Brisbane, Thomas, Sir, 1773-1860

Astronomer and patron of science. Brisbane, a respected and successful soldier, was Governor of New South Wales (NSW), Australia 1821-1825. During this period he furthered his astronomical studies, built an observatory at Parramatta and made the first extensive observations of the southern stars since Lacaille in 1751-1752.

From the description of Letters, 1825-1830. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 155006054

From the description of Papers, ca. 1812-1858. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 155006045

Astronomer. Fellow of the Royal Society.

From the description of Papers. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 154302158

From the description of Papers, 1820-1858. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 83382859

Governor of N.S.W., 1821-1825. Responsible for the establishment of the observatory at Parramatta in 1822.

From the description of Meteorological observations. 1822-1825. (Libraries Australia). WorldCat record id: 225848499

Astronomer and patron of science. Brisbane, a respected and successful soldier, was Governor of New South Wales (NSW), Australia 1821-1825. During this period he furthered his astronomical studies, built an observatory at Parramatta and made the first extensive observations of the southern stars since Lacaille 1751-1752.

From the description of Papers, 1702-1870. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 155006061

Governor of New South Wales 1821-1825. During this period a nominee council was set up to assist the governor. He instituted many reforms in line with Commissioner Bigge's reports; abolished censorship of the press, land grants to people who would work it, systematised convict administration, set up a supreme court and allowed trial by jury in certain cases, reformed the currency. Had a lifelong interest in astronomy and built an observatory at Parramatta, and left his instruments and scientific library to the Colony.

From the description of Papers. 1815-1858. (Libraries Australia). WorldCat record id: 221333179

Epithet: of Add MS 34571

Title: Baronet

British Library Archives and Manuscripts Catalogue : Person : Description : ark:/81055/vdc_100000000629.0x000193

Epithet: of Add MS 37189

Title: Baronet

British Library Archives and Manuscripts Catalogue : Person : Description : ark:/81055/vdc_100000000629.0x000194

Sir Thomas Makdougall Brisbane was born in Ayrshire, England, on July 32, 1773, to Thomas Brisbane (1720?--1812) and his wife, Eleanor Stenhouse.

Brisbane was an ensign in the 38th Foot in 1789, and was promoted to lieutenant in 1791. Four years later, he was promoted to major and was stationed in Barbados. By the time he came to America in 1813, Brisbane had become a major general, having distinguished himself as an officer serving under Wellington in the Peninsular Campaign. He was a subordinate of General George Prevost in the British offensive from Canada in 1814, and was present at the American victories on Lake Champlain and at Plattsburg, when the British were forced to retreat to Canada.

Brisbane married Anna Maria Makdougall (1786--1862) in 1819. In 1820, he was appointed governor of New South Wales, where he studied astronomy, cultivated agricultural and viticultural development in the region, and promoted exploration beyond the colony's borders.

Brisbane returned to England in 1826 and was appointed colonel of the 34th Foot. He died at Brisbane house in Ayrshire, England, on January 27, 1860.

From the guide to the Thomas M. Brisbane papers, Brisbane, Thomas M. papers, 1813-1815, (William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan)