1699 – West Front, Trinity College Dublin
Illustration of the original west front of Trinity College, as illustrated in Charles Brookings map of 1728. Demolished in the 1750s.
Trinity College Dublin
In 1320 a University was founded at St Patrick’s Cathedral with the approval of Pope Clement V and it continued until the end of the 15th century when lack of funds caused its closure. In 1547 Archbishop Browne tried to revive it unsuccessfully. In 1584 Queen Elizabeth I issued an edict ‘to consider how a college might be erected’ – St Patrick’s was considered unsuitable and All Hallow’s priory was chosen for the site of Trinity College.
Since its foundation by Queen Elizabeth I in 1592, Trinity College Dublin, the sole constituent college of the University of Dublin has expanded steadily to the point where it now has over nine thousand students. To house these students and provide the latest in facilities, the college has pursued an enlightened policy of commissioning architecture from some of the best architects in Ireland and Britain. Accordingly the college has some of the most important building in Dublin, not just from the eighteenth century but also the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
1700 – The Rubrics, Trinity College Dublin
The Rubrics are the oldest existing buildings in Trinity College and were built around 1700. Originally part of a quadrangle of similar buildings,
1700s – Library Square, Trinity College Dublin
From Lewis, A Topographical Dictionary of Ireland, 1837 “The second quadrangle, called the Library-square, is 265 feet in length and 214 feet in breadth.
1700s – Northern Range of the Rubrics, Trinity College Dublin
In May 1897, tenders were invited by Trinity College, Dublin, to design a replacement for these residential buildings popularly known as Rotten Row.
1732 – Long Room Library, Trinity College Dublin
Architect: Thomas Burgh
The old Library of Trinity College (old because of a newer neighbour built by Ahrends Burton Koralak) is Thomas Burgh’s masterpiece.
1734 – Printing House, Trinity College Dublin
Architect: Richard Cassels
This is probably Richard Cassel’s first independent work in Dublin. It is a little building with a doric temple front,
1746 – Belfry, Trinity College Dublin
Architect: Richard Cassels
“The old Hall, which extended from the present Campanile in the direction of the College gate,
1759 – West Front, Trinity College Dublin
Architect: Theodore Jacobsen
Until recently it was assumed that two english architects Henry Keene and John Sanderson were responsible for the design of the main west front of Trinity College.
1760 – Dining Hall, Trinity College Dublin
Architect: Hugh Darley
In the 1740s Richard Cassels designed and built a Dining Hall on this site replacing an earlier structure.
1760 – Provost’s House, Trinity College Dublin
The Provost is the head of Trinity College and accordingly a sumptuous residence was provided. Originally the position was held until death with the next incumbent being elected by the fellows of the college.
