Thomas Archer is responsible for some of the most celebrated country houses, churches and garden buildings in this country, yet remains one of the most overlooked architects of this period. This new study of Archer’s life and works reconsiders each of his designs afresh, and features new documentary evidence on many of his works. It also examines his architecture within its original landscape contexts, discussing his awareness of garden design and his potential role in the layout of the gardens surrounding his buildings. This is set against a backdrop of his previously unknown travel across Europe, his vibrant career at court, his role in designing several London churches. Richly illustrated and incorporating significant new findings, this work shines new light on an undervalued architectural master of the English Baroque.

Dr Helen Lawrence-Beaton is the in-house architectural historian at ADAM Architecture, with over twenty years’ experience in researching the development of historic houses, estates and settlements. Helen’s career began in fine art and art history, before she completed a masters in Garden History and a PhD in architectural history at the University of Bristol. She lives in Winchester, Hampshire with her family and lectures widely on Thomas Archer and the English Baroque. She remains a practising artist and printmaker in her spare time.