Stories of world-changing trailblazers are not as far-flung as we think, they are rooted in our very own local history, people who have shaped the course of history and helped mold the world we know today. The New Forest has our own local heroes. So, how did Lyndhurst native, Arthur Phillip, help turn a distant land into the world-renowned powerhouse it is today?
Who was Arthur Phillip?
Born in London, 1738, Arthur Phillip’s beginnings were modest, and, in 1747 at the age of 9, Phillip partook in his maiden voyage to sea, working as an officer’s servant for Captain Michael Everitt – a coveted job. Later, Phillip served valiantly in the Seven Years’ War against France, fighting in both the battle of Minorca (1756) and the 1762 siege of Martinique – in which he served as a Lieutenant.
Life in Lyndhurst
After the Seven Years’ War, Phillip married a wealthy widow, Margaret Charlott Denison. Shortly after, the couple moved to Lyndhurst, leasing an estate known as “Vernalls” and its 32 surrounding acres. Here, Phillip, aided by his farm servant Henry Dodd – a Lyndhurst autochthonal, learned the basic skills and techniques of farming. Phillip was also an important member of the local community, in 1766, he was appointed the overseer of the poor by St. Michael and All Angels church. An unpaid role, one that would benefit his later ventures immensely.
A Voyage to a New World
On the 13th May, 1787, Arthur Phillip accompanied by some 800 convicts and 700 officials, left for a distant and foreign land- Australia. The journey entailed the better part of 250 days, stopping at Rio De Janeiro and The Cape of Good Hope along the way. Despite this, when the British landed in Botany Bay, an exhausted Phillip (Owing to his time farming in Lyndhurst) was quick to deny its suitability due to the scarcity of fresh water and fertile soil. And thus, on the 26th of January, Phillip had discovered what he could only describe as, ”the best harbour in the world”. Later that very day, Phillip and his fleet raised the British flag, officially claiming Sydney as British land.
The ensuing months were amongst the most difficult, all convicts and Phillip himself were on heavily rationed diets, farming was onerous and many convicts were verging death by the time the second fleet of convicts arrived. However, a headstrong Phillip and his old farm servant Henry Dodd were able to persevere.
By 1802, there were an estimated 30,000 cattle, 160,000 peach trees, and 12,000 acres of farmland, a testimony to Phillips’ success. He had successfully transformed Australia into a thriving colony for Britain. The rest, as they say, is history!
How does he live on today?
Today, Phillips’ remembrance lives on. The 26th of January, the day he officially planted the British flag, is now Australia Day. Furthermore, in 1888 to mark the centennial anniversary of his landing, a statue commemorating his successes was erected in the center of Sydney. Finally, a eucalyptus tree was planted in the grounds of the New Forest District Council building to celebrate the country’s Bicentennial.
Phillips’ success could arguably be credited to his time in the New Forest. His various roles and experiences allowed him to thrive in his new environment and as a result, Australia was able to grow like a flowering seed. And therefore, without Phillips’ stint in Lyndhurst, would Australia be the powerhouse it is today?
Written by Jack Harris
