Comptroller Of The King's Works

The Office of Works was an organisation responsible for structures and exterior spaces, first established as part of the English royal household in 1378 to oversee the building and maintenance of the royal castles and residences.

In 1832 it became the Works Department within the Office of Woods, Forests, Land Revenues, Works and Buildings. It was reconstituted as a government department in 1851, which in 1940 became part of the Ministry of Works.

Organisation and key positions

Surveyor, Comptroller and Architect

The organisation of the office varied; senior posts included Surveyor of the King's Works (1578–1782) and Comptroller of the King's Works (1423–1782). In 1782 these offices were merged into Surveyor-General and Comptroller.

After the death of the Surveyor-General and Comptroller James Wyatt in 1813, a non-professional Surveyor-General was appointed: Major-General Sir Benjamin Stephenson. He was assisted by three "Attached Architects": Sir John Soane, John Nash and Sir Robert Smirke. This arrangement ended in 1832 with the formation of the Works Department, when architect Henry Hake Seward was appointed Surveyor of Works and Buildings.

Other positions included Surveyor of the King's Private Roads, various roles with responsibility for gardens, and later, Deputy Surveyor.

Administrative positions

The office also had posts of Secretary, Master Mason and Master Carpenter.

References

Sources

* H. M. Colvin, ''A Biographical Dictionary of British Architects, 1600-1840'' (1997)
* H. M. Colvin, ''The History of the King's Works'', London: H.M.S.O. (1963–1982)
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External links

Parliamentary Archives, Records of the Office of Works, 1378-1940

{{Authority control

1378 establishments in England
Works
Material culture of royal courts