Webster Paulson facts for kids

Webster Paulson (born December 11, 1837 – died August 16, 1887) was a talented engineer from England. He is famous for his important building projects in Malta during the late 1800s.

Early Life and Training

Webster Paulson was born in Lincolnshire, England. He went to Grammar School in Grantham. After school, he learned the building trade at a company called Thomas Cubitt's firm in London. This training helped him become a skilled builder.

Moving to Malta and Big Projects

In 1861, Paulson moved to Malta. His first big job was to help build the Royal Opera House in Valletta. This beautiful building was designed by Edward Middleton Barry.

A few years later, in 1865, Paulson worked as a contractor. He helped build the Holy Trinity Church in Sliema. This church was designed by Gordon MacDonald Hills.

Working for the Government

Paulson decided to stay in Malta. He got a job as a Temporary Clerk of Works for the government. This meant he helped manage building projects. He kept working in public works, which are projects for everyone to use.

In 1873, the Royal Opera House caught fire. Paulson was living there at the time, so he lost all his belongings. After the fire, he helped redesign the inside of the theater with Emanuele Luigi Galizia.

In 1876, Paulson became part of the British Institute of Civil Engineers. He later became an Associate Member. In 1880, he joined the Public Works department. He worked on many projects all over Malta.

Other Important Buildings

Besides government projects, Paulson also worked for private people. Some of his notable works include:

• The Camenzuli Chapel at the Addolorata Cemetery (1875).
• The Jewish Cemetery in Marsa (1879).
• His most famous work, the Casino Notabile in Mdina (1887–88). This building has a mix of different architectural styles.

He also helped supervise the building of the Vincenzo Bugeja Conservatory in Santa Venera (1880). He also worked on the Methodist Church in Floriana (1881). Paulson was also involved in building the St. Vincent de Paul Hospital in Luqa. This hospital was finished in 1892.

Personal Life and Legacy

Webster Paulson was married to Fanny Paulson. He was also a Freemason, which is a member of a social and charitable organization. In 1885, he became the leader of his local group, called the United Brethren Lodge No. 1923.

Sadly, Paulson became sick with cholera in August 1887. This was during a time when many people got sick from the disease. He passed away on August 16 after being ill for six days. We don't know exactly where he was buried. It might have been in the Birgu cemetery, the Lazzaretto cemetery, or the Cholera Cemetery in Floriana. These cemeteries were later damaged during World War II.

Images for kids

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  The Jewish Cemetery in Marsa (1879)

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  The Casino Notabile (1887–88), Paulson's most famous and final work