Ecclesiastical antiquities of Down, Connor, and Dromore, consisting of a taxation of those dioceses, compiled in the year MCCCVI.; with notes and illustrations

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

1. Slaying of Shane O'Neill at Ballyteerim

   Ballyteerim · townland · Antrim · 1567

   Norden's Map notes that Shane O'Neill was slain here in 1567 near Cushendun Bay, an event also recorded by the Four Masters, with local tradition placing a single combat between O'Neill and Mac Donnell at a nearby mound called Cruik-na-Dhuine.

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   Papers, this townland is called " Balle Teraine", and it is added " Here Shane ONeale was slayne". — (Vol. ii.) The occurrence alluded to took place in 1567, and the Four Masters have preserved an account of it. The bay is called by them 6un-abann-t)u me, ' the foot, or mouth, of the river Dun', Avhich is now changed to Cop-abann-Oinne, having the same meaning. The river Dun rises on the S. W. side of Trostan, and flows in a direction N. E., giving name to the beautiful valley of Glen-Dun. In the townland Cushendun, which is separated from Ballyteerim by only two A'ery narrow townlands, originally quarter-lands, is a small mound called Cruik-na-Dhmne, where, according to local tradition, O Neill and Mac Donnell fought in single combat. This mound is beside the new church.

   13. Killnacrumbagh A short distance north of the last, in the townland Augh-

   Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 42

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here, Shane O'Neill was slain in 1567. Norden's map marks this place, calling it Balle Teraine, and adds the words, "Here Shane ONeale was slayne." The Four Masters preserved their own account of the killing. They called the bay the foot, or mouth, of the river Dun, a name now changed to Cop-abann-Dunne with the same meaning. That river rises on the south-west side of Trostan and flows north-east, giving its name to the valley of Glen-Dun. Close to Ballyteerim, in the neighbouring land of Cushendun, separated only by two narrow divisions, stands a small mound called Cruik-na-Dhuine. Local tradition says that O'Neill and Mac Donnell fought there in single combat. The mound stands beside the new church.

2. Beheading of a Mac Quillin at Loughlynch island

   Loughlynch · townland · Antrim

   Tradition relates that after the battle of Orra a Mac Quillin fled to the island in Loughlynch, was pursued by Owen Gar Magee, an adherent of Mac Donnell, who swam across, overcame him after a violent struggle, and cut off his head; the body was said to be buried on the spot with a cairn raised over it.

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   and a-half, and divided between the townlands Loughlynch and Upper Glassaneeran ; but it is now drained, and the island which was in the middle of it is accessible by dry ground. The Four Masters relate that Inip-loca-leirmnpi in the Route was taken by ODonnell from Mac Quillin in 1544. Hither it is said that one of the Mac Quillins tied after the battle of Orra, and that one Owen Gar Magee, an adherent of Mac Donnell, having pursued him, swam across to the island, and, after a violent struggle, overcame him, and cut oflf his head. Tradition states that the body was buried on the spot, and a earn raised over it.

   In the townland Moycraig there was formerly a little burial-groiind ; and in Lower Ballynarry, over the Bush, one called Killreda.

   Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 43

   As the companion tells it

   Close to Loughlynch, there was once a lough with an island in its middle. The lough is drained now, and the island can be reached on dry ground. Tradition says that after the battle of Orra, one of the Mac Quillins fled to that island. A man named Owen Gar Magee, who followed Mac Donnell, pursued him. He swam across to the island, and after a violent struggle overcame him and cut off his head. The body was buried on the spot, and a cairn was raised over it. The Four Masters record that this place, called Inip-loca-leirmnpi in the Route, was taken by O'Donnell from Mac Quillin in 1544.

3. Massacre at Ardglass during Mass moves parish church into town

   Ardglass · townland · Down

   Woodkerne of McCartan's country attacked the inhabitants of Ardglass while they were at Mass, killing them all; as a result the parish church was subsequently relocated within the town walls for safety.

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   the clear. It appears to have been originally the parish church of Ardglass ; and its name is frequently found as an 'alias' for Ardglass. " Ecclesia de Ardglass alias Artnell. It was changed, for that the woodkern of M'^Cartenes country upon a time when the inhabitants of Ardglass were at Mass, killed them all; thereupon it was brought within the towne ". — Terrier ; Harris, Down, p. 23. A. D. 141 3, Richard Canlan, from the diocese of Meath, was presented to the rectory ' Sancti Nicholai

   former. — Cal. Cane. Hib., vol. i. p. 125.

   Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 4

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere close to Ardglass stood the original parish church, known also as Ecclesia de Ardglass alias Artnell. The woodkerne of McCartan's country came upon the inhabitants while they were at Mass and killed them all. After that, the church was brought within the town for safety. Richard Canlan, from the diocese of Meath, was presented to the rectory of Sancti Nicholai. The record comes from a terrier cited by Harris.

4. Destruction of Dundesert Church in the 1641 Rebellion

   Dundesert · townland · Antrim · 1641

   The ancient church and cashel at Dundesert was destroyed, reputedly burned by the army to drive out rebels who had fortified themselves there during the 1641 rebellion. Excavations later found skeletons in oak coffins, others without coffins scattered in the church and windows, along with a cannon-ball that had struck a stone before entering the building, suggesting the structure was destroyed upon people inside.

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   having got possession in one night of many of them, and having fortified themselves, it was necessary for the army to burn these edifices before they could be driven out"." With this statement agrees, in the main, a description of the premises which was given to the Editor on the spot, in May, 1 845. In a field called the Church- field, which is now as even as if it had never been disturbed by any other instrument than the plough, there was, until about sixty years ago, a space of nearly four Irish acres, enclosed by a large and nearly-circular fosse. This trench was of about the breadth of a moderate road ; and the earth which had been cleared out of it was banked up inside as a ditch, carrying up the slope to about the height of sixteen or twenty feet from the bottom. The whole face of the slope was covered with large stones, embedded in the earth. Concentric with this enclosure, and at about the interval of seven yards, was another fosse, having a rampart on the inner side, similarly constructed; and on the area enclosed by this stood the church, east and west, ninety feet long, and thirty wide. The ruined walls were about six feet high, and five thick. The burial ground was principally at the east end of the building, and the whole space outside the walls was covered with loose stones. The two entrances, as described above, were of about the same breadth as the fosse, and were paved with large flat stones, but they had no remains of a gateway. Pieces of stained glass, coins of the Edwards, oak boards, large iron handles, stone hatchets, a small bell, and three stone basons, one of them perforated, were found within this space. With considerable difficulty all the stones were cleared away, and with them the mill and houses of Dundesert were built, while the trenches were filled up, and every trace of the cashel and church as completely obliterated as the most fastidious ploughman could desire.

   Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 16

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here, close to Dundesert, there was once an ancient church inside a great stone cashel. In the 1641 rebellion, rebels fortified themselves in churches like this one, and the army had to burn these edifices before they could be driven out. The church was destroyed with people still inside. A description given on the spot tells what stood here. A field called the Church-field held a space of nearly four Irish acres, enclosed by a large and nearly-circular fosse. The trench was about the breadth of a moderate road, the earth banked up inside as a ditch, the slope rising about sixteen or twenty feet from the bottom and covered with large stones. About seven yards out ran a second fosse with a rampart on its inner side, similarly built. On the area within stood the church, east and west, ninety feet long and thirty wide. The ruined walls were about six feet high and five thick. The burial ground was principally at the east end, and the space outside the walls was covered with loose stones. The two entrances were about the same breadth as the fosse, paved with large flat stones, but had no gateway remains. Inside were found pieces of stained glass, coins of the Edwards, oak boards, large iron handles, stone hatchets, a small bell, and three stone basins, one of them perforated. Excavations found skeletons in oak coffins. Others lay scattered in the church and the windows without coffins. A cannon-ball had struck a stone before entering the building. All the stones were cleared away, and the mill and houses of Dundesert were built from them. The trenches were filled in, and every trace of the cashel and church was completely obliterated.

5. Martyrdom of Abbot Blaithmac at Hy

   Iona · island or archipelago · 824

   When the Danes raided Hy (Iona) in 824, they demanded the abbot Blaithmac hand over the precious metal shrine containing St. Columba's bones; he refused and was killed in a violent massacre described in a metrical account by Walafridus Strabo.

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   " Ecce furens maledicta cohors per aperta ruebat Tecta viris minitando pericula sasva beatis Et reliquis rabida sociis feritate peremptis. Ad sanctum venere patrem, pretiosa metalla Reddere cogentes, quels sancta Columbge ■ Ossa jacent, quam quippe suis de sedibus arcam ToUentes tumulo terra posuere cavato, Cespite sub dense gnari jam pestis iniquce.

   Hanc prsedam cupiere Dani".

   Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 31

   As the companion tells it

   This is Iona. In 824 the Danes came raiding. They rushed through the dwellings and killed. They came to Abbot Blaithmac and demanded he surrender the precious shrine holding Saint Columba's bones. He refused. They killed him. Walafridus Strabo told it in verse. His words for the Danes: they sought this prize.

6. Mermaid reportedly caught off Island Magee

   near Island Magee · parish · Antrim

   A local legend held that a mermaid had been taken in the waters off Island Magee, and within living memory of the author a large company travelled all the way from Belfast to see the creature. The author speculates the sighting may have actually been a seal.

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   toris Comgalli Benchorensis". It need not seem strange that a story like this should have found its way into so faithful a record as the Annals of Tigernach, inasmuch as the existence of the mermaid was strongly believed by the ancients. Nay, it is not twenty years since, in this age of light, a large company travelled all the way from Belfast to this neighbourhood, to see a mermaid which was reported to have been taken in Island Magee ! A seal,

   2 M or

   Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 38

   As the companion tells it

   Island Magee is the parish you are passing through or near. A story took hold that a mermaid had been taken in its waters. Within the last twenty years before the author wrote, a large company travelled all the way from Belfast to this neighbourhood to see the creature. The author thought it may have been a seal. The story had found its way into the Annals of Tigernach, a faithful record, because the ancients strongly believed in the existence of mermaids.

7. St Bernard's damning account of Malachi's barbarous Connor diocese

   Connor · townland · Antrim · 1124–1140

   St Bernard describes the diocese of Connor as being populated by people who were Christian in name only, pagan in reality — failing to pay tithes, marry lawfully, confess sins, or attend church — until Malachi's reforms gradually civilised them.

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   " Vacabat tunc teraporis Episcopalis sedes in una civitatum, et jam diu vacarat, Malachia nolente assentire, siquidem ipsum elegerant. Persistentibus tamen illis tandem aliquando cessit, accedente ad vim faciendam mandate magistri sui, nee non et Metropolitani. Tricesimo ferme a^tatis sua? anno Malachias consecratus Episcopus introducitur Cormereth ; hoc nomen civitatis. Cum autem coepisset pro officio suo agere, tunc intellexit homo Dei non ad homines se, sed ad bestias destinatum. Nusquam adhuc tales expertus fuerat in quantacunquc barbaric. Nusquam repererat sic protervos ad mores, sic feralcs ad ritus, sic ad fidem impios, ad leges barbaros, ccrvicosos ad disciplinam, spurcos ad vitam. Christiani nomine, re pagani. Non decimas, non primitatis dare, non legitima inire conjugia, non facere confessiones : poenitentias nee qui peteret, nee qui daret penitus invcniri. Ministri altaris pauci admodum erant. Sed enim quid opus pluribus, ubi ijisa paucitas inter laicos propemodum otiosa vacaret ? Non erat quod de suis fructificarent officiis in populo nequara. Nee enim in Ecclesiis aut praidicantis vox aut cantantis audiebatur. Quid faceret athleta Domini? Aut cedendum turpiter, aut periculose certandum, sed qui se pastorem non mercenarium agnoscebat, elegit stare quam fugere, paratus et animam suam dare pro ovibus si oportuerit. Et quanquam omnes lupi, et oves nulla3, stetit in medio luporum pastor intrepidus, omnimodis argumentosus quomodo faceret oves de lupis. Movere communiter, secreto arguere, flere per singulos : nunc aspere, nunc leniter convenire, prout cuique expedire videbat. In quibus per hsec minus profecisset, cor contritum et humiliatum offerebat pro eis. Quotiens noctas totes pervigiles duxit, extendens manus in oratione. Et cum venire ad Ecclesiam nollcnt, per vicos et plateas occurrrebat invitis, et circiiiens civitatem pcrquirebat anhelus (|uem Christo acquirerct. Sed et foris rura et oppida nihilominus sa?pius percurrcbat cum sancto illo comitatu discipulorum suoriun, qui nun quam deerant lateri ejus. Ibat et erogabat vel ingratis coelestis tritici mensuram. Ncc vehebatur equo, sed pedes ibat, et in hoc virum se Apostolicum probans, Jesu bone, quanta passus est pro nomine tuo bellator tuus a filiis sceleratis? quanta sustinuit ab iis ipsis, quibus, et pro quibus loquebatur bona tibi ? Quis digne exprimat in quantis vexatus, quibus alFectus sit contumeliis, quibus iujuriislacessitus, quotiens lassatus inedia, quotiens afflictus in frigore et nuditate? Attamen cum iis,

   Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 35

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere close to Connor, Malachi became bishop around the year 1124, when he was about 30 years old. The seat had been vacant for a long time. He had not wanted it, but the people persisted, and his master and the Metropolitan urged him, so at last he accepted. When he began his work, he understood that he had been sent not to men but to beasts. He had never met such barbarity. He found people stubborn in customs, savage in rites, impious in faith, lawless, resistant to discipline, foul in life. They were Christian in name, pagan in reality. They did not pay tithes or give first fruits. They did not enter lawful marriages. They did not confess their sins. No one could be found to ask for penance or to give it. Ministers of the altar were very few, and even those few had almost nothing to do among the people. No voice of preaching or singing was heard in the churches. He chose to stand and fight rather than flee. He addressed the people together, reproved them privately, wept over each one. Sometimes he spoke harshly, sometimes gently. For those who did not respond, he offered a broken and humbled heart. He spent whole nights awake, his hands stretched in prayer. When they would not come to church, he went out into the streets and squares to meet them, searching the city for anyone he could win for Christ. He walked on foot, never riding a horse, proving himself an apostolic man. He suffered contempt and injury from the very people he spoke to and for. He endured hunger, cold, and nakedness again and again. Yet he stayed among them.

8. St. Patrick's burial and death at Saul

   Saul · townland · Down · 493

   St. Patrick died having spent his latter days at Saul, with St. Thassach remaining after him as Bishop of Rathcolpa (Raholp); the tradition of St. Patrick's burial at Downpatrick is discussed as underpinning the church's founding.

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   JEj. C. 493, St. Patrick died, having spent his latter days at Saul. St. Thas-

   sach remained after him, as Bishop of Eath-colpa [Kaholp]. M. C. 496, Mochay, of Nendrum. M. C. 513, Mac Nissi, of Connor. M. C. 537, Lughadh, of Connor. M. C. 540, Colman, of Dromore. M. C. 560, Carbreus, of Cuilrathen [Coleraine]. M. C. 572, Finnian, of Maghbile [Moville]. M. C. 583, Fergus, of Drumlethglas [Down]. yE. C. 590, Conallus, of Cuilrathen [Coleraine]. M. C. 602, Sinell, of Maghbile. M. C. 617, Eogan, of Rath Sithe [Rashee]. ^. C. 618, Sillan, of Maghbile. iE. C. 638, Critan, of Nendrum. jE. C. 642, Cronan Beg, of Nendrum. M. C. 658, Dima Duff, of Connor. M. C. 658, Cummine, of Nendrum. M. C. 673, Morand, of Nendrum. jE. C. 691, O'Dreini, of Maghbile. jE. C. 725, Dochonna, of Connor. M. C. 730, Oegetchar, of Nendrum. M. C. 734, Flann Mac Cellach, of Rechrann [Rathlin]. M. C. 803, Tomas, of Linduachail [Magheralin]. M. C. 810, Bishop of Bangor slain. M. C. 823, Subhne Mac Fergus, of Dunlethglas [Down]. M. C. 865, Oegetchair, of Connor. ^. C. 871, Colman, of Nendrum. ^. C. 927, Celedabhall, of Bangor. ^. C. 951, Duibhinnsi, of Bangor. ^. C. 954, Gaeitheine, of Dunlethglas [Down]. M. C. 962, Finghin, of Dunlethglas [Down]. M. C. 972, Maolbrigid Mac Cathasaigh, of Dromore. M. C. 1016, Dermot 0 Maoiltealcha, of Bangor. ^. C. 1038, Cuinden, of Connor. M. C. 1043, Flaithbertach, of Dunlethglas [Down]. M. C. 1086, Maolcevin, of Ulidia [Down].

   Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 9

   As the companion tells it

   Close to Saul, in the year 493, St. Patrick died. He had spent his latter days here. After him, St. Thassach remained as Bishop of Rathcolpa, the place called Raholp. The record gives only these facts: the year, the place, and the man who carried on after. What the book sets down beyond this is a long succession of other names and dates across Down, Connor, and Dromore, men and years that stretch on for centuries after Patrick, but they carry no story of Saul itself.

9. Bissets flee to the Glynns after the murder of Patrick of Galloway

   Glens of Antrim · valley · Antrim · 1242

   Patrick, son of Thomas of Galloway, was murdered in his bed-chamber at Haddington in 1242 by the Bissets, who afterwards fled from Scotland and took refuge in the Glynns of Antrim, where they obtained a settlement under the Earl of Ulster.

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   Alan of Galloway died in 1234, and Patrick, son of Thomas of Galloway, was murdered in his bed-chamber at Haddington, in 1242, by the Bissets, who, after this deed, fled from Scotland, and took refuge in the Glynns of Antrim, where they obtained a settlement under the Earl of Ulster". In 1279 i* ^^^ found by Inquisition that John Byset, son and heir of John, held, in capite, of Eichard de Burgo, son of Walter, the following lands in the Glynns: Drouach [Droagh], Villa trium fontium [i. e. 6aile na o-cpi b-cobap, now Ballytobber], Villa Hacket [Ballyhackett], Carlcastel [Carncastle], Carkemachan [Corkermain], in the modern parish of Carncastle ; also Psallor [Solar], Glenharm [Glenarm], Glenclene [Glencloy], Glenarthac [GlenarifF], Catherich [Gary], and Racry [Rathlin]. From the first John the family in aftertimes received the patronymic Mac Eoin, i. e. 'son of John', and the Four Masters style them Mac Eoin Bisset, or simply Mac Eoin. — (A. D. 1383, 1387, 1422, 1495, 15 12.) In the State Papers " FytzJokn Byssede of the Glynnes" is represented as one of the " great Englyshe rebelles of Wolster". — (Vol. ii. p. 7.) In another place his territory is styled the " Baronye of the Glynnes". — (lb., p. 27.)

   But besides the Glynns a considerable portion of the Route was attached to the Earldom of Ulster, as appears from the Inquisition taken on the death of William de Burgo, in 1333, concerning his possessions in the " Comitatus de Coulrath". It was then found that he held the following lands: Loganton [Ballylagan], Erthermoy

   Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 53

   As the companion tells it

   The Glens of Antrim became a refuge for men running from murder. In 1242, Patrick, son of Thomas of Galloway, was killed in his bed-chamber at Haddington. The killers were the Bissets. After the deed they fled from Scotland and took refuge here in the Glynns, where they obtained a settlement under the Earl of Ulster. They held on. By 1279 an inquisition found that John Byset, son and heir of John, held a string of lands in the Glynns from Richard de Burgo, son of Walter. The lands ran from Droagh, Ballytobber, and Ballyhackett to Carncastle and Corkermain in the modern parish of Carncastle, and further to Solar, Glenarm, Glencloy, Glenariff, Cary, and Rathlin. From that first John the family took the patronymic Mac Eoin, meaning son of John. The Four Masters style them Mac Eoin Bisset, or simply Mac Eoin. In the State Papers, FytzJokn Byssede of the Glynnes is named among the "great Englyshe rebelles of Wolster," and his lands are called the "Baronye of the Glynnes."

10. Bishop of Connor flees to Carrickfergus during Bruce's invasion

    Carrickfergus · townland · Antrim · 1315

    During Edward Bruce's invasion in 1315, Connor was a wealthy episcopal town taken by the Scots. The bishop fled to the castle of Carrickfergus for safety, and as a result his bishopric was placed under an interdict.

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    Grace and Pembridge relate that on this occasion the bishop fled to the castle of Carrickfergus, and his bishopric was put under an interdict. His residence was probably the castle, a portion of the outworks of which remain within the glebe. In 1434 the Bishop of Connor was resident at Carrickfergus (Reg. Swayne, p. 81.)

    u.

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 38

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Carrickfergus, in 1315, the Bishop of Connor fled to the castle here when Edward Bruce and the Scots took the wealthy episcopal town of Connor. His bishopric was put under an interdict. His residence was probably the castle itself. In 1434 the Bishop of Connor was still resident at Carrickfergus.

11. Burial of Fothadh Airgtheach at the battle of Ollarba

    near Larne · town · Antrim · 285

    Fothadh Airgtheach, a former monarch of Ireland, was slain by Caoilte at the battle of Ollarba in Line. The Leabhar na h-Uidhre describes his burial place in detail: a stone chest in the earth containing his silver rings, bracelets and torque, with a cairn and an inscribed ogham pillar stone marking the grave.

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    TIC, acuf a Di bunne ooac, acup a mum- There is a chest of stone about him in the

    cope apjic pop a compaip ; acup acd earth. There are his two rings of silver,

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 38

    As the companion tells it

    In the year 285, Fothadh Airgtheach, once monarch of Ireland, was slain by Caoilte at the battle of Ollarba. The road takes you near Larne, where he lies buried. There is a stone chest about him in the earth, with his two silver rings, his bracelets, and his torque. A cairn and an ogham pillar mark the grave.

12. Liban transformed into a salmon and caught near Larne

    near Larne · town · Antrim

    After a year submerged beneath Lough Neagh, Liban was changed into a salmon and traversed the seas until, three hundred years later, she was caught in a net at Inbher Ollarba (Larne) and baptized by St Comgall as Muirgen.

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    they heard the celebration of angels beneath the boat. Liban, thereupon, addressed them, and stated that she had been 300 years [500 ?] under the sea, adding that she would proceed westward and meet Beoan, that day twelvemonths, at Inhher OUarha [Lame, see p. 264], whitlier the saints of Dala-

    raidhe, with Conighall, were to resort. Beoan, on his return, related what had occurred, and, at the stated time, the nets were set, and she was cauglit in the net of Fergus of Miliuc ; upon which she was brought to land, and crowds came to witness the sight, among whom was the Chief of Vi Conai/icf.

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 65

    As the companion tells it

    Near the town of Larne is the story of Liban. After a year beneath Lough Neagh she was changed into a salmon and traversed the seas. She told those who heard angels singing beneath their boat that she had been 300 years under the sea, and would meet Beoan at Inbher Ollarba, that day twelvemonths. The saints of Dal-raidhe with Comgall were to gather there. Beoan returned and told what had happened. At the stated time the nets were set, and she was caught in the net of Fergus of Miliuc. Crowds came to see, among them the Chief of Ui Conaill. Comgall baptized her as Muirgen.

13. Viking earl defeated at Ulfreksfiord near Larne

    near Larne Lough · estuary · Antrim · 1018

    According to the Norse chronicler Snorro, in 1018 Einar Jarl, son of Sigurd, Earl of Orkney, led a piratical expedition to Ireland and engaged a king of Ireland in the bay called Ulfreksfiord, identified with Larne Lough, but was defeated and retreated with heavy losses.

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    The harbour of Larne has had a great variety of names. Snorro relates that in 1 01 8 Einar Jarl, son of Sigurd, Earl of the Orkneys, sailed on a piratical expedition to Ireland, and that having encountered Konofogor [Connor?], King of Ireland, i VIfreksjirdi, 'in the bay Ulfreksfiord', he was defeated, and retired with loss (Johnstone, Ant, Celt. Scan., p. 157.)

    A. D. 1 2 10, July 26, King John being at Carrickfergus granted to Duncan Fitz Gilbert, and his heirs, the town of Widfridiford, and all the land from Wulfrichford to Glynarm, containing fifty plowlands. Witnesses: the Bishop of Norwich, John de Courcy, &c. — (Cal. Cane. Ilib., vol. ii. p. 354.) An Inspeximus of this grant recites that these fifty carucates were in Widvricheford, Inverth [Inver], et Glivarn [Glenarm]. (Rot. CI. 3 Hen. III., Hardy E. C, p. 402 b.)

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 38

    As the companion tells it

    Larne Lough has carried many names. The Norse chronicler Snorro tells of one of them. In 1018, Einar Jarl, son of Sigurd, Earl of Orkney, sailed on a piratical expedition to Ireland. He encountered Konofogor, King of Ireland, in the bay called Ulfreksfiord, identified with this lough. There he was defeated, and retired with loss. That is all Snorro gives us. A Viking earl from the Orkneys came seeking plunder, met a king of Ireland in these waters, and left beaten, his forces cut down. The bay kept its name long after. King John, at Carrickfergus, later granted the town he called Widfridiford and all the land from there to Glenarm, fifty plowlands, to Duncan Fitz Gilbert and his heirs. But that was a different age. The name Ulfreksfiord is what ties this lough to Einar Jarl and his defeat.

14. Death of Donnell Mac Loughlin, King of Ireland

    Derry · street · Tipperary · 1121

    The Four Masters record the death of Donnell Mac Loughlin, described as the most distinguished of the Irish for personal form and nobility, at Derry-Columbkille. This entry is used to help date the bell-shrine inscription to before 1121.

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    Though undated, the inscription possesses two historical notes by which its age can be ascertained with considerable precision. The Four Masters, at the 3'ear 1121, record the death of the person first named in the above recital, in the following terms : " Donnell, the son of Ardgar Mac Loughlin, monarch of Ireland, the most distinguished of the Irish for personal form, nobility of birth, wisdom, feats of arms, wealth, and prosperity, for bestowing riches and food, died at Derry-Columbkille, in the 38th year of his reign and 77th of his age, &c." This fixes the date between the years 1083 and 1 121, The other note limits the date to a narrower period. A. D. 1091, " Maoiliosa, cowarba of Patrick [i. e. Archbishop of Armagh], died in penitence on the 20th of December, and Domlui all Mac Amhalgadha [MacAuly] w^as immediately chosen to the abbacy in his room". Again, A. D. 1105, " Domhnall Mac Amhalgadha, chief comarba of Patrick, went to Dublin to establish peace between Domhnall Ua Lochlainn and Muircertach O Brian, where he was seized by a deadly disease. He was afterwards conveyed to the cathedral of Armagh, and there he breathed his last, on the 1 2 th of August," &c.

    Thus it is determined that this inscription belongs to one of the fourteen years immediately siicceeding 1091. At that early period Cathalan O Maelchallan was keeper of this bell, agreeably to the custom of the country, which vested the custody of venerated relics in particular families, and associated with the keeping certain emoluments or immunities. In the middle of the fourteenth century, however, this relic, according to the Four Masters, was in the hands of another family. At the year 1356 they have the following entry : —

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 62

    As the companion tells it

    This is the place of the death of Donnell Mac Loughlin, monarch of Ireland. The Four Masters record it at the year 1121. Donnell was the son of Ardgar Mac Loughlin. The annalists describe him as "the most distinguished of the Irish for personal form, nobility of birth, wisdom, feats of arms, wealth, and prosperity, for bestowing riches and food." He died at Derry-Columbkille, in the 38th year of his reign and the 77th of his age. His death helps date an inscription on a bell-shrine. The person first named in that inscription is Donnell, and since he died in 1121, the inscription must belong to the years before that. A second note narrows the date further. In 1091, Maoilissa, comarba of Patrick, Archbishop of Armagh, died in penitence on the 20th of December, and Domhnall Mac Amhalgadha, called MacAuly, was immediately chosen to the abbacy. In 1105, Domhnall Mac Amhalgadha, chief comarba of Patrick, went to Dublin to establish peace between Domhnall Ua Lochlainn and Muircertach O Brian. There he was seized by a deadly disease, conveyed to the cathedral of Armagh, and died on the 12th of August. These two notes together place the inscription within the fourteen years immediately after 1091. At that time, Cathalan O Maelchallan was keeper of the bell. The custom of the country vested the custody of venerated relics in particular families, with certain emoluments or immunities attached. By 1356, according to the Four Masters, the relic had passed into the hands of another family.

15. Sorley Boy's flight to Glenconkeine in Ballynascreen

    near Ballynascreen · parish · Derry · 1584

    When Sir John Perrot captured Dunluce Castle in 1584, Somhairle Buidhe (Sorley Boy) Mac Donnell fled with all his valuables to the fastnesses of Glen-Chon-Cadhan in Ballynascreen, County Derry, seeking refuge from the Lord Deputy's forces.

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    the Route, about the year 1554, and even established himself in Mac Quillin's fortress of Dunluce. In the enjoyment of his newly acquired territory he continued till 1584, when, having learned that the new Lord Deputy had received instructions to drive him back to his native land, and restore the Eoute to its lawful proprietor, he invited over to his aid a large body of Scotch, who, on their arrival, commenced to lay the country waste. Whereupon Sir John Perrot, the Lord Deputy, set out upon an expedition against the refractory intruder, and made himself master of Dunluce, the only fortress which Somhairle had left in a posture of defence when he fled with all his valuables to the fastnesses of Glen-Chon-Cadhan, in Ballynascreen*, in the county of Derry. Having subsequently submitted to the Queen", he obtained a pardon in 1586, and received a grant of four tuoghs or districts in the Route; namely, The Tuogli from the Boi/s [River Bush] to the Ban ; Donseverig ; Loghill; andi Balla-mongn, together with the government of Donluse Castle. His wife M^as Mary, daughter of Con ONeill, Earl of Tyrone; and her death is recorded by the Four Masters at 1582. Somhairle died in 1599, and was succeeded by his son Randal, who also married an ONeill, namely, Ellice, sister of Hugh, last Earl of Tyrone'. Having evinced a loyal disposition*, he received from James L, in 1603, a plenary grant of the Route and Glynnes, a tract of country extending, according to the popular expression, " from the Cutts of Coleraine to the Curran of Larne". This vast territory was at the time subdivided

    into

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 53

    As the companion tells it

    This is the parish of Ballynascreen. In 1584 it became the hiding place of Sorley Boy Mac Donnell. He had taken hold of Dunluce Castle years before, around 1554, and held it as his fortress on the Route. When word came that the new Lord Deputy had orders to drive him back to his native land and restore the Route to its lawful owner, Sorley Boy called over a large body of Scotch from across the water, and they began to lay the country waste. Sir John Perrot, the Lord Deputy, answered that by marching on Dunluce and taking it. Sorley Boy had left only that one fortress in a posture of defence, and he himself was already gone. He fled with all his valuables to the fastnesses of Glen-Chon-Cadhan, here in Ballynascreen in the county of Derry. He did not stay hidden forever. He submitted to the Queen and obtained a pardon in 1586, and received a grant of four districts in the Route, along with the government of Dunluce Castle. His wife was Mary, daughter of Con O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone, whose death the Four Masters record at 1582. Sorley Boy died in 1599, and his son Randal succeeded him. Randal married Ellice, sister of Hugh, the last Earl of Tyrone, and in 1603 received from James I a plenary grant of the Route and Glynnes, a tract of country running, as the saying went, from the Cutts of Coleraine to the Curran of Larne.

16. Bangor sacked, shrine broken, clergy slain by Danes

    near Bangor · town · Down · 810

    The Danes wasted Bangor abbey, broke open the shrine of St. Comgall, and put its learned men and bishops to the sword. Keating's account confirms the bishop and learned men were slain and the shrine desecrated.

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    J£i. C. 810, " Inopet) 6enncoip o^encib, 7 pcpm Chomjaill do bpipiuD ooib, 7 a puib, 7 a eppcoip do recc po gin claicib". " Bangor wasted by the Danes, and the shrine of Comgall broken open by them, and its learned men and bishops were smitten with the sword®". The same occurrence is thus related by Keating: — " t)o h-oipgioD 6eanncop Ulao, 7 do mapbao a h-eappoj, 7 a oaoine

    pojlamra leo, amaiUe pe Sjpm Chomjaill do bpipoo ooib"

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev

    As the companion tells it

    In the year 810 the Danes wasted Bangor. They broke open the shrine of Comgall and put its learned men and bishops to the sword. Keating tells it the same way. Bangor of Ulster was plundered, he says, and its bishop and its learned men were slain, and the shrine of Comgall was broken open by them.

17. Burial of Hugh de Lacy at Carrickfergus Friary

    Carrickfergus · townland · Antrim · 1243

    The Franciscan Friary at Carrickfergus, said to have been founded around 1232, was the burial site of Hugh de Lacy in 1243. The site is now occupied by the county gaol.

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    de Lacy, Avho was buried here in 1243, " apud Cnocfergus in conventu fratrum"

    {Ch-ace, Annal.) The Four Masters, at the year 1497, relate that the monastery of the Friars at Carrickfergus was founded, with consent from Rome, at the request of Niall, son of Con, son of Hugh Buidhe ONeill, for the use of Friars Minor de Observantia, and that sixteen friars of the fraternity of Donegal, with a superior, took possession of it. The site is now occupied by the county gaol. In the Stowe Library is a volume of fifty-two pages, which was transcribed from an ancient MS. belonging to this house; it contains the lives of sixteen saints, and is written in the Irish language ; and at the end is the subscription: " Fr. Bonaventura Mac Dool Guardianus de Carrickfergus, theologia; lector" — (O Conor, Stowe Catalogue, vol. i. p. 158.)

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 41

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here stood the Franciscan friary of Carrickfergus. Hugh de Lacy was buried here in 1243, as the annals record, "apud Cnocfergus in conventu fratrum" — in the friars' convent. The friary is said to have been founded around 1232. The Four Masters, at the year 1497, relate that the monastery was founded with consent from Rome, at the request of Niall, son of Con, son of Hugh Buidhe O'Neill, for Friars Minor de Observantia. 16 friars of the fraternity of Donegal, with a superior, took possession of it. The site is now occupied by the county gaol. A volume of 52 pages survives in the Stowe Library, transcribed from an ancient manuscript belonging to this house, containing the lives of 16 saints in Irish, with the subscription of Friar Bonaventura Mac Dool, Guardian of Carrickfergus, lector of theology.

18. Cuuladh defeated at Downpatrick by John de Courcy

    near Downpatrick · town · Down · 1178

    Cuuladh, son of Donnsleibhe, was defeated at Downpatrick by the Anglo-Norman knight John de Courcy in 1178, marking the beginning of Norman conquest of Ulster.

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    66. Cuuladh, son of Donnsleibhe, defeated at Downpatrick by John de Courcy A. D.

    1178.

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 60

    As the companion tells it

    Downpatrick. In 1178, Cuuladh, son of Donnsleibhe, was defeated here by John de Courcy, the Anglo-Norman knight. It marked the beginning of the Norman conquest of Ulster.

19. Death of King Dermot at Rath-beg and burial of his body at Connor

    Connor · townland · Antrim · 558

    Dermot, son of Fergus Cerrbeoll, King of Ireland, was slain by Aodh Dubh, King of Dalaradia, at Rath-beg in Moy-line; his head was taken to Clonmacnois but his body was buried at Connor.

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    a cenD 50 Cluain mic noip 50 jio habnacr innce, 7 po haonacc a colann hi Ccoinoepe". " After that Dermot, son of Fergus Cerrbeoll, had been twentyyears King of Ireland, he was slain by Aodh Dubh, son of Suibhne, King of Dalaradia, of Eath-beg, in Moy-line. His head was conveyed to Clonmacnois, and interred there, and his body was buried at Connor". "Aldus Niger, Cruthinius gente, qui et Diermitium filium Cerbuill, totius Scotice regnatorem, Deo auctore ordinatum, interfecerat". (^Adamnan, i. c. 36, Trias Thaum., p, 349.) M. C. 612 [617], " Conoepe Dolopccaoh".

    "Connor was burned". ^. C. 658 [659], "DlOmQ Dub eppcop Conoepe oej. an vi. lanuapii",

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 35

    As the companion tells it

    Near here lies the body of Dermot, son of Fergus Cerrbeoll. He had been twenty years King of Ireland when Aodh Dubh, son of Suibhne, King of Dalaradia, slew him at Rath-beg in Moy-line. That was in 558. His head was conveyed to Clonmacnois and interred there. His body was buried at Connor. Adamnan called the killer a Cruithin by birth, and wrote that he had killed Dermot, son of Cerbuill, "totius Scotice regnatorem, Deo auctore ordinatum" — ruler of all Ireland, ordained by God.

20. Destruction of Coleraine's houses and ecclesiastical buildings for castle construction

    near Coleraine · town · Derry · 1213

    In 1213, Thomas MacUchtry and the English of Ulidia pulled down all the houses of the town and all the ecclesiastical buildings of Coleraine in order to build the castle there, likely destroying the ancient abbey.

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    In 12 1 3, according to the Four Masters, Thomas MacUchtry, and the English of Ulidia, pulled down all the houses of the town and all the ecclesiastical buildings, in order to the erection of the castle of Coleraine. On this occasion it is likely that the ancient abbey of Coleraine was demolished. The church, however, escaped, and was probably the bviilding which, in after times, appears under the title of St. Patrick's. — (See above, p. 75.) The site of the abbey is now occupied by the shambles.

    In 1244 a Dominican Friary, called St. Mary's, was founded at Colerane, which subsisted until the general dissolution of religious houses. It is stated to have stood on the west bank of the river. — (Archdall, p. 84.)

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 35

    As the companion tells it

    The town of Coleraine lies along this road. In 1213, according to the Four Masters, Thomas MacUchtry and the English of Ulidia pulled down all the houses of the town and all the ecclesiastical buildings, in order to erect the castle. On this occasion it is likely that the ancient abbey was demolished. The church, however, escaped, and was probably the building which in after times appears under the title of St. Patrick's. The site of the abbey is now occupied by the shambles. In 1244 a Dominican Friary, called St. Mary's, was founded here, which subsisted until the general dissolution of religious houses. It is stated to have stood on the west bank of the river.

21. John de Courcy seizes and rifles the city of Down

    near Downpatrick · town · Down · 1177

    In February 1177 John de Courcy led twenty knights and 300 foot soldiers through Uriel and reached the city of Down, which he took and plundered without resistance.

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    JE. C. 1 177, "In February, 1177, John de Courcy led forth twenty knights and 300 foot soldiers, besides servants, and marching through Uriel [Lowth] in four days (or rather early the fifth), he came to the city of Down, which, without resistance, he took and rifled" (Cox, p. 32.)

    A. D 1226-7, Sixty-two pounds were returned into the Exchequer "de Balliva de LadcatkeV. — (Rot. CI. 1 1 Henry III. m. 24 dors.)

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 23

    As the companion tells it

    Downpatrick is the town the road passes through. In February 1177, John de Courcy led twenty knights and 300 foot soldiers, besides servants, marching through Uriel. In four days, or rather early the fifth, he came to the city of Down. Without resistance, he took and rifled it. In 1226, sixty-two pounds were returned into the Exchequer from the bailiwick.

22. Legend of the drowning of Eochaidh in the eruption of Lough Neagh

    near Lough Neagh · lake or lakes · Antrim

    According to the legend recorded in the Leabhar na h-Uidhre, Eochaidh, from whom Lough Neagh takes its name, was drowned along with all his children except Liban, Conaing, and Curnan when the lake burst forth. Liban survived beneath the waters in her palace for a year before being transformed into a salmon.

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    " Eochaidh, from whom Lough Neagh derives its name, was drowned in its eruption, together with all

    253

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 65

    As the companion tells it

    The road runs near Lough Neagh, which takes its name from Eochaidh. He was drowned when the lake burst forth, according to the Leabhar na h-Uidhre. All his children perished except Liban, Conaing, and Curnan. Liban lived beneath the waters in her palace for a year before being turned into a salmon.

23. Lough Cowey ford where William de Burgo was assassinated

    near Belfast · city · Antrim · 1333

    William de Burgo, Earl of Ulster, was assassinated at 'the Ford' near Belfast in 1333, at a manor he held there with a fortified castle destroyed in an earlier war.

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    Saxon Ford. St. George's Church, in Belfast, occupies the site of an earlier religious edifice, which is represented in an old map of the town, preserved in the Library of Lambeth. Near this was one of the fords by which the Lagan was commonly crossed, which, being the lowest down on the river, and therefore the most convenient for the inhabitants on either side of Belfast Lough, was called, par excellence, the Ford. Thus, "William de Burgo, Earl of Ulster, who was assassinated at this spot, June 6th, 1333, held, at the time of his death, " apud le Ford, manium in quo est unum castrum prostratum per guerram Johannis de Logan ". — Inquis. P. M., 7 Ed. UL No. 39. Tur. Lond. Another ford lay higher up on the river, at Stranmillis (ppuran-milip), and near to it was one of the six chapels of Belfast, called ' Killpatrick de Maloane'. — Terrier.

    ^ Henry'' s-town There is no part of

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 4

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Belfast, you are near a crossing on the Lagan that people once called simply the Ford. It was the lowest ford on the river, the most convenient for those living on either side of Belfast Lough. St. George's Church in Belfast stands where an earlier church stood, one shown on an old map kept in Lambeth Library. It was at this ford that William de Burgo, Earl of Ulster, was assassinated on June 6th, 1333. At the time of his death he held a manor there, and in it was a castle that had been cast down in war by John de Logan. The record of his death calls it the manor at the Ford, with one castle prostrated by war. Another ford lay higher up the river at Stranmillis, and near it stood one of the six chapels of Belfast, called Killpatrick de Maloane.

24. Meriman's slaughter of Sorley Boy's sons and Alexander

    Dunluce · townland · Antrim · 1585

    The deputy sent Meriman, an experienced officer, against Sorley Boy Mac Donnell; Meriman slew the two sons of James Mac Conell and Sorley Boy's own son Alexander, harassing him and driving off his cattle, forcing his eventual surrender of Dunluce.

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    " " Nest year [1585], however, he recovered it by treacherj', having slain the governor Gary, who made a brave defence. But the deputy sending against him Meriman, an experienced otlicer, who slew here the two sons of James Mac Conell [Donell], and Surlej' Boy's son Alexander, so harassed him, and drove off his cattle, which were his only wealth (he having 50,000 cows of his o-wn), that Surley Boy surrendered Donluse, went to Dublin, and in the cathedral made his public submission, presenting an humble petition for mercy" — (Camden's Britannia, vol. iv. p. 431, Ed. Gough, Lond. 1806.)

    " Archdall's Lodge, vol. i. p. 207.

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 53

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Dunluce, in 1585, Sorley Boy Mac Donnell had recovered the place by treachery, having slain the governor Gary, who made a brave defence. The deputy sent Meriman, an experienced officer, against him. Here Meriman slew the two sons of James Mac Conell and Sorley Boy's own son Alexander. He so harassed Sorley Boy and drove off his cattle, which were his only wealth — he had 50,000 cows of his own — that Sorley Boy surrendered. He went to Dublin and in the cathedral made his public submission, presenting a humble petition for mercy.

25. St Comgall expelled from Rathlin by armed men

    near Rathlin Island · island or archipelago · Antrim · 550–560

    When St Comgall wished to build a cell on the island of Rechrann (now Rathlin), thirty soldiers seized his hand and forcibly expelled him from the island.

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    -wliich is now called Rathlin. " Cum sanctus Comgallus cellam voluisset a^dificare in insula nomine Reachrain [Reachraynd — Cod. Kilken.'], venerunt triginta milites et tenentes manum ejus, eum inde expulerunt" — (Fleming, Collect., p. 311, col. 2; Cod. Kilken., fol. 93 b, c. i, 1. 44.) The island was also visited by St. Columbkille, but there is no mention of a church having been founded by him: " Alio in tempore cum vir

    sanctus in Rechrea hospitaretur Insula" (Adamnan, lib. ii. c. 41, Trias Thaum.,

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 35

    As the companion tells it

    This is Rathlin Island. In the years around 550, St Comgall wished to build a cell on this island, then called Rechrann. Thirty soldiers came, seized his hand, and forced him off the island. The old record says they took hold of his hand and expelled him. St Columbkille also visited the island at another time, though no church founded by him is mentioned there.

26. St Patrick's death and last communion at Raholp

    Raholp · townland · Down

    Local tradition credited St Patrick with founding the church of Rathcolpe (Raholp), and held that he received his last communion there at the hands of St Tassach shortly before his death, according to the hymn of St Fiech.

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    ^ Ratkcolpe — Now Raholp, a townland in the west angle of Ballyculter parish. — Ord. Survey, s. 31. In a sub-denomination called 'Banaghen' or ' Benagh', about 100 yards to the right of the road leading from Downpatrick to Ballyculter, stand the ruins of the church, called Chiirchmoyley. They are 33 feet 4 inches long, and 21 feet 4 inches wide. The southwall is overturned ; the east and west walls are about 1 2 feet high. The east window is 4 feet 6 inches high, and i o inches wide, splayed inside to the width of 3 feet 2 inches ; and ends, not in an arch, but in a large flag. In building the walls, yellow clay has been used instead of mortar. The plot of ground which the ruins and cemetery occupy, is about half a rood in extent; and seems, from its elevation above the surrounding field, to have been at one time a 'rath'. The voice of antiquity ascribes the foundation of the church of Rar-colpa to St. Patrick ; and at the hand of St. Tassach, its bishop, according to the hymn of St. Fiech, he received the communion shortly before he died — ^ee Appendix.

    ' Cnokengarre Cnocan geapp (' the

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 4

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here is Raholp, in the west angle of Ballyculter parish. The ruins of a church stand here, called Church-moyley. It is 33 feet 4 inches long and 21 feet 4 inches wide. The south wall is overturned, and the east and west walls stand about 12 feet high. The east window is 4 feet 6 inches high and 10 inches wide, splayed inside to 3 feet 2 inches, and it ends not in an arch but in a large flag. Whoever built these walls used yellow clay instead of mortar. The ground the ruins and cemetery occupy is about half a rood, and from its elevation above the surrounding field it seems to have been a rath once. The voice of antiquity ascribes the foundation of this church to St Patrick. And at the hand of St Tassach, its bishop, according to the hymn of St Fiech, Patrick received communion shortly before he died.

27. St Patrick's traditional landing place at Donaghadee

    near Donaghadee · town · Down

    Near Donaghadee, a graveyard by the sea contained the ruins of a small church called Templepatrick, where tradition held that St Patrick first landed in Ireland. A holy well associated with him also existed at the site.

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    *• Dofnackli. — Now Donaghadee. — Ord. Survey, s. 3. The parish church occupies the ancient site. It stands near a large earthen fort, from which some say the name is derived. The spelling in the Taxation looks as if the word was formed from Domnac bir, 'the church of loss'. In a record of the year 1524, it is called ' Donaghdy th '. — Reg. Crom., p. 452. In the seventeenth century, it was generally written ' Donaghdee'. In a graveyard, at the sea side, about a mile south of the town, were " the ruins of a small church, called Templepatrick, where it is said St. Patrick first landed in Ireland; there is his well also, and other traditions among the Irish concerning it". — Montgomery MSS., p. 311. Ord. Survey, s. 7.

    ' Vicarage The rectory was appropriate to the Black Abbey in the Ards. In 1356, it was purchased by Primate Richard Fitz-Ralph, and appended to the See of Armagh, with which it continued to be connected, till the present Lord Primate munificently endowed the vica-

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 4

    As the companion tells it

    Donaghadee, a town the road passes through. By the sea here, a graveyard held ruins of Templepatrick church. Tradition says St Patrick first landed in Ireland at this place. A holy well associated with him was also there. The rectory was appropriate to the Black Abbey in the Ards. In 1356, Primate Richard Fitz-Ralph purchased it and appended it to the See of Armagh.

28. Translation of the relics of Patrick, Brigid and Columba at Down

    near Downpatrick · town · Down · 1186

    In 1186 a famous ceremony took place at Downpatrick in which the relics of the three patron saints were translated, attended by Cardinal Vivian and John de Courcy. Giraldus Cambrensis records that the three bodies were found together in a triple cave-like tomb with Patrick lying in the middle.

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    quo Dominus Comes Johannes primo in Hiberuiam venit, quasi in spelunca triplici, Patritio in medio jacente, aliis duobus hinc inde. Johanne vero de Curci tunc ibidem prgesidente, et hoc p-ocurante, tres nobiles thesauri divina revelatione inventa sunt et translata. Unde versus

    " In burgo Duno, tumulo tumulantur in uno Brigida, Patritius, atque Columba pius".

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 31

    As the companion tells it

    In Downpatrick in 1186, three relics were found by divine revelation in a triple cave-like tomb, Patrick in the middle, the other two on either side. John de Courcy was presiding and arranged it. The three noble treasures were translated. As the verse records: "In the town of Down, in one tomb are buried Brigid, Patrick, and pious Columba."

29. Assassination of William de Burgo near Shankill Castle

    near Belfast · city · Antrim · 1333

    In 1333, William de Burgo, Earl of Ulster, was assassinated near the castle at Belfast, between the castle of Sancles (a corruption of Shankill) and Gregforgus, as recorded by Grace. This event marked a violent episode in the area then known as Vadum or the Ford.

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    Belfast is mentioned so early as the year 667, as the scene of an encounter between the inhabitants of the districts on either side: "6eUuTn F^^P^P' '"^^P ^^^^ *=^ Cpuicne, ubi ceciGic Cacurac TTIac Cupjjein". " The battle of the Ford between the Ulidians and Picts, where fell Catusac, son of Lurggein".& The name appears in the Taxation in the Latin form Vadum ; and again, in 1333, as the place where a castle of the Earl of Ulster stood, and where William de Burgo was assassinated''. Grace says that he was slain " inter castrum de Sancles et Gregforgus"; which name Sancles appears to be a corruption of Shankill (pean-ciU 'old-church'), the parochial name of Belfast. According to the Ulster Inquisitions, the ground occupied by the present town was called BaUyrecoolegalgieK

    At the period of the Reformation the parish contained six chapels, of which the Terrier gives the following recital : —

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 17

    As the companion tells it

    Near Belfast, in 1333, William de Burgo, the Earl of Ulster, was assassinated. A castle of his stood in the area, and Grace records that he was slain, in his words, "inter castrum de Sancles et Gregforgus" — between the castle of Sancles and Gregforgus. That name Sancles is a corruption of Shankill, meaning old church, the parochial name of the parish. The area was known in Latin as Vadum, the Ford. The name goes back further still. As early as 667, there was a battle at the Ford between the Ulidians and the Picts, where Catusac, son of Lurggein, fell. The ground carried an older name too. The Ulster Inquisitions record it as Ballvrecoolegalgie. But what echoes is 1333 — the Earl of Ulster cut down between two points of his own landscape.

30. Flaherty son of Conchobhar slain after laying waste Connor

    Connor · townland · Antrim · 960–962

    An army led by Flaherty, son of Conchobhar, King of Ailech, invaded Dalaradia and laid waste Connor, but the Ulidians retaliated, killing Flaherty and his two brothers Teigue and Con along with many others.

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    Oalnapaioe 550 po inDip Conoepe, con apcaiprerap Ulubh co po mapbab pioirbepcac 7 a do bparaip Uaioj 7 Conn, pocaifte oile imaille ppiu". "An army led by Flaherty son of Concbobliar, King of Ailech, into Dalaradia, laid waste Connor, until the Ulidians assailed him and slew him, -with his two brothers, Teigue and Con, and many others with them ". JS,. C. 963 [965], " lopeph comapba mic Neippi 7 Cholmam Gala &ecc".

    "Joseph, cowarba of MacNissi and Colman Ela, died". M. C. 968 [670], " Sloicceo la pi^ n Lllab la h Qprjal mac maouoain 50 ^allaiB

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 35

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Connor, an army once came through here under Flaherty, son of Conchobhar, King of Ailech. He led them into Dalaradia and laid waste Connor. But the Ulidians assailed him and slew him, with his two brothers, Teigue and Con, and many others with them. That was around 960 to 962. Flaherty had reached for this place and could not hold it. He and his brothers fell here, and the land returned to the Ulidians.

31. Golden-Toothed Sea Monster Found in Boirche

    Carlingford · town · Louth · 744

    Tigernach records a wondrous fish cast ashore in the region of the Boirche (Mourne), having three golden teeth in its head, one of which was placed on the altar of Bangor monastery. Giraldus Cambrensis later notes a similar prodigy near Carlingford.

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    Tlie occurrence seems to have been fresh in the memory of the inhabitants, in the twelfth century, as Giraldus Cambrensis takes special notice of it. " In Ultonia apud Karlenfordiam inventus est piscis tarn quantitatis immensae, quam qualitatis inusitatas. Inter alia sui prodigia, tres dentes (ut fertur) aureos habens, quinquaginta unciarum pondus continentes, quos aureos quidem exteriore quadam similitudine, aurique nitore, potius quam natura crediderim". — (Dist. ii. c. lo.)

    The parish of Kilkeel (Cill caol 'narrow church'), called Mocorne in the Taxation, is co-extensive with the barony. The old church lies a little S. W. of the modern church, in the townland Magheramurphy. The following chapels belonged to this extensive rectory : —

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 24

    As the companion tells it

    Carlingford has a strange tale attached to it. In 744, Tigernach recorded a wondrous fish cast ashore in the region of Boirche, the Mourne country. It had three golden teeth in its head, and one of those teeth was placed on the altar of Bangor monastery. The story stayed alive for centuries. In the twelfth century, Giraldus Cambrensis wrote of a fish found near Carlingford, immense in size and unusual in quality. He said it bore three golden teeth, as reported, weighing fifty ounces, golden more in outward shine than in true nature.

32. John de Courcy destroys the fortified abbey of Carrick

    Inch · townland · Down · 1180

    During his conquest of Ulster, John de Courcy utterly destroyed the monastery of Carrick because it was being used as a fortalice and had troubled him greatly; in recompense he refounded the abbey on his island of Inch.

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    Domus ista, fratres inquit, funditus destruetur, et hie erit deinceps habitatio ferarum et latronum. Ibi vero collegium justorum et ascensus animarum sanctarum. Hie vepres et spinae solum desertum operient, ibi virtutum fructus producentur et indueentur in horreiun paradisi ; sed nolite tristari, quia desolationem quse fiet liic, ibi populus bonus superveniens reformabit in statum meliorem. Post cujus abbatis transitum mansit dictum monasterium de Carryke, de ordine Savigneacensi, per tempera trium abbatum; vidz. Odonis, Devincii, et Johannis; in cujus tempore redditum fuit ipsum monasterium ordiui Cisterciensi, siib conditione, quod imperpetmim esset deinceps filia Furnesii : set tempore conquestus Ultoni^ prsefatus dominus Johannes de Curcy penitus illud destruxit quia fortalicium fuit, et multum ilium infestavit ; sed in recompensationem fundavit, seu potus transtulit illud in Insulam suam de Ynescuscre, et dedit domui suae maternse de Furnesio, ad construendum illud, easdem terras quas, in loco priori, habuit ex dono Magnelli regis antedicti ; et sic dicta abbatia de Ynes efFecta est filia Furnesii, sicut ante fuerat in loco priori.

    Anno milleno centeno bis quadrageno Curcy fundavit Ynes, hostes hine superavit".

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 32

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Inch, John de Courcy destroyed the fortified abbey of Carrick. The monastery of Carrick belonged to the Savigniac order and endured through three abbots, Odo, Devincius, and John. In John's time it was given over to the Cistercian order, on condition that it remain forever a daughter house of Furness. But during the conquest of Ulster, de Courcy utterly destroyed the place, because it served as a fortalice and had troubled him greatly. The old prophecy said this house would be utterly destroyed and become the haunt of wild beasts and robbers, but told the brothers not to grieve, for a good people coming after would restore it to a better state. In recompense, de Courcy founded, or rather transferred, the abbey to his island of Inch, and gave to the mother house of Furness the same lands it had held before from the gift of King Magnell. So the abbey of Inch became a daughter of Furness, as Carrick had been. In the year 1180, de Courcy founded Inch and overcame his enemies there.

33. Mochay of Nendrum's 150-year enchantment legend

    Nendrum · ecclesiastical site · Down · 496–644

    A curious tradition held that St. Mochay, founder of Nendrum, was charmed away by a bird for 150 years, and upon his return the new generation did not recognize him, possibly a conflation with a later abbot of the same name who died 147 years afterward.

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    curiovis tradition of St. Mochay, the founder of Nendrum, that he was charmed by a bird for 150 years, and that, at the expiration of that time, he revisited the church which he had founded, but the new generation did not know him. Could the rationale of this legend be that this Mochua, who died 147 years later, was mistaken for his predecessor, and thus the absurd story be forged? Jocelin calls Mochaoi, the founder of this church, Mochua. M. C. 659, " Cummine eppcop nQenopoma mopcuup epc".

    " Cummine, Bishop of Nendrum, died" {Tigernach). The text of the

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev

    As the companion tells it

    This is Nendrum, an ecclesiastical site in Down. A curious tradition held that Saint Mochay, the founder of Nendrum, was charmed away by a bird for 150 years. When he returned, the new generation did not know him. The legend may have a simple explanation. A later Mochua, who died 147 years after, may have been mistaken for his predecessor, and so the story grew. Jocelin calls the founder Mochua. Another record names Cummine, Bishop of Nendrum, who died.

34. Revelation and disinterment of relics at Saul

    Saul · townland · Down · 1293

    The Four Masters record that in 1293 Primate Nicholas Mac Maolisa, having received a revelation that the relics of Patrick, Columba and Brigid were at Saul, had them disinterred; great miracles were reported before the relics were reburied in a shrine.

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    The Four Masters, however, differ from Giraldus and the Otfice, both as to time and place. They relate that in 1293 Nicholas Mac Maolisa (who was Primate from 1272 to 1303), having had a revelation that the relics of St. Patrick, Columba, and Brigid, were in Saul, caused them to be disinterred, and that, great miracles having been wrought by them, they were solemnly covered, and finally deposited in a shrine. But, previously to this, the Prior and Monks of St. Patrick's of Down had, in 1220, addressed King Henry III. to the following effect: " Excellentia; vestrai transmittimus uonachum nostrum cumferetro Patrononum Hibernice — Fatricii, Columbce, et Brigidce-, et eorum reliquis; quatinus pro eorum revercntia, et pro promisso, quod domiuus noster, Pater vester promisit ; scilicet se benefacturum ecclesise nostras, et pro vobis, qui Domiuus estis totius terra? patronorum Hibernia; et patronus, aliquam mansiunculam in Anglia, ubi, cum opus fuerit, poterimus hospitari, nobis caritative detis".— (Prynne, Rec. iii. p. 49; Rymer, Feed. i. p. 250.)

    How the question was regarded in the year 1372 appears from the following lines of the bard ODugan: —

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 31

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here at Saul, the Four Masters record a remarkable event from 1293. Nicholas Mac Maolisa, who was Primate from 1272 to 1303, received a revelation that the relics of Saint Patrick, Columba, and Brigid lay buried at Saul. He caused them to be disinterred. Great miracles were wrought by the relics, after which they were solemnly covered and finally deposited in a shrine. The Four Masters differ from Giraldus and the Office on both the time and the place of these events. Before this, in 1220, the Prior and Monks of Saint Patrick's of Down had written to King Henry the Third. They said they were sending their shrine with the relics of the patrons of Ireland, Patrick, Columba, and Brigid. They asked the king, as lord of the whole land of the patrons of Ireland, to grant them a small dwelling in England where they could lodge when need arose.

35. Skeletons and Relics Unearthed at Dundesert

    Dundesert · townland · Antrim

    During clearing of the trench at Dundesert, an ancient burying place was found containing several human skeletons enclosed in oak coffins, with others found unburied in the church and windows. Various relics including a golden brooch, silver pieces with crosses, marble stones, and stone basins were also discovered.

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    for the Appendix, was briefly noticed at p. 5. The following account of it is given in Dubourdieu's Statistical Survey of Antrim : "In this townland [Dundesert], which lies in the parish of Killead, near Crumlin river, are the ruins of an ancient church or monastery, sixty feet long, and twenty-five feet wide, situated on a large fort, with a double intrenchment, faced in front with stones, and paved over the top, with two complete entrances, one north-west, the other south-east ; in cleaning out the trench was found an iron bow, and an arrow-head of steel, also a golden broach, six inches long, with a swivel on the top ; several pieces of silver were also found, with a cross on one side, and an impression not intelligible on the other ; as were several pieces of marble stones, one in particular shaped like a man's head and neck, and three stone basons (probably fonts), which contained about three pints each, and several pieces of metal of different descriptions. In the interior of this intrenchment was an ancient burying place, wherein were several human skeletons inclosed in oak coffins ; others were found in the church and in the windows without any coffins, which gives reason to suppose that it was levelled on the people in the inside, as there was a cannon-ball found near the house, having first struck a stone before it entered it. A number of houses have been near this place. There is a tradition respecting the destruction of the churches in this barony of Masserene; that, in the rebellion of 1641, the rebels

    having

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 16

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, close to Dundesert, there were once the ruins of an ancient church or monastery, sixty feet long and twenty-five feet wide, standing on a large fort with a double trench faced in front with stones and paved over the top, with two entrances, one north-west and one south-east. When the trench was cleaned out, an iron bow and a steel arrow-head were found, along with a golden brooch six inches long with a swivel on the top. Several pieces of silver turned up, each with a cross on one side and an impression on the other that nobody could read. There were pieces of marble, one shaped like a man's head and neck, and three stone basins, probably fonts, each holding about three pints. Various pieces of metal came up too. Inside the trench lay an ancient burying place. Several human skeletons were found there, enclosed in oak coffins. Others were found in the church and in the windows, with no coffins at all. A cannon-ball was found near the house, having struck a stone before it entered, which gives reason to suppose the building was levelled on the people inside. A number of houses had stood near this place. There is a tradition that in the rebellion of 1641, the rebels in this barony of Masserene destroyed the churches.

36. St. Bridget's leper hospital and burial site

    Carrickfergus · townland · Antrim

    Adjoining the east suburb of Carrickfergus stood the site of St. Bridget's hospital, an ancient monastic foundation said to have been for the reception of lepers. Remains of its chapel survived until recently, and persons were interred there within living memory.

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    VI. St. Bridgefs " Adjoining the east suburb of the town is the site of the hospital of St. Bridget, an ancient monastic foundation, said to have been for the reception of lepers. Some remains of the chapel attached to this hospital remained within the last forty years, and persons were interred in it within memory. The lands adjoining are still called the Spittal Parks, and were, till this year (1823), free of ty the. There is no record when this hospital was founded, or by whom. In the 36th of the reign of Queen Elizabeth this hospital and the lands attached were granted by the Crown to Richard Harding for 30 years. Some silver coins have been found here of Edward III." (M'Skimin, Hist, of Carrickferg., p. 127.)

    VII. Killi/ann About two miles N. W. of the town, in Middle Division, a gable

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 41

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here stood St. Bridget's hospital, an ancient monastic foundation adjoining the east suburb of Carrickfergus. It was said to have been for the reception of lepers. No record survives of when it was founded, or by whom. Some remains of the chapel attached to this hospital were still standing within the last forty years, and persons were interred in it within living memory. The lands adjoining are still called the Spittal Parks, and were free of tithe until 1823. In the 36th year of the reign of Queen Elizabeth, this hospital and its lands were granted by the Crown to Richard Harding for 30 years. Silver coins of Edward the Third have been found here.

37. Fiachna's pilgrimage to Bangor for a stolen cow

    near Bangor · town · Down

    Fiachna, son of Aodh Roin, made a pilgrimage to Beannchair (Bangor) because a single cow had been stolen in his province, showing the seriousness with which such theft was treated.

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    " Aodh Roin had five sons, viz., Fiacha, son of Aodh Roin, u quo Clann Fiachaidh at Dun-da-leathglas. It was he that made Droichead na Feirsi'^ [the Bridge of the Pass], and Droiehed Mona Daimh [Bridge of Moin Daimh], et alios : he got the name of Fiaehna of the black bridges. It was he that got the whale with the three golden teeth; and he gave a tooth of them to the mason, i. e. the mason that built the bridge; and he gave the other two to ornament the reliquaries of the province**. It was he that made a pilgrimage to Beannchair, because one cow had been stolen in his province. This Fiaehna had six sons,

    viz.,

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 60

    As the companion tells it

    Bangor was the destination of a pilgrimage made for a striking reason. Fiachna, son of Aodh Roin, built the Bridge of the Pass and the Bridge of Moin Daimh, and so was called Fiachna of the black bridges. He found a whale with three golden teeth. One tooth he gave to the mason who built the bridge. The other two he gave to ornament the reliquaries of the province. But it was for the theft of a single cow in his province that he made his pilgrimage to Beannchair, as Bangor was called. One cow stolen, and a pilgrimage made. He had six sons.

38. St Donard's relics venerated at his mountain church

    Maghera · parish · Down · 1645

    At the church associated with St Donard, a bell called Glunan and a jewelled shoe once belonging to the saint were preserved and held in great veneration as late as 1645. The ruins and a stump of a Round Tower, destroyed by a storm about 130 years before Reeves wrote, still mark the site.

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    temporibus S.Dominicus [^ rectiusBoman.- gardus'. — Colg.'] nobile monasterium construxerat: mons Dominici jam usitatius nomen habet". — Topog. Hib., Dist. iii. cap. 2. Colgau, at the 24th of March, has collected a number of particulars respecting St. Donard, and states that two churches were consecrated to him (which Colgan incorrectly places in the diocese of Dromore), one, ' in vertice ejusdem altissimi montis, longe ab omni humana habitatione posita', of which some remains exist at this day; and the other, the subject of this note, wherein " asservatur [A. D. 1645.] una nola in magna veneratione, quEe fuit olim hujus sancti, Glunan vulgo dicta, et unus e calceis pretioso tegumento ex auro, et argento coelatus". — Act. SS., p. 743, col. 2. The ruins of the ancient church, 45 feet 9 inches in length, and 2 1 feet 6 inches in breadth, stand in the parish churchyard, outside which, on the N. W., is the stump of a Round Tower, being all that remains of the original structure which suffered in a storm about 130 years ago. — Harris, Down, p. 82. See the Calendar in Appendix, at 24th March.

    XX -s

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 4

    As the companion tells it

    The parish of Maghera carries a story about St. Donard. Colgan records that two churches were dedicated to the saint — one high on the summit of the mountain, far from any human dwelling, of which some traces still survive, and another in this parish. At that church, as late as 1645, a small bell was kept in great veneration. It had once belonged to St. Donard and was known by the name Glunan. Alongside it was preserved one of the saint's shoes, ornamented with worked gold and silver. The ruins of the ancient church measure 45 feet 9 inches in length and 21 feet 6 inches in breadth, and they stand in the parish churchyard. Outside the churchyard, to the northwest, stands the stump of a Round Tower, all that remains of a structure that suffered in a storm about 130 years before the account was written.

39. Battle of Gleantaoise: Death of James and Engus Mac Donnell

    Glenshesk · valley · Antrim · 1565

    James and Engus Mac Donnell, sons of Alexander, fell in the battle of Gleantaoise (Glenshesk) in 1565, killed by O'Neill. This conflict was part of the ongoing struggle between the Mac Donnells and Irish chieftains for control of the Route.

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    ties the name, which is properly written Mac Uidhe- of the late Sir James Mac Donnel, Baronet; En- Ihi, or Mac Uighelin, appears in English records. gris, SamarJy, and Alexander Oge, coming out of Besides the forms which occur in the above ex- Scotland, possessed themselve.s of old Dalrieda, tracts, we lind M'gwylyn (A. D. 1448. Reg. IMey. i. now the Routh in the county of Antrim ; in defence fol. 40); Fit2-AoJctyw(seep. 72); M'C«27/e« (p. 71): whereof, James and Engus fell in the battle of M'Quoilli/ne (Chancellor Cusacke's Letter, 1552); Gleantaoise [Glenshesk?], A. D. 1565, by ONeill.

    329

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 53

    As the companion tells it

    Glenshesk is the valley the road passes through. In 1565, James and Engus Mac Donnell, sons of Alexander, fell in the battle of Gleantaoise in that valley, killed by O'Neill. They had come out of Scotland and taken hold of old Dalriada, the Route in Antrim. In defence of that land they died. Their deaths belonged to the struggle between the Mac Donnells and the Irish chieftains for control of the Route.

40. Battle of the Ford at Belfast, AD 667

    near Belfast · city · Antrim · 667

    Belfast is mentioned as early as the year 667 as the site of a battle between the Ulidians and the Picts, in which Catusac, son of Lurggein, was slain. This is recorded as the earliest historical reference to the site of Belfast.

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    Belfast is mentioned so early as the year 667, as the scene of an encounter between the inhabitants of the districts on either side: "6eUuTn F^^P^P' '"^^P ^^^^ *=^ Cpuicne, ubi ceciGic Cacurac TTIac Cupjjein". " The battle of the Ford between the Ulidians and Picts, where fell Catusac, son of Lurggein".& The name appears in the Taxation in the Latin form Vadum ; and again, in 1333, as the place where a castle of the Earl of Ulster stood, and where William de Burgo was assassinated''. Grace says that he was slain " inter castrum de Sancles et Gregforgus"; which name Sancles appears to be a corruption of Shankill (pean-ciU 'old-church'), the parochial name of Belfast. According to the Ulster Inquisitions, the ground occupied by the present town was called BaUyrecoolegalgieK

    At the period of the Reformation the parish contained six chapels, of which the Terrier gives the following recital : —

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 17

    As the companion tells it

    Belfast appears in the record as early as 667, when a battle was fought at the ford between the Ulidians and the Picts. Catusac, son of Lurggein, fell in that fight. The source calls it "the battle of the Ford between the Ulidians and Picts, where fell Catusac, son of Lurggein." This is the earliest historical reference to the place. The name appears later in the Taxation in the Latin form Vadum. In 1333, it was where a castle of the Earl of Ulster stood, and where William de Burgo was assassinated. Grace says he was slain between the castle of Sancles and Gregforgus. Sancles appears to be a corruption of Shankill, the parochial name of the town, from the Irish for old church. According to the Ulster Inquisitions, the ground occupied by the town was called Ballrecoolegalgie.

41. Danish sack of the shrine of St. Patrick

    near Armagh · town · Armagh · 830–845

    The Annals of Inisfallen and Ulster record that the Danes broke open and carried away the shrine believed to hold the relics of St. Patrick, with Forinnan, Abbot of Armagh, later carrying relics into Munster. This event is cited as part of the long dispute over the true resting place of St. Patrick.

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    But these authorities which assert that St. Patrick was buried at Down gain a greater weight than even their age or number could confer, from the fact that the claim was in early ages conceded by Armagh. Considering that that church was founded by St. Patrick, and that the primacy was attached to it, it is not likely that it would have permitted another church to enjoy the reputation of being his resting-place without contradiction ; and that a manuscript in which is a tract which is justly pronounced to be " a mere fabrication to support the authority of the church of Armagh", and " all the lives" in it suspected of being "written with a view to serve the same purpose"," should have invented a story for the purpose of conferring the highest honour upon a rival church. The Book of Armagh would scarcely introduce a fiction to shed lustre on Dow7i or Saul. Nor is it likely that in after ages the church of Armagh would have acquiesced in a mock translation without remonstrance, or allowed the fact to pass for granted, if general belief had not given sentence in favour of Down. It is trvie that the Annals of Inisfallen, at the year 830 (which is 844 of the Annals of Ulster, and 845 of the common era), relate that the shrine of St. Patrick was broken open and carried away by the Danes ; which shrine may be supposed to have contained the relics of St. Patrick mentioned by the Annals of Ulster at the year 830, and at 845, as carried by Forinnan, Abbot of Armagh, into Munster. Also that St. Bernard describes Armagh as the place " in qua [S. Patricius] et vivus prgefuit et mortuus requiescit^\ Still, however, it is not certain that these were the relics of the same St. Patrick, or, if they were, that they Avere more than a small portion of them.

    The selection of Down as the depository of the remains of St. Brigid and St. Columba, whether in reality or in fiction, supports the argument for St. Patrick's interment there, inasmuch as Down possessed no title to them, either by historical

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 31

    As the companion tells it

    Armagh is the town you are passing through, a place whose church was founded by St. Patrick and whose primacy made it the chief church of Ireland. In the year 845, the Annals of Inisfallen record that the Danes broke open the shrine of St. Patrick and carried it away. The Annals of Ulster, reckoning the same event under the year 830, tell that Forinnan, Abbot of Armagh, carried relics of St. Patrick into Munster. The shrine may be supposed to have held those relics. What happened here became part of a long argument about where St. Patrick truly rests. St. Bernard described Armagh as the place where Patrick, as the source has it, both living presided and dead rests. Yet even this is not certain. The relics the Danes plundered may not have been those of the same St. Patrick, or may have been only a small portion of them. The church of Armagh itself conceded in early ages that St. Patrick was buried at Down. That concession carries weight. Armagh was founded by Patrick, and the primacy was attached to it, so it would not likely have permitted another church to claim his resting-place without contradiction. A manuscript containing a tract pronounced a mere fabrication to support the authority of Armagh, with all the lives in it suspected of serving the same purpose, would scarcely have invented a story to shed lustre on Down or Saul. Nor would Armagh in later ages have acquiesced in a mock translation without remonstrance, unless general belief had already given sentence in favour of Down. The selection of Down as the depository of the remains of St. Brigid and St. Columba further supports the argument for St. Patrick's interment there, for Down possessed no title to them by historical right.

42. Discovery of an Agnus Dei and mass human bones at Chapel-hill, Downpatrick

    near Downpatrick · town · Down · 1728–1744

    About 1728, Mr Trotter, making a new garden on Chapel-hill (site of the Priory of St John the Baptist), found an Agnus Dei of freestone which an ignorant servant maid ground to powder, and also found vast quantities of human bones which he buried in one large grave.

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    incorrectly called " Domus S. Johannis Jerusalem de Duno". — (Cal. Cane, p. 131, compared with pp. 142 b, 144^.) Its site is now occupied by the Ebenezer Chapel on the south side of Mary-street. The spot is marked on a map of Down, A. D. 1729, by a mound, in the shape of a horseshoe, to which Harris refers, in his History of Down, as on Chappel-hill. — (p. 267.) Near this, on the S. E., is a place marked on the same map, " St. John's Close". " About sixteen Years ago", writes Harris in 1744, " Mr. Trotter, as he was making a new Garden on Chopj)el-hill, found another Agnus Dei, which being also Free-stone, an ignorant Servant Maid brayed it to Powder for domestick Uses. He found vast Quantities of human Bones in the same Place, which he deposited in one large Grave". — (p. 29.)

    III. Monasterium Hibernicorum, a priory of Regular Canons, called also Monaster Gallagh. It is said to have been founded byMalachi OMorgair in 1138. Its site is thus pointed out by the Terrier : " Monasterium Hibernorum, hard by the Cathedral, is the church of Channons". The old gaol, now a barrack, which lies a little north of the cathedral, at the north side of English-street, occupies a site whereon human remains have been found, and which would answer well to the description. Also, on what was formerly called Windmill Hill, where the present county gaol stands, human bones and several early English coins have been dug up. This is farther off from the cathedral on the north, but Bridge-street, which runs beside it, was formerly called Fryer'' s Lane.

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 31

    As the companion tells it

    Downpatrick holds a hill once known as Chapel-hill, where the Priory of St John the Baptist stood. A map of Down dated 1729 marks the spot with a horseshoe-shaped mound. Harris, in his History of Down, refers to this mound as on Chapel-hill. Near it, to the south-east, a place marked on the same map is called St John's Close. The site is now occupied by the Ebenezer Chapel on the south side of Mary-street. Harris writes in 1744 that about sixteen years before, Mr Trotter, as he was making a new garden on Chapel-hill, found another Agnus Dei carved from freestone. An ignorant servant maid, as Harris puts it, brayed it to powder for domestic uses. In the same place Trotter found vast quantities of human bones, which he deposited in one large grave. Not far away stood another house, Monasterium Hibernicorum, a priory of Regular Canons called also Monaster Gallagh, said to have been founded by Malachi O'Morgair in 1138. A terrier describes it as hard by the cathedral, the church of channons. The old gaol, now a barrack, lying north of the cathedral at the north side of English-street, occupies a site where human remains have been found. On Windmill Hill, where the county gaol stands, human bones and several early English coins have been dug up. Bridge-street, running beside it, was formerly called Fryer's Lane.

43. King Bresal drowned in Loch Laogh

    near Belfast Lough · estuary · Antrim · 161

    According to Tigernach's annals, Bresal son of Brian, who reigned in Eamania for nineteen years, was drowned in Loch Laogh, the ancient name for what became Belfast Lough.

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    The Irish Annals relate that in the fifth year of the reign of Hercmon, "^och ^.ao^ ino Ulcoib", "Loch Laogh in Ultonia", broke forth. — (Four Mast. JE. M. 3506; Ogyg., p. 187; Keating, vol. i. p. 310.) Tigernach, at the year 161 of the Christian ajra, thus records the reign of a King of Ulster: " 6pepal mac 6piuin pejnac an eamain annip ;ci;c. qui 6och 6015 pubmcpauic", " Bresal son of Brian reigns in Eamania nineteen years, who was drowned in Lough Laigh". The Felire of Aengus the Culdee, already cited, speaks of Killroot church as on the shore of Lough Laogh. (pp. 60, 246.) The same work mentions the name again in connexion with another church, in the following words : —

    « CaiST^eW mOl^ mac l^aSCai. " Laisren the great, Son of Nasca.

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 40

    As the companion tells it

    This stretch of water is Belfast Lough, known in older records as Loch Laogh. Tigernach's annals, at the year 161, record that Bresal son of Brian reigned in Eamania for nineteen years, and that he was drowned in this lough. The same annals say Loch Laogh in Ulster broke forth in the fifth year of the reign of Hercmon. The Felire of Aengus the Culdee speaks of Killroot church as standing on the shore of Lough Laogh, and names Laisren the great, son of Nasca, in connection with another church there.

44. Monastery of Kells Seen Roofless After 1641 Rebellion

    Kells · townland · Antrim · 1641

    A deposition given in 1808 recorded the testimony of Daniel Monaghan, who recalled his grandfather Murtogh Dillon saying he was eleven years old during the Rebellion of 1641 and had seen the Monastery of Kells after its dissolution but before it was entirely unroofed.

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    vey, ss. 38, 39), enters the parish of Connor, and, leaving its church on the south, winds round the abbey of Kells on the north, and, under the name of Kells Water, falls into the river Main at a place called Ballyandraid. The next instance in which the Editor has met the ancient name of this abbey is in a deed of confirmation from the Primate to the Prior of Neddrum [circ. A. D. 1 190], which is attested by " F. Abbas de DiserV. — Cotton Charters, No. 40. Brit. Mus. Murtogh Mac Annullowe, the last abbot, was seised, in 1542, of eight adjacent townlands in temporals and spirituals, of the tithes of ten other townlands, and the rectories and advowsons of nine churches. In 1808 a bill was filed by Lord Mountcashell for the recovery of the impropriate tithes of Kells, in which was the deposition of Daniel Monaghan, who declared that he recollected to have heard his maternal grandfather Murtogh Dillon say, that he was eleven years old at the wars of Ireland, namely, the Rebellion of 1641, and that he had seen the Monastery of Kells, after its dissolution, and before it was entirely unroofed. Enrolment. The west gable is the only part of the building which remains ; it stands at the entrance of the burial-ground,

    97 (Diocese of Connor.)

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Kells, a monastery once stood whose west gable is the only part of the building that remains, standing at the entrance of the burial-ground. The Kells Water winds round the abbey on the north and falls into the river Main at a place called Ballyandraid. Murtogh Mac Annullowe was the last abbot. In 1542 he was seised of eight adjacent townlands in temporals and spirituals, the tithes of ten other townlands, and the rectories and advowsons of nine churches. In 1808 Lord Mountcashell filed a bill for the recovery of the impropriate tithes of Kells. In that case Daniel Monaghan gave a deposition. He declared that he recollected having heard his maternal grandfather, Murtogh Dillon, say that he was eleven years old at the wars of Ireland, namely the Rebellion of 1641. Murtogh Dillon had seen the Monastery of Kells after its dissolution, and before it was entirely unroofed. So a boy of eleven in 1641 stood and looked at what remained of the abbey, and generations later his grandson told the story in a court of law.

45. Monastery of Saul Plundered and Monks Driven Out

    Saul · townland · Down · 1170

    In 1170 the convent of Regular monks at Saul, along with their abbot placed there by Malachi O'Morgair, were violently expelled from the monastery they had built and adorned, and stripped of their books, sacred furniture, and livestock, at the instigation of a disgraced monk named Awlave and King Magnus O'Eochadha of Ulidia.

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    After his death we find little or no notice taken of Saul in the Annals, and it is reserved for Malachi O Morgair to re-introduce into conventual distinction this ancient monastery, which he built entirely anew. His contemporary S. Bernard says: "Eodem visionis genere id quoque quod in Saballino situm est antequam fieret^ prseostensum est illi, non modo oratorium, sed et monasterium totum". — (Vit. S. Malach. Messingham, p. 372.) The Four Masters casually mention it as a church at the year 11 49; but at 1 156 they record the death of Maolmaodhocc mac Dubradin, abbot of Sabhall. At 1170, they relate that the convent of Regular monks with their abbot, whom Malachi O Morgair, Legate of the Vicar of Peter, had placed in Sabhal Pattraic, were driven from the monastery which they had built and adorned, and were spoiled of their books, their sacred furniture, cows, horses, sheep, and all things which they had collected in the time of said Legate. This was done by Magnus O Eochadha, King of Ulidia, at the instigation of Awlave, a monk who had been expelled from Drogheda for his crimes. For the next event in its history see p. 40.

    In the to-\vnland Ballysugagh, a short distance N. E. of the abbey, is a spot called the Saval-bregagh, or pseudo-Saul, where formerly existed a cemetery.

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 30

    As the companion tells it

    Near here is Saul, where Malachi O'Morgair built a monastery entirely anew and placed a convent of Regular monks there with their abbot. Saint Bernard, his contemporary, writes that the whole monastery was shown to Malachi in a vision before it was made, not only the oratory but the entire monastery. The monks built and adorned the place, and over time they collected books, sacred furniture, cows, horses, sheep, and all they needed. The Four Masters mention the place as a church in their annals, and record the death of Maolmaodhocc mac Dubradin, abbot of Sabhall. But at 1170 they tell how the convent of Regular monks with their abbot, whom Malachi O'Morgair, Legate of the Vicar of Peter, had placed in Sabhal Pattraic, were driven from the monastery which they had built and adorned. They were spoiled of their books, their sacred furniture, cows, horses, sheep, and all things which they had collected in the time of the said Legate. This was done by Magnus O'Eochadha, King of Ulidia, at the instigation of Awlave, a monk who had been expelled from Drogheda for his crimes. A spot called Saval-bregagh, or pseudo-Saul, once held a cemetery.

46. Bishop Colman's foundation and burial church at Kilroot

    Kilroot · townland · Antrim · 412

    St. Colman, disciple of St. Ailbe of Emly, landed at Kilroot in the year 412 and built a cell called Chell-ruaid at his master's request; the churchyard with remains of the ancient church still lies close to Belfast Lough (anciently Lough Lee).

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    ^ Kilrothe. — Now Kilroot parish. — Ord. Survey, s. 53. At the Dissolution, the rectory was appropriate to the abbey of Kells. The original name was CiU puaio, which is variously called, in English records, Kilroigh, Kilruaigh, Kilroe. The church was founded by St. Colman, a disciple of St. Ailbe of Emly, who, in the year 41 2, landed here, and, at the desire of his master, built a cell called Chell-ruaid. Ussher, Ind. Chron., Works, vol. vi.p. s^$. Ogygia, par. iii. cap. 87. The Feilire of iEnsrus makes mention of this chvxrch in connexion with the name of Colman, at the 1 6th of October; and the Calendar of the Four Masters, at the same day, in these words : Colman eppcop ChiUe puaib 1 nt)al QpaiD pop bpu Coca Lao\ 1 nUll-

    [ cia • vij • ti • vij • s • ij • d 0I3 q! Ixxiijti-xij -s-iiij -d. — Inde de-

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 5

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere near here is Kilroot, where Saint Colman landed in the year 412. Colman was a disciple of Saint Ailbe of Emly, and he came here at his master's request to build a cell called Chell-ruaid. The place was known by various names in English records: Kilroigh, Kilruaigh, Kilroe. The Feilire of Aengus makes mention of this church in connection with Colman, at the 16th of October, and the Calendar of the Four Masters marks the same day. At the Dissolution, the rectory belonged to the abbey of Kells. The churchyard with remains of the ancient church still lies close to Belfast Lough, which was anciently called Lough Lee.

47. St Columb's Thorn burial ground at Gortfad, last used 1815

    Gortfad · townland · Antrim · 1815

    At Gortfad, near Portglenone, an ancient unenclosed burying-place called 'St. Columb's Thorn' contained a stone vault shaped like a chest made of large flags. The last burial there was of a woman named M'Can around 1815.

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    1. Gortfad, — A townland about a mile N. E. of Portglenone. — (Ord. Survey, s. 31.) It is thus noticed in the Ulster Visitation : " Graungia de Gortfadd, noe church, chappie, nor walls. The 2^ p* of all tithes impropriate to the Abbey of Armagh, possest by Sir Hugh Clatworthy, Knt." In the King's Books it is called Vicaria de Gortfaule, and is rated at 26s. Gortfayd paid 8s. proxies to the bishop. — {Ul. Vis.) There was an ancient burying-place here called " St. Columb's Thorn". It was a piece of ground twenty-two yards long, and eleven broad, no way enclosed, but distinguished from the field, at the side of which it was, by its greater height. The last interment in it was of a woman the name of M'= Can about 18 15. It contained a stone vault, six feet in length, and three feet wide, in the form of a chest, composed of large flags. — (M'Skimin's interleaved Archdall.)

    2. In the townland Ballylummin, at a place called Gilvaltagh, was the site of an ancient church and cemetery. Beside it was a holy well where the Roman Catholics of old held stations at midsummer — (M'^ Skimin, ut supra.)

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Gortfad there was once an ancient burying-place called St. Columb's Thorn. It was a piece of ground twenty-two yards long and eleven broad, not enclosed in any way, but set apart from the field beside it by being higher than the ground around. The last burial there was of a woman named M'Can, around 1815. Within the ground stood a stone vault, six feet long and three feet wide, shaped like a chest and made of large flags. Long before that, the Ulster Visitation recorded Gortfad as having no church, chapel, nor walls. Two parts of all tithes were impropriate to the Abbey of Armagh and held by Sir Hugh Clatworthy. In the King's Books it was called Vicaria de Gortfaule and rated at 26 shillings. Gortfad paid 8 shillings in proxies to the bishop. So the dead were laid here without a church to watch over them, in a raised strip of earth and a chest of stone flags, until the woman M'Can was the last.

48. Bishop Colman of Lissan strangled by the Hy-Tuirtre

    Lissan · townland · Fermanagh · 743

    The annals record that in 743 Colman, bishop of Lessan (Lissan), was strangled by the people of Hy-Tuirtre. This act of violence against a churchman is preserved in the Annals of Ulster.

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    ^E. C. 743, " Colman, bishop of Lessan [Lissan], strangled by the Hy-Tuirtre". — {A?i. Ul.)

    M. C. 834, "Eochaidh, son of Cucongoltach, lord of Hy-Tuirtre, died".

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Lissan, a bishop met a violent end. The Annals of Ulster record that in 743, Colman, bishop of Lessan, was strangled by the Hy-Tuirtre. A churchman killed by those people, and nothing more of the circumstance survives.

49. Danes routed after laying waste Connor

    Connor · townland · Antrim · 968–970

    Artgal, son of Madndan, King of Ulidia, led an army against the Danes and laid waste Connor upon them, leaving many slain including some of his own men.

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    50 po oipcc Conoepe poppa, 7 co papccbac ap ceno laip". " An army led by Artgal son of Madndan, King of Ulidia, against the Danes, so that he laid waste Connor upon them, and very many were left slain with him". M. C. 974 [976]. " Conainj mac Pionainabb Conbeipe 7 Cambe 6ala becc".

    " Conang, son of Finan, abbot of Connor and Lan-Ela, died". The parallel passage of the An. Ul. calls him comapba mic Hippi 7 Colmam 6la. M. C. 1038 [1039], " CUINtDGN eppcob 7 abb 7 peaplei^inn Conbepe, comapba

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 35

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Connor, an old record names Conang, son of Finan, abbot of Connor and Lan-Ela, who died. The Annals of Ulster give him a title there, calling him successor of the sons of Ailpe and of Colmán Ela. Another entry, years later, names a bishop and abbot of Connor.

50. Domhnall Mac Amhalgadha stricken by deadly disease in Dublin, dies at Armagh

    near Armagh · town · Armagh · 1105

    While in Dublin attempting to broker peace between rival Irish leaders, the chief comarba of Patrick was seized by a fatal illness. He was carried to Armagh cathedral, where he died shortly afterward.

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    Though undated, the inscription possesses two historical notes by which its age can be ascertained with considerable precision. The Four Masters, at the 3'ear 1121, record the death of the person first named in the above recital, in the following terms : " Donnell, the son of Ardgar Mac Loughlin, monarch of Ireland, the most distinguished of the Irish for personal form, nobility of birth, wisdom, feats of arms, wealth, and prosperity, for bestowing riches and food, died at Derry-Columbkille, in the 38th year of his reign and 77th of his age, &c." This fixes the date between the years 1083 and 1 121, The other note limits the date to a narrower period. A. D. 1091, " Maoiliosa, cowarba of Patrick [i. e. Archbishop of Armagh], died in penitence on the 20th of December, and Domlui all Mac Amhalgadha [MacAuly] w^as immediately chosen to the abbacy in his room". Again, A. D. 1105, " Domhnall Mac Amhalgadha, chief comarba of Patrick, went to Dublin to establish peace between Domhnall Ua Lochlainn and Muircertach O Brian, where he was seized by a deadly disease. He was afterwards conveyed to the cathedral of Armagh, and there he breathed his last, on the 1 2 th of August," &c.

    Thus it is determined that this inscription belongs to one of the fourteen years immediately siicceeding 1091. At that early period Cathalan O Maelchallan was keeper of this bell, agreeably to the custom of the country, which vested the custody of venerated relics in particular families, and associated with the keeping certain emoluments or immunities. In the middle of the fourteenth century, however, this relic, according to the Four Masters, was in the hands of another family. At the year 1356 they have the following entry : —

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 62

    As the companion tells it

    Armagh was the destination of a dying man in the year 1105. Domhnall Mac Amhalgadha held the office of chief comarba of Patrick, which is to say Archbishop of Armagh. He had come to that office in 1091, chosen immediately after the death of Maoilissa, the previous comarba, who died in penitence on the 20th of December. In 1105, Domhnall Mac Amhalgadha went to Dublin. His purpose was to establish peace between two rival Irish leaders, Domhnall Ua Lochlainn and Muircertach O Brian. While in Dublin he was seized by a deadly disease. He was afterwards conveyed to the cathedral of Armagh, and there he breathed his last, on the 12th of August. The record comes from a passage that uses these events to date an inscription. The inscription names a person whose death the Four Masters record at the year 1121: Donnell, son of Ardgar Mac Loughlin, monarch of Ireland, who died at Derry-Columbkille in the 38th year of his reign and the 77th of his age. The other note, the one that concerns this place, narrows the date to the fourteen years following 1091. It was at that early period that Cathalan O Maelchallan was keeper of a venerated bell, according to the custom of the country, which vested the custody of relics in particular families.

51. Lepers' Hospital of St Peter Near Kilclief

    Kilclief · townland · Down · 1387–1415

    A hospital for lepers dedicated to St Peter stood near Kilclief in the fourteenth and early fifteenth centuries, its custody being granted by royal officials to various clerks; its remains were later known as the Spital-field.

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    A. D. 1387, Robert de Vere, Marquis of Dublin, &c., committed to Nicholas Lepyng, clerk, the custody of the Lepers' house of St. Peter, nigh Kylclcth in Ultonia (Cal. Cane. Hib., p. 134.)

    A. D. 1 41 5, The King committed to John Fitz-Richard, chaplain, John Molyn, and Walter Sely, the custody of the hospitals or lepers' houses of St. Nicholas of Down, and St. Peter of Kyicleth, with their lands and appurtenances, to be held while in the King's hands, rent free. — (Ibid., p. 204.)

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 29

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here stood the Lepers' Hospital of Saint Peter. In 1387 Robert de Vere, Marquis of Dublin, gave its custody to Nicholas Lepyng, a clerk. In 1415 the King granted custody of the hospitals of Saint Nicholas of Down and Saint Peter of Kilclief, with their lands and appurtenances, to John Fitz-Richard, chaplain, John Molyn, and Walter Sely, to hold while in the King's hands, rent free. The remains were later known as the Spital-field.

52. Prophecy of Abbot Evodius at Carrick concerning desolation

    Inch · townland · Down · 1127

    According to the Furness registry, St Evodius, first abbot of the monastery of Carrick, prophesied on his deathbed that the house would be utterly destroyed and become a habitation of wild beasts and thieves, a prophecy later seen as fulfilled when de Courcy destroyed it.

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    Domus ista, fratres inquit, funditus destruetur, et hie erit deinceps habitatio ferarum et latronum. Ibi vero collegium justorum et ascensus animarum sanctarum. Hie vepres et spinae solum desertum operient, ibi virtutum fructus producentur et indueentur in horreiun paradisi ; sed nolite tristari, quia desolationem quse fiet liic, ibi populus bonus superveniens reformabit in statum meliorem. Post cujus abbatis transitum mansit dictum monasterium de Carryke, de ordine Savigneacensi, per tempera trium abbatum; vidz. Odonis, Devincii, et Johannis; in cujus tempore redditum fuit ipsum monasterium ordiui Cisterciensi, siib conditione, quod imperpetmim esset deinceps filia Furnesii : set tempore conquestus Ultoni^ prsefatus dominus Johannes de Curcy penitus illud destruxit quia fortalicium fuit, et multum ilium infestavit ; sed in recompensationem fundavit, seu potus transtulit illud in Insulam suam de Ynescuscre, et dedit domui suae maternse de Furnesio, ad construendum illud, easdem terras quas, in loco priori, habuit ex dono Magnelli regis antedicti ; et sic dicta abbatia de Ynes efFecta est filia Furnesii, sicut ante fuerat in loco priori.

    Anno milleno centeno bis quadrageno Curcy fundavit Ynes, hostes hine superavit".

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 32

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Inch, Saint Evodius lay dying in 1127. He was the first abbot of the monastery of Carrick. On his deathbed he told his brothers, "This house will be utterly destroyed, and here will henceforth be a habitation of wild beasts and thieves." He said briars and thorns would cover the deserted place, but told them not to be sad, because a good people coming after would restore it to a better state. After Evodius died, the monastery of Carrick, of the Savigniac order, remained through three abbots: Odo, Devincius, and John. In John's time it passed to the Cistercian order, on condition it remain a daughter of Furness. At the time of the conquest of Ulster, John de Courcy destroyed the monastery completely, because it was a fortress that troubled him greatly. In recompense he transferred it to his island of Iniscuscre, giving the same lands, granted originally by King Magnell, to the house of Furness. And so the abbey became a daughter of Furness, as it had been before.

53. Removal of the round tower (cloictheach) at Downpatrick Cathedral

    near Downpatrick · town · Down · 1744–1783

    The ancient round tower or belfry standing near the old Cathedral at Downpatrick, described in detail by Harris in 1744 as 66 feet high with an unusual ground-level entrance, was taken down in 1783 as an unsightly and unserviceable structure.

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    mentandum cultum divinum in ecclesia prsedicta ; etiam propter venerabiles reliquias sanctorum virorum, Sti. Patricii, Sti. Columbse, et Stse. Brigidaj, ibidem in uno tumulo jacentium; de consensu prioris Dunensis et conventus ejusdem; — Monasterium quod olim ab antiquo gubernabatur per Moniales, quod quidem monasterium est liodie devastatum; et Monasterium Sti. JohannisBaptistge; et Monasterium Sti. Thomas Protomartyris ; et Monasterium Ilibernicorum ; et Eectoriam ecclesiaj parochialis de Ardglas ; et Praebendam de Ros; et Pra?bendam de Ballenagallbee (see p. 30); et Capellam Stse. Marise Magdalene (see p. 43); ad justam et laudabilem petitionem domini Gelasii Maganisse, commendatorii de Duno, praemissa omnia et singula, propter causas pra?missas, quod melius est ecclesiam Cathedralem dotare quam quad ambo in forma cadant, univimus annexuimus et incorporizavimus. Dat. in Caregfergus, 20 die Feb. A. D. 15 1 2 ". This union of the endowments of the smaller religious houses in Down to the Cathedral, was confirmed by the Primate, October 12, 1541 ; and the instrument was directed to " Conosius Maganasse, commendatorius de Duno, sede vacante". — (Reg. Dowd., p. 63.) Gelacius Magennis, above spoken of, was Prior of St. John's in Down, as well as of St. Patrick's and other houses. — (Reg. Dowd., p. 483; supra p. 177.) The cloictheach, or belfry of this church, alluded to above at p. 41, "stands", writes Harris in 1744, " about 40 Feet from the old Cathedral, is 66 Feet high, the Thickness of the "Walls three Feet, and the Diameter on the Inside eight Feet. On the West-side of it is an irregular Gap about 10 Feet from the Top, near a Third of the whole Circumference being broken off by the Injury of Time. The Entrance into it is two Feet and a half ■wide, and placed on a Level with the Surface^ of the Ground: in which last Particular it is pretty singular. For in others the Door is placed from eight to 1 2 Feet above the Ground, without any Steps or Stairs; so that there is no getting into the Building without a Ladder, unless it may be judged (which is probable enough) that this Difference has been occasioned from the raising of the Ground by the Rubbish of the old Cathedral near it, fallen into ruinous Heaps".— (Down, p. 2 20.) This appendage of the ancient abbey was taken down during the autumn of 1783, being considered an unsightly as well as unserviceable object !

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 31

    As the companion tells it

    Downpatrick had a round tower, a cloictheach, standing beside the old Cathedral. The Cathedral held the venerable relics of St. Patrick, St. Columba, and St. Brigid, lying together in one tomb. Harris described the tower in 1744. It stood about 40 feet from the old Cathedral and rose 66 feet high. The walls were 3 feet thick. The diameter on the inside was 8 feet. On the west side of it was an irregular gap about 10 feet from the top, near a third of the whole circumference being broken off by the injury of time. The entrance into it was 2 feet and a half wide, and placed on a level with the surface of the ground. In that last particular it was pretty singular. For in others the door is placed from 8 to 12 feet above the ground, without any steps or stairs, so that there is no getting into the building without a ladder. Harris judged it probable enough that this difference had been occasioned from the raising of the ground by the rubbish of the old Cathedral near it, fallen into ruinous heaps. This appendage of the ancient abbey was taken down during the autumn of 1783, being considered an unsightly as well as unserviceable object.

54. Sedna O'Deman burned to death in his own house

    Nendrum · ecclesiastical site · Down · 974

    The Abbot of Nendrum, Sedna O'Deman, was consumed by fire in his own house, an event recorded as the last notice of the church in the Annals before it was likely destroyed by Danish raiders.

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    " Sedna ODeman, Abbot of Xendrum, was consumed in his own house ".

    This is the last that we hear of this church in the Annals. Probably it was pillaged and demolished soon after by the Danes, whose ships were continually floating in Strangford Lough. When next the name occurs, it is as belonging to property of the see of Down, with which John de Courcy, in 1 178, takes the liberty of making it over to the monks of an English abbey. It would seem, however, that long ere this it held some tributary relation to the see of Down, for in the Tripartite Life of St. Patrick it is stated " Quia S. Patricius hunc sanctissimum virum [S. Mochaium], primo a subulci officio ad pastoralem dignitatem evexit, hinc prajdicta ejus Ecclesia porcum

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev

    As the companion tells it

    In 974, at Nendrum, the abbot Sedna O'Deman was consumed by fire in his own house. The Annals give no more after this. It was probably pillaged and demolished soon after by the Danes, whose ships were continually floating in Strangford Lough. The name does not appear again until it belongs to property of the see of Down, handed over by John de Courcy to the monks of an English abbey. Before that, the Tripartite Life of St. Patrick says this church held some tributary relation to the see of Down, for St. Patrick raised its founder, the most holy man Mochai, from swineherd to pastoral dignity.

55. The unprecedented storming of Dun Sobarky (Dunseverick)

    near Dunseverick · population centre · Antrim · 870

    In 870 AD, Dun Sobarky, the stronghold now known as Dunseverick, was stormed for the first time in its history, an event recorded as unprecedented in the Annals of Ulster.

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    " The storming of Dun Sobarky, a thing which had never been eifected heiore'\— (An. Ul.)

    In a note on this passage Dr. 0 Conor observes: — "Extant in Stowense qutedam Poemata vetusta Hibernica, de expugnatione Duni Sobairche in Ultonia". j^. C. 924, " Opjuin t)uine Sobaipce do ^uUuib Loca Cuan".

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 43

    As the companion tells it

    Dunseverick, the old stronghold on this coast, held out for generations until 870, when the Annals of Ulster record its storming as a thing which had never been effected before. Old Irish poems survived for centuries on the taking of Dun Sobarky in Ulster, keeping the memory of that first fall.

56. Collapse of the Round Tower at Trummery

    Trummery · townland · Antrim · 1828

    In the townland of Trummery, the churchyard held ruins of the ancient church and was formerly notable for its round tower, which was about 60 feet high when complete. The greater part of it fell in 1828, leaving only the base with a few spiral steps.

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    •" Bathmesk Now Magheramesk, a parish in the union of Aghalee. — Ord. Survey, s. 67. Antrim. The Terrier gives the name in the form oi Ramisq, without the modern prefix. In the townland Trummery is the churchyard, with the ruins of the ancient church, measuring 5 1 by 14 feet. This spot was formerly attractive by reason of the Round Tower which belonged to this church. It stood close to the N. E. angle, and is stated, when complete, to have been about 60 feet high. The greater part of it fell in 1828, and all that remains is the base, inside which are a few spiral steps.

    ^Enacha Now Aghagallon, a parish

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 4

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, near Trummery, a churchyard holds the ruins of an ancient church, measuring 51 by 14 feet. This place was once notable for its round tower, which stood close to the northeast angle of the church. When complete, the tower was about 60 feet high. The greater part of it fell in 1828. All that remains is the base, with a few spiral steps inside.

57. Human remains displaced during street levelling in Newry

    near Newry · town · Down

    When Boat-street in Newry was opened and the ground levelled at the site of the old abbey chapel, great heaps of human remains were uncovered; many were carried away and reinterred in the Catholic burying-ground.

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    Stuart, this building stood in "Boatstreet, at the place now occupied by a potato market " : and " on opening the street and levelling the ground at this place, great heaps of human remains were displaced, of which large quantities were carried away and deposited in the present Catholic burying-ground " — Ibid., p. 1 7. In the rural parts of the parish there were, at the Reformation, two chapels of ease called Templeigerin and Castcdanagan (Ul. Inq., No. 1 5, Jac. I., Down) ; the former of which, with its cemetery, remains in the townland Derryleckagh, and is marked Templegowran on the Ord. Map (s. 47.) Besides these, Harris mentions the ruin of a nameless chapel in the townland Creeve (Down, p. 88); and the Ord. Survey lays down small grave-yards, at the extremities of the parish, in the townlands of Lisserboy, Ouley, and Greenan (ss. 40, 41,51).

    Hos

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 7

    As the companion tells it

    The road takes you through Newry, a town with an old buried chapter beneath its streets. An abbey chapel once stood in Boat-street, at the place then occupied by a potato market. When the street was opened and the ground levelled at this spot, great heaps of human remains were displaced. Large quantities of those remains were carried away and deposited in the present Catholic burying-ground. It is a quiet fact of building and progress: the dead were in the way, and so they were moved. What had been sacred ground became a street, a market, a levelled surface for traffic and trade, and the bones were gathered up and taken somewhere else to rest. Newry carries that disturbance in its foundations, ordinary now, unmarked for the most part, the old ground worked over and built upon.

58. Kilbrony and the Crozier of St. Bronach

    Kilbroney · townland · Down

    The parish of Kilbrony took its name from St. Bromana (Bronach), whose crozier (baculus) was preserved as a relic in the church and was attended by an appointed custodian, the 'custos baculi S. Bromanae'. Persons nominated by the Primates held this office over the centuries.

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    1 . In the parish of Kilbrony the bishop had a mensal, consisting of certain lands, tithes, and dues, which were appendant upon the " Officium baculi sanctse Bromanae in ecclesia S. Bromanae", and were farmed by the ecclesiastic who was appointed by the bishop "custos baculi S. Bromanae ". St. Bromana is called Bronach in the Irish Calendar, at the 2nd of April, and from her the parish derived its name. Her baculus or crozier seems to have been a relique which was preserved in this church, and was attended with certain privileges to its custodee. The names of some persons, who were nominated by the Primates, sede vacante^ to this office, have been already given at pp. 115, 116. The rectorial tithes and the townland of Kilfeaghan continued to be held under the bishops, until the annexation of the see in 1842.

    2. The Manor of Dysertmoy. — The name is now obsolete, but it has been conjectured above, at p. 106, that it is the modern Seapatrlck. This was also a mensal.

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 50

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Kilbroney, the parish took its name from Saint Bronach. The Irish Calendar places her at the 2nd of April. She is also called Bromana, and it is from her that Kilbrony drew its name. Her crozier, the baculus, was kept as a relic in this church. There was an office attached to it: the Officium baculi sanctae Bromanae in ecclesia S. Bromanae. The bishop had a mensal here, certain lands, tithes, and dues that went with that office. The ecclesiastic appointed to tend the crozier was called the custos baculi S. Bromanae, the custodian of the crozier of Saint Bromana. Over the centuries, persons nominated by the Primates held this office. The rectorial tithes and Kilfeaghan continued to be held under the bishops until the annexation of the see in 1842. The crozier itself is gone now, but the parish still carries her name.

59. Ancient Cremated Burials Found at Lisnashimmer Fort

    near Ballykinler · parish · Down

    Within an enclosed hilltop trench at Lisnashimmer near Killyglinnie, small stone-lined graves about three feet long were discovered containing human remains showing signs of partial incineration, mixed with charcoal, molar teeth, and adult bone fragments, suggesting a pre-Christian burial site.

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    3. Ganimor {'i^amm mop 'the great sand') is now represented by the Rabbit Warren, which lies at the south of the parish, and forms part of the " Upper Ballykinler" of the Ord. Survey. In Petty's map it is marked " Balligannymore"; and, until aljout thirty years ago, there stood here a high peak of sand, which was locally called Gannymore. In the same townland, north of the Warren, and about a quarter of a mile west of the shore of the inner bay, is an ancient cemetery, in which are the foundations of a church, csWadi Killi/glinnie, measuring 26 by 15 feet. A few yards to the east is a neatly closed spring, called St. Patrick's well. In this townland, which is Ballykinler Proper, a short distance east of Killyglinnie, is a little hill, called Lisnashimmer, or ' the shamrock fort ', the top of which was formerly surrounded by a trench. Within the enclosed space, a discovery was made, some years ago, of several small graves, about three feet in length, and ten inches in width and depth. The cavities were lined and covered with thin stones, and contained human remains, which, from the charcoal found with them, appeared to have undergone partial incineration. Molar teeth and fragments of full-grown bones, which were interspersed, proved that these graves were not, as might at first appear, intended for unbaptized infants. They may reasonably be supposed to date their formation from a period anterior to the introduction of Christianity into Ireland.

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 26

    As the companion tells it

    As you travel through the parish of Ballykinler, the ground holds older signs than most would guess. At the south of the parish lies what was once called Ganimor, the great sand, now the Rabbit Warren, marked on Petty's map as Balligannymore. Until about 30 years ago a high peak of sand stood there, known locally as Gannymore. North of the Warren, about a quarter of a mile west of the inner bay shore, is an ancient cemetery. The foundations of a church remain there, called Killyglinnie, measuring 26 by 15 feet. A few yards to the east is a neatly closed spring, known as Saint Patrick's well. A short distance east of Killyglinnie, in Ballykinler Proper, rises a little hill called Lisnashimmer, meaning the shamrock fort. Its top was once ringed by a trench. Within that enclosed space, several small graves were found, each about 3 feet long and 10 inches in width and depth. The cavities were lined and covered with thin stones. They held human remains, and charcoal found among them showed the bodies had undergone partial incineration. Molar teeth and fragments of full-grown bones were mixed through the deposits, proving these graves were not, as might first appear, meant for unbaptized infants. They may reasonably be dated to a time before Christianity reached Ireland.

60. Bishop of Connor resident at Carrickfergus castle in 1434

    Carrickfergus · townland · Antrim · 1434

    Following the disruption caused by Bruce's invasion, the bishops of Connor came to reside at Carrickfergus castle rather than at Connor itself; records confirm the bishop was resident there as late as 1434.

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    Grace and Pembridge relate that on this occasion the bishop fled to the castle of Carrickfergus, and his bishopric was put under an interdict. His residence was probably the castle, a portion of the outworks of which remain within the glebe. In 1434 the Bishop of Connor was resident at Carrickfergus (Reg. Swayne, p. 81.)

    u.

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 38

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, a bishop of Connor took shelter in Carrickfergus castle after fleeing his own see. His bishopric was put under an interdict. The castle likely became his residence after the upheaval of Bruce's invasion. Records show the Bishop of Connor was still resident here in 1434.