He was born in London, the son of the painter, Thomas Stothard. After studying in the schools of the Royal Academy, he began, in 1810, his first historical picture, the Death of Richard II in Pomfret Castle. He published in 1811 the first part of his valuable work, The Monumental Effigies of Great Britain.
He was appointed historical draughtsman to the Society of Antiquaries, and was deputed by that body to visit Bayeux to make drawings of the tapestry. He was made a fellow of the society in 1819, and subsequently engaged in numerous journeys with the view of illustrating the works of D Lysons. While engaged in tracing a portrait from one of the windows of the church of Beer Ferrers, Devon, he fell and was killed on the spot. His widow (afterwards Mrs Bray), with her brother, completed his Monumental Effigies, left unfinished at his death.
A biography, by his widow, was published in 1823.
This entry was originally from the 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica.