He early displayed antiquarian tastes, which led to his visiting cathedrals, abbeys, and churches in England and France.
In 1853 he entered the office of George Edmund Street, where he devoted himself to the study of Gothic architecture.
For some time he resided as an architect in Bristol, and, after again spending a period in London, removed about 1862 to Penzance, where he obtained a large practice.
He was for a time precentor of the church of St. Raphael the Archangel, Bristol, and organist of St. Mary the Virgin, Soho.
He married, on 18 August 1862, Jessie, daughter of John Proctor, chemist of Penzance, by whom he left four children, including the architect E. H. Sedding.