James Harrison (1814–66) was an English architect who worked mainly in Chester, Cheshire. He worked mainly on churches — building new churches, rebuilding old churches, and making amendments and alterations to existing churches. Harrison also designed a number of houses in the Queen's Park area of Chester, and farm buildings on the Bolesworth estate.
Harrison and Thomas Mainwaring Penson were the first architects to introduce buildings of the Black-and-white Revival to Chester in the 1850s. His rebuilding of God's Providence House in Watergate Street is described as "the first conservation case in the modern sense".
Key
Grade CriteriaI Buildings of exceptional interest, sometimes considered to be internationally importantII* Particularly important buildings of more than special interestII Buildings of national importance and special interest
Works NameLocationPhotographDateNotesGradeSt Margaret's ChurchWhalley Range,Greater Manchester1848–49A new church costing £6,000 (), paid for by Samuel Brooks, a banker who was developing the area.St Michael's ChurchChester, Cheshire1849–50Largely rebuilt, but retaining interior fabric from the older church. It closed as a church in 1972–73, and was converted into a heritage centre.Trustee Savings BankChester, Cheshire1851–53Designed in Tudor Gothic style. An extension was added in the 1970s and the building was converted into a restaurant.Holy Ascension ChurchUpton, Chester, Cheshire1853–54Built in 14th-century style. Transepts were added in 1958 and 1967.All Saints ChurchHandley, Cheshire1853–55The nave was rebuilt in Decorated style, re-using the roof of 1661. The chancel and vestry were added in 1891.St Nicholas' ChapelChester, Cheshire1854–55Harrison converted the former medieval chapel into concert hall. It was later changed to be used as a shop. The site is a Scheduled monument.Christ ChurchHough Green, Chester, Cheshire1855New church.St Deiniol's ChurchHawarden, Flintshire, Wales1855–56Restored by Harrison, but badly damaged by fire in 1857.Holy Trinity ChurchCapenhurst, Cheshire1856–59New church. The tower was added in 1889–90 by John Douglas.St Matthew's SchoolBuckley, Flintshire1857Since converted into a private house.St Andrew's ChurchNewgate Street, Chester, Cheshire1857–60(With J. and J. M. Hay) A Presbyterian church, since closed.40 Bridge StreetChester, Cheshire1858Substantially rebuilt in Gothic Revival style.51–53 Bridge StreetChester, Cheshire1858An early example of Black-and-white Revival (vernacular) architecture in Chester.HaybarnTattenhall Hall, Tattenhall, Cheshire1858It is the best and the least-altered building on the model farm belonging to the hall. Built for Robert Barbour.Gate piers and wing wallsTattenhall Hall, Tattenhall, Cheshire1858 (?)Built for Robert Barbour.St Olave's ChurchChester, Cheshire1859A simple church dating from the 11th century, restored by Harrison.St Luke's ChurchDunham on the Hill, Cheshire1860–61A new church in early 14th-century style.Church of St Mary-on-the HillChester, Cheshire1861–62Renewal of the exterior stonework and rebuilding of the top of the tower. Harrison also designed a memorial in the church to William Currie, who died in 1834.God's Providence HouseChester, Cheshire1862Virtual replacement of a house dating from 1652, using some of the original carved timber.Holy Trinity ChurchChester, Cheshire1865–69A new church replacing an older church on the site. Harrison died before it was completed. It is now the Guildhall.Drill HallChester, Cheshire1868Converted into flats during the 20th century.
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