Organ builder. Born north-west London. His first London workshop was in Foundling Terrace, Gray's Inn Road. Then when he got the commission to build the large organ for the Great Exhibition he moved to larger premises in Argyle Square/Street at King's Cross. In 1859 he moved his works to 119 Albany Street and in 1863 to The Rotunda in Rochester Place. Built organs for many cathedrals and, in London, for Alexandra Palace, Royal Albert Hall and St Paul's Cathedral. Died at home, Argyle Villa, 2 Bartholomew Road. The title 'father' was given partly to differentiate him from his nephews and sons who also worked in the business but also as a mark of respect.
This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
'Father' Henry Willis
Commemorated ati
Henry Willis
Greater London Council 'Father' Henry Willis, 1821 - 1901, organ builder, liv...
Other Subjects
Jon Bannenberg
Born Australia, came to London in the mid-50s and worked in music, antiques and interior design. Then in the 1970s moved into yacht design and designed vessels for the rich and famous. We can't f...
1 memorial
George Baxter
Artist and craftsman. Born Lewes. 1825 moved to London and married his cousin Mary Harrild. He invented a commercially viable colour printing process, producing prints of religious and topical subj...
3 memorials
London A - Z
London street guide. First developed by Phyllis Pearsall, it now covers the Greater London area, roughly within the M25. The picture shows the cover of the first edition.
1 memorial
Phyllis Pearsall
Map-maker. Born Phyllis Isobel Gross at Budapest, Court Lane Gardens, Dulwich. She said in her memoirs, that her inspiration for producing the London A - Z was because she was unable to find the lo...
2 memorials
1 memorial
Previously viewed
Private John Lynn, VC
Soldier. Born in Forest Hill, London. On 2nd May, 1915 near Ypres, the enemy was advancing behind a wave of poison gas. In spite of being almost overcome by the fumes, he turned his machine-gun aga...
1 memorial
Paul McCartney - SE16
SE16, Bermondsey Wall East, The Old Justice pub
The Old Justice Sir Paul McCartney, MBE, musician & songwriter, used the interiors and exteriors of this public house as locations in...
1 subject commemorated,
1 creator
Sir Terence Rattigan
Playwright. Born Terence Mervyn Rattigan at 100 Cornwall Gardens, London. He achieved early theatrical success with his comedy 'French Without Tears' in 1936. This was followed by 'The Winslow Boy'...
1 memorial
Tothill Fields Prison
Also known as Tothill Fields Bridewell, Westminster Bridewell and the Westminster House of Correction. It was one of the less severe places of incarceration, as one of the main punishments was not ...
2 memorials
Deptford Creek bridge
From the magnificent Edith Streets: The Bridge, with its control tower alongside, was opened in 1954. The first footbridge was built in 1804, and the first road bridge in 1815. The bridge lifts le...
1 memorial
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