1789 – Bishop Gate, City Walls, Derry, Co. Derry
The present Bishop Gate was built in 1789 as a triumphal arch to mark the first centenary of the closing of the gates by The Apprentice Boys of Derry.
Edward Smyth was born in County Meath, and apprenticed to the sculptor Simon Vierpyl and subsequently by Hugh Darley the builder. Darley recommended him to James Gandon who cancelled work from Agostino Carlini and Thomas Banks in London. As a result Smyth carved many of the figures and riverine heads of the Custom House including Plenty and Industry, Commerce and the figures in the pedimented south front. Later he was to sculpt all the carving for the Four Courts and the King’s Inns. He was responsible for the additional sculptures added to the Parliament Building by Francis Johnston during its conversion to the Bank of Ireland.
The present Bishop Gate was built in 1789 as a triumphal arch to mark the first centenary of the closing of the gates by The Apprentice Boys of Derry.
This was the first purpose built Parliament House in the world and was constructed at a great time of public confidence in Dublin.
The Chapel Royal, or as it is now known the Church of the Most Holy Trinity,
This was the last great public building designed by James Gandon and was designed to provide study and residence facilities for barristers.
Edward Smyth was born in County Meath, and apprenticed to the sculptor Simon Vierpyl and subsequently by Hugh Darley the builder.