George Allen (Australian politician)


Hon. George Allen was an Australian colonial attorney and politician in New South Wales. He was the founder of Australia's oldest law firm, Allens.

Early life

Allen was the son of Dr. Richard Allen, physician to George III, and was born in London in November 1800. He arrived in New South Wales in January 1816, and was the first attorney and solicitor admitted by the Supreme Court of New South Wales. This took place on 26 July 1822, and he had much difficulty in maintaining his status against the English-bred attorneys who desired to monopolise the practice.

Public offices

He was elected an Alderman of the Brisbane Ward in the first corporation of the City of Sydney in 1842, acting as third Mayor of the city in 1846. On 28 July 1846 he was nominated as a member of the first Legislative Council and served until his death on 3 November 1877. He was appointed honorary Police Magistrate of the City and Port. In 1856 he became a member of the present Legislative Council, and was elected Chairman of Committees, an office which he resigned in 1873, along with his membership of the Council of Education, which he had held since 1866. He assisted in founding Sydney College, and held office on the governing body for many years. In 1859 he was elected a member of the Senate of Sydney University, to which be bequeathed £1000 for a scholarship for proficiency in mathematics in the second year.

Marriage and family

He married Jane Bowden on 24 July 1823 and they had fourteen children but only five sons and five daughters survived past infancy.
Allen, who was a prominent member of the Wesleyan-Methodist church, died at his home, Toxteth Park in Glebe, on 3 November 1877.