Much of the blame could be laid at the feet of the city's greatest public builder, Robert Moses.
"The French are the greatest builders of forts."
His grandfather, also Robert, was Britain's greatest builder of lighthouses, and his graceful towers continue to guide sailors today.
The greatest builder of them all, he erected three examples, with bases ranging from 144 to 220m (472 to 721ft) square.
Mayne "went to Carlisle with a reputation for scholarship and left after becoming the greatest builder for 100 years."
A century after Chillenden's death, he was called by John Leland "the greatest builder' among the priors".
Setthathirat was the greatest builder in Lao history.
Yacub el-Mansur, one of Morocco's greatest builders, was responsible for much of this Almohad wall.
He was once called "the greatest builder of Jerusalem since Herod."
As Bishop of Aberdeen, Lichton was one of its greatest builders.