Augustus Smith (priest)

Augustus Smith (1804-1872) was a clergyman of the Church of England and Lord Proprietor of the Isles of Scilly from 1834 until his death. Born in Hertfordshire, England, he dedicated much of his life to improving the social and economic conditions of the islands and its inhabitants.

Smith inherited the lease of the Isles of Scilly from his father in 1834, and promptly took a hands-on approach to management, effectively becoming the islands' sole ruler. He instituted significant changes, some of which were controversial.

His efforts focused on modernizing farming practices, establishing a school system, building infrastructure, and combating widespread poverty. He introduced new crops and agricultural techniques, aiming to diversify the islands' economy beyond kelp burning and smuggling. He also invested heavily in improving the harbor at Hugh Town on St. Mary's, which became a crucial hub for maritime trade.

Smith's rule was not without its detractors. His autocratic style and policies sometimes met resistance from islanders, who resented his perceived interference in their traditional way of life. He evicted families from their homes to consolidate land and enforce stricter agricultural regulations, actions that caused considerable hardship.

Despite the controversies, Augustus Smith left a lasting impact on the Isles of Scilly. He is often credited with transforming the islands from a neglected and impoverished backwater into a more prosperous and modern community. His legacy continues to be debated, with some viewing him as a benevolent reformer and others as a domineering autocrat. He never married and left the lease of the islands to his nephew, Thomas Algernon Smith-Dorrien-Smith.