Born in Norwich, England, Brown was the son of a prominent local builder and architect. He showed an early talent for art and architecture and was apprenticed to his father at the age of 16. After completing his apprenticeship, Brown traveled to London to study architecture under Sir Robert Smirke, the leading architect of the day.
In 1827, Brown won the Royal Academy Gold Medal for his design for a new library and museum. This success led to his appointment as the architect of All Saints Church, Margaret Street, London, which is considered one of the most important examples of the Gothic Revival style in England. The church is notable for its use of polychrome brickwork and its richly carved interior.
In addition to his work as an architect, Brown was also a prolific writer and scholar. He published several books on Gothic architecture and history, including The Principles of Gothic Architecture (1841) and The History of the Gothic Revival in England (1849). These books helped to popularize the Gothic Revival style and to establish it as a major force in British architecture.
Brown died in London in 1883 at the age of 77. He is considered one of the most important figures in the Gothic Revival movement and his work continues to be admired and studied today.