Cork: Merchant City Online Exhibition

From the collections of Cork City and County Archives Service.

merchantcity > Cork: Merchant Princes > Cork City & County Archives

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Welcome to the Merchant City exhibition This online exhibition explores the commercial heritage of Cork through its historical archives. Cork shares a proud heritage with other European cities as a place of enterprise and trade, 'merchant princes', markets and elegant shops, craftsmanship and manufacturing, culture and learning. Over 800 years ago, the citizens of Cork were granted extensive liberties to trade. This long history of commercial endeavour is documented in many of the surviving records held at Cork City and County Archives, particularly for the 19th century period. Sources found at the Archives include the original minute books of the Cork Committee of Merchants, the shipping ledgers of Corn Merchants and the City of Cork Steampacket Company, and the day to day records of the Cork Butter Market, as well as personal archives and old photographs of people and places in Cork. Most of these sources are entirely unique, and are preserved and made accessible for research at the new purpose built City and County Archives in Blackpool, on Cork's northside. This web site gives an outline of Cork's commercial history illustrated by images of documents and photographs from collections at the Archives.

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See the Gallery to view the main images of the site in one go. Includes images of manuscripts, photographs, advertisements and other documents.

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Retail Heritage Generations of Corkonians have enjoyed Cork's numerous and varied shops and markets. Check out the Retail Heritage section for old photos of the Grand Parade, Cornmarket Street (Coal Quay) and Patrick’s Street, and of the burning of Cork during the War of Independence.

Visit the Cork City & County Archives Seamus Murphy Building, Great William O'Brien Street, Blackpool, Cork.

Tel: 021- 4505876 email: archivist@corkcity.ie

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About Cork > Cork: Merchant Princes > Cork City & County Archives

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About Cork This web site explores and celebrates the commercial and industrial heritage of Cork through its historical archives. Cork has a proud heritage as a city of enterprise and trade, as a maritime cityâ€¦ a city of merchants. Over 800 years ago, the citizens of Cork were granted extensive liberties to trade. This long history of commercial endeavour is reflected in the surviving archives of the city, held at Cork City and County Archives. The items found here include the minute books of the Cork Committee of Merchants, the correspondence of the Cork Distilleries Company, the shipping ledgers of R&H Hall Corn Merchants and the City of Cork Steampacket Company, and the day to day records of the Cork Butter Market, as well as personal archives and old photographs of various people and places in Cork city and county.

The city of Cork straddles the River Lee on the south coast of Ireland. It has its origins in a 6th century monastic foundation attributed to St. Finbar and eventually grew into a walled settlement on islands in the estuary. In fact, the name Cork comes from the Irish work Corcaigh meaning marsh.

The geographical location of Cork was vital to its expansion. Located at the head of one of the finest natural harbours in the world, it was also at the crossroads of trade between northern Europe and the Americas and further afield. This location was vital to the growth of the city, particularly from the 18th century when Cork moved ahead of rival local ports such as Kinsale and Youghal.

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About Cork > Cork: Merchant Princes > Cork City & County Archives

In the 17th and 18th centuries the city expanded beyond its walls, developing a new commercial area centred on St. Patrickâ€™s Street. Industry and trade also increased, with the butter and provisions trade being particularly important. In the late 18th century new brewing and distilling concerns were established, using the water power to be found on the River Lee as well as its tributaries the Glen, Bride and Glasheen rivers. Other manufacturing industries also developed, particularly textiles such as woollen, cotton and linen production. The nearby village of Douglas had a large sailcloth industry from the early 18th century. The 19th and 20th centuries saw somewhat uneven commercial and industrial success as some companies struggled to cope with changing times. The prosperity seen during the Napoleonic Wars ended in 1815 and the Great Famine of 1845-1850 dealt a further blow to the country. After the famine, the population of Ireland declined for over a century, making an impact on economic development. The population of Cork city showed an overall increase in the 19th century, rising from about 57,000 in 1800 to 76,000 in 1900. During this time the main commercial centre developed to include a wide range of shops and other services. By the mid-20th century many of the traditional industries and shops were struggling for survival in the face of changing economic circumstances. As the century came to a close, new chemical, technology and service industries were replacing the older firms. At the same time, national and international retail companies were making an impact in the commercial world. As the city expanded from the 1990s, it saw a new entrepreneurs and immigrants making their impact on the life of the area. Throughout this period the role of merchants has been central not only to commercial development, but also to the civic, social, religious, educational and artistic life of Cork. This project explores and celebrates this aspect of the history of Cork, using a selection of sources drawn from the rich and varied collection of the Cork City and County Archives.

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Merchant Princes > Cork: Merchant Princes > Cork City & County Archives

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Merchant Princes Cork city began to expand from the 17th and 18th centuries onwards. Trade in the port increased, city buildings spread out from the former walled medieval core and there were greater opportunities to amass wealth. Merchant families energetically developed the city and over time many became prosperous and influential: they were known as â€˜merchant princesâ€™. Wider political, religious and military events meant that most of the principal merchant families from the mid-17th century onwards were Protestant. However, by the later 18th century there was a growing Roman Catholic merchant class which became even more prominent in the following century. The â€˜merchant princesâ€™ of Cork generally were active in local government and many of them served as mayors of the city. As members of the corporation they played a major role in determining the development of Cork and overseeing its expansion. In the 18th century many of the leading citizens were directly involved in the reclamation and building projects that saw the city extend into former marshland. Their names were recorded in the street and quay names, some of which have survived such as Penrose Quay, Lappâ€™s Quay and Lavittâ€™s Quay. Many of the leading merchants of the city were generous supporters of religious, charitable and educational bodies, both Protestant and Roman Catholic. There was a long tradition of such support: in 1584 a London wine merchant from a prominent Cork family, Stephen Skiddy, signed his will which established a Cork charity (still in existence) to care for the elderly. John Nicholas Murphy, of the distilling family, was founding president of the St. Vincent de Paul Society in Cork in the mid-19th century. Later that century, the brewer William Crawford and the distiller Francis Wise each made large financial donations to ensure that the spires of William Burgesâ€™ magnificent St. Fin Barreâ€™s Cathedral could be completed. Similarly the names of prominent merchant families can be found amongst those involved with cultural organisations such as the Cork Institution, the Cork Society for Promoting the Fine Arts and myriad other such groups. An interest in art was particularly evident in the early 19th century when many merchants amassed sufficient funds to enhance their increasingly large houses. From the late 18th century the wealthier families began to move their residences from the city centre to the suburbs. Villas and substantial houses were built along the northern hills overlooking the city such as at St. Lukeâ€™s, Sundayâ€™s Well and further east to Montenotte and Tivoli. Similarly, fine houses were built in the Blackrock and Douglas

List of candidates for election as Town Councillors, 1840’s. Cork Industri l Exhibition photo, 1883 .

Lease of Cork City lands to Merchant, 1718 .

Denny Lane, Drawing by Henry Jones/Thaddeus .

John Francis Maguire

William Crawford’s Journal T.J. Clanchy, c.1860s.

Mary Ann Clanchy (née Slattery), c.1870s. ACCESSIBILITY HELP?

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Merchant Princes > Cork: Merchant Princes > Cork City & County Archives

areas on the south side. These were often set in well-kept grounds and were far from the overcrowded and unhealthy city centre. New bridges allowed access to these areas, while in the later 19th century railways, such as the Cork, Blackrock and Passage Railway, improved communications. Many of the â€˜merchant princesâ€™ of Cork were well-educated, philanthropic and possessed a pride and confidence in Cork. They built up businesses and industries that not only generated funds for themselves, but also provided employment and in turn encouraged other enterprises. They contributed much to the development of Cork.

Letter to T.J. Clanchy, 1878.

‘Sunville’, late 19th century. Map of Ringmahon, 1835.

Cork Savings Bank, 1861.

National Exhibition Letter, 1852.

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Brewing & Distilling > Cork: Merchant Princes > Cork City & County Archives

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Brewing & Distilling Brewing and distilling have long been important in Cork. The main ingredients, barley and water, are in plentiful supply while hops (for beer) are imported. Significant malting operations developed to supply malted barley for both brewing and distilling industries. Produced on a small scale for centuries, beer and whiskey increasingly came from larger companies from the late 18th century. In the 1770s there were fifteen breweries in Cork, but by the mid- 19th century the industry was dominated by five companies. Beamish & Crawfordâ€™s Cork Porter Brewery took over an existing brewery (Allenâ€™s) in 1792 and soon developed their site on South Main Street. Just across the street was an older distillery, Laneâ€™s South Gate Brewery which was founded in 1758 and produced both stout and bitter ale. It was taken over by Beamish & Crawford in 1901-1902. Not far away was another brewery established in 1805 by Samuel Abbott on Fitton Street (now Sharman Crawford Street) and transferred to Sir John Arnott in 1861. Known as St. Finn- barreâ€™s Brewery, the business thrived until the 1890s. It was taken over by Murphyâ€™s in 1901 and the brewery itself was closed down. Close by was Crosseâ€™s Green Brewery, run by Cashman in the early 19th century. One of the last breweries to be founded in Cork was Murphyâ€™s Ladyâ€™s Well Brewery which opened in Blackpool in 1856. Today Beamish & Crawford and Murphyâ€™s are still in operation. Most of these breweries concentrated on the production of porter which was a type of beer that became popular from the 18th century. The dark coloured beer was favoured by the market porters in London, hence its name. Porter could be made in bulk and improved when left to mature. Commercial breweries improved the quality of porter being produced in Cork from the early 19th century and it became very popular. Later that century, breweries began to produce stout, a stronger beer which soon achieved an important place in the market. Whiskey production was another significant industry in Cork from the late 18th century. Rum and brandy were gradually displaced by whiskey as production of the latter increased. Often using English and Scottish distilling expertise, several distilleries were established in the city from the 1780s and there were seven in operation in 1807. Most were on the north side of the city including those at Millfield, Dodgeâ€™s Glen, the Green Distillery, the Watercourse Distillery and Dalyâ€™s John Street Distillery. North Mall distillery, beside the north channel of the River Lee was associated with the Wise family, while St. Dominickâ€™s Distillery was set up by Thomas Walker at Crosseâ€™s Green on the south side. In the 1820s

Cork Porter Cash Book, 1793.

Barley Book, Green Distillery, 1856.

Design for a kiln at Beamish & Crawford, c.1870.

Survey of W. Phair's public house, 1877. This was a 'tied house' or premises which .....

The Lady’s Well Brewery of James J. Murphy & Co., 1890... Lic nsed publicans in Cork showing porter suppliers, 1893.

Cover of Cork Distilleries Company Balance Book, 1895-1910.

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Brewing & Distilling > Cork: Merchant Princes > Cork City & County Archives

distilleries were established in the county at Riverstown (John Lyons & Company), Bandon (Allmanâ€™s) and two in Midleton (Hackettâ€™s and Murphyâ€™s). The industry was under pressure from the mid-19th century from a combination of the 1830s temperance movement, population decline from the 1840s (as a result of the Great Famine 1845-1850) and a move away from spirits and towards beer. The result was that by the 1860s, Millfield, St. Dominickâ€™s and Dodgeâ€™s Glen distilleries in the city had closed, as had the county concerns at Riverstown and Hackettâ€™s in Midleton. The remaining city distilleries (Watercourse, John Street, North Mall and the Green) and Murphyâ€™s Midleton distillery amalgamated in 1867 to form Cork Distilleries Company (CDC). This merger allowed the new company to rationalise production in the different properties. A new distillery was established at the Glen, Kilnap in the 1880s which produced whiskey until the 1920s. Cork companies continued to concentrate on whiskey produced by pot stills, instead of the newer and more efficient patent stills. The result was that by the late 19th century, Cork distilleries were losing their share of the market and by the 1930s Cork Distilleries Company was the only remaining distillery in the county. It increasingly concentrated its production at its Midleton plant and in 1966 became part of Irish Distillers Limited along with two Dublin distilleries, John Jameson & Son and John Power & Son. In 1975 a new distillery was built in Midleton adjacent to the original site and whiskey continues to produced there.

Cork Distilleries Company, Balance Book, 1902 .

Whiskey bottle, 1914.

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Shipping > Cork: Merchant Princes > Cork City & County Archives

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Shipping Shipping and maritime trade have always been a vital part of the life of Cork. The city grew up where the River Lee starts to broaden out as it travels to the lower harbour and ultimately to the sea at Roches Point. As the city developed, it created areas where ships could dock safely. Indeed the Cork coat of arms shows a ship between two castles. Trade by sea was essential in the expansion of Cork and by the 18th century regular links had been established with many overseas ports. As well as the long established routes to Britain there were close trading connections with the continent. French ports such as Bordeaux built up profitable associations with Cork, trading wine, brandy and luxury goods for agricultural products. There was also a strong trade with the Baltic from where timber was imported. Some Cork merchants had relations in ports overseas, enabling them to keep a close eye on business matters. For example, members of the Coppinger, Galwey and Lawton families were based in Bordeaux on the west coast of France. The geographical location of Cork enabled it to profit from routes between Britain and North America. The provisions trade was particularly important to the city in the 18th and early 19th centuries, supplying products to ships en route to the West Indies and North America. The outbreak of the American War of Independence in 1775 and the subsequent entry of France into that war on the side of the Americans, meant that shipping on the routes across the Atlantic was vulnerable to enemy attack. One solution was to group large numbers of vessels together in a convoy and escort them to their destination with warships. The large sheltered harbour at Cork was ideal for gathering ships for this purpose during an age when sailing ships often had to wait days or even weeks for a fair wind. The value of the harbour was not forgotten when war broke out in the 1790s against France and again Cork became a busy gathering place for shipping. During this time, much of the main shipping activity took place in the lower harbour as navigation to the city itself was difficult for larger vessels. This was an increasing problem as the size of ships grew during the 19th and 20th centuries. As late as the 1870s, some ships still had to unload their cargo onto lighters (smaller vessels) at Passage West in the harbour to be brought up to the city. The authorities recognised this problem and set about a series of improvements. A new Navigation Wall (now the Marina) was constructed from the mid-18th century to improve the access for shipping as it approached the city. Similarly, over time, the quaysides in the city itself were improved so that ships could more

Revenue Return for Port of Cork, 1762-1768.

Four Masted Sailing Ship Moored at Albert Quay, c.1880-1910.

Paddle Steamer entering the Port of Cork, 1842.

Merchants Quay, Cork, 1870-1890.

R. & H. Hall Ltd., Cargo Book, 1913.

Details about S.S. Kerry, 1919.

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Shipping > Cork: Merchant Princes > Cork City & County Archives

easily discharge directly onto the city docks. The result was greatly expanded shipping operations close to the city centre and near the various industries and trades there from the 19th century. Ironically, by the late 20th century large scale shipping activities again moved to the lower harbour where specially built deep water facilities were developed at Ringaskiddy. Citizens of Cork saw gradual changes in the type of ships using their port over the centuries. Wooden hulled sailing vessels were the usual form of transport for people and cargo until the advent of steamships in the early 19th century. As early as the 1820s there were paddlesteamers regularly using the port, acting as ferries within the harbour itself, to other ports in Ireland and on routes to Britain. Steam and then diesel gradually overtook sail, although wooden cargo sailing ships still called to the port as late as the 1930s. From the mid-19th century iron and steel began to be used instead of wood in the construction of ships and, again, over time fewer and fewer wooden vessels were seen. During the 19th century Cork had successful shipbuilding enterprises constructing wooden and later iron vessels. They also built yachts and boats to cater for the popular recreation of pleasure boating in the harbour area.

Cargo vessel at Anderson’s Quay, Cork, c.1930s.

Technical information about Innisfallen, 1939.

Innisfallen ferry, 1948.

B&I Ferry brochure, 1951.

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Workers > Cork: Merchant Princes > Cork City & County Archives

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Workers & Manufacturing A wide range of goods has been manufactured in Cork over the centuries, although the city never developed an extensive industrial infrastructure. The crafts of medieval Cork were generally controlled by a guild system which monitored apprenticeships, standards and other aspects of the different trades. This guild system was breaking down by the 17th century and by the early 19th century trade unions began to emerge. The type of unions varied over the years but were influenced by (and often amalgamated to) the trade unions in Britain. Whether in trade unions or not, most workers were employed for long hours and had limited leisure time until the mid-20th century. Demand for well-paid pensionable jobs was high and many people spent all their lives in the same employment. The industries in Cork in the 18th and 19th centuries were closely related to local natural resources. Brewing, distilling, textiles and food processing were all based primarily on products found in the region, including barley, water, flax, meat and other animal products. There were also some engineering and other manufacturing industries in the Cork area. Initially, much of the power used to operate the larger scale industries came from water â€“ mainly found to the north of the city on the rivers Bride and Glen, on the south side at Glasheen and, of course, the River Lee itself. As the 19th century progressed there was a move to steam and later to other forms of power. The lack of coal and other raw materials was a deterrent to the development of industries not only in Cork but in most parts of Ireland. Many of the industries in Cork relied on the port for both imports and exports, while others (such as brewing and distilling) mainly supplied the local market. The prosperous years of the Napoleonic Wars came to an end in 1815 and some industries suffered in the resulting slump. Cork industries had mixed fortunes for the rest of the 19th century, particularly as the overall population was in decline following the devastating impact of the Great Famine of 1845-1850. The 20th century brought continued problems for some local industries. The relatively prosperous years during World War I were followed by political and military unrest. The creation of the Irish Free State in 1922 did not bring prosperity and Cork suffered during the depression years of the 1930s. The arrival of the Ford tractor and (later) car plant in Cork in 1919 was a welcome boost to local

Ogilvie and Moore Drapers, Wages Book, 1890.

Knitting Plant at Sunbeam Wolsey Textiles, c.1950-60.

Sunbeam Wolsey Textiles, Worker, c. 1940- 1960

Dwyer and Company, Female Staff, 1902.

Lee Boot Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Drawing of Premises, 1918.

Beamish and Crawford Brewery, Clerks Duties, 1886-7. ACCESSIBILITY HELP?

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Workers > Cork: Merchant Princes > Cork City & County Archives

employment and remained a vital industry until its closure in 1984. Similarly the Dunlop tyre factory provided much-needed employment from 1935 to 1983, while the Sunbeam textile company operated from 1928 until 1995. Economic difficulties in the 1970s and 1980s led to the closure of many of the traditional industries in the city. However, the later 20th century saw the emergence of new forms of industry in the Cork area based on chemical, technological and service industries. These became part of the changing face of manufacturing in Cork.

Cork Coopers Society Minute Book, 7 June 1883.

Cask Prices, Cork Coopers Society, 1902.

Cork Workers Council Balance Sheet, 1941.

Apprentice’s Indenture, 1923. Dunlop Rubber Company Employment Card, 1934.

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Provisions Trade > Cork: Merchant Princes > Cork City & County Archives

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Provisions Trade Cork has a large and safe harbour and is located close to the main shipping routes to America and Europe. From the 17th to 19th centuries the port played a huge role in the provisions trade. Butter, salted beef and pork were some of the main exports, with many ships provisioning at Cork on their way to America and the West Indies. The butter trade was particularly important. Butter was brought from rural areas to Cork where it was weighed, inspected and graded. A sophisticated system of regulation built up from the 18th century which ensured that high standards were maintained in the sale of butter. Key to these standards was the Committee of Merchants which was established by butter exporters in 1769. The Committee expanded over time to include both merchants and butter buyers: in the 1820s it consisted of fourteen export merchants, seven butter buyers and three tanners. The Committee included members from most of the main merchant families in Cork and proved to be an effective and impartial body. The results of the careful regulation of the butter trade was seen in its continued success until the late 19th century. Butter was exported all over the world, particularly to America and the West Indies but also, later, to Australia and India. In 1774 Cork controlled 88% of Irish butter exports to America. Considerable skill was built up in Cork to ensure that butter reached its destinations in good conditions. This was a particular challenge when being sent to hot climates. Most butter was packed into firkins or casks. These, generally, were made in Cork from seasoned oak, bound together by metal hoops. The coopers who made the casks were highly regarded and usually well paid. It was a skilful craft and high standards were maintained by rigourous inspection of the casks. Equally skilful was the packing of the butter and the addition of a pickle to ensure its preservation. The content of the pickle was a closely guarded secret, but salt was essential. Cork butter was generally highly salted and this acted as an important preservative. By the 19th century, the butter trade in Cork was firmly established on the northern side of the city, at Shandon. A weigh house was in operation by the early 18th century and butter dealers and coopers were also prominent in the area. A covered market was created by the early 19th century and improved in 1850 when a new Butter Exchange was built.

Cover of Committee of Merchants Minute Book, 1792.

Notice to Butter dealers from Cork Committee of Merchants, February 1866.

Merchant’s Letter, 1789. ' 97

Hare, Merchant, Letterbook 1771-1772.

Committee of Merchants Report, 1812.

Committee of Merchants Minute, 1812.

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The new market, with its powerful classical portico, was a symbol of the importance of the trade. Yet, by the late 19th century Cork

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Provisions Trade > Cork: Merchant Princes > Cork City & County Archives

was losing its dominance in the export butter market. One of the main problems was that the important British market did not require the highly salted butter exported from Cork. Butter producers on the continent, particularly Denmark, began to supply the more lightly salted butter preferred by the British consumer. Combined with a fall off in standards at the Cork Butter Exchange, a reluctance to move to more modern packaging and the development of butter substitutes, the Cork butter trade began to decline. The advent of refrigeration and changes in international trade all contributed to the problems and by the mid-1920s the Cork Butter Exchange had closed. The meat trade was another vitally important part of the provisions trade. Salted beef and pork were exported all over the world. As with butter, good packaging was essential to ensure its arrival in good condition. The skills of coopers and packers allowed the trade to expand from the 18th century. Cork was a major centre of meat production, so it was not surprising that it also developed many trades associated with by-products of that industry. In particular, there was an active export trade in cattle skins or hides and in tallow which was used to produce candles and soap.

The Exchange at Cork, 1815.

J.H. Gamble price list, c.1854.

Photograph of interior of Cork Butter Exchange, c.1900

Butter Inspection Slip, 1883.

Munster Dairies letterhead, 1903.

Butter Market Weigh House Return, 1847.

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Retail Heritage > Cork: Merchant Princes > Cork City & County Archives

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Retail Heritage Cork has always been an important centre for shops: from the small craft outlets of the medieval city to the modern multinational stores of today. Initially shops were centred on the North and South Main Street area of the walled city, but from the 18th century Cork greatly expanded. Its population grew from about 17,000 in 1700 to around 57,000 a century later. Much of this expansion was to the east over former marshes where new streets were laid out. By 1900 the cityâ€™s population was just over 76,000 and people were living in greater numbers in suburban areas. This trend increased in the 20th century when the population of the city itself rose to over 120,000 in 2000, with thousands more living in adjoining suburbs. Until the late 20th century, the main focus of retail activity was in the city centre. In particular the St. Patrickâ€™s Street area attracted many of the higher quality shops. Smaller retail units continued to be important in the older city area of North and South Main Street and along the streets to the north (Shandon area) and south (Barrack Street area). There also were important on-street and off-street markets in the city selling meat, fish and vegetables and other articles. Over time, these became concentrated in the markets on Cornmarket Street and the â€˜English Marketâ€™ between Grand Parade and Princes Street. (See Sources for a list of street traders from 1928). There was a huge range of shops available to the people of Cork: everything from small grocers, vintners and pawn brokers to linen drapers, wine merchants and perfumers. In earlier times many of the owners of these businesses lived over the shop, but by the late- 20th century most resided elsewhere in the city. The vast majority of the shops were locally owned and often were operated by several generations of the one family. Such retail outlets catered not only for the residents of the city, but also for the seasonal workers. In particular, large numbers of workers were present in the autumn and winter during the height of the meat processing season. Similarly, those associated with the thriving butter industry regularly came into the city, especially in the summer. Then, of course, there were the many people connected with port activities who made frequent visits to the city. A comprehensive range of shops and services was available in the city which had a busy commercial centre. Amongst the most important consumers in the city were the â€˜merchant princeâ€™ families. Much of the wealth generated by the merchants of Cork was put back into the local economy through

John Duke letterhead, 1856.

T. Harding letterhead, 1854.

T. Bennett letterhead, 1863.

Dennehy’s Hats advertisement, 1886.

James Gunn advertisement, c.1886.

St. Patrick’s Street, late 19th century.

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Retail Heritage > Cork: Merchant Princes > Cork City & County Archives

patronage of the cityâ€™s shops. Certainly by the early 20th century there were a significant number of department and other large shops catering for the wealthier consumers. These included Dowdenâ€™s drapery establishment and department stores such as the Munster Arcade, Grantâ€™s, Cashâ€™s, Rocheâ€™s Stores and the Queenâ€™s Old Castle. During the War of Independence, on 11 December 1920, retail trade in the city centre suffered a setback when large tracts of the city were destroyed by fire, apparently through the actions of Crown Forces, and many businesses were looted. In the late 20th century many of the traditional shops came under pressure due to economic recession from the 1970s and changing international retail trends. Many of the major local shops closed down or passed into new ownership, while the smaller retail units were under equal pressure. National and international retailers increasingly moved into the city, one of which, Dunnes Stores, actually began in St. Patrickâ€™s Street in 1944. By the early 21st century the retail focus in Cork was shared between the traditional city centre and many suburban shopping centres.

Blairs Chemist Prescription Register, 1890s.

Cornmarket Street/Coal Quay late 1800s

Grand Parade, 1902-1903.

For further information including online trade directories and a list of street traders from 1928, see the Sources page.

Munster Arcade Department store c 1900

Aftermath of Burning of Cork, December 1920

Queens Old Castle

John W. Dowden letterhead, 1942. text for retail heritage

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Merchant City Online Exhibition > Cork: Merchant Princes > Cork City & County Archives

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Merchant City Online Exhibition The aim of the Merchant City project was to produce an exhibition from material in the Cork City and County Archives, which would be of interest to the general public as well as to researchers. The online exhibition also features background historical texts and details of source materials, as well as online extracts from some 19th and 20th century Cork trade directories. This project was funded by the Heritage Council of Ireland and Cork City Council through the Cork City Heritage Plan. Project Team: Dr. Alicia St. Leger , Writer and Curator. Brian McGee , Archivist, CCCA, Project Manager and Digitisation. Niamh Twomey , City Heritage Officer Dr.Eileen Oâ€™Leary and Al Devine , City Council I.S Dept. Eclipse Internet Services , Web Design. Equipment:

Epson GT10000 A3 Flatbed Scanner Solar Copymaster A2 Bookscanner

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List of candidates for election as Town Councillors, 1840s > Cork: Merchant Princes > Cork City & County Archives

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You are here: home > Merchant Princes > List of candidates for election as Town Councillors, 1840s

Merchant Princes

List of candidates for election as Town Councillors, 1840s The occupations of the candidates clearly reflect the importance of merchants and traders in Cork. Tanners were prominent on the north side of the city where cattle processing was a major industry. A tanner processed animal skin or hides, turning them into leather. Richard Dowden (Richd.) (1794-1861), listed in this item, was an important merchant and manager of Jennings Soda Water Company. In 1845 he was elected mayor of Cork. A keen botanist, he was also active in the temperance movement and in the Cuverian Society which promoted the study of science, literature and the fine arts. He was known as â€˜Richard Dowden Richardâ€™ to distinguish him from his father, Richard Dowden. (CCCA U140)

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Cork Industrial Exhibition photo, 1883 > Cork: Merchant Princes > Cork City & County Archives

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You are here: home > Merchant Princes > Cork Industrial Exhibition photo, 1883

Merchant Princes

Cork Industrial Exhibition photo, 1883. The exhibition was held on the site of the Corn Exchange in Anglesea Street, Cork (beside the present City Hall). This rare photograph may depict the official opening on 3 July by the Earl of Bandon. The presence of the silver maces (below the podium) suggest that the mayor of Cork also was present. This event, with its band and impressive organ, clearly attracted members of the leading merchant and professional families in Cork. The 1883 event was one of three major industrial exhibitions held in Cork in this period: the first being in 1852 at the Corn Exchange site and the last in 1902-1903, centred on what is now Fitzgerald Park in the western suburbs of the city. (CCCA)

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Cork Industrial Exhibition photo, 1883 > Cork: Merchant Princes > Cork City & County Archives

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Lease of cork City lands to Merchant, 1718 > Cork: Merchant Princes > Cork City & County Archives

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You are here: home > Merchant Princes > Lease of cork City lands to Merchant, 1718

Merchant Princes

Lease of Cork City lands to Merchant, 1718. Hugh Dickson to John Dennis for 7 years, property in Kyrl’s Quay area. Merchants have been involved in the sale and leasing of lands in the City for centuries.

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Lease of cork City lands to Merchant, 1718 > Cork: Merchant Princes > Cork City & County Archives

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Denny Lane, Drawing by Henry Jones/Thaddeus > Cork: Merchant Princes > Cork City & County Archives

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You are here: home > Merchant Princes > Denny Lane, Drawing by Henry Jones/Thaddeus

Merchant Princes

Denny Lane, Drawing by Henry Jones/Thaddeus. Denny Lane (1818-1895) was a prominent figure in 19th century Cork. His father owned Riverstown Distillery, while Lane himself took a law degree. He served as secretary and resident engineer for Cork Gas Company and was associated with local railways, Belvelly Brickworks and Springfields Starch Works. He was imprisoned for his part in the 1848 Young Ireland rebellion. Young Ireland was a nationalist movement active in the 1840s that emphasised a romantic cultural Ireland. As well as writing songs and poetry, Denny Lane supported cultural and educational societies, and young artists such as Henry Jones/Thaddeus. Its 1848 rebellion was a failure. (CCCA U611 Denny Lane Papers)

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John Francis Maguire > Cork: Merchant Princes > Cork City & County Archives

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You are here: home > Merchant Princes > John Francis Maguire

Merchant Princes

John Francis Maguire John Francis Maguire (1815-1872) photographed when mayor of Cork, a position he held in 1852 and from 1862 to 1864. He was the son of a merchant and became closely involved in politics, serving as Member of Parliament between 1852 and 1872. He was active in local and Roman Catholic affairs. Maguire is perhaps best known as the founder of the Cork Examiner newspaper in 1841, a publication (now known as the Irish Examiner ) that is still in existence. (CCCA )

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William Crawford's Journal > Cork: Merchant Princes > Cork City & County Archives

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You are here: home > Merchant Princes > William Crawford's Journal

Merchant Princes

William Crawford’s Journal c.1820 Page from William Crawford’s journal recording farm and house expenses. Of particular interest (at the end of the page) is the information about his servants: he employed a valet, groom, cook, kitchen maid, house maid, nursery maid and wet nurse. A groom was a manservant, generally one who looked after horses. By 1792 William Crawford (senior) had moved from County Down to Cork where he was a co-founder of the successful Beamish and Crawford brewery. He occupied a fine residence ‘Lakelands’ at Blackrock, to the east of the city overlooking the widening River Lee. His son, William Crawford (junior), continued his involvement with the brewery, but also was active in the cultural life of Cork. He was one of the founders of the School of Art of which his son, William Horatio, was a generous benefactor. The journal of William Crawford (junior) provides a fascinating glimpse into the day-to-day world of one of the wealthy, cultured merchants of Cork. The Journal contains household accounts as well as a list of books in the private library byGreek, Latin and Italian authors. Crawford had an extensive and wide-ranging library. The journal also includes s ketch plans and other minutely recorded details of the small estate at Lakelands, Blackrock, held by William Crawford. He outlined many aspects related to farming his lands there. His son William Horatio Crawford developed a renowned arboretum at Lakelands, specialising in rare trees and shrubs. The house was demolished after the death of W.H. Crawford in 1888. (CCCA U18 Beamish & Crawford)

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William Crawford's Journal > Cork: Merchant Princes > Cork City & County Archives

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T.J. Clanchy Photo c. 1860s > Cork: Merchant Princes > Cork City & County Archives

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You are here: home > Merchant Princes > T.J. Clanchy Photo c. 1860s

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T.J. Clanchy Photo., c.1860s. Timothy Joseph Clanchy (d.1897) was a important butter merchant whose Munster Dairies company was highly successful. He was prominent in local and church affairs and was active in nationalist politics. (CCCA PR11/28-1 Clanchy Papers)

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Mary Ann Clanchy (née Slattery) Photo c.1870s. > Cork: Merchant Princes > Cork City & County Archives

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You are here: home > Merchant Princes > Mary Ann Clanchy (née Slattery) Photo c.1870s.

Merchant Princes

Mary Ann Clanchy (née Slattery) Photo, c.1870s. Wife of successful butter merchant T.J. Clanchy, her fashionable and elaborately decorated dress demonstrates her high standing in society. She had one daughter, Elizabeth, before her premature death. T.J. Clanchy subsequently married her cousin Ellen Slattery and a further five children were born. (CCCA PR11/28-2 Clanchy Papers)

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