Last updated: September 2007
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Educated at Edinburgh (graduated in 1828) and trained in medicine John Hampton joined the Royal Navy as a surgeon.
Originally in charge of the convict system in Tasmania, Hampton came to Western Australian in 1862 with a very authoritarian outlook.
He had a black cloud hanging over his career as he had been accused of using convict labour for his own gains and despite a tribunal eventually not making a finding against him, he was tarnished by the accusation.
Rev. Rogers who worked in Tasmania at the same time as Hampton wrote that he was 'an opportunist and self-seeker, little moved by any finer feeling.'
The Superintendent of Fremantle prison also found Hampton unfriendly and cold.
Prisoner's sentences were lengthened for any minor infraction and it was not long before contemporaries were writing complaints to London of Hampton's 'Tasmanian tactics.'
During his six years in office, 96 convicts were flogged and a total of 6559 lashes administered. The escape attempt rate reached new highs.
With a large number of convicts at his disposal, Hampton set about a large building project and many buildings that still stand in Fremantle and Perth date from this time. |
In light of his own harsh treatment of convicts, it seems strange that Governor Hampton turned so viciously on Henry Vincent (Superintendent of the Rottnest Native Prison) when he was accused of poorly treating the inmates.
Hampton's dislike of law breakers must have been heightened by Moondyne Joe, who continued to escape and make the Governor look a fool during his time in W.A.
His tenure as Governor was remebered as being harsh and his style as dictatorial. He was not popular with setlers.
Hampton was married (to Mary) and had one son - George.
