George Scott was born in Gawcott, Buckinghamshire in 1811. He became an architect and as a young man was influenced by the ideas of Augustus Welby Pugin. Scott was a leading figure in the Gothic revival and was responsible for designing a large number of public buildings.

Some of Scott's most important work includes The Martyrs Memorial at Oxford (1841), Brighton College (1848), Home and Colonial Offices (1858), Albert Memorial (1862), St Pancras Station (1865), Glasgow University (1865), Episcopal Cathedral in Edinburgh (1867).

In 1868 Scott was appointed as professor of architecture at the Royal Academy. Sir George Scott died in 1878 and is buried in Westminster Abbey.