The history of Bandon, and the principal towns in the West Riding of County Cork

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

1. "Badman" Goodman of Innishannon

   Innishannon · town · Cork · 1790–1799

   A descendant of the Goodman family, known as "Badman" due to his dissolute lifestyle, died at an old age in Innishannon towards the close of the eighteenth century. He was remembered for claiming to have been born after his mother was buried, and he spent his entire inheritance before dying in poverty.

   Read the passage

   She lived some years after, and had a son, who dicd at a good old age, towards the close of last century, in Innoshannon ; and such a dissolute and dissipated fellow was he, that he was known, not as Goodman, but as “ Badman;” and there are those still living who knew and conversed with ‘‘ Badman” in his old age. A lady of our acquaintance often saw and spoke to him. She says he used to wear a frilled shirt and knee-breeches, and was fond of displaying a pair of large silver buckles in his shoes. Another lady had a perfect recollection of sitting upon his knee when a child, and of his telling her that he was the man who was born after his mother was buried. Before old Goodman left this world—wo hope for a better—he had spent all he had inherited from his parents, and dicd in poverty, leaving ason, who had to subsist by tho labour of his hands.

   This man also married, and died, leaving a son, who served a part of. his time to a shoemaker in Bandon; but, before his apprenticeship was half completed, he lent an attentive car to the seductive wiles of a recruiting sergeant, and, when last we hcard of him, he was a private s the Grenadier Company of Her Majesty’s Sixty —— Regiment of

   Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 25

2. Execution of Donogh Duve at Fac's Bridge, Clonakilty

   Clonakilty · town · Cork

   Donogh Duve was escorted from Bandon to Clonakilty for execution at a cross-road known as Fac's Bridge. A large crowd assembled to witness the hanging; before the bolt was drawn, Duve addressed them with a comic remark about lighting a pipe with a potato stalk.

   Read the passage

   It was ordered, in addition, that the executions should take place in tho towns nearest to where the offences had been committed. Accordingly, when tho three unfortunate men arrived in Bandon, Micheal and Dan were detained there ; but Donogh was sent on strongly escorted to Clonakilty. When the escort arrived at a cross-road adjoining that town, then and still known as Fac’s Bridge, they found that every preparation had been maie by the local authoritics for carrying out the dread sentence of the law, and also that numbers of persons from the country ay well us from tho town had asscmbled to feast their eyes upon ono of the most notorious criminals of the day, and to sce if that reckless daring which tracked his career through this world would cower as he appronched the next. Ife soon took his place on the drop; the rope was adjusted ; and, after nodding and smiling to some of his old friends whom he recognized in the crowd, the bolt was about being drawn, when he sought, as a last request, to be allowed to say a few words. This was assented tu; and, stepping a pace or two to tho front, “ Good people,” said he, with a comic expression of countenance, which provoked roars of merriment from those who had come to sce him die, “all Lhaye to say is, that the best thing for you to light a pipe with is the faded stalk of a potato!” Then, turning with the same humorous leer to the executioner, he told him to go on.

   ‘This apparent disregard for his impending doom might in some measure be accounted for by the fact that he wore an iron collar round his neck, with strong projecting hooks; so that when the drop would fall, the rope would glide up, and, heing caught by them, would be prevented from pressing futally on the jugular—a contrivanco that was made for him by a smith named Lane, from Ballinacurra, in this neighbourhood. But this did not avail him; tur Hastings Moore—a brother of the murdered man, and one of those who-assisted in his capture at Geara—was watching his every move from the foot of the scaffold, and perceiving that his neckerchief was unusuully large, or, as some assert, having

   Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 16

   As the companion tells it

   You're coming through Clonakilty now, the town in Cork where Donogh Duve was brought to die. Three men had been sent to Bandon for execution, since it was ordered that hangings take place in the towns nearest where the offences were committed. Micheal and Dan were detained in Bandon, but Donogh was sent on, strongly escorted. When the escort reached a cross-road adjoining the town, known then and still as Fac's Bridge, the local authorities had everything ready. People from the country and from the town had gathered to see one of the most notorious criminals of the day, and to see whether his reckless daring would cower as he faced death. He took his place on the drop. The rope was adjusted. He nodded and smiled to old friends he recognized in the crowd. The bolt was about to be drawn when he asked, as a last request, to say a few words. It was allowed. He stepped forward with a comic expression that provoked roars of merriment from those who had come to watch him die. "Good people," he said, "all I have to say is, that the best thing for you to light a pipe with is the faded stalk of a potato!" Then he turned with the same humorous leer to the executioner and told him to go on. His disregard for his doom might be explained by the iron collar he wore round his neck, with strong projecting hooks, so that when the drop fell the rope would be caught by them and prevented from pressing fatally on his jugular. The collar was made for him by a smith named Lane, from Ballinacurra. But it did not avail him. Hastings Moore, a brother of the murdered man, who had assisted in his capture at Geara, was watching every move from the foot of the scaffold. He perceived that the neckerchief was unusually large.

3. Burial of Schomberg's horse Billy in Ballymodan churchyard

   Ballymodan · parish · Cork · 1708

   Schomberg's horse, nicknamed 'Billy Boyne,' was fed bumpers of October wine at Boyne anniversary dinners. The horse died around 1708 and was publicly buried in Ballymodan churchyard, with mourners reportedly moved to sadness at the ceremony.

   Read the passage

   We should have stated that ‘‘ Schomberg’s” horse was uot forgotten. When the great toast that was given at every dinner-table, and was drank over and over again, was first proposed, a full bumper of the best October wits poured into the horse’s bucket, which he used to drink off with all the gusto of a real true-blue. Poor “Billy” died about the year 1708, and was publicly-buried in the churchyard of Ballymodan ; and ’tis said that many a wet eye became wetter, and many a sad heart sadder still, as the stones and clay covered for ever the inanimate form of the once gay and joyous old Boyne campaigner, “ Billy Boyne.”*

   The custom of celebrating the Boyne anniversaty by a sham fight continued until the year 1809; and the last ‘‘ Schomberg” we have any account of was the late Mr. William Banfield, of Shinagh. The planting of oak-trees, with paintings of William crossing the Boyne, continued until the passing of the Party Processions Act; whilst the practice of decorating the churches with flags and streamers remained until 1858. And the only traces we have now of these by-gone celebrations are the few harmless shots that are fired on the eye of the old anniversary. :

   Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 12

4. Ralph Clear's bluff saves Bandon from Carrigadrohid rebels

   Bandon · town · Cork

   When rebels from Carrigadrohid advanced to attack Bandon, old Ralph Clear with only forty men marched boldly up Barry's Walk toward Macroom to meet them. He convinced the enemy scouts that his small force was merely an advance guard, causing the entire rebel body to flee in disorder.

   Read the passage

   Upon another occasion, the rebels from Carrigadrohid, having asecrtained that the Bandon men were away somewhere, advanced in regular order to attuck the town, which was but very poorly defended, having been entrusted to the charge of old Ralph Clear, and a guard of forty men. Old Ralph heard of their approach, and instead of allowing the enemy to waste their strength on the defences, he depended on a picee of strategy, which may be commended simply on the grounds of its smecess. At the head of his forty Spartans, he walked boldly up Rarry’s Walk, and alony the old road to Macroom, to mect the foe. In @ short time he met with two of the enemies advanced scouts, who had been sent forward to rcconnoitre and see if the Bandonians were on the alert. With these old Clear, who pretended not to know who they were, entered into friendly conversution. Perceiving that their office was not apparently suspected, they beeame somewhat emboldened, and asked him was he going to fight the Irish forees with such a handful of men. Oh!’ said he, ‘we are only the advanced guard of our party. Tho main body are gone round so as to get into the encmies reur, prevent their escape ;” adding, with a confident shake of the head, “that not a man of them but would be dead and comfortably damned before starlight.”

   Seeing the effect this piece of bravado had upon his hearers, he ordered his men to halt and sce to their pieces, ay they would not have long to wait for the signal now. This was cnongh for the scouts. They quietly slipt away ; and, having got out of muskct range, they ran with tremendous haste till they reached their main body, where, pale with fright, they told all that they had heard. ‘This had such an effect on the adventurers from Carrigadrohid, that they fled in consternation, and in so much disorder, that, when the Bandon people arrived at the bottom of a stecp hill near Gurtcen House, they found one poor fellow lying dead upon the read, who, in his cagerness to escape, had fallen headlong, and absolutely broken his neck. There were some doggcrel lines composeil on this affair, a few of which we have been enubled to collect :—

   Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 6

5. Collapse of Bandon weaving trade triggers mass emigration

   Bandon · town · Cork

   Bandon weavers struck for higher wages; employer Mr. Biggs withdrew his contract and removed his equipment, destroying a trade central to the town's prosperity for over two centuries. The resulting exodus halved the town's population as families fled to England, America, and beyond.

   Read the passage

   of our population, we have searce scon paralleled even in history, and which has left us, after an interval of fifty years, with not one-half the number of inhubitants the town contained in this year. Family circles indeed, we are told, entire comninities—fed to Manchester, Leeds, London, and even to Paris, Crowds crossed the broad Atlantic ; and many passed away to unknown lands, and have uot left even a trace of their whereabouts. Those that could not make aw

   y were employed on the relicf-works; many of the hilly roads in our ucighbourhood being then cut down, as Bariett’s Hill, Lovell’s Hill, &e. Lodgings were unlet ; houses were unoccupied ; whole streets were deserted ; and many and muny a green meadow, now roamed over by an Ayrshire” or a “Durham,” was then the site of a clean, orderly row of white cottages; and the solemn stillness of the country now reigns where the unvarying click-clack of the shuttle and the weaver’s merry song once held undisputed sway. ‘

   Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 23

6. Potheen raid near the Bandon River

   Bandon · town · Cork

   Revenue officers searching a housekeeper's premises for illicit spirits were outwitted when she secretly dispatched a boy to empty a gallon jar of potheen into the Bandon River, which lay only a field away from the house.

   Read the passage

   They had scarcely turned their backs upon Mrs. Teige, when she adroitly removed a gallon jar of the coveted liquid which she had under the counter all the time, and sent a boy with it as hard as he could run, to empty its contents into the Bandon river, which was only distant a ficld from the house. When she thought he was well out of the range of detection, she went up stairs, where sho made a great

   546 THE WISTORY OF BANDON, AND THE PRINCIPAL

   Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 23

7. Conspiracy organized at Kilbrogan Church after Sunday service

   Kilbrogan · townland · Cork

   A conspiracy was organized in Kilbrogan Church after Sunday afternoon service, with conspirators turning out all women to maintain secrecy. Within hours, nearly all male inhabitants were enrolled, including Presbyterians and Quakers.

   Read the passage

   onnt is that the conspiracy was organized in Kilbrogan Church, after noon-service on Sunday ; and that, in order to prevent any intentions from getting al 1, the conspirators turned out all the women—relying upon that that a woman cannot keep a secret. One wonan, however. who wl to be a servant at Edwards’ Inn, where Captai untrived to hide herself under one of the seats, and heard probably smitten by the jack-boots and feather of the gallant 0 watched anxiously throughout the night; and when she heard tho first stroke of the bell, che ran up to his room and urged him to fly for his life. Knocking was

   He had only time to throw on a few articles of clothing, when a loud

   Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 7

8. Crowd gathers at Burry's Walk in Bandon for the Duves

   Bandon · town · Cork

   News of the capture of the notorious Duve brothers spread across the countryside, drawing enormous crowds to Bandon. The mother of the Duves positioned herself in the throng along Burry's Walk to bless her sons as they passed.

   Read the passage

   Meanwhile, news of the capture of the famous Duves had spread far and near. It ran from ploughland to ploughland, from parish to parish, The peasantry of one district no sooner told it to those of another, than, throwing down their mattocks and grephancs, they flocked in crowds to Bandon. The whole flat of Burry’s Walk, extending from where the Convent of the Order of the Presentation now stands, a full mile anda half along the oll Maervom Road, was black with people; but there was one place in that swaying mass of humanity where the thick crowd was thickest, and where the murmur ol voiyes was the loudest. In the middle of this thick crowd, a small space was with difficulty preserved; and in the centre of this was a little old woman, with a white kerchicf tied round her head, und her figure enveloped in a frieze cloak of ample dimensions. This little old woman was the mother of the Duves, and, when the unfortunate men arrived before where she was standing, she went upon her kuees to give her boys her blessing; but the salutation she received was a terrible one.

   434 THE HISTORY OF BANDON, AND THE PRINCIPAL

   Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 16

9. Grand banquet for Lord Cork in Bandon, 1631

   Bandon · town · Cork · 1631

   The townspeople of Bandon expressed gratitude to Lord Cork for completing the town walls, enlarging the two churches, and procuring munitions of war at wholesale rates. They subscribed twelve pounds two shillings and tenpence for a grand banquet to which Lord Cork and his noble company were invited.

   Read the passage

   T was but natural the Bandonians should feel grateful to Lord Cork for the many good services he had 1631. performed for them. At their desire he hurried to completion the walling of the town ; he enlarged their two churches; he procured for them the munitions of war at ‘wholesale rates ; and he strove hard with the various Lords-President of the Province to reduce (if not to remove) the garrison, against tho burthen of maintaining and paying of which thoy so strenuously and deservedly protested. Accordingly, when it became known amongst them that Lord Cork intended coming to Bandon, they met together, and invited his lordship and “his noble company” to a grand banquet. His lordship and his noble company cheerfully accepted the invitation ; and there is no reason to think that the hosts and their guests did not fally enjoy themselves, and part mutually pleased with each other. ‘The cost of the entertainment—which amounted to twelve pounds two shillings and tenpence—was defrayed by public subscription. The following is a list of the names of the subscribers, and the sums contributed by them :—

   106 THE HISTORY OF BANDON, AND THE PRINCIPAL

   Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 5

10. Rector Lovatt's weekly parochial charities at Kilbrogan

    Kilbrogan · townland · Cork

    While rector of Kilbrogan, Mr. Lovatt dispensed parochial charities weekly, recognizing recipients by nicknames based on personal peculiarities rather than their Christian names, such as 'Squinty' for a woman with oblique vision.

    Read the passage

    Whilst he was rector of Kilbrogan, it wos customary with Mr. Lovatt to dispense the parochial charities weekly, and the recipients of them he used to recognize, not by the names conferred upon them when a few of their fricnds undertook serious responsibilities on their behalf, but by some accomplishment, or blemish, or peculiarity that they were noted for. A poor women who sold him a lame duck for a whole one was Mrs. Duckey, and her daughter was the little duck ; another, who had an oblique vision, was Squinty ; Honey was the dulcet appellation he had for one whose sweet tonguo often poured copioua blessings on his rectorial head; and the Wasp was a peevish creature, that would fight with the shadow of her own dyspeptic countenance.

    The doctor was a great humorist. Nevertheless, under the guise of pleasuntry and merriment, he could administer a rebuke that would not soon be forgotten. Passing hurriedly through his hall one night in the dark, he knocked against a poor man who was waiting to sce him.

    Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 23

11. Treacherous surrender at McCarthy fortress near Bandon

    Bandon · town · Cork

    Dermot McCarthy's garrison, holding a fortress across the river from Bandon for McCarthy-Reagh, raised a white flag to surrender but then fired on the approaching negotiation boat, killing two passengers and sinking it. The Bandon men retaliated with cannon fire, battering the fortress towers and battlements.

    Read the passage

    on the opposite side of the river, and Dermot McCarthy and a numerow garrison held it for the Irish and his chieftain, McCarthy-Reagh. Bein summoned to submit to the King’s authority, and place his fortress iz English hands, Dermot stoutly refused. Upon this the gun wa brought to bear, and the cannonade was about to begin, when McCarthy hung out a white flag, intimating his desire to surrender. A boat pul off immediately to arrange the terms, and had got near half-way across, when the besicged suddenly opened fire on her, killing two of the pas sengers, and sinking the boat herself. But they were not content with even this barbarous outrage on the laws of war, for, amid jeers and derision, they continued the fusillade, severely wounding three or four of the poor creatures who were madly struggling in the water to reach the shore, from whence they had but a few moments before shoved off in high spirits.

    Witnessing this act of diabolical treachery, the Bandon men panted to be avenged. The big gun was silent no longer. It was rapidly discharged, and nearly every discharge told. At one time it was a lol of stonca from one of the towers that came rumbling down the front wall, At another time it was a portion of the battlement that fell te the ground, with a loud crash. At one time a shot passed through tc the inside ; and then again one of the coignes showed unmistakable signs of detaching itself trom the continuous masonry. Meanwhile, most of the foot, under Lord Kinalmeaky in person, scerctly ascended the hill from which the gun still threw its ponderous shot, and descending on the other side, marched westwards, keeping the ground now oceupied by Sbippool demesne between them and the Rochcs at Poulnalonge, until they arrived ut Cuolmoreen ford. Tere they easily crossed over —it being low water at the time; and having cautiously proceeded towards cl themselves of the wooded heights and the castern and western approaches, unperceived. A signal was then made to their comrades on the opposite bank to maz

    Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 18

12. Trial of Bandon rebels averted by McCarthy's intervention

    Bandon · town · Cork · 1689–1690

    After James II departed for Dublin, he left orders to have the Bandon rebels severely dealt with. Chief Justice Nugent began their trial, but General McCarthy, who had signed the capitulation terms, stormed onto the bench and forced a postponement. The rebels' fate was ultimately decided at the Battle of the Boyne.

    Read the passage

    The royal mind was as unshaken as ever; and when the merciless monarch did set out for Dublin, he left peremptory instructions behind him to have the Bandon rebels severely dealt with.* Nugent, only too glud to curry out his Majesty’s views inthese purticulars, ordered them on their trial at once.

    There they stood, unflinching and undismaycd—ualthough there was no gleam of hope to soften the gloom of that destiny which now appeared inevitable. Before them sat the Irish Jeffries, and beside him was the gibbet. But the darkest hour is that which precedes the dawn.

    Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 8

13. Ross cathedral used as slaughterhouse during siege

    Ross Carbery · town · Cork · 1642–1643

    During the thirty-five-week siege of Rathbarry Castle, the Irish forces used the cathedral of Ross as a shambles, slaughtering cows and sheep taken from Protestant inhabitants within its precincts.

    Read the passage

    During the siege—which lasted thirty-five weeks—the Irish used the cathedral of Ross as a shambles; and within its precincts they used to slaughter the cows and sheep which they took from the Protestant inhabitants. x

    It was at Ross tho last act in the drama of the great r¢bellion was performed ; when the town was surrendered to the English, and a peace concluded between Gencral Ludlow on the side of the Parliament, and Lord Muskerry on behalf of the Kilkenny Confederation, on the 22nd of June, 1652.

    Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 15

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up is the town of Ross Carbery in Cork. During a siege lasting 35 weeks, from 1642 into 1643, Irish forces used the cathedral here as a shambles, slaughtering cows and sheep taken from Protestant inhabitants within its precincts. Later, on the 22nd of June, 1652, the town was surrendered to the English, when General Ludlow for the Parliament and Lord Muskerry for the Kilkenny Confederation concluded a peace.

14. Bandon during French invasion scare: war and hunger

    Bandon · town · Cork · 1796

    A Bandon resident described the town filled with soldiers and artillery, bakers ordered to work on Christmas Day, churches and the chapel turned into barracks. Many moneyed people fled, and Lord Bandon sent off his family with valuable effects.

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    The French flect arrived in Bantry Bay towards the close of December. A letter written by a Bandon man to his brother, in a few weeks afterwards, gives us an opportunity of seeing matters as they then werc—or, at least, as they then presented themselves to one who was there, and saw them ut that eventful period. After alluding to the journey of a friend and himself from Limerick, he says :—‘‘ When we came to Bandon, there was nothing there but the appearance of war and hunger. I could not get as much bread in town as would do me for my breakfast. Brend was so scarce that the bakers were obliged by the provost to bake on Christmas-day, to supply the wants of the great number of soldicrs that were in the town; and which were daily increasing, for they were coming from all parts of the kingdom, with artillery and cannon continually rolling in. The churches, meeting-house, and preaching-house, were filled with soldiers, The chapel wos formed into « horse-barrack, so that our town was dressed in all the horrors of war. All the little towns and country were thronged with militia, Expresses hourly arriving from Bantry.” Again :— “Many of the moncyed people here took their flight from Cork and Dublin, to embark for England. Lord Bandon sent off his family with all his valuable effects. The ladies and married people are greatly in dread. Many of them had their moucy ut interest, and those that had it would not own to have a shilling, so that they were tortured by double fears. Thus were the holidays spent in Bandon, ond for seven days after, wntil the Lond arose a mighty wind that drove them from the bay, and damaged their shipping, so that they could never muster after.”

    Broderick Chinnery, of Anne’s Grove, county Cork, and the Hon. William O'Callaghan, of Shanbally, were elected to represent Bandon in the last Parliament that was to bo held in Dublin.

    Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 21

15. Bandon founded on a waste bog

    Bandon · town · Cork

    The site of Bandon was described as a desolate bog before English settlement, serving as a refuge for woodkerns, rebels, thieves, and wolves. The surrounding district was largely uninhabited and unknown to ordinary travellers.

    Read the passage

    and from thenee over bare hills, and through an almost uninhubited district, until lie approached the walls of Cork. The interior of the country—at least that region now occupicd by the towns of Bandon, Clonakilty, und Dunmanway—was entirely wiknown to the ordinary waytarer. Indeed, su dreary and so insceure was the site upon which Bandon itself is built, that one who naturally took a great interest in the town’s prosperity describes it as having been “a mere waste hog, serving as a retreat for woodkerns, rebels, thieves, aud wolves.” Whenever the Irish were worsted in a fight with the English ut this side of Cork, they took to their heels in hot haste tor this locality; well knowing that the lett unable to pursue them “amongst the fastnesses of Kinalmeaky.” And such was the unenviable pre-eminence those fastnesses had obtained for sheltering the

    y

    Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 1

16. Orange flags hoisted at Kilbrogan and Ballymodan churches

    Bandon · town · Cork

    A large orange flag was raised from the belfry of old Kilbrogan, a similar one from the roof of Ballymodan, and a blue flag from a spar over the centre arch of the bridge. Trees decorated with flags stood at the Water-gate, Kilbrogan-cross, Cavendish-quay, both ends of South Main Street, Shannon Street bridge, and Irish-town.

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    Early on that morning Bandon was astir, The cannon on fii were fired at intervals of «a few minutes, and each successive “b swelled and roared along the valley, and echoed and re-echoed amo the surrounding hills, announcing that the day had begun. The bell of Christ Church sung it in silvery toncs. Tho bell at Ballymodan boomed it. Simultaneously with this announcement, standards were | , hoisted. A large orange flag flaunted from the belfry of old Kilbrogan; + a similar one waved from the roof of Ballymodan. A blue flag floated - from a tall spar placed over the centre arch of the bridge. Orangeand ¢ blue, purple and violet, red and yellow—in fact, flags and ribbons of every colour, saye green and white—streamed from lofty oaks planted in commanding situations. One tree stood just outside the Water-gate, . another stood at Kilbrogan-cross; there was one on the quay—nowknown. as Cavendish-quay; there was one on the western extremity of the South Main Street, another at its eastern extremity ; there was one on’ Shannon Street bridge, and another in the Irish-town.

    People were soon in the streets. Many of those who had arrived after a long journey the night before were busy watering and feeding their horses, so that they may havo the day uninterruptedly te themselves.

    Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 10

17. Relief works cut roads through hills near Bandon

    Bandon · town · Cork

    Workers who could not emigrate after the weaving trade collapse were employed on relief works cutting down hilly roads near Bandon, including Barnett's Hill and Lovell's Hill.

    Read the passage

    y were employed on the relicf-works; many of the hilly roads in our ucighbourhood being then cut down, as Bariett’s Hill, Lovell’s Hill, &e. Lodgings were unlet ; houses were unoccupied ; whole streets were deserted ; and many and muny a green meadow, now roamed over by an Ayrshire” or a “Durham,” was then the site of a clean, orderly row of white cottages; and the solemn stillness of the country now reigns where the unvarying click-clack of the shuttle and the weaver’s merry song once held undisputed sway. ‘

    Several spirited attempts were subsequently made by Mesers. George Allman, Richard Wheeler, and James Scott, to introduce the cotton

    Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 23

18. Siege of Rathbarry Castle, 1642

    Rathbarry · townland · Cork · 1642–1643

    Florence McCarthy of Benduffe and Black O'Cullane plundered Ross and besieged Captain Arthur Freke's garrison at Rathbarry Castle for thirty-five weeks. The Bandon militia and Lord Forbes's Scotch regiment eventually rescued Freke and conveyed him safely to Bandon.

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    In 1642, Florence McCarthy, of Benduffe, Black O’Cullane, and others, after plundering the town of Ross, besieged Captain Arthur Freke and his heroic little garrison in Rathbarry Castle. Notwithstanding the valiant defence made by Freke and his warders, victory would eventually decide against them—owing to the want of food, as well as to the overwhelming numbers which prowled round and round the castle walls, like famishing wolves round a sheep-fold—had not the Bandon militia and Lord Forbes’s regiment of Scotch come to their assistance, and conveyed them safely to Bandon.

    During the siege—which lasted thirty-five weeks—the Irish used the cathedral of Ross as a shambles; and within its precincts they used to slaughter the cows and sheep which they took from the Protestant inhabitants. x

    Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 15

19. Eldad Holland celebrates William's victory at Kilbrogan

    Kilbrogan · townland · Cork · 1690

    On the Sunday after news of William's victory reached Bandon, the parish clerk of Kilbrogan, Eldad Holland, composed and led a psalm of praise for the new king. He was a quaint figure known for addressing the congregation as 'Boys' and making remarks about the Battle of the Boyne and King James.

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    ~ had something good to say of, or something great to wish to, glorious William. But sincero as they were in their ardent loyalty, and loud as they were in their laudations of their now king, the parish-clerk of Kilbrogan excelled them all.

    ‘When tho first lesson was concluded on the Sunday after the news of William’s victory had been received in Bandon, ‘‘ Let us sing,” says old Eldad Holland, ‘‘to the praise and glory of William, a psalm of my: own composing :—

    Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 9

20. Fifty rebels killed in Kilmore bog after Brinny Bridge pursuit

    Brinny · townland · Cork

    Bandon men pursued cattle marauders and caught up with them at Brinny Bridge, recovering the stolen cattle. The raiders fled into Kilmore bog for safety, where fifty of them were overtaken and killed.

    Read the passage

    aware of what was going on, and followed in pursuit. They came up with tho marauders at Brinny-Bridge. The cattle were soon the property of their former owners. They then fell on the spoilers themselves. They made no resistance, but fled at once into Kilmore hog for safety, where fifty of them were overtaken and killed.

    Upon another occasion, the rebels from Carrigadrohid, having asecrtained that the Bandon men were away somewhere, advanced in regular order to attuck the town, which was but very poorly defended, having been entrusted to the charge of old Ralph Clear, and a guard of forty men. Old Ralph heard of their approach, and instead of allowing the enemy to waste their strength on the defences, he depended on a picee of strategy, which may be commended simply on the grounds of its smecess. At the head of his forty Spartans, he walked boldly up Rarry’s Walk, and alony the old road to Macroom, to mect the foe. In @ short time he met with two of the enemies advanced scouts, who had been sent forward to rcconnoitre and see if the Bandonians were on the alert. With these old Clear, who pretended not to know who they were, entered into friendly conversution. Perceiving that their office was not apparently suspected, they beeame somewhat emboldened, and asked him was he going to fight the Irish forees with such a handful of men. Oh!’ said he, ‘we are only the advanced guard of our party. Tho main body are gone round so as to get into the encmies reur, prevent their escape ;” adding, with a confident shake of the head, “that not a man of them but would be dead and comfortably damned before starlight.”

    Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 6

21. Surrender of Ross ends the Confederate Wars, 1652

    Ross Carbery · town · Cork · 1652

    Ross was the site of the final act of the great rebellion, where the town was surrendered to the English. A peace was concluded between General Ludlow for the Parliament and Lord Muskerry for the Kilkenny Confederation on 22 June 1652.

    Read the passage

    It was at Ross tho last act in the drama of the great r¢bellion was performed ; when the town was surrendered to the English, and a peace concluded between Gencral Ludlow on the side of the Parliament, and Lord Muskerry on behalf of the Kilkenny Confederation, on the 22nd of June, 1652.

    A great deal of the lands forfeited in the parish of Rathbarry and the neighbourhood, and which had belonged to the O’Heas and the Barrys,* were granted to William Penn, Phillip Percival, and the Duke of York; but the town itself was conferred by Cromwell (April 12th, 1653) upon Captain Robert Gookin, ‘he having laid out £600 in fortitying the abbey, and in buildings intended for the English inhabitants, and to strengthen the place.” ‘,

    Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 15

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Ross Carbery, the town where the last act of the great rebellion was performed. On the 22nd of June 1652, the town was surrendered to the English, and a peace was concluded between General Ludlow on the side of the Parliament and Lord Muskerry on behalf of the Kilkenny Confederation. Much of the forfeited land in the parish of Rathbarry and the neighbourhood, which had belonged to the O'Heas and the Barrys, was granted to William Penn, Phillip Percival, and the Duke of York. The town itself was conferred by Cromwell upon Captain Robert Gookin, he having laid out £600 in fortifying the abbey and in buildings intended for the English inhabitants, and to strengthen the place.

22. Bandon July 1st celebrations with effigies, 1800

    Bandon · town · Cork · 1800

    On July 1st the loyalty of Bandon was displayed with windows decked in green boughs and orange lilies. Effigies of King James and Queen were hanged, shot, and burned, while King William was placed on a church spire. A battle between country-women and Orange girls ensued with cups, ribbons, and hair flying.

    Read the passage

    “The loyalty of this town ucver appeared more conspicuously than on the glorions Ist of July. The windows were decked out with green boughs, variegated with flowers and orange lilics, and appeared at a distance ax so many hanging gardens ; while the mind was awfully ed with the sight of those royul culprits, King James and Queen who were hanged, shot at, aud consigned to the flames, as they ought to be, ‘The spectators be held, with pleasing astonishment, King William placed on a spire of one of the churehes, majestically moving in the air, riding over a salmon, painted orange colour, and with purple fins. The battle of the books was nothing to the real battle that took place between the caps. In the beginning, the country-women, who were accustomed to pluck sheep, had by the advantage, when a reinforcement coming down to the Or: girls, victory was soon decided in their favour, when cups, ribbons, and hair were plentifully distributed about."

    1800.

    Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 21

23. Siege of Bernard's castle and burial of dead at Killountain

    Killountain · townland · Cork

    A party assaulted a castle defended by Mr. Bernard and his garrison, suffering heavy casualties from the defenders' fire before retreating to a ford in the deer-park. Mr. Bernard was killed in the defence. The Irish dead were buried the next day in a disused graveyard at Killountain, traces of which were still visible.

    Read the passage

    The dead Irish were collected and removed shortly after to a stable, where they were covered with straw ; and the next day they were buried in an old but long disused graveyard, some traces of which may still be scen in the adjoining lands of Killountain,

    Another party surprised the house of Mr. Francis Banfield, of Shinagh. Finding the door unfastencd, they easily obtained admission, and rushed in. They found him standing near the kitchen fire talking to his wife, and ordered him ‘to come along!’ The poor man hesitated, not well knowing what to do; upon which onc of the marauders presented his musket at his head, and would most assuredly have stained his

    Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 9

24. Smith from Ballinacurra makes iron collar for condemned man

    Ballinacurra · townland · Cork

    A condemned man about to be hanged wore an iron collar with projecting hooks designed to prevent the rope from pressing fatally on his jugular. The contrivance was made by a smith named Lane from Ballinacurra, but it did not save him from execution.

    Read the passage

    ‘This apparent disregard for his impending doom might in some measure be accounted for by the fact that he wore an iron collar round his neck, with strong projecting hooks; so that when the drop would fall, the rope would glide up, and, heing caught by them, would be prevented from pressing futally on the jugular—a contrivanco that was made for him by a smith named Lane, from Ballinacurra, in this neighbourhood. But this did not avail him; tur Hastings Moore—a brother of the murdered man, and one of those who-assisted in his capture at Geara—was watching his every move from the foot of the scaffold, and perceiving that his neckerchief was unusuully large, or, as some assert, having

    Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 16

25. Disputed episcopal election at Ross: Daniel and Florence

    Ross Carbery · town · Cork · 1190–1210

    Daniel, consecrated at Rome by Pope Celestin III, produced letters claiming Irish bishops had elected him to the vacant See of Ross, imposing on the Pope. Two other monks also claimed election; the archbishop of Cashel and bishop of Killaloe ultimately confirmed Florence.

    Read the passage

    Daniel, consecrated at Rome by Pope Celestin the Third. He produced letters purporting to be written by the Irish bishops, asserting that he was clected to the vacant See, and thus imposed on his Holiness. Two other monks also went from loss to the Pope, pretending that they were elected. The great Vicar, not knowing which of them to believe, entrusted the examination of the pretensions of the three candidates to the archbishop of Cashel and bishop of Killaloe, They reported in favour of Florence, one of the two monks, and they confirmed him in the See. Shortly after Pope Celestin died, and Innocent the Third occupied the Papal chair. Daniel again went to Rome; and told Inno-

    412 THE IWISTORY OF BANDON, AND THE PRINCIPAL

    Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 15

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up along Ross Carbery. Around the turn of the 1200s, this town was at the heart of a disputed election for the See of Ross. Daniel was consecrated at Rome by Pope Celestin III after producing letters claiming the Irish bishops had elected him, imposing on the Pope. Two other monks also went to the Pope pretending they had been elected. Not knowing who to believe, the Pope entrusted the matter to the archbishop of Cashel and the bishop of Killaloe. They reported in favour of Florence, one of the two monks, and confirmed him in the See. Shortly after, Pope Celestin died and Innocent III took the papal chair. Daniel went back to Rome again.

26. Boyne anniversary celebrations on Bandon town walls

    Bandon · town · Cork · 1690–1858

    Bandon celebrated the Battle of the Boyne anniversary each July 1st with fireworks, cannon fire from the town walls, and church decorations. The planting of oak-trees with paintings of William crossing the Boyne continued until the Party Processions Act, and church flag decorations lasted until 1858.

    Read the passage

    The fireworks were exhibited about nine in the evening, and proved a great source of amuscment to every one; after which the cannon on the town walls announced that the day wus ended. ;

    Nearly every one in this locality—during the close of the seventeenth century, the whole of the cightecnth, and the first quarter of the one wo live in—heartily joined in celebrating the Boyne anniversary. Indeed, such was the anxiety of a gentleman-—who is still affectionately remembered by some of our old citizens—that his unaltered devotion to the principles associated with the memory of King William should be exhibited, and that, whilst lying in his last resting-place, his very remains should as it were display those loyal emblems he so often paraded whilst alive, that on his dying bed he gave peremptory orders to his next of kin to pay the sum of ten pounds yearly to an individual whom he named, provided he decorated his grave every 1st of July with orange lilies.

    Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 12

27. Fleeing rebel breaks neck near Gurteen House

    Gurteen · townland · Cork

    During the panicked flight of the Carrigadrohid rebels from Bandon, one poor fellow was found dead on the road at the bottom of a steep hill near Gurteen House. In his eagerness to escape he had fallen headlong and broken his neck.

    Read the passage

    Seeing the effect this piece of bravado had upon his hearers, he ordered his men to halt and sce to their pieces, ay they would not have long to wait for the signal now. This was cnongh for the scouts. They quietly slipt away ; and, having got out of muskct range, they ran with tremendous haste till they reached their main body, where, pale with fright, they told all that they had heard. ‘This had such an effect on the adventurers from Carrigadrohid, that they fled in consternation, and in so much disorder, that, when the Bandon people arrived at the bottom of a stecp hill near Gurtcen House, they found one poor fellow lying dead upon the read, who, in his cagerness to escape, had fallen headlong, and absolutely broken his neck. There were some doggcrel lines composeil on this affair, a few of which we have been enubled to collect :—

    and

    Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 6

28. Bandon militia's first engagement on Bandon River

    Bandon · town · Cork · 1558–1603

    During the reign of Elizabeth, the Bandon town militia under Captain Taffe saw its first action on the upper banks of the Bandon river, where the Pope's apostolic vicar and many of his followers were killed. This was the young corps' first taste of blood.

    Read the passage

    ® There was a town militia cver since the town was built, composed of horsemen and footmen, furnished by tho military tenures. These were called out annually for ion; and so numerous had they become nearly twenty ycars before, that, on the visit of the commissioners in 1622, there were paraded before them sixty-six horse and five. hundred and sixty-four foot—exclusive of officers, sergeants, and drummers, Even many years before this, this young corps saw service; when in the reign of Elizabeth, undcr Captain Taffe, it lapped its tirst blood on the upper banks of the Bandop river, on which occasion the Pope's apostolic vicar and many of his followers were slain.

    456 ‘THE HISTORY OF BANDON, AND THE PRINCIPAL

    Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 18

29. Attack on Francis Banfield at Shinagh

    Shinagh · townland · Cork

    A marauding party surprised the house of Francis Banfield at Shinagh, finding the door unfastened and rushing in. They ordered him to come along at musket-point while he stood talking to his wife by the kitchen fire.

    Read the passage

    Another party surprised the house of Mr. Francis Banfield, of Shinagh. Finding the door unfastencd, they easily obtained admission, and rushed in. They found him standing near the kitchen fire talking to his wife, and ordered him ‘to come along!’ The poor man hesitated, not well knowing what to do; upon which onc of the marauders presented his musket at his head, and would most assuredly have stained his

    * A few years ago, in cleaning out a pond which lay in the track of the fugitives, ~ the remains of a few old swords, from twelve to fourteen inches long, and the blade of a pike, were discovered imbedded in the mud at the bottom. It is not unlikely that theso fragments, pronounced by competent authority to belong to weapons of that period, were the remains of some thrown away by them in their fight,

    Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 9

30. Bantry fort described by Lord Orrery, 1666

    Bantry · town · Cork · 1666–1677

    Lord Orrery described the fort at Bantry in a 1666 letter as a small but regular fortification of four bastions opposite Whiddy Island in Bantry Bay. It was the westernmost garrison in County Cork, with no garrison between it and Cork, forty miles away, and was in serious disrepair with rotted palisades, unmounted guns, and a broken drawbridge.

    Read the passage

    In a letter to the Duke of Ormond, dated Charleville, May 25th, 1666, Lord Orrery, speaking of the fort at Bantry, says:—‘ lt is a small one, but regular, and consists of four small bastions, the faces of which are but forty-eight fect long, and the planks cighteen ; the curtain ninety fect long. All the stoceadoes, which were on the inside on the brick of the graff, and placed there in the nature of a fulse bray, are rotted away, the guns unmounted, the drawbridge broken, and but one company of sixty men in it, commanded by Captain Manly. This fort is the furthermost western garrison of this county ; and we have no garrison between it and Cork—which is about forty English miles. It stands over against Whiddy Island, in the bottom of the Bay of Bantry. This place must immediately have one hundred men sent to it more than the company now in it, the drawbridge and pallisadoes forthwith mended, the guns mounted, more ammunition sent to it, and one month’s victuals at least for onc hundred and sixty men put into it; for this being the frontier garrison of the west, ought to be well provided.”

    The duke agreed with the views of the Munster lord-president; and in “an estimate of the charge for putting into repair his Majesty’s chief fortifications and places of strength throughont the kingdom of Ireland, made October, 1677,” says, concerning Bantry :—The fort is built of lime and stone, consisting of bastions. In it are houses built for two hundred men, but are all out of repair, and some wholly unrooffed; walls defective, gates and drawbridge decayed, the dry graff round the fort to be cleared ; all which to repair will cost £400. In this tort must be mounted, on standing carriages, cight guns, which will cost £56; making new platform, £15; and for repairing the magazine, £80.

    Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 14

    As the companion tells it

    The road is bringing you into Bantry, on Cork's west coast, where Lord Orrery described a fort in a letter to the Duke of Ormond in 1666. Orrery wrote from Charleville on the 25th of May that year, and his words paint a garrison that was the furthermost western stronghold in the county. He called it small but regular, with four small bastions, their faces forty-eight feet long, the flanks eighteen, and the curtain ninety feet long. The fort stood over against Whiddy Island, in the bottom of Bantry Bay. There was no garrison between it and Cork, about forty English miles away. Orrery reported that all the palisadoes, which had stood on the inside of the brick of the graff in the nature of a false bray, were rotted away. The guns were unmounted. The drawbridge was broken. A single company of sixty men held it, commanded by Captain Manly. Orrery urged that one hundred men be sent immediately, on top of the company already there. He wanted the drawbridge and palisadoes mended forthwith, the guns mounted, more ammunition sent, and at least one month's victuals for one hundred and sixty men stored in it. He said that this being the frontier garrison of the west, it ought to be well provided. The Duke of Ormond agreed with the Munster lord-president's views. An estimate of charges dated October 1677, for putting the king's chief fortifications throughout Ireland into repair, described Bantry fort as built of lime and stone, consisting of bastions. It had houses for two hundred men, but all were out of repair, and some wholly unroofed. The walls were defective. The gates and drawbridge were decayed. The dry graff round the fort needed clearing. The cost to repair all of this was put at £400. The fort was also to mount eight guns on standing carriages, at a cost of £56, with a new platform at £15, and repairs to the magazine at £80.

31. Devastated lands of O'Mahony and O'Crowley

    Kinalmeaky · barony · Cork

    The devastating wars following the Desmond rebellion had wasted the country of the O'Mahony and O'Crowley, producing a deep solitude unbroken except by wildlife or outlaws brought to bay. The land was covered with timber for scores of miles.

    Read the passage

    The devastating wars,t which had lately wasted the country of the O'Mahony and O’Crowlcy, had produced solitude upon which no one intruded; unless when some half-naked savage, who was owned by a Mac Carthy or a Hurly, came through tho thicket in quest of u wounded deer. And the silenee—ilecp and grave—was unbroken, save when the wild pigeon coocd to its missing mate ; or when the outlaw or the woodkern, brought to bay, shricked for merey from his pursucrs.

    About an English mile castward of Castle-Mahon was a strip of flat land called Inis-fraoc (the heather inch). The Bandon river flowed in front of it. What is now known as the Bridewell river ilowed in its

    Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 1

32. First Catholic shopkeeper on Bandon's principal streets

    Bandon · town · Cork · 1807

    Around 1807, the first Roman Catholic shopkeeper, Paddy Gathney, ventured to reside on one of the principal streets of Bandon. Previously, Catholics had only occupied humble dwellings within the walls. Gathney kept a pie-shop and survived local Protestant pressure by promising not to attend Mass.

    Read the passage

    It was about this time that the first Roman Catholic shopkeeper ventured to reside in any of our principal streets. For several years previously some Roman Catholics had crept into the town, but they were content with the humble-t habitations within the walls, and in the most out of the w:

    The nine of this adventurous pioneer ort of fv-llow, and a very goods ugly as if he was made ck of personal attractions, he was a : wus constantly in pursuit of one ognomy. Put kept a pie-shop, in long stretch of charity, was known as mutton-broth. The pivs were made of flour and water, and were just ovened cnough to stiffen them. Around their outer edge was a battlement of induratcd dough, and in the centre was a thin pellicle of

    Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 23

33. Bodies taken to Clonakilty: Crab Hole and parish churchyard

    Clonakilty · town · Cork · 1797

    The bodies of two executed men were taken by cart to Clonakilty. The body of Teige-an-Astna was flung into a pool of water in the Strand called Crab Hole, while Sergeant Cummins was buried with full military honours in the graveyard of the parish church.

    Read the passage

    The bodies of the two men were taken in a cart to Clonakilty. That of Teige-an-Astna was ignominiously flung into a pool of water in the Strand, called Crab Hole; but tho remains of Sergeant Cummins were buried with full military honours in the graveyard attached to the parish church of the town.

    The following humorous extract from a letter, dated Bandon, July 10th, shows that the new century opened out with the” old state of things :—

    Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 21

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Clonakilty. In 1797 the bodies of two executed men were brought here by cart. Teige-an-Astna was flung into a pool of water on the Strand called Crab Hole, while Sergeant Cummins was buried with full military honours in the graveyard of the parish church.

34. Captain Jumper of Bandon at Gibraltar

    Bandon · town · Cork

    A Bandon man, Captain Jumper, was among the first to rush into Gibraltar sword in hand when it was taken. England's possession of the key of the Straits was partly indebted to this famous townsman.

    Read the passage

    Gibraltar was taken this year. A Bandon man—Ceptain Jumper— was one of the first who rushed into it, sword in hand.

    In the next chapter we give all the particulars we have been enable to collect of our famous townaman—a man to whom England is in some measure indebted for the possession of the renowned key of the Straits.

    Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 13

35. McCarthy Reagh of Kilbrittain obtains arms from Bandon governor

    near Kilbrittain · street · Cork · 1641

    McCarthy Reagh of Kilbrittain made many professions of loyalty to the English and obtained arms from the governor of Bandon to fight for the English cause, shortly before the outbreak of the great rebellion. Lord Muskerry also appeared zealous for the English and threatened to hang those of his people who committed offenses.

    Read the passage

    Instead of being jealous of the settlers, they should, on the contrary, have encouraged those who opened up the country, and who gave them wealth and comforts, in exchange for articles of trade to which they had previously scarcely attached a value. In truth, in this very ycar the Trish had less reason to complain than they had at any time since Strongbow’s arrival; and so well content did they appear to be, that when Lord Muskerry (one of the most powerful chiefs of the Irish Confederacy) heard complaints of the doings of some of his people, ‘he seemed very zealous for the English, and threatencd to hang those who committed them.” And his scarcely less powerful kinsman, McCarthy Reagh, of Kilbrittain, having made many professions of loyalty, obtained arms from the governor of Bandon in order to fight for the English.

    Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 5

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Kilbrittain, in 1641, McCarthy Reagh made many professions of loyalty to the English. He obtained arms from the governor of Bandon, saying he would fight for the English cause. This was just before the great rebellion broke out. His kinsman Lord Muskerry, one of the most powerful chiefs of the Irish Confederacy, seemed very zealous for the English too. When he heard complaints about the doings of some of his own people, he threatened to hang those who committed them. The Irish at this time had less reason to complain than at any point since Strongbow's arrival. They appeared well content, and the settlers had opened up the country and given wealth and comforts in exchange for articles of trade that the Irish had previously scarcely valued.

36. Kinalmeaky fastnesses sheltered rebels

    Kinalmeaky · barony · Cork

    After defeats by the English near Cork, Irish combatants fled to the fastnesses of Kinalmeaky for refuge. The area gained such notoriety that 'Kinalmeaky thieves' became a term of bitter reproach used by English settlers for those who raided their homesteads.

    Read the passage

    nest surt of rebel, that for many years—even after the colony lad heen firmly established — You Kinalmeuky thieves* was a term of bitter reproach, applied by an

    * Even after the breaki f eat rebellion of 1641, Lord Muskerry, who was one of the most i predatory propensi f y i: lowers, that he executed several of them, ‘aud sent some of the Kinulineaky thieves to Bandon.” The townspeople—who wero unublo to leave a head of cattle outside the walls, lest theso nimble froobooters should make their own of it—understood tho hint, and they hanged them forthwith

    Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 1

37. Rebellion violence and refugees at Bandon

    Bandon · town · Cork

    During a period of widespread violence, farm-houses were set ablaze, cattle destroyed, and murders committed in open daylight around Bandon. Terrified refugees knocked frantically at the town gates for admission, while men accustomed to arms were eager to be led against the perpetrators.

    Read the passage

    direction one could see farm-houses in flames, cattle being driven away or wantonly destroyed, and murders committed in tho broad glare of open day. The gates of the town were ever opening and shutting. At one time it wasa terrified creature who knocked frantically for admission —at another time it was a band of refugees, bemoaning the loss of all the industry of their lives, who begged an entrance. Great numbers were goon collected ; the women and children were helpless, but the men, used to labour, and accustomed to the use of arms, wero eager to be led against those by whose hands they had been such terrible sufferers.

    Efforts were quickly made to stay this onrush of incendiarism and slaughter. Volunteers were called for in Bandon, and two hundred men stepped into the ranks. But it was subsequently found, that with the work before them—now hourly accumulating—two hundred men were insufficient. More volunteers were called for; and before the first day of the summer of the succecding year the Bandon militia mustered four hundred rank and file. There were many others, too, ready to obey the call; but as four hundred were the utmost the town could pay or equip, they were compelled to scek employment for their military services elsewhere.

    Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 18

38. Bandon-Bridge corporation sues Irish-town tenants over borough boundary

    Bandon · town · Cork

    The provost, free-burgesses, and commonalty of Bandon-Bridge sued Francis Boyle and the inhabitants of the Irish-town in a dispute over borough boundaries under King James's patent. The case was tried before a jury on 26th of September, with the plaintiffs arguing that the parish church stood within the Irish-town and that Ballymodan was also called Bally-bandon.

    Read the passage

    The cause was tried before a jury, on the 26th of September. The plaintiffs were :—The provost, free-burgésses, and commonalty of Bandon-Bridge; and tho defendants :—Francis Boyle, Esq., Thomas Ellwell (Ensign), Roger Grimley, Thomas Hogan, and all the other tenants of the said Francis Boyle, and inhabitants of the Irish-town. As the jury could not agree, another was empannelled ; and the case was re+ heard: Mr. Clement Woodroffe (the provost), Mr. George Fenton, and Mr. Abraham Savage appeared for the corporation. Mr. William Thivey (agent to Mr. Boyle), Ensign Grimley, and Thomas Elwell, for the inhabitants of the Irish-town.

    It was alleged by the plaintiffs that, according to the patent of King James, “all tho castles, messuages, lofts, mills, houses and edifices, structures and carthlaghs, places, lands, tenements, and hereditaments whatsoever, with the appurtenances, on both sides of the river, sliding or running under the bridge of the said town, adding thereto, or being within the said town or village, or points of the same, shall henceforth and continue one free and entire borough of itself.” They then produced Mr. Woodner, ‘Charles Coombes, and others, “‘ who being antient men,” deposed, on their own knowledge, that at the time the Letters-Patent were granted there were some structures in that place (#.e.—the Irish-town) ; and, moreover, that Samuel Fenton had a house there, which was subsequently occupied by one James Ellwell. Woodner and Coombes slso averred that the parish church stood in part of the said Irish-town, and that all the

    Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 6

39. Bandon man's proud local identity in London

    Bandon · town · Cork

    A poor man forced to leave Bandon for work in London maintained such a fierce local identity that on his deathbed he refused to be called an Irishman, insisting he was solely from Bandon.

    Read the passage

    A good many years ago, a poor fellow, who was obliged to leay Bandon owing to want of employment, made his way to London, wher ho resided a long time fighting for his daily bread in the great battl of life. At length he lay on a dying Jed. A clergyman was sent for who lost no time in voming to his Indside, and administering thos woth the rugged road leadin; ile in the humble chamber id, in reply to an observatior

    religious consvlations which help to from this world to th. next.

    Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 22

40. Battle of the Boyne at Oldbridge

    Oldbridge · street · Louth · 1690

    A contemporary Protestant song tradition describes the battle fought at Oldbridge on July 1st, 1690, when King William's forces crossed the Boyne and engaged King James's army. Many men fell to cannon fire in the grievous battle.

    Read the passage

    “July the first; in Oldbridge town, there was a grievous battle, Where many a man lay on the geound, hy cannons that ‘King Jamos he pitched his fonts hotweun the linns for to neti But King William threw his bombshella in, and sot them all

    “ Theroat enraged, they vowed revenge upou King William's fo And oft did vehemently ery, that they would stop their courses: — A bullet from the Irish came, which graged King William's ars They thought his Majesty wae elain, but it did him little hittin.

    Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 13

    As the companion tells it

    Along here at Oldbridge, on July 1st, 1690, the grievous battle was fought. King James pitched his forces between the lines to defend, but King William threw his bombshells in and set them all. Many a man lay on the ground by cannons that day. The other side, enraged, vowed revenge upon King William, and cried they would stop his courses. A bullet from the Irish came, which grazed King William's arm. They thought his Majesty was slain, but it did him little hurting.

41. Bernard family monuments in Ballymodan chancel

    Ballymodan · parish · Cork · 1815

    The chancel floor of Ballymodan church contains sixteen tablets of variegated marble to members of the Bernard family. Monuments include Francis Earl of Bandon and Henry Boyle Bernard, cornet 1st Dragoon Guards, killed at Waterloo on June 18th, 1815.

    Read the passage

    The floor of the chancel contains no less than sixteen tablets of variegated marble to various members of the house of Bernard. On the north wall of the chancel is » monument in the decorated Gothio style, to Francis, Earl-of Bandon. Tho base is supported by a doubleheaded Prussian eagle, crowned, holding a shicld with the Bernard’s crest. Above the buttresses is an embattled canopy, bearing the earl’s arms quartered with those of Boyle, with the stag and unicorn supporters in alto-relievo. The epitaph is in Gothic characters, with illuminated capitals. Alongside this is a monument in similar Gothic style, to the

    Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 3

42. Manor courts of Bandon-Bridge and their colourful proceedings

    Bandon · town · Cork

    The manor courts of Bandon-Bridge handled civil and criminal matters and had jurisdiction over debts, trespasses, and licensing of trades such as butchers, bakers, and ale-sellers within the town. By the early nineteenth century the courts had declined in decorum, with sessions held in public houses, juries freely cross-examining witnesses, and members of the public loudly intervening in proceedings.

    Read the passage

    The courts were not favourites with the well-to-do classes. However it may fare with the peor man, the rich man had often good reason to complain. Consequently, when their fate was placed in the scales, be did not stand up in their behalf.

    Joseph Devonshire Jackson (Tory", returned to represent

    Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 24

43. Threshers and Carders terrorise Mayo

    Mayo · parish · Mayo · 1806–1807

    A body of men known as the Threshers or Carders kept all Mayo in terror around 1806–07. They hostilely ran off with tithe-corn and thrashed it for their own benefit, committing outrages against Protestant clergymen and those who assisted them.

    Read the passage

    About this time, a body of men known as the Threshers, or Carders, kept all Mayo in terror. Their hostility to tithe-corn, and their running off with it and thrashing it for their own benefit, carned for them the sobriquet by which they were universally known, They committed y of Protestant clergymen, but also “l with them, «nd whose exertions in s to look on them as their avowed 1ining who the perpetrators were. Fellows who spent wll night wrecking the revenues of the parson looked the very incarnation of innocence in the morning, and would with as much virtuous indignation as if they They had no word in their mouths too Vad for them—thcy were ruffians ; they were blackguards; they were thieves; and if they only know who they were, they'd soon bring the sojers upon ‘em, But as they did not know them, their friendly sentiments were valucless in staying the trangressions or informing the

    Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 19

44. Cromwell grants Ross to Captain Gookin, 1653

    Ross Carbery · town · Cork · 1653

    Cromwell conferred the town of Ross upon Captain Robert Gookin on 12 April 1653, recognising his expenditure of £600 on fortifying the abbey and erecting buildings for English inhabitants to strengthen the place.

    Read the passage

    A great deal of the lands forfeited in the parish of Rathbarry and the neighbourhood, and which had belonged to the O’Heas and the Barrys,* were granted to William Penn, Phillip Percival, and the Duke of York; but the town itself was conferred by Cromwell (April 12th, 1653) upon Captain Robert Gookin, ‘he having laid out £600 in fortitying the abbey, and in buildings intended for the English inhabitants, and to strengthen the place.” ‘,

    Upon an inquiry in 1654, a report was made, from which it appears that all these improvements cost no less than £2,143 9s.; and, in consideration of this, Gookin was granted Abbey-Mahon and twenty-six ploughlands adjoining.

    Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 15

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up toward Ross Carbery, a town whose 17th-century story turns on Cromwell. In 1653, Cromwell conferred the town itself on Captain Robert Gookin. He had laid out £600, as the record puts it, in fortifying the abbey and in buildings intended for the English inhabitants, and to strengthen the place. An inquiry the following year found all his improvements had cost no less than £2,143 and 9 shillings, and for that Gookin was granted Abbey-Mahon and 26 ploughlands adjoining.

45. Forfeited Barry and O'Hea lands granted to Penn and Percival

    Rathbarry · townland · Cork · 1652–1653

    Lands forfeited in the parish of Rathbarry and neighbourhood, formerly belonging to the O'Heas and the Barrys, were granted to William Penn, Phillip Percival, and the Duke of York after the Confederate Wars.

    Read the passage

    A great deal of the lands forfeited in the parish of Rathbarry and the neighbourhood, and which had belonged to the O’Heas and the Barrys,* were granted to William Penn, Phillip Percival, and the Duke of York; but the town itself was conferred by Cromwell (April 12th, 1653) upon Captain Robert Gookin, ‘he having laid out £600 in fortitying the abbey, and in buildings intended for the English inhabitants, and to strengthen the place.” ‘,

    Upon an inquiry in 1654, a report was made, from which it appears that all these improvements cost no less than £2,143 9s.; and, in consideration of this, Gookin was granted Abbey-Mahon and twenty-six ploughlands adjoining.

    Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 15

46. Bandon inhabitants proclaim William and Mary after Boyne

    Bandon · town · Cork · 1690

    In little more than a fortnight after the successful battle fought near Drogheda, the people of Bandon boldly proclaimed William and Mary as King and Queen of England and Ireland, heedless of consequences.

    Read the passage

    was in friendly hands, eave Bandon alonc—the inhabitants of which town, in little more than a fortnight after the succcssful battle fought near Drogheda, boldly proclaimed William and Mary as King and Queen of England and Ireland, heedless of all consequences.

    ‘Thestragglers were members of anill-disciplined, disorderly militia, who were hastily brought together and muskets being placed in their hands for the first time, they were marched northward by O'Driscoll, McCarthy, O'Donovan, and other chicttains—some of whose selves, and many of whose fathers, ever since the days of Cromwell, were on the run, with a price sct on their heads. Such were the men who were to lead them to fight with English and Anglo-Irish regiments,.under Lanier and Ormond, under Mitchclburne and Wolscley; and with the French Hngnenvts, the Dancs, und the Dutch, under Caillemot, under Wirtemberg, and under Schomberg.

    Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 19

47. Bandon Protestant classes and pride

    Bandon · town · Cork

    The Protestants of Bandon were divided into three classes—positive, comparative, and superlative—based on the intensity of their anti-Catholic sentiment. They held deep pride in being born and bred within the walls of the ancient borough.

    Read the passage

    The Bandon Protestants may fairly be divided into three classce— the positive, the comparative, and the superlative ; or fair, brown, and black. Of these, the positive or fair Protestant is a rational being, and may be olassed with tho Liberal Conservatives or moderate Whigs of our own day ; the second think, that when Victor Ssatael holds his

    }4—2,

    Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 22

48. Court-martial of militia men at Bandon, 1797

    Bandon · town · Cork · 1797

    Private Dominick Giligan of the Roscommon militia and Corporal Drumgold of the Westmeath militia were tried by court-martial at Bandon on the 10th of July, 1797, for mutiny and sedition. Corporal McAuliffe and William Larracy of the Second Fencible Dragoons were tried on the 20th of July on similar charges.

    Read the passage

    Private Dominick Giligan, Roscommon militia, and Corporal Drumgold, Westmeath wilitia, were tried by court-martial at Bundon, on the 10th of July in this year (1797); and Corporal McAuliffe, and William Larracy (both of the Second Fencible Dragoons), on the 20th of July, also at Bandon; “for beginning, exciting, causing, or joining in a mutiny or sedition in tho corps to which they belong, by having takes

    1797.

    Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 21

49. Weapons found in pond along fugitives' escape route

    Killountain · townland · Cork

    Years after the battle, a pond lying in the track of the fleeing soldiers was cleaned out, revealing old swords twelve to fourteen inches long and a pike blade embedded in the mud. Competent authority judged them to be weapons of the period, likely discarded by the fugitives.

    Read the passage

    * A few years ago, in cleaning out a pond which lay in the track of the fugitives, ~ the remains of a few old swords, from twelve to fourteen inches long, and the blade of a pike, were discovered imbedded in the mud at the bottom. It is not unlikely that theso fragments, pronounced by competent authority to belong to weapons of that period, were the remains of some thrown away by them in their fight,

    296 THE HISTORY OF BANDON, AND THE PRINCIPAL

    Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 9

50. 1622 militia review at Bandon

    Bandon · town · Cork · 1622

    When the commissioners visited in 1622, the Bandon town militia was paraded before them, mustering sixty-six horse and five hundred and sixty-four foot, exclusive of officers, sergeants, and drummers. The militia had existed since the town was built, composed of horsemen and footmen furnished by military tenures.

    Read the passage

    ® There was a town militia cver since the town was built, composed of horsemen and footmen, furnished by tho military tenures. These were called out annually for ion; and so numerous had they become nearly twenty ycars before, that, on the visit of the commissioners in 1622, there were paraded before them sixty-six horse and five. hundred and sixty-four foot—exclusive of officers, sergeants, and drummers, Even many years before this, this young corps saw service; when in the reign of Elizabeth, undcr Captain Taffe, it lapped its tirst blood on the upper banks of the Bandop river, on which occasion the Pope's apostolic vicar and many of his followers were slain.

    456 ‘THE HISTORY OF BANDON, AND THE PRINCIPAL

    Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 18

51. William Banfield of Shinagh, the last Schomberg

    Shinagh · townland · Cork · 1809

    The custom of celebrating the Boyne anniversary with a sham fight continued until 1809. The last person to fill the role of 'Schomberg' in these celebrations was William Banfield of Shinagh.

    Read the passage

    The custom of celebrating the Boyne anniversaty by a sham fight continued until the year 1809; and the last ‘‘ Schomberg” we have any account of was the late Mr. William Banfield, of Shinagh. The planting of oak-trees, with paintings of William crossing the Boyne, continued until the passing of the Party Processions Act; whilst the practice of decorating the churches with flags and streamers remained until 1858. And the only traces we have now of these by-gone celebrations are the few harmless shots that are fired on the eye of the old anniversary. :

    © For many years afterwards “Billy Boyne" was a favourite name for a pet horse ; and even now its corruption— Billy Boy”"—is not altogether forgotten.

    Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 12

52. Bishop of Cloyne visits Brochane church, 1481

    Kilbrogan · townland · Cork · 1481

    On 10 January 1481, William, Bishop of Cloyne, visited the church of Brochane and demanded the return of the manor of Kilbrogan from Sir James de Barry, lord of Brochane, who swore to comply with the bishop's will.

    Read the passage

    On the tenth of January, 1481, William, bishop of Cloyne, visited the church of Brochane, and demanded a return of the manor of Kilbrogan from Sir James, son of Nicholas, son of Phillip James de Barry, lord of Brochane; and Sir James swore before M., rector and vicar of Brochane, Edmund Hoverd, and many others, that he. would willingly ‘comply with the will of the said bishop, William. The modern name of the parish is derived from Kiel-Brochane (the church of Brochane). In fact the parish was sub snvocatione Sancti Brocant. Brogan, Brochane, or Brocanus, was no less a personage than the nephew of our great national saint—St. Patrick, and was also his secretary.* He was rendered famous by a prophecy of his, in which he foretold that the English would come to Ireland; and that their power would continue there as long as they would observe their own laws, but no longer.t

    Richard Newman was vicar of Kilbrogan :—

    Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 2

53. Irish-town rated within Bandon corporation bounds

    Bandon · town · Cork · 1614–1628

    Rate-books of 1614 and 1628 showed that Elwell and Witherhead, though living in Irish-town, paid the same rates as those residing inside the corporation gates. The dispute centered on whether Irish-town belonged to Ballymodan or to Bandon-Bridge.

    Read the passage

    incorporated. Finally, they proved, from entries in the rate-books of 1614 and 1628, that Elwell and Withcrhead—although living in Irishtown—paid tho same rates as those residing inside the gates.

    The defendants admitted that Ellwell and Witherhead did reside in the Irish-town, but the rates they paid, they alleged, was for property within the walls. That Irish-town was part of Ballymodan, but not of Bandon-Bridge. That it belonged to William Murray at the time of the incorporation ; and-that from him it was subsequently purchased by the Earl of Cork. And Coombes admitted that when Captain Adderly ‘was provost he was rated for a houso he built outside the walls, by Westgate; and that he was acquitted of the payment thereof, as it stood not upon the corporation. 7

    Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 7

54. Major Henry Turner's unrewarded Bandon losses

    Bandon · town · Cork · 1641–1685

    Major Henry Turner served as provost of Bandon and lost £774 and £500 per annum by reason of the rebellion. Despite being on the list of 1649 officers, he was so obnoxious to the government of Charles II that he never received a grant of land or arrears of pay.

    Read the passage

    yet so obnoxious was he to the government of Charles the ‘saan that they never gave him a grant of a foot of ground, or paid hin a shilling of his arrears of pay.

    Wade, Bryan, s in reports addressed to Court of Claims, inroll-

    Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 18

55. 1677 repair estimate for Bantry fort

    Bantry · town · Cork · 1677

    A 1677 estimate found the Bantry fort built of lime and stone with houses for two hundred men all out of repair, some wholly unroofed, with defective walls, decayed gates and drawbridge, and a dry moat needing clearance. Total repair costs were estimated at over £550, with eight guns to be mounted on standing carriages.

    Read the passage

    The duke agreed with the views of the Munster lord-president; and in “an estimate of the charge for putting into repair his Majesty’s chief fortifications and places of strength throughont the kingdom of Ireland, made October, 1677,” says, concerning Bantry :—The fort is built of lime and stone, consisting of bastions. In it are houses built for two hundred men, but are all out of repair, and some wholly unrooffed; walls defective, gates and drawbridge decayed, the dry graff round the fort to be cleared ; all which to repair will cost £400. In this tort must be mounted, on standing carriages, cight guns, which will cost £56; making new platform, £15; and for repairing the magazine, £80.

    The following is a list of tho guns and other munitions of war in the fort at the time :—

    Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 14

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Bantry, there was once a fort here built of lime and stone with bastions. In 1677 a survey found its houses, meant for 200 men, all out of repair, some wholly unroofed, with defective walls, decayed gates and drawbridge, and a dry moat needing to be cleared. Repairing it all would cost £400, with eight guns to be mounted on standing carriages for £56, a new platform for £15, and the magazine repaired for £80. The estimate was made in October 1677 by order of the Munster lord-president and agreed to by the duke.

56. Goodman descendant apprenticed to Bandon shoemaker

    Bandon · town · Cork

    A later Goodman descendant served part of his apprenticeship to a shoemaker in Bandon, but before completing it he was enticed by a recruiting sergeant and joined the army. He was last known as a private in the Grenadier Company of a regiment of foot.

    Read the passage

    This man also married, and died, leaving a son, who served a part of. his time to a shoemaker in Bandon; but, before his apprenticeship was half completed, he lent an attentive car to the seductive wiles of a recruiting sergeant, and, when last we hcard of him, he was a private s the Grenadier Company of Her Majesty’s Sixty —— Regiment of

    Foot.*

    Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 25

57. Bandon corporation bounds defined by river in 1617

    Bandon · town · Cork · 1617

    Provost Richard Crofts showed Mr. Edmunds the bounds of the Bandon corporation in 1617, indicating it went no farther than the little river, now known as the Bridewell river. The lands incorporated were those forfeited by the attainder of one Mahowne.

    Read the passage

    Even if they were rated, the defendants insisted that it was only during the war, and not in peaceable times. And to show that they were recognized as being outside the bounds of the corporation, they brought forward Mr. Edmunds, who stated that Mr. Richard Crofts, provost in 1617, showed him the bounds of the corporation, and told him it went no farther than the little river.t

    Mr. Daniel Roch confirmed the ‘testimony of Edmunds, and said it was only intended to incorporate that portion of the town built on what was forfeited to the crown by the attainder of one Mahowne, whose lands were bounded by the said river running by the East-gate.

    Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 7

58. Drogheda inhabitants freed during the Boyne

    Drogheda · town · Louth · 1690

    The song tradition relates that the inhabitants of Drogheda, being few in number, were first brought to the Tholsel and then to Millmount during the Battle of the Boyne. King William's victory freed them from bondage.

    Read the passage

    cre not to bondage brought, they being but a handful. First to the Tholsel they were brought, and then to Millmount after; But brave King William set them free by venturing over the water.

    “The cunning French near to Duleck had taken up their quarters, And fenced themselves on every side, just waiting for now ordera ; But in the dead time of tho night they set their tents on fire,

    Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 13

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Drogheda, the song tradition holds that during the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, the inhabitants were few in number and were brought first to the Tholsel, then to Millmount. But King William set them free by venturing over the water. The French had taken up their quarters near Duleek and fenced themselves on every side, but in the dead of night they set their tents on fire.

59. Extinction of the Bandon charter

    Bandon · town · Cork · 1841

    The Hon. William Smith Bernard, the last provost of Bandon, saw the old town charter become extinct upon the expiration of his official year on 29 September 1841.

    Read the passage

    September the 29th.—The Hon. William Smith Bernard entered on the office of provost. He was the last of a long line of provosts, as the old charter became extinct upon the expiration of his oflicial yeux, on the 29th of ptember, 1841.

    The following is a complete list of our chief magistrates, including the first who took his scat in the reign of Jamcs the First, down to and and including the last, when the office ccased, in the reign of Queen Victoria :-—

    Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 23

60. Invasion scare: Bantry Bay expected as French-Dutch landing point

    near Bantry Bay · bay · Cork · 1663

    In 1663, when England declared war on France and Holland, hostile fleets were hourly expected on Ireland's southern shores. Bantry Bay was identified as one possible landing site for the French and Dutch forces.

    Read the passage

    services of the troop of horse were retained ; and this troop was one of the four in the province of Munster when England declared war with France and Holland in 1663. In that year the Bandon militia were in under arms, and ready for active service. A foreign invasion was looked upon at this time as a certainty. The hostile fleets of the French and Dutch were hourly expected to make a descent upon our southern shores. At one time it at Bantry Bay they were to land ; at another time it was at Kinsale; and then, in hot haste, an express reached the lurd-president that sixteen sail of great ships came from the seaward, and were then actually in Dunworly Bay,* where they could casily land their munitions of war undisturbed, and where their troops could form and reach Clouukilty, Bandon, and Kinsale, in less than a day’s march. But it was not with a foreign foe alone they had to contend. All the country, south of the Leo, was entrusted to them and a by some gentlemen in the west of the

    some companies of militia raise

    Internet Archive historybandonan00benngoog, Chapter 19