1891 – Selected Design for Cork Court House

After the destruction of the interior of Cork Courthouse in a fire in early 1891, an architectural competition to rebuild it was held. Thirteen entries were submitted, with that of W.H. Hill successful.

“We published the report of the referee Mr Thomas Drew RHA in this competition, our issue for Oct 23rd last, and today we illustrate the chosen design, the author of which Mr W.H. Hill FRIBA architect of Cork. It will be remembered that the pediment in the centre of the composition shows the existing old part which is to be retained. The assessor writing of this design says – It is an admirable straightforward plan, well lighted and in-extravagant evidencing complete familiarity with the procedure of Irish law courts and the provisions to be made for it. The conditions save cost are well observed, the Courts placed next the side but quieter streets give some advantages to the rest of the plan. My estimate is 23,300 or taking away dome for comparison with other designs 22,500. We shall shortly illustrate second premiated design by Sir T.N. Deane and Son architects of Dublin.” The Building News and Engineering Journal, December 25
1891