Watkin Tench facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Watkin Tench
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Portrait of Watkin Tench
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| Born | 6 October 1758 |
| Died | 7 May 1833 (aged 74) Devonport, England
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| Allegiance | Great Britain (1776–1800) United Kingdom (1800–1827) |
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Branch
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Royal Marines |
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Service years
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1776–1815 1819–1827 |
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Rank
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Lieutenant-General |
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Conflicts
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American Revolutionary War French Revolutionary Wars Napoleonic Wars |
| Other work | Writer |
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Watkin Tench (born October 6, 1758 – died May 7, 1833) was a British military officer. He is famous for writing two books about his adventures. These books describe his journey with the First Fleet to Australia. This fleet started the first European settlement there in 1788.
His books, Narrative of the Expedition to Botany Bay and Complete Account of the Settlement at Port Jackson, tell the story of the fleet's arrival. They also cover the first four years of the new colony.
Contents
Watkin Tench: An Explorer's Story
Early Life and Joining the Marines
Watkin Tench was born in Chester, England, on October 6, 1758. His father, Fisher Tench, was a dancing master. His mother was Margaritta Tarleton. Watkin's family likely helped him begin his military career.
He joined the Royal Marines on January 25, 1776, when he was 17. He became a first lieutenant on January 25, 1778.
Serving in the American War
Tench fought in the American Revolutionary War. This war was between Great Britain and the American colonies. On July 8, 1778, his ship, HMS Mermaid, was attacked by French forces. The ship was forced ashore in Maryland.
Tench, who was leading the Marine unit, was captured. He and other officers were taken to Philadelphia. They were held prisoner but were later set free in October 1778.
Journey to Australia
After his time in the American War, Tench's life is less known for a few years. He was promoted to captain lieutenant in 1782. He then took a break from active service.
Joining the First Fleet
In October 1786, the British Navy asked for volunteers. They needed officers for a new group called the New South Wales Marine Corps. This corps would serve in Botany Bay, Australia. Watkin Tench volunteered and was accepted in December 1786.
In May 1787, he began his long journey. He sailed on the transport ship Charlotte. This ship was part of the First Fleet.
Life in the New Colony
Before leaving England, Tench made a deal with a publisher. He planned to write a book about his experiences. This book would describe the journey and the first months of the new colony.
Publishing His First Book
In July 1788, his handwritten story was sent back to London. It was published in 1789 as Narrative of the Expedition to Botany Bay. The book was very popular. It was printed three times and translated into French, German, Dutch, and Swedish.
Exploring New South Wales
In October 1788, Tench decided to stay longer in Australia. He wanted to serve another three years. During his time in the new colony of New South Wales, he made an important discovery. He was the first European to find the Nepean River.
His writings shared a lot of information about the Aboriginal Australians living in Sydney. He wrote about the Gadigal and Cammeraygal people. He became friends with several Aboriginal individuals, including Bennelong and Barangaroo.
Tench stayed in Sydney until December 1791. He then sailed back to England on HMS Gorgon. He arrived in Plymouth in July 1792. Before leaving, he gathered more information for his next book. He visited farms and observed the colony's progress.
Later Years and Military Service
Back in England and More Books
In October 1792, Tench married Anna Maria Sargent. Her father was a surgeon in Devonport. In 1793, Tench published his second book, Account of the Settlement at Port Jackson. This book was also very popular.
He then rejoined the military. He served as a major on HMS Alexander. He helped the British fleet block French ships near Brest.
Captured Again During War
In November 1794, his ship, HMS Alexander, was captured by French ships after a tough battle. Tench and other crew members were imprisoned. They were held in France for six months. Tench was good at speaking French, which was helpful during his captivity.
During this time, he wrote letters that later became the basis for a third book. He was released in May 1795.
Final Years of Service and Retirement
After his release, Tench continued to serve in the navy. He spent four years on HMS Polyphemus. He helped protect groups of ships traveling across the Atlantic Ocean and in the English Channel. He later served on HMS Princess Royal until 1802.
After his time at sea, he worked in shore-based roles. He retired as a major general at the end of 1815.
Family and Final Retirement
In October 1819, Tench returned to duty at the age of 61. He became a commandant in the Plymouth division. Watkin and his wife did not have their own children. However, in 1821, they took care of three nephews and a niece who had become orphans. Watkin was 63 and his wife was 56 at the time.
In July 1827, Tench retired for the final time. He held the rank of lieutenant general. He passed away on May 7, 1833, in Devonport, England, at the age of 74.
See also
- Journals of the First Fleet
