Christ College opens in Hobart, Tasmania (1846–1856)

Christ College was founded in 1846 in Bishopsbourne, Tasmania, as an Anglican institution modeled on Oxford and Cambridge colleges. It was established to provide the basis for university education in Tasmania. Key figures included Bishop Francis Russell Nixon, who drove its foundation, and John Philip Gell, its first Warden. The college faced financial difficulties leading to its closure in 1856.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. Christ College was first proposed in 1840 in Lieutenant-Governor Sir John Franklin's Legislative Council. It was founded in 1846 in Bishopsbourne, modeled on the Oxford and Cambridge colleges, as an Anglican college. The institution aimed to develop along Oxbridge lines and provide the basis for university education in Tasmania. It is recognized as the oldest tertiary institution in Australia.

Key Figures. Francis Russell Nixon, the first bishop of the Church of England in Tasmania, was the driving force behind the foundation of Christ College in 1846. John Philip Gell served as the first Warden when the college opened. Nixon's influence extended to the college's management, though his interference and indifference contributed to later issues.

Operations and Closure. Under Warden John Philip Gell, the college engaged in early instances of playing rugby football in Australia in 1847. However, the college closed in 1856 due to bad financial conditions. This collapse was partly attributed to mismanagement stemming from Bishop Nixon's interference in appointments and failure to oversee trustees properly.

People involved

Sources

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