Notes on the Diary of the Reverend Robert Knopwood, 1805-1808.

The diaries of the Reverend Robert Knopwood constitute a valuable section of the historical accounts of the early days of Tasmanian history. The events recorded by the first chaplain are largely of a personal nature, yet there are many entries which throw additional light upon the history of the years which followed the foundation of the settlement. Robert Knopwood was born at Norfolk, England, on the 2nd June, 1761. He inherited considerable wealth, but squandered his fortune in his youth. He took Holy Orders, and was domestic chaplain to Earl Spencer for some years. In 1802 he was chaplain of the Resolution, and on the 14th January, 1803, was appointed Chaplain to Collins's expedition. Knopwood was also appointed magistrate at the Derwent settlement, and Collins looked upon him as one of his valued civil officers; but after Collins's death, Governor Macquarie was rather critical of Knopwood's unconventional methods. In 1823 Knopwood retired from Hobart to his property at Clarence Plains, and he died on the 18th September, 1838, at Rokeby