William Frederick Wakeman facts for kids

Wakeman's illustration of pilgrims rowing to Station Island on Lough Derg, County Donegal.

William Frederick Wakeman (born 1822, died 1900) was an important Irish archaeologist. He started his career as an artist, drawing amazing pictures. Later, he became a writer, sharing his knowledge about old things.

William Wakeman's Life Story

William Frederick Wakeman was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1822. His father worked as a publisher. William became a student of George Petrie, who was also an expert in old things.

Early Career as an Artist

Wakeman worked as a draughtsman for the Ordnance Survey of Ireland. A draughtsman is someone who makes detailed drawings. He created many pen and pencil sketches. These drawings showed different land features and ancient objects, called antiquities.

His drawings from this time are now kept safe at the Royal Irish Academy. They help us understand what Ireland looked like long ago.

Former District National Model School in Enniskillen, where Wakeman taught in later life.

Becoming an Archaeologist

After the drawing department of the Survey closed, Wakeman became a teacher. He taught at St. Columba's College in County Meath. He also taught at the Portora Royal and District National Model schools in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh.

Eventually, he stopped focusing on art as much. He decided to follow his passion for archaeology. Archaeology is the study of human history through digging up old things.

Later Life and Passing

William Frederick Wakeman passed away on October 15, 1900. He died in Coleraine, which is in County Londonderry, Ireland.