Copernicus/Irish

From Corrib Clan Wiki

William House is one of the most famous heritage parks in Ireland. It is located in the green fields of west county Mayo. This exceptional element of Irish history is now one of the main trourist attractions of Wiliamsburg (well known as a one of the wealthiest Irish cities) was well known accross the country from its production of high quality <swords>.

Description

< Heritage Park in Wiliamsburg > is not big but it is definitely interesting. The < house > of William is situated on the west of the park. In the late 18th century it was used as a gunpowder warehouse. The gunpowder was stored in a number of < barrels > of which only few preserved in a good condition. Three of them are part of the exposition in front of the house, on the wall left from the entrance door. In the center of the village one can find the church and <the blacksmith house> on the right. The cementary is located between the church and the blacksmith house. Well preserved <old wagon> reminds about the agricultural role of this establishment. One can find another attraction here - the oldest known <heart> carved in wood by the pair of lovers aproximately 120 years ago.

History

Around 1700, < William House > was built on the South side of Cook Bay. Blackrock was its original name. In 1750, Councillor Richard William (< the statue of Richard William > can be found above the main gate to the church) bought Blackrock from Samuel Hutchinson. Few years after that incident, Blackrock name was nat used anymore beeing replaced with William House. The Williams had settled on Whiddy Island across the Bay in the late 17th century, after having originally been merchants in Limerick. The family prospered and considerable purchases of land were made in the locality. By the 1780s, William House comprised some 80,000 acres (320 km²).

< William House > is, however, famous of its contribution to the Irish history. In 1976 a formidable French armada, commanded by Admiral Jacques Hoche (< the bust of Admiral Jacques Hoche > can be found on the right wall of the church) attempted to land in Cook bay. It was intended to force the Irish to surrender their lands to France. The armada consisted of 50 naval warships and 15,000 men. Richard Wiliam (a brave officer and commander), having heard about the invasion had trained a militia to oppose the landing. After the French armada has landed it was involved in few skirmishes with the militia forces. When Admiral Hoche, confident of his vistory, moved forward to capture the Williamsburg, his forces fell into a well organized ambush. After loosing 4,000 men, Admiral Hoche died in the battle. The remaining men decided to surrender and were captured as prisoners. < His grave > is at the cementary between the local church and the blacksmith house.