This new series of articles will give brief details of the works of various architects who have had connections with the town. It is hoped that these notes may stimulate a greater interest in the buildings which these architects designed, and which have, so far, escaped demolition.
Considerable research has gone into the production of these articles, but the information given cannot hope to be fully comprehensive; comments and additional information will be welcomed. Some architects, born in Doncaster, have moved elsewhere to establish their practices; other architects, born outside the town, have established practices in Doncaster.
But who were the key architects who were responsible for these buildings....
James Paine ( 1716-89) The well-known neo-Palladian architect who designed many country houses in the North and Midlands, often with excellent Rococo plasterwork. Engaged on Nostell priory at the age of 19, he designed the Mansion House and several houses around Doncaster: Serlby Hall, Cusworth Hall (wings), Wadworth Hall and Sandbeck Hall.
William Lindley ( 1739-1818) For 20 years assistant to John Carr of York, he set up practice in Doncaster and designed many houses in an Adam style. He built the Hall Cross added the top storey to the Mansion House, and the Dining Room, and built the Pillored House on South Parade
William Hurst ( 1787-1844) The pupil of William Lindley. he carried on his practice and worked throughout the North. He designed in the nee-Grecian style: Priory Methodist Church , the Subscription Rooms and in the Gothic style: Christ Church.
William L Moffatt( 1808-82) a pupil of William Burn, the Scottish architect, he was in partnership with William Hurst from 1838 and took over the practice on Hurst's death. He returned to Edinburgh after 1858. Architect for the former Yorkshire Bank, High Street (with Hurst) and houses in Regent Square.
Sir Gilbert Scott( 1811-78) The leading architect of the mid-Victorian period. He was the architect for St. George's Church , Doncaster Grammar School and the window at the East End of Christ Church.
F W Masters ( 1848-1920) Worked in the office of James Brooke, the London church architect, before setting up practice in Doncaster. He designed Barclays Bank, the General Post Office and most of the buildings on the Nether Hall Estate.
J G Walker ( 1850-1930) He was born at Clock Corner and designed the present building as his own office.
Paul Waterhouse ( 1861-1924) Son of Alfred Waterhouse, the famous Victorian architect, (Natural History Museum) he carried on his father's practice and designed the Prudential Assurance Building, Hall Gate.
W H Brierley ( 1862-1926) He carried on the practice founded by John Carr of York. He designed the HSBC Bank and the NatWest Bank, High Street.
Joseph Lockwood, the younger (1823-1842) His home is located on Hall Gate. He was a member of a prominent Doncaster family, who produced stonework for buildings in and around Doncaster, including the portico for the Subscription Betting Rooms on the High Street.
William Watkins (1834–1926) The Market Hall, Corn Exchange and Fish Market, Doncaster. The impressive facade and arched Exchange buildings were built to the designs of Watkins of Lincoln, who won an architectural competition in 1870. It is set within an earlier L shaped Market Hall structure of 1847-9 by J Butterfield, the architect of Doncaster Corporation. The Corn Market, Market Hall and Fish Markets were further extended in 1930 and the overall complex is Grade II listed.
J Butterworth (1800-1875) He is listed as the Architect for the Doncaster Corporation, credited with designing the Guildhall and the original Market Hall 1847-49.