Francis Greenway

Francis Greenway was a famous convict who was born in England in 1777. His family were builders, stonemasons and architects.

In 1809 Greenway became bankrupt and so he decided to forge a contract. As a result of this crime he was sentenced to transportation to New South Wales for 14 years. This was in 1812. Two years later, in 1814, he arrived in Sydney with a letter of recommendation from ex-governor Hunter. In response to this recommendation, a ticket-of-leave was granted to him and this enabled him to establish his own business as an architect.

In March 1816 Greenway was appointed to the position of civil Architect and Assistant Engineer by Governor Macquarie. For his work he received a salary of 3 shillings (30c) per day.

For six years Greenway designed and supervised the construction of many buildings which have since become part of Australia's colonial heritage. These include St. Matthew's Church, Windsor; St Luke's Church, Liverpool; St. James' Church, Sydney; parts of Old Government House, Parramatta; Government House Stables (now the Conservatorium of Music), Sydney; the Old Hospital, Liverpool; and Hyde Park Barracks (in Macquarie Street, Sydney). The friendship between Macquarie and Greenway, however, did not last - one of the reasons was connected to Greenway's salary.

After Macquarie had been sent back to England, Greenway received only limited work from the new Governor, Brisbane. His temper did not help him to win friends or work.

Before long, Greenway's health began to fail and he fell into poverty. After his wife's death he was tricked out of his property and, in 1837, at the age of sixty he died so poor that his grave did not have a headstone.

Greenway has been described as stubborn, arrogant, temperamental and egotistical. Some even argue that his designs are mere copies and too extravagant. However, Greenway was also a man of great ability, imagination and energy, and he is remembered by many people as Australia's first architect. Most of his buildings are now part of Australia's valued colonial heritage.

Source: Exploring Literacy in School History, Write it Right Project, Disadvantaged Schools Program, Metropolitan East Region, Department of School Education, p.55

(taken from: http://www.lmpc.edu.au/resources/Science/research_projects/text_types/2_recount.html)