Cork Burning

by Michael Lenihan

`A tale of arson, loot and murder' was how one source described the events that would befall Cork city on the night of 11-12 December 1920. In a scene of almost unprecedented destruction, members of the British forces bent on revenge for the ambushes at Kilmichael and Dillon's Cross set fire to both the commercial and the civic heart of the city. One side of Patrick Street and the area surrounding it were razed to the ground, while City Hall and the neighbouring Carnegie Library were gutted as Auxiliaries and Black and Tans shot at Cork's firemen and cut their hoses in an effort to ensure maximum damage. Then, to add insult to injury, as the smoke cleared the British government tried to blame Cork's own citizens for the devastation. Using eyewitness accounts and contemporary sources, and illustrated with exceptional images from the period, Cork Burning tells the story of the events before, during and after that infamous night.


It covers such topics as Cork City before December 1920, the Black and Tans, Auxiliaries and K Company, Republican Cork, a timeline of events before the burning of Cork City, early fires and arson by crown forces in Cork, the Kilmichael Ambush, the Dillon's Cross Ambush, premises destroyed, official investigations into the causes, compensation and rebuilding.

256 pages, Paperback

Published November 2, 2018

Reviews

[Graeme Whitton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this fascinating. I've just made a 1st visit to Cork and always want to learn as much as I can about places I go to. I was aware of some of the history of Cork but knew nothing about this episode.

Due to the subject it may be of limited interest to a wider public but it's an important story well told and lots of photos which helped me get a sense of place.

[John O · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very detailed account of the events leading up to and after the burning of cork. Exceptional images and visual display of cork before, during and after!

[PhattandyPDX · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detailed accounts and photos of ongoing English terror against the Irish in the early 20th century. Never knew about the destruction to Cork until I read this.