Elizabeth Macarthur: a life at the edge of the world

Recently a number of books have been written about Elizabeth Macarthur, the wife of John Macarthur who came to the colony with an army regiment in 1790 and later settled with his family in the colony of New South Wales. Elizabeth was born in England in 1776 and died in New South Wales on 9 February, 1850. She married John Macarthur shortly before he left England for New South Wales. John soon saw opportunities to make money in the colony including selling goods arriving from overseas. But once he aquired land he became involved with farming, especially raising sheep.

It was not long before John had developed a reputation for being quick tempered and ready to seek revenge and twice spent many years back in England defending his actions in the colony, including being a leader in the rebellion against Governor Bligh. Elizabeth was left to look after the family and the family business at home.

Recent research shows that much of the success of the enterprises promoted by John Macarthur was due to the work and dedication of Elizabeth. This was especially the case in establishing the family's sheep properties and the export of wool to England. As well as being a successful business woman Elizabeth spent much time trying to be a diplomat and smooth some of the reactions of other people, especially colonial leaders, to her husband's behaviour.

Elizabeth was also devoted to her family. She and John had nine children, seven surviving childhood.

In the book Elizabeth Macarthur, Michelle Scott Tucker has written an informative and readable account of the life of Elizabeth and her family's role in the establishment of the colony of New South Wales. At the end of the book is a bibliography, list of references and an index. There are also some photos of paintings of Macarthur family portraits and their family properties.