Leonard Cecil Howitt

[1] Howitt started work in the architect's office at Manchester Town Hall shortly before the First World War.

Howitt served in the army during World War II, rising to the rank of major.

The following year he was appointed City Architect, succeeding G. Noel Hill, a position he held until he retired in 1961.

He designed many schools, colleges and other buildings for the corporation and was responsible for reconstructing the Free Trade Hall after it was damaged in the Manchester Blitz.

[1] Howitt became a Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects in March 1942, served on its council for twelve years and was its vice-president from 1956 to 1958.