John Wood, the Elder

This article is about the 18th century English architect. For other people with similar names, see John Wood (disambiguation).

John Wood
Born1704
Twerton, England
Died(1754-05-23)23 May 1754 (Aged 49–50)
Bath, England
OccupationArchitect
BuildingsSt John's Hospital, Prior Park, The Royal Mineral Water Hospital
ProjectsQueen Square, North and South Parades, The Circus

John Wood, the Elder (1704 – 23 May 1754) was an English architect, working mainly in Bath.

In 1740 he surveyed Stonehenge and the Stanton Drew stone circles. He later wrote extensively about Bladud and Neo-Druidism. Because of some of his designs he is also thought to have been involved in the early years of Freemasonry.

His notable work in Bath included: St John's Hospital, Queen Square, Prior Park, The Royal Mineral Water Hospital, the North and South Parades and The Circus. Wood also designed important buildings outside Bath, including the reconstruction of Llandaff Cathedral, Buckland House, The Exchange, Bristol, and Liverpool Town Hall. He has been described by Nikolaus Pevsner as "one of the outstanding architects of the day".[1]

  1. ^ Pollard & Pevsner 2006, p. 286.