On Wednesday, 2 October 2024, Andy Macqueen OAM was the guest speaker for our monthly lecture series. In this talk, Andy spoke about the French refuge Francis Barrallier – surveyor, cartographer, engineer and explorer.
Barrallier made significant contributions to NSW colonial endeavours from 1800 to 1803 before he fell victim to the feuding between his fellow Rum Corps officers and Governor King. His talents were employed in the West Indies instead. In speaking to his book ‘The Frenchman’, Andy Macqueen argues that Barrallier’s French origin and associations influenced his undertakings and his fate in the colony.
About the speaker: Andy Macqueen OAM is a Blue Mountains historian. He has produced six books and many
other works, including several peer-reviewed papers published by the Blue Mountains Association of Cultural
Heritage Organisations. His topics include colonial exploration and first contact, surveying and conservation
history. His latest book is The Frenchman: Francis Barrallier, life and journeys 1773–1853 (2024).
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