NEWS Sep 27, 2007
Acquisition of Baron de Thierry papers
On August 1 the Alexander Turnbull Library acquired a significant collection of papers relating to Baron Charles de Philippe de Thierry (1793-1884). The Baron was a particularly colourful character in New Zealand's early history, trying several times unsuccessfully to establish himself as the head of a New Zealand colony.
Records of his grandiose activities are scattered around the world, particularly in the public archives of those countries that had to deal with the consequences of his plans. A particularly important document, his unpublished autobiography is also held at the Auckland City Library. However, the items acquired by the Alexander Turnbull Library comprise the single largest known collection of items relating to the de Thierry family’s activities in New Zealand.
The collection includes 60 letters to the Baron and his sons, and ten from the Baron to various recipients, including Governor William Hobson. There are papers relating to family history, accounts, land claims, births and deaths and testimonials. Finally, there are four pencil sketches and a very rough watercolour of what appears to be the Baron's Hokianga settlement.
In 1820 the Baron met Hongi Hika and Thomas Kendall, and for the mere price of 36 axes, claimed to have bought himself 40,000 acres at Hokianga. For the next 20 years he tried unsuccessfully to gain French support for his bid to become head of the colony. After a wandering life in the Americans, he arrived in New Zealand in 1837 and was granted 800 acres only. His final hopes were dashed by the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840.
This collection has new documentation not previously available to researchers. It will be useful for any biographical study of de Thierry as well as studies of the times of which he was a notable part. It is an important addition to our research collections relating to early New Zealand history in the years on either side of the Treaty.
