William Wallen (architect, born 1807)

[3] They lived with John Wallen’s extended family in various homes in and around Norton Folgate, London.

[6] Statements made by civic leaders at this point in time indicate that William was highly regarded in both Huddersfield and within architectural circles; therefore, it is probable that his fate was not openly discussed.

In reality, William was admitted to the Bootham Lunatic Hospital in September 1853 and remained a patient there until his death in 1888, aged 81 years.

[7] The exact nature of William’s condition is not recorded; however, he apparently retained his research and communication skills.

In 1871, taking part in Bootham’s regular ‘programme of entertainments’ he delivered a lecture to his fellow inmates entitled, An Analysis of the Franco-Prussian War.

William probably completed his training in 1828; however, there is no evidence that he undertook any independent projects during the following ten years.

[17] Charles Child’s role in the George Hotel project is disputed, being variously described as Wallen’s clerk, contractor or contributing architect.

William Sowerby, Curate of St. Bridgets, Beckermet, Cumberland and was supported by 510 subscribers including several notable architects.

Cresy resigned from the IBA soon after its inception, lamenting the opprobrium that was pervading his profession: “I laid the foundations with my friend Wallen for a society of men who would act in concert”.