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Birth.
Edward John Eyre was born in Whipsnade, Bedfordshire in England. His father was Anthony William Eyre and his mother was Sarah, née Mapleton. -
Immigrated to Australia.
Edward had originally intended to join the army, but he later decided to move to Australia, at his father's suggestion. -
Arrived in Sydney.
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Discovered and named Lake Hindmarsh.
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Met John Baxter.
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Attempted to find an overland route to the West.
On his 24th birthday, Edward, Baxter and two native boys to try to find an overland route to the West. He named Gawler Range and Lake Torrens. This trip was a failure though, they never once found a single body of water. -
Met Wylie
Edward met WYlie, an Aboriginal young man, on a return trip from trading some livestock. Wylie would become a trusted companion. -
Located a group committed to finding an overland route.
Edward and Wylie came across a group dedicated to exploring an overland route to the West. Edward funded a large quantity of this project and even suggested that they try heading North, instead of West. The trip was not a success, unfortunately. -
Period: to
Trip across Australia
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John Baxter was murdered.
John Baxter was killed in te silent of the night by two Aborigines, who then stole most of the supplies and left Edward and Wylie. -
Became lieutenant-governer of New Zealand.
He had a salary of £800 and a living allowance of £400. He had many fightswith George Grey, so Edward returned to ENgland in 1853. -
Awarded the founder's gold medal of the Royal Geographical Society
Edward was given this medal and had three of his papers published. -
Married Adelaide Fanny
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Was appointed lieutenant-governor of St. Vincent.
He was said to be a 'capable and humane administrator'. -
Appointed Governor-chief in Jamaica.
Although he was a good governor, he was unpopular. -
Riots in Morant Bay.
Edward declared martial law. A total of 608 deaths, 600 floggings and over 1,000 burnt-down houses. -
George William Gordon arrested and hung.
Edward and many others arrested George William Gordon, major suspect for the riots, and had him hung. This was seen as a cruel and monstrous act in Europe, so Edward was sent home. -
Reired to Walreddon Manor.
His expenses were paid by the British Goverment. -
Death.
Edward John Eyre was burried in Whitechurch, near Tavistock. His remaining family was his wife sinse 1850, Adelaide Fanny, and his five children.
