Lifford Courthouse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lifford Courthouse |
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Lifford Courthouse
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| General information | |
| Architectural style | Neoclassical style |
| Address | Lifford, County Donegal |
| Country | Ireland |
| Coordinates | 54°49′59″N 7°28′43″W / 54.8331°N 7.4787°W |
| Completed | 1746 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Michael Priestley |
Lifford Courthouse is an important old building in the town of Lifford, located in County Donegal, Ireland. It has a long history and now serves as a fun heritage center where you can learn about its past.
Contents
History of the Courthouse
The Lifford Courthouse was finished in 1746. It was designed by an architect named Michael Priestley. He used a style called neoclassical, which means it looked like old Greek or Roman buildings. The courthouse was built using large, carefully cut stones called ashlar.
Before this building existed, courts were held in any available place. Sometimes, they even met in a local pub! It's said that one time, the money collected from fines was used to buy drinks for the jury.
The courthouse also had a prison in its basement. But in 1793, a new prison was built right next to it.
The building was first used for holding court cases and making legal decisions. Later, after a new law in 1898, it also became the meeting place for the Donegal County Council. This council helps manage the local area.
The separate prison next to the courthouse was taken down in 1907. The county council then moved to a new building called County House in 1930.
The Lifford Courthouse continued to be used for court cases until 1938. After that, it wasn't used for a while and started to get old. But in the late 1980s and early 1990s, it was fixed up and made new again. In 1994, it reopened as a special Heritage Centre.
Famous People Held Here
Over the years, some interesting people were held prisoner at Lifford Courthouse. These included:
- John MacNaghten, who was found guilty of a serious crime.
- James Napper Tandy, who helped start a group called the Society of United Irishmen. This group wanted to make Ireland more independent.
- The crew of "La Hoche," a French ship. They were captured when Wolfe Tone, a famous Irish leader, was also taken prisoner on their ship.
Visiting the Old Courthouse
Today, the old courthouse is a museum and a visitor center. You can explore the old prison cells and imagine what life was like for prisoners long ago.
When you visit, you can go on a guided tour. During the tour, an actor pretends to 'arrest' you and takes you down into the old dungeons! The actor then performs a one-person show, bringing to life some of the famous people who were once held there.
Besides the museum, the building also has a cafe, a local library, and rooms for meetings. It often hosts special events too.
Images for kids
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This is the old crest of arms for George II, found above the courthouse doorway.
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An actor performs a one-man-show in The Old Courthouse, Lifford.
