Cuthbert Brodrick

Cuthbert Brodrick (c1823-1905)

1905 'MR. CUTHBERT BRODRICK. The death is announced of Mr. Cuthbert Brodrick, architect, formerly of Leeds and Hull. Mr. Brodrick was the sixth son of the late Mr. John Brodrick, shipowner, of Hull, and he has died in the 83rd year his age, at La Colline, Jersey.
The name Cutbbert will be familiar to all who know anything of the history of the Leeds Town Hall. He was its architect; He obtained the commission in open competition; and when Queen Victoria opened the building in 1858 he had the honour of being presented to Her Majesty. The Town Council had offered three premiums for plans—£200, £100, and £50 - and in their decision they were guided by the opinion Sir Charles Barry. Altogether sixteen sets of plans were sent in, and Mr. Brodrick's being deemed the most suitable, he was awarded the first prize and appointed architect of the new structure, which ultimately cost £140.000. Thus he raised for himself a lasting monument, and at the same time furnished Leeds with what is generally acknowledged, from an external standpoint, one the noblest buildings of its kind in the country.
He was in practice at Hull at that time, but also secured for himself, comparatively young as he was, a flourishing connection with Leeds. The Corn Exchange, we believe, was built from his designs, also the Mechanics' Institute in Cookridge Street, as well as the Headingley Hill Congregational Church, the Oriental Baths, some large warehouses in King Street, and other buildings of more or less imposing character architecturally. After this, however, he did not remain long in Leeds to enjoy his splendid reputation. For many years past, it is understood, he had been resident in France.
Mr. Brodrick has several enduring monuments of his genius in Hull, including the Town Hall in Lowgate, completed in the sixties end about to be extended at a great coat, and the Royal Institution in Albion Street, perhaps the finest example of classic form in the city. Other work of his notable character is the Corn Exchange, and the picturesque Cemetery buildings and grounds on Spring Bank. His nephew. Major S. Brodrick, is one of Hull's best-known citizens to-day, but the generation which knew the famous architect has passed away.'

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