William Denison

Sir William Thomas Denison, KCB (3 May 1804 – 19 January 1871) was Lieutenant Governor of Van Diemen's Land from 1847 to 1855, Governor of New South Wales from 1855 to 1861, and Governor of Madras from 1861 to 1866.

According to Percival Serle, Denison was a man of high character and a good administrator. In his early days in Tasmania he spoke too frankly about the colonists in communications which he regarded as confidential, and this accentuated the feeling against him as a representative of the colonial office during the anti-transportation and responsible government movements. He showed great interest in the life of the colony, and helped to foster education, science and trade, during the period when Tasmania was developing into a prosperous colony. In New South Wales his task was easier, and he had no difficulty in coping adequately with the problems that arose during the early days of responsible government in Australia.

Early life

Denison was the third son of John Denison, of Ossington, M.P. for Chichester, his brothers were Evelyn Denison, the future Speaker of the House of Commons, and clergymen Edward Denison and George Anthony Denison. He was born in London, England and educated at Eton College and the Royal Military College and entered the Royal Engineers in 1826. In November 1838 he married Caroline Hornby.

William Dennison

William Dennison or Denison may refer to:

William Denison (cricketer)

William Denison (13 January 1801 at South Lambeth, Surrey – 9 March 1856 at Lee, Kent) was involved in English cricket in the mid-19th century as a player, administrator and writer.

He was a member of MCC, for whom he played on a few occasions in first-class matches. Denison only played occasionally in major cricket. His career spanned the 1832 to 1847 seasons but he only appeared 8 times, scoring just 34 runs at 3.77 with a highest score of 12. He was more successful as a bowler and took 30 wickets at 12.41 with best figures of 6-72. He was apparently the first player brave enough to bowl roundarm slows in major matches, for which he acquired the nickname "Stick 'em up" Denison.

Denison is best known for being the original secretary of Surrey CCC when it was founded in 1845. He stayed in the post, which was then honorary (i.e. unpaid), until 1848. He made one appearance for the club, in their inaugural first-class match against MCC in May, 1846.

He was a writer who reported cricket for The Times in the 1840s and was also on the staff of the Sporting Magazine. He wrote a book called Cricket Sketches of the Players (1846) which reflected his involvement with the All-England Eleven. He also produced a publication called the Cricketer's Companion which appeared annually from 1844 to 1847.