John Wood, the Elder

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This article is about the 18th-century English architect. For other people with similar names, see John Wood (disambiguation).

The Circus

John Wood (1704- May 23, 1754, Bath), also named Wood of Bath, was an English architect. He worked principally in the city of Bath, South West England.

John Wood, (The Elder), was born in Yorkshire, Northern England. He is known for designing many of the streets and buildings of Bath, such as the Circus, Queen Square, Prior Park, the North and South Parades, and other notable houses.

Detail of some of the emblems used by Wood in The Circus

Many of the buildings he designed are littered with Icons and symbols associated with Freemasonry, leading many people that have studied his work to believe that he was a member of the society, even though there is no documentary proof. Wood wrote extensively about sacred geometry, and argued that the myths of the supposed founder of Bath, King Bladud were based on truth. He claimed that ancient British stone circles were the remains of once more alaborate buildings designed by Bladud.

His final masterpiece was the Circus, built on Barton Fields outside the old city walls of Bath. He demonstrated how a row of town houses could be dignified, almost palatial. The uses of uniform facades and rhythmic proportions in conjunction with classical principles of unerring symmetry were followed throughout the city.

His son, John Wood, the Younger was also an architect.