In 1788, the Reverend Richard Johnson sailed on the First Fleet with his wife Mary to take up an appointment by the Church of England as the first chaplain of the Australian prison colony of New South Wales. The choice of Johnson was no accident; it was due to the influence of William Wilberforce, Henry Thornton, John Newton, Hannah More and other members of a group that later became known as the “Clapham Sect”.
This collection of upper class, wealthy evangelical Anglicans who lived around Clapham (at the time, a small village south-west of London), were interested in social reform issues such as the abolition of slavery, the revision of the penal code, the regulation of working conditions in factories, and the promotion of schools and other educational ventures. Motivated by their Christian faith and their concern for justice and fairness for all, their legacy persists even today.
This year, the Donald Robinson Library Lectures will examine the lives of key figures in the Clapham Sect, their interest in the new colony and its social and spiritual development, and the evangelical legacy of Richard Johnson. Join us on Saturday 30 August 2025 for a day of fascinating historical talks delivered by Stuart Piggin, Mark Thompson, Michael Gladwin, Ruth Lukabyo, Nicole Starling, Colin Bale, Ed Loane and Susan An.
Topics covered include:
- Conspiring for Time and Eternity: An Introduction to the Legacy of the Clapham Sect in Australia – Stuart Piggin
Christian faith is personal and individualistic, but it is also social and communal. The cross is God’s answer to the sin of the human heart and the evil of human society. Thanks to William Wilberforce and the other members of the Clapham Sect, the age of atonement was also the age of improvement and reform. Its impact on Australia was profound, not only in the support of its members for the establishment of churches and the appointment of Gospel ministers and chaplains, but also in the reform of the penal code, prisons, transportation, education, ethical commerce, indigenous welfare and responsible government. Who belonged to the Clapham Sect? Why were they called a sect? How did they understand their mission? Why were they interested in the settlement of New South Wales? What responsibility do they share for the Australian, including Aboriginal, experience of colonialism? That possibly the most concentrated experiment in altruistic humanitarianism known to history was so contingent on vital Christian faith and was to have such a significant influence on Australian development does call for careful study and reflection.
- The Clapham Sect and their influence on education in the colony of NSW – Ruth Lukabyo
- Hannah More – emancipator, writer, educator and philanthropist – Susan An
Hannah More was the only female member of the Clapham Sect that was included for her own talents and contributions, not due to their marriage to a male member of the sect. An overview of her remarkable life including her contribution to the abolition of slavery; her extensive writings; and her efforts to educate the working class will be covered. Included in this overview is the primary motivator for her efforts – her strong and lively evangelical faith.
- Mark Thompson – Rev Richard Johnson
- Michael Gladwin – John Newton
- Nicole Starling – The Thornton Family
- Colin Bale – Henry Venn
- Ed Loane – James Stephen
Time
Program
- 9:30-10 – Tea/coffee & registration
- 10-10:30 – Stuart Piggin – Introduction
- 10:30-11 – Mark Thomson – Richard Johnson
- 11-11:30 – Morning tea (Knox common room)
- 11:30-12 – Michael Gladwin – John Newton
- 12-12:30 – Ruth Lukabyo – The Clapham Sect and Education
- 12:30-1 – Nicole Starling – The Thornton Family
- 1-2 – Lunch (dining room)
- 2-2:30 – Colin Bale – Henry Venn
- 2:30-3 – Ed Loane – James Stephen
- 3-3:30 – Susan An – Hannah More
Tickets
In-person tickets (includes morning tea and lunch):
- Single ticket: $60
- Bring a friend ticket: $50 (available when booking for more than one person)
Note: Registration to attend in person closes at midday on Wednesday 27 August.
Online tickets:
- Livestream: $20
