John Benson (architect) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids John Benson
Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne, Cork
Born	1812 Collooney, County Sligo, Ireland
Died	17 October 1874 Brompton, London, England
Nationality	Irish
Alma mater	Royal Dublin Society School of Architectural Drawing
Occupation	Architect
Spouse(s)	Mary Clementine Pyne (m. 1849)
Projects	Restoration of Markree Castle in Collooney
Design	Main pavilion for the Great Industrial Exhibition in Dublin, 1853

Sir John Benson (born 1812, died 1874) was a famous Irish architect. He was born in Collooney, a town in County Sligo. Even though he did a lot of work in Cork, he became a knight for designing a big exhibition in Dublin.

Sir John Benson's Life

Early Life and Learning

John Benson was born in 1812 in Collooney, County Sligo. When he was 21, he went to a special school in Dublin. This was probably the Royal Dublin Society's School of Architectural Drawing. One of his first jobs was helping to fix up Markree Castle in Collooney.

Becoming a Surveyor and Engineer

In 1846, Benson passed his surveyor's exam. He then worked as a county surveyor for Cork. He helped with important relief work during the famine in 1847.

In 1848, he became a consulting engineer for the Cork Harbour Board. He made the river easier for boats to use.

Designing Exhibitions and Becoming a Knight

John Benson was the architect for the Irish Industrial Exhibition in 1852. He also won a competition to design the main building for the Great Industrial Exhibition (1853) in Dublin. This was a very important event! Because of his amazing work on the 1853 exhibition, he was made a knight. From then on, he was known as Sir John Benson.

Other Important Projects

Sir John Benson was a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers. He worked as an engineer and architect for several railway lines. These included the Cork and Macroom Direct Railway. He also oversaw the renovation of the Theatre Royal, Cork in the 1860s.

Amazing Buildings and Designs

Sir John Benson designed many important buildings and structures. Most of these can be found in Cork, Ireland.

• The Firkin Crane

The Firkin Crane building was designed by Sir John Benson. It opened in 1855. This building has a unique round shape. It was once part of Cork's original Butter Exchange. Today, it is home to the Butter Museum.

• The Atheneum (Cork Opera House)

The Atheneum, which later became the Cork Opera House, opened in 1855. Its design was based on the exhibition buildings from the Irish Industrial Exhibition.

• Berwick Fountain

Sir John Benson also designed the Berwick Fountain in Cork. It was built in 1860.

• St. Patrick's Bridge

He designed St. Patrick's Bridge in Cork, which was completed in 1861. This bridge is still an important part of the city today.

• Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne

Sir John Benson designed the Western Tower. This tower is located over the main door of the North Chapel in Cork.

Images for kids

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  Firkin Crane, Cork

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  Cork Opera House, opened 1855

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  St Patrick's Bridge, Cork