The secret scriptorium of Spike Island Cork;

It’s long been known Spike Island was home to a monastery from 635ad

But since the 1950’s a new theory has emerged

Evidence that a sacred scriptorium operated on Spike Island

And now we think we know where (1) The monastery has always been of interest

An important monks death is recorded in the Annals, 821ad

Research suggests it survived at least 500 years into the 13th century

But the monastery’s exact location was lost to us

The motivation to find it has increased (2)

The military credentials of Spike Island Cork are remarkable

Yet most people don't know the enormous effort taken to secure the western approaches to the British Empire

Here is the story of an island fortified to defend an Empire (1) For context, Spike Island is a 104 acre island outcrop in Cork Harbour

It had already been home to a monastery in the Celtic Sea from 635AD

A first prison arrived in the 1600's, holding Oliver Cromwell's POW's. More would follow

But its strategic importance was rising (2)

In 2020 workmen on Spike Island found a centuries old surprise

They were reopening the ‘Sallyport’

A tunnel under the forts walls, it connects the surrounding moat for strategic military purposes

It was blocked up to deter prisoner escapes, but it hid something else (1) Halfway down the tunnel was an unexpected doorway

It was not on any maps or drawings of the 1804 fort

Shining a light into centuries of darkness revealed a stone spiral staircase

Intricate. Ornate. The work of master craftspeople (2)

Spike Island Cork was the largest prison in the world in the early 1850's.

It wasn't just men within its walls.

Boys as young as 12 made up 10% of the population.

Here are some of the stories of Ireland's youngest ever offenders 🧵 (1) For context, the punishment of juvenile offenders was standard practice in Victorian Ireland

Age 7 & under was considered incapable of criminal intent

Any older received adult treatment despite their youth

They even received the lash on entry & exit, an unforgettable ordeal (2

85 years ago today, Spike Island was returned to Ireland.

Winston Churchill raged.

Eamon deValera celebrated.

Ireland rejoiced.

How did it come about? Who was there? How did a Cockney come to loggerheads with a Gaeltacht soldier?

The history of the Spike handover 🧵 (1) For context, Ireland gained self determination for 26 counties after a brave War of Independence in 1921

Spike Island was retained as 1 of 3 Treaty ports

A British Military base since 1779, Cork Harbour were deemed too important to relinquish

Primarily by one man... (2)

Spike Island is Ireland's historic Island, worthy of UNESCO recognition.

Yet most people don't know its rich history, or global significance.

Here are 17 short tweets that explain why Ireland's Alcatraz will be known everywhere as a true world wonder... (1) Ancient Island - The island is surrounded by some of the earliest excavations of human occupation in Ireland.

Inhabiting Cork Harbour, its almost certain the people of the Mesolithic visited the island, being accomplished boat people.

Future finds are likely (2)

In 1852, Cork was home to the largest prison in the world.

2461 convicts were officially assigned to Spike Island.

Almost 60% of Ireland’s male convict population, in 1 place.

How large does that make it?
1/6 For starters, the prison remains the largest ever formal prison in Irish history.

Mountjoy opened in 1850.

Its 500 single cells were considered enormous for the time.

Spike Island was nearly 5 times that capacity, in the same decade.
2/6