A history of the lives, sufferings, and triumphant deaths, of the primitive as well as the Protestant martyrs, from the commencement of Christianity to the late

Each story keeps the passage it was read from. Open one to read it as the scan has it, and, where the companion has written its own telling, that too. The passages are read off photographs of the page by machine, so a word here and there comes out wrong; they are kept as the reading produced them, so you can check any of them against the scan.

1. Body of Godfrey found at Primrose Hill

   Primrose Hill · street · Dublin · 1678

   After the murder, Godfrey's body was carried out and dumped in a ditch near Primrose Hill (also called Greenbury Hill), close to a public house called the White House, with his sword run through him to suggest suicide.

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   npon a horse, with Hill behind him, him, -till they got to Primroscloir as it is cnlled by some, Green-Bury iDear a public house, called the White % and there threw him into a ditch, his g'loves and cane on a bank near Hid his own sword run through him, \rposo to persuade the world he had

   Ltmsolf. Very cunningly making I of a pHce to lay him where they

   Internet Archive ahistorylivessu00foxegoog, Chapter 395

   As the companion tells it

   A hill in Dublin, Primrose Hill, also called Greenbury Hill, is where Godfrey's body was found in 1678. After the murder, his body was carried on a horse to the hill, near a public house called the White House, and thrown into a ditch. His gloves and cane were left on a bank nearby. His own sword was run through him, to persuade the world he had killed himself.

2. Death and Burial of Bishop Bedell

   Kilmore · townland · Cavan · 1642

   Bishop Bedell, aged 71, died of fever on 7 February 1642 after his ordeal, and was buried with difficulty after the intruding bishop initially refused, claiming the churchyard was too holy for heretics; mourners fired a volley crying that the last of the English should rest in peace.

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   He was at this time in the 71st year of his age, and being afflicted with a violent ague caught in his late cold and desolate habitation on the lake, it. soon threw him into a fever of the most dangerous nature. Finding his dissolution at hai^, he received it with joy, like one of the primitive martyrs just hiastening to his crown of glory. After having addressed his little floel^ and exhorted them to patience, in the most pathetic manner, as they saw their own last day approaching; after having solemnly blessea his people, his family, and his chit dren, he finished the course of his ministry and life together, on the 7th of f^ebruary, 1642. .

   His friends and relations applied to the intruding bishop, for leave to bury him, which was with difficulty obtained ; he, at first, telling them, that the church-yard was holy ground, and should be no longer defiled with heretics : however, leave was at last granted, and though the church funeral service was not used at the solemnity, (fur fear of the Irish papists) yet. some of j tlic better sort, who had the lughest vene.

   Internet Archive ahistorylivessu00foxegoog, Chapter 387

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here, Bishop Bedell met his end. He was 71, and a violent ague caught in his cold and desolate habitation on the lake threw him into a dangerous fever. Finding his death at hand, he received it with joy, like one of the primitive martyrs hastening to his crown of glory. He addressed his little flock and exhorted them to patience, as they saw their own last day approaching. He blessed his people, his family, and his children, and finished the course of his ministry and his life together on the 7th of February, 1642. His friends and relations applied to the intruding bishop for leave to bury him. It was obtained with difficulty. The intruding bishop told them at first that the churchyard was holy ground and should be no longer defiled with heretics. Leave was at last granted. The church funeral service was not used at the solemnity, for fear of the Irish papists, yet some of the better sort, who had the highest veneration for him, attended the burial. Mourners fired a volley over his grave, crying that the last of the English should rest in peace.

3. Imprisonment at Loughwater Castle in Freezing Conditions

   Lough Oughter · lake or lakes · Cavan · 1641–1642

   Bishop Bedell, his family and other Protestants were forced into the ruinous, roofless castle of Loughwater on a lake, where they were stripped and endured freezing December conditions for weeks, daily expecting death, until released on 7 January.

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   SooA after this, the papists*, forced Dr. Bedell, his two sons, and the rest 6f his family, with some of the chief of .the Protestants whom he had protected,, into a ruinous castle, called Locf^ water, situated in a lake near the sea. Here he remained with his- companions some weeks, all of them daily expecting to be put to ' death. The ' greatest paft cithern were stripped naked, by which means, as the season, ivas cold, (it being in the month of December,) and the bqilding in which they were confibed open at me top, they safibred the Qiost severe hardships. • They continued in this situation till 4e . 7th of January,' when they were all released.- The bishop was courteously re^ ceived into the house of Dennis 0*»heridan, one'of his clergy, whojn he had made a coQvert to the church of England; hot he didt not long survive this kindness.

   During his residence here, he spent the whole ofhis time in religious exercises, the better to fit and prepare himself, and his sorrowfijl companions, for their great change, as nothing hut certain death was perpetually before their eyea

   Internet Archive ahistorylivessu00foxegoog, Chapter 387

   As the companion tells it

   Lough Oughter is the lake the road passes near. In the winter of 1641, the insurgents forced Dr. Bedell, his two sons, and the rest of his family, together with some of the chief Protestants he had protected, into a ruinous castle called Loughwater, situated in the lake. They remained there for some weeks, all of them daily expecting to be put to death. Most of the company were stripped naked, and the season was cold, it being December, and the building open at the top, so they suffered the most severe hardships. They continued in this situation till the 7th of January, when they were all released. The bishop was courteously received into the house of Dennis Sheridan, one of his clergy whom he had made a convert to the Church of England, but he did not long survive this kindness. During the imprisonment, he spent his whole time in religious exercises, the better to fit and prepare himself and his sorrowful companions for their great change, as nothing but certain death was perpetually before their eyes.

4. Relief of Londonderry siege raised

   Derry · street · Tipperary · 1689

   Succors arrived by ship, the Mountjoy of Derry and the Phoenix of Coleraine, at which point only nine lean horses remained; the siege was raised on 31 July after continuing upwards of three months.

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   But the succors from England liappily arriving, put an end to their afHiction ; and the siege was- f^ised on the 31st of July, naving been continued upwards of three months.

   The day before the siege of Londonderry was raised, the Inniskillencrs engaged a My of 6(K)0 Irish Roman Catholics, at Newton Butler, or Crown Castle, of whom near t'MKX) were slain. This, with tlie defeat at Londonderry, so much dispirited the papists, that the^ gave up all fartlier attempts at that tune to persecute the Protestants.

   Internet Archive ahistorylivessu00foxegoog

5. Siege of Londonderry begins

   Derry · street · Tipperary · 1689

   The remarkable siege of Londonderry was opened on 18 April 1689 by 20,000 papists, the flower of the Irish army; the city was defended by only 7361 raw and disciplined fighting men.

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   The renoarkable siege of Londonderry .was opened on the 18th of April, 16d9, by ^,000 papists, the flower or the Irish army. The city was not properly circuin-

   e papists, it amouiitcd to l.lOflKK). Butjstanced to sustain a aioge, the defenders now remains that we proceed to the par-.! consisting of a body of raw undisciplined luhtrs that followed. I Protestants, who had fled thither for shel-

   Internet Archive ahistorylivessu00foxegoog, Chapter 389

   As the companion tells it

   This is where the siege of Londonderry began. On the 18th of April, 1689, twenty thousand papists, the flower of the Irish army, opened the remarkable siege. The city was not properly circumstanced to sustain a siege. The defenders were only 7361 raw undisciplined Protestants, who had fled there for shelter.

6. Spanish Landing and Defeat at Kinsale, 1601

   Kinsale · town · Cork · 1601

   In 1601 the Spanish disembarked 4,000 men at Kinsale in support of a 'holy war' for the Catholic faith in Ireland, aided by many Irish, but were ultimately defeated by the deputy Lord Mountjoy and his officers.

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   ianls, too, by landing forces in the south, and giving every encouragement to tlio di.«contenti»d natives to join their stamlard, kept the island in a continunl state of turbulence and warfare. In KHJl they ilisembarked a hodv of 40(K) men at Kinsale, nnd commenced what they cnlled '^ ihv hohj war firr the prrscrvaiion of thr. faith in Ire' Iftnd ;^^ tnev were assisted by great nunil)ers of the Irish, but were at length totally defeated by the deputy, lord Mountjoy, and his (officers.

   This closed the transactions of Elizabeth's reign with respect to Ireland ; an interval of apparent tranquillity followed,

   Internet Archive ahistorylivessu00foxegoog, Chapter 386

   As the companion tells it

   Kinsale was the landing place for a Spanish force in 1601. They disembarked 4,000 men here and called it a holy war for the preservation of the faith in Ireland. Great numbers of the Irish joined them. But the deputy, Lord Mountjoy, and his officers defeated them. This closed the transactions of Elizabeth's reign with respect to Ireland, and an interval of apparent tranquillity followed.

7. Drowning of Protestants in the River Bann

   near River Bann · river · Derry · 1641

   As the river Bann was not fordable and the bridge broken down, the Irish forced together at different times a great number of unarmed Protestants and thrust above 1000 into the river with pikes and swords, where they perished.

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   is time near Armagh, and suffered greatly Dim these merciless savages. This clergyan, in his examination, taken uobn oath }|bre the king's commissioners, declared,. at the Irish papists owned to him, that ey had destroyed in one place, at Glyn- M« 13,000 Protestant^ in their flight JMn the county of Armagh. - - As the riv'^r Bann was- not . fordable, and e .bridge broken down, the Irish forced ither, at different times, a great- number ' unarmed,' defenceless Protestants, and Ub pikes and sWords yiblcntiv thrust ibve 1000 into the river, where they misftUy ))eri8bed. Nor did the cathedral of Armagh escape

   ^&nr of these.. barbarians, it bciiig ma- mveterate enemy to the ProD^^ts. By gously. set on fire by their leaders; and* his orders they were again persecuted in lAit'tt) the .^und. Ajid to qxtirpate, if {various parts of the ^ii^om. The reVe- «ible, the very race of^ those unhappy nuesofthe city of Dubliti were seized, and "0teii6LntB, who lived m or near Armagh, most of die ihtirches converted ipto prisons. Irish' fiF^t burnt all their houses, and And. ha(d it not been for the resolution- .and

   Internet Archive ahistorylivessu00foxegoog, Chapter 389

   As the companion tells it

   The River Bann runs through this country, and in 1641 it became a place of death. The river could not be crossed on foot, and the bridge had been broken down. The Irish forced together at different times a great number of unarmed, defenceless Protestants, and with pikes and swords violently thrust above 1000 into the river, where they miserably perished. A clergyman, in his examination taken upon oath before the king's commissioners, declared that the Irish papists owned to him that they had destroyed in one place, at Glyns, 13,000 Protestants in their flight from the county of Armagh. Nor did the cathedral of Armagh escape these barbarians, being set on fire by their leaders. The Irish first burnt all the houses of those unhappy Protestants who lived in or near Armagh.

8. Minister's mutilation and heads displayed at market cross

   Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1641

   Seven Protestants' heads, including that of a pious minister, were fixed up at the market cross; the minister had been gagged, his cheeks slit to his ears, and a Bible leaf laid before him in mockery, being told to preach.

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   After committing these and various other horrid cruelties, they took the heads of seven Protectants, and among them tliat of a pious minister, all which they fixed up at the market cross. They put a gag into the minister's mouth, then slit his cheeks to his ears, and laying a leaf of a Bible before it, bid him preach, for his mouth was wide enough. They did several other things by way of derision, and expressed the greatest satisfaction at having thus murdered and exposed the unhappy Protestants.

   It is impossible to conceive the pleasure these monsters took in exercising their cruelty ; and to increase the misery of those who fell into their hands, while they were butchering them, they would cry, "Your soul to the devil!"

   Internet Archive ahistorylivessu00foxegoog, Chapter 389

   As the companion tells it

   In Kilkenny, in 1641, they took the heads of seven Protestants and fixed them up at the market cross. Among the dead was a pious minister. They put a gag into his mouth, then slit his cheeks to his ears, and laying a leaf of a Bible before it, bid him preach, for his mouth was wide enough. They did several other things by way of derision, and expressed the greatest satisfaction at having thus murdered and exposed the unhappy Protestants. While they were butchering them, they would cry, "Your soul to the devil!"

9. Spanish Armada survivors slaughtered on the Irish coast

   Ireland · place · 1588

   Ships of the defeated Spanish Armada were wrecked upon the Irish shore as they fled around Scotland and Ireland. Survivors who made it ashore met a grim fate: some were killed by the local Irish, while others were deliberately destroyed by English forces fearing they would join with the Irish population.

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   The Spaniards, seeing all hopes fail, fled amain ; and so this great navy, being three years preparing, with great expense, was within one month overthrown, and after many were killed, being chased again, was driven about all England, by Scotland, the Orcades, and Ireland, tossed and damaged with tempests, much diminished, and went home without glory. There were not a hundred men of the English lost, and but one ship. Whereupon money was coined with a navy fleeing away in full sail, witli this inscription, Venit^ Vidit, Fugit. Others were coined with the ships on fire, the navy confounded, inscribed, in honor of the queen. Dux Fctmina Factu As they fled, it is certain that many of their ships were cast away upon the shores of Scotland and Ireland. ' Above seven hundred .soldiers and mariners were cast away upon the Scottish shore, who, at the duke of Parma's intercession with the Scotch king, the queen of England consenting, were, after a year, sent inU) Flanders. But they that were cast upon the Irish shore came to more miserable fortunes ; for some were killed by the wild Irish, and others were destroyed for fear they should join themselves witli the wild Irish (which cruelty queen Elizabeth much condemned), and th^ rest being afraid, sick, and hungry, with their disabled ships, committed themselves to the sea, and many were drowned.

   Internet Archive ahistorylivessu00foxegoog, Chapter 381

   As the companion tells it

   In 1588, as the defeated Spanish Armada fled, shipwrecked Spaniards met a grim fate on the Irish shore. The great navy, three years preparing, was overthrown within a single month. Driven by tempests about England, Scotland, the Orkneys, and Ireland, the ships were tossed, damaged, and much diminished. Not a hundred Englishmen were lost, and but one ship. Coins were struck: one showed the navy fleeing in full sail with the words "Venit Vidit, Fugit." Others showed the ships on fire, in honor of the queen, inscribed "Dux Foemina Facti." Above seven hundred soldiers and mariners were cast away upon the Scottish shore. At the Duke of Parma's intercession with the Scottish king, and with the Queen of England consenting, they were sent to Flanders after a year. But those cast upon the Irish shore came to more miserable fortunes. Some were killed by the wild Irish. Others were destroyed for fear they should join with the wild Irish. Queen Elizabeth much condemned that cruelty. The rest, afraid, sick, and hungry, committed their disabled ships again to the sea, and many were drowned.

10. Deceitful conversion and murder at Glaslow

    Glaslough · town · Monaghan · 1641

    At a place called Glaslow, a popish priest and others persuaded ten Protestants to convert to Rome under the false hope of saving their lives, then immediately cut their throats.

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    At a place called Glaslow, a popish priest, woman they hurig on a gibbet, wUiif with some others, prevailo«l on 10 Protest- 'child, an mfant about a twelTemonth aNL ants to be reconciled to the church of Roipe, |the latter of whom waa hnng hf Ike mH under the vain Hope of saving their lives, j with the hair of iia mnther'a hend^aadii They had no sooner done this, than the d^ that maiinef finished ila ahort bat ceivers told them they were in a good fiiith, and that they would prevent their falling fmm it, and tuminsr heretics:, bv sending them out of the world ; which thev did bv |minaiin(r whole fcniilifiiaionre. is dm y«f aliiilia

    mimediately cutting their throat. ' " :rJ^'^^b^l^e1K^"^^

    Internet Archive ahistorylivessu00foxegoog, Chapter 389

    As the companion tells it

    In 1641, at Glaslough, then called Glaslow, a priest and others persuaded ten Protestants to convert to the church of Rome, holding out the hope that doing so would save their lives. The moment the converts had made their profession, those who had urged them to it told them they were now in a good faith, and that to prevent their falling from it and turning heretics again, they would send them out of the world. They did this by immediately cutting their throats. The source records the priest's words coldly: they would prevent their falling from it by sending them out of the world. Ten people were killed at the place called Glaslow in 1641.

11. Total massacre of Protestants in Kilkenny

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1641

    In Kilkenny all the Protestants, without exception, were put to death, some in extraordinarily cruel manners including an Englishwoman beaten nearly to pieces and thrown into a ditch, and her child's belly ripped open.

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    In Kilkenny all the Protestants, without exception, were put to death ; and some of them in so cruel a manner, as, perhaps, was never before thought of.

    They beat an Englishwoman with such savage barbarity, that she had scarce a whole bone left; after which thej; threw her into a ditch ; but not satisfied with this, they took her child, a girl of about six years of age, and after ripping up its bell^, threw It to its mother, there to languish tiU it perished.

    Internet Archive ahistorylivessu00foxegoog, Chapter 389

    As the companion tells it

    Kilkenny, in 1641, saw all the Protestants put to death, without exception. Some were killed in a manner "as, perhaps, was never before thought of." An Englishwoman was beaten with such savage barbarity that she had scarce a whole bone left. They threw her into a ditch. Not satisfied with this, they took her child, a girl of about six, ripped open her belly, and threw her to her mother, there to languish until she perished.

12. 17 men hanged and family drowned at Clownes

    Clones · town · Monaghan · 1641

    At Clownes 17 men were shot, and an Englishman, his wife, five children, and a servant maid were all hanged together and afterwards thrown into a ditch.

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    In some places they plucked out the eyes, [persecutors, and cut off the hands of the Protestants, I At Clownes 17 men were. ^rMt atnv. and in that condition turned them intb the iand an Englisbmao, his wife, fine chiltoi fields, theK to linger out the remainder of and a servant nwid, were all bang tqgflhn; their miserable existence. and afterwards thtowm into a ditcfa. *'

    They obliged many young men to force Tjiey hung many by the arms to their aged parents to a river, where they !of tree^ with a weight tn tfairif i were drowned; wives to assist fn hanging 'others by the middle, in which their husbands; and mothers to cut theVthey left them till they expired. ! throats of their children. | Several wer^ hung- on wa^diajk 9ti

    Internet Archive ahistorylivessu00foxegoog, Chapter 389

    As the companion tells it

    Clones is a town the road passes through or near. In 1641, 17 men were shot. An Englishman, his wife, 5 children, and a servant maid were all hanged together and afterwards thrown into a ditch. They plucked out the eyes and cut off the hands of Protestants, and turned them into the fields to linger out the remainder of their miserable existence. They obliged many young men to force their aged parents to a river, where they were drowned. They obliged wives to assist in hanging their husbands, and mothers to cut the throats of their children. They hung many by the arms to trees with a weight tied to their feet. Others they hung by the middle, and left them till they expired.

13. Burning of Protestants at Lisgoole Castle

    Lisgoole · townland · Fermanagh · 1641

    At the castle of Lisgoole, upwards of 150 men, women and children were all burnt together during the massacre.

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    In the castle of Lisgool upwards of lijO I desired to speak with the jgweinui.

    men, women, and children, were all burnt being admitted, he immedately together ; and at the castle of Moneah not records of the county, whidi weie M K>8s than 100 were put to the sword. Great there. He then deomnded lOOQL of m numbers wcto also murdered at the castle > governor, which having receivedi hs i of Tullali, which was delivered up tn dtately compelled biro to hearoMH^ ■ .AFGuire, on'condition of having fair nunr-! swear that he would contintiesotoda tor; but no sooner had that base villain got to complete his horrid barbaritiei^ be possession of the place, than he ordere<! ed the wife and children of the his followers to nmrder the people, which | to be hung up before his &ce; was immediately done with the greatest ! sacring at least 100 of the i cruelty. Upwards of 1000 men.

    Internet Archive ahistorylivessu00foxegoog, Chapter 388

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Lisgoole, there was once a castle where one of the great acts of the 1641 massacre took place. Upwards of 150 men, women, and children were all burnt together inside it. The same wave of killing reached other castles in the region. At the castle of Moneah, not less than 100 were put to the sword. Great numbers were also murdered at the castle of Tullagh. That castle had been delivered up to McGuire on condition of fair quarter, but no sooner had he gotten possession of the place than he ordered his followers to murder the people. It was done immediately and with the greatest cruelty. Upwards of 1000 men are counted among the dead from these events. The burning here stands as one part of a larger slaughter that swept through these castles in that year.

14. Execution of the Duke of Northumberland on Tower Hill

    Tower Hill · hill or hills · Mayo · 1553

    The Duke of Northumberland was beheaded on Tower Hill as the first act of Mary's vengeance against supporters of Lady Jane Grey. He died unpitied, taunted on the scaffold by spectators who remembered his treatment of the Duke of Somerset.

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    The first of these was the duke of Northumberland, who WTis beheaded on Towerliill, and who, in consequence of his crimes, arising from ambition, died unpitied : nay, he was even taunted on the scaffold by the spectators, who knew in what manner he had acted to the good duke of Somerset.

    The other executioM that fbHowed we numerous indeed, but as tliey were all ap the statute of high treaaon, they cann with any degree S^ propriety, be appli«l ProtestantB, or, as they were then callc heretics. The parliament was pliant eooiii to comply with all the queen's teqnesta, ai an act passed to establish the popish religio This wfA what the queen waited for, ai power bein^ now put into her hands, il was determined to exercise it in the mo arbitrary manner. She was destitnte i human compassion, and without the least r luctancc could tyrannise over the cooscieno of men.

    Internet Archive ahistorylivessu00foxegoog

    As the companion tells it

    As the road passes Tower Hill, this is a place where in 1553 the Duke of Northumberland was beheaded. He was the first of Queen Mary's vengeance against those who had supported Lady Jane Grey. His crimes arose from ambition, and he died unpitied. The spectators who gathered at the scaffold taunted him, remembering how he had acted against the good Duke of Somerset. Other executions followed, numerous indeed, all under the statute of high treason. The parliament was pliant enough to comply with all the queen's requests, and an act passed to establish the popish religion. This was what the queen waited for. Power being now put into her hands, she was determined to exercise it in the most arbitrary manner. She was destitute of human compassion, and without the least reluctance could tyrannise over the consciences of men.

15. Treacherous massacre en route to Coleraine

    near Coleraine · town · Derry · 1641

    Rebels gathered together many hundreds of innocent Protestants, young and old, near Armagh under pretence of a safe-conduct to Coleraine, then treacherously fell on them by the way and murdered them.

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    en gathered together many hundi^eds of Ase innocent people, young and old, on etence of allowing them a guard -and. safenduct to Coleraine ; when they treacher- B)y .fell on them by the way, and inhu- BDly murdered them. The like horrid barbarities with those we ▼e piarticularizcd, were practised on thei retched JPlptestantd in ahiiost all parts of e kingdom ; and, when an estimate was :erWards made of the number who were cfiflced to gratify the diabolical souls of

    city of lioadonderryj and the town of Iniiiskillen, . there had • not one place -remained for refuge to the distressed Protestants in the whole kiogdona; but all hiust have been given up to king James, and. to the furious popisli party ^t governed him.

    Internet Archive ahistorylivessu00foxegoog, Chapter 389

    As the companion tells it

    The road passes near Coleraine. In 1641, rebels gathered together many hundreds of innocent people, young and old, near Armagh, on pretence of allowing them a guard and safe-conduct to Coleraine. Then they treacherously fell on them by the way, and inhumanly murdered them. The like horrid barbarities were practised on the wretched Protestants in almost all parts of the kingdom. An estimate was afterwards made of the number who were sacrificed to gratify the diabolical souls of their persecutors. Had it not been for the city of Londonderry and the town of Enniskillen, not one place would have remained for refuge to the distressed Protestants in the whole kingdom, but all must have been given up to King James and the furious popish party that governed him.

16. Ridley's degradation at the Mayor's house in Oxford

    Oxford · townland · Mayo · 1555

    On 15 October 1555, Dr Brooks, bishop of Gloucester, and other Oxford officials came to the house of the mayor, Mr Irish, where Ridley was held prisoner, to offer him the queen's mercy if he would recant. Ridley refused, and the ceremony of degrading him from priesthood, stripping his vestments, was carried out there before his execution.

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    "On the 15th day of October, in the morning. Dr. ^rooks,'. bishop of Gloucester, and the vice-chancellor of Oxford, Dr. Marshall, with others df the chief and head^ of the same imivcraity, and many others accompanying theqf), -came to the bouse of Mr. Iri^, mayor of OxfM, where Dr. Ridley was a elo^ prisoner. And when the bishop of Gloucester came into the chamber . where Dr. Ridley lay, he told him for what purpose their coming' was^ saying, 'That yet once again the queen's majesty did 6f^T unto him, by them, her. gracfouis merqy, if he would receive it, and come hotno again to the faith in which he was baptized. And further said, *That if he would ndt recant and become one of the Catholic church with them, tlion they must needs (against their wills) proceed according to the law, which ^ey would be very loth to do, ^

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    Internet Archive ahistorylivessu00foxegoog, Chapter 242

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Oxford is the house of the mayor, Mr Irish, where Dr Ridley was held prisoner. On the 15th of October 1555, in the morning, Dr Brooks, bishop of Gloucester, came with Dr Marshall, the vice-chancellor of Oxford, and others of the chief of the university. When the bishop entered the chamber where Ridley lay, he told him why they had come. He said the queen's majesty did once again offer her gracious mercy, if he would receive it, and "come home again to the faith in which he was baptized." And further said that if he would not recant and become one of the Catholic church with them, then they must needs, against their wills, "proceed according to the law, which they would be very loth to do."

17. Bishop Bedell's Charity and Persecution at Kilmore

    Kilmore · townland · Cavan · 1641–1642

    At Kilmore, Bishop Bedell sheltered many Protestant refugees but was forcibly dragged from his residence, which was seized by the rival popish bishop Dr Swiney, who said mass there and confiscated Bedell's goods.

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    who had fled from their habitations to cape the diabolical cruelties committed by the papists. But they dkl not kms^ enjoy the consolation of living together; the good prelate was forcibly dragged from his episcopal residence, which was immediately occupied by Dr. Swiney, the popish titular bishop of Kilmore, who said mass in the church the Sunday following, and then seized on all the goods and- e&cts helong^ ing to the persecuted bishop.

    SooA after this, the papists*, forced Dr. Bedell, his two sons, and the rest 6f his family, with some of the chief of .the Protestants whom he had protected,, into a ruinous castle, called Locf^ water, situated in a lake near the sea. Here he remained with his- companions some weeks, all of them daily expecting to be put to ' death. The ' greatest paft cithern were stripped naked, by which means, as the season, ivas cold, (it being in the month of December,) and the bqilding in which they were confibed open at me top, they safibred the Qiost severe hardships. • They continued in this situation till 4e . 7th of January,' when they were all released.- The bishop was courteously re^ ceived into the house of Dennis 0*»heridan, one'of his clergy, whojn he had made a coQvert to the church of England; hot he didt not long survive this kindness.

    Internet Archive ahistorylivessu00foxegoog, Chapter 387

    As the companion tells it

    Near here at Kilmore, Bishop Bedell had sheltered Protestant refugees who had fled from their habitations to escape the cruelties of the papists. They did not long enjoy the consolation of living together. The good prelate was forcibly dragged from his episcopal residence, which was immediately occupied by Doctor Swiney, the popish titular bishop of Kilmore. Swiney said mass in the church the Sunday following, then seized all the goods and effects belonging to the persecuted bishop. Soon after, the papists forced Doctor Bedell, his 2 sons, and the rest of his family, with some of the chief Protestants whom he had protected, into a ruined castle called Lochwater, situated in a lake near the sea. He remained there with his companions some weeks, all daily expecting to be put to death. Most of them were stripped naked. The season was cold, it being December, and the building was open at the top. They suffered severe hardships. They continued in this situation till the 7th of January, when they were all released. The bishop was courteously received into the house of Dennis O'Sheridan, one of his clergy whom he had made a convert to the Church of England. But he did not long survive this kindness.

18. First Reformed Service Read at Christ Church, Dublin

    Christ Church Cathedral · ecclesiastical site · Dublin · 1551

    The English liturgy was first read publicly in Ireland at Christ Church, Dublin on Easter-day 1551, before the lord-deputy, archbishop Browne and others. This marked the formal introduction of Protestant worship into the kingdom.

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    After the accession of Edward YI. to the throne of Enijinnd, an order was directed to Sir Anthony lifter, the lord-deputy of Ireland, coniiiiiinding that the liturgy in En<jlish l>o forthwith w3t up in Ireland, tJiere to be ol)j!nrvod within the several bitjlioprics, oathodrulti, and iiiirish churches ; and it was first read in Clirist-church, Dublin, on Eaeter-<lnv, lool, before the said Sir Anthony, archhi'shop Browne, and others. Part of the royal order for tliis purpose was as foliowj) :

    ** Whereas our gndoos fiitheri kinc Hoij VIII. taking into consideration the boodM and heavy yoke that his true' and mm subjects sustained, under the jurisdictioB tf the bidiop of Rome ; how severml ftteha stories and \yiag wonders misled our flk jects ; diroensinff with the sins of oor » tions, by their indulgences and psidos^fr gain ; purposely to cherish all erii liaik as robberies, rebeUions, theft, wboredon^ blasphemy, idolatry, dLC our ^raciouB fitfar hereupon diasolvea ail priones» waatKh ies, aobeys, and other pretended rjelfia houses; as being but nurseries ftr net* luxury, more than for sacred Ieamiiig,'*Aft

    Internet Archive ahistorylivessu00foxegoog, Chapter 385

    As the companion tells it

    On Easter Day 1551, the English liturgy was first read publicly in Ireland at Christ Church, Dublin, before the lord-deputy Sir Anthony, Archbishop Browne, and others. After the accession of Edward VI to the throne of England, an order had been directed to Sir Anthony commanding that the liturgy in English be forthwith set up in Ireland, to be observed within the several bishoprics, cathedrals, and parish churches. Part of the royal order recalled how Henry VIII had taken into consideration "the bonds and heavy yoke that his true and loving subjects sustained, under the jurisdiction of the bishop of Rome." It told how feigned stories and lying wonders misled subjects, and how indulgences and pardons were sold for gain, "purposely to cherish all evil behaviour, as robberies, rebellions, theft, whoredom, blasphemy, idolatry." Henry VIII had dissolved all priories, monasteries, abbeys, and other pretended religious houses, calling them "nurseries for vice and luxury, more than for sacred learning."

19. Whipping of a starved beggar at Salisbury

    Salisbury · townland · Kildare

    A poor starved beggar who refused the Easter sacrament at Colingborow was brought to Salisbury with bills and gleaves to chancellor Dr. Geffery, who cast him into a dungeon and had him miserably whipped by two catchpoles.

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    Unto those above sptf|i^ed, is also to be added. the miserable v^^ping of a poor starved beggar, who, because he would not receive the sacrament at Easter, in the town of Colingborow, was4)rought to Salisbury, with bills and glievcs, to the chancellor Dr. Geffery, who cast him into the dungeon, and after caused him miserably to be whipped by two catch-poles. The sight whcrpof made all godly hearts to rue it, to see such tyranny to be sliowed upon such a simple and silly wretch: for they that saw him have reported, that they never saw a more sunple creature. But what pity can move the hearts of meroiless pa pistB?

    rcBSBcirnoN and BEtrvenAM-T or wil-

    Internet Archive ahistorylivessu00foxegoog, Chapter 334

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here at Salisbury, a poor starved beggar was brought to answer for his conscience. He had refused to receive the sacrament at Easter in the town of Colingborow, and for that he was carried to Salisbury with bills and gleaves before the chancellor Dr. Geffery. The chancellor cast him into a dungeon, then had him miserably whipped by two catchpoles. Those who saw it said they never saw a more simple creature, and the sight made every godly heart rue such tyranny upon so wretched a man. The book that records it asks what pity can move the hearts of merciless papists.

20. Examination before Bishop Capon at Salisbury

    Salisbury · townland · Kildare · 1556

    Maundrel, Coberly and Spicer were carried to Salisbury and examined before Bishop Capon and chancellor William Geffrey concerning their faith on the sacrament, the pope's authority, purgatory and images, and were condemned as heretics.

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    . Afler this the vicar came into the polpit, and being about to read his bead-roll, and to pray for the souls in purgajtory, John Maundrel, speaking with an audible voice, said, that was the pope's pinfold, th6 other two affirming the same. Upon which words, by command of the priest, thoy wore put in the stocks, where thoy remained tilUthc service was done, and then were brought before a justice of the peace ; the next day they were all three carried to Salishim', and taken before bishop Capon, and William Geffrey, chancellor of the dioce'se; by whoin thoy were imprisoned, and oflcatimes examined concerning tlieir faith, in their houses, but seldom openly. And at the hist examination the usual articles being alleged against them, tliey answered, as Christian men should and ought to believe : and first they sakl, they believed in God the Father,

    and in tlie Son, and in thie Ifbly Gbait twelve tfrlicles of the creed, thie bolj ■ ture from the first of Genens to ttie ki the Revelation.'

    Internet Archive ahistorylivessu00foxegoog, Chapter 277

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Salisbury, in 1556, three men were brought before Bishop Capon and William Geffrey, the chancellor of the diocese, to be examined concerning their faith. The men were John Maundrel, Coberly, and Spicer. It began when the vicar was about to read his bead-roll and pray for souls in purgatory. Maundrel spoke with an audible voice and said it was the pope's pinfold. The other two affirmed the same. By command of the priest they were put in the stocks and kept there until the service was done, then brought before a justice of the peace. The next day all three were carried to Salisbury and taken before Bishop Capon and William Geffrey. They were imprisoned and often examined concerning their faith, usually in their houses and seldom openly. At the last examination the usual articles were alleged against them. They answered as Christian men should and ought to believe. They said they believed in God the Father, and in the Son, and in the Holy Ghost, the twelve articles of the creed, and holy scripture from Genesis to the end of Revelation. They were condemned as heretics.

21. Sack of Dundee and murder of Protestants

    Dundalk · town · Louth · 1641

    The rebels took the town of Dundee, where they murdered all the Protestants, before proceeding to Drogheda.

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    ualled,) soon got possession of the Castle The. besiegecf hoped, at first, that their JJewrj', where the kinff's stores and am- .*«tores of corn, and other necessaries, would initiori wjere lodged; and, with as little be suflicient; but by the continuance of the Rculty, made themselves masters of Dun- 1 siege their wants increased; and these at Ik. They afterwards took the town • of ; last became so heavy, tliaj, for a considerandee, where they murdered all the Pro-ible time before the siege was raised, a pint •lantR,and then proceeded to I)rogheda.|of coarse barley, a small quantity of fcie garrison bf Drogheda was in no coiidi-i greens, a few spoonsful of starch, with a )Q to sustain a sioffo; notwithstanHinjrjven- moderate portion of horse-flesh, were kichf as often as the Irish renewed their j reckoned a week's provision for a soldier. Bkcks, they were vitrorously repulsed, by J And they w^ere, at length, reduced to such »ery unequal number of tlie kinjf's forces, extremities, that they ate dogs, cats, and id a'few fjiithtul Pnitestjint citizens, under mice.

    ir Henrv Tichbornr, the jrovernor, ns-

    Internet Archive ahistorylivessu00foxegoog, Chapter 389

    As the companion tells it

    This is Dundalk. In 1641, the rebels got possession of the castle, and with little difficulty made themselves masters of the town. They murdered all the Protestants there, and then proceeded to Drogheda. The garrison at Drogheda was in no condition to sustain a siege. Still, as often as the Irish renewed their attacks, they were vigorously repulsed by a much smaller number of the king's forces and a few faithful Protestant citizens, under Sir Henry Tichborne, the governor. The besieged hoped at first that the king's stores of corn and other necessaries would be sufficient. But as the siege continued, their wants increased. For a considerable time before the siege was raised, a pint of coarse barley, a small quantity of greens, a few spoonsful of starch, and a moderate portion of horse-flesh were reckoned a week's provision for a soldier. At length they were reduced to such extremities that they ate dogs, cats, and mice.