imerick is one of the oldest years ago when the Corporation passe* a and most interesting cities bye-law forbidding cellars to be let for in Ireland. Its old lanes, living in. Some of these cellars, locked by alleys, squares and ruins, order of the Corporation, are still in now rapidly disappearing in the Englishtown to such English names existence (1936). before modern progress, are alive with as Rosemary Lane, Stag Lane, Prison These invasions left their mark in history and romance if we went to the Lane, Red Lion Lane, Churchyard Lane, name and structure on many of the old trouble of unravelling their stories. and Gridiron Lane. Nevertheless, one buildings and landmarks, thus the Tholsel To study a map of Munster we will leading thoroughfare has maintained its and the Lax Weir are Norse, and the many easily see what a strategically important original Irish name right down to the gabled houses, once a prominent feature position Limerick held. It was situated at present day. This is Creagh Lane, and of both the English and Irish towns, the apex of a great wedge of the sea that was called after a leading family, who, in distinctly Flemish as a result of the penetrated inland for 60 miles and formed this part of the city, helped to drive out the Williamite occupation. an impassable barrier between Thomond Danes. The Creaghs claim great antiquity, A Norse custom in connection with and Desmond, i.e., between the great being a tribe of the O'Nials, who came Limerick fairs existed up to about 150 Dalcassian clans of the O'Briens, O'Deas from Ulster to assist the citizens of years ago. "To the August fair a privilege and MacNamaras on the north side, and Limerick in expelling the Danes. The is annexed, that for fifteen days after, no the McCarthys and Geraldines and others Northerners are said to have been person can be arrested in the city or on the southern side. Limerick was the successful, and, having worn green liberties on any process issuing out of the first ford or crossing-place in this long boughs in their hats on the occasion, were Tholsel Court of Limerick." estuary, hence its importance. Though called O'Nial-Creagh (creagh being Irish Prominent among the citizens who geographically the capital town of County for green bough) which name was also took an active part in the development of Limerick, it is interesting that it was much given to the lane and gate near where they the city was the Arthur family, no less more connected with Thomond, i.e., fought. This lane bounds the new St. than 46 times was an Arthur Mayor of County Clare, than with County Limerick, Anne's Vocational School. In course of Limerick. many of the O'Briens being Kings of time the family became known by the Great jealousy existed between the Limerick. Its important position made it abbreviated name of "Creagh" and for traders of Limerick and Galway, reaching the goal of many invaders and well centuries were leaders in the development such a pitch in 1524 that hostilities merited its motto on the City's Arms: "Urbs and administration of the City of Limerick, commenced between the City of Limerick antiqua hit studiisque asperrima belli." the office of Mayor having been filled 33 and the Town of Galway, and great The first of these invasions was by the times by a "Creagh." Broad Street, once a depredations were committed both by sea Danes in 812 and they continued in leading and prosperous thoroughfare, and land, until the people of Limerick Limerick off and on for about 300 years till contains a well-chiselled archway, form- dispatched two leading citizens, subdued by Brian Boru and finally driven erly the entrance to the "Old Bear Inn," Christopher and Nicholas Arthur, to out by Donald Mor O'Brien. But during having on the keystone the inscription Galway, to " pacyficat and put away those years many of the invaders had "Pierse Creagh 1640, rebuilt by John all manner adversitye, rancour and surrendered their roving life for more Creagh 1767." This Pierse Creagh, when inconvenyens that have rysen or insurged peaceable occupations and had inter- Mayor in 1613, was deposed for refusing between the City and town habitantes of married with the native Irish. Two of to take the oath of allegiance, and in 1615, the same." "Upon their arrival (in Galway) these settlements continued after the when Christopher Creagh was Mayor, he the Mayor, Adam Farrut, bailiffs and final expulsion, and it is said that the was fined £100 for the same offence. commonality assembled in the town inhabitants of the fishing village of The native Irish, who were driven out house, and, with one consent, concluded a Coonagh. and the agricultural district of of their town, settled in the district about perpetual peace and concord with the Park are their descendants and that like Mungret Street, which became known as deputies of Limerick." their modern cousins in Denmark, the the "Irishtown," and soon developed into To develop their property and improve residents of Park can, by similar thrift and such importance that it was the Irishtown the facilities for their trade the Arthurs industry, live comfortably on quite small that bore the brunt of the Williamite built the harbour and quay called after plots of land. From these they supply a Sieges. them, "Arthur's Quay," and built the fine large proportion of the potatoes and After these terrible times, when peace row of old Georgian houses on the Quay vegetables consumed in Limerick. and prosperity once again returned to and in Francis Street. Francis Street and In studying the history of Limerick we Limerick, a third town was developed, Patrick Street are called after Francis and will notice that the effect of various known as "Newtown Pery," comprising Patrick Arthur, and Ellen Street after Ellen invasions was to divide the City into two the chessboard district of George Street Arthur. The houses on Arthur's Quay and separate towns, thus when the Anglo- (renamed O'Connell Street) and The in Francis Street were occupied by Normans took possession of original Crescent and the side streets off them. fashionable Limerick families, and a Limerick, which was built on an island The cramped condition of life in a military band used sometimes to play on round which the Abbey River made an walled city may be easily realized by the Quay. With the building of Wellesley important moat, they drove the native looking at the narrow lanes and alleys of Bridge, now renamed Sarsfield Bridge, Irish across the Abbey River, and the the English and Irish towns, and their and Newtown Pery, prosperity left that island became known as the "English- high narrow houses with their cellars, end of the town for the newer houses, with town". Among the many changes which these cellars having been used for both the result that these fine old Georgian show how completely the Anglo-Normans business and residential purposes. houses in Arthur's Quay and in Francis endeavoured to eradicate all that was Irish Perhaps one of the first steps towards Street were now all let in tenements. was the altering of the names of the lanes slum clearance in Limerick was about 30 These were all pulled down in 1951. Baal's Bridge was the only bridge over Limerick. Bruce had his bank at 6 Rutland Larry Quinlivan) and a contemporary the Abbey River, and like many other Street at a time when that street was one describes it as "a splendid mill with great bridges, had a row of houses built on it. of the most prosperous business streets waterpower." That it did a prosperous The last of these was occupied by three in the city, and which house is still business can be gauged from the fact that maiden ladies named Purdon, who never conspicuous by what must have been one once Larry Quinlivan was Mayor of married, because they thought no man of the finest hall doors in Limerick. He Limerick, at a time when, to occupy the good enough for them. This gave rise to had only one leg, the other was an iron civic chair, a man had to be in a big way of the old Limerick proverb "as proud as a stump, and to help himself about he business. Unfortunately the mill was burnt Purdon." carried a thick blackthorn. It is told of down about 1850 and never re-built. Travelling in those days was both him that when any of his clients, unable to Quinlivan continued in the corn business tedious and uncomfortable, as unless by meet payments for money advanced to in Upper William Street, and Fisher yent the private vehicle, the mail coach was the them, begged of him clemency he would to Dublin, where he became Secretaw of only alternative, but it is interesting to see put out his iron stump and whack it with the Patriotic Insurance Company, one of what broad level roads the old coach roads his blackthorn, saying "That is the softest Ireland's oldest Insurance Companies. were, such as Limerick to Dublin, to part of me," not much encouragement for Under his guidance it prospered, and Waterford, to Cork, etc. About 1760 the defaulters. In his old age he was able to though still doing so, is now owned by one mail coaches to Dublin were faced with buy Hermitage at Castleconnell for £5,000, of the great English Insurance combines. competition, for about this time the Canal and spent his last years in that beautiful James Fisher's father was Joseph Fisher, to connect Limerick with Dublin was spot. of Richmond, whose death in June, 1830, begun, and it was expected that this would His house in Rutland Street had an is thus referred to in the Limerick be a more attractive form of travel. The interesting connection with John Bright. Chronicle: 'We are concerned to announce boats conveying passengers were called When this great British Cabinet Minister, the death of Joseph Fisher, Esq., at his "fly boats," and certainly allowed more known as "the People's Tribune," was at seat, Richmond, near this city, after a very room for moving about in, but took three the height of his power, he came to few days' illness. Mr. Fisher was many days to do the journey. The old maps Castleconnell for a quiet holiday from his years a principal of one of the first prepared showing the various levels from arduous duties. But even in such a mercantile houses in Limerick, and Limerick to Killaloe were practically secluded spot he could not be left at universally esteemed as a man of strict identical with those prepared more than peace, for while there a Cabinet Crisis probity. He was a Director of the Irish 100 years later in connection with the developed and some local gentlemen Provincial Bank in this city, and Treasurer Shannon Hydro-Electric Scheme. supporters of his party persuaded him to to the Wellesley Bridge Commissioners It was in anticipation of the expected meet them in Limerick for a private and the County Infirmary." It should be of popularity of this route that the high consultation; it was in a room in Bruce's interest to Limerick people to know that houses in Clare Street were built, the Bank that the meeting took place. A youth Gerald Griffin, the poet, generally great house on Canal Bank, nearly of about eighteen happened to be in submitted his articles to Mrs. Fisher at opposite the ruined Canal Brewery, was Limerick at the time, who was a great Richmond for her revision and approval built to be a hotel, as well as one at admirer of John Bright, and was most before publishing them. The "mercantile Robertstown, Co. Kildare, and Portobello anxious to meet him. Though refused house" referred to in the Chronicle was the Harbour, Dublin. All these anticipations again and again, nothing daunted, he very old established corn business of were frustrated by the introduction of persevered till he was given permission to "Fisher, Mark & Fisher" in Francis Street. railways, which soon put an end to be in the same room with the great man. In 1786 Joseph Massy Harvey, a young travelling by canal. The last occupant of This young man was the late T. P. man from Cork, came as assistant to this this house on the canal at Limerick was O'Connor, who sat in the House of business, and in due time married Miss named Harold and was of Danish descent. Commons for the greater period of his Mark, and eventually took over the In medieval Limerick, commerce, long life, and when he died was "Father of business, which prospered under his industry, and finance were well catered the House." ownership. "They (Harveys) built and for, and many present day problems, John Bright, accompanied by his lived in a fine house called 'Summerville,' social amenities, industrial developments, friend, George Peabody, the millionaire in a country road called Summerville etc., were undertaken, and undertaken philanthropist, came more than once for a Avenue, but so influential were the successfully by enterprising citizens fishing holiday to Castleconnell. One Harveys that most people called it (without any government help) not afraid morning they went to try their luck at Hawey's Avenue." of being dubbed eccentric, but possessed Killaloe, and took a boat and man for the Joseph Massy Harvey was pioneer in of initiative and indomitable perseverance. day on Lough Derg. Not knowing how importing baulks of timber and sawing Finance must always hold an important much they were to pay when they them into planks. This he did between place in any community, and so did private returned, there happened to be an R.I.C. where the Imperial Bakery and McBirneys bankers in the years prior to the joint on the landing place whom they asked. (now Roches Stores) now are. The vessels stock banks. Maunsells, Roches, Bruce, He told them 7/6 was the legal fare, so discharged the timber into the river and etc., are names still remembered. The Peabody handed the boatman three half- by means of horses the baulks were drawn great houses known as "Bank Place" are crowns. The boatman held out his hand up an inclined platform into the yard. The so called, not because they are built on the with the half-crowns in it, and assuming business was later taken over by Francis bank of the Abbey River, but because they the quizzical look that only an Irishman Spaight & Sons. were the headquarters of Hedges, can, in a good broad accent remarked Joseph M. Harvey had the Irish Maunsell & Co., one of Limerick's leading "Begorra they calls ye Misther Paybody, characteristic of always answering a banks, and even now curio collectors but I say ye're Misther Pay nobody." question by asking another. In those days treasure some of the notes issued by this Flour milling and the corn trade has the mails came by coach to the recently firm. But, as well as being successful in always been Limerick's leading industry. opened Post Office in Rutland Street (the their business, the Maunsell family had a Many an engineer and scientist has spent building now used as the Custom House), high sense of their responsibility to their time and money on seeking a device for where the letters had to be called for. The less fortunate fellow-citizens, and readily harnessing the infinite power in the rise time of the coach's arrival was not as gave time and money to such useful and fall of the tides. Yet, as far back as certain as that of mail trains. One day a institutions as the House of Industry and 1672, a mill was built on Curraghgour citizen met Joseph Hawey coming from the Savings Bank. rocks, in the middle of the river, worked the Post Office, and thought now he would Roche's Bank at 96 George Street, and by the rise and fall of tides. I have no surely get an answer out of him, so he the celebrated Hanging Gardens which record as to who the original owner of this asked the direct question: "Is the Dublin William Roche erected in 1808 are mill was, but, about 1840, it was owned by mail in?" " Is thee expecting a letter?" described in most guide books of "Fisher & Quinlivan" Uames Fisher and came the quick reply, and though there have been no Harveys in Limerick man lying on his back with an for many years, old citizens still amazon kneeling on his chest and associate their name with this pounding him for all she was incident. Joseph Harvey's eldest worth. Horrified, Davis pushed son, Reuben, took from Robert forward and remonstrated with Maunsell the splendid cut stone her, when a voice came from the flour mill at Plassy and went to live prostrate man, "If you don't allow there with the idea of being well us to settle our family affairs in our removed from his workmen, who own way, I'll change places with were to live in Limerick, and to you." Davis did not accept the come to and from the mill every offer. day in a launch. This arrangement For several generati4ns soon came to grief as the time members of the Alexander family taken travelling was so long that were prominent in Limerick in the workmen insisted on being both business and philanthropic paid for it, but Reuben Harvey pursuits. A young man, Edward would only pay for the time they Alexander, from Moate (Offaly), were in the mill, with the result opened a shop in one of the tall that the mill soon closed, and with houses on Barrington's Mall, and the exception of a very short time was succeeded by his son, William, when worked by J. N. Russell & who, as well as the shop, developed Sons, has remained closed ever a thriving corn business. With since. This, I think, is the first shrewd business instinct and instance of "a strike" in Limerick. foresight, though it caused much His store and offices were in laughter and ridicule at the time Francis Street, and as this was long (1779), he put all his profits into before telegraphs or telephones, "building houses in the green he communicated between the two fields" at the edge of the City, and places by means of carrier pigeons. opened a grocery and ship's The old pigeon house is still to be chandlery business in premises seen in the yard at Francis Street. that soon formed the corner of The youngest son, William George Street and William Street, Henry Hawey, M.D., F.R.S., who and for very many years this was born in 1811, became Pro- centre of the City was known as fessor at Trinity College, Dublin, "Alexander Brothers' Corner." "and author, traveller, and botanist Business flourished with them and of world wide fame in his own line, attracted another Limerick citizen especially seaweeds." to open a shop at the opposite The old mill in Francis Street is Mrs. Lydia Fisher of Richmond, to whom Gerald Griffin corner. This was Joshua Hill, still one of Limerick's prosperous submitted his articles for revision prior to publication. known from his autocratic industries in the enterprising Painting in the Friends' Historical Library, Dublin. commanding manner as the Great hands of Messrs. Martin McGuire, Commander. Once a hand-bill Ltd., the present proprietors. ensued William Bennis was badly stabbed was posted on Hill's premises, which Passing along Upper William Street though not fatally. He had to give up the displeased him mightily, and resulted in there is an archway bearing the name of mill, and came to live in 26 William Street, the following lampoon:- "Pike Bow." This is called after James where he lingered for three years. This Martin Pike, another prosperous corn was the time of the fearful cholera "Post no bills on Joshua Hills, merchant, who had his store and visitation of 1832, when the family used to For he's the great Commander, residence inside this Bow. The family left hear the dead cart going round in the But post them on the opposite side, Limerick for Dublin in 1803 and made the mornings calling out "any dead here, any On Snufi Alexander." journey by coach. On arrival in Dublin, dead here," and taking the dead away to when driving along High Street (near be buried in a great pit with quick lime, at Besides building up a prosperous Christ Church Cathedral) they felt a bump Corbally. After William Bennis's death business, the Alexanders (there were and were informed that they had driven seven Whiteboys were brought to justice, three brothers) took an active part in the over the body of Lord Justice Kilwarden, but at the trial Mrs. Bennis, the principal House of Industry, the Savings Bank, who had just been assassinated in witness, refused to state which man had Barrington's Hospital, Temperance, connection with the Emmet Rising. stabbed her husband, as she knew that if Abolition of Slavery and other reforms. As well as the city mills, throughout she identified the guilty one he would be Edward Alexander had a keen telepathic the surrounding country on every small hung, and as she did not approve of capital instinct. About 1830 he was convinced of river or good-sized stream, there stood punishment, would only state that they all an impending disaster, whether it was due small country mills worked by water took part in the raid. They were all to the insanitary or slovenly ways of living power. Situated in a lovely glen called sentenced to transportation to Botany Bay, or not, after warning the authorities of the Ballycorney, at the foot of the Broadford Australia, a punishment even worse than need of reforms and failing to impress Mountains, was one of these mills owned present day penal servitude. A few years them, he had posters printed, at his own by William Bennis. Unfortunately, raiders ago the grandson of one of these expense, and posted about the City. But and gangsters were common at that time. transportees, a useful and prosperous even this failed to rouse the people to Terryalts and Whiteboys used to go citizen of Australia, came to Limerick to improve conditions. Then, in 1832, the around at night raiding and robbing. look up the home of his ancestors. City was devastated by the fearful cholera "Whiteboys" were so called because they Another miller, or rather mill manager, plague already referred to. Some of these wore white nightshirts over their clothes named Davis, came a stranger to posters are still preserved. to frighten the superstitious people and as Limerick. A couple of his friends one day On another occasion, when visiting a means of recognising each other in the offered to show him round the old parts of some relatives in the Queen's County, he dark. One Friday, at midnight, they broke the town. Passing along Pump Lane, in the suddenly felt he should return to Limerick into Ballycorney House to steal the week's Englishtown, they saw a small crowd, the in spite of the persuasion of his friends to wages of his men, and in the scuffle which cause of which Davis discovered to be a finish his visit. After arriving in Limerick, he was crossing the Wellesley Bridge dysentery and typhus, and finally landed as much as would fit on a penny. This he (now Sarsfield) on his way home, when he on a strange shore, no friends, no home, did, carefully wrapped it up and with a saw a man leaning over the balustrade. He no means. No wonder that nerve and smile handed it to the purchaser, saying, stopped and spoke to him and found that sinew that endured so much were largely "Thank thee, friend, and the next time the man was going to commit suicide by instrumental in building up the great thee calls, I hope thy order will be for a jumping into the river. He talked to him of nation of the United States of America. larger amount." Thus the gentleman lost the evil of such a proceeding and per- When enjoying holidays at Kilkee, how his bet, and the tailor enhanced his suaded him to return home. The saving of many people know that the rocky reputation. this man's life (who lived for many years headland known as Edmund Point is But "Ye Olden shops had greater after) he felt to be the cause of the sudden called after the "Edmund," one of these difficulties to contend with than dealing premonition to come back to Limerick. emigrant vessels that on a dark and, with troublesome customers. Thpe The building of the Wellesley Bridge stormy night was driven into Kilkee Bay unwritten law dealing with shop hours vs was finished about 1830. The district that and dashed to pieces on these rocks when much more drastically enforced 300 years it led into on the Clare side was grassland scores of these unfortunate emigrants ago than by the carefully defined laws of with scarcely any houses and a landlord were drowned. the present day. The following are some who was not inclined to sell his property. Charlotte O'Brien, of the royal lineage recorded examples: The Alexander Brothers, with the same of the Kings of Ireland, being descended "James Slater, the elder, of limerick, shrewd foresight they had exercised in from Brian Boru, stimulated by her Shoemaker, for opening his shop$ on the their business, now applied it to their association with the relief committees, and day called Christmas day and his son private affairs. By dint of perseverance encouraged by the results of their efforts, James, being therein at work was hailed they obtained a grant of land about a mile herself undertook to remedy these awful out thence by Thomas Horton, gaoler from the bridge, on the Clare side, now emigration conditions. First, from her and Edward Bond, a beadle, and by the known as the North Circular Road, beautiful home in Foynes, which was then order (as they alledged) of John Burne, and here they each built a handsome a port of emigration, and afterwards in a Mayor, was put in prison where they. residence. Samuel Alexander built larger way at Queenstown (now Cobh), remained six daies without trial or "Evergreen," William built "Bellevue," she devoted her time, her influence, and examination, 1671." James built "Beechlawn." As pioneers of her ability to the amelioration of the "Peter Peacock of Limerick, shoemaker, suburban residences their example has hardships of these wretched emigrants, the same day being in his shopp was been followed ever since. I might almost and after years of hard work had the hailed thence by the aforesaid Jaylor and go so far as to say that it paved the way for satisfaction of seeing her efforts crowned Barrett and Thomas Atkinson the present day slum clearance. with success. Mayor's sergeants and put in prison In those days, when to own a Of the enterprising Alexander family where he remained." barometer was much more uncommon there is not one left in Limerick to-day. "Henry Bloodwick, having his shop open than nowadays, Samuel Alexander had After years of obscurity, Douglas on the day called Christmas the rhude one at "Evergreen," which he often Alexander, one of their descendants, is boys being encouraged by Samuel Horon optimistically referred to, but not so the making a name for himself by his beautiful called a Justice, cast much mire and dirt general public, whose verdict was that paintings of the West of Ireland. A fine and much abused his wZfe and the goods "When the 'Evergreen' barometer goes example of his work is on show in the in his shopp, 1674.'' etc. up, it's a sign of rain, and when it goes Limerick Art Gallery. down, it's a sure sign of rain." Conditions A hundred years age, Rutland Street But worse still was their treatment by the that we often think have not altered very was a prosperous business street, and harassing tithe proctors as will be seen by much since. among other shopkeepers there was a the following incidents:- But, undoubtedly, the greatest public linen draper named Benjamin Clark "Henry Blowick for ye repairing the service they took part in was the Famine Fisher. His private residence was Lifford, worship house St. Maryes had taken Relief work of 1848, when several S.C. Road. He heard that a curious new from him by Peares Stritch and Hugh Alexanders joined with other leading invention had been produced in London Phillups linen cloth worth two shillings, citizens in forming Relief Committees, and called an "umbrella," and anxious to be the 1674." devoted their time and energies to coping first to possess one, he ordered one from "Nicholas Gribbell for sixpence with this awful calamity, and organising London. This was sent by direct steamer, demanded for the said use had taken the distribution of food, clothes and seeds and when he heard that the steamer was from him a pound and a half candles. throughout the large district of which coming up the Shannon, this staid, 1674.'' Limerick was the centre. Several English methodical business man, became so "JohnMathews for three shills demanded and American sympathisers, besides excited that he hired a boat to go to meet for the repairs of ye worship house called subscribing liberally to the relief funds, the steamer and secure his purchase. St. John's Church had taken from him by came to Ireland to help at the work of Soon after the building of George Christo Waldram and James Carr called relief. Among these was a young Street, Thomas Grubb opened a tailor's wardens, two dozen and a half of Englishman, William Edward Forster, shop at number 120, just opposite the Club wooden heels worth three shill 9d. afterwards Chief Secretary of Ireland. In House. He had the reputation of being 1681." recent years our hearts have been stirred possessed of a most placid temper. One "Thomas Pearse hath taken from him for by some of the fearful accounts of famine day his temper was the subject of tythe by Samuel Broister, proctor (and that resulted in various countries in discussion at the County Club, and one his assistant) to George Story, Dean of Europe after the war of 1914-18, but none gentleman made a bet with another for Limeric, ten bundles of hay worth about were worse than occurred in our own fair £100 that he would cause Thomas Grubb £05. 0. 1711." land more than 100 years ago. to lose his temper. Finally, emigration was the panacea Accordingly, one busy day, when Coming back to more recent times we officialdom devised for Ireland's mis- Thomas Grubb had been delayed from find that the great Waterford firm of fortunes. But if the miseries and horrors getting to his lunch, just as business Malcomson Bros. had large interests in of the famine were bad, the horrors of the slackened off a bit, this gentleman walked and around the city, though none of them emigrant ships, known as "coffin" ships, in and asked to see some cloth. Very ever resided in Limerick. It was this firm were, if possible, worse, when men, genially Thomas Grubb took down a roll, who promoted and owned the Limerick women and children, half starved and half but no, it would not suit, so roll after roll Steamship Company, whose steamers clothed, literally packed like sardines was exhibited and looked over again and they built in their own yards at Waterford. in the holds of those little wooden again, and still without pleasing the would- They introduced the screw propeller and schooners, were tossed for weeks on the be purchaser. At last the gentleman persuaded the P. and 0. Company to Atlantic Ocean, often decimated by decided on one, and asked him to cut off adopt it, which they did in their first screw vessel the Himalaya. One day Joseph extensive bog of Annaholty, near grounds of which he built Glenstal Castle. Malcomson, their chairman, coming into Castleconnell, and erected a large factory In 1829 he and his sons founded the boiler shop at the Neptune Works, in for the purpose of making compressed Barrington's Hospital and presented it to Waterford, said to the foreman boiler peat briquettes. The turf was pulverized, the city, and to fulfil the dual purpose of maker "Davy, the next boat we are going mixed with a little coal dust, and helping poor people and benefitting the to build is to have a screw." "A screw, sir! compressed into briquettes, which people hospital, he built in the ground adjoining it a screw? a screw is not worth a God d-n." who used them said made excellent fuel. (now the hospital garden) a pawn office " Well," said Joseph Malcomson, "I think They brought over a German and a called the "Mont de Piete," on the lines of it's worth a God's blessing, and with God's French specialist to instruct the workers. similar establishments on the Continent. help we will make it such." Davy evidently For their workmen they built a row of The idea was to charge a very low rat4 of thought nothing but the old paddle wheel cottages covered with Malcomson's patent interest to borrowers, and any profifs any good. tarred felt roofs, which, though still made were to go to the funds of the In 1857 they purchased from the standing, are completely derelict. When hospital. But it was not a success, and for, representatives of the late William the firm was wound up in 1877 the fine many years it stood in a ruinous condition ~abbett,deceased, their interest in the factory buildings and machinery, in the hospital grounds. Lax Weir and Fisheries Stent at Corbally, including a chimney shaft, 70 to 80 feet Another allied trade was that of for the sum of £9,250, subject to a rent of high, were all sold, and the purchaser coppersmiths, and as there were several £301 per annum. There was a further disposed of every iota, so that in a couple breweries in Limerick at that time, it was covenant "to supply 10 salmon, 10 to 15 of years there was nothing left of this once an important industry. One of the last of I~S.weight each, free of charge to the thriving industry except the row of the coppersmiths was Heffernan, who had Mayor, and one salmon of the same workmen's cottages. his works opposite the Courthouse. Once, weight to each member of the Common In 1660, George Pease, a Dutchman when the Court was sitting, Judge Ball Council yearly on demand." from Amsterdam, settled in Limerick and sent word that he could not hear the These figures give an idea of what a became a "prosperous merchant." He witnesses with the noise of the copper valuable fishery it was 80 years ago, but moved out to Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare, hammering. Heffernan sent back the from almost prehistoric times the fishery where, on the Owgarney River he message - "Tell the judge that he gets was valuable, the very name "Lax" being established an oil crushing mill for paid for talking and I get paid for Norse. Previous to 1857, fishing rights crushing flax seed and producing linseed hammering." However, he closed his had got into a very loose way, and oil. He also erected a stone quay at the works for two days and sent the judge a poaching was freely carried on, and the mill, where barges could load at high tide bill for the loss this entailed. A Malcomsons had to take legal proceedings and proceed via Bunratty to the Shannon. characteristic of the guild of coppersmiths to insist on their rights. The case was Though this proved a successful business, was that they wore tall hats. appealed from court to court till finally, in flax took so much out of the land that in Another common trade, long extinct, the House of Lords, it was given in favour the course of time farmers could not was that of hand-made nails. Many of of the Malcomsons. Up to that time, 1863, produce enough to keep the mill going, these half-starved, under-paid workers, this was the most expensive private and the Peases sold out in 1770 and went lived and worked in the cellars already lawsuit engaged in by anyone in Ireland. to England. The pair of large granite referred to, and it was surprising, amidst A rising young Limerick Solicitor, D. querns are still in the position in which gloom and griminess, how expert they Doyle, who had charge of instructing they stood when working, a silent became in turning out 6d. and 10d. Counsel for Malcomson Bros. was highly monument to this once thriving industry. "clouts" as hand-made nails were called. commended by the presiding judges. A young man, named George Geary In those "good old times" there was no Members of his (Doyle's) family have Bennis, opened a tea and coffee shop such help available for poor people and always taken an active part in educational opposite Cruise's Hotel. He had no taste unemployed such as we know to-day, as art, and philanthropic movements in for shopkeeping, so, in 1822 he went to the "dole," home assistance, or even the Limerick. The weir remained in the Paris, where for many years he edited City Home. But many of those citizens possession of the firm, until the firm was Galignani (The Times of Paris). He also who prospered in business realized that wound up in 1877. Now it looks as if conducted a Circulating Library and News they had a duty and responsibility towards history is repeating itself. The weir, is Room, and printed and published books, their less fortunate fellow citizens. Thus again getting into a careless and neglected including an Illustrated Guide to Paris, was established the "House of Industry" condition, and the fishermen causing McGregor's History of Limerick, Rise and which was helped in its useful work by the much litigation, this time due to the Fall of the Irish Nation by Sir Jonah energetic efforts of Alderman Andrew changed conditions brought about by the Barrington, with woodcuts of the leading Watson, who for many years acted as its Ardnacrusha Hydro-Electric Works. As politicians mentioned in it. In 1848 he treasurer. The foundation stone bearing well as sending salmon to London from saved the life of King Louis Phillipe in a the date 1774 is still clearly visible. By the Lax Weir "in flood time, they street fracas, for which he was awarded means of voluntary subscriptions and a (Malcomsons) often sent two or three the title of "Chevalier." He died in Paris Grand Jury grant this house was built on truck loads a day of eels in boxes for the 1866. His large collection of books he the North Strand for the very poor, the London market." They appointed Joseph bequeathed "to his native city of Limerick sick, and the unemployed. Those of the Robinson as manager of the weir. As was for the free use of the citizens," so that inmates who could work were given the custom of those times, men wore Limerick was one of the first cities to have weaving, winding, oakum picking and nightcaps, his was scarlet, and he had a a public Free Library. In 1868 Limerick other employment to do, and were paid scarlet dressing gown. Once, in the very Corporation sent their Town Clerk (John small sums in addition to their keep. early hours of the morning, he thought he Ellard) and the donor's nephew, Edward Alderman Andrew Watson who for many would pay a surprise visit to see if the men Bennis, to Paris to bring back these books years acted as its treasurer, was unceasing were at work at the weir. Without delaying to Limerick, and for about 40 years they in his exertions to promote its interests. to dress, he simply put on his dressing lay in the Athenaeum, though few of the When Elizabeth Fry, the well-known gown, and left on his nightcap. When the citizens knew of their existence, till the reformer of that den of misery, Newgate men saw this vision in scarlet approaching opening of the Carnegie Library, when Prison in London, visited Limerick with towards them at such an unearthly hour of many of them were transferred to that her brother, Joseph John Gurney, the the morning, they shouted "the devil! the building in 1905. wealthy English banker, in 1827, she devil!" and ran for their lives. In the latter half of the 18th century wrote -" Visited this useful institution and To-da~we hear a great deal about the Joseph Barrington had a pewter works on we are much pleased with it. It appears efforts of Dail Eireann to develop the bogs Charlotte Quay and lived on the premises. extremely desirable that the worthy Eire, but, about 1865, Malcomson He became Crown Solicitor for Munster, Alderman Watson's efforts should be yet Bros., on their own initiative, took the and purchased the Glenstal Estate, in the more extensively supported by the liberality of the citizens." They also visited attention to the wants of its unhappy the same time in Cork, Waterford, Dublin the City Gaol, and wrote- "There was a inmates till her death in 1793, and and other towns, and it was after their great appearance of order and cleanliness undeterred by the dread of infection, this model and with the benefit of their in every part we had the opportunity of angel of mercy was frequently by the experience, that the Government decided inspecting." High praise for Limerick bedsides of the patients, inspecting the on establishing the Post Office Savings Institutions from authorities of such situation, and soothing their woes." Bank. Now the Joint Stock Banks have experience and travel. In 1814 W. H. Baylee was appointed also entered the field, but in spite of these The development of aeronautics is the treasurer, and of him has been written competitors the "Stone Bank" continues to most prominent movement of the present "W. H. Baylee, Esq., passed through the secure its full share of deposits. time. Limerick was an early pioneer in trying years of 1818 and 1819 (cholera The name of Unthank, now forgotten in this. "On 27th April, 1786, the citizens of epidemic) with an indefatigable zeal and Limerick, was at one time well knownpboth Limerick were gratified by an aeronautic undaunted courage, which nothing but the in business and medical circles, especially exhibition, when Richard Crosbie, Esq., strongest feeling for suffering humanity about Mungret Street and John's Square. ascended in an elegant balloon from the could have infused." These are extracts The present premises used by the square of the House of Industry, and after from accounts written about 1820. From Corporation as a yard for their scavenging travelling over the Counties of Limerick, this tiny beginning has grown the modern vehicles is still known as "Unthank's Kerry and Clare, descended neat St. John's Hospital. Garden," which at one time was the Newmarket-on-Fergus, to the great terror Members of the Baylee family took a pleasure ground at the rere of the of the country people, who fled with quiet but helpful share in the promotion of residence and business of a well to do affright from the supposed supernatural useful institutions. Henry W. Baylee was Unthank family in Mungret Street. visitant. He was, however, hospitably one of the founders of the Lying-in A name remembered in more recent, entertained by Sir Lucius O'Brien, of Hospital, originally founded in Nelson rather than in old Limerick, is that of Dromoland, and on his return to Street. Perhaps the name is best known in Joseph Fisher Bennis (1839-1928). Limerick was chaired through the city connection with early educational efforts. About 1860, he and his brother opened and the enthusiasm of the people was John T. Baylee, nick-named "Terrible" for a shop at 26 Patrick Street, later removing unbounded." his severe dealings with his pupils, though to George Street. As young men they The pure food campaign is nothing he was mild compared with the methods took a keen interest in the study of new, as in 1813 the Limerick Chronicle of those times, had a school at 45 Cecil "phrenology," and got permission from the reported- "This day the Right Worshipful Street and many a successful citizen had Governor of Limerick Gaol to examine the T. F. Wilkinson, Esq., Mayor, gave El to to thank him for whatever education he heads of some of the criminals. One the House of Industry, being a fine levied had received. There are many stories, evening, after closing their shop at 7 p.m., on a woman persisting in selling bad milk. humorous and otherwise, of John T. they walked to Quin Abbey, 15 miles, The milk His Worship sent to the House Baylee and his pupils. collected about a dozen skulls, and with of Industry." When the Union Workhouse His son, Joseph Tyrrel Baylee, these in a sack over their shoulders, was built, the House of Industry was taken migrated to Birkenhead, where he took walked back to Limerick. For over fifty over by the British Government and out his clerical orders and founded St. years at lectures on phrenology by Joseph for many years was occupied as the Aidan's College. He was such a linguist it F. Bennis these skulls were exhibited, and headquarters of the Limerick Militia. was said he could speak 67 languages. many a man had his "bumps" told by During the construction of the Shannon When Queen Victoria married the Prince Joseph Bennis, deciphering characters Hydro-Electric Works the premises were Consort they received congratulatory with extraordinary accuracy. He also was used as the headquarters of Siemens- addresses from many foreign countries. an ardent astronomer, and a look through Schuckart, the contractors. One of these the official interpreters could his telescope was appreciated by both rich No account of Old Limerick would be not translate and it was sent to Joseph and poor, and considering the gloominess complete without reference to Sir Henry Tyrrell Baylee, who translated it. The of our atmosphere, it is surprising how and Lady Hartstonge, who were ever Queen was so pleased that she offered many were able to avail of this privilege. ready to give their time and influence and him a bishopric, but he preferred to During the unrest of 1921, when money to the promotion of benevolent and remain the simple Rector of St. Aidan's. bullets were flying, one evening, about 11 helpful institutions. Her work in The Pery and Jubilee Loan Fund, p.m., he placed his telescope out of the top connection with the founding and founded 1810, was another useful window of his house in George Street to extending of St. John's Hospital is a institution for helping people to help have a look at the planet Jupiter. Very striking example. "Amidst the ruins of themselves. The idea originated with soon there was a thundering knock at the these fortifications, which, in 1690, drove George Smyth, Recorder, who, with the hall door, and a demand to know what that back the tide of war from the gates of help of the Pery family (Earl of Limerick) Lewis gun was doing at the window. He Limerick, and nearly on the spot where and a number of citizens, raised a fund, offered to show them the planet he was Sarsfield and his brave followers so the income from which was to be lent to studying, but Black and Tans took no heroically defended the breach against the poor artizans in sums of El to E5 at a very interest in planets, and told him that if he vigorous attacks of King William's troops, low rate of interest, to enable them to buy did not take it in at once the house would stands the first fever hospital that was tools and material necessary for carrying be burned down. founded in the British Empire. The on their trades. Quietly and unobtrusively When a young man, he went to design was originated by the excellent it continues its work, and is as useful and London, and brought back, as the latest Lady Hartstonge, of whom it has been as much appreciated to-day as when it was novelty, a few bananas, which he expat- justly said, that 'her life was one continued founded more than 140 years ago. iated on to the wonder and admiration of stream of benevolence, and her days were Another equally useful institution was his Limerick friends. spent in visiting the wretched habitations the Limerick Savings founded in 1820 by As we wander round we see the great of the poor and administering solace to Henry Maunsell and Isaac Unthank, for houses, once the residences of the their afflictions.' Having obtained the enabling poor people to save small sums proud Anglo-Norman conquerors, now use of John's Barrack in 1781, Lady from l/- and upwards. Started in a small crumbling to dust, so that "the place Hartstonge set up two or three beds in it, room, in Cecil Street, it soon became so thereof doth know them no more." Yet, and thus commenced an institution, the popular that larger premises had to be out of their dust we see rising up such advantages of which have been so happily found, and so the dignified building in nobler buildings as Technical Schools, felt in subsequent years, by checking the Glentworth Stree ngs, new Factories, and progress of contagion amidst a dense design of the well Institutions. Let us hope population, and rescuing tens of in imitation of a f self-reliance, industry and thousands from a premature grave." "Lady popularly known as still continue to maintain Hartstonge continued her unwearied Similar Savings Banks 11 in the van of progress.