David Collins (lieutenant governor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
David Collins
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| 1st Lieutenant Governor of Van Diemen's Land | |
| In office 16 February 1804 – 24 March 1810 |
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| Governor | Philip Gidley King William Bligh Lachlan Macquarie |
| Preceded by | Position Established |
| Succeeded by | Colonel Thomas Davey |
| 1st Judge Advocate of New South Wales | |
| In office 24 October 1786 – August 1796 |
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| Governor | Arthur Phillip John Hunter |
| Preceded by | Position Established |
| Succeeded by | Richard Bowyer Atkins |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 3 March 1756 London, England |
| Died | 24 March 1810 (aged 54) Hobart Town, Van Diemen's Land |
| Spouse | Maria Stuart Collins née Proctor |
Colonel David Collins (born 3 March 1756 – died 24 March 1810) was a British Marine officer. He played a big role in setting up the first European colonies in Australia. He sailed with Governor Arthur Phillip on the First Fleet to establish a new settlement for prisoners in what is now Sydney.
Collins later became a secretary to the first governors. He was then chosen to start a new colony. He founded the city of Hobart and became the first Lieutenant Governor of Van Diemen's Land (which is now Tasmania).
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David Collins: Early Life and Military Career
David Collins was born in London, England, on 3 March 1756. His father, Arthur Tooker Collins, was also an officer in the Royal Marines. His grandfather, Arthur Collins, was a famous writer.
When David was nine, his family moved to Devon. He went to Exeter Grammar School. At 14, he joined the marines as an ensign, which is a junior officer rank. He was promoted to second lieutenant in 1771. In 1772, Collins served on a ship called HMS Southampton. This ship went to Denmark to bring back King George III's sister, Queen Caroline Matilda.
Serving in the American Revolutionary War
In March 1775, Collins went to Boston, Massachusetts, with two groups of marines. They were there to help the British governor. On 17 June, Collins fought in the Battle of Bunker Hill. This was a major battle where British forces captured Breed's Hill. He was promoted to first lieutenant the next week.
On 17 March 1776, the British left Boston and went to Halifax, Nova Scotia. There, Collins met Maria Stuart Procter. She was the daughter of Captain Charles Procter. They got married on 13 June 1777.
Collins's group of marines returned to England in 1777. He became an adjutant, helping with administrative tasks. He was promoted to captain-lieutenant in 1779 and captain in 1780. In 1781, Collins served on a large warship called HMS Courageux. He helped in the relief of Gibraltar, which was under siege. In September 1783, Collins was put on half-pay, meaning he was not actively serving but still received some money.
Colonial Administration in Australia
Starting New South Wales
In October 1786, after three years on half-pay, Collins volunteered for a new job. He was asked to help set up a new colony for prisoners in New South Wales, Australia. On 29 November, he was named Judge Advocate for the new colony. This meant he was the chief judge for the military court.
In May 1787, he sailed with the First Fleet. They arrived at Sydney Cove in January 1788. In 1788, Governor Phillip also made Collins his secretary. Collins held three important jobs at once: Secretary, Judge Advocate, and Lieutenant Governor. He continued in these roles until he left the colony for England in 1796.
Founding Colonies in Victoria and Tasmania
Collins also started the first, but short-lived, European settlement in what is now Victoria. This was at Sullivan Bay on Port Phillip in 1803. He sailed from England on HMS Calcutta. He arrived at Port Phillip in October to set up a colony for prisoners.
After landing, Collins was not happy with the location. He wrote to Governor King asking for permission to move the settlement. When King agreed, Collins decided to move the colony to the Derwent River. This river is on the island of Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania). He arrived there in February 1804 on the ship Ocean. There, he established what would become the town of Hobart.
Collins did not publish any books about his time as Lieutenant-Governor at Port Phillip or as the founder of Hobart.
Legacy
Many places in Australia are named after David Collins. These include Collinsvale in Tasmania and Collins Street in Melbourne. There is also Collins Parade in Sorrento and Collins Street in Hobart.
At Exeter School, his old school, there is a house named after him. David Collins was played by actor David Dawson in the 2015 TV series Banished.
See also
- First Fleet
- Journals of the First Fleet
