Thomas Baldwin (architect) facts for kids

Thomas Baldwin (born around 1750 – died March 7, 1820) was a famous English architect who designed many important buildings in the city of Bath. These buildings are known for their beautiful Georgian style.

In 1775, Thomas Baldwin became the official Bath City Architect. In this important role, he designed many well-known places like the Guildhall, Argyle Street, Laura Place, and Great Pulteney Street. However, in 1793, he faced problems with how he managed money and was removed from his job. This led to him losing all his money, and his good name was damaged. A writer named Jane Root, who studied Baldwin's life, said that he sometimes made poor choices with money.

Thomas Baldwin's Life and Work

Thomas Baldwin was born in 1749 or 1750, but we don't know exactly where. He first came to Bath in 1774. He started working as a clerk for a man named Thomas Warr Attwood, who was a plumber and glazier. After Attwood passed away in 1775, Baldwin was chosen to be the Bath City Architect.

While working on the Guildhall, he was also given the title of Bath City Surveyor. He helped plan how the area of Bathwick would be built and was in charge of many construction projects there. In 1790, he also became the architect and surveyor for the Improvement Commissioners, a group that worked to improve Bath. He held this job until 1793.

Baldwin married Elizabeth Chapman in Bath on September 15, 1779. Her family was involved in local politics. A month after his marriage, he was given a job as Deputy Chamberlain for the city of Bath, a position he held several times.

Financial Challenges

Between 1790 and 1792, Thomas Baldwin did not provide clear financial records to the city groups he worked for. Because of this, a special committee was formed in 1793 to look into his accounts. On June 28, 1793, he was removed from his job. He also lost his other positions because of these money problems.

On August 15, 1793, a person he owed money to started legal steps against him because he couldn't pay his debts. Baldwin did not fight this, and his property was sold in 1794. However, in 1802, the city allowed him to start working again.

Jane Root, who wrote about Baldwin, mentioned that during the late 1700s, many people were building new towns, and some faced financial difficulties. Baldwin was one of the few who were allowed to restart their careers after such problems.

Later Life and Legacy

Thomas Baldwin passed away at the age of 70 in his home on Great Pulteney Street, a street he had designed himself. He was buried on March 14, 1820.

Baldwin is remembered as one of the most important architects of Georgian Bath. He designed many of the city's main buildings, often using a style called Palladian with special details.

Key Buildings by Thomas Baldwin

• The Guildhall, Bath (1775–1779)
• Northumberland Buildings, Bath (1778–1780)
• The original part of The Cross Bath, Bath (1784)
• The Old Pump Room, Bath (1783–1784)
• The New Private Baths, Bath (1788–1789)
• Sydney Place and Bathwick Street, Bathwick (1788–1792)
• Argyle Buildings, Bath (1789)
• Laura Place, Bath (1789)
• Great Pulteney Street, Bathwick (1789)
• Union Street, Bath (1790)
• Cheap Street (re-designed fronts, 1790)
• Stall Street (re-designed fronts, 1790)
• Bath Street, Bath (1791)
• Nash Street, Bath
• Hot Bath Street, Bath
• Bow Street, Bath
• The Grand Pump Room, Bath (started 1790–1791, finished by another architect)
• Sydney Hotel, Bathwick (1796–1797) – now the Holburne Museum of Art
• Bathford Church, Somerset (extensions in 1803, 1817)
• Skaiteshill House, Chalford, Gloucestershire (around 1805)
• Town Hall, Devizes, Wiltshire (1806–1808)
• Hafod House, Cardiganshire, rebuilt after a fire (1807)
• Chapel, Duchess of Somerset's Hospital, Froxfield, Wiltshire (1813 or 1814)
• Rainscombe House, Oare, Wiltshire, remodeled (1816)