Charles Barry was a prominent British architect born in 1795, best known for his role in designing the Palace of Westminster in London. He worked in the Gothic Revival style, which aimed to revive medieval architectural elements. Barry's design for the palace was completed in 1876, after a fire destroyed the original building in 1834. In addition to the Palace of Westminster, Barry contributed to various other projects, including the National Gallery and several churches. He was also involved in urban planning and played a significant role in the development of public buildings in London during the 19th century.