“William McMinn was born in Newry, Ireland, in 1844, and came out to Australia at the age of six.

“Although apprenticed as an architect, he practiced quite extensively as a surveyor before starting his own architectural career. He was involved in the disastrous first attempt to develop the Northern Territory at Palmerston, near present-day Darwin, during which time the majority of the party deserted due to the unbearable conditions at the settlement. McMinn escaped the horrors of Palmerston with five others in a 23 foot open boat, which they sailed over 2000 miles to Geraldton, Western Australia.

This daring tale was published as the Voyage of the Forlorn Hope.
“McMinn began practicing as an architect in 1867. Although usually working independently, he was often in partnership with Edward John Woods. The Mitchell Building at the University of Adelaide is considered his greatest work.
“Other buildings which he designed or collaborated on include the original Adelaide Children’s Hospital (now demolished), the main building at Prince Alfred College, Torrens Park mansion (now Scotch College), the General Post office, the Supreme Court, the Mount Breckan mansion at Victor Harbour, the Austral Hotel, and of course, Marble Hill.