Medieval Day - Sunday 23rd August 2009

Bishop Lucey Park, Grand Parade, Cork City

11 am - 5 pm

As part of National Heritage Week 2009, on Sunday 23^rd August Cork City Council will celebrate the history of the city with a Medieval Day Celebration in Bishop Lucey Park. This celebration will form part of the nationwide event Irish Walled Towns Day. On this day members of the Irish Walled Towns Network (IWTN) are celebrating the unique history, archaeology and culture of Ireland’s fortified towns. Cork City Council are members of the IWTN since 2006.

In order to imagine what the medieval city would have been like it is hoped that a visual activity such as the Medieval Day will clearly imprint the medieval city in people’s minds. Cork City is a walled town since the thirteenth century when it was fortified by the Anglo-Normans.There were fortified gates at the present North and South Gate Bridges and a marine gate and central channel which would have allowed access to ships and boats. The city wall was largely demolished in the eighteenth century to make way for the rapidly expanding town. However as evidenced by many archaeological excavations in the city, the below ground level preservation of the city wall is unique and this stems from Cork’s location in an estuarine marsh.

This day of celebration will include historical medieval re-enactments, displays of medieval weaponry and armour, textiles and everyday items. Children’s activities will include combat using foam swords and lances. Legion Ireland, a re-enactment group, has been engaged by Cork City Council to incorporate historical re-enactments as a means of promoting and celebrating the medieval city.

The event will attract a range of age-groups and sectors but will particularly attract families as there will be a variety of children’s activities available. A number of tents will be erected in the Park. The tents will be fitted out internally with furniture and medieval everyday items. Outside the tents there will be displays of medieval weapons and armour, textiles etc. Two fire pits will also be used to demonstrate the foods of the period. 

Further Information available from:

Ciara Brett, Archaeologist, Cork City Council

archaeology@corkcity.ie

021-4924705

Section of City Wall in Bishop Lucy Park, Grand Parade

Recently Published - A Guide to Archaeological Considerations in the Planning Process

Recently Published - Preserving Our Past to Enrich Our Future -- A Guide to Archaeological Considerations in the Planning Process

Cork City Council’s Planning and Development Directorate have recently published A Guide to Archaeological Considerations in the Planning Process.

This guide has been produced to provide assistance and practical information to developers, property owners, planning consultants, architects, engineers and archaeological consultants. It details the role of archaeology in the planning process while also briefly outlining the archaeology of the city.

Cork City is one of the oldest cities in Ireland and has a rich archaeological heritage. Only through an understanding of the past, obtained from the study of archaeology, can the factors which have influenced the shape of the city be appreciated.

Archaeology in its various forms, ranging from fragmentary buried remains to the fabric and contents of domestic and industrial buildings, is a vital component of the character and culture of the city. As these remains are fragile and vulnerable in the face of current development methods and proposals it is essential that they are properly safe-guarded and managed.

The Guide is available from the Planning and Development Directorate, City Hall.

For further information please contact Ciara Brett, Executive Archaeologist @ 021-4924705 archaeology@corkcity.ie

News

Launch of A Guide to Cork City’s Historic Plaques and Signs

A Guide to Cork City’s Historic Plaques and Signs was officially launched by the Lord Mayor Councillor Deirdre Clune on Wednesday 14th June 2006 in the Cork Vision Centre, North Main Street, Cork.

This booklet was produced by Cork City Council Planning and Development Directorate with the financial support of the Heritage Council.

Gina Johnson(Researcher), Niamh Twomey (Heritage Officer), Lord Mayor Cllr. Deirdre Clune, Ciara Brett (Executive Archaeologist)

In 2002 Cork City Council undertook a study of the historic plaques in the city. A preliminary list of plaques was compiled from documentary sources and from existing lists held by Cork Public Museum. A street survey was then carried out to record the known examples and to identify previously unrecorded plaques.

The Lord Mayor acknowledged all those who brought the publication to fruition. She recognised the commitment by Cork City Council to promoting and protecting the heritage of Cork City. The background research was undertaken by Gina Johnson and Ben Reilly under the supervision of Maurice Hurley. The database at the back of the booklet serves as an indicator of the comprehensive research undertaken, which was essential to ensure accuracy, variety and inclusiveness.

This booklet, which was edited by Ciara Brett, Executive Archaeologist and Niamh Twomey, Heritage Officer, highlights a selection of the plaques that were recorded in the study.

Ms. Petra Coffey, Lord Mayor Cllr. Deirdre Clune, Cllr. Jim Corr

The plaques highlighted in this booklet emphasis the diversity and range of Cork City’s Heritage. Some of the plaques demonstrate the wide ranging contributions made by extraordinary people such as Frank O’Connor and Father Mathew. Others commemorate historic events such as the meeting of the newly formed GAA. The miscellaneous section illustrates a number of signs that are visible on many buildings in the city but are often over-looked such as benchmarks and firecall signs.

This publication seeks to encourage both the citizens of Cork and its many visitors to stop and observe the craftsmanship of these plaques and the story that they tell. It should serve as a reminder of our city’s great history and culture. The variety of plaques illustrated should stir a deep sense of pride in our city. It should make every Cork person proud of their city and its achievements. It should also stimulate interest among tourists who visit our city.

Copies are available from the Planning and Development Directorate, Navigation House, Albert Quay.

For further details contact:
Ciara Brett, Executive Archaeologist 021 - 4924705
Niamh Twomey, Heritage Officer 021- 4924018

Launch of Old Blackpool-An Historic Cork Suburb.

John Crowley (Heineken Ireland), Dónall Farmer, Kevin Terry (Planning and Development), Lady Mayoress, Lord Mayor Cllr. Michael Ahern, Maurice Hurley, Ciara Brett (Executive Archaeologist)

 

Old Blackpool – An Historic Cork Suburb was officially launched by the Lord Mayor Councillor Michael Ahern on Tuesday 5th December 2006 in Murphy’s Brewery, Lady’s Well, Cork. The Guest Speaker was Mr. Dónall Farmer.

In 2000 an integrated study of the Blackpool area was undertaken by the archaeology section of Cork City Council. A number of individuals were asked to contribute to the study and this publication presents the results of the research undertaken. The discrete studies that make up this book provide an overview of the archaeological and social history of Blackpool.

The Blackpool Valley is an area of industrial archaeological importance. During the 18th century the area developed as an industrial suburb of Cork City with its many streams enabling the development of water powered factories. Its industries included tanning, distilling and various elements of the textile industry. This book details the importance of the industrial heritage of Blackpool while also recognising the social and cultural aspects which were linked to the various industries and the development of the area.

In recent years the physical environment of Blackpool has changed with the construction of the Blackpool Bypass. Now that Blackpool has been saved from the stranglehold of traffic gridlock it is free to move forward in a new era of growth and development. A knowledge of the unique history and traditions of Blackpool is essential in order to facilitate the sustainable development of the area. This publication provides us with a clearer understanding of the origins and identity of Blackpool.

Cork City Council is committed to promoting and protecting the archaeological heritage of Cork City and is delighted to produce this interesting and worthwhile book. This publication was funded by the Heritage Council, under the Archaeology Grant Scheme and Cork City Council’s Roads and Transportation Directorate, under the European Regional Development Fund.

Old Blackpool – An Historic Cork Suburb is available to purchase from the Planning and Development Directorate, Navigation House, Albert Quay and selected bookshops in the city.

For further details contact archaeology@corkcity.ie or Ciara Brett, Executive Archaeologist 021-4924705. 

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