12 Facts About Edmund Lockyer

Edmund Lockyer, was a British soldier and explorer of Australia.

Edmund Lockyer began his army career as an ensign in the 19th Regiment in June 1803, was promoted lieutenant in early 1805 and made captain in August 1805.

Edmund Lockyer was promoted to major in August 1819 and in August 1824 transferred to the 57th Regiment.

Edmund Lockyer arrived at Sydney, capital of the British Colony of New South Wales, aboard the Royal Charlotte in April 1825 with men from the 57th; with his wife and ten children.

Edmund Lockyer saw coal in deposits on the banks, becoming the first person to identify coal in Queensland.

Edmund Lockyer arrived back in Sydney on 16 October 1825, and made a report to Governor Brisbane.

In late 1826, Edmund Lockyer led an expedition to claim Western Australia for Britain.

The military base established by Edmund Lockyer was named Frederick Town, later renamed Albany, and would become an important deep water port.

Edmund Lockyer was to remain in the settlement until command could be given to Captain Joseph Wakefield.

Edmund Lockyer returned to Sydney on 3 April 1827, sold his army commission and settled in Sydney.

In 1852 Edmund Lockyer was appointed serjeant-at-arms to the New South Wales Legislative Council and on 16 May 1856 he became the council's first Usher of the Black Rod.

Edmund Lockyer died from the effects of influenza on 10 June 1860 at his home in Bay Street, Woolloomooloo and was buried in Camperdown Cemetery, Sydney.