The Office of Works was established in the English Royal household in 1378 to oversee the building of the royal castles and residences. In 1832 it became the Works Department within the Office of Woods, Forests, Land Revenues, Works and Buildings. It was reconstituted as a government department in 1851 and became part of the Ministry of Works (q.v.) in 1940.
The organisation of the office varied but latterly it was headed by a Surveyor and administered by a Comptroller. In 1782 these offices were merged into Surveyor-General and Comptroller. From 1761 there were named Architects. The office also had posts of Secretary, Master Mason and Master Carpenter.
Surveyor of the King's Works
Comptroller of the King's Works
Surveyor-General and Comptroller
Architects of the Works
Secretary to the Board of Works
References
- H.M. Colvin, A Biographical Dictionary of British Architects, 1600-1840 (1997) ISBN 0-300-07207-4
- H.M. Colvin, The History of the King's Works, London : H.M.S.O, (1963) to (1982)
|
