William Donthorne

Upton Hall, Nottinghamshire
Aylsham workhouse, south elevation

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

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

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

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

  1. ^ Port, M.H. "Founders of the Royal Institute of British Architects (act. 1834–1835)". Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (online ed.). Oxford University Press. (Subscription or UK public library membership required.)