I WAS UNAWARE OF THE BURNABY ESTATE AND ITS HISTORY
The Burnaby Estate is a significant part of Greystones’ history. Here are the key points:
Historical Context:
The first settlement in the Greystones area was the medieval Rathdown village, protected by Rathdown Castle, located less than a kilometer north of Greystones Harbour.
The name “Greystones” first appeared on a map of Wicklow in 1760, sometimes referred to as “Gray Stones.”
By 1795, Greystones was already known as a “noted fishing place.”
In 1800, it had a natural rock formation stretching into the sea, creating a natural harbour.
The arrival of the railway in 1855 significantly impacted Greystones’ development.
Railway and Growth:
Renowned engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel oversaw the construction of the scenic railway line from Bray to Greystones, which opened in 1855.
The railway station opened in 1856, leading to the development of the town.
Houses were built on Church Road, Trafalgar Road, and Bayswater Terrace (near the harbour) from the 1860s.
The La Touche family, who owned land stretching from Rathdown Upper to the present-day railway station, played a role in this development.
The Burnaby Estate:
The Burnaby Estate, constructed mainly between 1895 and 1910, was Ireland’s first planned housing estate.
It was instigated by Alfred Wynne, the land agent of the Hawkins Whitshed estate.
The estate was named after Frederick Burnaby, the first husband of Elizabeth Hawkins Whitshed, who inherited the family estate.
The Burnaby Estate embraced an artistic and aesthetically pleasing style, departing from the dark and imposing architecture of the industrial era.
Large homes with sizeable gardens characterised the estate.
Population and Hotels:
By 1910, Greystones had a population of around 900, with two-thirds being Protestant.
The Church of Ireland had been enlarged several times to accommodate growing summer congregations.
The town attracted many visitors during the summer months, leading to the establishment of multiple hotels, including the Grand Hotel (later known as the La Touche Hotel).
In summary, the Burnaby Estate played a crucial role in Greystones’ development, and its artistic approach to housing design set it apart during that era. The estate’s legacy continues to be recognised today as a testament to Ireland’s early suburban planning and aesthetics.
Historical Context:
The first settlement in the Greystones area was the medieval Rathdown village, protected by Rathdown Castle, located less than a kilometer north of Greystones Harbour.
The name “Greystones” first appeared on a map of Wicklow in 1760, sometimes referred to as “Gray Stones.”
By 1795, Greystones was already known as a “noted fishing place.”
In 1800, it had a natural rock formation stretching into the sea, creating a natural harbour.
The arrival of the railway in 1855 significantly impacted Greystones’ development.
Railway and Growth:
Renowned engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel oversaw the construction of the scenic railway line from Bray to Greystones, which opened in 1855.
The railway station opened in 1856, leading to the development of the town.
Houses were built on Church Road, Trafalgar Road, and Bayswater Terrace (near the harbour) from the 1860s.
The La Touche family, who owned land stretching from Rathdown Upper to the present-day railway station, played a role in this development.
The Burnaby Estate:
The Burnaby Estate, constructed mainly between 1895 and 1910, was Ireland’s first planned housing estate.
It was instigated by Alfred Wynne, the land agent of the Hawkins Whitshed estate.
The estate was named after Frederick Burnaby, the first husband of Elizabeth Hawkins Whitshed, who inherited the family estate.
The Burnaby Estate embraced an artistic and aesthetically pleasing style, departing from the dark and imposing architecture of the industrial era.
Large homes with sizeable gardens characterised the estate.
Population and Hotels:
By 1910, Greystones had a population of around 900, with two-thirds being Protestant.
The Church of Ireland had been enlarged several times to accommodate growing summer congregations.
The town attracted many visitors during the summer months, leading to the establishment of multiple hotels, including the Grand Hotel (later known as the La Touche Hotel).
In summary, the Burnaby Estate played a crucial role in Greystones’ development, and its artistic approach to housing design set it apart during that era. The estate’s legacy continues to be recognised today as a testament to Ireland’s early suburban planning and aesthetics.
I WAS UNAWARE OF THE BURNABY ESTATE AND ITS HISTORY