J. Alfred (John Alfred) Gotch

Born in Kettering in 1852, J. Alfred Gotch studied at the University of Zürich and at King's College London before building a career as an architect. Alongside his professional work, he became especially known as a historian of architecture, with a lasting interest in English domestic and Renaissance building.

Gotch wrote several important works on the subject, including studies of early Renaissance architecture in England and old English houses. His writing is still noted for its careful research and for the way it connects architectural detail with the lives and tastes of the people who built and used these places.

He died in 1942. He was also the brother of the painter Thomas Cooper Gotch, a reminder that art and design ran strongly through the family.