Few of those buried at the Rosary have left such evidence of their talents as the architect Edward Boardman. Buildings such as the former Royal Hotel and the Alexandra Mansions are a visible reminder of his impact.
Born in Norwich in 1833, his father, James, was a partner in a firm of shipping agents but died when Edward was only nine, leaving his mother to bring up nine children. After training in London and serving his articles with an architect in Lowestoft, Edward established his own practice in Norwich in 1860. That year he married Martha Emily Brown, the daughter of a Stalham grocer.
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Edwards Boardman's name, still visible at his previous offices,
Old Bank of England Court in Queens Street. |
One of his earliest projects, completed in 1869, was the splendid Congregational church on Princes Street with its spacious interior and beautiful coloured ceiling. In 1876 he designed a shoe factory on St Georges Plain for Howlett and White. In 1879 Boardman took on a project that would occupy him for almost five years - the rebuilding of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital on St Stephen's Road. In the 1880s Boardman was asked to design a new mortuary chapel for the Rosary. His chapel, with porch, was built in the Gothic revival style using knapped flint with stone dressings and stands on the site of the original chapel. His successes enabled him to open offices at Old Bank of England Court in Queens Street. His name is still visible there, picked out in terracotta on the outside wall.
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Silver Jubilee at the Royal Hotel main entrance - 1935,
Agricultural Hall Plain, Norwich. |
Even as he approached the end of his career Boardman still had the energy to undertake major projects, including the conversion of Norwich Castle to a museum and the Royal Hotel. In 1890 he designed the imposing Alexandra Mansions on Prince of Wales Road, claimed to be the first purpose built block of residential flats in Norwich. In the twentieth century it became the frontage of the Regent cinema, was subsequently a nightclub and is currently being converted into apartments.
Edward Boardman retired soon after the completion of the Royal Hotel. He died in November 1910 and was buried at the Rosary in the family plot.
Nick Williams
