William Talman (architect)

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William Talman (1650–1719) was an English architect and landscape designer. He trained under Sir Christopher Wren. In 1678 he and Thomas Apprice obtained the office of King's Waiter in the Port of London, possibly thanks to Henry Hyde, 2nd Earl of Clarendon.

From May 1689 to 1702 he was Comptroller of the Royal Works. In 1689 William Bentinck appointed Talman and George London as deputies in his role as Superintendent of the Royal Gardens.

In these roles, Talman worked with Wren on rebuilding Hampton Court Palace and its gardens. He even proposed a cheaper interior decoration plan, which helped him win the commission over Wren.

Talman’s best-known work is Chatsworth House, regarded as the first Baroque private house in Britain. He may also have designed St Anne’s Church, Soho.

Talman was often described as surly and difficult to get along with. Charles Howard preferred John Vanbrugh for Castle Howard, and Vanbrugh later replaced Talman as Comptroller of the Royal Works in May 1702.

He contributed to many English country houses throughout his career.

William Talman died on 22 November 1719 in Felmingham, Norfolk, England, aged about 68 or 69. He was born at Eastcott Manor House, West Lavington, Wiltshire.