Basic Biographical Details | Name: | Charles Whymper | | Designation: | | | Born: | 1853 | | Died: | 1941 | | Bio Notes: | Charles Whymper was born in Lambeth 1853 into a family of artists, illustrators and engravers. In 1901 he was commissioned to design a memorial ( thatched ) clocktower in Houghton ( Huntingtonshire, now Cambridgeshire) for his late father-in-law, a local miller and philanthropist. It was built in 1902. His design impressed a close family friend, the famous pioneer explorer and writer Isabella Bird, who may well have the godmother of Whymper's wife. Isabella Bird wished to have a memorial to her late sister, Henrietta, who had died in Tobermory, Mull where the Birds had a family home. Isabella already knew Charles' brother Edward, the celebrated Matterhorn Alpinist, and both brothers illustrated editions of her books.The Tobermory Clocktower is similar to the Houghton one only in the clockface and capping proportions. It was built in 1905.
Charles Whymper lived in Houghton, at a house called Whympers. There was a
scale model of the Matterhorn in the garden. He died there in 1941 and is
buried in the village. | Private and Business Addresses| The following private or business addresses are associated with this : | | | Address | Type | Date from | Date to | Notes |  | Whympers, Houghton, Cambridgeshire, England | Private | | 1941 | |
Buildings and Designs| This was involved with the following buildings or structures from the date specified (click on an item to view details): | | | Date started | Building name | Town, district or village | Island | City or county | Country | Notes | | 1905 | Town Clock | Tobermory | Mull | Argyll | Scotland | |
ReferencesArchive References| The following archives hold material relating to this : | | | Source | Archive Name | Source Catalogue No. | Notes | | Via DSA website | Information from Nick Holmes | | Sent September 2007 |
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