Part 24 - Destruction of Frankfort House, Montenotte, Cork

A clipping of an image of the destroyed Frankfort House on Montenotte Hill in Cork taken from the ‘Illustrated London News’ (4 June 1921). The caption notes that the house belonged to Sir Alfred Dobbin (1853-1942). Dobbin was a successful Cork businessman who was vice chairman of the Cork Employers’ Federation. He was appointed High Sheriff of Cork in 1900 and was granted a knighthood by Queen Victoria in the same year. He was later appointed Deputy Lieutenant for Cork city, a post which he held until 1922. Frankfort House, his opulent residence, was completely gutted by fire following the assault by Irish Volunteers on 25 May 1921. It was said that the attackers obtained large quantities of petrol from Sir Alfred’s own garage which they subsequently spread throughout the mansion. The only consideration afforded to the homeowners was the permission given to Lady Kate Dobbin (Alfred’s wife) to remove some of her valuable paintings from the property before it was set ablaze. (Volume page 128).