Read the copy these stories were drawn from on the Internet Archive.
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- counties: Wicklow, Dublin, Cork and more
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- words in the passages on this page
The stories, best first
page 2 of 2 · 108 in all
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.
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Claiming of old Church and churchyard after Disestablishment 1869
Powerscourt · parish · Wicklow · 1869
At the Disestablishment of the Irish Church in 1869, a clause allowed proprietors to claim churches situated within a demesne. The author claimed the old Church and churchyard, restricting burials to parishioners with prior rights.
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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
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O'Toole Grant of Powerscourt Castle, 1543
Powerscourt · parish · Wicklow · 1543
Terence O'Toole received a grant of the Manor and Castle of Powerscourt and surrounding lands, conditional on keeping the castle in repair and enforcing English customs and language among inhabitants.
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"Grant to Terence O'Toole, gent., of the Manor and Castle of Powerscourt, county Dublin, lands Powerscourte, Kylpeter, Kylcolin, Beanaghbege, Beanaghmore, le Ouenaghe, Ballycortie, Templebegan, Killtagoran, Cookestown, Anecrew, Kyllmolinge, Ballinebrowe, Killeger, and Manyster in Fercollyn, county Dublin
"To hold in tail male, by the service of one knight's fee and a rent of five marks
Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 101
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Purchase of Luggala and Wicklow estates from Beresford and Latouche
near Luggala or Fancy Mountain · mountain or mountain range · Wicklow
After purchasing estates in county Wicklow from Major Beresford and Colonel Latouche, the author sold an English estate near Portsmouth to help pay for the newly-acquired lands near Powerscourt, including Luggala.
Read the passage
Page 101. There is a reference here to the long ridge running along by the side of the race-course, over Enniskerry, and which is marked in old maps as " Hampshire Hill." There was formerly a small estate belonging to the family near Fareham in Hampshire, called the Bere Estate, which consisted of one large farm, some labourers' allotments, and a plantation, also some fields at the back of the town of Portsmouth, on the road to Hilsea. After I purchased the estates in county Wicklow of Major Beresford and Colonel Latouche, I sold the Portsea Estate, as it was called, to pay for the newly-purchased lands near home. I think the lands near Portsmouth and in Hampshire must have been purchased by Sir Richard Wingfield, K.G., who was Governor of Portsmouth.
If one could have foreseen what was to happen in Ireland with the land question, I am afraid I should have been wiser to have kept that small English estate and sold some of the Irish estates, in Tyrone perhaps, to pay for Luggala, etc. But everyone was against selling Irish land in those days, and I thought it best to consolidate as much as possible near one's own home at Powerscourt. As things are now, and as the lands of Ireland are to be sold to the tenants, it would have been better if I had held on to the English estate. But one cannot always see before one, and it is now useless to regret what cannot be helped.
Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 130
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The Great Ash-Tree Blown Down at Powerscourt
Powerscourt · parish · Wicklow · 1872
A famous ash-tree at Powerscourt, measuring 37 feet in girth, was blown down and stood near the spiked gate opposite the old churchyard. A water-colour drawing of the tree was made by Charles Grey in 1872.
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pictures at Holkham : Le Due d'Arenberg, after Vandyck ; Charles James Fox, after Sir Joshua Reynolds. Engravings, after John Philip, R.A., of Lord Palmerston's Cabinet. Picture in three compartments, by James Giles, R.S.A., of deer-stalking, called " Veni, Vidi, Via'" The scenery is in Mar Forest, and the stalker is James Grant, head forester to the late Earl of Fife. Over it portrait of Edward, second Viscount Powerscourt, a small oval pastel. An oil painting, by James Giles, R.S.A., of Achnacarry, Lochiel's Forest, with Ben Nevis in the background. Series of portraits in frame of members of White's Club, London, with key. Another series of portraits of my friends, both by Dighton. Water-colour drawing, by Charles Grey, 1872, of the great ash-tree, blown down at Powerscourt. This tree measured 37 ft. in girth at 4 ft. from the ground, and stood nearly opposite the spiked gate opposite the old churchyard. Coloured photograph portrait of Mervyn Edward, seventh Viscount Powerscourt, in uniform of the 1st Life Guards, full length ; also my brother, the Hon. Maurice Richard Wingfield, Lieutenant R.N., with Crimean and Baltic medals, both by Lowes Dickinson. Portrait in oil of Mervyn, Viscount Powerscourt (1854), by Catterson Smith. Two small pictures, by Lawless, Off Guard, and a Cavalier in his Cups. Lawless has been called the English Meissonier, but he was hardly of that calibre ! Four small watercolour drawings, one the Villa Albano at Rome (1843), by Ladv Honoria Cadogan. Two small drawings in one frame : one the Island of Capri, the other a view in sepia, by the late Lord Northampton. Portrait of the Hon. Mervyn Wingfield, afterwards seventh Viscount Powerscourt (watercolour), sitting on the floor with a book (1842), by Frederick W. Burton. Two small sepia drawings, by F. G. Loutherbourg (1772). Hon. Lewis Wingfield on pony, by G. Grey, R.H.A. Small portrait of Frederick, Viscount Castlereagh (1836). A small portrait of a deer, by Mervyn, Viscount Powerscourt.
Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 58
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Attainder and Grant of Powerscourt Castle and Manor, 1538
Powerscourt · parish · Wicklow · 1538
The manors and castles of Powerscourt, Fasaghe Roo, and Rathdown were forfeited to the Crown by the attainder of Richard Fitzgerald and granted to Peter Talbot in 1538.
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In the year 1538 the manors and castles of Powerscourte, Fasaghe Roo, and Rathdowne, co. Dublin, the lands of Powerscourte, Fasaghe Roo, Rathdowne, Cookeston, Temple Cargye, Kyllegvre, Kylgarran, and Cowlneskeaghe, were in the King's hands by the attainder of Richard Fitzgeralde, and were granted to Peter Talbote of Kylmahioke, gent. (Fiant 30th October 30 Henry VIII.).
Talbot surrendered this grant to the Crown in 1542, in return for a grant of other lands in co. Dublin (Fiant 6 April 33 Henry VIII.). Thereupon Tirlogh (or Terence) and Arte (or Arthur) O'Toole petitioned the King for a grant of these lands and lands in the territory of " Feartry," which they alleged had belonged to their ancestors, and in the same year (1542) Patents were accordingly passed to the two O'Tooles. The following grant to Terence O'Toole is amongst the Fiants of Henry VIII. (No. 548), and it is also entered in the Auditor-General's Patent Book. It bears no date, but from other evidence it was no doubt made in 1543 :— — -
Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 101
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Bookcases carved from oak felled at Powerscourt Waterfall
near Powerscourt Waterfall · waterfall · Wicklow · 1865
The carved oak bookcases in the Library were made from timber of a large oak tree that once stood at the foot of Powerscourt Waterfall and was blown down; the stump reportedly remains there still.
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the cat among the ruins of the station, put it under his arm, and rode on with the Staff to Cairo. They kept joking, saying, " That cat is very heavy, you will never carry it to Cairo ;" but he said " I will carry it there, if 1 die for it." When he got there, being very tired, he lay down on the platform of the railway-station and fell fast asleep, with the cat under his head. He wore round his waist a leather belt with a pouch, containing his month's salary from the "Times" (.£60) and his revolver. When he awoke, the revolver and the pouch and the money had disappeared, but the cat was still there ! There are some Cloisonne enamels and vases on the bookcases which I brought from India in 1861, and which had been looted from the Summer Palace at Pekin. The carved oak bookcases in this room were made from a large oak-tree, which stood at the foot of Powerscourt Waterfall, which was blown down. The stump is still there. They were made by Messrs. Fry of Dublin in 1865. In this room is a large casket, carved with figures in ivory all round, and inlaid in green and white ivory, bought at Nuremberg by Frederick, fourth Marquis of Londonderry. This was in my mother's London house, and was brought here by me after her death.
Under the picture of Marshal Wingfield hangs a small sampler of ancient tapestry, representing Charles II. and his Queen, Catherine of Braganza, and an Esquire, with real hair, probably the hair of the King and Queen, woven into the tapestry. This was given to me by my great-uncle, the Hon. and Rev. William Wingfield, Vicar of Abbeyleix, Queen's County, who supposed it to have been part of the scarf given to Marshal Wingfield, but it could not be that, as it is not of that date. I took it to the British Museum at the time of the Tudor Exhibition, and it was pronounced there certainly to be Charles II. and his Queen. It probably was given to ffblliott Wingfield,' who was created Viscount Powerscourt of the second creation by Charles II.
Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 33
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Creation of the Viscountcy of Powerscourt, 1618
Powerscourt · parish · Wicklow · 1618
Sir Richard Wingfield was elevated to the Irish peerage on 19 February 1618 as Viscount Powerscourt of Powerscourt and Baron Wingfield, establishing the title associated with the estate.
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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
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Eustace le Poer's hunting rights in the Royal forest of Powerscourt
Powerscourt · parish · Wicklow · 1296
The Calendar of State Papers for 1296 records that Eustace le Poer was permitted to keep six stags and six hinds in the Royal forest of Powerscourt, showing that the Crown asserted rights over the Bishop's land.
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early time retained their castle is not known. Archbishop Alan found the O'Tooles, probably the Bishop of Glendalough's early tenants (corbes), back again in possession. But the fact that Eustace, afterwards Viscount Baltinglass, is also called Power (or Pour), suggests that the Powers migrated from Powerscourt, or were driven out to another part of the country. But it is stated in the Calendar of State Papers for 1296, that Eustace le Poer was allowed to have six stags and six hinds in the Royal forest of Powerscourt,* so that the Crown must have asserted some rights over the Bishop's land. The O'Tooles, however, certainly possessed the place during the long period when the Wars of the Roses made the English control of Ireland so weak and inefficient.
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.
Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 3
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Granite for terraces quarried at Glencree
near Glencree · valley · Wicklow
The stone-work of the terraces was carried out under Robertson's superintendence by Mathew Noble, an old tenant and stone-cutter in Glencree, using granite from the estate's own quarries in Glencree.
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The stone-work was carried out under Mr. Robertson's superintendence by Mathew Noble, an old tenant and stone-cutter in Glencree. The working drawings are all in the book of plans. All the granite was from our own quarries in Glencree.
The three statues — Apollo Belvedere, Diana, and Laocoon — Richard, sixth Viscount Powerscourt brought from Italy, but he died in 1844, and they had not been placed in their positions. The work of the terrace was thus discontinued, and was not resumed until 1858. At that time there was a gardener here, named Alexander Robertson, who had been gardener at Camperdown in Scotland. He was a very clever man, and had more taste than any man of his class that I ever saw.
Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 72
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Grant of Powerscourt to Peter Talbot then surrender
Powerscourt · parish · Wicklow · 1538–1541
In 1538 Henry VIII granted Powerscourt to Peter Talbot, likely on condition of completing and holding the structure, but Talbot disliked this and surrendered it in 1541.
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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.
This grant of 1541 was part of the policy by which Henry got himself accepted as King by the Irish chieftains. But of course the acceptance of a Patent from the King by Turlough O'Toole also implied that in case of rebellion or treason, his lands would be forfeited to the Crown.
Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 3
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Hampshire Hill ridge above Enniskerry race-course
Enniskerry · town · Wicklow
A long ridge running alongside the race-course over Enniskerry is marked on old maps as "Hampshire Hill," a name recalling the family's former Bere Estate near Fareham in Hampshire.
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Page 101. There is a reference here to the long ridge running along by the side of the race-course, over Enniskerry, and which is marked in old maps as " Hampshire Hill." There was formerly a small estate belonging to the family near Fareham in Hampshire, called the Bere Estate, which consisted of one large farm, some labourers' allotments, and a plantation, also some fields at the back of the town of Portsmouth, on the road to Hilsea. After I purchased the estates in county Wicklow of Major Beresford and Colonel Latouche, I sold the Portsea Estate, as it was called, to pay for the newly-purchased lands near home. I think the lands near Portsmouth and in Hampshire must have been purchased by Sir Richard Wingfield, K.G., who was Governor of Portsmouth.
If one could have foreseen what was to happen in Ireland with the land question, I am afraid I should have been wiser to have kept that small English estate and sold some of the Irish estates, in Tyrone perhaps, to pay for Luggala, etc. But everyone was against selling Irish land in those days, and I thought it best to consolidate as much as possible near one's own home at Powerscourt. As things are now, and as the lands of Ireland are to be sold to the tenants, it would have been better if I had held on to the English estate. But one cannot always see before one, and it is now useless to regret what cannot be helped.
Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 130
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Irish elk heads recovered at Luggala
near Luggala or Fancy Mountain · mountain or mountain range · Wicklow · 1859
Two broken Irish elks' heads were found at Luggala while it belonged to the Latouche family. The author bought Luggala from Colonel David Latouche and brought the heads to Powerscourt in 1859.
Read the passage
In the Small Hall in the East Wing there are two more staghorn pendants, also from Bavaria. In the centre hangs a brass lamp, out of an Indian temple in Mysore, brought by me from India. Between the glass cases of arms stands a column, brought by my mother Lady Londonderry from Rome, a Mosaic column such as is used for the paschal candle in the churches there. It is surmounted by a portrait of Mary Somerville, the poetess. Out of the Armoury is a small room, which is used by my sons as their sitting-room. In this room are two broken Irish elks' heads, found at Luggala when that place belonged to the Latouche family. When I bought Luggala from Colonel David Latouche, I brought these heads to Powerscourt in 1859. There are also in this room heads of Indian blackbucks, etc., given to me by friends, also some stags' heads killed in the park here by my sons, and other trophies, engravings, etc.
THE OCTAGON LIBRARY.
Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe
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Luggala demesne walled off by the Latouches
near Luggala or Fancy Mountain · mountain or mountain range · Wicklow
The Latouches incorporated land on the eastern side of Lough Tay into the demesne of Luggala, building a lodge and a high wall enclosing the woods planted for shelter around it.
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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
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Old Church converted into a picturesque ruin
Powerscourt · parish · Wicklow · 1859
After the new Church came into use, the author purchased the fabric of the old Church for £50, and it was unroofed, partly pulled down, and converted into a picturesque ruin containing two family monuments in marble.
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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
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Powerscourt as Church lands of Glendalough
Powerscourt · parish · Wicklow
The earliest known history of the Powerscourt lands shows they were Church lands attached to the Bishoprick of Glendalough, later joined to the Archbishoprick of Dublin. Head rent continued to be paid to the Archbishop until recently.
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I now revert to the earlier history of Powerscourt. The earliest knowledge we have of the lands of Powerscourt is that they were Church lands, attached to the Bishoprick of Glendalough, which was joined very early to the Archbishoprick of Dublin. Head rent was paid till recently to the Archbishop for a neighbouring estate.
In an account of the tenants of the See at the end of the reign of Edward II. in Alan's " Blackbook," we read that " the heir of Eustace le Powere holds one carucate of land at Stamelyn (Stagonil), and was accustomed to render for it yearly 2cw. It is now among the Irish." Alan notes that this was in his time commonly called Powerscourt.
Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 2
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Purchase of Luggala from Colonel David La Touche
near Luggala or Fancy Mountain · mountain or mountain range · Wicklow
The author purchased the Luggala estate from Colonel David La Touche, and was given a picture of the place by his cousin, Mr. William La Touche of Bellevue, who remarked that since the author now owned Luggala he might as well have the picture too.
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In the Barrack Room are four large pictures : two representing the Waterfall and the Dargle, and the other two, landscapes with ruins, attributed to Barrett. A view in the Pink Room, of Luggala, given to me by Mr. William La Touche of Bellevue, after I purchased Luggala from his cousin, Colonel David La Touche. He said, " As you have got the place, you may as well have the picture too."
In the Pink Dressing Room are a framed series of portraits by Count D'Orsay, of London celebrities of his time. I bought them at the sale of Mr. John Loraine Baldwin at Aucuba Lodge, Regent's Park, London.
Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 62
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St. Moling's ancient holy well supplying drinking water
Kilmalin · townland · Wicklow
An ancient holy well called St. Moling's Well in the upper sheep-walk of the demesne supplied drinking water via an iron pipe to the yard; it gives its name to the adjacent townland of Kilmolin.
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St. Moling's Well gives the name to the adjacent townland — Kilmolin.
On the east side of the farm-buildings, between them and the back of the Laundry, is a large open space, formerly occupied by a grove of tall beech trees ; but as most of these were decaying at the roots I cut them down in 1900, and cleared the ground, lest they should fall upon the adjacent buildings, leaving the space for any additional buildings which may be required. In one of these trees formerly hung the workmen's bell, described above, and I removed it and hung it on the end of the old barn in a more permanent manner.
Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 70
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Stranamuck disputed as Powerscourt freehold since 1611
Stranamuck · townland · Donegal · 1611–1752
Old maps used in lawsuits recorded that the land of Stranamuck near Sally Gap was the soil and freehold of Lord Powerscourt from 1611 down to 1752, forming the basis of long-running boundary disputes with Ffartry.
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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.)
"His Lordship Edward, 2nd Viscount, in the name of Benjamin Buckley, probably his agent, brought. an action against William Sheil, Esq., and others for impounding the cattle belonging to his tenants on this land. The said William Sheil declared that this land was part of the townland of Ballinastoe in the Lordship of Ffartry, parish of Derralossary and Barony of Ballinacor. Through
Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 119
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Thirteen gates on the road to the waterfall before improvement
near Powerscourt Waterfall · waterfall · Wicklow
Before the road improvements, the valley from Tinnehinch up to the deer-park was held by tenants with ordinary wooden gates at every field boundary, requiring the opening of no less than thirteen gates to reach the waterfall.
Read the passage
had lost his arm by accident at the saw-mills when first established, having cut it off with the circular-saw, was placed here at the time, with a kind of sentry-box, to open and close the gate as required. This, of course, was rather a primitive mode of doing things.. Also, as the labourers all left their work at six o'clock, if we went to the waterfall and did not come back until after six o'clock, we found the gate locked and could not get in, so I built a gate-lodge and also the iron bridge, and Byrne was put there as the gatekeeper. Beyond this, up to the deer-park gate, the whole valley was in the hands of the tenants. There was a road, but it was more a farm road than one worthy of a place like this, and never properly laid out — all sharp turns and angles, which made it very inconvenient. There were also at the divisions of every farm, on the way up and at every field, ordinary wooden gates across the road, and also inside the demesne,^so that to get to the waterfall it was necessary to open no less than thirteen gates. There were also several old cottages, which were pulled down and the inhabitants removed elsewhere. Robertson said there was only one thing to be done, and that was to take in the land all the way up and make a proper road and fence it, so that the gates should be dispensed with, which was accordingly done by an arrangement with the tenants. The idea I had was that all unnecessary gates, except where a public road was crossed, should be removed, which was done, as in other parts of the demesne, by fencing in each field with continuous iron fencing, leaving the roads and woods all free.
There was also a ford across the Glencree Road at the point where the iron bridge is now, halfway to the deer-park, so that when the river was high we could not get to the deer-park that way at all, and had to go round by Charleville and Coolakay, and down the steep hill at Ballinagee.
Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 93
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Tom Parnell Lays Out the Tinnehinch Avenue and Jeffrey's Glen Roads
near Tinnehinch · townland · Wicklow · 1846–1848
Tom Parnell laid out the Tinnehinch Avenue where formerly there had only been a steep breakneck road down to the river from the house, and also laid out roads in Jeffrey's Glen which were later completed by the author from his plans.
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The roads in the deer-park were made, the one on the south side, from the entrance gate below up to the paddock gate, being called " The Ladies' Drive," after my mother ; and the other, descending from the paddock back to the waterfall with many turns and curves, " The Earl's Drive," after my grandfather Lord Roden. Mr. Parnell used to say, " It is the first duty of a Christian to make good roads," and he certainly carried out many improvements. He laid out the Tinnehinch Avenue, where there was formerly only a steep breakneck road down to the river from the house. He laid out the roads in Jeffrey's Glen, which I completed afterwards from his plans, and made other great improvements. He used to say that he would make a road up or down any of the hills which a horse could trot either up or down hill on. How much more useful a work than that of his nephew the agitator !
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.
Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe
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Eustace le Powere's tenancy at Stagonil
Powerscourt · parish · Wicklow · 1307–1327
An account of tenants of the See at the end of Edward II's reign records that the heir of Eustace le Powere held one carucate of land at Stamelyn (Stagonil), rendering yearly rent, and that this place was commonly called Powerscourt.
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In an account of the tenants of the See at the end of the reign of Edward II. in Alan's " Blackbook," we read that " the heir of Eustace le Powere holds one carucate of land at Stamelyn (Stagonil), and was accustomed to render for it yearly 2cw. It is now among the Irish." Alan notes that this was in his time commonly called Powerscourt.
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
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First stone of upper terrace laid by author as a boy, 1843
Powerscourt · parish · Wicklow · 1843
The upper stone terrace, designed after the Villa Butera in Sicily, had its first stone laid by the author as a little boy on his seventh birthday, 13 October 1843, brought out from the school-room on a cold day.
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The upper stone terrace nearest to the house was built after his plans, and designed from the Villa Butera in Sicily, near Palermo, which has been since destroyed. The first stone was laid by myself when a
78 POWERSCOURT HOUSE AND DEMESNE.
Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 72
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Powerscourt granted to Turlough O'Toole
Powerscourt · parish · Wicklow · 1541
Shortly after Peter Talbot's surrender, Powerscourt was granted to its former destroyers, Terence or Turlough O'Toole, as part of Henry VIII's policy of winning acceptance from Irish chieftains.
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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.
This grant of 1541 was part of the policy by which Henry got himself accepted as King by the Irish chieftains. But of course the acceptance of a Patent from the King by Turlough O'Toole also implied that in case of rebellion or treason, his lands would be forfeited to the Crown.
Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 3
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Powerscourt title revived for MP for Boyle
Boyle · town · Roscommon · 1743
The Powerscourt viscountcy, having twice become extinct, was revived a third time by George I in 1743 in favour of Richard Wingfield, who sat as MP for Boyle in County Roscommon.
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ffolliott Wingfield, but he also died without children, and the title became extinct a second time. There is no portrait of ffblliott Wingfield. Another portrait hanging in this room is that of the first Lord Powerscourt of the third creation, the title having been revived by George I. in 1743 in favour of Richard Wingfield, M.P. for Boyle in co. Roscommon. This picture, painted by Hunter, was formerly in the possession of the late Sir Charles Domvile, Bart., at Santry House, co. Dublin. Sir Charles Domvile's effects at Santry were sold, and I purchased this picture at the sale.* The three pictures of Marshal Wingfield and his wife and Sir Anthony Wingfield had frames which were not of the time when the pictures were painted. I exhibited them at the Exhibition of the Royal House of Tudor at the New Gallery, Regent Street, London, in 1890. While the pictures were there I took the opportunity of having them re-framed by Messrs. Dolman, in. frames of the period, designed by them after those in that exhibition. The frame of Sir Anthony Wingfield's portrait is after that of a portrait of Sir Thomas More. I also lent to that exhibition the portrait of Sir Henry Hobart, Chief Justice of Common Pleas, by C. Jansen. and a small portrait by Robert Cecil, first Earl of Salisbury. These two are in the Dining Room. The picture of Sir Anthony Wingfield was purchased in London, at the sale of Mr. Dawson Turner, and given to me by my step-father, Lord Castlereagh, in 1855, before I came of age.
Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 32
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Terrace walk runs from steps near the old churchyard at Powerscourt
Powerscourt Demesne · townland · Wicklow
The long terrace walk at Powerscourt, extending 800 yards, ran from a set of steps near the old churchyard at the east end to the Ajax statue at the west end. This links the demesne's ornamental terrace to the historic churchyard site.
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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
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1815 boundary dispute over Glasnamullen and Ballinastoe
Glasnamullen · townland · Wicklow · 1815
George Ponsonby, successor to William Sheil, claimed the land extended to Cruckan Pond and Brook, disputing it as part of the townlands of Glasnamullen and Ballinastoe in 1815.
Read the passage
the negligence of the person who managed his Lordship's affairs at that time, he being himself in France, the said William Sheil obtained a verdict at the Wicklow Assizes 1753. In pursuance of such verdict William Sheil and his assigns were suffered to hold possession since that time, but the Right Hon. Georoe Ponsonby, who succeeded William Sheil, supposed that his land extended to the Cruckan Pond ana Cruckan Brook, and claimed it as part of the townlands of Glasnamullen and Ballinastoe in 1815." And so the rival claims went on. It is no use pursuing the matter further. At the time of my coming of age in 1857, the lands, as far at all events as Ballinastoe was concerned, were in the hands of Major William JBeresford, who probably inherited from the Ponsonbvs, and Major Beresford and Colonel Latouche sold their estates to me, and thereby obliterated the disputed boundaries and the lawsuits in 1858-9. Thus all arguments by gentlemen of the long robe over these mountains ceased, and the onlv voices now heard upon them are those of the beaters driving the grouse, and the only money now spent there goes into their pockets instead of into the denizens of the Four Courts in Dublin — a much happier state of things — and now there is a lasting peace on the former scenes of strife on the old Wicklow Hills !
Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 120
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Boundary Lawsuit Over Powerscourt Mountains
Powerscourt · parish · Wicklow · 1816
Large framed maps of the Powerscourt mountains, made by William Armstrong in 1816, were used as evidence during a lawsuit between Richard, sixth Viscount Powerscourt, and neighbouring proprietors over disputed boundaries. The dispute was eventually resolved when the author purchased the estates involved.
Read the passage
artist, "An Interior by Candle Light." A portrait of a Peer in robes, time of James II. (possibly an ancestor'?). Plans of Portsea estate, Wexford estate, and Tyrone estate. ; Also large picture, called "Puzzled," painted by my brother, the Hon. Lewis Wingfield. A series of Houbraken portraits. Large framed maps of Powerscourt mountains, which were used during a lawsuit between Richard, sixth Viscount Powerscourt, and other proprietors, about disputed boundaries, made by William Armstrong in 1 8 1 6. These lawsuits were settled by my purchasing the estates in question. !
In the Tent Bedroom, Pink Bedroom, Pink Dressing Room, Ivy Bedroom, Ivy Dressing Room, and Green Bedroom and Dressing Room and Barrack Room, are chimney-pieces which I purchased from Hodges, which came out of old houses in Dublin. Two carved cassones in the galleries were bought at the sale of Mr. Ram's effects at Ramsfort, co. Wexford, in i 870.
Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 61
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Cork School of Art receives "A Committee of Inspection" painting
Cork · city · Cork · 1902
A picture by James Brenan titled "A Committee of Inspection, co. Cork" was loaned to an exhibition at Cork in 1902. Students of the Cork School of Art requested it be presented to the school as a memento of Brenan, their former head, and the author did so.
Read the passage
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.
Page 91. There is a story connected with the Mr. Coleman who was the possessor of Stoke Park, near Slough, and from whose collections I bought several pictures, etc., as related in this, book, which is worth recording. I tell the story
Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe
As the companion tells it
As you pass through Cork, this city once hosted an exhibition in 1902 that received a painting by James Brenan, called "A Committee of Inspection, co. Cork," sent on loan. The students of the School of Art here asked that the picture be presented to the school as a memento of their former chief, who had presided over them for many years, and the owner agreed to do so. Brenan had subsequently been appointed Headmaster of the Metropolitan School of Art in Dublin.
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Glendalough Lands Leased by Thomas Hugo
Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow · 1868
According to the Report of the Irish Church Commissioners of 1868, at the time the Irish Church was disestablished, Thomas Hugo held a lease in perpetuity from the Archbishop of the Glendalough lands, comprising 33,754 acres, including the townlands of Glasnamullen, Ballinastoe, Shraghmore, and Clohoge.
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
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Grant of Benburb Castle and Manor, County Tyrone
Benburb · townland · Tyrone · 1610
In 1610 King James I granted Sir Richard Wingfield the Castle and town of Benburb along with adjacent lands in County Tyrone, erected into the manor of Benburb subject to the plantation of Ulster.
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" VIII. — 24. Grant from the King to Sir Richard Wingfikld, knt., marshal of the Army — Tyrone Co. In Dungannon Bar. The Castle and town of Benhurbe and other lands adjacent; Benburbe otherwise Faiegh, Moyar, Tullydoney, Fedulla, Dromcoose, each being ^ Balliboe; Lemneagh, | bal.; Sessioghmagerrill, ^ bal. ; Kilfeddy, ^ bal.; Lismelgedan, t bal.; Lisduffe, Cormagh, Killnegrewe, Lisegatt, Cooledorrough, Currinbeg, each being \ bal.; Lisnecroigh, | bal.; Garvaghie, ^ bal. ; Drumflugh, Dirivanan, Lisbane, Dirripubble, each \ bal. ; Kilgobbane, \ bal. ; Macemore, \ bal.; Dromy, | bal.; Garvaghie, \ bal.; Tirescolbe, Dirricreeny, Carrowbegg, Quiggilie, Croobanagh, Sawnaghanroe, Carealman, each 1 bal. ; Taunagh, \ bal. ; Taghcawsannagh, £ bal. ; Corr, Broghatoy, Dromonowtra, Crewe, Sierly, each 1 bal.; Dromshraghad, 2 bal.; Millicarnan, Mnllidaly, Doonsirke, Coolekerin, Dromgoole, Dromonyeghtra, each 1 bal. ; Shanmoigh, Roane, Colchill, and Boallane, each \ bal. — in all 2000 a. The premises are erected into the manor of Benburbe, with 600 a. of a demesne and a court-baron. Total rent £16 English. To hold for ever, as of the Castle of Dublin, in common soccage, subject to the condition of the plantation of Ulster. 3 Dec, 8th year."
Patent Roll, 13 James I., Part III. 17 May 1615.
Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 116
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Land dispute ended by 1858-9 estate purchase
Ballinastoe · townland · Wicklow · 1858–1859
Major William Beresford and Colonel Latouche sold their estates including Ballinastoe to the author, ending decades of boundary lawsuits between 1858 and 1859.
Read the passage
the negligence of the person who managed his Lordship's affairs at that time, he being himself in France, the said William Sheil obtained a verdict at the Wicklow Assizes 1753. In pursuance of such verdict William Sheil and his assigns were suffered to hold possession since that time, but the Right Hon. Georoe Ponsonby, who succeeded William Sheil, supposed that his land extended to the Cruckan Pond ana Cruckan Brook, and claimed it as part of the townlands of Glasnamullen and Ballinastoe in 1815." And so the rival claims went on. It is no use pursuing the matter further. At the time of my coming of age in 1857, the lands, as far at all events as Ballinastoe was concerned, were in the hands of Major William JBeresford, who probably inherited from the Ponsonbvs, and Major Beresford and Colonel Latouche sold their estates to me, and thereby obliterated the disputed boundaries and the lawsuits in 1858-9. Thus all arguments by gentlemen of the long robe over these mountains ceased, and the onlv voices now heard upon them are those of the beaters driving the grouse, and the only money now spent there goes into their pockets instead of into the denizens of the Four Courts in Dublin — a much happier state of things — and now there is a lasting peace on the former scenes of strife on the old Wicklow Hills !
Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 120
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Manor of Benburb granted to Wingfield and later sold
Benburb · townland · Tyrone · 1618–1881
James I bestowed the lands of the Manor of Benburb, co. Tyrone, upon Wingfield in addition to the Powerscourt estate and Viscount title; the author records that these lands were later sold under the Irish Land Acts.
Read the passage
Under his command Sir Richard began his distinguished military career, which led to his being appointed Knight-Marshal of Ireland, and receiving a grant of Powerscourt from Queen Elizabeth. This was confirmed to him by James I., who, in addition, bestowed upon him the rank of Viscount, and, besides the Powerscourt estate, granted to him the lands of the Manor of Benburb, co. Tyrone, and the Manor of Wingfield, co. Wexford. These two Manors have been sold by me under the Irish Land Acts of 1 88 1 and subsequent Acts.
Ac his death, leaving no direct heir, the title lapsed, and a cousin inherited his property. Two generations later, in 1665, the title was revived by Charles II., only to become again extinct for a like reason. The Patents of both, as well as the deeds of grant of the lands at both periods, are in the possession of the present owner at Powerscount.
Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe
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Manor of Wingfield granted and later sold
Wingfield · townland · Wexford · 1618–1881
The Manor of Wingfield, co. Wexford, was likewise granted to Richard Wingfield by James I, and was later sold by the author under the Irish Land Acts of 1881 and subsequent acts.
Read the passage
Under his command Sir Richard began his distinguished military career, which led to his being appointed Knight-Marshal of Ireland, and receiving a grant of Powerscourt from Queen Elizabeth. This was confirmed to him by James I., who, in addition, bestowed upon him the rank of Viscount, and, besides the Powerscourt estate, granted to him the lands of the Manor of Benburb, co. Tyrone, and the Manor of Wingfield, co. Wexford. These two Manors have been sold by me under the Irish Land Acts of 1 88 1 and subsequent Acts.
Ac his death, leaving no direct heir, the title lapsed, and a cousin inherited his property. Two generations later, in 1665, the title was revived by Charles II., only to become again extinct for a like reason. The Patents of both, as well as the deeds of grant of the lands at both periods, are in the possession of the present owner at Powerscount.
Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe
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Old Fever Hospital Converted into Agent's Office at Enniskerry
Enniskerry · town · Wicklow
The author obtained the old fever hospital at Enniskerry, which had become redundant once patients were treated at the workhouse instead, and converted it into an estate agent's office with a residence for the clerk above.
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It was very inconvenient having the agent and tenants always about the yard near the house. The opportunity occurred for the removal of the agent's office to Enniskerry by my getting possession of the old fever hospital which became useless, the patients now being treated at the workhouse. I converted this old fever hospital into a very convenient agent's office, with a residence for the clerk in the upper floor, so that all the business of the estate is carried on there. The laundry having been built and these other arrangements made, I proceeded to build new farm offices, with residence for the farm steward and other accommodation for farming, on the site of the old haggard ; these buildings were constructed in 1872 by a loan from the Board of Public Works.
That gave me all the buildings in the yard vacant, and enabled me to rearrange the stables and the offices of the house. The old farmyard was converted into stables and coach-houses, as stated above. The doors of these houses formerly opened on the north side into the yard, but I reversed the doors and made them open to the south, which made the stable-yard a private enclosure with only one entrance, by the iron gate, which is locked at night. The old duck-pond was filled up and the fowl-yard, etc., removed, and this unsanitary arrangement abolished and replaced by the laundry green.
Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 65
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Stone eagle erected on the Enniskerry entrance gate
Enniskerry · town · Wicklow · 1873
A stone eagle surmounting the arch of the main entrance gate at Enniskerry was executed for Lord Powerscourt by Mr. Kirk of Dublin in 1873. It remains a distinctive feature of the demesne's principal approach.
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On the main entrance gate at Enniskerry there is a stone eagle, which surmounts the arch. This was executed for me by Mr. Kirk of Dublin in 1873,
In the garden, at each side of the gate at the west end, are four busts of the four great Italian masters, Michael Angelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Benvenuto Cellini, and Raphael. These are copies of those in the Vatican,.; executed for me by Mr. Alexander Macdonald at Rome in 1878. The marble pedestals I bought from an old garden near London.
Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 75
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The ancient rath known as 'the moat'
Powerscourt Demesne · townland · Wicklow
An ancient rath, now planted with trees and known as 'the moat,' stood near the old drive; a line of old beech trees nearby stood in what was evidently an old hedgerow near a herd's house and garden.
Read the passage
The demesne was in those days divided into small fields or paddocks, probably for the horses, and there was a herd's house with a large enclosed garden, near where the line of old beech trees still stand, near the " moat," which were evidently in an old hedgerow. The drive from the main avenue, after leaving the spiked gate opposite the old churchyard, used to go straight up the hill to the east corner of the " moat," an ancient rath now planted with trees ; it then turned to the north-east, leading to the Kilmolin Gate. This was a very indirect road, ascending the hill where
Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 89
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Manor of Wingfield Established in County Wexford
Annagh · townland · Wexford · 1618
In 1618 King James I granted Sir Richard Wingfield extensive lands in County Wexford, erected into the manor of Wingfield, with rights to a court-leet, court-baron, free warren, and an annual fair at Annaghes on 24 August.
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" V. — 9. Grant to Rich. Wingfield, knt., marshal of the armv and a privv councillor in Ireland — Wexford Co. The towns and lands of Ballyda and Kilcashell, 35 a., and Bealaskeneskorry and Barnedom, 40 a., both in or near the territory of Kinshelagh; Annaghesand Raheneshioge, 32 a. ; Mongandallowe, 52 a.; Monganimoregan, 40 a.; Bolyany and Bolinecatty, 89 a.; Bolinvard, t20 a.; Curranebrocke, 250 a. ; Ballinebarne, 350 a. ; Loggan, 230 a. ; Commerduff, 100 a. ; 14/17 of the town and lands of Tomoch and Tomecoyle, 120 a., adjoining Annaghes ; a moiety of Ballygullen and Loiran, noa., all in or near the territory of Kilcheele. To hold, as of the Castle of Dublin, in free and common soccage, by fealty only ; rent s£ 1 1 4s. 8d. Ir. The premises to be the manor of Wingfield with 800 a. of demesne land, power to alienate to persons not mere Irish in blood or surname; to hold, as of the manor of Wingfield, by free and common soccage and suit of court. A court-leet and view of frank-pledge to be held by a seneschal appointed by Wingfield; a court-baron once in the month, with jurisdiction to the amount of 40s., with the profits, fines, and forfeitures thereof ; free warren and park to the extent of 50 a., an annual fair at Annaghes on 24 Aug. and the day following, unless the 24 Aug. be on Saturday or Sunday, in which case the fair is to be held on the Monday and Tuesday following, with a court of pie-powder and all rights and customs to a fair or market pertaining ; to hold, as of the Castle of Dublin, in free and common soccage, by fealty only ; no rent reserved. Grantee to erect a stone or brick castle or mansion-house within three years, on pain of ^50 Irish. Reservation of right to cut timber, and clause against demises to the mere Irish. 27 May, 1 6th year."
*34
Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 114
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Old Powerscourt Church bell dated 1723
Powerscourt · parish · Wicklow · 1723–1743
A workmen's bell hanging on the old barn was originally the bell of the old Church at the end of the Terrace, inscribed with churchwardens' names and the date 1723. Edward Wingfield, named on the bell, was father of Richard Wingfield, created Viscount Powerscourt in 1743.
Read the passage
Edward Wingfield, Esa. John Burton, Isaac Harrison Churchwardens, 1723.
Edward Wingfield was the father of Richard Wingfield, who was created Viscount Powerscourt in 1743. See the Preface.
Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 66
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O'Tooles hold Powerscourt through the Wars of the Roses
Powerscourt · parish · Wicklow · 1455–1487
The O'Tooles certainly possessed Powerscourt during the long period when the Wars of the Roses weakened English control of Ireland.
Read the passage
early time retained their castle is not known. Archbishop Alan found the O'Tooles, probably the Bishop of Glendalough's early tenants (corbes), back again in possession. But the fact that Eustace, afterwards Viscount Baltinglass, is also called Power (or Pour), suggests that the Powers migrated from Powerscourt, or were driven out to another part of the country. But it is stated in the Calendar of State Papers for 1296, that Eustace le Poer was allowed to have six stags and six hinds in the Royal forest of Powerscourt,* so that the Crown must have asserted some rights over the Bishop's land. The O'Tooles, however, certainly possessed the place during the long period when the Wars of the Roses made the English control of Ireland so weak and inefficient.
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.
Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 3
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River diverted at Bahana to make way for the new road
Bahana · townland · Wicklow · 1892
At Bahana, near the deer-park gate, the course of the river had to be turned to give room for the new road being constructed through the valley.
Read the passage
At one point at Bahana, not far from the deer-park gate, we had to turn the course of the river to give room for the road. At that time we only took in a narrow strip on each side of the road which is bounded by the river ; but since that time (about 1892) I arranged with the tenants to obtain possession of the woody bank on the Ballinagee side, which now forms part of the demesne, and enables one to consider the whole valley as a private ground.
These bottoms are very useful in winter for sheltering sheep, when brought down from the mountains in severe weather. Having laid out the road — which was done in the years 1867, 1868, and 1869, it taking three years to do— I then planted it all the way from Dudley's Wood up to the gate near the deer-park with various trees — Conifer ce and other ornamental trees in avenues, and also in groves all along the road — Araucarias, Abies Douglasii, Thuja Gigantea, Picea Nobilis, Cupressus Macrocarpa, Cedrus Allantica, Picea Nordmanniana, and others.
Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe
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Stone for the Perron quarried on the estate at Glencree
near Glencree · valley · Wicklow
All the stone used in constructing the grand Perron terrace structure, apart from the basin and Apollo head, was quarried on the Powerscourt estate at Glencree. This connects the built garden feature directly to a local landscape source.
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Dublin, afterwards knighted, when Lord Mayor of Dublin, as Sir George Moyers. He had many conferences on the subject with Mr. Penrose in the Octagon Library, especially as to the sun-dial, and he told me afterwards that he never met such a man as Mr. Penrose for figures and calculations. Sir George Moyers was a man of fine figure, some six feet two in height, and he had such a remarkable appearance that he went by the name of " The Duke of Memel," and his son was called " Viscount Scantling." All the stone except the basin and head of Apollo was quarried on the estate, in Glencree. The iron railings which surmount the perron are old German work.
Shortly after the Franco-German War I was at Homburg, and found in a courtyard the remains of an old balcony, which had graced the central windows of the old Castle, and had for some reason been taken down. I saw that they were of fine wrought-iron work, and a common cast-iron balcony had been put up at the Castle to replace them. I bought the old railings, and, as I intended to place them on the perron, I gave them as a design to Messrs. Brawn and Downing of Birmingham, who adapted the straight part of- them to the purpose, and added the curved portions after the same model, and also designed the central portion from a drawing by Mr. Penrose. They also designed, at the same time, the railing on the boat-house at the lake, and the four large iron seats on the terrace. In the old balcony the gilt leaf-work was only on one side of the railings, so I had it doubled, so that it looks equally well from whichever side it is looked at, and Messrs Brawn and Downing completed the whole.
Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 77
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Grant in Fee Simple of Powerscourt to Sir Richard Wingfield, 1609
Powerscourt · parish · Wicklow · 1609
In 1609 Sir Richard Wingfield received a grant in fee simple of the ruinous castle and lands of Powerscourt under the Commission of Remedy of Defective Titles.
Read the passage
" One ruinous castle and divers other messuages and tenements in the town of Powerscourt, and all other lands, tenements, and possessions in the towns and fields of Kilpeter, Kilcolhn, Beanaghbegg, Beanaghmore, Oenagh, Ballicowlye, •■ Templebeacan, Kiltagaran, Cookeston., Anacrew, Kilmolinge, Ballenbrowe, Killeger, .
APPENDIX.
Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe
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Glencapp Lands Held as Freeholders' Commons
near Glencree · valley · Wicklow
Unlike the Byrnes' lands which passed under the Great Seal, the Glencapp lands were never formally taken up but remained held by freeholders. These lands were still held as commons in 1903, embracing parts of several named townlands.
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
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Sale of the Manor of Wingfield to Tenants
Wexford · town · Wexford · 1895–1896
The manor of Wingfield in County Wexford was held by the Wingfield family from its 1618 grant until Lord Powerscourt sold it in 1895-6 to the tenants under the Land Act of 1881.
Read the passage
The manor of Wingfield, co. Wexford, was held by the Wing-fields until I sold it in 1895-6 to the tenants under the Land Act of 1881.
Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 115
As the companion tells it
Around Wexford here, the manor of Wingfield was held by the Wingfield family from its grant in 1618 until Lord Powerscourt sold it in 1895 to 1896 to the tenants under the Land Act of 1881.
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The Bull Park enclosure demolished for the Ladies' Meadow
Powerscourt Demesne · townland · Wicklow
An enclosure called the 'Bull Park,' with a stone wall, shed, and slated roof, once stood near the entrance gate and was likely inhabited by a labourer who tended stock there. The author demolished the buildings and threw the enclosures into the Ladies' Meadow.
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there was no necessity, so I obliterated all the old fences and hedgerows and altered the road, leading it up the hollow straight to the gate on a line nearly on level ground. There was also on this line, near the entrance-gate, an enclosure with a stone wall round it and a stone shed with a slated roof, which was called the " Bull Park." The herd's house was probably inhabited by the labourer who looked after the stock in the " Bull Park."
Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 90
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Tinnehinch and the 'Undivided Commons' with Lord Monck
near Tinnehinch · townland · Wicklow · 1815–1903
The Down Survey notes that Tinnehinch was part of the old townland of Ballylorane, now Ballyornan. Lands connected to Sir Edward Wingfield and Sir William Flower became so intermixed that they are described in Powerscourt estate maps of 1815 as 'Undivided Commons between Lord Powerscourt and Lord Monck'.
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Kilmurry, Callcra, Kilcrony, Ballyornan, Tinnehinch, and others as mentioned in the Down Survey, and there may have been an assignment from Sir William Flower to the ancestor of a lady named Hitchcock, who appears to have brought these lands into the family of Lord Monck, but of this I have no further knowledge except that they were the property of Sir William Flower. In the Down Survey a note is made that Tinnehinch was part of the townland of Ballvlorane, the old name, now Ballyornan, and perhaps that townland included Lord Monck's present demesne of Charleville; 126 acres of Ballylorane are returned in the Down Survey, under Powerscourt parish, as belonging to Sir Edward Wingfield. The properties of Sir Edward Wingfield and Sir William Flower appear to have been very much mixed up, and it is still the case at the present day. These lands are partly commons, and the freeholders are still there, or their descendants. They have always gone by the name of " Undivided Commons between Lord Powerscourt and Lord Monck," and are so described in the maps of the Powerscourt estate made by William Armstrong in 1815, and in the maps of the Ordnance Survey of Ireland. The freeholders, of course, pay no rent to me or to Lord Monck, but we have to pay our proportion of the Poor-rate, so that it is not a very lucrative estate !
Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 112
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Inquisition at Newcastle-Magenagan on Manor of Powerscourt Bounds, 1610
Newcastle · town · Wicklow · 1610
An inquisition taken at Newcastle-Magenagan in County Wicklow in 1610 established the extent of the manor of Powerscourt and settled disputes over lands held under Phelomy O'Toole, formerly lord of the manor.
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Commission directed to Robert Reade and Robert Caddell of Mooretown in Dublin County, and dated 15 February 8 Jac. I. The Inquisition thereon, taken at Newcastle- Magenagan in Wicklow County, 16 March 1610, by the Jurv finding that the manor of Powerscourt extends in the plains and hamlets of Powerscourt, Kilmullin, Kilpeter, Kilcolin,* Bennagbeg, Bennaghmore,f Owenagh, Ballycortell, Templebegan,J Kilgarran,f Cookestown, Anytrewye, Ballynebrowie, Killeger, le Manister,J Lackendarragh,* Barnemeare,* le Cronie,* Ballvnegewgh,* Ballynecahill, and the Park.f That the lands above named marked thus * are in the possession of divers persons, by agreement between them and Phelomy O'Toole, lately lord of the manor of Powerscourt; that the lands thus marked f are in the possession of Patrick McMorrogh, Cahir McHugh, Donogh McWilter, Philip McShane, Dermot McMorrogh, Terence Voye, and Machowin Boy, bv agreement, as aforesaid ; those marked thus J are in the possession of Donald Ballach, Maurice Boye, Edward McShane, Gerald McShane, Terence McGilpatrick, Cahir McGerald, Terence Bane, Terence Duffy, and Donell McGilpatricke, by agreement. That as to the bounds of Fercolin, the Jury refers to letters of Henrv VITL, and of the Privy Council of Ireland, dated 23 Jan. 32nd of his reign. Petition of Tirlagh McGilpatricke and others against the preceding return. Answer of the Commissioners to the foregoing petition. Depositions of witnesses examined on interrogatories arising out of said Petition. Writ to secure Sir Richard Wingefield, Knt., in the quiet possession of the Mannester.
Amongst the Chancery Inquisitions for the county of Wicklow1 we find the following in the 9th James I..:—
Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 104
As the companion tells it
You're coming through Newcastle, where in March 1610 a jury sat to settle the bounds of the Manor of Powerscourt. Commissioners Robert Reade and Robert Caddell had been directed to take the inquisition, and the jury laid out the manor's reach across a long list of plains and hamlets, from Powerscourt itself through Kilmullin, Kilpeter, Kilcolin, Ballycortell, Kilgarran, Cookestown, and many more. The jurors found that several of these lands were held by various people under agreements made with Phelomy O'Toole, lately lord of the manor. Others were in the hands of named men like Patrick McMorrogh, Cahir McHugh, and Donogh McWilter, again by agreement with O'Toole. The bounds of Fercolin were referred back to letters of Henry the Eighth and the Privy Council of Ireland. A man named Tirlagh McGilpatricke and others petitioned against the jury's return, which brought depositions from witnesses and a formal answer from the commissioners. A writ went out to secure Sir Richard Wingfield in quiet possession of the Mannester.
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Sale of Benburb Manor to Sir James Bruce
Benburb · townland · Tyrone
The manor of Benburb in County Tyrone was held by the Wingfields until it was sold to Sir James Bruce of Belfast.
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The manor of Benburb, co. Tyrone, was also held by the Wingfields until I sold it to Sir James Bruce of Belfast.
IV.— ACT OF SETTLEMENT: GRANT OF LANDS IN COUNTY
Internet Archive descriptionhisto00powe, Chapter 116
This book is in the public domain; how the books' rights are judged. The passages are quoted as the scan has them, spelling and all; a story's place is the gazetteer's best reading of the text and can be wrong.