Landgate heritage map collection available online for Perth’s 181’st birthday

A collection of maps created by early explorers and held by Landgate for over a hundred years, has been carefully reproduced and is available for order online. 

Many of these maps date back to the settlement of Perth in 1829 and were produced by notable pioneers such as John Septimus Roe. 

Perth was founded on August 12, 1829, the 67th birthday of the reigning monarch King George IV. This date was chosen purposefully by Lieutenant Governor Stirling who was responsible for selecting the site for the principal town in the infant Swan River Colony. 

Stirling, however, was given no choice when it came to the naming of the new town. Sir George Murray, Secretary of the Colonies, born in the historic burgh of Perth in Scotland is thought to have issued the directive purely for sentimental reasons. 

The founding of Western Australia's capital was celebrated by the felling of a tree by Mrs Helen Barbara Dance and a gun salute from soldiers of the 63rd Regiment. 

Many of the original maps and drawings of Perth were created by John Septimus Roe. John was appointed Surveyor General for the proposed new settlement of Western Australia on December 5, 1828, after receiving notice from Downing Street. He was paid a salary of £300 a year and assigned to Captain Stirling, the Superintendent of the Colony. 

To celebrate Perth's 181st birthday visit Landgate's online gift shop at www.landgate.wa.gov.au and purchase a piece of Perth History with a photographic print from our heritage collection, early explorer maps. The prints are available in size A3 to A0.

Landgate is Western Australia's primary source of land information and geographic data, providing the accuracy government, business and individuals rely on.