Sharing the History of the Four Courts, Dublin

March 2020

  • Female Lay Litigant Accorded Precedence Over Attorney-General, 1853

    Another ‘lady’ advocate story from the Evening Freeman, 12 January 1853: “The Hon. Justice Crampton entered court shortly after twelve o’clock, and took his seat on the bench, costumed in his full dress peruke and state robes…. Mrs Winter, who… Continue reading

  • Lawyers Exit, Pursued by a Bull, 1835

    From the Dublin Pilot, via the Leeds Times, January 3, 1835: “On Thursday week, about one o’clock, a bull on its way from Smithfield, turned into the entrance of the Four Courts, under the grand portico, and immediately put to… Continue reading

  • Solicitor’s Spouse Springs Prisoner from the Marshalsea, 1850

    If you were to find yourself in a 19th century Victorian cab, driving through Dublin, where would you direct the driver to go? The Four Courts of course! Be careful, though, to check your pocket for your fare, or you… Continue reading

  • The Zoo Next Door, 1821

    From Saunders’ News-Letter, 21 April 1821: “EASTER HOLIDAYS The Public are respectfully informed that Polito’s Grand Menagerie, is removed from Abbey Street, to Ormond-Quay, near the Four Courts, where they will be exhibited for a short time previous to their… Continue reading

  • The Original Judges’ Car Park, 1852

    The annual State Trials for conspiracy and treason were a very exciting time at the nineteenth-century Four Courts. Many members of the public of all political persuasions attended to observe and comment.  All tried to put their best face forward. … Continue reading

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