George Semple
Encyclopedia
George Semple was a notable Irish
builder and architect
.
, which he designed and erected in 1749.
He also built St. Patrick's Hospital (1749–57), which was founded in 1747 with money bequeathed by Jonathan Swift
following his death in 1745.
His best known work was Essex Bridge across the Liffey (now Grattan Bridge
). This was begun in 1752, and completed in 1754, and was considered one of the best bridges in Ireland. The government awarded him £500 for his efforts. Essex Bridge was taken down in 1872 and replaced by the present Grattan Bridge, leading from Parliament Street to Capel Street. Semple later wrote a book On the Art of Building in Water based on this project.
He constructed Headfort in the 1760s for Sir Thomas Taylour, later 1st Earl of Bective (1724–1795) (see Marquess of Headfort
). It lies above the River Blackwater, a tributary of the River Boyne, just outside the early ecclesiastical town of Kells
in the northwest of County Meath
.
In 1777 Semple was living in Queen Street, Dublin, where he died late in 1781 or early in 1782.
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
builder and architect
Architect
An architect is a person trained in the planning, design and oversight of the construction of buildings. To practice architecture means to offer or render services in connection with the design and construction of a building, or group of buildings and the space within the site surrounding the...
.
Life
His earliest known work is the steeple, 103 feet (31.4 m) in height, of St. Patrick's Cathedral, DublinSt. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin
Saint Patrick's Cathedral , or more formally, the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Patrick is a cathedral of the Church of Ireland in Dublin, Ireland which was founded in 1191. The Church has designated it as The National Cathedral of Ireland...
, which he designed and erected in 1749.
He also built St. Patrick's Hospital (1749–57), which was founded in 1747 with money bequeathed by Jonathan Swift
Jonathan Swift
Jonathan Swift was an Irish satirist, essayist, political pamphleteer , poet and cleric who became Dean of St...
following his death in 1745.
His best known work was Essex Bridge across the Liffey (now Grattan Bridge
Grattan Bridge
Grattan Bridge is a road bridge spanning the River Liffey in Dublin, Ireland, and joining Capel Street to Parliament Street and the south quays.-History:...
). This was begun in 1752, and completed in 1754, and was considered one of the best bridges in Ireland. The government awarded him £500 for his efforts. Essex Bridge was taken down in 1872 and replaced by the present Grattan Bridge, leading from Parliament Street to Capel Street. Semple later wrote a book On the Art of Building in Water based on this project.
He constructed Headfort in the 1760s for Sir Thomas Taylour, later 1st Earl of Bective (1724–1795) (see Marquess of Headfort
Marquess of Headfort
Marquess of Headfort is a title in the Peerage of Ireland. It was created in 1800 for Thomas Taylor, 2nd Earl of Bective. Despite the official title, the family unfailingly use the alternative rendering Marquis of Headfort, and this is the spelling more commonly encountered in references to family...
). It lies above the River Blackwater, a tributary of the River Boyne, just outside the early ecclesiastical town of Kells
Kells, County Meath
Kells is a town in County Meath, Ireland. The town lies off the M3 motorway, from Navan and from Dublin. In recent years Kells has grown greatly with many Dublin commuters moving to the town....
in the northwest of County Meath
County Meath
County Meath is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Mid-East Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It is named after the ancient Kingdom of Mide . Meath County Council is the local authority for the county...
.
In 1777 Semple was living in Queen Street, Dublin, where he died late in 1781 or early in 1782.