Joseph Potter (architect) facts for kids

Joseph Potter (born 1756, died 1842) was a famous English architect and builder. He lived in Lichfield, a town in Staffordshire, UK. Joseph Potter designed and built many important buildings. He worked mostly in Staffordshire and nearby areas. This was during the late 1700s and early 1800s. His office was in St John's Street. Joseph Potter's son, also named Joseph, continued his father's work. He designed many buildings later in the 1800s.

Joseph Potter's Life and Work

Early in his career, Joseph Potter worked for James Wyatt. Wyatt was a very well-known architect at that time. Potter helped supervise big changes to Lichfield Cathedral from 1788 to 1793. He also worked on Hereford Cathedral from 1790 to 1793.

Potter also helped Wyatt repair St Michael's Church in Coventry in 1794. This church is now Coventry Cathedral. He also helped rebuild Plas Newydd in Anglesey. This was for the 1st Marquess of Anglesey. At Plas Newydd, people believe Potter alone designed and built the beautiful gothic chapel.

Joseph Potter became the main architect for Lichfield Cathedral. He looked after many repairs there. He fixed the south-west spire in 1794. He restored the ceilings in the north part of the cathedral from 1795 to 1797. He also worked on the front of the cathedral from 1820 to 1822.

Potter was also the county surveyor for Staffordshire for 45 years. This meant he was in charge of surveying land and buildings for the county. He held this job until he died in 1842. He also worked as an engineer for the Grand Trunk Canal Company.

Joseph Potter had three sons. All of them followed in his footsteps and became architects or engineers.

• Robert Potter (around 1795–1854) was the oldest son. He became an architect and designed many buildings.
• Joseph Potter Jnr. (around 1797–1875) took over his father's business. He designed important buildings like the Guildhall and Clock Tower in Lichfield.
• James Potter (around 1801–1857) was the youngest son. He became a civil engineer. He mostly worked on canals and railways.

Other architects like Thomas Johnson and James Fowler learned from Joseph Potter. His ways of working influenced them a lot.

Buildings Joseph Potter Designed

Joseph Potter designed or helped design many important buildings. Here are some of his notable works:

• 1788–93 – Lichfield Cathedral (restorations with James Wyatt)
• 1790–93 – Hereford Cathedral (restorations with James Wyatt)
• 1793 – The Old Vicarage in Hanbury, Staffordshire
• 1794 – St Michael's Church (now Cathedral) in Coventry (repaired tower with James Wyatt)
• 1795–1823 – Plas Newydd in Anglesey (designed the gothic chapel)
• 1800-2 – Newton's College in Lichfield
• 1816 – Causeway Bridge, Bird Street, Lichfield
• 1818 – School House, Market Place, Penkridge
• 1818 – Staffordshire General Lunatic Asylum in Stafford
• 1819–20 – Christ Church in Burntwood
• 1822 – Caernarfon Baths & Assembly Rooms (now part of Bangor University)
• 1824 – Chetwynd Bridge in Alrewas
• 1826–27 – Freeford Hall, near Lichfield (made bigger for William Dyott)
• 1826–29 – St Mary's Church, Bramall Lane in Sheffield
• 1829–30 – High Bridge in Armitage
• 1835 – Holy Cross Church in Lichfield
• 1835–38 – St Mary's RC College in New Oscott

Gallery

See also

• James Wyatt