Sir Richard Bourke

“Able, Honest and Benevolent”

This large, bronze statue stands out the front of the Mitchell Wing of the NSW State Library. Despite the prominent location, I didn’t recognise the name and I doubt many Sydneysiders would either. ...

The Inscription on the pedestal is an apt tribute

Bourke was born in Ireland, became Anglified, was appointed an officer in the British colonial service and served as Governor of New South Wales between 1831/1837. He was evidently highly regarded dur...

Historical Figure.

Located on the northern corner of the State Library is the statue of Sir Richard Bourke. He served as Governor of New South Wales from 1831 to 1837 and played a major part in ending penal transportati...

Easy to see

A rather dark and high statue right outside the State Library. If you don't know who Richard Bourke is, you can read the remarkably long plaque on the front. I got a bit distracted by the more inter...

The end of the convicts

Sir Bourke is quite renowned in Sydney. He was a politician, a liberal and was Irish as well. He even became governor of New South Wales. He led to the end of the convicts who had to do harsh labo...