Henry Parkes
Colonial politician and early advocate for Australian federation.
Sir Henry Parkes (27 May 1815 – 27 April 1896) was a colonial Australian politician and the longest-serving non-consecutive premier of the Colony of New South Wales. He is often called the 'Father of Federation' for his early promotion of uniting the six Australian colonies, his criticism of British convict transportation, and his advocacy for expanding the continental rail network.
- born
- 27 May 1815, Canley, Warwickshire, England
- died
- 27 April 1896
- field
- Politics
- nationality
- British colonial Australian
- known_for
- Father of Federation, Tenterfield Oration, longest-serving non-consecutive premier of New South Wales
Lore & Background
Parkes was born in Canley, Warwickshire, England, and christened in Stoneleigh. His father was a tenant farmer, and his mother died in 1840. He had little formal education but educated himself through extensive reading and developed an interest in poetry. In 1835 he wrote poems to Clarinda Varney, whom he married on 11 July 1836. After losing two children and an unsuccessful stay in London, Parkes and his wife emigrated to New South Wales aboard the Strathfieldsaye, arriving in Sydney on 25 July 1839. He worked as a labourer at Regentville estate, then as a tide waiter for the Customs Department, and later as an ivory and bone turner and newspaper owner. He went bankrupt with debts of £48,500.
Reader's Guide
Parkes delivered the Tenterfield Oration in 1889, which led to a federal conference in 1890 and a Constitutional Convention in 1891, key steps toward Australian federation. He died in 1896, five years before federation was completed. The Times described him as 'the most commanding figure in Australian politics', and Alfred Deakin called him a 'large-brained self-educated Titan'. His legacy includes the Public Schools Act 1866, which required teacher training and created a funding mechanism, and his early opposition to convict transportation. His political career was marked by financial troubles and controversy, including anti-Fenian claims that weakened his position.
Did You Know?
- Parkes wrote a volume of poetry titled 'Stolen Moments', published in Sydney in 1842.
- He worked as a tide waiter inspecting merchant vessels for smuggling after being recommended by John Jamison's son-in-law.
- He founded the Empire newspaper in December 1850, which became a daily and was critical of the colonial government.
- Parkes introduced the Public Schools Act 1866, which required teacher training and created a funding mechanism for schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Henry Parkes?
Sir Henry Parkes was a British-born colonial politician who became the longest-serving non-consecutive premier of New South Wales and is best remembered as the earliest prominent champion of Australian federation.
What is the Tenterfield Oration?
It was a speech Parkes delivered in 1889 in which he publicly urged the six Australian colonies to merge into a single nation, making him the first major political figure to call openly for federation.
Why is Parkes called the 'Father of Federation'?
The title reflects the fact that he was the first high-profile political leader to argue forcefully and publicly that the separate colonies should unite, setting the ideological groundwork that eventually produced the 1901 Commonwealth.
What were Parkes's main political roles and powers?
He served as premier of New South Wales across several non-consecutive terms, giving him executive authority over the colony's government, and he used that platform to push policies such as expanding the intercolonial rail network and criticising continued British convict transportation.
How did Henry Parkes's story end?
He died on 27 April 1896 in Sydney, never living to see the federation he had championed become reality; the Commonwealth of Australia was not proclaimed until 1901, five years after his death.
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