AustLit

Woolley was a scholar, an educationist, and a Church of England clergyman. He came to Australia in 1852 to take up an appointment at the University of Sydney, where he was professor of Classics, professor of Logic, dean of the Arts faculty, the university principal, and also chair of the Professorial Board. He became a prominent figure within Sydney society, and was a noted advocate of modern secular education.

Woolley was one of over 200 passengers who lost their lives when the steamer London sank in the Bay of Biscay on 11 January, 1866, en route for Australia.