Richard Bourke

Richard Bourke

General Sir Richard Bourke, KCB (4 May 1777 – 12 August 1855), Irish-born Governor of New South Wales, 1831-1837.

As a lifelong Whig (Liberal), he encouraged the emancipation of convicts and helped bring forward the ending of transportation. In this, he faced strong opposition from the military/conservative establishment and its press. He approved a new settlement on the Yarra River, and named it Melbourne in honour of the current British Prime Minister.

Read more about Richard Bourke:  Early Life and Career, Public Life