Sample topographical entry from Limerick

Baal’s Bridge, Brocas, c. 1820
 

Baal’s or Baals Bridge

Bridge destroyed 1176 (Giraldus, 167). Bridge 1199 (Cal. doc. Ire., 1171–1251, 14), c. 1400 (Westropp, 1898, 37), 1564 (Council Bk Kinsale, 391). Tye Bridge alias Drohedmoyle 1576 (Mac Spealáin, 86). Unnamed, stone house on central arches 1587 (City map). Tide Bridge, 6 arches, houses on both sides; unnamed, towers on E. and W. ends c. 1590 (Hardiman; Hunt map). South Bridge, 5 arches 16th cent. (Town plan 3). The Thye Bridge, 4 arches 1610 (Speed). Unnamed, houses on W. side 1633 (Pacata Hibernia 2). Bridge 1651 (Webb). Ball Bridge, Balle Bridge, Balles Bridge, Balls Bridge, Ballebridge 1654 (CS). Baals Bridge, wooden section at S. end 1674 (Potter MS, 1/35). Unnamed, 6 arches 1685 (Philips). Thy Bridge; 2 rows of houses erected on bridge in 1691 (Jones; O’Keeffe and Simmington 149). 2 rows of houses erected on bridge 1691 (O’Keeffe and Simmington, 149). Houses on bridge 1698 (Potter MS, 1/64). Bridge damaged by storm in 1705 (White, 76). Balls Bridge 1725 (Potter MS, 2/13). 9 shops on bridge 1729, 1741 (RD 61/384/41710, 102/92/69836). Houses on E. side demolished in 1761 (White, 171). Baals Bridge, buildings on W. side c. 1764 (New quay plan), 1769 (Colles). Houses collapsed in 1775 (FLJ 15.2.1775). Balls Bridge 1786 (Sauthier); c. 1820 (Brocas, J.H.). Balls Bridge 1827 (McKern). Houses, bridge demolished in 1830 (wall plaque); bridge rebuilt in 1831 (Lenihan, 475–6). Balls Bridge 1840–1900; Baal’s Bridge 1990, 2008 (OS).