F.G. Simpkinson: Journals and papers

Francis Guillemard Simpkinson (1819-1906) was born in London on 26 May 1819, the younger son of the barrister Sir John Augustus Francis Simpkinson. He joined the Royal Navy as a first-class volunteer in March 1832, and served on H.M.S. 'Britannia' until March 1835. During this period he was employed for a short period on the 'Rainbow', which was commanded by his uncle Sir John Franklin. After leaving the 'Britannia', he served on the 'Jupiter', before moving in October 1835 to the 'Sulphur', a surveying ship captained by Edward Belcher, engaged in a voyage around the world. During his time on the vessel Simpkinson travelled intensively in the Americas and assisted in taking synchronous pendulum observations. After serving on H.M. sloop 'Harrier' from June 1838 to July 1839, he returned to England, where he attended the Royal Naval College. This was followed by spells on H.M.S. 'Excellent', September-November 1843, and H.M.S. 'Albion', November 1843-March 1844. From September 1844 he worked at the magnetic laboratory at Hobart Town under Lieutenant Joseph Kay. While at Hobart Simpkinson painted landscapes, some of which formed part of the first public exhibition of paintings in Australia held on 6 January 1845. He returned to England in 1849, and later served on the 'Fisgard', 1854-1855, carrying out surveying duties. He retired from the navy in April 1870. In later life Simpkinson added de Wesselow to his surname. He died in London on 4 December 1906.

The collection is comprised of journals recording Simpkinson's experiences serving on different ships, containing a mixture of short dated entries and longer accounts with occasional dates. There is also a small set of personal papers, relating mainly to Simpkinson's naval career.

Transferred from the Department of Geography, April 1969.

Please cite as Cambridge University Library, Department of Manuscripts and University Archives, F.G. Simpkinson: Journals and papers, MS Add.7782

MSS Add.7780 and 7781 are naval logs kept by Simpkinson.

This catalogue was prepared by Robert Steiner, Manuscripts Department, August 2011. The biographical history was compiled with reference to the documents relating to Simpkinson in the Additional Manuscripts Collection and to V.W. Hodgman, 'Simpkinson de Wesselow, Francis Guillemard (1819-1906)', 'Australian Dictionary of Biography', National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/simpkinson-de-wesselow-francis-guillemard-2664/text3711.

A microfilm copy of the documents is available in the Manuscripts Reading Room.