Thomas Davey (1758-1823), lieutenant-governor and royal marine, was born in England in 1758. He was appointed as first lieutenant-governor of Van Diemen's Land, the first administrator of the whole island, and served in this role from 1813-1817. In his time, he was challenged by the escalating problems of bushranging, and his requests for increased military protection went unanswered. In 1814, he issued a proclamation to treat Aborigines kindly. Views of him were diverse from being a drunkard with poor manners, to being kind-hearted with an earthy good nature. After numerous complaints regarding his performance from Governor Lachlan Macquarie to the British government, he was eventually asked to resign from the position, and was replaced by William Sorrell. Thomas Davey later returned to England, and died in London on 2 May 1823.