George Ward Cole was a well-known citizen (maritime merchant and member of Parliament ) of Victoria, Australia in the 1800s. He had previously served with distinction in the Royal Navy. The 150th anniversary of his founding of the Victorian township of St Leonards is being celebrated in November of this year. It is believed that he was born at Lumley Castle, County Durham in 1793 and that his parents were John Cole and Eliza nee James, who were presumably servants or tenant farmers at the castle. George was said to be the fourth son.of these parents. If anyone has access to details of the family of John and Eliza Cole this information would assist in the celebration of a significant anniversary George Ward Cole's arrival, especially as there is no record in Victoria of any of descendants. Max Procter Drysdale, Victoria, Australia