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Robert Smythson




Smythson designed a number of notable houses during the Elizabethan era. Little is known about his birth and upbringing - his first mention in historical records comes in 1556 , when he was Freemason for the house at Longleat , built for Sir John Thynne . He later designed Hardwick Hall and Wollaton Hall among others.

Smythson's style was more than fusion of influences; although Renaissance , especially Sebastiano Serlio , Flemish , and English Gothic notes can be seen in his work, he produced some ingenious adaptations, resulting in classically detailed, innovative domestic buildings. Hardwick in particular is noted for its use of Glass .

Smythson died at Wollaton in 1614; his son John Smythson was also an architect.