Sydney and rum
Sydney has always courted a relationship with rum. We trace the history of the drink
Although most believe the Rum Rebellion - which took place on 26 January 1808 and is the only successful armed takeover of government in Australia's recorded history - to be caused by the conflict over the trade in spirits. Not true.
Essentially it was the culmination of a long-running tussle for power between the government and Governor William Bligh and private entrepreneurs, a fight over the future and the nature of the colony. The name was not even coined until the 1850s by a pro-Bligh supporter and teetotaller who was keen to blame alcohol for all the problems in the world.
Following the refusal by the British Government to fund Sydney's first proper hospital, Governor Macquarie entered into a contract with a consortium to cover the costs. In return, the consortium would receive convict labour, supplies and a monopoly on rum imports from which they could recoup the costs of the building plus profit.
Sydney Hospital (paid for by rum which was the currency of the day) was opened in 1817.