1839 Aboard the convict ship Runnymede

In 1839 the Runnymede was engaged to carry 190 boy convicts from England to Tasmania (then Van Diemens Land). John Gell was the only paying passenger aboard and a meticulous diary writer. His daily entries give the modern reader a valuable insight into life aboard a 19th century convict ship; its routines, punishments, special occsaions and even lighter moments. A bonus for the reader is his reporting of the backgrounds of some of the boys. He was a servant of God and planned to become an educator. His diary Reflects this with some entries relating to philosophy, education, educators and religion.

I became aware of John Gell’s diary when researching my Tasmanian ancestry. (My great, great grandfather was one of the young convicts who came to V.D.L. on this voyage.) For me reading a first hand account of the voyage, and seeing Gell’s own sketches, was remarkable. The diary is now available in digital form but it is at times difficult to read. This transcription was made to facilitate reading this historic diary. Explanatory footnotes have been added plus some graphics. It is a useful resource for those interested in Tasmania’s transportation era and more personally for those who had an ancestor arrive on this, or a similar voyage.