The Little Revolution in New South Wales, 1808

Abstract

British colony of New South Wales consisted in 1808 of a number of small settlements of which the most important were on the eastern seaboard, around Port Jackson. The principal town was Sydney, then twenty years old, a promising port on a fine harbour. On the edge of Sydney Cove successful overseas traders had already built large warehouses and valuable homes for themselves. However, the townscape was still dominated by Government House, directly overlooking the cove, and, to the westward and a little further back, the barracks of the local garrison, the New South Wales Corps. Late in the afternoon of 26 January 1 808, the Corps gathered on their parade ground and, marching or at least moving to the tune of The British Grenadiers', they crossed the bridge at the head of the cove and drew up outside Government House. A small party of officers and NCOs entered the house. The governor, Captain William Bligh RN, concealed himself (and very skilfully) , but after two hours he was brought into the drawing room and there informed that he was under arrest. For nearly two years thereafter the people of New South Wales had no governor, but were ruled instead by a succession of senior officers of the Corps. This was the Rum Rebellion.