Edward Harrison

Edward Harrison (3 December 1674 – 28 November 1732) was a British colonial administrator and politician who sat in the House of Commons of Great Britain from 1717 to 1726. He served as the President of Madras from 11 July 1711 to 8 January 1717.

Early life

Edward Harrison was born in England to Richard Harrison and Audrey Villiers daughter of George Villiers, 4th Viscount Grandison.

Tenure as President of Madras

Harrison was appointed Governor and Commander in Chief of the Madras Presidency in 1711. During his time in office he undertook a major rebuilding of the settlement. He dealt with several incidents, including the putting down of a minor revolt. The East India Company presented him with a sword of honour. Mail was carried by runners or Tappy peons who travelled all the way to Ganjam where they exchanged mails with runners from Calcutta.

Armenian Church

The Armenian church was constructed in Armenian Street in 1712 to cater to the religious needs of the powerful Armenian community of Madras.

Richard Raworth's Rebellion

In October 1713, Richard Raworth, Deputy Governor of Fort St David broke into rebellion and shook off his allegiance to Fort St George. Harrison immediately deputed a small force commanded by Henry Davenport to invade Fort St David and remove Raworth. Henry Davenport was commissioned as the provisional Deputy Governor of Fort St David on 10 October 1713.

The force reached Fort St David on 18 October 1713 after passing through Mangadu, Pondicherry and Cuddalore.