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Henry Bell (architect)

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The Custom House in King's Lynn, one of Bell's most famous designs

Henry Bell (1647–1711) was an English architect, a contemporary of Christopher Wren.

Bell was born in King's Lynn, Norfolk and baptised in St Margaret's Church. He was the son of a wealthy merchant family[1] and his father was twice mayor. He was admitted to Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge in 1661.[2]

He designed many buildings in West Norfolk including the Custom House in King's Lynn and All Saints Church in North Runcton.[3]

All Saints' Parish church, North Runcton

He served twice as Mayor of King's Lynn,[4] he was well educated and travelled through Europe. In 1676 he met Robert Hooke, who shared with him his experiences of rebuilding London following the Great Fire. This knowledge had a bearing on his future work, as the design of North Runcton Church shows similarities with those employed by Wren, for example St Mary-at-Hill.[5] He was responsible for the rebuilding of All Saints' Church and possibly the Sessions House, Northampton after a fire.

He died in 1711.

References

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  1. ^ "Famous people connected with North Runcton", North Runcton Website
  2. ^ "Henry Bell (BL661H)". A Cambridge Alumni Database. University of Cambridge.
  3. ^ "Famous people connected with North Runcton", North Runcton Website
  4. ^ "Famous people connected with North Runcton", North Runcton Website
  5. ^ "Famous people connected with North Runcton", North Runcton Website

Further reading

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