Patrick Knight (engineer)

Last updated
Patrick Knight
Bornc.1790 Castlebar, County Mayo
Died1844(1844-00-00) (aged 53–54)
Trim, County Meath
Resting placeOld Cemetery, Castlebar
Occupationengineer, architect, surveyor, author
LanguageEnglish
NationalityIrish

Patrick Knight (c.1790-1844) was an Irish engineer, surveyor, architect, geologist, cartographer and folklore collector who was involved in planning and engineering projects in County Mayo in the early 19th century. He died in 1844 and is buried in Castlebar. [1]

Contents

Early life

Knight was born around 1790 in Castlebar, County Mayo, to a working-class Catholic merchant family. [1] Along with his brother, Simon, he trained as an apprentice surveyor and cartographer. [1]

Career

Early surveying work (1809-1813)

Mayo map with Mullet Peninsula in the upper left Mayomap.jpg
Mayo map with Mullet Peninsula in the upper left

Knight's professional career began in 1809 when he first visited the Erris region. From 1809 to 1812, he worked as an assistant engineer to William Bald in surveys of the bogs of south and east Mayo for the Royal Commission. [2] During this same period, he was employed as an assistant cartographer in Bald's Trigonometrical Survey of County Mayo (1809-1813). This early work established his skills in cartography and civil engineering. [1]

Road development (1817-1824)

From 1817 to 1822, Knight worked as an assistant engineer for William Bald in creating the Castlebar Road to Tarmon Pier via Belmullet. This infrastructure project was later completed between 1822 and 1824 with the assistance of the engineer Alexander Nimmo. The road was described as having "thrown open Erris to improvement" and connected the remote western regions of Mayo to the rest of Ireland. [1] [3]

Design and development of Belmullet (1824-1836)

In 1824, Knight received a commission from William Henry Carter, the principal landlord of Erris, to plan and construct a new town at Belmullet. [4] The site was chosen on an isthmus between Blacksod Bay and Broadhaven Bay, requiring reclaimation of land from marshes. [5]

A map in the book of Belmullet town from 1836 165 of 'Erris, in the "Irish Highlands," and the "Atlantic Railway." (With Map.)' (11012152725).jpg
A map in the book of Belmullet town from 1836

Knight's design for Belmullet demonstrated an "understanding of contemporary European urban design" principles. [1] He created a regular rectilinear grid of streets radiating from a central square, built on a constructed polder reclaimed from marsh. Knight contributed £227 of his own funds toward building the town's pier, demonstrating his commitment to the project's success. The pier was executed "in a style equal, if not superior, to any other in the country" and became the only exporting pier in Erris. [1]

Proposals

Knight also proposed that Belmullet be developed as a transatlantic hub. He advocated for the town to become a packet station with railway connections to Dublin, proposing additional infrastructure including a ship canal across the isthmus, expanded docks, and a railway terminus. His vision included mathematical calculations which sought to highlight Belmullet's advantages over other proposed locations for transatlantic shipping routes. [6]

Later career

Escutcheon of the Institution of Civil Engineers, of which Knight was a member Institution of Civil Engineers Escutcheon.png
Escutcheon of the Institution of Civil Engineers, of which Knight was a member

By 1840, Knight was recorded as resident in Trim, County Meath. In 1841, he began working at the Valuation Office on Baggot Street, Dublin, where he became a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers. [2] During this period, he may have worked with Richard Griffith of the Valuations Office, who had previously drawn bog maps and reported on Erris for the Royal Commission. [1]

Personal life

During his time in Erris, Knight became integrated into the local community. He married Sarah Gamble, daughter of Arthur Gamble of Surgeview, whose family was "known for their generosity to their tenants, particularly in times of hardship". [1] Knight's household became known for its appreciation of poetry, song, and music, reflecting his interest in local culture beyond his engineering work. [1]

His niece, Olivia Knight (1830-1908), became an Irish-Australian poet and essayist. [1]

Publications

Erris in the Irish Highlands and the Atlantic Railway

Published in 1836, Knight's major work, Erris in the Irish Highlands and the Atlantic Railway, presented an examination of the Erris region, combining geographical study with ambitious proposals for economic development. The book was dedicated to William Henry Carter, acknowledging his role in regional development. [7]

Title page of Erris and the Irish Highlands and the Atlantic Railway by Patrick Knight Title page of Erris and the Irish Highlands and the Atlantic Railway by Patrick Knight.png
Title page of Erris and the Irish Highlands and the Atlantic Railway by Patrick Knight

Content

The work provided an unprecedented study of Erris,[ original research? ] which Knight described as having been "almost entirely neglected, or even explored, by persons of science or influence". His analysis covered the region's physical geography, including its rugged coastlines, boglands, and mountainous landscapes with elevations up to 2,300 feet. He detailed the area's climate and ecosystem, while also examining the agricultural potential of varied soil qualities across the region. [6]

Knight's examination extended to observations of local infrastructure, natural resources, and social conditions. He documented the region's harbours, particularly Broadhaven and Blacksod Bay, analyzing their potential for maritime trade and fishing industry development. His geological observations included studies of the region's mica-slate mountains, quartz deposits, and porphyry dikes. [1]

Development proposals

The book presented proposals for regional development, centred on the Atlantic Railway concept. Knight envisioned this railway as a transformative project that would position Erris at the centre of transatlantic commerce. He outlined plans for connecting Belmullet to Dublin via rail, with additional branches serving other western towns and creating an integrated transportation network. [6]

Knight's infrastructure proposals included plans for harbour improvements, canal construction, and urban development. He particularly emphasized the strategic importance of Belmullet's position between two major bays, arguing that the area's geography made it ideal for transatlantic shipping routes. His proposals included specific engineering solutions for challenges posed by the region's terrain and climate. [6]

Other publications

In 1833, Knight published several articles on geology in the Journal of the Geological Society of Dublin. [6]

Cultural interests

Knight also contributed to the preservation of local cultural heritage. He developed an interest in the work of Erris poet Riocard Bairéad, whom he visited at Leam Cottage. Knight praised Bairéad as a man of "real genius" and "a more original, feeling, delightful composer in his native language to all the grand and soul-stirring airs of Carolan". Through his documentation efforts, Knight helped preserve several examples of local poetry and song. [1]

Death and legacy

Knight died in 1844, with his death recorded in the minute papers of the Institution of Civil Engineers. In January 2024, members of Belmullet Town's Bicentenary Committee discovered and cleaned his previously overgrown tomb in the Old Cemetery, Castlebar, laying a wreath in recognition of his contributions to the development of Belmullet. [1]

Old Cemetery in Castlebar where Knight was buried Old Cemetery in Castlebar where Patrick Knight was buried.jpg
Old Cemetery in Castlebar where Knight was buried

Knight's influence on western Ireland's development extended beyond his immediate engineering work.[ original research? ] As one of the first generation of native Irish civil engineers, his work bridged scientific and technical skills with development goals and social transformation. [6] [ page needed ] While his grand schemes for Belmullet as a transatlantic hub were never realized, his infrastructure developments had lasting impact.[ original research? ] His combination of practical engineering skills with broader development vision influenced subsequent approaches to infrastructure development in western Ireland. [6] [ according to whom? ][ original research? ]

See also

Further reading

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">County Mayo</span> County in Ireland

County Mayo is a county in Ireland. In the West of Ireland, in the province of Connacht, it is named after the village of Mayo, now generally known as Mayo Abbey. Mayo County Council is the local authority. The population was 137,231 at the 2022 census. The boundaries of the county, which was formed in 1585, reflect the Mac William Íochtar lordship at that time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Belmullet</span> Town in County Mayo, Ireland

Belmullet is a coastal Gaeltacht town with a population of 1,019 on the Mullet Peninsula in the barony of Erris, County Mayo, Ireland. It is the commercial and cultural heart of the barony of Erris, which has a population of almost 10,000. According to the 2016 census 50% of people in the town were able to speak Irish while only 4% spoke it on a daily basis outside the education system.

Bangor Erris is a town in Kiltane parish in Erris, County Mayo, Ireland with a population of over 300. It is on the banks of the Owenmore River and is a "gateway" to the Erris Peninsula linking Belmullet with Ballina and Westport. It is located at the foot of the "Bangor Trail" a 22-mile mountain pass across the Nephin Beg Mountain Range to Newport. Approximately 2 km away is Carrowmore Lake, Bangor is a centre for wild atlantic salmon and sea trout fishing. Bangor Erris is located in the Parish of Kiltane. Due west from Bangor are the towns of Belmullet, Geesala, Mulranny, Westport and Doolough.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Erris</span> Barony in County Mayo, Ireland

Erris is a barony in northwestern County Mayo in Ireland consisting of over 230,452 acres (932.61 km2), much of which is mountainous blanket bog. It has extensive sea coasts along its west and north boundaries. The main towns are Belmullet and Bangor Erris. The name Erris derives from the Irish 'Iar Ros' meaning 'western promontory'. The full name is the Iorrais Domnann, after the Fir Bolg tribe, the Fir Domnann. To its north is the wild Atlantic Ocean and the bays of Broadhaven and Sruth Fada Conn and to its west is Blacksod Bay. Its main promontories are the Doohoma Peninsula, Mullet Peninsula, Erris Head, the Dún Chiortáin and Dún Chaocháin peninsulas and Benwee Head.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mullet Peninsula</span> Peninsula in County Mayo, Ireland

The Mullet Peninsula —also known as the Mullet and sometimes as the Erris Peninsula—is a peninsula in the barony of Erris in County Mayo, Ireland. As of 2016 it has a population of 3963. It consists of a large promontory connected to the mainland at Belmullet, a town of about 1,000 inhabitants, by a narrow isthmus. There are several villages on the Mullet peninsula including Aughleam, Elly, Corclough and Binghamstown. The Peninsula is about 33 km (21 mi) long and ranges from 200 metres (660 ft) to 12 km (7.5 mi) wide. Its northernmost point is Erris Head. The peninsula's doglegged shape forms two bays, Blacksod Bay and Broadhaven Bay.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Glenamoy</span> Village in County Mayo, Ireland

Glenamoy is a village in the civil parish of Kilcommon, Erris in the northern part of County Mayo in Ireland. The R314 road passes through Glenamoy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Binghamstown</span> Townland in Connacht, Ireland

Binghamstown is a townland and village in County Mayo, Ireland. It lies on the R313 regional road on the Mullet Peninsula, near the town of Belmullet. The townland of Binghamstown has an area of approximately 3 square kilometres (1 sq mi), and had a population of 106 people as of the 2011 census. Binghamstown is in the electoral division of An Geata Mór Thuaidh.

Riocard Bairéad, was an Irish poet and satirist best remembered for his songs Eoghan Coir, a mock lament for a landlord's bailiff, and "Preab san Ól", a drinking song which is said to sum up "his merry philosophy of life". He was among the United Irishmen in his native County Mayo who survived their French-assisted insurrection in August 1798. Bairéad wrote in both Irish and English, and in a macaronic mixture of the two. His satirical style that has been compared both to Jonathan Swift and to Robbie Burns.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Glencastle</span> Village in Ireland

Glencastle is a small village, electoral division and townland in the northwest of County Mayo, Ireland. The townland of Glencastle has an area of approximately 2,337 acres (9.46 km2).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kilcommon (County Mayo civil parish)</span> Parish in Connacht, Ireland

Kilcommon is a civil parish in Erris, north County Mayo, consisting of two large peninsulas; Dún Chaocháin and Dún Chiortáin. It consists of 37 townlands, some of which are so remote that they have no inhabitants. Habitation is concentrated mainly along both sides of Sruwaddacon Bay which flows into Broadhaven Bay, in villages including Glengad, Pollathomas, Rossport, Inver and Carrowteige, and in the Glenamoy area further inland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Broadhaven Bay</span> Bay in County Mayo, Ireland

Broadhaven Bay is a natural bay of the Atlantic Ocean on the northwestern coast of County Mayo, Ireland. The opening of the bay faces northward, stretching 8.6 km between Erris Head in the west and Kid Island/Oileán Mionnán in the east.

Doolough is a coastal townland covering an area of approximately 2,493 acres (10 km2) in the parish of Kiltane, Erris in north County Mayo, Ireland. It is southeast of Belmullet town and is part of the Mayo Gaeltacht.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blacksod Lighthouse</span> Lighthouse

Blacksod Lighthouse is a lighthouse at the southern end of the Mullet Peninsula, Erris, County Mayo, at the entrance to Blacksod Bay. It is made of local granite blocks, which are believed to have come from Termon Hill, a nearby isolated outcrop of high-quality granite.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carrowmore Lake</span> Lake in County Mayo, Ireland

Carrowmore Lake is situated in the parishes of Belmullet, Kiltane and Kilcommon Erris, County Mayo between the villages of Bangor Erris and Barnatra at the southern end of Broadhaven Bay. The freshwater lake is over 4 miles (6 km) long and almost 3 miles (5 km) wide at its widest point. Glencullen's two townlands line its eastern shore and Rathmorgan and the Knocknascollop mountains rise up along its western shores. Carrowmore is not a deep lake and it provides the drinking water for the whole of the Erris area. It is fed by the Carrowmore River and drains into the Owenmore River on its way to Blacksod Bay. The lake is designated as a S.P.A. in E.U. law and also as 000476 Complex S.A.C..

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ballycroy, County Mayo</span> Village in County Mayo, Ireland

Ballycroy is a village in the civil parish of Kilcommon in County Mayo, Ireland. It was the location for the 1982 television film The Ballroom of Romance. The ballroom used in the film still exists, albeit in a derelict condition, and is located at Doona Cross, west of the village. Ballycroy is home to one of Ireland's National Parks, Wild Nephin (Ballycroy) National Park.

The civil parish of Kilcommon in Erris, northern County Mayo, Ireland has a total of 37 townlands: small geographic divisions of land in Ireland and Scotland's Outer Hebrides. Townlands originated in Gaelic Ireland, and predate the late-12th-century Anglo-Norman invasion. However, some townland names are derived from British plantations and Norman manors.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blacksod Bay Railway Terminus</span> Unbuilt Irish railway terminus

The Blacksod Bay Railway Terminus was a proposed railway terminus intended to have been constructed at the southernmost tip of the Mullet Peninsula, in Blacksod in County Mayo, Ireland in the first decades of the twentieth century. The large building was intended to serve as the main railway terminus for a proposed trans-atlantic ocean liner terminal that would have collected passengers from the isolated peninsula and competed with the Port of Liverpool in England as the main embarkation point for North American-bound passengers. The catchment area for passengers was expected to include not only Ireland, but also Britain and Scandinavia too.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fallmore</span> Townland in Connacht, Ireland

Fallmore is a Gaeltacht village and townland in County Mayo, Ireland. Situated in the southern part of the Mullet Peninsula within the barony of Erris, Fallmore townland spans approximately 704 acres (2.84 km2) and, as of 2011, had a population of 75 people. Fallmore townland also encompasses the village of Blacksod.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Inver, County Mayo</span> Village in County Mayo, Ireland

Inver is a Gaeltacht village and townland in northwest County Mayo, Ireland. It is situated in the barony of Erris and civil parish of Kilcommon, bordering Broadhaven Bay. Inver townland has an area of approximately 671.6 acres acres and, as of 2011, had a population of 114 people.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 "Wreath laid on the grave of a great Mayo man, Patrick Knight". Connaught Telegraph. 9 January 2024.
  2. 1 2 "Knight, Patrick". Dictionary of Irish Architects 1720-1940. Retrieved 2024-01-09.
  3. Wilkins, Noël P. (2009) Alexander Nimmo, Master Engineer, 1783-1832: Public Works and Civil Surveys. Dublin: Irish Academic Press.
  4. Bourke, Keith (28 December 2023). "Belmullet is gearing up for a momentous 2024". Western People. [In 1824] Carter tasked engineer and Castlebar native Patrick Knight to design a planned town [..] between Broadhaven and Blacksod bays
  5. Conway, Tony. "History of Belmullet Town, Belmullet Co. Mayo, in the West of Ireland". Mayo Ireland. Retrieved 2024-01-09.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Butler, R. J. (2021), "Transatlantic exchange, urban development and heterogeneous engineering in the west of Ireland: Belmullet's unbuilt railways, c. 1820-1920" (PDF), in Butler, R. J. (ed.), Dreams of the Future in Nineteenth-Century Ireland, Liverpool: Liverpool University Press, pp. 215–44, ISBN   9781800856752
  7. Knight, Patrick (1836). Erris in the Irish Highlands and the Atlantic Railway. Dublin: Martin Keene and Son.