The one thing that you need to know should you ever visit Dublin is that everything has a history or a background story but the associated problem, that may catch you by surprise, is that everyone will tell you a different story and different versions every time they meet you.
When I first photographed this bridge, many years ago, a self appointed local historian explained to me that the lifting bridge was built by Earl Spencer the paternal grandfather of Diana Spencer. The problem with stories such as this is that the facts may be “alternative” but they are often, to some extent, true so they should be dismissed with further research or investigation. I did, however, have problems with the story for the following reasons.
[1] Spencer Dock was originally known as the Royal Canal Docks [2] Diana’s Grand Father or his father had no connection with Ireland. [3] The bridge appears to have an electric motor dating from the 1940s or 1950s
Anyway I decided to check a history of the docklands published by Turtle Bunbury [by the way the book features one of my photographs] and I came across the following: “The new dock was a work of ‘entirely private enterprise’ and cost £58,000. On the beautiful afternoon of 15th April 1873, (Sir) Ralph Cusack, Chairman of the MGWR, opened the new dock and formally named it Spencer after the Lord Lieutenant, Earl Spencer, great-great grandfather of Diana, Princess of Wales.”
So there was some basis to the local historian’s claim however the bridge associated with the development was at the time described as “an ingenious hydraulic bridge” and it was the work of the railway’s engineer Mr Price. The bridge in my photographs does not really match the description above.
The available information is confusing. The bridge in my photographs appears to be referred to as the Sheriff Street Lifting Bridge but also as the Sheriff Street Spencer Drawbridge but it was built in 1941 as a replacement for an older swivel bridge dating from 1873.
Just before I published my original photographs I came across this “However, on 17 October 1941 the Irish Times reported on the opening of the new Sheriff Street drawbridge, which had cost £18,000; it was a structure unique of its kind in these islands.
Anyway I like the bridge and I keep hoping that it might be restored.
The main item of interest along dock road is the Bannatyne Mill building which is described as follows: A most imposing and rare industrial building with a larger than life expression of Victorian industrial architecture, erected to the designs of William Sidney Cox. The builders were McCarthy and Guerin. It was built for Mssrs. Bannatyne. The Bannatyne Mill is technically significant as the building’s frame is made of cast-iron and is encased in cut stone and rubble. There are allocations for lift machinery in the basement and the hoisting machinery is hidden behind the gables. The tower, influenced by the Gothic of northern continental Europe, adds architectural presence over the Docks and is a landmark sight from the northern banks of the River Shannon. The high degree of detailing and the attention paid to the architectural composition of this structure is extraordinary when viewed through the rationalised approach to aesthetics today. This structure, together with the later reinforced concrete silo further east are significant industrial architectural landmarks in the Dock Road area of Limerick City.
There is also a the graving dock to which I had no access. It is described as a well-built dock set within the greater wet dock, and displaying fine stone masonry typical of the mid nineteenth century. Mr. Hawney was the clerk of works. Although now falling into dereliction, this dock along with the pedstal, forms an historical feature on the landscape of the docklands.
IMMERSIVE VINYL EXPERIENCE: Immerse yourself in the rich, warm sound of vinyl records with the Gemini Sound Turntable. Experience 3 speeds for 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM, allowing you to play all your favorite records. The included pitch adjustment feature lets you fine-tune the playback speed for optimal listening pleasure.
WIRELESS SPEAKER SYSTEM: Enjoy a complete audio experience with the built-in 2 x 50W 2-way stereo speakers. Connect your Bluetooth-enabled device to the speakers and stream your favorite music wirelessly. Experience the convenience of wireless audio playback without the need for external speakers.
PREMIUM SOUND QUALITY: The Gemini Sound Turntable features a ceramic stereo cartridge with a stylus, ensuring superior audio reproduction. Hear every detail and nuance of your vinyl collection with clarity and precision. Experience the warmth and authenticity of analog music.
EASY SETUP AND VERSATILE OPTIONS: Setting up the Gemini Sound Turntable is a breeze. It comes with a felt slipmat, AC adapter, RCA cable, and a user manual to guide you through the setup process. With the AUTO-STOP ON/OFF switch, you can choose whether the turntable automatically stops at the end of a record or continues to play.
ENJOY YOUR VINYL AND MORE: Rediscover the joy of vinyl records and enhance your music listening experience. The Gemini Sound Turntable allows you to enjoy your vinyl collection with exceptional sound quality. Connect your Bluetooth-enabled device to the wireless speakers for added versatility and stream your favorite music with ease.
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
You must be logged in to post a comment.