australia.  Ours to ponder what might have been.