On This Day
September 1834
Back in August 1829, James Stirling and his family had moved to the corner of St George’s Terrace and Barrack Street (now Stirling Gardens). They were housed in tents until 1832 when a temporary wooden building was erected. These still existed when Stirling went back to England.
In late 1834 Sir James Stirling, on his return from England, instructed civil engineer Henry William Reveley, (who arrived with Stirling in 1829), to prepare drawings for a new Government House a short distance away, near the present-day site. The new building was spare, beautifully proportioned and of the Georgian style, similar in its architectural excellence to the old Supreme Court nearby, which was also designed by Reveley and built in 1837. In 1834, Govenor Stirling and family moved in, but construction continued into 1835. |
Reference: Museum of Perth
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The building was defective from the beginning, with leaking roofs, termites constantly consuming the flooring and the porous walls absorbing moisture. It was also inadequate, lacking visitors' accommodation and facilities for the large functions expected of the Vice Regal establishment.
June 1834
The newly knighted Sir James Stirling arrived back in Albany, from England on the James Pattison in early June 1834. Stirling and his family remained in Albany not reaching Perth until September 1834.
Wednesday, 15th January 1834
The first of the Tranby passengers died today. John Green who had arrived along with his brother George Green, in the colony on the Tranby on the 3rd of February 1830, died today following an accident. John was buried alive during the sinking of Lieutenant Governor Stirling's well.
John's body was laid to rest at East Perth Cemeteries on Thursday, the 16th of January 1834.
John's body was laid to rest at East Perth Cemeteries on Thursday, the 16th of January 1834.
Sunday, 15th December 1833
The population is still in decline as disheartened settlers leave for the eastern colonies. Between the two years, 1833 and 1834, twelve ships carried 1,358 passengers away from the colony, leaving a total population in the Swan River settlements of less than 1,400. To the end of 1833, there were only 73 new arrivals, while 148 left that same year. The Colony of Western Australia finished the year having two men, to every woman. Yet the British Colonial government expected and planned in 1829, that there would be 10,000 settlers there by 1833.
Friday, 13th September 1833
The sailing ship Buffalo arrived at the new colony of King George's Sound (Albany) on the 13th of September, with Sir Richard Spencer, the new Lieutenant Governor; Lady Spencer, and nine children, and eleven servants, chiefly agricultural labourers. Sir Richard brought out some livestock from England with which to stock his own Estate, and "other requisites for a settler who sits down on his farm, which is to be his future stay, and that of his family."
On his arrival, Spencer found 36 souls forming the Settlement at King George's Sound, composed of two or three settlers and their servants, and the officers and troops sent there for their protection. The Government at Swan River had neglected to send the usual supplies for the troops, and when the Buffalo arrived, their rations had been reduced.
On his arrival, Spencer found 36 souls forming the Settlement at King George's Sound, composed of two or three settlers and their servants, and the officers and troops sent there for their protection. The Government at Swan River had neglected to send the usual supplies for the troops, and when the Buffalo arrived, their rations had been reduced.
Saturday, 1st June 1833
James Stirling (now Sir James) is still in England and Captain Irwin is managing the Colony in his stead.
The Perth gazette and Western Australian journal was first published on the 5th of January 1833, with C. Macfaull as the Editor. The crops were still being planted but the soils were not as fertile as promised, and the colony struggled to feed itself. William Shenton who built a mill at Mill Point and became the first permanent resident in the South Perth area.
The first dirt track, from Perth to Fremantle, was completed in 1833, after having been cut through the bush, and probably followed very closely the path of the present Canning Highway. Before that, most travel between the two townships was via the Swan River.
On the 15th of August 1833, the Aboriginal leader Yagan – whose father had been executed by firing squad, without trial, in May – was killed by two shepherds after a bounty had been put on his head. Yagan was a Noongar leader and resistance fighter during the early years of the Swan River Colony.
The Perth gazette and Western Australian journal was first published on the 5th of January 1833, with C. Macfaull as the Editor. The crops were still being planted but the soils were not as fertile as promised, and the colony struggled to feed itself. William Shenton who built a mill at Mill Point and became the first permanent resident in the South Perth area.
The first dirt track, from Perth to Fremantle, was completed in 1833, after having been cut through the bush, and probably followed very closely the path of the present Canning Highway. Before that, most travel between the two townships was via the Swan River.
On the 15th of August 1833, the Aboriginal leader Yagan – whose father had been executed by firing squad, without trial, in May – was killed by two shepherds after a bounty had been put on his head. Yagan was a Noongar leader and resistance fighter during the early years of the Swan River Colony.
The '1833 plan of Perth' was completed by John Septimus Roe and published by John Arrowsmith. The track to the left is annotated as leading to the "Great Lakes area" (Lakes Monger and Herdsman). It also shows the track to Guildford heading up to the right from what is now Lord Street.
Drainage of the swamps began in 1833 for commercial purposes with the construction of drains to power Reveley’s and Samual Kingsford’s mills. As Perth expanded northward, more swamps were drained for market gardens and new town lots. Whereas the 1833 town plan had plainly stated the presence of “freshwater swamps with rushy margins”, the 1838 maps show the swamps overlaid by roads and absorbed into the town plan with the effect of making the lakes vanish incrementally as if they had never existed (Morel-Ednie Brown 2008). |
Colonel Hanson, the Quarter Master of the British colony in Madras, visited Fremantle during 1833 and wrote, ‘several good stone and brick houses were in progress, the property of respectable Colonists, and indeed all classes seemed to be governed by the same praise-worthy spirit of industry and good feelings towards each other’.
In the winter of 1833, the first serious losses of stock due to poisoning occurred in the colony. Over one hundred sheep from one flock died on the upper Swan. The occurrence was due to the movement, for the first time, of sheep from the alluvial flats along the Swan and
Canning rivers to the foothills of the Darling Scarp. It was later found to be the poisonous nature of some native plants.
In the winter of 1833, the first serious losses of stock due to poisoning occurred in the colony. Over one hundred sheep from one flock died on the upper Swan. The occurrence was due to the movement, for the first time, of sheep from the alluvial flats along the Swan and
Canning rivers to the foothills of the Darling Scarp. It was later found to be the poisonous nature of some native plants.
May 1833
This silver cup was presented to Sir James Stirling in England, by the friends and relatives of the Swan River colonists in appreciation of his lobbying efforts. The cup was made by Thomas Habgood of Hatton Garden, London, between 1832 and early 1833. It is inscribed:
‘Presented to Capt. Sir James Stirling, first Governor of the Colony of Western Australia, by the friends and relatives of the settlers at Swan River in testimony of their admiration of the wisdom of the decisions and kindness uniformly displayed by him and of their gratitude for his strenuous exertions with the Colonial Department for the benefit of that settlement. London, May 1833.’ |
In 1925, the Presentation Cup was gifted to the people of Western Australia by two grandchildren of Sir James Stirling, and presented to the Premier, Philip Collier, during a visit to England.
Sunday, 1st July 1832
The first Census of the colony was conducted on the 1st of July 1832. The next month, on 12th August, Governor James Stirling sailed, from Fremantle, and returned to England to seek more support for the struggling Colony of Western Australia. There was an opinion among settlers that a personal deputation was likely to do them more good than any more letters or petitions. This return trip had not been authorised by the British government.
It was during this extended visit to England that Stirling was knighted. Stirling was accompanied by his wife Ellen and their children. Captain Irwin was left to administer the colony in his absence.
It was during this extended visit to England that Stirling was knighted. Stirling was accompanied by his wife Ellen and their children. Captain Irwin was left to administer the colony in his absence.
Friday, 1st June 1832
It is now three years since the 1st of June 1829, when the western coast was sighted from Stirling's ship, the Parmelia, (although the ship did not reach anchor in Cockburn Sound until the following day). Later in that year, on August 12th the colony's capitol, Perth was officially founded. The settlement had been known as the 'Swan River Colony' until the 6th of February 1832, when it was proclaimed as 'The Colony of Western Australia'.
It was to be later, in 1834, James Stirling, (who was now administrator of Western Australia) decided to hold an annual celebration to unite the settlers, masters, servants and Indigenous Australians within and around the colony. June the 1st was the chosen date because it was the anniversary of the first sighting from the Parmelia and also marked an important victory for the British navy, over the French, in 1794.
(Western Australia's 'Foundation Day' was renamed to 'Western Australia Day' in 2011 and is celebrated on the first Monday in June.)
It was to be later, in 1834, James Stirling, (who was now administrator of Western Australia) decided to hold an annual celebration to unite the settlers, masters, servants and Indigenous Australians within and around the colony. June the 1st was the chosen date because it was the anniversary of the first sighting from the Parmelia and also marked an important victory for the British navy, over the French, in 1794.
(Western Australia's 'Foundation Day' was renamed to 'Western Australia Day' in 2011 and is celebrated on the first Monday in June.)
Monday, 6th February 1832
On this day, 6th February 1832, the 'Swan River Colony' was officially renamed "The Colony of Western Australia". The name "Swan River Colony" did remain in informal use for many years later. (In 1890, the Colony gained self-governance and at the time of Federation, the 1st of January 1901, it became the State of Western Australia.)
Saturday, 4th February 1832
Another tragic drowning.
Today, the 24-year-old, Thomas Farmer drowned in the Swan River at the Flats. He had arrived in the colony via the Sulfur, on the 6th of June 1829, along with his wife Ann, and with two children, Thomas Farmer (born 1827) and William Farmer (born 1828). Thomas had arrived as a Private in the 63rd Regiment.
Thomas had fathered two children in the colony, Samual Farmer during 1830, and Joseph Farmer, shortly before he drowned in 1832.
His body was buried in the Church of England section of the East Perth Cemetaries on the 25th of February 1832.
Today, the 24-year-old, Thomas Farmer drowned in the Swan River at the Flats. He had arrived in the colony via the Sulfur, on the 6th of June 1829, along with his wife Ann, and with two children, Thomas Farmer (born 1827) and William Farmer (born 1828). Thomas had arrived as a Private in the 63rd Regiment.
Thomas had fathered two children in the colony, Samual Farmer during 1830, and Joseph Farmer, shortly before he drowned in 1832.
His body was buried in the Church of England section of the East Perth Cemetaries on the 25th of February 1832.
Sunday, 23rd October 1831
The Colonial Surgeon, Charles Simmons, at the young age of 28 years, died today. Charles had arrived in the colony with Stirling on the Parmelia on the 1st of June 1829. He was formerly from Yorkshire. Charles had been granted 5000 acres on land in the Avon District.
His body was buried in the Church of England section of the East Perth Cemetaries two days later on the 25th of October 1831.
His body was buried in the Church of England section of the East Perth Cemetaries two days later on the 25th of October 1831.
Monday, 2nd May 1831
William Stirling, the young son of Lieutenant Govenor James Stirling and his wife Ellen, was interred at the East Perth Cemetary today. He was aged only 2 months old when he died.
Thursday, 14th April 1831
William Stirling, Lieutenant Govenor James Stirling's first cousin died today, aged 32 years old. He had arrived on the 1st of June1829 per the Parmelia. William was buried at the East Perth Cemetary on the 16th of April.
Friday, 4th March 1831
Today, James Stirling is commissioned as Lieutenant-Governor of Western Australia, rectifying the absence of a legal instrument providing the authority detailed in Stirling's Instructions of the 30th of December 1828.
Tuesday, 18th January 1831.
The Fremantle Round House was opened today. The Round House was the first permanent public building to be constructed in the Swan River Colony. It was originally built as a Goal. The Round House was designed by the Swan River Colony’s first civil engineer, Henry Willey Reveley, and took just five months to build. The prominent site at Arthur Head was chosen to emphasise the role of law and order in the Swan River Colony.
Sunday, 2nd January 1831
A Summer Holiday Tragedy.
Anne Budden, a servant aged 20 years, her son Henry Budden, aged just 17 months, along with Emily Gawler, aged 15 years, and William Gawler were "drowned in Melville Water on Sunday, January 2," — the first of our holiday fatalities.
All were interred at the East Perth Cemetary.
Anne Budden, a servant aged 20 years, her son Henry Budden, aged just 17 months, along with Emily Gawler, aged 15 years, and William Gawler were "drowned in Melville Water on Sunday, January 2," — the first of our holiday fatalities.
All were interred at the East Perth Cemetary.
Saturday, 26th June 1830
Back in the United Kingdom, King George IV died, and was succeeded by his younger brother William IV. The King was buried in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, on the 15th of July. It could have taken over three months for this sad news to reach the Colony. |
Tuesday, 1st June 1830
The Tranby immigrants on the Peninsula had built, and the occupied, their first houses by April. Ann Margaret Hardey had given birth to the Hardey's first daughter on the 26th of May. Plus, a good deal of time has been spent clearing the land, sowing cereals, and vegetables.
Storms had affected the struggling colonists and destroyed many items and caused flood damage in the Perth, Guildford are during May 1830. It had beached six ships including the Rockingham south of Fremantle. She had just arrived from London, on the 14th of May with settlers and cargo organised by Thomas Peel. The chartered ship had drifted out of control in the storm and ran aground. Passengers and cargo were eventually unloaded at Clarence Town. The ship remained stranded for nearly two months.
Unfortunately, a few of the Tranby passengers had enough of the many difficulties they had encountered since arriving and have departed the Colony and are headed to Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania).
Storms had affected the struggling colonists and destroyed many items and caused flood damage in the Perth, Guildford are during May 1830. It had beached six ships including the Rockingham south of Fremantle. She had just arrived from London, on the 14th of May with settlers and cargo organised by Thomas Peel. The chartered ship had drifted out of control in the storm and ran aground. Passengers and cargo were eventually unloaded at Clarence Town. The ship remained stranded for nearly two months.
Unfortunately, a few of the Tranby passengers had enough of the many difficulties they had encountered since arriving and have departed the Colony and are headed to Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania).
Thursday, 6th May 1830
The Britannia arrived in Gage's Road. It had sailed from London, via St Jago, and the Cape of Good Hope. It had 42 passengers on board. The ship had discharged 5 passengers at St. Jago and then 16 passengers at the Cape.
Friday, 12th March 1830
The ship Warrior arrived in port. It had departed London, via Portsmouth, on the 23rd of October 1829. The Colonial Secretary's Department records indicate that only 96 of the 166 passengers on this voyage disembarked in the Swan River Colony.
Saturday, 27 February 1830
The brig “Tranby” departed from Gage Roads sailing for Batavia, Captain Storey commanding, on the 27th February 1830, having stayed in port for three weeks. (presumably with the same Ships Crew) Many of the band of pioneer settlers that had been unloaded, along with all their goods, livestock and chattels were still camped on Fremantle beach or Garden Island. The fate of each of the Passengers can be found described [Here]
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Thursday, 25 February 1830
The barque Protector has arrived from London, via the Cape of Good Hope, with 68 passengers on board. The Protector was a barque which had been built and launched during 1827, in Canada. It was captained by G. Thomas. and had departed Gravesend, on the 11th of October 1829.
The Protector later sailed on, to the Isle of France (Mauritius).
The Protector later sailed on, to the Isle of France (Mauritius).
Saturday, 13 February 1830
The Egyptian with W. Lilburn commanding, arrived in Gage's Road for the first time (it returned again in 1831). It had sailed from London via Cape Town. The Egyptian had 69 passengers on board including William and Eliza Shaw.
In February,1830, the colony's first newspaper, the "Fremantle Journal and General Advertiser,” was issued. As there was not yet a printing machine in the colony, it was hand-written, and was sold at 3/6 a copy.
In February,1830, the colony's first newspaper, the "Fremantle Journal and General Advertiser,” was issued. As there was not yet a printing machine in the colony, it was hand-written, and was sold at 3/6 a copy.
Friday, 12 February 1830
The large, lengthened 550-ton ship, the Hooghly arrived today. Captained by Peter John Reeves from London. The Hooghly had 170 passengers on board with cargo and their possessions.
The passengers, livestock, and cargo were discharged at the settlement of Clarence. Clarence Town was a barren, appalling site with poor water and hopeless for agriculture. These settlers were part of the settlement group organised by Thomas Peel. He had chartered the Hooghly as one of his three ships for the venture. Accommodation at Clarence was of a temporary nature, permanent structures could not be built as a townsite had not been surveyed. |
The Hooghly had previously been used to carry convicts to Sydney, from England, in 1825 and 1827. She is due to leave Fremantle in March 1830, bound for London via Singapore, with a number of steerage passengers.
Wednesday, 3rd February 1830
The small brig Tranby, having sailed from Hull, via Cape Town, rounded Rottnest, entered Gage's Road and was escorted to a safe anchorage by Captain Scott, the Harbour Master.
Certificates of permission to reside in the colony had to be obtained from the Colonial Secretary, without which they were liable to imprisonment. |
Saturday, 30 January 1830
The 436-ton barque Wanstead arrived at Fremantle having sailed from London. Matthew C. Friend was the Master. The ship had travelled via Cape Bayha, Madeira, and then the Cape of Good Hope, over Christmas. It had 66 passengers on board. A significant passenger on board was the Reverend John Burdett Wittenoom along with his mother, sister, and four sons.
For its first six months, the Swan River settlement had been without a clergyman. There 'should' have been one aboard the Parmelia when it arrived back on the 2nd of June 1829. The Colonial Office had offered the position as Colonial Chaplain to the Revd John Wittenoom, on the 9th of January 1829. His first wife had died earlier. Wittenoom did accept on the 19th of January, but it was too late to join his fellow officials and leave Portsmouth on the 8th of February 1929. This meant there was no clergyman in the Swan River colony, to conduct Sunday services or perform baptisms, funerals and weddings until the Wanstead arrived. It was only good fortune that the Reverend Thomas H. Scott had been stranded in the colony, when H.M.S. Success went aground last November.
The Wanstead later sailed for Hobart, on the 19th of March, and arrived at Hobart, on the 11/14th of April 1830, with 44 passengers and four prisoners on board.
For its first six months, the Swan River settlement had been without a clergyman. There 'should' have been one aboard the Parmelia when it arrived back on the 2nd of June 1829. The Colonial Office had offered the position as Colonial Chaplain to the Revd John Wittenoom, on the 9th of January 1829. His first wife had died earlier. Wittenoom did accept on the 19th of January, but it was too late to join his fellow officials and leave Portsmouth on the 8th of February 1929. This meant there was no clergyman in the Swan River colony, to conduct Sunday services or perform baptisms, funerals and weddings until the Wanstead arrived. It was only good fortune that the Reverend Thomas H. Scott had been stranded in the colony, when H.M.S. Success went aground last November.
The Wanstead later sailed for Hobart, on the 19th of March, and arrived at Hobart, on the 11/14th of April 1830, with 44 passengers and four prisoners on board.
Thursday, 28 January 1830
The Lady of the Lake has sailed in from Hobart and is anchored off Fremantle. It is commanded by Captain J. Pearson. It has six passengers on board. It is due to sail to the Isle of France (Mauritius) after it leaves here.
The first reports of the new colony arrived back in England in late January 1830. They described the poor conditions and the starving state of the colonists, deemed the land totally unfit for agriculture, and reported (incorrectly) that the settlers had abandoned the colony. As a result of these reports, many people cancelled their migration plans or diverted to Cape Town in South Africa, or to the more well-established New South Wales colony.
The first reports of the new colony arrived back in England in late January 1830. They described the poor conditions and the starving state of the colonists, deemed the land totally unfit for agriculture, and reported (incorrectly) that the settlers had abandoned the colony. As a result of these reports, many people cancelled their migration plans or diverted to Cape Town in South Africa, or to the more well-established New South Wales colony.
Monday, 25 January 1830
The Eagle made its first arrival at Fremantle today. (It returned to the Swan on the 18th of November from Van Diemans Land). It has sailed from London, via St Jago and St Pauls (in Jamaica). The Eagle, with G. Pratt commanding, has 50 passengers on board.
Sunday, 25 January 1830
The baby, that was born to John Septimus Roe (the Surveyor General) and his wife Matilda Roe, on the Christmas Day past, was baptised Sophia Roe today, in Perth.
Thursday, 21 January 1830
Two ships arrived at Fremantle today. The Parmelia returned to the colony (The ship that Stirling had arrived in on the 31st May 1829) and the Industry. Parmelia with J.H. Luscombe still in command, had sailed from Java. No passengers. The Industry with W. Young commanding, had come from Sydney.
Wednesday, 20 January 1830
Lieutenant-Governor Stirling wrote to Murray in England:
"Among the settlers who arrived, there were many indentured servants, who had been recommended to their employers by parish officers, and whose habits were of the loosest description. To control these and to protect their masters in their just rights, as well as to secure the safety of persons and property, I was obliged before the conclusion of the year to appoint a magistracy and a body of constables,; the first, from among the most wealthy and prudent of the settlers; the latter, including the steady and most respectable part of the working class …
Since these appointments, I am happy in saying there have been fewer irregularities; and as the population of the Settlement is now generally diffused over a large surface, and as part have commenced agricultural labour, drunkenness and similar evils will be less frequent than when the people congregated in one or two towns with little to do."
Source: Stirling to Murray, 20 Jan 1830, Historical Records of Australia, Series III, vol. vi, pp.615-7.
"Among the settlers who arrived, there were many indentured servants, who had been recommended to their employers by parish officers, and whose habits were of the loosest description. To control these and to protect their masters in their just rights, as well as to secure the safety of persons and property, I was obliged before the conclusion of the year to appoint a magistracy and a body of constables,; the first, from among the most wealthy and prudent of the settlers; the latter, including the steady and most respectable part of the working class …
Since these appointments, I am happy in saying there have been fewer irregularities; and as the population of the Settlement is now generally diffused over a large surface, and as part have commenced agricultural labour, drunkenness and similar evils will be less frequent than when the people congregated in one or two towns with little to do."
Source: Stirling to Murray, 20 Jan 1830, Historical Records of Australia, Series III, vol. vi, pp.615-7.
About 1,500 Km ahead of the Tranby, the 359-ton ship, the Minstrel, with Captain C. Arkoll commanding, arrived in Gage's Road off Fremantle. The Minstral had departed from London, on the 7th of September 1829, with 50 passengers and travelled via the Cape of Good Hope. The vessel was one of three bound for the Swan River, and it was anchored in Table Bay, off Cape Town, when Tranby arrived. It had replenished and then departed Cape Town before the Tranby.
Following its arrival, and surveying the situation in Fremantle, only 49 passengers disembarked from the Minstrel. Thirty one passengers continued on.
Following its arrival, and surveying the situation in Fremantle, only 49 passengers disembarked from the Minstrel. Thirty one passengers continued on.
Monday, 18 January 1830
A joyful occasion with the first marriage celebrated in the Colony today: James Knight married the 20-year-old Mary Ann Smith, by Banns in Perth. They were married by Rev. Thomas Hobbes Scott, the first ordained Minister in the Swan River Colony. Thomas had been the Rector of Whitfield in Durham, England but was stranded, in the Colony, when returning to England from Sydney, on the H.M.S Success when it struck a reef off Carnac Island last November.
The groom, James Knight had been born in England, during 1807. The 22-year-old had arrived in the Colony, six months earlier on the Calista, arriving on the 5th of August 1829.
Mary Smith was born in England in 1809. She had arrived on the Parmelia on the 1st of June 1829, as a servant to Peter Brown. Her husband James became a Clerk to the new Colonial Secretary, Peter Brown. Both Peter Brown and Sarah Blake witnessed the wedding.
The groom, James Knight had been born in England, during 1807. The 22-year-old had arrived in the Colony, six months earlier on the Calista, arriving on the 5th of August 1829.
Mary Smith was born in England in 1809. She had arrived on the Parmelia on the 1st of June 1829, as a servant to Peter Brown. Her husband James became a Clerk to the new Colonial Secretary, Peter Brown. Both Peter Brown and Sarah Blake witnessed the wedding.
Sunday, 17 January 1830
The Skerne made its first arrival into Gage's Road today. J Stroyen in command. It had arrived from Liverpool via the Cape of Good Hope. The 121-ton ship had 18 passengers on board. HMS Cruizer also arrived today.
Friday, 15 January 1830
The ship Leada (Leader) arrived at Fremantle, from Cape Town today. Captain G. Robb in command. The 188-ton ship had 8 passengers on board. All eight passengers departed and continued onto Sydney at a later date.
Saturday, 9 January 1830
The 536-ton ship Norfolk with Captain A. Grieg arrived from Sydney today along with the Nancy from London. The 382-ton Nancy had H. Pryce as Captain. 120 passengers had left from London onboard the Nancy. A detachment of the 30th Regiment arrived by the Norfolk.
Many new arrivals were disillusioned at what they saw at Fremantle and only 45 disembarked.
At the end of the year, Captain Stirling had written his despatches, detailing the progress since establishment. He observed in a later despatch, "in some measure by the arrival of the ships from various parts of the world, to the number of more than thirty, in the seven months of the first year of the establishment of the colony."
His also drew up statistics dealing with the condition of the Swan River Settlement at the end of 1829, which were as follow: -
"Number of residents, 850; non-residents, 440; value of property giving claim to grants of land, £41,550; lands actually allotted, 525,000 acres; locations actually effected, 39; number of cattle, 204, of horses, 57, of sheep, 1,096, of hogs, 106; number of ships that arrived between June and 8th December, 25."
Many new arrivals were disillusioned at what they saw at Fremantle and only 45 disembarked.
At the end of the year, Captain Stirling had written his despatches, detailing the progress since establishment. He observed in a later despatch, "in some measure by the arrival of the ships from various parts of the world, to the number of more than thirty, in the seven months of the first year of the establishment of the colony."
His also drew up statistics dealing with the condition of the Swan River Settlement at the end of 1829, which were as follow: -
"Number of residents, 850; non-residents, 440; value of property giving claim to grants of land, £41,550; lands actually allotted, 525,000 acres; locations actually effected, 39; number of cattle, 204, of horses, 57, of sheep, 1,096, of hogs, 106; number of ships that arrived between June and 8th December, 25."
Wednesday, 6th January 1930
The first person recorded as having been laid to rest in the East Perth Cemetaries was John Mitchell, a Private in the 63rd Regiment, aged 22 years. He was buried on Wednesday, the 6th of January. The officiating clergyman was Thomas Hobbes Scott, Rector of Whitford, diocese of Durham, evidently a visitor to the colony at the time. There were three other burials on the site before this but the records have been lost.
Thursday, 31 December 1829
During 1829, a total of twenty-one vessels have arrived at Fremantle,
Friday, 25 December 1829
The first Christmas in their new surroundings was celebrated by the band of settlers on the Swan River Colony.
It was a long while before the pioneers could become accustomed to the change of seasons, and never was the strangeness more marked when they prepared to celebrate Christmas in midsummer. It was reported the little camp was agog with excitement. Their seasons of joy during the past few months had been extremely rare, and as it was even a journey of some consequence to the Port they were self-centred to an extraordinary degree. Some attempt was made to adhere to the traditional "bill of fare," though many of its items were missing. There was indeed the proverbial "beef and bird," and if costly wines were unobtainable, still the stocks of "rum" were not altogether depleted, and "rum punch" was a substitute.
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Yet, with all their efforts, their celebrations lacked many essentials. Gone were the holly and the mistletoe, but their places were taken by the flowers of the new land, and no religious observance was neglected. The modest little 'Rush' church in Perth, that had just been constructed, was decorated in honour of the occasion, and one and all buried their sorrows and trials in a brief period of rest and recreation.
A space was cleared and a cricket match was held, which practically became a sports meeting, perhaps the first match or meeting to be held in the new "outpost of empire."
The season was made more memorial as on Christmas,1829, a child was born, the daughter of Lieutenant John S. Roe and his wife Matilda. The baby Sophia, afterwards became Mrs. Samuel Pole Phillips, of Culham. And about the same time, a child was borne by the wife of a soldier of the Military Guard. Earlier, that year, on the 8th January 1829, by special arrangement, the 26 year old Roe had married the 19 year old, Matilda Bennett, of the Isle of Man, a few weeks before he sailed from Portsmouth in the Parmelia.
A space was cleared and a cricket match was held, which practically became a sports meeting, perhaps the first match or meeting to be held in the new "outpost of empire."
The season was made more memorial as on Christmas,1829, a child was born, the daughter of Lieutenant John S. Roe and his wife Matilda. The baby Sophia, afterwards became Mrs. Samuel Pole Phillips, of Culham. And about the same time, a child was borne by the wife of a soldier of the Military Guard. Earlier, that year, on the 8th January 1829, by special arrangement, the 26 year old Roe had married the 19 year old, Matilda Bennett, of the Isle of Man, a few weeks before he sailed from Portsmouth in the Parmelia.
Saturday, 19 December 1829
The ship Lion (Lyon) departed from Gage Roads having been in port for over 4 weeks.
Meanwhile, in South Africa - Tranby's anchor was weighed around noon. The wind was light and weather fine. Tranby sailed smoothly out of Table Bay heading for the Swan River Colony.
Meanwhile, in South Africa - Tranby's anchor was weighed around noon. The wind was light and weather fine. Tranby sailed smoothly out of Table Bay heading for the Swan River Colony.
Tuesday, 15 December 1829
The ship Gilmore arrived from London, with Captain W. H. Geary commanding. It had 500 tons burden. She had sailed from St Katherine Docks, London, on the 18th of July 1829 and after picking up more emigrants at Gravesend and Plymouth sailed via the Cape of Good Hope. There were further delays at Capetown when the captain, W. Geary, married one of the passengers and was in no hurry to leave.
An important passenger on board was Thomas Peel. Peel and three others including an MP, formed a consortium to found a settlement at the Swan River in Western Australia by sending settlers there with stock and necessary materials. The consortium requested a grant from the British Colonial Office in London of 4,000,000 acres (16,000 km²). The government declined this and offered a grant of 1,000,000 acres (4,000 km²) on certain conditions. Early in 1829, all the members of the consortium withdrew except Peel. Fresh conditions were made, the final arrangement being that if Peel landed 400 settlers before 1 November 1829, he would receive 250,000 acres (1,000 km²). If the conditions were fulfilled, Peel would receive further grants. Solomon Levey was a silent partner.
To deliver the 400 settlers Peel chartered three vessels, Gilmore, Hooghly, and Rockingham. Gilmore, the first to leave, sailed from St Katherine Docks in July 1829, with Thomas Peel and 182 settlers in all.
Gilmore arrived in the Swan River Colony on 15 December, around six weeks later than the government had stipulated. As he had not fulfilled the conditions, the land grant was no longer reserved for him. The land eventually granted to him, 250,000 acres (1,000 km²) of land to the south, extended from Cockburn Sound to the Murray River. He was to name the settlement Clarence, after the Duke of Clarence, the heir the the throne at this date.
The passengers were to finally come ashore at Clarence by the end of December along with general cargo, three horses, four cows, three calves, pigs, and fowls. Among the passengers on the ship Gilmore, was Captain Armstrong, a Waterloo veteran, whose wife was a daughter of Neil Gow, the celebrated Scottish violinist and composer. The Gilmore is due to leave Fremantle in March.
An important passenger on board was Thomas Peel. Peel and three others including an MP, formed a consortium to found a settlement at the Swan River in Western Australia by sending settlers there with stock and necessary materials. The consortium requested a grant from the British Colonial Office in London of 4,000,000 acres (16,000 km²). The government declined this and offered a grant of 1,000,000 acres (4,000 km²) on certain conditions. Early in 1829, all the members of the consortium withdrew except Peel. Fresh conditions were made, the final arrangement being that if Peel landed 400 settlers before 1 November 1829, he would receive 250,000 acres (1,000 km²). If the conditions were fulfilled, Peel would receive further grants. Solomon Levey was a silent partner.
To deliver the 400 settlers Peel chartered three vessels, Gilmore, Hooghly, and Rockingham. Gilmore, the first to leave, sailed from St Katherine Docks in July 1829, with Thomas Peel and 182 settlers in all.
Gilmore arrived in the Swan River Colony on 15 December, around six weeks later than the government had stipulated. As he had not fulfilled the conditions, the land grant was no longer reserved for him. The land eventually granted to him, 250,000 acres (1,000 km²) of land to the south, extended from Cockburn Sound to the Murray River. He was to name the settlement Clarence, after the Duke of Clarence, the heir the the throne at this date.
The passengers were to finally come ashore at Clarence by the end of December along with general cargo, three horses, four cows, three calves, pigs, and fowls. Among the passengers on the ship Gilmore, was Captain Armstrong, a Waterloo veteran, whose wife was a daughter of Neil Gow, the celebrated Scottish violinist and composer. The Gilmore is due to leave Fremantle in March.
Sunday, 6 December 1829
The first church service on land, in the Colony, conducted by an ordained minister, was conducted by the Rev. Thomas H. Scott. It was held for about 100 people at Government House where he baptised seven babies. Scott had been stranded when H.M.S Success went aground three days before.
Thursday, 3 December 1829
HMS Success which had arrived only a few days ago in Gages Road with Captain W. Jervoise commanding, went aground on Shag Rock, off Carnac Island, north of Garden Island, and southwest of Fremantle. The area was later named 'Success Bank'.
It will take a long time to repair and re-float. It was to take until April before HMS Success was taken to Careening Bay, on Garden Island, for heaving down to HMS Cruizer and was repaired.
Sunday, 29 November 1829
The small ship Dragon sailed out of Gage Roads having been in port for 2 weeks.
Saturday, 28 November 1829
Sunday, 15 November 1829
Margaret Jones, the wife of Owen Jones, serving on HMS Sulfur, gave birth to a son, John Jones. The family were to leave the colony (via the Sulfur) in 1832.
Saturday, 14 November 1829
The small ship, Dragon with Captain S. Taylor commanding, of 131 tons burden, arrived from Van Diemen's Land. It sent on shore 200 sheep and four pigs. No passengers to disembark.
Saturday, 7 November 1829
The 266-ton ship Thompson and the 382-ton Orelia sailed from Fremantle today. Thompson had arrived in September, and the Orelia on the 12th of October.
On this day, the 23-year-old Sarah Purkis, the wife of John Purkis, gave birth to a son, John Fremantle Purkis. John and Sarah Purkis (along with a 3-year-old daughter called Sarah) had arrived on the Atwick in October.
On this day, the 23-year-old Sarah Purkis, the wife of John Purkis, gave birth to a son, John Fremantle Purkis. John and Sarah Purkis (along with a 3-year-old daughter called Sarah) had arrived on the Atwick in October.
The situation at Fremantle rapidly deteriorated with the onset of summer and the arrival of more immigrants. General lawlessness, thieving and brawling were common, being largely attributable to drunkenness. Feed for stock was in short supply. Tents frequently caught on fire as did the thatched roofs of the few houses which had been erected (Currie Diary, 10.8.1829, 5.12.1829). Unaccustomed heat and drought replaced the winter storms and were accompanied by an increase in the numbers of sand fleas, flies and mosquitoes. Scurvy and opthalmia were severe. There was an acute shortage of palatable drinking water. This, with poor hygiene, somewhat crowded conditions, and unbalanced diets, resulted in dysentery reaching epidemic proportions, its severity increasing as summer progressed.
With such a sight greeting new arrivals, it is not surprising that many did not even disembark but sailed on to Van Diemen's Land or returned to England where they broadcast the settlers' tales of woe (see Henty, 1.5 .1830, in S.R.P., 6).
With such a sight greeting new arrivals, it is not surprising that many did not even disembark but sailed on to Van Diemen's Land or returned to England where they broadcast the settlers' tales of woe (see Henty, 1.5 .1830, in S.R.P., 6).
Monday, 26 October 1829
The little wooden schooner, the Admiral Gifford sailed from Gage's Road today with Captain R. Walker in command. She was carrying spirits and corn.
On the same day, Eliza Cox, the wife of Joseph Cox, who was serving on HMS Sulfur, and had arrived in June 1829, gave birth to a son, Thomas Cox. They went on to live at Perth Lot Y43.
On the same day, Eliza Cox, the wife of Joseph Cox, who was serving on HMS Sulfur, and had arrived in June 1829, gave birth to a son, Thomas Cox. They went on to live at Perth Lot Y43.
Friday, 23rd October 1829
The Lotus arrived at Fremantle. Lloyd's Register for 1829, gives the following details for the "Lotus". Ship, 397 tonnes, sheathed with copper, single deck with beams, built in 1828 at Whitby, surveyed A1 at London in April 1829, under the command of Captain Summerson. Most of the settlers on board are indentured to Colonel Peter Latour who planned an ambitious emigration scheme on 100,000 acres of land in the Leschenault area. The scheme came to nothing, and within a year most settlers were freed from their indentures.
Wednesday, 21 October 1829
The very small ship (only 43 tons) Admiral Gifford arrived at Fremantle, from Timor today. Captain R. Walker is in command. No passengers to disembark. It is set to depart Fremantle on October 26th.
Monday, 19 October 1829
The 341-ton ship Atwick arrived in Gage Roads having sailed from London under the command of Captain Hugh McKay. It had 72 men, women, and children, a general cargo, five horses, four cows, 37 sheep, and 20 goats on board. She carried two guns and had a crew of 20 men.
The Atwick travelled onward, to Ceylon, on the 15th of November. The Swan River Harbour Master's report said she carried 17 cabin passengers and another 79 in steerage.
The Atwick travelled onward, to Ceylon, on the 15th of November. The Swan River Harbour Master's report said she carried 17 cabin passengers and another 79 in steerage.
Saturday, 17 October 1829
The small, 173-ton Governor Philip arrives at Fremantle, from the northern settlement of Raffles Bay. It is under command of Captain J. Owen. The ship has members of the 39th Regiment and 27 convicts on board. It brought two working bullocks. The ship later travelled on south to King George Sound. She carried two guns, had a crew of 18 men and was sailing from Sydney on a circum-navigation of Australia.
Raffles Bay is a bay on the northern coast of the Cobourg Peninsula, in the 'Top End' of the present day, Northern Territory of Australia. It was the site of an abortive attempt to establish the British military outpost and settlement of Fort Wellington, which lasted only two years, from 1827 to 1829.
Raffles Bay is a bay on the northern coast of the Cobourg Peninsula, in the 'Top End' of the present day, Northern Territory of Australia. It was the site of an abortive attempt to establish the British military outpost and settlement of Fort Wellington, which lasted only two years, from 1827 to 1829.
Monday, 12 October 1829
Three ships arrived in Gage Roads today:
1. The 382-ton Orelia from Hobart Town under the command of Captain W. Hudson; with 11 men, women, and children, a general cargo, three horses, 17 cows, and 127 sheep. She was to make a number of trips between the Colony and Van Diemans Land.
2. The 330-ton Caroline arrived from London, under the command of Captain James Fewson, after stopping at Rio de Janeiro in Brazil on the way. She was reported to have carried 60 adult passengers. One child was born during the voyage, and another was buried in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. It also carried general cargo, 12 horses, nine cows, one bull, 182 sheep, and 24 pigs. In 1829, her owners were were William Chapman, a banker from Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and Eliot MacNaughten, a gentleman of Calcutta. The ship had been hired by Thomas Henty from Suffolk and he was sending his three sons, James, Stephen and John Henty to the Colony. Henry Camfield travelled as a cabin passenger.
3. The larger 440 ton, Cumberland from Bombay, captained by Captain A. Steele. It had four passengers and wheat.
1. The 382-ton Orelia from Hobart Town under the command of Captain W. Hudson; with 11 men, women, and children, a general cargo, three horses, 17 cows, and 127 sheep. She was to make a number of trips between the Colony and Van Diemans Land.
2. The 330-ton Caroline arrived from London, under the command of Captain James Fewson, after stopping at Rio de Janeiro in Brazil on the way. She was reported to have carried 60 adult passengers. One child was born during the voyage, and another was buried in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. It also carried general cargo, 12 horses, nine cows, one bull, 182 sheep, and 24 pigs. In 1829, her owners were were William Chapman, a banker from Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and Eliot MacNaughten, a gentleman of Calcutta. The ship had been hired by Thomas Henty from Suffolk and he was sending his three sons, James, Stephen and John Henty to the Colony. Henry Camfield travelled as a cabin passenger.
3. The larger 440 ton, Cumberland from Bombay, captained by Captain A. Steele. It had four passengers and wheat.
Friday, 9 October 1829
The ship Ephemina arrives at Fremantle. The Ephemina was under the command of Captain John Telfer when she later left Van Diemens Land (Tasmania) and headed for Timor. When she put into the newly founded Swan River Colony on October the 9th, 1829, Captain Telfer's passenger manifest indicated that she had a crew of 16. Although he only declared three cabin passengers, other sources indicate that she carried 11 passengers in all along with tea and sundries, four horses, five cows, 155 sheep, and fowls.
The ship later departed for Van Diemans Land.
The ship later departed for Van Diemans Land.
Monday, 21 September 1829
Two days after the Thompson arrived, the small brig Amity berthed in Cockburn Sound, captained by William Owen. It had arrived from Raffles Bay as well, bound for "Swan River & King George Sound" and carried Government Stores consigned to the "His Excellency, the Lieutenant Governor". The Amity discharged a few Government employees as the settlement at Raffles Bay had just been closed down.
The Colony's civil administration was set up at Perth during September. Temporary buildings were erected for the Colonial Secretary (Peter Brown), the Surveyor-General (John S. Roe), the Harbour Master [Captain] (Mark John Currie), and the Civil Engineer (Henry Willet Reveley). These buildings were erected near Stirling's cottage which was located not far from the present site of Government House. However, later that year, Currie decided it would be more convenient to make his office as Harbour Master and Postmaster on board the wreck of the Marquis of Anglesea, which had been swept ashore in a gale on the 23rd of August 1829.
The Colony's civil administration was set up at Perth during September. Temporary buildings were erected for the Colonial Secretary (Peter Brown), the Surveyor-General (John S. Roe), the Harbour Master [Captain] (Mark John Currie), and the Civil Engineer (Henry Willet Reveley). These buildings were erected near Stirling's cottage which was located not far from the present site of Government House. However, later that year, Currie decided it would be more convenient to make his office as Harbour Master and Postmaster on board the wreck of the Marquis of Anglesea, which had been swept ashore in a gale on the 23rd of August 1829.
In the last three days of September, all the fertile land examined by Stirling in March 1827, was allocated to twenty-one grantees. There were then only 135 private settlers in the colony. No further suitable rural land was available until Peel's promised grant on the Canning was resumed and thrown open for selection on 2 November 1829. By 15 November, the most favoured parts of this were given to eleven grantees. Future land applicants were directed to settle to the south, the nearest location being 50 kilometres away. This they were loath to do, and they congregated in Fremantle where they indulged in urban land speculation and gave vent to their many dissatisfactions.
Saturday, 19 September 1829
The Thompson arrives in Gage Roads. The 266-ton ship has arrived from Raffles Bay (in present day, Northern Territory). It had four passengers and 16 soldiers from the 39th Regiment. Captain J. Hobbs was in command.
It has been 28 days since the last sailing vessel's arrival (the Marquis of Anglesea which now lays wrecked on the Fremantle headland).
It has been 28 days since the last sailing vessel's arrival (the Marquis of Anglesea which now lays wrecked on the Fremantle headland).
In mid-September, three ships, the Amity, Calista, and St. Leonard, prepared to leave the colony. The situation was still chaotic. As yet, no rural land had been examined, let alone alienated. In fact, no accurate plan of the area existed. The transfer of the seat of government to Perth had not begun. The majority of the settlers were huddled in tents on the barren coastal dunes at Fremantle, exposed to the full force of the still frequent westerly gales, their goods heaped around them. The sandy soil made living conditions difficult and sand fleas were troublesome. While some settlers were attracted by the beauty of the scenery, all were appalled at the infertility of the sandy soils that they saw. In the words of one newcomer, the majority of the settlers 'chiefly employed themselves in smoking cigars, drinking brandy-and-water, and abusing Mr. Fraser'.
There was already a noticeable and growing feeling of unrest. Most of the settlers were confused, they lacked purpose, and gave vent to their extreme disappointment. To add to the chaos, in the violent storm that sprang up on 3 September, all seven ships at anchor offshore suffered some damage. Several dragged anchor. The Marquis of Anglesea was completely wrecked. On shore, tents were torn. Possessions were lost or totally spoiled. Most settlers had left England before publicity about the Swan River had reached a peak, but their experiences had already cast strong doubts about the three most highly praised attributes: the soil was not fertile, the anchorage was unsafe; and the climate seemed anything but healthy. It was this picture that the three ships took with them. This was the information, the feedback, that the more cautious had been awaiting.
There was already a noticeable and growing feeling of unrest. Most of the settlers were confused, they lacked purpose, and gave vent to their extreme disappointment. To add to the chaos, in the violent storm that sprang up on 3 September, all seven ships at anchor offshore suffered some damage. Several dragged anchor. The Marquis of Anglesea was completely wrecked. On shore, tents were torn. Possessions were lost or totally spoiled. Most settlers had left England before publicity about the Swan River had reached a peak, but their experiences had already cast strong doubts about the three most highly praised attributes: the soil was not fertile, the anchorage was unsafe; and the climate seemed anything but healthy. It was this picture that the three ships took with them. This was the information, the feedback, that the more cautious had been awaiting.
Friday, 18 September 1829
The Surveyor to the Colony, John S. Roe completed his survey today of the town at the mouth of the Swan River - Fremantle. Roe had begun working on the survey having finished the Perth survey on the 25th of August. At Perth, several cottages were going up, mostly built of wood and clay, or stone and bricks, with mud for mortar.
Saturday, 12th September 1829
It is now three weeks since a supply ship has arrived at the Swan River Settlement. A watch is kept at Fremantle for any sailing vessels arriving in Gage Roads.
Gage Roads is an area in the outer harbour area offshore from Fremantle. It has a deep-water sea channel. Rottnest Island lies to the west of Gage Roads, Owen Anchorage and Cockburn Sound lie to the south.
Gage Roads was named after Rear-Admiral Sir William Hall Gage who was Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Navy's East Indies Station when Captain James Stirling was surveying the Swan River in 1827. Sailing ships had to navigate through Gage Roads to safely approach Cockburn Sound and anchor.
Gage Roads is an area in the outer harbour area offshore from Fremantle. It has a deep-water sea channel. Rottnest Island lies to the west of Gage Roads, Owen Anchorage and Cockburn Sound lie to the south.
Gage Roads was named after Rear-Admiral Sir William Hall Gage who was Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Navy's East Indies Station when Captain James Stirling was surveying the Swan River in 1827. Sailing ships had to navigate through Gage Roads to safely approach Cockburn Sound and anchor.
Wednesday, 9 September 1829
Governor Stirling wrote to Sir George Murray in England today and explained:
" The arrival of two ships with settlers making it necessary to have locations prepared for them. I have been under the necessity of interrupting the general survey of the surrounding coast and country, for the purpose of laying out the town of Fremantle at the entrance of Melville Water as a landing port, and also the town of Perth near the island on the Swan River, with the view to it being in the neighbourhood of those who may wish to cultivate the rich lands immediately above it on the river."
" The arrival of two ships with settlers making it necessary to have locations prepared for them. I have been under the necessity of interrupting the general survey of the surrounding coast and country, for the purpose of laying out the town of Fremantle at the entrance of Melville Water as a landing port, and also the town of Perth near the island on the Swan River, with the view to it being in the neighbourhood of those who may wish to cultivate the rich lands immediately above it on the river."
" Among the Settlers who have since arrived some disappointment has arisen in consequence of their being in general little accustomed to encounter hardships and in all cases too sanguine in the expectations they have entertained respecting the Country."
Source: Stirling to Murray, 10.9. 1829, Swan River Papers, Folio 4.
Source: Stirling to Murray, 10.9. 1829, Swan River Papers, Folio 4.
Meanwhile - On the other side of the world, the brig Tranby departed Hull, in Yorkshire and sailed down the Humber to begin its journey to the Swan River Colony.
You can read about the ship's departure [Here].
Monday, 7 September 1829
From Dr Alexander Collie's Journal:
"September 7, 1829. During a gale from the westward on the night of September 3, the ship Marquis of Anglesea (352 tons) which had lately arrived (on August 23rd under the command of Captain W. Stewart) with 130 settlers on board and anchored in Gage Roads close to the mouth of the Swan River, drove on shore, bilged and filled with water; all hands were saved with part of the cargo that remained unloaded. This with the previous driving of the Calista shows that Gage Roads, at this season is not safe and may occasion the establishment of another sea-port in Cockburn Sound."
"September 7, 1829. During a gale from the westward on the night of September 3, the ship Marquis of Anglesea (352 tons) which had lately arrived (on August 23rd under the command of Captain W. Stewart) with 130 settlers on board and anchored in Gage Roads close to the mouth of the Swan River, drove on shore, bilged and filled with water; all hands were saved with part of the cargo that remained unloaded. This with the previous driving of the Calista shows that Gage Roads, at this season is not safe and may occasion the establishment of another sea-port in Cockburn Sound."
Saturday, 5th September 1829
Today, the first allotments in Perth were disposed of. There was obviously no great rush for these lots as only five were taken up immediately though twenty more were taken by the end of the year.
The first twenty-four Fremantle town lots were allocated today as well. They were taken by arrivals from the Calista and the Marquis of Anglesea - the Parmelia people all moved to Perth. Several men who would be prominent in Fremantle affairs secured lots: George Leake in Cliff Street, Lionel Samson at the north end of Mouat Street, and Daniel Scott in Pakenham Street. In addition, the government kept lots at the northern and southern ends of Cliff Street for official use.
It is now two weeks since a ship has arrived at the Swan River Settlement.
The first twenty-four Fremantle town lots were allocated today as well. They were taken by arrivals from the Calista and the Marquis of Anglesea - the Parmelia people all moved to Perth. Several men who would be prominent in Fremantle affairs secured lots: George Leake in Cliff Street, Lionel Samson at the north end of Mouat Street, and Daniel Scott in Pakenham Street. In addition, the government kept lots at the northern and southern ends of Cliff Street for official use.
It is now two weeks since a ship has arrived at the Swan River Settlement.
Tuesday, 1st September 1829
The first European child was born in the Colony today. Sophia Dent was born on Fremantle beach. Her father was Thomas Dent (born during 1799, in England) and her mother the 33-year-old, Elizabeth Dodd, (born in Kent, England, during 1796). Sophia's parents had arrived in the colony last month, during August, aboard the Marquis of Anglesea with three younger children. They had been granted 3,213 acres of land. (Sophia died in Dongara, during 1900)
Monday, 31 August 1829
The Perth Colonial Town Survey complete today. Governor Stirling had given the instructions to the Surveyor-General, John Septimus Roe, who was responsible for surveying and the laying out of the town site.
This work was conducted from a tent camp in the vicinity of the modern Supreme Court gardens during August 1829. John S. Roe had arrived on the Parmelia with Captain Stirling, and had already taken preliminary surveys of the harbour, river and surrounding land.
The 1829 town plan of Perth was basically an elongated grid pattern that reflected the urban planning principles of the day, and was typical of colonial thinking. It was to be surrounded by an area of three square miles as a reserve for future expansion, and allotments within the town were to be granted on only twenty year leases, leaving scope for future developments should they be necessary. Land was to be marked out and reserved for public purposes and all the other requirements essential for the future welfare of the settlement.
A serious problem that had been faced by Roe and his surveyors in laying out the town in the relatively narrow area between the river and the swamps. What was to become Wellington Street lay along the edge of several of them.
This work was conducted from a tent camp in the vicinity of the modern Supreme Court gardens during August 1829. John S. Roe had arrived on the Parmelia with Captain Stirling, and had already taken preliminary surveys of the harbour, river and surrounding land.
The 1829 town plan of Perth was basically an elongated grid pattern that reflected the urban planning principles of the day, and was typical of colonial thinking. It was to be surrounded by an area of three square miles as a reserve for future expansion, and allotments within the town were to be granted on only twenty year leases, leaving scope for future developments should they be necessary. Land was to be marked out and reserved for public purposes and all the other requirements essential for the future welfare of the settlement.
A serious problem that had been faced by Roe and his surveyors in laying out the town in the relatively narrow area between the river and the swamps. What was to become Wellington Street lay along the edge of several of them.
Friday, 28 August 1829
H.M.S. Challenger departed Cockburn Sound today having been in the Colony for four months. Challenger was captained by Charles Howe Fremantle. The ship was heading for the British base at Trincomalee, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), where he was based for a couple of years. Three years later, on his way back to England, from Ceylon, Fremantle visited the Swan River Colony for a week, but was never to return again. The H.M.S Sulphur was instructed, by the English Government, to remain attached to the settlement for some time, to protect the pioneers and be ready for any emergency.
Stirling and his Board of Council drew up regulation under which both town lots and rural land were to be opened up. These were completed on the 28th of August, three days after the Perth Survey was completed.
Stirling and his Board of Council drew up regulation under which both town lots and rural land were to be opened up. These were completed on the 28th of August, three days after the Perth Survey was completed.
Sunday, 23 August 1829
The merchant ship Marquis of Anglesea arrived at Cockburn Sound today from London, burdened with 104 men, women, and children, 2 horses, 1 cow, 4 calves, 50 sheep, and a general cargo. This included 16 troops as a Detachment of the 63rd Regiment. The ship was commanded by Captain William Steward. The majority of the passengers aboard the Marquis were indentured servants of Peter Augustus Lautour, a military officer who was a major investor in the Swan River colony. It had sailed via St. Jago, in the Cape Verde Islands. One child was born on the 104-day journey.
Later, in early September a major disaster occurred: the Marquis of Anglesea was driven ashore during a gale and wrecked beyond repair. (She did not break up, as had been expected, but instead survived to become Western Australia's first prison hulk.)
Later, in early September a major disaster occurred: the Marquis of Anglesea was driven ashore during a gale and wrecked beyond repair. (She did not break up, as had been expected, but instead survived to become Western Australia's first prison hulk.)
Wednesday, 12 August 1829
The official foundation ceremony for Perth took place today on the 12th of August 1829 with the chopping down of a tree by Mrs Helena Dance, the wife of Captain William Dance of the Sulphur. The 12th of August was the celebration of the King's birthday.
The official ceremony, depicted in the image to the right, was held on a small hill overlooking the Swan River, in the immediate vicinity of the present Perth Town Hall. As no stones were readily available, it was decided to mark the occasion by felling a tree. The only woman to accompany the party so far up the river from Fremantle, Mrs Helena Dance, was invited to strike the first blow. The Foundation of Perth depicts Mrs Dance holding the axe and about to make the first cut. Mrs Ellen Stirling was unwell on the day.
These duties performed the pioneers returned down river to the seaboard. Other passengers were transported over from Garden Island, where, however, the depot for the storage of provisions and stock was kept for some time longer, and a number of women and children remained. A few huts and tents were erected at Fremantle, but the main body of pioneers slowly removed up river to the site of Perth. The men generally preceded the women and carried loads of goods with them. They put up rude tents and brush wood huts, where the females lodged until it was decided where their future homes were to be.
Stirling later had to defend his choice of site for Perth to the Under Secretary for the Colonies in England, who wanted to know why it had not been placed on the point of land where the Canning and Swan Rivers met. Stirling listed several reasons for his choice. They were not necessarily listed in order of importance. The reasons were as follows:
1. The site had building materials.
2. The site was at place where the rocky soil of the coast gives place to rich alluvial.
3. If the bar at the river mouth was removed, [at Fremantle] an excellent harbour would exist from the town to the sea.
4. Because of the river bar, two towns were needed, one at the river mouth and one high enough up the river to have easy communications with the agricultural lands.
5. Although not mentioned by Stirling, the site also possessed freshwater sources without which settlement would have had been impossible.
It is also situated on the same side of the river as the majority of the agricultural land found in Stirling’s 1827 survey. Fremantle’s position puts it on the opposite side of the river to Perth. Transport and communication routes went from the riverside of the isthmus up the river to Perth or crossed the river just east of the isthmus and followed the riverbank to Perth.
The official ceremony, depicted in the image to the right, was held on a small hill overlooking the Swan River, in the immediate vicinity of the present Perth Town Hall. As no stones were readily available, it was decided to mark the occasion by felling a tree. The only woman to accompany the party so far up the river from Fremantle, Mrs Helena Dance, was invited to strike the first blow. The Foundation of Perth depicts Mrs Dance holding the axe and about to make the first cut. Mrs Ellen Stirling was unwell on the day.
These duties performed the pioneers returned down river to the seaboard. Other passengers were transported over from Garden Island, where, however, the depot for the storage of provisions and stock was kept for some time longer, and a number of women and children remained. A few huts and tents were erected at Fremantle, but the main body of pioneers slowly removed up river to the site of Perth. The men generally preceded the women and carried loads of goods with them. They put up rude tents and brush wood huts, where the females lodged until it was decided where their future homes were to be.
Stirling later had to defend his choice of site for Perth to the Under Secretary for the Colonies in England, who wanted to know why it had not been placed on the point of land where the Canning and Swan Rivers met. Stirling listed several reasons for his choice. They were not necessarily listed in order of importance. The reasons were as follows:
1. The site had building materials.
2. The site was at place where the rocky soil of the coast gives place to rich alluvial.
3. If the bar at the river mouth was removed, [at Fremantle] an excellent harbour would exist from the town to the sea.
4. Because of the river bar, two towns were needed, one at the river mouth and one high enough up the river to have easy communications with the agricultural lands.
5. Although not mentioned by Stirling, the site also possessed freshwater sources without which settlement would have had been impossible.
It is also situated on the same side of the river as the majority of the agricultural land found in Stirling’s 1827 survey. Fremantle’s position puts it on the opposite side of the river to Perth. Transport and communication routes went from the riverside of the isthmus up the river to Perth or crossed the river just east of the isthmus and followed the riverbank to Perth.
Thursday, 6 August 1829
The merchant ship St Leonard arrived at Cockburn Sound today, the day after the Calista. It arrived from Cape Town with a general cargo, 26 horses, 11 cows, 6 bullocks, and 70 sheep. No settlers were on board. The ship was captained by J. Rutherford.
With the arrival of two ships in two days, Stirling's decision on a capital had to be speeded up. The ongoing survey of Cockburn Sound (which had started on 9 June) was suspended and John S. Roe and Henry C. Sutherland were sent to the mainland. Roe, Stirling, some officials and settlers, sailed up the Swan on the 11th of August and on that day a choice was made for a seat of government.
With the arrival of two ships in two days, Stirling's decision on a capital had to be speeded up. The ongoing survey of Cockburn Sound (which had started on 9 June) was suspended and John S. Roe and Henry C. Sutherland were sent to the mainland. Roe, Stirling, some officials and settlers, sailed up the Swan on the 11th of August and on that day a choice was made for a seat of government.
Wednesday, 5 August 1829
The merchant ship Calista captained by S. Hawkins, arrived safely through Gage's Road and anchored at Cockburn Sound today. The Calista then landed 73 men, women, and children on the barren shores, together with 14 horses, 200 sheep, and a general cargo. Calista had arrived from London. (Cockburn Sound was named after Sir George Cockburn, a friend of Stirling and a Junior Lord of the Admiralty, who became First Sea Lord in 1827.)
When the Calista arrived on the 5th of August 1829, carrying the first group of private settlers nothing was ready for them - all the government officials and tradesmen from the Parmelia were still living on Garden Island. Lieutenant-Governor James Stirling saw the Calista arrive when he, his wife Ellen, surveyor John S. Roe, his wife Matilda Roe, and assistant surveyor Henry Sutherland were on their way to Woodman Point for a picnic.
To Captain Stirling, the first essential to settlement was the exploration of the districts in the immediate neighbourhood of the Swan River, and whilst temporary buildings were erected on Garden Island, parties under Lieutenant Henry of the Challenger and Commander Currie, harbour-master of the new colony, examined the country between the Darling Range and the sea, and Stirling and his officers, fixed on the sites of Fremantle (the port), and Perth, as the seat of government.
New colonists were arriving; but the Surveyor-General John Septimus Roe (then 32 years old) plus the Assistant Surveyor, H.C. Sutherland (aged 25 years) and their assistants, pressed on fast enough with their work, to enable the first land regulations of the colony to be issued by the end of August, and the first allotments of town and country land to be made shortly afterwards.
When the Calista arrived on the 5th of August 1829, carrying the first group of private settlers nothing was ready for them - all the government officials and tradesmen from the Parmelia were still living on Garden Island. Lieutenant-Governor James Stirling saw the Calista arrive when he, his wife Ellen, surveyor John S. Roe, his wife Matilda Roe, and assistant surveyor Henry Sutherland were on their way to Woodman Point for a picnic.
To Captain Stirling, the first essential to settlement was the exploration of the districts in the immediate neighbourhood of the Swan River, and whilst temporary buildings were erected on Garden Island, parties under Lieutenant Henry of the Challenger and Commander Currie, harbour-master of the new colony, examined the country between the Darling Range and the sea, and Stirling and his officers, fixed on the sites of Fremantle (the port), and Perth, as the seat of government.
New colonists were arriving; but the Surveyor-General John Septimus Roe (then 32 years old) plus the Assistant Surveyor, H.C. Sutherland (aged 25 years) and their assistants, pressed on fast enough with their work, to enable the first land regulations of the colony to be issued by the end of August, and the first allotments of town and country land to be made shortly afterwards.
A Very Brief History - Up till July 1829
The South West potion of Australia had been inhabited by aborigines for thousands of years. The Noongar people are the Traditional Custodians of the Swan River area. The Noongar people were nomadic hunter-gatherers, moving frequently as they followed the seasons and food sources, at the time of European settlement, it is believed the Noongar people spoke 13 dialects. The Swan River holds special significance to the Noogar people as they believe that a Wagyl - a snakelike being from the Dreamtime, meandered over the land creating the rivers. At the time of European settlement, Captain Frederick C. Irwin, the Commandant of the colony's forces, estimated the aboriginal density as one person to twenty miles. Aboriginal groups did not remain fixed at one spot but moved continually in their quest for food and for religious or ceremonial purposes.
Although Sydney, in New South Wales, was settled by Europeans in 1788, the Swan River Colony was not established until 1829.
The founding father of modern Western Australia was Captain James Stirling who, in 1827, left Sydney and anchored H.M.S. Success off Rottnest Island, on the 5th of March. A party then explored the Swan River and the Cockburn Sound area. He was accompanied by Charles Fraser, the New South Wales botanist. Before returning to Sydney, Stirling landed surplus livestock from his ship on the Ile de Buache. (Yet to be named 'Garden Island') He saw the Swan River’s ‘rich soil’ and thought it was a very suitable area for colonialization. Stirling returned to Sydney on the 15th of April 1827. Only 16 days had been spent, by Stirling, in the Swan River area and a further seven between Rottnest Island and Cape Leeuwin.
Although Sydney, in New South Wales, was settled by Europeans in 1788, the Swan River Colony was not established until 1829.
The founding father of modern Western Australia was Captain James Stirling who, in 1827, left Sydney and anchored H.M.S. Success off Rottnest Island, on the 5th of March. A party then explored the Swan River and the Cockburn Sound area. He was accompanied by Charles Fraser, the New South Wales botanist. Before returning to Sydney, Stirling landed surplus livestock from his ship on the Ile de Buache. (Yet to be named 'Garden Island') He saw the Swan River’s ‘rich soil’ and thought it was a very suitable area for colonialization. Stirling returned to Sydney on the 15th of April 1827. Only 16 days had been spent, by Stirling, in the Swan River area and a further seven between Rottnest Island and Cape Leeuwin.
James Stirling arrived back in England in July 1828, promoting in glowing terms the agricultural potential of the area. Stirling reported that there was in the west land as favourable for settlement as any in the east. His lobbying was for the establishment of a "free" (unlike the now well-established penal colonies at New South Wales, Port Arthur and Norfolk Island) settlement in the Swan River area with himself as its governor. A set of regulations were worked out for distributing land to settlers on the basis of land grants.
Soon, plans were drafted by investors and people all over England to charter a vessel to sail for the Swan River with settlers. A number of advertisements appeared in the local press during April and May 1829 which described the situation and climate of the Swan River region as ‘very superior and the soil peculiarly rich’.
Soon, plans were drafted by investors and people all over England to charter a vessel to sail for the Swan River with settlers. A number of advertisements appeared in the local press during April and May 1829 which described the situation and climate of the Swan River region as ‘very superior and the soil peculiarly rich’.
James Stirling, with the first group of colonists, sailed from Spithead, along with his wife, Ellen and 3 year old son Andrew, in a hired ship, the Parmelia in February 1829. The Parmelia was not that old having been constructed in Quebec, Canada during 1825. It's escort was HMS Bomb Sulphur
The first ship to reach the Swan River was H.M.S. Challenger. The HMS Challenger had been launched at Portsmouth in 1826, as a 28-gun sixth rate frigate. It arrived off Rottnest Island on 25th of April 1829. On the 28th of April, Challenger anchored in Cockburn Sound in the lee of what is now Garden Island. Captain Charles Fremantle landed in a ship's boat on what became Arthur’s Head, and on the 2nd of May and took formal possession of the whole of the western coast of New Holland in the name of His Majesty King George IV. The exact spot where he landed was indicated in a dispatch to the Admiralty later dated October 8th, 1829, wherein he said that:
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"The landing took place in a little bay close to the mouth of the river, to the southward of it, being the only landing in that neighbourhood where boats could go with security, the bar at the entrance of the river generally being impassable."
The area is now known as Bathers Bay. It is here that Captain Fremantle selected a mainland camp to prepare for the arrival of Captain James Stirling. The proposed port of Fremantle was situated, in a bay, immediately south of the Swan River mouth where a short land isthmus divided it from the waters of the Swan. The flow of the Swan River was obstructed by a sand bar. The bay was partly protected by a limestone cliff from north and north-westerly winds but was open to southerlies. The land to the north of the river mouth did not offer any bays, being a long sloping curve to Rous Head. To the south of the port lay the waters of Cockburn Sound sheltered by Carnac and Garden islands but with difficult and uncharted approaches.
The 443-ton ship Parmelia arrived from England a few weeks later on 31 May 1830, carrying Captain Stirling and his party. Captain Stirling's wife, Ellen had given birth to their second son, Frederick Henry Stirling, at sea, on the 16th of April 1829 (about 6 weeks before landing).
HMS Sulphur arrived nine days later, on the 8th of June, commanded by Captain William T. Dance, carrying members of the 63rd (West Suffolk) Regiment of Foot and their families. The detachment of the 63rd comprised three subalterns, one staff officer, two sergeants, three corporals, one bugler (whose wife a couple of days later gave birth to the first European child born in the colony), and 46 men, under Captain Frederick Chidley Irwin. It was Captain Stirling who then named the port settlement 'Fremantle' after Captain Charles Fremantle, the captain of the H.M.S. Challenger.
HMS Sulphur arrived nine days later, on the 8th of June, commanded by Captain William T. Dance, carrying members of the 63rd (West Suffolk) Regiment of Foot and their families. The detachment of the 63rd comprised three subalterns, one staff officer, two sergeants, three corporals, one bugler (whose wife a couple of days later gave birth to the first European child born in the colony), and 46 men, under Captain Frederick Chidley Irwin. It was Captain Stirling who then named the port settlement 'Fremantle' after Captain Charles Fremantle, the captain of the H.M.S. Challenger.
A series of accidents followed the arrivals which probably nearly caused the abandonment of the expedition. H.M.S. Challenger and H.M.S. Sulphur both struck rocks while entering Cockburn Sound and were fortunate to escape with only minor damage. Parmelia however, under Stirling's "over confident pilotage", also ran aground, lost her rudder and damaged her keel, which necessitated extensive repairs. For 18 hours the Parmelia floundered and was in danger of being wrecked.
To lighten the vessel, 28 men, women and children were taken to Carnac Island. Left in the care of John Morgan, the Colonial Storekeeper (who arrived with his wife and daughter). They remained there for five days in wintery conditions.
On June 3rd, in the early hours of the morning, Mrs Ellen Stirling and the official's wives were transferred from the Parmelia to the Challenger in Cockburn Sound. The stores were put on shore there. It was wintry weather, and while waiting to be taken on the mainland the passengers erected tents and brushwood houses in a sheltered spot. Bad weather and the required repairs meant that Captain Stirling did not manage to reach the mainland until the 18th of June, (Source: Wikipedia)
To lighten the vessel, 28 men, women and children were taken to Carnac Island. Left in the care of John Morgan, the Colonial Storekeeper (who arrived with his wife and daughter). They remained there for five days in wintery conditions.
On June 3rd, in the early hours of the morning, Mrs Ellen Stirling and the official's wives were transferred from the Parmelia to the Challenger in Cockburn Sound. The stores were put on shore there. It was wintry weather, and while waiting to be taken on the mainland the passengers erected tents and brushwood houses in a sheltered spot. Bad weather and the required repairs meant that Captain Stirling did not manage to reach the mainland until the 18th of June, (Source: Wikipedia)
On the 10th of June 1829, Jane Mitchell, (born 1878, nee Stanton) the wife of John Mitchell, (born 1796) serving on HMS Sulphur, gave birth to a son, Joseph Mitchell. Joseph is believed to have been born on the Sulphur.
With winter now set in, the settlers were obliged to land on Garden Island, a slender island about 6 miles (10 km) long and 0.9 mile (1.5 km) wide, lying about 3 miles (5 km) off the coast. Stirling’s camp on the island was soon named 'Sulphur Town' after the ship which arrived in Cockburn Sound on June 8th carrying the detachment of the 63rd Regiment. The camp was the first free settlement in Australia. The island was previously known as 'Bauche Island'. Stirling re-named it 'Garden Island' on the 9th of June. On Garden Island, a well was dug, ground cleared and prepared for gardens. In addition, huts, stores, stockyards and roads were constructed. The colony’s first Government House was, “perched atop Cliff Point, overlooking the beach below with the flagstaff on Signal Hill to the seaward side.” Stirling had claimed Garden Island as part of his land grant in the Colony.
Garden Island was also scene of the Swan River Colony’s first recorded death when, around June the 10th, William Parsons from the Challenger was struck in the temple by a falling tree he was clearing.
Bad weather and the required repairs meant that Stirling did not manage to reach the mainland, at Arthurs Head, until June the 18th. On this day, Lieutenant-Governor Stirling landed on Rous Head, and it was from there that his first proclamation annexing the colony to the British Empire was made. A detachment of the 63rd Regiment from H.M.S. Sulphur had landed the previous day to be in readiness for the ceremony. The remaining settlers on Parmelia finally arrived on the mainland in early August.
Garden Island was also scene of the Swan River Colony’s first recorded death when, around June the 10th, William Parsons from the Challenger was struck in the temple by a falling tree he was clearing.
Bad weather and the required repairs meant that Stirling did not manage to reach the mainland, at Arthurs Head, until June the 18th. On this day, Lieutenant-Governor Stirling landed on Rous Head, and it was from there that his first proclamation annexing the colony to the British Empire was made. A detachment of the 63rd Regiment from H.M.S. Sulphur had landed the previous day to be in readiness for the ceremony. The remaining settlers on Parmelia finally arrived on the mainland in early August.
The season was too late for the planting of crops; all that lay before them was the building of places of refuge, living on the food they had brought with them, and clearing sections of the bush for the coming autumn.
The first arrivals suffered many hardships amid heart-breaking surroundings. It was chronicled that: "When Fremantle was first occupied, the land was separated from Arthur's Head by a chain of pools, and the all-pervading sandiness of the long stretch of low-lying coast reduced the ardour of the bravest of the pioneer band. They arrived in the depth of winter; few or no tents had been provided for their accommodation, and no sort of cover had been prepared on shore. The weather, even for winter, being unusually severe, the unfortunate women and children were exposed to the most harassing privations and had frequently to sleep under umbrellas as the only covering from the deluges of driving rain that swept up from the Indian Ocean. Champagne cases, pianos and even carriages were later used in improvising temporary dwellings. Only with the greatest difficulty could those unfortunate people, unused as they were to rough colonial life, light fires for cooking purposes.”
It had now been over a month since the Parmelia had arrived, but still no decision had been made as to the location of a capital. One of the reasons in delaying a decision of a town site was Stirling's belief that he had ample time before more settlers would arrive.
While at Garden Island, Stirling founded Fremantle and, on July 27th, he issued his notice that the first stone of the colony would be laid at “a New Town to be called Perth”.
The first arrivals suffered many hardships amid heart-breaking surroundings. It was chronicled that: "When Fremantle was first occupied, the land was separated from Arthur's Head by a chain of pools, and the all-pervading sandiness of the long stretch of low-lying coast reduced the ardour of the bravest of the pioneer band. They arrived in the depth of winter; few or no tents had been provided for their accommodation, and no sort of cover had been prepared on shore. The weather, even for winter, being unusually severe, the unfortunate women and children were exposed to the most harassing privations and had frequently to sleep under umbrellas as the only covering from the deluges of driving rain that swept up from the Indian Ocean. Champagne cases, pianos and even carriages were later used in improvising temporary dwellings. Only with the greatest difficulty could those unfortunate people, unused as they were to rough colonial life, light fires for cooking purposes.”
It had now been over a month since the Parmelia had arrived, but still no decision had been made as to the location of a capital. One of the reasons in delaying a decision of a town site was Stirling's belief that he had ample time before more settlers would arrive.
While at Garden Island, Stirling founded Fremantle and, on July 27th, he issued his notice that the first stone of the colony would be laid at “a New Town to be called Perth”.
The Story of the Colony Continues above.. (work your way up)
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