John Gatlive or Garlive

PROVISIONAL ENTRY

The architect for St John the Baptist, Knutsford, is widely given as John Garlive (transcriptions of minutes of the commissioners for re-building Cheshire churches CRO P/7/8/2.). However, no other references to “John Garlive” has been found in parish records, etc.  Colvin concluded that the architect was probably John Gatlive of Lymm (Bridgemaster to the Hundred of West Derby 1736-1759] or John Gatlive, master mason, of Macclesfield. The extent of his involvement in the design of the Church of St Mary, Parsonage, Manchester, is unclear. While the plan is similar to that of St John’s Church Knutsford, the elevational treatment, particularly the tower and spire, is not.

Reference           Howard Colvin: Biographical Dictionary of British Architects, page 395

WORKS

1741        Proposed Tower Rostherne Church, Cheshire.
John Gatlive of Macclesfield was paid 20 shillings to prepare plans and estimate for the3 rebuilding of the church tower. The scheme was not adopted [Colvin]

1741-1744    St John the Baptist Church Hill, Knutsford

1745        Booths Hall Knutsford for Peter Legh
Built by Peter Legh (1723-1804) of Norbury Booth Hall following his marriage to Anne Wade in 1744. The house was enlarged and re-faced by his grandson also Peter Legh (1794-1857) to the designs of Edward Habershon.  Locally attributed to John Garlive.

1739        Rebuilding Tower: St Lawrence, Over Peover

1753-1756    Church of St Mary, Parsonage, Manchester
Although the architect of the church is not named, The Mercury of the 24th April, 1753 has the following:—" Whereas a new church is intended to be erected with all convenient expedition in the Parsonage in Manchester according to the plan and dimensions of the parish church of Knotsford, in the county of Chester, except that it will be cased with stone, this is to give notice to all persons desirous of being employed in the same to send their proposals in writing for furnishing and working the several articles of stone, brick, timber, slate, to the Warden or any of the Fellows of the College in Manchester on or before the 24th day of June next;