James Peacock (architect) facts for kids

Portrait of James Peacock by William Nicholson, inscribed on the reverse: "Mr Peacock/Architect/by/Mr Nicholson R.S.A" (n.d.)

James Peacock (1735/1738–1814) was an English architect and surveyor. He practised in London and wrote on architecture and social problems, his main project being to find employment for the destitute.

Life

James Peacock, born about 1738, became assistant to George Dance the Younger when Dance was appointed architect and surveyor to the City of London at Guildhall. He retained his post for 'nearly 45 years', and was also employed by Dance in his private practice. Finsbury Square (1777–1791) was a result of their joint labours, and at No. 17 Peacock himself lived and died. His former residence was at Coleman Street Buildings. In 1801–2 Peacock designed the first Stock Exchange in Capel Court, and he "restored and preserved" St. Stephen's, Walbrook. There is also a drawing by him in the King's collection, British Museum, of the elevation of the Mines Royal, Dowgate Hill.

He died on 22 February 1814, "universally beloved and respected", "in his seventy-ninth year", according to the Gentleman's Magazine; but according to the inscription on the tombstone in the back cemetery of St. Luke's, Old Street, he was in his seventy-sixth year.

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