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Glynde Nesta Griffiths

1889 – 1968

(1889-1968) author and philanthropist

Writer Architectural historianPhilanthropist
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About Glynde Nesta Griffiths

Lived 1889 – 1968 (aged 78–79). Glynde Nesta Griffiths was an Australian writer, architectural historian and philanthropist.

(Glynde) Nesta Griffiths (4 July 1889 – 4 June 1968) was an Australian author and philanthropist. Nesta wrote about the houses of New South Wales and left her substantial estate to support the Children's Medical Research Institute. She lived all her life with her elder sister Gwendolin Winifred Griffiths.

Life Griffiths was born in the Sydney suburb of Double Bay in 1889. Her parents were the Australian Annette Agnes (born Willis) and the British born merchant Frederick Close Griffiths. She was the last of their three daughters named Gwyneth, Gwendolen and Glynde.

Edith who was also from the Willis family and her husband Edward Knox had four daughters and the seven girls received a joint private education. Tutors were employed to cover different subjects at Point Piper. Life changed in 1907 when their father died and his estate was confused. ) and she joined the Royal Australian Historical Society. Her interest in local history led to the publication of her first book, Point Piper Past and Present in 1947. Sydney Ure Smith who was interested in recording Australian colonial history arranged for its publication. Her books were not academic or perfect but the inclusion of interesting snippets added to their appeal. In her 1947 book she recorded rings, now on dry land, which were said by Aborigines to be where big ships were birthed and she reported "carvings of Conquisadors".

Her writing inspired interest in the influential architect John Verge who had designed many important early colonial buildings in her books. The next covered the same subject. Some Southern Homes of New South Wales and Some Northern Homes of New South Wales were published in 1952 and 1954.

Griffiths was very supportive of the work of Lorimer Dods. She and Gwendolin both died in 1968. Nesta left £300,000 to the Children’s Medical Research Foundation.

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Important facts

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Frequently asked questions

Who was Glynde Nesta Griffiths?

(1889-1968) author and philanthropist

When was Glynde Nesta Griffiths born?

Glynde Nesta Griffiths was born on 4 July 1889 in Double Bay.

When did Glynde Nesta Griffiths die?

Glynde Nesta Griffiths died in 1968.

What was Glynde Nesta Griffiths's occupation?

Glynde Nesta Griffiths was a writer, architectural historian and philanthropist.

What nationality was Glynde Nesta Griffiths?

Glynde Nesta Griffiths was Australian.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Glynde Nesta Griffiths

· Wikidata: Q21538394

· DBpedia: Glynde Nesta Griffiths

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Glynde Nesta Griffiths. https://biography.guide/glynde-nesta-griffiths/

MLA: "Glynde Nesta Griffiths." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/glynde-nesta-griffiths/.

Chicago: "Glynde Nesta Griffiths." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/glynde-nesta-griffiths/.

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