I have just come across a very interesting little book "An Emigrant's Home Letters" 1st published in 1896. If your ancestors left the UK in 1839-44 you may be interested. The letters are from Henry Parkes (later Premier of NSW) to his sister in England. The letters describe the preparation for the journey in London 15 changes of clothes required because they weren't allowed to do washing on the ship!! The passage from London to Plymouth and the conditions on board, and the hardship they endured when they arrived in Sydney. My ancestor Walter MINNS a farm labourer from Buxted Sussex travelled steerage on the same ship as Henry PARKES and is described - " And there are many farm labourers from Sussex in the steerage - a very rude set " Only a few passengers mentioned by name Mr WALKER from Newbold Warwickshire, Mr Badham from B'ham and also a clergyman boarded at Plymouth. He isn't mentioned by name but was The Rev Robert Thornly BOLTON. The book is a scanned reprint published 2010 and I ordered mine from Abebooks on the Internet. I have no interest in Abebooks, the cost was US16 including p.p. Regards Sheila

My husband's FORD family were among those in steerage too! BUT...they turned out OK despite Henry Parkes' observation. .