Papers of Sir William Thomas Denison (as filmed by the AJCP) [microform] : [M606-M607, M671] 1846-1864
- Bib ID:
- 7896689
- Format:
- Manuscript and Microform
- Online Version:
- National Library of Australia digitised item
- Related Online Resources:
- Finding aid at National Library of Australia
- Access Conditions:
- Available for reference.
- Description:
-
- Canberra : Australian Joint Copying Project, 2019
- 3 microfilm reels ; 35 mm.
- Series:
- Miscellaneous Series (Australian Joint Copying Project)
- Summary:
-
The Australian Joint Copying Project filmed correspondence of Sir William and Lady Caroline Denison. The collection includes: letters on official subjects although they are marked private; correspondence (1856-1857) relating to Norfolk Island and Moreton Bay settlements; A.C. Gregory's expedition to North Australia, legal tender in the colony and the political situation; a letter (1856) from Reverend George Hobbs and G.M. Frederick Young and a letter (1857) from an unknown correspondent describing Norfolk Island; correspondence from Lord Grey, Sir Charles Wood and Lord Canning and; correspondence of Lady Caroline Denison (1855-1859) mainly discusses domestic events. The Journal September-October 1857 centres on a trip to Norfolk Island containing Denison's impressions of the island and its inhabitants, as well as recording day-to-day events.
- Biography/History:
-
William Thomas Denison (1804-1871) was born in London and attended Eton and the Royal Military College, graduating (1826) as a lieutenant in the Royal Engineers. He served in Canada and later worked on harbour defences in southern England. He married Caroline Hornby (1838) and had six sons and four daughters. He was promoted to the rank of captain in 1841. Denison was appointed Lieutenant-Governor of Van Diemen's Land following the dismissal of Sir John Eardley-Wilmot (1846) and was knighted in the same year and awarded a KCB (1856). He arrived in the colony in January 1847 and held the office for eight years. A strong supporter of the continuance of convict transportation, he clashed with the nominated Legislative Council and two of the judges. The publication of some of his despatches, criticising the colonists generally added to his unpopularity. His powers were reduced following the creation of an elected Legislative Council (1850). His later years in Tasmania were more harmonious following the cessation of transportation, In January 1855 Denison was appointed Governor of New South Wales and was given the additional title of 'Governor-General of Australia'. Prompted by the Crimean War, he immediately reorganised the defences of Sydney Harbour. He presided over the introduction of responsible government in the colony in 1856 and had to deal with considerable political instability, with three ministries formed in the first year. He dealt with the separation of Moreton Bay to form the new colony of Queensland in 1859 and appointed its first Legislative Council. He ended the penal colony on Norfolk Island and arranged the transfer of the Pitcairn Islanders to Norfolk Island in. He visited Norfolk Island on two occasions. Denison left Sydney in January 1861 following his appointment as Governor of Madras. He acted as Governor-General of India for two months in 1863. He returned to England in 1866. More information at: https://nla.gov.au/nla.party-635276
- Notes:
-
- National Library of Australia holds microfilm master.
- Filmed as part of the Australian Joint Copying Project by the National Library of Australia and the Library of New South Wales.
- Australian Joint Copying Project miscellaneous series M606-M607, M671
- Also available online http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-740060791
- Microfilm copy of originals held in private owndership and at the National Library of Australia
- Subject:
-
- Denison, William, Sir, 1804-1871 -- Archives
- Denison, Caroline, Lady -- Correspondence
- Governors -- Tasmania -- Archives
- Governors -- New South Wales -- Archives
- New South Wales -- Politics and government -- 1851-1891
- Norfolk Island -- Description and travel
- Moreton Bay (Qld.) -- Description and travel
- Australia, Northern -- Discovery and exploration
- Time Coverage:
- 1846-1864
- Other authors/contributors:
- Related Records:
-
This is part of the Miscellaneous Series (Australian Joint Copying Project).
There are 521 related collections.
This collection contains 2 records. - Copyright:
-
Copyright Undetermined
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- Reason for copyright status:
- A Manuscript Collection may have a range of formats and dates.
Copyright status was determined using the following information:
- Material type:
- Literary Dramatic Musical
Copyright status may not be correct if data in the record is incomplete or inaccurate. Other access conditions may also apply. For more information please see: Copyright in library collections.
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