George Wragge Esqr., the right worshipful Mayor of Melbourne, Australia, born at Alton Hall.

Very rare, separately issued lithographic portrait of George Wragge (sic), Lord Mayor of Melbourne 1864-65.   The only example in any Australian institution, is the one held by the National Library of Australia (Rex Nan Kivell Collection).  Reference: Rex Nan Kivell, Portraits of the Famous and Infamous 1970, p.327

George Wragge (Mayor 1864-65) Wragge was born on 25/1/1825 near Winkworth England. He emigrated to Australia on the Northumberland in 1852. He established a chemist shop in Collins St, Melbourne and was in business there for 37 years. 

In April 1860 he was elected to the City Council for Latrobe Ward and became mayor in 1861. He worked on various committees which helped to improve the amenities of the city. He was chairman of the health committee and was instrumental in having sanitary reforms brought in. He increased the number of street lights in the city without having to increase the cost to the citizens and served on a government board which reported on a survey of sewage services. 

Wragge with the financial help of J S Butters, originated moves for the building of a more suitable town hall for Melbourne. He was the chairman of the Festival committee for the marriage of the Prince of Wales, a justice of the peace and a President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia. 

He died in Melbourne on 25 May 1889.