I SUSPECT THAT HENRY ROE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN BURIED HERE
The Rise and Fall of Roe Whiskey: A Dublin Dynasty
Mount Jerome Cemetery in Dublin, Ireland, is the final resting place for many prominent figures, including members of the Roe family, famous for their once-thriving whiskey distillery. A family vault in Mount Jerome bears the inscription "The family Vault of | HENRY ROE D.L | Mount Anville Park, Dundrum, Co Dublin". However, records from the cemetery office indicate that only "Baby CATHERINE ROE Died 1859" and "Baby HENRY ROE Died 1860" are interred there. This, coupled with the fact that Henry Roe died in England in 1893, suggests that he may not be buried in the family vault as the inscription implies. This intriguing detail serves as an entry point into the fascinating history of Roe Whiskey, a brand that experienced a meteoric rise, a dramatic fall, and an eventual revival in the modern era.
The Rise of Roe Whiskey
The story of Roe Whiskey begins in 1757 with Peter Roe, who established a small distillery on Thomas Street in Dublin. This distillery, powered by the largest smock windmill in Europe at the time, marked the beginning of a whiskey dynasty. In 1766, Richard Roe took over the Thomas Street Distillery, and in 1784, Nicholas Roe founded a separate distillery on Pimlico Street. This demonstrates the deep roots the Roe family had in the Irish whiskey industry. The windmill tower, now known as St. Patrick's Tower, still stands today as a testament to the distillery's early beginnings.
In 1832, George Roe took over the distillery and expanded it into a massive complex, covering 17 acres. Under his leadership, George Roe & Co. became one of the largest and most successful distilleries in Ireland, producing two million gallons of whiskey annually by 1887. The company's success contributed significantly to the golden era of Irish whiskey in the 19th century.
Upon George Roe's death in 1863, his nephew, Henry Roe, inherited the distillery. Henry continued to expand the business, further solidifying Roe & Co.'s position as a leading force in the Irish whiskey industry. Interestingly, during this period, a sort of "philanthropy competition" arose between Henry Roe and Benjamin Lee Guinness. Guinness financed the restoration of St. Patrick's Cathedral between 1860 and 1865, while Roe, not to be outdone, funded the restoration of the nearby Christ Church Cathedral between 1871 and 1878.
The Fall of a Giant
Despite its remarkable success, Roe & Co. faced a series of challenges that ultimately led to its decline. Instead of simply listing the factors, let's explore how these challenges unfolded and intertwined to create a perfect storm that brought down the whiskey giant.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the rise of blended Scotch whisky, a formidable competitor that quickly gained popularity both domestically and internationally. This new rival put increasing pressure on Irish whiskey producers like Roe & Co., who were already grappling with the aftermath of the Irish War of Independence and the subsequent Civil War. These conflicts disrupted trade, destabilised the Irish economy, and created an unfavourable environment for businesses.
Adding to these woes, the introduction of Prohibition in the United States in 1920 dealt a severe blow to Irish whiskey exports. The loss of this crucial market significantly impacted the industry, and Roe & Co. was not immune to the fallout. Furthermore, the Dublin Distillers Company Ltd., which Roe & Co. had merged with in 1891, had overproduced spirit in the early 20th century, accumulating significant stocks of whiskey that proved difficult to sell in the face of declining demand.
These external pressures, combined with internal challenges, created a downward spiral for Roe & Co. Henry Roe's generous funding of the reconstruction of Christ Church Cathedral, while a testament to his philanthropy, may have strained the company's resources at a critical time. Ultimately, these combined challenges proved insurmountable, and the distillery finally closed its gates in 1926. All that remained of the once-sprawling distillery was the windmill tower and a pear tree that still flowers today. The closure marked the end of an era for the once-dominant Irish whiskey brand.
Henry Roe's Philanthropy
Henry Roe's generous funding of the reconstruction of Christ Church Cathedral may have strained the company's resources.
The Diageo Revival of Roe & Co.
Decades after the closure of the original Roe & Co. distillery, Irish whiskey experienced a resurgence. Diageo, the global drinks giant, recognised the potential of the Roe & Co. brand and took steps to revive it. Diageo invested €25 million to build a new distillery in Dublin, located in the former Guinness Power Station. This new distillery, situated in the heart of Dublin's Liberties district, a once poverty-stricken area now experiencing a revival with the establishment of many distilleries and breweries, opened in 2019.
To create a modern expression of Irish whiskey that honoured George Roe's legacy while appealing to contemporary tastes, Diageo adopted a collaborative approach. Master blender Caroline Martin worked closely with a team of Irish bartenders to develop a new premium blended Irish whiskey under the Roe & Co. name. This collaborative effort ensured that the new whiskey would not only be of exceptional quality but also resonate with today's whiskey enthusiasts and bartenders.
The new Roe & Co. distillery is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and boasts a visitor experience that celebrates the history of Irish whiskey and the Roe & Co. brand.
The Roe Family and Their Legacy
The Roe family's influence extended beyond the whiskey industry. George Roe, the man who built the distillery into a powerhouse, was a prominent figure in Dublin society. He served as an alderman and Lord Mayor of Dublin in 1843. His nephew, Henry Roe, continued the family's involvement in civic affairs and was known for his philanthropy, particularly his contribution to the restoration of Christ Church Cathedral.
While available information provides limited details about other family members like George Roe Jr. and Peter Burton Roe, it's clear that the Roe family played a significant role in Dublin's social and economic landscape during the 18th and 19th centuries.
One interesting detail reveals that Henry Roe lived in Mount Anville Park, Dundrum, Co. Dublin. This residential area, located near Deerpark, is known for its proximity to amenities, schools, and recreational facilities.
Conclusion
The inscription on the Roe family vault in Mount Jerome Cemetery, while potentially misleading, offers a captivating glimpse into the rich history of Roe Whiskey and the Roe family. The fact that Henry Roe may not be buried there, as the inscription suggests, adds a layer of intrigue to the family's story and highlights the complexities of historical records.
From its humble beginnings in a small Dublin distillery to its rise as a leading Irish whiskey brand, Roe & Co. has left an indelible mark on the industry. The company's journey reflects the broader trajectory of the Irish whiskey industry itself, with periods of remarkable success followed by challenges and decline.
The factors that contributed to Roe & Co.'s downfall, such as the rise of Scotch whisky, Prohibition in the United States, and the turbulent political climate in Ireland, highlight the vulnerability of businesses to external forces.
Despite its eventual closure in 1926, the Roe & Co. brand has been revived in the modern era, thanks to Diageo's investment and commitment to preserving its legacy. The new Roe & Co. distillery, located in the revitalised Liberties district of Dublin, stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Irish whiskey and the remarkable story of the Roe family. The distillery's state-of-the-art facilities and visitor experience ensure that the legacy of George Roe and his family will continue to inspire and captivate whiskey enthusiasts for generations to come.
The story of Roe Whiskey is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of Irish businesses. Despite facing numerous challenges throughout its history, the brand has persevered, ultimately finding new life in the 21st century. The questions surrounding the Roe family vault serve as a reminder that even within the most well-documented histories, mysteries and unanswered questions remain, adding to the richness and complexity of the past.
Mount Jerome Cemetery in Dublin, Ireland, is the final resting place for many prominent figures, including members of the Roe family, famous for their once-thriving whiskey distillery. A family vault in Mount Jerome bears the inscription "The family Vault of | HENRY ROE D.L | Mount Anville Park, Dundrum, Co Dublin". However, records from the cemetery office indicate that only "Baby CATHERINE ROE Died 1859" and "Baby HENRY ROE Died 1860" are interred there. This, coupled with the fact that Henry Roe died in England in 1893, suggests that he may not be buried in the family vault as the inscription implies. This intriguing detail serves as an entry point into the fascinating history of Roe Whiskey, a brand that experienced a meteoric rise, a dramatic fall, and an eventual revival in the modern era.
The Rise of Roe Whiskey
The story of Roe Whiskey begins in 1757 with Peter Roe, who established a small distillery on Thomas Street in Dublin. This distillery, powered by the largest smock windmill in Europe at the time, marked the beginning of a whiskey dynasty. In 1766, Richard Roe took over the Thomas Street Distillery, and in 1784, Nicholas Roe founded a separate distillery on Pimlico Street. This demonstrates the deep roots the Roe family had in the Irish whiskey industry. The windmill tower, now known as St. Patrick's Tower, still stands today as a testament to the distillery's early beginnings.
In 1832, George Roe took over the distillery and expanded it into a massive complex, covering 17 acres. Under his leadership, George Roe & Co. became one of the largest and most successful distilleries in Ireland, producing two million gallons of whiskey annually by 1887. The company's success contributed significantly to the golden era of Irish whiskey in the 19th century.
Upon George Roe's death in 1863, his nephew, Henry Roe, inherited the distillery. Henry continued to expand the business, further solidifying Roe & Co.'s position as a leading force in the Irish whiskey industry. Interestingly, during this period, a sort of "philanthropy competition" arose between Henry Roe and Benjamin Lee Guinness. Guinness financed the restoration of St. Patrick's Cathedral between 1860 and 1865, while Roe, not to be outdone, funded the restoration of the nearby Christ Church Cathedral between 1871 and 1878.
The Fall of a Giant
Despite its remarkable success, Roe & Co. faced a series of challenges that ultimately led to its decline. Instead of simply listing the factors, let's explore how these challenges unfolded and intertwined to create a perfect storm that brought down the whiskey giant.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the rise of blended Scotch whisky, a formidable competitor that quickly gained popularity both domestically and internationally. This new rival put increasing pressure on Irish whiskey producers like Roe & Co., who were already grappling with the aftermath of the Irish War of Independence and the subsequent Civil War. These conflicts disrupted trade, destabilised the Irish economy, and created an unfavourable environment for businesses.
Adding to these woes, the introduction of Prohibition in the United States in 1920 dealt a severe blow to Irish whiskey exports. The loss of this crucial market significantly impacted the industry, and Roe & Co. was not immune to the fallout. Furthermore, the Dublin Distillers Company Ltd., which Roe & Co. had merged with in 1891, had overproduced spirit in the early 20th century, accumulating significant stocks of whiskey that proved difficult to sell in the face of declining demand.
These external pressures, combined with internal challenges, created a downward spiral for Roe & Co. Henry Roe's generous funding of the reconstruction of Christ Church Cathedral, while a testament to his philanthropy, may have strained the company's resources at a critical time. Ultimately, these combined challenges proved insurmountable, and the distillery finally closed its gates in 1926. All that remained of the once-sprawling distillery was the windmill tower and a pear tree that still flowers today. The closure marked the end of an era for the once-dominant Irish whiskey brand.
Henry Roe's Philanthropy
Henry Roe's generous funding of the reconstruction of Christ Church Cathedral may have strained the company's resources.
The Diageo Revival of Roe & Co.
Decades after the closure of the original Roe & Co. distillery, Irish whiskey experienced a resurgence. Diageo, the global drinks giant, recognised the potential of the Roe & Co. brand and took steps to revive it. Diageo invested €25 million to build a new distillery in Dublin, located in the former Guinness Power Station. This new distillery, situated in the heart of Dublin's Liberties district, a once poverty-stricken area now experiencing a revival with the establishment of many distilleries and breweries, opened in 2019.
To create a modern expression of Irish whiskey that honoured George Roe's legacy while appealing to contemporary tastes, Diageo adopted a collaborative approach. Master blender Caroline Martin worked closely with a team of Irish bartenders to develop a new premium blended Irish whiskey under the Roe & Co. name. This collaborative effort ensured that the new whiskey would not only be of exceptional quality but also resonate with today's whiskey enthusiasts and bartenders.
The new Roe & Co. distillery is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and boasts a visitor experience that celebrates the history of Irish whiskey and the Roe & Co. brand.
The Roe Family and Their Legacy
The Roe family's influence extended beyond the whiskey industry. George Roe, the man who built the distillery into a powerhouse, was a prominent figure in Dublin society. He served as an alderman and Lord Mayor of Dublin in 1843. His nephew, Henry Roe, continued the family's involvement in civic affairs and was known for his philanthropy, particularly his contribution to the restoration of Christ Church Cathedral.
While available information provides limited details about other family members like George Roe Jr. and Peter Burton Roe, it's clear that the Roe family played a significant role in Dublin's social and economic landscape during the 18th and 19th centuries.
One interesting detail reveals that Henry Roe lived in Mount Anville Park, Dundrum, Co. Dublin. This residential area, located near Deerpark, is known for its proximity to amenities, schools, and recreational facilities.
Conclusion
The inscription on the Roe family vault in Mount Jerome Cemetery, while potentially misleading, offers a captivating glimpse into the rich history of Roe Whiskey and the Roe family. The fact that Henry Roe may not be buried there, as the inscription suggests, adds a layer of intrigue to the family's story and highlights the complexities of historical records.
From its humble beginnings in a small Dublin distillery to its rise as a leading Irish whiskey brand, Roe & Co. has left an indelible mark on the industry. The company's journey reflects the broader trajectory of the Irish whiskey industry itself, with periods of remarkable success followed by challenges and decline.
The factors that contributed to Roe & Co.'s downfall, such as the rise of Scotch whisky, Prohibition in the United States, and the turbulent political climate in Ireland, highlight the vulnerability of businesses to external forces.
Despite its eventual closure in 1926, the Roe & Co. brand has been revived in the modern era, thanks to Diageo's investment and commitment to preserving its legacy. The new Roe & Co. distillery, located in the revitalised Liberties district of Dublin, stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Irish whiskey and the remarkable story of the Roe family. The distillery's state-of-the-art facilities and visitor experience ensure that the legacy of George Roe and his family will continue to inspire and captivate whiskey enthusiasts for generations to come.
The story of Roe Whiskey is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of Irish businesses. Despite facing numerous challenges throughout its history, the brand has persevered, ultimately finding new life in the 21st century. The questions surrounding the Roe family vault serve as a reminder that even within the most well-documented histories, mysteries and unanswered questions remain, adding to the richness and complexity of the past.
I SUSPECT THAT HENRY ROE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN BURIED HERE