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. William Prendergast conforms and holds St. Mary's under Protestants

   Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1588–1605

   William Prendergast was originally Catholic vicar of St. Mary's, Clonmel, but conformed when Protestants took possession of the church. The royal visitors of 1588 confirmed him in the office and also in the Treasurership of Lismore Cathedral.

   Read the passage

   William Prendergast. He was at first, it would appear. Catholic vicar of St. Mary's. But during his time the Protestants took possession of the church and he conformed. The royal visitors of 1588, before whom he appeared, confirmed him in the office, and also in the Treasurership of Lismore Cathedral (nn). He lived to an old age, and his end we learn from a letter of Fr. Hollywood to the general of the Jesuits, 29th January, 1605.

   (kk) Inquisitions, Tipperary P.R.O. The later history of Balljrmacadam is interesting. At the Restoration the Corporation recovered the place with some difficulty. In 1707 the Corporation appears to have undertaken certain trusts under the will of Dr. Samuel Ladyman, Protestant vicar, and Ballymacadam was conveyed to his representatives, as security for carrying out the trusts. Such is the purport of certain deeds among the Tipperary Palatine Records (P.R.O.) The most important is one dated 18 April, 1707. Robert Foulke of Clonmel, esq., and John Ladyman of Bally waiter, gent., grant to the Mayor, etc., of Clonmel, Ballymacadam, to hold for 9,999 years and for ever after, at a rent of ;^io per annum. But if the Mayor, etc. do pay the sum of 50s. on i January and 50s, on I June every year, to the churchwardens of Clonmel parish (in accordance with provisions of Dr. Ladyman's will), and do also for the next 9 years, pay to Mr. John Walkington £$ a year, for teaching 10 poor children, and at the end of said 9 years, for ever after on 29 September, pay said £S to said churchwardens for same purpose, that then such payments shall be deemed suflficient payment of said rent of ;f 10.

   Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 27

   As the companion tells it

   Coming up now is Clonmel, in Tipperary. Back in the late sixteenth century, William Prendergast was Catholic vicar of St. Mary's, the church in this town. During his time, the Protestants took possession of the church, and Prendergast conformed. The royal visitors of 1588 had him appear before them, and they confirmed him in the office. They also confirmed him in the Treasurership of Lismore Cathedral. He lived to an old age, and his end is known from a letter of Fr. Hollywood to the general of the Jesuits, dated the 29th of January, 1605. The later history of Ballymacadam, connected to Clonmel, is worth hearing too. At the Restoration, the Corporation recovered the place with some difficulty. In 1707, the Corporation undertook certain trusts under the will of Dr. Samuel Ladyman, a Protestant vicar. Ballymacadam was conveyed to his representatives as security for carrying out the trusts. A deed among the Tipperary Palatine Records, dated the 18th of April, 1707, records that Robert Foulke of Clonmel and John Ladyman of Ballywater granted Ballymacadam to the Mayor of Clonmel to hold for 9,999 years and for ever after, at a rent of ten pounds per annum. But if the Mayor paid 50 shillings on the 1st of January and 50 shillings on the 1st of June every year to the churchwardens of Clonmel parish, according to Dr. Ladyman's will, and also for the next 9 years paid John Walkington a yearly sum for teaching 10 poor children, and after that paid the same sum every 29th of September to the churchwardens for the same purpose, then those payments were deemed sufficient payment of the ten-pound rent.

2. 1713 By-law Barring Catholics from Freedom of Clonmel

   Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1713

   At a General Assembly at the Tholsel of Clonmel in June 1713, a by-law was passed ordering that no Papist be admitted free of the borough, and that Protestants marrying Catholic women lose their freedom unless the wife conformed within a year and a day.

   Read the passage

   .... It is ordered that no Person or Persons hereafter shall be sworn free of this Borough without taking the Oath of Abjuration and the other Oaths, and that no Papist or person professing the Popish Religion, be admitted on any Pretence or Account whatsoever free. We also present order and enact that no Protestant who shall intermarry with any Papist, or woman professing the Popish Religion, shall be admitted free unless such woman conforms herself to the Church of Ireland as by Law established within a year and a day after such Intermarriage.

   What the tolls levied on the goods of the Catholic non-freemen at the gates, the bridge and the quay, were in amount, we have no means of knowing as no schedule of the period exists (w). They were denounced as an intolerable burthen even at the dawn of municipal reform. At the Commission of 1833 a Catholic trader stated that they meant to him a sum of 150 guineas (x). They certainly were not lighter during the penal times. But

   Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 10

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Clonmel, you are in a town where, in June 1713, a General Assembly at the Tholsel passed a by-law ordering that no Papist be admitted free of the borough on any account whatsoever. The same by-law enacted that any Protestant who married a Catholic woman would lose his freedom unless she conformed to the Church of Ireland within a year and a day of the marriage. Catholic non-freemen were also subject to tolls on goods at the gates, the bridge, and the quay. No schedule of those tolls survives, but they were denounced as an intolerable burden, and at the Commission of 1833 a Catholic trader stated that they cost him 150 guineas.

3. Attempt to surprise Youghal for Cromwell

   Youghal · town · Cork · 1648–1649

   Robert Foulke was despatched from Dublin to Camphire, where his brother Francis commanded, and it was resolved that Francis Foulke, Townsend and others should surprise Youghal for the Parliamentary cause; though unsuccessful at first, Youghal was secured for Cromwell shortly after.

   Read the passage

   Youghal. When Inchiquin in 1648 changed sides, though the Parliament auxiliaries followed him, he was not quite assured of their loyalty. Cromwell in the beginning of his campaign opened private communications with Townsend. Robert Foulke was despatched from Dublin to Camphire where his brother Francis was in command, and it was resolved that Francis Foulke, Townsend, and others should surprise Youghal. Though unsuccessful at first, Youghal was secured for Cromwell shortly after. At the Restoration, Foulkes abandoning the republican cause was rewarded by an appointment as a captain of foot 13 December, 1660 ; was granted the wardship of the Earl of Clanbrassil; and by King's Letter 12 I>ecember, 1660, was made " Governor of the town and citadel of Clonmel."

   1661, June 14th — Sir James Shaen, Knt., vice Stanley for Co. Louth.

   Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 31

4. Bonaventure Baron delivers Latin address to Lord Deputy at Clonmel

   Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1628–1629

   When Deputy Falkland visited Clonmel, Baron composed and read an address in Latin hexameters, so impressing the Earl of Cork that he considered engaging Baron, until learning he was a Catholic friar.

   Read the passage

   Deputy Falkland visited Clonmel. According to the custom of the time an address in fulsome Latin hexameters was presented. Baron, to whom was delegated the composition and reading of the address, so impressed Boyle, Earl of Cork, who accompanied Falkland, that the " Great Earl " proposed to engage him, probably in the capacity of agent or secretary. But learning that Baron was a Catholic and a friar to boot, the negotiation soon ended. In the middle of March, 1629, Baron set out by way of Waterford and Brittany for Rome where his uncle, Luke Wadding, was now Guardian of St. Isidore's. As illustrating the uncertainties of the voyage in those days, Thomas Strange of Waterford, who gave him letters for Wadding, writes two and a half years later to know if Bartholomew had reached Rome or where exactly he was.

   Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 46

   As the companion tells it

   You're coming through Clonmel now. Back in 1628 or 1629, Deputy Falkland visited this town, and a man named Bonaventure Baron was given the task of composing and reading an address in Latin hexameters. He did it so well that Boyle, the Earl of Cork, who was travelling with Falkland, wanted to engage him, probably as an agent or secretary. But when the Earl learned that Baron was a Catholic and a friar, the negotiation ended quickly. In March 1629, Baron left for Rome by way of Waterford and Brittany, where his uncle Luke Wadding was Guardian of St. Isidore's. Thomas Strange of Waterford had given him letters for Wadding, and two and a half years later was still writing to ask whether Bartholomew had ever reached Rome or where he was.

5. Burning of corn ricks at Kilconnell

   Kilconnell · townland · Tipperary · 1566

   Philip Comyn fitz George burnt eight ricks of corn belonging to Edmond Comyn of Kilconnell, part of the widespread lawlessness of the period.

   Read the passage

   Philip Comyn fitz George burnt eight ricks of corn belonging to Edmond Coniyn, of Kilconnell. Connor Fox of Monroe, burnt nine houses, one hundred sheep and swine, and twenty pounds value of house stuff belonging to Teige OTogarty of Duagh. In 1568 Edmond, son of the White Knight, with others "vilonusly burned and spoyled the barrony of Cahir to the number of sixteen townlands." Coyne and livery was universal. Sir Edmond Butler's and the lord of Ormond's men cessed the country with cuddies, horsemen, galloglass, '* goners and doggs." So did the sheriff of the liberty, and the Clonmel jury of 1 576 reported the same of the president of Munster himself.

   Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 4

6. Cashel's mayor submits to Cromwell at Fethard

   Cashel · townland · Tipperary · 1650

   A few days after Fethard's surrender, the inhabitants of Cashel along with their mayor Kearney travelled to Fethard to submit themselves to Cromwell's mercy.

   Read the passage

   summoning a town so late at night handed over the keys (tt), A few days after the inhabitants of Cashel with Kearney their mayor hastened to Fethard to throw themselves on Cromwell's mercy. The following Sunday morning, David Fitz Gibbon, after a slight pretence at resistance, surrendered Ardfinnan Castle — ^the only point from which the Cromwellian communications might be cut Such was the tale of treachery and cowardice which day by day reached O'Neill in Clonmel.

   Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 6

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here, the people of Cashel made their choice in 1650. A few days after Fethard surrendered, the inhabitants of Cashel, with Kearney their mayor, hastened to Fethard to throw themselves on Cromwell's mercy. The following Sunday morning, David Fitz Gibbon, after a slight pretence at resistance, surrendered Ardfinnan Castle, the only point from which the Cromwellian communications might be cut.

7. Catholics retake St. Mary's church in 1641

   Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1641–1650

   In 1641 the Catholics, for the second time since being driven out in the reign of Elizabeth, took possession of the old church of St Mary's in Clonmel. Nine years later the town was surrendered to Cromwell and Thomas White had to flee for his life.

   Read the passage

   Probably no parish priest of Clonmel, not even Father Morris himself, had a more chequered career. In 1641 the Catholics for the second time since they had been driven out in the reign of Elizabeth, took possession of the old church of St Mary's. Nine years later the town was surrendered to Cromwell,

   foo) Hibernia Ignatiana, p. 156. (^) Triuinphalia Sanct, Crucis. 1602. (qq) See Chapter III., passim, (rr) State Papers, Jas. I.

   Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 27

   As the companion tells it

   You're coming through Clonmel now. Back in 1641, the Catholics took possession of the old church of St Mary's here, the second time they had done so since being driven out in the reign of Elizabeth. Nine years later, the town was surrendered to Cromwell.

8. Clonmel as hub of internal Irish commerce via the Suir

   Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1808

   Wakefield, writing in 1808, noted that most goods imported into Waterford were simply forwarded on to Clonmel, which he said had more internal commerce than any town in Ireland, underscoring the town's importance as a river trade centre.

   Read the passage

   More vital, however, to the town than any system of land carriage was the navigation of the Suir. Wakefield writing in l8o8 states, " The greater part of the goods imported into Waterford are only unloaded on the quays and sent forward to Clonmel, which has more internal commerce than any town in Ireland " (p). Various attempts, therefore, were made to improve the water-way, and to establish Clonmel as the centre of a canal system, a survey of the country between Tipperary and Clonmel, with locks, harbours, etc., being taken (q). When in l8l6 the Waterford merchants sought an act of parliament for incorporation as Harbour Commissioners, the support of Clonmel was obtained only on condition of obtaining a share of the dues and being represented on that body. But the Clonmel merchants discovered too late that no tolls could be levied on ships for the purpose of inland navigation (r). In 1821 a memorial was laid before Talbot, Lord Lieutenant, for a grant to deepen the river. John Killaly, engineer, reported that the rocks at Carrick, the chief obstacle to the navigation, might be removed at a cost of £1,200, but no help was given. Similarly in l83l,Lord Wellesley acknowledged the great utility of the proposed works but regretted that no funds were available. Four years later, November 2nd, 1835, a meeting of gentry, merchants and others concerned, was held in Carrick to form a joint stock company and obtain parliamentary powers. As the boatmen threatened active hostility, a deputation of them was admitted to the meeting. Lord Duncannon was in the chair, and the principal speaker was David Malcomson, who gave an interesting historical summary : —

   It is now sixty years since John Bagwell obtained a grant from parliament for improving the river Suir. At that time the people thought as they do now, that their interests would be injured by throwing them out of employment. A thousand pounds were expended by making a track-way, as they then drew up the boats by ropes on

   Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 13

   As the companion tells it

   The road is bringing you into Clonmel, in Tipperary, a town whose life once turned on the river Suir. In 1808 Wakefield wrote that "the greater part of the goods imported into Waterford are only unloaded on the quays and sent forward to Clonmel, which has more internal commerce than any town in Ireland." The river was the vital artery, more important than any system of land carriage. Goods came up the Suir from Waterford's docks, and Clonmel distributed trade across the country. Various attempts were made to improve the water-way and establish Clonmel as the centre of a canal system. A survey of the country between Tipperary and Clonmel was taken, with plans for locks and harbours. The Waterford merchants sought an act of parliament for incorporation as Harbour Commissioners. Clonmel's support was obtained only on condition of a share of the dues and representation on that body. But the Clonmel merchants discovered too late that no tolls could be levied on ships for the purpose of inland navigation. A memorial was laid before Talbot, Lord Lieutenant, for a grant to deepen the river. John Killaly, engineer, reported that the rocks at Carrick, the chief obstacle to the navigation, might be removed at a cost of £1,200, but no help was given. Lord Wellesley acknowledged the great utility of the proposed works but regretted that no funds were available. A meeting of gentry, merchants and others was held in Carrick to form a joint stock company and obtain parliamentary powers. The boatmen threatened active hostility, and a deputation of them was admitted. Lord Duncannon was in the chair, and David Malcomson was the principal speaker. He said it was now sixty years since John Bagwell obtained a grant from parliament for improving the river Suir. At that time the people thought their interests would be injured by being thrown out of employment. A thousand pounds were spent making a track-way, as they then drew up the boats by ropes.

9. Clonmel jurors fined for refusing to present recusants

   Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1613

   James Braye, William Brenocke, Walter O'Mulryan and Thomas White, members of a jury impanelled at Clonmel, were fined £40 apiece and imprisoned for refusing to present as recusants inhabitants certified by the parish minister.

   Read the passage

   1613 May 7. James Braye, William Brenocke, Walter O'Mulryan and Thomas White members of a Jury impanelled in February last at Clonmell in the county of the liberty of Tipperary before Chief Baron Methwolde and Garrald Leather esq., Justice of Common Pleas as Justices of Assize — to pay a fine of £40 English apiece and to be imprisoned during pleasure for refusing to join with the rest of the jury in presenting as recusants those inhabitants of Clonmell certified as such by the minister of the parish.

   May 7. — Pierce Butler of Knockgraffon, Richard Purcell of Loughmoe and John Tobin of Killogh members of a Jury impanelled at Clonmel in February last before Chief Baron Methwolde and Justice Leather— to pay a fine of £200 English apiece and the rest of the jury £40 apiece and all of them to be imprisoned at pleasure for refusing to present as recusants divers of the parishioners of Lisronagh upon the testimony of one Dybsall, a minister, having no other reason to give but that it was against their conscience which answer this Court did absolutely reject and disallow.

   Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 5

   As the companion tells it

   Clonmel, the town you're passing through. In 1613 this was the site of a clash over religion and conscience. On May 7, James Braye, William Brenocke, Walter O'Mulryan and Thomas White, members of a jury impanelled at Clonmel in February before Chief Baron Methwolde and Justice Leather, were ordered to pay a fine of £40 apiece and to be imprisoned during pleasure. Their offence was refusing to join with the rest of the jury in presenting as recusants those inhabitants of Clonmel certified as such by the minister of the parish. That same day, three more jurors faced a steeper penalty. Pierce Butler of Knockgraffon, Richard Purcell of Loughmoe and John Tobin of Killogh were ordered to pay £200 apiece, while the rest of their jury paid £40 each, and all were imprisoned at pleasure. They had refused to present as recusants divers parishioners of Lisronagh on the testimony of one Dybsall, a minister. Their only reason was that it was against their conscience. The court absolutely rejected and disallowed that answer.

10. Clonmel returns Catholic representatives to James II's parliament

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1689

    Clonmel returned Aldermen Nicholas White and John Bray as its representatives to King James II's parliament in Dublin, among county representatives drawn from families like the Butlers, Purcells, Everards and Tobins who had suffered decades of persecution.

    Read the passage

    On the evening of Thursday, 2ist March, 1689, King James II. after a weary journey from Lismore reached Clonmel. A contemporary describes his progress. " All along the road the county came to meet his majesty with staunch loyalty, profound respect and tender love as if he had been an angel from heaven. All degrees of people and of both sexes were of the number, old and young. Orations of welcome being made to him at the entrance of each considerable town and the young rural maids weaving of dances before him as he travelled. In a word from Kinsale to Dublin the way was like a great fair, such crowds poured forth from their habitations to wait on his majesty " (j). Events now moved rapidly. King James a week after his arrival in Dublin summoned a parliament of a kingdom only yet half subdued. Clonmel returned as its representatives Aldermen Nicholas White and John Bray, while among the other members for the county we find Butlers, Purcells, Everards and Tobins, all belonging to families that had gone through forty years of plunder and persecution. From a parliament so constituted neither deliberative discussion, nor political sagacity might be looked for. One of the first acts was a wholesale attainder of the Cromwellian settlers (k). The following residents of Clonmel were named in the Act : — Hercules Beere merchant, Henry Charnley merchant, Andrew Coulter gentleman, John Green gentleman, John Ladyman gentleman, John Mead merchant, Hugh Radcliffe gentleman, Richard Piggott esquire, Phineas Ryall merchant, William Vaughan merchant, John Walkington, clerk (I),

    ij) A Light to the Blind. Ed. Gilbert, p. 46.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 9

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Clonmel, the town you're passing through in Tipperary. On the evening of Thursday, 21 March 1689, King James II reached Clonmel after a weary journey from Lismore. A contemporary writer described his progress along the road. All the county came to meet his majesty with staunch loyalty, profound respect and tender love, as if he had been an angel from heaven. People of every degree and of both sexes were there, old and young. Orations of welcome were made at the entrance of each considerable town, and young rural maids wove dances before him as he travelled. From Kinsale to Dublin the way was like a great fair, such crowds poured forth from their habitations to wait on him. Events moved rapidly after that. A week after his arrival in Dublin, James summoned a parliament of a kingdom only half subdued. Clonmel returned two aldermen, Nicholas White and John Bray, as its representatives. Among the other members for the county were Butlers, Purcells, Everards and Tobins, all families that had gone through forty years of plunder and persecution. From a parliament so constituted, neither deliberative discussion nor political sagacity might be looked for. One of its first acts was a wholesale attainder of the Cromwellian settlers. The Clonmel residents named in that Act were Hercules Beere, merchant; Henry Charnley, merchant; Andrew Coulter, gentleman; John Green, gentleman; John Ladyman, gentleman; John Mead, merchant; Hugh Radcliffe, gentleman; Richard Piggott, esquire; Phineas Ryall, merchant; William Vaughan, merchant; and John Walkington, clerk.

11. Clonmel's ceremonial sword granted by Thomas Standly, 1656

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1656

    The corporation sword, made of genuine Spanish Toledo blade, bears an inscription noting it was donated by Thomas Standly in 1656. Its pommel bears both the Stanley arms and the arms of the town of Clonmel.

    Read the passage

    Ex dono X Thome x Standly x /(S56.

    The obverse side of the pommel exhibits the arms of the town (k); on a

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 16

    As the companion tells it

    In Clonmel, the corporation was given a ceremonial sword in 1656 by Thomas Standly. Its blade is Spanish Toledo steel, and the pommel carries both the Stanley arms and the arms of Clonmel.

12. Clonmel taken and vicar's house destroyed

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1650

    The vicar's house and garden situated on the south side of the churchyard in Clonmel was destroyed following the taking of the town, likely referring to the Cromwellian siege. The garden was later leased to Richard Hamerton.

    Read the passage

    The viccars house and garden sett apart for that use (time out of minde) situate on the south side of the Church yard in Clonmell. The house destroyed sithence ye takeing of Clonmell. The Garden now in the possession of M*"- Richard Hamerton of Clonmell by lease from the late Com"* of Reuenue in Tipperary.

    A house destroyed before the Rebellion with a garden adioyneing thereunto wch was sett aparte time out of mind for a Ifree schoole situate on the

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 18

    As the companion tells it

    Clonmel in Tipperary is the town you are passing through. On the south side of the churchyard here stood the vicar's house and garden, set apart for that use, as the record says, "time out of mind." The house was destroyed after the taking of Clonmel in 1650. The garden later passed into the possession of Richard Hamerton of Clonmel, held by lease from the late Commissioners of Revenue in Tipperary.

13. Court Leet Dispute Between Clonmel Corporation and Ormond

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1663

    In 1663 Robert Lovelace, Mayor of Clonmel, wrote to Ormond's law adviser protesting the Duke's deputy seneschal's intent to hold a court leet within the precincts of the corporation of Clonmel, asserting the town's own charter rights to a leet.

    Read the passage

    Your brother, deputed to keep his Grace's courts under you, hath notified his intent to keep a court leet (/) within the precincts of the corporation- of Clonmel. I find it convenient to mind you of your promises the last year, viz., that what you did then should not be drawn into precedent for the future. A customary manor hath been held out of a manor, but a leet out of a leet was never yet reported That we have a leet by prescription and charter I am confident is not your doubt, and if you have it by prescription (which we have diligently enquired after, and cannot find it) we only desire you to make it appear. It is neither our interest nor desires to dispute any things with his Grace, whom we acknowledge the patron of our liberties ; I only desire the privileges of this town, whilst our charter remains, may inviolably be preserved. Your knowledge is such in the law, and the continued respect you have always manifested towards this

    (i) A manor court with criminal jurisdiction.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 43

    As the companion tells it

    You're passing through Clonmel now, in County Tipperary. Back in 1663, this town became the site of a sharp legal dispute over who had the right to hold a court leet within its boundaries. Robert Lovelace, the Mayor of Clonmel, wrote to the Duke of Ormond's law adviser to protest the Duke's deputy seneschal announcing his intent to hold such a court within the precincts of the corporation. Lovelace reminded the adviser of promises made the previous year that nothing done then should be drawn into precedent. He argued that while a customary manor had been held out of a manor, a leet out of a leet was never yet reported. Clonmel, he said, held its leet by prescription and charter, and he asked the adviser to make plain any competing claim if one existed. Lovelace acknowledged the Duke as the patron of the town's liberties but insisted the privileges granted by charter must be preserved.

14. Cromwell captures a patrol and reconnoiters Clonmel from Kiltinan

    Kiltinan · townland · Tipperary · 1650

    As Cromwellian forces closed on Clonmel, Axtell's dragoons captured a garrison patrol beneath the walls, and Cromwell himself came from Kiltinan to view the town and its defences.

    Read the passage

    By this time the Cromwellians were closing round the town ; three days later some of Axtell's dragoons captured a patrol of the garrison under the very walls, and Cromwell himself came over from Kiltinan to view the place and its defences (c). O'Neill made an urgent appeal for help.

    fyy) Orinoiid to O'Neill, i8th January, 1650. Ibid, vol. 142.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 6

15. Cromwell winters at Youghal, marches on Tipperary

    Youghal · town · Cork · 1650

    Cromwell left his winter quarters at Youghal in late January 1650 with his army advancing in two divisions through Tipperary and Kilkenny, crossing the Blackwater at Kilworth and passing through Kilbehenny.

    Read the passage

    The month of December had been unusually severe with much snow and frost ; it was followed by the mildest January in the memory of man. As an early campaign would take the Irish at a great disadvantage, and growing troubles in England required his presence there, Cromwell left his winter quarters in Youghal, Tuesday, 29th January. Tipperary and Kilkenny were the theatre of war, and thither his army was to advance in two divisions. One under the command of Ireton and Reynolds, marched directly through Carrick ; the other led by Cromwell himself, crossing the Blackwater at Kilworth, thence to Kilbehenny, returned through the rough country south of the Galtees. In this way the small hostile garrisons which might cut him off from Youghal, his base, were all taken in. Bumtcourt and Rehill castles were surrendered without a shot fired ; the following morning, Saturday, 2nd February, amid a wild storm of wind and rain he set out from Rehill, and passing the Suir by the ford at Rochestown, was under the walls of Fethard that night Tired and sodden as his troops were, he offered favourable terms, and Butler the governor after some objections as to the etiquette of

    History of Clonmel. 69

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 6

16. Danish origins of Clonmel's castle site and the Green

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary

    Tradition traces the origin of Clonmel to the Danes, with the highest elevation of the old town near the Main Guard pointed to as the site of the Castle of Clonmel, recognized as an ancient Thingmote, while the level land along the river was known as the Green, a Danish place of assembly where inquisitions were held into the seventeenth century.

    Read the passage

    aflforded a position to hold their stocks and carry on their barter with absolute security. The home of the OThelans, Greenane, was close by, and with them as chiefs of the district the principal exchange of wine, iron, arms, and personal ornament would naturally be made. Tradition indeed has constantly traced the origin of Clonmpl to the Danes. The compiler of the Tripartite Life in the eleventh century speaks of the mills of the " foreigners " there. Without entering the region of mere speculation a few vestiges of the Danish settlement may be traced. The highest elevation of the old town, about one hundred yards west of the Main Guard, has always been pointed to as the site of the Castle of Clonmel (k). Lower down, the level land along the river now occupied by the eastern section of the town was known as late as a century ago as the "Green." From what we know of Scandinavian settlements elsewhere, we can have no difficulty in recognising the fortcrowned hill as the ancient "Thingmote," while along the foot of it was the unmistakably Danish "Green" or place of assembly. As illustrating the abiding character of legal institutions amid political disturbance, it may be observed that down to the beginning of the seventeenth century inquisitions were held and cases adjudicated on the Green. But the settlement of the Danes seems to have been of small importance. Girald Barry who visited Ireland in II84 describes the Suir as flowing through Ardfinnan and Tibarach (a hamlet below Kilsheelan now forgotten) to the sea ; there is no mention of Clonmel (l).

    fk) Sec note iti/ru.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, you are moving through ground that tradition gives to the Danes. The compiler of the Tripartite Life in the eleventh century spoke of the mills of the foreigners here, and a few vestiges of that Danish settlement can still be traced. The highest elevation of the old town, about one hundred yards west of the Main Guard, has always been pointed to as the site of the Castle of Clonmel. From what we know of Scandinavian settlements elsewhere, that fort-crowned hill can be recognised as the ancient Thingmote. Lower down, the level land along the river, now occupied by the eastern section of the town, was known as late as a century ago as the Green. Along the foot of the hill, it was the unmistakably Danish Green, a place of assembly. It kept that legal character a long time. Down to the beginning of the seventeenth century, inquisitions were held and cases adjudicated on the Green. The home of the O'Thelans, Greenane, was close by, and with them as chiefs of the district, the principal exchange of wine, iron, arms, and personal ornament would naturally have been made. But the Danish settlement itself seems to have been of small importance. Girald Barry, who visited Ireland and described the Suir flowing through Ardfinnan and Tibarach, a hamlet below Kilsheelan now forgotten, to the sea, made no mention of Clonmel.

17. Description of Clonmel's fortifications and layout during the siege

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1650

    Clonmel was described as a walled parallelogram with 14th-century walls 25-30 feet high and 5 feet thick, pierced by four gates and turrets, with the Franciscan monastery and St. Mary's churchyard as key defensive strongpoints.

    Read the passage

    The town at this period, regarded from a strategic standpoint, was a parallelogram, lying east and west with its base on the river, the sides being roughly 500 by 400 yards long. The enclosing walls originally built in the fourteenth century were from 25 to 30 feet high and 5 feet in thickness. They were pierced by four gates and strengthened at intervals of about 70

    (r) Carte Papers, vol. 27

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 6

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, this was a walled parallelogram back in 1650, lying east and west with its base on the river. The fourteenth-century walls stood 25 to 30 feet high and 5 feet thick, pierced by four gates and strengthened at intervals.

18. Dissenting congregation leases old Franciscan church

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1662–1700

    Sturdy Cromwellians such as Thomas Batty, William Vaughan, Phineas Riall and Richard Perry refused to accept the restored Church of Ireland and formed a dissenting congregation, obtaining a lease of the old Franciscan church in Clonmel as their meeting place.

    Read the passage

    is probable that the great bulk of the new settlers followed the example of the preacher, Ladyman, and attached themselves to the Church by Law Established. Among these were Charles Blount, Richard and Edward Hutchinson, Charles Alcock, Samuel Foley, Richard Moore and others less prominent. But sturdy Cromwellians such as Thomas Batty, William Vaughan, Phineas Riall and Richard Perry, refused to accept the new order of things, and formed themselves into a dissenting congregation with Mr. Wood for preacher. A lease of the old Franciscan church was obtained by Batty, and Dissent thereby, some years later, obtained a local habitation. The preachers for the second half of the seventeenth century, were Messrs. Wood, Palmer, Ford and Carr. Phineas Riall was treasurer to the congregation in the opening years of the eighteenth century, and from his accounts we glean some particulars. John Shaw was minister in 1706, and was paid £lOO a year, made up by a personal levy. Offerings for the poor were taken on Sundays and averaged 2s. 6d., but on the l&rst Sunday of the month they rose to £l 5s. The trustees of the congregation in 1725, were John Perry, John Bagwell and Joseph Barret, as appears by a loan of £lOO to Jeremiah Vickars of Dublin, for which he paid 7 per cent. The following year a momentous decision was come to by the Munster Presbytery which met in Clonmel, 2ist July. This was a resolution adopting the Unitarian creed, and supporting the Presbytery of Antrim against the Synod of Ulster which had endeavoured to impose the Scotch Confession of Faith.

    We do think ourselves in duty bound in compliance with the request and application of the Presbytery of Antrim to hold ministerial and Christian unionism with them — being persuaded we shall thereby be enabled to contribute to maintaining the truth and interests of the Protestant cause, and rights and liberties of the Christian Church.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 29

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Clonmel now. After the Restoration, most of the new settlers in this town followed the preacher Ladyman and joined the Church by law established. Charles Blount, Richard and Edward Hutchinson, Charles Alcock, Samuel Foley, and Richard Moore were among them. But sturdy Cromwellians like Thomas Batty, William Vaughan, Phineas Riall, and Richard Perry refused to accept the new order. They formed a dissenting congregation with Mr. Wood as preacher. Batty obtained a lease of the old Franciscan church, and so Dissent found a home here in Clonmel. The preachers through the second half of the seventeenth century were Wood, Palmer, Ford, and Carr. Phineas Riall served as treasurer in the opening years of the eighteenth century, and his accounts tell us something of the congregation's life. John Shaw was minister in 1706, paid £100 a year, raised by personal levy. Offerings for the poor were taken on Sundays and averaged 2 shillings and 6 pence, but on the first Sunday of the month they rose to £1 and 5 shillings. By 1725 the trustees were John Perry, John Bagwell, and Joseph Barret. That year they lent £100 to Jeremiah Vickars of Dublin at 7 per cent. The following year, on the 21st of July, the Munster Presbytery met in Clonmel and passed a momentous resolution, adopting the Unitarian creed and supporting the Presbytery of Antrim against the Synod of Ulster, which had tried to impose the Scotch Confession of Faith. Their words were: "We do think ourselves in duty bound in compliance with the request and application of the Presbytery of Antrim to hold ministerial and Christian unionism with them."

19. Ellen Cumberfort's detailed 1748 charitable bequests in Clonmel

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1748

    Ellen Cumberfort's 1748 holograph will requested burial in the Whites Chapel and left money to poor debtors in the town prison, six poor widows, the poor house, and friars of the town for masses, illustrating the charitable networks of Catholic Clonmel society.

    Read the passage

    '* Ellen Cumberfort's will dated 23 August, 1748, is a holograph. " I desire to be beryed in the Whites Chapell, if no roume there I leave foretteen pounds for a toume stone; 6o£ be given to Rev. father Thomas Henasey to descharge a lawful dept of mine which he has directions for ; to poor depters in prison of town five pounds, the poor prisoners money to be given to Parish Priest as best judge ; to six poor widowes lOs. a pees for six doses [i.e. beds.] Cosn Doraty White 5£ ; Mrs. Mary Miller St. John I0£ ; the poor house of this town forty shillings ; to James Striche's wife and her sister Carney each of them 40s. ; to Catteran Strich dawter to James Strich six tea spoons and toungs ; to my servant that lives with me 4£, and her wages and some of my clothes and lening [linen] : to the poor fryars of this town, I desire that they will say masses for me 2£ : to robbin Sherlock a large silver cup his paying 9£ without interest which was the money I payed Mrs, Morgan to reles it from her, in August 1729, robbin Sherlock's mother severall yeares ago paid me thre pounds of the above, there remains 6£ ; to the poor distressed and naked people among the poor l£ to be laid out in bread for five fridays; to the chappell for vestments, a black silk gound; I desire to be buried decently; for expenses 30£

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 32

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, in Tipperary, you're in a town where Catholic charitable networks ran deep in the 1700s. In 1748, a woman named Ellen Cumberfort wrote out her will in her own hand. She asked to be buried in the Whites Chapel, and if there was no room there, she left 14 pounds for a tombstone. Her bequests spread through the town's poor. She gave 5 pounds to discharge a debt through Father Thomas Hennesy, and 5 pounds for poor debtors in the town prison, to be given to the parish priest as best judge. She left 10 shillings each to six poor widows for six beds. She named Cosn Doraty White for 5 pounds and Mrs. Mary Miller St. John for 10 pounds. The poor house of the town got 40 shillings. She left 2 pounds to the poor friars of the town, asking them to say masses for her. She set aside 1 pound for bread for the poor and naked, laid out over five Fridays. She wanted to be buried decently, and allowed 30 pounds for expenses.

20. Father Sheehy's early ministry and resistance in Newcastle parish

    Newcastle · town · Tipperary · 1753–1755

    Nicholas Sheehy ministered in Newcastle parish before succeeding to Clogheen in 1755, and while there he advised parishioners to pay no church rates since there were no Protestants in the district, building his reputation for defiance.

    Read the passage

    His parish was the centre of the Whiteboy disturbances. This fact alone was enough to earn for him the notice of Hewetson, Bagnell, Broderick and the others. . But in addition he had a bad record. While in Newcastle, where he had previously ministered, he had advised the people to pay no church rates, there being no Protestants in the district. Again in 1762 an inn-keeper of Ballyporeen named Dobbyn, who farmed the tithes, having made claim to five shillings for every marriage celebrated by the priest, Father Sheehy offered a strenuous resistance. Worse than all, he had openly taken part, in the beginning of the troubles, in levelling some fences which the Rosses, middlemen under Lord Cahir, had set up round the commons of Drumlemmon. A notice of this is found among the Tipperary Crown Records.

    Clonmel General Assizes, May 23, 1763, before the Right Hon. Warden Flood and Hon. William Scott.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 36

21. Franciscans return to Clonmel under Father Thomas Bray, 1616

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1616

    A papal brief permitted the friars to resume residence in Clonmel in 1616, with Father Thomas Bray appointed superior, noted for reconciling disputes and effective preaching that brought increase to religion.

    Read the passage

    A papal brief being obtained for the purpose, the friars in l6l6 again took up residence in the town. " Father Thomas Bray, a theologian and an eloquent preacher, was appointed superior. He was most remarkable for reconciling parties in dispute, and by his own, and the preaching of his fellow labourers, did good without measure, and brought a great increase to religion "(rr). Henceforward the connection of the friars with Clonmel was unbroken. Though their discovery meant death during the Commonwealth, and transportation during the penal times of William III. and Anne, we know that at each of these periods, one at least remained in the locality. In the comparatively tolerant reign of Charles II. they established themselves in the Irishtown, where they built a thatched chapel. This stood nearly opposite the present St. Mary's, a little to the rere of the street (ss). From there James White, the guardian, wrote to his superiors in 1669 :—

    Praised be to God the persecution has not reached me yet. In all the towns throughout Munster every chapel is closed, and mass can be offered up nowhere unless with the greatest secrecy. This place is the only exception. Up to now we have had ample freedom even in public. There are two chapels with three altars for sacrifice, large congregations, sermons on Sundays and Holidays. But I fear we shall soon lose these privileges. There are with me five novices, promising young men, well advanced in the Humanities, in fact they write Latin verse and composition very well. God give them the grace of perseverance, and quiet times (tt).

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 30

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, this is the town where the Franciscan friars returned in 1616, after a papal brief let them resume residence. Father Thomas Bray, a theologian and eloquent preacher, was appointed superior. He was most remarkable for reconciling parties in dispute, and the source says that by his own preaching and that of his fellow labourers, he did good without measure and brought a great increase to religion. From that point on, the friars' connection with Clonmel was unbroken. During the Commonwealth, discovery meant death, and during the penal times of William III and Anne, it meant transportation, yet at least one friar remained in the locality through each of those periods. In the reign of Charles II, they established themselves in the Irishtown and built a thatched chapel, which stood nearly opposite the present St. Mary's. In 1669, the guardian James White wrote to his superiors that persecution had not reached him yet. He said every chapel throughout Munster was closed and mass could be offered nowhere except with the greatest secrecy, but Clonmel was the only exception, with ample freedom even in public. There were two chapels with three altars, large congregations, and sermons on Sundays and holidays. Five novices were with him, young men well advanced in the Humanities who wrote Latin verse and composition well.

22. George Mathew of Rehill dispensed from transplantation

    Rehill · townland · Tipperary · 1654

    George Mathew of Rehill, uncle and guardian of Lord Cahir, was dispensed from transplantation on the certificate of Colonel Jerome Sankey for having given intelligence to Cromwellian soldiers.

    Read the passage

    Petitions from the wretched people went forth to the Council in Dublin to be dispensed from transplanting. Some pleaded their age ; many were infirm ; some had never borne arms against the Parliament of England ; some had shown, in fact, a constant good affection towards it. Several already convinced of the errors of Popery, were earnestly seeking (Jod. John Walsh of Lisronagh (upon the certificate of Colonel Richards) had performed many good and acceptable services to the Commonwealth, and was on the 17th March dispensed from transplanting until further notice. George Mathew of Rehill (uncle and guardian of Lord Cahir), upon the certificate of Colonel Jerome Sankey, having lived civilly, and given intelligence on divers occasions to the Cromwellian soldiers, was also dispensed. The petitions of John Bray and Thomas White were referred to the Athlone Commissioners. James Kearney of Fethard, was on 5th May dispensed for twelve months on proof he had not appeared in arms against the Commonwealth in the first year of the war. Walter Butler of Cloughbreedy, had given evidence against James Butler of Roosca, of the attack on Golden in 1641. Wherefore (he said) he could not without hazard of his life live amongst the said James' kindred in Connaught. There was so great resort of the Irish to divine worship in the liberties of Clonmel (so reported Major Stanley) that Mr.

    History of Clonmel. 87

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 8

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, close to Rehill, lived George Mathew, uncle and guardian of Lord Cahir. In 1654, after the Cromwellian conquest, many Irish people faced transplantation to Connaught and petitioned the Council in Dublin to be spared. Mathew was one of those who sought dispensation. He succeeded, on the certificate of Colonel Jerome Sankey, for having lived civilly and given intelligence on divers occasions to the Cromwellian soldiers. He was dispensed from transplanting. Others sought the same mercy for different reasons: age, infirmity, never having borne arms against the Parliament of England, or a constant good affection towards it. Some, already convinced of the errors of Popery, were earnestly seeking to be spared. John Walsh of Lisronagh was dispensed for services to the Commonwealth. James Kearney of Fethard got twelve months on proof he had not appeared in arms against the Commonwealth in the first year of the war. Walter Butler of Cloughbreedy gave evidence against James Butler of Roosca for the attack on Golden in 1641, and argued he could not live among that man's kindred in Connaught without hazard to his life.

23. Henry White's 1577 will and burial in Clonmel parish church

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1577

    Henry White, burgess of the town of Clonmel, made his will in 1577 requesting burial in the sepulture of his ancestors within the parish church of Clonmel. The will, the earliest known of any Clonmel citizen, details bequests of houses and lands including a new slate house on the south side of the castle of the broad gate and a park called Lawles's Park.

    Read the passage

    " In the name of God, Amen, the sixth of August in- the year of Our Lord God 1577, I Henry Whit Burgess of the towne of Clonmell being of whole mind and perfect memorie, understanding the assurance of death and willing to prevent the soddaine chaunce thereof doe make my will and testament in names and forme following, ffirst I comend my soule to God Almyghtie through the meritts of Christes passion and the intercession of his blessed mother the virgin Mary and the holy company of heavin and my boddie to be buried in the sepulture of mine Auncestors within the parish church of Clonmell and do make my son John White my full and generall heire of all my landes and inheritance saving of such lands that shall hereafter [be] specified and excepted. And the said John to have and to hold and possess the same landes and inheritance to him and his heires males of his bodie lawfully begotten except the lands pre-excepted. And if the said John do fortune to die without issue male of his bodie lawfully begotten then I will by this present that my son Nicholas White shall have hold occupie possess and injoy my said lands and inheritance to him and to his heires males of his bodie lawfully begotten or to be begotten for ever. And if said John and Nicholas doe die without the like issue males of their boddie lawfully begotten or to be begotten that then John White fitz Patrick my Brother is sonn shall have hold possess and injoy my said lands and inheritance to have and to hold to him and his heires males of his bodie lawfully begotten or to be begotten for ever. And for lacke of like issue males begotten or to be begotten of the said John White my sonn and heire Nicholas White and John White fitz Patrick I will that John White fitz Patrick is Brother Nicholas White shall have hold possess and injoy my said lands and inheritance etc. Also I will that for the lacke of the like issue males of said John White Nicholas White my sones and of the bodies of the said John White and Nicholas White fitz Patrick that my said land and inheritance shall remain to Michael White the said Patrick is sonn to him and his heirs etc. And if the said John White etc. doe fortune to die without the like issue males etc. that then my said lands and inheritance shall return and revert unto the rightful heires. I doe make ordaine institute and appoint my said sonns John and Nicholas White executors of all my goodes and cattle equally and doe leave my well loved Sir Theobolde Butler Geffrie White my nephew John Kearinge and John bray Tutors and overseers of my wife and childem and soules porcon.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 33

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, you are in a town whose earliest known citizen's will dates from 1577. On the sixth of August that year, Henry White, a burgess of the town of Clonmel, made his will. He described himself as being of whole mind and perfect memory, understanding the assurance of death and willing to prevent the sudden chance of it. He commended his soul to God Almighty through the merits of Christ's passion and the intercession of the blessed Virgin Mary and the holy company of heaven. He asked that his body be buried in the sepulture of his ancestors within the parish church of Clonmel. He made his son John White his full and general heir of all his lands and inheritance, to hold to him and his male heirs lawfully begotten. If John died without male issue, his son Nicholas White was to inherit, and if both John and Nicholas died without male heirs, then John White fitz Patrick, his brother's son, was to have the lands. Further provisions followed for Nicholas White, brother of John fitz Patrick, and for Michael White, Patrick's son, before the lands would revert to the rightful heirs. He appointed his sons John and Nicholas as executors of all his goods and cattle equally, and named Sir Theobolde Butler, Geffrie White his nephew, John Kearinge, and John Bray as tutors and overseers of his wife and children and souls' portion.

24. House of Correction established adjoining Clonmel jail

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1838

    In 1838 the House of Correction was established adjoining the jail in Richmond Street, Clonmel, where prisoners were trained in trades such as carpentry, blacksmithing, weaving and shoemaking as part of reform efforts.

    Read the passage

    Early in l8i8, when the awful epidemic of typhus reached the town, sweeping away whole families, the governors of the " Workhouse " added a fourth department, namely, an orphanage for the children of parents who had died of fever. As the Grand Jury presentments increased, the institution was able to maintain a larger number. In 1820, there were 180 inmates ; in 1834, 183 ; divided as follows : — Old and infirm, 90; lunatics, 39; prostitutes, vagrants, and others committed for petty crimes, 74. The grants for that year, were £700 for the lunatics and £1000 for the other departments. The following year the Clonmel District Lunatic Asylum was opened, and the lunatics removed thither from the House of Industry. The asylum was originally intended for 60 patients. The purchase of the site (11 acres) amounted to £1,347, the building cost £14,019, and the furniture £l,220. A few years later, 1842, the buildings were enlarged to accommodate 100 ; the Grand Jury presentment for that year being £1,868. Another department of the House of Industry was abolished in 1838, when the " House of Correction," adjoining the jail in Richmond Street, was established. A contemporary gives a glowing account of the new institution : — " Here the prisoners are employed in useful and profitable labour, such as carpenters, blacksmiths, weavers, shoemakers, wheelwrights, etc., and many individuals who entered this prison, idle and dissolute characters, acquire a practical knowledge of some useful trade." Finally, the House of Industry itself was transferred to the Poor Law Commissioners; the first admissions took place 1st January, 1841, the number entering during the second half of the year was 535, the expenditure up to this date being £7,862. Besides the House of Industry there was at this period an institution known as the " Mendicity Asylum." The Commission of 1834 gives the following account of it : —

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 13

    As the companion tells it

    As the road takes you through Clonmel, you are passing near Richmond Street, where the House of Correction was established in 1838, adjoining the jail. It replaced a department of the House of Industry that was abolished that same year. A contemporary described the new institution in glowing terms. The prisoners were employed in useful and profitable labour, as carpenters, blacksmiths, weavers, shoemakers, and wheelwrights. Many who entered the prison as, in the writer's words, "idle and dissolute characters," acquired a practical knowledge of some useful trade. The House of Industry had served the town for years. When a typhus epidemic swept through Clonmel, killing whole families, the governors of the workhouse added an orphanage for children whose parents had died of fever. By 1820, there were 180 inmates. By 1834, that number stood at 183, divided as follows: 90 old and infirm, 39 lunatics, and 74 prostitutes, vagrants, and others committed for petty crimes. The grants that year were 700 pounds for the lunatics and 1000 pounds for the other departments. The following year, the Clonmel District Lunatic Asylum opened, and the lunatics were removed from the House of Industry. The asylum was intended for 60 patients. The site, 11 acres, cost 1,347 pounds. The building cost 14,019 pounds, and the furniture 1,220 pounds. In 1842, the buildings were enlarged to hold 100, with a Grand Jury presentment of 1,868 pounds.

25. Innislounaght abbey debt tied to Edward Bruce war payment, 1317

    Inishlounaght · parish · Tipperary · 1317

    An entry on the Patent Roll from 1317 records payment by bond of £255 to Richard Walsh for services in the war against Edward Bruce, the bond having originally been given by the abbot and convent of Innislounaght to money-lending merchants, indicating the abbey's financial difficulties.

    Read the passage

    them are when they appear in the king's courts to protect their property. On May 9th, 1283, they complained to the king that his bailiffs were distraining the lands of Tachkerach which had been held from time immemorial, quit of all suit Again, a few years later, they prayed the king for a special order to his escheator restoring them their meadow in Glannewaydan which one of their abbots originally leased to the le Poers. They did not always appear as plaintiffs. In 1311 Michael de Lanstafford, as son and heir of William, sued the abbot for 9 acres arable and 4 turbary in Lithbalyfufue. The abbot pleaded that William was never possessed of such lands, and left the decision to a jury (w). This same abbot was sued by William de Mouner for the sum of ten marks, and the sheriff was ordered to arrest the abbot and produce his body in court (x). The default may be explained by an entry which occurs on the Patent Roll four years later, 1317 (y), recording the payment by bond of £255 to Richard Walsh for his services in the war against Edward Bruce. The bond had been given by the abbot and convent of Innislounaght to the "Merchants of the Society of Ricards de Luca," from whom it passed to the king. The abbey must have been in financial difficulties, for these merchants were the money-lenders of the time, and the sum was more than five times the income, which appears in the taxation of 1306 as £50.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 40

26. Kiltinan besieged and surrendered

    Kiltinan · townland · Tipperary · 1650

    O'Neill reported that Kiltinan was besieged the night before and yielded the following morning about nine o'clock, as the Cromwellian army closed within a mile of Clonmel.

    Read the passage

    This day I receivd your letter of the 25th of this instant. Since my last letter to your Excie I have not to intymate more then that Cahir was yealded without shott or blowe upon what condicons I knowe not, which I believe your Excie knowes ere nowe, likewise Kiiteenan was beseedged eare yesternight and yealded yesterdaye mominge about nyne of the clocke. All their armye is within a myle to the towne and the rest are cominge to them, in great hast they have sent a number of horses and oxen for more cannons. Wee expect nothinge else but bee beesiged every houre they having nowe noe other place to ayme att but this. Your Excie may knowe in what condicon wee are and the consequence of this place to the Kingdom which requires a speedye succour all which I humbly referre to your Lordshipps grave consideracon I humbly take leave and remayne

    Your Excies most humble servt, Clonmell ultimo February. Hugo O'Neill (d).

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 6

27. List of Priests Hiding in Clonmel and District, 1604-1605

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1604–1605

    A spy's report listed priests still active in Munster after the banishment proclamation, including Richard White in Clonmel, Jesuits Mulroney and Leinagh in the same town, and priests named in Fethard, Kilcash and Carrick-on-Suir.

    Read the passage

    What took place in Clonmel is only an example of the proceedings in the towns generally. From the beginning of the reign of James I. the open and ostentatious Catholicism of the people was a subject of sore complaint. Sir Henry Brouncker a few months after his appointment to the presidency of Munster, reported to Cecil that the towns in his province were swarming with priests, mass being said almost publicly in the best houses even in the hearing of all men (00). Saxey, chief justice of the presidency court, was equally distressed by the presence of Jesuits who, he said, numerous as locusts were everywhere harboured by the noblemen and chief gentry of the country but especially by the cities and walled towns (pp). But how to deal with the evil was the difficulty. For as yet there was no statute of the Irish parliament by which the Catholic clergy might be banished ; there was indeed the English statute, 27 Elizabeth, but the crown lawyers construed it in vain. No one had ever contended that an act of the parliament of England bound Ireland unless expressly named. The matter however was urgent, and Justice Saxey advised the Privy Council to seize on the persons of the priests and deport them to England where there was enough law to deal with them. Besides, he argued, did not the "queen's dominions" in Act 27 Elizabeth include Ireland (qq). Sir John Davis, the attorney-general, took a more hopeful view. "The priests," he wrote, "would with all their hearts leave this miserable country and would be glad to hear of a proclamation of banishment that they might have a good excuse to depart ; they that go up and down the [county of the] Cross of Tipperary get nothing but bacon and oatmeal, the people are so poor " (rr). The experiment was tried. On 14th August, 1604, Brouncker issued a proclamation that all Jesuits, seminaries [seminary priests], and massing priests depart the province before the last day of September, any person receiving or relieving them to be imprisoned during his majesty's pleasure and fined in the sum of £40. Further, a reward of ^40 was offered for the body of every Jesuit brought unto the lord president, £6 3s, 4d. for every seminary and £s for every massing priest (ss). But no priests were taken and none departed. Some months later a spy returned a list of the priests still in Munster which included among others Richard White priest in Clonmel, Fathers Mulroney and Leinagh Jesuits in the same, Redmond Nash priest in Fethard, Thomas Geflferay priest in Kilcash, Walter Wall Jesuit in Carrick-on-Suir (tt). The royal authority was now invoked ; a proclamation was made in which the King declared his high displeasure at the report that he purposed to grant

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 5

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, this was a town swarming with Catholic clergy in 1604. Sir Henry Brouncker, president of Munster, reported that mass was being said almost publicly in the best houses. Justice Saxey complained that Jesuits were "numerous as locusts," harboured by noblemen and gentry especially in the walled towns. The problem was that no Irish statute allowed the banishment of Catholic clergy, and the English statute of 27 Elizabeth did not clearly bind Ireland. Saxey advised the Privy Council to seize priests and deport them to England, where the law could deal with them. The attorney-general, Sir John Davis, took a different view, writing that the priests "would with all their hearts leave this miserable country" and would welcome a banishment proclamation as an excuse to depart. He noted that those going about Tipperary got "nothing but bacon and oatmeal, the people are so poor." On 14 August 1604, Brouncker issued a proclamation ordering all Jesuits, seminary priests, and massing priests to leave the province before the last day of September. Anyone receiving or relieving them faced imprisonment and a fine of 40 pounds. A reward of 40 was offered for every Jesuit brought to the lord president, and 6 pounds, 3 shillings and 4 pence for every seminary priest. But no priests were taken and none departed. Some months later a spy returned a list of priests still active in Munster. It included Richard White, a priest in this town, and Fathers Mulroney and Leinagh, Jesuits in the same, along with Redmond Nash in Fethard, Thomas Geflferay in Kilcash, and Walter Wall, a Jesuit in Carrick-on-Suir. The King then declared his high displeasure at the report.

28. Nicholas White suffers persecution in Clonmel under James I

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1611–1622

    Nicholas White, wealthiest burgher of the period and MP for Clonmel, suffered greatly from religious persecution throughout the reign of James I, and was described by his widow as 'constant.' His tomb is at St. Patrick's Well.

    Read the passage

    Nicholas White was second son of Henry White, member in 1559. He was the wealthiest burgher of the period, and throughout the reign of James I. suffered most from religious persecution. The epithet " constant " applied to him therefore by his widow, was not an empty one («). He died 30 August, 1622.

    John Bray wafe son of John, member in 1585. He was, it would appear, cousin to Nicholas White ; and his will was proved in 1632.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 31

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, this was home to Nicholas White, the wealthiest burgher of his time and MP for the town. He was the second son of Henry White, a member in 1559. Throughout the reign of James I he suffered most from religious persecution. His widow called him "constant," and his tomb lies at St. Patrick's Well. He died on 30 August 1622.

29. Petition of Tipperary freeholders against Sir Thomas Butler's exactions

    Caher · town · Tipperary · 1542

    In 1542 a group of freeholders including Prendergast of Newcastle, Keating of Moortown and others petitioned Henry VIII detailing oppressive feudal exactions including coshering, coyne and livery imposed on them by Sir Thomas Butler of Cahir.

    Read the passage

    but not so with the lords of Cahir. Edmund Butler cousin german of the eleventh and twelfth earls of Desmond and married to a daughter of lord Power, despised the orders of the lords deputy though sworn for performance thereof. His son Sir Thomas Butler " slakith not to sesse [cess] and exacte many kinds of inordynate exactions and taxes daily."

    First the said Sir Thomas takith of every freholder coddies [night suppers] at Xrimas and Ester or certan sommes of money in liewe thereof at his pleasyr.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 4

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Caher, in 1542 freeholders including Prendergast of Newcastle and Keating of Moortown petitioned Henry VIII against Sir Thomas Butler for oppressive feudal exactions: coshering, coyne and livery. His father Edmund Butler was cousin to the eleventh and twelfth earls of Desmond and married to a daughter of Lord Power. Sir Thomas did not "slakith to sesse and exacte many kinds of inordynate exactions and taxes daily." He took night suppers from every freeholder at Christmas and Easter, or money in lieu at his pleasure.

30. Priest John Hally indicted at Clonmel Assizes for converting a Protestant

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1750

    At the General Assizes held at Clonmel on 16 March 1750, the Grand Jury indicted John Hally, a popish priest of Killerke, for attempting to seduce Charles Moore, a Protestant, into embracing Catholicism, and requested he be proclaimed a tory and rapparee.

    Read the passage

    We the Grand Jury at said Assizes in lawful manner Sworn and charged. Present John Hally late of Killerke in the County of Tipperary, popish priest, who stands

    (f) Civil Correspondence P.R.O.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 10

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Clonmel, where the General Assizes met on 16 March 1750. The Grand Jury indicted John Hally, a Catholic priest of Killerke, for attempting to seduce Charles Moore, a Protestant, into embracing Catholicism. They requested Hally be proclaimed a tory and rapparee.

31. Priest Sir Teig O'Swillivan preaching in secret, 1592

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1592

    A spy report of 28 July 1592 recorded a priest, Sir Teig O'Swillivan, described as an earnest preacher of Popery, going house to house in Waterford, Clonmel and Fethard.

    Read the passage

    There is one Sir Teig O'Swillivan an earnest Precher of Popery still preaching from house to house in Waterford, Clonmel and Fethard (mm).

    When, however, the storm had partly spent itself, they returned again to the neighbourhood of their old houses. In 161 5 Donough Mooney, superior of the Irish Franciscans, visited Clonmel and to his visit we owe the following graphic account : —

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 30

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, you are on the ground where a spy report of 28 July 1592 named a priest, Sir Teig O'Swillivan. He was called an earnest preacher of Popery, going from house to house in Waterford, Clonmel and Fethard. In 1592 this was dangerous work, done in secret after the old order had fallen.

32. Register of Tipperary priests at Nenagh quarter sessions

    Nenagh · town · Tipperary · 1704

    Pursuant to an act requiring priests to register, a list of sixty-two priests of County Tipperary was compiled at the quarter sessions held at Nenagh on 11th July 1704, including Dr. Tonnery, parish priest of Clonmel.

    Read the passage

    Meanwhile certain persons were noticed in the country, strongly suspected to be Jesuits, regular priests and agents of the Pretender — so correspondents reported to Secretaries Southwell and Dawson. Accordingly Parliament set to work again. " Whereas two acts lately made for banishing all regulars of the popish clergy out of this kingdom and to prevent popish priests from coming into the same, maybe wholly eluded unless the government be truly informed of the number of such dangerous persons as still remain among us for remedy whereof be it enacted," etc. Priests were to repair to the next quarter sessions of the peace to be held in their several counties, and there furnish the Clerk of the Crown with such particulars of their age, abode, place of ordination and the like as would enable them to be subsequently identified. Pursuant to the Act, at the quarter sessions for Tipperary held at Nenagh, nth July, 1704, a register of the priests of the county, sixty-two in number, was made. In that list were Edward Comerford, Doctor of the Sorbonne, and Dr. Tonnery, the parish priest of Clonmel — men who had defended theses and carried off the highest honours at foreign universities — or others of ancient lineage as James Butler of the Ormond family, parish priest of Kilcash, and Eustace Brown of Emly, kinsman of Lord Kenmare. Or again, Luke White, son of John White, Mayor of Clonmel during the Cromwellian siege, who having eaten the bitter bread of exile fifty years before, might now in his last days have been left in peace (yy). The sinister object of the statute came out five years later. The Act 8 Ann, cap. 3, sect. 23, enacted " All popish priests who have been registered in pursuance of the former act/^r registering the popish clergy shall take the oath of abjuration before the 25th day of March, 1710, in one of the four courts at Dublin, or at some quarter sessions when such popish priests have been registered, and upon neglect or refusal, and after the 25th day of March celebrating mass or olfficiating as a popish priest, such popish priest shall incur such penalties as a popish regular clergyman convict by the laws of

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 10

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Nenagh, where on the 11th of July 1704 the quarter sessions produced a register of 62 priests of County Tipperary. Parliament had ordered every priest to come to the next sessions and give the Clerk of the Crown details of age, abode, and place of ordination, so they could be identified later. The list that day was full of remarkable men. Edward Comerford was a Doctor of the Sorbonne. Dr Tonnery was parish priest of Clonmel. Both had defended theses and taken the highest honours at foreign universities. James Butler of the Ormond family was parish priest of Kilcash. Eustace Brown of Emly was a kinsman of Lord Kenmare. Luke White was the son of John White, who had been Mayor of Clonmel during the Cromwellian siege, and who had eaten, as the record says, the bitter bread of exile 50 years before, only now to face this registration in his last days. The sinister purpose behind the statute became clear five years later. An act of Queen Anne required every registered priest to take the oath of abjuration before the 25th of March 1710, at one of the four courts in Dublin or at a quarter sessions. Refusal meant the same penalties as a convicted regular clergyman.

33. Relics of the siege found near SS. Peter and Paul's Church

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1650–1895

    When houses between SS. Peter and Paul's Church and Gladstone St. were being built, numerous relics of the 1650 assault were unearthed, including bullets, matchlock fragments, helmets, breastplates, buckles, and a portion of a 14lb cannon ball found while laying a waterpipe.

    Read the passage

    (nu) Long after there were echoes of the siege. 1654 November 6, Theobald Bolton linen draper St Peter's Parish, Cornhill petitions parliament for relief in his necessities. His only brother Major Charles Bolton was wounded at the taking of Clonmel of which he is since dead, (State Papers, Domestic.) 1655 October 13, Nicholas Jordan petitions the Admiralty, the State stands indebted to him and his brother in the sum of ;f 300 for debentures ; the latter. Major Thomas Jordan was slain at Clonmel etc., (Ibid.) "The ancestor of the present Langtie of Lisnebruck proprietor of the coUeries near Killenall in the county of Tipperar>' had his hand choped off above the wrist when scaleing the walls. I had this fact from his own lips one night I slept at his house, in confirmation of which a hand with a glove on it and the colours he carried at the time, are hung up to this day as a record of that transaction in Mary's Church, Clonmel. I have seen them there many a time " — Paper of Philip son of Nicholas Comins of Clonmel, 1786. The Langley referred to was Lieut. Henry I^ngley of Capt. Thomas Ask's troop in the regiment of horse commanded by Col. Jerome Sankey. The old Lough Gate, or as it was sometimes called the North Gate, was subsequently known to the people of Clonmel as the **Bre«ich Gate." Even in legal documents this name superseded the former ones. 4 March 1708 Fine by Joseph and Sarah Dennison to John Marshall of " a waste plot of ground etc. being part of the former holding of Thomas Elwell and Henry Ansel 1 situate outside the Breach Gate of Clonmell " (Records of the Tipperary Palatinate P.R.O.) Many years ago when the houses lying between SS. Peter and Paul's Church and Gladstone St. were being erected, numerous evidences of the assault were obtained. The late John Dowsley M.D. of Mary St. long kept a small museum of bullets, fragments of matchlocks, helmets, breastplates, buckles and the like. The latest souvenir was a portion of a cannon ball, about one-third. It weighed 14 lbs. and was foimd when laying a waterpipe into Dwyer's premises [Clonmel Chronicle^ 16th Jan., 1895).

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 6

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, you are near SS. Peter and Paul's Church, where relics of the 1650 siege turned up when houses were built between the church and Gladstone Street. Bullets, fragments of matchlocks, helmets, breastplates and buckles were among the finds, and Dr. John Dowsley of Mary Street kept them in a small museum. The last souvenir was a portion of a 14-pound cannon ball, found when a waterpipe was being laid into Dwyer's premises, reported in the Clonmel Chronicle on the 16th of January 1895. The siege left other traces too. The old Lough Gate, sometimes called the North Gate, became known to the people of Clonmel as the Breach Gate, and that name even appears in legal documents. After the assault, petitions followed. In November 1654, Theobald Bolton, a linen draper of St Peter's Parish, petitioned parliament for relief. His only brother, Major Charles Bolton, had been wounded at the taking of Clonmel and later died of those wounds. In October 1655, Nicholas Jordan petitioned the Admiralty for 300 owed in debentures to him and his brother, Major Thomas Jordan, who was slain at Clonmel. A paper from 1786 records that a lieutenant scaling the walls had his hand chopped off above the wrist. His hand, with a glove on it, and the colours he carried were hung up in Mary's Church as a record. The lieutenant was Henry Ingley of Captain Thomas Ask's troop in Colonel Jerome Sankey's regiment of horse.

34. Reverend John Hewetson rewarded for prosecuting Whiteboys

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1770

    In 1770 the Privy Council granted Rev. John Hewetson £227 10s. in recognition of his efforts prosecuting and convicting Whiteboy offenders and preserving peace in the county where he resided.

    Read the passage

    Warrant to the Reverend John Hewetson for £227 lOs. in full for his expense and trouble in the prosecuting and bringing to justice certain offenders called White Bo3rs and in preserving the peace of the county where he resides and as expression of the sense which Government hath of merit and services.

    Agreed to and Corcordatum, etc.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 50

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, in 1770 the Privy Council granted the Reverend John Hewetson £227 and 10 shillings for his expense and trouble in prosecuting and bringing to justice certain offenders called Whiteboys, and in preserving the peace of the county where he resided. It was, as the record put it, an expression of the sense which Government had of his merit and services.

35. Richard Grace ousted from Tipperary estate by legal chicane

    Tipperary · town · Tipperary · 1637

    Richard Grace, descended from the family of Raymond le Gros and settled in Tipperary since the time of King John, was ousted from his estate in 1637 through legal manipulation connected to the Ormond plantation scheme.

    Read the passage

    customs, to disappoint foreign expectations, to assure the better sort to the Crown by valuable estates which they will not willingly risk " (I). In l6lO the plantation was begun of the part of Wexford lying between the Slaney and the sea, and the subsequent years plantations followed in Longford, Queen's County, Leitrim, Westmeath and Wicklow. The Irish in the several territories were driven to the hills or bogs, care being taken to send abroad large numbers of the able-bodied to the armies of Spain, Germany and Poland (m). The English were then settled in the arable and pasture land where, secured by strong houses, by turreted and looped bawns, they bade defiance to the pauperized, hunger-broken natives. Towards the close of 1621 the plantation of North Tipperary was projected, but as there were enough of plantations already on hand, for ten years nothing was done. Meanwhile the alluvial lands of the Shannon and the rich pastures of Nenagh were not lost sight of ; noblemen at court and fortune seekers in Ireland alike contending for allotments. The Earl of Carlisle, Lord Holland, the Chancellor of Scotland, Lord Dorchester were all petitioners for lands in Upper and Lower Ormond. Lady Bingley appealed to the king, while Lord Norton, impatient at the delay, besought Secretary Nicholas to go on with the plantation forthwith. On the other hand the old " servitors " in Ireland who had marked these lands for their own, could not look on with indifference. They represented to the Privy Council that the lands should not be granted to great men who would not sit down upon them, that very few should be allotted above 500 acres, and each undertaker should be tied to residence and building answerable to his proportion (n). Then Lord Esmond suggested there might be land enough for all if in addition to the two baronies of Ormond there was a plantation of Owney and Arra, Kilnelougarty, Ikerrin and Kilnemanagh. He concluded by enclosing a list of the ploughlands, the approximate acreage, and a map of the whole. Throughout all this dividing of the bear's skin, little notice was taken of the bear's growl. Walter Earl of Ormond complained bitterly that his family had held these lands since " Harry the Second's time " when they were granted to suppress the enemies of the crown. "I hope," he added, " I shall not be the first of the English to be ranked with the Irish and to be replanted " (0). Similarly Richard Grace, descended from a branch of the family of Raymond le Gros, settled in Tipperary from the days of King John, found himself in 1637 ousted from his estate by legal chicane. He

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 5

36. Romanesque doorway surviving from Innislounaght abbey

    Inishlounaght · parish · Tipperary

    A Romanesque doorway of four orders with scalloped capitals, along with two sepulchral slabs including one inscribed in thirteenth-century Lombardic characters, survive incorporated into the present Protestant church, remnants of the ancient abbey of Innislounaght.

    Read the passage

    The abbey, which was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, stood about three hundred paces north of the river, and seemingly occupied the western portion of the present graveyard. An attempt was made in August 1840, by O'Donovan and others of the Ordnance Survey, to trace the foundations, but it was wholly unsuccessful. The letters on the subject in the Memoirs (R.LA.) are mostly abusive of a local family, and seeing that an arch of the old church was standing some seventy years ago, the popular story is not improbable that the ruins were used as a quarry for the neighbouring mills and mansions. There is, however, incorporated with the present Protestant church, a Romanesque doorway of four orders, the columns of which are gone, but the

    History of Clonmel. 407

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 40

37. Sepulchral slab of Geoffry Baron and Ellen White in St Mary's, Clonmel

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary

    A huge sepulchral slab of Kilkenny limestone, carved with a floriated cross and a Latin inscription naming Geoffry Baron and his wife Ellen White, stands against the outer wall of the north aisle of the ancient church of St Mary's, Clonmel. Their grandson was the Geoffry Baron who became a prominent Confederate figure.

    Read the passage

    Leaning against the outer wall of the north aisle of the ancient church of St Mary's, Clonmel, will be observed a huge sepulchral slab of Kilkenny limestone. It is inscribed with a floriated cross in shallow relief while a Latin inscription in black letter carried round the edge contains the names of Geoflfry Baron and his wife Ellen White. The grandson of these was Geoffry, the subject of our memoir.

    Geoffry Baron, born 1607, was the eldest of four sons born to Laurence Baron and Mary Wadding, his wife, sister of the celebrated Father Luke Wadding. Laurence Baron lived in St. Mary's Street, and was the most prosperous merchant in Clonmel during the first quarter of the seventeenth century. At his death in 1622 he bequeathed to his son Geoffry some seventeen mortgages amounting to £1,304 besides various lands and houses. As Geoffry was under age he became the king's ward; the Patent Rolls record : —

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 45

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, in Saint Mary's church there is a huge sepulchral slab of Kilkenny limestone leaning against the outer wall of the north aisle. It bears a floriated cross in shallow relief, and a Latin inscription in black letter around the edge gives the names of Geoffry Baron and his wife Ellen White. Their grandson, also named Geoffry Baron, was born in 1607, the eldest of four sons of Laurence Baron and Mary Wadding. Mary was the sister of the celebrated Father Luke Wadding. Laurence Baron lived in Saint Mary's Street and was the most prosperous merchant in Clonmel during the first quarter of the seventeenth century. At his death in 1622 he left his son Geoffry some seventeen mortgages amounting to £1,304, besides various lands and houses. As Geoffry was under age he became the king's ward.

38. Spa lands leased to Bagwell at undervalue

    Spa · townland · Waterford · 1812

    In July 1812 the Clonmel corporation, controlled by the Bagwells, leased the Spa lands in County Waterford forever to John Bagwell of Marlfield at a rent far below their value, while Bagwell himself and his relatives sat on the council that made the order.

    Read the passage

    It appears by the corporation book, that on the 24th of June, i8i2, it was ordered that the mayor [Bagwell's brother-in-law] do forthwith execute a lease for ever of the Spa lands in the county of Waterford with all the mills, tenements and timber thereunto belonging, as formerly let to George Cole, Esq., of Clonmel, deceased, and lately in possession of William Baker, of Dublin, Esq., to John Bagwell of Marlfield, in as full and ample a manner, etc, at the yearly rent of twenty guineas to commence rent from the 25th of March last past.

    N

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 13

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Spa, in 1812, the Clonmel corporation ordered a lease for ever of these lands to John Bagwell of Marlfield. The lands came with all their mills, tenements and timber, at a yearly rent of just twenty guineas. The mayor who was to execute the lease was Bagwell's own brother-in-law, and the summary tells us Bagwell and his relatives sat on the council that made the order, at a rent far below the lands' value.

39. The bridge over Great Island and Goat Island

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary

    The bridge at Clonmel was carried in three sections over 'Great Island' and 'Goat Island', notable for its bold projecting piers and saw-shaped battlements, though the narrow causeway was often difficult to navigate.

    Read the passage

    South Gate at the extremity of Bridge Street formed the defences of the town on that side (t). The bridge which was carried in three sections over " Great Island " and " Goat Island " was very picturesque with its bold projecting piers and saw-shaped battlements. But the narrow causeway was often negociable only by means of the pier recesses (u). The mills and mansions of Suir Island were represented in the seventeenth century by a solitary row of houses. The east and north suburbs of the town contained together about three score cabins, the great majority of those dwelling outside the walls being resident in the Irishtown.

    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

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 5

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Clonmel, the bridge here was carried in three sections over Great Island and Goat Island. It was a striking thing, with bold projecting piers and saw-shaped battlements, and it must have looked very picturesque rising from the river. But the narrow causeway was often passable only by pulling into the pier recesses, so tight was the way across. The South Gate stood at the end of Bridge Street, forming the defences of the town on that side. Beyond the bridge, Suir Island had its mills and mansions, though in the seventeenth century these were reduced to a solitary row of houses. Outside the walls, the east and north suburbs held together about three score cabins, and the great majority of those dwelling beyond the town's defences lived in the Irishtown. The main street of old Clonmel was the High Street, running from Bridge Street to the Main Guard. At its end stood the Town Cross, where proclamations were issued and payments were made on the nail, that being counted the safest place. From Bridge Street to the West Gate, a block of houses called Middle Row filled what is now the street. Narrow lanes ran on either side, the southern one leading to the West Gate and called West Street or West Gate Street, the other North Lane. Records of the Palatine court show two castles stood in West Street, probably part of the river-side fortifications.

40. The Clonmel Spa on the Waterford bank of the Suir

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1746

    A chalybeate mineral spring known as the Clonmel Spa is described as issuing from rising ground on the Waterford side of the Suir. It was drunk for scurvy and chronic disorders and was once thronged with visitors, though by the mid-18th century it was less frequented than Mallow or Ballyspellan.

    Read the passage

    (cc) The following account of the Spa is taken from Smith's Waterford, 1746. " The Clonmel spaw is a pretty strong chalybeat water, as appears by its keeping good near a year in bottles, and being brought to Dublin retained its tinging quality with Galls. It springs out of the side of a rising ground, over which hangs a pretty steep hill on the County of Waterford side of the Suir. It affords a thick scum, particularly in the morning, being yellow and white. It has berti drank not only in cachetick cases, but also for the scurvy, and other chronick disorders by numbers of persons, many of whom have received considerable benefit by it ; and its operation has been found mostly diuretick. Six pints of this water were exhaled in Dublin by a mild heat, the operation being performed in not less than forty-eight hours; which yielded of a dark brown ochorous powder seven grains, which without calcination was attracted by the magnet, a further evidence of the strength of the impregnating principles.

    ** In the water season a few years ago, this place was thronged with company, in order to take the benefit of this spaw; but of late it is less frequented, most of our fashionable water drinkers making choice of the waters of Mallow or Ballyspellan, few considering that these waters are of a quite Afferent nature." — ^pp. 241-2.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 33

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, there was once a chalybeate mineral spring on rising ground on the Waterford side of the Suir. Smith's Waterford in 1746 called it a pretty strong chalybeat water that kept good near a year in bottles and, when brought to Dublin, still retained its tinging quality with galls. It sprang from the side of a rising ground with a steep hill hanging over it, and threw up a thick yellow and white scum in the morning. People drank it for the scurvy and other chronic disorders, and numbers found considerable benefit, its operation being mostly diuretic. Six pints were evaporated in Dublin over 48 hours and yielded 7 grains of a dark brown ochreous powder that was attracted by the magnet, evidence of the strength of its impregnating principles. It was once thronged with visitors, though by the mid-18th century less frequented than Mallow or Ballyspellan.

41. The Main Guard building and its historic association with the Ormonds

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1662

    The old Main Guard market house in Clonmel, with its arcade of semi-circular arches, was built to house the local Chancery, Common Pleas, and criminal courts under Sir Christopher Ormond's Palatinate authority beginning in 1662.

    Read the passage

    Luckome greatly admired the " uniformity " of the market house, " being neatly built, mostly of marble in the best taste." The reader will with difficulty recognize the old Main Guard building under this literary raiment. But though the marble existed only in the writer's fancy, the fabric itself was not unpicturesque. The ground storey in which the present shops are constructed, was once an open arcade. Five semi-circular arches supported by massive cylindrical columns formed the west front, and two of a similar character, the north. When the sun was high, and the arcade afforded strong contrasts of light and shadow with groups of lazzaroni lying about, faint memories of Venice were doubtless recalled to the classical tourist. Nor was the building altogether wanting in historic associations. In 1662 the Ormonds after the lapse of two generations were again lords of the Palatinate. To house therefore the local Chancery, Common Pleas and courts of criminal jurisdiction with becoming dignity, no less a person than Sir Christopher

    (r) Johnson was a brave man, but an incapable general. Cornwallis did not share in the enthusiasm for him of the Clonmel loyalists. His estimate of Johnson is summed up in the one word "blockhead."

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 12

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Clonmel now, in Tipperary. The old Main Guard building here is hard to recognise beneath what a writer called Luckome once described as its uniformity, neatly built, mostly of marble in the best taste. The marble existed only in his fancy. But the fabric itself was not without appeal. The ground storey, where shops now stand, was once an open arcade. Five semi-circular arches supported by massive cylindrical columns formed the west front, and two of similar character the north. When the sun was high, the arcade gave strong contrasts of light and shadow, and faint memories of Venice were recalled to the classical tourist. Nor was the building wanting in historic associations. In 1662, the Ormonds, after the lapse of two generations, were again lords of the Palatinate. To house the local Chancery, Common Pleas, and courts of criminal jurisdiction with becoming dignity, no less a person than Sir Christopher set the work in motion.

42. Thomas Lord's Press Burnt by Yeomanry at Roscrea

    Roscrea · town · Tipperary · 1798

    Printer Thomas Lord, who had moved his press between several towns including Cashel, Youghal, Clonmel and Waterford, finally settled at Roscrea in 1798, where his press was burnt by the yeomanry on suspicion of printing seditious ballads.

    Read the passage

    Thomas Lord was son of Patrick Lord, printer, Cook Street, Dublin. Patrick Lord lost heavily and ran no slight risk by printing Brook's Trial of the Roman Catholics and similar works. Thomas Lord and his press moved about like a travelling show. He printed in Cashel from 1770 to 1780, in Youghal in 1784, Clonmel 1786, Waterford 1792. Finally in 1798 he was established at Roscrea where the press was burnt in that year by the yeomanry on suspicion of printing seditious ballads.

    4. Irish Poems. By Tadg Gaedleach. — Clonmel 1799.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 35

43. Trial of Lord Galmoy, Michael Doheny and others for tithe combination

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1832

    Lord Galmoy, Michael Doheny, John Hackett and others were put on trial at Clonmel for combining against tithes, having taken part in a meeting resolving non-intercourse with anyone buying goods seized for tithes. Some pleaded guilty; a verdict of guilty was found against Doheny and the others.

    Read the passage

    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.

    352 History of Clonmel.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 34

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, this is where Lord Galmoy, Michael Doheny, John Hackett and others stood trial in 1832 for combining against tithes. They had pledged not to deal with anyone who bought goods seized for tithes, which went to keep up a pampered clergy. Some pleaded guilty. Doheny and the rest were found guilty.

44. Typhus outbreak among besieged Clonmel garrison

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1650

    During the siege, typhus raged within Clonmel, along with shortage of provisions, raising Cromwellian hopes that the town would soon be forced to surrender.

    Read the passage

    (I) " From Chester 19 March. That the Lord Lieutenant was before Clonmel and the plague was very hot in the Irish quarters." — Whitelock, p. 430. In December fortunately, White, the Mayor, had impounded the corn applotments of Co. Tipperary against the protests of Commissary Coughlan, but by this time the supplies were running out.

    (m) Whitelock, p. 430.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 6

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Clonmel, in Tipperary. In 1650, as the Lord Lieutenant besieged the town, plague raged in the Irish quarters. Whitelock recorded that it was "very hot." The Mayor, White, had impounded corn from Tipperary the previous December, over the protests of Commissary Coughlan, but by March the supplies were running out. The Cromwellians hoped hunger and disease would force a surrender.

45. Vicar Samuel Ladyman's will and feud with Hugh Gore

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1683

    Samuel Ladyman, Vicar of Clonmel, made his will in 1683 describing himself as weak and consumptive, leaving bequests to family and Trinity College Dublin. A footnote explains his lifelong enmity with Hugh Gore, whose rectorship he had usurped during the Cromwellian period.

    Read the passage

    f») The nephew did not go " for " England, but set up as a farmer at Ballywalter. The consistent enemy was Hugh Gore, whose rectorship of Clonmel was usurped during the Cromwellian period by Ladyman. Gore on becoming Protestant Bishop of Waterford, had probably his doubts of the sincerity of the quondam preacher, who having taken orders, was now vicar of Clonmel.

    334

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 32

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, in 1683 the vicar here, Samuel Ladyman, made his will calling himself weak and consumptive, leaving bequests to family and Trinity College Dublin. He had a lifelong enemy in Hugh Gore, whose rectorship of Clonmel Ladyman had usurped during the Cromwellian period. Gore, becoming Protestant Bishop of Waterford, doubted the sincerity of the man who had taken orders.

46. William O'Mara, Sheriff of Tipperary, excused oath requirement

    Tipperary · town · Tipperary · 1616

    William O'Mara, sheriff of Co. Tipperary, was found to have exercised his office without taking the oath of supremacy, but the offence was remitted because the sheriff was traditionally appointed by the Earls of Ormond without ever being offered the oath.

    Read the passage

    Decree remitting the offence as it appears that the sheriff of Co. Tipperary hath been nominated and appointed by the Earls of Ormond in former times and none of them have had the oath of supremacy offered unto them.

    . Towards the close of the reign of James I. the persecution was somewhat relaxed. In 1624 Falkland wrote to Secretary Conway that the news of the negociation of the Spanish marriage had emboldened the towns to elect recusant mayors. " As their confidence," he said, " has made them presume so my doubtfulness made me wink and forbear to question them for it" The following year, however, as the negociations had failed a commission was sped to Sir Edward Villiars, President of Munster, Lords Cork and Kinsale, and the justices of assize to administer the oath of supremacy to the mayors, sheriffs, recorders and bailiffs of every city and corporate town in Munster and bind them with sufficient security to appear before the Lord Deputy and Council (j).

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 5

47. 1537 Royal Commission inquest held at Clonmel

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1537

    In October 1537 a Royal Commission led by Antony St Leger, George Poulet, T. Mayne and William Berners opened an inquest at Clonmel into the state of Ireland, resulting in a detailed verdict from the town's heads and commoners.

    Read the passage

    Such was Tipperary during the fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries, a theatre of anarchy and disorder that — to use the words of a contemporary — would have wrecked the kingdom of Beelzebub himself. How far the burghers of Clonmel were able to maintain their civic independence and trade, we are fortunately able to judge from a State Paper preserved in the London Record Office. In 1537 a Royal Commission was issued to inquire into the state of Ireland. The Commissioners, Antony St Leger, George Poulet, T. Mayne, and William Berners opened an " inquest " in Clonmel, the October of that year, when the following report was made.

    The Verdyt of the Heddes and Comyners of the Towne of Clonmell [October 18, 1537]—

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 4

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, this is a town that once sat at the heart of a Tipperary described by a contemporary as a place of such anarchy and disorder it

48. Ancient fortifications of Clonmel traced through streets

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary

    The line of the ancient fortifications of Clonmel can still be traced through Dowd's Lane, Richmond Street, Charles Street, William Street, Dispensary Street and New Street, especially visible in St. Mary's churchyard where they form boundaries.

    Read the passage

    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 town walls still leave their mark. A line drawn through Dowd's Lane, Richmond Street, Charles Street, William Street, Dispensary Street and New Street roughly follows where the ancient fortifications stood. You can still trace them 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, and two similar towers stood nearly opposite the present Abbey Street. A heavy quadrangular structure called "The Bastion" stood at the Watergate, and a circular tower on the old Quay completed the line.

49. Anti-Union resolutions signed by Clonmel inhabitants

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1799

    109 principal inhabitants of Clonmel signed resolutions declaring their opposition to a Legislative Union with Great Britain, citing the prosperity gained since 1782 and refusing to surrender their liberties.

    Read the passage

    That the advantages promised by the advocates of this measure are dubious and speculative, and that even were they ascertained and positive, we would not consent to purchase them by a surrender of our liberties and constitution.

    Signed by 109 of the principal inhabitants among whom were the following gentlemen constituting the Bankers of the town — William Riall, Charles Riall, P. Riall («).

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 12

    As the companion tells it

    You're coming into Clonmel now. In 1799, 109 principal inhabitants of this town signed resolutions against a Legislative Union with Great Britain. They pointed to the prosperity gained since 1782. Among the signatories were the town's bankers — William Riall, Charles Riall, and P. Riall. They declared they would not purchase promised advantages "by a surrender of our liberties and constitution."

50. Ardfinnan Castle surrendered to Cromwellians

    Ardfinnan · town · Tipperary · 1650

    David Fitz Gibbon surrendered Ardfinnan Castle after only a slight pretence of resistance, cutting off a key point from which Cromwellian communications might have been disrupted.

    Read the passage

    summoning a town so late at night handed over the keys (tt), A few days after the inhabitants of Cashel with Kearney their mayor hastened to Fethard to throw themselves on Cromwell's mercy. The following Sunday morning, David Fitz Gibbon, after a slight pretence at resistance, surrendered Ardfinnan Castle — ^the only point from which the Cromwellian communications might be cut Such was the tale of treachery and cowardice which day by day reached O'Neill in Clonmel.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 6

51. Bartholomew Rivers develops Tramore from a handful of cabins

    Tramore · town · Waterford · 1793

    Bartholomew Rivers, son-in-law of Rev. Thomas Stritch, purchased and developed Tramore, which previously consisted of only about half a dozen miserable cabins. He later projected a large land reclamation scheme there that was eventually realized sixty years later by the Malcomsons.

    Read the passage

    The dearly and well-beloved son Rev. Thomas Stritch was nominated coadjutor bishop of Waterford in 1737, but showing some signs of mental aberration, Peter Creagh of Limerick was appointed. A ciborium presented to St. Mary's Catholic church in 1725 by Stritch and his wife, is still in use there. His sons-in-law the Rivers were among the most notable traders of the time. Bartholomew Rivers and his cousin Henry Hayden carried on a bank in Waterford, which met the usual fate of private banks, the bankruptcy court, in 1793. Another enterprize of his has however flourished to our time — Tramore. Previous to his purchasing the place, there were not more than half a dozen miserable cabins. At the time of the bank's collapse, he had projected the large reclamation scheme, which was realized sixty years later by the Malcomsons.

    1841 Sullivan, William. 1716 Tinison, William.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 33

52. Burial place of old families in the Grey Friars church

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1614–1632

    The Franciscan church served as the burial ground (Campo Santo) for prominent local families including the Prendergasts, Mandevilles, Walls, Whites, Brays and Moronys, with several seventeenth-century wills requesting burial there.

    Read the passage

    The " Gray Friars of Clonmel " was the Campo Santo not only of the town but of the district. " Many tombs of the old families " says Wadding " made of black marble, may be seen in the church — Prendergasts, Mandevilles, Walls, Whites, Brays, Moronys and other notables." The wills also give evidence of this. Thomas Prendergast fitz Geffery of Newcastle in 1626. "In Nomine Dei, Amen. I comit my soule to the Holye Trinitye, to the Blessed Virgin Marye, and to all the Saints in Heaven, and doe appoint my body to bee buryed in Saint Francis at Clonmelle with my ancestors." John White fitz GefFery in 1614 commends "my sole to God Almyghtie my Creator and Redeemer and my body to be buryed in S. ffrancis abbay in myne ancestors buriall." Catherine White fitz Thomas in 1625 " ffirst I comitt my soule to the holy Trinitie to our blessed Lady, the virgin Mary and to all the saintes in heaven. I doe constitut that my boddie be buried in y* abbie of St. fFrauncis in Clonmel." John Bray in 1632 " calling to mynde how certayne is death to every creature living in this world and how uncertaine is the tyme of the same" bequeaths "my sowle to the father, son and holly Ghoste, three persons in one deitie, and to the blessed and imaculat virgin Marie, and all the holly company of heaven, and my boddy to be buried with my auncestors, in the holly confessor St. ffrancis his monastery in Clonmell." Of the black marble tombs described by Wadding but two remain. These however, are of the highest interest. "In the middle of the choir " he writes " lies the distinguished Baron of Cahir, in an elevated marble monument adorned with effigies and statues." The monument has been partly reconstructed in a recess beneath the tower, and from the existing remains one may realize its original appearance. It was a table-tomb of the fifteenth century type. Round the sides, under canopies supported by pillarettes, were figures of the apostles carved in high relief. These though exceedingly rude, are touching from their sincerity and earnestness. Simnounting the whole were the recumbent figures of the baron and his lady, carved "in the solid" on a huge block of Kilkenny marble, eight feet in length by four feet four inches wide.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 30

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, the Grey Friars church here was the Campo Santo, the burial ground, not just for the town but for the whole district. Wadding wrote that many tombs of the old families, made of black marble, could be seen in the church: Prendergasts, Mandevilles, Walls, Whites, Brays, Moronys and other notables. The wills of the 1600s confirm it. Thomas Prendergast fitz Geffery of Newcastle asked in 1626 to be buried in Saint Francis at Clonmel with his ancestors. John White fitz Geffery in 1614 asked the same, and Catherine White fitz Thomas in 1625. John Bray in 1632, calling to mind how certain is death to every creature living in this world, bequeathed his body to be buried with his ancestors in St. Francis his monastery in Clonmel. Of the black marble tombs Wadding described, only two remain. One is the table-tomb of the Baron of Cahir, carved from a huge block of Kilkenny marble, eight feet long and four feet four inches wide, with recumbent figures of the baron and his lady carved in the solid on top. Round the sides stand figures of the apostles in high relief, rough but touching in their sincerity. The tomb has been partly reconstructed in a recess beneath the tower.

53. Burncourt and Rehill castles surrender without resistance

    Burncourt · townland · Tipperary · 1650

    As Cromwell's forces advanced, Burncourt and Rehill castles were surrendered without a shot being fired, easing the Cromwellian advance toward Clonmel.

    Read the passage

    The month of December had been unusually severe with much snow and frost ; it was followed by the mildest January in the memory of man. As an early campaign would take the Irish at a great disadvantage, and growing troubles in England required his presence there, Cromwell left his winter quarters in Youghal, Tuesday, 29th January. Tipperary and Kilkenny were the theatre of war, and thither his army was to advance in two divisions. One under the command of Ireton and Reynolds, marched directly through Carrick ; the other led by Cromwell himself, crossing the Blackwater at Kilworth, thence to Kilbehenny, returned through the rough country south of the Galtees. In this way the small hostile garrisons which might cut him off from Youghal, his base, were all taken in. Bumtcourt and Rehill castles were surrendered without a shot fired ; the following morning, Saturday, 2nd February, amid a wild storm of wind and rain he set out from Rehill, and passing the Suir by the ford at Rochestown, was under the walls of Fethard that night Tired and sodden as his troops were, he offered favourable terms, and Butler the governor after some objections as to the etiquette of

    History of Clonmel. 69

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 6

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in February 1650, two castles gave way without a fight. Burncourt and Rehill surrendered without a shot being fired, as Cromwell's army moved through Tipperary. The winter had been harsh. December brought heavy snow and frost, but January was the mildest anyone could remember. Cromwell saw his chance. The Irish would be at a great disadvantage in an early campaign, and troubles in England needed his presence there too. He left his winter quarters in Youghal on Tuesday, 29 January. Tipperary and Kilkenny became the theatre of war. His army advanced in two divisions. One under Ireton and Reynolds marched directly through Carrick. The other, led by Cromwell himself, crossed the Blackwater at Kilworth, went on to Kilbehenny, and came back through the rough country south of the Galtees. In this way he took in all the small hostile garrisons that might cut him off from Youghal, his base. Burncourt and Rehill were among them. The following morning, Saturday, 2 February, amid a wild storm of wind and rain, he set out from Rehill. Passing the Suir by the ford at Rochestown, he was under the walls of Fethard that night. His troops were tired and sodden, and he offered favourable terms. Butler, the governor, raised some objections about the etiquette of surrender.

54. Cashel grand jury fined for refusing to present recusants

    Cashel · townland · Tipperary · 1612

    Edmund Butler of Cloghicullyn and Jeffrey Mockler of Ballynatten, leaders of a Grand Jury impanelled at Cashel, were fined heavily and imprisoned for refusing to present recusants.

    Read the passage

    1612 November 20. Edmund Butler of Cloghicullyn and Jeffrey Mockler of Ballynatten being the leaders of a Grand Jury impanelled at Cashell Co. Crosse Tipperary last July before Lord Chief Justice Walshe and Sergeant John Beare Justices of Assize — to pay a fine of forty pounds apiece and the rest of the Jury thirty pounds apiece English money and all of them to be imprisoned during pleasure for refusing to present recusants.

    The foreman, Butler of CloughcuUy, as uncle of the then Lord Cahir and direct ancestor of the present Lady Charteris, might have paid the fiine without difficulty, but to many of the poorer gentlemen it meant half their income.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 5

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Cashel, in November 1612, a Grand Jury paid a heavy price for conscience. Edmund Butler of Cloghicullyn and Jeffrey Mockler of Ballynatten led a jury impanelled here the previous July before Lord Chief Justice Walshe and Sergeant John Beare. They refused to present recusants, and for that Butler and Mockler were each fined forty pounds, the rest of the jury thirty pounds apiece, and all were imprisoned during pleasure. Butler, uncle of the Lord Cahir, could have paid without difficulty, but for many of the poorer gentlemen the fine meant half their income.

55. Catholic Trader Daniel O'Brien on Tolls at Clonmel

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1833

    At the 1833 Commission, Catholic trader Daniel O'Brien testified that exclusion from freedom of Clonmel cost him 150 guineas in tolls, while neighbours who received freedom paid none, illustrating the lasting effects of penal-era discrimination.

    Read the passage

    (x) " I am a native of this town, and have carried on business a great number of years. I was promised my freedom by Mountcashel and was handed over to Bagwell who gave me only fine promises while he gave my neighbours Davy Malcomson, Tommy Hughes and Jemmy Douglas' their freedom. They had corn stores near mine, but they had no tolls to pay while I was mulcted every way out of 150 guineas." — Evidence of Daniel O'Brien. Report of Commission, Clonmel, 1833.

    146 History of Glonmel.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 10

    As the companion tells it

    You're coming through Clonmel now. In 1833, a Catholic trader named Daniel O'Brien told a commission here that he'd been denied freedom of the town while his neighbours Davy Malcomson, Tommy Hughes, and Jemmy Douglas got theirs. They had corn stores near his, but paid no tolls, while O'Brien was, in his words, "mulcted every way out of 150 guineas." He'd been promised freedom by Mountcashel, then handed over to Bagwell, who gave him, as O'Brien put it, only "fine promises."

56. Chalice at St. Mary's Catholic church inscribed 1638

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1638

    A chalice still in use at St. Mary's Catholic church, Clonmel, bears an inscription recording its dedication by Maria Brenock, widow, to the church of Our Lady of Clonmel, naming Thomas White as vicar, dated 1638.

    Read the passage

    Thomas White. A chalice still in use at St. Mary's Catholic church, bears the inscription : — Maria Brenock Vidua, me dicavit EccLEsiiE B. Ma. de Clonmel. Thomas White Vicario, An. Dni. 1638.

    Probably no parish priest of Clonmel, not even Father Morris himself, had a more chequered career. In 1641 the Catholics for the second time since they had been driven out in the reign of Elizabeth, took possession of the old church of St Mary's. Nine years later the town was surrendered to Cromwell,

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 27

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, St Mary's Catholic church still holds a chalice from 1638. Its inscription records that Maria Brenock, a widow, dedicated it to the church of Our Lady of Clonmel, with Thomas White as vicar. White had a chequered career. In 1641 Catholics took possession of the old church of St Mary's for the second time since being driven out under Elizabeth. Nine years later the town was surrendered to Cromwell.

57. Clonmel District Lunatic Asylum opened

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1835–1842

    Following the enlargement of the House of Industry's lunatic wing, the Clonmel District Lunatic Asylum was opened, originally built for 60 patients on an 11-acre site at a cost of over £14,000, later enlarged in 1842 to house 100.

    Read the passage

    Early in l8i8, when the awful epidemic of typhus reached the town, sweeping away whole families, the governors of the " Workhouse " added a fourth department, namely, an orphanage for the children of parents who had died of fever. As the Grand Jury presentments increased, the institution was able to maintain a larger number. In 1820, there were 180 inmates ; in 1834, 183 ; divided as follows : — Old and infirm, 90; lunatics, 39; prostitutes, vagrants, and others committed for petty crimes, 74. The grants for that year, were £700 for the lunatics and £1000 for the other departments. The following year the Clonmel District Lunatic Asylum was opened, and the lunatics removed thither from the House of Industry. The asylum was originally intended for 60 patients. The purchase of the site (11 acres) amounted to £1,347, the building cost £14,019, and the furniture £l,220. A few years later, 1842, the buildings were enlarged to accommodate 100 ; the Grand Jury presentment for that year being £1,868. Another department of the House of Industry was abolished in 1838, when the " House of Correction," adjoining the jail in Richmond Street, was established. A contemporary gives a glowing account of the new institution : — " Here the prisoners are employed in useful and profitable labour, such as carpenters, blacksmiths, weavers, shoemakers, wheelwrights, etc., and many individuals who entered this prison, idle and dissolute characters, acquire a practical knowledge of some useful trade." Finally, the House of Industry itself was transferred to the Poor Law Commissioners; the first admissions took place 1st January, 1841, the number entering during the second half of the year was 535, the expenditure up to this date being £7,862. Besides the House of Industry there was at this period an institution known as the " Mendicity Asylum." The Commission of 1834 gives the following account of it : —

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 13

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonmel, you are near the site of what was the Clonmel District Lunatic Asylum, opened in 1835. Before that, the town's lunatics were held in the House of Industry, which in 1834 counted 39 of them among its 183 inmates, maintained on a grant of £700. The new asylum was built for 60 patients on an 11-acre site purchased for £1,347, with the building costing £14,019 and furniture another £1,220. A few years later, in 1842, the buildings were enlarged to accommodate 100, with the Grand Jury presentment for that year being £1,868.

58. Colonel Blount deserts Inchiquin on Cromwell's landing

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1646–1660

    Charles Blount was commissioned in 1646 to raise a regiment for service in Ireland; he served under Inchiquin but deserted him upon Cromwell's landing, later becoming a Commissioner of Survey in 1654. At the Restoration the Blounts, as '1649 Officers', received house property allotments in Clonmel rather than land grants like Ormond.

    Read the passage

    The Long Parliament 8 October 1646, commissioned Charles Blount to raise a regiment of lOOO men in Gloucestershire for service in Ireland. Blount went over and served under Inchiquin, but deserted him on Cromwell's landing. Became a Commissioner of Survey in 1654. As at the Restoration, the great part of Clonmel was granted to Ormond, the Blounts with other representatives of the "1649 Officers" received their allotment of house property elsewhere.

    1783 Boughely, Nicholas. 1742 Boughely, William.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 32

59. Coyne and livery imposed on Clonmel-area tenants for building works

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1535–1537

    The Clonmel jury of 1537 found that the Earl of Ossory, Lord James Butler and Sir Thomas Butler assessed tenants to provide free labour, horses, masons and carpenters for castle building, taking food without payment on holy days.

    Read the passage

    We fynde and present that when tyme as pleasith the Erie of Ossorye the lorde Jamys Butler and Syr Thomas Butler Knight to be at any buyldeing of any castell or works they do assesse ther tennts under ther governaunce to have workemen and horseis to labor without gyveyng of meate or paying any money and they set ther masons and carpinters to coyne upon the tenants every holly dayes fa).

    Itm they fynde when it pleasith the said lords and gentillmen to have any tayllors for to have worke or garments to be made they used to sett them at coyne upon ther tennants in holly dayes.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 4

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Clonmel, in Tipperary. In 1537 a Clonmel jury reported what the Earl of Ossory, Lord James Butler, and Sir Thomas Butler had been doing to tenants in the years around 1535. Whenever those lords wanted a castle built, they assessed their tenants to provide workmen and horses for the labour, giving no food and paying no money. They set masons and carpenters to take their meals on the tenants, on every holy day, and they did the same with tailors, sending them to tenants on holy days to make garments.

60. Deposition of Clonmel sovereign as a recusant

    Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1606

    Thomas White's brother, who served as sovereign of Clonmel, was deposed from office in 1606 for being a recusant, reflecting the religious persecution faced by Catholic families in the town.

    Read the passage

    Thomas White would seem to have been an elder brother of Stephen White. He was born in 1556 or 1558, and his various relationships are set out by Rev. E. Hogan, from Jesuit documents. His brother, sovereign of Clonmel, was deposed from office in 1606 as a recusant Another brother James White was Vicar Apostolic of Waterford. He was uncle of Peter White, S.J., and his near kinsmen were Patrick and Nicholas White who were heavily fined for not attending Protestant service. Other relatives were Thomas Lombard, Cistercian, and Andrew Wyse, Grand Prior of Capua, of the order of the Knights of Malta.

    (tt) Here of course account is not taken of folk knowledge — the great body of traditional law, medicine and poetry existing among the Celtic population.

    Internet Archive historyclonmel00burkgoog, Chapter 45

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Clonmel, in Tipperary. In 1606 the sovereign of this town, a brother of Thomas White, was deposed from office for being a recusant. He refused to conform to the Protestant church. It was not just him. His kinsmen Patrick and Nicholas White were heavily fined for not attending Protestant service. Another brother, James White, served as Vicar Apostolic of Waterford. The family held deep Catholic ties, reaching to relatives in the Knights of Malta and the Cistercian order.