Edward James Willson FSA (21 June 1787–8 September 1854) was an English architect, antiquary, architectural writer, and mayor of Lincoln in 1851–2.

He was working as a woodcarver in Lincoln Cathedral around 1805 when a chance meeting with John Britton led to his friendship with the latter and developed his interest in architectural writing.

Pelham's Pillar, 128 feet high, on a hill at Cabourne between Caistor and Grimsby, was designed by Willson for the Earl of Yarborough.

This was published in 1816 with a dedication to Lady Monson, under the title The History of Lincoln; containing an account of the Antiquities, Edifices, Trade, and Customs, of that Ancient City; an introductory sketch of the County; and a description of the Cathedral.

[2] He then wrote jointly with Pugin Examples of Gothic Architecture, consisting of Plans, Sections Elevations and Details which was published in two volumes in 1830 and 1836.

Following his death in 1854, John Britton wrote a lengthy obituary on the career and work of Willson, with an appraisal of numerous books written by him.

Other local architects were well represented including William Adams Nicholson, Henry Goddard, James Sandby Padley and John Langwith of Grantham.

[16] It is assumed that many of his possessions were disposed of at this time and the bulk of his notable collection of archaeological finds were acquired by the Duke of Northumberland and are now on display in the Museum at Alnwick Castle.

Churches, Ruins, Fragments, Miscellaneous Antiquities, Views of Ancient Buildings in Lincoln by R. Cattermole, A. Pugin, F. J. Dobson and others, and The Works Chantry, the Vicars’ College, and outbuildings, the Chancery, the Deanery, Surveys, drawings, notes.

However, there was a further sale of his manuscripts and drawings at Sotheby's in 1888[17] The greater part of these papers, contained in 31 volumes or albums and 3 portfolios, were acquired by the Society of Antiquaries of London, and microfilm copies of these are also available at the Lincolnshire Record Office.