Historical Feature - Colonel William Light

Colonel William LIGHT 1786-1839

The beautiful city of Adelaide is a living memorial to the energy and vision of William Light, the man who surveyed and planned the city. He was by turns soldier, artist, mercenary, explorer and surveyor - a crowded lifetime of experience proving to be the preparation for his final magnificent work.

Light was appointed the Surveyor-General of South Australia in 1836, his task to establish the site of the colony's capital. He chose a site a little inland from the eastern shore of the Gulf of St Vincent which explorer Collet Barker had admired from atop Mount Lofty five years earlier.

His choice was bitterly disputed. Light, however, promised a safe and sheltered anchorage, a good water supply, and ample space for settlement on the Adelaide plains.

By March, 1837, Light had completed his well known grid plan for the city, including surrounding parklands. Colonel Light named the city, 'Adelaide', after the Queen. After initial setbacks, South Australia made quick progress with the development of agriculture and the discovery of minerals.

From carefully planned beginnings, Adelaide grew to become the bustling centre for commerce and culture it is today.

Source: Booklet accompanying the 1995 Masterpieces in Silver - Colonial Australia - Set.

Colonel William Light is featured on the following Australian coins:

1995 Five Dollars