History of Clonmel

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. Confederate Parliament at Kilkenny sends agents abroad, 1642

   Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1642

   In March 1642 the Confederate Parliament sitting at Kilkenny accredited agents, including Geoffry Baron, to foreign courts to seek arms and money, sending them by different routes to evade Parliamentary cruisers.

   Read the passage

   One of the first steps of the Confederate Parliament in Kilkenny, March 1642, was to accredit agents to foreign courts for help in arms and money. Geoffry Baron, Mathew O'Hartegan, SJ., and Colonel Michael Wall were sent to France, and by different routes so as to escape the Parliament cruisers. All three arrived safely, and Baron kept Wadding fully acquainted with their proceedings. Baron arrived at Nantes in May, whence on the 13th he wrote complaining bitterly that Spain, which gloried so much in being Catholic and wished to be regarded as the principal column of the church, had refused all help. They wanted powder, muskets and money for six months after which they would maintain themselves. Powder and muskets they expected from France, money from his Holiness. As the King of France was in Narbonne, Baron and O'Hartegan set out thither. From Beziers he wrote 9th June, that they found Cardinal Richelieu in failing health and influence ; the papal nucio was their best friend but things were in such confusion that they had accomplished nothing definite. Besides disappointment Baron was in ill health, "I brook not my health well here, and am now the fifth day troubled with a continued headache, and

   Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 45

2. Contested Clonmel election of 1727 and disputed freemen

   Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1727

   At the 1727 Clonmel election, Robert Marshall and Robert Hamerton petitioned against the return of the Moores, alleging that Stephen Moore had created dozens of non-resident 'faggot' freemen to secure the vote; the Committee agreed and unseated the Moores.

   Read the passage

   At the election in 1727, the voting was Guy Moore 169, Stephen Moore 161, Robert Hamerton 136, Robert Marshall 133. But the two latter petitioned the House of Commons against the return on the grounds that Stephen Moore " the Colonel " when mayor, had created two groups of freemen 43 and 49 in number, only two persons in each group being resident in the borough. Out of these, 73 had voted for the Moores. The Committee therefore declared that the 92 freemen were not properly qualified, and returned Hamerton and Marshall.

   I733» October 25th — Guy Moore, Esq., Abbey, vice Hamerton deceased.

   Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 31

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Clonmel, this is the town where a bitter election dispute unfolded in 1727. Guy Moore and Stephen Moore won the vote with 169 and 161 against Robert Hamerton's 136 and Robert Marshall's 133. But Hamerton and Marshall petitioned the House of Commons, claiming Stephen Moore, when mayor, had created 92 non-resident freemen to swing the result. Only four of those men actually lived in the borough, and 73 of them voted for the Moores. The Committee agreed the freemen were not properly qualified and unseated the Moores, returning Hamerton and Marshall instead.

3. Contested election riots and intimidation at Clonmel courthouse

   Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1761

   During the 1761 election, Sir Thomas Maude alleged that great mobs of Irish Papists assembled from different parts of the country and crowded the Court House at Clonmel, intimidating the sheriff and voters during the poll and scrutiny.

   Read the passage

   Molly Keating, was a Papist and had been seen praying with Thomas Hennessy, priest, at Clonmel. In the duel which resulted, Prendergast was shot dead. Mathew was unseated on petition, Maude among other reasons stating that '' during the course of the poll and scrutiny, great mobs of Irish Papists assembled from different parts of the country, crowded the Court House, and during the poll and scrutiny evidently showed themselves to be under the influence of Mr. Mathew's gentlemen, by which means the Sheriff and manv of the Petitioner's voters were greatly intimidated (yy).

   Such was the state of feeling among the squires and parsons of Tipperary when some of the more active spirits undertook to unravel " the Popish Plot" As not uncommonly happens, a clergyman assumed the leading part. The Rev. John Hewetson had the tithes of several Tipperary parishes. He lived, however, at Suirville, opposite Waterford, held the commission of the peace, and was chiefly known as an active magistrate. Associated with Hewetson was William Bagnell of Marlhill, near Ardfinnan, who in October 1764, was appointed magistrate for the purpose of dealing with Whiteboyism. John Bagwell of Kilmore, a stripling of twenty-eight, as ^parvenu gentilhomme was eager to distinguish himself. Sir Thomas Maude, Rev. Laurence Broderick and Mathew Bunbury, of Kilf eacle, were equally prominent (z). A revenue collector then resident in Tipperary, himself a Protestant, thus describes the champions of the " Protestant Interest " as they were styled.

   Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 36

   As the companion tells it

   Up ahead is Clonmel, the town the road passes through in Tipperary. In the 1761 election here, Sir Thomas Maude challenged the result and had Mathew unseated on petition. Maude alleged that during the course of the poll and scrutiny, great mobs of Irish Papists assembled from different parts of the country, crowded the Court House, and showed themselves to be under the influence of Mr. Mathew's gentlemen. By these means, he said, the Sheriff and many of the Petitioner's voters were greatly intimidated. Before that, Molly Keating, a Papist, had been seen praying with Thomas Hennessy, a priest, at Clonmel. In the duel which resulted, Prendergast was shot dead. After the election, some of the more active spirits among the squires and parsons of Tipperary undertook to unravel what they called the Popish Plot. A clergyman assumed the leading part. The Reverend John Hewetson held the tithes of several Tipperary parishes, lived at Suirville opposite Waterford, and was chiefly known as an active magistrate. Associated with him was William Bagnell of Marlhill, near Ardfinnan, appointed magistrate in October 1764 for dealing with Whiteboyism. John Bagwell of Kilmore, twenty-eight, was eager to distinguish himself. Sir Thomas Maude, the Reverend Laurence Broderick, and Mathew Bunbury of Kilfeacle were equally prominent. A revenue collector resident in Tipperary, himself a Protestant, described the champions of the Protestant Interest, as they were styled.

4. Cromwell's battery placed at Gallows Hill to breach Clonmel's walls

   Gallows Hill · hill or hills · Tipperary · 1650

   Cromwell targeted the breach at Lough Street leading to the North Gate, positioning his battery at the foot of Gallows Hill, protected by his camp, which is believed to have also served as his headquarters.

   Read the passage

   yards by turrets. The south-east quarter of the town was occupied by the old Franciscan church and monastery which had been kept in repair and partly, in the time of James L, devoted to military purposes. In the north-west corner was the churchyard of St. Mary's, lying around the parish church, a massive pile having battlemented roofs and two flanking towers — a fortress which manned by a resolute guard could be taken only with cannon. The streets adjoining the gates were exceedingly narrow, with one exception. Lough Street, which led to the North Gate. This fact determined Cromwell to open the breach at that point. For through the breach and the neighbouring gate when captured, an overwhelming force of horse and foot could be poured by way of Lough Street, into the town; whereas the prolonged conflict in the narrow streets with an enemy well posted would entail terrible loss. Accordingly the battery was planted at the foot of Gallows Hill, being protected from a sally of the Irish by the camp which occupied the declivity behind. Here also it would appear Cromwell's headquarters were situated (x).

   Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 6

   As the companion tells it

   Up ahead the road takes you past Gallows Hill. In 1650, Cromwell planted his battery at the foot of this hill to breach Clonmel's walls. He chose the spot carefully. Most of the streets running to the town gates were narrow, all but one. Lough Street led to the North Gate, and it was wide enough that once the wall was broken, an overwhelming force of horse and foot could be poured straight into the town. Cromwell wanted to avoid a prolonged fight in those narrow lanes against an enemy well posted, which would have meant terrible losses. The battery sat at the foot of the hill, protected from any Irish sally by the camp that occupied the slope behind it. That camp is believed to have served as his headquarters as well. Clonmel itself was well defended. St. Mary's parish church in the north-west corner was a massive pile with battlemented roofs and two flanking towers, a fortress that could be taken only with cannon. The old Franciscan church and monastery in the south-east quarter had been partly put to military use under James I. All of that faced Cromwell across the walls.

5. Donough Mooney's 1615 account of the Clonmel Friary

   Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1615

   Franciscan superior Donough Mooney visited Clonmel in 1615 and described the convent's delightful riverside position, its church still in good repair with the burial places of many distinguished persons, and the mill, fishery and Earl's Court associated with the friars.

   Read the passage

   The convent of Clonmel in the diocese of Waterford and Lismore, occupies a delightful position on the bank of the Suir, in an angle formed by the walls. The Earl of Desmond is said to have been the founder, but the citizens claim that honour for themselves. At the dissolution of the monasteries the Earl of Ormond obtained possession of the convent and buildings belonging to it, while the church, cemetery and sacristy were granted to the citizens. The church is still in good repair and contains the burial places of many distinguished persons. Among others that of the Baron of Cahir, whose monument made of marble and embellished with images and statues, is raised in the centre of the choir. In my time a heretic who held the position of magistrate in the town, and who was a notorious priest hunter, selected a burial place for himself within the church, and was actually interred beside the seat of the priest and sacred ministers, near the High Altar. Certain Jesuits and other ecclesiastics, living in the town, were consenting parties to this and connived at the sacrilege. Even the friars made no protest, being prevented, it is said, by the machinations of the others. Thus through their carelessness the sacred place, which had hitherto escaped pollution, was desecrated For they permitted this burial to take place fearing a greater evil, they said, whereas a single word would have prevented it When on visitation of the Province in 1615, I had the body exhumed by night and removed to unconsecrated ground, and having got permission from the Archbishop, I purified the place by Asperges (nn).

   Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 30

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Clonmel, the old Franciscan friary sits on the bank of the Suir, in an angle of the town walls. Donough Mooney, a Franciscan superior, visited here in 1615 and found the convent in a delightful position, with the church still in good repair and holding the burial places of many distinguished persons. The Earl of Desmond was said to have founded it, though the citizens of Clonmel claimed that honour for themselves. At the dissolution of the monasteries the Earl of Ormond took the convent buildings, while the church, cemetery and sacristy were granted to the citizens. Inside the church, Mooney noted the marble monument of the Baron of Cahir, raised in the centre of the choir, embellished with images and statues. But something had gone wrong in this sacred place. A heretic, a town magistrate and a notorious priest hunter, had chosen a burial spot for himself within the church and was actually interred beside the seat of the priests, near the High Altar. Mooney wrote that certain Jesuits and other ecclesiastics living in the town consented and connived at what he called the sacrilege. Even the friars made no protest, he said, prevented by the machinations of the others, and they feared a greater evil if they objected. When Mooney came on visitation of the Province in 1615, he had the body exhumed by night and removed to unconsecrated ground. With permission from the Archbishop, he purified the place by Asperges.

6. Execution of Tories in County Waterford

   Waterford · city · Waterford · 1656

   Major Thomas Stanley distributed payment among soldiers who carried out an execution upon Tories killed in County Waterford in 1656. The order was signed by H. Cromwell and others at Dublin Castle.

   Read the passage

   " Ordered that James Standish Esquier Receiver Generall doe out of the publique money in his hands iissue forth and pay unto Major Thomas Stanley the summe of Tenn pounds upon account the same to bee by him distributed amongst those souldiers and others that did the late execution upon the Tories that were killed in the County of Waterford for payment whereof this etc. Dated att 'Dublin Castle the 1st of Aprill 1656.

   H. Cromwell, Miles Corbetf, Mathew Tomlinson (dd).

   Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 8

7. George Mathew Conforms at Golden to Save His Horses

   Golden · town · Tipperary

   George Mathew of Thomastown, in desperation, took the sacrament in the Established Church at Golden to save his horses from a Protestant trader who tendered the legal five pounds in William Street, Cashel.

   Read the passage

   Dwyer of Bellacomnisk, John Kennedy of Polenonnan, Nicholas Purcell of Loughmoe, and Thomas Travers of Burgess, were licensed to carry a gun, a case of pistols and a sword. Eight years later James Hakett of Lisvea, Michael Kearney of Clonbroganlin, Denis Meagher of Cloneen, Nicholas Morris of Latteragh, and John Ryan of Inch were added to the list. But some were too dangerous (to their bigoted neighbours perhaps) to be entrusted with guns. Col. James Butler of Kilmoyler, Charles McCarthy of Rehill, George Mathew of Thurles, and George Mathew of Thomastown, had permission to wear a sword merely (r). Even with those privileged, the licence was occasionally suspended. By proclamation of August 7th, 1714, they were ordered to surrender their arms to the nearest Justice of Peace, John White, High Sheriff of Tipperary, writes that he has distributed the proclamations to the following Tipperary justices — James Harrison, Henry Pritty, Thomas Drysdale, Charles Langley, Esqrs. ; John Hickey, Clk. ; Mathew Bumbury, John Creaghton, William Waller, Richard Lewis, Edward Imens, Oliver Grace, John Carleton, William Latham, John Marshall, Esqrs. ; the Mayor of Clonmel and the Sovereign of Fethard (s). What must have been the feelings of Colonel Thomas Butler of Kilcash, grand-nephew of the great Duke of Ormond, as he handed over his sword, his pistols and his gun to Richard Whitehand, the Protestant shoemaker Mayor of Clonmel, or of George Mathew of Thomastown, who in desperation, took the sacrament in the Established Church at Grolden to save his horses from a Protestant trader who one day in William Street, Cashel, tendered the legal five pounds (t). No wonder if some such as Lord Cahir and Sir Redmond Everard fled from the scene and lived and died in voluntary exile abroad.

   Though there was no public statute excluding the Catholics as such, from the corporation, yet in practice from the Revolution onward they ceased to have any civic rights. But they did not go do^n without a struggle.

   Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 10

8. Grant of Palatinate of Tipperary to Earl of Ormond

   Tipperary · town · Tipperary · 1328

   In 1328 Edward III issued letters patent granting James le Botiller, Earl of Ormond, royal liberties and jurisdiction over County Tipperary, excepting four pleas and profits of the cross. This grant divided Tipperary into the Palatinate and the County of the Cross.

   Read the passage

   Edward King and so forth, to all those to whom and so forth. Be it known that on account of the good service which James le Botiller of Ireland (whom we have made Earl of Ormond in Ireland) has rendered to Edward late king of England, our father, and to us, in order that he may support the dignity and honour of Earl more becomingly, We have given and granted to the said Earl for his life, the royalty and other liberties with military fees, and all other things whatsoever, we are possessed of, in the County of Tipperary in Ireland, (only excepting the four pleas, viz., arson, rape, forestalling and treasure-trove, as also the profits of the cross in the said county with all their appurtenances which we wish to remain with us). In testimony whereof we have had these letters patent issued. Witness myself, at Walyngford on the ninth day of November in the second year of our reign (h).

   This grant originally made for life, was by a new patent, 5th June, 1372, made in fee to James, second Earl, and his heirs. The effect of the grant was to divide Tipperary into two counties, one subject to the Earls of Ormond and known as the " Liberty of Tipperary " or county Palatine, the other still subject to the king and called " the County of the Cross of Tipperary," and the most curious part of the arrangement was that the two counties were inextricably mixed up. All lands held from an ecclesiastical corporation, sole or aggregate — archbishop, bishop, chapter or monastery — formed the

   Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 42

9. Horse Troops Stationed at Clonmel and Cashel to Catch Jesuits

   Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1607

   In September 1607 the Earl of Thomond, president of Munster, reported placing horse troops and officers at Clonmel and Cashel, the main resorts of Jesuits and seminary priests, but noted that none could be apprehended due to local protection.

   Read the passage

   Active measures were at once taken ; troops of horse scoured the country; the houses of the gentry and opulent burghers were raided and some twenty priests were captured. The majority went into hiding or disguised themselves as grooms, as surgeons, as servants, as " esquires with sword and lance," or again as fools and strolling players (ww). On 17th January, 1607, one of the Clonmel Jesuits, Nicholas Leynach, wrote " We are dispersed and like night robbers we long for darkness, no place is safe for us on account of the number of our pursuers. A and W [Andrew Morony and Walter Wall] are well and are selling their wares " (xx). Nine months later they apparently were still " selling their wares," for on 6th September the Earl of Thomond, president of Munster, wrote to Salisbury " We have taken the best course that we might in placing some horse among them [the recusant Catholics] and appointing good officers at Clonmell and Cashell where most of the resort of the Jesuits and seminaries is, hoping by that means to have taken some of them ; but all in vain, they are so befriended that hardly any of them can be apprehended " (yy). The priest hunting was kept up many years later. In 161 5, for instance, a report of a spy now in the British Museum reads: —

   Fr. Richard White priest, gen'all vicar of the diocess of Lismore. In ye Diocess Fr. Thomas Sheyne a Jesuite and a precher now resideing in Edward of Lismore Whites house in Clonmel.

   Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 5

   As the companion tells it

   As the road brings you through Clonmel, this town was the scene of a determined priest hunt in 1607. Active measures were taken. Troops of horse scoured the country. The houses of the gentry and opulent burghers were raided, and some twenty priests were captured. The majority went into hiding or disguised themselves as grooms, as surgeons, as servants, as men with sword and lance, or again as fools and strolling players. On the 17th of January 1607, one of the Clonmel Jesuits, Nicholas Leynach, wrote that they were dispersed, and like night robbers they longed for darkness, and no place was safe on account of the number of their pursuers. He mentioned Andrew Morony and Walter Wall, who were well and selling their wares. Nine months later, on the 6th of September 1607, the Earl of Thomond, president of Munster, wrote to Salisbury. He said they had taken the best course they might in placing some horse among the recusant Catholics and appointing good officers at Clonmel and Cashel, where most of the resort of the Jesuits and seminaries was. He had hoped by that means to have taken some of them. But it was all in vain. He wrote that they are so befriended that hardly any of them can be apprehended. The priest hunting was kept up many years later.

10. House of Industry as refuge for the poor, insane, and vagrant

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1811–1813

    Monk Mason's 1813 survey describes a large House of Industry finished in west Clonmel, serving as a common receptacle for the poor, a place of confinement for vagrants and lunatics, and an asylum for the helpless, funded through county and private subscription.

    Read the passage

    A very extensive House of Industry was finished two years ago in the west end of the town, both at the public expense of the county and by private subscription. It is a common receptacle for all descriptions of mals fortunes, serving at the same time as a place of confinement for vagrants and lunatics, as well as an asylum for the poor and

    ft) The building of these bridges excited opposition in unlooked for quarters. The Corporation were apprehensive that the western bridge would injure their tolls. When, at the Suininer Assizes, 181 1, the Grand Jury passed a presentment for building a bridge '* over that part of the river opposite to the salt and lime works at Raheen," the boat owners employed council to call up a fearful vision of loss of life and merchandize through collision with the piers of the proposed bridge.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 13

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, over in the west end of the town, a very extensive House of Industry was finished around 1811. It was built both at the public expense of the county and by private subscription. It served as a common receptacle for all descriptions of misfortune, acting as a place of confinement for vagrants and lunatics, as well as an asylum for the poor and helpless. A single building holding together all those the town could not otherwise provide for.

11. Keating and Maher imprisoned at Cahir for Baker murder

    Caher · town · Tipperary · 1815–1816

    Following the murder of William Baker, two men named Keating and Maher were imprisoned in Cahir. Keating obtained whisky and, his conversation being overheard, was induced to give evidence, leading to Maher being hanged.

    Read the passage

    (hh) Eventually two men named Keating and Maher were imprisoned in Cahir. Keating, through connivance or otherwise, obtained some whisky and their conversation being overheard, Keating was subsequently induced to give evidence, and Maher was hanged .

    206 History of Clonmel.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 13

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through the town of Cahir, there is an old grim story attached to it. In 1815 two men named Keating and Maher were imprisoned here over the murder of William Baker. Keating got hold of some whisky, their talk was overheard, and he was induced to give evidence. Maher was hanged.

12. Kilmore estate passes through Bagwell family to ruin

    Kilmore · townland · Tipperary · 1736–1821

    The Bagwell family's senior branch settled at Kilmore, previously held by Charles Meagher, but within a generation the estate was mortgaged and eventually sold to banker Phineas Riall in 1778 for £11,809, followed by the sale of Cahirclough to cover remaining debts. The family lingered on in reduced circumstances at Kilmore for another generation.

    Read the passage

    The senior branch settled in Kilmore, had a short career but a notable one. The place was previously occupied by Charles Meagher, " Counsellor-at-law," whose tenure was even shorter. At the marriage of John Bagwell to Ann, daughter of James Colwell, in May 1736, his father settled on him the lands of Ballydoyle, Ballyduff, Loughkent Upper and Lower, which he had purchased shortly before from " Edmund Butler commonly called Lord Dunboyne." But in less than thirty years, the son of John Bagwell and Anne Colwell, John Bagwell, had mortgaged these estates to William Barton a prosperous claret importer of Bordeaux, and finally in 1778, they were sold to Phineas Riall, the banker, for £11,809. This however did not liquidate the whole of Bagwall's debts, for Cahirclough soon followed the other lands. The Bagwells however dragged out an existence for another generation in Kilmore. In August, 1821, we read the death " at lodgings in Main Street the relict of the late John Bagwell of Kilmore " (w).

    1772 Bagwell, William. 1690 Bainbrigge, Richard (chandler).

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 32

13. Lady Morris transplanted to Connaught denied restoration to Clonmel houses

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1654–1663

    Lady Morris, widow of Bennet White fitz Geoffry, was transplanted to Connaught in 1654 with her three children and assigned 354 acres by the Cromwellian court at Athlone. Though granted a decree of innocence in 1663, she could not be restored to her houses in Clonmel because she was a Papist.

    Read the passage

    estate. She could not be restored to the houses in Clonmel, being a Papist,

    and no reprise in lands elsewhere would be granted her, having accepted

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 9

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, this is a town where Lady Morris once had houses. The widow of Bennet White fitz Geoffry, she was transplanted to Connaught in 1654 with her three children and assigned 354 acres by the Cromwellian court at Athlone. Though granted a decree of innocence in 1663, she could not be restored to the houses in Clonmel, being a Papist.

14. Libel Case and Imprisonment Over Tipperary Nationalist

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1885–1890

    During the land agitation, editor John E. O'Mahony of the Tipperary Nationalist was imprisoned, and the paper faced libel actions including one by Crown Solicitor George Bolton, who won £10,000 damages from a Belfast jury; the sheriff seized the paper's property twice.

    Read the passage

    In 1881 a Nationalist newspaper called Tipperary was started in Thurles under the editorship of Mr. T. P. Gill, the present secretary of the Department of Agriculture. Two years later Mr. Gill resigned, and eventually the paper ceased publication. In 1885 a Nationalist newspaper company was formed in Clonmel, and the plant of the defunct Tipperary purchased. The first number of the Tipperary Nationalist appeared in January, i886y under the editorship of Mr. J. G. McSweeney, who had considerable experience as a journalist in Dublin. On the subsequent resignation of Mr. McSweeney, Mr. John E. O'Mahony, formerly of the Skibbereen Eagle, became editor. The country being now in the thioes of the land agitation, Mr. O'Mahony was imprisoned and the Tipperary Nationalist company became involved in several libel actions. The principal of these was one by George Bolton, Crown Solicitor. Bolton had the venue laid in Belfast, and a jury of that city awarded him £10,000 danu^es. There were two seizures by the sheriflf. Mr. O'Mahony resigned In 1890, and the paper under the new name of The Nationalist

    (mm) The original sub-title was Southern Counties Agriciiltural and Commercial Gazette,

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 35

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, this is the town where a Nationalist newspaper company was formed in 1885, buying the plant of a defunct paper called Tipperary that had been started in Thurles in 1881. The Tipperary Nationalist first appeared under editor J. G. McSweeney, who had worked as a journalist in Dublin, and then John E. O'Mahony of the Skibbereen Eagle took over. During the land agitation O'Mahony was imprisoned, and the company faced several libel actions. The principal one was brought by George Bolton, Crown Solicitor, who had the case heard in Belfast, where a jury awarded him £10,000 in damages. The sheriff seized the paper's property twice. O'Mahony resigned in 1890, and the paper continued under the new name of The Nationalist.

15. Marlfield Mills converted to whiskey distillery

    Marlfield · townland · Tipperary · 1769–1858

    Marlfield mills, built in 1769 by Stephen Moore, were rented and used for baking and biscuit-making during the French and American wars, before being converted into a whiskey distillery around 1817 by John Stein & Co., later sold to the Jamesons of Dublin.

    Read the passage

    6. Marlfield : thirteen pairs of stones. Built in 1769 by Stephen Moore ; rented by Edward Collins from his assigns in 1780, until purchased by John Bagwell. The latter carried on baking and biscuit making with great success, especially during. the period of the French and second American wars. Mills converted into a whiskey distillery by the firm of John Stein & Co. about 1817, and the manufacture of whiskey continued until the late fifties, when the business was sold to the Jamesons, of Dublin, who closed the place a few years subsequent

    7. Marlfield : four pairs of stones. This mill whieh was situated close to river is supposed to have been erected also by the Moores. It was worked by persons named Shanahan and Dunn in succession, until about thirty years ago when it was burnt

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 13

16. Mayor Shaw's ouster trial at Clonmel Assizes

    Rathronan · townland · Tipperary · 1749

    At Clonmel Assizes on 29 August 1749, Robert Shaw defended his mayoral election against accusations of Non-conformity by proving he had received Anglican Communion at Rathronan church immediately after his installation.

    Read the passage

    (x) The prostitution of religion to party purposes throughout this period is well exemplitied in the case of Shaw. At the hearing of the case (Clonmel Assizes, 29th August, 1749) he met his opponents by showing that within the three statutory months of his installation as mayor he had at the church of Rathronan immediately after divine service and sermon received the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, according to the usage of the Church of Ireland. Also at the Quarter Sessions of the Peace for Co. Tipperary between 9 and 12 a.m. he took the several oaths required by the Act to Prevent the further Growth of Popery.

    History of Clonmel, ho

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 10

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Rathronan, in 1749, the church here was at the centre of a political fight. Robert Shaw had been elected mayor, and his opponents accused him of Non-conformity at the Clonmel Assizes on 29 August. Shaw met them by proving that within the three statutory months of his installation, he had received the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper at the church of Rathronan, immediately after divine service and sermon, according to the usage of the Church of Ireland. He had also taken the several oaths required by the Act to Prevent the further Growth of Popery at the Quarter Sessions for County Tipperary.

17. Meeting on the Union banned by military threat

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1799

    Clonmel inhabitants sought to meet to express anti-Union sentiments in early 1799, but the Mayor cancelled it after the general officer commanding the district threatened to disperse it with military force.

    Read the passage

    Feb. 2, 1799. A considerable number of the principal inhabitants of this town, deeming it proper to meet and express their sentiments on the important subject of a Legislative Union between this country and Great Britain, signed a requisition to the Mayor for that purpose which was complied with, and Thursday, January 31st, was appointed by the Mayor for the meeting and published in the Clonmel Journal, but on the:day preceding, a notice was inserted that no meeting could take place — in consequence of which the Mayor was waited on by several gentlemen to assign his reason for such a notice, when he informed them that the general officer commanding the district, came to him and desired that no such meeting should take place, and that if it was attempted he would disperse it with a military force. [Italics in original.]

    (j) Renehan Papers, p. 375. (k) Cornwallis Correspondence. (I) Created 29th December, 1800.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 12

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, you are in a town where, in early 1799, a considerable number of the principal inhabitants wanted to meet and express their sentiments on a legislative union between Ireland and Great Britain. They signed a requisition to the Mayor, who appointed Thursday, January 31st, for the meeting, and it was published in the Clonmel Journal. But the day before, a notice appeared that no meeting could take place. Several gentlemen went to the Mayor to ask why. He told them the general officer commanding the district had come to him and said no such meeting should happen, and that if it was attempted, he would disperse it with a military force. The meeting never took place.

18. Military occupation of Clonmel during Sheehy's imprisonment

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1766

    From the time Sheehy was lodged in Clonmel gaol until the Spring Assizes three weeks later, a large military force overawed the town, with patrols in all directions and strangers narrowly scrutinised amid fears of an escape attempt.

    Read the passage

    From the date when Father Sheehy was lodged in Clonmel gaol, until the Spring Assizes three weeks later, a great military force overawed the town. It was given out that he intended to escape and had actually undone the bolts. Patrols of soldiers were seen in all directions. Strangers were

    (0) Griffith's Tracts, p. 245.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 37

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Clonmel. Back in 1766, after Father Sheehy was lodged in the gaol here, a great military force overawed the town right through to the Spring Assizes three weeks later. Word went round that he meant to escape and had undone the bolts. Soldiers patrolled in all directions, and strangers were closely watched.

19. O'Neill prepares Clonmel's defences as governor

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1649–1650

    Hugh O'Neill, appointed governor of Clonmel, requested full authority over the town's defence and began building strong defensive works in anticipation of a hard siege, despite being denied ammunition.

    Read the passage

    The old soldier, however, was busily preparing to give the Cromwellians a hot reception. Only a few days after his arrival, on lOth December, he wrote to Ormond requiring a free hand as governor. Ormond replied : — " It is our full and cleere intention by the words of our comission that on all occasion you should dispose of all the souldiers in these partes as you thinke fitt for his Maties service and as for the possession of the Keys of the towne of Clonmell wee desire you apprehend noe danger and (avoyd any inconveniency that may present happen thereabouts) to leave in the Mayor it being in your power to assume it when you shall judge it necessary for the preservation of the place " (uuj. After this " the experimented warriour," a contemporary assures us, " was not idle, previdinge the f uturition of a hearde siedge and builded braue workes for the defence of the towne " fw). His soldiers, however, were in arrears of pay, and piteous complaints were made to Ormond as to their condition. Ormond replied on i8th January that he had sent orders to the Commissioners of Assessment for Tipperary to make some payments. But the Commissioners, Burke and Butler, refused pending the settlement of their dispute with the mayor as to the liability of Clonmel for applotments. Ormond on 31st January cut the matter short by ordering £150 to be paid, and bade O'Neill to rest satisfied until " there was tyme to wade to a determination of the dispute " fww). There was another, and, at this juncture, a more imperative want. This was the want of ammunition and arms. In his first letter on taking the governorship of the town, O'Neill urged this on Ormond ; the latter replied " wee daily expect a quantity of ammunition from Portumna whereof a good proportion shall be sent unto you " fxxj. The following month, in answer to fiuther entreaties, Ormond wrote — " We are in preparacon for makinge up of a magazeen out of which

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 6

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, you are in a town that Hugh O'Neill fortified against Cromwell's army in the winter of 1649. He had been appointed governor and within days, on the 10th of December, wrote to Ormond demanding full authority over the town's defence. Ormond gave him command of the soldiers but told him to leave the keys of Clonmel with the mayor, saying he could assume them whenever he judged it necessary. A contemporary called O'Neill the experimented warrior who was not idle, providing for a hard siege and building brave works for the defence of the town. His soldiers were owed pay, and piteous complaints went to Ormond about their condition. The Commissioners of Assessment for Tipperary, Burke and Butler, refused to pay anything until their dispute with the mayor over Clonmel's liabilities was settled. Ormond cut the matter short on the 31st of January, ordering 150 pounds to be paid and telling O'Neill to rest satisfied. The more pressing want was ammunition. O'Neill urged this on Ormond from his first letter as governor. Ormond replied that they daily expected a quantity of ammunition from Portumna and a good proportion would be sent. The following month he wrote that they were in preparation for making up a magazine.

20. Philip Purcel killed near Thurles

    Thurles · town · Tipperary · 1651–1652

    Philip Purcel, a kinsman of the baron of Loughmoe, was found within protected quarters near Thurles and killed by Major Bolton.

    Read the passage

    And Sankey's subalterns in the several garrisons were alike active in the work of massacre. Maurice English the representative of an Anglo-Norman family settled in Rochestown for centuries, was dragged out of his castle by Captain Godfrey and hanged in Cahir (bj. Philip Purcel kinsman of the baron of Loughmoe, found within protected quarters near Thurles, was killed by Major Bolton. David Walsh whose ancestors since the first conquest held Powerstown, was mercilessly slaughtered by Major Morgan on the road to Carrick, Similarly with others. No wonder if traditions of hanging and murder cling round every ruin in the county, and the " Curse of Cromwell " is still on the lips of the peasant (c).

    Nor could it be said that the Cromwellians were merely retaliating on an enemy faithless and truculent. During two years Sankey had lost only one officer and five men, while he reported that O'Dwyer was "exact and punctual! in the performance of his word in al! ingagements." In April, 165 1, the Irish

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 7

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Thurles, there is a story from the time of Cromwell. In 1651 to 1652, Major Bolton of the Cromwellian garrison found Philip Purcel within what were meant to be protected quarters near this town, and killed him. Philip Purcel was a kinsman of the baron of Loughmoe. He was not the only one. Maurice English was dragged from his castle at Rochestown and hanged in Cahir by Captain Godfrey. David Walsh, whose family had held Powerstown since the first conquest, was slaughtered by Major Morgan on the road to Carrick. The book calls Sankey's subalterns active in what it terms the work of massacre. It says traditions of hanging and murder cling round every ruin in the county, and the Curse of Cromwell is still on the lips of the peasant. Nor was it retaliation: over two years Sankey lost only one officer and five men, while O'Dwyer was reported exact and punctual in the performance of his word.

21. Quarterage Dispute and Whiteboy Influence in Clonmel

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1764–1766

    From 1764, Catholic Quarter Brothers in Clonmel's guilds began refusing to pay quarterage taxes, emboldened by the Whiteboy movement, leading to a corporation petition to parliament in 1766 complaining of disorder and Whiteboy influence.

    Read the passage

    That Papists were admitted [into the guilds] on condition of good Behaviour and on their paying a small sum quarterly according to their different circumstances for the support of the necessary charges attending the said Companies ; which contributions these Quarter Brothers did from time to time voluntarily agree to, and promise in writing to pay, and have continued to perform for upwards of ninety years past, whereby the Companies have been enabled during that period to relieve the necessities of sundry of their reduced Brethren, bury their dead, relieve their sick, cloath and pay the servants of their respective Companies, provide proper Ensigns and Regalias, support the Dignity of the Fraternity and many other necessary purposes without which the different Companies could not possibly subsist. That within these two or three years last past, and particularly since these deluded insurgents called White Boys have intruded themselves in this County, sundry of these Quarter Brothers countenanced by those miscreants, under the specious pretence of Redressing Grievances have refused to pay said Quarterage, alledging that such demand is not warranted by law, and being thereupon distrained according to the antient Bye laws and common usage of said Corporation, they have given every vexatious opposition that Art, Malice or Ingenuity could devise to the great Disquiet of the Peace and Good Harmony of the said Town and the Protestant Interest thereof. Wherefore etc. (yj.

    (y) Parliamentary Records, P.R.O.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 10

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, you are in a town where the guilds once admitted Catholics as Quarter Brothers, on condition of good behaviour and paying a small quarterly sum for the upkeep of the companies. They had done so voluntarily for over ninety years, the money going to bury their dead, relieve the sick, clothe the servants, and maintain the regalia of the fraternity. But around 1764, with the Whiteboy movement spreading through the county, many of these Quarter Brothers refused to pay any further, claiming the demand was not warranted by law. When the corporation distrained their goods under ancient bye-laws, they resisted with what the petition called every vexatious opposition that art, malice or ingenuity could devise. In 1766 the corporation went to parliament complaining of disorder and the influence of those they called deluded insurgents.

22. Rapparees attack Williamite supply convoy near Carrick

    Carrick-on-Suir · town · Tipperary · 1690

    A fortnight after William's return to Clonmel, rapparees attacked provisions and artillery being transported between Clonmel and Carrick, forcing the convoy to be sent back to Clonmel for safety.

    Read the passage

    The Williamites nevertheless entered the town unmolested, the gates being open and the garrison fled. Davis supplies an unconscious climax to this sort of warfare. " 2lst I went to Clonmel to visit Mr. Thomas Moore with whom I dined and spent most of the day." But with the defeat before Limerick and the brilliant coup of Sarsfield, the campaign entered on a new phase. William was compelled to return to Clonmel on 30th August to arrange for winter quarters and a renewal of the war the following year. The command of the army was entrusted to Count Solmes and General Ginckle, and the civil government to Lords Justices Sydney and Conningsby. The defences of Clonmel had been neglected since the Cromwellian period. In 1666 Orrery reported — " In the town and citadel no guns mounted nor any scaff'olds to fire over the walls of the citadel.*' William, who left nothing to chance, gave instructions regarding them. " The fortification of such places as Cashel and Clonmel where the troops will be for the winter should above all things be advanced ; these places should be well provisioned both for horses and men " (0). Nor were these precautions needless, for a fortnight later Solmes wrote to the King : " The rapparees the day before yesterday attacked our provisions and artillery between Clonmel and Carrick and everything had to be sent back to the former place for safety " (p). During the winter there were other troubles. On December lOth, Ginckle wrote from Kilkenny : " The governor of Clonmells letter tells me that his garrison is in great distress ; in two batallions there are 250 sick and 25 died in four days, and they are beginning to desert " (q). The war continued to drag on for another year when the Irish gained a diplomatic victory by the treaty of Limerick, guaranteeing them such civil rights as they had enjoyed in the reign of Charles IL How the terms were kept in the case of Clonmel will appear in the following chapter.

    (n) Diary of Rev. Roland Davics, Camden Society-

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 9

23. Rev. Walkinton flees Clonmel during the Revolution, later elected mayor

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1688–1713

    During the Revolution John Walkinton fled the town and his name appears on a list of persons attainted unless they returned before 1 October 1689 under King James's proclamation. He later served as a Justice of the Peace and was elected mayor of Clonmel for 1712-13, though his election was disputed.

    Read the passage

    JOHN Walkinton. He was admitted 4th May, 1688 (j). During the Revolution he fled the town, and his name occurs on a list of those attainted unless, in accordance with King James' proclamation, they return before 1st October, 1689. He was a member of the town council, and as such, was elected mayor for the year 1712-3. But a strong party in the council disapproving of the election, appealed to the Lord Lieutenant to quash it. The name of Thomas Tothall was sent forward as a rival candidate. Walkinton replied in a petition I2th August, 1712, that he was minister of Clonmel parish for the previous twenty-four years ; that in his election he was supported by the great majority of the bailiffs, free burgesses and commons ; that his office of vicar was no disqualification, in fact he had been Justice of Peace for the County of Waterford for twenty years past. As for the accusation of outlawry made by his enemies, it was true that two years ago, while in England, he was outlawed in a private suit, but he had hopes to reverse it

    He was approved of as mayor 26th August, 1712 (k).

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 28

    As the companion tells it

    Clonmel has a story from the turn of the 1700s about a clergyman named John Walkinton. He was admitted here on 4 May 1688, but during the Revolution he fled the town. His name appeared on a list of those attainted unless they returned before 1 October 1689, under King James's proclamation. Walkinton was a member of the town council, and the council elected him mayor for 1712 to 1713. A strong party in the council disapproved and appealed to the Lord Lieutenant to quash the election, putting forward Thomas Tothall as a rival. Walkinton answered with a petition on 12 August 1712. He said he had been minister of Clonmel parish for twenty-four years, that the great majority of bailiffs, free burgesses and commons supported him, and that being vicar was no disqualification. He had served as Justice of the Peace for County Waterford for twenty years. His enemies accused him of outlawry, and he admitted that two years earlier, while in England, he was outlawed in a private suit, but he had hopes of reversing it. He was approved as mayor on 26 August 1712.

24. Sankey appointed Governor of Tipperary at Clonmel

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1650

    After Cromwell left for England, Colonel Jerome Sankey was made governor of Tipperary with headquarters in Clonmel. Sankey, an anabaptist preacher-soldier, was notorious for his religious zeal and harsh policies.

    Read the passage

    ON the surrender of the town, Cromwell at once left for England, and Colonel Jerome Sankey was made governor of Tipperary with head quarters in Clonmel. As Sankey was a characteristic product of the period, his career deserves notice. He was now 29 years of age, a native of Shropshire, and educated at Cambridge. He graduated doctor of laws and subsequently took orders in the Church of England. Whether his experience policing the University as proctor or (as evil tongues suggested) his narrow curate's stipend of £8 a-year prompted him, he threw off the clerical gown and took a commission in the Chester horse. Being known to some members of the Parliamentary Committee for the Affairs of Ireland, he became in rapid succession major and colonel of that regiment which accompanied Cromwell to Ireland. His ecclesiastical training now stood him in good stead, for the whole army of the saints did not contain (except Major Tomlinson) a more acceptable preacher. As a zealous anabaptist he constantly divided the Word and had " great bickerings with the devil." On occasion even, he undertook to exorcise evil spirits (ao).

    It is true his enemies accused him of buying land debentures fronv his own soldiers for a few shillings ; of cheating Captain Godfrey and others out of Lismalin Park while acting as their trustee. It was noted moreover (holy man that he was) he rejected the 3,000 acres which the Lord had by

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 7

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Clonmel, the town the road passes through. In 1650, after the surrender of the town, Cromwell left for England, and Colonel Jerome Sankey was made governor of Tipperary with headquarters here in Clonmel. Sankey was 29 years old, a native of Shropshire, educated at Cambridge. He graduated doctor of laws and took orders in the Church of England. Whether it was his experience policing the University as proctor, or, as evil tongues suggested, his narrow curate's stipend of 8 pounds a year, he threw off the clerical gown and took a commission in the Chester horse. He was known to some members of the Parliamentary Committee for the Affairs of Ireland, and became in rapid succession major and colonel of that regiment, which accompanied Cromwell to Ireland. His ecclesiastical training stood him in good stead. The whole army of the saints did not contain, except Major Tomlinson, a more acceptable preacher. As a zealous anabaptist he constantly divided the Word and had, in the words of the source, "great bickerings with the devil." He even undertook to exorcise evil spirits. His enemies accused him of buying land debentures from his own soldiers for a few shillings, and of cheating Captain Godfrey and others out of Lismalin Park while acting as their trustee. It was noted that he rejected the 3,000 acres which the Lord had

25. Sir Henry Sydney encamps at Clonmel, praises loyalty of townspeople

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1583

    In 1583 Sir Henry Sydney reported to Walsingham that he had encamped by Clonmel, describing it as a walled town on the river Suir with good and loyal people, despite the religious tensions of the period.

    Read the passage

    Though the attempts to impose Protestantism on the inhabitants put their loyalty to a severe strain, yet throughout the sixteenth century they remained staunch supporters of Elizabeth. In 1 583 Sir Henry Sydney reported to Walsingham "Marching through the County of Tipperary I encamped by Chlomnell a walled town standing upon the river of Sure, the people good and loyal." Again in 1600 while Hugh O'Neill, de facto master of Ireland, lay at Holy Cross there was no question of surrendering "the Queen's unpaid garrison." Furthermore the citizens placed at her disposal their goods and their money. Lord Grey in 1 582 petitioned the Privy Council for payment to the people of Clonmel of moneys owed them by Captain James, Captain Lower and Captain Morgan; the same year the Sovereign Geoffry White authorized payment to Alderman Pierce Sherlock of further sums. In 1583 Burghley was petitioned for £36 due to the town by Captain Zouche deceased. Four years later a sum of eight score odd pounds was spent on powder and munition for the defence of the town. As the Queen's exchequer was depleted there was no little difficulty in recovering these moneys. In 1587 permission was sought to import 2,000 quarters of wheat in lieu of Captain Zouche's debt (aa). Again licence was asked to import 100 tuns of wine free, or a grant of lands of £40 yearly value, as a set off for other debts. Among the citizens who especially distinguished themselves in the

    heretics, animating the Catholfc soldiers and administering the sacraments He was long

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 4

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up now is Clonmel in Tipperary. In 1583 Sir Henry Sydney wrote to Walsingham that marching through the county he had encamped here, calling it a walled town standing upon the river of Sure, the people good and loyal. The loyalty was put to a severe strain by attempts to impose Protestantism on the inhabitants, yet throughout the sixteenth century they remained staunch supporters of Elizabeth. When Hugh O'Neill lay at Holy Cross in 1600 there was no question of surrendering what was called the Queen's unpaid garrison. The citizens placed their goods and their money at her disposal. Lord Grey petitioned the Privy Council for payment to the people of Clonmel of moneys owed them by Captain James, Captain Lower and Captain Morgan. The Sovereign Geoffry White authorized payment to Alderman Pierce Sherlock of further sums. Burghley was petitioned for £36 due to the town by Captain Zouche, deceased. Four years later eight score odd pounds was spent on powder and munition for the defence of the town. The Queen's exchequer being depleted, there was no little difficulty in recovering these moneys. Permission was sought to import 2,000 quarters of wheat in lieu of Captain Zouche's debt. Licence was also asked to import 100 tuns of wine free, or a grant of lands of £40 yearly value, as a set off for other debts.

26. St Mary's Church, Clonmel - Anglo-Norman foundation and history

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1603–1642

    St Mary's Church was an Anglo-Norman foundation later replaced by a perpendicular-style building, was re-taken by Catholics in 1603 and again in 1642, and was later converted into a meeting house. It contains the White chantry, a mortuary chapel, ancient tombs and bells.

    Read the passage

    MARY'S., St, CHURCH— ^2, 76; Anglo-Norman foundation, 263; early church replaced by one in perpendicular style 16th century, 264; re-taken by Catholics in 1603, 265; again in 1642, 62; converted into a meeting house, 76; White chantry, 266; mortuary chapel, 266-7; ancient tombs, 267-70; bells, 271; history of advowson, 271-3; Lady Cahir foundation, 274.

    MARKETS— Meat, 171-2, 179; butter, 186 (note); vegeUbles, 172.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 52

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, St Mary's Church is part of this town's story. It was an Anglo-Norman foundation, its early church replaced by one in perpendicular style in the 16th century. Catholics retook it in 1603 and again in 1642. It later became a meeting house, and still holds the White chantry, a mortuary chapel, ancient tombs and bells.

27. St Patrick's curse on the King of the Desi's assemblies

    near Ardpatrick · street · Cork

    According to the Tripartite Life, St Patrick cursed the King Fergair's assemblies to be showery forever after being delayed by rain, and decreed no king would come from him for ever. Patrick's well and the church of MacClairidh are associated with this site.

    Read the passage

    As Patrick was in the district of the Desi awaiting the King of the country — Fergair the son of Rossa, Patrick said to him after his arrival, " How slowly you come"! " The country is rough " (said he), " Quite true," said Patrick. " There shall be no King from you for ever." "What delayed you to-day"? asked Patrick, "The rain delayed us," said the King. "Your meetings shall be showery for ever," said Patrick. Patrick's well is there and also the church of MacClairidh one of Patrick's people. And assemblies are not held by the Desi except at night because Patrick left that sentence upon them for it was towards night they went to him. Patrick then cursed the streams of that place because his books were drowned in them and the fishermen gave his people a refusal. Patrick said that they would not be fruitful notwithstanding their great profusion up to that time and that there would never be any mills upon them except the mills of strangers. He blessed the Suir moreover and the country around and it is fruitful in fish except the places where those streams (glaise) flow into it (e)

    Another tradition of the eleventh century, to which the scholarship of Ussher has given undue prominence, was that St. Declan preached to the Deisi before the coming of St. Patrick. That there were isolated Christians in the South of Ireland is almost certain, considering the close proximity of the Christian communities of Wales and Cornwall, but that St. Patrick

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Ardpatrick, the Tripartite Life places a meeting between St Patrick and King Fergair, son of Rossa, who ruled the Desi. Patrick had been waiting for the king, and when he arrived, Patrick said, "How slowly you come!" The king explained the country was rough. Patrick replied, "There shall be no King from you for ever." When Patrick asked what delayed him that day, the king said the rain. Patrick then declared, "Your meetings shall be showery for ever." Patrick's well is here, and the church of MacClairidh, one of Patrick's people. Assemblies among the Desi are not held except at night, because that was when they came to him, and he left that sentence upon them. Patrick also cursed the streams of that place because his books were drowned in them and the fishermen refused his people. He said the streams would not be fruitful, despite their great profusion up to that time, and no mills would stand on them except the mills of strangers. He blessed the Suir and the country around it, and it is fruitful in fish, except where those streams flow into it.

28. Surrender of Limerick and death sentences on excepted persons

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1651

    On the surrender of Limerick to Ireton on 27th October 1651, a Council of War voted five men, including Geoffry (Jeffry) Baron of Clonmel, to be executed as excepted persons for their roles in the rebellion.

    Read the passage

    At a Councell of war at Limerick was this day debated how those excepted persons should be disposed of. Of them five were voted to suffer, Hugh O'Neill, Sir

    (zz) Cox, Hib. Angl., p. 192.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 46

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, this is where the city surrendered to Ireton on the 27th of October 1651. A Council of War debated how the excepted persons should be disposed of. Five were voted to suffer, including Hugh O'Neill and Geoffry Baron of Clonmel, for their roles in the rebellion.

29. The Spittle lands leper hospital at St Stephen's, Clonmel

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary

    A hospital for lepers adjoined the chapel of St. Stephen, well removed from the town of Clonmel; its last memorial is the local name 'Spittle lands', land still owned by the Corporation.

    Read the passage

    rushes or straw was spread over the whole. Food also was of the coarsest kind, only in summer was it to be obtained fresh. After Michaelmas all cattle and swine that could not be foddered through the winter were slaughtered and barrelled and there were no winter vegetables^/// The consequences are obvious. Fever was endemic and when such visitations of Providence as the plagues of 1349 and 1376 came, priest and congregation were swept away together (uu). Few realize the history that lies behind the Irish name of St. Nicholas' CeAmpuU ha puige "The Church of the Plague." The general use also of salted food produced aggravated scorbutic affections and it is probable that most of the ' leprosy ' of the middle ages was a virulent form of scurvy. The hospital for the lepers adjoined the chapel of St. Stephen, well removed from the town ; its last memorial is the local name " 'Spittle lands." (w)

    Such was Clonmel for the first three centuries of its existence. Aggressively hostile to the Celtic population, neither influencing nor being influenced by them, a "garrison town " in the most literal sense, it kept its English identity unimpaired amid the active solvents of language and marriage which destroyed the feudal system everywhere about it.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 3

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Clonmel, you pass near where a hospital for lepers once adjoined the chapel of St Stephen, well removed from the town. Its last memorial is the local name Spittle lands, land still owned by the Corporation. In the first three centuries of Clonmel's existence, rushes or straw was spread over the whole. Food was of the coarsest kind. Only in summer could it be obtained fresh. After Michaelmas, all cattle and swine that could not be foddered through the winter were slaughtered and barrelled, and there were no winter vegetables. The general use of salted food produced aggravated scorbutic affections, and it is probable that most of the leprosy of the middle ages was a virulent form of scurvy. Fever was endemic. When visitations such as the plagues of 1349 and 1376 came, priest and congregation were swept away together. Few realize the history behind the Irish name of St Nicholas' church, "The Church of the Plague." Clonmel in those first three centuries was a garrison town in the most literal sense, aggressively hostile to the Celtic population, neither influencing nor being influenced by them, keeping its English identity unimpaired amid the solvents of language and marriage that destroyed the feudal system everywhere about it.

30. Trade guilds established in Clonmel to exclude Catholics from commerce

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1681–1685

    In 1681 the merchants' guild was formed in Clonmel, followed a few years later by the cordwainers and brewers guilds, giving Protestant members power to impose terms on Catholics or exclude them from trade entirely.

    Read the passage

    leaders Talbot and Nugent eager to dominate the army and (through the corporations) the parliament, helped in no small measure to raise the storm which eventually swept away the Stuart dynasty. The incidents of Clonmel life are characteristic of the time. On the fifth of November, 1672, the Mayor and Corporation went to church to commemorate the anniversary of the Gun Powder Plot. They were mobbed on their return and the mayor received rough handling (g). The effects of the Titus Oates* explosion were also felt, for on 5th April, 1679, by proclamation from the Lord Lieutenant, the Catholic inhabitants were removed outside the walls of the town, except a few necessary merchants and artificers. This cruel measure was followed by one more cruel, because more lasting in its effects. In 1681 the first of the trade guilds, that of merchants, was formed; a few years later the guilds of the cordwainers and brewers. The three included in their scope all the commerce and handicrafts of the town. It was competent for the members, being Protestants, to impose any terms they pleased on Catholics, or indeed to say whether they should be permitted to trade at all. Yet the Cromwellians did not feel their ascendancy quite secure. The grand jury of the county palatine in 1682 refused a loyal address to Charles II. Omiond as lord of the palatinate and lord lieutenant took notice of the affair, and determined to bring to account Stephen Moore who had moved the rejection of the address. " I know not how farr Mr. Herbert's [Chief Justice of Tipperary] passion may have been the cause that an address was not unanimously agreed to at Clonmell but it will behove Mr. Moore to give some signall evidence that he repents the opposition he gave it, and is ready to make amends and it concearns my Lord Chief Justice to dispose him to it that he may not stand suspected to cajole the partie for feare or favour, and I know not what demonstration those can now make but by contriving and carrying on an address as plaine and full as any other county or corporation has presented ** (h). Nothing, however, appears to have been done, but four years later Moore emboldened by impunity used seditious language towards the new king. For this he was put on trial, and Tyrconnell, Lord Lieutenant, to secure conviction came to Clonmel in person. The Cromwellian jury refusing to convict, the affair assumed national importance (i). But the event which stirred the town to its depths was the suit in the Court of Exchequer — Attorney General v. The Corporation of Clonmel in 1687. A judgment of " Ouster " was given as in the case of the other towns, on the grounds that the members were not duly

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 9

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Clonmel, a town where trade became a weapon of exclusion. In 1681 the merchants' guild was formed here, and a few years later the guilds of the cordwainers and the brewers followed. Together these three covered all the commerce and handicrafts of the town. It was open to the members, being Protestants, to impose any terms they pleased on Catholics, or to say whether Catholics should be permitted to trade at all. The guilds came after a harsh decade. In 1679 a proclamation from the Lord Lieutenant had driven Catholic inhabitants outside the walls, sparing only a few necessary merchants and artificers. The guilds made that exclusion lasting, handing control of the town's economic life to a Protestant minority. Yet that ascendancy sat uneasily. In 1682 the grand jury of the county palatine refused a loyal address to Charles the Second. Stephen Moore had moved the rejection, and Ormond as lord lieutenant demanded he give some signal evidence that he repented. Ormond wrote that it would concern the Chief Justice of Tipperary to dispose Moore to it, that he might not stand suspected to cajole the party for fear or favour. Nothing appears to have been done. Four years later Moore, emboldened by impunity, used seditious language toward the new king. He was put on trial, and Tyrconnell, the Lord Lieutenant, came to Clonmel in person to secure conviction. The Cromwellian jury refused to convict, and the affair took on national importance.

31. Trial for murder of Rev. John Going of Mealiff

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1832

    James Keeffe and Thady Hackett were tried at the Clonmel assizes for the murder of Rev. John Going of Mealiff; they were defended by Shiel and acquitted.

    Read the passage

    This paper was founded by William Carson, who had for several years printed the Waterford Mirror for Richard Farrel. It was printed and published in Johnston Street, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at sixpence a copy. The first number appeared in July 1811, and was a distinct advance on the older papers. It contained four pages, 22 by 16 inches, five columns to the page; the type excellent and the editing capable. Whatever its earlier politics were, in 1832 it was strongly O'Connellite and anti-tithe. No. 2,217 (November 1832) contains an address fromO'Connell to the people of Limerick. It is full of invective against "the betrayer — the deceiver — the prince of political jobbers — Mr. Pierce Mahoney," whom "it would be an eternal disgrace to elect," who "has not one particle of political principle," etc., etc. Two pages are filled with the report of the Clonmel assizes. The most important case was the trial of James Keeffe and Thady Hackett for the murder of Rev. John Going, of Mealiff. Shiel defended the prisoners who were acquitted. Lord Galmoy, Michael Doheny, John Hackett ^of the Free Press) and others were put on trial " for a combination against tithes." The jury deserves to be recorded — Caleb Going, George Hodges, Southwell Mulcahy, Richard Brannagan, Thomas Knaggs, John Davis, John Graham, Robert McClelland, Robert Lester, Edward Jones and Richard Goss. The traversers had taken part in a meeting at which the following "nonintercourse " resolution was passed : —

    We pledge each other collectively and individually not to hold any intercourse whatever, directly or indirectly, with any person who should buy anything at a sale for tithes and church-cess, which went to keep up a pampered clergy.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 34

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, you're on ground where the assizes once sat. In 1832, James Keeffe and Thady Hackett stood trial here for the murder of Rev. John Going of Mealiff. Shiel defended the prisoners, and they were acquitted. The case was reported in the local paper as the most important at those assizes, filling two pages alongside other proceedings, including trials of men charged with combining against tithes. The jury who heard the case included Caleb Going, George Hodges, Southwell Mulcahy, Richard Brannagan, Thomas Knaggs, John Davis, John Graham, Robert McClelland, Robert Lester, Edward Jones and Richard Goss.

32. Two archbishops and eight bishops swear the oath at Clonmel

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1539

    At Clonmel, two archbishops and eight bishops swore the oath of the King's succession and supremacy before the Chancellor after a sermon by the Archbishop of Dublin, an event of major importance to the Irish Reformation.

    Read the passage

    At Clomell was with us twoo Archebusshops and eight Busshops in whose presence my Lord of Dublin preached in advauncying the Kinges Supremacy and the extinguishment of the Busshop of Rome. And his sermon fynyshed all the said Bisshops in all thoppen audience took the othe mencioned in thActes of Parliament bothe touching the Kinges Succession and Supremacy befor me, the Kinges Chaunceller ; and divers others ther present ded the lieke

    Your Lordships most bounden Orators

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 4

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Clonmel, the Tipperary town. In 1539, it was the setting for a moment in the Irish Reformation. The Archbishop of Dublin preached here, advancing the King's supremacy and the extinguishment of the Bishop of Rome. When the sermon ended, two archbishops and eight bishops took the oath touching the King's succession and supremacy, before the King's Chancellor, with a crowd present. Others in attendance did the same.

33. Walloon weavers scheme to revive Clonmel's woollen trade

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1674–1675

    Ormond negotiated with Norwich manufacturer Edward Nelthorp and Walloon wool combers from Canterbury to settle in Clonmel and produce worsted and coarse woollens. The Corporation of Clonmel opposed Humphrey Hill's efforts, and though friezes were made for a time, the industry's later history is unknown.

    Read the passage

    From these and other indications as also from the pleadings of the Palatinate court, there is evidence that the period from the Cromwellian settlement to the Revolution was one of great prosperity in Clonmel. The fact that so many of our local gentry date their origin to the traders of that time, is conclusive. But the foundations of more lasting prosperity would have been laid had not the iniquitous policy of William III. crushed the woollen industry. In 1674 Sir Peter Pett a well-known economist of the day, addressed a memorial to the Duke of Ormond setting forth that the manufacture of worsted and coarse woollens for home consumption, would increase the profits of wool, give much employment to the poor and enhance the value of his Grace's estate. Accordingly Ormond entered into a treaty with one Edward Nelthorp, a Norwich manufacturer. Humphrey Hill was sent over to settle preliminaries and Captain Grant began negociations with Walloon refugee wool combers in Canterbury for their removal to Clonmel. Houses were to be assigned them for twenty-one years "without paying any rent save one piece of fine searge yearly," but Nelthorp complained that better terms were offered him elsewhere. Other troubles rose in unexpected quarters. Nelthorp wrote 22nd June, 1675, to George Mathew, Ormond's agent "His Grace tells me he has writt to you concerninge the opposition the Corporation of Clonmell gives Mr. Hill as alsoe how to prevent other little manufactoryes that may be sett up on purpose to destroy oures " fa). Friezes were made for a time but the subsequent history of the industry is not known.

    (ti) Hist. MSS. 6 Rep. p. 713.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 9

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, this is a town that once had a brief scheme to build a woollen industry. In 1674, the economist Sir Peter Pett wrote to the Duke of Ormond arguing that making worsted and coarse woollens for home consumption would increase wool profits, employ the poor, and raise the value of Ormond's estate. Ormond struck a treaty with Edward Nelthorp, a Norwich manufacturer. Humphrey Hill was sent over to settle preliminaries, and Captain Grant began negotiations with Walloon refugee wool combers in Canterbury to bring them to Clonmel. The Walloons were to be assigned houses for 21 years, paying no rent save "one piece of fine searge yearly." But Nelthorp complained that better terms were offered elsewhere, and the Corporation of Clonmel opposed Hill's efforts. In June 1675 Nelthorp wrote to Ormond's agent George Mathew about the opposition the Corporation gave Hill and about preventing other little manufactories set up on purpose to destroy theirs. Friezes were made for a time, but the subsequent history of the industry is not known. William III's later policies crushed the Irish woollen trade altogether.

34. Warrants issued against priests saying Mass in Tipperary, Lattin and Emly parishes

    Tipperary · town · Tipperary · 1714

    Justices meeting at Tipperary town in June 1714 found that priests Thomas Grace and David Hedderman had unlawfully celebrated Mass in the parishes of Tipperary, Lattin and Emly, and issued warrants against them.

    Read the passage

    of May last, we summoned the principal popish inhabitants of the Barony of Clanwilliam td appear before us at Tipperary on the 22 inst. on purpose to inquire into the matter contained in the said letter, but our summons not being regarded by them, we were forct to have recourse for information to the meaner sort of people by whom we found that Thomas Grace and David Hedderman popish priests (and not qualified by law to exercise their function) have of late Sellebrated Mass in the Parishes of Tipperary, Latten and Six)nell, for which we issued warrants against them. As to the other matter which we were directed to inquire into, we cant yet receive satisfactory information by reason that those who are privie to them, refuse to appear to give information concerning them but we desire you will assure their Excellencies the Lords Justices, that we will use all proper means to discover whatsoever has been practiced to preiudice her Matie and the peace of her kingdom. We must observe to you, that we summoned some new converts whose conduct and behaviour gave us grounds to feare they were not sincere Protestants, with purpose to tender the. abjuration oath but they also refused to appear, for which reason we have Issud warrants against them. We purpose soon to meet again on this occasion and you shall be informed of our proceedings that you may give their Excellencies account of the same.

    We are Sir, Your humble servants

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 10

35. Whiteboy rebellion charge tied to events at Clogheen

    Clogheen · town · Tipperary · 1764

    A true bill was found against Father Sheehy and several others for compassing rebellion at Clogheen, alleging unlawful assembly in white shirts and arms in preparation to levy war against the King. The indictment named Meehan, Lee, Butler, and Burke alongside Sheehy.

    Read the passage

    At the summer assizes following^ a true bill was found against Father Sheehy, Edward Meehan, Nicholas Lee, John Maganjohn Butler and Edmund Burke for "compassing rebellion at Clogheen on the 7th March and 6th October, second year of the King, and unlawfully assembling in white shirts, in arms, when they did traitorously prepare, ordain and levy war against the King." Michael Guynan, Thomas Lonergan and Mary Butler were bound to appear as witnesses.

    At the same assizes a further indictment was framed against Father Sheehy and seven others which deserves to be noted in connection with subsequent events.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 36

36. Mayor's 1731 return on the Mass House in the West Suburbs of Clonmel

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1731

    In response to a House of Lords inquiry into the state of popery, the Mayor of Clonmel, James Castell, reported in 1731 on a large reputed Mass House in the West Suburbs, built before George I's reign, later slated and enlarged with three galleries, and named the priests officiating there and a friary nearby.

    Read the passage

    In obedience to your Lordships Order of the sixth November instant, and to me directed, I humbly lay before your Lordships the following account viz. there is one large reputed Mass House in the West Suburbs of this Town of Clonmel, some part built before the. reign of King George the first, and then was thatched, and some large additional buildings made thereto since, which Mass House has been since the said first year of His said Majestie King George the first, repaired and all slated and very much improved with three large gallereys therein. There is no other Mass House or reputed Mass House in said Towne, Subburbs, or Liberties thereof. I find on the strictest Inquiry that the five following persons 'officiate in the said Mass House (viz.) Thomas Hennessy, Patrick Fitzgerald, John Leo, Michael Dwyer, and James Walsh, that the said Thomas Hennessy is the reputed Popish Parish Priest, the said Patrick Fitzgerald his assistant, and the said Leo, Dwyer, and Walsh, are Fryers, or reputed so. I do not find they [51V:] are any private Popish Chappels or Nunnerys in this town or Liberties thereof. But I do finde there is a Popish Fryery in the West Subburbs of the said Towne, wherein the above Fryers live and cohabit. There is but one Private Popish Schoolemaster as I can finde in the said Towne, whose name is Cornelius Lynch, and goes from house to house to instrdct Popish children. All which is most humbly submitted to your Lordshipps by your Lordshipps' most obedient humble servant

    James Castell, Mayor of Clonmel (xx).

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 27

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, you are in a town that in 1731 drew the attention of the House of Lords. The Mayor, James Castell, was ordered to report on the state of popery, and he described one large Mass House in the West Suburbs. Some part of it had been built before the reign of King George the First, and was then thatched. Since that first year of George's reign it had been repaired, fully slated, and very much improved with three large galleries. Castell said there was no other Mass House in the town, suburbs, or liberties. He named five men who officiated there: Thomas Hennessy, the reputed parish priest; Patrick Fitzgerald, his assistant; and John Leo, Michael Dwyer, and James Walsh, described as friars or reputed so. He found no private Catholic chapels or nunneries, but did find a friary in the West Suburbs where those friars lived. There was also one private Catholic schoolmaster, Cornelius Lynch, who went from house to house instructing Catholic children. Castell submitted it all to the Lords as their obedient servant.

37. O'Neills settled at Ballyneale, transplantation of 1654

    Ballyneale · townland · Kilkenny · 1654

    A branch of the northern O'Neills, the Ui Eoghain Fionn, settled at Ballyneale in the thirteenth century; Hugh O'Neale, described as an 'Irish Papist,' was transplanted to Connaught from Ballyneale in 1654.

    Read the passage

    ^5^ A branch of the northern O'Neills called Ui Eo^han Fionn, settled at Ball>iieale in the thirteenth century. Hugh O'Neale " Irish Papist" was transplanted to Connaught from Ballyneale in 1654,

    (t) It is said that the Mandevilles were settled at Ballydine from the time of King John. The earliest reference to them in the Patent Rolls is 1343. '*The King prohibits Maurice htz Thomas Earl of Desmond from hearing the cause (in virtue of a brief de recto) Richard de Rok^l Knt. %*ersus Walter de Maundevill Knt., Thomas fitz Walter de Maundeville Knt. and Thomas fitz David Walsh in the matter of five messuages with their appurtenances in Rathronan and Ballybathan [ Bally vaughan]. Which brief was surreptiously obtained while the said holdings were in the King's hands." When the Desmonds purchased the manor of Kilsheelan from the De Grandisons in 1338 it would appear the Mandevilles settled there. An inquisition held at Carrick, 2nd April, 1608, before Sir Nicholas Walsh, described the manor of Kilsheelan in detail. " The manor house being an oulde and ruynous buylding and one water myll in the town of Kilsheelan, 3 messuages, 2 gardens^ apd 1 acre great countrie measure in said town, Lysnehary 10 acres great countn'e measure, Sheskin 10 acres, Ballyglissanbeg 5 acres. The chief rents payable to said manor are out of Ballyneale, Molagh, Ballinacloine, Ballyquirkin, Ballinamona and Killuan £^ per annum and suit of court to said manor from Edward Mandeville of Ballydyn for i burgage in his possesion in the town of Kilsheelan. 7s. 4d. per annum and suit of court from Richard Wall for i burgage in Kilsheelan. I2d. per annum and suit of court from William Butler for i burgage in Kilsheelan, i2d. per annum and suit of court from Edward Mandeville for Eustace land, 2s. per annum and suit of court for land of Monemihell, 2s. per annum and suit of court for Ballyglasbeenmore, r2d. per annum and suit of court for Knogloghty," etc. How the Mandevilles retained portion of !he estates through the Cromwellian period, appears from the following inquisition.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 42

38. Rev. Hugh Prior sues Clonmel mayor over Ministers' Money rates

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1854–1857

    As the Clonmel council refused to levy the Ministers' rates under an 1854 act, Rev. Hugh Prior served a writ on the mayor for the amount owed. The resulting agitation led to Clonmel and other towns petitioning parliament, resulting in a new act settling the payment via the Ecclesiastical Commissioners.

    Read the passage

    Hugh Prior. Presented by Rev. John Prior in 1855. As the difficulty of collecting "Ministers' Money *' from the Catholic inhabitants of the towns increased year by year, Parliament attempted to settle it by the method adopted in the Tithe Act. In 1854 the town councils of the eight cities and towns concerned, were made liable for the tax in the first instance, they being empowered to raise the sum as part of the borough rates. But the Clonmel council would not levy '* the Ministers' rates," and accordingly Rev. Hugh Prior served a writ on the mayor for the amount Clonmel, among other towns, petitioned parliament, and as a result of the agitation the Act 17 & 18 Vict., cm (1857), was passed. Henceforward a sum of £300 lOs. id. was paid by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners to the incumbent in lieu of Ministers' Money.

    Chares Seymour Langley, D.D. Appointed to the living January, 1857. During his period the church was practically rebuilt from designs by Mr. Welland, architect of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners. His incumbency came to an end October, i860.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 28

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up along Clonmel, in Tipperary. Back in 1854, Parliament tried to settle a growing problem over what was called Ministers' Money, a tax the Catholic inhabitants of the towns were meant to pay. Eight cities and towns were involved, and Parliament made their town councils liable for the tax, letting them raise it as part of the borough rates. But the Clonmel council would not levy the Ministers' rates. Rev. Hugh Prior, presented to the living by Rev. John Prior in 1855, served a writ on the mayor for the amount owed. Clonmel, among other towns, petitioned parliament, and as a result of the agitation, an act was passed in 1857. From then on, a sum of 300 pounds, 10 shillings and 1 penny was paid by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners to the incumbent in lieu of Ministers' Money.

39. 1703 Arbitration Award on Clonmel Taxation of Catholics

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1703

    A 1703 arbitration by Sir Theobald Butler and Nathaniel Lucas addressed disputes between Catholic inhabitants and the Mayor and Corporation of Clonmel over taxes levied for building barracks, keeping the town clock, and judges' lodgings. The award required equal assessment representation, with six Protestant and six Catholic assessors chosen to apportion charges fairly.

    Read the passage

    souldiers for the time being in the said Town, for keeping the towne clocke and for the paing for the judges lodging in the said town of Clonmell and the said rent and fines for renewall, and the interest for the amount of the said purchase money which was borrowed, and it appearing to us that the said Corporation had no ground of theyre owne within the said town that they could give for building the said barrackes upon, and that the building thereof keeping the said Clocke and providing lodgings for the Judges as hath been vsually done whether for the safety, convenience and advantage of all the inhabitants of the said town and that the said Roman Catholick inhabitants of the said town did partake of the benefitt of it, yet it hath not appeared to us that there was any legall authoritie to levey the same without consent, and all the said parties on both sides being willing to have the said money raised, the same being for the generall good of the said town so as the same might be equally indifferently applotted and assessed upon all the inhabitants in proportion to each persons substance and abilitie. Wee the said arbitrators by consent of all the said parties on both sides do therefore order and award that the purchase money payed or to be payed for the said ground, whereupon the said barrackes is built and the interest thereof till the same be payed together with the said rent of seaven pounds per annum and fines for renewalls regard being had to the expenses at law, be equally indifferently assessed upon all the inhabitants of the said town for the purposes aforesaid, and Wee do further order and award that no other money whatsoever under the notion of incidents, charges or otherwise shall be levyed without the consent of the inhabitants of the said town but what shall be grounded upon and warranted by lawe or by some Act or Acts of Parliament and unto the intent to take away all grounds of complaint condeming psirtiallitie or inequallitie in assessing or applotting the said present summes of money as aforesaid, or concerning the assessment or applottment of any other sum hereafter to be levyed by consent or otherwise as well upon the Protestants as upon the Roman Catholick inhabitants of the said town, and for settleing a good correspondence between them in that particular. Wee do further order and award that in as much as by antient usage in the said town all such assessments and applottments have been made by twelve men of the said town, that the same shall be hereafter made by twelve of the most knowing, able and indifferent persons of the said town whereof six shall be of the most knowing, able and indifferent of the Protestants and the other six of the most knowing, able and indifferent of the Roman Catholicks or the major part or number of them to be indifferently chosen by the mayor and bailiffs of the said town for the time being, and that they do from time to time make all such applottments and assessments equally and indifferently upon every one of the inhabitants of the said town apportionatlie according to his substance and abilitie, and Wee do further order and award by like consent that the persons hereafter named be the twelve persons for assessing and applotting the said town for the purposes aforesaid, that is to say (Protestants Capt. Thomas Batty, Hercules Beere, Phillip Carleton, Henry Cleare, Phineas Ryell and John Moore gentlemen). (Roman Catholickes Francis Marony, John Meagher, Richard Stritch, Nicholas Purcell, Thomas Pursell and Richard Daniell). And we do further award that the said Corporation shall out of their Revenue pay the scavenger for keeping clean the said town of Clonmel without putting the inhabitants at any time hereafter to the charge thereof, shall spend the same to the best advantage and that the yearly rent arising to them thereout shall be applied to the case of the inhabitants of the said town in proportion to so much of such incidental charge as any of them should otherwise bei obliged to pay according to the true intent hereof, all which we make and publish as our award in the premisses under our hands and seales the 24 day of September 1703.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 10

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Clonmel, in Tipperary. In 1703, this town was the setting for a dispute that reached arbitration. The Catholic inhabitants had fallen out with the Mayor and Corporation over taxes. The Corporation had been levying charges for building barracks, keeping the town clock, and paying for judges' lodgings. They had no ground of their own to build the barracks on, so purchase money had been borrowed, with interest to pay. There was a rent of seven pounds a year, and fines for renewal. The arbitrators, Sir Theobald Butler and Nathaniel Lucas, found that all inhabitants, Catholic and Protestant alike, benefited from these arrangements. But they also found no legal authority to levy the money without consent. Both sides were willing to have the money raised, so long as it was assessed equally and indifferently on everyone, in proportion to each person's substance and ability. The arbitrators so ordered. They went further: no other money whatsoever was to be levied under the notion of incidents or charges without the consent of the inhabitants, unless grounded in law or by Act of Parliament. By ancient usage in the town, assessments had been made by twelve men. The award kept that number but split it. Six were to be of the most knowing, able, and indifferent Protestants, and six of the most knowing, able, and indifferent Roman Catholics, chosen by the mayor and bailiffs. The twelve named were Captain Thomas Batty, Hercules Beere, Phillip Carleton, Henry Cleare, Phineas Ryell, and John Moore for the Protestants, and Francis Marony, John Meagher, Richard Stritch, Nicholas Purcell, Thomas Pursell, and Richard Daniell for the Catholics. They were to assess every inhabitant proportionately. The Corporation was also ordered to pay the scavenger for keeping the town clean from its own revenue, sparing the inhabitants that charge. The award was signed and sealed on the 24th of September 1703.

40. Bankruptcy of Stephen Moore after over-speculation

    Marlfield · townland · Tipperary

    Stephen Moore, the enterprising miller of Marlfield who built one of the largest mills of its era, later fell into bankruptcy due to over-speculation, resulting in the milling trade there passing largely to Quaker millers.

    Read the passage

    (mm) Tour in Ireland I., pp. 395-6. Unfortunately, it may be added, Moore a few years subsequent met the fate which often befalls over-speculation, the bankruptcy court.

    History of Clonmel, i3i

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 10

41. Burning of the non-protected quarters near Monely bog

    Eliogarty · barony · Tipperary · 1651–1652

    In the winter campaign, Sankey with Colonels Axtel and Abbot burned and destroyed non-protected quarters especially around the great bog of Monely in Eliogarty, consuming most of the Irish substance and stores within days.

    Read the passage

    In the beginning of the winter we spent much time in burning and d^troying the non protected quarters especially about the great bogg of Monely [Eliogarty] where Colonel Axtel and Colonel Abbot met me according to appointment, when (through the benefit of the hard frosts which are unusual in this land) we burned and consumed most of their substance and store in three or four days time (xx).

    Forced by hunger the Irish sometimes ventured into the protected quarters and were disposed of according to the orders of the " general! counsell of warr " sitting at Kilkenny.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 7

42. Citizens refuse to billet soldiers in Clonmel

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1667–1668

    Following the example of Dublin, several Clonmel citizens including Richard Hamerton, Edward Batty, Anthony Lawrence, George Collett and William Vaughan refused to continue quartering or paying allowances for garrison soldiers, leading to a petition to Ormond by the officers.

    Read the passage

    convenient lodgings and quarters ; some of the inhabitants finding lodgings, and others in the suburbs and elsewhere giveing certaine allowances by their owne agreements and consents to several of the officers and souldiers, to provide and pay for their owne quarters and accommodation where they thought most convenient. But now may it please your Grace, Richard Hammerton, Edward Batty, Anthony Lawrence, George Collett and William Vaughan able inhabitants of the said towne, refuse to quarter or pay the allowances for quartering by them contracted for as formerly but by their examples and instigation have caused the several other persons undernamed to doe the like and obstinately persist therein; by which meanes many of the soldiers are altogether destitute of lodgings and quarter, being turned out of those they formerly hyred for want of payment of the allowances contracted for, and forced to lye in the guard when they have done their duty to the great inconvenience of the poore souldiers. For reliefe wherein the petitioners haveing in a faire way often applyed themselves to the Mayor of the said towne without any effect or redresse they are forced most humbly to pray that your Grace will be pleased to take the premisses into consideration and give such order thereon as your Grace in your greate wisedome shall thinke fit. And your petitioners shall pray, etc {yy).

    Ormond on 14th March, 1668, ordered Hamerton, Batty and the others named to forthwith provide quarters for the soldiers, and in case of refusal to appear before him in Dublin and show cause to the contrary. They did neither, however, but sent a petition to have the matter in dispute investigated in or near Clonmel. Through the action of certain Dublin citizens the illegality of indiscriminate billeting was soon after established.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 9

    As the companion tells it

    You're coming through Clonmel now, a town in Tipperary. In the late 1660s, a dispute over soldiers' quarters shook this place. The arrangement had been that some inhabitants found lodgings, while others in the suburbs and elsewhere gave certain allowances by their own agreement to officers and soldiers, so the men could provide and pay for their own quarters where they thought most convenient. That arrangement broke down. Richard Hamerton, Edward Batty, Anthony Lawrence, George Collett and William Vaughan, described as able inhabitants of the town, refused to quarter or pay the allowances they had contracted for. Their example led others to do the same, and they obstinately persisted. The result was that many soldiers were left altogether destitute of lodgings, turned out of those they had hired for want of payment, and forced to lie in the guard after finishing their duty. The officers petitioned Ormond. They said they had applied to the Mayor in a fair way, often, but got no effect or redress. Ormond on the 14th of March, 1668, ordered Hamerton, Batty and the others named to forthwith provide quarters for the soldiers, and in case of refusal to appear before him in Dublin and show cause to the contrary. They did neither. Instead they sent a petition to have the matter investigated in or near Clonmel. Through the action of certain Dublin citizens, the illegality of indiscriminate billeting was soon after established.

43. Clonmel garrison of Ulster regiments under Hugh Duff O'Neill

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1649

    At the end of November 1649, Ormond replaced Stephenson's garrison at Clonmel with two regiments of Owen Roe O'Neill's old army under Hugh Duff O'Neill, along with Colonel Edmund Fennell's horse, who would later play a sinister role in the town's fate.

    Read the passage

    At the end of the month, Ormond came to Clonmel to arrange winter quarters for the royalist forces ; the townsfolk had the satisfaction of seeing Stephenson and his pseudo garrison of Clare peasants removed to make way for men whose fighting qualities were beyond question. These were two regiments belonging to the old army of Owen Roe O'Neill, and commanded by one of his ablest lieutenants, Hugh Duff O'Neill. In their train, however, came two troops of horse under Colonel Edmund Fennell, of Ballygriffin, who were destined to play a sinister part in subsequent events. Perhaps there was some instinctive suspicion of the new comers, for a few days later the mayor wrote complaining of the additional burthen they imposed on the town. Ormond replied : —

    After our harty commendacons, wee have receaved your letter of the llth of this instant and doe hereby assure you that as it was the necessitie that appeered vnto us for placeinge horse in that place being a frontier, occasioned our sendinge Lt. Collonel Fenell thither with the horse you mention so shall wee speedily imploy our best endeavours for the ease of the corporation to their satisfacion and have herewith written to Major generall Hugh 0*Neale to afford thereunto what ease he possibly may . And soe wee bid you hartily farwell from Kilkenny this 19th of December 1649 your very lovinge freind

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 6

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, you're in a town that in late November 1649 saw its garrison changed. Ormond arrived to arrange winter quarters and removed Stephenson's garrison, which the townsfolk had called a "pseudo garrison of Clare peasants." In their place came two regiments from Owen Roe O'Neill's old army under Hugh Duff O'Neill, one of his ablest lieutenants, and the people were satisfied to have fighters whose qualities were beyond question. But with them came two troops of horse under Colonel Edmund Fennell of Ballygriffin, destined to play a sinister part in subsequent events. A few days later the mayor wrote complaining of the additional burden the newcomers imposed on the town. Ormond replied from Kilkenny on the 19th of December 1649, saying the necessity of placing horse on this frontier had occasioned sending Fennell there, and promising to write to Hugh O'Neill to afford what ease he could.

44. Court of Exchequer ousts Clonmel Corporation in 1687

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1687

    The suit Attorney General v. The Corporation of Clonmel in 1687 resulted in a judgment of 'Ouster' against the Corporation on grounds that members were not duly elected and had violated the articles of incorporation, followed by a new charter under James II.

    Read the passage

    leaders Talbot and Nugent eager to dominate the army and (through the corporations) the parliament, helped in no small measure to raise the storm which eventually swept away the Stuart dynasty. The incidents of Clonmel life are characteristic of the time. On the fifth of November, 1672, the Mayor and Corporation went to church to commemorate the anniversary of the Gun Powder Plot. They were mobbed on their return and the mayor received rough handling (g). The effects of the Titus Oates* explosion were also felt, for on 5th April, 1679, by proclamation from the Lord Lieutenant, the Catholic inhabitants were removed outside the walls of the town, except a few necessary merchants and artificers. This cruel measure was followed by one more cruel, because more lasting in its effects. In 1681 the first of the trade guilds, that of merchants, was formed; a few years later the guilds of the cordwainers and brewers. The three included in their scope all the commerce and handicrafts of the town. It was competent for the members, being Protestants, to impose any terms they pleased on Catholics, or indeed to say whether they should be permitted to trade at all. Yet the Cromwellians did not feel their ascendancy quite secure. The grand jury of the county palatine in 1682 refused a loyal address to Charles II. Omiond as lord of the palatinate and lord lieutenant took notice of the affair, and determined to bring to account Stephen Moore who had moved the rejection of the address. " I know not how farr Mr. Herbert's [Chief Justice of Tipperary] passion may have been the cause that an address was not unanimously agreed to at Clonmell but it will behove Mr. Moore to give some signall evidence that he repents the opposition he gave it, and is ready to make amends and it concearns my Lord Chief Justice to dispose him to it that he may not stand suspected to cajole the partie for feare or favour, and I know not what demonstration those can now make but by contriving and carrying on an address as plaine and full as any other county or corporation has presented ** (h). Nothing, however, appears to have been done, but four years later Moore emboldened by impunity used seditious language towards the new king. For this he was put on trial, and Tyrconnell, Lord Lieutenant, to secure conviction came to Clonmel in person. The Cromwellian jury refusing to convict, the affair assumed national importance (i). But the event which stirred the town to its depths was the suit in the Court of Exchequer — Attorney General v. The Corporation of Clonmel in 1687. A judgment of " Ouster " was given as in the case of the other towns, on the grounds that the members were not duly

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 9

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, you are in a town where the struggles of the seventeenth century left deep marks. In 1672 the Mayor and Corporation were mobbed on their way home from commemorating the Gunpowder Plot, and the mayor himself was roughly handled. Things grew harsher. In 1679 the Lord Lieutenant proclaimed that all Catholic inhabitants must leave the town, barring a few necessary merchants and craftsmen. By 1681 the Protestant trade guilds controlled all commerce and could decide whether Catholics were allowed to trade at all. The Cromwellian establishment here was bold. In 1682 the grand jury of the county palatine refused to present a loyal address to Charles the Second. Stephen Moore, who had moved that rejection, later used seditious language toward the new king and was put on trial. Tyrconnell himself came to Clonmel to secure a conviction, but the jury refused to convict him, and the affair took on national importance. The event that stirred the town to its depths came in 1687. The Court of Exchequer heard the suit of the Attorney General against the Corporation of Clonmel, and gave a judgment of Ouster, on the grounds that the members were not duly elected. It was part of a wider campaign under James the Second, and a new charter followed.

45. Cromwellian Grant of Kilmanahan and Grenane Lands to Colonel Sankey

    Kilmanahan · townland · Waterford · 1653

    During the Cromwellian regime, Colonel Heirome Sankey, Governor of Clonmel Precinct, was granted the castle of Kilmanahan and the farm of Grenane along with other lands formerly belonging to Innislounaght and forfeited by Patrick Gough, surveyed in November 1653.

    Read the passage

    During the Cromwellian regime, in pursuance of an Order in Parliament to settle lands of ;f200 yearly value on Colonel Heirome Sankey, Governor of Clonmel Precinct, an order was made by the Clonmel Commissioners granting him " the castle of Kilmanahan and the farm of Grenane with these appurtenances and all other lands reputed to belong to Innislounaght, all which belonged to Patrick Gough and were forfeited." The survey was made by Mr. Thomas Jackson and Mr. Richard Osborne and is dated 14th November, 1653. The acreage was, Kilmanahan 317 ac, Kilnamack 334 ac, Grenane 128 ac, Abbey Slenaght (sic) 591 ac. with 150 ac, and Garricane 52 ac. In all 1424 acres 18 per., worth in 1640, 2s. 6d. per ac, meadow 8s. per ac— Council Books, Brit. Mus.

    History of Clonmel. 415

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 40

46. Description of the Franciscan church's Gothic architecture

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary

    Luke Wadding described the church as a lofty, spacious temple with great stained-glass windows, built in the Early English Gothic style. The choir featured a triplet of lancet windows resembling work in Christ Church, Dublin.

    Read the passage

    As the years lapsed and the gifts of the people increased, the original " location " gave way to a stately church and convent. Luke Wadding who in the early seventeenth century saw the church in its last phase, enthusiastically describes it as "a temple lofty and spacious, its great windows filled with representations in stained glass " (ee). It was built in that noblest of Gothic styles, the Early English, the probable dimensions being 100 feet long by 24 feet 2 inches wide ; a transept at the south side forming the Lady Chapel gave additional space (JSO- The finest feature in the church was the choir; the east window had a triplet of lancets, the inner jambs of which were ornamented with nook-shafts having elaborate Early English capitals. The moulded bases and annulets closely resembled some in Christ Church, Dublin, and were suggestive of the " Glastonbury School " ; the wall space in each side was filled by a row of seven tall lancets whose interior splays meeting, gave lightness to the whole, while the great depth of the walls gave strength. In the fifteenth century the changing spirit of the Franciscan Order led to corresponding alterations in the fabric itself. The Friars had approximated to the rule of the older Cisterciansand Benedictines, a choir being formed and the divine offices regularly recited in church. The present tower was therefore erected in the centre of the building, dividing it almost into equal parts. The east end formed the conventual choir; the west end was the public church. The narrow arch (ll feet 6 inches) in the tower communicating between the two parts of the church, afforded space in front of its piers in the lay church for two altars. The original pitch of the roof can be seen in the line of the dripstones in the tower.

    Round the old Friary naturally clustered many a tradition. Wadding has recorded a few.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 30

    As the companion tells it

    As the road takes you through Clonmel, the old Franciscan church here is worth knowing. Over the years, as the gifts of the people increased, the original building gave way to a stately church and convent. Luke Wadding, who saw the church in its last phase in the early seventeenth century, described it as a temple lofty and spacious, its great windows filled with representations in stained glass. It was built in the Early English Gothic style, probably 100 feet long and 24 feet 2 inches wide. A transept on the south side formed the Lady Chapel and gave additional space. The finest feature was the choir. The east window had a triplet of lancets, the inner jambs ornamented with nook-shafts carrying elaborate Early English capitals. The moulded bases and annulets closely resembled some in Christ Church, Dublin, suggestive of what was called the Glastonbury School. On each side wall, a row of seven tall lancets filled the space, their interior splays meeting to give lightness to the whole, while the great depth of the walls gave strength. In the fifteenth century, the changing spirit of the Franciscan Order brought alterations to the fabric. The Friars had drawn closer to the rule of the older Cesterian and Benedictine orders, a choir being formed and the divine offices regularly recited in church. The present tower was erected in the centre of the building, dividing it almost into equal parts. The east end formed the conventual choir, the west end the public church. A narrow arch, 11 feet 6 inches, in the tower communicated between the two parts and gave space in front of its piers in the lay church for two altars. The original pitch of the roof can still be seen in the line of the dripstones in the tower.

47. Edmund Sheehy's fragmentary tomb in ruined Kilronan church

    Kilronan · townland · Waterford · 1766

    Within the ruined church of Kilronan near Clonmel can be seen the tomb, now in fragments, of Edmund Sheehy of the Lodge, who died in 1766 aged 33, having been executed alongside Buxton and Farrell.

    Read the passage

    (nn) Edmund Sheehy was grandfather of the celebrated Countess of Blessington. Within the ruined church of Kilronan near Clonmel, may be seen his tomb now in fragments.

    Here lieth the Body of Mr. Edm<l

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 38

48. Fatal fever outbreak near Clonmel from a beggar family

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary

    Three members of one family died within a week within three miles of Clonmel, having caught fever from a beggar's family who had slept in their house, illustrating the desperate conditions and disease risk of the destitute poor in the region.

    Read the passage

    Perhaps 100 people go out in a day from Clonmel gathering potatoes ; they consist chiefly of women and children. Sometimes farmers boil potatoes purposely for the beggars. They give in proportion to the number of the family applying, and give as long as they have to spare ; two handfuls to a family. It is very common for the farmers to give improvidently to beggars, so as to leave themselves in want at the end of the year ; many of the farmers were forced to anticipate their means this summer, to buy meal at a high rate. Farmers allow beggars to lie in the bams. The labourers generally give lodgings, and the farmers give them straw and potatoes ; very little milk except they have large dairies. Farmers sometimes, too, give a cast-off garment, particularly to the children if they are naked. Three in one family died in less than a week, within three miles of Clonmel, of fever caught from a beggar's family who slept in the house. If a wandering beggar is taken ill of the fever and cannot get admission into an hospital, the people build a hovel on the road side, or in a comer of a field, and leave the family there. The labouring people give them what few things they can spare and leave them at the door.

    Charity, good feeling, and sympathy for the condition of the applicant, are the motives which induce to relief. Children of beggars are brought to habits of industry after a certain age. No instance could be remembered of a professional beggar from childhood ; they enlist, emigrate, or become labourers. Farmers will not encourage stout beggars ; they will employ the sons of beggars from a charitable motive and a wish to discountenance begging. No persons take to beg^ng from choice ; if they can procure the necessaries of life they will not beg ; begging is looked on as disgraceful ; even in a bad season the mother and children would go into a mendicity house, but the father would refuse.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 13

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up now, you are passing through Clonmel in Tipperary. Around here in the 1840s, maybe 100 people a day went out from the town gathering potatoes, chiefly women and children, and farmers would boil potatoes on purpose for the beggars who came to their doors. The farmers gave as long as they had to spare, sometimes so generously that they left themselves short before the year was out. Labourers gave lodgings, farmers gave straw and potatoes, and beggars were allowed to sleep in the barns. It was through that custom of sheltering the destitute that fever spread. Three members of one family died in less than a week, within three miles of this town, having caught fever from a beggar's family who had slept in their house. When a wandering beggar fell ill with fever and could not get into a hospital, people would build a rough hovel by the roadside or in a corner of a field and leave the family there, bringing whatever few things they could spare and leaving them at the door. No one took to begging from choice around here. It was seen as disgraceful, and even in a bad season a mother and children would sooner enter a mendicity house than beg. The sons of beggars were taken on as labourers when they were old enough, and farmers would employ them out of charity and a wish to discourage begging altogether.

49. Geoffry Baron's last will made at Limerick before execution

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1651

    The day before his execution, Geoffry Baron of Clonmel esquire made his last will and testament at Limerick, bequeathing his lands and effects and naming his cousin Thomas Baron fitz Richard of Clonmel as executor.

    Read the passage

    In the name of God, Amen. I Geofifry Baron of Clonmel esquire now neere death make my last will and testament in manner following. I bequeath my soule to God. I appoint my cousin german Thomas Baron fitz Richard of Clonmel, my executor. I leave and bequeath to said Thomas, all my lands which [came to me by] inheritance, to have and to hold to him and his heires male of his boddie for ever, the remainder to the heires male of the boddie of my grand father Geoffry Baron, the remainder to my cousen and servant Geoffry Baron fitz Nicholas. I appoint my debits repaid as I have instructed my servant, and desire my executor my soul may be prayd for, and such legacies as I have informed my said servant be payd. In witness whereof to my last will and testament I hereunto put my hande and scale the eight day of November, 165 1.

    R. Everard. Geoffry Baron.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 46

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, this is where Geoffry Baron of Clonmel made his last will and testament on the 8th of November, 1651, the day before his execution. He opened with the words "in the name of God, Amen," and bequeathed his soul to God. He named his cousin Thomas Baron fitz Richard of Clonmel as his executor and left him all his inherited lands, to hold to him and his male heirs forever, with the remainder to the male heirs of his grandfather Geoffry Baron, and the remainder to his cousin and servant Geoffry Baron fitz Nicholas. He asked that his debts be repaid as he had instructed his servant, and that such legacies as he had informed his servant be paid. He desired his executor that his soul may be prayed for. He signed and sealed it himself, with R. Everard as witness.

50. Kilgrant tomb of duelling victim John Mandeville

    Kilgrant · parish · Tipperary · 1710–1726

    A horizontal slab tomb near the ruined church of Kilgrant marks the burial of John Mandeville, killed in a duel in 1710. The inscription had been deliberately defaced, with only fragments of the words remaining legible.

    Read the passage

    (rr) Palatine Rolls, P.R.O. The tomb lies close to the ruined church of Kilgrant. It consists of a horizontal slab some seven feet by four, resting on a base of masonry. An attempt to obliterate the inscription is indicated by the portions of the words in brackets. Three other members of the family are named in a part of the inscription carried round the edge.

    154 History of Clonmel.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 11

51. Mayor of Clonmel mobbed after Gunpowder Plot commemoration

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1672

    On 5 November 1672, the Mayor and Corporation of Clonmel attended church to commemorate the anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot, and on their return were mobbed, with the mayor receiving rough handling from the crowd.

    Read the passage

    leaders Talbot and Nugent eager to dominate the army and (through the corporations) the parliament, helped in no small measure to raise the storm which eventually swept away the Stuart dynasty. The incidents of Clonmel life are characteristic of the time. On the fifth of November, 1672, the Mayor and Corporation went to church to commemorate the anniversary of the Gun Powder Plot. They were mobbed on their return and the mayor received rough handling (g). The effects of the Titus Oates* explosion were also felt, for on 5th April, 1679, by proclamation from the Lord Lieutenant, the Catholic inhabitants were removed outside the walls of the town, except a few necessary merchants and artificers. This cruel measure was followed by one more cruel, because more lasting in its effects. In 1681 the first of the trade guilds, that of merchants, was formed; a few years later the guilds of the cordwainers and brewers. The three included in their scope all the commerce and handicrafts of the town. It was competent for the members, being Protestants, to impose any terms they pleased on Catholics, or indeed to say whether they should be permitted to trade at all. Yet the Cromwellians did not feel their ascendancy quite secure. The grand jury of the county palatine in 1682 refused a loyal address to Charles II. Omiond as lord of the palatinate and lord lieutenant took notice of the affair, and determined to bring to account Stephen Moore who had moved the rejection of the address. " I know not how farr Mr. Herbert's [Chief Justice of Tipperary] passion may have been the cause that an address was not unanimously agreed to at Clonmell but it will behove Mr. Moore to give some signall evidence that he repents the opposition he gave it, and is ready to make amends and it concearns my Lord Chief Justice to dispose him to it that he may not stand suspected to cajole the partie for feare or favour, and I know not what demonstration those can now make but by contriving and carrying on an address as plaine and full as any other county or corporation has presented ** (h). Nothing, however, appears to have been done, but four years later Moore emboldened by impunity used seditious language towards the new king. For this he was put on trial, and Tyrconnell, Lord Lieutenant, to secure conviction came to Clonmel in person. The Cromwellian jury refusing to convict, the affair assumed national importance (i). But the event which stirred the town to its depths was the suit in the Court of Exchequer — Attorney General v. The Corporation of Clonmel in 1687. A judgment of " Ouster " was given as in the case of the other towns, on the grounds that the members were not duly

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 9

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, in Tipperary, this town carries a story from November 1672. On the fifth of November that year, the Mayor and Corporation went to church to commemorate the anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot. On their return, they were mobbed, and the mayor himself received rough handling from the crowd. The incident sits in a time when Catholic and Protestant interests were colliding across Ireland. Leaders like Talbot and Nugent were eager to dominate the army and, through the corporations, the parliament, and this helped raise the storm that eventually swept away the Stuart dynasty. The events in Clonmel are characteristic of that wider struggle. The troubles did not end there. The effects of the Titus Oates affair reached the town too. On the fifth of April 1679, by proclamation from the Lord Lieutenant, the Catholic inhabitants were removed outside the walls of the town, except a few necessary merchants and artificers. That cruel measure was followed by one more cruel, because more lasting. In 1681 the first of the trade guilds, that of the merchants, was formed, and a few years later the guilds of the cordwainers and brewers. The three guilds included in their scope all the commerce and handicrafts of the town. It was competent for the members, being Protestants, to impose any terms they pleased on Catholics, or indeed to say whether Catholics should be permitted to trade at all.

52. Morton brewery established in Morton Street

    Morton Street · street · Tipperary · 1795

    In 1795, following the withdrawal of the beer tax, the firm of Thomas and Samuel Morton began erecting a large brewery and stores in what became known as Morton Street (formerly Brewery Lane), on a scale comparable to Cork and Dublin breweries.

    Read the passage

    Catholicks in the South of Ireland," notes the observant Young, " spin wool very generally but the purchasers of their labour and the whole worsted trade is in the hands of the Quakers of Clonmel, Carrick, etc." fssj. These exported the wool in yarn to Bristol or Norwich, and after paying freight, landing duties and the rest, reaped a handsome profit, having had the wool spun at the living wage of two pence a day ftt). An industry which dates from this period and which after many vicissitudes still exists, is brewing. During the eighteenth century people made their own beer as well as baked their own bread, and among the household expenditure will be found items for the purchase of hops and the malting of barley (uuj. Tea was still a luxur} only obtainable by the wealthy, and instead tnilk, small beer and cider were drunk. In 1785 there were in Clonmel 128 maltsters, the number of malt houses being 191. The following year the first malt tax was levied in Ireland, Id. per bushel, with the result that the consumption of beer declined and spirits increased. A considerable amount of whiskey was distilled by Thomas Morton, James Daniel, David Malcomson and others, and sold at the price of 3s. 4d. a gallon, the duty being only is. 4J4d. The state of the brewing industry may be conjectured from such advertisements in the local newspapers as "Just landed at Michael Luther's Stores oh the Quay, Clonmel, 150 Tierces best London porter which he will sell at Waterford prices free of charges, 17 March 1792 " (wj. Ehiring the years 1791-1794 the decline in brewing and the excessive use of low-priced spirituous liquors, were much discussed in the Irish parliament, and at length a resolution was come to withdrawing the tax on beer. The effects were immediately felt. The following year, 1795, the firm of Thomas and Samuel Morton began the erection of the brewery and stores in Morton Street (long known as Brewery Lane) on a scale equal to the Cork and Dublin breweries. They were followed three years later by Messrs. Greer and Murphy in Dowd's Lane and Nelson Street, where the industry carried on by the representatives of the family, still flourishes after the lapse of a century.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 10

    As the companion tells it

    Along here on Morton Street, once long known as Brewery Lane, Thomas and Samuel Morton began building a large brewery and stores in 1795. It was built on a scale equal to the breweries of Cork and Dublin. The timing was no accident. In 1785 there were 128 maltsters in Clonmel and 191 malthouses. The following year the first malt tax was levied in Ireland, one penny per bushel. Beer consumption declined and the use of spirits increased. Thomas Morton, James Daniel, David Malcomson and others distilled a considerable amount of whiskey, sold at three shillings and fourpence a gallon, with duty of only one shilling and fourpence halfpenny. During the years 1791 to 1794 the decline in brewing and the excessive use of low-priced spirits were much discussed in the Irish parliament. At length a resolution was come to, withdrawing the tax on beer. The effects were immediately felt. The following year, 1795, the firm of Thomas and Samuel Morton began the erection of the brewery and stores in Morton Street. They were followed three years later by Messrs. Greer and Murphy in Dowd's Lane and Nelson Street, where the industry still flourishes after the lapse of a century.

53. Rathronan Castle avoided by settler Alcocke

    Rathronan · townland · Tipperary · 1654–1666

    Rathronan Castle is named as one of the properties that Cromwellian adventurer Charles Alcocke chose not to occupy directly, preferring the safety of Clonmel town instead, due to fear of dispossessed Irish 'Tories' in the countryside.

    Read the passage

    Like many of the adventurers, Alcocke preferred to live within the shelter of Clonmel walls, rather than encounter the dispossessed "Tories," by occupying Rathronan or Milerstown castles. Accordingly he made his abode in the house of Edmond Bray of Lough street. It was the best house on the east side, having according to the Hearth Money Returns for 1666 "seven smoaks," i.e. fire places. Here he brought his wife Catherine, and his son Charles was born. This is the Charles whose will was proved in 1721.

    The only child of Charles Alcocke junior, Catherine, married in 1707 Sir Emanuel Moore of Ross Carbery. He dying in 1733 left a son, Sir Charles Moore, who lived at Powerstown, and enclosed the park there. Sir Charles Moore dying unmarried in 1754, the estates reverted in equal shares to his aunts, Catherine and Anne, daughters of Sir Emanuel Moore. These married John Putland of Dublin, and Lieut. General John Gore, in whose families the estates still continue.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 32

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here stands Rathronan Castle, one of the properties the Cromwellian adventurer Charles Alcocke chose not to occupy. Like many of the adventurers who received land after the conquest, Alcocke preferred the shelter of Clonmel's walls rather than risk encountering the dispossessed "Tories" in the countryside. He made his home instead in the house of Edmond Bray on Lough Street in Clonmel, the best house on the east side, which had seven fireplaces according to the 1666 Hearth Money Returns. He brought his wife Catherine there, and his son Charles was born in that house. The younger Charles left a will proved in 1721. His only child, Catherine, married Sir Emanuel Moore of Ross Carbery in 1707, and the estates passed down through the Moore, Putland, and Gore families.

54. Rev. Richard Foulke insulted and ditch destroyed at Ballyporeen

    Ballyporeen · town · Tipperary · 1764

    Richard Folke was insulted by a mob at Ballyporeen and, the night before, his ditch was destroyed and ruined to show the community's dislike of him. Threatening papers were also posted at Clogheen against Quakers and wool-spinners.

    Read the passage

    Mr. Richard Folke who came through Ballyporeen about half an hour after me yesterday was insulted by the mob of that place, and the Night before, they destroyed and ruined a Ditch of his to convince him of their dislike. They have likewise posted up threatening papers etc. in Clogheen to prevent William Fennell and some other Quakers, or people for spinning for their carrying on the woolen manufactory, as it affected James Hyland who carrys on the same business ; who was a Captain amongst them when taken up by Lord Drogheda and got clear at the Special Commission when tried by the Lord Qiief Justice, so that in all probability that tract of Country they'll have all to themselves.

    The demonstration against the Rev. Richard Foulke had evidently the intended effect, for among the Perry accounts of the May following is the item "Mr. Broadrick is to have the vicarial tythe inDaragrath parish for 1763 Mr. Folks being frightened by the White boys, haveing given up his Lease to Brodrick." The more militant clergyman Brodrick will be met with again.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 36

55. St. Mary's churchyard as a fortress point in siege of Clonmel

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1650

    St. Mary's parish church, with its battlemented roofs and two flanking towers, was in the north-west corner of Clonmel and could only be captured with cannon, making it a formidable defensive strongpoint during the siege.

    Read the passage

    yards by turrets. The south-east quarter of the town was occupied by the old Franciscan church and monastery which had been kept in repair and partly, in the time of James L, devoted to military purposes. In the north-west corner was the churchyard of St. Mary's, lying around the parish church, a massive pile having battlemented roofs and two flanking towers — a fortress which manned by a resolute guard could be taken only with cannon. The streets adjoining the gates were exceedingly narrow, with one exception. Lough Street, which led to the North Gate. This fact determined Cromwell to open the breach at that point. For through the breach and the neighbouring gate when captured, an overwhelming force of horse and foot could be poured by way of Lough Street, into the town; whereas the prolonged conflict in the narrow streets with an enemy well posted would entail terrible loss. Accordingly the battery was planted at the foot of Gallows Hill, being protected from a sally of the Irish by the camp which occupied the declivity behind. Here also it would appear Cromwell's headquarters were situated (x).

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 6

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel in Tipperary, you are moving through a town that held out under siege in 1650. In the north-west corner stood St. Mary's churchyard, wrapped around the parish church, a massive pile with battlemented roofs and two flanking towers. It was a fortress that, manned by a resolute guard, could be taken only with cannon. Cromwell chose instead to breach the town near the North Gate, where Lough Street was wide enough to pour horse and foot through in overwhelming numbers. The narrow streets elsewhere would have meant terrible losses against an enemy well posted. So the battery went in at the foot of Gallows Hill, with Cromwell's headquarters nearby, sheltered behind the camp on the slope. St. Mary's stood untaken, too strong for anything less than heavy guns.

56. Street renaming reflecting political and military ascendancy

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1798–1808

    Clonmel street names changed over time to honor English figures and events: 'Our Ladie Street' became 'Church Lane,' 'Lough Street' became 'Johnson Street' after Sir Henry Johnson who defeated insurgents at Ross, and 'Boat Street' became 'Duncan Street' after Admiral Duncan's naval victory.

    Read the passage

    The changes which the street nomenclature underwent, are indicative of the politico-religious ascendancy of the period. '* Our Ladie Street " became "Church Lane." "Lough Street," for some years after the Cromwellian assault called " Breech Street," and subsequently from the gaol erected there "Jail Street," was named in 1798 "Johnson Street," in compliment to Sir Henry Johnson, Colonel of the 5th Foot, who defeated the insurgents at Ross (r). In the same year the the ancient " Boat Street " was designated " Duncan Street," to commemorate the victory over the Dutch fleet of Admiral Duncan, Lord Camperdown. Previously another British admiral, Edward Hawke, had given his name to the old " Sheelane Street," and after Trafalgar it was only fitting that the name of Nelson should find a habitat ; the thoroughfare by the barrack and the new courthouse became therefore "Nelson Street." And not only was there cultus paid to the admirals and generals, but the lords lieutenant of the day were duly enshrined. " New Jail Street " was styled " Richmond Street " on the visit of the duke of that name to the town in 1808. Similarly "Banfield's Buildings," reminiscent of honourable and successful industry, became " Anglesey Street"

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 12

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, you're travelling a town where the street names themselves record a political shift. Between 1798 and 1808, older names were replaced to honour English military figures. Our Ladie Street became Church Lane. Lough Street, once called Breech Street after the Cromwellian assault and later Jail Street for the gaol built there, was named Johnson Street in 1798, after Sir Henry Johnson, colonel of the 5th Foot, who defeated the insurgents at Ross. That same year the ancient Boat Street became Duncan Street, commemorating Admiral Duncan's victory over the Dutch fleet. Sheelane Street had already taken the name of Admiral Edward Hawke, and after Trafalgar the road by the barrack and new courthouse became Nelson Street. The lords lieutenant were honoured too. New Jail Street became Richmond Street when the duke of that name visited the town in 1808, and Banfield's Buildings became Anglesey Street.

57. The Black Death strikes Clonmel

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1349–1355

    The Black Death visited Clonmel in 1349, reducing the town to pauperism alongside merchant losses at sea and abroad. A 1355 murage grant records the town's poverty resulting from the plague and other calamities.

    Read the passage

    Whereas it has been fully testified to the Council of the King in Ireland that the town of Clonmel is in divers ways reduced to pauperism by the plague which was lately in those parts as also by the numerous losses of different kinds which its merchants have met by sea and in foreign countries, the King considering their losses and poverty,

    (mm) Plea Rolls, 5 Ed. III., P.R.O. Grammar and sense slightly mixed in original as in translation.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 3

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Clonmel, in Tipperary. The Black Death came through this town in 1349 and left it in ruin. A royal grant of 1355 records that Clonmel was reduced to poverty by the plague and by the heavy losses its merchants suffered at sea and in foreign lands.

58. Theft of the chalice from the chapel of Carrigvisteale

    Ballyporeen · town · Tipperary · 1763

    A few days after Christmas 1763, the chalice belonging to the chapel of Carrigvisteale near Ballyporeen went missing from the public-house of a man named Sherlock, where it was kept for safety. Suspicion fell first on Sherlock, then settled on John Bridge, a beggar and reputed informer seen at the midnight mass there.

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    The theft of which Bridge was accused and which earned for him popular odium was this. A few days after Christmas 1763, the chalice belonging to the chapel of Carrigvisteale, near Ballyporeen, was missing. It used be kept for security at the public-house of a man named Sherlock adjoining the chapel. Suspicion at first fell on Sherlock himself, but ultimately settled on Bridge. Bridge, it was reported, had been seen at the Christmas midnight mass at Carrigvisteale. Now as Bridge was a person rarely seen at Catholic worship, and was said by some to be a Protestant and by others an informer, the evidence of his connection with the sacrilegious robbery appeared very

    (h) Griffith's Tracts, Dublin, 1788, p. 243.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 36

59. The Town Cross at the Main Guard end of High Street

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary

    At the end of High Street stood the Town Cross where proclamations were issued and payments 'on the nail' made as being the safest place; its cap or socket may still be seen near the steps at Duncan Street.

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    The most important thoroughfare of old Clonmel was 'The High Street ' which extended from Bridge Street to the Main Guard. At the end stood the Town Cross where proclamations were issued, and payments "on the nail*' made as being the safest place (v). From Bridge Street to the West Gate a block of houses known as 'Middle Row' filled the present street. On either side of this were narrow lanes; the one on the south which led to the West Gate being called 'West Street or 'West Gate Street/ the corresponding one being ' North Lane.' From the records of the Palatine court it appears that two 'castles' stood in West Street; these probably were part of the fortifications on the river side. Gordon Street had no existence, and Peter Street which at the period contained a number of good houses, was termed 'Blind Street' from the fact that there was no gate in the town wall at its western extremity. The present Mary Street was known in early times as 'Our Ladye Streete,' 'the Street of the Blessed Virgin Mary' or more simply ' St Mary Street ' (w). Many of the principal burghers, as at a later period, lived there, and in Our Lady Street, Geoflfry Barron and his more distinguished brother Bartholomew, first saw the light. The original name of Gladstone Street was 'Lough Street,' the gate, which stood where it narrows at the north end, being called 'Lough Gate,' and after the Cromwellian assault 'Breech Gate.' It would seem that Market Street at

    (i) John le BotiUer Earl of Ormoiid by Charter dated at Carrick Tuesday next before the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary 1463 granted to the sovereign, provost, burgesses and commons of Clonmel, licence to take customs of all merchandize coming for sale into the town provided they be expended on the diligent care of the Southern Gate and the repair of the bridge and walls.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 5

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Clonmel, the old High Street ran from Bridge Street to the Main Guard, the most important thoroughfare of the town in earlier times. At its end stood the Town Cross. Proclamations were issued there, and payments were made, in the words of the source, "on the nail," because it was the safest place for such business. The cap or socket of the cross may still be seen near the steps at Duncan Street. In 1463, John le Butler, Earl of Ormond, granted by charter to the sovereign, provost, burgesses and commons of Clonmel licence to take customs on all merchandise coming for sale into the town, provided the money be spent on the care of the Southern Gate and the repair of the bridge and walls. From Bridge Street to the West Gate a block of houses called Middle Row filled the present street. Narrow lanes ran on either side. The one to the south, leading to the West Gate, was called West Street or West Gate Street, and the corresponding one was North Lane. From the records of the Palatine court, two castles stood in West Street, probably part of the fortifications on the river side. Gordon Street had no existence at that period. Peter Street, which contained a number of good houses, was called Blind Street, because there was no gate in the town wall at its western end. The present Mary Street was known in early times as Our Lady Street, the Street of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Many of the principal burghers lived there, and in that street Geoffrey Barron and his more distinguished brother Bartholomew first saw the light. The original name of Gladstone Street was Lough Street. The gate where it narrows at the north end was called Lough Gate, and after the Cromwellian assault, Breech Gate.

60. Towers and Bastion defences of old Clonmel

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary

    A circular embattled tower stood at the end of Dowd's Lane on the river edge; two similar towers stood near Abbey Street; a heavy quadrangular structure called 'The Bastion' stood at the Watergate, along with a circular tower on the old Quay and the South Gate at Bridge Street.

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    If a line be drawn through Dowd's Lane, Richmond Street, Charles Street, William Street, Dispensary Street and New Street it will roughly mark the site of the ancient fortifications. They may be still traced in several places, especially in St. Mary's churchyard where they form the north and west boundaries. At the end of Dowd's Lane on the river edge, stood a circular embattled tower ; two other towers of a similar character stood nearly opposite the present Abbey Street. A heavy quadrangular structure called " The Bastion " at the Watergate, a circular tower on the old Quay, and the

    (f) Ibid.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 5

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, the old fortifications once ran roughly along a line from Dowd's Lane through Richmond Street, Charles Street, William Street, Dispensary Street and New Street. You can still trace them in St. Mary's churchyard, where they form the north and west boundaries. A circular embattled tower stood at the end of Dowd's Lane on the river edge, and two similar towers stood near Abbey Street. A heavy quadrangular structure called The Bastion stood at the Watergate, with a circular tower on the old Quay and the South Gate at Bridge Street.