Charles Lilley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Charles Lilley
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| 4th Premier of Queensland | |
| In office 25 November 1868 – 2 May 1870 |
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| Preceded by | Robert Mackenzie |
| Succeeded by | Arthur Hunter Palmer |
| Constituency | Hamlet of Fortitude Valley |
| Member of the Queensland Legislative Assembly for Hamlet of Fortitude Valley |
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| In office 1 May 1860 – 25 November 1873 |
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| Preceded by | New seat |
| Succeeded by | Seat renamed to Fortitude Valley |
| Member of the Queensland Legislative Assembly for Fortitude Valley |
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| In office 25 November 1873 – 14 February 1874 |
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| Preceded by | Seat renamed from Hamlet of Fortitude Valley |
| Succeeded by | Francis Beattie |
| 2nd Chief Justice of Queensland | |
| In office 25 June 1879 – 13 March 1893 |
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| Preceded by | James Cockle |
| Succeeded by | Samuel Griffith |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 27 August 1827 Newcastle upon Tyne, England |
| Died | 20 August 1897 (aged 71) Brisbane, Queensland |
| Resting place | Toowong Cemetery |
| Spouse | Sarah Jane Jeays |
| Relations | Joshua Jeays (father-in-law) |
| Occupation | Barrister, Judge |
Sir Charles Lilley (born 27 August 1827, died 20 August 1897) was an important leader in Queensland, Australia. He served as the Premier of Queensland (like a state prime minister) and later as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Queensland (the top judge). He is especially remembered for making education free for everyone in Queensland.
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Early Life and Career
Charles Lilley was born in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. He was raised by his grandfather and went to St Nicholas Parish School. He planned to study law and worked for a solicitor in Newcastle. He also spent two years studying at University College, London.
After a brief time in the army where he faced some challenges, Lilley moved to Australia. He arrived in Sydney in 1856 and soon after moved to Brisbane. There, he finished his law degree and worked in the Crown Solicitor's Office. He also became a journalist and edited the Moreton Bay Courier newspaper for two years.
Becoming a Political Leader
Lilley played a big part in the movement for Queensland to separate from New South Wales. Once Queensland became its own colony, he was elected to its first parliament, the Legislative Assembly of Queensland, representing the area of Fortitude Valley. He was elected by a very small number of votes!
Lilley wanted to bring political parties to Queensland's parliament, so he started the Queensland Liberal Association. He served as a Member of Parliament for many years.
In 1861, Lilley became a barrister (a type of lawyer). He then held important government roles:
- In 1865, he became the Attorney-General of Queensland, which means he was the main legal advisor to the government.
- In November 1868, Charles Lilley became the Premier of Queensland. He also served as Attorney-General and Colonial Secretary during his time as Premier.
Free Education for All
One of Sir Charles Lilley's most important achievements as Premier was making education free. In January 1870, Queensland became the first Australian colony to offer free education to all children. This was a huge step forward for the state.
Lilley also wanted to challenge the high prices charged by a shipping company called A.S.N. Company. He ordered three ships to be built for the Queensland government. One of these ships, the SS Governor Blackall, was built. This action helped to make the A.S.N. Company lower its shipping costs.
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In May 1870, Lilley's government was defeated in an election. He then became the leader of the opposition party.
Chief Justice and Later Life
In 1874, Lilley accepted a role as a judge in the Supreme Court of Queensland. By 1879, he became the Chief Justice, the highest judge in Queensland. He held this important position until 1893.
Lilley cared deeply about education throughout his life. He helped establish Brisbane Grammar School, where special medals are still named in his honour. In 2010, The Lilley Centre at the school was also named after him. He also led a group in 1891 that looked into starting a university in Brisbane.
In 1881, Charles Lilley was knighted, which means he received the title "Sir" from the Queen. He passed away in 1897 after an illness.
Legacy and Family
Sir Charles Lilley's legacy continues today:
- A federal voting area, the Division of Lilley, is named after him.
- There is a statue of Sir Charles Lilley in King George Square in Brisbane.
Lilley married Sarah Jane Jeays in 1858. They had a large family, including six sons:
- Edwyn Mitford (1859–1911)
- Charles Bedell (1860–1918)
- Walter Preston (1863–1916)
- Harold Bedell (1864–1901)
- Arthur Shipley (1866–1948)
Interestingly, Sir Charles Lilley is the great-great-grandfather of the famous Australian comedian and TV producer Chris Lilley.
Images for kids
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A statue of Sir Charles Lilley in King George Square, Brisbane.
See also
- Judiciary of Australia
- List of Judges of the Supreme Court of Queensland
- Members of the Queensland Legislative Assembly, 1860–1863
