Background
He was one of nine children of the architect George Godwin senior (1780–1863) and trained at his father"s architectural practice in Kensington where he set up in business with his brother Henry Godwin (1831–1917).
He was one of nine children of the architect George Godwin senior (1780–1863) and trained at his father"s architectural practice in Kensington where he set up in business with his brother Henry Godwin (1831–1917).
He was also interested in new materials and wrote on the use of concrete (1836). He soon joined the Institute of British Architects, the Society of Antiquaries, and became a Fellow of the Royal Society. Was first published as a weekly magazine in 1842 by Joseph Hansom, inventor of the Hansom cab.
In 1844 Godwin became its third editor and immediately expanded its scope and coverage beyond new works and architectural issues to include history, archaeology, arts, sanitation and social issues.
lieutenant described itself as "An illustrated weekly magazine for the architect, engineer, constructor, sanitary reformer, and art lover". This broadened its appeal beyond the construction trade, and he took a campaigning stance to improve the circumstances of the working classes.
Godwin wrote on slums and republished edited collections of his articles as reforming books In addition to self-improvement, he promoted the use of public baths, wash-houses, charitable housing trusts, and pavilion-styled hospitals.
In 1881, he set up the Godwin Bursary, which was administered by the Royal Institute of British Architects. This yearly competitive prize was to enable young British architects to study modern techniques of construction outside of Great Britain.
Winners were encouraged to spend at least five weeks within a country of their choice and then they would submit reports on what they learnt. The first five winners all went to the United States. He edited the magazine until 1883.
lieutenant was renamed Building in 1966 and is still in existence.
Godwin died on 27 January 1888 at Kensington and was buried in Brompton Cemetery. He lies to the east side of the main path, between the north entrance and the colonnades, and although set back behind other monuments it is easily spotted due to its unique design.
His memorial is Grade II listed, containing a portrait medallion, and being topped by the mourning figures of Faith and Charity. His extensive art collection was sold at Christie"s, London, 12 April 1888 and numbered 98 lots.
Royal Society.