Sir James Knowles (1831-1908) was an English architect and editor. He designed, among other things, the home of Alfred Lord Tennyson, on condition there was no fee; this led to a close friendship. Knowles founded the Metaphysical Society, to encourage the leading representatives of faith and science to meet and exchange views. He was knighted in 1904, and was married twice. He died at Brighton and was buried at the Brighton Extra Mural Cemetery.