Thomas Porter Hardy, Joiner Cabinet maker house and workshop located Ann Street, Fortitude Valley, near Brunswick Street circa 1889

Thomas Porter Hardy, a carpenter and builder, was baptised 3 Jan 1825 at Syston, Lincolnshire, England. On 27 Nov 1853 he married Isabella George at St George the Martyr Southwark, London. They arrived at Geelong, Victoria 15 Jan 1855 aboard British Empire. On 27 Oct 1858 he arrived in Rockhampton on the British Banner. According to his obituary (The Week, 24 Apr, 1886, p. 19) he started business as a cabinet maker in Ann Street Fortitude Valley in 1865. On his death 18 April 1886, the business was taken over by his sons. The residence in Ann Street (east face) between Skyring and Brunswick Streets. The house is on timber stumps over partially excavated rock, has large windows facing the street and front steps leading to double doors. It has a corrugated iron roof, finials and a chimney.