In 1740 Wood surveyed Stonehenge and the Stanton Drew stone circles. He later wrote extensively about Bladud and Neo-Druidism.

 

Because of some of his designs he is also thought to have been involved in the early years of Freemasonry.

 

His notable work in Bath included, St John's Hospital, Queen Square, Prior Park, The Royal Mineral Water Hospital, the North and South Parades and The Circus.

 

Wood also designed important buildings outside Bath, including the reconstruction of Llandaff Cathedral, Buckland House, The Exchange, Bristol, and Liverpool Town Hall. He has been described by Nikolaus Pevsner as "one of the outstanding architects of the day".

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Wood died in Bath and was buried in the churchyard of St Mary's church, Swainswick.

 

Many of his building projects were continued by his son John Wood the Younger, including, Royal Crescent, Bath Assembly Rooms  and Buckland House. He also finished The Circus.