Burgh, Thomas (1670-1730)

Irish military engineer and architect. Burgh was born in Drumkeen, County Limerick, the son of the Rev Ulysses Burgh. In 1700 he was appointed surveyor general in Ireland, a post he held until his death. As well as remodelling numerous fortifications all over Ireland, including Dublin Castle, he provided 18th-century Dublin with the original Customs House (1707); Trinity College Library (1712-32); Dr Steeven's Hospital (founded 1717); the Linen Hall; the Royal Barracks (1701), now Collins Barracks; and numerous other smaller public buildings.

Burgh's architectural style was more sober than that of his contemporaries in England, such as the Baroque architects William Talman and John Vanbrugh. In particular, he favoured the arcading of ground floors and the provision of central blocks with five bays, crowned by a large pediment.