John Douglas (1830–1911) was an English architect based in Chester, Cheshire. His output included new churches, alterations to and restoration of existing churches, church furnishings, new houses and alterations to existing houses, and a variety of other buildings, including shops, banks, offices, schools, memorials and public buildings. Perhaps his best-known design is that for the Eastgate Clock in Chester.[1] His architectural styles were eclectic, but as he worked during the period of the Gothic Revival much of his output incorporates elements of the English Gothic style. He was also influenced by architectural styles from the mainland of Europe, and frequently included elements of French, German, and Netherlandish architecture.[2] Douglas is probably best remembered for his incorporation of vernacular elements in his buildings, in particular half-timbering,[3] in which he was influenced by the black-and-white revival in Chester.[4] Other vernacular elements he employed included tile-hanging, pargeting, and the use of decorative brick in diapering and the design of tall chimney stacks.[5] Of particular importance is Douglas' use of joinery[6] and highly detailed wood carving.[7]
John Douglas was born in the Cheshire village of Sandiway and was articled to the Lancaster architect E. G. Paley, later becoming his chief assistant. He established an office in Chester in either 1855 or 1860, from where he practised throughout his career.[1] Initially he ran the office himself but in 1884 he appointed his assistant, Daniel Porter Fordham, as a partner. When Fordham retired in 1897, he was succeeded by Charles Howard Minshull. In 1909 this partnership was dissolved and Douglas ran the office alone until his death in 1911.[8] As his office was in Chester, most of his works were in Cheshire and North Wales, although some were further afield, in Lancashire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, and Scotland.[9]
Most of Douglas' new churches have been recognised as listed buildings. In England and Wales a GradeI listed building is one "of exceptional interest, sometimes considered to be internationally important", GradeII* consists of "particularly important buildings of more than special interest", and in GradeII are buildings which "are nationally important and of special interest".[10] In Scotland, CategoryA contains "buildings of national or international importance, either architectural or historic, or fine little-altered examples of some particular period, style or building type", CategoryB consists of "buildings of regional or more than local importance, or major examples of some particular period, style or building type which may have been altered", and in CategoryC are "buildings of local importance, lesser examples of any period, style, or building type, as originally constructed or moderately altered; and simple traditional buildings which group well with others in categories A and B".[11]
This list includes the 40 new churches designed by Douglas that were built. The details are taken from the Catalogue of Works in the biography by Edward Hubbard.[9] Churches attributed to Douglas by Hubbard on stylistic grounds together with evidence of a local association are included, even though they are not confirmed by other reliable evidence.[12] Where this is the case, it is stated in the Notes column. Unexecuted schemes are not included.
This church is built in polychromatic brick with some red sandstone dressings. Pevsner describes it as being "very ugly" while Hubbard describes it as being "experimental" and presenting "an astonishing sight". It is now a United Reformed church.[16][17]
St John's was the first church commissioned by the Grosvenor family 1. A new church was built on the site of an earlier church. 2. Additions were made including a spire and a reredos. 3. A vestry was converted into a chapel and another vestry was added.[19][20]
The church is in bold High Victorian style with a broad aislelessnave. It is closed for worship and has been used as an indoor climbing centre since 1996.[25][26]
1. A new church was built to replace a previous one on the site. 2–5. During these years a new sanctuary was added, then the porch, the pulpit and the southeast chapel. Later the vestry and organ chamber were added, work was done on the chancel, and the nave was completed.[37][38]
The church was built for the 1st Duke of Westminster. Hubbard considers it to be "one of the best Victorian churches in Clwyd" which "sets the tone for virtually all his [Douglas'] subsequent churches".[45][46]
This is a church built to replace an earlier church in the site. It is cruciform in plan and built in stone with a green slate roof. It was planned in 1886 but not built until 1891–92.[72][73]
This church was built for Mrs. F. S. Perrins and is set on a hillside overlooking the town. During its construction the tower collapsed and had to be rebuilt.[81]
Douglas & Fordham designed a church with a nave and a north aisle. The chancel was added later. It was intended to have a northeast steeple, but this was never built.[88][89]
The church was built in memory of Eleanor Frost's husband, Charles, in a small village to the south of Colwyn Bay. It is known locally as the "Cathedral of the Hills".[92][93]
It is known as the "choirboys' church", because the choirboys wrote thousands of letters to raise money for it. 1. The church was built. 2. The tower was added.[97][98][99]
This is a memorial church built for Lady Augusta Mostyn on a site overlooking the Conwy estuary. It has a clerestory, a chancel higher than the nave and a west tower.[101]
The church was built for the English-speaking community of Colwyn Bay. 1. The church was built. 2. The tower was added (after Douglas' death).[105][106]
Built in brick with sandstone dressings, it is in Perpendicular style. It originally had a spire, but this sustained war damage, and has not been replaced.[116]
Pollard, Richard; Pevsner, Nikolaus (2006), Lancashire: Liverpool and the South-West, The Buildings of England, New Haven and London: Yale University Press, ISBN0-300-10910-5
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