John Francis Bentley

Westminster Cathedral remains the defining achievement of John Francis Bentley, standing as a primary example of Byzantine Revival architecture in London. Born in 1839 in Doncaster, this English architect developed a career centered on ecclesiastical commissions, moving from early neo-Gothic projects to the complex masonry work required for his final and most significant metropolitan commission.

Early Career and Training

Bentley began his professional life associated with the firm of Holland & Hannan. He gained technical proficiency as a modeller and demonstrated skill in stone carving. His formal development continued under the guidance of Henry Clutton, an apprenticeship that included labor on the St Francis of Assisi Church in Notting Hill. This specific project marked a transition in his personal life, as he contributed various elements to the structure, including the design of the baptistry and its font.

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Conversion and Professional Foundation

In 1862, Bentley converted to Catholicism. He adopted the middle name Francis in honor of the church he assisted in designing and where he was baptized on 16 April 1862. Following this period, he branched out into independent practice in 1868. His initial significant commission came from Cardinal Manning for a seminary in Hammersmith. His portfolio expanded to include works such as St Mary's in Chelsea, St John's Beaumont School, and Corpus Christi Church in Brixton.

Designing Westminster Cathedral

The defining moment of his career arrived in 1894 with the commission for the new Roman Catholic cathedral in Westminster. Bentley opted for a Byzantine Revival style, leading him to conduct architectural research in Italy. He examined early Byzantine structures like St Mark's Basilica in Venice. Although he intended to study the Hagia Sophia, illness and a cholera outbreak in Istanbul prevented the completion of this tour. He returned to London to commence the building project.

Professional Temperament and Final Years

Colleagues described Bentley as a reserved individual who maintained a brusque manner. He avoided architectural competitions and the production of show drawings, preferring focus on the fine details and internal harmony of his buildings. In 1874, he married Margaret Annie Fleuss, with whom he had four sons and seven daughters. In February 1902, the Institute of Architects awarded him its gold medal. He suffered paralysis on 1 March and died the following morning in Clapham. He is buried at St Mary Magdalen’s Roman Catholic Church.