History Talk

Did you know....

The Mill Road has the ruins of an old windmill standing in a nearby field?
Or that the name Taylor has been in our locality since at least the 1771?
And that the Narrow Ways was originally known as The Narrow Way?

These and other facts were revealed to us on Friday when local historian, poet  and librarian Tom French, came to our school. Tom was invited by Mr. Lynch and he spoke to the three third classes, all of whom are developing a keen interest in history.

Tom brought along a collection of maps. In his presentation he displayed local features which the boys are familiar with-Maiden Tower, and the stone Mill  near the Mill Road. He spoke about The Lady`s Finger in Mornington, and the ruins of Draycott Castle beside the original Donacarney Schools` building, now housing the Mornington Pre-School playgroup.

He encouraged the boys always to ask the questions; "Was that always there? When did it arrive?" and revealed copies of ancient maps which showed so many of the features we still see around our school today. And some which have long since gone.

He showed the boys how to find some of those earlier maps on downsurvey.tcd.ie. A click on this link will take you right to our area but back in a time machine to 1658 when the maps were completed.

Tom encouraged the boys to go visit the graveyard beside old Mornington Church and to go to Mornington Tower on Mornington beach. So, if you want to pass an exciting hour or two, you don't have to go too far.

​There's history in those old stones!