Richard Graves MacDonnell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Richard Graves MacDonnell
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| 6th Governor of Hong Kong | |||||||||
| In office 11 March 1866 – 16 April 1872 |
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| Monarch | Victoria | ||||||||
| Lieutenant | Sir Philip Guy James Brunker Henry Whitfield |
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| Colonial Secretary | John Gardiner Austin | ||||||||
| Preceded by | Sir Hercules Robinson | ||||||||
| Succeeded by | Sir Arthur Kennedy | ||||||||
| 31st Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia | |||||||||
| In office 24 May 1864 – October 1865 |
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| Monarch | Queen Victoria | ||||||||
| Preceded by | Sir Charles Hastings Doyle | ||||||||
| Succeeded by | General Sir William Williams | ||||||||
| 6th Governor of South Australia | |||||||||
| In office 8 June 1855 – 4 March 1862 |
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| Monarch | Queen Victoria | ||||||||
| Premier | Boyle Travers Finniss John Baker Robert Torrens Richard Hanson Thomas Reynolds George Waterhouse |
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| Preceded by | Sir Henry Fox Young | ||||||||
| Succeeded by | Sir Dominic Daly | ||||||||
| Personal details | |||||||||
| Born | 3 September 1814 Dublin, Ireland |
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| Died | 5 February 1881 (aged 66) Hyères, France |
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| Resting place | Kensal Green Cemetery, London, England | ||||||||
| Spouse |
Blanche Ann Skurray
(m. 1847) |
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| Alma mater | Trinity College Dublin (BA, MA, LLB, LLD) | ||||||||
| Chinese name | |||||||||
| Traditional Chinese | 麥當奴 | ||||||||
| Simplified Chinese | 麦当奴 | ||||||||
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Sir Richard Graves MacDonnell (Chinese: 麥當奴; 3 September 1814 – 5 February 1881) was an Anglo-Irish lawyer and judge. He became a very important person in the British Empire, serving as a colonial governor in several places. These included Gambia in West Africa, Saint Vincent, South Australia, Nova Scotia in Canada, and Hong Kong. Many places around the world are named after him, like MacDonnell Road in Hong Kong and the MacDonnell Ranges in Australia.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Richard Graves MacDonnell was born in Dublin, Ireland, on 3 September 1814. His father, Richard MacDonnell, was a leader at Trinity College Dublin. Richard followed in his father's footsteps and also attended Trinity College Dublin, starting in 1830. He was a very good student and earned several degrees, including a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Doctor of Laws (LLD).
Governor in Africa and the Caribbean
After finishing his studies, MacDonnell became a lawyer in Ireland in 1838. He also became a lawyer in England in 1841. In 1843, he was appointed as the first Chief Justice of the Gambia, a British territory in West Africa. He worked there for four years.
In 1847, he became the Governor of the British settlements in Gambia. During his time there, MacDonnell enjoyed exploring new areas. He led expeditions that helped open up the interior of Africa, from the Gambia River to the Senegal River. He also led military expeditions to protect traders from local tribes. These efforts helped British trade grow in the region.
In 1852, MacDonnell was honored with the title Companion of the Order of the Bath. The next year, in 1853, he was sent to be the administrator and Captain General of the island of St. Vincent in the Caribbean.
Governor of South Australia
MacDonnell was known for being a strong leader. In 1855, he was appointed the sixth Governor of South Australia. He arrived on 9 June 1855. Before leaving for Australia, Queen Victoria made him a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George in 1856.
Soon after arriving, MacDonnell was involved in a big discussion about how the government should be set up. He wanted a single government body, but most people in the colony wanted two separate bodies. Eventually, a system with two bodies was chosen.
During his time in South Australia, MacDonnell helped the colony grow. He expanded railway and telegraph lines, making communication and travel easier. He also helped open valuable copper mines and encouraged farming and ranching. He believed that farmers with enough money could be very successful.
MacDonnell was very interested in exploration. He helped open up the interior of Australia, especially around the Murray River. He traveled widely and encouraged explorers like John McDouall Stuart to cross the continent. MacDonnell was seen as a powerful and welcoming leader. He supported local clubs and cultural groups. He left South Australia in 1862.
Governor of Nova Scotia
In 1864, MacDonnell was appointed Governor of Nova Scotia, a British colony in what is now Canada. He lived at Government House (Nova Scotia). His time there happened during the discussions about forming Canada. MacDonnell was openly against this idea. He did not want to be controlled by other officials. Because of his strong views, his time in Nova Scotia was short, ending in 1865.
Governor of Hong Kong
On 19 October 1865, MacDonnell became the sixth Governor of Hong Kong. He served in this role until 1872. During his time, he helped develop Victoria Peak, which became a popular place for wealthy European merchants to live. He also ordered the building of a hospital for the local Chinese population.
One controversial decision he made was to make gambling legal in Hong Kong. This caused some social problems and was later made illegal again. In 1871, he received another honor, becoming a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (K.C.M.G.).
His time as governor also faced challenges. There was a large budget problem, and the government had to ask the HSBC bank for help. Also, the Canton Customs agency caused issues by stopping ships near Hong Kong to search for smuggled goods. This affected Hong Kong's economy for many years.
Later Life and Legacy
In 1847, MacDonnell married Blanche Ann Skurray. After he retired in 1872, they spent a lot of time traveling in Italy and France. Sir Richard MacDonnell passed away on 5 February 1881, in France. He and his wife are buried in Kensal Green Cemetery in London, England. They did not have any children.
Places Named After Him
Many places around the world are named after Sir Richard MacDonnell or his wife, Blanche.
Named after Richard MacDonnell:
- The MacDonnell Ranges in the Northern Territory of Australia.
- Port MacDonnell, a port in South Australia.
- MacDonnell Creek and Blanchewater Station in the Flinders Ranges of Australia.
- Lake MacDonnell in western South Australia.
- Sir Richard Peninsula in South Australia.
- MacDonnell Road and the MacDonnell Road stop of the Peak Tram in Hong Kong.
- MacDonnell Street in Yarralumla, Australia.
- MacDonnell Peninsula on Kangaroo Island.
Named after Blanche MacDonnell:
- Blanchetown on the Murray River in South Australia.
- The inner harbor of Streaky Bay is called Blancheport.
Images for kids
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The grave of Sir Richard Graves MacDonnell, Kensal Green Cemetery
