History of Waterford - 18th Century Waterford

18th Century Waterford

The 18th century was a period of huge prosperity for Waterford. Most of the city's best architecture appeared during this time. Trading with Newfoundland brought much wealth into what was then the third largest port.

One of the most important dates in Waterford's history is 1783. In that year George and William Penrose founded a glass factory. So began Waterford Crystal for which the city is so famous.

There was no armed uprising in the neighbourhood as part of the 1798 Rebellion, the probability of such being set aside by the rebel defeat at Wexford. There was, however, considerable United Irishmen activity in the city and district, where secret recruitment had been going on apace. Among those arraigned for seditious activity at the time was the toll collector of the then five-year-old wooden bridge over the Suir.