Bennelong's Remains Too Fragile To Disturb by Eamonn Duff

SMH - September 17, 2011

The environmental scientist who found the grave of Woollarawarre Bennelong has revealed the site will remain untouched. The Herald understands that time has not been kind to the final resting place of one of the country's most prominent historical figures, located this year alongside the garden of a family home in Putney.
Following preliminary tests, the gravesite has been deemed too fragile to disturb, effectively ending the debate about the fate of any remains. The mayor of Ryde, Artin Etmekdjian, said the council had resolved to protect the area as an ''archaeological site''.

"We have asked the Aboriginal Heritage Office to prepare a 'site card' and management guidelines for the site, which when completed will be provided to the office of Environment and Heritage,'' he said. An honorary associate professor of physical geography at Macquarie University, Dr Peter Mitchell, led a secret investigation with Ryde Council to find the site. He said: ''It has been resolved that nothing else will now happen on that corner. We will leave it as it is and it will become a registered Aboriginal site so if there's any future possibility of disturbance on the site, that will flag it.''

Before urban sprawl took over the land, Bennelong's grave was positioned on the estate of James Squire, Australia's first brewer, who befriended the Aboriginal figure in the years before his death in 1813.

In the decades since, the site has been lost beneath the suburb of Putney, a small commemorative plaque marking the approximate area where it was believed to sit. Dr Mitchell said that ground-penetrating radar had since been used across the site.

''We're planning to conduct tests again in a bit more detail. My expectation … is that some remains will still be there.'' However, he added: ''I think everyone's pretty well agreed we're not going to find that out because nobody's really wanting to dig it up.''

Although there are no firm plans on how to commemorate Bennelong's bicentenary in 2013, Ryde Council has pledged $15,000 towards a ''significant'' project. It has also asked the NSW government for a $200,000 contribution which might pave the way for a monument in a park along the Parramatta River. Mr Etmekdjian said: ''Bennelong remains an important part of our history, not just for Ryde, but for the country as a whole."

Bennelong's Grave

Bennelong's grave found under a front yard in Sydney's suburbs by Eamonn Duff

SMH - March 20, 2011

 

Bennelong’s final resting place ... an obscured detail of the front garden of the home in Putney.  

Photo: Simon Alekna; Fairfax Photos

THE grave of Bennelong - one of the most prominent figures in Australian history - has been found beneath the garden of a suburban family home in Sydney.

For almost two centuries, mystery has surrounded the final resting place of Woollarawarre Bennelong, one of the first Aborigines to live among white settlers. But now one of Australia's leading environmental scientists, Peter Mitchell, has gathered archival evidence to pinpoint the grave to a patch of grass in Putney between a family's front lawn and a council-owned nature strip. Before urban sprawl consumed the area, it was part of the estate of James Squire, Australia's first brewer, who befriended Bennelong in the years before his death in 1813. Dr Mitchell, honorary associate professor of physical geography at Macquarie University, led a covert investigation with Ryde Council to find the site. Not even the home's owners were told.

With Bennelong's bicentenary looming, the discovery now creates a dilemma. Dr Mitchell said it was ''vital'' that the exact location remained secret because ''the whole question of what to do next is likely to be controversial in the broader community … It's not a question Ryde Council, or I, can resolve. This is now a significant matter for the Aboriginal community. Consultation is essential. They must decide what they want.’’

The Sun-Herald has agreed not to publish the location. History portrays the iconic tribesman Bennelong as a crucial intermediary between colonists and Aborigines. He sailed to England alongside Governor Arthur Phillip. His later years in Sydney, however, were dogged by alcoholism.

While it is no secret Bennelong was buried on the banks of the Parramatta River, the exact spot has been the subject of speculation – until now. A council source explained: ‘‘We knew Bennelong was buried in the area but it’s always been an urban legend in terms of where. Dr Mitchell quietly chipped away on the project for some time and following some extraordinary research, he was able to add some general certainty to the grave’s location. From there, council’s surveyors advanced his findings to where it now stands today. They’ve pinpointed the grave, to within the nearest metre, in someone’s front garden.’’

Two weeks ago, the council resolved to meet Aboriginal authorities  to discuss the next step – the use of non-invasive ground-penetrating equipment to explore the earth around any remains.

Dr Mitchell yesterday described the find as a  ‘‘a significant archival effort ... I started by gathering all early references in regards to both the nature and location of the grave. I then matched them up against the known landscape of the time – and of today. It was difficult because you’re searching for one critical piece of evidence that leads to the ultimate link. Using old photos, I eventually identified a ground area with a lot of common threads. I then researched, around that, various features and landmarks, some of which remain today.’’

Dr Mitchell encountered conflicting information. ‘‘For example, some early references suggest Bennelong’s grave was in James Squire’s garden while others point to an orchard. That led me to ask, was there any difference between the orchard and garden, or are [they] the same place? ‘‘Eventually we found a map that showed they were indeed two separate locations. Other things cross-correlated and suddenly, it was like wow, breakthrough! It was the orchard, after all.’’

Woollarawarre Bennelong, the Bush Politician - by Dirk C.H. van Dissel

An undated portrait thought to depict Bennelong, signed "W.W." 

now in the Dixson Galleries of the State Library of New South Wales.

The 25th of November 1789, almost two years after the landing of the First Fleet, was a remarkable day for Australia, just as it was equally remarkable for a certain individual who went by the name of Woollarawarre Bennelong. It was on this day that two Aborigines, Bennelong and Colby, were lured by some fish down to Manly Bay and, once close enough, the two men were bundled into a waiting long boat and taken to the settlement of Sydney. Governor Phillip had ordered the kidnapping of some Aborigines because he was under strict instructions from King George III to 'endeavour, by every possible mean, to open an intercourse with the natives, and to conciliate their affections, enjoining all our subjects to live in amity and kindness with them'.

However, Governor Phillip couldn't carry out these orders while there was no contact with the native inhabitants, who had kept their distance from Sydney Cove and all white people since settlement. Left with no other option, Governor Phillip felt that capturing an Aborigine and bringing him into Sydney Cove would start a relationship in which the differences of language, culture and society could be learnt. This would then allow both peoples to converse and trade, and it would gradually lead to a peaceful and prosperous society for both peoples to live in.

Although there were a few before him, Bennelong was one of the first Aborigines to learn to speak and understand English and to learn European customs and lifestyle and to enjoy their benefits. As he was one of the first Aborigines to come into the white settlement and visit it regularly, Bennelong was very instrumental in bridging the many gaps that existed between the white settlers and the indigenous people of the Sydney area, the Eora.

Kidnapping a person may seem a strange way to begin a relationship, but there is no doubt that a close relationship developed between Bennelong and Captain Arthur Phillip. Like the few Aborigines who had briefly stayed at Sydney Cove, Bennelong soon adopted European dress and ways, and learned English. He gave Governor Phillip the Aboriginal name Woollarawarre and adopted for himself the name of Governor. This was done as a mark of respect and affection for the Governor and was extremely important as the interchanging of names was 'found as a constant symbol of friendship among them', as said Captain Watkin Tench.[1]

Bennelong feasted daily with the Governor and resided in his house where he shared a room and was watched by the Governor's steward. Bennelong spent the next couple of months willingly communicating information and explaining the customs of his country and his people. He wore English attire and displayed good manners at meals and even developed a taste for wine, which was regarded as a fiery potion of some sort by the other Aborigines. It is important to note that during this period (1789-92) Bennelong is generally regarded to have not been an alcoholic as he was upon his return from England (1795), but as a person who drank socially and held his liquor well.

Five months after his capture, Bennelong escaped from the Governor's house early one morning. This was especially frustrating for Phillip as he had put a lot of effort into trying to appease and learn from Bennelong, who was easily the most intelligent and helpful of the Aborigines that had come into Sydney Cove.
The next time Governor Phillip saw Bennelong was at Manly Cove where, under a storm of confusion, Governor Phillip was speared by Willemering. There is evidence to suggest that Willemering, who was a friend of Bennelong, was carrying out orders of retribution on behalf of Bennelong to pay Governor Phillip back for kidnapping him. There could easily have been all-out war if it weren't for Bennelong's cool head, and he convinced Governor Phillip that it was a grave misunderstanding.

The peaceful coming-in of the Eora to Sydney in October 1790 was both skilfully and equally devised by two men, Arthur Phillip and Woollarawarre Bennelong and is testament to Governor Phillip's and Bennelong's great diplomatic skills. Here it was agreed that the Eora would put an end to active resistance and live on friendly terms, and in return they wouldn't be forcibly captured, manacled or held against their will and could come and go from Sydney Cove as they pleased. Bennelong demonstrated throughout these talks his talent as a skilful negotiator and a master of adaptation and improvisation in the face of a more powerful, alien culture.

In a brainwave in February 1791, Lieutenant David Collins realised that the settlers had been cleverly influenced by Bennelong and his people, who had 'shielded the market' by preventing other tribes from trading with the white settlement. This basically created a monopoly for the Eora and significantly strengthened the clan, as well as strengthening Bennelong's position within the hierarchy of the clan. It is not improbable that the English would have been represented in a quite unfavourable light by the Eora so as to scare and deter the other clans from making contact with them at Sydney Cove. Unfortunately, this retarded Governor Phillip's effort to appease and set up trade with all the clans inhabiting the area around Sydney, not just Bennelong's clan. However, it displays great insight and intelligence on the part of Bennelong and the Eora who used the gift exchange system with the English completely to their advantage.

Another example of Bennelong's foresight was his insistence that his wife Barangaroo give birth in Governor Phillip's house, even though Governor Phillip tried at length to persuade Bennelong to go to the hospital. This illustrates Bennelong's initiative and can be seen as an attempt to bring Phillip into his family kinship circle and also to reconcile Phillip as his 'beanga', or father, which he often used to call him. Furthermore, in Aboriginal society one's birthplace is of great importance and the act of giving birth in Governor Phillip's house, which lay in Cadigal territory (a neighbouring clan to the Eora), demonstrates that Bennelong's clan was forging new land associations. This once again highlights Bennelong's quick wit and his ability to take advantage of a given situation.

In December 1792, Governor Phillip, who had been governor for nearly five years, decided to return to England. Bennelong had expressed interest in long sea voyages, so Governor Phillip invited him and another Aborigine named Yemmerrawanne to join the governor on his return trip and visit England, which they both gladly accepted. Unfortunately, Yemmerrawanne died in England two years later due to a lung disease, but Bennelong enjoyed his stay in London and was soon accustomed to wearing a ruffled lace shirt and a fancy waistcoat typical of the times. He also learned to box, skate, smoke and drink. Such was his eagerness and ability to learn that people have said the he 'ate as elegantly as the Englishmen, bowed, toasted, paid the ladies compliments and loved wine.' He even met King George III and heard debates in parliament and was delighted with everything he saw. Bennelong was long applauded as a success of both cultures because of his dynamic ability to blend into English high society or the traditional Aboriginal way of living, both very different settings. However, things in England took a turn for the worse for Bennelong as he found his fondness for wine greatly increasing. In September 1795, Bennelong, fast becoming ill and longing to come home, returned to Sydney with the colony's new governor, Governor Hunter. This second stage of Bennelong's life would prove to be disastrous for him as he took to the bottle with great resolve. He was often in drunken scuffles or payback battles and soon his own people began to shun him. Woollarawarre Bennelong died on the 3rd of January 1813 at James Squire's orchard at Kissing Point (Meadowbank) on the Parramatta River at the approximate age of 50.

Time and time again, Bennelong exhibited skills of determination, diplomacy and resolve that could be likened to that of an astute and seasoned politician. He was considered a vital link between the white settlers and the Aborigines because of his ability to speak both languages and behave accordingly in both cultures. His closeness to Governor Phillip and influential Aborigines such as Colby guaranteed his position within both societies as he was the intermediary between the two different peoples. Through his own actions, Bennelong cemented his image and position as an important and influential part of the establishment of Sydney Cove during the 1790s.

Note
[1]. Keith Vincent Smith, Bennelong, 2001, page 42.

1988 Ten Dollar Note

This note was issued by the Reserve Bank of Australia to mark the 200th anniversary of the arrival of the first European settlers. Designs on the note celebrate the variety of cultures within the country. One side depicts the ship HMS Supply and a group of people against a view of the early British settlement at Sydney Cove. The other side of the note portrays elements of Aboriginal culture, including ancient rock painting, an Aboriginal youth and a ceremonial Morning Star Pole.

Background patterns are taken from designs specially commissioned from Aboriginal artists. The note is also unusual because it is not made of paper. There had been earlier experiments with plastic notes, in Haiti and the Isle of Man, but this Australian note is printed on a polymer material developed after many years of research. All Australian notes are now made of polymer.

The Reserve Bank of Australia was involved in a dispute with a north eastern Arnhem Land artist named Terry Yumbulul who argued the RBA used an unauthorised reproduction the “Morning Star Pole” on the 1988 commemorative ten dollar bank note. The “Morning Star” ceremony is a very important ceremony, and the pole plays an important role in the ceremony. Mr. Yumbulul complained that his permission had not been obtained to reproduce the pole on the bank note with the result that he believed that the importance of the pole had been diminished by an inappropriate reproduction.

There was a resolution between Mr. Yumbulul and the Reserve Bank, which unfortunately for him did not involve the Bank conceding to Mr. Yumbulul’s claim for damages in relation to the bank note. But it still involved a gesture of recognition by the Reserve Bank towards Mr. Yumbulul and the payment of some money.

The bank note has historical value as evidence of the 1988 Bicentennial celebrations and the recognition of the cultural diversity that had evolved in the Australian community up to that time. The bank note is evidence of the Australian Government openly embracing multiculturalism and attempts to reflect a modern nation, as evidenced in the imagery and language on a new technology and currency.

The bank note represents a time when the Australian nation had to come to terms with its British penal beginnings and the dispossession of the Aboriginal people, the White Australia policy of the late nineteenth and the twentieth century and the multiculturalism that had evolved from the waves of mass migration after World War Two.

The Bicentennary in 1988 is a time when the Australian community appears to be at ease with the multiple layers and the many voices of their history and were engaged in celebrating this cultural diversity and recognising the Aboriginal past. The bank note represents a coming of age that officially acknowledges these themes on a medium that is handled by millions of people daily.

Watkin Tench

Leiutenant-General Watkin Tench (6 October 1758 – 7 May 1833) was a British Marine officer who is best known for publishing two books describing his experiences in the First Fleet which established the first settlement in Australia in 1788. His two accounts, "Narrative of the Expedition to Botany Bay" and "Complete Account of the Settlement at Port Jackson" provide a fascinating and entertaining account of the arrival and first four years of the colony. Little is known of Tench apart from what he writes in his three books and his service record.

Complete Account of the Settlement at Port Jackson

The Port Jackson Painter

The following site has a collection of paintings completed between 1788 and 1797. They show the first settlement at Sydney Cove and the life of the aboriginal people of the area. What do they tell us about aboriginals in the Sydney area?

The Natural History Museum

Aboriginal Australia Seen Through European Eyes

 

'Aborigines using fire to hunt kangaroos', Joseph Lycett, c1820, watercolour

A collection of great Joseph Lycett (ca.1775-1828.)paintings depicting Aboriginals can be found at the National Library of Australia.

What conclusions can we draw about the life of aboriginals in Australia based on these paintings? Which is your favourite and why? What other information would you like to discover? What sources would be valuable to a historian examining aboriginal society and culture in the early years of the 19th century?