William Robertson junior studied at Oxford University and is said to have been the first Australian to row in an Oxford eight, his team victorious in the Boat Race of 1861. He graduated in 1862 and returned to Australia after being admitted to the bar and marrying in England in 1863. He practised in Hobart before heading to Victoria where, in addition to his work as a barrister in Melbourne, he assisted his three brothers in the management of the family properties. William served as a member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly between 1871 and 1874 and again from 1881 to 1886; he also served on the Colac Shire council.
Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of Malcolm Robertson in memory of William Thomas Robertson 2018. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.
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![William and Martha Mary Robertson and their children [William St Leonards, Eliza, John, William St Leonards on a horse, Beatrice and Ida]](/files/5/3/6/1/i12225.jpg "Fit to screen: William and Martha Mary Robertson and their children [William St Leonards, Eliza, John, William St Leonards on a horse, Beatrice and Ida]")
