Octavius Ralling
Octavius Ralling (1858-1929), Architect of Tonar and Ralling
Born at Colchester the 8th son of Thomas Ralling, a newspaper Proprietor
1888 Married Ellen Brown
1890 In partnership with Lewis Tonar as Architects at Bedford Circus.
1900 Octavius Ralling, Architect, No. 9, Bedford Circus, Exeter.[1]
Ralling and Tonar designed the Oddfellows Hall, in Catherine Street, Exeter
1929 February 01st. Died. 'The death occurred at Devonshire place, Exeter, on Friday night, at the age of 71, of Mr. Octavius Railing, architect, member of the firm of Messrs. Tonar and Railing. A native of Colchester, Mr. Railing went to Exeter in 1887, and was for several years with the late Mr. R. Medley Tulford, architect. He next went into business on his own account, and subsequently joined in partnership with Mr. Lewis Tonar. He was probably the oldest member the Devon and Exeter Architectural Society, and was formerly its hon. treasurer. He was also a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects. His interest in ancient buildings, especially of Exeter, caused him to make many drawings of buildings architectural interest, and he produced many sketches in colour and pea and ink. Mr. Railing carried out various important works in Devon and Cornwall. Those in Exeter include the Turkish baths and the swimming baths, and several other business premises/ He was also responsible for the restoration of many Devonshire churches. In Cornwall he was architect of the Bodmin Public Hall, and for the Bodmin Priory and Convent, and at the time of his death was engaged in carrying out work at TPalace Gate, Exeter. He was a leading member of the old Parliamentary Debating Society, an active Conservative, and vice-president St. James's Ward Association. A Freemason, he was a member St. John's Lodge.'[2]