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I THOUGHT THAT IT WAS BACK LANE [BUT IT IS THE BACK LANE]
When I visited The Back Lane in 2022 I was a bit cleaner than it is now about two years later.
In “The Dead,” Gabriel begins the story of Johnny, his grandfather’s horse, with a reference to the Back Lane which is featured in this series of photographs:
–"So the old gentleman, as I said, harnessed Johnny and put on his very best tall hat and his very best stock collar and drove out in grand style from his ancestral mansion somewhere near Back Lane, I think".
Everyone laughed, even Mrs. Malins, at Gabriel’s manner and Aunt Kate said:
–"O, now, Gabriel, he didn’t live in Back Lane, really. Only the mill was there”.
Back Lane, Dublin: A Microcosm of History and Change
In James Joyce's "The Dead," Back Lane serves as a wry reference point for Gabriel Conroy's humorous anecdote about his grandfather. While the story is meant to be comedic, it also subtly hints at the socio-economic shifts occurring in Dublin at the turn of the 20th century. Back Lane, once a thriving thoroughfare with a mill and residences, had by then acquired a less prestigious reputation.
A Lane of Historical Significance:
Despite its modest appearance, Back Lane holds a rich history that belies its unassuming name. Archaeological excavations reveal its importance as a medieval street, likely a residential area for the city's well-to-do. This is supported by evidence of a section of the old city wall and remnants of medieval structures found beneath the present-day buildings.
A Hub of Political Activity:
Back Lane gained political notoriety in 1792 as the site of the "Back Lane Parliament." In Tailor's Hall, the Catholic Committee convened to draft a petition to King George III, demanding relief from the discriminatory Penal Laws imposed on Catholics. This event marked a significant milestone in the struggle for Catholic emancipation in Ireland.
Architectural Heritage:
The most prominent architectural feature on Back Lane is undoubtedly Tailor's Hall. Built in the early 18th century, this imposing structure served as the headquarters for the Guild of Merchant Tailors. Today, it houses An Taisce, the National Trust for Ireland, and remains a testament to the city's rich craftsmanship and architectural heritage.
A Changing Landscape:
Back Lane's fortunes have fluctuated over time. The Winstanley Shoe Factory, a major employer in the 19th century, occupied a significant portion of the lane before its closure in the 1980s. The site was later redeveloped into the Mother Redcaps Market and pub, which enjoyed a brief period of popularity before closing in the early 2000s.
A Glimpse into Dublin's Past:
Today, Back Lane is a quiet street, its past grandeur somewhat faded. Yet, it remains a fascinating reminder of Dublin's layered history. The archaeological remnants, the imposing Tailor's Hall, and the echoes of political activism all contribute to the lane's unique character and offer a glimpse into the city's evolution over centuries.
When I visited The Back Lane in 2022 I was a bit cleaner than it is now about two years later.
In “The Dead,” Gabriel begins the story of Johnny, his grandfather’s horse, with a reference to the Back Lane which is featured in this series of photographs:
–"So the old gentleman, as I said, harnessed Johnny and put on his very best tall hat and his very best stock collar and drove out in grand style from his ancestral mansion somewhere near Back Lane, I think".
Everyone laughed, even Mrs. Malins, at Gabriel’s manner and Aunt Kate said:
–"O, now, Gabriel, he didn’t live in Back Lane, really. Only the mill was there”.
Back Lane, Dublin: A Microcosm of History and Change
In James Joyce's "The Dead," Back Lane serves as a wry reference point for Gabriel Conroy's humorous anecdote about his grandfather. While the story is meant to be comedic, it also subtly hints at the socio-economic shifts occurring in Dublin at the turn of the 20th century. Back Lane, once a thriving thoroughfare with a mill and residences, had by then acquired a less prestigious reputation.
A Lane of Historical Significance:
Despite its modest appearance, Back Lane holds a rich history that belies its unassuming name. Archaeological excavations reveal its importance as a medieval street, likely a residential area for the city's well-to-do. This is supported by evidence of a section of the old city wall and remnants of medieval structures found beneath the present-day buildings.
A Hub of Political Activity:
Back Lane gained political notoriety in 1792 as the site of the "Back Lane Parliament." In Tailor's Hall, the Catholic Committee convened to draft a petition to King George III, demanding relief from the discriminatory Penal Laws imposed on Catholics. This event marked a significant milestone in the struggle for Catholic emancipation in Ireland.
Architectural Heritage:
The most prominent architectural feature on Back Lane is undoubtedly Tailor's Hall. Built in the early 18th century, this imposing structure served as the headquarters for the Guild of Merchant Tailors. Today, it houses An Taisce, the National Trust for Ireland, and remains a testament to the city's rich craftsmanship and architectural heritage.
A Changing Landscape:
Back Lane's fortunes have fluctuated over time. The Winstanley Shoe Factory, a major employer in the 19th century, occupied a significant portion of the lane before its closure in the 1980s. The site was later redeveloped into the Mother Redcaps Market and pub, which enjoyed a brief period of popularity before closing in the early 2000s.
A Glimpse into Dublin's Past:
Today, Back Lane is a quiet street, its past grandeur somewhat faded. Yet, it remains a fascinating reminder of Dublin's layered history. The archaeological remnants, the imposing Tailor's Hall, and the echoes of political activism all contribute to the lane's unique character and offer a glimpse into the city's evolution over centuries.
MORE ABOUT THIS HISTORIC LANEWAY