Summary

Australia
Henty Jubilee 1884 (AD)
Mint: not recorded
Other Details: Medal issued to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Edward Henty's arrival in Portland, Victoria. Edward Henty was born in England in 1809 and migrated to Australia, as did his parents and brothers, in 1829. On 19 November 1834 he sailed from Launceston in the Hentys' own schooner, the Thistle, with stock and a small party. His brother Francis followed the next month with a small flock of merino sheep, the first in Victoria. The Henty brothers began whaling at Portland Bay and took their flocks and herds inland to the rich area on the Wannon River. In the 1840s they were eventually granted pre-emptive rights over most of their lands. Henty was known as a capable and energetic man and regarded as the chief actor in the early history of Portland Bay. He and his wife Anne Marie Gallie moved to Muntham, a 60,000-acre property that became widely known for its merino sheep and Durham cattle. It was also known for its extravagent hospitality - to which Henty's social ambition and vanity contributed considerably. This extravagence and Henty's obstinacy eventually led to the degredation of the flocks. Henty lived in Portland and in his Melbourne mansion, Offington, while he served as a member of the Victoria Legislative Assembly. He died on 14 August 1878.

Obverse Description

At centre within ornate trefoil compartment, bust of Edward Henty three-quarters left wearing suit and bow-tie

Reverse Description

At centre within ornate trefoil compartment; "HENTY" JUBILEE / * / 18 NOV. / * 1884 * / PORTLAND

Edge Description

Plain

More Information