Follow the racuous journey of the 18th century women who settled Australia

Voyage of the Courtesans Secrets of the Dead

Premiered November 23, 2005
Voyage of the Courtesans: asset-mezzanine-16x9
This video is unavailable in your area. Visit the PBS FAQ page for more information.
Voyage of the Courtesans

In 1789, more than 200 female thieves, prostitutes and con-artists were rounded up from London's prisons and shipped off to an Australian penal colony aboard the leaky vessel, Lady Juliana. But once aboard, the women turned banishment into opportunity, transforming their ship into a floating brothel on a journey that ended with the women as the founding mothers of Australia.

About the Program

Secrets of the Dead

Secrets of the Dead is part detective story, part true-life drama that unearths evidence from around the world, challenging prevailing ideas and throwing fresh light on unexplained events.

Here’s your ticket to stream.

Stream the best of public television on demand with GPB Passport: MASTERPIECE dramas and mysteries, NOVA, Ken Burns documentaries, Finding Your Roots and more. Binge full seasons, get early access to new episodes before they air on television and catch up on programs you missed with this powerful donor benefit from GPB!