Dublin by Lamplight

Dublin remains today a city of many monuments. The clash of monuments both to British monarchy and Imperial power, and to prominent figures in the Irish Nationalist movement give a visual representation of this centuries-old conflict. The play Dublin by Lamplight offers a window into the conflict of the time. The presence of British Imperial monuments elucidates the struggle for an Irish national identity in a realm largely under British control. The materials presented on this page will offer views of several notable monuments in Dublin. -Tricia Riley

Nelson’s Pillar

“Willy alighted the tram at Nelson’s Pillar where all the lines converged.”

-Act 1; Scene 7, Dublin by Lamplight

Nelson’s Pillar figures prominently as one of the most recognizable and troubled symbols of Dublin. Opposite the General Post office on O’Connell St. (first called Drogheda, then Sackville St.) stood the Pillar, a landmark for generations of Dubliners. Built in 1808, the “towering pillar” was a tribute to Lord Nelson’s victory Trafalgar over Napoleon. The pillar dominated the skyline of Dublin for 168 years. However, as Ireland’s independence progressed many began to question the presence of Pillar, along with many other monuments to British heroes. This eventually resulted in a movement of “de-commemmoration” which culminated in Nelson’s Pillar being blown up late one night in 1966 (Whelan, 318).

Nelson’s Pillar (1830)- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nelson’s_Pillar

-Tricia Riley

Statue of King William III

The King’s statue, Dame Street

“Caught up in the stampeding mob, Frank held tight to his bag. He ducked behind the pedestal of the large bronze statue and took shelter.”

-Act 1; Scene 14, Dublin by Lamplight

The statue of King William III (or William of Orange) figured prominently on Dame St., by College Green. This piece of lead work was the sport of contending factions in Dublin; however it received a new coating of paint every year (Weaver, 104).

Statue of King William III- http://www.113.d2g.com/orange-pages/dublin2.htm

-Tricia Riley