Historical Association: Convicts or naval bases? The founding of New South Wales

This Historical Association branch lecture explores the founding of New South Wales and asks whether convicts or naval bases were the more significant factor in its early development. It is a history-focused event for anyone interested in the British Empire, colonial settlement and the wider forces that shaped Australia’s first European colony.

The lecture is presented by Dr John Oliphant, an independent scholar and author, and is organised through the Historical Association’s East Sussex branch. It offers an opportunity to hear a specialist perspective on a major historical question and to engage with a well-known topic in imperial and maritime history.

The event takes place in Eastbourne and is aimed at members of the Historical Association as well as visitors who wish to attend a single lecture. Branch enquiries can be made directly to the organiser by email or telephone.