William Bligh

William Bligh (9 September 1754 - 7 December 1817) was an officer of the British Royal Navy and colonial administrator. He is best known for the famous mutiny that occurred against his command aboard HMAV (His Majesty's Armed Vessel) Bounty. After the Bounty mutiny he became Governor of New South Wales, where his stern administration engendered another insurrection, the Rum Rebellion led by John Macarthur.

Early life

Bligh was born in Plymouth, a seaport in south-west England, and went to sea at the age of eight. In 1776, he was selected by Captain James Cook for the position of Sailing Master on the Resolution and, in 1787, selected as commander of the HMAV Bounty. He would eventually rise to the rank of Vice Admiral in the British Navy.

Related Topics:
Plymouth - England - 1776 - James Cook - ''Resolution'' - 1787 - Vice Admiral

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He married Elizabeth Betham, the daughter of a Customs Collector on 14 February 1781. Soon after this he fought in the battles of Dogger Bank in August 1781 and also fought with Lord Howe at Gibraltar in 1782.

Related Topics:
14 February - 1781

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