Born on 5th July 1817 Pearson grew up in Durham. He commenced architectural training aged 13 being articled to Ignatius Bonomi. In 1842 aged 25 he moved to London to work in the offices of Salvin and Philip Hardwick but the following year began a practise of his own in Bloomsbury. In June 1862 Pearson married Jemima Christian and their son, Frank, was born in 1864. Jemima died soon after.

Spending time abroad in France, Germany and Belgium Pearson's particular style developed further so that he was awarded the Royal Gold Medal in 1880 for the outstanding merit of his architectural work. Quality of work and attention to detail were hallmarks of his work rather than quantity of projects even after the increase of work demanded of him following his commission of Truro Cathedral which his son, Frank was to complete. Likewise Pearson's plans for Brisbane Cathedral in Australia were, following his death, revised and realised by Frank.

The attraction of Pearson's work was his exemplary ability to provide what the Gothic Revival demanded. However, as St. Theodore's Church illustrates he was also an innovator frequently, for example, providing different patterns in the mouldings of his vaulting, of which he was considered a master.

In common with other Victorian architects Pearson did not simply design a shell but filled it with his own design of fittings. This is evident particularly within the light fittings which he designed and have recently been rehung as part of St. Theodore's Restoration . These provide a theme of wrought iron work that is taken up in his design of the Chancel gates and the scre en dividing the Lady Chapel from the Chancel. The Bishop's throne, apart from the diocesan crest, is identical to that found in Truro Cathedral. In common with much of his work his vision for the stained glass windows at St. Theodore's Church was trusted to the famous Messrs. Clayton and Bell.