Parkes, Varney, 1857 – 1935

Varney Parkes (1859-1935), architect and parliamentarian, was born at Ryde, Sydney, the son of Sir Henry Parkes and his first wife Clarinda. He was educated partly at public schools and partly at The King's School, Parramatta. In 1879 he was a cadet in the Colonial Architect's Office and received a diploma in 1880 when he resigned to form and architectural partnership with C.H.E. Blackman.

In March 1883 Parkes married Mary Cameron Murray who died five months later. In December 1884 he married secondly her sister Isabella Murray.

Parkes was elected a member of the NSW Legislative Assembly for the seats of Central Cumberland (1885-1888), East Sydney (1891-1894), and Canterbury (1894-1900, 1907-1913). He was appointed Postmaster-General (1898-1899). [ref:ADB 11]