William John Donthorne (1799-1859) was a notable English architect of the early 19th century and one of the founders of what became the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

Donthorn was born in Norfolk and was a pupil of Sir Jeffry Wyattville. He worked both in the Gothic and Classical styles, but is perhaps best known for his severe Greek Revival country houses - most of which have been demolished. A large number of his drawings are in the RIBA drawings collection, now housed at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Donthorne's architectural work includes:

• Elmham Hall, Norfolk (Demolished)
• Hillington Hall, Norfolk (Demolished)
• Watlington Hall, Norfolk (Demolished)
• Pickenham Hall, Norfolk (Demolished)
• improvements to Felbrigg Hall, Norfolk
• Upton Hall, near Southwell, Nottinghamshire
• Highcliffe Castle near Christchurch, Dorset (from 1830)
• workhouses in Ely (1837) and Wisbech (1838) (Cambridgeshire), Aylsham (1848-9) and Downham Market (Norfolk) and Uppingham (Rutland)
• Sessions House, Peterborough (completed 1842)
• Holy Trinity Church, Upper Dicker, East Sussex (1843)
• The Old Rectory, Dummer, near Basingstoke, Hampshire (1850)

Donate to Wikimedia