Name

William Bligh

Biography

Naval officer who married Elizabeth Betham at the parish church at Onchan on 4 February 1781. He had recently returned from Captain Cook's third and fatal voyage aboard Resolution. Elizabeth was the daughter of Richard Betham, Collector of Customs at Douglas. Her uncle Duncan Campbell was a wealthy Liverpool merchant who employed Bligh in his merchant fleet. Captain Taubman recommended the young Fletcher Christian to Bligh in 1784. Within eight years of his marriage at Onchan, Bligh would command the Bounty.

Active Period

1754–1817

Also Known As

Captain Bligh

Place

Onchan

Douglas

Isle of Man

Period

Atholl Lordship

Related To

Elizabeth Betham

Fletcher Christian

Duncan Campbell

Role / Office

Naval Officer

Explorer

Book Chapter

Chapter 6