Dimensions
157 x 235 x 49mm
Scottish-born Lachlan Macquarie was sworn in as Lieutenant Governor of New South Wales on New Year's Day, 1810, and held office for the next 12 years. A controversial figure, his time in New South Wales encompassed the establishment of great public works, but also bitter disputes, such as with the powerful local landowner John Macarthur (a ringleader of the Rum Rebellion) and the British Commissioner Bigge, who was sent to investigate him.
His early travels beyond the settlement at Sydney Cove resulted in the establishment of new towns, including Bathurst, Liverpool, Richmond, Windsor, Pitt-town and Wilberforce. He instituted a vigorous and extensive program of public building, and appointed the convict Francis Greenway civil architect. Many of Greenway's buildings are still standing today.
Macquarie was convinced of the importance of the role of ex-convicts ('emancipists') in building the new colony, and in recognition of this, made two emancipists magistrates early in his career.
His policy towards the indigenous people expressed a humanitarian view for the times, and included the establishment of Blacktown.
MH Ellis paints a vivid picture of this period of Australia's history, when a Governor's word was law. And gives a detailed account of the life of this complex and important historical figure.
