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Black Velvet Band

The “Transportation system” was widely known even into the early 1900s. Songs

like the “Black Velvet Band” spread across the world and were modified by differing

cultures. For example, in Australia and Tasmania, the song was known as the “Hat

with the Velvet Band,” and in America the song was known as the “Girl in the

Blue Velvet Band.” In Ireland the song was known as the “Black Ribbon Band,”

and while it used the same story it was set in Tralee rather than in Belfast.

The penial servitude system in the 17^thand 18^thCenturies were severe and termed

as the “Bloody Code.” A large number of offences were punishable by execution

(usually by hanging) which limited the choice of sentencing by the judges for the

convicted criminals, no matter how minor.

The penial servitude system within Britain did not entirely disappear until 1958, and it

officially ended in 1998. It 2015 it was estimated that 20% of the Australian population

had convict ancestry. An estimated 30% of the Australian population (around 7

million) were of Irish descent which is the largest percentage of Irish outside of Ireland

itself. This is due, in part, to the conditions imposed by the Penal Laws upon that

group of people starting in the 16^thCentury, and partially due to the historical convict

transportation system in order to promote Britain’s globalization efforts.

“Shaun,

That KelticDead

Guy”

Patrick O. Young,

KelticDead Music

An etching of convict women (and children) sent to

Australia and Van Diemen’s Land, circa 1850s.

KelticDead Music