Hanover House c.1947

Opposite the Yellow Lion is Hanover House at present occupied by Dr. Brendan Doyle. This house, one hundred years ago, was tenanted by Dr. Middleton who was a specialist of his time in Mental Diseases. He was responsible for the destruction of Carlow Castle. He had obtained possession of the Castle and intended to convert it into an hospital for mental cases. In order to provide more accommodation inside, he put several barrels of gunpowder in the basement thinking he could demolish the inside thick walls and leave the outer walls standing. When he touched off the gunpowder he blew down the entire structure leaving only one wall and two towers standing as it is to-day. Judged by his action I think you will agree he qualified to be the first inmate of his proposed hospital. Hanover House was later the residence of Mr Darby Herring Cooper, who was succeeded there by the Slocock family, who made Hanover House famous as a horse-breeding establishment.

The large house beside Hanover House gate was at that time the Post Office. Below that was the Staff House of the Carlow Militia. On the opposite side of the street in the houses now occupied by the Misses Brophy and Misses Mullally lived Mr. Jos. Deighton, who carried on a foundry and plumbing business. He was also for many years the chairman of the Carlow Gas Company, and took a deep interest in this concern. He was the donor of the Deighton Hall to the Vestry of St. Mary's Parish Church.

Another branch of the Morris Family occupied the house now owned by Mr. Robinson, and had a furniture Show-room in the premises beside it. On the opposite side of the Street in the house now occupied by Mr. Restrick and the one next to it, a Mrs. Williams and her three daughters lived, where they carried on a Young Ladies' Seminary. To this school came, as boarders, girls from all over the county, as well as from Wicklow and Wexford; day pupils also attended.

By Edwin C. Boake