Below is a letter, written by Eleanor McGhie, to her niece, Mary Mossop, in 1873. You can read an article pertaining to who Eleanor McGhie was and the period in which the letter was written. This is a very interesting letter as it is partially written horizontally and then vertically, this was common practice in…
John Walters was born in 1894 in Limerick he was the third youngest of Timothy Walters and Bridget Toohey’s eleven children, and one of only four who survived to adulthood. His brother Frederick Walters was the father of the founder of the well known limerick company Ger Walters Fuels. The other three who had reached…
On 4 May 1807, Michael John Quinn was born to Thomas Quin(n) and Ellen Quinn née Cleary in St John’s Parish, Limerick city. In 1825, at the age of 18, Michael left his family and occupation as a nailer and began his career in the armed services as a Drummer Bugler in the 21st Regiment…
William Makepeace Thackeray (18 July 1811 – 24 December 1863) was an English novelist of the 19th century. He was famous for his satirical works, particularly Vanity Fair, a panoramic portrait of English society. He visited Limerick in 1843 and describes the Newtownpery district of Limerick in the following way: ” … you are, at first,…
Arthur Williams was born in 1911 in Armagh workhouse to a single teenage mother, Lily Williams. At the time it would have been common for single mothers in her situation to give their children up for adoption. This was not a thought to Lily, who kept her son with. She lived and worked alone until…
The following is a letter from Leeds, England to Swansea, Wales which tell of a couples intended trip to Limerick. Dear Jennie, I must write & tell you that Georgie & Freddie won’t be able to visit you for the holidays. Georgie has to work for the week-end so they’ll call to see you some time…
The following article by David A. Zelz was included in a Bangor, Maine USA newspaper: A major waterway recognized and promoted for its economic potential; a revitalization effort for a charmless downtown; rarely a destination, more often a point of departure; overshadowed by more cosmopolitan and diverse urban centers; anchored by institutions of higher learning;…
The following is a letter written by Charles Dickens to his nephew about his stay in Limerick in 1858. The Royal Hotel referred to was Cruise’s Royal Hotel on what was then George Street. He performed in the Theatre Royal, Henry Street (This building was near the corner of Mallow Street and was destroyed by…