Baggotrath Castle
53°20′01″N 6°14′35″W / 53.333513°N 6.243054°W
Baggotrath Castle, or Baggotsrath Castle, was a castle situated at present-day Baggot Street in Dublin city centre. It was built in the late thirteenth century by the Bagod (later called Baggot) family, for whom it was named. For much of its history, it was owned by the Fitzwilliam family.
During the English Civil War, possession of the castle, which was described as "the strongest fortress near Dublin", was a matter of great importance to both sides in the conflict, and it was largely destroyed during the siege of Dublin in 1649, on the eve of the Battle of Rathmines. The ruins of the castle remained on the site until the early nineteenth century when Dublin Corporation demolished what was left of it.[1] No trace of it survives today, but it probably stood at present-day 44-46 Upper Baggot Street, facing Waterloo Road.[2]
Early history
The castle and the surrounding district took their name from the Bagod family, which was founded by Sir
The castle was the scene of violent conflict in 1441. Sir Edward Perrers' widow Joanna, to whom the castle had passed on their only son's death in 1428, died having appointed
The castle was described as being in a ruinous condition in 1489 but it was later rebuilt, and by the 1640s was said to be the strongest fortress near Dublin,[2] although the owners complained of substantial damage to their property in 1642.[2]
Battle of Rathmines
In July 1649 the Irish
Decay and ruin
No effort seems to have been made by the Fitzwilliams (who owned another substantial Dublin property, Merrion Castle) to restore Baggotrath, and the process of decay continued inexorably.[9] Its ruins were described in detail by Austin Cooper in 1778, and drawn by Francis Grose in 1791, some years before what remained of the castle was demolished by the corporation to allow for the extension of Baggot Street.[2] The name is preserved in Baggotrath Lane, a narrow side street which connects Lower Baggot Street with Merrion Street.
References
- ^ Smith, J. Huband "On the Castle and Manor of Baggotrath" (1856) Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy (1836-1869) Vol.6 p.310
- ^ a b c d e f Ball, F. Elrington History of Dublin 6 Volumes Alexander Thom and Co. Dublin 1902-1920 Vol.2 pp.42-8
- ^ Calendar of Irish Chancery Letters c.1244-1509
- ^ Close Roll 22 Henry VI
- ^ Ball, F. Elrington The Judges in Ireland 1221-1921 John Murray London 1926
- ^ Ross, Charles Edward IV Eyre Methuen Ltd. 1974
- ^ They may have been given false intelligence about the route, or simply lost their way.
- ^ A pedestrian nowadays can walk the distance in half an hour, although admittedly on properly paved streets.
- ^ Smith 1856 p.310