Baals Bridge Limerick |
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Baals Bridge, Balls Bridge, spans the Abbey river in Limerick connecting the areas known as the Irish Town and the English Town on King Johns Island. Baal's Bridge was designed by the Pain Brothers and built in 1831. This single arched bridge replaced a four arched bridge which had stood in the same spot since about 1340. The earlier bridge was known as the Tide Bridge in Elizabethan times and had a row of houses incorporated into it. A Map of Limerick, taken from Speed's Map of Munster, 1610, shows the old bridge, called in the reference the Thye bridge. By the early 19th century these houses were beginning to collapse. James Pain, a distinguished architect, was born at Isleworth in 1779. He and his brother, George Pain, entered into partnership, subsequently settling in Ireland, where James resided in Limerick and George in Cork. They designed and built a number of churches and glebe houses. Mitchelstown Castle, the magnificent seat of the Earls of Kingston, was the largest and best of their designs. They were also architects of Cork Court-house and the County Gaol, both very striking erections, and of Dromoland Castle, the seat of Lord Inchiquin. James Pain died in Limerick 13th. December, 1877, in his 98th year, and was buried in St Mary’s Church of Ireland Limerick Cathedral (built 1194).
An old brass square, known as the Baal’s Bridge Square, was recovered from the foundations of Baal’s Bridge when the bridge was being rebuilt in 1830. It is inscribed “I will strive to live with love and care upon the level by the square”. This Square dated 1507 is reputed to be one of the earliest Masonic items in the world. The Baal’s Bridge Square, carefully treasured by Lodge 13, is recorded as being presented to Brother Michael Furnell, Provincial Grand Master, by Brother James Pain, (referred to as the Provincial Grand Architect). |
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