Jill Allibone facts for kids
Jill Spencer Allibone (born April 26, 1932, died February 3, 1998) was an English expert who studied old buildings and their designs. She was called an architectural historian. Jill also started a group called the Mausolea and Monuments Trust. This group helps protect and save important old tombs and monuments. She wrote books about famous architects like Anthony Salvin and George Devey. For more than 20 years, she also worked as a Justice of the Peace, which means she helped with legal matters in her community.
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Jill Allibone's Early Life and Education
Jill Spencer Rigden was born in Abadan, Iran, on April 26, 1932. Her father, Horace Walter Rigden, worked there managing an oil refinery. She spent most of her childhood in Iran.
During the Second World War, she moved to South Africa for a while to stay safe. Later, she went to school at Godolphin School in Salisbury, England. After that, she studied art at St Martin's School of Art.
In 1954, Jill joined the Courtauld Institute, a famous place for studying art history. She met David Allibone there, who later became her husband. They got married in 1957.
Jill was still studying for her degree when she got married. She even took her final exams while she was expecting her first child. She and David lived in Kent, England.
Jill Allibone's Career and Discoveries
After having three daughters, Jill Allibone went back to the Courtauld Institute. She earned her PhD by studying the Gothic architect Anthony Salvin. Her book about him was published in 1987.
Her supervisor was Nikolaus Pevsner, who was the first leader of the Victorian Society. This society works to protect Victorian buildings. Jill became very involved with them.
In 1991, she published another book about George Devey, an architect known for his work in Kent. She also helped organize his drawings at the British Architectural Library.
How Jill Allibone Started the Mausolea and Monuments Trust
Jill Allibone visited her grandmother's grave at All Saints Church in Whitstable, Kent. There, she found an old tomb, called a mausoleum. It was designed by Charles Barry junior in 1875.
This mausoleum was built for Wynne Ellis, a rich fabric seller who gave money to the National Gallery. Jill noticed the tomb was falling apart. She found its owners and asked for it to be protected.
The mausoleum is now a Grade II listed monument. This means it is an important historical building. This discovery made Jill very interested in old tombs and monuments.
In 1997, she started the Mausolea and Monuments Trust. This group can take care of old monuments to make sure they are kept safe and repaired. Jill Allibone was also a member of the Society of Antiquaries of London, a group for people who study history and old things.
Jill Allibone's Work Outside Architecture
Jill Allibone also served her community in another important way. In 1966, she became a Justice of the Peace for South Westminster.
A Justice of the Peace is a volunteer who helps with legal matters in local courts. They hear minor cases and help keep order. Jill served in this role for more than 20 years.
Jill Allibone's Passing
Jill Allibone passed away in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, on February 3, 1998. She is buried with her husband, David Allibone, at St George's church in Benenden, Kent.
