April 2020
-
Mob Attack, Inns Quay, 1830
For the Good Friday that’s in it, this story from Saunders’s News-Letter, 7 June 1830:- “DESPERATE OUTRAGE – For some months past, a person of genteel appearance has appeared in the streets, in various parts of this city, preaching to… Continue reading
-
The Law Librarian’s Office Burgled, 1857
From the Belfast News-Letter, Monday 23 February 1857: “The morning of Saturday the 21st has proved an eventful one in the life of Mr Delany, the respected librarian of the Four Courts. Sacrilegious thieves had, on the previous night, entered… Continue reading
-
Health and Safety Issues in the Round Hall, 1853
On 4 August 1853, an anonymous barrister, ‘J.P.P’, felt compelled to write to Saunders’ Newsletter complaining about the dangerous condition of the Four Courts: “SIR – During one of the late heavy showers, as I was passing through the hall… Continue reading
-
The Unwitting Dining Companions, 1784
From the Dublin Morning Register, 23 February 1838, an interesting account of barrister-solicitor relations from the previous century, involving John Scott, Lord Clonmell (‘Copperface Jack’), John Fitzgibbon, Earl of Clare (‘Black Fitzgibbon’) and an unnamed impoverished solicitor: “An anecdote of… Continue reading
-
Mr Hooks, 1862
From the Oxford Journal, 15 February 1862: “An amusing breach of promise case came before the Dublin Court of Exchequer on Friday. The plaintiff is Miss Agnes Harrison, a lady of thirty-five summers, who resides with her brother in Armagh…… Continue reading