Ormond Historical Society talk on architect who left his legacy on county's Big Houses

The next talk at Ormond Historical Society will look at the legacy of architect William Leeson, who was responsible for designing several Big Houses in counties Tipperary and Galway during the 18th century.

He also won a competition in 1757 to design the layout of the new town of Westport in county Mayo. It is thanks to his vision and design that this much-praised town still exists in its present form.

Sadly, all of Leeson’s Tipperary houses - apart from one - have fallen victim to the ravages of time and a changing economic and political landscape. 

William Leeson and his work is the subject of the Ormond Historical Talk on Monday, December 11, in the Abbey Court Hotel, starting at the usual time of 8pm.

The talk is entitled The Lost Legacy of William Leeson - His Tipperary and Galway Big Houses, and the speaker is John Flannery, well-known Nenagh local historian and lecturer.

 His Talk will focus on the life of William Leeson, with a particular emphasis on the county Tipperary Big Houses he is credited with designing.

These included Castle Otway, Lissenhall, Kilboy, Traveston, Peterfield and Prior Park.

He will also consider some of the architect’s work in county Galway, including Clonbrock House.

The talk also looks at Leeson’s award-winning design of Westport town and his work for John Browne, First Earl of Altamont of Westport House.

All welcome to come along to this interesting talk about a man who left a deep impression on the Tipperary landscape.

Admission: €10; OHS members free.