John Priestley Briggs Explained

John Priestley Briggs (1868–1944) was an English architect.

Briggs was born in Accrington, Lancashire^[1] on 11 September 1868. He worked in the practice headed by the theatre architect Frank Matcham before starting his own architectural firm.

His works include:

• the conversion of an 1880s mansion block in St James's Park, London, to become St. Ermin's Hotel;^[2] it is now Grade II listed.
• the design of the former Grand Theatre, Doncaster; it is now Grade II listed.
• the conversion of a former corn exchange and warehouse to become a music hall; it is now a Grade II listed theatre known as the Grand Opera House, York.^[3]
• major alterations in 1899 to the Royal Court Theatre, Wigan;^[4] it is now Grade II listed.
• the design of the Opera House, Royal Tunbridge Wells, which was built in 1902^[5] and is now Grade II listed.

Briggs married Florence Jane Watson in 1903. He died on 10 July 1944 in Polperro, Cornwall.

Notes and References

1. Web site: 9 February 2024 . John Priestley Briggs: architect . 14 October 2024 . archINform.
2. Book: Guide to British Theatres: 1750–1950. Earl, John. Sell, Michael. A. & C. Black. 2000. 978-0713656886.
3. Web site: Clifford Chambers and the Grand Opera House, York. The Victorian Web. 18 April 2020. 13 October 2024.
4. Web site: Richmond, George. The Royal Court Theatre, King Street, Wigan, Lancashire. arthurlloyd.co.uk. 18 April 2020. 13 October 2024.
5. Web site: Opera House (Tunbridge Wells) . . 13 October 2024.