Samuel Huggins

Huggins' defence of Classical architecture and opposition to a proposed restoration of Chester Cathedral led to the formation of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings.

His younger brother, William, was a noted painter born in Liverpool (he created a portrait of Samuel which is extant).

[4] In 1868, Samuel demonstrated his interest in preserving the character of Liverpool's finer buildings when he addressed the Society in opposition to a proposed restoration of Chester Cathedral.

One of the larger changes was to shorten the south aisle and restyle it as an apse; but the changes proposed (and rejected) included the addition of a spire above the existing tower.

[5] Huggins' publications in "The Builder" in the 1850s are thought to have inspired other architects notably Alexander "Greek" Thomson to work in the classic style.