Robert Taylor

Who was Robert Taylor?

Sir Robert Taylor was a notable English architect of the mid-late 18th century.

Born at Woodford, Essex, Taylor followed in his father's footsteps and started working as a stonemason and sculptor, spending time as a pupil of Sir Henry Cheere. Despite some important commissions, he enjoyed little success and turned instead to architecture and ultimately became a leading architect of his time.

Among his earliest projects was Asgill House, built for a wealthy banker, Sir Charles Asgill, 1st Baronet, in Richmond upon Thames, and nearby Oak House. Through such connections, he came to be appointed as architect to the Bank of England until his death when he was succeeded by Sir John Soane. In 1769 he succeeded Sir William Chambers as Architect of the King's Works. His pupils included John Nash, Samuel Pepys Cockerell, George Byfield and William Pilkington.

In 1783, he served as a Sheriff of London and was knighted the same year.