Market Square
A square built on a lord's vision, commemorating the founder of modern Abbeyleix.
The Market Square in Abbeyleix is a historic public space, marked by a fountain erected in memory of John Vesey, 2nd Viscount de Vesci. Vesey planned and developed the new town of Abbeyleix around 1790, relocating residents from the original settlement due to flooding of the River Nore. He was known as a compassionate and conscientious landlord, extremely charitable during the famine years. The fountain stands in the Market Square as a lasting tribute to his role in the town's foundation.
Lore & Background
In the late 18th century, the original settlement of Abbeyleix suffered from persistent flooding of the River Nore. Around 1790, John Vesey, then a young politician, took decisive action: he planned and developed an entirely new town on higher ground. The old settlement was levelled, and the residents were moved to the new town. Vesey's approach was not merely practical; he was described as a compassionate and conscientious landlord, and during the difficult famine years, he was extremely charitable to the local people. The Market Square became the heart of this new town, and in later years, a fountain was erected there in his memory. A map commissioned by Vesey in 1828, showing the Abbeyleix Manor holdings, was discovered after almost 200 years and went to auction in 2016, offering a rare glimpse into the estate's layout.
Reader's Guide
The Market Square in Abbeyleix serves as a central public space, anchored by the memorial fountain to John Vesey. For visitors, it is the logical starting point for exploring the town's history. The square itself is a direct result of Vesey's 1790s town planning, which moved the settlement away from the flood-prone River Nore. To understand the town's layout, note that the old settlement was completely levelled, so all existing structures date from after this relocation. The fountain is the key landmark, commemorating the 2nd Viscount de Vesci's charity during the famine years. A map of the Abbeyleix Manor holdings, commissioned by Vesey in 1828, was rediscovered in 2016 and auctioned, providing a detailed record of the estate's boundaries and features at that time.
Architectural Evolution and Transformation
The Market Square itself is not described in architectural detail in the source, but its centerpiece is the fountain erected in memory of John Vesey. The square was created as part of the new town of Abbeyleix, which Vesey planned and developed around 1790. The original settlement was levelled to make way for this new development, meaning the square and its surrounding buildings were constructed on a cleared site. The fountain stands as the primary commemorative structure, honoring Vesey's role as a compassionate landlord and his charity during the famine years.
Noble Lineages and Political Turmoil
John Vesey, 2nd Viscount de Vesci and 3rd Baron Knapton, was born on 16 February 1771 and died on 19 October 1855. He was the son of the 1st Viscount de Vesci and Selina Elizabeth Brooke. He was elected to the Irish House of Commons as the Member of Parliament for Maryborough in 1796, sitting until 1798. On 13 October 1804, he succeeded to his father's titles. In 1839, Lord de Vesci was elected by his fellow peers to sit in the British House of Lords as an Irish representative peer. From 1831 to his death in 1855, he served as the first Lord Lieutenant of Queen's County. He married Frances Letitia Brownlow on 25 August 1800, and was succeeded by his eldest son, Thomas Vesey.
Cultural Renaissance and Scientific Legacy
It focuses on Vesey's town planning, his political career, and his charitable actions during the famine years.
Artistic Treasures and Modern Preservation
It notes that a fountain in memory of John Vesey stands in the Market Square, and that a map commissioned by Vesey in 1828 was discovered after almost 200 years and went to auction in 2016.
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