William Charles Windeyer was born in 1834 in London and arrived in Sydney as a child, part of a generation of settlers who would shape the emerging institutions of colonial New South Wales. He was educated at The King’s School, Parramatta, and later at the University of Sydney, where he was among the first graduates of its fledgling law faculty. He was admitted to the New South Wales Bar in the 1850s and quickly established himself as a commanding presence in both criminal and civil courts.

Windeyer was known for his forceful advocacy and unwavering sense of justice. His work as a barrister included some of the most contentious cases of the colonial period, involving murder trials, civil disputes, and issues of press freedom. He was often described as a man of fierce intellect and even fiercer independence. His courtroom style was robust but not theatrical, marked by a firm commitment to fairness and principle.

He entered politics as a member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly and later served as Attorney-General. In both capacities, he championed causes that were ahead of his time. He was an advocate for public education, women’s rights in property law, and penal reform. He believed strongly in the power of the law to civilise and elevate society, and he viewed education as a necessary foundation for civic life.

In 1881 Windeyer was appointed to the Supreme Court of New South Wales, where he served with distinction for more than a decade. His judgments reflected both deep legal reasoning and a moral concern for equity and reform. He presided over trials with dignity, although his stern manner sometimes invited criticism. He was unafraid to speak out against injustices he observed in law or society.

Windeyer retired from the bench in the early 1890s but remained active in educational and philanthropic work. He was closely involved with the University of Sydney and several charitable institutions. He died in 1897, leaving behind a career that exemplified the best of public service in colonial Australia. His name remains etched into the foundations of New South Wales legal history as a barrister, judge, and reformer of enduring influence.