Peter Benson (architect) facts for kids
Peter Benson (born around 1570 – died 1642) was a skilled English builder and architect. He is mostly remembered for constructing the strong Walls of Derry in Ireland.
Benson was born in London, England. He was one of seven children. He started his career as a bricklayer and tiler. Soon, he became known as a talented architect.
Building the Walls of Derry
Peter Benson was chosen to build the Walls of Derry in 1614. This was a huge project. The walls were finished in 1619. The cost was about £10,000. Benson was still owed some money for his work in 1624. Even so, he became quite wealthy from his projects.
The walls were built very well. They were so strong that they survived the Siege of Derry in 1689. Today, most of these historic walls are still standing.
Life and Public Service
Benson gained a lot from the Plantation of Ulster. This was a time when land in Ireland was given to new settlers. He received large areas of land. Much of it was near Lifford, County Donegal. He got about 1,500 acres. He rented out some of this land.
He also designed the new town of Stranorlar on his estate. He built a large manor house there. In 1621, he became a "burgess" of Derry. A burgess was an important citizen. He was later elected Mayor of Derry in 1639. Peter Benson passed away in Derry on August 24, 1642.
Family Life
Peter Benson married Jane Hobson in 1597. They had six children together. Later, around 1608, he married Margaret Pateshall. They had four more children. Margaret was still living in Stranorlar in 1654.
Two of his most well-known children were Richard and Prudence. They were likely from his first marriage. Richard inherited the family's lands. These included estates in Stranorlar and near Derry city. Richard became a military commander. He defended the town of Barnstaple during the English Civil War.
Prudence married Thomas Knox in 1625. He was a bishop. Sadly, he died young, just three years later. He left behind a son. Prudence's family later lived mostly in Ireland. They married into the important Grogan family.
His Last Will
Peter Benson wrote his will the day before he died. He made sure Richard received a good inheritance. This included the manor house at Stranorlar. He also left gifts to Prudence and her son, Thomas Knox junior. Most of his wealth went to his wife Margaret and their children. Margaret and her oldest son, Peter junior, were in charge of his estate.
