Richard Bourke

Facsimile signature below the image. General Sir Richard Bourke, KCB, (1777-1855) was Irish-born 8th 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. Bourke Street in Melbourne's central business district and the town of Bourke, New South Wales were named after him. For further info, follow the following link:

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