May 2021

  • Bride Arrested for Shoplifting on Eve of Wedding, 1826

    From the Dublin Evening Post, 26 August 1826: “A young lady, moving in a respectable situation in life, was on Thursday committed to Newgate, Dublin, on a charge of shop-lifting.  The circumstances of this case are rather curious, and possess… Continue reading

  • The Dome(s) of the Four Courts, 1785-2020

    The original Record Office designed for the Four Courts site by Thomas Cooley did not include a dome, but Cooley’s early death in 1784 coincided with an official decision to expand his design to include the Irish Four Courts, previously… Continue reading

  • QC v JC: Junior Bar Privilege, 1836-1912

    From the Cork Examiner, 17 March 1864: “CORK SPRING ASSIZES (before Mr Justice Keogh) – BAR PRIVILEGE Mary Sullivan was indicted for stealing a letter from the Post-office. Mr Coffey defended the prisoner.  Messrs Clarke QC and Brereton QC, instructed… Continue reading

  • Barrister’s Son Returns from the Dead, 1896

    From the Cork Constitution, 5 March 1896: “DUBLIN WEDNESDAY To-day the Master of the Rolls had before him a case which brought to light a modern Enoch Arden. In 1866 William Henry Boyle, son of a well-known barrister, emigrated to… Continue reading

  • In the Footsteps of Kings: Chancery Place, 1224-1916

    Chancery Place, on the eastern side of the Four Courts, was originally a much narrower street known as Mass Lane.  The buildings on its western side sat close against the eastern wing of the Four Courts until they were demolished… Continue reading

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