Sir Richard Costain

In St Margaret's Church Westminster is a window given in memory of Sir Richard Costain, industrialist and building contractor. The window is one of a series on the south wall by John Piper and Patrick Reyntiens. A small slate plaque below the window reads:

This window was given in memory of Richard Rylandes Costain Kt. C.B.E. 1902-1966. Fellow of the Institute of Building

He was born in Crosby, Lancashire on 20th November 1902, a son of William and his wife Maud (Smith). Their building business had been started by William's father Richard. Young Richard followed his father to London and they constructed many domestic and industrial buildings. The large block of flats in Dolphin Square was one of their biggest projects and later he helped develop Harlow New Town. In 1954 he was knighted. His wife was Gertrude Minto and they had a son and two daughters. He died on 26th March 1966.

Further reading

Oxford Dictionary of National Biography 2004