Gruesome Punishments
Sir Henry Sidney Sets Out From Dublin Castle, 1581
Sir Sidney Henry was appointed Lord Deputy of Ireland in 1565.
Sir Henry Sidney Sets Out From Dublin Castle, 1581
Sir Henry Sidney Sets Out From Dublin Castle, 1581
Sir Sidney Henry was appointed Lord Deputy of Ireland in 1565.
The late 1500s heralded the beginning of dark and troubled times in Ireland. When the Penal Laws were introduced at this time, it became difficult for Catholics to practise their religion without severe consequences. Priests who remained in the country and did not renounce their faith were guilty of treason.
Statue of Justice, Dublin Castle
Statue of Justice which can be seen on the north side of the Great Courtyard at Dublin Castle. The statue caused much controversy whe it was first erected as "Justice" has her back to the city.
© The Irish TimesStatue of Justice, Dublin Castle
© The Irish Times
© The Irish Times
Statue of Justice, Dublin Castle
Statue of Justice which can be seen on the north side of the Great Courtyard at Dublin Castle. The statue caused much controversy whe it was first erected as "Justice" has her back to the city.
© The Irish TimesMany people who ignored the new laws ended up imprisioned in Dublin Castle. The Catholic Archbishop of Cashel was arrested in 1581 and taken to Dublin Castle. These were cruel times and the punishments meted out to prisoners were torturous. The Archbishop was tied up in chains and had his feet boiled in oil. He was eventually hanged.
Mrs. Margaret Bell
Record Tower, Dublin Castle
A postcard of Dublin Castle from the early 1900s. The tower shown is the Record Tower. It is the last intact tower of Dublin Castle. It has very thick walls and was used as a high security prison. The tower now houses the Garda Museum.
© Dublin City Library and ArchiveRecord Tower, Dublin Castle
© Dublin City Library and Archive
© Dublin City Library and Archive
Record Tower, Dublin Castle
A postcard of Dublin Castle from the early 1900s. The tower shown is the Record Tower. It is the last intact tower of Dublin Castle. It has very thick walls and was used as a high security prison. The tower now houses the Garda Museum.
© Dublin City Library and ArchiveAnother famous case from this time involved a seventy-seven year old widow named Mrs. Margaret Bell. She was found guilty of attending mass in her own home. The Mayor of Dublin had her arrested and dragged through the streets of the city to the castle. What was particularly chilling about this episode was the fact that the Mayor of Dublin was none other than Mrs. Bell's son Walter! She remained in Dublin Castle until her death three years later.