Huggins, Samuel (DNB00)
HUGGINS, SAMUEL (1811–1885), architect, was born in 1811 at Deal in Kent, but, brought to Liverpool in infancy, he resided there most of his life. William Huggins (1820-1884)[q.v.] was his brother. In 1846 he began regular practice as an architect. He was a voluminous writer on subjects connected with his profession, particularly in defence of the classic style. He became a member of the Liverpool Architectural Society in 1849, and was president from 1856 to 1858. He resided in Chester with his brother William from 1861 to 1865, and interested himself in the preservation of the city's ancient buildings. In 1868 he read before the Liverpool Architectural Society a paper opposing the proposed restoration of Chester Cathedral, and in 1871 another paper 'On so-called Restorations of our Cathedral and Abbey Churches.' The latter aroused a strong feeling on the subject of restorations, and led, after much discussion in the press, to the formation of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings. Huggins published in 1863 'Chart of the History of Architecture. . . .' A reduced engraving of this chart appeared in the 'Building News,' 31 Oct. 1863. He compiled the catalogue of the Liverpool Free Public Library, 1872. He died at Christleton, Chester, 10 Jan. 1885. His portrait was painted by his brother William.