(1791 - 1856)
Born on Norfolk Island, the son of Philip Gidley King received a clerical education in England before entering the naval service and distinguishing himself against the French. In 1817 Lieutenant King left for Australia to complete the charting of the north coast of the continent, a task Matthew Flinders had failed to complete.
For the next 5 years he became engrossed in his task and proved to be an excellent commander and hydrographer, and his surveys paved the way for settlement on the north coast. Some of his surveys are still incorporated in modern day charts. He published "Narrative of a survey of the intertropical and western coasts of Australia " in 1827.
He was then sent to survey the South American coast from 1826 until 1830, and he returned to Australia in 1832 as a half pay captain. He was later to become commissioner of the Australian Agricultural Company(PEP) for ten years (1839-49), a member of the legislative council of New South Wales in 1850, and a rear admiral in 1855.
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