The tower at East Knoyle Church is an example of Webb’s restoration of historic buildings. Webb was a founding member of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings and he helped establish early principles of architectural preservation. He was greatly concerned with the maintenance of original materials and emphasised the importance of repairing buildings without damaging their historic integrity. East Knoyle is one such example of his endeavours to preserve a historic building with minimal damage to the original structure. Webb drew numerous designs for the tower, many of which are now in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Philip Speakman Webb (Oxford, 1831-Sussex, 1915) was a prominent British architect who designed numerous buildings throughout Great Britain. Known for his contributions to British vernacular architecture, Webb was also a skilled draughtsman, and designer of tableware, tiles, stained glass, and furniture. He also designed gravestones and memorials for his friends and clients. Webb lent his hand to many collaborative projects and worked closely with his colleagues, namely William Morris, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, and Edward Burne Jones. His precise drawings of animals, particularly birds, frequently adorn tiles, stained glass, textiles, and wallpaper produced by Morris and Co. Webb is best known for designing Morris’ Red House in Bexleyheath, as well as Clouds House, Naworth Castle, and several London town houses. Among his other accomplishments, Webb is credited with laying the groundwork for the Arts and Crafts and Modern movements in architecture, establishing longstanding principles in historic preservation, and creating some of the most influential designs still studied and celebrated today.