William Donthorne

Summary

William John Donthorn (1799 – 18 May 1859) was a notable early 19th-century English architect, and one of the founders of what became the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

Upton Hall, Nottinghamshire
Aylsham workhouse, south elevation

He was born in Swaffham, Norfolk and a pupil of Sir Jeffry Wyattville. He worked both in the Gothic and Classical styles but is perhaps best known for his severe Greek Revival country houses, most of which have been demolished.

In 1834 he was one of several prominent architects to form the Institute of British Architects in London (later RIBA).[1]

A large number of his drawings are in the RIBA drawings collection, now housed at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Works edit

 
Donthorn designed Holy Trinity Church at Upper Dicker in 1843
 
Sessions House (1842), Thorpe Road, Peterborough
 
The Leicester Monument on the grounds of Holkham Hall

References edit

  1. ^ Port, M.H. "Founders of the Royal Institute of British Architects (act. 1834–1835)". Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (online ed.). Oxford University Press. (Subscription or UK public library membership required.)
  2. ^ "Robert Weir Schultz". Dictionary of Scottish Architects. Retrieved 1 October 2010.
  3. ^ Historic England. "Old Gaol (1126946)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
  4. ^ "Upper Dicker Holy Trinity". Roughwood. Retrieved 1 October 2010.
  5. ^ Hassall, W. O. "Ilexes at Holkham". Garden History, Volume 6, No. 1, 1978. 58–60.
  6. ^ Historic England. "The Old Rectory, Dummer (1093013)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 2 April 2023.