The street now known as Harvey’s Quay in Limerick has an interesting history that traces back to the 1820s. Originally, there were two separate quays in the area, each named after the individuals who constructed them. The first part, known as Harvey’s Quay, stretched between Bedford Row and Lower Cecil Street. It was named after Reuben Harvey, who built this section on land leased by his father, Joseph Massey Harvey, from Lord Viscount Pery in 1791.
The second part, from Bedford Row to Sarsfield Bridge, was initially called Fisher’s Quay. James Fisher constructed this portion on land also leased in 1791. In 1857, the lease for Fisher’s Quay was transferred to William Gabbett. The terms of the lease stipulated that the grantee was responsible for maintaining the premises, with exceptions for fire, war, and general rebellion. Over time, the two quays were merged, and by the mid-20th century, the entire area became known as Harvey’s Quay. However, there is a recent trend of referring to the entire quay section as Howley’s Quay on platforms like Google Maps.
Reuben Harvey and James Fisher, the namesakes of the original quays, were both members of the Society of Friends Quakers. Reuben Harvey, born in 1789 in Summerville, was one of Joseph Massey Harvey and Rebecca Mark’s eleven children. Joseph Massey Harvey, along with his wife and children, were a notable Quaker family who relocated to Limerick from Cork in 1786. Joseph came to Limerick to work for the Fisher Flour Mills on Francis Street, a company owned by James Fisher. In the same year, the Harveys built Summerville, which is now part of Mary Immaculate College. The land they acquired, known as “Quaker Fields” by the 1870s, holds historical significance in the area.
The merging of the two quays and the historical associations with prominent Quaker families reflect the rich tapestry of Limerick’s history. Harvey’s Quay, with its amalgamation of names and stories, stands as a testament to the city’s past and the individuals who shaped its waterfront landscape.
The Quaker Legacy: Joseph Massey Harvey and William Henry Harvey
Joseph Massey Harvey, following the loss of his wife, made a generous contribution by donating a portion of the “Quaker Fields” land on the Ballinacurra side to establish a Quaker graveyard. This sacred space became the final resting place for his wife, who passed away in 1831 and was interred there on July 8, 1833. Joseph Massey Harvey himself, along with several of his children, were later laid to rest in this peaceful cemetery. Prior to this, the Quaker Graveyard was located beneath what is now St. Mary’s Girls’ Primary School on Bishop Street.
Reuben Harvey, the husband of Hannah Christy, passed away on September 21, 1866, at the age of 77. Reuben had three children: James Harvey (1820-1837), Mary Christy Harvey (1825-1858), and Joseph Massey Harvey (1826-1887).
Among the Harvey family, Reuben had an illustrious younger brother named William Henry Harvey (1811-1866), who gained recognition as an Irish botanist. After the untimely death of his older brother, Joseph, William was appointed as the colonial treasurer in Cape Town. Throughout his fruitful career, he meticulously described over 750 newly discovered plant species and more than 75 genera of algae. From 1833 to 1862, he authored over 30 papers on various botanical subjects. Although he expressed criticism of Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, Darwin himself praised William as a distinguished botanist. Sadly, William Henry Harvey succumbed to tuberculosis in Torquay, Devon. In his adulthood, he was disowned by the Quakers Society for embracing the Anglican Church.
The Harvey family, with their contributions to science and their association with the Quaker community, left a notable mark on Limerick’s history. Their dedication to education, botany, and spirituality serves as a testament to their enduring legacy in the city and beyond.
Harvey’s Quay: A Hub of Trade and Business
Since its construction until the early 20th century, Harvey’s Quay in Limerick served as a bustling center for trade and commerce. The quays were primarily utilized for the loading and unloading of goods, making it a crucial hub for economic activity. The area was dominated by storehouses, which played a vital role in storing and distributing various products.
Throughout its history, Harvey’s Quay has been home to a diverse range of businesses. In 1838, the street was occupied by three individuals bearing the surname Crilley. One was a baker, another named John Crilley operated as a spirit merchant, while William Crilley specialized in manufacturing chandlers for ships. The same year, J. Ryan was recorded as a tailor and habit maker, showcasing the presence of skilled craftsmen on the street. William Ryan, another tailor, made his mark on the street in 1870.
The Talbot family also left their imprint on Harvey’s Quay. Between 1846 and 1886, Robert Talbot and his son William established themselves as prominent block and pump makers, catering to the needs of the thriving maritime industry. In 1886, William diversified his business by becoming a bicycle and tricycle agent, adapting to the changing times.
The business landscape of Harvey’s Quay was further enriched by M. Dawson and his son, who operated as iron merchants in 1875, supplying essential materials for construction and industry. Additionally, Eliza Ryan ran a public house on the street for a decade from 1846 to 1856, providing a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Timothy Morrisy took up the mantle of a spirit merchant in 1875, while James Belle opened a refreshment rooms establishment in 1886, catering to the needs of those seeking a break from their daily activities.
These businesses and their dedicated proprietors contributed to the vibrancy and vitality of Harvey’s Quay, creating a lively commercial atmosphere. Their presence reflects the evolving needs of the community and the street’s role as a center of commerce. Today, Harvey’s Quay stands as a testament to its rich history and continues to thrive as a vibrant part of Limerick’s urban fabric.
The Quays of Limerick: A Tapestry of History
In addition to Harvey’s Quay, the stretch of waterfront in Limerick is adorned with several other notable quays, each with its own unique history and significance. One such quay is Bishop’s Quay, which derived its name from William Cecil Pery, the Protestant Bishop of Limerick. The quay was located adjacent to the bishop’s garden, establishing a connection between the ecclesiastical figure and the bustling waterfront. This quay was also known as O’Neill’s Quay, adding another layer of historical association.
On Bishop’s Quay, there is a small mooring that extends into the river, which was referred to as Russell’s Quay. This name can be attributed to the Russell family, specifically John Norris Russell, who erected the original building of the Condensed Milk Factory in the area. The mooring served as a vital point for docking ships and facilitating trade along the river.
Another prominent quay in the area is Howley’s Quay, named after William Howley (1790-1867). Howley left an indelible mark on the city, and his name was bestowed upon the quay to honourhis contributions and influence. Steamboat Quay, as the name suggests, served as a dedicated mooring point for steam-powered ships, reflecting the advancements in transportation technology during that era.
Honan’s Quay is another quay that bears historical significance. It was named after Matthew Honan, a merchant who operated in this section of the waterfront from the 1780s. His presence and business activities played a crucial role in shaping the commercial landscape of the area.
Arthur’s Quay holds a special place in the history of the Newtown Pery area. The quay was constructed by the Arthur family, who left their mark on the city by having streets such as Patrick Street, Francis Street, and Ellen Street named after them. The quay became a bustling center of activity, with merchants and traders flocking to its shores.
Last but not least, Custom House Quay stands as the oldest quay in the Newtown Pery area. Situated behind the old Custom House, which now houses the Hunt Museum, this quay played a pivotal role in the customs operations and trade activities of Limerick.
Together, these quays form a tapestry of history, reflecting the city’s maritime heritage, commercial prowess, and the individuals who left their mark on Limerick’s development. Each quay carries a story, connecting past and present, and contributing to the vibrant character of the waterfront district.
Limerick Gazette
