Spike Island exhibition to celebrate historic fort's 220th anniversary

The 'Entwined History: Revealing Spike Island’s Forts' exhibition showcases the architectural plans and historical artefacts associated with the island’s rich military past.

A special exhibition has opened on Spike Island to coincide with the 220th anniversary of the construction of its Fort Westmoreland.

The 'Entwined History: Revealing Spike Island’s Forts' exhibition showcases the architectural plans and historical artefacts associated with the island’s rich military past.

Fort Westmoreland, now known as now Fort Mitchel, was initially constructed to defend Cork harbour from French invasion and was equipped with 60 formidable guns. 

Following the defeat of Napoleon at the 1815 Battle of Waterloo, building ceased on it, but more construction then took place during the Great Famine when it became the largest convict jail in the world.

The exhibition contains invaluable architectural plans, photographs and rare artefacts offering rich insights into this aspect of the island's past. 

The architectural designs for the fort were acquired from the British National Archives in Kew, London.

Museum curator Dorota Gubbins said they were also deeply grateful for other archival material and artefacts which have been donated by individuals and families.

The exhibition will feature the only known photograph of convicts working on the bastions of the fort in the mid to late 1800s.

In addition, it will showcase a collection of rare artefacts, some of which have been donated or loaned to Spike Island, including a miniature King James Bible which is believed to be the smallest bible ever printed and a porcelain creamer from one of the Beach Cottages located along the shore of the island.

There is also a collection of original photographs which date back as far as the 1890s.

“We are delighted to showcase these [fort] plans, which offer a wealth of details and descriptions. They can serve as primary sources of information for archaeologists, architects, and military historians interested in the subject,” Ms Gubbins said.

“We are grateful to the families of former residents [of the island] who generously shared original photographs and other treasured objects with our heritage section.

"We extend our gratitude to the Reddy Family, who generously loaned us the miniature King James Bible. It once belonged to a little girl, Elsie Forder, who lived on the island in the early 20th century,” she added.

Meanwhile, two of the older photographs on display have been colourised by Professor John Breslin and are included in the newest third volume of the Old Ireland in Colour book.

“We want to say a huge thank you to Ann Carrigan, who donated a porcelain creamer from one of the Beach Cottages located along the shore.

"These cottages no longer exist, with only a white wall remaining, so this beautiful piece adds a touch of everyday life from the past to our exhibition,” Ms Gubbins said.