English architect and engineer, often called Harrison of Chester. He studied at Rome several years, and received there a gold and a silver medal for certain designs. After his return home he resided in Chester, where he built the castle, and a fine bridge over the Dee. He was also the architect of the Athenaeum in Liverpool, of the exchange and Theatre in Manchester, and of other public buildings.
The greatest effect of the Greek Revival movement was felt in the new public buildings of the fast-growing cities. In this case, monumental temple forms were intended to express dignity and authority in governmental buildings, or learning and intellectual grandeur in cultural institutions.
In 1788, Thomas Harrison began his three-wing design for Chester Castle, which housed not only Cheshire County Hall but also the county court, a prison, and barracks. The grounds are entered via a propylaeum on the Athenian model.
