Jaye Marie and Anita Dawes

“I am the only architect with whom I have never quarrelled.”

Edmund Beckett, 1st Baron Grimthorpe (1816 – 1905) was one of the men responsible for the restoration of St Albans Cathedral. By the time he became involved in the work, much of the restoration had been completed by George Gilbert Scott and others. Although the Victorians have become notorious for their destructive methods, Scott had a love and respect for the churches that shows in his recognisable touch. He died whilst working on the restoration of St Albans and his work was continued by his son, George Oldrid Scott, who had control until Lord Grimthorpe became involved.

As Grimthorpe personally funded the work to the tune of some £130,000…an astronomical figure at the time… it was inevitable that he would have his way. Dismissive of the Scott’s sympathetic restoration, he drew criticism even at the time for his heavy-handed…