William Donthorne

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

Donthorn was born in Norfolk and was a pupil of Sir Jeffry Wyattville. He worked both in the Gothic and Classical styles, but is perhaps best known for his severe Greek Revival country houses - most of which have been demolished. A large number of his drawings are in the RIBA drawings collection, now housed at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Works

* Elmham Hall, Norfolk (Demolished)
* Hillington Hall, Norfolk (Demolished)
* Watlington Hall, Norfolk (Demolished)
* Pickenham Hall,South Pickenham, Norfolk (Demolished) Between 1902 and 1905 architect Robert Weir Schultz extensively rebuilt and enlarged the hall, incorporating the previous house, in the Arts and Crafts style.
* improvements to Felbrigg Hall, Norfolk
* Upton Hall, near Southwell, Nottinghamshire
* Highcliffe Castle near Christchurch, Dorset (from 1830)
* workhouses in Ely (1837) and Wisbech (1838) (Cambridgeshire), Aylsham (1848-9) and Downham Market (Norfolk) and Uppingham (Rutland)
* Sessions House, Peterborough (completed 1842)
* Holy Trinity Church, Upper Dicker, East Sussex (1843)
* The Old Rectory, Dummer, near Basingstoke, Hampshire (1850)