Richard Taliaferro (/ˈtɒlɪvər/TOL-iv-ər;c. 1705–1779) was acolonial architect and builder inWilliamsburg,Virginia, in what is now the United States. Among his works isWythe House, aGeorgian-style building that was built in 1750 or 1755. It was declared a U.S.National Historic Landmark in 1970.[1][2][3][4] Other works were public buildings, including theGovernor's Palace, theCapitol, and the President's House at theCollege of William & Mary.[5]
Richard Taliaferro was born about 1705 in England, theTaliaferros, who had settled in Virginia in the early 17th century from London.[6] He lived most of his adult life at his plantation,Powhatan, inJames City County outside Williamsburg. Taliaferro built the Wythe House in Williamsburg for his daughter, Elizabeth, and her husband,George Wythe. In his 1775 will, he gave them life tenancy in the house upon his death: "In the name of God Amen, I, Richard Taliaferro of the Parish and county of James City, being aged, but of sound mind and memory, do make my last will and testament as forth with. I give and desire my house and lotts in the city of Williamsburg situate on the west side of Palace Street, and on the North side of the Church yard, to my son-in-law Mr. George Wythe and his wife, my daughter Elizabeth during their lives. ...and I do hereby constitute and appoint my Son-in-law the said George Wythe and my said son Richard Taliaferro Executors of this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all former wills by me made."
Taliaferro died on 3 July 1779 at the age of 74 "with the gout in his head".[7]
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