Builder and economist, a key figure in the rebuilding of London after the Great Fire. Laid out Essex Street in 1675. Also redeveloped Red Lion Fields and the Temple. It seems he was an extrovert rogue, dishonest and manipulative. Died, probably at his home in Osterley House, Middlesex, heavily in debt. Good write up at London Historians.
His father, a preacher and politician, had the unusual first name: "Praisegod". That we believe is true since the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography has an entry for Praisegod. Wikipedia's entry for Nicholas has his middle name as "Unless-Jesus-Christ-Had-Died-For-Thee-Thou-Hadst-Been-Damned". This is not mentioned in the ODNB so we wonder if it is one of those ho-ho-ho jokes for which Wikipedia's less-than-serious contributors are famed.
This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
Nicholas Barbon
Commemorated ati
Essex Street & Essex Hall
This plaque was first erected at 7 Essex Street in 1962 and then re-erected h...
Other Subjects
Raising the tower - Wandsworth All Saints
The upper storey of the west tower was added in 1841 to enable a peal of eight bells to be installed. The picture shows the tower in 1810, pre-works.
Frank Theobalds
Clerk of Works during the building of the Stanley Halls, and subsequently resident Secretary and Manager.
Robert Cromie
Architect. He designed many cinemas including the Hammersmith Apollo, as well as the Prince of Wales Theatre in London, and the interiors of the Theatre Royal Drury Lane and the Royal Court.
Frank Matcham
Theatre architect. Born Newton Abbot, Devon. Never qualified as an architect but designed at least 80 theatres and did some work on about the same number again. About 24 of his theatres survive rea...
Stephen Geary
Architect. He designed the Egyptian Avenue and the Terrace Catacombs in Highgate Cemetery.