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{{Userpage}}
{{Short description|English architect}}
{{Short description|English architect}}
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{{Infobox architect
{{Infobox architect
| honorific_prefix =
| name = John Henry Hirst
| name = John Henry Hirst
| honorific_suffix = [[Royal Institute of British Architects|F.R.I.B.A.]]
| honorific_suffix = [[Royal Institute of British Architects|F.R.I.B.A.]]
| native_name =
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| image =
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| birth_place = [[Heckmondwike]], West Riding of Yorkshire, England
| birth_place = [[Heckmondwike]], West Riding of Yorkshire, England
| death_date ={{Death date and age|1882|07|06|1826|04|29|df=y}}
| death_date ={{Death date and age|1882|07|06|1826|04|29|df=y}}
| death_place = [[Westbury-on-Trym]], [[Barton Regis Rural District|Barton Regis]], Gloucestershire, England
| death_place = [[Westbury-on-Trym]], Barton Regis, Gloucestershire, England
| death_cause =
| resting_place =
| resting_place =
| nationality = <!-- Use only when necessary per [[WP:INFONAT]]. -->
| occupation =
| occupation =
| years_active = 1851–1882
| years_active = 1851–1882
| alma_mater =
| alma_mater =
| spouse =
| partner =
| children =
| parents =
| relatives =
| nocat_wdimage =
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Hirst was born into a Yorkshire agricultural family. His paternal grandfather was Henry Hirst of [[Heckmondwike]], [[West Riding of Yorkshire]], who is buried in Westgate Congregational Chapelyard of that town.{{Refn|Henry Hirst (1774 – 13 May 1810). There is a history of Henry Hirst's burial place [https://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/YKS/WRY/Birstall/Heckmondwike-UpperChapelCongChurch here] |group=nb}} His father was Thomas Hirst who was a merchant,<ref name="Birstall baptisms 1826" /> and then, from at least 1841,<ref name="1841 England Census Stanley" >{{cite web |title=1841 England Census. Stanley, Wakefield. HO107//1271/10. Page 10/25. |url=https://www.ancestry.co.uk/imageviewer/collections/8978/images/WRYHO107_1271_1272-0428?pId=12048997 |website=ancestry.co.uk |publisher=H.M. Government|url-access=subscription |access-date=28 June 2024}}</ref> a farmer of Oakwood House, [[Wakefield]].{{Refn|Thomas Hirst (12 May 1797 – October 1842). GRO index: Deaths Dec 1842 Hirst William Huddersfield 22 188. |group=nb}}<ref name="Bristol Mercury 3 May 1856" /> His mother was Hannah Hirst née Oates.{{Refn|Hannah Hirst née Oates (1804–1849), GRO index: Deaths Dec 1849 Hirst Hannah Wakefield 22 548. |group=nb}}<ref name="Birstall baptisms 1826" /> Thomas and Hannah were married on 20 September 1824 at [[St Peter's Church, Birstall]]. They were both literate, having signed the marriage register.<ref>{{cite book |title=Church of England Marriages. Birstall St Peter |date=1824 |publisher=Church of England |page=97|via=Ancestry|url-access=subscription |url=https://www.ancestry.co.uk/imageviewer/collections/2253/images/32355_248854-01798?pId=18265320 |access-date=28 June 2024}}</ref> Hirst, the eldest of four male siblings, was born on 29 April 1826,<ref name="Birstall baptisms 1826" >{{cite book |title=Church of England Births and Baptisms Birstall St Peter |date=1826|url-access=subscription |publisher=Church of England |location=Birstall, England |page=251 |url=https://www.ancestry.co.uk/imageviewer/collections/2252/images/32355_248851-01662?pId=10045939 |access-date=28 June 2024}}</ref> in Heckmondwike.{{Refn|John Henry Hirst (10 April 1826 – 6 July 1882). GRO index:Deaths Sep 1882 Hirst John Henry 56 Barton R. 6a 82a. |group=nb}}<ref name="Victorian Professions J.H. Hirst" >{{cite web |title=John Henry Hirst |url=https://www.victorianprofessions.ox.ac.uk/person.html?id=101192 |website=victorianprofessions.ox.ac.uk |publisher=Victorian Professions |access-date=25 January 2024}}</ref> In 1841, Hirst was living with his parents and two brothers in Newton Lane End, [[Stanley, Wakefield|Stanley]], [[Wakefield]], West Riding of Yorkshire.<ref name="1841 England Census Stanley" /> By 1851 he was describing himself as an architect in practice, and living at 9 Blenheim Square, Bristol, where he employed a housekeeper.<ref name="1851 Census Bleinheim Sq" >{{cite web |title=1851 England Census. 9 Blenheim Square, Bristol. H0107/1950. Page 13. Schedule 70. |url=https://www.ancestry.co.uk/imageviewer/collections/8860/images/GLSHO107_1950_1950-0259?pId=17189536 |website=ancestry.co.uk |publisher=H.M. Government|url-access=subscription |access-date=28 June 2024}}</ref>
Hirst was born into a Yorkshire agricultural family. His paternal grandfather was Henry Hirst of [[Heckmondwike]], [[West Riding of Yorkshire]], who is buried in Westgate Congregational Chapelyard of that town.{{Refn|Henry Hirst (1774 – 13 May 1810). There is a history of Henry Hirst's burial place [https://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/YKS/WRY/Birstall/Heckmondwike-UpperChapelCongChurch here] |group=nb}} His father was Thomas Hirst who was a merchant,<ref name="Birstall baptisms 1826" /> and then, from at least 1841,<ref name="1841 England Census Stanley" >{{cite web |title=1841 England Census. Stanley, Wakefield. HO107//1271/10. Page 10/25. |url=https://www.ancestry.co.uk/imageviewer/collections/8978/images/WRYHO107_1271_1272-0428?pId=12048997 |website=ancestry.co.uk |publisher=H.M. Government|url-access=subscription |access-date=28 June 2024}}</ref> a farmer of Oakwood House, [[Wakefield]].{{Refn|Thomas Hirst (12 May 1797 – October 1842). GRO index: Deaths Dec 1842 Hirst William Huddersfield 22 188. |group=nb}}<ref name="Bristol Mercury 3 May 1856" /> His mother was Hannah Hirst née Oates.{{Refn|Hannah Hirst née Oates (1804–1849), GRO index: Deaths Dec 1849 Hirst Hannah Wakefield 22 548. |group=nb}}<ref name="Birstall baptisms 1826" /> Thomas and Hannah were married on 20 September 1824 at [[St Peter's Church, Birstall]]. They were both literate, having signed the marriage register.<ref>{{cite book |title=Church of England Marriages. Birstall St Peter |date=1824 |publisher=Church of England |page=97|via=Ancestry|url-access=subscription |url=https://www.ancestry.co.uk/imageviewer/collections/2253/images/32355_248854-01798?pId=18265320 |access-date=28 June 2024}}</ref> Hirst, the eldest of four male siblings, was born on 29 April 1826,<ref name="Birstall baptisms 1826" >{{cite book |title=Church of England Births and Baptisms Birstall St Peter |date=1826|url-access=subscription |publisher=Church of England |location=Birstall, England |page=251 |url=https://www.ancestry.co.uk/imageviewer/collections/2252/images/32355_248851-01662?pId=10045939 |access-date=28 June 2024}}</ref> in Heckmondwike.{{Refn|John Henry Hirst (10 April 1826 – 6 July 1882). GRO index:Deaths Sep 1882 Hirst John Henry 56 Barton R. 6a 82a. |group=nb}}<ref name="Victorian Professions J.H. Hirst" >{{cite web |title=John Henry Hirst |url=https://www.victorianprofessions.ox.ac.uk/person.html?id=101192 |website=victorianprofessions.ox.ac.uk |publisher=Victorian Professions |access-date=25 January 2024}}</ref> In 1841, Hirst was living with his parents and two brothers in Newton Lane End, [[Stanley, Wakefield|Stanley]], [[Wakefield]], West Riding of Yorkshire.<ref name="1841 England Census Stanley" /> By 1851 he was describing himself as an architect in practice, and living at 9 Blenheim Square, Bristol, where he employed a housekeeper.<ref name="1851 Census Bleinheim Sq" >{{cite web |title=1851 England Census. 9 Blenheim Square, Bristol. H0107/1950. Page 13. Schedule 70. |url=https://www.ancestry.co.uk/imageviewer/collections/8860/images/GLSHO107_1950_1950-0259?pId=17189536 |website=ancestry.co.uk |publisher=H.M. Government|url-access=subscription |access-date=28 June 2024}}</ref>


At [[Christ Church, Clifton Down]], Bristol, on 29 April 1856 Hirst married Harriet Jane Wyld,{{Refn|Harriet Jane Hirst née Wyld (2 April 1835 – 1911). GRO index: Marriages Jun 1856 Hirst John Henry and Wyld Harriet Jane, Clifton 6a 201. Deaths Sep 1911 Hirst Harriet J. 76 St.Albans 3a 923. |group=nb}} daughter of William Hopton Wyld of [[Clifton, Bristol]].{{Refn|William Hopton Wyld (died 1853). GRO index: Deaths Sep 1853 Wyld William Hopton Clifton 6a 47. |group=nb}} The officiating priest was Rev. W. Battersby, Hirst's uncle. Hirst was then living at Brighton Park, Clifton.<ref name="Bristol Mercury 3 May 1856" >{{cite news |title=Marriages |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000034/18560503/034/0008 |access-date=27 June 2024 |work=Bristol Mercury |agency=|via=British Newspaper Archive |url-access=subscription |date=3 May 1856 |page=8 col.5}}</ref> ''The Building News'' noted their large family;<ref name="Building News 14 July 1882" /> they had ten children, the first and last of whom died in infancy. They were Edward Battersby,{{Refn|Edward Battersby Hirst (1857–1858). GRO index: Births Sep 1857 Hirst Edward Battersby Clifton 6a 55. Deaths Jun 1858 Hirst Edward Battersby Clifton 6a 57.|group=nb}}<ref name="1861 Census Brighton Park" /> architect Henry Cecil Montague F.R.I.B.A,{{Refn|Henry Cecil Montague Hirst (1860 – 25 April 1931). GRO index: Births Jun 1860 Hirst Henry Cecil Montague Clifton 6a 62. Deaths Jun 1931 Hirst Henry C.M. 71 Bristol 6a 222. H.C.M. Hirst designed the Church of St Thomas the Apostle in Eastville, Bristol (1889), now a Pentecostal hall. |group=nb}}<ref name="1881 Census Avonhirst" /><ref>{{cite news |title=New fellows of RIBA |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000540/19281207/374/0008 |access-date=28 June 2024 |work=The Scotsman |agency=|via=British Newspaper Archive |url-access=subscription |date=7 December 1928 |page=8 col.3}}</ref> Ethel Maude,{{Refn|Ethel Maude Hirst (born 1861). GRO index: Births Sep 1861 Hirst Ethel Maude Clifton 6a 68. |group=nb}}<ref name="1871 Census Avonhirst" /> Mildred Venables,{{Refn|Mildred Venables Hirst (born 1863). GRO index: Births Dec 1863 Hirst Mildred Venables Clifton 6a 142. |group=nb}}<ref name="1871 Census Avonhirst" /> Leila Mary,{{Refn|Leila Mary Hirst (1866–1921). |group=nb}}<ref name="1871 Census Avonhirst" /> Bertram Fawcett,{{Refn|Bertram Fawcett Hirst (18 July 1867 – January 1920). GRO index: Births Sep 1867 Hirst Bertram Fawcett Clifton 6a 152. Died in January 1920, in County Down, Ireland.|group=nb}}<ref name="1881 Census Avonhirst" /><ref>{{cite news |title=Funeral of Mr Bertram Hirst |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000221/19200124/016/0007 |access-date=28 June 2024 |work=Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette |agency=|via=British Newspaper Archive |url-access=subscription |date=24 January 1920 |page=7 col.1}}</ref> Reginald Arthur,{{Refn|Reginald Arthur Hirst (8 October 1868 – 1954). GRO index: Births Dec 1868 Hirst Reginald Arthur Clifton 6a 161. |group=nb}}<ref name="1871 Census Avonhirst" /><ref>{{cite news |title=Births |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000264/18681009/047/0004 |access-date=29 June 2024 |work=Western Daily Press |agency=|via=British Newspaper Archive |url-access=subscription |date=9 October 1868 |page=4 col.3}}</ref> Florence Charlesworth,{{Refn|Florence Charlesworth Hirst (1870–1949). GRO index: Births Sep 1870 Hirst Florence Charlesworth Clifton 6a 157. |group=nb}}<ref name="1871 Census Avonhirst" /> Harriet Winifred,{{Refn|Harriet Winifred Hirst (1872–1955). GRO index: Births Mar 1872 Hirst Harriet Winifred. Clifton 6a 172. |group=nb}}<ref name="1881 Census Avonhirst" /> and Edith Carter.{{Refn|Edith Carter Hirst (1874 – 25 July 1874). GRO index: Births Sep 1874 Hirst Edith Carter Clifton 6a 168. Deaths Sep 1874 Hirst Edith Carter 0 Clifton 6a 94. |group=nb}}<ref>{{cite news |title=Deaths |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000983/18740727/077/0004 |access-date=29 June 2024 |work=Bristol Times and Mirror |agency=|via=British Newspaper Archive |url-access=subscription |date=27 July 1874 |page=4 col.4}}</ref> Hirst and his wife employed a governess for their children.<ref>{{cite news |title=Educational |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000264/18780205/049/0002 |access-date=29 June 2024 |work=Western Daily Press |agency=|via=British Newspaper Archive |url-access=subscription |date=5 February 1878 |page=2 col.2}}</ref> By 1861 Hirst and his wife were living at 1 Brighton Park, Clifton, Bristol, with their first child Edward B. Hirst, a relative, and two servants.<ref name="1861 Census Brighton Park" >{{cite web |title=1861 England Census. 1 Brighton Park, Clifton, Bristol. RG9/1728. Page 52. Schedule 292. |url=https://www.ancestry.co.uk/imageviewer/collections/8767/images/GLSRG9_1724_1729-1078?pId=19385773 |website=ancestry.co.uk |publisher=H.M. Government|url-access=subscription |access-date=28 June 2024}}</ref> In 1871 the family was living at Avonhirst, [[Westbury on Trym]] with six of their children and two servants.<ref name="1871 Census Avonhirst" >{{cite web |title=1871 England Census. Avonhirst, Westbury on Trym. RG10/2569. Page 16. Schedule 51|url-access=subscription |url=https://www.ancestry.co.uk/imageviewer/collections/7619/images/GLSRG10_2568_2572-0182?pId=1275468 |website=ancestry.co.uk |publisher=H.M. Government |access-date=28 June 2024}}</ref> Hirst had designed the house with a lodge for their gardener.<ref>{{cite web |title=1871 England Census. Avonhirst Lodge. RG10/2569. Page 17/59. Schedule 52. |url=https://www.ancestry.co.uk/imageviewer/collections/7619/images/GLSRG10_2568_2572-0183?pId=1275468 |website=ancestry.co.uk|url-access=subscription |publisher=H.M. Government |access-date=28 June 2024}}</ref> The family was still at Avonhirst in 1881, where the census finds Hirst with his wife, six of their children, two visitors and three servants.<ref name="1881 Census Avonhirst" >{{cite web |title=1881 England Census. Avonhirst, Westury on Trym. RG11/2504. |url=https://www.ancestry.co.uk/imageviewer/collections/7572/images/GLSRG11_2503_2506-0391?pId=6103057 |website=ancestry.co.uk |publisher=H.M. Government|url-access=subscription |access-date=28 June 2024}}</ref>
At [[Christ Church, Clifton Down]], Bristol, on 29 April 1856 Hirst married Harriet Jane Wyld,{{Refn|Harriet Jane Hirst née Wyld (2 April 1835 – 9 September 1911). GRO index: Marriages Jun 1856 Hirst John Henry and Wyld Harriet Jane, Clifton 6a 201. Deaths Sep 1911 Hirst Harriet J. 76 St.Albans 3a 923. |group=nb}} daughter of William Hopton Wyld of [[Clifton, Bristol]].{{Refn|William Hopton Wyld (died 1853). GRO index: Deaths Sep 1853 Wyld William Hopton Clifton 6a 47. |group=nb}} The officiating priest was Rev. W. Battersby, Hirst's uncle. Hirst was then living at Brighton Park, Clifton.<ref name="Bristol Mercury 3 May 1856" >{{cite news |title=Marriages |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000034/18560503/034/0008 |access-date=27 June 2024 |work=Bristol Mercury |agency=|via=British Newspaper Archive |url-access=subscription |date=3 May 1856 |page=8 col.5}}</ref> ''The Building News'' noted their large family;<ref name="Building News 14 July 1882" /> they had ten children, the first and last of whom died in infancy. They were Edward Battersby,{{Refn|Edward Battersby Hirst (1857–1858). GRO index: Births Sep 1857 Hirst Edward Battersby Clifton 6a 55. Deaths Jun 1858 Hirst Edward Battersby Clifton 6a 57.|group=nb}}<ref name="1861 Census Brighton Park" /> architect Henry Cecil Montague F.R.I.B.A,{{Refn|Henry Cecil Montague Hirst (1860 – 25 April 1931). GRO index: Births Jun 1860 Hirst Henry Cecil Montague Clifton 6a 62. Deaths Jun 1931 Hirst Henry C.M. 71 Bristol 6a 222. H.C.M. Hirst designed the Church of St Thomas the Apostle in Eastville, Bristol (1889), now a Pentecostal hall. |group=nb}}<ref name="1881 Census Avonhirst" /><ref>{{cite news |title=New fellows of RIBA |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000540/19281207/374/0008 |access-date=28 June 2024 |work=The Scotsman |agency=|via=British Newspaper Archive |url-access=subscription |date=7 December 1928 |page=8 col.3}}</ref> Ethel Maude,{{Refn|Ethel Maude Hirst (born 1861). GRO index: Births Sep 1861 Hirst Ethel Maude Clifton 6a 68. |group=nb}}<ref name="1871 Census Avonhirst" /> Mildred Venables,{{Refn|Mildred Venables Hirst (born 1863). GRO index: Births Dec 1863 Hirst Mildred Venables Clifton 6a 142. |group=nb}}<ref name="1871 Census Avonhirst" /> Leila Mary,{{Refn|Leila Mary Hirst (1866–1921). |group=nb}}<ref name="1871 Census Avonhirst" /> Bertram Fawcett,{{Refn|Bertram Fawcett Hirst (18 July 1867 – January 1920). GRO index: Births Sep 1867 Hirst Bertram Fawcett Clifton 6a 152. Died in January 1920, in County Down, Ireland.|group=nb}}<ref name="1881 Census Avonhirst" /><ref>{{cite news |title=Funeral of Mr Bertram Hirst |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000221/19200124/016/0007 |access-date=28 June 2024 |work=Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette |agency=|via=British Newspaper Archive |url-access=subscription |date=24 January 1920 |page=7 col.1}}</ref> Reginald Arthur,{{Refn|Reginald Arthur Hirst (8 October 1868 – 1954). GRO index: Births Dec 1868 Hirst Reginald Arthur Clifton 6a 161. |group=nb}}<ref name="1871 Census Avonhirst" /><ref>{{cite news |title=Births |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000264/18681009/047/0004 |access-date=29 June 2024 |work=Western Daily Press |agency=|via=British Newspaper Archive |url-access=subscription |date=9 October 1868 |page=4 col.3}}</ref> Florence Charlesworth,{{Refn|Florence Charlesworth Hirst (1870–1949). GRO index: Births Sep 1870 Hirst Florence Charlesworth Clifton 6a 157. |group=nb}}<ref name="1871 Census Avonhirst" /> Harriet Winifred,{{Refn|Harriet Winifred Hirst (1872–1955). GRO index: Births Mar 1872 Hirst Harriet Winifred. Clifton 6a 172. |group=nb}}<ref name="1881 Census Avonhirst" /> and Edith Carter.{{Refn|Edith Carter Hirst (1874 – 25 July 1874). GRO index: Births Sep 1874 Hirst Edith Carter Clifton 6a 168. Deaths Sep 1874 Hirst Edith Carter 0 Clifton 6a 94. |group=nb}}<ref>{{cite news |title=Deaths |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000983/18740727/077/0004 |access-date=29 June 2024 |work=Bristol Times and Mirror |agency=|via=British Newspaper Archive |url-access=subscription |date=27 July 1874 |page=4 col.4}}</ref> Hirst and his wife employed a governess for their children.<ref>{{cite news |title=Educational |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000264/18780205/049/0002 |access-date=29 June 2024 |work=Western Daily Press |agency=|via=British Newspaper Archive |url-access=subscription |date=5 February 1878 |page=2 col.2}}</ref> By 1861 Hirst and his wife were living at 1 Brighton Park, Clifton, Bristol, with their first child Edward B. Hirst, a relative, and two servants.<ref name="1861 Census Brighton Park" >{{cite web |title=1861 England Census. 1 Brighton Park, Clifton, Bristol. RG9/1728. Page 52. Schedule 292. |url=https://www.ancestry.co.uk/imageviewer/collections/8767/images/GLSRG9_1724_1729-1078?pId=19385773 |website=ancestry.co.uk |publisher=H.M. Government|url-access=subscription |access-date=28 June 2024}}</ref> In 1871 the family was living at Avonhirst, [[Westbury on Trym]] with six of their children and two servants.<ref name="1871 Census Avonhirst" >{{cite web |title=1871 England Census. Avonhirst, Westbury on Trym. RG10/2569. Page 16. Schedule 51|url-access=subscription |url=https://www.ancestry.co.uk/imageviewer/collections/7619/images/GLSRG10_2568_2572-0182?pId=1275468 |website=ancestry.co.uk |publisher=H.M. Government |access-date=28 June 2024}}</ref> Hirst had designed the house with a lodge for their gardener.<ref>{{cite web |title=1871 England Census. Avonhirst Lodge. RG10/2569. Page 17/59. Schedule 52. |url=https://www.ancestry.co.uk/imageviewer/collections/7619/images/GLSRG10_2568_2572-0183?pId=1275468 |website=ancestry.co.uk|url-access=subscription |publisher=H.M. Government |access-date=28 June 2024}}</ref> The family was still at Avonhirst in 1881, where the census finds Hirst with his wife, six of their children, two visitors and three servants.<ref name="1881 Census Avonhirst" >{{cite web |title=1881 England Census. Avonhirst, Westury on Trym. RG11/2504. |url=https://www.ancestry.co.uk/imageviewer/collections/7572/images/GLSRG11_2503_2506-0391?pId=6103057 |website=ancestry.co.uk |publisher=H.M. Government|url-access=subscription |access-date=28 June 2024}}</ref>


==Career==
==Career==
Hirst kept an office in Harrogate.<ref name="Building News 14 July 1882" /> Although he retained the Harrogate office to deal with work for his client [[George Dawson (builder)|George Dawson]], he was based in or near Bristol for most of his working life.<ref name="Victorian Professions J.H. Hirst" /> He was documented as an architect and surveyor between 1851 and 1881,<ref name="Victorian Professions J.H. Hirst" /> although he was still working on new projects in 1882.<ref name="Western DP 24 April 1882" /><ref name="Building News 5 May 1882" /> He designed buildings in the [[Neoclassical architecture|Neoclassical]] style, but would sometimes produce [[Gothic Revival architecture|Gothic Revival]] desgns. ''The Building News'' described Hirst as a "well-known and widely-esteemed architect", and a "straightforward, genuine Yorkshireman" who was "deservedly popular with all classes".<ref name="Building News 14 July 1882" /> For a while, Hirst designed works in the [[Bristol Byzantine]] style in Bristol in partnership with [[William Bruce Gingell]], and also with [[John Lysaght and Co.|Thomas Royse Lysaght]].<ref>{{cite web |title=William Bruce Gingell |url=https://www.scottisharchitects.org.uk/architect_full.php?id=200142 |website=scottisharchitects.org.uk |publisher=Dictionary of Scottish Architects |access-date=28 June 2024 |date=2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Lysaght & Hirst |url=https://www.scottisharchitects.org.uk/architect_full.php?id=200143 |website=scottisharchitects.org.uk |publisher=Dictionary of Scottish Architects |access-date=3 July 2024 |date=2016}}</ref>
Hirst kept an office in Harrogate.<ref name="Building News 14 July 1882" /> Although he retained the Harrogate office to deal with work for his client [[George Dawson (builder)|George Dawson]], he was based in or near Bristol for most of his working life.<ref name="Victorian Professions J.H. Hirst" /> He was elected Associate of the Institution of British Architects (ARIBA) on 23 January 1854, and Fellow (FRIBA) on 4 March 1861.<ref name="Brodie 2001 A–K" /> He was documented as an architect and surveyor between 1851 and 1881,<ref name="Victorian Professions J.H. Hirst" /> although he was still working on new projects in 1882.<ref name="Western DP 24 April 1882" /><ref name="Building News 5 May 1882" /> He was the first surveyor to the [[Ramsbury Building Society|West of England Building Society]].<ref name="Brodie 2001 A–K" />
He designed buildings in the [[Neoclassical architecture|Neoclassical]] style, but would sometimes produce [[Gothic Revival architecture|Gothic Revival]] desgns. ''The Building News'' described Hirst as a "well-known and widely-esteemed architect", and a "straightforward, genuine Yorkshireman" who was "deservedly popular with all classes".<ref name="Building News 14 July 1882" /> For a while, Hirst designed works in the [[Bristol Byzantine]] style in Bristol in partnership with [[William Bruce Gingell]], and also with [[John Lysaght and Co.|Thomas Royse Lysaght]].<ref>{{cite web |title=William Bruce Gingell |url=https://www.scottisharchitects.org.uk/architect_full.php?id=200142 |website=scottisharchitects.org.uk |publisher=Dictionary of Scottish Architects |access-date=28 June 2024 |date=2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Lysaght & Hirst |url=https://www.scottisharchitects.org.uk/architect_full.php?id=200143 |website=scottisharchitects.org.uk |publisher=Dictionary of Scottish Architects |access-date=3 July 2024 |date=2016}}</ref>


== Works in Weston-Super-Mare==
== Works in Weston-Super-Mare==
===Royal Hotel, Weston-Super-Mare, c. 1850===
===Royal Hotel, Weston-Super-Mare, c. 1850===
[[File:Royal Hotel, Weston-Super-Mare.jpg|thumb|right|Royal Hotel, Weston-Super-Mare]]
[[File:Royal Hotel, Weston-Super-Mare.jpg|thumb|right|Royal Hotel, Weston-Super-Mare]]
This is a listed building. The hotel was originally built in 1808, but Hirst and [[Samuel Burleigh Gabriel]] substantially enlarged it around 1850. [[English Heritage]] describes it as, "a distinctive [[Italianate architecture|Italianate]] composition with ornate facades that have a high level of decorative detailing". Hirst and Gabriel also improved the posting and livery building in the courtyard to the north of the main hotel building. The hotel itself has cellars and three storeys. It has an entrance bay in the middle, and two long extensions either side of it, making the building symmetrical. The building has been much changed since 1850.<ref name="NHLE 1320676" >{{NHLE|num=1320676 |desc=The Royal Hotel, including attached North Range and rear boundary wall|accessdate=30 December 2022}}</ref>
This is a [[Listed building#Categories of listed buildings|Grade II listed building]]. The hotel was originally built in 1808, but Hirst and [[Samuel Burleigh Gabriel]] substantially enlarged it around 1850. [[English Heritage]] describes it as, "a distinctive [[Italianate architecture|Italianate]] composition with ornate facades that have a high level of decorative detailing". Hirst and Gabriel also improved the posting and livery building in the courtyard to the north of the main hotel building. The hotel itself has cellars and three storeys. It has an entrance bay in the middle, and two long extensions either side of it, making the building symmetrical. The building has been much changed since 1850.<ref name="NHLE 1320676" >{{NHLE|num=1320676 |desc=The Royal Hotel, including attached North Range and rear boundary wall|accessdate=30 December 2022}}</ref>


==Works in Bristol==
==Works in Bristol==
''The Building News'' said that Hirst was "connected with all the most important improvement schemes at Bristol, and his numerous buildings invariably exhibited taste and artistic skill".<ref name="Building News 14 July 1882" /> His office was at 30 Broad Street, Bristol.<ref name="Western DP 24 April 1882" />
''The Building News'' said that Hirst was "connected with all the most important improvement schemes at Bristol, and his numerous buildings invariably exhibited taste and artistic skill".<ref name="Building News 14 July 1882" /> In 1868 his office was at Guildhall Chambers, Bristol.<ref name="Brodie 2001 A–K" >{{cite book |last1=Brodie |first1=Antonia |title=Directory of British Architects, 1834-1914 Vol. 1 (A-K) |date=2001 |publisher=Bloomsbury Academic |location=London |isbn=9780826455130 |url=https://epdf.tips/directory-of-british-architects.html |access-date=3 July 2024}}</ref> His office was then at 30 Broad Street, Bristol.<ref name="Western DP 24 April 1882" /> Between 1880 and 1882 he was working from 8 Small Street, Bristol, and from his home, Avonhirst.<ref name="Brodie 2001 A–K" />

===Royal West of England Academy===
[[File:Royal West of England Academy.jpg|thumb|right|Royal West of England Academy, 1857]]
{{Main|Royal West of England Academy}}
This is a Grade II [[listed building]]. The façade was designed by Hirst in 1857.{{Refn|English Heritage mistakenly records Hirst's name as J.R. Hirst in its record of the Royal West of England Academy, Bristol|group=nb}}<ref name="NHLE 1282156" >{{NHLE|desc=Royal West of England Academy|num=1282156|access-date=12 July 2024}}</ref>


===Avonhirst and Towerhirst, Small Street, Bristol c.1867===
===Avonhirst and Towerhirst, Small Street, Bristol c.1867===
[[File:Towerhirst, Sneyd Park, Bristol geograph-6351178-by-David-Purchase.jpg|thumb|right|Towerhirst, Bristol]]
[[File:Towerhirst, Sneyd Park, Bristol - geograph.org.uk - 6351178.jpg|thumb|right|Towerhirst, Bristol]]
[[File:An Avonmouth train from across the river geograph-6589326-by-Martin-Tester.jpg|thumb|right|Sea Wall Villas, Bristol]]
[[File:An Avonmouth train from across the river geograph-6589326-by-Martin-Tester.jpg|thumb|right|Sea Wall Villas, Bristol]]
Around 1867, Hirst built Avonhirst, in Small Street (now Seawalls Road), Bristol, as his own home, with another house, Towerhirst, next to it, and a semi-detached villa with 1.25 acres of land at 1 Sea Wall Villas, Sneyd Park.<ref name="Building News 14 July 1882" /> 1 Sea Wall Villas had a coach house, stable and yard. At point of sale, Towerhirst was described as "a castellated, Gothic, detached villa residence with coach house, stables, gardens an appurtenances" with half an acre of ground and an ornamental lodge. The gardens of all properties were laid out with trees, shrubs, fruit and lawns.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ornamental villa residences, Sea Wall, Durdham Down, Bristol |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000983/18670525/004/0001 |access-date=29 June 2024 |work=Bristol Times and Mirror |agency=|via=British Newspaper Archive |url-access=subscription |date=25 May 1867 |page=1 col.3}}</ref> ''The Building News'' described Avonhirst as "a beautiful villa upon one of the most romantic parts of the [[River Avon, Bristol|Avon's]] banks below Clifton", where he used it to "entertain a large circle of friends and acqaintances".<ref name="Building News 14 July 1882" />
Towerhirst is a Grade II listed building.<ref name="NHLE 1279540" >{{NHLE|num=1279540 |desc=Towerhirst|accessdate=30 December 2022}}</ref> Around 1867, Hirst built Avonhirst, in Small Street (now Seawalls Road), Bristol, as his own home, with another house, Towerhirst, next to it, and a semi-detached villa with 1.25 acres of land at 1 Sea Wall Villas, Sneyd Park.<ref name="Building News 14 July 1882" /> 1 Sea Wall Villas had a coach house, stable and yard. At point of sale, Towerhirst was described as "a castellated, Gothic, detached villa residence with coach house, stables, gardens an appurtenances" with half an acre of ground and an ornamental lodge. The gardens of all properties were laid out with trees, shrubs, fruit and lawns.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ornamental villa residences, Sea Wall, Durdham Down, Bristol |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000983/18670525/004/0001 |access-date=29 June 2024 |work=Bristol Times and Mirror |agency=|via=British Newspaper Archive |url-access=subscription |date=25 May 1867 |page=1 col.3}}</ref> Note that [[Historic England]] incorrectly credits Towerhirst to the architect's son, H.C.M. Hirst, and gives it a later date of 1891–1892, although J.H. Hirst completed it in 1867.<ref name="NHLE 1279540" />

Close to this suburban idyll, on 18 May 1878, some demolition men were employed in removing the wreck of the steamer ''Gipsy'' which was blocking the [[River Avon, Bristol|River Avon]]. In order to separate the [[sternpost]] from the hull, they set an explosive charge so great that "the explosion was heard all over the city". The concussion shattered many windows nearby, and blew out the drawing-room windowglass at Avonhirst. The demolition had attracted an uncontrollable number of sightseers, so when pieces of metal were "hurled far and wide", at least one man was hospitalised.<ref>{{cite news |title=The wreck of the Gipsy |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000035/18780518/027/0008 |access-date=29 June 2024 |work=Bristol Mercury |agency=|via=British Newspaper Archive |url-access=subscription |date=18 May 1878 |page=8 col.4}}</ref>


Close to this suburban idyll, on 18 May 1878, some demolition men were employed in removing the wreck of the steamer ''Gipsy'' which was blocking the [[River Avon, Bristol|River Avon]]. In order to separate the [[sternpost]] from the hull, they set an explosive charge so great that "the explosion was heard all over the city". The concussion shattered many windows nearby, and blew out the drawing-room windowglass at Avonhirst. The demolition had attracted an uncontrollable number of sightseers, so when pieces of metal were "hurled far and wide", at least one man was hospitalised.<ref>{{cite news |title=The wreck of the Gipsy |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000035/18780518/027/0008 |access-date=29 June 2024 |work=Bristol Mercury |agency=|via=British Newspaper Archive |url-access=subscription |date=18 May 1878 |page=8 col.4}}</ref> When the house was advertised for sale or let in August 1882, a month after Hirst's death, its description was: "Exceptionally warm situation, suitable for invalids, commanding fine views of [[River Avon, Bristol|River Avon]], with gardener's lodge, large fruit garden, [[Vinery|vineries]] etc. and woods".<ref>{{cite news |title=To be let or sold. Avonhirst |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000264/18820829/051/0002 |access-date=29 June 2024 |work=Western Daily Press |agency=|via=British Newspaper Archive |url-access=subscription |date=29 August 1882 |page=2 col.5}}</ref> Sales from Avonhirst's lodge at that time revealed that the garden had contained [[peafowl]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Pea fowls for sale |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000264/18830205/059/0001 |access-date=29 June 2024 |work=Western Daily Press |agency=|via=British Newspaper Archive |url-access=subscription |date=5 February 1883 |page=1 col.3}}</ref>
When Avonhirst was advertised for sale or let in August 1882, a month after Hirst's death, its description was: "Exceptionally warm situation, suitable for invalids, commanding fine views of [[River Avon, Bristol|River Avon]], with gardener's lodge, large fruit garden, [[Vinery|vineries]] etc. and woods".<ref>{{cite news |title=To be let or sold. Avonhirst |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000264/18820829/051/0002 |access-date=29 June 2024 |work=Western Daily Press |agency=|via=British Newspaper Archive |url-access=subscription |date=29 August 1882 |page=2 col.5}}</ref> Sales from Avonhirst's lodge at that time revealed that the garden had contained [[peafowl]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Pea fowls for sale |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000264/18830205/059/0001 |access-date=29 June 2024 |work=Western Daily Press |agency=|via=British Newspaper Archive |url-access=subscription |date=5 February 1883 |page=1 col.3}}</ref> ''The Building News'' described Avonhirst as "a beautiful villa upon one of the most romantic parts of the [[River Avon, Bristol|Avon's]] banks below Clifton", where he used it to "entertain a large circle of friends and acqaintances".<ref name="Building News 14 July 1882" /> Avonhirst still stands, and was sold for over £2 million in 2023.<ref>{{cite web |title=House Prices in Seawalls Road, Sneyd Park, Bristol, BS9: Avonhirst, Sea Wall Road |url=https://www.rightmove.co.uk/house-prices/bs9/seawalls-road.html |website=rightmove.co.uk |publisher=Right Move |access-date=12 July 2024 |date=2024}}</ref>


===Stoke Road Drinking Fountain, Bristol, 1877===
===Stoke Road Drinking Fountain, Bristol, 1877===
[[File:Drinking fountain, Durdham Down geograph-4513188-by-Derek-Harper.jpg|thumb|upright|Stoke Road Drinking Fountain, 1877]]
[[File:Drinking fountain, Durdham Down - geograph.org.uk - 4513188.jpg|thumb|upright|Stoke Road Drinking Fountain, 1877]]
This drinking fountain on Stoke Road, Bristol, is a [[listed building]].<ref name="Drinking Fountain 1202603 " >{{NHLE|num=1202603 |desc=Drinking fountain at ST 5712 7495, Stoke Road|accessdate=30 December 2022}}</ref> It is intended for people and animals, was commissioned from Hirst by the [[Royal Bath and West of England Society]], and paid for by the show's entrance fees. It is made of [[granite]], [[Portland stone]], [[Bath stone]], and iron.<ref name="Art UK Drinking fountain" >{{cite web |title=John Henry Hirst |url=https://artuk.org/discover/artists/hirst-john-henry-18271882 |website=artuk.org |publisher=Art UK |access-date=25 January 2024}}</ref> It is a rectangular structure, made mainly of Bath stone. The plinth is of Portland stone, and the dressings are of granite, Mansfield stone and [[Pennant stone]]. [[Historic England]] describes it as: "[a] large rectangular [[stele]] with a Pennant apron in front of the plinth with a granite basin, Mansfield moulding to a semicircular arch with a large key above the slate plaque; granite frieze with [[terracotta]] animal heads, heavy [[cornice]] and sloping top". It was the mayor of Bristol, George Edwards, who unveiled the fountain in 1877.<ref name="Drinking Fountain 1202603 " /> The frieze features the heads of a cow, horse and bull, with rams' heads at each end; all made of painted cast iron, and fixed onto polished red granite. There is a red granite basin with a scallop-shell [[keystone (architecture)|keystone]] above, for the main tap, and below are troughs for animals.<ref name="Art UK Drinking fountain" />
This drinking fountain on Stoke Road, Bristol, is a Grade II listed building.<ref name="Drinking Fountain 1202603 " >{{NHLE|num=1202603 |desc=Drinking fountain at ST 5712 7495, Stoke Road|accessdate=30 December 2022}}</ref> It is intended for people and animals, was commissioned from Hirst by the [[Royal Bath and West of England Society]], and paid for by the show's entrance fees. It is made of [[granite]], [[Portland stone]], [[Bath stone]], and iron.<ref name="Art UK Drinking fountain" >{{cite web |title=John Henry Hirst |url=https://artuk.org/discover/artists/hirst-john-henry-18271882 |website=artuk.org |publisher=Art UK |access-date=25 January 2024}}</ref> It is a rectangular structure, made mainly of Bath stone. The plinth is of Portland stone, and the dressings are of granite, Mansfield stone and [[Pennant Measures|Pennant stone]]. [[Historic England]] describes it as: "[a] large rectangular [[stele]] with a Pennant apron in front of the plinth with a granite basin, Mansfield moulding to a semicircular arch with a large key above the slate plaque; granite frieze with [[terracotta]] animal heads, heavy [[cornice]] and sloping top". It was the mayor of Bristol, George Edwards, who unveiled the fountain in 1877.<ref name="Drinking Fountain 1202603 " /> The frieze features the heads of a cow, horse and bull, with rams' heads at each end; all made of painted cast iron, and fixed onto polished red granite. There is a red granite basin with a [[scallop]]-shell [[keystone (architecture)|keystone]] above, for the main tap, and below are troughs for animals.<ref name="Art UK Drinking fountain" />


===New road scheme, Bristol, before 1882===
===New road scheme, Bristol, before 1882===
Line 92: Line 89:
===Crown Hotel and Montpellier Estate, 1884–1870===
===Crown Hotel and Montpellier Estate, 1884–1870===
[[File:The Crown Hotel, Harrogate - geograph.org.uk - 1197656.jpg|thumb|right|The Crown Hotel with wings]]
[[File:The Crown Hotel, Harrogate - geograph.org.uk - 1197656.jpg|thumb|right|The Crown Hotel with wings]]
This set includes the wings of the Crown Hotel and 1–3 Crown Place, all developed by George Dawson to designs by Hirst. 1–3 Crown Place are listed buildings.<ref name="NHLE 1189739" >{{NHLE|num=1189739 |desc=1–3, Crown Place|accessdate=30 December 2022}}</ref> Historian Malcolm Neesam comments that, "the Crown's Georgian wings were removed and replaced by Hirst with a powerful pair of [[Renaissance Revival architecture|Italian Renaissance]] replacements that gave the building great character and nobility".<ref> {{cite book |last1=Neesam |first1=Malcolm |title=Harrogate in 50 Buildings|chapter=10: Crown Hotel, 17th and 19th centuries.|url=https://www.on-magazine.co.uk/yorkshire/history/history-of-the-crown-hotel-harrogate/ |access-date=6 February 2023 |date=2018 |publisher=Amberley Publishing |isbn=978-1445681115}}</ref>
This set includes the wings of the Crown Hotel and 1–3 Crown Place, all developed by George Dawson to designs by Hirst. 1–3 Crown Place are Grade II listed buildings.<ref name="NHLE 1189739" >{{NHLE|num=1189739 |desc=1–3, Crown Place|accessdate=30 December 2022}}</ref> Historian Malcolm Neesam comments that, "the Crown's Georgian wings were removed and replaced by Hirst with a powerful pair of [[Renaissance Revival architecture|Italian Renaissance]] replacements that gave the building great character and nobility".<ref> {{cite book |last1=Neesam |first1=Malcolm |title=Harrogate in 50 Buildings|chapter=10: Crown Hotel, 17th and 19th centuries.|url=https://www.on-magazine.co.uk/yorkshire/history/history-of-the-crown-hotel-harrogate/ |access-date=6 February 2023 |date=2018 |publisher=Amberley Publishing |isbn=978-1445681115}}</ref>


The Crown Place buildings were completed in 1884, as a commercial, 3-storey terrace with a gritstone ashlar frontage, slate roof and [[Bracket (architecture)|bracketed]] eaves. Between the shops are [[Corinthian order|Corinthian]] columns, and above them are sash windows. Some of the shops have doorways with [[fanlight]]s, and shop windows with moulded heads and [[keystone (architecture)|keystone]]s.<ref name="NHLE 1189739" />
The Crown Place buildings were completed in 1884, as a commercial, 3-storey terrace with a gritstone ashlar frontage, slate roof and [[Bracket (architecture)|bracketed]] eaves. Between the shops are [[Corinthian order|Corinthian]] columns, and above them are sash windows. Some of the shops have doorways with [[fanlight]]s, and shop windows with moulded heads and [[keystone (architecture)|keystone]]s.<ref name="NHLE 1189739" />
Line 99: Line 96:
{{Main|St Peter's Church, Harrogate}}
{{Main|St Peter's Church, Harrogate}}
[[File:Fair Trade Shop - geograph.org.uk - 1033712.jpg|thumb|upright|[[St Peter's Church, Harrogate]]]]
[[File:Fair Trade Shop - geograph.org.uk - 1033712.jpg|thumb|upright|[[St Peter's Church, Harrogate]]]]
This [[Gothic Revival architecture|Gothic Revival]] building was a departure in design for Hirst, and he was "not essentially an ecclesiastical architect".<ref name="Building News 14 July 1882" /> Nevertheless, it is a Grade II [[listed building]],<ref name="NHLE 1149467" >{{NHLE|num=1149467|desc=Church of St Peter|accessdate=5 July 2023}}</ref> intended to seat 1,000 worshippers at a cost of £10,000 ({{Inflation|UK|10000|1871|fmt=eq|r=2|cursign=£}}) without the tower.<ref name="Knaresboro Post 9 September 1871" />{{Inflation-fn|UK|df=y}} The foundation stone was laid in April 1870, and before the building was quite finished it was consecrated on 10 September 1871 by [[Vincent Ryan (bishop)|Bishop Ryan]].<ref name="Knaresboro Post 9 September 1871" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=Grainge |first1=William |title=The History and Topography of Harrogate, and the Forest of Knaresborough |date=15 January 2012 |publisher=General Books LLC |isbn=978-1150624766 |quote=Modern paperback reprint}}</ref> At the opening, Hirst presented the church with a "chaste marble screen". The ''Knaresborough Post'' said that the building, "situate in a commanding position ... will form a prominent and handsome addition to a locality which at present boasts some fine buildings".<ref name="Knaresboro Post 9 September 1871" />
This [[Gothic Revival architecture|Gothic Revival]] building was a departure in design for Hirst, and he was "not essentially an ecclesiastical architect".<ref name="Building News 14 July 1882" /> Nevertheless, it is a Grade II listed building,<ref name="NHLE 1149467" >{{NHLE|num=1149467|desc=Church of St Peter|accessdate=5 July 2023}}</ref> intended to seat 1,000 worshippers at a cost of £10,000 ({{Inflation|UK|10000|1871|fmt=eq|r=2|cursign=£}}) without the tower.<ref name="Knaresboro Post 9 September 1871" />{{Inflation-fn|UK|df=y}} The foundation stone was laid in April 1870, and before the building was quite finished it was consecrated on 10 September 1871 by [[Vincent Ryan (bishop)|Bishop Ryan]].<ref name="Knaresboro Post 9 September 1871" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=Grainge |first1=William |title=The History and Topography of Harrogate, and the Forest of Knaresborough |date=15 January 2012 |publisher=General Books LLC |isbn=978-1150624766 |quote=Modern paperback reprint}}</ref> At the opening, Hirst presented the church with a "chaste marble screen". The ''Knaresborough Post'' said that the building, "situate in a commanding position ... will form a prominent and handsome addition to a locality which at present boasts some fine buildings".<ref name="Knaresboro Post 9 September 1871" />

After the consecration there was a "magnificent déjeuner" for fifty of the more important attendees at the Prospect Hotel, at which Hirst was one of those who responded to the many toasts.<ref name="Knaresboro Post 9 September 1871" >{{cite news |title=Harrogate. Opening of a new church |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0002031/18710909/021/0004 |access-date=25 June 2024 |work=Knaresborough Post |agency=|via=British Newspaper Archive |url-access=subscription |date=9 September 1871 |page=4 cols 5,6}}</ref> In the afternoon a separate dinner at the George Hotel was arranged for forty of the workmen who had constructed the edifice and their employers. Again there were many toasts, including one congratulating Hirst as architect, and [[God Save the King|God Save the Queen]] was sung when the event ended at eight o' clock.<ref>{{cite news |title=St Peter's Church. Dinner to workmen |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0002031/18710916/026/0004 |access-date=25 June 2024 |work=Knaresborough Post |agency=|via=British Newspaper Archive |url-access=subscription |date=16 September 1871 |page=4 col.4}}</ref>

Apart from the tower, which was added after Hirst's death, the church of 1871 was designed with many revived 13th- and 14th-century architectural features. It has a [[gable]]d porch, and the [[nave]] – which is complete with [[arcade (architecture)|arcade]], [[aisle]]s, [[transept]]s, [[tracery|traceried]] windows and an [[apse]] – has an [[Timber roof truss#Arch-braced truss|arch-braced]] roof, slated above, with [[Coping (architecture)|coped]] gables. The exterior walls are of [[Rustication (architecture)|rusticated]] and [[ashlar]] sandstone, with [[parapet]]s and [[buttress]]es.<ref name="NHLE 1149467" />


===Cambridge Crescent, Harrogate, 1867–1873===
===Cambridge Crescent, Harrogate, 1867–1873===
[[File:Lloyds Bank, Cambridge Crescent, Harrogate (12th September 2018).jpg|thumb|right|Cambridge Crescent, showing stopped units]]
[[File:Lloyds Bank, Cambridge Crescent, Harrogate (12th September 2018).jpg|thumb|right|Cambridge Crescent, showing stopped units]]
This is a [[listed building]].<ref name="NHLE 1149466" >{{NHLE|num= 1149466 |desc=1–12, Cambridge Crescent|accessdate=30 December 2022}}</ref> George Dawson had begun building Cambridge Crescent to Hirst's design by 1867, and by 1873 it was almost finished. Malcolm Neesam described ithe building, along with Prospect Crescent, as a "magnificent structure".<ref name="Neesam Wells & Swells 2022" />{{rp|178,267}} This is a building with a convex, bayed frontage, built sideways on a hill, so that the units are stepped downhill. Like Prospect Crescent, it has cellars, [[Dormer windows|dormers]], and three storeys, with attic windows, a [[parapet]] and a [[cornice]]. The frontage is [[ashlar]] [[gritstone]] with dressings in red brick and "coarse florid detailing", [[sash window]]s and balconies with ironwork. The [[mansard roof]] is [[gable]]d, but a central unit, number four, has a dormer with [[pediment]] and [[entablature]], with [[pilaster]]s on each side. The ground floor is inhabited with commercial premises. The [[National Westminster Bank]] premises at numbers 4 and 6 have a [[Renaissance Revival architecture|Flemish Renaissance]] frontage, with cornices, columns and [[capital (architecture)|capital]]s, carved figures and a coat of arms.<ref name="NHLE 1149466" />
This is a Grade II listed building.<ref name="NHLE 1149466" >{{NHLE|num= 1149466 |desc=1–12, Cambridge Crescent|accessdate=30 December 2022}}</ref> George Dawson had begun building Cambridge Crescent to Hirst's design by 1867, and by 1873 it was almost finished. Malcolm Neesam described ithe building, along with Prospect Crescent, as a "magnificent structure".<ref name="Neesam Wells & Swells 2022" />{{rp|178,267}} This is a building with a convex, bayed frontage, built sideways on a hill, so that the units are stepped downhill. Like Prospect Crescent, it has cellars, [[Dormer windows|dormers]], and three storeys, with attic windows, a [[parapet]] and a [[cornice]]. The frontage is [[ashlar]] [[gritstone]] with dressings in red brick and "coarse florid detailing", [[sash window]]s and balconies with ironwork. The [[mansard roof]] is [[gable]]d, but a central unit, number four, has a dormer with [[pediment]] and [[entablature]], with [[pilaster]]s on each side. The ground floor contains commercial premises. The [[National Westminster Bank]] premises at numbers 4 and 6 have a [[Renaissance Revival architecture|Flemish Renaissance]] frontage, with cornices, columns and [[capital (architecture)|capital]]s, carved figures and a coat of arms.<ref name="NHLE 1149466" />

After the consecration there was a "magnificent déjeuner" for fifty of the more important attendees at the Prospect Hotel, at which Hirst was one of those who responded to the many toasts.<ref name="Knaresboro Post 9 September 1871" >{{cite news |title=Harrogate. Opening of a new church |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0002031/18710909/021/0004 |access-date=25 June 2024 |work=Knaresborough Post |agency=|via=British Newspaper Archive |url-access=subscription |date=9 September 1871 |page=4 cols 5,6}}</ref> In the afternoon a separate dinner at the George Hotel was arranged for forty of the workmen who had constructed the edifice and their employers. Again there were many toasts, including one congratulating Hirst as architect, and the [[God Save the King|God Save the Queen]] was sung when the event ended at eight o' clock.<ref>{{cite news |title=St Peter's Church. Dinner to workmen |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0002031/18710916/026/0004 |access-date=25 June 2024 |work=Knaresborough Post |agency=|via=British Newspaper Archive |url-access=subscription |date=16 September 1871 |page=4 col.4}}</ref>

Apart from the tower, which was added after Hirst's death, the church of 1871 was designed with with many revived 13th- and 14th-century architectural features. It has a [[gable]]d porch, and the [[nave]] – which is complete with [[arcade (architecture)|arcade]], [[aisle]]s, [[transept]]s, [[tracery|traceried]] windows and an [[apse]] – has an [[Timber roof truss#Arch-braced truss|arch-braced]] roof, slated above, with [[Coping (architecture)|coped]] gables. The exterior walls are of [[Rustication (architecture)|rusticated]] and [[ashlar]] sandstone, with [[parapet]]s and [[buttress]]es.<ref name="NHLE 1149467" />


===Grosvenor Buildings, Harrogate, 1874–1875===
===Grosvenor Buildings, Harrogate, 1874–1875===
[[File:Crescent Road - geograph.org.uk - 1315563.jpg|thumb|right|Grosvenor Buildings, Harrogate]]
[[File:Crescent Road - geograph.org.uk - 1315563.jpg|thumb|right|Grosvenor Buildings, Harrogate]]
This is a listed building, comprising numbers 14–24 on the south side of Crescent, Road, Harrogate. It is a terrace of shops with a curved end, having nine bays along the side, and six bays around the curved end. Like other designs by Hirst for Harrogate, it is fronted in gritstone ashlar and has a slate roof. This one has draped urns along the top of the cornice. There are rusticated pilasters which reach up from between the shops to the first floor. Above that are arched sash windows. Below each of the first- and second-floor windows are blind, [[Baluster|balustraded]] balconies. Above the ground-floor and first-floor windows are segmented, shallow arches with keystones.<ref name="NHLE 1315824" >{{NHLE|num= 1315824|desc=14–24 Crescent Road|accessdate=30 December 2022}}</ref>
This is a Grade II listed building, comprising numbers 14–24 on the south side of Crescent, Road, Harrogate. It is a terrace of shops with a curved end, having nine bays along the side, and six bays around the curved end. Like other designs by Hirst for Harrogate, it is fronted in gritstone ashlar and has a slate roof. This one has draped urns along the top of the cornice. There are rusticated pilasters which reach up from between the shops to the first floor. Above that are arched sash windows. Below each of the first- and second-floor windows are blind, [[Baluster|balustraded]] balconies. Above the ground-floor and first-floor windows, Hirst designed segmented, shallow arches with keystones.<ref name="NHLE 1315824" >{{NHLE|num= 1315824|desc=14–24 Crescent Road|accessdate=30 December 2022}}</ref>


===Prospect Crescent, Harrogate, 1873–1880===
===Prospect Crescent, Harrogate, 1873–1880===
This is a Grade II [[listed building]].<ref name="NHLE 1315838" >{{NHLE|num=1315838 |desc=1–10, Prospect Crescent|accessdate=30 December 2022}}</ref> Harrogate historian Malcolm Neesam describes Prospect Crescent as follows, while deploring the modern changes wrought on the building:<ref name="Neesam 2018" />
This is a Grade II listed building.<ref name="NHLE 1315838" >{{NHLE|num=1315838 |desc=1–10, Prospect Crescent|accessdate=30 December 2022}}</ref> Harrogate historian Malcolm Neesam describes Prospect Crescent as follows, while deploring the modern changes wrought on the building:<ref name="Neesam 2018" />
[[File:The Stray and Prospect Crescent Harrogate (1a).jpg|thumb|right|Prospect Crescent (top, centre), before 1914]]
[[File:The Stray and Prospect Crescent Harrogate (1a).jpg|thumb|right|Prospect Crescent (top, centre), before 1914]]
<blockquote>Prospect Crescent, which overlooks the Low Harrogate Valley so impressively, is a massive pile of masonry with giant [[Corinthian order|Corinthian]] [[pilaster]]s running up the first and second storeys and several [[Cant (architecture)|canted]] [[bay (architecture)|bay]]s, also in solid stone. Each extremity of the crescent is crowned with a tall roof [[pavilion]], similar to several others placed on local buildings of that time. When seen in late afternoon or early evening, with light from the setting sun illuminating its handsome frontage, Prospect Crescent takes on the appearance of a mini [[Colosseum]]. It is, however, a thousand pities that after the [[World War I|First World War]], a series of alterations to the ground-floor commercial premises destroyed all save one of the magnificently florid façades created by builder George Dawson and architect J.H. Hirst.<ref name="Neesam 2018" >{{cite book |last1=Neesam |first1=Malcolm |title=Harrogate in 50 Buildings|chapter=22. Prospect Crescent|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0q-IDwAAQBAJ&dq=%22George+Dawson%22+Harrogate&pg=PT71 |access-date=6 February 2023 |date=2018 |publisher=Amberley Publishing |isbn=978-1445681115}}</ref></blockquote>
<blockquote>Prospect Crescent, which overlooks the Low Harrogate Valley so impressively, is a massive pile of masonry with giant [[Corinthian order|Corinthian]] [[pilaster]]s running up the first and second storeys and several [[Cant (architecture)|canted]] [[bay (architecture)|bay]]s, also in solid stone. Each extremity of the crescent is crowned with a tall roof [[pavilion]], similar to several others placed on local buildings of that time. When seen in late afternoon or early evening, with light from the setting sun illuminating its handsome frontage, Prospect Crescent takes on the appearance of a mini [[Colosseum]]. It is, however, a thousand pities that after the [[World War I|First World War]], a series of alterations to the ground-floor commercial premises destroyed all save one of the magnificently florid façades created by builder George Dawson and architect J.H. Hirst.<ref name="Neesam 2018" >{{cite book |last1=Neesam |first1=Malcolm |title=Harrogate in 50 Buildings|chapter=22. Prospect Crescent|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0q-IDwAAQBAJ&dq=%22George+Dawson%22+Harrogate&pg=PT71 |access-date=6 February 2023 |date=2018 |publisher=Amberley Publishing |isbn=978-1445681115}}</ref></blockquote>
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===Vanderbilt Court, Harrogate, 1880===
===Vanderbilt Court, Harrogate, 1880===
[[File:Vanderbilt Court Harrogate on 30 January 2023 (5).JPG|thumb|right|Vanderbilt Court]]
[[File:Vanderbilt Court Harrogate on 30 January 2023 (5).JPG|thumb|right|Vanderbilt Court]]
Malcolm Neesam wrote that this big house, at 5 Victoria Avenue, Harrogate, designed for George Dawson by Hirst, was playfully named after the financier [[Cornelius Vanderbilt]], in reference to Dawson's rise to riches.<ref name="Neesam Wells & Swells 2022" />{{rp|631, 632}} However Dawson's family had a different version of the story: that "Dawson ... let his home to the American family of that name, hence the title".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chever |first1=Muriel |title=Looking back |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001273/19870703/118/0004 |access-date=2 July 2024 |work=Pateley Bridge & Nidderdale Herald |agency=|via=British Newspaper Archive |url-access=subscription |date=3 July 1987 |page=4 col.11}}</ref> In June 1915, Dawson died there,<ref name="Harrogate Advertiser 23 February 1889" >{{cite news |title=Death of Alderman Dawson |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001278/18890223/039/0004 |access-date=27 January 2023 |work=Harrogate Advertiser and Weekly List of the Visitors |via=British Newspaper Archive |url-access=subscription |date=23 February 1889 |page=4 col.5}}</ref><ref name="Pateley Bridge & NH 23 February 1889" >{{cite news |title=Death of Alderman Dawson |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001273/18890223/090/0004 |access-date=27 January 2023 |work=Pateley Bridge & Nidderdale Herald |via=British Newspaper Archive |url-access=subscription |date=23 February 1889 |page=4 col.6}}</ref> and his large funeral cortege proceeded to the house to pick up the coffin and transport it to the [[Wesley Chapel, Harrogate]], for the funeral.<ref name="York Herald 1 March 1889" >{{cite news |title=Harrogate: funeral of Alderman Dawson |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000499/18890301/004/0003 |access-date=27 January 2023 |work=York Herald |via=British Newspaper Archive |url-access=subscription |date=1 March 1889 |page=3 col.1}}</ref>
Malcolm Neesam suggested that this big house, at 5 Victoria Avenue in Harrogate, designed by Hirst as George Dawson's residence, was playfully named after the financier [[Cornelius Vanderbilt]], in reference to Dawson's rise to riches.<ref name="Neesam Wells & Swells 2022" />{{rp|631, 632}} However Dawson's family had a different version of the story: that "Dawson ... let his home to the American family of that name, hence the title".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chever |first1=Muriel |title=Looking back |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001273/19870703/118/0004 |access-date=2 July 2024 |work=Pateley Bridge & Nidderdale Herald |agency=|via=British Newspaper Archive |url-access=subscription |date=3 July 1987 |page=4 col.11}}</ref> In June 1915, Dawson died there,<ref name="Harrogate Advertiser 23 February 1889" >{{cite news |title=Death of Alderman Dawson |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001278/18890223/039/0004 |access-date=27 January 2023 |work=Harrogate Advertiser and Weekly List of the Visitors |via=British Newspaper Archive |url-access=subscription |date=23 February 1889 |page=4 col.5}}</ref><ref name="Pateley Bridge & NH 23 February 1889" >{{cite news |title=Death of Alderman Dawson |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001273/18890223/090/0004 |access-date=27 January 2023 |work=Pateley Bridge & Nidderdale Herald |via=British Newspaper Archive |url-access=subscription |date=23 February 1889 |page=4 col.6}}</ref> and his large funeral cortège proceeded to the house to pick up the coffin and transport it to the [[Wesley Chapel, Harrogate]], for the funeral.<ref name="York Herald 1 March 1889" >{{cite news |title=Harrogate: funeral of Alderman Dawson |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000499/18890301/004/0003 |access-date=27 January 2023 |work=York Herald |via=British Newspaper Archive |url-access=subscription |date=1 March 1889 |page=3 col.1}}</ref>


Part of the house was opened as a convalescent home for twelve officers injured in the [[World War I|First World War]]. Invalided officers who could not find a place in the home were housed in neighbouring buildings, and permitted to spend the day in Vanderbilt Court. The Baths Committee offered treatment, overseen by Doctor Morris, and neighbours who possessed cars arranged outings for the inmates.<ref>{{cite news |title=Vanderbilt Court |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001608/19151013/120/0005 |access-date=2 July 2024 |work=Harrogate Herald |agency=|via=British Newspaper Archive |url-access=subscription |date=13 October 1915 |page=5 col.2}}</ref> This was a short-lived arrangement, and by 1916 the building was being let out for rent as a house or apartments.<ref>{{cite news |title=Harrogate. To let. |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000687/19160327/044/0001 |access-date=2 July 2024 |work=Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer |agency=|via=British Newspaper Archive |url-access=subscription |date=27 March 1916 |page=1 col.7}}</ref> A 1940s advertisement for a whole-house rent said that it had "a large entrance hall, two fine, lofty front rooms, back froom and lavatory. First floor: four excellent rooms, bathroom, water closet and scullery. Second floor: four rooms, bathroom-lavatory and kitchen. Basement: six various useful rooms, including sitting-room, kitchen, scullery, storerooms, pantries, and lavatory".<ref>{{cite news |title=Total rent of £275 per annum |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000687/19421010/104/0003 |access-date=2 July 2024 |work=Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer |agency=|via=British Newspaper Archive |url-access=subscription |date=10 October 1942 |page=3 col.7}}</ref>
In 1915 part of the house was opened as a convalescent home for twelve officers injured in the [[World War I|First World War]]. Invalided officers who could not find a place in the home were housed in neighbouring buildings, and permitted to spend the day in Vanderbilt Court. The Baths Committee offered treatment, overseen by Doctor Morris, and neighbours who possessed cars arranged outings for the inmates.<ref>{{cite news |title=Vanderbilt Court |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001608/19151013/120/0005 |access-date=2 July 2024 |work=Harrogate Herald |agency=|via=British Newspaper Archive |url-access=subscription |date=13 October 1915 |page=5 col.2}}</ref> This was a short-lived arrangement, and by 1916 the building was being let out for rent as a house or apartments.<ref>{{cite news |title=Harrogate. To let. |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000687/19160327/044/0001 |access-date=2 July 2024 |work=Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer |agency=|via=British Newspaper Archive |url-access=subscription |date=27 March 1916 |page=1 col.7}}</ref> A 1940s advertisement for a whole-house rent said that it had "a large entrance hall, two fine, lofty front rooms, back froom and lavatory. First floor: four excellent rooms, bathroom, water closet and scullery. Second floor: four rooms, bathroom-lavatory and kitchen. Basement: six various useful rooms, including sitting-room, kitchen, scullery, storerooms, pantries, and lavatory".<ref>{{cite news |title=Total rent of £275 per annum |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000687/19421010/104/0003 |access-date=2 July 2024 |work=Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer |agency=|via=British Newspaper Archive |url-access=subscription |date=10 October 1942 |page=3 col.7}}</ref>


===2–6 Crescent Road, Harrogate, 1884–1886===
===2–6 Crescent Road, Harrogate, 1884–1886===
This is a listed terrace building. Although Hirst had died in 1882, George Dawson completed this project in 1886 to Hirst's original designs, it being the second phase of the development of the Crown Hotel Estate. It is similar to 1–3 Crown Place, which was also designed by Hirst. It is a three-storey building, fronted with gritstone ashlar, with a hipped roof and sash windows. It is a commercial building, with shop windows which have keystones above. The shop doors originally had fanlights, and the shop windows have rusticated pilasters between them.<ref name="NHLE 1149475" >{{NHLE|num=1149475 |desc=2–6, Crescent Road|accessdate=30 December 2022}}</ref>
This is a Grade II listed terrace building. Although Hirst had died in 1882, George Dawson completed this project in 1886 to Hirst's original designs, it being the second phase of the development of the Crown Hotel Estate. It is similar to 1–3 Crown Place, which was also designed by Hirst. It is a three-storey building, fronted with gritstone ashlar, with a hipped roof and sash windows. It is also a commercial building, with shop windows which have keystones above. The shop doors originally had fanlights, and the shop windows have rusticated pilasters between them.<ref name="NHLE 1149475" >{{NHLE|num=1149475 |desc=2–6, Crescent Road|accessdate=30 December 2022}}</ref>


==Affiliations==
==Affiliations==
Hirst was a [[Freemason]] of the Royal Sussex Lodge of Hospitality in Bristol, between 1855 and 1858,<ref name="Victorian Professions J.H. Hirst" /> and a volunteer captain in the [[City of Bristol Rifles|Bristol Artillery Corps]],<ref name="Building News 14 July 1882" /><ref name="Bristol Mercury 7 July 1882" /> namely the 1st Gloucester (Bristol) Artillery. On a dark December eveing in 1871, the ''Volunteer Service Gazette'' reported a torchlit "march out and sham fight" for eighty men on [[Durdham Down]], Bristol, organised by Hirst and his fellow officers. Afterwards, the men were provided with a camp fire and refreshments by Hirst, who entertained the officers at his nearby house, Avonhirst. As the men marched back to town from the camp fire, they passed Avonhirst, and stopped to cheer and make speeches.<ref>{{cite news |title=1st Gloucester (Bristol) Artillery |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001104/18711216/039/0011 |access-date=29 June 2024 |work=Volunteer Service Gazette and Military Dispatch |agency=|via=British Newspaper Archive |url-access=subscription |date=16 December 1871 |page=11/43 cols 2,3}}</ref>
Hirst was a [[Freemason]] of the Royal Sussex Lodge of Hospitality in Bristol, between 1855 and 1858,<ref name="Victorian Professions J.H. Hirst" /> and a volunteer captain in the [[City of Bristol Rifles|Bristol Artillery Corps]],<ref name="Building News 14 July 1882" /><ref name="Bristol Mercury 7 July 1882" /> namely the 1st Gloucester (Bristol) Artillery. On a dark December evening in 1871, the ''Volunteer Service Gazette'' reported a torchlit "march out and sham fight" for eighty men on [[Durdham Down]], Bristol, organised by Hirst and his fellow officers. Afterwards, the men were provided with a camp fire and refreshments by Hirst, who entertained the officers at his nearby house, Avonhirst. As the men marched back to town from the camp fire, they passed Avonhirst, and stopped to cheer and make speeches.<ref>{{cite news |title=1st Gloucester (Bristol) Artillery |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001104/18711216/039/0011 |access-date=29 June 2024 |work=Volunteer Service Gazette and Military Dispatch |agency=|via=British Newspaper Archive |url-access=subscription |date=16 December 1871 |page=11/43 cols 2,3}}</ref>


==Accidental death==
==Accidental death==
Towards the end of his life, Hirst was ill for some time.<ref name="Victorian Professions J.H. Hirst" /> However he continued to work, and was working on a Harrogate project on the day before his death.<ref name="Harrogate Herald 12 July 1882" /> He died on the night 5–6 July 1882, at his home, Avonhirst, [[Westbury-on-Trym]], Gloucestershire.{{Refn|GRO index: Deaths Sep 1882 Hirst John Henry 56 Barton Regis 6a 82a|group=nb}}<ref name="Victorian Professions J.H. Hirst" /> ''The Building News'' in London reported his death on 14 July 1882 thus:<ref name="Building News 14 July 1882" >{{cite journal |title=Obituary for John Henry Hirst |journal=The Building News |date=14 July 1882 |volume=43 |pages=42-43 |url=http://www.builderindex.org/?q=node/2059 |access-date=25 January 2024}} The download page for the article is [https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015080304259&seq=57 here] The British Newspaper Library subscription url for this item is [https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0004822/18820714/128/0020 here].</ref>
Towards the end of his life, Hirst was ill for some time.<ref name="Victorian Professions J.H. Hirst" /> However he continued to work, and was working on a Harrogate project on the day before his death.<ref name="Harrogate Herald 12 July 1882" /> He died in a fall on the night 5–6 July 1882, at his home, Avonhirst, [[Westbury-on-Trym]], Gloucestershire.{{Refn|GRO index: Deaths Sep 1882 Hirst John Henry 56 Barton Regis 6a 82a|group=nb}}<ref name="Victorian Professions J.H. Hirst" />


The inquest was held by [[E. M. Grace]], [[coroner]] for Gloucestershire,<ref name="Western DP 8 July 1882" /> in Bristol on 7 July. Hirst's sons and housemaid Eliza Bowyer were in the house, and he remained working in his study long after they had retired. At eleven o' clock, he told Bowyer that he felt "a little faint", and that was the last time he was seen alive, although Bowyer "heard him walking early that morning", as Hirst was wont to do. Nothing was known about the events of the night. The housemaid found Hirst "at the foot of the stairs" at seven o' clock in the morning, when she came from her room.<ref name="Harrogate Herald 12 July 1882" /> Without going downstairs, she at once called the gardener, Samuel Sellick, from a window.<ref name="Western DP 8 July 1882" /> Sellick found Hirst "lying at the bottom of the stairs, with his head downwards", with no pulse and cold hands.<ref name="Harrogate Herald 12 July 1882" /> He was face down on the floor, with the ends of his legs lying a few feet up the stairs.<ref name="Western DP 8 July 1882" >{{cite news |title=The late Mr J. H. Hirst |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000264/18820708/036/0005 |access-date=27 June 2024 |work=Western Daily Press |agency=|via=British Newspaper Archive |url-access=subscription |date=8 July 1882 |page=5 col.8}}</ref> Sellick alerted Hirst's sons in the house, and his brother-in-law G.W. Edwards, and Dr Marshall, were also called.<ref name="Knaresboro Post 15 July 1882" >{{cite news |title=Shocking death of an architect |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0002031/18820715/071/0005 |access-date=27 June 2024 |work=Knaresborough Post |agency=|via=British Newspaper Archive |url-access=subscription |date=15 July 1882 |page=5 col.3}}</ref>. "Apparently [Hirst] had gone to bed that night". The doctor noted that Hirst had broken his neck, his body was still warm, he had [[rigor mortis]] and he "had been dead some time", Hirst was fully dressed, his body had no marks or injuries, and the doctor concluded that Hirst had died instantaneously after falling downstairs.<ref name="Harrogate Herald 12 July 1882" /><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000035/18820708/010/0005 |title= The fatal accident to Mr. Hirst|access-date=27 June 2024 |work=Bristol Mercury |agency=|via=British Newspaper Archive |url-access=subscription |date=8 July 1882 |page=5 col.7}}</ref>
<blockquote>The family being from home, and Mr Hirst alone, the servants went to bed at the usual hour on Wednesday night, leaving Mr Hirst up. Nothing else is known until the next morning when a servant coming down found the unfortunate gentleman at the foot of the stairs, head downwards, fully dressed, but dead and cold. Medical examination proved that his neck was dislocated, and that his death must have been instantaneous. It is surmised that on retiring to rest he must have been seized with dizziness or a fit, and falling backwards had died directly. The verdict of the jury was ''accidental death by falling downstairs''.<ref name="Building News 14 July 1882" /></blockquote>


When ''The Building News'' in London reported his death on 14 July 1882, some of the facts were changed:<ref name="Building News 14 July 1882" >{{cite journal |title=Obituary for John Henry Hirst |journal=The Building News |date=14 July 1882 |volume=43 |pages=42-43 |url=http://www.builderindex.org/?q=node/2059 |access-date=25 January 2024}} The download page for the article is [https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015080304259&seq=57 here] The British Newspaper Library subscription url for this item is [https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0004822/18820714/128/0020 here].</ref>
However, more and slightly different information had already come to light at the inquest, held by E.M. Grace, coroner for Gloucestershire,<ref name="Western DP 8 July 1882" /> in Bristol on 7 July. Hirst's sons and housemaid Eliza Bowyer were in the house, and he remained working in his study long after they had retired. At eleven o' clock, he told Bowyer that he felt "a little faint", and that was the last time he was seen alive, although Bowyer "heard him walking early that morning", as Hirst was wont to do. Nothing was known about the events of the night. The housemaid found Hirst "at the foot of the stairs" at seven o' clock in the morning, when she came from her room.<ref name="Harrogate Herald 12 July 1882" /> Without going downstairs, she at once called the gardener, Samuel Sellick, from a window.<ref name="Western DP 8 July 1882" /> Sellick found Hirst "lying at the bottom of the stairs, with his head downwards", with no pulse and cold hands.<ref name="Harrogate Herald 12 July 1882" /> He was face down on the floor, with the ends of his legs lying a few feet up the stairs.<ref name="Western DP 8 July 1882" >{{cite news |title=The late Mr J. H. Hirst |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000264/18820708/036/0005 |access-date=27 June 2024 |work=Western Daily Press |agency=|via=British Newspaper Archive |url-access=subscription |date=8 July 1882 |page=5 col.8}}</ref> Sellick alerted Hirst's sons in the house, and his brother-in-law G.W. Edwards, and Dr Marshall, were also called.<ref name="Knaresboro Post 15 July 1882" >{{cite news |title=Shocking death of an architect |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0002031/18820715/071/0005 |access-date=27 June 2024 |work=Knaresborough Post |agency=|via=British Newspaper Archive |url-access=subscription |date=15 July 1882 |page=5 col.3}}</ref>. "Apparently [Hirst] had gone to bed that night". The doctor noted that Hirst had broken his neck, his body was still warm, he had [[rigor mortis]] and he "had been dead some time", Hirst was fully dressed, his body had no marks or injuries, and the doctor concluded that Hirst had died instantaneously after falling downstairs.<ref name="Harrogate Herald 12 July 1882" /><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000035/18820708/010/0005 |title= The fatal accident to Mr. Hirst|access-date=27 June 2024 |work=Bristol Mercury |agency=|via=British Newspaper Archive |url-access=subscription |date=8 July 1882 |page=5 col.7}}</ref>

<blockquote>The family being from home, and Mr Hirst alone, the servants went to bed at the usual hour on Wednesday night, leaving Mr Hirst up. Nothing else is known until the next morning when a servant coming down found the unfortunate gentleman at the foot of the stairs, head downwards, fully dressed, but dead and cold. Medical examination proved that his neck was dislocated, and that his death must have been instantaneous. It is surmised that on retiring to rest he must have been seized with dizziness or a fit, and falling backwards had died directly. The verdict of the jury was ''accidental death by falling downstairs''.<ref name="Building News 14 July 1882" /></blockquote>


Hirst's will was proved on 26 August 1882 at Bristol. He left £9,177 13s 5d ({{Inflation|UK|9177.68|1882|fmt=eq|r=2|cursign=£}}).{{Inflation-fn|UK|df=y}}<ref>{{cite book |title=England and Wales National Probate Calendar. Hirst John Henry |date=1992 |publisher=HM Government|via=Ancestry|url-access=subscription |location=Bristol |page=315 |url=https://www.ancestry.co.uk/imageviewer/collections/1904/images/31874_222955-00320?pId=5280496 |access-date=28 June 2024}}</ref>
Hirst's will was proved on 26 August 1882 at Bristol. He left £9,177 13s 5d ({{Inflation|UK|9177.68|1882|fmt=eq|r=2|cursign=£}}).{{Refn|Hirst is buried in plot 119 of St Andrew's Churchyard, Clifton, Bristol. Buried alongside him are his wife and two of their children who died in infancy ([https://images.findagrave.com/photos/2023/21/245615072_a30c0b1d-c104-466b-8906-9629e39b6b22.jpeg See image of grave]).|group=nb}} {{Inflation-fn|UK|df=y}}<ref>{{cite book |title=England and Wales National Probate Calendar. Hirst John Henry |date=1992 |publisher=HM Government|via=Ancestry|url-access=subscription |location=Bristol |page=315 |url=https://www.ancestry.co.uk/imageviewer/collections/1904/images/31874_222955-00320?pId=5280496 |access-date=28 June 2024}}</ref>


==Notes==
==Notes==
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Hirst, John Henry}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Hirst, John Henry}}


[[:Category:1826 births]]
[[Category:1826 births]]
[[:Category:1882 deaths]]
[[Category:1882 deaths]]
[[:Category:19th-century English architects]]
[[Category:19th-century English architects]]
[[:Category:Architects from Yorkshire]]
[[Category:Architects from Yorkshire]]
[[:Category:Architects from Bristol]]
[[Category:Architects from Bristol]]
[[:Category:Gothic Revival architects]]
[[Category:Gothic Revival architects]]
[[:Category:Neoclassical architects]]
[[Category:Neoclassical architects]]
[[:Category:English ecclesiastical architects]]
[[Category:English ecclesiastical architects]]
[[:Category:Fellows of the Royal Institute of British Architects]]
[[Category:Fellows of the Royal Institute of British Architects]]
[[:Category:Freemasons]]
[[Category:Freemasons]]
[[:Category:Accidental deaths in England]]
[[Category:Accidental deaths in England]]
[[Category:People from Heckmondwike]]
[[Category:Deaths from falls]]

Latest revision as of 17:39, 12 July 2024

John Henry Hirst
Born(1826-04-29)29 April 1826
Heckmondwike, West Riding of Yorkshire, England
Died6 July 1882(1882-07-06) (aged 56)
Westbury-on-Trym, Barton Regis, Gloucestershire, England
OccupationArchitect
Years active1851–1882
BuildingsSt Peter's Church, Harrogate

John Henry Hirst (29 April 1826 – 6 July 1882) was an English architect who designed civic, commercial and domestic buildings, mainly in Bristol and Harrogate. He is known in Harrogate for the designs which he created for the developer George Dawson, including large Neoclassical buildings, and the Gothic Revival St Peter's Church. Several of those designs, such as Prospect Crescent, Cambridge Crescent, and St Peter's Church, are now listed buildings. He is known in his home town, Bristol, for various projects, notably the Neoclassical Stoke Road Drinking Fountain, which is also a listed building.

Hirst died unexpectedly at home in Bristol in circumstances which first appeared unclear, but the inquest found that he had fallen downstairs at some point in the night or early morning and broken his neck.

Background

[edit]

Hirst was born into a Yorkshire agricultural family. His paternal grandfather was Henry Hirst of Heckmondwike, West Riding of Yorkshire, who is buried in Westgate Congregational Chapelyard of that town.[nb 1] His father was Thomas Hirst who was a merchant,[1] and then, from at least 1841,[2] a farmer of Oakwood House, Wakefield.[nb 2][3] His mother was Hannah Hirst née Oates.[nb 3][1] Thomas and Hannah were married on 20 September 1824 at St Peter's Church, Birstall. They were both literate, having signed the marriage register.[4] Hirst, the eldest of four male siblings, was born on 29 April 1826,[1] in Heckmondwike.[nb 4][5] In 1841, Hirst was living with his parents and two brothers in Newton Lane End, Stanley, Wakefield, West Riding of Yorkshire.[2] By 1851 he was describing himself as an architect in practice, and living at 9 Blenheim Square, Bristol, where he employed a housekeeper.[6]

At Christ Church, Clifton Down, Bristol, on 29 April 1856 Hirst married Harriet Jane Wyld,[nb 5] daughter of William Hopton Wyld of Clifton, Bristol.[nb 6] The officiating priest was Rev. W. Battersby, Hirst's uncle. Hirst was then living at Brighton Park, Clifton.[3] The Building News noted their large family;[7] they had ten children, the first and last of whom died in infancy. They were Edward Battersby,[nb 7][8] architect Henry Cecil Montague F.R.I.B.A,[nb 8][9][10] Ethel Maude,[nb 9][11] Mildred Venables,[nb 10][11] Leila Mary,[nb 11][11] Bertram Fawcett,[nb 12][9][12] Reginald Arthur,[nb 13][11][13] Florence Charlesworth,[nb 14][11] Harriet Winifred,[nb 15][9] and Edith Carter.[nb 16][14] Hirst and his wife employed a governess for their children.[15] By 1861 Hirst and his wife were living at 1 Brighton Park, Clifton, Bristol, with their first child Edward B. Hirst, a relative, and two servants.[8] In 1871 the family was living at Avonhirst, Westbury on Trym with six of their children and two servants.[11] Hirst had designed the house with a lodge for their gardener.[16] The family was still at Avonhirst in 1881, where the census finds Hirst with his wife, six of their children, two visitors and three servants.[9]

Career

[edit]

Hirst kept an office in Harrogate.[7] Although he retained the Harrogate office to deal with work for his client George Dawson, he was based in or near Bristol for most of his working life.[5] He was elected Associate of the Institution of British Architects (ARIBA) on 23 January 1854, and Fellow (FRIBA) on 4 March 1861.[17] He was documented as an architect and surveyor between 1851 and 1881,[5] although he was still working on new projects in 1882.[18][19] He was the first surveyor to the West of England Building Society.[17]

He designed buildings in the Neoclassical style, but would sometimes produce Gothic Revival desgns. The Building News described Hirst as a "well-known and widely-esteemed architect", and a "straightforward, genuine Yorkshireman" who was "deservedly popular with all classes".[7] For a while, Hirst designed works in the Bristol Byzantine style in Bristol in partnership with William Bruce Gingell, and also with Thomas Royse Lysaght.[20][21]

Works in Weston-Super-Mare

[edit]

Royal Hotel, Weston-Super-Mare, c. 1850

[edit]
Royal Hotel, Weston-Super-Mare

This is a Grade II listed building. The hotel was originally built in 1808, but Hirst and Samuel Burleigh Gabriel substantially enlarged it around 1850. English Heritage describes it as, "a distinctive Italianate composition with ornate facades that have a high level of decorative detailing". Hirst and Gabriel also improved the posting and livery building in the courtyard to the north of the main hotel building. The hotel itself has cellars and three storeys. It has an entrance bay in the middle, and two long extensions either side of it, making the building symmetrical. The building has been much changed since 1850.[22]

Works in Bristol

[edit]

The Building News said that Hirst was "connected with all the most important improvement schemes at Bristol, and his numerous buildings invariably exhibited taste and artistic skill".[7] In 1868 his office was at Guildhall Chambers, Bristol.[17] His office was then at 30 Broad Street, Bristol.[18] Between 1880 and 1882 he was working from 8 Small Street, Bristol, and from his home, Avonhirst.[17]

Royal West of England Academy

[edit]
Royal West of England Academy, 1857

This is a Grade II listed building. The façade was designed by Hirst in 1857.[nb 17][23]

Avonhirst and Towerhirst, Small Street, Bristol c.1867

[edit]
Towerhirst, Bristol
Sea Wall Villas, Bristol

Towerhirst is a Grade II listed building.[24] Around 1867, Hirst built Avonhirst, in Small Street (now Seawalls Road), Bristol, as his own home, with another house, Towerhirst, next to it, and a semi-detached villa with 1.25 acres of land at 1 Sea Wall Villas, Sneyd Park.[7] 1 Sea Wall Villas had a coach house, stable and yard. At point of sale, Towerhirst was described as "a castellated, Gothic, detached villa residence with coach house, stables, gardens an appurtenances" with half an acre of ground and an ornamental lodge. The gardens of all properties were laid out with trees, shrubs, fruit and lawns.[25] Note that Historic England incorrectly credits Towerhirst to the architect's son, H.C.M. Hirst, and gives it a later date of 1891–1892, although J.H. Hirst completed it in 1867.[24]

Close to this suburban idyll, on 18 May 1878, some demolition men were employed in removing the wreck of the steamer Gipsy which was blocking the River Avon. In order to separate the sternpost from the hull, they set an explosive charge so great that "the explosion was heard all over the city". The concussion shattered many windows nearby, and blew out the drawing-room windowglass at Avonhirst. The demolition had attracted an uncontrollable number of sightseers, so when pieces of metal were "hurled far and wide", at least one man was hospitalised.[26]

When Avonhirst was advertised for sale or let in August 1882, a month after Hirst's death, its description was: "Exceptionally warm situation, suitable for invalids, commanding fine views of River Avon, with gardener's lodge, large fruit garden, vineries etc. and woods".[27] Sales from Avonhirst's lodge at that time revealed that the garden had contained peafowl.[28] The Building News described Avonhirst as "a beautiful villa upon one of the most romantic parts of the Avon's banks below Clifton", where he used it to "entertain a large circle of friends and acqaintances".[7] Avonhirst still stands, and was sold for over £2 million in 2023.[29]

Stoke Road Drinking Fountain, Bristol, 1877

[edit]
Stoke Road Drinking Fountain, 1877

This drinking fountain on Stoke Road, Bristol, is a Grade II listed building.[30] It is intended for people and animals, was commissioned from Hirst by the Royal Bath and West of England Society, and paid for by the show's entrance fees. It is made of granite, Portland stone, Bath stone, and iron.[31] It is a rectangular structure, made mainly of Bath stone. The plinth is of Portland stone, and the dressings are of granite, Mansfield stone and Pennant stone. Historic England describes it as: "[a] large rectangular stele with a Pennant apron in front of the plinth with a granite basin, Mansfield moulding to a semicircular arch with a large key above the slate plaque; granite frieze with terracotta animal heads, heavy cornice and sloping top". It was the mayor of Bristol, George Edwards, who unveiled the fountain in 1877.[30] The frieze features the heads of a cow, horse and bull, with rams' heads at each end; all made of painted cast iron, and fixed onto polished red granite. There is a red granite basin with a scallop-shell keystone above, for the main tap, and below are troughs for animals.[31]

New road scheme, Bristol, before 1882

[edit]

Not long before he died, Hirst "brought forward a scheme for constructing a new thoroughfare upon an easy gradient between Colston Street and the top of Park Street, and in connexion with which some rather extensive excavations were made opposite the New Theatre".[32]

Almshouses, Bristol, 1882

[edit]

On 21 April 1882, three months before his death, Hirst was calling for tenders for "the rebuilding of the Rev. Dr White's Almshouses for 36 inmates, between Temple Street and Temple Back", Bristol.[18][19]

Works in Harrogate

[edit]
Harrogate brown plaque, mentioning Hirst

Hirst ran an office in Harrogate, because between 1867 and 1882 he designed a large number of buildings there. The Building News commented, "He largely contributed to the architectural adornment of that thriving resort".[7] The Harrogate Herald said that Hirst was "well-known in Harrogate as the designer of several of the noblest erections in the town".[33][34]

Hirst's main client for the development of Harrogate was George Dawson.[35][33] For Dawson he designed the following Harrogate projects: Vanderbilt Court as Dawson's home in Victoria Avenue, the wings of the Crown Hotel in Crescent Road, Cambridge Crescent and Prospect Crescent,[35] St Peter's Church, the Victoria Park and West End Park developments, buildings in James Street, Montpelier Gardens, the Pump Room and Rink (since demolished), the Crown buildings in Cheltenham Square, and Cleveden with adjacent villas in Victoria Park.[33][36]

Pump Room, Harrogate, c. 1869

[edit]

Around 1869, Dawson built a new pump room designed by J.H. Hirst, near the Montpellier Quarter in Harrogate, but it was demolished in 1954.[37]

Crown Hotel and Montpellier Estate, 1884–1870

[edit]
The Crown Hotel with wings

This set includes the wings of the Crown Hotel and 1–3 Crown Place, all developed by George Dawson to designs by Hirst. 1–3 Crown Place are Grade II listed buildings.[38] Historian Malcolm Neesam comments that, "the Crown's Georgian wings were removed and replaced by Hirst with a powerful pair of Italian Renaissance replacements that gave the building great character and nobility".[39]

The Crown Place buildings were completed in 1884, as a commercial, 3-storey terrace with a gritstone ashlar frontage, slate roof and bracketed eaves. Between the shops are Corinthian columns, and above them are sash windows. Some of the shops have doorways with fanlights, and shop windows with moulded heads and keystones.[38]

St Peter's Church, Harrogate, 1870–1871

[edit]
St Peter's Church, Harrogate

This Gothic Revival building was a departure in design for Hirst, and he was "not essentially an ecclesiastical architect".[7] Nevertheless, it is a Grade II listed building,[40] intended to seat 1,000 worshippers at a cost of £10,000 (equivalent to £1,176,107.48 in 2023) without the tower.[41][42] The foundation stone was laid in April 1870, and before the building was quite finished it was consecrated on 10 September 1871 by Bishop Ryan.[41][43] At the opening, Hirst presented the church with a "chaste marble screen". The Knaresborough Post said that the building, "situate in a commanding position ... will form a prominent and handsome addition to a locality which at present boasts some fine buildings".[41]

After the consecration there was a "magnificent déjeuner" for fifty of the more important attendees at the Prospect Hotel, at which Hirst was one of those who responded to the many toasts.[41] In the afternoon a separate dinner at the George Hotel was arranged for forty of the workmen who had constructed the edifice and their employers. Again there were many toasts, including one congratulating Hirst as architect, and God Save the Queen was sung when the event ended at eight o' clock.[44]

Apart from the tower, which was added after Hirst's death, the church of 1871 was designed with many revived 13th- and 14th-century architectural features. It has a gabled porch, and the nave – which is complete with arcade, aisles, transepts, traceried windows and an apse – has an arch-braced roof, slated above, with coped gables. The exterior walls are of rusticated and ashlar sandstone, with parapets and buttresses.[40]

Cambridge Crescent, Harrogate, 1867–1873

[edit]
Cambridge Crescent, showing stopped units

This is a Grade II listed building.[45] George Dawson had begun building Cambridge Crescent to Hirst's design by 1867, and by 1873 it was almost finished. Malcolm Neesam described ithe building, along with Prospect Crescent, as a "magnificent structure".[35]: 178, 267  This is a building with a convex, bayed frontage, built sideways on a hill, so that the units are stepped downhill. Like Prospect Crescent, it has cellars, dormers, and three storeys, with attic windows, a parapet and a cornice. The frontage is ashlar gritstone with dressings in red brick and "coarse florid detailing", sash windows and balconies with ironwork. The mansard roof is gabled, but a central unit, number four, has a dormer with pediment and entablature, with pilasters on each side. The ground floor contains commercial premises. The National Westminster Bank premises at numbers 4 and 6 have a Flemish Renaissance frontage, with cornices, columns and capitals, carved figures and a coat of arms.[45]

Grosvenor Buildings, Harrogate, 1874–1875

[edit]
Grosvenor Buildings, Harrogate

This is a Grade II listed building, comprising numbers 14–24 on the south side of Crescent, Road, Harrogate. It is a terrace of shops with a curved end, having nine bays along the side, and six bays around the curved end. Like other designs by Hirst for Harrogate, it is fronted in gritstone ashlar and has a slate roof. This one has draped urns along the top of the cornice. There are rusticated pilasters which reach up from between the shops to the first floor. Above that are arched sash windows. Below each of the first- and second-floor windows are blind, balustraded balconies. Above the ground-floor and first-floor windows, Hirst designed segmented, shallow arches with keystones.[46]

Prospect Crescent, Harrogate, 1873–1880

[edit]

This is a Grade II listed building.[47] Harrogate historian Malcolm Neesam describes Prospect Crescent as follows, while deploring the modern changes wrought on the building:[48]

Prospect Crescent (top, centre), before 1914

Prospect Crescent, which overlooks the Low Harrogate Valley so impressively, is a massive pile of masonry with giant Corinthian pilasters running up the first and second storeys and several canted bays, also in solid stone. Each extremity of the crescent is crowned with a tall roof pavilion, similar to several others placed on local buildings of that time. When seen in late afternoon or early evening, with light from the setting sun illuminating its handsome frontage, Prospect Crescent takes on the appearance of a mini Colosseum. It is, however, a thousand pities that after the First World War, a series of alterations to the ground-floor commercial premises destroyed all save one of the magnificently florid façades created by builder George Dawson and architect J.H. Hirst.[48]

Historic England describes this design of Hirst's as a three-storey, symmetrical crescent in gritstone ashlar, with cellars below and central pavilions on the exterior. There is "ornamental iron cresting" on the pavilions, and a hipped roof with slates. The exterior has Corinthian pilasters, blind balustrades, decorative urns, sash windows and bay windows.[47]

Vanderbilt Court, Harrogate, 1880

[edit]
Vanderbilt Court

Malcolm Neesam suggested that this big house, at 5 Victoria Avenue in Harrogate, designed by Hirst as George Dawson's residence, was playfully named after the financier Cornelius Vanderbilt, in reference to Dawson's rise to riches.[35]: 631, 632  However Dawson's family had a different version of the story: that "Dawson ... let his home to the American family of that name, hence the title".[49] In June 1915, Dawson died there,[50][51] and his large funeral cortège proceeded to the house to pick up the coffin and transport it to the Wesley Chapel, Harrogate, for the funeral.[52]

In 1915 part of the house was opened as a convalescent home for twelve officers injured in the First World War. Invalided officers who could not find a place in the home were housed in neighbouring buildings, and permitted to spend the day in Vanderbilt Court. The Baths Committee offered treatment, overseen by Doctor Morris, and neighbours who possessed cars arranged outings for the inmates.[53] This was a short-lived arrangement, and by 1916 the building was being let out for rent as a house or apartments.[54] A 1940s advertisement for a whole-house rent said that it had "a large entrance hall, two fine, lofty front rooms, back froom and lavatory. First floor: four excellent rooms, bathroom, water closet and scullery. Second floor: four rooms, bathroom-lavatory and kitchen. Basement: six various useful rooms, including sitting-room, kitchen, scullery, storerooms, pantries, and lavatory".[55]

2–6 Crescent Road, Harrogate, 1884–1886

[edit]

This is a Grade II listed terrace building. Although Hirst had died in 1882, George Dawson completed this project in 1886 to Hirst's original designs, it being the second phase of the development of the Crown Hotel Estate. It is similar to 1–3 Crown Place, which was also designed by Hirst. It is a three-storey building, fronted with gritstone ashlar, with a hipped roof and sash windows. It is also a commercial building, with shop windows which have keystones above. The shop doors originally had fanlights, and the shop windows have rusticated pilasters between them.[56]

Affiliations

[edit]

Hirst was a Freemason of the Royal Sussex Lodge of Hospitality in Bristol, between 1855 and 1858,[5] and a volunteer captain in the Bristol Artillery Corps,[7][32] namely the 1st Gloucester (Bristol) Artillery. On a dark December evening in 1871, the Volunteer Service Gazette reported a torchlit "march out and sham fight" for eighty men on Durdham Down, Bristol, organised by Hirst and his fellow officers. Afterwards, the men were provided with a camp fire and refreshments by Hirst, who entertained the officers at his nearby house, Avonhirst. As the men marched back to town from the camp fire, they passed Avonhirst, and stopped to cheer and make speeches.[57]

Accidental death

[edit]

Towards the end of his life, Hirst was ill for some time.[5] However he continued to work, and was working on a Harrogate project on the day before his death.[33] He died in a fall on the night 5–6 July 1882, at his home, Avonhirst, Westbury-on-Trym, Gloucestershire.[nb 18][5]

The inquest was held by E. M. Grace, coroner for Gloucestershire,[58] in Bristol on 7 July. Hirst's sons and housemaid Eliza Bowyer were in the house, and he remained working in his study long after they had retired. At eleven o' clock, he told Bowyer that he felt "a little faint", and that was the last time he was seen alive, although Bowyer "heard him walking early that morning", as Hirst was wont to do. Nothing was known about the events of the night. The housemaid found Hirst "at the foot of the stairs" at seven o' clock in the morning, when she came from her room.[33] Without going downstairs, she at once called the gardener, Samuel Sellick, from a window.[58] Sellick found Hirst "lying at the bottom of the stairs, with his head downwards", with no pulse and cold hands.[33] He was face down on the floor, with the ends of his legs lying a few feet up the stairs.[58] Sellick alerted Hirst's sons in the house, and his brother-in-law G.W. Edwards, and Dr Marshall, were also called.[34]. "Apparently [Hirst] had gone to bed that night". The doctor noted that Hirst had broken his neck, his body was still warm, he had rigor mortis and he "had been dead some time", Hirst was fully dressed, his body had no marks or injuries, and the doctor concluded that Hirst had died instantaneously after falling downstairs.[33][59]

When The Building News in London reported his death on 14 July 1882, some of the facts were changed:[7]

The family being from home, and Mr Hirst alone, the servants went to bed at the usual hour on Wednesday night, leaving Mr Hirst up. Nothing else is known until the next morning when a servant coming down found the unfortunate gentleman at the foot of the stairs, head downwards, fully dressed, but dead and cold. Medical examination proved that his neck was dislocated, and that his death must have been instantaneous. It is surmised that on retiring to rest he must have been seized with dizziness or a fit, and falling backwards had died directly. The verdict of the jury was accidental death by falling downstairs.[7]

Hirst's will was proved on 26 August 1882 at Bristol. He left £9,177 13s 5d (equivalent to £1,167,576.81 in 2023).[nb 19] [42][60]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Henry Hirst (1774 – 13 May 1810). There is a history of Henry Hirst's burial place here
  2. ^ Thomas Hirst (12 May 1797 – October 1842). GRO index: Deaths Dec 1842 Hirst William Huddersfield 22 188.
  3. ^ Hannah Hirst née Oates (1804–1849), GRO index: Deaths Dec 1849 Hirst Hannah Wakefield 22 548.
  4. ^ John Henry Hirst (10 April 1826 – 6 July 1882). GRO index:Deaths Sep 1882 Hirst John Henry 56 Barton R. 6a 82a.
  5. ^ Harriet Jane Hirst née Wyld (2 April 1835 – 9 September 1911). GRO index: Marriages Jun 1856 Hirst John Henry and Wyld Harriet Jane, Clifton 6a 201. Deaths Sep 1911 Hirst Harriet J. 76 St.Albans 3a 923.
  6. ^ William Hopton Wyld (died 1853). GRO index: Deaths Sep 1853 Wyld William Hopton Clifton 6a 47.
  7. ^ Edward Battersby Hirst (1857–1858). GRO index: Births Sep 1857 Hirst Edward Battersby Clifton 6a 55. Deaths Jun 1858 Hirst Edward Battersby Clifton 6a 57.
  8. ^ Henry Cecil Montague Hirst (1860 – 25 April 1931). GRO index: Births Jun 1860 Hirst Henry Cecil Montague Clifton 6a 62. Deaths Jun 1931 Hirst Henry C.M. 71 Bristol 6a 222. H.C.M. Hirst designed the Church of St Thomas the Apostle in Eastville, Bristol (1889), now a Pentecostal hall.
  9. ^ Ethel Maude Hirst (born 1861). GRO index: Births Sep 1861 Hirst Ethel Maude Clifton 6a 68.
  10. ^ Mildred Venables Hirst (born 1863). GRO index: Births Dec 1863 Hirst Mildred Venables Clifton 6a 142.
  11. ^ Leila Mary Hirst (1866–1921).
  12. ^ Bertram Fawcett Hirst (18 July 1867 – January 1920). GRO index: Births Sep 1867 Hirst Bertram Fawcett Clifton 6a 152. Died in January 1920, in County Down, Ireland.
  13. ^ Reginald Arthur Hirst (8 October 1868 – 1954). GRO index: Births Dec 1868 Hirst Reginald Arthur Clifton 6a 161.
  14. ^ Florence Charlesworth Hirst (1870–1949). GRO index: Births Sep 1870 Hirst Florence Charlesworth Clifton 6a 157.
  15. ^ Harriet Winifred Hirst (1872–1955). GRO index: Births Mar 1872 Hirst Harriet Winifred. Clifton 6a 172.
  16. ^ Edith Carter Hirst (1874 – 25 July 1874). GRO index: Births Sep 1874 Hirst Edith Carter Clifton 6a 168. Deaths Sep 1874 Hirst Edith Carter 0 Clifton 6a 94.
  17. ^ English Heritage mistakenly records Hirst's name as J.R. Hirst in its record of the Royal West of England Academy, Bristol
  18. ^ GRO index: Deaths Sep 1882 Hirst John Henry 56 Barton Regis 6a 82a
  19. ^ Hirst is buried in plot 119 of St Andrew's Churchyard, Clifton, Bristol. Buried alongside him are his wife and two of their children who died in infancy (See image of grave).

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c Church of England Births and Baptisms Birstall St Peter. Birstall, England: Church of England. 1826. p. 251. Retrieved 28 June 2024.
  2. ^ a b "1841 England Census. Stanley, Wakefield. HO107//1271/10. Page 10/25". ancestry.co.uk. H.M. Government. Retrieved 28 June 2024.
  3. ^ a b "Marriages". Bristol Mercury. 3 May 1856. p. 8 col.5. Retrieved 27 June 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  4. ^ Church of England Marriages. Birstall St Peter. Church of England. 1824. p. 97. Retrieved 28 June 2024 – via Ancestry.
  5. ^ a b c d e f "John Henry Hirst". victorianprofessions.ox.ac.uk. Victorian Professions. Retrieved 25 January 2024.
  6. ^ "1851 England Census. 9 Blenheim Square, Bristol. H0107/1950. Page 13. Schedule 70". ancestry.co.uk. H.M. Government. Retrieved 28 June 2024.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Obituary for John Henry Hirst". The Building News. 43: 42–43. 14 July 1882. Retrieved 25 January 2024. The download page for the article is here The British Newspaper Library subscription url for this item is here.
  8. ^ a b "1861 England Census. 1 Brighton Park, Clifton, Bristol. RG9/1728. Page 52. Schedule 292". ancestry.co.uk. H.M. Government. Retrieved 28 June 2024.
  9. ^ a b c d "1881 England Census. Avonhirst, Westury on Trym. RG11/2504". ancestry.co.uk. H.M. Government. Retrieved 28 June 2024.
  10. ^ "New fellows of RIBA". The Scotsman. 7 December 1928. p. 8 col.3. Retrieved 28 June 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  11. ^ a b c d e f "1871 England Census. Avonhirst, Westbury on Trym. RG10/2569. Page 16. Schedule 51". ancestry.co.uk. H.M. Government. Retrieved 28 June 2024.
  12. ^ "Funeral of Mr Bertram Hirst". Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette. 24 January 1920. p. 7 col.1. Retrieved 28 June 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  13. ^ "Births". Western Daily Press. 9 October 1868. p. 4 col.3. Retrieved 29 June 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  14. ^ "Deaths". Bristol Times and Mirror. 27 July 1874. p. 4 col.4. Retrieved 29 June 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  15. ^ "Educational". Western Daily Press. 5 February 1878. p. 2 col.2. Retrieved 29 June 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  16. ^ "1871 England Census. Avonhirst Lodge. RG10/2569. Page 17/59. Schedule 52". ancestry.co.uk. H.M. Government. Retrieved 28 June 2024.
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  18. ^ a b c "To builders". Western Daily Press. 24 April 1882. p. 8 col.6. Retrieved 27 June 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  19. ^ a b "Dr White's Almshouses". Building News. 5 May 1882. p. 38/558 col.3. Retrieved 27 June 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  20. ^ "William Bruce Gingell". scottisharchitects.org.uk. Dictionary of Scottish Architects. 2016. Retrieved 28 June 2024.
  21. ^ "Lysaght & Hirst". scottisharchitects.org.uk. Dictionary of Scottish Architects. 2016. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
  22. ^ Historic England. "The Royal Hotel, including attached North Range and rear boundary wall (1320676)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
  23. ^ Historic England. "Royal West of England Academy (1282156)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 12 July 2024.
  24. ^ a b Historic England. "Towerhirst (1279540)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
  25. ^ "Ornamental villa residences, Sea Wall, Durdham Down, Bristol". Bristol Times and Mirror. 25 May 1867. p. 1 col.3. Retrieved 29 June 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  26. ^ "The wreck of the Gipsy". Bristol Mercury. 18 May 1878. p. 8 col.4. Retrieved 29 June 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  27. ^ "To be let or sold. Avonhirst". Western Daily Press. 29 August 1882. p. 2 col.5. Retrieved 29 June 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  28. ^ "Pea fowls for sale". Western Daily Press. 5 February 1883. p. 1 col.3. Retrieved 29 June 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  29. ^ "House Prices in Seawalls Road, Sneyd Park, Bristol, BS9: Avonhirst, Sea Wall Road". rightmove.co.uk. Right Move. 2024. Retrieved 12 July 2024.
  30. ^ a b Historic England. "Drinking fountain at ST 5712 7495, Stoke Road (1202603)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
  31. ^ a b "John Henry Hirst". artuk.org. Art UK. Retrieved 25 January 2024.
  32. ^ a b "Sad death of Mr J.H. Hirst". Bristol Mercury. 7 July 1882. p. 5 col.6. Retrieved 27 June 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  33. ^ a b c d e f g "Untitled". Harrogate Herald. 12 July 1882. Retrieved 27 January 2023 – via harrogatepeopleandplaces.info.
  34. ^ a b "Shocking death of an architect". Knaresborough Post. 15 July 1882. p. 5 col.3. Retrieved 27 June 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  35. ^ a b c d Neesam, Malcolm G. (2022). Wells & Swells, the golden age of Harrogate Spa, 1842-1923, vols.1, 2 (1 ed.). Lancaster, England: Carnegie Publishing. ISBN 9781859362389.
  36. ^ "Shocking death of an architect". Pateley Bridge & Nidderdale Herald. 15 July 1882. p. 5 col.3. Retrieved 27 June 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  37. ^ "The heritage plaques of Harrogate". harrogateplaques.org. Harrogate Civic Society. Retrieved 5 February 2023.
  38. ^ a b Historic England. "1–3, Crown Place (1189739)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
  39. ^ Neesam, Malcolm (2018). "10: Crown Hotel, 17th and 19th centuries.". Harrogate in 50 Buildings. Amberley Publishing. ISBN 978-1445681115. Retrieved 6 February 2023.
  40. ^ a b Historic England. "Church of St Peter (1149467)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 5 July 2023.
  41. ^ a b c d "Harrogate. Opening of a new church". Knaresborough Post. 9 September 1871. p. 4 cols 5,6. Retrieved 25 June 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  42. ^ a b UK Retail Price Index inflation figures are based on data from Clark, Gregory (2017). "The Annual RPI and Average Earnings for Britain, 1209 to Present (New Series)". MeasuringWorth. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
  43. ^ Grainge, William (15 January 2012). The History and Topography of Harrogate, and the Forest of Knaresborough. General Books LLC. ISBN 978-1150624766. Modern paperback reprint
  44. ^ "St Peter's Church. Dinner to workmen". Knaresborough Post. 16 September 1871. p. 4 col.4. Retrieved 25 June 2024 – via British Newspaper Archive.
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