Hi Lesley and others, A brief search of the 1851 England census reveals that there are 270 people who gave their palce of birth as Australia, and while there is some overlap, 220 or so stated Sydney as their place of birth. I found VDL and NSW difficult so search as place names given the variations. Has anyone tried to use this information to uncover children of convicts and their families back in the UK? Obviously a lot of travellelers, mariners, soldirs etc. would correspond, but surely some would reveal returned convicts? By way of interest I picked a relatively uncommon name at random (i think?) Hugh Flower, born "Sydney N S Wales British Subject" age 9 living in Tooting Graveney, Surrey, England, the son of Philip W and Mary Flower. A NSW BDM entry corresponds: V1842425 26A/1842. In this case, Philip Flower was a 'West Indian Merchant' however it demonstrates what might be learnt! Any thoughts? cheers matt