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| KING JOHN'S CASTLE, THOMOND BRIDGE, LIMERICK. -John Plantagenet, nicknamed "lackland," King of England, is noted in history for cruelty and castle building. His father, Henry II., created him "Lord of Ireland," a title which remained with the Kings of England, whose authority was limited to "the Pale," until advent of Henry VIII., who was the first English monarch to assume the title - confirmed by some recreant Irish princes, who had no authority from the people - of King of Ireland. John visited his new "Lordship" twice-the first time when he was merely Prince and the second when he was King of England. On the first occasion, he insultingly plucked the beards of the foolish old Irish chiefs who came to do him "homage" and give him "the kiss of peace." They rose against him and wrestled the greater part of their country from him and his Norman followers. Eventually a peace was patched up, and then John proceeded to build many castles to cement his ill-gotten power in the island. King John's Castle, paritally shown above, and old Thomond Bridge, were built about the year 1205. The original bridge, which had a stormy history, was taken down in 1838, and was replaced by the structure pictured in the sketch. The castle is a fine remnant of Norman military construction. Seven towers of it-all connected by massive walls-still remain almost intact, except for the scars left by numerous bonbardments. The quadrangle which they encompass is now used for an English infantry barrack and parade ground. |
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