John James (architect)
John James (architect) (c. 1673 – 1746) was an English architect, garden designer, and author, known primarily for his contributions to the English Baroque style and his role as Surveyor to St Paul's Cathedral.
James was born in Henley-on-Thames. Little is known about his early training, but he is believed to have traveled to France and Italy, likely influenced by the architectural styles he encountered there.
His architectural works include:
-
St George's, Hanover Square, London: One of the twelve new churches built under the 1711 Act for Building Fifty New Churches in London. James was initially one of the appointed architects and was responsible for this particular church.
-
Wricklemarsh, Blackheath, Kent (demolished): A significant country house in the Palladian style.
-
Cannons, Middlesex (as a surveyor under James Gibbs): James acted as surveyor during the construction of Cannons, a grand estate built for the Duke of Chandos. While James Gibbs was the architect, James played a crucial role in overseeing the construction.
-
Numerous Parish Churches: He designed or altered several other parish churches, reflecting the demand for new ecclesiastical buildings in the early 18th century.
In addition to his architectural practice, James translated and published several important architectural treatises into English, making them accessible to a wider audience. These included works by French architects like Claude Perrault. His translations helped disseminate continental architectural ideas and contributed to the development of English architectural theory.
James succeeded Sir Christopher Wren as Surveyor to St Paul's Cathedral in 1723 and held the position until his death in 1746. He oversaw the ongoing maintenance and repair of the cathedral during this period.
His legacy rests on his contributions to church architecture, his translation of influential architectural texts, and his stewardship of St Paul's Cathedral. While some of his major works have been lost, his influence on the architectural landscape of early 18th-century England is undeniable.