Beckett samuel

1886 · 00MV223 — London England 1886. On offer ALS Edmund Beckett 1st Baron Grimthorpe 1816-1905 known previously as Sir Edmund Beckett 5th Baronet and Edmund Beckett Denison. He was a lawyer amateur horologist and architect. In 1851 he designed the mechanism for the clock of the Palace of Westminster responsible for the chimes of Big Ben. He was also responsible for rebuilding the west front roof and transept windows of St Albans Cathedral at his own expense. Although the building had been in need of repair popular opinion at the time held that he had changed the cathedral's character even inspiring the creation and temporary popularity of the verb "to grimthorpe" meaning to carry out unsympathetic restorations of ancient buildings. Part of Beckett's additions included statues of the four evangelists around the western door; the statue of St Matthew has Beckett's face. He later turned his attentions to St Peter's and then to St Michael's Church both in the same city. In 1868 he worked with W H Crossland to design St Chad's Church Far Headingley in Leeds. ALS. 2-1/3 pages 1886. "I am glad my lunacy speech gave satisfaction to those who could understand it. When I went into the House yesterday I was told the case was hopeless but it evidently is not." Slight mount. trace show thru on last page. Very Good. 12mo - over 6¾" - 7¾" tall. English. unknown