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Four pages from the Illustrated London News 6 July 1850
Four pages from the Illustrated London News 6 July 1850

Four pages from the Illustrated London News 6 July 1850

Publisher (Established 1842)
Date6 July 1850
Object number00001085
NameNewspaper
MediumInk on paper
DimensionsOverall: 400 x 270 mm
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis article was printed in the Illustrated London News on 6 July 1850 and depicts migrants on board a ship as it leaves Waterloo Dock, Liverpool, England. The images show the ship's roll call being conducted on the quarter deck and the Government Inspector searching for stowaways. During the 1850s the discovery of gold in Australia enticed many immigrants to seek their fortune in the colonies.HistoryTo emigrate or remain at home was a major decision faced by many families in the 19th century. In the United Kingdom and Ireland alone, these reasons included land clearance (Scotland and Ireland), famine (Ireland), unemployment (England), the desire to get rich or the quest for political or religious freedom (Cornwall, the Midlands, Scotland and Ireland). During the 1850s and 1860s the discovery of gold in California and Australia instigated the movement of many people. Tens of thousands of miners criss-crossed the Pacific Ocean between Australia and America, with a £20 one-way ticket buying them a bunk and space for one trunk. The trip between Sydney and San Francisco took about six weeks. The travellers and emigrants brought with them their home customs and traditions, leaving a lasting impact on Australian society, technology, economy and lifestyle. During this period illustrated weekly magazines became increasingly popular in Europe and America. They contained numerous illustrations and articles on politics, war, travel, exploration, fine arts, science and literature. The coverage of the Gold rush was a popular story in America, Australia and England as many people were interested in seeking their fortune on the gold diggings. The Illustrated London News was a popular and leading weekly pictorial during the 19th century. It was established in England in 1842 to cover news and current affairs of national and international interest. It was supplemented with large illustrations.SignificanceThis newspaper article is representative of the public interest in the American and Australian gold diggings. It highlights the impact of the Australian gold rush and media on 19th century migration.