James Bloodsworth

James Bloodsworth (7 March 1759 – 21 March 1804) was a convict sentenced for the theft of one game cock and two hens at Esher, Surrey. James was a master bricklayer and builder responsible for the construction of most of the buildings in the colony of New South Wales between 1788 and 1800. James Bloodsworth was living at Kingston upon Thames, England and been tried at Kingston upon Thames Quarter Sessions on the 3 October 1785,

Convict years In 1788 Bloodsworth was sent to New South Wales (Australia) in the First Fleet onboard Charlotte and was immediately appointed master bricklayer in the settlement at Sydney Cove. In March 1788 brick-making began at Long Cove (this site was later named Cockle Bay, and, still later, Darling Harbour) under his instruction. The site became known as the Brickfield. The approximate area is at the lower end of George Street, now known as Haymarket. In addition to bricks, the same plant burned clay roof tiles which offered greatly improved weather proofing, durability and dignity to the burgeoning public buildings. Since there were no architects in the fleet he was largely responsible for the design and the erection of Australia's first buildings, although the army and navy officers in the settlement had some knowledge of architecture. with military honours. He was survived by two sons and two daughters.