William Donthorne

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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

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

Donthorne's architectural work includes:

• Elmham Hall, Norfolk (Demolished)
• Hillington Hall, Norfolk (Demolished)
• Watlington Hall, Norfolk (Demolished)
• Pickenham Hall, Norfolk (Demolished)
• improvements to Felbrigg Hall, Norfolk
• Upton Hall, near Southwell, Nottinghamshire
• Highcliffe Castle near Christchurch, Dorset (from 1830)
• workhouses in Ely (1837) and Wisbech (1838), Cambridgeshire
• Sessions House, Peterborough (completed 1842)
• Holy Trinity Church, Upper Dicker, East Sussex (1843)
• The Old Rectory, Dummer, near Basingstoke, Hampshire (1850)