Peter Atkinson (architect, born 1735) facts for kids

Peter Atkinson (1735–1805) was an English architect. He was known for designing many important buildings and structures, especially in Yorkshire and the surrounding areas.

About Peter Atkinson

Peter Atkinson was born in or near Ripon, a town in England, around 1735. He started his career as a carpenter, which means he was skilled at working with wood to build things.

Later, he became an assistant to a famous architect named John Carr. This was a great opportunity for Peter to learn a lot about designing buildings. He worked with Carr on projects in places like Buxton and Harewood.

In 1786, Peter Atkinson took on a big responsibility. He became in charge of looking after all the buildings owned by the city of York. After John Carr passed away, Peter Atkinson took over many of his large building projects across Yorkshire and further north.

His Family of Architects

The Atkinson family continued to be important architects in York even after Peter's death. His son, also named Peter, followed in his footsteps.

This younger Peter had two sons, John Bownas Atkinson (born 1807) and William Atkinson (born 1811). These two brothers became very busy architects in York for over thirty years. In 1877, William Atkinson even took on a partner named James Demaisne.

His Amazing Buildings

Peter Atkinson designed many different types of buildings and structures during his career. Here are some of his notable works:

• No. 18 Blake Street, York (around 1789): This was a building in the city of York.
• Monk Bridge, York (1794): He designed this bridge in York. It was later made wider between 1924 and 1926.
• Hackness Hall (1797): This was a large mansion built for Sir R.V.B. Johnstone near Scarborough. Sadly, a fire badly damaged the building in 1910, but it was later beautifully restored by another architect, Walter Brierley.
• Hainton Hall, Lincolnshire (1800): Peter rebuilt the west side of this hall for George Heneage.
• Stable Block at Wortley Hall (around 1800): He designed a building for horses and carriages at Wortley Hall for the Earl of Wharncliffe.
• Female Prison in York Castle (1802): Peter added extra sections to this prison to make it match the nearby Assize Courts, which were designed by his mentor, John Carr. Today, this building is part of the York Castle Museum.
• Additions at Ormsby Hall, South Ormsby, Lincolnshire (1803): He added to this hall for Charles Burrell Massingberd.
• No. 51 Bootham, York (1803): This building was designed for Sir R. V. B. Johnstone and is now used as a school.
• Gateway and Farm Buildings at Harewood House (around 1803): He designed the entrance gate and farm buildings for the 1st Earl of Harewood.
• Brockfield Hall, Warthill, North Riding of Yorkshire (1804–1807): This hall was built for Benjamin Agar.