Strand Road/Merrion gates

[grizzly1]

I wonder if its possible that someone may have some info/history on who was living at this address in the 19th or early 20th century,basically what im trying to figure out is how or when a 'jawbone of a whale' was introduced to the House.

From what I have read there were several such Arches made from Whale's jaws introduced to several wealthy address in the 1800s, its believed they would last 100-150 year's depending on weather patterns.

Many were sourced when dead whales would be washed ashore, but to be suitable for purpose of constructing an Arch they needed to be apprx 55 feet.

One such jawbone was brought to a building in Tallaght at great expense from Mayo circa 1840.

The remains of another is present at an address at 20 Strand Rd, it this 'Jaw bone Arch' that im interested in finding info on, as current and past owner has no provenance on it's history, I thought if it was possible to trace owners of the House in 19th early 20th century it may offer up some clue.

[LH]

The 1901 census shows a John Gibb Cownie and family living at house No 20 on Strand Road.  You'd need to compare the description of the house then with the present No. 20 to ensure its the same property.

Cheers

[LH]

Hi again

If this is the correct house, it seems John Cownie and his wife Constance didn't lived there in 1892-3.  They married in Clontarf in 1892 and their first daughter was baptised there (Clontarf) in 1893.  At that time their address is not shown as Strand Road but elsewhere.

Cheers

[grizzly1]

The 1901 census shows a John Gibb Cownie and family living at house No 20 on Strand Road.  You'd need to compare the description of the house then with the present No. 20 to ensure its the same property.

Cheers

Thank you LH, I was thinking about the age of Property, there is a possibility that the 'Jawbone Arch' may have been at another address before moved to 20 Strand rd...basically its back to the drawing board but at least I have another little piece of the jigsaw to work on.
Thanks again.

[myluck!]

Grizzly1
If it is within the house proper, have you considered looking at architechural papers for the property?

Article which refers most likely known to you

also note that numbering changed along the way so what is now #20 may not previously have been

Not sure if you are asking for the same reason but Dublin Explorer on Dublin City FM radio did a piece on the whale arch not long ago

[annclare]

Hi again

If this is the correct house, it seems John Cownie and his wife Constance didn't lived there in 1892-3.  They married in Clontarf in 1892 and their first daughter was baptised there (Clontarf) in 1893.  At that time their address is not shown as Strand Road but elsewhere.

Cheers

Cancelled Valuation Books should show the series of owners of the house.
annclare