Gordon charts comprehensively the life and achievements of the Victorian architect Henry Clutton. Clutton was an influential mid-Victorian Gothic revivalist architect who designed many churches and country houses. He was a consulting architect to the Anglican National Society (designing Steppingley School) and then the Russell family.  Examples of Clutton’s church design in Bedfordshire include the imposing St. Mary’s Church at Woburn, St. Lawrence at Willington, St. Michael-on-the Mount at Woburn Sands, All Saints at Souldrop, and St. Mary at Stevington. Clutton’s Bedfordshire country houses include Sandy Lodge and Shuttleworth Park, Old Warden.

After an introductory chapter setting the context of The Victorian Age, chapters follow on Clutton’s Family Background and Early Year, Early Career, Victorian Architectural Styles and Taste, an invaluable detailed guide to his Work on Bedfordshire Churches, Other Work for the Dukes of Bedford, Work on Anglican Churches outside Bedfordshire, Work on Roman Catholic Churches, Work on Schools, Work on Country Houses, Epilogue and an Appendix. Gordon’s volume is richly illustrated, with many coloured photographs.

Henry Clutton and his work deserves to be better known in Bedfordshire and Gordon has done an excellent job to raise his profile and achievements.

This volume is recommended to those interested in Victorian architecture and especially Bedfordshire’s churches. It is also being sold in a good cause – the upkeep of St. Lawrence Church, Willington. Please show your support to Gordon and Willington Local History Group by ordering a copy.