Edward Strong the Elder

Edward Strong the Elder (1652–1724) was a British sculptor mainly working in London in the 17th and 18th centuries. He led a team of 65 masons and were responsible for many important projects including the rebuilding of St Paul's Cathedral and Blenheim Palace.

Life

Edward came from a long line of masons and quarry owners and was the son of Valentine Strong (1609–1662) and Anne Margetts. Valentine had built Sherborne House for Sir John Dutton 1651 to 1653. His grandfather Timothy Strong rebuilt the frontage of Cornbury House in 1631. His elder brother Thomas Strong was also a mason but died young in 1681.

In 1680 he became a full guild member of the Masons Company of London. London was still in the aftermath of the Great Fire and many major rebuilding projects were planned. Strong formed a business relationship with Christopher Wren around 1680 with their first joint project being St Benet's, Paul's Wharf one of the many churches destroyed in the fire. There most important joint project was St Paul's which is nor only the magnum opus of Wren but also of Strong. Strong oversaw the bulk of the ornamentation including the frontage and the dome.

Wren and Strong appear to have been friends over and beyond their long-standing business connection, and the relationship was certainly mutually beneficial. Their sons were particularly close (see below). It is likely that they spent much private time together discussing the practicalities and design options of various design features.

He died on 8 February 1724 and was buried in the Church of St Peter, St. Albans. His monument has a bust and is probably by this son.