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caswell crescent
Lt William Caswell one of the first European settlers in Tanilba Bay
Caswell Crescent is named for Commander (Retired Royal Navy), formerly Lieutenant William Caswell, one of the first white settlers to Tanilba Bay, who received his original land grant in 1831 (Tenilba), for his distinctive service rendered to the Royal Navy.
What Would Make an Englishman Leave His Home?
Lt William Caswell was an Englishman of reputable standing so why did he leave his homeland with his family and venture into isolated bushland in a new colony of New South Wales?
When you read their documented history and their personal letters home you may begin to understand what motivated them to change their lifestyle so dramatically.
In 1837 the construction of Tanilba House began. Tanilba House was completed in 1839 and still stands today.
Caswells Settle in Tanilba
Lieutenant William Caswell RN (Retired) settled on his grant at Tanilba with his wife and family where he built Tanilba House in 1831. ‘Tenilba’, now spelt Tanilba, was named by Governor Ralph Darling on the land grant as the indigenous place name signifying ‘tenil’ meaning ‘white flowers’ and ‘bah’ meaning water.
Tanilba House was completed in 1839 and still stands today.
Drought and Recession
The summer of 1837 marked the onset of a prolonged drought, which proved disastrous for many gentlemen farmers like William Caswell. In 1838, Governor Bourke assigned William a lease of 50 acres at Tanilba, yet despite this grant, he was still required to pay Quit Rent.
Convict-built gaol on the grounds of Tanilba House to keep convicts who had committed an offence or were uncooperative and refused to work.
Failed Crops & Loss of Convict Labour
The combination of failed crops, the loss of convict labour, and expenses incurred in paying and managing the upbringing of their family – two of whom were already teenagers – alongside the Quit Rent, pushed the Caswells towards bankruptcy.
Insolvency Act Gives Relief
By December 1842, William Caswell, along with hundreds of other bankrupt settlers, sought relief under the new Insolvency Act. Debtors could continue to reside on and cultivate their properties if they could demonstrate profitability in their land management, indicating a potential for future financial recovery.
William Caswell was among over a thousand applicants granted continued possession of his property, with debts waived, enabling him to embark on a fresh start. They persevered through this challenging period, known as “The Hungry Forties.”
Caswells Relocate to Balickera
Lieutenant William Caswell and his family resided in Tanilba House for approximately ten years. However, in 1844, after 15 years of settlement in Tanilba, William and his family relocated to a less grand and smaller dwelling, the farmhouse on the Williams River at Seaham, where he built Balickera.
Uniform of a Commander in Royal Navy 1800’s. Source: Wikipedia Commons
Lt William Caswell Promoted to Commander
In 1857, Lt W Caswell received notification from the Admiralty that he had been promoted to Commander W Caswell, Retired, and was now attached to the Naval Reserve, receiving the higher half-pay of his new rank. This promotion eased life considerably, especially as many members of the family were now leading their own lives.
Example of a wooden clipper that would have been used on the trade route to England. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Return to England
In 1859, upon reaching the age of 70, Commander Caswell decided it was time to fulfill his promise to his wife, Susan, to take her home to England. Susan, aged 54 at the time, had not seen her family for 30 years.
Medals awarded to Commander William Caswell. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Commander Caswell Dies at Sea
Commander Caswell embarked for England aboard the Light of the Age (The Light of the Age was a fast and large wooden clipper ship originally named the Beacon Light, and described as a ‘Californian clipper’ being used in that trade.)
Tragically, Commander Caswell never reached his destination. On April 29, 1859, he passed away at sea and was laid to rest with a sailor’s burial in the very ocean on which he had served so faithfully.
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