Details of Sculptor

Surname

Broadbent

Alternative Surname

First Name

Messrs, of Leicester

Initial of Surname

B

Year of Birth/Baptism

Flourished

c1840 - c1860

Year of Death

Biographical Details

The firm carved the marble cenotaph commemorating the protestant martyr Hugh Latimer at Thurcaston (1). Pevsner writes that this is remarkable in being neither gothic nor classical, nor indeed Tudor, but a free treatment of early-18th century motifs. The Gentleman’s Magazine of May 1847 notes its considerable cost and that Broadbent was responsible for the subsequent restoration work at Anstey church. The article adds ‘Many persons of eminence have visited this church, and have awarded great praise to the builders, Messrs Broadbent and Hawley, of Leicester, whose ability and skill are thus manifest, both in the architectural and operative departments’. During the 1860s they were employed at two Northamptonshire country houses: they were the contractors responsible for building Overstone Hall to the designs of William Milford Teulon and they provided the ceilings in the South and Yellow Drawing Rooms at Althorp.
Literary References: GM, vol XXVII, May 1847, i, 539; Builder, 1862, 149; Gunnis, 1968, 62
Archival References: RG/JP, 2, 184