John Thomas Gilbert

Sir John Thomas Gilbert, LLD, FSA, RIA (23 January 1829 – 23 May 1898) was an Irish archivist, antiquarian and historian.

Early life and education John Thomas Gilbert was born on 23 January 1829, the second son of John Gilbert, an English Protestant, who was Portuguese consul in Dublin, and Marianne Gilbert, an Irish Catholic, daughter of Henry Costello. He was born in Jervis Street, Dublin. His early days were spent at Brannockstown, County Meath.

He was educated at Bective College, Dublin, and at Prior Park College near Bath, England. He received no university training, as his mother was unwilling for him to attend the Anglican Trinity College, Dublin, which was at that time the only university in Dublin.

Gilbert's works in Celtic studies included photographic reproductions of ancient Irish manuscripts and editions of Leabhar na h-Uidhre and Leabhar Breac.

Gilbert received the honorary degree of LL.D. from the Royal University in 1892, and five years later was knighted for his services to archaeology and history.

Death and legacy Gilbert died on 23 May 1898.

Works History of the City of Dublin (1854-9), in three volumes. History and Treatment of the Public Records of Ireland (1863) which caused considerable sensation, arguing to the government the futility of entrusting the publication of Irish State documents to men unskilled in the Irish language. History of the Viceroys of Ireland (1865) Calendar of the Ancient Records of Dublin (7 vols., 1889–98) History of the Irish Confederation and the War in Ireland, 1641-9 (7 vols., 1882–91) Jacobite Narrative of the War in Ireland, 1688-91 (1892).