English: Cluain Meala (Clonmel): The Main Guard The Main Guard was originally built by James Butler, 1st Duke of Ormond, between 1673 and 1684, as a prestigous courthouse for the Palatinate of County Tipperary, at the intersection of Clonmel's four main streets. The building has many of the hallmarks of a Sir Christopher Wren design, and it seems likely that its architect was influenced by Wren's works. The Main Guard was a "Tholsel", i.e. an office where tolls, duties & customs were collected. It was Clonmel's Assize Court from 1716 until 1810 when it was converted into a barracks, hence the name. Later it was converted into shops, but fell into a sad state of dereliction. Occupying its prestigous location at the eastern end of the main thoroughfare in Clonmel, O'Connell Street, it was an eyesore to the town. However it has now been restored by the Office of Public Works, and is open to the public.