Sir Thomas Drew (1838-1910)

Articled to Sir Charles Lanyon, Drew joined the office of William G. Murray and moved to Dublin. He became one of the most distinguished architects of the 19th century in Ireland, as well as being president of the RIAI and held the Chair of Architecture at the new National University of Ireland. Amongst his most important buildings are the Ulster Bank branch of Dame Street, Dublin (the interior of which has been destroyed); the Trinity College Graduate’s Building, Rathmines Town Hall, and St Anne’s Cathedral in Belfast.

He was inaugural President of the Royal Society of Ulster Architects, serving from 1901-1903. In addition, he was President of the RIAI, the RSAI and the RHA and held the chair in architecture at the National University of Ireland.

He married Adelaide Anne, sister of William G. Murray, in 1871. In his latter years Drew suffered from gout. He was affected by it in 1909, but returned to work by the beginning of 1910. In February 1910 he underwent an operation for appendicitis which left him in a critical condition, and he died on 13 March.

1813 – All Saints Church of Ireland, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath

Architects: Welland & Gillespie / Sir Thomas Drew

In April 1814 work commenced on the building of the present All Saints Church.

1815 – St. Brendan’s Church of Ireland, Birr, Co. Offaly

Architect: John Johnson / Sir Thomas Drew

Built in 1815, to a design by architect John Johnson, with four-bay nave and five-stage tower.

1816 – St. Gobhann’s Church of Ireland, Seagoe, Co. Armagh

Architect: Sir Thomas Drew

Largely constructed in 1816 near the site of former one, which had become too small.

1823 – St Andrew’s Church of Ireland, Lucan, Co. Dublin

A prominently sited church which acts as a landmark in the village. According to Edward McParland, in James Gandon: Vitruvius Hibernicus (1985),

1832 – St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral, Armagh

Architects: Lewis Cottingham / Thomas Drew

The present Anglican cathedral in the city is mostly a 19th century restoration of the 13th century shell and is sited on a hill in the centre of the city.