Name: The History of Drogheda, with its Environs (vol. 1)
Author: John D'Alton (1792–1867)

Read the copy these stories were drawn from on the Internet Archive.

170: stories drawn from it
170: placed on the map
15: counties: Louth, Dublin, Meath and more
14,111: words in the passages on this page

The stories, best first

page 2 of 3 · 170 in all

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

James Challoner Taylor imprisoned for seditious words against Mayor

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1659

At the Drogheda Assembly of 9 July 1659, James Challoner Taylor was fined and committed by the Mayor for publicly questioning by what authority the Mayor acted after the change of government from Protector to Parliament.

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At the Assembly of 9th July, 1659, James Challoner Taylor was committed by his worship the Mayor, with their consent, for publishing the following English words in open assembly, viz. : " That the now Mayor was sworn in the late Protector's time, and that he, the said James, did not know by what commission the said James did now act as Mayor of this town, the government being altered from a single person to a Parliament;" which words were by him maliciously used, in contempt of the said Mayor and Corporation, and tending to the subversion of the ancient rights and privileges thereof, and contrary to an Act of ParUament lately published, for the continuance and confirmation thereof; for which notorious offence the said James was fined in the sum of five pounds sterling and committed as
190 CORPORATE HISTORY.

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog, Chapter 147

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is Drogheda in Louth. Back in 1659 this town saw a sharp little confrontation over power. On the 9th of July, at the Assembly, James Challoner Taylor stood up and challenged the Mayor in open session. He said the Mayor had been sworn in during the late Protector's time, and he wanted to know by what commission the Mayor now acted, since the government had changed from a single person to a Parliament. The Assembly called those words malicious, a contempt of the Mayor and Corporation, and a threat to the town's ancient rights. They fined him 5 pounds sterling and had him committed.
Lord Gormanston James Preston dies at Limerick after siege, 1691

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1691

James, the seventh Viscount Gormanston, adhered loyally to James the Second as a colonel of horse and died within the walls of Limerick in 1691, leading to his attainder and the abeyance of the viscountcy for a century.

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noured with the appointment of Viceroy of Ireland in the same year, and in 1493 ; an office which his eon William, the second Viscount, also enjoyed in 1494 and 1516, After the civil war of 1641, a survey was taken of the extent of this manor, but the Act of Settlement contained a special saving of the rights of the ancient inheritors. James, the seventh Viscount in descent, was one of the Privy Council of James the Second : he was afterwards a colonel of horse in his service, and to the last, from an excusable, however mistaken, sense of loyalty and honour, adhered to his royal master, and died within the walls of Limerick, in I69I. On his consequent attainder, this, the premier Viscounty of the Irish peerage, remained in abeyance for a century, until, in 1800, the proceedings of outlawry were reversed for manifest errors apparent on their face, and the present Viscount, the lineal heir male of the first, and the twelfth in the descent of the honour, was restored to his rank and birthright.
After passing parallel to Gormanston, the railway crosses a pretty valley, by a short embankment and bridge. The cutting is thence renewed, at first slightj but afterwards deeper, through the bold projection of Ben-Head, to the seat of Captain Pepper at Mosney ; here the line, at the country side, presents nearly a level surface, while on the other, at a great depth, a deep margin of pasture land slopes to the sea. Mosney brook is crossed by a handsome stone bridge of two arches, each sixteen feet wide, and twenty above the level of the water. Embankment,

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog, Chapter 52

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Limerick, the city holds a story from 1691. James, the seventh Viscount Gormanston, was one of the Privy Council of James the Second. He served afterwards as a colonel of horse in his service, and to the last, from an excusable, however mistaken, sense of loyalty and honour, adhered to his royal master. He died within the walls of Limerick in 1691. On his consequent attainder, this, the premier Viscounty of the Irish peerage, remained in abeyance for a century. It was not until 1800 that the proceedings of outlawry were reversed for manifest errors apparent on their face. The present Viscount, the lineal heir male of the first, and the twelfth in the descent of the honour, was then restored to his rank and birthright. The family's standing was long established. An earlier Viscount had been appointed Viceroy of Ireland, and his son William, the second Viscount, also held that office in 1494 and 1516. Before the civil war of 1641, a survey was taken of the extent of their manor, but the Act of Settlement contained a special saving of the rights of the ancient inheritors. The seventh Viscount's loyalty to James the Second led to his death within these walls and the loss of his title. But a century later, the errors in his attainder were recognised, and his lineal heir was restored.
Nightly closing of Drogheda's gates

Drogheda · town · Louth

Within living memory, Drogheda's town gates were solemnly closed at the ninth hour with watchmen assigned, and keys deposited centrally at midnight until mail-coach traffic overran the practice.

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Baxon of Howth, who had possessions here, and is buried in the adjacent cemetery of the Cord ; the priory of St. Lawrence has, however, with much more probability, communicated the designation, preceding, as it did, by many years, the origin of Lord Howth's title in this locality. At the Meath side, contiauing the circuit, was the Dublin or St. James's gate, also called, from the monastery outside it, and communicating that designation to the street which yet bears the name. Next to this succeeded the Blind gate, and Duleek gate on the road to that ancient town ; St. John's gate, the access to the fine old priory of St. John of Jerusalem, which stood on the grounds of Ball's grove ; and lastly, the Butter or Buttress gate, an octagon tower, still standing, and perforated with a round arched passage, wider in the inner span than in the outer. All these gates existed to a period of about " sixty years suice," and it is within the recollection of many, how solemnly they used ta be closed at the ninth hour, and a watchman assigned to each, through whom ingress or egress might be obtained till midnight, when the keys of all were deposited in the central guard-house, and no further thoroughfare tolerated until morning. The progress, however, of civilization and the mail-coaches, overran such exclusive regulations ; while it may be remarked, that with all these precautions against hostile attacks, Drogheda was, in truth, commanded by several immediately adjacent eminences, from which, the well directed requisition of scientific beleaguerers could easily compel a capitulation.
86 ANCIENT STATISTICS.

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog

As the companion tells it

As you pass Drogheda, it's worth knowing the town once shut itself in. There were several gates around it. The Dublin or St. James's gate, the Blind gate, Duleek gate on the road to that ancient town, St. John's gate, and the Butter or Buttress gate, an octagon tower that still stands, perforated with a round arched passage wider in the inner span than in the outer. The gates existed until about sixty years before the book was written. It is within the recollection of many how solemnly they used to be closed at the ninth hour. A watchman was assigned to each, and through him you might get in or out until midnight. At midnight the keys of all the gates were deposited in the central guard-house, and no further thoroughfare was tolerated until morning. The progress of civilization and the mail-coaches overran those exclusive regulations. There's a sharp irony the book points out. With all these precautions against hostile attacks, Drogheda was in truth commanded by several immediately adjacent eminences, from which the well directed requisition of scientific beleaguerers could easily compel a capitulation. The gates were shut every night against a danger that could have come down from the hills regardless.
Plague and Losses from French of Brittany and Scots Prompt Relief Grant

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1459

A grant of twenty marks yearly was confirmed to the Mayor of Drogheda in 1459 in consideration of losses sustained from the French of Brittany and the Scots, and in consideration of a plague that had lately raged in the town, the funds to support bridges, walls, and the tholsel.

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to their own use, and not to walling said town, in contempt of the said lord the king," &c. These Sheriffs were, thereupon, afterwards fined, and so otherwise severely prosecuted, that they were compelled to seek exoneration of the penalty, and pardon of the offence, by an Act of Parliament specially passed for the purpose(a). In a Parliament of 1459, a grant of twenty marks yearly was confirmed to the Mayor, &c., of Drogheda, in consideration of the losses sustained from the French of Brittany and the Scots, and in consideration of the plague that had lately raged in the town ; same to be applied in support of their bridges, walls, tholsel, &c.(ft); and by another unprinted Act of 1463, customs were confirmed to Trim, Naas, Athboy, Kenlis, and Fore, for murage, paviage, and pontage, provided same were not prejudicial to Dublin, Drogheda, or Ardee. In an Act of Eesumption, passed in 1464, whereby all patents of castles, seigniories, manors, tenements, &c., granted by King Edward or his father, or Henry late King of England, from the first year of his reign, were recalled, there was a special exception in favour of the Corporation of Drogheda. And so was it in a previous resumption of 1459, and in subsequent of 1465 and 1468(c). In the latter session, indeed, a distinct Act was passed, confirming all their liberties. In 1485, however, another Act of Resumption was passed, by which all charters
(a) See Exch. Roll, 25 & 26 Hen. VI.

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog, Chapter 141

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Drogheda, this town carries a record of hard years. In 1459, Parliament confirmed a grant of twenty marks yearly to the Mayor and the corporation here. The reason was twofold. Drogheda had sustained losses from the French of Brittany and from the Scots, and a plague had lately raged through the town. The money was to be applied in support of the bridges, the walls, and the tholsel. So the town was pressed by sea-raids, sickness, and the cost of holding itself together, and Parliament judged that worth twenty marks a year. The record before that grant tells of sheriffs who had diverted funds to their own use instead of walling the town, in contempt of the king. They were fined and severely prosecuted until an Act of Parliament was specially passed to let them seek pardon. Drogheda appears again and again in these records. Acts of Resumption in 1459, 1464, 1465, and 1468 recalled patents granted across the kingdom, but each time a special exception was made in favour of the Corporation of Drogheda. In 1468 a distinct Act confirmed all their liberties. By 1485, another resumption passed, recalling all charters.
Richard de Tuyt killed by falling tower at Athlone

Athlone · town · Westmeath · 1211

Richard de Tuyt, first castellan of Drogheda and Baron of Moyashell, was killed in 1211 by the fall of a tower in Athlone, and was buried in the Abbey near Granard which he had founded.

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When Meath, the mensal demesne of the Irish kings, was erected into a Palatinate, this Richard became a Palatine peer, by the style of Baron of Moyashell, a title which he transmitted to his posterity. He was killed in 1211, by the fall of a tower in Athlone, and buried in the Abbey near Granard, which himself had previously founded, and where he had also raised a frontier castle. Richard, his son, thereupon inherited the manors of Kilalton, Demar, and Kilster, as did his brother Maurice the lands of Lochlock, Sonnagh, Imper, Jordanstown, &c. To this Richard the custody of the Castle of Clonmacnois was committed in 1224, and in 1232 he marched, under the command of William de Lacy, into Upper Breffny, against the O'Reillys, by whose sept the invaders were defeated with much loss, Richard de Tuyt, and Simon de Lacy, being amongst the wounded. In 1244, he had military summons to a royal expedition against the Scots. His issue male became extinct in the second generation, but Maurice, his brother, dying in 1282, left John his eldest son, who had mihtary summons as one of the " Fideles" of Ireland in 1302, and was required by royal mandate, in 1309, to attend the muster at Newcastle-upon- Are, but he dying previous thereto, Sir Richard, his eldest son, succeeded to Sonnagh, &c. In 1310, he sat in Parliament as a Palatine knight ; he also had military summonses against the Scots, as one of the "Nobiles" of Ireland, and in 1311, was required to attend the ParUament of Kilkenny. In 1314, he
94 ANCIENT STATISTICS.

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog

As the companion tells it

As the road brings you through Athlone, this is the town where Richard de Tuyt met his end. He was the first castellan of Drogheda, and when Meath was made a Palatinate, he became a Palatine peer by the style of Baron of Moyashell, a title he passed to his posterity. In 1211, he was killed by the fall of a tower here in Athlone. He was buried in the Abbey near Granard, which he himself had previously founded, and where he had also raised a frontier castle. His son Richard thereupon inherited the manors of Kilalton, Demar, and Kilster, while his brother Maurice took the lands of Lochlock, Sonnagh, Imper, and Jordanstown. In 1224, the custody of the Castle of Clonmacnois was committed to this younger Richard. In 1232, he marched under the command of William de Lacy into Upper Breffny against the O'Reillys. The invaders were defeated with much loss, and Richard de Tuyt and Simon de Lacy were among the wounded. In 1244, he had military summons to a royal expedition against the Scots. His male issue became extinct in the second generation. Maurice, his brother, dying in 1282, left John his eldest son, who had military summons as one of the "Fideles" of Ireland in 1302, and was required by royal mandate in 1309 to attend the muster at Newcastle-upon-Are, but he died before that. Sir Richard, his eldest son, succeeded to Sonnagh. In 1310, he sat in Parliament as a Palatine knight. He also had military summonses against the Scots, as one of the "Nobiles" of Ireland, and in 1311 was required to attend the Parliament of Kilkenny. In 1314, he
Sir John Stanley lands at Clontarf, 1413

Clontarf · parish · Dublin · 1413

In 1413 Sir John Stanley landed at Clontarf, delegated for a rapacious and oppressive government that ended within a few months with his death.

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ral books, the property of certain clergymen, whose influence was reported to be exercised to the prejudice of the Crown, were seized in the harbour of Clontarf, where they had been shipped. About the same tiine,this manor, according to the Pope's decree, passed into the possession of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, who, on the suppression of the Templars, had succeeded at Kilmainham. In 1395, a state warrant issued in aid of the laws against absenteeism, to arrest and detain all ships " in the water of Clontarf," destined to convey passengers to England. Some readers maybe surprised, to find absenteeism an object of such early legislative interference, but the " census emigrationis" of the Romans was introduced in the system of Irish taxation, almost a century previous to the above date ; yet from that period has it continued to be, as it was even before, the paramount evil of Ireland, alike destructive of the strength, the rank, the revenue of the island, the industry and comforts of its peasantry, the influence of its great proprietors, and above all, the patriarchal, friendly, and social relations, that should flow from the recurrence of mutual benefits amongst all classes of the people. In 1413, Sir John Stanley landed at Clontarf, specially delegated for the maintenance of a rapacious and oppressive government, which terminated in a few months with his life. In 1440, William and James Fitzgerald, the brothers of Thomas Fitzgerald, then Grand Master of the Hospitallers, having waylaid the VOL. L e
Ixvi INTRODUCTORY MEMOIR OF THE

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog, Chapter 26
St. Adamnan holds synod at Lusk

Lusk · town · Dublin · 690–700

At the close of the seventh century, St. Adamnan, later Bishop of Iona, held a synod at Lusk which was attended by all the principal prelates of the kingdom.

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Lusk was, in the early arrangements of the Church of Ireland, a rural bishopric, and St. Macculind, its founder, is accordingly, indifferently styled in the old annals, abbot or bishop ; according to tradition, his remains were deposited under the before mentioned crypt, which being termed in Irish ** luf ca," is supposed to have given name to the locality. At the close of the seventh century, the celebrated St. Adamnan (afterwards Bishop of lona), held a synod here, at which were present all the principal prelates of the kingdom. This place subsequently suffered much from conflagration and the
DUBLIN AND DBOGHEDA RAILWAY. CVll

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog, Chapter 40
Subterranean Passages Discovered in Drogheda

Drogheda · town · Louth

Several subterranean passages of considerable extent were discovered in and around Drogheda, including one from St. Peter's Church towards the Tholsel, another along West-street, one near the ruins of the Dominican monastery, and one near the burial ground called the Cord.

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It should not be omitted, that, in and about Drogheda, several subterranean passages have been discovered, and many of considerable extent; one reacliing from St. Peter's Church towards the Tholsel, another in the line of West-street, a third near the ruins of the Dominican monastery, and a fourth near the burial groimd, popularly called the Cord. It is also to be remarked, that, below the bridge, considerable traces of an ancient weir have been discovered in dredging the Boyne, and large quantities of stone and gravel raised thereout. Mr. Brodigan of Pilton House, a gentleman whose exertions have been unceasing for the improvement of this, his native town, and at whose suggestion the work here alluded to was, with the object of improving the harbour, undertaken, has procured from Mr. John Young, the resident engineer, the following interesting particulars of its progress: " This part of the bed of the river was formerly supposed to be rock, but, so far as we have gone, the steam dredge has found nothing but large loose stones and shingle, which necessarily strained the machinery of the dredge more than sand or gravel, or other matter constituting the bed at other parts of the river; but with the exception of breaking a few Hnks, and the
108 ANCIENT STATISTICS.

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog, Chapter 112

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Drogheda, you are travelling over ground riddled with hidden passages. Several subterranean tunnels of considerable extent have been discovered in and around the town. One runs from St. Peter's Church towards the Tholsel, another follows the line of West-street, a third lies near the ruins of the Dominican monastery, and a fourth near a burial ground popularly called the Cord. Below the bridge, dredging the Boyne has turned up considerable traces of an ancient weir, along with large quantities of stone and gravel. The work was undertaken to improve the harbour at the suggestion of Mr. Brodigan of Pilton House, a man whose exertions for his native town have been unceasing. The resident engineer, Mr. John Young, reported that this part of the river bed was formerly supposed to be rock, but the steam dredge found nothing but large loose stones and shingle, which strained the machinery more than sand or gravel would have at other parts of the river.
Attack on Saul Monastery Instigated by Expelled Abbot Amlave

Saul · townland · Down · 1160–1170

Amlave, expelled Abbot of Drogheda's monastery for sacrilegious crimes, instigated chieftains to attack the monastery of Saul built by Malachy O'Morgair, driving out the religious community and despoiling their goods.

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Some time previous to the year 1170, Amlave, then Abbot of this monastery, was expelled from its government for sacrilegious crimes attributed to him, immediately after which, he instigated some of the chieftains and leaders of the coimtry to attack the monastery of Saul, which Malachy O'Morgair, the Pope's Legate, had built and liberally adorned. The reli^ous fraternity thus assailed, were driven from their holy home, and their books, vestments, cattle, with all else they had collected from the time of that legate, were despoiled, an atrocity which the Four Masters, in their Annals, deeply lament. In 1193, the aforesaid Dervorgilla, according to popular tradition, died a penitent in this abbey, at the advanced age of 85. Soon afterwards, the establishment, possibly suffering by the public opinion in reference to its late principal, fell into decay. The piety of the times did not, however, suffer the site to lie disconsecrated, and in 1206, Ursus de Swemele, with the consent of his wife Christiana, granted, in frankalmoigne, all his Irish possessions to found an hospital here, for the support of sick and infirm and the dispensation of hospitality and charity; to secure the continuance and superintendance of which inten-
112 ANCIENT STATISTICS.

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog, Chapter 113
Baron of Strabane's monument in ruined Kinure chapel

Kinure · townland · Cork · 1668

Within the grounds of Kinure Park stand the ivy-clad ruins of the old chapel of Kinure, containing a singularly inscribed monument to George, fourth Baron of Strabane, who died in 1668, erected by his widow Elizabeth Fagan.

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by the inhabitants, and an oil extracted from them. On the south side of the bay of Rush, and to the east of its little pier, are beds of fine compact limestone, the sandy soil over which affords abundant crops of early potatoes; while Drummanagh, another portion of the parish, near Kinure, is declared by Rutty, to be the richest in the whole county. On this townland, formerly the property of the Bamewall family, are some curious earthworks. In the village of Rush, is a neat cruciform chapel, and at a short distance, is Kinure Park, seen from the line. This townland was once the residence of the great Duke of Ormonde, in whose ancestry the fee of Kinure, Balcony, Whitestown, &c., had been, from a period so early as the reign of Edward the First. On the Duke's attainder, it vested in the Echlin family, from whose representative, Sir Robert Echlin, it was purchased, by an ancestor of Sir Roger Palmer, its present proprietor. The mansion is spacious, and contains many good apartments, with some valuable paintings, and a selection of vases, and other antiques. The demesne, as may be supposed, commands, some interesting seaward views; and within the grounds, in a solemn sequestered situation, are the ruins of the old chapel of Kinure, thickly overarched with festoons of ivy ; within it is a singularly inscribed monument to George, fourth Baron of Strabane, who died in 1 668, erected by his widow Elizabeth, who was the daughter of Christopher Fagan of Feltrim. In this small seaport, it may be men-

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog, Chapter 41
Castle of Drogheda and Castle of Blackagh built after invasion

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1170–1180

Immediately after the English invasion, two castles were erected at the Meath side of the Boyne to defend the marches: the Castle of Drogheda proper and the Castle of Blackagh or Ulnagh, likely built by Hugh de Lacy, first Palatine of Meath.

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Deputies, at the assailable points of the English possessions, for their defence, and which, having been retained in the royal hands, and held by Constables appointed by the Crown, were peculiarly called the King's Castles. Of these were the Castles of Drogheda, Dublin, Trim, Carlingford, Carrickfergus, Athlone. Limerick, &c.; other castles for the protection of person and property, were individually erected, and tenanted as the settlement extended. The former were long used for the custody of those who were considered criminals or enemies, and their range was extended as the country was taken in from the Irishry. In a document of the time of Elizabeth, preserved in the British Museum (Titus, B. 12), showing how Ireland was reduced, and by what means retained under the English government, it appears that the chief policy recommended was, " to restrain and take from the Irishry, by little and little, all trust of government, to build castles and fenced houses, and to commit the captaincies to trusty and well affected English." On this principle, immediately after the invasion, two castles were erected here, the Castle of Drogheda, properly so styled, and the Castle of Blackagh or Ulnagh, as it is otherwise called in some ancient documents, both situated at the Meath side of the Boyne. It may be reasonably presumed, that these were erected by Hugh de Lacy, the first Palatine of Meath, and who, by such erection of castles along the marches, best secured the settlement of English rule within the
92 ANCIENT STATISTICS.

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog

As the companion tells it

As you come through Drogheda, you are passing a place where, immediately after the English invasion, two castles were erected on the Meath side of the Boyne. One was called the Castle of Drogheda, and the other was known as the Castle of Blackagh, or Ulnagh, as some ancient documents name it. These were among the King's Castles, held not by private lords but by constables appointed by the Crown. Dublin, Trim, Carlingford, Carrickfergus, Athlone, and Limerick had castles of the same kind. They were used long after for the custody of those considered criminals or enemies, and their reach was extended as the country was taken in from the Irishry. It may be reasonably presumed that Hugh de Lacy, the first Palatine of Meath, erected the two castles here. By building castles along the marches, he best secured the settlement of English rule. A document from the time of Elizabeth, preserved in the British Museum, laid out the thinking. The chief policy recommended was, in the words of the source, "to restrain and take from the Irishry, by little and little, all trust of government, to build castles and fenced houses, and to commit the captaincies to trusty and well affected English." On that principle these castles stood.
Cromwell's siege affects St Mary's Church

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1649

The circumstances of Cromwell's siege of Drogheda particularly affected St. Mary's Church, with further details recorded elsewhere in the General History of the town.

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Acts passed in the Parliament of Drogheda in 1468, confirmed a grant of chief rents to this house. At the close of the sixteenth century, Lord Viscount Moore had a royal grant of the rectory and tithes of this church, the fee of which was confirmed to him and his descendants, by patents of 1612, 1619, and 1640. In Ussher's Visitation Book of 1622, this vicarage is stated to have been taxed at £6 I3s. 4flJ., but to be then of the value of twenty nobles sterling ; Lord Moore impropriator and patron, Mr. Robert Burton incumbent. This Return describes the church as large, and both it and the chancel in indifferent repair, and adds, " there is neither house nor glebe, save only room for a house." The circumstances attending Cromwell's siege of the town, as particularly affecting this church, are detailed in the General History at that period. In 1667, Sir Henry Tichbume, having died at Bewly, was buried in this church, " which," observes Borlase, " owed a rite to his ashes, who, with so much vigilance and excellent conduct, had preserved it and the town." In 1669, the Corporation demised to Bartholomew Doyle, part of the possessions of this house, including a pigeon-house, orchard, and 100 acres of meadow outside St. James's gate, at the annual rent of fifty-five shilUngs; and in 1677, demised other portions thereof to Arthur Ley. In June, 1690, King James the Second, while in Dublin, presented Doctor Patrick Cusack to the rectory of Duleek, with the vicarage of St. Mary of Drogheda, and all its

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog, Chapter 77

As the companion tells it

Coming up now is Drogheda, the town the road is passing through. St Mary's Church here had a long recorded life before and after the siege of 1649, though the book says the siege's particular effect on this church is told elsewhere, in the General History of the town. Before that, in 1468, the Parliament of Drogheda confirmed a grant of chief rents to this church. At the close of the sixteenth century, Lord Viscount Moore had a royal grant of the rectory and tithes, confirmed to him and his descendants by patents of 1612, 1619, and 1640. In Ussher's Visitation Book of 1622, the vicarage was taxed at 6 pounds, 13 shillings, and 4 pence, but valued at twenty nobles sterling. Lord Moore was impropriator and patron, and Mr. Robert Burton was incumbent. The church was described as large, with both it and the chancel in indifferent repair, and there was, in the book's words, "neither house nor glebe, save only room for a house." After the siege, in 1667, Sir Henry Tichborne, having died at Bewly, was buried in this church. Borlase observed that the church owed a rite to his ashes, who with so much vigilance and excellent conduct had preserved it and the town. In 1669, the Corporation leased part of the possessions to Bartholomew Doyle, including a pigeon-house, orchard, and 100 acres of meadow outside St. James's gate, at 55 shillings a year. In 1677, other portions went to Arthur Ley. In June 1690, King James the Second, while in Dublin, presented Doctor Patrick Cusack to the rectory of Duleek with the vicarage of St. Mary of Drogheda and all its appurtenances.
Drogheda Assembly held after Cromwell's storming, 1649

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1649

On 5 October 1649, the first assembly after Cromwell's storming of Drogheda was held, at which new aldermen and free burgesses were sworn in, marking a reconstitution of the Corporation after the siege.

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On the 5th of October, 1649, was held the first assembly after the storming by Cromwell, when Messrs. Nicholas Simpson, John Martin, Bartholomew Drew, William Thompson, and John Medcalfe, were sworn aldermen, and Captain Francis Graham, Jonas Elwood, Shakerly Drew, Oliver Parry, Roger Rawlinson, James Thomas, John Dowdal, Richard Hewson, Nicholas Phelps, Richard Power, Thomas Dixon, Richard Wilson, Gabriel Meade, William Vaughan, George Talbot, James Devoe, and John Stokes, were all sworn^ free burgesses, each paying 13^. 4rf., and John Fallrough was admitted a free burgess, paying a fine of forty shillings. A vote of Assembly was passed in 1656, that no Papist should be admitted free of this Corporation ; while in 1657 it was resolved, that aU Protestants, who had faithfully adhered to the interest of the Commonwealth, and been theretofore admitted and sworn free-

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog, Chapter 146

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Drogheda, you are in a town that saw Cromwell's storming in 1649. On the 5th of October that year, the first assembly was held after the siege. Nicholas Simpson, John Martin, Bartholomew Drew, William Thompson, and John Medcalfe were sworn in as aldermen, while over 20 men were sworn as free burgesses, each paying 13 shillings and 4 pence. John Fallrough was admitted a free burgess too, paying a fine of 40 shillings. This reconstituted the Corporation under new authority. In 1656 the Assembly voted that no Papist should be admitted free of the Corporation, and in 1657 it was resolved that all Protestants who had faithfully adhered to the interest of the Commonwealth and been previously admitted and sworn free would be confirmed.
George IV lands at Howth pier, 1821

Howth · townland · Dublin · 1807–1821

The first stone of Howth pier was laid in 1807, and in 1821 King George the Fourth landed there during his visit to Ireland.

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joy, as Lord Deputy for the prosecution of the war m Ulster, and Sir Greorge Carew, as Lord President of Munster, landed here, and spent the night of their arrival in the castle of Howth. In 1641, when the Lords of the Pale proposed to establish a naval armament for the security of the coasts of Ireland, and to institute an order of knighthood for its chief officers, to whom houses were to be assigned in every province, with suitable equipments for each, Howth was the station assigned for those of the province of Leinster. In 1662, the great Duke of Ormond, having returned from his retirement in France, landed here as Lord Lieutenant over the country, in whose affairs he had so long taken an important and active interest. In 1690, King William is said to have slept here, and the chamber of the royal slumber is still identified and maintained in the order of the occasion. About the year 1754, a lead mine was discovered here, which promised to be productive ; and in 1807, was laid the first stone of the pier before alluded to, where, in 1821, King George the Fourth landed on the occasion of his visit to Ireland. Immediately off Howth lies the little island, denominated
Ireland's eye.

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog, Chapter 32
Lord Leonard Grey cuts passes into Offaly and Farney, 1538

Offaly · county · Offaly · 1538

In 1538 Lord Leonard Grey reported to Henry VIII that he had cut divers passes and made smooth ways into the king's country of Offaly and likewise in the county of Farney, enabling passage of horsemen and footmen.

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Ardbraccan, through Slane and Mellefont, into Drogheda. These lines of intercourse were, however, few, even within the Pale, and in a despatch from Lord Leonard Grey to Lord Crumwell, in 1537, it is written : " A Friday we set forward from Majniooth to the Castle of Dangan, which was distant but five miles or thereabouts, and all marsh ground betwixt, so that we must have made the way thither with fagots and hurdles, and came within half a mile of the said Castle of Dangan by two of the clock at afternoon the same Friday, and there encamped in the field." ** The season approaches," writes the same Viceroy, in October, to Henry the Eighth, " when Englishmen cannot well travel to do service in Ireland ;" when, to facilitate such service, it was recommended, " that castles and piles for defence should be made on the passes and streights of the country." How much they were required in the districts without the Pale, is suggested by Lord Deputy St. Leger, in a letter of state to Lord Crumwell. "Kilkenny, Tipperary, and Waterford," he writes, " being distant from the four shires that are obedient to the king's laws, the Justices for the administration thereof, could not conveniently repair to the said other three shires." In 1538, Lord Leonard Grey acquaints Henry the Eighth : " Sythens my last letters addressed unto your Highness, I have cut divers passes, and made such smooth ways, into your Grace's country of Offaley, for carriage of horsemen and footmen, that the like was never seen

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog, Chapter 20
Lord Leonard Grey's difficult march to Dangan Castle, 1537

Dangan · townland · Meath · 1537

In 1537 Lord Leonard Grey described marching from Maynooth to the Castle of Dangan across marsh ground so difficult that fagots and hurdles were needed to make the way passable.

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Ardbraccan, through Slane and Mellefont, into Drogheda. These lines of intercourse were, however, few, even within the Pale, and in a despatch from Lord Leonard Grey to Lord Crumwell, in 1537, it is written : " A Friday we set forward from Majniooth to the Castle of Dangan, which was distant but five miles or thereabouts, and all marsh ground betwixt, so that we must have made the way thither with fagots and hurdles, and came within half a mile of the said Castle of Dangan by two of the clock at afternoon the same Friday, and there encamped in the field." ** The season approaches," writes the same Viceroy, in October, to Henry the Eighth, " when Englishmen cannot well travel to do service in Ireland ;" when, to facilitate such service, it was recommended, " that castles and piles for defence should be made on the passes and streights of the country." How much they were required in the districts without the Pale, is suggested by Lord Deputy St. Leger, in a letter of state to Lord Crumwell. "Kilkenny, Tipperary, and Waterford," he writes, " being distant from the four shires that are obedient to the king's laws, the Justices for the administration thereof, could not conveniently repair to the said other three shires." In 1538, Lord Leonard Grey acquaints Henry the Eighth : " Sythens my last letters addressed unto your Highness, I have cut divers passes, and made such smooth ways, into your Grace's country of Offaley, for carriage of horsemen and footmen, that the like was never seen

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog, Chapter 20
New Drogheda Gaol Built on Termonfeckin Road

Termonfeckin · town · Louth

The present gaol of Drogheda was built on rising ground at the north side of the town where the road issues to Termonfeckin, funded by the sale of the old gaol's materials and site. It contained sixteen cells, a hospital room and small chapel but lacked schooling, treadmill, or prison dress.

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The OaoL — The old prison of this town was built by the Corporation, and partly supported at their expense. It stood at the Meath side of the town in James's-street, on the south side. In it the cells were under ground ; the debtors were not separated from the felons ; no table of fees controlled extortion ; and, being in line with the street, the admission of spirituous liquors was practicable and frequent; yet, with all these abuses, it existed untU. 1818, when it was taken down, and the materials, together with the ground upon which it stood, were sold, and the produce applied to the erection of the present gaol. This edifice stands on a rising groimd, at the north side of the town, where the road issues to Termonfeckin. It is of a square form, surroimded by two walls, and having four yards for felons and misdemeanants, and one for debtors. The interior contains an hospital room, a small chapel, where divine service is duly celebrated according to the necessities and creeds of the inmates, and sixteen cells, six of which are furnished with a small bedstead that admits but one prisoner, the remaining ten accommodate from two to three persons each. It affords but imperfect classification, and, although frequent complaints have been made of the deficiency of inspection, the neglect of education, the absence of a
f2

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog, Chapter 91
Primate Nicholas Fleming petitions for Drogheda's incorporation

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1416

Primate Nicholas Fleming was the first to sign a petition to the king that led to the incorporation of Drogheda in its present form, uniting two formerly rival corporations divided by the Boyne. He was interred within St Peter's church in 1416.

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tion of divided interests and hostile feelings, but from this temple of their God went forth the voice of peace and charity, that laid the foundation of Drogheda's prosperity. The Primate of that day, Doctor Nicholas Fleming, was the first to sign a petition to the king, in consequence of which, the town was incorporated in its present form. In 1416, the said Archbishop was interred within this church, and in 1428, Primate Swayn held a provincial synod here, which was attended by the Prelates of Meath, Down, Clogher, Raphoe, Kilmore, Ardagh, and Derry. The chief objects of this synod were to regulate the distribution of intestates' property, to prohibit the alienation of church lands; to enforce the frequent celebration of mass, confirmation of children, administering of the sacraments, the observance of fasts and abstinence ; mummers, jesters, poets, harpers, kerns, and importunate beggars, were also hereby especially interdicted; while the Archbishop thereby next enjoined all his sufiragans to induce, establish, and maintain peace and good will in their dioceses, between English and Irishry, and amongst all the subjects of the king, under pain of ecclesiastical censure(a). This prelate, about the same time, founded, in honour of St. Anne, a chapel and chauntry in this church, in which another had been previously dedicated to the Blessed Virgin. About the year 1430, an interesting inquiry was held here before this Pre-
(a) Armagh Registry, MS.

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog, Chapter 60

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Drogheda, you're in a town shaped by Primate Nicholas Fleming. He was the first to sign a petition to the king, and in consequence the town was incorporated in its present form, uniting two formerly rival corporations divided by the Boyne. The book calls it a place where "the voice of peace and charity" laid the foundation of Drogheda's prosperity. Fleming was buried within St Peter's church in 1416. Twelve years later, in 1428, Primate Swayn held a provincial synod in that church, attended by the prelates of Meath, Down, Clogher, Raphoe, Kilmore, Ardagh, and Derry. The synod regulated the distribution of intestates' property, prohibited the alienation of church lands, and enforced the celebration of mass, confirmation of children, and administering of the sacraments. Mummers, jesters, poets, harpers, kerns, and importunate beggars were all interdicted. Swayn enjoined his suffragans to maintain peace between English and Irishry under pain of ecclesiastical censure, and founded a chapel and chantry in honour of St Anne in the church, where another had already been dedicated to the Blessed Virgin.
Sir William Russell lands at Howth and is claimed as guest, 1593

Howth · townland · Dublin · 1593

In 1593 Sir William Russell, youngest son of the Earl of Bedford, landed at Howth, where the Lord of Howth claimed him and his suite as guests for the evening before he proceeded to Dublin the next day to be received by the Council and Corporation.

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Lord, in the celebrated Geraldine rebellion, planted his artillery on this promontory, and from its commanding height, cannonaded the vessels that were sent with English forces to subdue him. About the year 1575, occurred the traditional incident, which associates the name of Grace O'Mailley (better known as Grana Weal) with this plaxje. Eetuming from her visit to Queen Elizabeth, she debarked on this shore, and, proceeding to the castle, found it closed at dinner time, a dereliction of Irish hospitality, which she considered so flagrant, that, without further notice, she carried off the young heir of the house, conveyed him to her ship, and hence a prisoner to her own castle in the county Mayo ; nor was he restored, until his father entered into an express stipulation, that his gates should never again be shut at such an hour. A painting in one of the castle chambers is supposed to represent this domestic event In 1580, Lord Grey landed atHowth as Viceroy of Ireland, as did in 1593, Sir William Russell, youngest son of the Earl of Bedford, whereupon, say the Chronicles, " the Lord of Howth claimed him and his suite as his guests for that evening." Sir William was met on the following day, on his approach to Dublin, by the Council and Corporation, who conducted him, amidst the acclamations of the people, to the castle. There, however, he refused to accept the sword, until he received, imder the hands of the Council, a fiiU account of the state of the kingdom. In 1599, Lord Mount-
DUBLIN AND DBOOHEDA RAILWAY. IxXXvii

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog, Chapter 32
Sir William Skeffington lands as Lord Deputy on Dublin strand

North Strand · street · Dublin · 1530

In 1530 Sir William Skeffington landed as Lord Deputy at the head of the North Strand, accompanied by the Bishop of Meath and the Earl of Kildare, and was met on the beach by the Mayor and citizens of Dublin who escorted him in procession into the city.

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bis grant was, with large additions and manorial rights, confirmed by Henry the Second in 1 172, and by Prince John in 1 1 86. The vigilance of the superiors of this house, and of those of Thomaa Court and Kilmainham, and that of the Archbishops of Dublin, in reference to St. Sepulchre's, precluded the extension of the city for centuries. In 1338, the LiflFey was so frozen over, that athletic sports were fearlessly exercised hereabout, and even fires kindled for culinary purposes upon it. The abbot of St Mary's had then a limited right of fishery, and of customs of fish on the river, as well as a liberty of having hake nets on the North Strand. The citizens were subsequently permitted to exercise in feats of tilting and archery over this tract, and wagers of battle, or single combat, were, under the chivalrous sanction of the times, decided upon it In 1530j Sir William Skeffington having landed as Lord Deputy, at the head of this strand, with the Bishop oi Meath and the Earl of Kildare, was met on the beach, by the Mayor and citizens of Dublin, who escorted him in procession into the city. No part of the harbour was then embanked, and the Liffey, the Tolka, and the Dodder, with the currents of the tide, flowed uncontrolled and undirected over the whole intermediate grounds. Previous to 1697, old St Michan's parish included all of Dublin, north of the Liffey. Mary's parish was then carved out of it, and included the tract at present under consideration. In 1716, the Corporation of Dublin had
d2

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog, Chapter 23
Sir William Somerville's Speech on Catholic Emancipation's Effects in Drogheda

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1842

Sir William Somerville addressed the assembled Corporation, recalling dire predictions that emancipation would bring disaster to Drogheda, including that the Boyne would overflow and deluge the town, contrasting these fears with the peaceful reality of the day.

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glory was to set for ever — something supernatural was to come to pass — the Boyne was to overflow its venerable banks and deluge your desecrated town — prosperity was for ever to fly, and leave nought behind but misery and desolation. But the change has happened, and yet I can perceive nothing very extraordinary beyond the smoke ascending from your factories, and the sound of industry outside upon your quay, whilst within sits Thomas Carty, as Mayor of Drogheda, proposing with fervid loyalty the health of the Sovereign who wields the British sceptre, and whose highest wish is, that there should be no distinctions amongst her subjects. I am delighted to have seen this day — ^it is a day of triumph over none : there may be persons who may not have the confidence of the people, but there is no mark of inferiority fixed upon them by the law — they are eligible for every office. If was the mark of inferiority wliich envenomed the sting. It is highly gratifying to me to feel, that I had a share in bringing about this good result ; and I feel full security that it must be beneficial to the town. I am delighted to stand here to return thanks to the first Town Council, and the first Mayor, elected by the free suffrages of the people. It is indeed a proud day to me to be allowed to feel, that by my humble efforts I have been able to give you some slight return for the many marks of honour which you have bestowed on me; and which I shall endeavour hereafter to deserve.' The honourable member sat

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog, Chapter 162

As the companion tells it

Coming up through Drogheda now. In 1842 Sir William Somerville stood before the Corporation here and remembered the dire warnings people had once given about Catholic Emancipation. They said something supernatural would come to pass, that the Boyne would overflow its banks and deluge the town, and that prosperity would fly forever, leaving nothing but misery and desolation. But the change had happened, and he saw nothing extraordinary beyond smoke rising from the factories and the sound of industry on the quay. Inside sat Thomas Carty as Mayor of Drogheda, proposing with fervid loyalty the health of the Sovereign, whose highest wish was that there should be no distinctions among her subjects. Somerville called it a day of triumph over none, and said there was no longer any mark of inferiority fixed upon people by the law; they were eligible for every office. He said it was the mark of inferiority which had envenomed the sting. He took pleasure in having had a share in bringing about this result and felt full security that it must be beneficial to the town. He was delighted to return thanks to the first Town Council and the first Mayor elected by the free suffrages of the people, and called it a proud day, saying by his humble efforts he had been able to give some slight return for the many marks of honour bestowed on him.
St. Macculind founds church at Lusk

Lusk · town · Dublin · 480–500

The church at Lusk was built on the site of an ancient abbey founded by St. Macculind at the close of the fifth century, and later dedicated with a round tower and later additions.

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at left, exhibits singularly beautiful remains of a church and round tower. The former was built on the site of an ancient abbey, founded here by St. Macculind, at the close of the fifth century. It is built in the later English style of architecture, with a massive square embattled steeple, having beneath it a crypt or vaulted chapel ; three of the angles are flanked by comparatively modem, round embattled slender towers, incorporated with the building, while, near the fourth angle, is an isolated roimd tower of the "veritable antique," rising to a considerable height above any other part of the building, and measuring, in the inner diameter at bottom, two yards and a half; it is in excellent preservation, and affords, by the later erection of an adjoining belfry, a very convincing evidence, that it at least was not recognized to be a fit vehicle for the transmission of sound, as the theory of some would insist it was designed. The interior of the church consists of two long aisles, separated by a series of seven pointed arches, now filled up with masonry. There are numerous sepulchral moniunents within it ; one of the.
CVl INTEODUCTORY MEMOIR OF THE

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog, Chapter 40
Strafford's attempt to seize Malahide admiralty rights fails, 1639

Malahide · town · Dublin · 1639

In 1639, Lord Strafford tried to wrest the admiralty of Malahide's port and other franchises from Richard Talbot, but the Court ruled against the Crown based on the Talbots' ancient charters.

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the couniy Louth, in 1329. In 1475, King Edward confirmed the title of the Talbot family here ; and in 1488, Sir Richard Edgecombe, when he came to take oaths of allegiance from those, who had espoused the cause of Simnel in Ireland, landed at Malahide, " and there a gentlewoman called Talbot received him, and made him right good cheer;" and the same day at afternoon, the Bishop of Meath and others came to Malahide aforesaid, well accompanied, and fetched the said Sir Kichard to Dublin, and at his coming, the Mayor and substance of the city received him at the Black Friars' Gate, at which Black Friars the said Sir Richard was lodged. In 1639, Lord Strafford sought to wrest from Richard Talbot, then the inheritor of Malahide, the admiralty of its port, and other his valuable franchises ; but, on his pleading the ancient charters under which his family had so long inherited, the Court gave judgment against the Crown, and Strafford's designs were on this occasion frustrated. In 1649, John Talbot, the son and heir of said Richard, having, in the wars of 1641, embraced that side, to which misguided loyalty and iU requited enthusiasm had hurried the gallant and respectable gentry of Ireland, shared with them the consequences of one ruinous national attainder. He was outlawed, and his castle of Malahide, with five hundred acres of land, was, about this year, granted to Miles Corbet, the regicide, soon after which, it is believed that Oliver Cromwell took up his abode for a short time
XCVl mXRODUCTORY MEMOIR OF THE

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog, Chapter 36
Sunday's Gate and the Guild of Smiths' Hall

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1664

Sunday's gate, also known as Cow-gate, was a square castle near Sunday's friary with two towers, the Tooting and Boulter's tower; in 1664 a tower over the gate was leased by the Corporation to the Guild of Smiths for their hall.

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The gates, that guarded the approaches to the town at the north side, were, in the succession of the circuit. West-gate, composed of two towers and a portcullis between (adjoining which, on the town wall, was a turret, that, in 1668, was granted by the Corporation to Alderman Towers); Fair-gate, so called from its having been the direct entrance to that part of the town where fairs were commonly held ; Sunda/s, denominated from Sunday's friary, which it immediately abutted, and of which, traces still exist in its vicinity (this was likewise popularly called the Cow-gate, and was a square castle, having near it also two towers, the Tooting and Boulter's tower, while another, immediately over it, was, in 1664, demised by the Corporation to the Guild of Smiths for their hall, at a rent of five shillings, for sixty-one years) ; St. Lawrence's gate, and Catherine's, the latter having been erected on the edge of the river. Nearly upon the site of the first, the fine house of Mr. Carty, the present Mayor, has been erected ; a fragment of Sunday's gate is the gable of a forge; Catherine's and Fair-gate are no longer identified, even through a name ; but St. Lawrence's bears ample inferential testimony to the beauty and strength of its coeval fortifications. It presents two perfect round towers, of four stories, connected by a portcullis and a retaining wall to their summits, as in the annexed engraving. This structure, and the street that leads from it to the Tholsel, are by some supposed to derive their name from the nineteenth
y /yy //"//.

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog, Chapter 100

As the companion tells it

As you come through Drogheda, the road passes the line of old gates that once guarded the north side of the town. One of these was Sunday's Gate, named for Sunday's friary, which it stood against. Traces of that friary still survive nearby. People also called it the Cow-gate. It was a square castle, with two towers near it, the Tooting and Boulter's tower. Another tower stood immediately over the gate itself, and in 1664 the Corporation leased that tower to the Guild of Smiths for their hall, at a rent of five shillings for sixty-one years. A fragment of Sunday's gate is now the gable of a forge. The other gates along the north side included West-gate, with two towers and a portcullis between them, and a turret on the town wall granted to Alderman Towers in 1668. Fair-gate took its name from being the direct entrance to the part of town where fairs were held. St. Lawrence's gate still stands, with two perfect round towers of four stories, connected by a portcullis and a retaining wall. Catherine's gate stood on the edge of the river. Fair-gate and Catherine's are no longer identified, even by name.
1234 murage charter to wall Drogheda

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1234

A murage charter was granted in 1234 for the town on both sides of the river to fund the walling and defence of Drogheda, under inspection of two burgesses, to last three years.

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quently, in 1234, a murage charter was granted for the town at both sides of the river, in aid, and for the safe keeping and defence of the same. It details fully the customs thereby sanctioned, and directs that they should be applied in walling of said town, under the inspection of two burgesses ; that they are to enure but for three years, and then to be altogether abolished. A further subsidy and aid was conceded in 1279, for a stone enclosure ; another in 1296 ; and a third in 1316, to the amount of three hundred marks, towards the repair of the wall and towers. In 1319, 1320, and 1322, royal mandates issued to the Lord Justice of Ireland, directing him to remit to the Mayor and burgesses of Droghedaat the Louth side, their fee farm rent of sixty marks per annum^ for the term of the five ensuing years, in order the better to effectuate the extension of their fortifications ; while, in two years afterwards, the same royal bounty granted to the burgesses of the town at the Meath side, an aid for repairing and strengthening their portion of the walls and towers against the Scots, and other the king's enemies, same to be charged upon the customs and farms of said town. In 1334, the authorities at each side of the Boyne had an allowance for five years towards paviage and murage ; and other murage charters were granted in 1343, 1356, 1362, 1370, 1373, and 1374; nor were King Edward's grants for such purposes suffered to be diverted, as may well be inferred from the numerous writs during his reign, ordering his
88 ANCIENT STATISTICS.

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Drogheda, the town on both sides of the River Boyne, you are travelling where walls once stood that were centuries in the building. In 1234 a murage charter was granted for the town at both sides of the river, to aid the safe keeping and defence of the place. The charter directed that the customs it sanctioned should be applied in walling the town, under the inspection of two burgesses, and that they were to last only three years before being altogether abolished. That was just the beginning. A further subsidy came in 1279 for a stone enclosure, another in 1296, and a third in 1316, amounting to 300 marks, towards repair of the wall and towers. Royal mandates in 1319, 1320, and 1322 directed the Lord Justice of Ireland to remit to the Mayor and burgesses of Drogheda at the Louth side their fee farm rent of 60 marks per annum for five ensuing years, to better extend their fortifications. Two years later, the burgesses at the Meath side received aid for repairing and strengthening their portion of the walls and towers against the Scots and other the king's enemies. Murage charters continued through 1343, 1356, 1362, 1370, 1373, and 1374, a long chain of grants kept to their purpose by royal writs.
Ancient chapel of St. Nessan on Ireland's Eye

Ireland's Eye · townland · Dublin · 500–599

On the south side of Ireland's Eye stand the ruins of a small ancient chapel, said by tradition to have been founded in the sixth century by St. Nessan, who ended his life there in abstinence and prayer.

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tose rocks of different colours, rendering, by their contrast, the curvatures of the beds very apparent The rocks and banks, some of which are wrought into the form of arches by the action of the sea, produce many curious medicinal plants, and their botanic resources, in every other department, are equally rich. Ea,bbits abound on the island ; and, in reference to its ornithology, the cross-bill {loxia\ a bird which destroys pines and fir trees, has been seen upon it occasionally, as has also the columba rupicola or rock pigeon, and, in more remote ages, the island has been the resort of a noble breed of goshawks, that used to build among its rocks ; they were in high esteem with falconers, being flown at cranes, pheasants, partridges, and wild geese ; their habit of preying on the latter is thought to be the origin of their name. On the south side of this island are the ruins of a small but very ancient chapel, founded, according to tradition, in the sixth century, by St. Nessan, who, in this sequestered sanctuary, is said to have closed the evening of a wellspent life, in abstinence and prayer.
From the position, which commands the views thus detailed, the railway proceeds still on a level to Maine, in view of

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog, Chapter 32
Archery Butts Erected in Medieval Drogheda

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1465

Butts for archery practice were erected between Taylor's Hall and Tooting Tower in Drogheda, per Statute requiring practice on holidays. This reflects the enforced military archery training under English law in the Pale.

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tween Taylor's Hall and Tooting (i. e. shooting) Tower, the butts were, according to Statute, erected for the practice of archery ; a science which, in relation to its progress in Ireland, deserves a few remarks. In the most remote periods of Irish history, the use of the bow is abundantly testified ; and the old annaUsts number archery with the exercises of the militia which Fin Mac Cool commanded on the plains of Dundalk. The native bow was not, however, of the formidable cross-bow class first invented by the Hindoos, carried into Europe by the Crusaders, and by which the battles of Agincourt and Cressy were principally obtained. ** The Irish short bow and little quivers, with short bearded arrows, are," remarks Spencer, " very Scythian." Hence it was, that the little detachments, that were led into this country by Strongbow and the other early adventurers, were enabled to eflfect with the crossbow such havoc and terror amongst the inexperienced natives ; and hence did the feats of archery, performed by Robin Hood and his followers, who fled to Ireland in the reign of Richard the First, excite such astonishment in the eyes of the citizens of Dublin. The EngHsh, however, had not been long settled here, when they enjoined the practice of archery on all the inhabitants of the Pale between sixteen and sixty years of age : this was ordained by Act of ParHament (5 Edw. IV. c 4) ; and in the same session, another Act was passed, directing that butts should be set up in every town, whereat the
106 ANCIENT STATISTICS.

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog, Chapter 111

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Drogheda, you are moving through a town where archery butts once stood between Taylor's Hall and Tooting Tower. The name Tooting, in fact, meant shooting. By statute, these butts were erected for the practice of archery, and an Act of Parliament in the 5th year of Edward the Fourth directed that butts be set up in every town for the same purpose. The English settlers had enjoined the practice of archery on all inhabitants of the Pale between 16 and 60 years of age. The native Irish bow, Spencer noted, was a short bow with little quivers and short bearded arrows, which he called very Scythian. It was not the crossbow, the weapon carried into Europe by the Crusaders, with which the battles of Agincourt and Cressy were principally obtained. The little detachments led into Ireland by Strongbow and other early adventurers were able to effect havoc and terror among the inexperienced natives with the crossbow. Even Robin Hood and his followers, who fled to Ireland in the reign of Richard the First, excited astonishment in the eyes of the citizens of Dublin with their feats of archery.
Boyne Navigation Canal links Drogheda to Navan

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1715–1789

A navigable canal was formed above Drogheda bridge, partly through the riverbed and partly in artificial cuts fed by the Boyne, extending to Navan. The Boyne Navigation Company was incorporated to manage this trade route, originally contemplated in 1715 legislation.

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From above the bridge a navigable canal has been formed, partly through the bed of the river, but chiefly in artificial parallel cuts, fed by the Boyne, and thus it proceeds to the interior as far as Navan, greatly facilitating the interchange of trade between Drogheda and the inland markets, an object for which a distinct body entitled the Boyne Navigation Company, had been incorporated. The work was originally contemplated in the General Inland Navigation Act of 1715 (2 Geo. I. c. 12, s. 21); and in April, 1746, the Corporation of Drogheda having been informed, that the Board established by that Act had been contemplating the application, of a portion of the funds vested in them by Parliament, to the service of the Boyne, but that it had been objected that the water customs of the Corporation, if required to be paid for goods and vessels passing that way, would be a discouragement to the navigation, empowered one of their aldermen, who was also a member of that Board, to engage on behalf of the Corporation, as he should think fit, for the abatement of all such water customs. The laudable project was not, however, then accomplished, but in 1787, certain other commissioners were incorporated for managing this particular line of navigation, and the Members of Parliament for Meath, Louth, and
8 MODERN STATISTICS.

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog, Chapter 56

As the companion tells it

Up ahead you are coming through Drogheda, in Louth, a town with a long trade history tied to the water. From above the bridge here, a navigable canal was formed, partly through the bed of the river but chiefly in artificial parallel cuts fed by the Boyne, running all the way to Navan and greatly easing trade between Drogheda and the inland markets. The Boyne Navigation Company was incorporated to manage it. The work was first contemplated in the General Inland Navigation Act of 1715. In April 1746, the Corporation of Drogheda learned that the Board established by that Act had been thinking of applying some of its parliamentary funds to the Boyne. But there was an objection: the water customs the Corporation could demand on goods and vessels passing that way would discourage the navigation. So the Corporation empowered one of its aldermen, who also sat on that Board, to agree on their behalf to abate all such customs. Still, the project was not accomplished then. In 1787, other commissioners were incorporated for managing this particular line of navigation, and the members of Parliament for Meath and Louth were involved.
Captain Tuite imprisoned at Limerick after 1691 capitulation

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1691

In 1691 Captain Tuite was among the prisoners taken at Limerick, and after the capitulation was confined in the 'Wheat Sheaf' until exchanged.

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meath, which were distributed to Lord Wharton, Robert Cooke, and many other patentees. In the Act of Settlement, three members of this familywere expressly mentioned, as having faithfully served the king's cause in parts beyond seas. Captain Jasper Tuite, Lieutenant Harvey Tuite, and Ensign William Tuite. From the time of the first settlement of this family in Meath, to the period last alluded to, no less than forty castles are accounted as of their foundation. In the subsequent Parliaments of Ireland, the Tuites have represented various locahties. In the " History of Westmeath," written by Sir Henry Piers, in 1682, he speaks of the Tuites as Barons of Moyashell, adding, that " they still remain of good repute and port, although the title be almost obsolete." In 1691, Captain Tuite was one of the prisoners taken at Limerick, and who, after the capitulation, was confined in the " Wheat Sheaf' until exchanged. Sir Mark Anthony Henry is the present baronet, but the inheritance of the ancient estate of Sonnagh vested by family settlement in his cousin Hugh Tuite, whose eldest son, Hugh Morgan Tuite, Esq., -is" one of the present representatives of the county Westmeath in Parhament, and who, on the recent decease of his father, became seised of the family estates].
The royal exception of the Castle of Drogheda, so contained in the grant of 1189, was continued in a similar patent of 1215, to the aforesaid Walter de Lacy, on his payment of a fine of 4000 marks ; but

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Limerick, the city holds a story from 1691. After the capitulation of Limerick that year, Captain Tuite was among the prisoners taken here, and he was confined in a place called the Wheat Sheaf until he was exchanged. The Tuite family had deep roots in Meath. By one account, no fewer than forty castles were attributed to their foundation from the time of their first settlement there. Three members of the family were named in the Act of Settlement as having faithfully served the king's cause in parts beyond seas: Captain Jasper Tuite, Lieutenant Harvey Tuite, and Ensign William Tuite. In 1682, Sir Henry Piers wrote a history of Westmeath in which he described the Tuites as Barons of Moyashell. He added that they still remain of good repute and port, although the title be almost obsolete. The family went on to represent various localities in the subsequent parliaments of Ireland. Hugh Morgan Tuite, whose father Hugh Tuite inherited the ancient estate of Sonnagh, became one of the representatives of the county Westmeath.
Danish devastation of Howth in 819

Howth · townland · Dublin · 819

In 819 the Danes devastated the district of Howth, and their descendants were said to have still inhabited the area when the first English invaders arrived.

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At the earliest period of the Christian era, a iDattle was fought here between Conall Ceamach, one of the Knights of the Red Branch, and the King of Leinster, in which the latter was slain. Immediately, afterwards, when Ireland was the sanctuary and refuge of those who fled from Roman tyranny, Howth was the residence of the celebrated Crimthan, who, according to the Irish annals, crossed the sea to stay the march of Roman oppression and vindicate the rights of the expatriated wanderers. The chronicles of this coimtry deservedly extol his achievements on this occasion. In 819, the Danes devastated this district, and their descendants are, in history, supposed to have been found there by the first English invaders, when Sir Armoricus Tristram and Sir John de Courcy, before mentioned, at the head of a chosen band, landed at Howth, and there encountering the inhabitants, defeated them in a signal engagement at the bridge of Evora, the mountain stream that falls into the sea at the north side of Howth, opposite "Ireland's Eye." Sir Armoricus lost seven relatives on this occasion, but acquired the lordship of Howth and the designation of St. Lawrence, in honour of the day of the battle, being the festival of that saint. The sword, with which he fought, is still triumphantly exhibited, amongst the relics at the castle of his noble descendant. In 1348, the remarkable pestilence, that devastated Ireland, first broke out at Howth and Dalkey, it almost depopulated Dublin and Drogheda;
DUBLIN AND DROGHEDA RAILWAY. IxXXV

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog, Chapter 32
Drogheda MP John Stanley expelled for rebellion

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1642

In 1642, Alderman John Stanley, who represented Drogheda in Parliament, was expelled from his seat for the rebellion, and Sir Thomas Lucas was returned in his place. This reflects the political fallout of the 1641 rebellion on Drogheda's parliamentary representation.

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1642. July. Sir Thomas Lucas, Knight, vice Stanley "expelled for the rebellion."
[Sir Thomas Lucas here named, had long commanded a troop of horse in the Low Countries. He was a Commissaryr General during the wars of 1641, and an active member of the Council of war during the siege. He afterwards did signal service under the Earl of Ormonde, in that nobleman's expedition to relieve the places of strength besieged by the Irishry. He was one of the seven commissioners whom the unfortunate Charles the First, when hoping to compose the dissensions of Ireland and derive some assistance to his cause from that kingdom, deputed under the great seal of England, to meet the Recusants, and receive and transmit their propositions. In 1646, as a member of the Privy Council at Dublin Castle, he signed the ordinance of peace;, but was afterwards, on the occasion of Jones's capture of Drogheda, taken prisoner.]

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog, Chapter 173

As the companion tells it

In this town in 1642, Alderman John Stanley, who represented Drogheda in Parliament, was expelled from his seat for the rebellion. Sir Thomas Lucas was returned in his place. Lucas had long commanded a troop of horse in the Low Countries and served as Commissary General during the wars of 1641. He was an active member of the Council of war during the siege. He later served under the Earl of Ormonde in his expedition to relieve places besieged by the Irishry. Charles the First named him one of seven commissioners deputed under the great seal of England to meet the Recusants and receive their propositions. In 1646 he signed the ordinance of peace as a member of the Privy Council at Dublin Castle. He was afterwards taken prisoner when Jones captured Drogheda.
Poorhouse death recorded at Drogheda

Drogheda · town · Louth

The parish burial register records the death of Courcy, an aged poor man who died outside the poorhouse and was buried the same day, illustrating poverty and social conditions in the town.

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The register of this church extends through six volumes. The first and most interesting comprises the interval from 1654 to 1704. At its commencement occur several notices oi persons "three several Sundays, at the close of the morning service in Drogheda, published, and afterwards married," by the mayor or some justice of the peace; as, Thomas Rees and Catherine Branstone, by the worshipful Samuel Stanbridge, mayor, in 1656; Nicholas Urell and Judith Glome, by Joseph Trale, minister of God's word, as approved of by the aforesaid worshipful Samuel Stanbridge ; Patrick St. Laurence, and Jane Plunket, by Justice Fingall, on the 10th of September, 1658." The burials succeed in order, and lastly baptisms; in the latter the hour of birth is usually given, as " about eight o'clock in the morning," " betwixt eight and nine of the clock." Some of the burial entries are worth notice, as in 1672, " Christopher, the son of John Griswith, a Papist, was buried." — " Courcy, an aged poor man, died out of the poorhouse and was buried the same day." — " Corporal Baily of Armagh, died at the inn the sign of the Ship, and was buried 7th January." — " William Clarke,

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog, Chapter 70

As the companion tells it

You're passing through Drogheda now. The parish burial register here runs from 1654 to 1704, and among its entries from 1672 is one that catches the eye: "Courcy, an aged poor man, died out of the poorhouse and was buried the same day." That single line is all the record gives. An old man with no surname, dying outside the poorhouse, carried to the grave before sundown. The same page notes others buried that year, including Christopher, the son of John Griswith, described as a Papist, and Corporal Baily of Armagh, who died at an inn called the Ship and was buried on the 7th of January.
Primate Fitz Ralph's controversy with Drogheda Franciscans

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1356

In 1356 Primate Richard Fitz Ralph maintained a controversy in Drogheda against the friars of the Franciscan house, even attempting to remove its ornaments to his own palace, but the friars were protected by the town's Mayor, Bathe.

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ford, Cork, and Limerick, respectively, and liberates for the continuance of these payments are still found on the rolls of the years 1324, 1333, 1344, and 1354. The privileges of this house, also, as a sanctuary, are proved by being extended to four criminals in the year 1300. In 1330, the buildings suffered most materially by an overflow of the Boyne. In 1356, the celebrated Primate Richard Fitz Ralph maintained his controversy in this town, more especially against the friars of 'this house, and actually attempted to remove the ornaments thereof to his own palace; the regulars were, however, protected, and their property preserved by Bathe, then Mayor of the town. The particulars of the controversy are fully detailed in Ware's Bishops, p. 82. A general Chapter of the order was held here in 1359, while in 1436 an inquiry was taken before the Lord Lieutenant and Council, relative to certain misdemeanors imputed to John Dartas, Esq., who not having appeared to answer said charges, either there or in Chancery, his lands and possessions were ordered to be estreated.
In 1518, the Observantine friars reformed this monastery, soon after which, on the dissolution, Richard Molane, the last warden hereof, was, by inquisition of 1543, on surrender of his possessions to the Crown, fotmd seised of a burgage and garden in Swords, held of the Archbishop of Dublin; a messuage and three acres of meadow, in Drogheda; three

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog, Chapter 119

As the companion tells it

Coming through Drogheda now. This town was the setting for a famous clash in 1356. Primate Richard Fitz Ralph maintained a controversy here, directed especially against the friars of the Franciscan house. He went so far as to attempt to remove the ornaments of that house to his own palace. The friars were protected, and their property preserved, by Bathe, then Mayor of the town. The particulars of the controversy are fully detailed in Ware's Bishops. The Franciscan house here had a longer history worth noting. Its privileges as a sanctuary are proved by being extended to four criminals in the year 1300. In 1330, the buildings suffered most materially by an overflow of the Boyne. A general chapter of the order was held here in 1359, three years after the controversy. In 1436, an inquiry was taken before the Lord Lieutenant and Council relative to certain misdemeanors imputed to John Dartas, who not having appeared to answer said charges, either there or in Chancery, his lands and possessions were ordered to be estreated. In 1518, the Observantine friars reformed this monastery.
Rapparees cut trenches across the Bog of Allen causeway

near Bog of Allen · bog · Kildare · 1690–1691

The historian Story describes a causeway running through the Bog of Allen, complaining that communication was prevented by rapparees who cut trenches across it, reflecting ongoing guerrilla resistance after the Williamite war.

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Story, as at this time " only a causeway with a deep ditch over a bog," while the communication between Drogheda and Dundalk was through Ardee. The same historian describes a causeway as then running through the Bog of Allen, while he complains, however, that all communication thereby was prevented by the rapparees having cut trenches across it. In the second year of Queen Anne's reign, by an Act of the Legislature, hackney coaches were first licensed to ply within the city of Dublin, to a number not exceeding one hundred and fifty; while chairs, or sedans, were similarly authorized, to the number of eighty, and carts and cars were also thereby licensed to ply for hire. Some idea of the state of intercourse between that metropolis and London, at this period, may be formed firom a letter of Dean Swift, in 1710, where, writing to Stella of his arrival in London, at a period when he was but fortythree years old, he says : " I got here firom Dublin last Thursday, after five days' travelling, weary the first, almost dead the second, tolerably the third, and well enough the rest, and am now glad of the fatigue, which has served for exercise." In the ensuing reign, the same authority suggests evidence of the tardiness of journeying in Ireland, when, being at Quilca, the seat of Doctor Sheridan, in the county Cavan, he intimates, that he will " set out to Dublin |0n Monday, and hope to sup at the deanery the next night." A stage coach was, at this period, running, but irregularly, between Dublin and Drogheda, as
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Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog, Chapter 22
Rogerstown as a medieval seaport with customs privileges

Rogerstown · townland · Dublin · 1438–1478

Rogerstown was once such a frequented seaport that in 1438 the Corporation of Dublin obtained a grant of customs there for forty years; its haven is now reduced to a tract of sand and mud.

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an ancient, and once so frequented seaport, that, when the Corporation of Dublin, in 1438, obtained a grant of customs for forty ensuing years, those on all merchandize imported into the harbour of Rogerstown, were especially included, with a similar privilege in the ports of Howth, Beldoyle, Malahide, Portrane, Rush, and Skerries ; its haven is now a tract of sand and mud, wide in its inner area, but npt more than four hundred yards across, where the tide enters ; the estuary, thus formed, is crossed in its centre by the embankment of the l^line, which is also protected by stone pavement ; although ordinarily it is but little exposed to the action of the sea, for the ebb and flow of which, however, a central viaduct of timber is opened, 335 feet in length, and about fifteen in height. West of this embankment appear the groves of Corduff (Mr. Hanna's), anciently a manor of the Earls of Ormond, and for four centuries the residence of the Stanyhursts, a family long distinguished in the civil and political history of Ireland, especially in the person of Richard Stanyhurst, the author of a work, " De Rebus in Hibernia gestis," a "Description of Ireland," &c. On the opposite side to Corduff, is Whitestown, or, according to its more ancient orthography. Knightstown, the ancient estate of the Lords of Howth. This locality was formerly a chapelry, subservient to Lusk, and the site of the old church is still trace-
.WW,Y

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog, Chapter 39
Sir John Rawson created Viscount Clontarf, 1541

Clontarf · parish · Dublin · 1541

In 1541 Sir John Rawson, last Prior of Kilmainham, surrendered his house's possessions to the Crown and was created Viscount Clontarf, sitting in that year's Parliament.

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Lord Deputy on the marches or borders of the Pale, near Balcock, slain several of his suite, and imprisoned himself, the king directed, that the manors of said Thomas, and amongst them the manor of Clontarf, should be sequestered ; the interdict was, however, taken off, when he had exculpated himsell' from any participation in the offence. In 1534, Lord Thomas Fitzgerald, styled the Silken Lord, here defeated the first detachment of the royal forces that was sent against him. The inhabitants of Clontarf, at this time, enjoyed a remarkable license to fish with their boats, within the liberty and bounds of Carlingford, without any payment, as of tithes or other profits, to the Crown or to the Vicar of Carlingford. On the suppression of the splendid establishment at Kilmainham, its last Prior, Sir John Rawson, who had been, at different periods. Lord Treasurer of Ireland, was, in 1541, on surrendering the possessions of his house to the Crown, created Viscount Clontarf, in right of which dignity he sat in the Parliament of that year. The Bang's letter, on this occasion, to his Irish Deputy, Sir Anthony Saint Leger, is of record. It is dated at Windsor, and expresses satisfaction at the peaceful state of the land; approves of the Deputy's administration; advises him of a remittance of £200 in "harp-groats;" hopes that future expenses may be reduced ; approves of his design to construct and repair towers against O'Connor and the Tooles ; gives directions concerning a Parliament to be summoned forth-
DUBLIN AND DROGHEDA RAILWAY. Ixvii

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog, Chapter 26
Sir John Talbot lands at Dalkey as Viceroy, 1414

Dalkey · townland · Dublin · 1414

In 1414 Sir John Talbot, Lord Furnival, later the renowned Earl of Shrewsbury, landed at the port of Dalkey as Viceroy of Ireland.

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(an ancient and long transmitted inheritance of the Fitzwilliam family, where, in 1565, Sir Henry Sydney, after landing at Dalkey, sojourned with Thomas Fitzwilliam, on the day previous to his solemn entry as Viceroy into Dublin, and which, in 1665, was the seat of the Earl of Tyrconnel, on whose forfeiture, it was granted to the Corporation), Booterstown, Frescati (once the favourite residence of the unfortunate Lord Edward Fitzgerald), the Black Rock, Monkstown, with a new church of grotesque and miscellaneous architecture (this latter locality was once the country seat of the revolutionary General, Edmimd Ludlow, and the scene of sundry state transactions during the Commonwealth), Kingstown, with its noble harbour and pier, whence King George the Fourth re-embarked in 1821, and from which to Dublin the first specimen of a railway in Ireland, was opened in 1834; Bullock (at the foot of whose oldcastle, Thomas of Lancaster, the king's son, in 1402, landed, as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, as did the Earl of Sussex in 1559, in the same capacity) ; and lastly, Dalkey, once the principal emporium for the commerce of Ireland, and as such, defended from the freebooters of the mountains, and the pirates of the sea, by seven strongly fortified and wellmanned castles ; while to the Archbishop of Dubhn and his successors, was committed, the diBce of admiral, or water-bailiff, within the manor and port. In 1414, Sir John Talbot, Lord Furnival, afterwards the rendwned Earl of Shrewsbury, landed at this
IXX INTRODUCTORY MEMOIR OF THE

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog
Charter school opened at Clontarf, 1749

Clontarf · parish · Dublin · 1749

In 1749 the charter school at Clontarf was opened for one hundred boys, with the King's representative laying the first stone, though such schools were later suppressed due to national hostility.

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the Corporation of Dublin, the latter claiming title, as within their franchises, to a portion of the strand called Crab-Lough, between the shore of Clontarf and the North. Bull, while the former maintained, that the said tract of strand, comprising 195 acres, which they called the pool and island of Clontarf, was parcel of their manor; the Corporation, however, in their perambulations, crossed from Ballybough bridge to Clontarf, and. so to the Sheds of Clontarf, thenceforward to the mill of Batheny, from . which they proceeded northwards 130 perches, to a little brook, which they asserted was the termination of the city liberties in that direction. In 1749, the charter school before alluded to, was opened for one hundred boys, the King's representative having laid the first stone of the edifice ; but this, and other establishments of the same class, having excited national hostihty, and, consequently, prolonged antireligious differences in Ireland, were, within the last few years, wisely suppressed. In 1756, a lead mine on the adjacent strand was discovered, and worked, but the overflowings of the tide have hitherto prevented the prosecution of the undertaking.
South of Clontarf, at this point of observation, the beautiful bay of Dublin opens, intersected with the long line of the South Wall, which projects itself into the sea to the distance of about three Irish miles, and bounded beyond this line, at its remoter shore, with the villages of Irishtown (whose ancient church is a prominent object), Sandymount,Merrion,

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog, Chapter 26
St Mary's Church founded for Carmelite friars on strategic site

Drogheda · town · Louth

St. Mary's Church was originally founded by the townspeople for friars following Carmelite rules, situated on the most elevated part of southern Drogheda at the town wall's south-eastern angle overlooking a deep valley, making it a strong military position later used for defense.

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Virgin, was not inaptly, from its situation, called St. Mar/s of Mount Carmel, and, accordingly, its fraternity early adopted the rules and discipline of the Carmelites. Erected, as it was, on the most elevated part of the southern division of Drogheda, and filling the south-eastern angle of the town wall, where it ran along the brink of a deep precipitous valley, its defences as a military position (and to such uses was it subsequently, from necessity, converted), were, by nature and art, exceedingly strong. It was early subjected, by Walter de Lacy, to the priory of St. Cienan of Duleek, and is said to have derived a portion of its support from the tolls on butter entering the town at St. John's gate, the ruin of which is still denominated the Butter gate(a). De Lacy afterwards granted this church, with Duleek, in frankalmoigne, to the house of Lanthony near Gloucester, which latter donation was subsequently confirmed by King John, Edward the Second, and Edward the Fourth. By inquisition taken in 1307, it appears, that the Corporation had theretofore granted to this establishment, eighty square virgates of land, each vixgate containing from twenty to forty acres, as local custom prescribed. In 1310, the Carmelites of this house had a further grant, which is of record in the Tower of London; and in 1345, Bichard Fitz William, Mayor of Drogheda, had license to assign
(«) The southern tower of the west front of the cathedral of Rouen, is also called the Butter Gate, possibly for the same reason.

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog, Chapter 76
1395 warrant against absentee emigration at Clontarf

Clontarf · parish · Dublin · 1395

In 1395 a state warrant issued to arrest and detain all ships in the water of Clontarf destined to convey passengers to England, an early legislative measure against absenteeism.

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ral books, the property of certain clergymen, whose influence was reported to be exercised to the prejudice of the Crown, were seized in the harbour of Clontarf, where they had been shipped. About the same tiine,this manor, according to the Pope's decree, passed into the possession of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, who, on the suppression of the Templars, had succeeded at Kilmainham. In 1395, a state warrant issued in aid of the laws against absenteeism, to arrest and detain all ships " in the water of Clontarf," destined to convey passengers to England. Some readers maybe surprised, to find absenteeism an object of such early legislative interference, but the " census emigrationis" of the Romans was introduced in the system of Irish taxation, almost a century previous to the above date ; yet from that period has it continued to be, as it was even before, the paramount evil of Ireland, alike destructive of the strength, the rank, the revenue of the island, the industry and comforts of its peasantry, the influence of its great proprietors, and above all, the patriarchal, friendly, and social relations, that should flow from the recurrence of mutual benefits amongst all classes of the people. In 1413, Sir John Stanley landed at Clontarf, specially delegated for the maintenance of a rapacious and oppressive government, which terminated in a few months with his life. In 1440, William and James Fitzgerald, the brothers of Thomas Fitzgerald, then Grand Master of the Hospitallers, having waylaid the VOL. L e
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Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog, Chapter 26
Ancient Delahoyde and Hill Tombstone of 1525

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1525

The oldest tombstone in St. Mary's cemetery commemorates Richard Hill, twice Mayor of Drogheda, and his daughter Jenet Hill, mother of Thomas Delahoyde, also a Mayor, who died in 1525. The inscription runs in basso relievo around the margin enclosing armorials.

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Delahoyde and Hill. This, the oldest tombstone in the cemetery, commemorates members of these families in the words following : "Here lieth the body of Richard Hill, sometime twice Mayor of this town of Drogheda, deceased, and of Jenet Hill, his daugh-
ter, mother unto Thomas Delahoyde, sometime Mayor of the same, whose body hereunder lyeth, deceased the 16th of August, 1525, and Eliza — ing, his wife." The inscription is in basso relievo, and runs round the margin, enclosing the armorials in the centre.

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog, Chapter 80

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is Drogheda, and in St. Mary's cemetery there stands the oldest tombstone in the graveyard, dating from 1525. It marks Richard Hill, twice Mayor of the town, and his daughter Jenet Hill, mother of Thomas Delahoyde, who also served as Mayor. The inscription runs in basso relievo around the margin, enclosing the armorials in the centre. The words read: "Here lieth the body of Richard Hill, sometime twice Mayor of this town of Drogheda, deceased."
Church of Kill-Barrock founded by St. Modomnoc

Kilbarrack · parish · Dublin

The ruined church at Kill-Barrock, anciently called Llann Beachaire, was founded by Modomnoc, said to have introduced bees from Anglesey into Ireland, and served as a votive chapel for mariners frequenting Dublin bay.

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anciently called by the Welch title of Llann Beachaire, as founded by Modomnoc, a saint of that country, And who, according to his biographers, first introduced bees from Anglesey into Ireland. His foundation became the votive chapel of mariners
Ixxviii INTRODUCTOBY MEMOIR OF THE

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog, Chapter 31
Civic Procession Along Shop-street and North-quay

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1842

Following the mayoral inauguration, the new Council processed with sword and mace through Shop-street and along the North-quay amid cannon fire from ships and cheering crowds, celebrating the reform of the Corporation.

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adjourned, and immediately formed in procession : the sword and mace were borne in advance, followed by the Mayor and Alderman Ternan, and the Aldermen, Town-Councillors and gentlemen invited as guests, two and two, accompanied by thousands of the delighted people. In this order they proceeded down Shop-street, and along the North-quay, amid loud acclamations, the waving of hats and handkerchiefs from the windows, and the firing of cannon from the shipping (which had all
CORPORATE HISTORY. 221

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Drogheda in 1842, this town sees a celebration of Corporation reform. The new Council forms a procession with sword and mace borne in advance, the Mayor and Alderman Ternan following, then aldermen, councillors and guests two by two. They proceed down Shop-street and along the North-quay amid loud acclamations, waving hats and handkerchiefs from windows, and cannon firing from the ships, joined by thousands of delighted people.
Dissolution of Holmpatrick priory, 1537

Holmpatrick · street · Dublin · 1537

The priory of Holmpatrick was one of the earliest Irish religious houses suppressed in 1537, prior to the general dissolution of the monasteries.

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obtained a grant of the customs of all boats pljdng between the Nanny water and Arklow Head ; and in 1 532, at a hosting which the King commanded to be held on the hill of Owenstown, the Prior of Holmpatrick was summoned to attend in right of the manor of Hacketstown. This priory was on6 of the earliest Irish rehgious houses suppressed in 1537, previous to the general dissolution. In the Parliament of the second year of Elizabeth, Thomas Fitz Williams, of Holmpatrick, was one of the knights of the shire representing the county of Dublin, while his father-in-law, the celebrated Chief- Baron Finglas, then resident at Westpalstown, was the other. In 1575, a great plague haviQg broken out in Dublin, Sir Henry Sidney landed at Skerries as Lord Deputy of Ireland, as did Sir Oliver St. John in 1616, while in 1578, Sir Thomas Fitz William, of Baggot's-rath and Merrion, had a grant of the monastery of Holmpatrick, with its possessions, therein fully detailed, including one watermill, one windmill upon Chanon-hill, four islands by the haven of Skerries, certain premises in the hamlet of Bamageera, two messuages, six cottages, 144a., and the customs of the farmers thereof in the town of Milverton ; 135a. with similar customs in Hacketstown ; the rectory and church of Holmpatrick, with all tithes and profits thereto belonging; the custom and poundage of all wares and merchandize on the quay of Skerries, wrecks of the sea, all customs of the tithe fish, the customs of the farmers of the messuages and cottages in the town or village of Sker-

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog, Chapter 46
Founding of church at Clontarf, 550

Clontarf · parish · Dublin · 550

In 550 a church was founded at Clontarf, dedicated to St Congal, abbot and founder of the monastery of Bangor and other religious houses.

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extreinity of the North Bull, a long strip of insulated sandy ground, partly green, which extends thence towards the hill of Howth; and off the Sheds of Clon* tarf, so called from wooden buildings that had been there used for curing fish, is a profitable oyster-bank The history of Clontarf, situated as it was, in the centre of the ancient denomination of Moynealta, connects itself with the highest legends of the bardic age, wherein it is alleged, that Partholanus, one of the earliest invaders of Ireland, closed his adventurous life on this then barren shore; other authorities, however, assign Howth as the place where he and all his followers fell victims to the plague. It subsequently obtained the Irish name of Clontarf, i. e. the plain of the bull, from the fanciful appearance of the large sand bank above alluded to in front of it, and which still retains that appellation in the English tongue. In 550, a church was founded here, and dedicated to St Congal, the abbot, foimder also of the noble monastery of Bangor, and of other religious houses ; and in 1014, Brian Boroihme, the justly celebrated monarch of Ireland, in the eightieth year of his age, here achieved that victory over the Danes before alluded to. The glories of the triumph were, how-r ever, deeply darkened, by the fall of this good old king, the most splendid ornament of the O'Brien race, the lawgiver and the hero, the Alfred and Epaminondas of his country. At the close of the engagement, he was sacrificed by a flying party of the enemy to the manes of their fallen comrades. In
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Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog, Chapter 26
King John's 1210 visit to Drogheda and disseisin of de Lacy

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1210

During his second visit to Ireland in 1210, King John sojourned in Drogheda and disseised Hugh de Lacy of his possessions there, subsequently erecting the counties of Meath and Louth and taking both Drogheda boroughs under royal protection.

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been attached by his *• burgage" in Drogheda, for plundering a ship of Leytown, but who afterwards sued out a pardon, was thereupon restored to his said "burgage"(a). In 1210, however, when King John made his second visit to Ireland, and sojourned in Drogheda, he disseised De Lacy of his posses- 8ions(i); whereupon, and having erected, as before mentioned, the two counties of Meath and Louth, he took both boroughs to his especial protection, and, in three years afterwards, he, by their first royal charter, " granted, and confirmed, to our burgesses of the bridge of Drogheda, and their heirs, for ever, that they might have and enjoy the law of Bristol, with all hberties and customs appertaining thereto, and that they might use the same as well in England as in Ireland, as others hold and enjoy the same throughout the land(c). That this charter contemplated both boroughs, seems confirmed by the distinction drawn in a patent of 1216, whereby Nicholas, son and heir of Bertram de Verdon, had seisin of " Ponte Ferrardi" (i. e. Drogheda at the Ferrard side of the bridge), the king retaining to himself the borough " Villa ips^* de Ponte."
By the Great Charter for Ireland, bearing date in 1216, it was, amongst other things, provided, that cities, towns, boroughs, and ports, should enjoy all their liberties and free customs, a form of confirma-

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog, Chapter 128

As the companion tells it

Coming through Drogheda now. In 1210 King John made his second visit to Ireland and sojourned in this town, where he disseised Hugh de Lacy of his possessions. Having erected the two counties of Meath and Louth, he took both Drogheda boroughs under his especial protection. Three years later, by their first royal charter, he granted to the burgesses of the bridge of Drogheda and their heirs for ever that they might have and enjoy the law of Bristol, with all liberties and customs appertaining thereto, as well in England as in Ireland. A patent of 1216 gave Nicholas, son and heir of Bertram de Verdon, seisin of Drogheda at the Ferrard side of the bridge, while the king retained the borough to himself. The Great Charter for Ireland, also bearing date in 1216, provided that cities, towns, boroughs, and ports should enjoy all their liberties and free customs.
Road (toghar) of Athlone formed by rival kings, 1001

Athlone · town · Westmeath · 1001

Tigernach records the formation of the road (toghar) of Athlone in 1001 through the cooperation of O'Melaghlin, King of Meath, and O'Conor, King of Connaught.

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Lougli Gara in Connauglit. This species of communication was constructed of stones and huge blocks of timber, fixed firmly over fordable places, and extending in irregular succession from bank to bank. Tigemach mentions a battle fought at the road of the two fords," in 587, another " at the road of the rock," in 726, and relates the formation of the road (toghar) of Athlone in 1001, by the co-operation of O'Melaghlin, King of Meath, and O'Conor, King of Connaught ; a stone causeway is also alleged to have been constructed thence to Clonmacnoise in 1170, and several bridges and mills are, in the native Annals, stated to be erected at the latter period. That the ancient Irish used chariots or cars for travelling, is expressly stated in the very early Annals of Tigernach, and in other Irish chronicles, as those of the Four Masters, of Inisfallen, &c. Indeed, in the intercourse that existed between this country and Britain, more especially at the time of the Roman occupation of the latter kingdom, it would be difficult to imagine, that the Irish, if they had not cars of their own invention, could have failed to introduce them thence. That the Britons went to the field of battle in chariots, is too well known to require illustration, and Diodorus Siculus extends their use to the ordinary purposes of travelling. So frequent were they in Britain, that Csesar alleges, Cassibelaunus, after he had dismissed in despair all his other forces, retained no fewer than four thousand of these war chariots about his person ; and

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog, Chapter 16

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Athlone, you're on ground where two rival kings worked together in 1001. Tigernach records that O'Melaghlin, King of Meath, and O'Conor, King of Connaught, joined forces to build the road here. A toghar was a road made of stones and huge blocks of timber, fixed firmly over fordable places, stretching from bank to bank. Later, in 1170, a stone causeway was built from here to Clonmacnoise.
Sir Richard Edgecombe rides from All Hallows to Drogheda, 1488

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1488

On 23 July 1488, Sir Richard Edgecombe met the Earl of Kildare at All Hallows near Dublin, then rode to Drogheda, twenty-four miles distant, the same day, demonstrating the route's importance.

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kingdom of Leinster, he commanded 2500 of the country people to clear a passage, *' for there were then no roads, neither could any person, however he might be furnished with bold and valiant men, find a passage, the woods were so dangerous." It will be, however, observed, that all these notices refer to localities without the English Pale. In 1428, Sir John Sutton, when Viceroy of Ireland, made a successful expedition against the O'Byrnes, on which occasion the Sheriff of the coimty of Dublin was ordered to provide for his use on the journey, one himdred carts of victuals ; " bigas," being the word used in the record, and which, in its ordinary and derivative application, expresses vehicles drawn by two horses. In the reign of Henry the Seventh, when Sir Richard Edgecombe was sent to Ireland, to receive the homage of the misguided Irishry who had espoused the cause of Lambert Simnel, he fixed his stations almost exclusively at the sea-ports of the Eastern coast ; it is, however, worthy of notice, that, on the 23rd of July (1488), " about eight of the bell, he went to the Earl of Kildare, to a place called All Hallows, without Dublin, and there had long communication with him and his council, and on that day, at after dinner, the said Sir Richard rode to Drogheda, twenty-four miles thence ;" no small test, as it would seem, to the facilities of this way, which, even then, was obviously a mediimi of paramount intercourse.
Finglas, who was Chief Baron of the Irish Ex-

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog, Chapter 18

As the companion tells it

As you come through Drogheda, you are on a road that mattered long before it was paved. In 1488, in the reign of Henry the Seventh, Sir Richard Edgecombe was sent to Ireland to receive the homage of the Irishry who had espoused the cause of Lambert Simnel. He fixed his stations almost exclusively at the sea-ports of the eastern coast. But on the 23rd of July that year, about eight of the bell, he went to the Earl of Kildare, to a place called All Hallows, without Dublin, and there had long communication with him and his council. On that same day, after dinner, he rode to Drogheda, twenty-four miles thence. That ride was no small test of the facilities of this way, which even then was a medium of paramount intercourse. The book notes that in earlier times, in the kingdom of Leinster, a commander had to set 2500 of the country people to clear a passage, for there were then no roads, and the woods were so dangerous that no person, however furnished with bold and valiant men, could find a way. But those notices refer to localities without the English Pale. By 1428, when Sir John Sutton was Viceroy, the Sheriff of the county of Dublin was ordered to provide one hundred carts of victuals for his journey against the O'Byrnes. The road to Drogheda was clearly well inside the Pale, and well served.
Ruined church and Hollywood family burial at Artane

Artaine · parish · Dublin

The church at Artane was a picturesque ruin and long the burial-place of the Hollywood family, though much of its walls has since been sacrilegiously appropriated to build a modern edifice.

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estate of the family of Hollywood, or " de Sacro Bosco," having been purchased in the fourteenth century by Robert de Hollywood, then one of the Remembrancers, and afterwards a Baron of the Exchequer. In 1533, John Allen, Archbishop of Dublin, when intending to fly from the resentment of Lord Thomas Fitzgerald, then in rebellion against his king, took boat from Dublin, but, his little bark having been driven on tlie adjacent shore, he sought shelter in Artane, where, being discovered, he was dragged from his bed, and inhumanly murdered. This ill-fated prelate was the pupil of Wolsey, and trained up by him in political intrigue. He had served his ambitious patron as judge in his legatine court, with an assiduity and attention, neither upright nor honourable, and, though accused of misdemeanor, and dismissed from this office, he was still protected by the Cardinal, and proved his useful and active agent in the suppression of monasteries. The jealousy of Gardiner, however, effected his removal to Ireland, where his adoption of his patron's prejudices against the Geraldines led to his destruction. On the breaking out of the civil war of 1641, the castle of Artane was taken by Luke Netterville, at the head of a body of royalists, and garrisoned thereupon for the king. The church was a picturesque ruin, and long the burial-place of the Hollywood family ; a great proportion of its walls has, however, been sacrilegiously appropriated to the construction of a modern edifice. The
DUBLIN AND DBOGHEDA RAILWAY. Ixxiii

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog, Chapter 28
Seizure of clergymen's books in Clontarf harbour, 1377

Clontarf · parish · Dublin · 1377

In 1377, pursuant to a royal mandate, books belonging to certain clergymen thought to work against the Crown's interest were seized in Clontarf harbour where they had been shipped.

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1171, when Roderic O'Conor invested the city of Dublin with his auxiUaries, Mac Duoleve, the petty prince of Ulster, had his station here, as hadO'Rourke of Brefiiy (the abduction of whose wife was the alleged inducement of the English invasion), in the subsequent memorable attack upon Milo de Cogan. Immediately afterwards, Hugh de Lacy, the great Palatine of Meath, conferred upon his favourite, Adam de Phepoe, one knight's fee in the vicinage of Dublin, comprising Clontarf, upon which, De Phepoe is said to have built a castle ; while, in the service of religion, the commandery (as religious houses attached to military orders were more commonly called), was founded here for Knights Templars, dependant upon Strongbow's splendid establishment of the order at Kilmainham. It was liberally endowed by private munificence, and a grant by Nicholas Taaffe, of all his lands of Killergy, to the Master of the Templars here, is yet of record. In 1311, on the suppression of this order, their manors at Clontarf, &c., were granted to Richard de Burgo, Earl of Ulster, but the religious edifices continued to be upheld as royal houses, and numerous records occur of salaries and Hberates paid from the treasury, to the janitor, the butler, &c., of " our Royal House of Clontarf" A large venerable mulberry tree, in a garden in the town, is thought to mark the vicinity of the commandery, even yet surviving, byfive centuries, the pious hands that planted it. In 1377, in pursuance of the royal mandate, seve-
DUBLIN AND DROGHEDA RAILWAY. IxV

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog, Chapter 26
Burial of a 'Papist' child noted in St Peter's register

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1672

The burial register of St. Peter's Church in 1672 specifically notes the burial of Christopher, son of John Griswith, described as 'a Papist', reflecting the religious distinctions recorded in parish records.

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The register of this church extends through six volumes. The first and most interesting comprises the interval from 1654 to 1704. At its commencement occur several notices oi persons "three several Sundays, at the close of the morning service in Drogheda, published, and afterwards married," by the mayor or some justice of the peace; as, Thomas Rees and Catherine Branstone, by the worshipful Samuel Stanbridge, mayor, in 1656; Nicholas Urell and Judith Glome, by Joseph Trale, minister of God's word, as approved of by the aforesaid worshipful Samuel Stanbridge ; Patrick St. Laurence, and Jane Plunket, by Justice Fingall, on the 10th of September, 1658." The burials succeed in order, and lastly baptisms; in the latter the hour of birth is usually given, as " about eight o'clock in the morning," " betwixt eight and nine of the clock." Some of the burial entries are worth notice, as in 1672, " Christopher, the son of John Griswith, a Papist, was buried." — " Courcy, an aged poor man, died out of the poorhouse and was buried the same day." — " Corporal Baily of Armagh, died at the inn the sign of the Ship, and was buried 7th January." — " William Clarke,

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog, Chapter 70

As the companion tells it

Drogheda sits along this road in Louth, and its St. Peter's Church kept a burial register stretching across six volumes. The earliest volume covers the years from 1654 to 1704, and among its burial entries one from 1672 stands out. Christopher, the son of John Griswith, was buried, and the register notes he was 'a Papist.' The parish records marked religious distinctions plainly, labelling this child by his family's faith. Other entries in the same register record marriages performed by the mayor or a justice of the peace, and burials of an aged poor man from the poorhouse and a corporal who died at an inn called the Ship. But it is that single word beside a child's name that catches the eye.
Monument to Right Honorable Henry Singleton at St Peter's

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1760

A mural monument commemorates Henry Singleton, who served as Recorder of Drogheda before rising to Prime Serjeant, Lord Chief Justice, and Master of the Rolls, dying in 1760; erected by his nephew.

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Although this church was the burial place of so many prelates, and in more modem times of so many members of the illustrious house of Moore, not a monument exists to commemorate their obits ; there are others, however, as follow. At left of the communion table is a white marble slab, to the memory of Alderman Francis Leigh, who represented the town in Parhament for upwards of thirty years, died 1778; to his wife Anne Leigh, otherwise Bingham, died 1773; and their daughter, Anna Maria, died 1779. Near it is another mural monument to the Eight Honorable Henry Singleton, who in early life was Recorder of this town, afterwards successively Prime Serjeant, Lord Chief Justice, and lastly Master of the Rolls, and died in 1760; this memorial was erected by his nephew Sydenham Singleton, Esq. At the opposite side of the communion table

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog, Chapter 71

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Drogheda, there is a mural monument at St Peter's church to the Right Honourable Henry Singleton. He began his career as Recorder of this town, then rose successively to Prime Serjeant, Lord Chief Justice, and finally Master of the Rolls. He died in 1760, and the memorial was erected by his nephew, Sydenham Singleton.
Chief Baron Cornwalsh sails from Howth to advise the King, 1427

Howth · townland · Dublin · 1427

In 1427, Chief Baron Cornwalsh sailed from Howth to advise the King on the state of Ireland, receiving an allowance of 6s. 8d. per day for his expenses.

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in the former alone, from August to Cliristmas, 14,000 persons perished. In 1380, Edmimd de Mortimer, Earl of March and Ulster, landed here as Viceroy of Ireland, and in 1427, Chief Baron Cornwalsh sailed hence to advise the King on the state of Ireland, being allowed 6s. 8rf. per day for his expenses while employed upon that mission. In 1449, Richard Plantagenet, Duke of York, father of Edward the Fourth, landed at Howth as Lord Lieutenant, and his government of Ireland was a short but cheering interval(a). In 1451, Sir Christopher, the fourteenth Baron of Howth, was empowered by Act of Parliament to search for a mine within his lordship, as well for tin as for lead ore, and to receive the profits thereof to his own use, during the term of three years, subject to the annual rent of 6s. Srf., if it should be found. Sir Nicholas St. Lawrence, the sixteenth Lord of Howth, was steadily attached to the House of Lancaster, and, during the political convulsion that shook Ireland from its allegiance, in the cause of Lambert Simnel, was one of those who zealously maintained King Henry's title and interest ; accordingly, when the rebellion raised on that account was quelled, the King presented to this nobleman, as a tribute for his loyalty and services, 300 pieces of gold, with a patent confirmatory of all his inheritance. Sir Nicholas dying in 1526, was interred in the abbey here. In 1534, "the Silken
(a) See History of Drogheda, voL ii. pp. 148-9.

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog, Chapter 32
Duke of Ormond lands at Howth as Lord Lieutenant, 1662

Howth · townland · Dublin · 1662

In 1662 the Duke of Ormond, returning from exile in France, landed at Howth as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.

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joy, as Lord Deputy for the prosecution of the war m Ulster, and Sir Greorge Carew, as Lord President of Munster, landed here, and spent the night of their arrival in the castle of Howth. In 1641, when the Lords of the Pale proposed to establish a naval armament for the security of the coasts of Ireland, and to institute an order of knighthood for its chief officers, to whom houses were to be assigned in every province, with suitable equipments for each, Howth was the station assigned for those of the province of Leinster. In 1662, the great Duke of Ormond, having returned from his retirement in France, landed here as Lord Lieutenant over the country, in whose affairs he had so long taken an important and active interest. In 1690, King William is said to have slept here, and the chamber of the royal slumber is still identified and maintained in the order of the occasion. About the year 1754, a lead mine was discovered here, which promised to be productive ; and in 1807, was laid the first stone of the pier before alluded to, where, in 1821, King George the Fourth landed on the occasion of his visit to Ireland. Immediately off Howth lies the little island, denominated
Ireland's eye.

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog, Chapter 32
Grant of religious houses to Drogheda Corporation, 1557

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1557

By charter dated 6 April 1557, the religious houses of St. Mary de Urso and St. Lawrence, and those of the Augustinians and Carmelites, were granted to the Corporation of Drogheda in fee farm forever.

Read the passage

title to the said rent of forty shillings ; and that the Corporation should thenceforth suffer his Lordship to enjoy the said rent without let or disturbance. By a charter dated 6th of April, 1557, the religious houses of St. Mary de Urso and St. Lawrence, and those of the Augustinians and Carmelites, were granted to this Corporation in fee farm for ever. It was also provided, that the burgesses resident in Drogheda should not be compelled to appear in any of the King's Courts elsewhere, in suits arising in Drogheda, nor be put on juries out of the town ; but that the burgesses should answer for lands held by them without the franchises in the King's Courts in Dublin, or elsewhere : a general confirmation of privileges was added, and the Mayor, &c., agreed that the King's Justices might hold the assizes in the Tholsel of Drogheda, or elsewhere within the town ; and that he would find accommodations and food for the said Justices, and their horses, during the assizes. In Michaelmas, 1570, the Mayor and Sheriffs of this town took their oaths of office in the Tholsel before Sir Henry Sydney, Lord Deputy of Ireland, who was himself on this occasion admitted a freeman and Alderman of the Corporation.
Spenser, in his " View of the State of Ireland," where he inculcates the necessity of having garrisons stationed throughout that country, especially in Waterford and Cork, because " these two cities above all the rest, do offer an in-gate to the Spaniard most fitly ; but yet because they shall not take ex-

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog, Chapter 143

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Drogheda, you're in a town that received a major grant back in 1557. By charter dated 6 April of that year, the religious houses of St. Mary de Urso and St. Lawrence, along with those of the Augustinians and Carmelites, were granted to the Corporation of Drogheda in fee farm forever. The same charter gave the burgesses resident in Drogheda protection from being compelled to appear in the King's Courts elsewhere in suits arising in the town, and from being put on juries outside it. A general confirmation of privileges was added. In return, the Mayor and others agreed that the King's Justices might hold the assizes in the Tholsel of Drogheda or elsewhere within the town, and that he would find accommodations and food for the Justices and their horses during the assizes. Later, in Michaelmas 1570, the Mayor and Sheriffs took their oaths of office in the Tholsel before Sir Henry Sydney, Lord Deputy of Ireland, who was himself admitted a freeman and Alderman of the Corporation on that occasion.
Ruinous road between Dundalk and Newry described by Story

near Newry · town · Down · 1690

The historian Story described the road between Dundalk and Newry at the time of the Williamite war as merely a causeway with a deep ditch over a bog, showing the poor infrastructure during military campaigning.

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Story, as at this time " only a causeway with a deep ditch over a bog," while the communication between Drogheda and Dundalk was through Ardee. The same historian describes a causeway as then running through the Bog of Allen, while he complains, however, that all communication thereby was prevented by the rapparees having cut trenches across it. In the second year of Queen Anne's reign, by an Act of the Legislature, hackney coaches were first licensed to ply within the city of Dublin, to a number not exceeding one hundred and fifty; while chairs, or sedans, were similarly authorized, to the number of eighty, and carts and cars were also thereby licensed to ply for hire. Some idea of the state of intercourse between that metropolis and London, at this period, may be formed firom a letter of Dean Swift, in 1710, where, writing to Stella of his arrival in London, at a period when he was but fortythree years old, he says : " I got here firom Dublin last Thursday, after five days' travelling, weary the first, almost dead the second, tolerably the third, and well enough the rest, and am now glad of the fatigue, which has served for exercise." In the ensuing reign, the same authority suggests evidence of the tardiness of journeying in Ireland, when, being at Quilca, the seat of Doctor Sheridan, in the county Cavan, he intimates, that he will " set out to Dublin |0n Monday, and hope to sup at the deanery the next night." A stage coach was, at this period, running, but irregularly, between Dublin and Drogheda, as
Xliv INTRODUCTORY MEMOIR OF THE

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog, Chapter 22
Spenser urges garrisoning of Drogheda against Spanish invasion

Drogheda · town · Louth

Spenser's 'View of the State of Ireland' recommended garrisoning coastal towns against Spanish landing, charging Drogheda to maintain twenty-five soldiers out of corporate funds, alongside Dundalk and Ardee.

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thus rateably :" and he then enumerates the forces to be respectively maintained out of the corporate funds, twenty-five in Drogheda, ten in Dundalk, ten in Ardee, &c. Drogheda having subsequently submitted to the Royal pleasure as to the customs and poundage, his Majesty King James the First, on the 3rd of March, 1608, ordered the Lord Deputy to renew its charter ; accordingly, letters patent bearing date on the 18th of December, 1609, granted to the Corporation a guild of merchants of the staple, consisting of a Mayor, two constables, and such a number of merchants of the town and county as should seem expedient, to be chosen by the Mayor, Sheriffs, Burgesses, and Commons of the town, with power to the persons so chosen, to make by-laws, and a prohibition against any merchant but those of the staple buying or selling any merchandize of the staple within the coimty, on pain of forfeiture ; and also against shipping any such goods imless purchased from a merchant of the staple within the town. It also directed, that none should buy or sell by retail, or private bargain, any merchandize within
184 CORPORATE HISTORY.

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog, Chapter 144

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Drogheda, this is a town Spenser had in mind when he wrote his View of the State of Ireland. He urged garrisoning coastal towns against a Spanish landing, and wanted Drogheda to keep 25 soldiers out of its own corporate funds, with Dundalk and Ardee holding 10 each. The town later submitted to the Crown on customs and poundage, and in March 1608 King James the First ordered its charter renewed. Letters patent followed in December 1609, granting the Corporation a guild of merchants of the staple, a mayor, two constables, and merchants chosen by the town's mayor, sheriffs, burgesses and commons. That guild had power to make by-laws and a tight grip on trade. No merchant outside the staple could buy or sell staple goods in the county, on pain of forfeiture, and staple goods could not be shipped unless bought from a staple merchant in the town.
1657 Newcomen survey shows Drogheda's walls and gates

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1657

The oldest known survey of Drogheda, made by Newcomen in 1657 and preserved in the Tholsel, clearly marks the line of the walls with Lawrence's gate, Sunday's gate, West-gate, and towers.

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were also fortified by walls and turrets projecting into the water, as appears by a painting of Droghedain the hall of Beaulieu House, taken in the reign of Charles the Second. The oldest survey of Drogheda, that the writer of this history has seen, is that of which an engraving is given in the second volume of this work; it was taken by a person of the name of Newcomen, in the year 1657, and is preserved in the Tholsel. In it is distinctly marked the Une of the walls, with Lawrence's gate, Sunday's gate, West-gate, and towers at sundry intervals. Another illustration of the present subject occurs in Vallance/s transcript of a map of the barony of Ferrard, which he found preserved in the library of the King of France, and which purported to be a copy of the Down Survey, taken after the devastation of the two sieges of 1641 and 1649. The town walls are, in a vignette hereon, represented in such a state of repair, as even then to exhibit seven gates and two small towers at north, and five at south; the sites of St. Peter's, and the Abbey, St. Mary's, and St. James's, are also correctly marked upon this document. At the time of the above sieges respectively, ramparts were thrown up outside the gates, in particular directions, the better to resist hostile approaches, and accordingly, in the succeeding years, in leases made by the Corporation, occur, as subjects of demise, " Black's Rampier," on the Meath side ; " the Rampier without Duleek gate," in the same quarter ; and various entries occur, in such of the Assembly books as yet exist, of disburse-
90 ANCIENT STATISTICS.

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Drogheda, the town still holds the memory of its old walls. The oldest known survey of Drogheda was taken by a man named Newcomen in 1657, and it is preserved in the Tholsel. That survey clearly marks the line of the walls, with Lawrence's gate, Sunday's gate, West-gate, and towers at intervals along the way. The walls were also fortified by turrets projecting into the water, as shown in a painting of Drogheda in the hall of Beaulieu House, taken in the reign of Charles the Second. A later map, a copy of the Down Survey made after the sieges of 1641 and 1649, shows the walls in seven gates and two small towers at the north, and five at the south. It also marks the sites of St Peter's, the Abbey, St Mary's, and St James's. During those sieges, ramparts were thrown up outside the gates to resist attack, and leases made by the Corporation in the years after mention Black's Rampart on the Meath side and the Rampart without Duleek gate in the same quarter.
Buttress Gate survives as octagon tower

Drogheda · town · Louth

The Butter or Buttress gate, one of Drogheda's medieval town gates, is described as an octagon tower still standing with a round arched passage. All the gates existed until about sixty years before the writing of the book.

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Baxon of Howth, who had possessions here, and is buried in the adjacent cemetery of the Cord ; the priory of St. Lawrence has, however, with much more probability, communicated the designation, preceding, as it did, by many years, the origin of Lord Howth's title in this locality. At the Meath side, contiauing the circuit, was the Dublin or St. James's gate, also called, from the monastery outside it, and communicating that designation to the street which yet bears the name. Next to this succeeded the Blind gate, and Duleek gate on the road to that ancient town ; St. John's gate, the access to the fine old priory of St. John of Jerusalem, which stood on the grounds of Ball's grove ; and lastly, the Butter or Buttress gate, an octagon tower, still standing, and perforated with a round arched passage, wider in the inner span than in the outer. All these gates existed to a period of about " sixty years suice," and it is within the recollection of many, how solemnly they used ta be closed at the ninth hour, and a watchman assigned to each, through whom ingress or egress might be obtained till midnight, when the keys of all were deposited in the central guard-house, and no further thoroughfare tolerated until morning. The progress, however, of civilization and the mail-coaches, overran such exclusive regulations ; while it may be remarked, that with all these precautions against hostile attacks, Drogheda was, in truth, commanded by several immediately adjacent eminences, from which, the well directed requisition of scientific beleaguerers could easily compel a capitulation.
86 ANCIENT STATISTICS.

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Drogheda, the Buttress Gate still stands, an octagon tower perforated by a round arched passage, wider on the inner span than the outer. It was the last of the medieval town gates in the circuit, which also included the Dublin or St. James's gate, the Blind gate, Duleek gate, and St. John's gate. All of these gates stood until about sixty years before the book was written. People remembered them being closed solemnly at the ninth hour, with a watchman assigned to each gate. You could get in or out through the watchman until midnight, when all the keys went to a central guard-house and no further passage was allowed until morning. Mail-coaches and the progress of civilization eventually overran those exclusive regulations. Despite all the precautions against hostile attack, Drogheda was in truth commanded by several adjacent eminences, from which scientific besiegers could easily compel a capitulation.
Corporation Relief for Waste and Destruction by the King's Enemies

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1436

In 1436 the Corporation of Drogheda received a release of £20 per annum from their fee farm crown rent in consequence of the great waste and destruction of the town and its trade caused by attacks from the king's enemies.

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In 1424, the Mayor and Sheriffs having been about to proceed on the trial of a cause of ejectment or disseisin concerning certain tenements in the town, it being objected that they were then in the king's hands by escheat, and not subject to the Mayor's jurisdiction, it was ordered by the royal mandate, that the Mayor and Sheriffs should proceed to try the case notwithstanding, but should not proceed to judgment without consulting with the Crown. Henry the Sixth, with the advice and consent of the lords spiritual and temporal, in his Parhament at Westminster, held in the fifth year of his reign (1426), approved and affirmed all gifts, &c., to the Corporation, and in 1436, they had a release of £20 per annum, out of their fee farm crown rent, in consequence of the great waste and destruction of the town and its trade by the king's enemies. A statute of 1436-7, recognizing the Act of Henry the Fourth
{a) See D' Alton's History of the County Dublin, p. 30, &c.

Internet Archive historydrogheda00dalgoog, Chapter 140

As the companion tells it

Coming through Drogheda now, in County Louth. In 1436, this town's Corporation got a release of £20 per annum from their fee farm crown rent. The reason was what the record calls "the great waste and destruction of the town and its trade by the king's enemies." The attacks had done enough damage that the Crown acknowledged it directly, easing what Drogheda owed. A few years earlier, in 1424, the Mayor and Sheriffs had been set to try a case concerning tenements in the town, when it was objected that those properties were in the king's hands by escheat and outside the Mayor's jurisdiction. A royal mandate ordered them to proceed with the trial but not to give judgment without consulting the Crown. Then in 1426, Henry the Sixth, in Parliament at Westminster, approved and affirmed all gifts to the Corporation.

This book is in the public domain; how the books' rights are judged. The passages are quoted as the scan has them, spelling and all; a story's place is the gazetteer's best reading of the text and can be wrong.

The History of Drogheda, with its Environs (vol. 1)

The stories, best first

James Challoner Taylor imprisoned for seditious words against Mayor

Lord Gormanston James Preston dies at Limerick after siege, 1691

Nightly closing of Drogheda's gates

Plague and Losses from French of Brittany and Scots Prompt Relief Grant

Richard de Tuyt killed by falling tower at Athlone

Sir John Stanley lands at Clontarf, 1413

St. Adamnan holds synod at Lusk

Subterranean Passages Discovered in Drogheda

Attack on Saul Monastery Instigated by Expelled Abbot Amlave

Baron of Strabane's monument in ruined Kinure chapel

Castle of Drogheda and Castle of Blackagh built after invasion

Cromwell's siege affects St Mary's Church

Drogheda Assembly held after Cromwell's storming, 1649

George IV lands at Howth pier, 1821

Lord Leonard Grey cuts passes into Offaly and Farney, 1538

Lord Leonard Grey's difficult march to Dangan Castle, 1537

New Drogheda Gaol Built on Termonfeckin Road

Primate Nicholas Fleming petitions for Drogheda's incorporation

Sir William Russell lands at Howth and is claimed as guest, 1593

Sir William Skeffington lands as Lord Deputy on Dublin strand

Sir William Somerville's Speech on Catholic Emancipation's Effects in Drogheda

St. Macculind founds church at Lusk

Strafford's attempt to seize Malahide admiralty rights fails, 1639

Sunday's Gate and the Guild of Smiths' Hall

1234 murage charter to wall Drogheda

Ancient chapel of St. Nessan on Ireland's Eye

Archery Butts Erected in Medieval Drogheda

Boyne Navigation Canal links Drogheda to Navan

Captain Tuite imprisoned at Limerick after 1691 capitulation

Danish devastation of Howth in 819

Drogheda MP John Stanley expelled for rebellion

Poorhouse death recorded at Drogheda

Primate Fitz Ralph's controversy with Drogheda Franciscans

Rapparees cut trenches across the Bog of Allen causeway

Rogerstown as a medieval seaport with customs privileges

Sir John Rawson created Viscount Clontarf, 1541

Sir John Talbot lands at Dalkey as Viceroy, 1414

Charter school opened at Clontarf, 1749

St Mary's Church founded for Carmelite friars on strategic site

1395 warrant against absentee emigration at Clontarf

Ancient Delahoyde and Hill Tombstone of 1525

Church of Kill-Barrock founded by St. Modomnoc

Civic Procession Along Shop-street and North-quay

Dissolution of Holmpatrick priory, 1537

Founding of church at Clontarf, 550

King John's 1210 visit to Drogheda and disseisin of de Lacy

Road (toghar) of Athlone formed by rival kings, 1001

Sir Richard Edgecombe rides from All Hallows to Drogheda, 1488

Ruined church and Hollywood family burial at Artane

Seizure of clergymen's books in Clontarf harbour, 1377

Burial of a 'Papist' child noted in St Peter's register

Monument to Right Honorable Henry Singleton at St Peter's

Chief Baron Cornwalsh sails from Howth to advise the King, 1427

Duke of Ormond lands at Howth as Lord Lieutenant, 1662

Grant of religious houses to Drogheda Corporation, 1557

Ruinous road between Dundalk and Newry described by Story

Spenser urges garrisoning of Drogheda against Spanish invasion

1657 Newcomen survey shows Drogheda's walls and gates

Buttress Gate survives as octagon tower

Corporation Relief for Waste and Destruction by the King's Enemies