Basic Biographical Details

Name: John Fergus
Designation:  
Born:  
Died:  
Bio Notes: John Fergus was the son of John Fergus, an Edinburgh merchant. He was more of a land surveyor than an architect and was employed by the city as such.

In 1755 Fergus was admitted as a burgess of Edinburgh gratis in recognition of his 'good services'. He was also a freeman and a member of St Mary's Chapel. He was responsible for the construction of the Royal Exchange along with various other architects. The building of the Exchange did not prove to be profitable for him and in June 1758 William Mylne in a letter to his brother Robert about architects in Edinburgh reported that 'Fergus that was much in vogue is reduced to shelter himself in the Abby from his creditors. They say he might have done extremely well but ruined himself by bad company'.

Buildings and Designs

This was involved with the following buildings or structures from the date specified (click on an item to view details):
 Date startedBuilding nameTown, district or villageIslandCity or countyCountryNotes
Item 1 of 21754Edinburgh City Chambers  EdinburghScotlandWas one of a consortium of architects (the others wer Patrick Jamieson, a mason, and three wrights) who contracted to build the Royal Exchange to the designs of John Adam.
Item 2 of 21759George Heriot's Hospital  EdinburghScotlandDrew up and published with Robert Robinson a plan of the lands north of the castle belonging to Heriot's Hospital.

References

Bibliographic References

The following books contain references to this :
 Author(s)DateTitlePartPublisherNotes
Item 1 of 1Colvin, Howard2008A Biographical Dictionary of British Architects 1600-1840 London: YUP. 4th edition 

Periodical References

The following periodicals contain references to this :
 Periodical NameDateEditionPublisherNotes
Item 1 of 1Scots Magazine2 September 1754  Details of Royal Exchange contract.

Archive References

The following archives hold material relating to this :
 SourceArchive NameSource Catalogue No.Notes
Item 1 of 1Location not specified in ColvinMylne Family Letters