School: Christian Brothers, Athlone
- Location:
- Athlone, Co. Westmeath
- Teacher: Brother Meskill
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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0749, Page 254
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“(The following extracts taken from "Lewis's Topographical Dictionary of Ireland" may prove interesting in connection with the articles now appearing on "Athlone and its Surroundings.")...”
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"On the 27th October, 1697, the Castle was, during one of the severest (thunder) storms ever known here, struck by the electric fluid, which set fire to the magazine, in which were 260 barrels of gunpowder, 10,000 hand grenades, charged, and a great quantity of match and other combustible stores, the whole of which exploded with so violent a concussion that all the houses in the town, except a few cottages without the gates, were shattered or destroyed; the loss of life, however, was comparatively small, only seven persons being killed and thirty-six wounded.
"The town, though at present (1837) the largest on the Shannon next to Limerick, still retains much of its character as a military station. On the Leinster side, one of the principal entrances near the river is through a gateway (passing through) one of the old square towers; and the ancient walls, though in great measure concealed by buildings, extend for a considerable distance in that direction (East and S. East on the Westmeath side). On the Connaught side there are scarcely any traces of the walls of gate; but in this quarter are situated all the present millitary defences of the place.
"There consist principally of the Castle which forms a tete du pont (bridgehead), and of advanced forts and redoubts on the outside of the town to defend the main approaches along the great road from Galway by Ballinasloe, the most important line of communication with that part of the country, which is most exposed to invasion.
"A short canal on this side of the river enables boats navigating the Shannon (in 1837) to avoid the rapids at the bridge of Athlone, and add materially to the strength of the works; it is crossed by three bridges, one of which is falling into decay, and of which two are defended by pallisades, those of the third having been taken down to facilitate the passing of the mail coaches. The bogs along the river are a sufficient protection to the town on the south side.