Thomas Rickman (1776–1841) was a self-taught English architect known for his work in the Gothic Revival style. His architectural career spanned Liverpool and Birmingham, where he designed new churches, restored and altered existing ones, and worked on various other projects, including country houses, public buildings, schools, and banks.[1]
Church of St Peter ad Vincula, Hampton Lucy
Rickman was born in Maidenhead, Berkshire. Initially trained in medicine, he practiced in Lewes, Sussex, from 1801 to 1803. However, he soon left this career, working in London with a corn factor before moving to Liverpool in 1808 to work as an insurance clerk. It was during this time that Rickman developed a keen interest in Gothic architecture.
In Liverpool, Rickman met John Cragg, an iron foundry owner. Together, they designed three churches using cast iron for both construction and decoration. He also collaborated with John Slater on the redesign of Scarisbrick Hall. In 1817, he opened an architectural office in Liverpool, and the following year he was joined by Henry Hutchinson, initially as a pupil, and from 1821 as a partner. Meanwhile, in 1817 he published the first edition of An Attempt to Discriminate the Styles of English Architecture.[1] In this he divided English architecture into styles that have continued to be accepted since, namely Norman, Early English, Decorated, and Perpendicular.[2]
Rickman's involvement with the Church Commissioners led him to design several Commissioners' churches, beginning with St. George's Church in Birmingham. He opened an office in Birmingham in 1820 and moved there the following year. He was appointed architect to Worcester Cathedral and, with his partner Henry Hutchinson, started working on New Court at St John's College, Cambridge, his most significant commission. In 1830, Rickman was elected to the Society of Antiquaries of London, marking his professional recognition. After Hutchinson's death in 1831, R.C.Hussey joined Rickman's practice, becoming a partner in 1835. Rickman died from liver disease in 1841.[1]
This list contains details of new churches designed by Thomas Rickman.
