Thomas Wright

• Born      1783
• Died       6 July 1843
• Burial     12 July 1843 at Salford

Thomas Wright of Salford (1783-1843) was one of the few Georgian architects working in North-West England. He won the competition for Blackfriars Bridge, over the River Irwell, completed in 1820, and was architect of Hugh Stowell’s Christ Church, Acton Square, Salford, (1830-1831) now demolished. William Young (qv) was a pupil.

Thomas Wright married Martha. Their daughter Eliza Jane, was born on 30 September 1818 and baptised on 2 November 1822 at the Church of St Stephen, Salford. In 1855 she married Edward Smallwood of York. There was also a son - also Thomas - and an additional daughter Mary Ann.

Recent research suggests that by 1840 Thomas Wright had amassed considerable land and property holdings in Salford (Bury Street), The Crescent including Albion and Acton Squares, the land on which Christ Church was built and perhaps Marlborough Terrace, and land on the north side of Bolton Road, Pendleton.  By this date too, the family had moved to Summerhill on Eccles Old Road, Pendleton although his widow returned to Acton Square following his death in 1843. 

Address
1824         Thomas Wright, Land and building surveyor 17 New Bailey Street
1833         Thomas Wright, architect and surveyor, 18 New Baily Street, Salford (MG 29 June 1833 page 2 – classified)
1834         Thomas Wright, 20 New Bailey Street

Residence
1836-1843    Summerhill Pendleton

Reference    Colvin: A Biographical Dictionary of British Architects, 1600-1840 Page 1101
Reference    London Gazette 2 February 1830, Issue 18651, Page 22
Reference    Manchester Guardian 5 January 1839 page 4 – partnership with S H Andrew

Reference    Additional information by BP LH email December 2018