William Henry Barton was born in Gravesend, Kent on 26 May 1871 and was articled to Arthur Young (1853-?) for three years and remained with him for a further 18 months. He alao attended classes at the Architectural Association Schools in London. He then worked as an assistant to a surveyor at Teddington Urban District Council for six months; to Frank Matcham (1854-1920) for nearly five years; to Herbert Arthur Satchell (?1922) for three months; and to William George Robert Sprague (1863-1933). He commenced independent practice as an architect in 1905 and was elected a Licentiate of the Royal Institute of British Architects (LRIBA) From 1908 to 1927 he again worked with Sprague as his his assistant, and in 1927 they formed a partnership. Together designed the Streatham Hill Theatre in Lambeth, London in 1928-29.
Barton's address was given as 59, Agate Road, Hammersmith, Fulham in 1891; Thorndale Imber Lane Esher, Thames Ditton, Surrey 1911 and 1921; and Byeways Send Barns Lane, Burntcommon, Guildford. Surrey in 1939. He died in 1941.
A biographical file on William Henry Barton is available on request from the Enquiry Desk, Royal Institute of British Architects, London
Directory of British Architects 1834-1914. Compiled by Antonia Brodie, et al. Volume 1: A-K. London; New York: British Architectural Library, Royal Institute of British Architects/Continuum, 2001