LONDON, UK. — Arthur Phillip was born in London on October 11, 1738. He joined the Royal Navy (RN) when he was fifteen, and alternately earned a living as a navy officer and as a farmer. In October 1786, Phillip was appointed Governor-designate of the proposed British penal colony of New South Wales.
He was a practical man who suggested that convicts with experience in farming, building and crafts be included in the First Fleet, but his proposal was rejected.
The First Fleet left Portsmouth, England, on May 13, 1787, and arrived in Botany Bay on January 18, 1788. Phillip immediately determined that there was insufficient fresh water, an absence of usable timber, poor-quality soil and no safe harbour at Botany Bay. Thus, the fleet was moved to Port Jackson, arriving on January 26, 1788.
Phillip faced many obstacles in his attempts to establish the new colony.
British farming methods, seeds and implements were unsuitable for use in the different climate and soil, and the colony faced near-starvation in its first two years. Phillip also worked to improve understanding with the local Aborigines. The colony finally succeeded in developing a solid foundation, agriculturally and economically, thanks to the perseverance of Captain Arthur Phillip.
Poor health forced Phillip to return to England in 1792.
He resigned his commission soon after arriving back in England and died on August 31, 1814.
