Henry Maxwell Lefroy

Henry Maxwell Lefroy
Born	August 1818 England
Died	18 July 1879 Fremantle, Western Australia
Occupation(s)	Explorer, Superintendent of Convicts
Known for	Exploration of Western Australia's Mid West and Goldfields-Esperance districts

Henry Maxwell Lefroy (August 1818 – 18 July 1879) was a prominent figure in the exploration of Western Australia's Mid West and Goldfields-Esperance districts.

He was the son of Reverend John Henry George Lefroy, who served as rector of Compton and Ashe, but lost his father when he was just five years old. Lefroy received his education at Guildford Grammar School in Surrey, where he developed an early fascination with the Swan River Colony, influenced by his association with the Stirling family. His interest in the colony intensified during his time at Oxford University, particularly through conversations with the son of Captain Yates.

In 1841, Lefroy made his way to Western Australia and secured land near York. Two years later, in 1843, he partnered with Henry Landor on an expedition that crossed the Hotham River, leading to the discovery of Kowitch Pool and the naming of the Lefroy River. Following a brief period back in England serving with the Royal Navy, he returned in 1854 to assume the position of Superintendent of Convicts. By 1860, he had conducted explorations eastward along the Williams River and traversed parts of the Darling Scarp.

In 1863, Lefroy and Landor embarked on an arduous 85-day journey through notable locations such as Bruce Rock, Dumbleyung, and Coolgardie. During this expedition, they endured severe hardships including a four-day stretch without access to water. The following year, explorer Charles Cooke Hunt honored Lefroy by naming Lake Lefroy after him.

After retiring from his role as Superintendent of Convicts in 1875, Lefroy passed away due to pneumonia on 18 July 1879 in Fremantle. His final resting place is at Karrakatta Cemetery.