Laurence Binyon

“ PEACOCK, JAMES (1738?–1814) , architect, born about 1738, became assistant to George Dance the younger [q. v.] when Dance was appointed architect and surveyor to the city of London at Guildhall. He retained his post for ‘nearly 45 years,’ and was also employed by Dance in his private practice. Finsbury Square (1777–1791) was a result of their joint labours, and at No. 17 Peacock himself lived and died. His former residence was at Coleman Street Buildings. In 1801–2 Peacock designed the first Stock Exchange in Capel Court, and he ‘restored and preserved’ St. ”

“ In 1789 he published ‘Superior Politics,’ and in 1798 ‘The Outlines of a Plan for establishing a United Company of British Manufacturers.’ All of these tracts set forth, with various modifications, Peacock's main project of ‘giving protection and suitable incitement, encouragement, and employ to every class of the destitute, ignorant, and idle poor who shall be healthy, able to work, and willing to conform ... ”