Mary Reibey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mary Reibey
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Portrait of Reibey, miniature watercolour on ivory, dated around 1835
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| Born |
Molly Haydock
12 May 1777 |
| Died | 30 May 1855 (aged 78) |
| Resting place | Sandhills Cemetery, then La Perouse Cemetery |
| Occupation | Businesswoman |
| Years active | 1792−1836 |
| Spouse(s) |
Thomas Reibey
(m. 1794; died 1811) |
Mary Reibey (née Haydock; 12 May 1777 – 30 May 1855) was a remarkable woman born in England. She became a very successful businesswoman in early Australia. Mary was sent to Australia after facing a legal problem. After gaining her freedom, she became a respected figure and a role model in the community.
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Who Was Mary Reibey?
Mary Reibey is known as one of Australia's most successful businesswomen from the early days of the colony. Her life story shows great determination and skill. She overcame many challenges to build a thriving business empire.
Early Life and Journey to Australia
Mary was born Molly Haydock on 12 May 1777 in Bury, England. After her parents passed away, her grandmother raised her. Mary then went to work in service.
When she was young, she got into trouble for taking a horse. She was disguised as a boy at the time, using the name James Burrow. Because of this, she was sent to Australia for seven years. She arrived in Sydney in October 1792 on a ship called the Royal Admiral.
Building a Life in Australia
Mary quickly began to build a new life for herself in Australia. She showed great strength and intelligence from a young age.
Starting a Family and Business
On 7 September 1794, 17-year-old Mary married Thomas Reibey. Thomas was a ship's officer. The family later decided to use the spelling "Reibey" for their last name.
Thomas and Mary were given land on the Hawkesbury River. They lived and farmed there after they married. Their farmhouse, called Reibycroft, is now a special historical place.
Thomas started a business transporting goods along the Hawkesbury River to Sydney. The family later moved to Sydney. Their businesses grew, and by 1804, they built a large stone house near Macquarie Place. They owned several farms and traded in many items. These included coal, wood, furs, and animal skins. Their trading expanded to places like the Bass Strait, the Pacific Islands, China, and India.
Taking Over the Family Businesses
Thomas Reibey passed away on 5 April 1811. Mary then took on the full responsibility of raising their seven children. She also took control of all their many businesses. Mary was already experienced in managing these affairs. She had often handled things when her husband was away from Sydney.
Mary was now a wealthy woman. She continued to expand her business interests even further. In 1812, she opened a new warehouse on George Street. By 1817, she bought more ships to grow her shipping business. In that same year, the Bank of New South Wales was founded in her house.
A Respected Community Leader
By 1828, Mary began to retire from her active business life. She had acquired many properties in the city. Later in life, when asked about her arrival in Australia, she preferred to say she had arrived as a free person. This helped her reputation in the community.
Mary earned respect for her charity work and her interest in education and the church. She helped establish the Free Grammar School in 1825.
Later Years and Legacy
Around 1836, Mary built a cottage in Hunters Hill, New South Wales. She lived there for some time. This cottage, known as Fig Tree House, is also a recognized historical site.
After fully retiring, she built a house in Newtown, New South Wales, Sydney. She lived there until she passed away on 30 May 1855. Mary was 78 years old and died from pneumonia. She was first buried at Sandhills Cemetery. Later, her remains were moved to the cemetery at La Perouse. There is also a memorial for her in the Pioneer Memorial Park in Botany Cemetery.
Mary Reibey was a determined and strong person. She became known as a very smart and successful businesswoman in New South Wales. Today, her image is featured on the obverse of the Australian twenty-dollar note. This has been the case since 1994, and on its newer design since 2019. In 2001, she was honored by being added to the Victorian Honour Roll of Women.
One of Mary and Thomas Reibey's grandchildren, Thomas Reibey (1821–1912), later became the premier of Tasmania from 1876 to 1877.
See also
- List of convicts transported to Australia
- Sydney Cove West Archaeological Precinct
