when was port macquarie established as a settlement

When did Port Macquarie become a convict settlement?

Port Macquarie continued as a convict settlement after it was opened to free settlement, when it was maintained as a centre for invalids, specials, and lunatics through the 1830's and 1840's (14).

How was Port Macquarie abolished?

In 1828 the Commissioners of Inquiry at Port Macquarie also recommended that it cease to be a penal settlement as soon as possible. In November 1828 Governor Darling was given the authority to abolish the penal settlement at Port Macquarie and open it up to free settlement (12).

What was the purpose of the Port Macquarie colony?

The Governor's instructions to Allman informed him that the principle object in establishing a settlement at Port Macquarie was to secure a secondary place of punishment for the worst description of convicts, especially those convicted of crimes after their arrival in the colony (3).

What is the history of the Port Macquarie mayor?

The office of Mayor in our system of local government continues a tradition of service to our communities that has a long and rich history. Port Macquarie's short history as a penal settlement lasted from 1821 to 1832. A small number of 'specials' were retained in the colony until 1847.

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When was Port Macquarie established as a settlement date?

Independent of the Hastings River, the area is generally well watered, there is a fine spring at the very entrance to the Port." In 1821, Port Macquarie was founded as a penal settlement, replacing Newcastle as the destination for convicts who had committed secondary crimes in New South Wales.

Why was Port Macquarie established as a settlement?

The Port Macquarie penal settlement was intended as a place of secondary punishment for those convicts who had committed further crimes in the colony. It was considered far enough away from other settlements in the colony so that convicts would be discouraged from trying to escape.

How old is Port Macquarie?

The penal settlement endured into the early 1840's after the area was opened up to free settlers in 1830. After being hard hit by the depression in 1840 and the final relocation of the remaining convict labour in 1847, the settlement began declining.

When was Port Macquarie named?

1818Port Macquarie was named by John Oxley after the governor of NSW, Lachlan Macquarie in 1818.

What is the Aboriginal name for Port Macquarie?

Guruk"Port Macquarie where I'm located has a traditional name, Guruk.

What is Port Macquarie known for?

Located on the Mid North Coast of NSW, boasting 17 gorgeous beaches, a lush hinterland, a diverse variety of attractions including the Koala Hospital, Billabong Zoo, river cruises, and a choice of accommodation from 4.5 star luxury hotels to camping by the beach.

Why is Port Macquarie called a port?

Origin of Name He named the river after the then Governor of India, Lord Francis Edward Rawdon Hastings, the 1st Marquis of Hastings and, when he reached the mouth of the river, he named the site Port Macquarie after Lachlan Macquarie, the Governor of New South Wales who had initiated the expedition.

What is an interesting fact about Port Macquarie?

One little known fact about Port Macquarie is that the organ in St. Thomas Church is the only one of its kind in the southern hemisphere. Built by convicts between 1824 and 1828, St. Thomas' Church houses a massive, ornate pipe organ built by legendary organ company Walker.

Is Port Macquarie better than Coffs Harbour?

If it is to relax and just enjoy the beach, then port Macquarie is prettier and more relaxed. Coffs has better shopping and not as much of a holiday feel. But if you are looking for day trips then there are some fabulous places to visit just near Coffs like bellingen, sawtell and into the mountains behind town.

Where does Port Macquarie get its water from?

The main water storage reservoirs for our region are Port Macquarie Dam and Cowarra Dam. Wauchope, Comboyne, Long Flat and Telegraph Point have their own water supplies which are pumped directly from the Thone River, the Hastings River and the Wilson River.

What is the coldest month in Port Macquarie?

JulyThe coldest month of the year in Port Macquarie is July, with an average low of 49°F and high of 64°F.

Is Port Macquarie good to live?

The general feel of Port Macquarie is relaxed, laidback and safe, with a palpable community spirit. It's long been a favourite of retirees and now attracts families to its welcoming shores.

What were the reasons for settlement in Port Phillip?

King decided to establish a convict settlement at Port Phillip, mainly to stake a claim to southern Australia ahead of the French. The original settlement was established in 1803 at Sullivan Bay, very close to today's coastal township of Sorrento. It survived for just seven months, and was abandoned in 1804.

What were the reasons for settlement in Van Diemen's Land?

A British settlement was established in Van Diemen's Land in 1803 before it became a separate colony in 1825. Its penal colonies became notorious destinations for the transportation of convicts due to the harsh environment, isolation and reputation for being inescapable.

What were the reasons for settlement in Swan River colony?

Stirling arrived back in England in July 1828, promoting in glowing terms the agricultural potential of the area. His lobbying was for the establishment of a "free" settlement – unlike penal colonies at New South Wales, Port Arthur and Norfolk Island – in the Swan River area with himself as its governor.

What were the reasons for settlement in Moreton Bay?

The Moreton Bay penal colony, on traditional Turrbal and Yuggera land, operated from 1824 to 1842 as a place of secondary punishment for convicts who committed serious offences. In 1842 it was declared open for free settlement. It became the city of Brisbane.

Who was Port Macquarie named after?

He named the location after the Governor of New South Wales, Lachlan Macquarie .

How many people were in Port Macquarie in 1847?

In 1847, the population was 819, of whom 599 were males and 220 were female. The gender disparity was probably due to the penal station there at the time. The estimated urban population of Port Macquarie was 47,973 as at June 2018, having grown 1.8% on prior year and from 41,496 over the prior decade.

Where is the coastal walk in Port Macquarie?

Port Macquarie's central business district contains two shopping centres, many specialty stores, a marina, and the starting point for the 9 km coastal walk, a scenic walking trail that travels from Westport Park, through the Port Macquarie CBD to Tacking Point Lighthouse.

What is the temperature of Port Macquarie?

74 °F. 12.7 °C. 55 °F. 1,436.2 mm. 56.5 in. Port Macquarie is a coastal town in the local government area of Port Macquarie-Hastings. It is located on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, Australia, about 390 km (242 mi) north of Sydney, and 570 km (354 mi) south of Brisbane.

Why was Port Macquarie important to the aborigines?

Port Macquarie, however, with its thick bush, tough terrain and local aborigines that were keen to return escaping prisoners in return for tobacco and blankets, provided large amounts of both isolation and hard labour to keep the criminals in control.

How many seats are there in Port Central?

The main shopping centre Port Central, sits next to the Glasshouse, a hub of culture and entertainment, boasting a 594-seat theatre, performance and art studio, gallery, Visitor Information Centre, shop and theatre bar.

Where is sovereign hills in Port Macquarie?

Sovereign Hills. Sovereign Hills is a newer development in Port Macquarie, between the locality of Thrumster to the east, and the Pacific Highway to the west. Its development is currently managed by the Lewis Land Group. Most recent press releases have suggested that the area will have around 2500 homes when complete.

Who named Port Macquarie?

Port Macquarie was named by John Oxley after the governor of NSW, Lachlan Macquarie in 1818. The Hastings river was named after the governor general of India at around the same time. Although the area had been first noticed by Captain Cook on his voyage along the coast in 1770 and again later by Matthew Flinders in 1802, ...

When did Port Macquarie recover?

The town began to recover in the early 1860's upon the arrival of pastoralists and by the 1880's the town had a Catholic Church, a bank, a newspaper and local government was formed in 1887. The North Coast Railway passed by Port Macquarie in 1910 changing the way goods were transported marking the end of the town's harbour traffic.

Who established the penal settlement in 1821?

The penal settlement would be established in 1821 under Captain Francis Allman who landed at the "town green" at the top of what is now Clarence Street. Captain Allman immediately began directing the 60 convicts sent to establish the settlement, to clear the area of trees and begin farming in order to become self-sufficient. Timber supplies further south near Newcastle where dwindling providing further impetus to the clearing.

Why did Captain Allman direct the convicts to establish the settlement?

Captain Allman immediately began directing the 60 convicts sent to establish the settlement, to clear the area of trees and begin farming in order to become self-sufficient. Timber supplies further south near Newcastle where dwindling providing further impetus to the clearing.

What was the penal settlement of Port Macquarie?

The penal settlement of Port Macquarie was designed on picturesque principles, the only penal settlement to be so designed. Government House is one of the two main elements of the picturesque composition of the penal settlement, the other being the existing church of St Thomas.

Why is Port Macquarie important?

As one of the few remaining sites with strong associations with the convict system, Port Macquarie is important in the history of the early European settlement of Australia. Port Macquarie, established in 1821, was the first designated place of secondary punishment in the Colony of New South Wales.

What was the first government house in Port Macquarie?

The first Government House in Port Macquarie was an 1821 one-storey weatherboard building built for the commandant, Francis Allman, and his family. In c. 1825-26, Government House was shifted to an existing brick building (built c. 1824) next to the military barracks, which was heavily extended and adapted for its new role. It was used by the Commandant of Port Macquarie until the 1832 when the post ceased to exist following the abolition of the penal settlement. It then housed the Police Magistrate until the office was discontinued on 31 December 1847, at which time it passed to the Clerk of Petty Sessions. It was again occupied by the Police Magistrate when that position was recreated, and again passed to the Clerk of Petty Sessions when it was abolished for a second time in 1869. The building was already reported to be in need of repairs by the mid-1830s, and by the 1850s was in a state of disrepair. Some restoration was carried out in 1861, but it continued to be described as in poor repair thereafter. The last occupant, Clerk of Petty Sessions Robert Perrott, vacated the property in November 1879. It was described as empty and falling apart in 1884, and was demolished in 1886.

Where was secondary punishment established?

Port Macquarie was the only designated place of secondary punishment to be established during the period of the Assignment System in the present State of New South Wales and the first such place to be established in Australia at this period.

When was the government house demolished?

It was described as empty and falling apart in 1884, and was demolished in 1886. The remains of the brick Government House were rediscovered in 2001 during excavations for an apartment building, at which time they were to be destroyed for the construction of a motel car park.

Who designed the places of secondary punishment?

The location of the settlement and the disposition of its original buildings were designed by Governor and Mrs Macquarie.

Is Port Macquarie older than Port Arthur?

The archaeological remains of Government House, Port Macquarie are older than the surviving building fabric at Port Arthur and the Second Settlement at Norfolk Island, also places of secondary punishment.

When was Port Macquarie Hastings founded?

Convicts, Pioneers and Settlers. The Port Macquarie-Hastings region has a European history dating back to 1818.

How long did Port Macquarie last?

Port Macquarie's short history as a penal settlement lasted from 1821 to 1832. A small number of 'specials' were retained in the colony until 1847.

When did Macquarie remove the penal settlement?

In 1820, after the discovery of land routes from the Hawkesbury increased the likelihood of convicts escaping and free settlers arriving, Macquarie proposed to remove the penal settlement and open the district to private settlement. ( HRA vol. 10, p.43). It was not until 1823, after Governor Brisbane had arrived, that the convicts were sent to Port Macquarie and Newcastle was proclaimed a free settlement. ( Australian Encyclopaedia, 4 th ed., vol. 3, p.122). Convicts continued to be employed in the mines for some time.

How many convicts were there in Port Macquarie in 1821?

By October 1821 there were 92 convicts at Port Macquarie. ( HRA vol. 10, p.575). Most were employed on government projects or by officials under supposed orders. Convicts were grouped according to the level of their skill and the severity of their punishment. Those assigned to hard labour were placed in chain gangs, or employed in agriculture and public works. By 1825 the number of convicts had increased to 1500. However, Governor Brisbane had decided that Port Macquarie was no longer suitable for penal purposes now that pastoralists were moving into the region.

What did Governor Macquarie write to London?

In 1820 Governor Macquarie had written to London explaining that if many more convicts were transported he would find it difficult to employ them. He explained that the government gangs 'cannot with due regard to their care and superintendence be much more increased'. Under these circumstances a new penal settlement was necessary. He favoured Port Macquarie, which had been reported on favourably by the Surveyor General, and was sufficiently isolated to make it ideal as a place of punishment for convicts of the worst character. ( HRA vol. 10, p.366).

Why did Governor Gipps establish Cockatoo Island?

In 1839 owing to orders to discontinue transportation from New South Wales to Norfolk Island, and Lieutenant Governor Franklin's refusal to receive the transportees in Van Diemen's Land, Governor Gipps formed an establishment on Cockatoo Island for the reception of prisoners removed from Norfolk Island. ( HRA vol. 20, p.217). The deep waters surrounding the island made it secure and it was sufficiently close to Sydney for the authorities to maintain a watchful eye. Convicts recently sentenced in the colony were separated from those who had returned from Norfolk Island, by placing them in separate wards at night. (Kerr, Design for convicts, pp.75-6).

What is a penal settlement?

Penal settlements were places of incarceration and punishment for convicts who committed serious offences after reaching New South Wales.

What were penal settlements used for in the 1820s?

During the 1820s penal settlements were used as a means of making transportation more of a deterrent. They came under the control of 'military detachments which had no interest in penal discipline and firmly wished themselves elsewhere'. (Hirst, Convict Society, p.92). Governor Darling introduced detailed regulations for their management and tightened up conditions considerably. (Fletcher, Ralph Darling, pp.103-7). This was particularly the case on Norfolk Island, which, under his administration and even more so under Governor Bourke, acquired a reputation for extreme harshness and severity. Women were forbidden to go there and stories of brutality abounded.

What were the short lived settlements of Melville Island?

The short-lived settlements of Melville Island (Fort Dundas), 1824-1829; Western Port, 1826-1828, and King George's Sound Settlement, 1826-31 were each established for strategic reasons but were reliant on convict labour while in operation. For Moreton Bay, Norfolk Island and Van Diemen's Land see the Guide to Convicts and Convict Administration »

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