Darvall, Sir John Bayley, 1809 – 1883

John Bayley Darvall (1809-1883), barrister and parliamentarian, was born at Yorkshire, England, son of Major Edward Darvall and his wife Emily. He was educated at Eton College and Trinity College, University of Cambridge, where he graduated Bachelor of Arts (1833) and Master of Arts (1837). He was admitted to the London Bar in 1838 and arrived at Sydney in 1839. Darvall was admitted to the Sydney Bar in 1839 and developed a busy practice.

Darvall was a nominated member of the old Legislative Council (1844-1848) and an elected MLC (1848-1856). He was elected to the NSW Legislative Assembly for the seats of Cumberland (1856-1857), The Hawkesbury (1859-1860), East Maitland (1863-1864) and for West Sydney (1864-1865) and was an appointed member of the NSW Legislative Council (1861-1863). Darvall was appointed Solicitor-General (1856-1857) and Attorney General (1857-1863, 1865).

Darvall resigned from parliament in 1865 and returned to London where he practiced as a barrister. He was appointed C.M.G. in 1869 and K.C.M.G. in 1877.