Arthur Phillip

Admiral Arthur Phillip (11 October 1738 – 31 August 1814) was a British naval officer, governor of the first European settlement in Australia and founder of the city of Sydney.

Later life

Phillip's wife, Margaret, had died in 1792. In 1794 he married Isabella Whitehead, and lived for a time at Bath. His health gradually recovered and in 1796 he went back to sea, holding a series of commands and responsible posts in the wars against the French. In January 1799 he became a Rear-Admiral. In 1805, aged 67, he retired from the Navy with the rank of Admiral, and spent most of the rest of his life at Bath. He continued to correspond with friends in New South Wales and to promote the colony's interests with government officials. He died at Bath in 1814.

Related Topics:
1792 - 1794 - Isabella Whitehead - Bath - 1796 - 1799 - 1805 - 1814

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Phillip was buried in St Nicholas's Church, Bathampton. Forgotten for many years, the grave was discovered in 1897 and the Premier of New South Wales, Sir Henry Parkes, had it restored. A monument to Phillip in Bath Abbey Church was unveiled in 1937. Another is at St Mildred's Church, Bread St, London, and there is a statue of him in the Botanic Gardens, Sydney. There is an excellent portrait in the National Portrait Gallery, London. His name is commemorated in Australia by Port Phillip, Phillip Island and many streets, parks, schools and other things.

Related Topics:
Bathampton - 1897 - Sir Henry Parkes - Bath Abbey - 1937 - Botanic Gardens, Sydney - National Portrait Gallery, London - Port Phillip - Phillip Island

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Alan Serle wrote of Phillip in the Australian Dictionary of Biography: "Steadfast in mind, modest, without self seeking, Phillip had imagination enough to conceive what the settlement might become, and the common sense to realize what at the moment was possible and expedient. When almost everyone was complaining he never himself complained, when all feared disaster he could still hopefully go on with his work. He was sent out to found a convict settlement, he laid the foundations of a great dominion."

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