Architect. Edward was born in Derby. The eldest child of Thomas Blore, a topographer and antiquary. Edward began in his fathers footsteps, becoming apprenticed to an engraver, he became a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries in 1823. His precise and atmospheric illustrations for the Rev. Philip Bliss’s Monumental Remains of Noble and Eminent Persons (1826) show the great skill and accuracy of his antiquarian drawings. Such work had already spilled over into architectural drawing and draughtsmanship, and by then he had already embarked on his highly successful career as an architect. His work had also attracted the attention of the influential Spencer family of Althorp, for whom he had illustrated T. F. Dibdin’s Aedes Althorpianae (1822). Through the Spencers’ patronage and friendship, he gained his first important commission, to restore Lambeth Palace (1823). More was to follow. Notably, from 1827-49 he was surveyor to Westminster Abbey, and, as a favoured architect of King William IV, and then to the queen in the early Victorian period, he carried out work at the royal palaces, Windsor Castle, Hampton Court and St James’s Palace. From 1829-31 he took over from Nash at Buckingham Palace — although his frontage there was later covered by Sir Aston Webb’s façade. As a recognized establishment architect, Edward was involved in many projects related to the British Empire; this included Government House in Sydney, Australia, which he designed in 1834 in the form of a Gothic castle. Edward  married and had a large family, of whom four survived him. He was successful and affluent. As well as his involvement with the Society of Antiquaries, he was a Fellow of the Royal Society, and one of the founder members of both the Royal Archaeological Association and the Institute of British Architects (later RIBA). He was offered but declined a knighthood. As well as his buildings, he left 48 volumes of his beautifully executed drawings, and additional sketchbooks. Edward died in London at the age of 91, nine days short of his 92nd birthday. (bio by: Shock)