Students at the University of Sydney

The first 24 students

Charles L Allen

Charles L Allen was admitted as a student at the new University of Sydney in 1852 in the first cohort of students.

His early life

Charles L Allen's father was George Allen who was the first solicitor trained in Australia and founder of the oldest legal firm in Australia. Known from 1894 as Allen Allen & Hemsley, it is now part of international firm Allens Arthur Robinson. George Allen was also a founder of the Sydney Free Grammar School in 1825 and a trustee of its successor, the Sydney College.

Charles attended a school conducted by Dr William Woolls, a Church of England clergyman, schoolmaster and botanist.

His student days at the University of Sydney

One of the younger matriculants, Charles was 15 when he was admitted as a student at the new University of Sydney in the first cohort of students, but did not complete his studies.

His career

Charles followed his father into the law and became a solicitor.

His father and brother both became members of Senate

Charles' father George Allen was a Fellow of Senate from 1859 to 1878.

Charles' elder brother George Wigram, later Sir George Wigram Allen, was a Fellow of Senate from 1877 to 1885.