Nelson's Pillar : Dublin City History

The explosion on March 8th 1966 which brought Nelson crashing to the ground was carried out under cover of darkness by a rogue Republican element with demolitions expertise. Timed explosive devices were planted within the pillar and the 13ft high statue of Horatio Nelson which had gazed over Dublin's main thoroughfare since 1808 was blown clear of the column. Other than the damage to the pillar & Lord Nelson, no injuries were reported. During the subsequent clean-up operations the remaining column was dynamited by the Irish Army to demolish it.

The excavations in preparation for the construction of the  Millennium Spire which has been constructed on the old Pillar site, revealed a sealed time-capsule box - found at the foundation stone. Archaeological research had suggested that the foundation stone was associated with a time capsule prepared in 1808 containing coins and newspapers. Unfortunately upon opening the capsule at the National Museum's conservation laboratories it was found to be empty, except for a list of the contents that should have been enclosed within.