John Priestley Briggs 1868-1944

[Bob Dobson]

I have just posted about John Priestley Briggs under the heading of his cousin, Joseph Briggs, so post now so as to point future researchers to John, who deserves a mention himself because of his career in theatre architecture./ His father was shown as a designer in the entry for John's baptism in St John's Church ( the first one there)

A few entries for John when his name is googled.

[wadey]

The Friends of the Doncaster Grand Theatre.

[Weary Tourist]

John Priestley Briggs (born 11 Sep 1868, Accrington - 10 Jul 1944, died Polperro, Cornwall)
married on 17 Jun 1903 at St John The Evangelist, Brixton, Surrey
Florence Jane Watson (born 1879, St John's Wood)

Parents of John Priestley Briggs were
John Briggs (born 1840 Accrington)
married on 21 Dec 1865 as St James, Accrington
Ellen Priestley (abt 1844, Rawtenstall)

Grandparent of John Priestley Briggs was Joseph Briggs (born about 1813 - died about 1846)

This provides a brief orientation where he fits into the Briggs Family Tree

[Weary Tourist]

The Grand Theatre, in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, on Donny Online

There is a picture of the The Grand Theatre and Opera House (opened in 1899), in Doncaster, South Yorkshire designed by John Priestley.

John Priestley Briggs was a student of the great master of theatre design Frank Matcham.

[Weary Tourist]

Aldershot - The mighty Palace Theatre now VOX Nightclub .

Image here
Aldershot Civic Society - The watchdog for the protection of Aldershots community and history

Located in Station Road opposite the old Post Office. It was affectionally known as the "fleapit". Opened as the Picture Palace Theatre in 1912, it was designed by architect John Priestly Briggs from the office of Frank Matcham & Co. The original seating capacity was 708.

[Weary Tourist]

Wigan - Court Cinema

Image here
Court Cinema in Wigan, GB - Cinema Treasures
Originally designed by R.T. Johnson in 1886, the Royal Court Theatre was redesigned by the better known John Priestly Briggs in 1899.

[Weary Tourist]

Royal Tunbridge Wells - Opera House

Information and image here
Opera House, Royal Tunbridge Wells - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A Grade II listed building opend 1902 capacity a capacity of 1,100. Now a Wetherspoon pub.

[Weary Tourist]

Frank Matcham

Architect of some of the most famous cinemas and theatres around.
Frank Matcham - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

John Priestly Briggs previously worked from the office of Frank Matcham & Co.

[Weary Tourist]

Sister to John Priestly Briggs -> Annie Briggs

Herbert Reginald Saxty (born 6 Jan 1867 in Gloucester - died 30 Dec 1949 Twickenham)
married 15 Sep 1897 St Stephen's Mission Church, Putney
Annie Briggs (born 1870 in Accrington - died 7 Aug 1937 Twickenham)

on 1911 Census Herbert Reginald Saxty is recorded as being an Architect and Surveyor for London County Council Tramways.

Directory of British Architects, 1834-1914: Vol. 2 (L-Z) records Herbert Reginald Saxty as Architect to North Metropolitan Tramways from 1892-1906 and to LCC Tramways from 1906

[Bob Dobson]

Thanks for shining light on the Briggs dynasty, Weary Tourist

[agiddyun]

I've recently discovered that Joseph Briggs (the one born in 1843, ie whose son was the Joseph of Tiffany reknown) had an elder brother, John, born 1840 who, it turns out, is my great grandfather. He married Ellen Priestley of Rawtenstall in 1865, and among their offspring was Mary Elizabeth Briggs (my maternal grandmother) and also her brother John Priestley Briggs, whose architectural career is mentioned in another thread on this forum.

I've been putting a family tree together for the Briggs side of our family, and if anyone would be interested to find out more about the Briggs, please feel free to get in touch via the forum or email.

[Bob Dobson]

I am in touch with a descendant of these Briggses and will message you for your email address, aggidyun.