At a time when men wore swords as a personal adornment, as well as for personal protection, there were several retail outlets where such weapons could be purchased. In 1670 James Read opened a knife and sword making enterprise on Blind Quay, now called Exchange Street Lower. James was a brother-in-law to Richard Guinness the father of the famous Arthur Guinness. The business transferred to Crane Lane in 1750, which then was the main but narrow route from the quays to Dame Street.
After Parliament Street was opened in the 1760s the Read cutlery business reversed its business from Crane Lane to open a new shop facing Parliament Street. This sword and cutlery shop made its own implements in the basement forge and its reputation was second to none.
Despite this, by the mid-20th century, business had declined, and the doors of Dublin’s oldest shop finally closed in 1997. Following an uncertain future, the by then derelict premises have been magnificently restored. Largely unchanged, with the various display cases with their contents and counters still intact, Thomas Read’s now welcomes people in its new guise as an atmospheric café.
