Robert Grainger

Robert Grainger (c1799-1861), Architect

1861 Died. 'Mr. Richard Grainger, the architect and builder of all its newest and most magnificent streets and public buildings, died on Thursday afternoon, in the 63rd year of his age, after half an hour’s illness, Of Mr. Grainger it may be honestly said that he found his native town in brick and left it stone. Through his energy and genius the magnificent range of comprehending Grey-street, Clayton-street, Market, Grainger, Nelson, Hood, and Shakespeare streets, with the theatre, Central Exchange, the new markets, among the finest covered markets in England, the branch Bank of England, Messrs. Lambton’s bank, the Arcade, and innumerable public buildings were erected - and like the elder Stephenson, and other eminent Newcastle men, Mr. Grainger was self made. Mr. Graiager’s father was a porter on the quayside. The father died shortly after the son was born. His mother followed the employment of laundress to maintain her children, and Mr. Grainger received what education he got in the St. Andrew’s Charity School. Mr. Grainger served his time as a house carpenter. From early youth he appears to have been fired with an ambition to effect great improvements in his native town, and the magnificent and noble public buildings that grace it are wonderful monuments of his genius and indomitable perseverance and will. Mr. Grainger, like most men of his character, was of a generous and noble disposition, Some years ago the immense magnitude of his transactions temporarily embarrassed his affairs, but the progress of trade vastly improved his property after, and in recent years he reaped the more substantial results of his energy and intelligence.'

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