NASH, JOHN, an architect, of Welsh descent, was born in London in 1752. After studying architecture with unwearied perseverance under Sir Robert Taylor, he became a measuring surveyor and speculative builder. In course of time he retired to a small property at Caermerthen. In 1790, however, misfortune induced him to resort to architecture for a livelihood; and in 1792 he took up his abode in London. He soon acquired extensive business; and in 1797 he is found receiving a patent for a new mode of using hollow iron boxes in the construction of the arches and piers of bridges. In 1812 he was employed to plan the laying out of Regent's Park, of which he afterwards designed all the terraces, except Cornwall Terrace. A more successful undertaking was the planning of Regent Street in 1813. In carrying out this plan, he endeavoured to give a picturesque effect by uniting several houses into one façade, and covering the bare brick walls with the newly-introduced Roman cement. In 1815, through royal favour, he was appointed architect, valuer, and agent for
letting land, to the Board of Woods and Forests. In this capacity he laid out the routes and designed the architecture of several streets. He also assisted Repton in altering and enlarging the Opera House in 1816-18, built the Haymarket Theatre in 1820-21, commenced Buckingham Palace in 1826, and superintended the improvements in St James's Park in 1827-29. The large fortune which Nash had acquired from these and other enterprises enabled him to retire in 1834. His death took place in May of the following year at East Cowes Castle.