The intention with this website is to locate at least 1,001 benchmark sites, or die in the attempt (no flowers please, house private). Photos of any benchmark sites found will be posted at intervals over the coming days, weeks, months, years, decades, centuries ... Anyone who wishes to contribute can send photos and descriptions of any benchmarks they find and would like to have included here, to mfbourke@gmail.com See post Number 1 for a fuller description.

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Wednesday, September 22, 2010

NUMBER 54

BENCHMARKS continued
The venerable buildings at Griffith College on Dublin's South Circular Road are named on early 19th century maps as the Richmond Penitentiary. It was known locally as the Richmond Pen or Richmond Gaol and amongst those who served time there was Daniel O'Connell, a.k.a. the Liberator for his efforts for Catholic Emancipation.
In 1887 it became Wellington Barracks, most probably named in honour of the eponymous duke. It was named Griffith Barracks in honour of Arthur Griffith - head of the Irish delegation at the negotiations in London that produced the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921 - following his death in 1922.
The following year it was the scene of Civil War fatalities when it was fired on by Anti-Treaty forces from across the Grand Canal.
In the 1990's it underwent yet another transformation becoming a third level private educational institution, Griffith College.

Below: The 'mark at Griffith College.

Above: The 'mark is to the right of the doorway of the main historic building - today named Daniel O'Connell House - just behind the shrub in the tub.

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