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The Dictionary of Sydney
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John Macarthur

John Macarthur

From the collections of the

State Library of New South Wales

[a2408002 / DG 222]

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Economy Neptune Scarborough: Second Fleet Second Fleet Western Sydney

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Wool

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Macarthur, John

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State Library of New South Wales

Economy

With the arrival of Europeans, the traditional economy of Aboriginal clans was disrupted, and gave way to the convict economy of the Commissariat and government stores. But this closed economy was soon opened by free settlement, whaling and sealing, shipping and farming success, making Sydney the port for a vast hinterland. Depressions and booms alternated, bringing poverty and prosperity to the city. Sydney's growth and diversity mean that regional economies now exist within the Sydney region.

Western Sydney

Western Sydney is a region of great diversity and complexity: a patchwork of cultures, language, ethnicity, personal histories, religion, education, income and status. On the rural foundation of the large estates granted to early settlers, development in the twentieth century has proceeded in waves, with infrastructure and facilities generally lagging behind population growth. Despite ethnic complexity and socio-economic disadvantage, the region has maintained a sense of stability and social cohesion.

Neptune

Neptune, one of three ships known as the 'death fleet,' was the largest ship of the Second Fleet. Chartered by slave traders, Neptune had the highest mortality rate of all the ships, with over 160 deaths. Many of those who survived the ordeal went on to prosper in the new colony including William Baker, George Salter and Molly Morgan.

Scarborough: Second Fleet

Scarborough sailed with the First and the Second Fleet and experienced an attempted mutiny both times. Charted by slave traders along with Neptune and Surprize, the Scarborough became part of the notorious 'death fleet', with around 73 of over 250 convicts dying on board and many hospitalised on arrival.

Second Fleet

The Second Fleet was a term later applied to the second wave of British convict transports and storeships sent to New South Wales in 1789-90. While one of its number failed to reach Sydney's shores, another earned the nickname 'floating brothel' and three other ships were tagged the 'Death Fleet'.

Wool

Macarthur, John

full record »

Soldier, entrepreneur and pastoralist who established the Australian wool industry.