Sussex County, Western Australia facts for kids
Sussex County was one of the 26 special areas of land in Western Australia that were officially marked out in 1829. These areas were called cadastral divisions, which means they were set up to help manage land ownership and mapping. Lieutenant-Governor James Stirling, a very important leader at the time, chose the name Sussex County to honor Prince Augustus Frederick, Duke of Sussex. He was the sixth son of George III, the King of England.
Today, the area that was once Sussex County is very similar to what is now known as the Sussex Land District. This modern land district is still used for official land records and property titles in the region.
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What Was Sussex County?
Sussex County was one of the first 26 "counties" created in Western Australia. These counties were not like the counties you might know in other parts of the world, which often have their own local governments. Instead, these were mostly for keeping track of land. They helped the government know who owned what land, where it was, and how it could be used.
Why Were Counties Created?
When the first European settlers arrived in Western Australia, they needed a way to organize the land. Imagine a huge, wild area with no maps or clear boundaries! Creating counties helped them:
- Divide the land: It made it easier to split up large areas into smaller, manageable parts.
- Record ownership: People could buy and sell land, and the counties helped keep official records of who owned which piece.
- Plan for the future: The government could plan where towns would be built, where roads would go, and how resources would be used.
Who Was Lieutenant-Governor James Stirling?
James Stirling was a very important person in the early history of Western Australia. He was a British naval officer who became the first Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the Swan River Colony, which later grew into Western Australia. He played a big role in setting up the colony and deciding how its land would be organized.
Who Was Prince Augustus Frederick?
Prince Augustus Frederick, Duke of Sussex, was a son of King George III of the United Kingdom. He was a member of the British Royal Family. Naming a county after him was a way to show respect and loyalty to the British Crown, as Western Australia was a British colony at the time.
Sussex County Today
While Sussex County itself no longer exists as an administrative area, its boundaries are still important. The modern-day Sussex Land District covers almost the same area. This means that when people buy or sell land in this part of Western Australia, the old county lines still help define the legal boundaries of their property.
Where Is the Sussex Land District?
The Sussex Land District is located in the southwest region of Western Australia. This area is known for its beautiful coastline, forests, and agricultural lands. Many towns and communities are located within what was once Sussex County.
