A description and history of Powerscourt

Each story keeps the passage it was read from. Open one to read the passage as the book has it, and, where the companion has written its own telling, that too.

1. Priest confronts Fenian rebels with a crucifix at Enniskerry

   Enniskerry · town · Wicklow · 1867

   On the morning of 25 March 1867, a large body of armed Fenians marching on Enniskerry was met at the bridge near the chapel by the Parish Priest, Rev. Thomas O'Dwyer, who confronted them with a crucifix and commanded them to turn back; they obeyed, having only raided a baker's cart for bread.

   Read the passage

   rode up and reported that an armed force, some with muskets, some with pikes and other improvised weapons, had appeared there, and that they were met on the road at the bridge near the chapel by the Parish Priest, the Rev. Thomas O'Dwyer, who confronted them with a crucifix and commanded them to go back. They obeyed and turned off to the road near the Scalp leading to Glencullen, the only damage they had done being to attack a baker's cart and seize all the bread. They retired on Glencullen Village, where there was a constabulary barrack, where were quartered a serjeant and three men. The rebels to the number of some hundreds were led by a " Captain Burke," who was one of the American adventurers who had come over to join the revolutionary party in Ireland. The serjeant of constabulary called to the Fenians to surrender, upon which they opened fire on the barrack. The constabulary returned the fire, but only over the heads of the insurgents, whereupon " Captain " Burke, it is said, retreated behind a neighbouring stone wall, saying, " This is your business and not mine," and declined to take any further part in the attack. At this the insurgents, seeing that the constabulary meant business, gave up the attack and proceeded along the road up Glencullen, no one having been wounded on either side, and crossing the mountains emerged upon the Dublin road near a village called Tallaght. By this time they were in full retreat, and General Lord Strathnairn, commanding' the forces in Dublin, met them with a squadron of the Scots Greys on one side and a company of infantry on the other, and the whole body of rebels surrendered.

   Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 99

2. The Bloodless 'Battle of Tallaght' and Fenian Rebellion of 1867 at Powerscourt

   Powerscourt · parish · Wicklow · 1867

   Rebels captured near Powerscourt during the 1867 Fenian uprising were marched off to Mountjoy Prison; most were released next morning but leaders were tried and sentenced to penal servitude. Two companies of Marines were billeted at Enniskerry and Powerscourt in response.

   Read the passage

   Next morning they were all released, except a few of the leaders, who were tried by a Special Commission and sentenced to various terms of penal servitude. So ended the Irish Rebellion of 1867, culminating in the bloodless "Battle of Tallaght."

   I had had some correspondence with the Government, in consequence of which a distribution of forces was made, and two companies of Marines were sent down from Kingstown, one company being billetted in Enniskerry and one at Powerscourt. Lord Strathnairn invited my wife and her mother, Lady Leicester, and two of her sisters, who happened to be staying at Powerscourt, to go to stay with him at the Royal Hospital at Kilmainham, and he gave a ball in their honour, and I stayed at Powerscourt with the two officers commanding the Marines, but the insurrection died out by the capture of the rebels in other parts of Ireland and the trial of the leaders mentioned above.

   Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 100

3. Averted Catastrophe at Powerscourt Waterfall During Royal Visit

   near Powerscourt Waterfall · waterfall · Wicklow · 1821

   A dam was built above Powerscourt Waterfall so King George IV could see it in full flood, with a wooden bridge erected for him to stand on while the dam was blown up. The King's visit was delayed, and when the mine was exploded the bridge was swept away, narrowly averting a fatal disaster.

   Read the passage

   The King was invited to visit Powerscourt Waterfall, a dam having been constructed above the fall, to confine the water, so that His Majesty might see it in full flood. Time, however, did not permit of the King going there, which was fortunate, for the wooden bridge, which had been erected at the foot of the fall on which His Majesty was to have stood while the dam was being blown up by a mine to let the water down, was carried away by the force of the water, when the mine was afterwards exploded, so that a fearful catastrophe was averted.

   The King on leaving presented Lord Powerscourt with a gold snuffbox, which is preserved, bearing the following inscription : —

   Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 43

4. Roman Catholic burial-ground at Churchtown and its scandalous funerals

   Churchtown · street · Limerick

   An old Catholic burial-ground and ruined ancient Chapel existed at Churchtown inside the demesne, which was very full, with bones turned up at every funeral. Drunken coffin-bearers sometimes dropped coffins near the farmyard, exposing remains, causing terrible scandal.

   Read the passage

   The Roman Catholics had formerly a burial-ground inside the demesne also, at Churchtown, where are the ruins of an ancient Chapel. This old burial-ground was very full, and at every funeral the bones of those who had been buried there before were turned up in digging new graves. There were also terrible scenes . sometimes at funerals passing to it and coming past Powerscourt House, etc. Very often those bearing coffins were drunk, and I have myself seen a coffin dropped upon the road near the farmyard, and bursting open, the remains being exposed to view.

   This was a terrible scandal, and I applied to the Parish Priest, the Rev. Thomas O'Dwyer, to see if something more civilized could not be. done, and to assist in remedying the scandal. I said that if he would consent to this old burial-ground being closed by an Order in Council, it containing about a quarter of an acre, I would give two acres in another place, adjoining the Chapel at Curtlestown, instead. He agreed to this, and went before the Privy Council and stated on oath that the burial-ground was within a hundred yards of Powerscourt House, and that the smell from it was perfectly pestilential ! On this evidence an order was given that it should be closed. There is a burial-ground near Powerscourt House, but it is the Protestant one, and not this one, which is more than a mile from the house. I said to Father O'Dwyer afterwards that I was surprised at his giving that evidence. But he said, " Oh ! I thought you would like it." I afterwards invited Cardinal Cullen to come and consecrate the new cemetery, which he did, and now there is ample accommodation for burials of both creeds in this parish, as there is also another ancient burial-ground called Stagonil, the ancient name of the parish, in the townland of Killegar, near the Scalp ; so that was settled to the satisfaction of all parties.

   Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 68

5. Wingfield estate burnt and plundered by rebels, 1641

   Powerscourt · parish · Wicklow · 1641

   All the manor-houses, castles, and plantations belonging to Sir Richard Wingfield in counties including Wicklow were burnt, razed, and destroyed by rebels in October and November 1641, with plate, household goods, and family papers plundered.

   Read the passage

   in the cos. Wicklow, Wexford, Dublin, Tyrone, Limerick, and Clare, were burnt, razed, and destroyed by the rebels. The whole estate was intruded upon and wasted, and "all the plate, household stuff, stock, and other goods belonging to the said Sir Richard Wingfield, and most of his writings and evidences were plundered and taken away by the said rebels, whereby the said Sir Richard and his younger brothers, then of tender age, were driven to insupportable hardships."

   7. Notwithstanding all this, Sir Richard enlisted in October 1641, served under the " Lord Duke" of Ormond, first as captain of a foot company and after as lieut. -colonel of a regiment of foot. In this service he died in 1645, an<^ the premises came to [the petitioner] Foliot Wingfield, then of the age of 1 years and odd months, and a ward to King Charles I. and afterwards to "your Royal self" [Charles II.].

   Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 125

6. Fenian rebels surrender near Tallaght to Lord Strathnairn's forces

   near Tallaght · town · Dublin · 1867

   The retreating Fenian rebels, crossing the mountains, emerged on the Dublin road near Tallaght, where General Lord Strathnairn met them with cavalry and infantry; the whole body surrendered without a shot being fired by the troops.

   Read the passage

   rode up and reported that an armed force, some with muskets, some with pikes and other improvised weapons, had appeared there, and that they were met on the road at the bridge near the chapel by the Parish Priest, the Rev. Thomas O'Dwyer, who confronted them with a crucifix and commanded them to go back. They obeyed and turned off to the road near the Scalp leading to Glencullen, the only damage they had done being to attack a baker's cart and seize all the bread. They retired on Glencullen Village, where there was a constabulary barrack, where were quartered a serjeant and three men. The rebels to the number of some hundreds were led by a " Captain Burke," who was one of the American adventurers who had come over to join the revolutionary party in Ireland. The serjeant of constabulary called to the Fenians to surrender, upon which they opened fire on the barrack. The constabulary returned the fire, but only over the heads of the insurgents, whereupon " Captain " Burke, it is said, retreated behind a neighbouring stone wall, saying, " This is your business and not mine," and declined to take any further part in the attack. At this the insurgents, seeing that the constabulary meant business, gave up the attack and proceeded along the road up Glencullen, no one having been wounded on either side, and crossing the mountains emerged upon the Dublin road near a village called Tallaght. By this time they were in full retreat, and General Lord Strathnairn, commanding' the forces in Dublin, met them with a squadron of the Scots Greys on one side and a company of infantry on the other, and the whole body of rebels surrendered.

   Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 99

7. Architect Daniel Robertson hidden from sheriff's officers in dome

   Powerscourt · parish · Wicklow · 1841–1843

   Architect Daniel Robertson, who designed the Terraces at Powerscourt in 1841-1843, was always in debt, and when sheriff's officers came for him he was hidden in the dome on top of the house.

   Read the passage

   It is related of Mr. Robertson that he was always in debt, and when the sheriff's officers were after him, warning being given of their presence to seize him, he was hidden in the dome on the top of the house.

   He was given to drink, and always drew best when his brain was excited with sherry. He suffered from gout, and used to be driven about in a wheel-barrow with a bottle of sherry ; while that lasted he was always ready to direct the workmen, but when it was finished he was incapable of working any more. Nevertheless his drawings in the books of plans shew what a clever artist he was.

   Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 72

8. Pike Found Near Powerscourt During 1848 Rebellion Scare

   Powerscourt · parish · Wicklow · 1848

   A pike with a curved side-blade for cutting cavalry reins was found near Powerscourt in 1848, at a time when the 'Second Rebellion' was expected. The pike's manufacturer, Hyland, was either hanged or transported for making these weapons.

   Read the passage

   These were pikes with curved side-blades for the purpose of cutting the reins of mounted horsemen. This one was found somewhere in the neighbourhood of Powerscourt in 1848, at the time when the Second Rebellion was expected. It was evidently copied from an ancient pike, and Hyland, the manufacturer of these pikes, was either hung or transported: There are also in the Hall several trophies of the Crimean War : Two Russian muskets picked up on the field of Alma by my late brother, the Hon. Maurice Wingfield, who was a lieutenant in the Navy on board Her Majesty's ship " Vengeance," he, with other officers of his ship, having landed after the battle and brought away some trophies. There are also three or four Russian swords, and one Russian infantry helmet, also brought home by him. There is also on one of the pillars a basket-work helmet, covered with black canvas, and with a cockade on the top. This was the helmet of the Madras Sepoys, and I brought it home when I came from India. There are also two helmets of the time of the Battle of Waterloo — 1st Life Guards' — one perfect, but of the other only the skull-cap remains, with a bullet-hole through the top of it. There are also several Italian morion helmets, some of which I bought at the sale of the effects of Prince Jerome Napoleon, after the Franco-German War, at Christie and Manson's in London, having been taken out of the Palais Royal in Paris, where he had lived. When the Palace was burnt by the Commune his effects were rescued and sold in London. I bought these and several rapiers, which are in the glass cases in the Staircase Hall of the east wing, at that sale.

   Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 18

9. The Shaking Stone on Ballinvalla by the Murdering Pass

   Ballinvalla or Sleamaine · townland · Wicklow

   On the hill of Ballinvalla, above the road called the 'Murdering Pass', lies a large rock known as 'The Shaking Stone', an erratic glacial boulder that could once be rocked by hand but is now immovable. Tradition holds that Tudor-era soldiers pushed it from its balance.

   Read the passage

   On the hill called Ballinvalla, over the road called the "Murdering Pass/' is a large rock called " The Shaking Stone." This was formerly one of those so-called " erratic blocks," probably carried on the ice from some distant part, and deposited on the melting of the ancient glaciers, as is often the case, on the very ridge of the mountain, and resting on another stone in such a position that in former times it could be moved with the hand, in the same way as the " Rocking Stone" near Tunbridge Wells. In this case, however, the stone is now immoveable, and the tradition is that at some time, probably when during the wars of the Tudors the whole of these hills were occupied by the military, the soldiers pushed the stone from its equilibrium, and therefore it now lies on the hill like any of the other surrounding rocks firmly fixed in its position, and cannot now be moved.

   At Luggala, in the valley below, can be seen from a point not far up the little stream a very distinct human profile, on the precipice over Lough Tay. The rock in its outline shews the forehead, eyebrow, nose, and mouth of a gigantic human face. This can be easily seen from the bend in the course of the brook, about 100 yards up stream from where the house stands.

   Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 120

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere close to Ballinvalla or Sleamaine, up on the hill above the road they call the Murdering Pass, there's a large rock known as the Shaking Stone. It was what they call an erratic block, carried here on the ice from some distant part and left on the very ridge of the mountain when the ancient glaciers melted. It rested on another stone in such a way that in former times you could move it with your hand, the way the Rocking Stone near Tunbridge Wells works. The tradition is that during the wars of the Tudors, when the military occupied these hills, the soldiers pushed the stone from its equilibrium. Now it lies on the hill like any other rock, firmly fixed, and it cannot be moved.

10. 1641 rebellion outbreak and Wingfield estate losses

    Powerscourt · parish · Wicklow · 1641

    Before Richard Wingfield came of age, the Irish rebellion broke out on 23rd October 1641, leading to the destruction of Wingfield manor-houses, castles, and plantations across Wicklow, Wexford, Dublin, Tyrone, Limerick, and Clare.

    Read the passage

    4. That before Richard Wingfield came of age, or could sue out his livery or receive the rents of his estate, the rebellion in Ireland broke forth on the 23rd October 1641.

    5. The said Sir Edward Wingfield soon after the decease of the said Knight Marshal did for valuable and consideration purchase from the lawful proprietors thereof the towns and lands of Killmackenock [Kilmacanogue], Glancormick [Glencormick], Boullenteskin [Ballinteskin], Killough, Coolmore, Glanmore [Glanmore], Coolkeaght [Coolakay], JBalynvane [ ? ], Bally hoome [ ? ], Ballyredmond [Ballyremond], Stelbane [Stilebawn], Ballygage [ ? J, with two mills in Ballymaeartagh (the eighth part of Glancormick and Boullynteskin only excepted), Killmurrye [Kilmurry], Glastnespivoge [ ? ], Callaragh [Calary], Kilcrony with a mill, Tyhytample [Tetample], Ballenlostye, and Ballynnorenave [Ballvornan], with their rights, members, etc., situated in the territory of Glancape, half barony of Rathdowne in co. Wicklow. These consisted of precisely 3361 acres, and of but [only] 1772 acres of profitable land, all parcels of the little territory of Glancape contiguous to the manor of Powerscourt, " which territory time whereof no memory of man was to the contrary before was held by the said manor by suit of Court and other services." Sir Edward died seized thereof in 1638, and they descended to his son, as can be proved by sundry letters patents, authentic surveys, inquisitions, etc.

    Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 124

11. George IV's Remark on Bushy Park

    Bushy Park · site · Tipperary · 1821

    During his visit to Powerscourt, King George IV looked out the window at Bushy Park, the residence of Colonel Hon. Hugh Howard, and remarked that the house spoiled the view and "ought not to be there," to the owner's own face.

    Read the passage

    In 1 821 King George IV. visited Ireland, landing at Dunleary, which was in honour of His Majesty named Kingstown. Richard, fifth Viscount Powerscourt, sent to His Majesty, on board the " Royal George," a buck from the park at Powerscourt. The King after this paid Lord Powerscourt a visit at Powerscourt, and was entertained at a banquet in the Saloon. The large arm-chair covered in red cloth, made at the time for the use of His Majesty, is still preserved. A good many of the neighbours were invited to meet the King, among others Colonel Hon. Hugh Howard, who resided at Bushy Park, opposite the windows of Powerscourt House. The King, looking out of the window, saw the house at Bushy, and turning to Lord Powerscourt, said, " Whose house is that opposite ? it ought not to be there," meaning that it did not add to the beauty of the landscape. Colonel Howard rejoined, " Oh ! but your Majesty, that is my house." The King said, " I don't care whose house it is ; it ought not to be there."

    Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 42

12. Monument to Amelia, Viscountess Powerscourt, with added Scripture text

    Powerscourt · parish · Wicklow

    The Rev. Robert Daly, Rector of Powerscourt, refused to allow the fulsome monument to Amelia to be erected unless he could add a Scripture text underneath, warning that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.

    Read the passage

    The inscription on the monument to Amelia is of rather a fulsome character, and it is related that when this monument was to be erected the Rev. Robert Daly, Rector of Powerscourt, and afterwards Bishop of Cashel, declined to allow it to be put up unless he was permitted to add a text of Scripture, so that, after the inscription enumerating the many virtues of the deceased and her descendants, he put underneath, " For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." The Rev. Robert Daly was a very powerful preacher of the Evangelical School, and Archbishop Whately propounded the following riddle (he was very fond of putting riddles to his clergy) : " Why is the Irish Church the poorest, and at the same time the most contented Church in the world ? " " Because it has only one Bob Daly and does not want any more ! "

    At the time of the Disestablishment of the Irish Church in 1869, there was a clause inserted in the Act that any Church which was situated within a demesne (and there were many such) might be claimed by the proprietor, with its churchyard, and become vested in him and his heirs. I therefore claimed the Church and churchyard, and it has been vested in me and my heirs from that time, subject to the rights of burial of those parishioners and their families who were in residence at that time. I requested Mr. William Buckley, the then innkeeper of the "Powerscourt Arms" Hotel, Enniskerry, and who was Churchwarden, to furnish me with a list of the parishioners, and the list was appended to the Vesting Order, which is kept in the Privy Council Office or the office of the Church Commissioners under the Act, now merged in the Irish Land Commission, Church Property Department, 5 Ely Place, Dublin. A similar list is also kept in my Estate Office, Enniskerry. So the burials in the old churchyard are restricted to those families who had rights there prior to 1869. Any parishioners who

    Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 67

13. George IV Lands at Dunleary, Renamed Kingstown

    near Dún Laoghaire · town · Dublin · 1821

    In 1821 King George IV visited Ireland, landing at Dunleary, which was renamed Kingstown in his honour. Richard, fifth Viscount Powerscourt, sent a buck from the Powerscourt park to the King aboard the Royal George.

    Read the passage

    In 1 821 King George IV. visited Ireland, landing at Dunleary, which was in honour of His Majesty named Kingstown. Richard, fifth Viscount Powerscourt, sent to His Majesty, on board the " Royal George," a buck from the park at Powerscourt. The King after this paid Lord Powerscourt a visit at Powerscourt, and was entertained at a banquet in the Saloon. The large arm-chair covered in red cloth, made at the time for the use of His Majesty, is still preserved. A good many of the neighbours were invited to meet the King, among others Colonel Hon. Hugh Howard, who resided at Bushy Park, opposite the windows of Powerscourt House. The King, looking out of the window, saw the house at Bushy, and turning to Lord Powerscourt, said, " Whose house is that opposite ? it ought not to be there," meaning that it did not add to the beauty of the landscape. Colonel Howard rejoined, " Oh ! but your Majesty, that is my house." The King said, " I don't care whose house it is ; it ought not to be there."

    Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 42

14. Collapse of Deer-Park Dam Floods Bray Commons, c.1841-42

    Bray Commons · townland · Wicklow · 1841–1842

    A dam built to form a lake at the upper end of the deer-park was constructed of friable stone and gravel and collapsed shortly after completion, sending water rushing down to flood the Bray Commons, which fortunately had no houses on it at the time.

    Read the passage

    To return to the lake at the upper end of the deer-park, my father directed him to form a lake in the ravine, which was done, a dam being built at the lower end ; but, from my father's illness necessitating his living in Italy, and from Mr. Parnell being occupied with religious meetings in Dublin, the work was carelessly done. The dam was made only of friable stone and gravel, and a very short time after its completion, when the water accumulated and rose to the top of the dam, the whole thing collapsed, and it is said that the water rushed down all at once and flooded the Bray Commons, on which at that time there were fortunately no houses, or anything that could be damaged. That was about the years 1841 or 1842.

    I remember well my brother Maurice and I riding across the Bray Commons and jumping little ditches, where now are streets of houses, and once we came across a dead donkey. In one of Dickens's novels someone says that there are two things that no one ever saw, a dead donkey or a dead post-boy, and it was supposed that the post-boys when they got old got upon the donkeys and rode off, and were never more seen. At that time the only hotel was what was called " Quin's Hotel," now the "Royal Hotel," at the corner of Quinsborough Road, named after the proprietor of that hostelry. There was not a single house then between that hotel and the sea — no railway, and no esplanade or anything — nothing but a gravel walk with an avenue of small trees leading down to the sea-beach. We used to lunch at the hotel and go and shoot sea-gulls on the beach. Mr. Quin was a great friend of ours and of my step-father, Lord Londonderry.

    Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in 1841 or 1842, a dam built to form a lake at the upper end of the deer-park gave way and sent water flooding down across the Bray Commons. The lake had been made in a ravine, with a dam at the lower end, but the work was carelessly done. The narrator's father had been ill and living in Italy, and Mr. Parnell was occupied with religious meetings in Dublin, so the dam was built only of friable stone and gravel. A short time after it was finished, the water rose to the top and the whole thing collapsed. The water rushed down all at once and flooded the commons, which fortunately had no houses on it at that time, so nothing could be damaged. The narrator recalls riding across these commons with his brother Maurice, jumping little ditches where there are now streets of houses. They once came across a dead donkey there. He notes that in one of Dickens's novels someone says no one ever saw a dead donkey or a dead post-boy, and it was supposed the old post-boys got on the donkeys and rode off, never to be seen again. At that time the only hotel was Quin's Hotel, now the Royal Hotel, at the corner of Quinsborough Road. There was not a single house between that hotel and the sea — no railway, no esplanade, nothing but a gravel walk with an avenue of small trees leading down to the beach. They used to lunch at the hotel and go shoot sea-gulls on the shore. Mr. Quin was a great friend of the family and of the narrator's step-father, Lord Londonderry.

15. Emigration after the famine of 1848 from Powerscourt lands

    Powerscourt Demesne · townland · Wicklow · 1848–1903

    After the completion of works at Powerscourt, and following the last famine in 1848, poor people took advantage of government emigration facilities and left for America and Canada. The author states there was never an eviction at Powerscourt, either in his father's time or his own.

    Read the passage

    Mr. Parnell, and I did the same after him under my steward Alexander Robertson. But as these works came to a conclusion, and a tide of emigration began after the last famine in 1848, the poor people took advantage of the facilities given by Government and went to America and Canada, where they received free grants of land, and left behind a smaller number at home, so that at the time I write wages are fourteen and fifteen shillings a week, and at harvest time a man commands half-a-crown a day, and the savings banks are full of money belonging, not to the landlords, but to the farmers and labourers. This applies, of course, to the rest of Ireland, which in those days was indeed a " distressful country," but now, notwithstanding the agitators, is a much more prosperous land than ever it was before. None of these people went away on compulsion ; there never was an eviction here, either in my father's time nor in mine. They left the country entirely of their own free-will, and both those who went and those who remained are better off" for the change.

    But to return to the race-course. I have not been able to find any record of the races held here, and they were probably discontinued because the soil here is too poor to breed horses on — we are not on the limestone, which is the secret of the Irish horse, but on granite, more suited to sheep and small horned cattle. My conjecture is that the " Round Stable," which must have been a very small building, was merely a sort of saddling-shed for the race-horses, for them to stand in between the races. The course itself must have been made at considerable expense, as it has been levelled all round with a width of some 40 to 50 ft., and at one point, over Enniskerry, it has been raised on an embankment some 30 to 40 ft. high. This part of the demesne is marked on old maps as " Hampshire," and the long ridge inside, over the village, was called "Hampshire Hill," perhaps in allusion to the property formerly held by the family in that part of England.

    Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 89

16. Irish Elk Skeleton Found at Lough Gur

    near Lough Gur · lake or lakes · Limerick · 1859

    Hinchy, who dug up ancient Irish elk remains, recovered the skull of a female Irish elk and later an entire elk skeleton found in Lough Gur, county Limerick. The skeleton was eventually sold to the Museum at Brussels, with a replacement head provided.

    Read the passage

    county of Limerick and elsewhere. It is one of the best in existence, and measures i i ft. 2 in. across, and is remarkable for the spoon-like brow antlers. They are better developed than those of any Irish elk's head I have seen, shewing that it probably was a very old animal. Hinchy brought me at the same time the skull of a female of the Irish elk, a very great rarity, because the people who found them did not know what they were and so broke them up. He said that he went with a commission from the Director of the Museum in Dublin specially to find heads of the females or hinds of the Irish elk, and the people said they never found any. An idea struck him, and he asked them " Whether they ever found any horses' heads ?" "Oh yes ! plenty of them, and the 'quarest' horses you ever saw, with no teeth in the lower jaw." These of course were the female Irish elks' heads. This is in the Entrance Hall. Hinchy also brought me the entire skeleton of the large elk whose head I have described, and I had it set up, but it was so large that I had no room for it, so I kept the head and sold the skeleton to Williams in Dame Street, Dublin, who sold it to the Museum at Brussels, supplying another head instead of the one I had kept. This head was found in Lough Gur, in the county of Limerick. It is a curious thing that the heads of the Cervus Megaceros are almost invariably found upside down. This is explained in the following manner : Mr. Williams, the naturalist, of Dame Street, Dublin, says that the bogs were formerly lakes, and the natives used to hunt and kill the elks with bows and arrows — the stone arrow-heads are found also in these bogs. The carcases of the dead elks floated about in the lakes, with the heads and horns hanging down in the water, and in time rotted off and became detached, and sank to the bottom. The lakes have in the course of centuries become gradually filled up with sphagnum, and become bogs, and the heads and horns remain embedded in the peat or marl in the position in which they are now found. The vertebrae and other bones are generally found scattered about in the bog, the carcase having become gradually broken up by the action of the water. This seems to be a very natural explanation, at all events of the heads being so often found in this reversed position.

    Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 16

17. The oak-wood called 'The Dead Man's Bank' and its unexplained name

    Powerscourt Demesne · townland · Wicklow

    An oak-wood at the western end of the long terrace walk beyond the gardens was known as 'The Dead Man's Bank'. Lord Powerscourt speculated that the name likely derived from a killing there during troubled times in the past, though he did not know the specific origin.

    Read the passage

    When the earthwork on the central plateau was being carried out, we had, as I have stated above, to cart away a great deal of the soil to get down to the proper level, so as not to have the view of the entire lake obstructed from the upper terrace, and most of this was put into the empty lake ; but the terrace on the east side, which was irregular in form, never having been finished by my father, required some work to bring it into character with the rest of the design, and therefore some of the gravel from the plateau was brought to that side, and the slope formed to correspond with the rest. While doing this I erected a stone pedestal for a statue, as I thought this terrace wanted a feature of some kind to account for its existence. Mr. Macdonald, the sculptor at Rome, had designed two colossal groups of heroic style for my father, which were sent over, in plaster, and at his death had been placed in the Entrance Hall, where they nearly touched the ceiling. These had been intended for the terraces, and represented — one, a group of Hector and Andromache, the other Ajax with the body of Patroclus. I had the plaster groups removed to the studio of the late Mr. Kirk, sculptor, of Dublin, and suggested that he should execute them in Portland stone, in what he called the " bravura style." He did this, and I erected " Hector and Andromache " on the east terrace, and " Ajax " at the western end of the long terrace walk, beyond the gardens, extending the walk as far as the level ground permitted, to the edge of the slope at the oak-wood called " The Dead Man's Bank." I do not know why that bank has that name ; probably in the troubled times there must have been some one killed there. This made the terrace-walk 800 yards long, from the steps near the old churchyard at • the east end to the Ajax statue at the west end, and I planted an avenue of araucarias and abies Douglasii from the part where the garden terminates to this statue. The statue of Hector and Andromache was not approved of, being of rather coarse design, and some years after I removed it and placed it on a slope near the churchyard wall, in a less conspicuous position, and replaced it on the east terrace with a much finer work, as follows.

    Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 79

18. Wingfield's viscountcy granted for service including the Battle of Kinsale

    Kinsale · town · Cork · 1601

    Richard Wingfield was granted the dignity of Viscount Powerscourt in consideration of his military service, including acting as Marshal of the Queen's army under Lord Mountjoy at the Battle of Kinsale during the suppression of Tyrone's rebellion.

    Read the passage

    Grant to Rich. Wingfield, Knt., of the dignity of Viscount Powerscourt in Wicklow County, to hold of him and his heirs male, in consideration of his services in Ireland while a youth, and afterwards as Capt. in Flanders and as Lt.-Col. in France and Portugal under Sir John Norris, and as Col. in the expedition against Cadiz; likewise afterwards under the same General in Ireland, where he received many wounds, and afterwards as Marshal of the Queen's army, under Ld. Mountjoy at Kinsale, and on the extinction of Tyrone's rebellion, when O'Dogherty had excited an insurrection in Ulster and burnt the new city of Derry, having routed him in a pitched battle, and finally having been a Lord Justice together with the Archbishop of Dublin, in the absence of Arthur Lord Chichester, Lord Deputy.*

    In the Records of the Yeomen of the Guard, Friary Court, St. James's Palace, London, Sir Anthony Wingfield, K.G., uncle of Marshal Sir Richard Wingfield, is mentioned in the State Papers, 15 14, and in the Statutes of Eltham, 1526, as Captain of the Yeomen of the Guard. He was again appointed Vice-Chamberlain and Captain of the Guard 9 March 1539, and was undoubtedly Captain of the Guard at the death of King

    Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 5

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up along Kinsale now. This town stands in Cork, and it was here in 1601 that Richard Wingfield served as Marshal of the Queen's army under Lord Mountjoy, during the suppression of Tyrone's rebellion. For that service, among others, Wingfield was granted the dignity of Viscount Powerscourt in Wicklow County, to hold of him and his heirs male. The grant was made in consideration of a long career. He had served in Ireland while a youth, then as a captain in Flanders and as a lieutenant-colonel in France and Portugal under Sir John Norris, and as a colonel in the expedition against Cadiz. He served again under the same general in Ireland, where he received many wounds. After Kinsale and the extinction of Tyrone's rebellion, O'Dogherty excited an insurrection in Ulster and burnt the new city of Derry, and Wingfield routed him in a pitched battle. He served finally as a Lord Justice together with the Archbishop of Dublin, in the absence of Arthur Lord Chichester, Lord Deputy.

19. Japanese Sika deer herd established at Powerscourt

    Powerscourt Demesne · townland · Wicklow

    The author successfully acclimatized Japanese Sika deer (Cervus Sika) at Powerscourt, purchasing one male and three females, and his herd grew so much that deer were sent to estates including Muckross, Killarney, and Colebrooke, Fermanagh, from where they spread further.

    Read the passage

    Soon after I came of age in 1857, I had a fancy to try to acclimatize various kinds of deer and other animals, and enclosed a small park by a 6— ft. wire fence, embracing about 100 acres, the fence beginning at the back entrance at the main gate, running along the side of the back avenue, much on the line of the present sheep fence, then turning northward about 100 yards east of the spiked gate leading to the front avenue, going along nearly where the present road leads to the Kilmolin entrance-gate to the demesne wall, which formed in itself the remainder of the enclosure, back to the back gate at the Enniskerry entrance. In this enclosure I turned out Wapiti deer, Indian Sambur deer, red-deer, and also the South African Eland, for which I built a small shelter-house, near the line of old beeches which runs across, at the spot where there is a circle of oak trees, which were planted round that house. I soon found, however, that the Elands were too delicate for this damp Irish climate, and I sold them to Mr. Vekemans of the Antwerp Zoological Gardens. There were two Wapiti stags and only one hind, which I bought from Jamrach, the London animal dealer, and I could not get any more. These had come from the menagerie of the late Earl of Derby at Knowsley, and there were no means of getting any more, and importation was very expensive. The hind had two calves while here, both unfortunately males, and I found that these deer, especially the hind, were so very dangerous that I had them as well as the other deer removed to the large deer-park at the waterfall, and abandoned this small deer-park altogether, and sold the Wapiti to an agent of King Victor Emmanuel of Italy. There is a picture of my Wapiti herd in the Study at Powerscourt, painted by the celebrated animal painter, Joseph Wolf. The shed horns of the stags are in the corridor by the Saloon upstairs. So my acclimatization failed, except in the case of the Japanese deer, Cervus Sika ; I bought one male and three females of this species from Jamrach, and my herd increased so much that I sold and gave away some, in the first place to the late Mr. Herbert of Muckross, Killarney, and afterwards to Sir Croker Barrington at Glenstal, near Limerick ; Sir Victor Brooke at Colebrooke, co. Fermanagh, from whence they have spread to the Duke of Abercorn's Woods at Baronscourt, Lord Dartrey's place in co. Monaghan, and other

    Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 91

20. Poverty and soup-kitchens in Glencree and Enniskerry

    Enniskerry · town · Wicklow · 1840–1860

    The author recalls that in his youth fifteen to twenty families lived in poverty in Glencree, and there was a soup-kitchen in the farmyard and another in Enniskerry, where crowds came for soup provided by his family, in contrast to the prosperity of later times.

    Read the passage

    The east side of the demesne was formerly supplied with water by an open channel, probably from a supply in Glencree, which can be traced on the hillside by an embankment just beyond the grave-yard at Curtlestown. The rest of the channel has been obliterated by cultivation and other causes, but I was informed by old people in the glen that this was formerly the supply for Powerscourt. The only other place where it can still be traced is in what is marked in the old plans as the " Round Stable Paddock," near the back avenue from Enniskerry. There is at this point to be seen a circular depression in the grass field, which was the site of the " Round Stable." In that eastern part is the " Race-course," a grass gallop of about a mile in circumference, which can be seen, commencing at the back gate of the main approach, running westward up to a point where there is an angle in the sunk-fence wall separating this from the main avenue, then turning northward and running up to the Kilmolin entrance-gate, and then round to the east, along inside the demesne wall back to the main entrance. This race-course is said to have been made by Richard, fourth Viscount, to employ the people in one of the famines which used to desolate Ireland, which in those days had a superabundant population and few communications by which famine could be relieved, so that the inhabitants were dependent entirely on local resources. Railways and telegraphs, as well as emigration, have made such a thing as a famine impossible now. Even in my own lifetime I remember when there were perhaps fifteen to twenty families living in poverty in Glencree, where there are now three or four comfortable farmers who have each enough land to live upon, and whereas when I was a boy I recollect there being a soup-kitchen in the farmyard and another in Enniskerry, where I have seen a crowd coming for soup provided by my family : now there is no distress, no soup-kitchen, and no necessity for it.

    Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 88

21. Recovery of Family Pictures from Ely Place, Dublin

    Ely Place · street · Dublin

    6 Ely Place, Dublin was a Powerscourt dower-house where Isabella, Lady Powerscourt lived, and where the family pictures had been removed during the author's father's minority. Determined to recover them, his father went to the house with a van while Lady Powerscourt was absent and carried off all the pictures back to Powerscourt.

    Read the passage

    Entrance Hall. — The two large sofas covered in red and gilt came from 6 Ely Place, Dublin, which was a Powerscourt dower-house. Isabella, Lady Powerscourt, step-grandmother of Richard, sixth Viscount, lived there. It is now the Valuation Office. All the family pictures which are now at Powerscourt — those of Marshal Wingfield and his wife and others were in that house — had been removed by Dowager Lady Powerscourt sometime in my father's minority and before his marriage. He was determined to recover the pictures, and on an occasion when Isabella, Lady Powerscourt, was absent he went to the house in Ely Place with a van and carried off all the pictures and brought them back to Powerscourt. At the Ely Place house were also most of the family miniatures, but some were in the possession of Mrs. Guise of St. Waleran's, Gorey, niece of Isabella, Viscountess Powerscourt. I bought them back from her, and they are now collected together

    Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 19

    As the companion tells it

    Along here is 6 Ely Place, a Powerscourt dower-house where Isabella, Lady Powerscourt, step-grandmother of Richard, the sixth Viscount, once lived. The house is now the Valuation Office. All the family pictures now at Powerscourt, including portraits of Marshal Wingfield and his wife, had been removed to this house by Dowager Lady Powerscourt during the author's father's minority and before his marriage. He was determined to recover the pictures. On a day when Isabella, Lady Powerscourt, was absent, he came to the house with a van and carried off every picture and brought them back to Powerscourt. The two large sofas covered in red and gilt that are now in the Entrance Hall at Powerscourt came from here too. Most of the family miniatures were also at Ely Place, but some were held by Mrs. Guise of St. Waleran's, Gorey, niece of Isabella, Viscountess Powerscourt. The author bought those back from her, and they are now collected together.

22. 1618 grant of Manor of Powerscourt describes ruinous castle and wasted lands

    Powerscourt · parish · Wicklow · 1618

    The formal grant confirming the Manor of Powerscourt to Wingfield describes a ruinous castle, divers messuages and tenements across fourteen townlands and the country of Fercullen, all lying waste due to war and the natural unfertility of the mountainous, stony ground, having devolved from Brian and Phelim O'Toole.

    Read the passage

    There is also 19 Feb., 16th year, viz. : — "Grant (for 21 years) afterwards was confirmed to hold for ever (p. 141) the manor of Powerscourt, containing a ruinous castle, divers messuages and tenements, and all lands in Powerscourt [14 townlands follow] and the whole country of Fercullen, 5 miles by 4, for the most part mountainy and stony, all which is now waste by the occasion of war, and also of the natural unfertility of the country, being late the estate of Brian and Phelim O'Toole of Powerscourt, deceased, and now devolved upon the Crown, as well by escheat as by forfeiture by them, at rent of £6 Ir., and a fine of 20 marks Ir."

    The present House may have been built by Cassels, who also designed several of the most important public buildings in Dublin, such as the Four Courts, in the eighteenth century, but no evidence remains to verify this conjecture. There are two fronts : one facing north, consisting of a centre and two wings, the former adorned with a pediment supporting the family arms on the tympanum, and on each flank is a circular sweep ending in an obelisk, on which the crest, an eagle with wings displayed, is mounted ; the second, or south front, has a round tower at either end, surmounted by an ogee-shaped cupola in copper. The achievement is that of Richard, first Viscount Powerscourt of the third creation, 1743, and of his second wife Dorothea, daughter of Hercules Rowley, Esq., of Summerhill, co. Meath. He was born 1697, married his second wife 1727, died 1 75 1 ; she died 1785. His portrait, by Hunter, at Powerscourt, was purchased by Mervyn Edward, seventh Viscount, at the sale of Sir Charles Compton Domvile's pictures at Santry House, co. Dublin.* The large double portrait of Dorothea, Viscountess Powerscourt, and her daughter Isabella, wife of Sir Charles Style, is also at Powerscourt. As there is no coronet over the arms, it is probable that the House was rebuilt by him between the date of his second marriage in 1727 and his being created a Peer in 1743. He was M.P. for Boyle, co. Roscommon, in the Irish Parliament.

    Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 6

23. Acclimatization park with Wapiti, Sambur and Eland deer

    Powerscourt Demesne · townland · Wicklow · 1857

    After coming of age in 1857, the author enclosed about 100 acres near the main gate at Powerscourt to acclimatize exotic deer including Wapiti, Indian Sambur, red-deer, and South African Eland, building a shelter house among a circle of oak trees for the Elands.

    Read the passage

    Soon after I came of age in 1857, I had a fancy to try to acclimatize various kinds of deer and other animals, and enclosed a small park by a 6— ft. wire fence, embracing about 100 acres, the fence beginning at the back entrance at the main gate, running along the side of the back avenue, much on the line of the present sheep fence, then turning northward about 100 yards east of the spiked gate leading to the front avenue, going along nearly where the present road leads to the Kilmolin entrance-gate to the demesne wall, which formed in itself the remainder of the enclosure, back to the back gate at the Enniskerry entrance. In this enclosure I turned out Wapiti deer, Indian Sambur deer, red-deer, and also the South African Eland, for which I built a small shelter-house, near the line of old beeches which runs across, at the spot where there is a circle of oak trees, which were planted round that house. I soon found, however, that the Elands were too delicate for this damp Irish climate, and I sold them to Mr. Vekemans of the Antwerp Zoological Gardens. There were two Wapiti stags and only one hind, which I bought from Jamrach, the London animal dealer, and I could not get any more. These had come from the menagerie of the late Earl of Derby at Knowsley, and there were no means of getting any more, and importation was very expensive. The hind had two calves while here, both unfortunately males, and I found that these deer, especially the hind, were so very dangerous that I had them as well as the other deer removed to the large deer-park at the waterfall, and abandoned this small deer-park altogether, and sold the Wapiti to an agent of King Victor Emmanuel of Italy. There is a picture of my Wapiti herd in the Study at Powerscourt, painted by the celebrated animal painter, Joseph Wolf. The shed horns of the stags are in the corridor by the Saloon upstairs. So my acclimatization failed, except in the case of the Japanese deer, Cervus Sika ; I bought one male and three females of this species from Jamrach, and my herd increased so much that I sold and gave away some, in the first place to the late Mr. Herbert of Muckross, Killarney, and afterwards to Sir Croker Barrington at Glenstal, near Limerick ; Sir Victor Brooke at Colebrooke, co. Fermanagh, from whence they have spread to the Duke of Abercorn's Woods at Baronscourt, Lord Dartrey's place in co. Monaghan, and other

    Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 91

24. Famine Relief Works in Powerscourt Demesne, 1846-1848

    Powerscourt · parish · Wicklow · 1846–1848

    During the potato famine years of 1846-1848, when Ireland was in severe distress, the guardians of the young Lord Powerscourt employed poor tenants on estate improvement works, including road-making in the deer-park, as a means of relief.

    Read the passage

    He was placed over a gang of labourers, who were to carry out his directions, and as the time was the years 1846, 1847, and 1848, when Ireland was in a very distressed state on account of the potato famine, it was considered that the best manner to combat the distress was to employ the poor people in useful works. My guardians accordingly — who were Robert, third Earl of Roden, and the Hon. and Rev. William Wingfield, Vicar of Abbeyleix — used their powers in giving employment to all the poor tenants on the estate, and also improved the estate by the works which they instituted, and which were carried out by them.

    o

    Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe

25. O'Tooles destroy Powerscourt Castle

    Powerscourt · parish · Wicklow · 1535

    After the fall of the Fitzgeralds under Henry VIII, their Irish enemies took advantage and the O'Tooles destroyed Powerscourt Castle in 1535.

    Read the passage

    Hence, when the Fitzgeralds fell into disgrace and were almost extirpated by King Henry VIII., of course their Irish enemies took advantage of their fall, and so we hear that the O'Tooles destroyed the Castle in 1535, and that the Crown employed Mr. Treasurer Brabazon (ancestor of the present Lord Meath) to rebuild it.

    In 1538 King Henry VIII. granted it to Peter Talbot, probably with condition of completing the structure and of keeping it, which that person disliked, for he surrendered it in 1541, and shortly after it was granted to its destroyers, viz., to Terence or Turlough O'Toole.

    Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 3

26. The giant's face rock profile at Luggala

    near Luggala or Fancy Mountain · mountain or mountain range · Wicklow

    At Luggala, viewed from a bend in the stream about 100 yards upstream of the house, a very distinct human profile can be seen carved by nature on the precipice above Lough Tay, showing a gigantic human face.

    Read the passage

    At Luggala, in the valley below, can be seen from a point not far up the little stream a very distinct human profile, on the precipice over Lough Tay. The rock in its outline shews the forehead, eyebrow, nose, and mouth of a gigantic human face. This can be easily seen from the bend in the course of the brook, about 100 yards up stream from where the house stands.

    In the grant from Charles II. it is mentioned that Ballycullin and Aghowle, in the Barony of Arklow, county of Wicklow, were granted with the other lands. These form now, in part, the demesne of Glanmore, held by Mr. Synge under a lease from Lord Powerscourt, dated 17 February 1698, for 221 years, which expires on 17 February 1919, at a rent of £\6 35. id. ; the acreage being 1266 acres 2 roods 15 perches Irish plantation measure, and the Government valuation being ^'765. The original counterpart of this lease appears to be missing, but there is a copy of the original lease, lent by Mrs. Editha Synge 20 July 1878, which copy is kept in the Powerscourt Estate Office, Enniskerry.

    Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 120

27. Earl of Kildare fortifies Fassaroe and Powerscourt

    Fassaroe · townland · Wicklow · 1520

    About 1520, Gerald, 9th Earl of Kildare, attacked the mountain tribes of what would become Co. Wicklow and took the country from Bray inland, fortifying Fassaroe and Powerscourt and rebuilding the castle against the Irish.

    Read the passage

    About 1520, Gerald, 9th Earl of Kildare, was encouraged by the King to attack the wild tribes in the mountains (not yet known as the co. Wicklow). He did so, and took the country reaching from the present Bray inland, apparently fortifying Fassaroe and Powerscourt, which he held against them. No doubt he rebuilt and strengthened Powerscourt, which it was the policy of the Irish to destroy, for their warfare, since the introduction of cannon, was not to hold forts, then easily reduced, but to carry on guerilla warfare in the woody and difficult country which they knew so well.

    Hence, when the Fitzgeralds fell into disgrace and were almost extirpated by King Henry VIII., of course their Irish enemies took advantage of their fall, and so we hear that the O'Tooles destroyed the Castle in 1535, and that the Crown employed Mr. Treasurer Brabazon (ancestor of the present Lord Meath) to rebuild it.

    Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 3

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, about 1520, Gerald, the 9th Earl of Kildare, attacked the mountain tribes and took the country from Bray inland. He fortified Fassaroe and Powerscourt, holding them against the Irish. He rebuilt and strengthened Powerscourt, since it was the policy of the Irish to destroy it. Their warfare, after the introduction of cannon, was not to hold forts, which were easily reduced, but to carry on guerilla warfare in the woody and difficult country they knew well. When the Fitzgeralds fell into disgrace and were almost wiped out by King Henry the Eighth, their enemies took advantage. The O'Tooles destroyed the castle in 1535, and the Crown employed Treasurer Brabazon to rebuild it.

28. Famine relief race-course built by fourth Viscount

    Powerscourt Demesne · townland · Wicklow

    The mile-long grass gallop race-course running from the back gate of the main approach to the Kilmolin entrance is said to have been made by Richard, fourth Viscount Powerscourt, to provide employment during a famine that desolated Ireland.

    Read the passage

    The east side of the demesne was formerly supplied with water by an open channel, probably from a supply in Glencree, which can be traced on the hillside by an embankment just beyond the grave-yard at Curtlestown. The rest of the channel has been obliterated by cultivation and other causes, but I was informed by old people in the glen that this was formerly the supply for Powerscourt. The only other place where it can still be traced is in what is marked in the old plans as the " Round Stable Paddock," near the back avenue from Enniskerry. There is at this point to be seen a circular depression in the grass field, which was the site of the " Round Stable." In that eastern part is the " Race-course," a grass gallop of about a mile in circumference, which can be seen, commencing at the back gate of the main approach, running westward up to a point where there is an angle in the sunk-fence wall separating this from the main avenue, then turning northward and running up to the Kilmolin entrance-gate, and then round to the east, along inside the demesne wall back to the main entrance. This race-course is said to have been made by Richard, fourth Viscount, to employ the people in one of the famines which used to desolate Ireland, which in those days had a superabundant population and few communications by which famine could be relieved, so that the inhabitants were dependent entirely on local resources. Railways and telegraphs, as well as emigration, have made such a thing as a famine impossible now. Even in my own lifetime I remember when there were perhaps fifteen to twenty families living in poverty in Glencree, where there are now three or four comfortable farmers who have each enough land to live upon, and whereas when I was a boy I recollect there being a soup-kitchen in the farmyard and another in Enniskerry, where I have seen a crowd coming for soup provided by my family : now there is no distress, no soup-kitchen, and no necessity for it.

    Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 88

29. Luggala: 'The Lake of the Shadows'

    near Luggala or Fancy Mountain · mountain or mountain range · Wicklow

    The townland of Clohoge comprises the lake called Luggala, whose name is described as a corruption of an ancient Irish name meaning 'The Lake of the Shadows'.

    Read the passage

    All this was "Bishops' land" at the time of the Down Survey. The grant to the Archbishop of Dublin has not been able to be traced, but it was no doubt a very early one, prior to the time of Henry VIII. In the Report of the Irish Church Commissioners 1868, when the Irish Church was disestablished and disendowed, it is stated that Thomas Hugo held a lease in perpetuity from the Archbishop of the lands of Glendalough, 33,754 acres, at a rent of ^237 gs. 3d. These lands comprised, among others, the townlands of Glasnamullen, Ballinastoe, Shraghmore, and Clohoge. Glasnamullen and Ballinastoe lie contiguous to the original Powerscourt Estate, Shraghmore being beyond and to the south of Ballinastoe, Clohoge being to the west, comprising the lake called Luggala, a corruption of the ancient Irish name signifying "The Lake of the Shadows."

    When I came of age in 1857 it was proposed to my guardians and to myself that I should purchase the townlands of Glasnamullen and Ballinastoe, the latter being the property of Major William Beresford, well known in Parliamentary circles in those days as W. B., from letters which he used to write on political subjects over that signature. Luggala also was to be purchased from Colonel David Latouche, Colonel of the Dublin Militia, and one of the old Huguenot banking firm in Dublin of " Latouche and Co.," one of the numerous families who settled in Ireland after the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes. It was also proposed to purchase Shraghmore and one or two townlands beyond, but that was abandoned, and it was only the first two named and Luggala (Clohoge) which were added to the Powerscourt Estate at that time. These had all been " Bishops' land," but had with lapse of time got into the hands of several different proprietors. In the case of the two townlands there were large mountain grazings attached to the lowland farms, fed by sheep belonging to the tenants.

    Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 118

30. Marshal Wingfield's claim to Powerscourt on grounds of O'Toole treason

    Powerscourt · parish · Wicklow · 1567–1600

    After the rebellion of Shane O'Neill raised suspicion of the O'Tooles' loyalty, Marshal Wingfield petitioned Queen Elizabeth for a grant of Powerscourt, arguing it had been forfeited by the O'Tooles for treasonable conduct, a claim the O'Tooles actively resisted.

    Read the passage

    There is no evidence that the O'Tooles made it a residence. For when, after the rebellion of Shan O'Neill, in which more of the Irish had sympathized, enquiries began to be made into the conduct of the O'Tooles, Marshal Wingfield, an experienced and distinguished soldier in Ireland, made application to Oueen Elizabeth to grant him Powerscourt on the ground that it was forfeited by the O'Tooles for treasonable conduct.

    The O'Tooles actively resisted this application, and urged that they were lawful heirs of Turlough, and could prove his patent from Henry VIII., though the actual document was lost. But there were two claimants, Phelim, son, and Art, a grandson of Turlough, and their mutual recriminations weakened their case. Phelim was the direct heir, but Art charges him with being a rebel, and rehearses his own services for the Queen against his own countrymen. Here are extracts from his letter : —

    Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 4

31. Sir Richard Wingfield's service at the Battle of Kinsale

    Kinsale · town · Cork · 1601

    Sir Richard Wingfield, Knight Marshal of Ireland, served with distinction at Kinsale battle and elsewhere during Tyrone's rebellion, discharging duties incumbent on a person of honour and command.

    Read the passage

    England by the Spanish great armada" in 1588 Sir Richard [served] with the command of a thousand valiant English musketeers that came from Holland to the assisting and training of the late Queen's army; that he continued in the said Queen's service abroad until in Tyrone's rebellion he was by the said late Queen sent to Ireland in the quality of Knight Marshal of her said kingdom with a regiment of experienced foot and a troop of horse. " That in all the services of the said kingdom at Kinsale battle and otherwise during the said Queen's life he discharged that duty incumbent upon a person of honour, trust, and command." That he served as marshal to the armies of James I. and Charles J., and in their Councils of State as Privy Councillor, as Commissioner for the settling of estates and regulating the plantations in Ireland, as Lord Justice of the said kingdom "with becoming resolution, wisdom, and circumspection, and died full of years and honours " in 1632.

    2. Having no issue of his own, the Knight Marshal constituted his near kinsman Sir Edward Wing-field of Powerscorte his heir to succeed him in his estates in England and Ireland.

    Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 124

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up along Kinsale now, in Cork. In 1601 this was the ground of one of the decisive battles of Tyrone's rebellion. Sir Richard Wingfield had already served the Queen with a thousand English musketeers brought from Holland to assist and train her army. When Tyrone's rebellion broke out, the late Queen sent him to Ireland in the role of Knight Marshal, with a regiment of experienced foot soldiers and a troop of horse. At the battle of Kinsale and across the other services of that kingdom during the Queen's life, the record says he discharged the duty incumbent upon a person of honour, trust, and command. He went on serving after her death as marshal to the armies of James the First and Charles the First, and sat in their Councils of State as Privy Councillor. He worked as Commissioner for the settling of estates and regulating the plantations in Ireland, and as Lord Justice of the kingdom, with what the record calls becoming resolution, wisdom, and circumspection. He died full of years and honours in 1632. Having no issue of his own, he made his near kinsman Sir Edward Wingfield of Powerscourt his heir to succeed him in his estates in England and Ireland.

32. The Golden Gates erected at Tinnehinch entrance in 1869

    near Tinnehinch · townland · Wicklow · 1869

    Large ornamental gates called 'The Golden Gates,' purchased from a Paris manufacturer and exhibited at the 1867 Paris Exhibition, were erected at the Tinnehinch entrance to Powerscourt demesne in 1869, with stone pillars built by Noble in Glencree using an internal iron-bar and lead construction technique.

    Read the passage

    At the Tinnehinch entrance are the large gates called " The Golden Gates." They were erected by me in 1869. I purchased them from J. Roy, the manufacturer, Avenue de la Grande Armee, Paris. These gates were exhibited in the Great Exhibition in Paris in 1867, and were so fine that I thought they would suit this place. The stone pillars are from the French design furnished to me by the makers of the gates, as I wished to have the whole thing in character. The pillars, etc., were executed by Noble in Glencree. There was considerable difficulty in getting the stones sufficiently strongly fixed to support the gate and enable it to be opened and closed without straining the pillars, therefore I placed inside each a strong upright bar, and each course of stone-work was bored with a hole in the centre and strung upon these iron bars, and filled up with lead inside, so that each pillar is a homogeneous structure.

    The Gate Lodge was built in 1854 from plans by the late Sir George Hodson, Bart., who drew them for my step-father Frederick, fourth Marquis of Londonderry, at whose cost it was erected, as may be seen by the inscription over the door. The former entrance was at the bottom of the hill, opposite the gate of Tinnehinch, and the old lodge was on the bank above the road to the east, high up, near the sunk fence. I remember the gatekeeper running down a steep walk from the top to open the gate. It was thought that the new entrance should be near the bridge, especially on account of the fine trees in that part of the demesne, which were not seen when the gate was in the old position. A wooden gate was first placed in the new position, but this became rotten and I replaced it by these fine French gates.

    Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 93

33. The Hermit's Cave in the Powerscourt Pleasure-Grounds

    Powerscourt · parish · Wicklow

    A small cave on the west side of the pleasure-grounds was made by Miss Wingfield, known as "Aunt Martha," an aunt of the author's father. Because of its secluded position it became known as the Hermit's Cave, and a lead figure of Cupid was later placed on top to hint at its use by lovers.

    Read the passage

    There is a little cave on the west side of the pleasure-grounds, in a sloping walk leading down to the lower part of the grounds, which was made by a Miss Wingfield, who went by the name of " Aunt Martha," an aunt of my father's. As the cave is in a secluded nook, it was called the " Hermit's Cave," and to suggest its convenience for lovers, I placed on the top of it an old lead figure of Cupid with his torch, which came from an old garden near London.

    The green pond, near this, at the southern end of the kitchen garden, is planted with all the different coloured nympheas, or water-lilies, which in the summer make it a blaze of colour round the central fountain, which has a jet and dolphins spouting water, which I got from. Paris. The pleasure-grounds are planted with many kinds of ornamental trees and shrubs, which thrive in the moist climate of Ireland much better than they do in England ; and the south wall outside the garden is planted with various creeping plants, with herbaceous borders, adding to the beauty and interest of the place ; these latter being arranged by the care of my wife, as were also the herbaceous borders in the central walk of the garden itself. The small fountain in the centre of the kitchen-garden has an old lead female figure with a central jet of water, and several other old lead figures are grouped round it. I collected these in London. They are very difficult to find now ; they are much prized for ornamental fountains. They were probably made in the eighteenth century, and I am afraid that the march of modern " improvement " has converted a good many of them into lead pipe, in the same manner as has been the case in Italy with bronze statues like those on the terrace, many of which were recast into cannon in the various revolutions and wars. It becomes more and more difficult for the lover of art to find genuine old things ; most of the things

    Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe

34. Ancient burial-ground Stagonil at Killegar near the Scalp

    Killegar · townland · Wicklow

    Another ancient burial-ground called Stagonil, the ancient name of the parish, lies in the townland of Killegar near the Scalp, providing additional burial accommodation for both creeds.

    Read the passage

    This was a terrible scandal, and I applied to the Parish Priest, the Rev. Thomas O'Dwyer, to see if something more civilized could not be. done, and to assist in remedying the scandal. I said that if he would consent to this old burial-ground being closed by an Order in Council, it containing about a quarter of an acre, I would give two acres in another place, adjoining the Chapel at Curtlestown, instead. He agreed to this, and went before the Privy Council and stated on oath that the burial-ground was within a hundred yards of Powerscourt House, and that the smell from it was perfectly pestilential ! On this evidence an order was given that it should be closed. There is a burial-ground near Powerscourt House, but it is the Protestant one, and not this one, which is more than a mile from the house. I said to Father O'Dwyer afterwards that I was surprised at his giving that evidence. But he said, " Oh ! I thought you would like it." I afterwards invited Cardinal Cullen to come and consecrate the new cemetery, which he did, and now there is ample accommodation for burials of both creeds in this parish, as there is also another ancient burial-ground called Stagonil, the ancient name of the parish, in the townland of Killegar, near the Scalp ; so that was settled to the satisfaction of all parties.

    With regard to the water arrangements, the reservoir at Annacrevy, being at a level of 250 ft. above the house, the pressure was so great upon the pipes in the house that they were constantly bursting, and therefore I constructed a tank in the Lady's Meadow, at a lower level, commanding,

    Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 68

35. Archbishop Alexander's visit to Powerscourt and translation of Maximilian's inscription

    Powerscourt · parish · Wicklow · 1902

    The Most Rev. Dr. Alexander, Archbishop of Armagh, visited Powerscourt in April 1902 and, on being shown an inscription by Emperor Maximilian, composed an English poetic translation which was then placed beside the original on the wall at Powerscourt.

    Read the passage

    In reference to an inscription written by the Emperor Maximilian on the wall of his room at Schloss Tratzberg, in the Tyrol, there came on a visit to us at Powerscourt the Most Rev. Dr. Alexander, Archbishop of Armagh, celebrated for his preaching and for his poetical genius. On my shewing him the inscription, referred to on page 22, he composed the following translation of it, which I placed beside it on the wall : —

    "Summary of the Emperor Maximilian's Philosophy. " I know not whence my life to me did fall, I know not what my life to me may bring; What death may give me is an unknown thing, Yet I am not unhappy after all."

    Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 129

36. Duke of Dorset Killed Hunting with Powerscourt Hounds

    Powerscourt · parish · Wicklow · 1813–1817

    The Duke of Dorset was killed while hunting with Lord Powerscourt's hounds, during the period when his uncle Lord Whitworth served as Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland. An engraving commemorating him was given to the author by Lord Delawarr.

    Read the passage

    In the dark part of the passage various addresses from tenants, etc. On a cabinet in the passage fine old ivory in gilt shrine (German work), " The Dead Christ," and " The Risen Christ." Engraving of the Duke of Dorset, who was killed when hunting with Lord Powerscourt's hounds, when his uncle, Lord Whitworth, was Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, given to me by Lord Delawarr, who represents the Dukes of Dorset. A small sepia drawing of Wingfield Castle, co. Suffolk.

    62

    Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 58

37. Marines Billeted at Enniskerry During 1867 Rebellion

    Enniskerry · town · Wicklow · 1867

    In response to the Fenian rebellion of 1867, two companies of Marines were sent from Kingstown, with one company billeted in Enniskerry and one at Powerscourt.

    Read the passage

    I had had some correspondence with the Government, in consequence of which a distribution of forces was made, and two companies of Marines were sent down from Kingstown, one company being billetted in Enniskerry and one at Powerscourt. Lord Strathnairn invited my wife and her mother, Lady Leicester, and two of her sisters, who happened to be staying at Powerscourt, to go to stay with him at the Royal Hospital at Kilmainham, and he gave a ball in their honour, and I stayed at Powerscourt with the two officers commanding the Marines, but the insurrection died out by the capture of the rebels in other parts of Ireland and the trial of the leaders mentioned above.

    I write this account because, both in the much more serious outbreak in 1798 and in this latter attempt at insurrection in 1867, it is interesting that the feeling among the people at Powerscourt was shewn by the Roman Catholic Priest being the principal agent on the side of law and order, and that the relations between our tenantry and ourselves had been always of a friendly character, which in many parts of Ireland has not been the case.

    Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 100

38. O'Kavanagh seizes Powerscourt, ousted by Sir George Stanley

    Powerscourt · parish · Wicklow

    Amid constant wars among the Septs (Kavanaghs, Moores, Tooles), the O'Kavanagh took and held Powerscourt at one point, until he was driven out with slaughter by Sir George Stanley.

    Read the passage

    to discover such crimes. There were constant raids from the mountains into the County of Dublin ; there were constant wars among the Septs themselves — Kavanaghs, Moores, Tooles — so much so that at one time the O'Kavanagh took and held Powerscourt, from which he was ousted with slaughter by Sir George Stanley.

    There is no evidence that the O'Tooles made it a residence. For when, after the rebellion of Shan O'Neill, in which more of the Irish had sympathized, enquiries began to be made into the conduct of the O'Tooles, Marshal Wingfield, an experienced and distinguished soldier in Ireland, made application to Oueen Elizabeth to grant him Powerscourt on the ground that it was forfeited by the O'Tooles for treasonable conduct.

    Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 4

39. Old Castle incorporated into the present Powerscourt House

    Powerscourt · parish · Wicklow · 1727–1743

    The author argues from the great thickness of walls and deep window embrasures in the central rooms that the old Castle of Powerscourt was incorporated into the present House, with the old courtyard later roofed over to form the Hall and Saloon during the eighteenth-century rebuilding.

    Read the passage

    the walls are of great thickness, the embrasures of the windows in these two rooms on the south front being some 8 feet deep, whereas those in the other rooms at each end of the House are only of the ordinary depth, some 2 feet 6 inches to 3 feet.

    The old Castle also appears to have been only two stories high, and did not include the present round towers, which are of later date. On a wet day, when the walls shew moisture, it is easy to see by the colour of the stone (granite) that the upper or bedroom story is of a different date from the lower portion ; the upper walls are also much lighter in construction. I think also that the Saloon, which faces the north, and the Hall directly under it, must have been originally an open courtyard, which was roofed over when the House was rebuilt in the eighteenth century, and formed into the Hall and over it this fine room, which runs up to the lead roof of the central block. There is an old plan, now framed, with others, and hung up in the East Wing passage, shewing the House in the shape of half the letter H, which confirms my idea of the courtyard, afterwards roofed over ; and the walls on each side of the Entrance .Hall are also of great thickness, 7 or 8 feet thick, and must have been part of the ancient structure.

    Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 7

40. Quin's Hotel at Bray, later the Royal Hotel

    Bray · town · Wicklow · 1841–1842

    The author recalls that the only hotel in Bray at the time was Quin's Hotel, later renamed the Royal Hotel, at the corner of Quinsborough Road, named after its proprietor. At that time there was no house between the hotel and the sea, only a gravel walk down to the beach.

    Read the passage

    I remember well my brother Maurice and I riding across the Bray Commons and jumping little ditches, where now are streets of houses, and once we came across a dead donkey. In one of Dickens's novels someone says that there are two things that no one ever saw, a dead donkey or a dead post-boy, and it was supposed that the post-boys when they got old got upon the donkeys and rode off, and were never more seen. At that time the only hotel was what was called " Quin's Hotel," now the "Royal Hotel," at the corner of Quinsborough Road, named after the proprietor of that hostelry. There was not a single house then between that hotel and the sea — no railway, and no esplanade or anything — nothing but a gravel walk with an avenue of small trees leading down to the sea-beach. We used to lunch at the hotel and go and shoot sea-gulls on the beach. Mr. Quin was a great friend of ours and of my step-father, Lord Londonderry.

    POWERSCOURT HOUSE AND DEMESNE. 99

    Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Bray, there's a hotel with a story attached. Back around 1841 the only hotel in the town was Quin's Hotel, at the corner of Quinsborough Road, named after its proprietor. It later became the Royal Hotel. At that time there was not a single house between the hotel and the sea, no railway, no esplanade, nothing but a gravel walk with an avenue of small trees leading down to the beach. The author recalls riding across the Bray Commons with his brother Maurice, jumping little ditches where streets of houses stand now. They once came across a dead donkey there, which reminded him of a saying from one of Dickens's novels, that no one ever saw a dead donkey or a dead post-boy, the joke being that old post-boys mounted the donkeys and rode off, never to be seen again. They used to lunch at the hotel and go down to the beach to shoot sea-gulls. Mr. Quin was a great friend of theirs and of the author's step-father, Lord Londonderry.

41. The Sugarloaf's Ancient Name: 'The Silver Spear'

    Sugarloaf Mountain · mountain or mountain range · Cork

    The lands of Glancapp include the Sugarloaf mountain, whose ancient name was 'The Silver Spear', derived from the white rocks near its summit. This etymological tradition is recorded alongside the manor lands of Powerscourt.

    Read the passage

    The lands of Glancapp, mentioned on page 125, include the Sugarloaf mountain (ancient name " The Silver Spear," from the white rocks near the summit) and adjacent lands. The owner of the manor of Powerscourt appears to have been entitled to a " Chiefry " over the lands which the inquisition finds to be held of that manor. In the letter from Lord Esmond to Lord Dorchester it is stated that " Sir Edward Wingfield was interested and employed by the freeholders of Glencapp," etc. The Byrnes passed their lands under the Great Seal, but the Glencapp lands were not so passed. These lands therefore appear not to have been taken up, but to have been held by the freeholders of that time, and they are still so held as commons in 1903, embracing parts of the townlands of Ballyremond, Glencormick, Killough, etc.

    Sir William Flower appears to have held certain parts of the lands of Killmacanoge "with the appurtenances," Glancormick, Ballyteskin, Stilebaun,

    Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 111

42. Ballinastoe forfeited from Luke Toole in 1641

    Ballinastoe · townland · Wicklow · 1641

    Ballinastoe was the property of Luke Toole in 1641; being a Papist his lands were forfeited and included in the Grant of the Manor of Castle Kevin to Sir John Cooke.

    Read the passage

    which abuts on Powerscourt Deerpark. The grazings of Ballinastoe ran along the east side of the Barrack or White Hill along the south side of Djonce and War Hill, and were called " The Sheepbanks," reaching up nearly to Sally Gap or Stranamuck, which was claimed as part of the ancient Powerscourt Estate, and on which are still the ruins of an old stone building called " Lord Powerscourt's Grouse House/' The land on the eastern side of the lake, Lough Tav, had been incorporated by the Latouches into the demesne of Luggala, and a mansion or lodge had been built. by them in the valley near the lake, and a high wall built from the corner of the road at the end of the townland of Shraghmore, along the road leading westward to Sally Gap, to a bridge across the stream descending from the back of the White Hill, called Ballyhorrigan Bridge, and thence down to the brook which supplies Lough Tay with water, enclosing the woods round the lodge at Luggala, which were planted for shelter, and forming the demesne. This stream forms the boundary between Ballinastoe and Clohoge. There is no doubt that Clohoge formed part of the land leased in perpetuity to Thomas Hugo, for I continue to pay a head rent as the present owner of Clohoge to Mr. Hugo. Ballinastoe was the property of Luke Toole in 1641, and he being a Papist his lands were forfeited, and were included in the Grant of the Manor of Castle Kevin to Sir John Cooke. The lands included in this grant are now in the hands of several owners. The brook, which feeds Lough Tay and eventually Lough Dan lower down the valley, joined with several tributary streams from Djonce and the other mountains, forms the river Vartry, which now supplies Dublin with water from the Roundwood Reservoir.

    There appears to have been a battle in remote times between the Rebels and the King's Army, which is said to have given the name to the "War Hill" (?). This is problematical.

    Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 119

43. Lord Powerscourt's Grouse House ruins at Sally Gap

    near Sallygap · pass · Wicklow

    Ruins of an old stone building called 'Lord Powerscourt's Grouse House' stand near Sally Gap (Stranamuck), on land claimed as part of the ancient Powerscourt Estate. The area was used for sheep grazing known as 'The Sheepbanks'.

    Read the passage

    which abuts on Powerscourt Deerpark. The grazings of Ballinastoe ran along the east side of the Barrack or White Hill along the south side of Djonce and War Hill, and were called " The Sheepbanks," reaching up nearly to Sally Gap or Stranamuck, which was claimed as part of the ancient Powerscourt Estate, and on which are still the ruins of an old stone building called " Lord Powerscourt's Grouse House/' The land on the eastern side of the lake, Lough Tav, had been incorporated by the Latouches into the demesne of Luggala, and a mansion or lodge had been built. by them in the valley near the lake, and a high wall built from the corner of the road at the end of the townland of Shraghmore, along the road leading westward to Sally Gap, to a bridge across the stream descending from the back of the White Hill, called Ballyhorrigan Bridge, and thence down to the brook which supplies Lough Tay with water, enclosing the woods round the lodge at Luggala, which were planted for shelter, and forming the demesne. This stream forms the boundary between Ballinastoe and Clohoge. There is no doubt that Clohoge formed part of the land leased in perpetuity to Thomas Hugo, for I continue to pay a head rent as the present owner of Clohoge to Mr. Hugo. Ballinastoe was the property of Luke Toole in 1641, and he being a Papist his lands were forfeited, and were included in the Grant of the Manor of Castle Kevin to Sir John Cooke. The lands included in this grant are now in the hands of several owners. The brook, which feeds Lough Tay and eventually Lough Dan lower down the valley, joined with several tributary streams from Djonce and the other mountains, forms the river Vartry, which now supplies Dublin with water from the Roundwood Reservoir.

    There appears to have been a battle in remote times between the Rebels and the King's Army, which is said to have given the name to the "War Hill" (?). This is problematical.

    Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 119

44. Massive tree-planting at Ballyreagh mountain plantation

    Ballyreagh · townland · Wicklow

    At Ballyreagh, covering about 700 acres of mountain, the author planted thousands of rare pines along with larch and Scots fir, totaling more than four million trees over about ten or eleven years, enclosed by upwards of six miles of wall.

    Read the passage

    As I have mentioned before, I gave a site for the Roman Catholic Burial-grounds at Curtlestown, and since that I also gave a site for a priest's house in a field adjacent to the Chapel, and if that was erected I think the requirements of the parish for the clergy would be pretty complete. In the large plantation at Ballyreagh, which I planted, and which covers about 700 acres of the mountain, I planted, at the time when I was also laying out the collections of conifers in the demesne, some thousands of the rarer pines, which seem to thrive better, if possible, on the virgin soil of the hillside than in the woods inside the demesne. Nothing could be healthier than the specimens of Abies Douglasii, Thuja Gigantea, and many other varieties in the mountain plantation. I grew all these, as well as the larch, Scots fir, and pinus Laricio, which form the bulk of the plantation, from seed purchased at Stevens's Auction Rooms, King Street, Covent Garden, and the plants were all reared in a nursery of some six acres, which I formed in the square field above Kelly's Ground, just inside the Annacrevy entrance gate. Charles France was the forester who carried this out, who came from the School of Forestry at Scone Palace, near Perth. We planted in Ballyreagh plantation alone upwards of 400,000 trees a year for about ten or eleven years, so that there must have been more than four million trees put in in that wood altogether. Besides this, I planted Lacken Wood on the opposite side of the glen, but a great portion of that was burnt down, and it ought to, and could very easily be, planted again. The principal labour was, of course, the walls enclosing the sites for the plantations. There are upwards of six miles of wall round Ballyreagh Wood alone, and

    Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 94

45. O'Dogherty burns the new city of Derry

    near Derry · city · Derry · 1608

    As part of the account of Wingfield's military services, it is recorded that O'Dogherty raised an insurrection in Ulster and burnt the new city of Derry, before being routed in a pitched battle by Wingfield.

    Read the passage

    Grant to Rich. Wingfield, Knt., of the dignity of Viscount Powerscourt in Wicklow County, to hold of him and his heirs male, in consideration of his services in Ireland while a youth, and afterwards as Capt. in Flanders and as Lt.-Col. in France and Portugal under Sir John Norris, and as Col. in the expedition against Cadiz; likewise afterwards under the same General in Ireland, where he received many wounds, and afterwards as Marshal of the Queen's army, under Ld. Mountjoy at Kinsale, and on the extinction of Tyrone's rebellion, when O'Dogherty had excited an insurrection in Ulster and burnt the new city of Derry, having routed him in a pitched battle, and finally having been a Lord Justice together with the Archbishop of Dublin, in the absence of Arthur Lord Chichester, Lord Deputy.*

    In the Records of the Yeomen of the Guard, Friary Court, St. James's Palace, London, Sir Anthony Wingfield, K.G., uncle of Marshal Sir Richard Wingfield, is mentioned in the State Papers, 15 14, and in the Statutes of Eltham, 1526, as Captain of the Yeomen of the Guard. He was again appointed Vice-Chamberlain and Captain of the Guard 9 March 1539, and was undoubtedly Captain of the Guard at the death of King

    Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 5

46. Origin of the Powerscourt name from the Poer family

    Powerscourt · parish · Wicklow

    The name Powerscourt derives from the original castle having been built by a member of the Power (or Poer) family, one of the Norman invaders, who married the daughter or niece of Milo de Cogan, a companion of Strongbow.

    Read the passage

    This name points to the fact that the original castle was built by a Power (or Poer), and in Lewis's " Topographical Dictionary " it is stated that one of the invaders of that name married the daughter (niece ?) of Milo de Cogan, a companion of Strongbow. How long the Poers of this

    Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 2

47. Poor people of Glencree employed on terrace works at six shillings a week

    near Glencree · valley · Wicklow

    Poor people on the estate up at Glencree who wanted employment were put to work on the terrace construction at about six shillings a week, with upwards of one hundred men employed at one time with carts and horses.

    Read the passage

    Mr. Howe's plan, which is found in the book, shews a succession of small slopes, which we did not consider were bold enough to go with the original idea. The central ground was a plateau, or undulating field, and there was a hillock in the centre of it, in front of the house, which used to hide out half of the lake, looking down from the upper terrace. It was clear that this hillock must be removed. I made excursions to Versailles, and also to the great gardens of Schonbrunn, near Vienna ; also to Schwetzingen, near Mannheim in Germany, and other places. We then consulted Mr. Brodrick Thomas, the celebrated landscape-gardener. He came out on the terrace with an opera-glass, and looked about, and I pointed out to him the hillock in the centre. " Yes," he said, " you must take away that stomach ;" and he also drew a plan of what he proposed. However, Alexander Robertson and I thought that his plan, as well as Mr. Howe's, was not quite what was wanted. At that time you could get labour very cheap. There were a quantity of poor people on the estate up at Glencree

    POWERSCOURT HOUSE AND DEMESNE.

    Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe

48. Priest as Agent of Law and Order at Powerscourt in 1798 and 1867

    Powerscourt · parish · Wicklow · 1798–1867

    The author notes that in both the 1798 rebellion and the 1867 insurrection, the Roman Catholic Priest at Powerscourt was the principal agent supporting law and order, reflecting friendly tenant relations.

    Read the passage

    I write this account because, both in the much more serious outbreak in 1798 and in this latter attempt at insurrection in 1867, it is interesting that the feeling among the people at Powerscourt was shewn by the Roman Catholic Priest being the principal agent on the side of law and order, and that the relations between our tenantry and ourselves had been always of a friendly character, which in many parts of Ireland has not been the case.

    Having now described everything connected with Powerscourt, both as regards what has been done in the way of improvements and also events which occurred there in my time and in earlier days as far as I have been able to ascertain, I now close this Book, which may have some interest not only to those with whom I am connected, but also to the general public.

    Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 100

49. Second Viscount credited with planting the beech avenue

    Powerscourt · parish · Wicklow

    A pastel portrait of the second Viscount Powerscourt hangs over a door in the house; tradition holds that he was responsible for planting the famous beech avenue on the demesne.

    Read the passage

    In this room are also portraits of the second and third Viscounts, and Robert, third Earl of Roden, my grandfather, by Say. Over the door is a portrait of the second Viscount in pastel, in a brown coat. He is said to have planted the beech avenue. Two other pastel portraits over the doors came from Powerscourt House in William Street, Dublin, but it is not known who they represent. They are said to be by Cotes. A small marble statuette, representing myself and my brother Maurice, and my father's dog, was done in Rome in 1843. The bronze figure upon the bookcase represents the Egyptian goddess Pasht, and is said to be as old as the time of Joseph. In the Egyptian campaign my late brother Lewis Wingfield was acting as Special Correspondent for the " Times," accompanying Lord Wolseley and his Staff. After the Battle of Tel-el-Kebir, he said to one of the Staff, " Now I am going to get that bronze cat which belongs to the station-master at Zagazig," a station on the Egyptian Railway. He found

    * See Preface.

    Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 32

50. Stag's head dragged from a lake near Ballina

    Ballina · townland · Mayo · 1895

    One of the Irish stags' heads collected at Powerscourt was found in 1895 in a lake near Ballina, co. Mayo, by a man dragging a net to fish, and had twenty-two points.

    Read the passage

    There are also fourteen very fine Irish stags' heads, dug up out of bogs or found in dragging lakes in the West of Ireland. This collection could hardly be matched anywhere. Two of them, very black, were given to me by the late Mr. Edward Cane, of St. Wolstan's, Leixlip, co. Dublin ; one is of twenty-two points, and the other eighteen. Another was found in 1895 in a lake near Ballina, co. Mayo, by a man who was dragging a net to fish. This has twenty-two points, and was purchased from Williams, 2 Dame Street, Dublin. There I also obtained the rest of the collection, including one of nineteen points, which he said he was going to sell to the Duke of Westminster ; but I said, "No, you are going to sell it to me, and I will not let it go out of the country." Another with nineteen points I got in exchange for two Austrian heads, from Dr. Myles, of Merrion Square, Dublin, in 1900. There is also a head of fourteen points, shot by Roualeyn Gordon-Cumming, the celebrated African hunter, in the Caucasus, and marked with his name.

    From the ceiling of the Hall hang several pendants formed from stags' heads which I collected in Germany. These are found in old German and Bavarian castles and monasteries, and in Austria, and are called " Liisterweibl " or " Hirschgeweih Weibl," which means " Stag-horn Ladies," as they generally represent mermaids, or something similar, and were used as chandeliers in halls of old castles, and even in churches.

    Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 10

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Ballina, a remarkable find came out of a lake in 1895. A man was dragging a net to fish when he pulled up a stag's head with twenty-two points. It was an Irish stag's head, one of fourteen very fine ones in a collection at Powerscourt that had been dug from bogs or found by dragging lakes in the west of Ireland. The collector said this collection could hardly be matched anywhere. He purchased the Ballina head from Williams, a dealer at 2 Dame Street in Dublin, and there he obtained the rest of the collection as well. Among those was a head of nineteen points that Williams said he was going to sell to the Duke of Westminster. The collector told him, no, you are going to sell it to me, and I will not let it go out of the country. Two other heads in the collection, both very black, came from the late Edward Cane of St. Wolstan's, Leixlip, county Dublin, one with twenty-two points and the other with eighteen. Another nineteen-point head came in 1900 in exchange for two Austrian heads, from Dr. Myles of Merrion Square, Dublin. The collection also held a fourteen-point head shot by Roualeyn Gordon-Cumming, the celebrated African hunter, in the Caucasus, marked with his name.

51. Legend of the battle giving War Hill its name

    near War Hill · hill or hills · Wicklow

    Tradition holds there was a battle in remote times between the Rebels and the King's Army on War Hill, which is said to have given the hill its name, though this is described as uncertain.

    Read the passage

    There appears to have been a battle in remote times between the Rebels and the King's Army, which is said to have given the name to the "War Hill" (?). This is problematical.

    All this I have written is introductive to the history of the "Controversies mentioned in the Down Survey between Ffartry and Powerscourt. It appears that my ancestors had for generations laid claim to the lands of Stranamuck at Sally Gap, and on the old maps which were used in the endless lawsuits about the boundaries it is written, no doubt for the instruction of counsel, "The land of Stranamuck near Sally Gap was the soil and freehold of Lord Powerscourt from the year 161 1 down to 1752." (Sally Gap is the point on the ridge where four county roads meet, coming from Ballinastoe, from Glendalough, and from Glencree, to cross over to Blessington and the portion of the County Wicklow which lies to the west of the mountains. These passes were often called "Gaps.'' There is another called Wicklow Gap where the mountain road crosses the ridge into County Wexford.)

    Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 119

52. Ballyornan and the Grattan Family Lease at Tinnehinch

    near Tinnehinch · townland · Wicklow

    The townland of Ballyornan includes Tinnehinch, part of the Powerscourt estate but held in perpetuity by the descendants of the Irish statesman James Grattan, under a lease granted by Richard, 4th Viscount Powerscourt.

    Read the passage

    This includes Tinnehinch in the Down Survey, which is part of the Powerscourt estate, but held in perpetuity by the representatives of James Grattan the Irish statesman, bv a lease granted to him by Richard, 4th Viscount Powerscourt. The rest of the townland of Ballyornan, on the right bank of the river Dargle, is the property of Viscount Monck.

    Glancree ..... Glencree. Controversie between Ffartry and Powerscourt.

    Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 117

53. Fairy Land at Milltown and John Hogan's statuette gift

    Milltown · townland · Dublin

    A verde antico statuette of the Farnese Hercules was given to the author by sculptor John Hogan at his residence called Fairy Land in Milltown, County Dublin; the place's name has since been changed, and its gate stood opposite the bridge at Milltown.

    Read the passage

    The small bronze of the Barberini Fountain at Rome was brought from there by me, and used as a model for the fountain in the lake. There is a small statuette, " Farnese Hercules," at Rome, in verde antico. It was given to me by Mr. John Hogan at his place called Fairy Land, Milltown, co. Dublin. The name of the place has now been changed. The gate is opposite the bridge at Milltown.

    When the fountain was to be erected in the lake, I gave the model to Sir Thomas Farrell, President of the Royal Hibernian Academy, and

    Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 33

54. Milltown collection added to National Gallery from Russborough

    Russborough · townland · Wicklow

    Lady Milltown proposed to hand over the art collections from Russborough to the National Gallery, on condition they be housed in special rooms separate from the rest of the collection. This led to a Treasury grant and an extension to the Gallery building.

    Read the passage

    Sir Walter Armstrong, who succeeded him as Director, has often asked me to go with him to see some work which he was anxious to obtain, and among the expeditions in which we have joined was one to see the collections which Lady Milltown proposed to hand over to the Gallery from Russborough, by the wish of her late husband. This proposal enabled the Governors, through the Director, to apply to the Government for an addition to the Gallery Buildings, as Lady Milltown specified that her collections were to be housed in special rooms, and kept together separately from the rest of the works of art under our roof. The Treasury acceded to our request, as there was no room for the Milltown collection in the Gallery as it then was. In Henry Doyle's time we had made a request for extra space, but this collection, which was large enough to fill several apartments, armed us with strong arguments, which were used, and in which we were assisted by the Lord Lieutenant, Earl Cadogan, who took up the question, and used his great influence in our favour, and I think we may say that it was owing to him that we obtained what we wanted. The plan was to erect a series of rooms along the back of the existing building, which could be done without the necessity of an architectural facade, as this part of the Gallery faces the backs of the houses in Clare Street, except at the end opposite Merrion Square. Mr. Thomas Manly Deane, son of the late Sir Thomas Deane, planned this addition, which makes an immense improvement, and renders the Gallery somewhat like the Pinacothek at

    Q 2

    Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 98

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here at Russborough in Wicklow, Lady Milltown proposed to hand over the art collections to the National Gallery, carrying out the wish of her late husband. The National Gallery's director, Sir Walter Armstrong, came here to see the collections. Lady Milltown specified that her collections were to be housed in special rooms and kept together separately from the rest of the works of art in the Gallery. This gave the Governors strong arguments to apply to the Government for additional space, since there was no room for the Milltown collection in the Gallery as it then stood. The Treasury agreed to the request. The Lord Lieutenant, Earl Cadogan, took up the question and used his influence in the Gallery's favour, and it was largely owing to him that they obtained what they wanted. The plan was to erect a series of rooms along the back of the existing building, facing the backs of the houses in Clare Street. Mr. Thomas Manly Deane, son of the late Sir Thomas Deane, planned this addition, which made an immense improvement and rendered the Gallery somewhat like the Pinacothek.

55. New Parish Church built outside the demesne in 1857-1859

    Enniskerry · town · Wicklow · 1857–1859

    Due to crowds attending Divine Service filling the demesne and destroying privacy, a new Parish Church was built outside the demesne nearer Enniskerry. The author laid the first stone on his 21st birthday, 13 October 1857, and it was consecrated by Archbishop Whately in 1859.

    Read the passage

    Accordingly, plans were made by Mr. Norton, a London architect, and I laid the first stone of the new Church on the day I came of age, 13 October, 1857, and it was consecrated by Dr. Whately, then Archbishop of Dublin, when completed in 1859.

    When the new Church came into use I purchased the fabric of the old Church from the then Rector, the Rev. Joshua Lacy Bernard, for £50. It was then unroofed, partly pulled down, and converted into a picturesque ruin. There are two family monuments in marble in it, which I had reset

    Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 66

56. O'Tooles Forfeit Powerscourt for Rebellion Under Elizabeth

    Powerscourt · parish · Wicklow · 1558–1603

    The O'Tooles, having joined the King's enemies, had their Powerscourt estates forfeited to the Crown during the reign of Queen Elizabeth.

    Read the passage

    The O'Tooles were, however, unfaithful to their allegiance. They joined "the King's enemies," and their estates were accordingly forfeited to the Crown in the reign of Queen Elizabeth. The lands were subsequently granted on a lease to Sir Richard Wingfield, as appears by the following grant on the Patent Rolls of King James I. : —

    27 Oct. 1603, 1 Jac. I. Lease for 21 years to Sir Richard IVingJield.

    Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 102

57. Sir Edward Wingfield of Carnew, soldier under Essex

    Carnew · town · Wicklow · 1634

    On the death without issue of Sir Richard Wingfield, first Viscount Powerscourt, in 1634, the estates passed to his cousin Sir Edward Wingfield of Carnew, County Wicklow, a distinguished soldier who had served under the Earl of Essex and held great influence and power in Ireland.

    Read the passage

    was confirmed to him by James I., and he was at the same time called to His Majesty's Privy Council. In 1 6 1 3 Sir Richard was joined in the Government of Ireland, and again in 1626, having in the interim been elevated to the peerage of that kingdom (19 February, 161 8) by the title of Viscount Powerscourt of Powerscourt and Baron Wingfield. He died without issue in 1634, when the dignity expired and the estates devolved upon his cousin Sir Edward Wingfield, Knight, of Carnew, co. Wicklow, a distinguished soldier under the Earl of Essex, and a person of great influence and power in Ireland,*

    The story goes that Marshal Wingfield returned to Queen Elizabeth to pay his respects after his campaign. The Queen said to him, " Well, Sir Richard, what is to be your reward ?" He bowed, and said, " The scarf which Your Majesty wears will be sufficient reward for me." Upon which the Queen placed the scarf over his shoulder, as may be seen in the picture. Afterwards he was made Viscount Powerscourt by James I., as mentioned above, and given a grant of the lands in the counties of Wicklow, Dublin, Tyrone, and Wexford.

    Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 31

58. Sir Richard Wingfield Receives Surrender at Benburb Castle

    Benburb · townland · Tyrone

    A painting depicts Sir Richard Wingfield, first Viscount Powerscourt, receiving the keys of a surrendered fortress, believed to be Benburb Castle in County Tyrone. The scene commemorates his military role during the surrender of the stronghold.

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    Between the windows is the Patent of Peerage of Marshal Sir Richard Wingfield, first Viscount Powerscourt, with the portrait of James I., and the arms and quarterings of Sir Richard Wingfield on the back. Below this is the scene where Sir Richard Wingfield is receiving the keys of a fortress from those who surrendered it, probably the Castle of Benburb in co. Tyrone. The Great Seal hangs below. Above hangs a picture of a

    Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 38

59. Statue of Queen Victoria in Dublin by sculptor John Hughes

    Dublin · city · Dublin

    Two bronze statuettes by Dublin sculptor John Hughes were presented by the author to the Museum in Dublin. Hughes was also the artist of the statue of Queen Victoria, with its emblematic figures, erected in Dublin.

    Read the passage

    Page 28. The two bronze statuettes by John Hughes, sculptor, of Dublin, were presented by me to the Museum in Dublin. He was the artist of the statue of Queen Victoria, with its emblematic figures, erected in Dublin.

    Page 38. The picture by James Brenan, called "A Committee of Inspection, co. Cork," was sent by me to the Exhibition at Cork in 1902, on loan. The students of the School of Art there asked me to present the picture to the School, as he had for many years presided over them, as a memento of their former chief, which I did, Mr. Brenan having been subsequently appointed Headmaster of the Metropolitan School of Art in Dublin.

    Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin has a statue of Queen Victoria by the sculptor John Hughes, with emblematic figures alongside it. Hughes was a Dublin man, and the same artist also made two bronze statuettes that were presented to the Museum in Dublin. The book records that he was the artist of the Queen Victoria statue, erected in the city, but gives no date for it.

60. 1857 Purchase of Glasnamullen, Ballinastoe, and Luggala

    Ballinastoe · townland · Wicklow · 1857

    When the author came of age in 1857, he purchased the townlands of Glasnamullen and Ballinastoe, formerly the property of Major William Beresford, and Luggala from Colonel David Latouche of the Huguenot banking family, adding them to the Powerscourt Estate.

    Read the passage

    When I came of age in 1857 it was proposed to my guardians and to myself that I should purchase the townlands of Glasnamullen and Ballinastoe, the latter being the property of Major William Beresford, well known in Parliamentary circles in those days as W. B., from letters which he used to write on political subjects over that signature. Luggala also was to be purchased from Colonel David Latouche, Colonel of the Dublin Militia, and one of the old Huguenot banking firm in Dublin of " Latouche and Co.," one of the numerous families who settled in Ireland after the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes. It was also proposed to purchase Shraghmore and one or two townlands beyond, but that was abandoned, and it was only the first two named and Luggala (Clohoge) which were added to the Powerscourt Estate at that time. These had all been " Bishops' land," but had with lapse of time got into the hands of several different proprietors. In the case of the two townlands there were large mountain grazings attached to the lowland farms, fed by sheep belonging to the tenants.

    The townland of Glasnamullen has grazings attached to it running up to the top of Djonce mountain next to those of the tenants on the Paddock (Park ?),

    Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 118