Myths and legends of the Shannon

Posted on Wednesday 6 March 2013 | 4 Comments

I feel it necessary to point out that Thomas Rhodes (1789–1868), engineer to the Shannon Commissioners, whose name is on a plaque on Athlone bridge, was not a brother of Cecil Rhodes. Thomas was born near Bradford, the son of a carpenter called James Rhodes; Cecil was born in Bishop’s Stortford, the son of a clergyperson.

This entry was posted in Ashore, Built heritage, Charles Wye Williams, Economic activities, Engineering and construction, Extant waterways, Industrial heritage, Ireland, Operations, People, Restoration and rebuilding, Shannon, Sources, Steamers, waterways and tagged , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

4 responses to “Myths and legends of the Shannon”

  1. borderroamer | Wednesday 6 March 2013 at 10:44 |

    Thank you for the clarification: I put him down as a relative as the other entries I saw listed him as “John” Rhodes and said he was a cousin. I could not find the family history details. The plaques clearly state his name as Thomas.

  2. bjg | Wednesday 6 March 2013 at 10:49 |

    There’s a brief biographical note here. I’ve several times heard Athlone folk making the assertion about Thomas and Cecil being brothers, but I don’t know why they believe that. I haven’t tried tracing family relationships any further than that, though. bjg

  3. borderroamer | Wednesday 6 March 2013 at 11:00 |

    A link then (in the biography) to the Ulster Canal which features elsewhere on your blog.

  4. bjg | Wednesday 6 March 2013 at 11:03 |

    Alas, yes. More to come (when I get a moment) on the results of my FOI request. bjg

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