Francis Bird (architect) facts for kids

Francis Bird (born November 14, 1845, died May 24, 1937) was an important businessman and architect in Western Australia. He was born in Hyde Park, London, England.

Early Life and Move to Australia

Francis Bird trained to be an architect in England. In 1869, he left his home country and sailed to Fremantle aboard a ship called the Bridgetown.

Once he settled in Western Australia, he started a business partnership with Benjamin Mason, who was a timber merchant. Their company was called Mason, Bird and Co.

Timber Business and Architecture

By 1871, Francis Bird received special permission from the British Government to cut down trees for wood on a large area of land (about 100,000 acres) in the Canning District. This was a big step for his timber business.

In 1877, he decided to leave the timber industry. He moved to Perth to focus on his career as an architect. He became the Chief Government Architect in 1883, a very important job where he designed buildings for the government. He held this position until 1884.

Later Life in Albany

In 1889, Francis Bird moved to Albany and lived at a place called Old Farm, Strawberry Hill. He stayed there for the rest of his life.

He also tried to enter politics. In the 1890 general election, he ran for the seat of Albany, but he did not win. He lost to Lancel de Hamel.