Arthur Phillip

Arthur Phillip
Portrait of Arthur Phillip
Born	11 October 1738 London, England
Died	31 August 1814 Bath, England
Nationality	British
Occupation(s)	Naval officer, colonial administrator

Arthur Phillip (11 October 1738 – 31 August 1814) was a Royal Navy officer and the first Governor of New South Wales, the first European colony in Australia. He led the First Fleet of 11 ships and about 1,500 people, including convicts, to establish a penal colony in New South Wales in 1788.

Early Life

Arthur Phillip was born in London, England, to Jacob Phillip, a language teacher of German descent, and Elizabeth Breach. He was educated at the Greenwich Hospital School, which prepared boys for naval service. Phillip joined the Royal Navy at the age of 15 and served in various capacities, gaining experience in naval warfare and command.

Naval Career

Phillip's naval career was marked by his service during the Seven Years' War and later in the Portuguese Navy during the Spanish-Portuguese War. His skills in navigation and leadership were recognized, leading to his appointment as the commander of the First Fleet.

Governor of New South Wales

In 1786, Phillip was appointed as the Governor of New South Wales. His mission was to establish a penal colony in Australia, which was intended to alleviate overcrowding in British prisons. The First Fleet set sail from England in May 1787 and arrived at Botany Bay in January 1788. Finding Botany Bay unsuitable, Phillip moved the settlement to Port Jackson, where he founded Sydney on 26 January 1788.

Phillip's governance was characterized by his efforts to maintain order and discipline among the convicts and settlers, as well as his attempts to establish peaceful relations with the Indigenous Australians. He faced numerous challenges, including food shortages, disease, and conflicts with the indigenous population.

Later Life and Legacy

Phillip returned to England in 1792 due to ill health. He continued to serve in the Royal Navy until his retirement in 1805. Phillip died in Bath, England, in 1814.

Arthur Phillip is remembered as a key figure in the founding of modern Australia. His leadership and vision laid the foundations for the development of the colony, and his efforts to engage with the indigenous peoples are noted as an early attempt at reconciliation.

Also see

• First Fleet
• History of Australia
• Governors of New South Wales
• Indigenous Australians