Francis Smith of Warwick facts for kids
Francis Smith of Warwick (1672–1738) was a very talented English builder and architect. He was well-known for designing and constructing many large country houses in the middle parts of England. When people talk about "Smith of Warwick," they might also be referring to his brothers or his son, who were also involved in the family business.
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Building Master
The town of Warwick was badly damaged by a huge fire in September 1694. This disaster gave the Smith brothers their first big chance to show their skills. They became very famous for being honest and good at their job. They kept this reputation for many years.
Most of their building projects were within 50 miles of their workshop in Warwick, called the "Marble House."
An old historian named Daines Barrington saw many of Smith's houses in 1784. He said they were "convenient and handsome," even though building styles had changed.
Smith's Style
It's easy to spot a house designed by Francis Smith. They usually have three floors. The middle part of the house often sticks out a little or is set back slightly. All the windows look the same. The outside details are simple, like special stones above windows (called keystones) and decorative frames around them (called architraves). They also used corner stones (called quoins) and a low wall with railings on the roof (a balustraded parapet).
Inside, Smith's houses usually had a main hall at the front. Behind it was a large room called a saloon. The main staircase was always placed to one side. Even though some rooms had beautiful plasterwork and woodwork, the overall layout was quite simple.
Some of Smith's houses were different from his usual style. These include Chicheley Hall, Stoneleigh Abbey, and Sutton Scarsdale House. These houses show that he sometimes worked with other famous architects like William Kent and James Gibbs.
Church Designs
Francis Smith also helped design several churches. Four of his church designs are still standing and used today. These include All Saints in Gainsborough, St Nicholas in Alcester, All Saints in Lamport, and St Botolph's in Sibson.
His work on the churches in Gainsborough and Alcester shows his use of the Palladian style. This style was popular at the time and was influenced by architect James Gibbs.
Family Business
Francis Smith had a brother named William Smith of Warwick (1661–1724). William was also a master builder who started as a bricklayer. Francis, William, and their third brother Richard often worked together. Their father was also a bricklayer and master builder from Staffordshire. By the time William died in 1724, the Smith brothers were the most important designers and builders in the Midlands region.
Francis helped his brother William rebuild St Mary's Church in Warwick. Later, Francis was in charge of building the new courthouse. He also served on the Town Corporation in the 1720s. He was in charge of building maintenance for the town until he died in 1738.
Francis's son, William Smith of Warwick (1705–1747), continued the family business. After his father's death, William ran the company with David Hiorn.
Working with Others
Francis Smith hired many skilled workers for his projects. Some of these craftsmen were even named on a special plaque at Sutton Scarsdale House. They included:
- Thomas Eborall, who was a joiner (someone who makes wooden joints and furniture).
- Joshua Needham, a plasterer (someone who applies plaster to walls and ceilings).
- Edward Poynton of Nottingham, a stone carver.
- John Wilkes, who made door fittings.
Another architect and builder who worked with Smith was William Baker of Audlem. William Baker started as a carpenter for Smith in 1727. He later became a successful architect in Shropshire and Staffordshire.
Abraham Hayward was another architect and builder connected to the Smiths. He worked for them on the rebuilding of St Peter at Arches Church, Lincoln. Hayward later stayed in Lincoln and became an architect there.
Famous Buildings
Here are some of the buildings Francis Smith designed or worked on:
- Acton Round Hall
- All Saints Church, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire
- Church of All Saints, Lamport, Northamptonshire
- Aston Hall, Birmingham (attributed)
- Buntingsdale Hall, Shropshire (attributed)
- Calke Abbey, Derbyshire (with James Gibbs)
- Chicheley Hall (with William Kent)
- Chillington Hall, Staffordshire
- Cottesbrooke Hall (attributed)
- Davenport House, Worfield, Shropshire
- Derby Cathedral (with James Gibbs)
- Ditchley Park, Oxfordshire
- Dudmaston Hall
- Fawsley Hall, Northamptonshire
- Hereford Cathedral
- Heythrop Hall
- Kelmarsh Hall (with James Gibbs)
- Kemerton Court (attributed)
- Kirtlington House
- Lamport Hall
- Leeswood Hall, Leeswood, Flintshire
- Locko Park, Derbyshire
- Mason Croft, Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire
- Mawley Hall, Shropshire
- Melbourne Hall, Derbyshire
- Ombersley Court, Worcestershire
- Preston-on-the-Weald Moors Hospital, Shropshire (attributed)
- Shardeloes
- St Alkmund's Church, Whitchurch, Shropshire
- St Botolph's Church, Sibson, Leicestershire
- St Mary’s Priory Church, Monmouth
- St Modwen's Church, Burton upon Trent
- St Nicholas Church, Alcester, Warks
- St Peter at Arches Church, Lincoln
- Stanford Hall, Leicestershire
- Stanwick Hall, Northamptonshire
- Stoneleigh Abbey, Warwickshire
- Sutton Scarsdale House, Derbyshire
- Umberslade Hall
- Warwick Court House
