Thomas Chambers Hine was an influential architect in the 19th century, recognized for his significant contributions to the architectural landscape of Britain. Born in Nottingham in 1813, Hine's architectural career began when he was apprenticed to the architect Edward Staveley. Later, he moved to London and worked under the renowned architect Sir Charles Barry, whose style and vision greatly influenced his work.
He was born in Covent Garden into a prosperous middle-class family, the eldest son of Jonathan Hine (1780–1862), a hosiery manufacturer and Melicent Chambers (1778–1845).[2] He was articled to the London architect Matthew Habershon until 1834.
Hine's career took flight when he returned to Nottingham in the 1840s. He became a prominent figure in the city, known for his innovative designs and expertise in various architectural styles, including Gothic Revival and Italianate architecture. His designs ranged from commercial buildings to residential homes, leaving an indelible mark on Nottingham's urban fabric. This business relationship was dissolved in 1849. He worked from 1857[3] with Robert Evans JP until early in 1867 and thereafter with his son George Thomas Hine until his retirement around 1890.
He was nominated as a Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects in 1878, but this appears to have been voided.[4]
He married Mary Betts (1813–1893) in 1837 and together had seven children surviving to adulthood. Their eldest child, Mary Melicent Hine (1838–1928) became a nurse and founded the Nottingham Children's Hospital on Postern Street in Nottingham.
One of his notable works includes the design of the Nottingham Exchange, now known as the Council House, a striking example of the Gothic Revival style that still stands as an iconic landmark in the city. His mastery in blending traditional architectural elements with contemporary functionalities made his buildings both aesthetically pleasing and practical.
Hine's influence extended beyond Nottingham. His involvement in various projects across the country showcased his versatility and skill. He contributed to the design and construction of the Birkenhead Docks in Liverpool, displaying his proficiency in industrial architecture.
Throughout his career, Hine remained dedicated to advancing the field of architecture. He was a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and played a role in shaping architectural education and professional standards.
Notable buildings include:
- St Laurence's Church, Gonalston rebuilding 1843
- Holy Trinity Church, Shirebrook 1843-44
- Monument to Lord George Frederick Cavendish Bentinck, Market Place, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire 1849[5]
- Rectory Kinoulton, Nottinghamshire, 1849
- Rectory Maplebeck, Nottinghamshire, 1849[6]
- Nottingham Corn Exchange, Thurland Street, Nottingham 1849–50[7]
- Holy Cross Church, Morton Derbyshire 1850
- St Paul's Church, Hasland Derbyshire 1850
- Rectory at St Paul's Church, Hasland Derbyshire 1850
- 5, 7, 9, 11, 21, 23, Park Valley, The Park, Nottingham 1844-51[7]
- 1–11 and 25 Regent Street, Nottingham 1851
- Hine and Mundella, Station Street, Nottingham 1851[7]
- 1 Clifton Terrace, The Park, Nottingham 1851[7]
- Gonalston Hall, Nottinghamshire, remodelling 1851–52
- South Manor for Sir Thomas Parkyns, Ruddington, Nottinghamshire 1852
- Priory Church of St. Peter, Thurgarton, Nottinghamshire, restoration 1852–53
- Bluecoat School, Mansfield Road, Nottingham 1852-53[7]
- Flintham Hall Nottinghamshire, remodelling and two lodges 1853
- St Laurence's Church, Gonalston, Nottinghamshire, rebuilt 1853
- The Park Estate, Nottingham 1854 onwards[8]
- Stanford House, Castle Gate, Nottingham 1854[7]
- Hosiery Warehouse (Topshop in 2016), corner of Low Pavement and Lister Gate, Nottingham 1854[7]
- Nottingham General Hospital addition of third storey and chapel 1854–55
- The Park Tunnel, Nottingham 1855[9]
- Lace Warehouses for Richard Birkin, Broadway, Nottingham 1855[7]
- Lace Warehouse for Thomas Adams, Stoney Street, Nottingham 1855[8]
- St Giles' Church, Darlton, Nottinghamshire, restoration 1855
- St. George's Church, Barton in Fabis, Nottinghamshire, restoration 1855
- Elton and Orston railway station, Great Northern Railway, Nottinghamshire 1855
- Christ Church, Cinderhill, Nottingham 1856
- Warehouse, 16 Pilcher Gate, Nottingham 1856[7]
- 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 29, 31, 33 Newcastle Drive, The Park, Nottingham 1856-59[7]
- Radcliffe railway station, Great Northern Railway, Nottinghamshire 1857?
- Aslockton railway station, Great Northern Railway, Nottinghamshire 1857
- Bingham railway station, Great Northern Railway, Nottinghamshire 1857
- Nottingham Great Northern railway station, 1857[8]
- Corn Warehouse, Great Northern Railway, London Road, Nottingham 1857
- All Saints Church, Broxholme, Lincolnshire, 1857
- 1–6 Castle Grove, The Park, Nottingham 1856-58[7]
- Coppice Hospital, Ransom Road, Mapperley, Nottingham 1857–59
- William House, 1 South Road, The Park, Nottingham 1859[7]
- St Michael's Church, Farnsfield, Nottinghamshire, rebuilding 1859–60
- St Michael the Archangel's Church, Laxton, Nottinghamshire, restoration 1859–60
- School, Farnsfield, Nottinghamshire, 1859–60
- 10–12 Plumptre Street, Nottingham 1861[7]
- 13–33 Lenton Road, The Park, Nottingham 1858–62[7]
- St Oswald's Church, Dunham-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire, and vicarage 1861–62
- St. Luke's Church, Shireoaks, Nottinghamshire 1861–62
- Lenton Firs, Derby Road, University of Nottingham 1862 (remodelled)[7]
- Cranfield Court, Bedfordshire, 1862–64
- HM Prison Foston Hall, 1863
- All Saints' Church, Nottingham, 1863–64
- Meadows Mill, Queen's Road, Nottingham 1865[7]
- Nottingham High School, Arboretum Street, Nottingham, with Thomas Simpson, 1866–67[8]
- St. Peter's Church, Aisthorpe, Lincolnshire, 1867
- St. Matthias Church, St. Matthias Street, Sneinton, Nottingham 1867–69[7]
- Old Rectory, Beelsby, Lincolnshire, 1868
- St. Stephen's Church, Bunker's Hill enlargement 1868
- Convent of the Sisters of St. Joseph, Mapperley Road, Mapperley, Nottingham 1870
- Simla Villa, 73 Raleigh Street, Nottingham 1870
- St. Michael's Church, Coningsby, Lincolnshire, restoration 1870
- St. Giles Church, West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire, restoration 1872
- Claremont, 7 North Road, The Park, Nottingham 1872[7]
- Vicarage, Beckingham, Nottinghamshire, 1873
- St. Margaret's Church, Bilsthorpe, restoration and addition of Savile transeptal chapel 1873
- Vicarage, Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire, alterations 1874
- Linden House, Newcastle Circus, The Park, Nottingham 1875[7]
- 6 Maxtoke Road, The Park, Nottingham 1875[7]
- Nottingham Castle Museum of Fine Art, 1875-78[8]
- All Saints Church, Ordsall, Nottinghamshire, restoration 1876
- 1 Cavendish Crescent South, The Park, Nottingham 1877[7]
- Mevell House, 7 Newcastle Circus, The Park, Nottingham 1877[7]
- Shire Hall, High Pavement, Nottingham, extensions and alterations 1876–79
- Penrhyn House, Tunnel Road, The Park, Nottingham 1879[7]
- St. Edmund's Church, Holme Pierrepont, Nottinghamshire, alterations 1878–81
- 18-20 Park Terrace, The Park, Nottingham 1881[7]
- Cavendish House, Cavendish Road East, The Park, Nottingham 1881[7]
- Overdale, Cavendish Road East, The Park, Nottingham 1883[7]
- Elmhurst, Cavendish Road East, The Park, Nottingham 1883[7]
- Cavendish Court, 25 Cavendish Road East, The Park, Nottingham 1884-85
- County Junior School, Lovers Lane, Newark-on-Trent 1889
References:
- Nottinghamshire History: "Thomas Chambers Hine - Nottingham's Great Architect" by Julie Attard.
- RIBA Archives: Records and documents related to Thomas Chambers Hine's membership and contributions to the field of architecture.
- Nottingham Civic Society: Documentation and publications highlighting Hine's architectural legacy in Nottingham.
- "Nottingham's Architectural Heritage" by Elain Harwood and Nikolaus Pevsner - A book discussing Hine's architectural impact on Nottingham and beyond.