Roberts , Henry , 1803-1876 , architect and housing reformer

Henry Roberts was born in Philadelphia to British parents. His family returned to London during his youth and he was apprenticed to the architect Charles Fowler. After working for Robert Smirke and studying at the Royal Academy Schools, Roberts set up his own architectural practice; his 1832 design for the London Fishmongers' Hall (completed in 1840) made his name and he employed George Gilbert Scott as his assistant. He was also a founder member of the Institute of British Architects (1835) and became a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London in 1836. He is best known, however, for his interest in and efforts to improve the housing of the working class population in London, particularly his work for the Society for Improving the Condition of the Labouring Classes during the 1840s and early 1850s. Roberts and his family left Britain for Italy in about 1853, after a scandal caused by an extra-marital relationship of his. He died in Florence in 1876.