James Robinson (1852-1896)
James Robinson (1852-1896), County Surveyor of Hampshire
1897 Obituary [1]
JAMES ROBINSON was born at Durham on the 21st February, 1852, and in 1867 was articled to the late Mr. William Crozier, County Surveyor of Durham, with whom he remained nine years. During that period he not only acquired experience of the duties of a County Surveyor, but, in connection with the private practice of Mr. Crozier, was occupied with the design and superintendence of various important buildings and other works.
In 1875 Mr. Robinson was selected from a large number of competitors for the post of County Surveyor of Hants, which office he continued to hold till the time of his death. He carried out numerous important works for the county, including new lattice-girder and other bridges, police stations, and additions to the asylum. He also designed and carried out the County Buildings at Winchester, a large block in the late Gothic style, planned on a difficult site, while the main roads and footpaths throughout the county were considerably improved during the time they were in his charge.
In addition to this work, Mr. Robinson had a private practice and in that connection built the Volunteer Head-Quarters at Winchester and constructed four steel bridges across the Basingstoke Canal for the Hartley Wintney Rural District Council. In 1892-93 he held the office of President of the County Surveyors’ Society.
Mr. Robinson died at Bognor on the 2nd October, 1896, after an illness of seven weeks.
He was elected an Associate Member on the 12th January, 1892.