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The forgotten turkish baths of Kilkenny city and other matters
GLORIOUS summer sunlight was one of the factors in the outstanding success of the Kilkenny Archaeological Society's Heritage Week River walk last week. The audience of over 80, which ranged from teenagers to those in "advanced middle age" were entertained by an informative talk from Mr Pat Foley. Pat took charge of the Heritage Week event on behalf of the Kilkenny Archaeological Society. Visitors from England, Germany, China and even Australia joined locals all of whom were fascin
An engineer by profession, Pat used his technical knowledge of river water and its potential energy properties to explain how the water-wheels of the ancient mills proved such an advance on hand or animal power as used previously for milling, grinding and even lifting sacks and grain within high buildings.
He told the story of Greens Bridge – a six arched, Palladian style river crossing rebuild in 1765 - and its links to ancient Rome. He spoke of the river’s role in transport and travel and on the down side its previous tendency to flood. The annals of Friar John Clynn recording the Black Death, written in St Francis Abbey Brewery in the 14th Century, got a mention as did the arrival of Cromwell and the city’s brave defence and spirited defiance of the invader.
The Lake school, and how it got its name, was covered as was the arrival of the Carnegie Library 100 years ago this year. He disclosed the location of the now totally forgotten Turkish Baths once beloved and widely used by Kilkenny people.
The origins and history of the Home Rule Club was covered as was the Nore View School that previously occupied that building. It promoted the Feinaiglian Memory Training Education System invented by Dr Gregory Von Feinaigle, the short lived wonder of the age. Nearing the end of the tour we learnt of the ‘new’ Johns Bridge, in its time the longest single span, ferro-concrete Bridge in these islands. It too is celebrating its first centenary in use during 2010.
The conclusion of the most successful tour marked the beginning of the second phase of the evening. A large group continued back to Rothe House where they were greeted by the President of Kilkenny Archaeological Society, Ms Bernadette Dermody and Dr Maura Downey, Chairperson.
Joe Ledwidge, who has spearheaded the major building programme now in its final stages at Rothe House, gave a brief talk on what is involved before a choir conducted by Tony Pattison led the assemble in a range of Irish airs which brought many back in memory to their school class rooms of long ago. A welcome and wonderful food and drink was provided by a team led by Catherine Rice.
Ranged around the Phelan Room during the evening were a number of tables providing information on some new services offered by Kilkenny Archaeological Society. These included the launch of the New Young Heritage Society – a youth arm of the main society and aimed at those aged between 16 and 23. Their intention is to meet weekly as a youth club and to provide resources to young people on historical topics and projects, to provide a forum for the sharing of information and to encourage an interest in history and related matters among their target audience. This table was staffed by Nathan Manning who did “great business” among the more than 70 persons who attended.
Also on display and attracting interest were the plans for the new Advice Service for those undertaking historic research. Initially the Advice Clinics will be provided on a one-to-one basis on the last Saturday of each month from 2.30 to 4.00pm starting in September in the New Library at Rothe House. While the outline of advice to be provided will be tailored to the each researcher it is likely to include the following: a discussion of their proposal(s) from both geography and a time frame stand point – ‘how wide (distance) and how long (time),’ recommendations of sources in Rothe House and elsewhere in Kilkenny and if relevant, nationally. This new service is free to members of Kilkenny Archaeological Society while non members will be required to pay a nominal €10.00. This table was manned by Pat Nolan who also acted as MC for the evening.
Also on hand was Charlie Cullen, the Societies’ Hon. Librarian who provided information on the newly relocated Kilkenny Archaeological Society Library and listed the many useful source documents and books to be inspected there.
A delightful impromptu performance on guitar by Monika a young visitor from Poland, brought the evening to a fitting conclusion.
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Weather for Kilkenny
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 4 C to 6 C
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Wind direction: South
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