William Kent, by Timothy Mowl
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.This lively biography of the "Architect, Designer, Opportunist" (1685-1748) is as idiosyncratic as its subject. Mowl starts with an account of a conversation overheard in Kent's birthplace of Bridlington: "quick, slightly camp... I could hardly follow it." Another example of Yorkshire camp, Kent was a paradigm of the 18th-century bachelor, keen on food and vulgar humour. Yet, he also invented the Gothic Revival (in Esher of all places) and created the classic "English Garden" still adored in France. A shame that the "Ruritanian Palace" he devised for Horse Guards was never realised in stone.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments