Robert Torrens (economist) facts for kids

Essay on the production of wealth, 1821

Robert Torrens (1780 – 27 May 1864) was an important figure in British history. He was an officer in the Royal Marines, a political economist (someone who studies how countries manage their money and resources), and a writer. He also helped manage a newspaper called Globe.

Robert Torrens is especially remembered for his role in setting up the new colony of South Australia. He was in charge of the group that oversaw the colony. Even though the colony faced financial problems and he was removed from his role, his name lives on in places like the River Torrens and the suburb of Torrensville in Adelaide, Australia. His son, Sir Robert Richard Torrens, also became famous for a new way of registering land ownership.

Early Life and Family Background

Robert Torrens was born in 1780 in Hervey Hill, Derry, Ireland. His parents were Robert and Elizabeth Torrens.

The Torrens family was well-known in Derry. They were thought to be related to a Swedish officer who served William III of England. Robert had many cousins, including Sir Henry Torrens, a famous military advisor, and another Robert Torrens, who became a judge.

In 1801, Robert Torrens married Charity Chute in Dublin. They later divorced in 1819. He then moved to England and married Esther Sarah Serle in 1820.

His son, Robert Richard Torrens, moved to South Australia. He created the Torrens title system. This system is a way of registering who owns land. It is now used in many countries around the world.

Military Career and Bravery

Robert Torrens joined the Royal Marines in 1796. He became well-known in 1811 for his brave actions during the Battle of Anholt. He led the defense of the Baltic island of Anholt against a larger Danish force. He was badly wounded but showed great courage. For his bravery, he was given the title of brevet major. A special sword given to Torrens for his actions was later bought by the Royal Marines Museum.

After leaving Anholt in 1812, Torrens served on HMS Blenheim. His last military duty was during the siege of Antwerp in 1813–1814. He returned to Portsmouth in March 1814.

Understanding His Military Rank

You might hear Robert Torrens called "Colonel Robert Torrens." However, his exact final army rank is sometimes debated. Some records say he was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel in 1819 and Colonel in 1837. But he had already retired from active service in 1835.

Other sources suggest his promotion to lieutenant-colonel in 1819 was only a special honorary rank (brevet). He spent several years on half-pay (meaning he received half his salary without active duty). He was promoted to major in the Marines in 1831 before leaving the service in 1834. Despite these details, he was often referred to as "Colonel Torrens" in official documents and newspapers during his lifetime.

A Leading Economist

In December 1818, Robert Torrens was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very respected group of scientists.

He was one of the first to understand the idea of comparative advantage in international trade. This idea explains how countries can benefit from trading with each other, even if one country is better at making everything. This principle is often linked to another economist, David Ricardo, but Torrens wrote about it earlier.

Torrens also helped start the Political Economy Club. He was one of the first to think about the best tariff (a tax on imported goods) a country could set. He also strongly supported emigration (people moving to new countries) from the United Kingdom. He believed this would help reduce population pressure, especially in Ireland.

Role in South Australia

Robert Torrens was very interested in creating new settlements. He was involved in early plans for a colony in New Zealand and also in the Swan River Colony in Western Australia.

However, he became most involved with the plans for South Australia. He was appointed chairman of the South Australian Colonization Commission. This group was set up in London to manage the new colony. Torrens worked hard, writing and giving talks to encourage people to move to South Australia and invest money there.

Unfortunately, his financial management was not very good. He spent a lot of money on promoting the colony and ordered expensive surveys. He also allowed people to travel for free without properly checking if they had enough money. This poor management, along with too many people arriving too quickly, led to unemployment and financial problems for the colony. South Australia went bankrupt.

Because of these issues, Torrens was removed from his position in 1841. The colony then came under the direct rule of the British Crown with the South Australia Act 1842. Despite these problems, Torrens later helped reform companies that mined copper and built railways in South Australia.

Political Career

Robert Torrens also served as a Member of Parliament (MP). He represented Ipswich in 1826. He then represented Ashburton in 1831. From 1832 to 1835, he was the first MP for the new area of Bolton.

A Prolific Writer

Robert Torrens was a very active writer. He wrote many articles and books on topics like political economy and money. He also wrote some lighter stories. For a time, he was part-owner and editor of the Globe newspaper. People thought he was a clear and skilled writer. He helped explain difficult ideas about money and economics.

Death and Lasting Legacy

Robert Torrens died on 27 May 1864, in London, at the age of 84. His second wife survived him.

He was respected for his writings on economics and his political ideas. Even though his financial management of South Australia caused problems, he was very dedicated to the colony.

Many places in South Australia are named after him:

• The River Torrens (also known as Kara-wirra-parri), which flows through Adelaide, was named by Governor Hindmarsh in 1836.
• Torrens Island, the site of the first quarantine station, was named by Governor Gawler in 1837.
• The explorer Edward Eyre named the large salt lake, Lake Torrens, in 1839.
• The suburb of Torrensville and the areas of East and West Torrens also honor Robert Torrens.

However, Torrens Park was named after his son, Sir Robert Torrens.

Key Works

Here are some of Robert Torrens' important writings:

• The Economists Refuted, 1808 (This book disagreed with some economic ideas of the time).
• Celibia Choosing a Husband, 1809 (This was a novel).
• An Essay on Money and Paper Currency, 1812.
• Letters on Commercial Policy, 1833.
• The Colonization of South Australia, 1835.
• The Principles and Practical Operation of Sir Robert Peel's Bill of 1844, 1844.
• Tracts on Finance and Trade, 1852.

Military Promotions

Here is a list of Robert Torrens' military promotions: