James Backhouse

James Backhouse (1794-1869) visited Australia with George Washington Walker in 1832 and travelled first for several years in Van Diemen’s Land followed by extensive visits to the mainland of Australia and Norfolk Island. Their chief concern was to learn about conditions among the convicts and Aborigines and they were encouraged by Governor Arthur to give reports containing constructive criticism and suggestions. In 1833 he and George Washington Walker convened the first monthly meeting in the Australian colonies in Hobart Town (display first minutes)

His book A Narrative of a Visit to the Australian Colonies is a valuable piece of Australiana (display). He returned to England in 1841 but kept in touch with the colonies corresponding with the Royal Society of Tasmania. A gifted diarist and artist and a noted botanist he gave Kew two manuscript volumes of botanical recollections in Australia.

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James Backhouse

 

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