John Henderson (architect)

John Henderson (1 March 1804 – 27 June 1862) was a Scottish architect operational in the mid-19th century. He is chiefly remembered as a church architect, with his early work being in the Gothic revival and tractarian style, before developing his own distinct style.

He was born at the Den Nursery in Brechin to John Henderson and Agnes Thomson. Henderson's father was a gardener for William Maule, 1st Baron Panmure at Brechin Castle.

He was initially apprenticed as a carpenter but after completing this he pursued studies in drawing and building construction. His first design was for the addition of a steeple at the parish church in Arbroath in 1831. After completing this project, he became an assistant to architect Thomas Hamilton; a post he remained in until establishing his own architecture firm in 1833. This was set up at 1 Blenheim Place (next to R & R Dickson's office) before moving to 6 Union Street. In 1836 he relocated into more prestigious accommodation at 16 London Street, then was variously at 8 Duke Street (now called Dublin Street), 73 Queen Street (at his peak) and finally at 7 Hill Street.

He designed and oversaw the building of numerous churches in Scotland up until his death in 1862 at the age of 58. He also notably designed the original buildings for Glenalmond College. Several notable architects were trained by him, including Alexander Davidson, William Hay, John Milne, James Milne Monro, and his son George Henderson. On his death, his son who was only 16, completed his apprenticeship with David Cousin.

John Henderson died at home, 7 Greenhill Park (a villa of his own design) in south-west Edinburgh on 27 June 1862. He was buried in Grange Cemetery in south Edinburgh.

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