Henry Fyshe Gisborne

Henry Fyshe Gisborne (1815-1841) was the first Commissioner for Crown Lands of the Port Phillip District, founder of Flemington Racecourse and petitioner for Victoria's separation from New South Wales. [cite web
url=http://www.teara.govt.nz/1966/G/GisborneWilliam/GisborneWilliam/en
title=GISBORNE, William - 1966 Encyclopaedia of New Zealand
publisher=www.teara.govt.nz
accessdate=2008-03-29
last=
first=]

Early career

Son of Thomas Gisborne the Younger he left Trinity College, Cambridge University, without obtaining a degree. He left England due to ill health and travelled to Australia, landing in Sydney in 1834. In 1837 Gisborne was dispatached by Governor Bourke as police magistrate to Wellington, in the recently colonized Australian hinterland beyond the Blue Mountains where he attempted to keep the peace among early settlers and the native Wiradjuri.

In Victoria

In 1839 Governor Gipps appointed Gisborne Commissioner for Crown Lands of the Port Phillip District. Gisborne official activities included scouting the hitherto little explored areas of central Victoria. He fought the 'Battle of Yarra Glen' (no lives were lost on either side) at which the Woiwurrung chief Jackie Jackie was captured, only to be rescued following the diversionary tactics of his colleagues. When not out on expedition Gisborne's contribution to early Melbourne society included penning articles for local paper and patronising the Melbourne Club. His social activities attracted unfavourable notices from Governor Gipps, but this displeasure was overlooked by Gisborne's immediate superior, Superintendent (later Governor) Charles La Trobe. Gisborne's most notable contributions to the fledgely city were; moving the site of Melbourne's turf meetings to their current location by the Maribyrnong River at Flemington Racecourse; donating the first books to the Mechanics' Institute (now the Athenaeum Library); drafting and delivery the first petition for the separation of the Port Phillip District to Governor Gipps. In 1841, in ill health, Gisborne sailed from Sydney for England. He died between the Cape of Good Hope and Saint Helena on 21st April 1841 at the age of twenty-seven.

Places Named after Gisborne

Gisborne, Victoria - named by Governor La Trobe

Gisborne Street - behind Parliament House, Melbourne, in recognition of the first petition for Victorian separation

References