Glenfield, a suburb in southwestern Sydney, NSW, Australia, has a rich and varied history that traces its roots to early colonial times. The area, initially part of the Macquarie Field estate, began to take shape in the late 1860s with the establishment of a railway platform named 'Glenfield'. This name was derived from a property founded by early colonial surgeon Charles Throsby, although the modern suburb doesn't stand on the original land grant.

Throsby, born in Glenfield, Leicestershire, England, came to Sydney in 1802. He built Glenfield House in 1816 and was involved in early exploration, leading to significant land grants. Despite his contributions, Throsby's life ended tragically in 1828 due to heavy debts and ill health.

The development of Glenfield was gradual. In the 1880s, Martha Hosking's estate, part of the larger Macquarie Field property, was sold and subdivided for residential allotments and small farms. By 1911, Glenfield had a modest population of about 170, but it already had a post office, a Presbyterian church, and a public school.

Glenfield remained predominantly rural for many decades, with dairy and mixed farms dotting the landscape. Interestingly, sand from the banks of the Georges River in Glenfield was used in constructing Sydney's Central Railway Station. The area also hosted important state institutions like the Department of Agriculture's Glenfield Experiment Farm and the Hurlstone Agricultural High School.

Post-World War II, Glenfield began to transform significantly as part of the state planning authorities' decision to develop Campbelltown as a growth center. This led to new subdivisions in the 1950s and 1960s, and the population grew to about 1,500 by 1971.

In the decades that followed, Glenfield continued to evolve, with its population nearly doubling by 1976. The suburb benefited from improved road and rail access, and new residential developments. Today, Glenfield is a vibrant community, showcasing a blend of its historical roots and modern suburban development​