![]() ![]() Initial phases of a permanent fortification of the island began in 1789/90, and building and landscaping works associated with the military fortification continued through the early 19th century. Cork Harbour was used as an assembly point for convoys to the Americas and at one point more than 400 vessels were assembled in the harbour. Its construction was prompted by the outbreak of the American Revolution in 1775 and in particular by the entry of France (1778) and Spain (1779) into the war on the American side. The first artillery fortification on the island was built in 1779. Several changes of ownership of the island occurred between 1490 and the 1770s. The islands central position within the well-sheltered harbour ensured it was to be considered of strategic importance. School of Military Engineering, Chatham 1879 with later additions until 1899 (Public Records Office, Kew) Image Credit: Spike Island, Cork Harbour. Cork Harbour has been a working port and a strategic defensive hub for centuries the mouth of the harbour was overlooked by Fort Meagher (Camden) and Fort Davis (Carlisle) from the 18th century onward, although these fortifications were in fact later incarnations of earlier 16th and 17th -century defensive structures. The landing stage on the island’s northern shore is almost exactly 1 mile from the jetty at Cobh, though shallow waters and sandbanks to the east of neighbouring Haulbowline Island mean that a direct crossing route from Cobh to Spike is only safe on a high tide. It covers an area of about 103 acres, and it’s highest point is just about 100 ft above sea level. Spike Island is a rounded, low-lying island centrally located within Cork Harbour. 6.Spike Island National School, Spike Island, Co. It's funny at times and the cast are ebullient enough to carry the clichéd and thin material home, but come the finale you will be remembering the soundtrack more than the story itself. Music binds them together, but does anything else? It's all very formulaic stuff, but for those of the time, or for those with a love for how music can define your life, or at the least shape its direction, then this hits the requisite chords. As Messrs Ian Brown and John Squire weave their chordal magic in the background, a bunch of spotty Herbert's with mad mac haircuts and iffy accents try and make sense of it all, of life, death, loves and hates. However, the band are secondary to the teen angst narrative threads, to the scallywag japes and sexual growing pains. Re: The Sex Pistols at Winterland, see The Stone Roses at Spike Island (in other words it was a pretty awful gig all told). This in spite of their relatively short life span. To many of a certain age The Stone Roses were "their" Beatles, a power pop foursome that rocked it big time, their influence on the British music industry is still being felt today. Mat Whitecross (Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll) taps into the era of Baggy Manchester, of a Northern Britain dominated by pills, thrills and romantic bellyaches. Us Brits do like ourselves a coming of age drama set to the backdrop of musical importance. ![]() A bunch of teenage acolytes of the band, aspiring musicians themselves, embark on a journey to Spike Island whist at the same time embarking on personal journeys of the real life kind. ![]() It's May 1990, Great Britain, and The Stone Roses are about to play a monumental outdoor gig at Spike Island in Widnes, Cheshire.
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