Watkin Tench
Watkin Tench (1758-1833) was an English marine officer and author known for his significant contributions to the early history of Australia. Born in Chester to a dancing master, Tench demonstrated early academic prowess, becoming fluent in French. He joined the Marine Corps in 1775, rising through the ranks to become a captain lieutenant by 1782. His military career included service in the penal colony of Australia, where he authored three influential books based on his experiences.
In his first book, *A Narrative of the Expedition to Botany Bay*, published in 1789, Tench critiqued Britain's colonial strategies. His subsequent work, *A Complete Account of the Settlement at Port Jackson*, published in 1793, highlighted the devastating impact of smallpox on the Aboriginal populations, reflecting his growing concern for indigenous peoples. After returning to England in 1792, he married Anna Maria Sargent and continued to serve in the military, eventually achieving the rank of major general. Tench's writings provide valuable insights into early colonial Australia and its challenges, as well as his interactions with diverse cultures during his career. He passed away in Davenport, England, in 1833.
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Subject Terms
Watkin Tench
Marine Officer
- Born: September 1, 1758
- Birthplace: St. Mary on the Hill, Chester, England
- Died: May 7, 1833
- Place of death: Devonport, England
Biography
Watkin Tench was born in England in 1758, the son of a dancing master who ran a boarding school and dance academy in the town of Chester. Tench was a precocious learner as a child and became fluent in French and well acquainted with the French culture. In 1775, Tench joined the Marine Corps and served on navy ships for the next several years. In 1778, his ship was attacked by a French squadron, and Tench found himself captured and imprisoned briefly. By 1782, Tench had achieved the rank of captain lieutenant, the first of many promotions. Five more years of diligent service led Tench to volunteer to join his fellow Marines in guarding Britain’s new penal colony in Australia. He thrived in the harsh frontier environment of Australia, quickly gaining the support and admiration of his peers. However, Tench often found himself at odds with commanding officers who disliked his forthrightness and sense of justice.
In 1789, Tench published what was to be the first of three books based on his military experiences. In A Narrative of the Expedition to Botany Bay: With an Account of New South Wales, Its Productions, Inhabitants; &c, Tench strongly criticized Britain’s intent and strategy in Australia and boldly claimed that the idea of the colony becoming self-sufficient within a few years was absurd. By the time Tench published his second book, A Complete Account of the Settlement at Port Jackson, in New South Wales, Including an Accurate Description of the Situation of the Colony; of the Natives; and of Its Natural Productions, in 1793, his attention had turned to the plight of the Aborigine people of Australia. Tench’s book told of his observations of tribes decimated by smallpox and a landscape that seemed suddenly desolate because nearly half the native population had been wiped out in less than three months.
In 1792, Tench returned to England from the colony and married Anna Maria Sargent, the daughter of a surgeon. Tench’s opinions did not prevent him from being promoted within the military, and in 1794 he was awarded the rank of brevet major. While serving in this capacity aboard the Alexander, Tench and his men were attacked and captured by the French. Tench was held in a prison ship for nearly a year before he was released on parole. Unable to leave France, Tench began negotiating for the release of his fellow prisoners. While serving as an advocate for his countrymen, Tench mingled with the downtrodden French aristocracy, proving to be quite popular. Tench was finally released to return home to England in 1795. His final book, Letters Written in France, to a Friend in London, Between the Month of November, 1794, and the Month of May, 1795, was published in 1796. Tench eventually obtained the rank of major general before retiring in 1821. He died in Davenport, England, on May 7, 1833.