MARGARET THORPE, AGE 89, 46 MAIN STREET, SWORDS (Part 1)

Margaret Thorpe lives in one of the most interesting old cottages in Swords, situated right in the middle of the Main Street. She has lived here for 60 years. Her childhood was spent in a labourer’s cottage as her father worked for the Earl Fitzwilliam Estate. She recalls in wonderful detail the polished brasses on the horses and the mannerisms of the staff and gentry. She began work as a parlour maid for Lady Lawless at Newcastle, Co. Kildare. Her long memories reach back to the Troubles in the early part of the 20th century. She married John Thorpe who was the son of the RIC Officer in Swords and she recalls Swords in earlier times, the people, shops, pubs, festivals and the children’s orphanage.