Burtons St Leonards
Profile of the Builders
James Burton
Born in 1761, he spent his life in speculative building on schemes like Regents Street and Regents Park in London. His career had been a great success and it's estimated that he provided 13,000 residences and housed over 70,000 people during his working life.
Upon retirement he was extremely rich, had a happy marriage and 14 children. Yet his 'vision' was to be his own master, not restricted by his clients' demands and his dream was to create a new town from start to finish on his own site.
In 1815 Burton visited Hastings and chose the site to the west of the town for his project. His family were horrified at his decision. Apart from the financial burden, they thought the strain of such a vast project would be too much for a man of 67. They urged him to rethink and take life at an easier pace.
Burton, however, decided to proceed and after the purchase of the land drew up the first plan for the new town which would become St Leonards-on-Sea.
James Burton died in 1837 and is buried in the family grave at St Leonards Church.
Decimus Burton
Born in 1800, he was the tenth child (as his name implies) of the family. Decimus was moved from London at the age of five when the family took up residence near Tunbridge Wells in Kent.
Decimus began his career in his father's drawing office, won a scholarship to the Royal Academy at 17 and, by the age of 21, he was in private practice on his own. His career was extremely successful as he became involved in many major projects in London and across the country.
In 1825, he entered into the services of the Government to design the lodges, arches and other architectural features of Hyde Park.
His first personal involvement in St Leonards occurred in 1837, after his father died in the March of that year. His contributions were considerable.
After his retirement, Decimus Burton spent most of his time in St Leonards and took an active part in the running of the town.
He died on December 11, 1881 at the age of 81 while on a visit to London to receive medical treatment. He was buried in London.
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