Basic Biographical Details Name: | Thomas Bonnar | Designation: | | Born: | 1770s(?) | Died: | 1847 | Bio Notes: | Thomas Bonnar was born in Edinburgh probably about the 1770s. He was probably not the son of John Bonnar, painter, who, with his descendants, ran the decorating business in Edinburgh. He was admitted a burgess of the city in June 1795. He married Margaret Gairdner, daughter of Ebenezer Gairdner, merchant in June or July 1800.
In 1801 he was an agent in the sale of houses in St James's Square, St James's Street and Gayfield Place which 'are now finishing' and also in 1809. It is possible he had some input into the design or construction of these houses. In 1807 he was appointed a Sworn Measurer and in 1809 the Superintendent of Public Works. However he lost this job in December 1818 when he was made a scapegoat for the bungled hanging of Robert Johnston for highway robbery which ended in a public riot.
From 1810 he was surveyor to Heriot's Hospital. He was also involved with laying out streets in the New Town of Edinburgh. He should not be confused with Thomas Bonnar who was born about 1821 and who practised in Edinburgh as architect and builder from the mid-1850s.
Thomas Bonnar retired about 1832 and died in the winter of 1847-8. | Private and Business AddressesThe following private or business addresses are associated with this : | | Address | Type | Date from | Date to | Notes | | Heriot's Bridge, Edinburgh, Scotland | Private | 1805 | | | | Magdelene Chapel, Cowgate, Edinburgh | Business | 1809 | | Workshop | | 2, Drummond Street, Edinburgh, Scotland | Private | c. 1809 | | | | 1, Rankeillour Street, Edinburgh, Scotland | Private | c. 1821 | After 1830 | |
Buildings and Designs
ReferencesBibliographic ReferencesThe following books contain references to this : | | Author(s) | Date | Title | Part | Publisher | Notes | | Colvin, Howard | 2008 | A Biographical Dictionary of British Architects 1600-1840 | | London: YUP. 4th edition | | | Scottish Record Society | 1933 | Roll of Edinburgh Burgesses | | | |
Periodical ReferencesThe following periodicals contain references to this : | | Periodical Name | Date | Edition | Publisher | Notes | | Caledonian Mercury | 5 February 1801 | | | | | Caledonian Mercury | 14 January 1809 | | | | | Scots Magazine | 1 July 1800 | | | | | Scots Magazine | 1819 | NS iv | | pp49-54 |
Archive ReferencesThe following archives hold material relating to this : | | Source | Archive Name | Source Catalogue No. | Notes | | Edinburgh City Archives | Edinburgh Town Council Minutes | 177-8 | 12 December 1809 | | New Register House | Wills and Testaments | | |
|