George Allen

Background

Allen was born in Surry Hills, New South Wales, the eldest son of George Allen (attorney and solicitor) and his wife Jane, née Bowden.

Education

He was educated under William Cape and at Sydney College, where he showed ability in classics and mathematics.

Career

He was Speaker in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly 1875–1883. Allen was held in high esteem. As speaker he showed dignity, courtesy and ability.

lieutenant was said of him: "A man of calm judgment and much practical wisdom".

In 1841, Allen was articled to his father and he became a solicitor in 1846. The following year Allen entered a partnership with his father as a solicitor and today that firm is known as Allens and is the oldest in Australia.

He was also a director of many public companies including the Bank of New South Wales. In 1859 Allen became the first mayor of Glebe, New South Wales, a position he held until 1877.

He was appointed a commissioner of national education in 1853 and held the position until 1867 and was nominated to the New South Wales Legislative Council in 1860 and remained there until May 1861.

In the following March he was elected speaker and remained in that position until January 1883. Allen retired from politics in August 1883 and died suddenly on 23 July 1885.

Achievements

• He was knighted Knight Commander of St. Michael and St. George in 1877.

Membership

In 1869 Allen was elected a member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly for Glebe, and from December 1873 to February 1875 was minister for justice and public instruction in the first Henry Parkes ministry.