Bligh, William (1754 - 1817)

Born Plymouth, England, 9 Sept. 1754; died Farningham, Kent?, England, 7 Dec. 1817

Naval officer, cartographer, artist. Master of HMS Resolution on Cook's 3rd Voyage. Twice visited Adventure Bay, Tas., on HMS Bounty (21 Aug.-4 Sept. 1788) and HMS Providence (early 1792).

Governor of NSW 13 Aug. 1806 - Jan. 1808 (arrested during rebellion). Departed 17 Mar. 1809 for Hobart, then returned to Sydney 17 Jan. - 12 May 1810; returned to England.

Painted flora and fauna (held at Mitchell Library).

Collected a few plants in NSW.

Source: George, A.S. (2009) Australian Botanist's Companion, Four Gables Press, WA. [consult for source references]
Photo: Extracted from 1906 postcard, held at National Library of Australia (nla.pic-vn3640673)