Has History Missed James Smith?

About this episode

The episode explores the life of James Smith, who may be recognized as the first free settler or paying tourist in Australia.

At 47 years of age , James Smith paid his fare for a passage to Botany Bay with the First Fleet. The arrangement was made with Captain Sever of the Lady Penrhyn. The Captain did not consult with Captain Arthur Philip about the arrangement. Philip found out about Smith when the Fleet were all together in Cape Town. He was furious as it was outside the instructions he had been given. In the end result, Smith was allowed to stay in the colony which he did until he left on HMS Gorgon in 1791. Smith was eccentric and elusive, but he was still either the first free settler or the first paying tourist. Either way he should be recognised as such.

People in this episode

Host: Mercator

Topics covered

• history
• colonialism
• settlers
• Botany Bay
• James Smith

Keywords

• James Smith
• First Fleet
• Botany Bay
• Captain Arthur Philip
• HMS Gorgon

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: HMS Gorgon

Places: Botany Bay, Cape Town

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