Richard Castle, Architect

Castle, Richard, an eminent German architect, who settled in Ireland, and erected some of the principal buildings in Dublin, resided in Suffolk-street in 1720. In 1736 he published An Essay toward Supplying the City of Dublin with Water. His principal designs were the mansions at Powerscourt and Carton, the Rotunda Hospital, Leinster House, Tyrone House, College Printing Office, portions of the College Chapel, and the Music Hall in Fishamble-street, where Handel's Messiah was first performed, the acoustic properties of which were highly praised by the composer. Castle is described as a man of strict integrity, somewhat whimsical, highly esteemed both as an artist and an agreeable companion, and one who might have acquired great wealth, but was in constant difficulties. He died at Carton, 19th February 1751, aged between 50 and 60, and was buried at Maynooth. [The name is variously written — Castle, Castles, Cassel, and Casell. He is mentioned as Robert Cassels in Whitelaw and Walsh's History of Dublin.]

Sources

10. Archaeological and Historical Association of Ireland, Journal. Dublin, 1853-'77.