Inigo Jones

It's the birthday of the English architect, Inigo Jones, born today in 1573.

Jones introduced classical Roman architecture and the Italian Renaissance to Britain.
He left his mark on London by his design of buildings, such as the classically styled Queen's House for James' queen, Anne of Denmark. Sadly, Anne died after work on the building started. It took another 15 years before it was finished; It was presented to queen Henrietta Maria. Inspired by an Italian palace, it caused a sensation when it was revealed.
Today, gardeners remember that Jones designed the layout for Covent Garden square. The Duke of Bedford asked Jones to build a residential square using the Italian piazza for Inspiration. The Duke felt he had to include a church, but he told Jones to put up something simple like a barn. Jones' famous response was that the Duke would have "the finest barn in Europe." Covent Garden square became the chief produce market for Londoners.