Thomas Harrison and the Greek Revival in the North West

Thomas Harrison was born in Richmond, Yorkshire. He showed early promise in mathematics and mechanics, which led to his sponsorship by Sir Lawrence Dundas to study architecture in Rome, where he studied classical architecture and made significant architectural drawings. He is known for Lancaster Castle and Chester Castle, where he designed law courts, accommodation for prisoners, and other public buildings; and the Lyceum in Liverpool and the Portico Library in Manchester, both of which exemplify his Greek Revival style.

Despite spending most of his career in northwest England, Harrison's work has had a lasting impact on British architecture. Many of his structures are now listed buildings, recognized for their historic and architectural significance. His contributions to bridge engineering and public architecture continue to be celebrated today.

Dr Challis has worked in archives and museums, including the National Portrait Gallery, the BBC Archives, the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology at UCL and the Library of the London School of Economics (LSE). She is a cultural historian, Honorary Fellow at the University of Liverpool (Milesian Tales) and Fellow of the Royal History Society. She has published on the history of archaeology and the legacies of the ancient past in the modern world as well as on the emotional impact of working with historical archives and objects. She is resident expert on Alex Andreou’s Podyssey, a podcast about the myths and complex legacy of Ancient Greece.

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