Historian wants rethink in proposals
WHILE 16 of the 17 city councillors have agreed to work on a redevelopment of King John’s Castle, the retention of the glass and steel visitor entrance has not won with entire approval.
Local historian, Tony Browne, contends that “if the castle is to be presented as an authentic medieval experience, then visitors should enter it as its medieval occupants did – though its main gate.
“The gatehouse frontage on Castle Street is the most impressive and awe-inspiring view of the castle but with the new proposal it will be possible for a visitor to arrive via Nicholas Street and exit the same way and be completely unaware of this aspect of the castle”.
Mr Browne maintains that plans for the castle courtyard rely on a “faux medievalism of popular imagination, based on Hollywood, rather than on authenticity.
“For instance, the ducking stool for witches – what evidence is there of their use in Ireland
“So called witches in many cases were harmless misfits living on the edge of society – do we really want the maltreatment of marginalised women served up as entertainment – perhaps falconry could be substituted, at least they may drive away the pigeons that are presently covering Castle Lane with their excrement”.
Referring to the City Museum, located in Castle Lane, adjacent to the castle, he says the plans include the removal of the museum and its replacement with an exhibition on the history of Limerick, without any authentic artefacts
“There is no plan for the hall building and its associated structure, and the current condition of these buildings is a disgrace and should be properly conserved.
“There should be further archaeological work to make it accessible and emphasis should be put on what makes this castle unique, rather than filling it with dubious medieval “attractions”.
Referring to the controversial issue of the archaeological works carried out in the castle in the 1990s, Mr Browne believes that no authentic presentation of the castle’s history can be made before the findings of the archaeological works are published and that Shannon Development has the responsibility of doing so.
