The Development of a Landlord Town

Gateway to Birr Castle

Photograh of Gateway entance to Birr Castle

Copyright held by T O Sullivan

Gateway to Birr Castle
Copyright held by T O Sullivan

Gateway to Birr Castle

Photograh of Gateway entance to Birr Castle

Copyright held by T O Sullivan

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Birr's most famous historian Thomas Lalor Cooke noted in his book entitled Early History of the Town of Birr or Parsonstown that "Almost immediately after getting the possession of Birr, Sir Laurence Parsons, commenced to build and make other improvements there at considerable expense"

The new gothic entrance gate seen here built in 1803 provided an impressive statement and focal point for development of Oxmantown Mall.

The early 19th century development can be divided into three phases:

• The development of Cumberland Square, beginning in 1745
   
• The development of Oxmantown Mall, beginning in 1803
   
• The development of St John's Mall and St John's Place 1811-1835

Cumberland Square

Cumberland Square

Postcard view of Cumberland Square County Offaly. This square was first laid out in the 1740’s to commemorate the battle of Culloden. The stone column with a statue of the Duke of Cumberland was erected in 1747. The square is laid out as a northward extension of the main street. The square is now known as Emmet Square

Cumberland Square

Cumberland Square

Postcard view of Cumberland Square County Offaly. This square was first laid out in the 1740’s to commemorate the battle of Culloden. The stone column with a statue of the Duke of Cumberland was erected in 1747. The square is laid out as a northward extension of the main street. The square is now known as Emmet Square

Enlarge image

This square was first laid out in the 1740's to commemorate the battle of Culloden. The stone column with a statue of the Duke of Cumberland was erected in 1747. The square is laid out as a northward extension of the main street. The square is now known as Emmet Square, Birr.