The Tholsel, Dublin
| The Tholsel | |
|---|---|
An illustration of the tholsel in c.1790 by James Malton | |
Interactive map of the The Tholsel area | |
| General information | |
| Architectural style | Baroque, Classical |
| Classification | Demolished |
| Location | Skinner's Row Dublin 2, Dublin, Ireland |
| Coordinates | 53°20′34″N 6°16′16″W / 53.342860°N 6.271182°W |
| Completed | First version in 1200s "New tholsel" 1311 Re-built 1681 |
| Demolished | 1809 |
| Owner | Dublin Corporation |
The Tholsel was an important building in Dublin, Ireland which combined the function of civic hall, guildhall, court, gaol and even for a period acted as parliament house from 1641-48.
In its final form, it was located on Skinners Row within the old city walls of Dublin and its primary purpose was to hold meetings of Dublin Corporation. It existed in various forms from after the Norman invasion of Ireland until it was finally demolished around 1809 and was one of the most important and imposing buildings in medieval Dublin. It was a secular and commercial focal point within the city walls situated at a major crossroads close to Dublin Castle, St Patrick's Cathedral and Christchurch Cathedral. It was one of several tholsels which were constructed in the major cities and towns of medieval Ireland and the Dublin tholsel also housed the first public clock in Ireland on its tower from 1466.