John Shaw Junior (1803-1870)

A fine architect of the 19th Century who was complemented as a designer in the "manner of Wren". He designed buildings in the Classical/Jacobean manner and designed some of London's first semi detached houses in the area of St John's Wood/Chalk Farm.

He was born at 25 Great James Street, Holborn. His father was also an architect, John Shaw Senior (1776-1832). Shaw Senior was architect to Ramsgate Harbour and trained his son whilst working there; Shaw Junior designed the Lighthouse. His father was a pioneer of drawing up some of the earliest plans for semi detached houses and this was something that the father and son worked closely together on.

John Shaw Juniors sister married the archiect Philip Hardwick 91792-1870)and his nephew was the architct Philip Charles Hardwick (1822-1892) The two families always lived close by in the areas of Holborn and Westminster and resided in some of the finest address's in London such as Aldephi Terrace and Cavendish Square.

Shaw Junior took over his fathers work on the church, St Dunstan's In The West, Fleet Street, London. St Dunstan's In The West is the only gothic church in the one square mile which makes up the Old City and the church is the youngest, being completed in 1833-34. It is well known for its 17th Century clock and statues of Queen Elizabeth 1st and King Lud with his two sons. 187 Fleet Street which is an office next door to the church is a fine example of his Jacobean style.

Along with working at Christ's Hospital he was also apointed architect to Eton College, Windsor, where he contributed new buildings for the pupils accomadation.

Shaw Junior was looked upon favourably by Prince Albert as an architect who could offer something differnet from the usual Victorian Mock Gothic. The Prince helped secure work for Shaw to which the architect gave him two buildings, the former Royal Naval College in New Cross (now Goldsmith's University) and Wellingon College in Sandhurst.

Shaw retired in the early 1860s and moved to Kensington where he died at 10 Sheffield Terrace. He is burried with the Hardwicks at Kensal Green. His great, great, great grandson has a website in memroy of him - www.shaw-hardwick.co.uk