Henry Thomas Ebsworth (1806-1855) travelled out to NSW in 1825, as Assistant Manager to Robert Dawson, the first Australian Agricultural Company Commissioner. Despite the apparent success of the venture, Dawson was recalled to England in 1828, leaving Ebsworth temporarily in charge of operations at Port Stephens. Ebsworth also returned to England shortly afterward but continued his connection with the AACo., both through his own ongoing role as UK company secretary, and that of his extended family at Port Stephens.

Digital order no: a5493001

In this letter book, H.T. Ebsworth records his observations of the daily operations of the newly established AACo. settlement at Port Stephens, including its impact on the local indigenous population, accompanied by his own hand drawn views and finely detailed charts.

Digital order no: a5515137

In this letter book, Ebsworth records his observations of the daily operations of the newly established AACO. settlement at Port Stephens, including its impact on the local indigenous population, accompanied by his own hand drawn views and finely detailed charts such as this wonderful bird's eye view.

Digital order no: a5515041

Augustus Earle travelled widely throughout New South Wales during his residence in the colony from 1825 and 1828, visiting the AACo. Estates at Port Stephen in October 1827. 

Digital order no: a223007

Tahlee House, on the shores of Port Stephens, was built as the first Australian head quarters of the AACo. in 1826. This sketch was drawn by Admiral Phillip Parker King who worked as an AACo. Commissioner from 1839 to 1849.

Digital order no: a1642030

This early view of the Booral Estate, at Port Stephens, was painted by the colonial surveyor, Robert Hoddle

Digital order no: a5498001

Set up on one million acres at Port Stephens on the NSW north coast in 1824, this map shows the extent of the Australian Agricultural Company's land holdings in the area by 1830.

Digital order no: a5012001

Marion Louisa Anne Ebsworth was born at Port Stephens in 1833. The only daughter of James Ebsworth (and a niece of Henry T. Ebsworth) her father worked for the AACo. at Port Stephens in various capacities from 1828 to 1851, and Marion sketched several views of its properties and the surrounding district during her residence there.  

Digital order no: a5497001

Marion Louisa Anne Ebsworth was born at Port Stephens in 1833. The only daughter of James Ebsworth (and a niece of Henry T. Ebsworth) her father worked for the AACo. at Port Stephens in various capacities from 1828 to 1851, and Marion sketched several views of its properties and the surrounding district during her residence there.  

Digital order no: a5499001

James Ebsworth (brother of Henry T. Ebsworth) worked for the AACo. in various capacities at Port Stephens where he lived with his family on the Booral Estate from 1828 to 1851.  

Digital order no: a5495001

This mock 'calling card' tray was filled in by guests attending a Christmas Day Party held in Port Stephens at the Booral Estate. The contents of the Drawing Room Album date from between 1843 and 1861, and include signatures of the Ebsworth, King, Blaxland, Dumaresq, Macarthur and Henning families among others. 

Digital order no: a5506068

Marion Louisa Anne Ebsworth was born at Port Stephens in 1833. The only daughter of James Ebsworth (and a niece of Henry T. Ebsworth) her father worked for the AACo. at Port Stephens in various capacities from 1828 to 1851, and Marion sketched several views of its properties and the surrounding district during her residence there.  

Digital order no: a5500001

This unsigned watercolour drawing could be the work of Marion Ebsworth, or a contribution by one of the many guests to the Booral Estate. The contents of this Drawing Room Album date from between 1843 and 1861, and include signatures of members of the Ebsworth, King, Blaxland, Dumaresq, Macarthur and Henning families among others. 

Digital order no: a5506156

Stroud became the AACo. headquarters in 1849. 

Digital order no: a5496001

This sketch was drawn by Admiral Phillip Parker King who worked as an AACo. Commissioner from 1839 to 1849.

Digital order no: a1642026