Douglas Lees: A Life Shaped by Scouting and Architecture
Douglas Lees, who passed away at the age of 94, was an architect whose career spanned various parts of England, contributing to projects from new towns to prisons. Born in Dalston, east London, he grew up in Tottenham, north London, where Scouting played a pivotal role in his formative years.
Early Life and Challenges
Lees was born with Erb's palsy, a condition resulting from nerve damage during birth, which limited the use of his left arm. His father, James Lees, served in the British Expeditionary Force at Mons, Belgium, in 1914, surviving the entirety of World War I. His mother, Isabel (nee Weddell), raised six children while working from home making Christmas crackers. Lees proudly identified as a cockney, claiming the sound of Bow bells could be heard across the Hackney Marshes.
At eight years old in 1939, he and his brother Ronnie were evacuated to Cornwall during World War II, staying with Mrs. Travarthen of Troon. This experience fostered a lifelong connection, with many return visits to Cornwall over the years.
Scouting and Personal Milestones
Scouting was a significant influence on Lees through his involvement with the 2nd North London, 1st London Caledonians scouts at High Cross Congregational church in Tottenham. He actively participated in hiking competitions, camping expeditions, and gang shows. His Scout uniform is now part of the Scout Association's heritage collection, highlighting his enduring legacy in the movement.
It was at this church that he met Anne Hawkins, from a family involved in fish-selling, and they married there in 1957. By then, Lees was pursuing part-time studies at North East London Polytechnic, now the University of East London, for a diploma in architecture, following his secondary education at a technical school in Tottenham. During this period, he worked as an office junior to support his studies.
Architectural Career and Contributions
Upon qualifying, Lees continued with the same firm, working on development projects in towns across England, including Halewood and Maghull in Merseyside, Workington in Cumbria, and Arnold in Nottinghamshire. By the mid-1960s, he and Anne moved to Hatfield Broad Oak in Essex, where they spent the rest of their married life.
In the 1970s, Lees secured a position with the Home Office, designing prisons and young offender institutions, primarily in the north-east of England. He developed a fondness for the region, especially the Northumberland coast, where his family often vacationed.
Later Years and Legacy
After early retirement from the Home Office, Lees remained in Hatfield Broad Oak, where his architectural work is visible in many village buildings, designed to harmonize with the traditional character of the area. He was instrumental in founding the 1st Hatfield Broad Oak scout group and served as chair of its management committee for many years. Additionally, he enjoyed painting watercolours, often depicting St. Mary's church and churchyard.
Following Anne's death in 2007, Lees moved to Yorkshire, living in Huddersfield and later York, where he participated in several ecumenical lunch clubs. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, and a great-grandson, leaving behind a legacy of community service and architectural contributions.
