He was born in Macclesfield, Cheshire, the son of Robert Brodrick, a silk manufacturer.
His apprenticeship was served at the practice of James Fraser, of Leeds.
[1] He undertook a number of commissions in England, until aged 22 he moved to Australia.
In 1883 he got a job as a draftsman in the City Architect's Department of Sydney Municipal Council.
He married Emily Jane Maher on 20 May 1896 at All Saints' Church, Petersham.