Sir John, a celebrated English dramatic writer and architect, was descended of a family in Cheshire which came from France, though by his name he appears to have been originally of Dutch extraction. He was born about the middle of the reign of Charles II. and received a liberal education. His first comedy, called the Relapse or Virtue in Danger, was acted in the year 1697 with great applause; which gave him such encouragement, through encouragement, that he wrote eleven more comedies.

He was the friend of Mr Congreve, whose genius was naturally turned for dramatic performances; and these two gave new life to the English stage, and restored its flinking reputation. Sir John was also esteemed an able architect. Under his direction was raised Blenheim-house in Oxfordshire. He died in 1726.