A suburb in the city of Sydney, in the municipality of Drummoyne, Abbotsford was originally known as Bigi Bigi to the local Aboriginal inhabitants. The famous Australian poet and writer, Henry Lawson, died in Abbotsford in 1922, and was the first Australian literary artist to be honoured with a state funeral.

Abbotsford earned its name from one of its most distinguished residents, Sir Arthur Renwick. Leaving Scotland at the age of four, Arthur Renwick settled in Sydney in 1841 with his father George. Arthur was permanently injured in a gold mining accident, and so turned to studying medicine. In 1857 he graduated from the University of Sydney, then in its infancy, and continued his scholarship, reading at Universities in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Paris. Upon his return to Sydney he practiced as one of the city's leading physicians, and was elected the first President of the New South Wales Office of the British Medical Association. He was the instigator of many health initiatives, including the Benevolent Society's Royal Hospital for Women at Paddington.

Sir Arthur Renwick subsequently served as Vice Chancellor of the University of Sydney, President of the Board of Sydney Hospital, Commissioner for New South Wales at International Exhibitions in Melbourne, Adelaide, Amsterdam and Chicago. He served as a member of the New South Wales Legislative Council from 1887-1908, and was knighted in 1904.

In 1904, substantial financial loss through failing mining ventures forced Renwick to sell his house which had given the suburb its name, "Abbotsford House". The naming of this 1880s Victorian Italianate mansion on Parramatta River was inspired by Sir Walter Scott. Scott resided in the English village of Melrose Abbey, and was known as the Laird of Abbotsford. Scott's influence is apparent in the names of many of the streets in the Abbotsford vicinity.

Fortunately Abbotsford House has survived a century of suburban development. The house and grounds are currently under restoration, complementing the development of neighbouring offices.

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