(1664–1726)
an English architect and writer of plays. His plays, which are late Restoration comedies , include The Relapse (1696) and The Provok’d Wife (1697). In his mid 30s he began a second career as an architect, working with Nicholas Hawksmoor . Together they designed several grand houses and other buildings, including Castle Howard and Blenheim Palace. He was made a knight in 1714.