Bennelong

Bennelong (c. 1764-1813), a Wangal man, is one of the most significant Aboriginal people in the early history of Australia. Along with Colebee, in November 1789 he was captured on the orders of Governor Phillip, who required an intermediary and wanted to find out about Aboriginal language and culture. Described as being of 'good stature, stoutly made' with a 'bold and intrepid countenance,' at Government House Bennelong readily learned English and adopted European dress and diet. In turn, he taught the English much about local language and customs. Bennelong left the settlement after several months and had no more contact with the British until September 1790, when Governor Phillip was speared at Manly. Bennelong was present when the spearing occurred, and later convinced Phillip that the attack was caused by a misunderstanding; subsequently, the two men re-established contact. Assured by Phillip that he would not be detained, Bennelong again began to frequent the settlement, convincing the Governor to build him a house on the eastern promontory of Sydney Cove that now bears his name. Bennelong was one of two Aboriginal men who accompanied Phillip when he returned to England in 1792. Three years later, having been presented to King George III, he came back to Sydney in poor health. Thereafter, he had difficulty finding full acceptance with either the Europeans or his own people and developed problems with alcohol. Much of what is known about Bennelong has been gleaned from the writings of Phillip and officers such as David Collins and Watkin Tench, whose accounts reflect his contradictory and often troubled relationship with the British and their ways.