(1753–1837). Soane’s neo-classical architecture displayed an originality and control that places him among a small group of innovators. He concentrated on the detailing of internal spaces and lighting, frequently incorporating shallow domes, segmental arches, and clerestories, which he emphasised with linear ornamentation and colour.

• 1753: Born in Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire
• Son of a bricklayer; surname Swan
• 1768: Trained and an architect under George Dance the Younger (1754–1824)
• 1771: Entered the Royal Academy Schools.
• 1772: Winner of Royal Academy’s Silver Medal. Became Assistant to Henry Holland
• 1776: Winner of Royal Academy’s Gold Medal
• 1777–80: Travelled in Italy on RA scholarship. In Rome he met builder Frederick Hervey, the Bishop of Derry, with whom he went to Ireland.
• Unable to find work in Ireland, Soane returned to East Anglia, England where he established a practice.
• 1788: Appointed Surveyor to the Bank of England. His growing contacts from this along with money inherited from his father-in-law's helped him build a successful practice.
• 1790–1795: Architect for rebuilding of Buckingham House. 
• 1805–07: Designed Gothic Library at Stowe (see Saving Wotton, page 24). 
• 1806: Professor of Architecture at the Royal Academy
• 1813–14: Remodelled Library and dressing room at Buckingham House. 
• 1814: Appointed to the Board of Works, a post retained until his retirement in 1832.
• 1819: Prepared designs for Sudeley Castle, which were not executed. 
• 1821–22: Reconstructed Wotton House for the Marquis of Buckingham
• 1832: Knighted
• 1833: Obtained an Act of Parliament to establish his house as a national architecture museum the benefit of 'amateurs and students' in architecture
• 1833: Acquired Cardinal Marino Grimani's Commentary on the Epistle of St Paul and three Renaissance copies of the Book of Hours from the first Duke.
• 1834. Acquired 275 antique Roman gemstones from first Duke at a cost of £1,000.  
• 1837: Died in London; Act of Parliament comes into force.

Sir John Soane's Museum

Sources

Include: Saving Wotton, Soane and the Grenvilles.