Denison, Sir William (1804-1871), a British statesman, was lieutenant governor of Van Diemen’s Land (now Tasmania), Australia, from 1847 to 1855. He became extremely unpopular because he opposed the ending of transportation (bringing convicts to the colony). But the antitransportation movement was successful.I 1852, the British secretary for colonies, Sir John Pakington, announced that the transportation of convicts to the four colonies was to end.
As governor of New South Wales from 1855 to 1861, Denison proved more popular. He fortified Port Jackson against possible Russian invasion during the Crimean War (1853-1856). A tower was erected on Pinchgut Island and armed with cannons. The fortification was completed in 1857 and named Fort Denison in his honor. Denison left Australia in 1861, when he became governor of Madras in India.
William Thomas Denison was born in London, England, on May 3, 1804, and educated at Eton College and at the Royal Military Academy. He was knighted in 1846. He died on Jan. 19, 1871.
