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| ST. LAWRENCE GATE, DROGHEDA. -The massive gate shown in the picture-the best preserved of the many ancient gates of Drogheda-connects with the remnants of the old wall, originally twenty feet in height, and from four to six feet in thickness, which runs from above gate to the quay, forming the boundary of Dominic Lane,on the west side, and of Scarlet and Patrick Streets on the south. Another part of the wall runs from the west gate to the Boyne. These remains are on the Louth side of the river. On the Meath side, the line of the ancient works may still be followed from the Butter Tower to the base of the Millmount, and from Blackbut to Priest's Lane. St. Mary's parish graveyard is enclosed by it on the south and east. When complete the fortifications bounded an area of about sixty-five Irish acres, and were considered very formidable even to cannon of the largest calibre. The famous priory of St. Lawrence once stood near this gate, and from it the latter, no doubt, derived its title. The dinting of cannon balls, resulting from numerous sieges, may be observed in the venerable structure. It was not on the side of the town that bore the brunt of Cromwell's desperate and successful assault in September, 1649, and thus escaped the destruction visited on other portions of the fortifications. This gate is considered by antiquarians one of the most interesting ruins in Europe. |
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