George Edmund Street

A brass in the centre aisle of the nave of Westminster Abbey covers the grave of George Edmund Street. The inscription reads:

In memory of George Edmund Street Architect R.A. who died on the 18th day of December 1881 in the hope of eternal life.

In the centre of the brass a figure of Street, wearing a college cape, kneels before a large cross and a Latin scroll issues from his mouth with the words (translated) 'O Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house'. His motto Fidelis inter perfidos (faithful amongst the unfaithful) and coat of arms (three Catherine wheels argent, a canton of the last) are also shown. In the elaborate floral border are figures of saints: George, Edmund, Thomas, Peter, Catherine and Barbara (the patron saint of architects). At each corner are the symbols of the Evangelists. The brass was designed by G.F. Bodley and made by Messrs. Barkentin & Krall.

George was born on 20th June 1824 at Woodford in Essex, son of Thomas Henry Street (d.1840) and Mary (Millington). In 1844 he entered the office of the famous architect George Gilbert Scott (near whom he is buried) and designed many churches in the 'High Victorian' style. He became President of the Royal Institute of British Architects and his best known work is the Royal Courts of Justice in the Strand, London. His first wife Marique died in 1874 and his second wife, Jessie Holland, died in 1876 soon after their marriage. His only son was Arthur Edmund (d.1938).

Further Reading

"Memoir of G.E. Street" by A.E. Street (1888)

Oxford Dictionary of National Biography