Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Parker, Charles (1800-1881)
PARKER, CHARLES (1800–1881), architect, born in 1800, was a pupil of Sir Jeffrey Wyatville [q. v.], and attended the drawing-school of George Maddox. He subsequently studied his profession for many yean in Italy. About 1830 he commenced practice in London, and had a prosperous career. He designed (1830-2) Messrs. Hoere's banking-house in Fleet Street, the Italian Roman catholic church at Kingston, Surrey, and the chapel in Stamford Street, Blackfriars. In 1834 he was elected fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects, to the sessional meetings of which he contributed many important papers until his retirement on 16 Nov. 1869. He became fellow of the Society of Antiquaries on 9 Jan. 1834 (Gent. Mag. 1834, pt. i. 212), but withdrew in 1844. He was steward and surveyor to the Duke of Bedford's London property from 1859 to 1869. His sight subsequently failed, and he became totally blind. He died on 9 Feb. 1881 at 48 Park Road, Haverstock Hill, aged 81 (Times, 11 Feb. 1881), leaving four daughters.
Parker published in monthly parts an important work entitled 'Villa Rustica, selected from the Buildings and Scenes in the vicinity of Rome and Florence, and arranged for Lodges and Domestic Dwellings; with Plans and Details,' 4to, London, 1832; 2nd edit. 1848. The descriptions accompany a series of ninety-three plates, finished with care and great attention to detail, illustrating the villa architecture of Italy, but modified to suit the wants and manners of England.
[Notes supplied by the late Wyatt Papworth; private information; Allibone's Dict of Engl. Lit. ii. 1501; Athenæum, 26 Feb. 1842, p. 188; Cat. of Library of Royal Institute of British Architects; will at Somerset House.]