Sir, – Michael Harding’s wonderful article on gates reminded me of an old Co Westmeath story on the same subject (“Fancy wrought-iron gates at the entrance to a family residence used to be viewed with raised eyebrows in rural Ireland”, Life, June 15th).
In the 19th century, there were several Smythe families living in “grand” houses quite close to the village of Drumcree. One of the Smythes decided to erect magnificent gates at the entrance to his demesne to distinguish himself from other family members. He then became known locally as “Smythe with the gates”. He was not at all pleased with this description and sold his magnificent gates to a neighbour. As a result, and for the rest of his life, he became known as “Smythe without the gates”. – Yours, etc,
CHARLES SMYTH,
Kells,
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