William Kent was born in Yorkshire in 1684. He studied painting in Rome (1709-19) and played an important role in introducing the Palladian style of architecture into Britain. In London Kent designed the Treasury, the Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall, and the Royal Mews in Trafalgar Square.

Kent was a versatile designer. His work included the interiors of Burlington House and Chiswick House, the gardens at Stowe House in Buckinghamshire and the Gothic screens at Westminster Hall and Gloucester Cathedral. William Kent died in 1748.