William Thomas 1799-1860

1843

Text from the plaque

One of Canada's most prominent architects, Thomas was born in Suffolk and apprenticed as a carpenter before establishing an extensive architectural practice here in Royal Leamington Spa. During the 1830s he designed a series of attractive residences including this grand neo-classical crescent, Lansdowne Circus, Comyn Lodge, Aberdeen House and the Masonic Rooms. In 1843, frustrated by a depression in the building industry, Thomas emigrated to Toronto, Canada. He soon gained widespread recognition as the architect of many outstanding public and ecclesiastical buildings as well as numerous commercial and residential structures. Unrivalled in his mastery of detail, Thomas became the leading exponent in the country of the Decorated Gothic Revival style and designed some of the finest buildings erected in Ontario during the nineteenth century.

Transcribed from the marker, not summarised.