Naming of the Wards and Other Significant Areas

Francis Greenway Children's Ward

Following his transportation, Greenway was granted considerable freedom in his activities and before long he began practicing architecture. During 1815 he provided occasional advice to the government on public works and in 1816 he was appointed civil architect and assistant engineer.

Recognising Greenway's skill in designing a building that was appropriate for its setting, whether rural or metropolitan, Governor Macquarie's support for Greenway provided the atmosphere through which Greenway's talents could excel. Today, Francis Greenway is remembered for having produced some of the finest colonial buildings in Australia.

Born in England, Francis Greenway was descended from a long line of architects, stonemasons and builders. While practicing as an architect in England, he was found guilty of forging a document and was transported to Sydney for fourteen years in 1812 at the age of thirty-five.

In the early 1800's Greenway commenced the plans for the new Government House, over which he had great design freedom. The works however were considered to be too extravagant by the Colonial Office, and the secretary of state in London later called for the works to cease.

During this period Greenway commenced a number of famous works. In 1817 he began St Matthew's Church at Windsor. This building, with its beautiful brickwork, was considered by many to be his masterpiece. In 1818 he began St Luke's Church at Liverpool. Then in 1819, Greenway designed the female factory in Parramatta and a large male barracks for male convicts. Governor Macquarie used the opening of the barracks to make Greenway's pardon absolute.

Other buildings for which Greenway is famous are the Windsor Court House and St James' Church in King Street, Sydney. St James' Church is considered to be a fine example of the Georgian architecture of the period. In 1828 Francis Greenway's professional life came to an end, following the completion of Robert Campbell's house in Bligh Street, Sydney.