User:Maypm/Governesses in Colonial Australia

Governesses in Colonial Australia played an important part in the history and development of this country as they were often the only means of providing an adequate education to children in isolated areas. Little is known about their lives and ultimate destinies as they were in the background of society. However some insight into their circumstances can be gained from the papers of the Female Middle Class Emigration Society (FMCES) which contain letters from 112 women who were assisted by this Society to travel to Australia and find employment. The fates of Australian born governesses are also difficult to discover but some valuable clues can be obtained from the family history research of their present descendants.

The following are short biographies of some of the governesses that found employment in Australia. Several who came from England returned home soon after their arrival. Others remained here as spinsters until their death and some married men in the colony and established families.