Dictionary of Irish Architects 1720 - 1940

Amateur architect. William Richey Bailey, son of Robert Bailey and a native of Co. Antrim, was admitted to Trinity College, Dublin, in July 1837 at the age of nineteen. He obtained a BA degree in 1847, an MA in 1850, and DD in 1865.(1) He was rector of Clogher, Co. Tyrone, from 1874-1885. He is described in a history of Clogher cathedral as 'a skilled musician and architect, who carved the Cathedral Stalls and restored with his own hands the Cathedral stairway'.(2)  A letter from 'Mrs Bailey' published in the Irish Times of 8 April 1903 lists his work on the fabric of the cathedral as  'making with his own hands' the machinery for the carillon,  'helping, with his own hands, those of hise young carpenter, William Graham' with the wainscotting and seats for the Dean and Chapter in the Chapter House; the decoration of the vestibule 'in the same style', and carving 'with his own hands' the fleur-de-lys on the wainscotting in the body of the cathedral, The letter also seems to suggest that he carved the Bishop's throne which he copied from the Archbishop's throne in Armagh Cathedral designed by JOHN HENRY FULLERTON JOHN HENRY FULLERTON . .



References



(1) G.D. Burtchaell & T.U. Sadleir, eds., Alumni Dublinenses (1935), I, 32.
(2) St Macartan's Cathedral 5th C-1960, ?.


1 work entries listed in chronological order for BAILEY, WILLIAM RICHEY


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Building: CO. TYRONE, CLOGHER, CATHEDRAL OF ST MACARTAN (CI)
Date: 1880ca
Nature: Choir stall carving, restoration of stairway
Refs: St McCartan's Cathedral 5th C - 1960