Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Hadfield, Matthew Ellison
HADFIELD, MATTHEW ELLISON (1812–1885), architect, born at Lees Hall, Glossop, Derbyshire, 8 Sept. 1812, was eldest son of Joseph Hadfield and of his wife, a sister of Michael Ellison, agent to the Duke of Norfolk. Hadfield was educated at Woolton Grove academy, Liverpool, and from 1827 to 1831 worked with his uncle Ellison at Sheffield in the Norfolk estate office. In October 1831 he was articled to Messrs. Woodhead & Hurst of Doncaster, and after three years went to London as pupil of P. F. Robinson. On returning to Sheffield he entered into partnership with J. G. Weightman; they were joined by G. Goldie in 1850, and by Hadfield's son Charles in 1864. The firm of Hadfield & Son directly contributed to the revival of mediæval and Gothic architecture. They designed many important churches and public and private buildings erected in Sheffield and other midland and north-country towns. Among them may be noted St. Mary's Church at Sheffield, the Roman catholic cathedral of St. John at Salford, the Great Northern Railway Hotel at Leeds, alterations and additions to Arundel Castle, Newstead Abbey, Glossop Hall, &c. A devoted Roman catholic, Hadfield enjoyed the patronage of the leading catholic families, and served four dukes of Norfolk in succession. He was a prominent citizen of Sheffield, acted as a town councillor, and was connected with many charitable institutions. He took a great interest in the school of art, and was president from 1878 to 1880. He married Sarah, daughter of William Frith of Angel Street, Sheffield. He died 9 March 1885, leaving one son and three daughters. Some illustrations of his architectural work will be found in the 'Builder' for 11 April 1885.
[Tablet, 14 March 1885; Builder, 14 March and 11 April 1885; Athenæum, 14 March 1885.]