Walter Knight Shirley [commonly known as Walter K. Shirley; also known, from 1912, as The 11th Earl Ferrers] was born at Christ Church, University of Oxford in Oxford, England on 5 June 1864 and studied at Winchester College and New College, Oxford. He also attended the Architectural Association Schools in London.
From 1888 to 1892 he was articled to Basil Champneys in London, and on 1893 commenced independent practice as an architect in London. In 1911 he was elected a Licentiate of the Royal Institute of British Architects (LRIBA), and in 1922 was elected a Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects (FRIBA). He was elected a member of the Art Workers Guild (AWG) in 1902 and was Master of the AWG in 1918. He was also an active member of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) and was its Honorary Secretary
A frame in coloured leather designed by Shirley was shown in the 4th exhibition of the Arts & Crafts Exhibition Society at the New Gallery in London in 1893.
His address was given as 12 Buckingham Street, Strand, London in 1912 and 1914; and Staunton Harold, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire in 1923 and 1937
He died at Staunton Harold in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire on 2 February 1937.
A Biographical File on Walter Knight Shirley is available on request from the Enquiry Desk, RIBA Library, London
Designed the Linton Schools, Oxford. His work has been largely in connection with already existing buildings, including Thorpe Lodge, Campden Hill, W„ for the Right Hon. Montagu C. Norman, P.C.; and Sheffield Park, Sussex, for Mr. Arthur Soames. [Source: Who's Who in Architecture 1914]
Who’s Who in Architecture 1923. edited by Frederick Chatterton. London: The Architectural Press, 1923
Obituary’. RIBA Journal vol. 44, February 1937 p. 414
‘Obituary’. The Builder vol. 152, 12 February 1937 p. 381.