John Rundle

Who was John Rundle?

John Rundle was a British Whig politician and businessman.

From 1835 to 1843, he was a Member of Parliament, representing Tavistock in the House of Commons. He was one of the original directors and financiers of the South Australia Company, the company that was formed in London in 1834 to promote the settlement of the colony that was to become South Australia.

Rundle arrived in South Australia at Port Adelaide on 6 February 1840 aboard the Java, after a notorious journey during which between 30 and 50 passengers starved to death.

Rundle Street and subsequently Rundle Mall bear his name. Beehive Corner, at the corner of Rundle Mall and King William Street, was owned by him. The historic building currently on this site was built later, in 1895.