NEW BUILDING LANE OFF PARLIAMENT STREET
NEW BUILDING LANE OFF PARLIAMENT STREET [KILKENNY JUNE 2025]
New Building Lane in Kilkenny is a fascinating example of the city's rich medieval past intertwining with its ongoing urban development. Its history, name, and recent changes offer insights into the unique character of Kilkenny's famed laneways.
History of New Building Lane
The area around what is now New Building Lane appears on the 1758 Rocque map of Kilkenny as an open space. The lane itself, originally known as New Row, is intrinsically linked to a significant 18th-century dwelling called "The New Building." This house was constructed sometime between 1759 and 1772 by Arthur Doherty, a man of some means. Architectural surveys reveal that the "New Building" was a two-storey, long rectangular house, possibly incorporating fabric from an even earlier structure that predated 1758.
Over the centuries, the house and its surrounding property changed hands. By 1849, during Griffith's Valuation, John Glindon occupied the New Building, though it was leased to John Foster Esq. The exact later history is somewhat fragmented, but the property was bought in 1972 by Seamus Tynan. The building itself has undergone various states of repair and reconstruction, being in ruins for much of the latter half of the 20th century before being repaired in 2001 and reconstructed between 2003-2005.
Why is it so Named?
The name "New Building Lane" directly refers to The New Building that was constructed there in the mid to late 18th century. At the time of its construction, it was likely considered a significant or notable "new" addition to the urban fabric of Kilkenny, hence the lane taking its name from this prominent dwelling. This practice of naming lanes after a distinctive building or feature along them was common in historical urban planning.
Recent Developments
While specific recent developments directly on New Building Lane might be more subtle in terms of major new constructions (with much focus on its historical preservation and sensitive reconstruction of the eponymous building), it is part of a broader, more active push by Kilkenny County Council to revitalise and enhance the city's historic laneways.
Generally, recent developments across Kilkenny's lanes involve:
Regeneration and Pedestrianisation: There's a concerted effort to rejuvenate and enhance the core laneways of Kilkenny City, often with proposals for pedestrianisation of key lanes. This aims to transform them into more vibrant, secure, and appealing spaces for residents and visitors.
Improved Infrastructure: Plans include laneway lighting improvements (e.g., uplight entrances for better safety and appearance), as well as the integration of natural elements like trees and planters for aesthetic and environmental benefits.
Art and Culture: There's an emphasis on incorporating wall art and involving local creatives to make the lanes more attractive and expressive.
Connectivity and Accessibility: The council is working on improving connections between different parts of the city via the lanes, widening footpaths, removing barriers, and introducing pedestrian-friendly traffic management systems. This also includes proposals for new laneways to improve access to historic sites like the Black Abbey.
These wider urban development strategies for Kilkenny's lanes indirectly benefit New Building Lane, as it is part of the overall network of historic passages that the council is seeking to enhance.
The Lanes of Kilkenny: A General Discussion
Kilkenny is renowned for its labyrinthine network of laneways and alleyways, which are a defining characteristic of its medieval urban plan. These pathways are far more than mere shortcuts; they are living testaments to the city's rich history and evolution.
History and Purpose:
Medieval Origins: The lanes originated in the Middle Ages, integral to the Anglo-Norman town plan laid out by William Marshall in the 13th century. They were designed with purpose, serving as vital arteries for the movement of goods, services, and people.
Burgage Plots: Many lanes historically defined the boundaries of long, narrow "burgage plots." Each plot was held by a "burgess" (a free citizen), who would build a house with a shop at the front and space for outhouses, yards, and gardens behind. The creation of alleyways on one side of these plots often solved the problem of providing light to the interior of the buildings.
Defensibility: Their narrow and often winding configurations also served a defensive purpose, impeding potential invaders and giving defenders an advantage in unfamiliar territory.
Commercial Hubs: Lanes like the famous Butter Slip (dating to 1616) were once bustling market areas, with merchants selling their wares directly within these passages.
Significance and Character:
Time Capsules: The lanes are often described as "time capsules," preserving the urban grain and street patterns dating back centuries. They echo tales of daily life, trade, and even political intrigue.
Architectural Diversity: As one ambles through the lanes, they reveal a range of architectural styles, from ancient stone buildings with moss-covered walls to more modern facades that nonetheless pay homage to the city's heritage.
Cultural Inspiration: Kilkenny's lanes have long served as a muse for artists, writers, and filmmakers, inspiring various cultural expressions that reflect the city's heartbeat.
Hidden Gems: Beyond the main streets, the lanes offer a chance to discover hidden shops, cafes, and historic buildings, contributing to Kilkenny's unique charm.
Ongoing Preservation and Enhancement: There's a strong civic awareness in Kilkenny about the importance of preserving these historical assets. Initiatives by groups like "Keep Kilkenny Beautiful" and ongoing council projects aim to maintain the lanes, improve their accessibility, and enhance their aesthetic appeal.
In essence, Kilkenny's lanes are an integral part of its identity, offering a tangible link to its medieval past and contributing significantly to its character as a vibrant, historic city.
New Building Lane in Kilkenny is a fascinating example of the city's rich medieval past intertwining with its ongoing urban development. Its history, name, and recent changes offer insights into the unique character of Kilkenny's famed laneways.
History of New Building Lane
The area around what is now New Building Lane appears on the 1758 Rocque map of Kilkenny as an open space. The lane itself, originally known as New Row, is intrinsically linked to a significant 18th-century dwelling called "The New Building." This house was constructed sometime between 1759 and 1772 by Arthur Doherty, a man of some means. Architectural surveys reveal that the "New Building" was a two-storey, long rectangular house, possibly incorporating fabric from an even earlier structure that predated 1758.
Over the centuries, the house and its surrounding property changed hands. By 1849, during Griffith's Valuation, John Glindon occupied the New Building, though it was leased to John Foster Esq. The exact later history is somewhat fragmented, but the property was bought in 1972 by Seamus Tynan. The building itself has undergone various states of repair and reconstruction, being in ruins for much of the latter half of the 20th century before being repaired in 2001 and reconstructed between 2003-2005.
Why is it so Named?
The name "New Building Lane" directly refers to The New Building that was constructed there in the mid to late 18th century. At the time of its construction, it was likely considered a significant or notable "new" addition to the urban fabric of Kilkenny, hence the lane taking its name from this prominent dwelling. This practice of naming lanes after a distinctive building or feature along them was common in historical urban planning.
Recent Developments
While specific recent developments directly on New Building Lane might be more subtle in terms of major new constructions (with much focus on its historical preservation and sensitive reconstruction of the eponymous building), it is part of a broader, more active push by Kilkenny County Council to revitalise and enhance the city's historic laneways.
Generally, recent developments across Kilkenny's lanes involve:
Regeneration and Pedestrianisation: There's a concerted effort to rejuvenate and enhance the core laneways of Kilkenny City, often with proposals for pedestrianisation of key lanes. This aims to transform them into more vibrant, secure, and appealing spaces for residents and visitors.
Improved Infrastructure: Plans include laneway lighting improvements (e.g., uplight entrances for better safety and appearance), as well as the integration of natural elements like trees and planters for aesthetic and environmental benefits.
Art and Culture: There's an emphasis on incorporating wall art and involving local creatives to make the lanes more attractive and expressive.
Connectivity and Accessibility: The council is working on improving connections between different parts of the city via the lanes, widening footpaths, removing barriers, and introducing pedestrian-friendly traffic management systems. This also includes proposals for new laneways to improve access to historic sites like the Black Abbey.
These wider urban development strategies for Kilkenny's lanes indirectly benefit New Building Lane, as it is part of the overall network of historic passages that the council is seeking to enhance.
The Lanes of Kilkenny: A General Discussion
Kilkenny is renowned for its labyrinthine network of laneways and alleyways, which are a defining characteristic of its medieval urban plan. These pathways are far more than mere shortcuts; they are living testaments to the city's rich history and evolution.
History and Purpose:
Medieval Origins: The lanes originated in the Middle Ages, integral to the Anglo-Norman town plan laid out by William Marshall in the 13th century. They were designed with purpose, serving as vital arteries for the movement of goods, services, and people.
Burgage Plots: Many lanes historically defined the boundaries of long, narrow "burgage plots." Each plot was held by a "burgess" (a free citizen), who would build a house with a shop at the front and space for outhouses, yards, and gardens behind. The creation of alleyways on one side of these plots often solved the problem of providing light to the interior of the buildings.
Defensibility: Their narrow and often winding configurations also served a defensive purpose, impeding potential invaders and giving defenders an advantage in unfamiliar territory.
Commercial Hubs: Lanes like the famous Butter Slip (dating to 1616) were once bustling market areas, with merchants selling their wares directly within these passages.
Significance and Character:
Time Capsules: The lanes are often described as "time capsules," preserving the urban grain and street patterns dating back centuries. They echo tales of daily life, trade, and even political intrigue.
Architectural Diversity: As one ambles through the lanes, they reveal a range of architectural styles, from ancient stone buildings with moss-covered walls to more modern facades that nonetheless pay homage to the city's heritage.
Cultural Inspiration: Kilkenny's lanes have long served as a muse for artists, writers, and filmmakers, inspiring various cultural expressions that reflect the city's heartbeat.
Hidden Gems: Beyond the main streets, the lanes offer a chance to discover hidden shops, cafes, and historic buildings, contributing to Kilkenny's unique charm.
Ongoing Preservation and Enhancement: There's a strong civic awareness in Kilkenny about the importance of preserving these historical assets. Initiatives by groups like "Keep Kilkenny Beautiful" and ongoing council projects aim to maintain the lanes, improve their accessibility, and enhance their aesthetic appeal.
In essence, Kilkenny's lanes are an integral part of its identity, offering a tangible link to its medieval past and contributing significantly to its character as a vibrant, historic city.