Engineering and Technology

Wade, George (1673–1748), field marshal and military road builder, was born most likely at Killavally, near Tyrellspass, Co. Westmeath, third son of Jerome Wade, farmer, and grandson of William Wade, a Cromwellian army officer. Reputedly of exceptionally large build, he joined the…

Waller, James Hardress de Warrenne (1884–1968), engineer and inventor, was born in Tasmania, tenth and youngest child of George Arthur Waller from Nenagh, Co. Tipperary, and Sarah Waller (née Atkinson). After attending school in Hobart, he served a two-year pupilage with his brother…

This is a co-subject for the entry on Watson, William. View the original entry.

This is a co-subject for the entry on Watson, William. View the original entry.

Watson, William (1804–83), engineer, was born in Dublin on 23 February 1804, the only surviving son of William Watson, a bookseller who was descended from a Worcestershire family. He entered TCD on 3 July 1820, graduating…

Wheeler, Thomas Sherlock (1899–1962), chemist, was born 10 April 1899 at 48 Clonliffe Road, Dublin, eldest son of Martin Redmond Wheeler, clerk (MA), and Bridget Wheeler (née Sherlock). He received his early education in the O'Connell Schools,…

Wigham, John Richardson (1829–1906), lighthouse engineer and businessman, was born 15 January 1829 at 5 South Gray St., Edinburgh, youngest son among four sons and three daughters of John Wigham, shawl manufacturer and quaker, and Jane Wigham (née Richardson). Their mother's death…

Williams, Charles Wye (1779–1866), shipping magnate and inventor, was born in Dublin, second of two sons of Thomas Williams (1748–1832), secretary of the Bank of Ireland, and Mary Ann Williams (née Quin or Quine), both of Dublin. Educated by private tutors, Charles later studied law…

Wilson, Walter Gordon (1874–1957), engineer and inventor of the tank, was born 21 April 1874 at his family's home, Dunardagh, Temple Road, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, fifth son of George Orr Wilson, barrister, and Annie Wilson (née Shaw). Educated as a naval cadet at…

Wolff, Gustav Wilhelm (1834–1913), shipbuilder, businessman, and politician, was born in Hamburg, the son of Moritz Wolff and Fanny Maria Schwabe. Gustav left home at the age of fourteen to study engineering at Liverpool College, staying with his uncle Gustav Schwabe. He was…

Woulfe, Peter (1727?–1803), chemist, mineralogist, and inventor of ‘Woulfe's bottle’, was born in Co. Limerick. After being schooled in Limerick by the Rev. Robert Cashin, he went to Paris to study under Guillaume-Francois Rouelle, on the advice of…

Wright, William (1918–85), professor of civil engineering, was born 3 December 1918 in Stewarton, Ayrshire (Strathclyde), Scotland, son of James Wright, presbyterian minister; his mother's name is not known. He received his early education at Inverness Royal Academy and George…