Richard Butler awarded the Hawksmoor Essay Medal

A graduate of St John's College has been awarded the Hawksmoor Essay Medal 2014 by the Society of Architectural Historians of Great Britain. 

Richard Butler, PhD Candidate in the Department of History of Art and Architecture, University of Cambridge, and Fulbright Scholar and Visiting Research Fellow in the Department of History, University of Wisconsin-Madison, won the award for his essay entitled: "The radicals in these Reform times: politics, grand juries and Ireland's unbuilt assize courthouses, 1800-45".

The Hawksmoor Medal Essay is awarded each year to new architectural historians who submit the best essay in the competition, taking into account the writer's originality of thought and the high literary and academic quality of the writing. The recipient receives a bronze medal depicting a relief portrait of Nicholas Hawksmoor by John Cheere inscribed with the winner's name and date, as well as a cash prize of £400. The winning essay is also considered for publication in the Society's journal, Architectural History.

It is the second time in four years that a Johnian has won this award, with Otto Saumarez-Smith receiving the medal in 2011. Dr Frank Salmon, Director of Studies in History of Art, also won in 1992.

To read more about the award visit the Hawksmoor Essay Medal page on the Society's website.