More “G” Stories from Old Brisbane. Governors and their legacies. Sir George Bowen Sir George Ferguson Bowen (1821-1899) was the first Governor of Colonial Queensland. He took the usual route to success for a gentleman of his time – Charterhouse, Trinity College (Oxford), Lincoln’s Inn, the navy and the Colonial Service. One of his firstContinue reading “From Governors to George Street.”
Category Archives: Governors of Queensland
The A-Z of Old Brisbane – some “C” stories.
Churches. During the convict period, prisoners were mustered on Sundays and had Divine Service read to them whether they liked it or not. Moreton Bay briefly enjoyed the services of a Reverend Vincent, but he only stayed several months, returning to Sydney after suffering a bad case of Commandant Logan. Once free settlement began, housesContinue reading “The A-Z of Old Brisbane – some “C” stories.”
An Eventful Year for Roma – 1873
Roma was a young and thriving western town in 1873. It was surrounded by vast pastoral holdings – these were of great economic benefit to the region, but provided something of a mixed blessing when it came to power dynamics, politics and the law. January – Escapees, Floods, Oddfellows and the Gaol. A notorious escapeeContinue reading “An Eventful Year for Roma – 1873”
Vice-Regal Families
Being Governor of the Colony of Queensland was not an easy task. The Colony separated from New South Wales in 1859, with the arrival of Sir George and Lady Bowen, transitioning to a State in 1901 with Lord and Lady Lamington. In between those dates, the men and women of the first families were testedContinue reading “Vice-Regal Families”
People in the 1860s and 1870s – Group Portraits
How photographers presented the people of Queensland Photography was a relatively new art in the 1860s and 1870s in Queensland. There were enthusiastic amateur snappers, like G.H. Verney, and professionals who journeyed through the Colony, capturing the people they met. Sometimes group photos have individual details that fascinate the modern eye. Here’s a selection ofContinue reading “People in the 1860s and 1870s – Group Portraits”
February 1, 1869: Governor Blackall opens the Brisbane Grammar School
The school of schools – if your parents can afford it, and your marks are decent – is the Brisbane Grammar School. Students in smart navy blue blazers piped in pale blue move with seemingly effortless grace through their beautifully appointed campus. Past pupils have had stellar careers in business, the arts and public life. It allContinue reading “February 1, 1869: Governor Blackall opens the Brisbane Grammar School”
The Wild Scotchman – Life on the Run – 1865-1866
In June 1865, James Alpin McPherson escaped the custody of a not particularly observant constable whilst being transported from Bowen to Rockhampton, where he was supposed to take his trial over a violent armed robbery the previous March. The bushranger pinned his shackles to a tree with the file he had used to remove them,Continue reading “The Wild Scotchman – Life on the Run – 1865-1866”
The Marquis of Normanby visits Ipswich – September 7, 1871
“A Cloud of dust indicated the arrival of the Vice-Regal party.” Charles Augustus Constantine Phipps, Marquis of Normanby, was appointed Governor of Queensland to replace the lamented Governor Blackall. Despite his grand origins and grander name, he was an able and humble administrator, who brought calm and prosperity to Queensland. HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR paidContinue reading “The Marquis of Normanby visits Ipswich – September 7, 1871”
An accident, Mr Black and the Colonial Secretary’s beaver.
My previous post was devoted to the many places and things besotted Queenslanders decided to name after our first Governor, Sir George Ferguson Bowen, and his wife, Diamantina, Lady Bowen. The glamour of this aristocratic couple performing vice-regal duties gave Brisbane a much-needed touch of polish. What Queensland gave in return, was frequently quite bizarre.Continue reading “An accident, Mr Black and the Colonial Secretary’s beaver.”
I know – let’s call it…
In 1859, Queensland separated from New South Wales and became a colony in its own right. The first Governor of the State of Queensland was Sir George Ferguson Bowen (Charterhouse, Trinity College, the Colonial Service). His wife, Lady Bowen, was born with an exotic name and pedigree so glamorous that it’s best to quote directlyContinue reading “I know – let’s call it…”
Moreton Bay and More 