On this day: the destruction of Duckett’s Grove

Rare image of the house pre-fire. X

Duckett’s Grove, a great house in County Carlow, Ireland, was destroyed by fire on the 20^th of April, 1933.

Built around 1830 for the Duckett family, they lived at the house until 1916, when a family dispute between the only remaining family members – none of them male (males would usually inherit) – led to the house’s management being taken over by locals.

By 1930 the house was being used by the Irish Republican Army, and when they left the property it was still in good condition.

In 1933, a week after local farmers – who had been managing the estate – reported a minor fire at the house, Duckett’s Grove burnt in earnest over the course of a night.

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Today, the frame of the house still stands.

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On this day: Bloody Sunday

A British soldier chases an unarmed man from the scene. X

On the 30th of January, 1972, the largest single shooting incident of The Troubles in Northern Ireland occurred at a protest against internment.

Significant because of the high number of civilians who were shot or otherwise injured by British soldiers, thirteen people were killed at the scene, while another died of their injuries a few months later. A further twelve people were injured by gunshots, while others were hurt by vehicle impact, and from being shot at with rubber bullets.

The massacre occurred in the Bogside area of Derry, beginning shortly before 4pm. In the aftermath of the massacre, recruitment for the IRA significantly rose.