The diaries of Charles G. Cosslett

Wednesday 21st June saw the latest lecture in our annual O’Laverty Library Outreach Programme. The Diaries of an 18th century student at Trinity College Dublin were the subject of an historical talk in the College Library. Author and historian, Mr Hugh O’Neill informed a large audience about the discovery of two diaries of Charles G. Cosslett in the College Archives. Hugh, a former student at St. Malachy’s and a retired university lecturer, described how he pieced together what he knew of Cosslett’s background. His father was a judge in North Carolina who owned slaves but also land in the townland of Annadorn near Loughinisland, Co. Down. In one of the ‘St. Malachy’s’ diaries Cosslett Junior tells the story of a leisurely trip round Ireland from Derry to Dublin via the Giant’s Causeway during which he stops off at this family estate. It was a great evening to reconnect with familiar faces and create new friendships.