User talk:Gillyweed/Testspace

The Phoenix was a frigate damaged on the Sow and Pigs reef off Port Jackson Heads in 1824. It was condemned and turned into a prison hulk.

On 21 July 1824, the Phoenix arrived in Hobart, Tasmania with a load of convicts from England. The ship was built on the Thames in 1798 and was of 589 tons burthen. Under the command of Captain Robert White, the Phoenix picked up a pilot just outside Sydney Heads but on entering the harbour struck the Sow and Pigs Reef. The ship was refloated with the assistance of HMS Tamar. On inspection the keel was determined to be so damaged that it could not be repaired in New South Wales.

The ship was sold to the NSW Colonial Government for ₤1000 and converted to a prison hulk for convicts awaiting transportation to Norfolk Island and Moreton Bay. The ship was moored in Lavender Bay. It was considered a much better place to be imprisoned than on shore, with it being described as cleanly wholesome and ...spacious. It could hold up to 200 prisoners. . By 1837 the ship was described as being in a sinking state and was run ashore and auctioned for ₤145  The prisoners were temporarily housed on Goat Island.