Sculptor. Born William Hamo Thornycroft (but the William is normally dropped) at 39 Stanhope Street, Regent's Park. Son of sculptors Thomas and Mary Thornycroft. Studied at the Royal Academy Schools where he won a gold medal for 'A Warrior Bearing a Wounded Youth from the Field of Battle'. His many other works include the memorial to Major-General Gordon at Victoria Embankment. Knighted in 1917, he was the first recipient of the Royal Society of British Sculptors' gold medal. Died at the Acland Home in St Giles, Oxford.
Thomas Hardy, who had met Thornycroft's wife at a dinner party, considered her the most beautiful woman in England. Agatha provided him with the physical model for Tess Durbeyfield.
