James Pain (1779-1877)

His obituary in The Irish Builder, “On the 13th ult., died at his residence in Limerick, at the age of ninety-seven, Mr. James Pain, one of the oldest, if not theoldest, architect in the United Kingdom. The deceased gentleman was born in London, of a well-known family distinguished in architectural and building affairs. He served in the office of the late John Nash, by whom he was sent to Ireland to superintend some important works, and eventually, with his brother, Mr. George Richard Pain, settled in Cork and Limerick, in which counties, as well as in the south and west of Ireland generally, the firm of James and G. R. Pain enjoyed for many years an extensive practice. Among their works may be noted Mitchelstown Castle, erected for the Earl of Kingston, a noble pile in the late Tudor style ; Dromoland Castle, for the Earl of Inchiquin; Lough Castle, for Lord Gort ; Elm Park, for Lord Clarina; and many others. Adare Manor, the residence of the Earl of Dunraven, was begun by them, and afterwards passed into the hands of the second Pugin, and finally into those of Mr. P. C. Hardwick.

They also designed the Cork court-house, possessing a splendid Corinthian portico, referred to by Lord Macaulay in his history, the Cork and Limerick prisons, Thomond and Athlunkard bridges over the Shannon, and several large churches, both Protestant and Roman Catholic, in the cities of Cork and Limerick. Mr. G. R. Pain died at a comparatively early age, but Mr. James Pain continued to reside in Limerick, and to practise his profession till within the last fewyears. He enjoyed a deservedly high reputation for his upright and honourable course of conduct, both amongst his employers and professional brethren, and, it may be added was highly respected by the working men of the local building trades as a just and impartial judge of the questions which so often arise between them and their employers. Mr. Pain was a distinguished “Mason.” His remains were interred in the Cathedral of Limerick on the 17th ult.”