Migrant Ship - British Empire

24 August 2010   From: Carolynn I came across the arrival of the ship "British Empire" from England, arriving 2nd Sept, 1857 Portland, Vic.

My ancestor was a Joseph Henry Thompson born 25th Dec, 1843, Liverpool, St Peters, Manchester, England. He was 14 years old. He settled on French Island, Vic.

Is there any connection as I don't know his parents names.

As I did not know any details of this ship I searched Google and found the following:-

• Barque 'British Empire', 640 tons, Captain James McEwen, from London 18th April 1850 / Plymouth 30th April 1850, arrived at Port Adelaide, South Australia 14th August 1850.
  A newspaper report and a passenger list.
• The 'British Empire', a magnificent iron ship of 1,499 tons register. Arrived in Auckland 7th July 1875. A newspaper report and a passenger list.
• 'British Empire' arrived 06 June 1849 at Port Phillip
  There appears to be another 'British Empire' ship. See Exotic Intruders
• Plus others. Just enter 'British Empire ship' into Google (including the inverted commas). Look at the first few pages item by item. You will locate many entries.

To the main ship page.