On 18 January 1788, the First Fleet led by Captain Arthur Phillip, founded the penal colony of New South Wales on the East Coast of Terra Australis. The western part of the continent remained as New Holland. The colony was formally proclaimed by Governor Phillip on 7 February 1788 at Sydney Cove.
Governor Phillip was vested with complete authority over the inhabitants of the colony. Enlightened for his Age, Phillip’s personal intent was to establish harmonious relations with local Aboriginal people and try to reform as well as discipline the convicts of the colony.
Phillip and several of his officers—most notably Watkin Tench—left behind journals and accounts of which tell of immense hardships during the first years of settlement. Often Phillip’s officers despaired for the future of New South Wales. Early efforts at agriculture were fraught and supplies from overseas were scarce.
Between 1788 and 1792 about 3,546 male and 766 female convicts were landed at Sydney—many “professional criminals” with few of the skills required for the establishment of a colony. Many new arrivals were also sick or unfit for work and the conditions of healthy convicts only deteriorated with hard labour and poor sustenance in the settlement.
The food situation reached crisis point in 1790 and the Second Fleet which finally arrived in June 1790 had lost a quarter of its ‘passengers’ through sickness, while the condition of the convicts of the Third Fleet appalled Phillip. From 1791, however, the more regular arrival of ships and the beginnings of trade lessened the feeling of isolation and improved supplies.
Events
- 1788 – Government House (Rose Hill)
- 1971 – Second Government Farm
- 1792 – Parramatta Road
- 1973 – Elizabeth Farm
- 1801 – Third Government Farm
- 1804 – Castle Hill Rebellion
People
- Arthur Phillip
