Dictionary of Irish Architects 1720 - 1940

Bricklayer and measurer, of Stephen Street, Dublin. James Darby is referred to as a bricklayer in the account book of St Peter's parish in 1749 and also in the vestry minutes for the following year.(1) He measured repairs to the Parliament House in 1751(2) and provided an estimate for repairing St Kevin's church in 1753.(3) He is described as a measurer in Wilson's Dublin Directory from 1761 until 1783 and as 'City Measurer' in the Royal Dublin Society's Minutes for 27 Feb 1765.(3) He represented the Bricklayers' Guild on the Common Council of Dublin City between 1762 and 1765.(4) In his will, dated 18 October 1786, he left all his property, apart from a few small bequests, to his wife 'Elinor Darby otherwise Meleda' and his daughter, Mary.(5)

Addresses:(6) Stephen Street, 1761-75; 8 Stephen Street, 1776-1782; 6 Stephen Street, 1783.



References



(1) Information from Kenneth Severens (IAA, Edward McParland files, Acc. 2008/44).
(2) See note 1, above.
(3) TCD MS 2062,122 (IAA, Edward McParland files, Acc. 2008/44).
(4) CARD XI, 481.
(5) Eilish Ellis and P. Beryl Eustace, eds., Registry of Deeds Dublin Abstracts of Wills…1785-1832, (Irish Manuscripts Commission, 1984), 5 (no. 10).
(6) From Wilson's Dublin directories.