James Stirling
The Parish Register of Ash St Peter and that of Stoke next Guildford
show some interesting entries relating to Henley Park.Ash - Baptism June
15th 1833. Received into the Church Frederick Henry, son of James Stirling
and Ellen of Henley Park, Knight and Governor of Western Australia. Born
at sea 26th March 1829 and baptised 19th April 1829 at Cape of Good Hope.
Mary, daughter born at sea 11th October 1832 baptised St Helena, 20th October
1832. Stoke - Baptism 19th January, 1834. Charles Edward, son of Sir James
Stirling and Lady Stirling, born on board ship at Spithead, Governor of
Swan River Colony.
Andrew Stirling was tenant at Henley Park (1818 - 1822). After this
H.W.R.W Halsey of Henley married one of his beautiful daughters. In the
meantime his fifth son, Captain James Stirling RN (1791- 1865), became
involved in Colonial exploration. Captain (later Sir James Stirling), had
a long and distinguished naval career. He entered the service in 1803
at the age of twelve and rose through the ranks to Rear Admiral in 1851
and a full Admiral in 1862. He was the first Governor of Western Australia
(1829-1838). He and his pioneer group were responsible for laying the
foundations of Perth, Fremantle and the Market-town named "Guildford"
that is now a suburb of Perth. Capt. James Stirling and Brother-in-law,
Captain William Preston RN, married daughters of the local Mangles family
of Woodbridge, Guildford. In 1829 they assembled a team of pioneers from
the local Parishes of Pirbright and Worplesdon. It is stated that "two
RN Captains paid for the passage of the group and that a wooden house was
assembled at Capt Preston's home at Sutton Green". This was re-erected
near the Swan River, W. Australia and became the Governors home. It was
called "Woodbridge" after the Mangles home near Guildford, Surrey.
(Who said that "flat pack" was invented by MFI?)
The pioneer group sailed on the "Parmelia", under Captain
J.H. Luscombe, out of Spithead on the 6th February 1829 and arrived at
Garden Island, W. Australia the 31st May. The pioneers included Capt and
Mrs James Stirling and their son Andrew, George Mangles, George and James
Elliott, a storekeeper, servants, harbour master, surgeons, surveyors,
a horticulturist, a cooper, bricklayer, smith and boat builder - The perfect
team for a pioneer settlement - 69 souls in all.
On a local note, the two Captains, father and mother in law, James and
Mary Mangles are buried in Wyke Churchyard near the Western end of St Marks
Church, Wyke and there is also a memorial tablet within the Church.
I wish to acknowledge my thanks to Eric Marsh and Norman Ratcliffe
for assistance with the research.
Christopher John Pettitt
- Wikipedia links
- James Stirling
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