Spence, Sir Basil Urwin (1907-1976), a British architect, is best known for his work on Coventry Cathedral and the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom. Making traditional use of modern techniques and materials, he designed churches, hospitals, houses, housing estates, exhibitions, flats, schools, theaters, and university buildings. Examples of his work include a comprehensive school at Sydenham, Kent, and St. Martin’s School in Shrewsbury, Shropshire. His work is represented at the universities of Liverpool, Durham, Southampton, Nottingham, Glasgow, and Exeter.
Spence was born on Aug. 13, 1907, in Bombay (now Mumbai), India. He was educated at London and Edinburgh universities. Spence was knighted in 1960 by Queen Elizabeth II. He died on Nov. 19, 1976.
