THE TENTERS STONE MARKER PHOTOGRAPHED APRIL 2025
THE TENTERS COMMEMORATIVE STONE [CLARENCE MANGAN ROAD DUBLIN 8]
I must admit that until I came across this stone I thought that the word was "tenderhooks" rather than "tenterhooks" ... see below.
The Tenters Commemorative Stone is a physical marker located in the Tenters area of Dublin 8. It serves as a reminder of the unique history and heritage of this friendly neighbourhood.
Here's a breakdown of its significance:
Origin of the Name: The Tenters gets its name from the "tenterfields" that were once located here. These fields were used by weavers, particularly the Huguenots who settled in the area in the 17th century, to stretch and dry their woven cloths on large wooden frames called tenters. The phrase "on tenterhooks" originates from this practice.
A Symbol of Industry: The stone commemorates the area's historical association with the textile industry, specifically weaving. The Huguenots brought refined skills in working with materials like silk, poplin, and linen, enhancing Dublin's weaving reputation.
Centenary of Housing: While the area is historically linked to weaving, the Tenters as a residential district is notable for its early public housing scheme. Constructed between 1922 and 1924 on Fairbrother's Fields, it was one of the first and most ambitious public housing projects in the newly formed Free State, aiming to address the severe housing crisis of the time.
Community Identity: The commemorative stone, likely erected in more recent times, helps to solidify the community's sense of identity and pride in its unique past, connecting the historical industry with the later development of the residential area.
Location: The stone is located on Clarence Mangan Road in Dublin 8, making it a visible landmark within the neighbourhood.
In essence, the Tenters Commemorative Stone acts as a touchstone, reminding residents and visitors of the area's fascinating evolution from a centre of the textile industry, driven by the skilled Huguenot community, to a significant early example of public housing in Dublin. It's a symbol of the area's rich and layered history.
I must admit that until I came across this stone I thought that the word was "tenderhooks" rather than "tenterhooks" ... see below.
The Tenters Commemorative Stone is a physical marker located in the Tenters area of Dublin 8. It serves as a reminder of the unique history and heritage of this friendly neighbourhood.
Here's a breakdown of its significance:
Origin of the Name: The Tenters gets its name from the "tenterfields" that were once located here. These fields were used by weavers, particularly the Huguenots who settled in the area in the 17th century, to stretch and dry their woven cloths on large wooden frames called tenters. The phrase "on tenterhooks" originates from this practice.
A Symbol of Industry: The stone commemorates the area's historical association with the textile industry, specifically weaving. The Huguenots brought refined skills in working with materials like silk, poplin, and linen, enhancing Dublin's weaving reputation.
Centenary of Housing: While the area is historically linked to weaving, the Tenters as a residential district is notable for its early public housing scheme. Constructed between 1922 and 1924 on Fairbrother's Fields, it was one of the first and most ambitious public housing projects in the newly formed Free State, aiming to address the severe housing crisis of the time.
Community Identity: The commemorative stone, likely erected in more recent times, helps to solidify the community's sense of identity and pride in its unique past, connecting the historical industry with the later development of the residential area.
Location: The stone is located on Clarence Mangan Road in Dublin 8, making it a visible landmark within the neighbourhood.
In essence, the Tenters Commemorative Stone acts as a touchstone, reminding residents and visitors of the area's fascinating evolution from a centre of the textile industry, driven by the skilled Huguenot community, to a significant early example of public housing in Dublin. It's a symbol of the area's rich and layered history.
THE TENTERS STONE MARKER PHOTOGRAPHED APRIL 2025