John Roberts (1712-1796)

John Roberts was born in Waterford in 1712. His father was a local builder and although he may have learn some basic skills from him, his formal education is unclear. It is believed that he was partially trained as an architect in London. In 1746 John Roberts was requested by Bishop Richard Chenevix to complete the new Bishop’s Palace. This was his first major work in the city and led to further commissions in Waterford.

In 1785 he built the residence of William Morris, now the Harbour Commissioners’ headquarters and the Chamber of Commerce. In 1787 he was commissioned to build a new Leper Hospital on John’s Hill. Roberts also built the Assembly Rooms on the Mall in 1788, which is now the Theatre Royal and City Hall. Unique to Waterford, both the Catholic and Protestant Cathedrals were designed and constructed by the same architect, Roberts.

1746 – Bishop’s Palace, Waterford

Architect: John Roberts

1770 – St. Iberius’ Church, Main Street, Wexford

Architect: John Roberts

This late Georgian church, circa early 1770s,

1779 – Christchurch Cathedral, Waterford

Architect: John Roberts

1779 – Tyrone House, Kilcolgan, Co. Galway

Architect: John Roberts

Built for Christopher St George, ‘reputedly to the design of John Roberts,

1783 – City Hall, Waterford

Architect: John Roberts

Waterford City Hall was originally built in 1783 as an Assembly Rooms and Theatre.

1785 – Moore Hall, Co. Mayo

Architect: John Roberts

Also known as Moorehall, the house was constructed between 1792 and 1795.

1785 – Port of Waterford Company, Waterford

Architect: John Roberts

In 1785 John Roberts was invited to design the residence of William Morris.

1790 – St. John the Baptist’s Church, Cashel, Co. Tipperary

Architect: John Roberts / Walter G. Doolin

Designed by John Roberts the original structure of this church dates from the late-eighteenth century while the tympanum and other so-called embellishments were added by W.G Doolin in 1890.

1790s – Curraghmore, Portlaw, Co. Waterford

Architect: James Wyatt / John Roberts / Samuel Ussher Roberts

In the late eighteenth century,

John Roberts (1712-1796)

1746 – Bishop’s Palace, Waterford

1770 – St. Iberius’ Church, Main Street, Wexford

1779 – Christchurch Cathedral, Waterford

1779 – Tyrone House, Kilcolgan, Co. Galway

1783 – City Hall, Waterford

1785 – Moore Hall, Co. Mayo

1785 – Port of Waterford Company, Waterford

1790 – St. John the Baptist’s Church, Cashel, Co. Tipperary

1790s – Curraghmore, Portlaw, Co. Waterford

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