Francis Greenwaay's Residence - George Street, Cnr Argyle Street - The Rocks - Sydney -

Corner of George & Argyle Streets, South Western Corner 

Francis Greenway, Pioneer Of ClassicalGeorgian  Architecture in Australia, Was Born At Bristol, England In 1777. 

In 1811 Greenway forged An Endorsement On a Contract In An Attempt To Extract An Extra £250 Off His Client colonel Richard Doolan. He Was Arrested,  Imprisoned In Newgate, Found Guilty And On The 28th March 1812 Sentenced To Be executed. Later His Sentance Was Commuted To Transportation To New South Wales For 14 Years. He Arrived In Port Jackson On The "General Hewitt" On 7th February 1814

Fortunately The Wise Governor Macquarie Realised The Value Of A Trained Architect To Carry Out His Ambitious Building Plans. And In March 1816 Greenway was Appointed Acting Colonial Architect. 

With The Job Went Free Rations, A House, coals, A Convict Servant, A Horse And A Salary Of Three Shillings A day. In June 1819 Greenway Was Granted a Full Pardon to Celebrate The Completion of The Hyde Park Barracks He Was Invited to Dine At Government House. 

Greenway Prospered Until September 1819, When John Thomas Bigge Arrived From England As. A Royal Commissioner  To Investigate Governor Macquaries Administration And To Make Suggestions For Improving The System Of Governing The Colony. Bigge Hated Convicts And Emanciposts, And. A Bad Report From

him Resulted In Greenway Being Saceked In June 1822 

Some of His Well Remembered Buildings were 

- Hyde Park Barracks 

Francis Greenway's residence on George Street in Sydney, Australia, is a historically significant building associated with the renowned colonial architect Francis Greenway. Greenway was a convict architect who played a pivotal role in shaping the architectural landscape of early Sydney. Here's an overview of the history of his residence:

Early Life and Conviction:

• Francis Greenway was born in England in 1777. He trained as an architect and was later convicted of forgery in 1812.

Transportation to Australia:

• Greenway was transported to Australia as a convict in 1814 and arrived in Sydney.
• Due to his architectural skills, Governor Lachlan Macquarie recognized his talents and appointed him as the government architect.

Architectural Contributions:

• As government architect, Greenway designed and oversaw the construction of numerous important buildings in Sydney and beyond.
• His architectural style was characterized by Georgian and neoclassical influences, and his designs had a significant impact on the city's early colonial architecture.

Construction of the Residence:

• Greenway designed and built a residence for himself on George Street in the heart of Sydney.
• The residence showcased his architectural prowess and incorporated neoclassical elements that he favored in his designs.

Design and Features:

• The residence reflected Greenway's architectural principles, featuring symmetry, proportions, and elegant detailing.
• It was a two-story sandstone building with a distinctive facade and ornate wrought ironwork.

Later Years:

• After completing his sentence, Greenway was granted a full pardon in 1817, and he continued his work as an architect.
• He designed and contributed to a range of significant buildings in Sydney, including churches, government offices, and private residences.

Legacy:

• Francis Greenway's residence on George Street is a testament to his architectural legacy and his role in shaping Sydney's early architecture.
• The building's design and historical significance showcase Greenway's enduring influence on the city's architectural heritage.

Preservation and Recognition:

• The building has undergone various changes over the years but remains a recognizable landmark.
• It is recognized as a heritage-listed site and is protected for its historical and architectural value.

Francis Greenway's residence on George Street serves as a reminder of his impact on Sydney's architectural history. As a key figure in the city's colonial development, Greenway's designs continue to influence the way we perceive and appreciate the architectural heritage of early Sydney.