Petre, Francis William
Dates
- Existence: 1847 - 1918
Biography
Frank Petre was born in Upper Hutt, son of Henry and Mary Ann Petre, early and influential settlers in the district. In 1855, because of a series of earthquakes, the family returned to England. Frank trained as an engineer and architect, and returned to New Zealand in 1872. At first he supervised the contruction of the Dunedin-Clutha and Blenheim-Picton railway lines, then in 1875 he set up business in Dunedin on his own account. A Roman Catholic, he is best known for his many magnificent basilicas in the Italian Renaissance manner, such as the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Christchurch, and the basilicas in Wellington, Oamaru, Timaru and Invercargill.
Found in 1 Collection or Record:
Francis William Petre papers
The papers of Francis William Petre includes photocopies of manuscript letters, and of two printed leaves about Frank Petre's parents, Henry and Mary Ann Petre, in the early days of the Wellington settlement. The letters are mostly from and to his family in England.
The 1970 letter to his daughter Margaret includes a character sketch of Frank Petre and ends with biographical notes about his life and work.