The 17th Annual Sir John T. Gilbert Lecture
Published on 7th March 2014
Alleys, annals and anecdotes: a new look at Gilbert's History of Dublin given by Séamas Ó Maitiú, on Thursday 23rd January 2014 at 6.00pm, at Dublin City Library & Archive, Pearse Street, Dublin 2. Dr. Séamas Ó Maitiú holds an MA in local History and was awarded a PhD by the National University of Ireland for his thesis on the development of Dublin suburbs in the 19th century. He is the author of several books including Dublin's Suburban Towns, 1834-1930 and W. & R. Jacob: celebrating 150 years of Irish biscuit making.
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About John T. Gilbert and the Gilbert Library
John T. Gilbert's valuable library of mainly 17th and 18th century books and manuscripts relating to Dublin and Ireland was purchased by Dublin Corporation after his death in 1898. It forms the nucleus of the special collections of Dublin City Public Libraries.
Born in 1829, Gilbert was author of the influential three volume 'History of the city of Dublin', published from 1857-59. He was a firm advocate of documenting the history of his native city using primary sources. His work on manuscripts relating to the city alerted him to the need for the preservation of Irish public records, many of which were in a neglected and vulnerable condition. He commenced a campaign, which eventually led to the setting up of the Public Records Office in the Four Courts. He calendared the records of Dublin Corporation, which date from the twelfth century, and began the series of printed volumes The calendar of ancient records of the city of Dublin.
The printed catalogue of the books and manuscripts of the Gilbert collection compiled by Douglas Hyde, LL.D & D.J. O'Donoghue is available for consultation in the Reading Room, Dublin City Library & Archive. View John T. Gilbert in the library online catalogue.
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