John Blaxland

Who was John Blaxland?

John Blaxland was a pioneer settler and explorer in Australia.

Early life

Blaxland was born in Kent, the eldest son of John Blaxland and Mary, née Parker, of Fordwich, Kent, England. He was the older brother of Gregory Blaxland. John Blaxland was educated at The King's School, Canterbury, later joined the army and rose to become a captain. He resigned his commission in 1792, managing the family estates at Newington, Kent.

Australia

In 1805 Blaxland decided to emigrate to Australia with his brother Gregory after persuasion from Joseph Banks. Blaxland made a good bargain with the English government which agreed that if he brought £6000 to the colony he would be granted 8000 acres of land, the labour of 80 convicts who would be fed for 18 months by the government, and a free passage for himself, his wife, children and servants.