Richard Morrison (architect) facts for kids
Sir Richard Morrison (born 1767, died 31 October 1849 or 1844) was an important Irish architect. He designed many famous buildings across Ireland. His work included grand homes and public buildings. He even worked with his son, William Vitruvius Morrison.
About His Life
Richard Morrison was born in Midleton, County Cork, in Ireland. His father, John Morrison, was also an architect. Richard was first meant to study for the church. But he later became a student of James Gandon, a very famous architect in Dublin.
He got a job in the ordnance department in Dublin. This was thanks to his godfather, Richard Boyle, 2nd Earl of Shannon. However, Richard soon left this job. He wanted to become a full-time architect instead. He married Elizabeth Ould and they had at least four children.
For some time, he lived in Clonmel. His second son, William Vitruvius Morrison, was born there. Around 1800, Richard moved to Dublin. He then settled in Bray, County Wicklow.
Richard Morrison died in Bray on 31 October 1849. He was buried in Mount Jerome Cemetery, Dublin. Some records say he died earlier, in 1844.
In 1839, he helped start the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland. He became its first vice-president. In 1793, he also published a book called Useful and Ornamental Designs in Architecture.
What He Built
Richard Morrison designed many buildings. He often worked with his son, William Vitruvius Morrison. Some of their joint projects include:
- Baronscourt, near Newtownstewart in County Tyrone (from 1835)
- Killruddery House, near Bray in County Wicklow
- Ballyfin, north of Mountrath in County Laois
- Fota, near Cork in County Cork
Richard Morrison also designed Knockdrin Castle. This castle is just north of Mullingar in County Westmeath.
One of his notable works was the 1819 redesign of Shelton Abbey. This building in Arklow, County Wicklow, was changed to look like a Gothic fantasy castle.
Morrison worked on many public and private buildings across Ireland. His public projects included changes to the cathedral at Cashel. He also designed courthouses and jails. Examples include the courthouse and jail in Galway. He also worked on courthouses in Carlow, Clonmel, Roscommon, and Wexford. He designed St Mary's Pro-Cathedral, a large Catholic church in Dublin.
He built or changed many grand homes for important families in Ireland. In 1841, he was honored by the Lord Lieutenant, Thomas de Grey, 2nd Earl de Grey. He was given the title of Knight, which means he became "Sir Richard Morrison."
