Name: The History of Drogheda, with its Environs (vol. 2)
Author: John D'Alton (1792–1867)

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

295: stories drawn from it
295: placed on the map
20: counties: Louth, Meath, Kildare and more
13,343: words in the passages on this page

The stories, best first

page 3 of 5 · 295 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.

William crosses the Boyne near Drogheda

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1690

King William, accompanied by the Prince of Denmark, crossed the Boyne at a ford within a mile of Drogheda with the left wing of his cavalry, later placing himself at the head of his army to renew the engagement.

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After an uninterrupted firing of an hour, the disorder on both sides occasioning some respite, the centre of the English army began to recover from their confusion; while the Irish retreated to Donore (near the old church of which their Sovereign had remained during the engagement, surrounded by his guards), and here, drawing up in good order, once more advanced to the fight. William, who, accompanied by the Prince of Denmark, another son-inlaw of James the Second, had crossed the river at a ford within a mile of Drogheda, with the left wing of his horse, including the Dutch, Danish, and English cavalry, now placed himself at the head of his army, and when the enemy had, in a rally, advanced from Donore, almost within musket shot of his infantry, he was seen sword in hand, animating his squadrons, and preparing to renew the engagement. James's troops, however, after a short halt, again retraced their steps to Donore, but there facing about, charged with such success, that the English cavalry, though commanded by William in person, were repulsed. His assailants were in their turn gallantly charged by the Enniskilleners, supported by the Dutch, and ultimately by all the English army, when the battle was for some time maintained with equal bravery by both parties; imtil, the Irish infantry having been broken, and Hamilton's cavalry, after a fuiious charge, also routed, James and
326 GENERAL mSTOBY.

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 147

As the companion tells it

As you come near Drogheda, you are close to where the Battle of the Boyne turned in 1690. After an hour's firing, both sides fell into disorder, and the Irish retreated to Donore, where James had stood by the old church with his guards. William, with the Prince of Denmark, who was another son-in-law of James the Second, had crossed the river at a ford within a mile of Drogheda, leading the left wing of his horse, the Dutch, Danish, and English cavalry. He now placed himself at the head of his army, sword in hand, animating his squadrons as the enemy advanced from Donore almost within musket shot of his infantry. James's troops halted, then fell back to Donore again, but faced about and charged with such success that the English cavalry, though commanded by William in person, were repulsed. The Enniskilleners then gallantly charged his assailants, supported by the Dutch, and ultimately by all the English army. The battle was for some time maintained with equal bravery by both parties, until the Irish infantry was broken and Hamilton's cavalry, after a furious charge, was routed as well.
Burning of the Town of Louth and Nearby Villages

Louth · town · Louth · 1312

Nicholas de Verdon claimed he witnessed the town of Louth and other nearby towns and villages on fire, caused by Nicholas Avenel and Patrick de Roche's adherents, prompting him to intervene and resulting in violent conflict.

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knowledge of this agreement reached Ardee, Nicholas Avenel knight, Patrick de Roche, Walter de Neville, and others, who had been sent, as before mentioned, to protect that town, hearing that the insurgents had taken possession of that of Louth, hastened thither to dislodge them, bearing before them the unfurled banner of the king, when the said Nicholas de Verdon, taking the part of the rebels and abetting their proceedings, with an armed force as well of English as Irish from the town of Dimdalk and its vicinage, attacked the royal force, resisted the king's standard, and slew the said Nicholas Avenel, Patrick de Roche, and others of their company, although the said offenders well knew they came there in the king's service; and they likewise took prisoners the said Walter de Neville, John Tallon, and Richard de Lynet, and detained them in gaol; made spoil of horses and arms to the value of £100; and chased the routed royalists into Ardee. — ^Nicholas de Verdon defended himself against this charge, on the grounds, that after he had received the royal commission, he proceeded with the posse comitatus to Dundalk, to parley with the insurgents, that, while he was engaged in inducing them to surrender, he saw the town of Louth, and other towns and villages thereabout, on fire ; whereupon he proceeded thither with the posse, and, finding that the conflagration was caused by the said Nicholas Avenel, Patrick de Roche, and their adherents, a conflict ensued, in which the unfortunate consequences
62 GENERAL BISTORT.

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 30
Cavalry raid into Cavan against Owen Roe O'Neill's forces

Cavan · town · Cavan · 1647

Colonel Chidley Coote marched from Drogheda with 500 horse into county Cavan and at daybreak attacked Owen Roe O'Neill's Ulster forces, taking prisoners and livestock and killing twenty-five men who fled into a bog.

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into thq county of Cavan, and by the break of day on the following morning, they fell into Owen Roe O'Neiirs Greats of the Ulster men; took two of the O'Reillys prisoners, and one M*Dawlie, three gentlemen of very good note, and leading men amongst the rebels; killed twenty-five, for they stood not one quarter of an hour, but ran into a bog; took 14 troop horses, 500 cows, 1000 sheep, and 250 plough horses; this is the third piece of service his regiment hath done. In the July following, Colonel Sir Henry Tichbume having marched out of this town, with his son, and " divers colonels, majors, and gentlemen of note, about forty in number, all officers and others of very good quality," were surprised by a horse party of the Irishry, near Balrothery; Sir Henry was badly wounded, his son was slain, as also Lieutenant Colonel Trevor, of Carlingford, and a few more, while Major Gore, Major Gibson, and others were taken prisoners(a).
In Jime, 1649, the Marquess of Ormond, having received intelligence that the parliamentary general, Jones, had sent the greatest part of his horse to Drogheda, " from whence," vnites the Earl of Clarendon, " he would have been able to distress Ormond in various ways, and particularly by intercepting provisions from the country, despatched Lord Inchiquin, with a strong party of horse, to follow them, which he did with such success, that he s\ir-

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 118
Dearth of provisions and quartering burdens in Drogheda, 1691

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1691

In 1691 Drogheda's corporation, facing a dearth of provisions, capped innholder charges for hay and oats, and moved to equally distribute the burden of quartering officers and soldiers among all inhabitants after many had fled to avoid it, also arranging poor relief.

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pence per night for hay, during twelve months from thenceforth; nor more than six-pence per peck for oats. They, about the same time, by a vote, reciting, that several of the inhabitants had left their dwellings to avoid, as it was supposed, the burden of quartering officers and soldiers, and other charges within the borough, directed that the Mayor and Sheriffs should equally assign the officers and soldiers on all the inhabitants, and that any person removing out of the town, and thereby expecting exemption, or refusing to bear their proportions, should thenceforth be debarred from any benefit or grant of any lease of any lands, and should also lose the benefit of their freedom. Consideration being likewise taken of the necessity of relieving the poor, it was ordered that certain persons named should inquire, what poor were fit to be suffered to beg, or continue in town; and to make such rules for their better ordering, from time to time, as should be deemed meet ; and that the mayor should be empowered to applot such reasonable cess on the inhabitants, as might be absolutely necessary for the relief of the present sufferers, the Recorder's opinion being first taken on the legality of making a by-law for such a cess.
On the 19th of April, 1693, the Lord Lieutenant, Viscount Sydney, visited Drogheda. The following account of his entry and reception appears in the Dublin Intelligencer of that year, *' April 19th. This day his Excellency, accompanied with several persons of quality, set out for Drogheda, and was

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 156

As the companion tells it

Coming through Drogheda now, in County Louth. In 1691 this town was struggling with a shortage of provisions, and the corporation stepped in to cap what innholders could charge. They set limits on hay and oats for the following twelve months. At the same time, they faced a problem with quartering officers and soldiers. Several inhabitants had left their dwellings, it was said, to avoid that burden and other charges in the borough. The corporation voted that the mayor and sheriffs should assign officers and soldiers equally among all inhabitants. Anyone who removed themselves from the town to escape, or refused to bear their proportion, would be barred from any future lease of lands and would lose their freedom of the borough. They also turned their attention to the poor. Named persons were to inquire which poor were fit to beg or remain in town, and to make rules for their ordering. The mayor was empowered to levy a reasonable cess on the inhabitants for relief of those suffering, once the recorder had given his opinion on the legality of making such a by-law.
Destruction of the palace of Eamania by the Collas in 333

Navan · townland · Armagh · 333

The Oirghialla, descendants of the three Collas, destroyed the famous palace of Eamania near Armagh in 333 and drove the ancient Ultonians into present-day Down and Antrim.

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The principal inhabitancy of Drogheda, such as it must have been from its maritime position at the " inver," or mouth of the sea, which gave name to Inver Colpa, and for the object and enjoyment of the commerce before alluded to, was at this time, as for many years after, at the Meath and fort side of the river; but the necessity of intercourse with the other, led to the construction of one of the then usual bridges of hurdles rested upon piles, in aid of the ford which previously opened the only mode of communication, frx)m which structure the town is generally considered to have acquired the appellar tion of Drogheda, i. e. " the bridge of the ford," which, although by the monkish annalists somewhat altered into Treoit, and by the English writers yet more into Tredagh, is now its universally accepted name. At this time, and subsequently, this town, at least the northern portion of it, was, with the whole coimty now known as Louth, and much of Armagh, Monaghan, and Fermanagh, inhabited by the Oirghialla, descendants of the three CoUas, a tribe that in 333 destroyed the famous palace of Eamania, near Armagh, and drove the ancient Ultonians into the present counties of Down and Antrim. The chief families (it may be added), that, when surnames were established in Ireland, sprung from this Oirghialla sept were those of 0' Carrol, O'Hanlon (hereditary standard bearers of Ulster), Mac Mahon and Maguire.
Doctor Hanmer, with that confiding belief in le-

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog
Duke of York convenes first Drogheda Parliament as Lord Lieutenant

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1450

In 1450 Richard Plantagenet, Duke of York, newly appointed Lord Lieutenant, convened his first Parliament at Drogheda, whose extant roll contains thirty-nine Acts covering franchises, sheriff eligibility, and grants to various nobles and clergy.

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In 1450 (28 Hen. VI.), Richard Plantagenet, Duke of York, father of Edward the Fourth, having been appointed Lord Lieutenant for ten years, convened a Parliament in this, his first, at Drogheda. The roll of the proceedings is extant in excellent preservation, and contains, together with those of an adjourned session held at Dublin, thirty-nine Acts, three of which only have been printed. Of those unprinted, Chapter 3 confirms, in the usual sessional way, the franchises and customs of Dublin, Waterford, Drogheda, and other cities and borough towns. Chapter 7 enacts, that no lord of Parliament shall be a sheriff; and that, if elected, he shall be discharged from the office. Chapters 11 and 12 are at the instance, and in favour of Christopher Plunket, of Balleen. Chapter 13, for Thomas Hore, Abbot of Dunbrody; 14, for Richard Nugent, Baron of Delvin ; 15, for Richard Bermingham ; 16, for Nicholas Hussey, Baron of Graltrim ; 17, for William Nugent ;
(a) Leland's Hist Ireland, vol ii. p. 27.

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Drogheda, this is where Richard Plantagenet, Duke of York and father of Edward the Fourth, convened his first Parliament in 1450, after his appointment as Lord Lieutenant for ten years. The roll of proceedings survives in excellent condition, containing 39 Acts together with those of an adjourned session held at Dublin, though only 3 have ever been printed. Among them, one confirms the franchises and customs of Dublin, Waterford, Drogheda and other borough towns, while another enacts that no lord of Parliament shall serve as sheriff, discharging him from the office if elected. Further chapters grant favour to Christopher Plunket of Balleen, Thomas Hore the Abbot of Dunbrody, Richard Nugent Baron of Delvin, Richard Bermingham, Nicholas Hussey Baron of Graltrim, and William Nugent.
Flatten estate confiscated after Williamite revolution

Platin · townland · Meath · 1690–1699

Sir John d'Arcy and his descendants resided for generations at Flatten near Drogheda, where traces of their ancient chapel and mansion survived, until their adherence to the Stuarts led to confiscation of the estate at the close of the seventeenth century.

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blood." The person whom he selected, was Roger Outlawe, then Prior of Kilmainham, and also Chancellor of Ireland, and the patent of his appointment remains on record, as dated and sealed in this town. This Sir John, and lus lineal descendants, for generations, resided in Flatten, near Drogheda, where some traces of their ancient chapel and venerable mansion yet appear, but at the close of the seventeenth century, by reason of their adherence to the Stuarts, Flatten, and their other estates, were swept away in the general confiscation which followed the revolution. In 1335, King Edward ordered his Escheator to assign to Matilda, the widow of William de Burgo, late Earl of Ulster, deceased, aU the lands which the said Earl held in capite in England, and which were of the value of £72 4^. 8d. per annum, in recompense for certain lands and tenements in Drogheda and the county Louth, certain other premises in the barony of Ratouth, coimty Meath, a cantred in the county of Connaught (all which had belonged to the said Earl on the day of his death, and were worth £146 18^.), then in the hands of the King's Escheator, by reason of the minority of the heir of said Earl. Her dower had been, as it appears on inquisition, two years previously, assigned off the Irish lands.
In the year 1336, by writ, reciting that Robert de Stokes, in his passage to England with merchandize, had been captiured by Scotch felons and enemies, and was detained in the castle of Dumbarton,

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 38
Killeen burned after broken promise by Earl of Fingal

Killeen · townland · Meath · 1642

After the Earl of Fingal failed to keep his promise to meet Lord Ormond with a hundred gentlemen, a troop of horse rode to Killeen and burned it and other places belonging to the Earl.

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of Balrath, the lawyer; William Malone, of Lismullen ; and Stephen Dowdall, of Gaulstown. The bulletin, which announces this fact, continues : " On Tuesday the 15th, and Wednesday the I6th, much piUage was sent home by the army, whereby the other side are made to see, that, now they have done pillaging us, we begin to pillage them. The Earl, having caused divers houses to be burnt and pillaged, and amongst the rest some of the lords' houses, he returned to Dublin with the army, saving 500 men and a troop of horse, which he left with Sir Henry Tichburne at Drogheda, the better to enable him to bum, spoil, waste, and destroy, all the rebels in the county of Louth, and the other parts adjoining to Drogheda, which Sir Henry hath begun^to do ; and saving 200 men which he left in garrison at Malahide. Sir John Netterville had surrendered to the Earl of Ormond, and since that time, George Devenish; John Talbot, of Robertstown; and Sir Andrew Aylmer, surrendered to the Lords Justices, as did also the Lord Baron of Dunsany on the 19th of March; and that Lord, and Sir John Netterville, and all the rest, stand committed to the Castle." It appears also, that " the Earl of Fingal wrote a submissive letter to Lord Ormond, and promised to come to him with one hundred more gentlemen, and Lord Ormond went to meet them, but they kept not promise, whereupon, a troop of horse rode to Killeen, and burnt it, and all other places belonging to the Earl of Fingal, wheresoever they came."
254 GENSRAL mSTOBT.

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog
Ormond ordered to prosecute rebels along the Boyne, 1642

near River Boyne · river · Kildare · 1642

In 1642 the Earl of Ormond was commissioned to lead 3000 foot and 500 horse towards the river Boyne to prosecute the rebels with fire and sword, but was strictly forbidden from crossing the river, an order later seen as injudicious.

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reaching the opposite side, as the narrative continues, " O'Donnell and his companion proceeded on their way until they were about the distance of 2000 paces from the river, here they perceived a close sheltering grove before them, on the road through which they had to pass, and a strong great ditch surrounding it, as if it were a garden. Beside the wood was a noble mansion called the great monastery (most probably Mellefont), belonging to a noted young Englishman who was attached to Hugh O'Neill; they leaped over the ditch and proceeded straight forward into the wood, for the servant was well acquainted there. Here they stopped their horses"(o), and O'Donnell, having been refreshed, remained in a secret room until the night of the next day, when he resumed his journey, and ultimately, passing through Dxmdalk, arrived in safety at the friendly residence of Turlough O'Neill. In 1C41, during the siege of Drogheda, this river was so hardly frozen that it could scarcely be broken with mallets, and horses and men could and did pass safely over it. In the following year the Earl of Ormond was commissioned to lead 3000 foot and 500 horse towards the river Boyne, and to prosecute the rebels with fire and sword. Eight days only were allowed for this expedition, and he was strictly and injudiciously enjoined on no account to pass this river. On the first of July, 1690, the memorable battle was fought
(a) MS. Life of Red Hugh O'Donnell.

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 178
Presbyterian conspiracy with false keys at Drogheda gates

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1644

In 1644 the Scotch covenant had many adherents in Drogheda; a resident lady of rank, in contemplation of admitting a party from Munroe into the town, had provided false keys for the gates, provoking the Lord Lieutenant's resentment.

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In 1644, the Scotch covenant had many adherents in this town, and the Presbjrterians were eminently successful in making proselytes ; amongst these, it is stated, was one resident lady of rank, who, in contemplation of admitting a party from Munroe into the town, had provided false keys for the gates, a circumstance which excited the resentment of the Lord Lieutenant, while Sir Patrick Wemyss, to whom the king had done many favours, and his Excellency many good offices, was considered culpable therein, at least so far as having concealed the conspiracy (6). At the same time, the Lrish House of Commons interposed to compel, from certain defaulters in Drogheda, the payment of their just and ascertained proportions of the State assessment Amongst the individuals so particularized, occur the names of Richard Bryce, Thomas Delahoyde, Robert Cheevers, Gerald Nugent, Richard Tyrrel, Bartholomew Dardis, Nicholas Dowdall, Andrew Mortimer, Alexander Plunkett, Richard Cheevers, Thomas Taaflfe, Henry Mortimer, John Walsh, &c. In this year William Plunkett died, seised in tail, with successive remainders to George Plunkett, Mathew Plunkett, and others, of two messuages and a garden in West-street, one in the tenure of James Hadsor Fitz George, the other in that of Christopher
(a) Borlase's Irish Rebellion, p. 204.

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 117

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Drogheda, this is a town that in 1644 was full of adherents to the Scotch covenant, with the Presbyterians actively making converts. One resident lady of rank went so far as to have false keys made for the town gates, intending to let a party from Munroe inside. The discovery provoked the resentment of the Lord Lieutenant. Sir Patrick Wemyss, who had received many favours from the king and good offices from the Lord Lieutenant, was thought culpable, at least for having concealed the conspiracy. That same year, the Irish House of Commons stepped in to force certain defaulters in Drogheda to pay their share of the State assessment, naming men like Richard Bryce, Thomas Delahoyde, Robert Cheevers, Gerald Nugent, Richard Tyrrel, Nicholas Dowdall, and others. William Plunkett also died in 1644, seised of two houses and a garden in West Street, with remainders to George Plunkett, Mathew Plunkett, and the rest.
Primate Hampton's Palace Near the East Gate, Drogheda

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1634

The traveller of 1634 described the Primate's palace near Drogheda's east gate, built within twenty years by Primate Hampton, with a chapel, gallery, and an inscribed motto 'FAC TU SIMILITER' beneath the arms of the See and Bishop Hampton, plus a garden inscription reading 'Oh man remember the last great day.'

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that place thirteen times. The present Mayor, also, is but a deputy, and the reason why they make coy to execute that office is because they will avoid being necessitated to go to church. I observed in this city divers fair, neat, well built houses, and houses and shops well furnished, so as I did conceive this to be a rich town, the inhabitants more civilized and better apparelled. But this is graced with nothing more than my Lord Primate's palace, which is seated near unto the east gate. It is a neat, handsome, and convenient house, built within these twenty years by Primate Hampton. The building is four-square, of wood rough cast, and is not high; a handsome, plain, though long and narrow hall, two dining rooms, one little neat gallery, which leads into the chapel, which also is a pretty little plain and convenient chapel, wherein is a little pair of organs. Whilst Dr.Ussher, the Primate that now is, is here resident, he preacheth constantly every Lord's day in the church. There is a sermon therein in the afternoon, whither not only all his own family resort, but also those of the town that please. In one of the dining rooms is this conceit; the arms of the See and Bishopric, and Bishop Hampton's own arms or coat, enquartered together, and underneath is this inscription, FAC TU SIMILITER; here is a pretty neat window in the gallery, and over against it, upon a bank in the garden, these words in fair great letters are written. Oh man remember the last great day. The bank is bare, the proportion of the letters is cut and

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 99

As the companion tells it

Coming through Drogheda, you pass a town the traveller of 1634 found rich and well furnished, its inhabitants more civilized and better apparelled than most. He noted divers fair, neat, well built houses, and shops well stocked. But what graced the town above all was the Lord Primate's palace, seated near the east gate. A neat, handsome, and convenient house, built within twenty years by Primate Hampton. The building is four-square, of wood roughcast, and not high. It has a handsome, plain hall, long and narrow, two dining rooms, and one little neat gallery leading into the chapel, a pretty little plain and convenient room with a small pair of organs. Dr. Ussher, the Primate then resident, preacheth constantly every Lord's day in the church. There is a sermon in the afternoon, whither not only all his own family resort, but also those of the town that please. In one of the dining rooms is a conceit: the arms of the See and Bishopric and Bishop Hampton's own arms, enquartered together, and underneath this inscription: FAC TU SIMILITER. The gallery has a pretty neat window, and over against it, upon a bank in the garden, these words in fair great letters are written: Oh man remember the last great day.
Queen Elizabeth's proposed university at Clonfert

Clonfert (Butson) · townland · Galway

Nearly twenty years before Trinity College's founding, Queen Elizabeth considered establishing a university at Clonfert, citing its situation on the River Shannon and central location, and instructed Sir Nicholas Malby to survey the site and its fortification potential.

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lions, that they hoped would overturn his government ; while the more immediate circumstance of the execution of the Earl of Desmond as a traitor, naturally attached an odium to all his measures, and particularly to that which contemplated the elevation of a secondary locality to a literary pre-eminence above the metropolis. Dublin continuing afterwards the fixed seat of the Parliament, and the ultimate establishment of a university there in 1591, seem to have extinguished the expectation, and almost the wish for realizing this honourable distinction. It may be added, that on the appointment of that Record Commission for Ireland, whose labours modem economy has unfortunately suspended, the Roll containing this Act was discovered in the Chancery Records, and possibly may suggest some future confirmatory enactment for the promotion of science and literatiu'e in this improving locality, with little present expense, and a fair prospect of great moral and pecuniary advantage to the town. It should not be omitted to state, what is not generally known, that nearly twenty years previous to the founding of Trinity College, her Majesty designed the establishment of another university, in Connaught, during the period that Sir Nicholas Malby governed that province. The eighth item of her instructions to him states her wish, that such a college should be erected in some eminent place of Ireland, for instructing and educating youth, and suggests the town of Clonfert as aptly situated, both for health and commodity of
152 GENERAL HISTORY.

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 70
Schomberg fortifies Dundalk as winter quarters

Dundalk · town · Louth · 1689

Schomberg fortified Dundalk as his winter quarters in 1689, keeping troops entrenched in the town while King James drew up his forces nearby. Schomberg declined battle due to his army's poor condition from disease and lack of supplies.

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fortify Dundalk as his winter quarters, his anny being encamped on the other side of the river, while he kept with himself in the town, and within the entrenchments (at which they were then working), two battahons of horse and a battalion of foot King James, willing to profit by the eagerness of his adherents, drew up his forces in battle array, but Schomberg declined hazarding his master's cause at that juncture, as he well might, with an army then languid and distempered, sufiering under the fatigues of their recent march, the inclemency of the cUmate, and the deprivation of food, fuel, and covering; whereupon, James, instead of ordering an assault upon a camp, that, as Story suggests, " it certainly was not impossible to force," with that fatuity and indecision, which marked his progress in Ireland, and which, on this occasion, induced even Marshal Rosen to say, " if you possessed a hundred kingdoms you would lose them," fell back upon Ardee, where he remained until the 3rd of November; when, breaking up his camp, but leaving six battalions of foot, and fifty horse, in Ardee, and other detachments in its vicinity, he returned himself to Drogheda, where he kept as his own guard six battalions of foot, and sent the rest into winter quarters. On the 8th, finding that Schomberg (who in truth was theretofore expecting supplies of men and provisions from England), had also decamped northward with a large number of sick soldiers, James returned to Dublin, after sending a detachment to occupy Dundalk, and
3 1 4 GEI^BAL HISTORY.

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 141
Siege and relief of Carrickfergus Castle by Edward Bruce

Carrickfergus · townland · Antrim · 1315

Edward Bruce's forces besieged Carrickfergus Castle after taking the town; despite sallies from the garrison, the castle held out until a truce was made, after which the Ulster chieftains submitted to Bruce.

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Syne to Cragfergns are they gone, And ini the town has innys ta'en ; The castle well was staffed then. Off new with Tictual, and with men. Thereto they set a si^ in hy. Many eschew full apertly Was made, while there the sixers lay^ Which by truce at last took they. When that the folk of Ulsester, To his peace wholly coming were, Then Sir Edward would take in hand To ride forth farther in the land. Of the kings of that country. There came to him, and made fealty. Well ten or twelve, as I heard say, j But they held him short while their fay; For two of them, one Mac Gullane, And one other called Macartane, With set a pace, in till his way. Where him behoved ned away, With ten thousand of men with spears. And also many of their archers. An all the cattle of the land
GBNEKAL mSTORT. 73

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 33
Tapestry painting of the Boyne battle in the old Irish House of Peers

Donore · town · Meath · 1690–1844

A tapestry painting commemorating the battle, executed by a Dutch artist, hung in the room of the Bank of Ireland formerly used as the Irish House of Peers, depicting Schomberg's death, King William leading his forces, the church of Donore, and Drogheda in the distance.

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flight through mountains (alluding to the royal exile's flight through Wicklow) : motto, " Pedibus timor addidit alas," and on the exergue, " Fugit ex Hibernid, 2 July, 1690." There is also a fine painting, commemorative of the battle, in that beautiful room of the present Bank of Ireland, which was formerly appropriated to the Irish House of Peers. It is executed on tapestry, by a Dutch artist, and is in tolerable preservation, representing the fight at the moment Schomberg was shot; but the scene was evidently never visited by the draftsman, and is utterly misconceived. The Duke is represented fallen from his horse, pale and bloody at the forehead. King William is immediately behind him, on horseback, and leading on his forces; in the near front is the chiu-ch of Donore, and in the intermediate space the me\6e of the battle rages; in the distance, Drogheda is partly exhibited. At the centre, on the top of the tapestry, is worked a bust of KingWiUiam, with the motto, "The Glorious Battle of the Bojme;" in the lower comers are figures of Fame blowing the trumpet, the figure at left being surmounted with a medallion representing the surrender of Drogheda, and above it another, the bust of Duke Schomberg; while the figure at right is similarly surmoimted by a medallion, representing Bang William in the act of leading on the EnniskiUeners, above which is another bust, that of General Ginkle, afterwards created Earl of Athlone. This is probably the view which Bryan, in his " Dictionary of Painters," speaks of, as drawn
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Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog
Trial before the Justices in Eyre at Drogheda, 1301

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1301

An action of detinue, Thomas le Botiller against Robert de Almain, was tried before the Justices in Eyre at Drogheda in 1301, turning on whether the plaintiff was of privileged English or Irish blood, illustrating discriminatory legal distinctions of the era.

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In 1301, an action was tried before the Justices in Eyre, in this town, which, as it singularly illustrates the rival legislations that distracted Ireland at the time, seems worthy of insertion here. It is cited by Sir John Davis, in that able summary which
(a) Expence Book of Edward the First.

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 28

As the companion tells it

Drogheda, the town you're passing through, saw a telling legal case in 1301. Before the Justices in Eyre, Thomas le Botiller brought an action of detinue against Robert de Almain. The case turned on whether the plaintiff was of privileged English or Irish blood — what one record calls a case that "singularly illustrates the rival legislations that distracted Ireland at the time."
Tyrconnel Joins King James at Drogheda with Reinforcements

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1689

The Duke of Tyrconnel arrived at Drogheda bringing the remainder of the Jacobite troops, after which French officers repeatedly urged James to retreat toward Athlone and abandon Dublin, but the king refused.

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ligion; nevertheless the French ceased not persuading the king to retire towards Athlone, and by consequence to desert Dublin. " Even the very night before the Duke of Tyrconnel came to Drogheda, who brought with him the remainder of the troops, they pressed him with more vehemence than ever, to come to some resolution, as they called it, which was in effect to abandon aU; but the king told them, that if once he made a step back, the whole country would be so disheartened as to give all up, that the newly raised troops would dwindle away to nothing, and that whoever had anything to lose, would run into the enemy to seek protection. This reasoning not sufficing, but, on the contrary, the arguments and earnestness of those who urged a retreat having been redoubled, the king told them, with more than usual warmth, that he would not do so irrational a thing; that he was positively resolved to fight the enemy, it being neither agreeable to his temper nor reputation to abandon Dublin, and make so shameful a retreat, unless he was forced to do it. The next day the Duke of Tyrconnel came up and gave the king an account of the condition and number of liis troops, and what he had left with Mr. Simon Luttrell, the Governor of Dublin; upon which his Majesty called the Ambassador, and all the general officers, to consult what was fit to be done; the Duke of Tyrconnel and the rest of his own subjects, were unanimously of his own opinion ; the Duke, moreover, assured them there was not corn enough in Connaught to sub-
312 GENERAL HISTOBY.

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 140

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Drogheda, you are in a town where King James kept his ground in 1689. French officers had been pressing him hard to retreat toward Athlone and desert Dublin. Even the night before the Duke of Tyrconnel arrived with the remainder of the Jacobite troops, they urged him with more vehemence than ever to come to what they called a resolution, which was in effect to abandon all. James told them that if he made one step back, the whole country would be so disheartened as to give everything up, that newly raised troops would dwindle away to nothing, and that anyone with something to lose would run to the enemy for protection. When that reasoning did not suffice and the arguments for retreat were redoubled, James told them with more than usual warmth that he was positively resolved to fight the enemy, saying it was neither agreeable to his temper nor his reputation to abandon Dublin and make so shameful a retreat unless forced. The next day Tyrconnel arrived and gave the king an account of his troops and what he had left with Simon Luttrell, the Governor of Dublin. James called the ambassador and all general officers to consult. Tyrconnel and the king's own subjects were unanimously of his opinion. Tyrconnel also assured them there was not corn enough in Connaught to subsist the army.
Arthur Young's description of the Boyne battlefield landscape

Oldbridge · townland · Meath · 1776

Arthur Young, touring in 1776, described the view of the Boyne battlefield from a rising ground as one of the most beautiful landscapes he had seen, with the obelisk placed prominently on a rock above the river.

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Arthur Young, in his Tour of 1776, " from a rising ground which looks down upon it, is exceedingly beautiful, being one of the completest landscapes I have seen. It is a vale, losing itself in front between bold declivities, above which are some thick woods and distant country. Through the vale, a river winds, and forms an island, the point of which is tufted with trees in the prettiest manner imaginable; on the otlier side, a rich line of wood. To the right, on a rising ground on the banks of the river, is the obelisk, backed by a very bold declivity, to the foot of which I walked ; it is founded on a rock that rises boldly from the river, and is a noble piUar, admirably placed. I seated myself on the opposite rock, and indulged the emotions which, with a melancholy not unpleasing, filled my bosom, while I reflected on the consequences that had sprung from the victory here obtained; liberty was thentriumphant"(a) ! And so should every lover of constitutional freedom respond, if that day of triumph, as itdissolved the empire of a race, infatuated, imbecile, and ungrateful, had introduced peace and toleration in Ireland ; encouraged the industry, developed the resouixjes, and won the allegiance of a chivabous and long persecuted people ; assimilated the laws, and associated the hearts of the sister countries ; repressed their rivalries, and fostered their mutual interests; then, indeed, would it have been the triumph of liberty ;
(a) Young's Tour, vol. i. p. 1 45.

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 151

As the companion tells it

Close to Oldbridge, the traveller passes through the landscape Arthur Young admired in 1776. From a rising ground looking down on the river, he called it one of the completest landscapes he had seen. A vale loses itself between bold declivities, with thick woods and distant country above. Through the vale the river winds and forms an island, its point tufted with trees in the prettiest manner imaginable. On the other side runs a rich line of wood. To the right, on rising ground by the river, stood the obelisk, backed by a bold declivity. Young walked to its foot and found it founded on a rock rising boldly from the water, a noble pillar admirably placed. He sat on the opposite rock and gave himself to the emotions the scene stirred, reflecting on the consequences of the victory won here. Liberty was triumphant, he wrote. Yet he mourned that the day which dissolved the empire of a race had not brought peace and toleration to Ireland, nor encouraged the industry or won the allegiance of a long persecuted people.
A Scottish-linked fugitive escapes the Castle of Dublin via Drogheda

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1540

A ship wind-driven to the haven of Drogheda carried the Dean of Derry from O'Donnell's country, who had obtained provisions from the Bishop of Rome and treacherously negotiated with the King of Scots. He was released from custody in Dublin Castle by Lord Deputy Grey, a charge later used against Grey.

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and behaved himself exceedingly bravely, and after the battle knighted Chief Justice Aylmer ; Talbot, of Malahide; Fitzsimons, Mayor of Dublin; and Michael Courcy, Mayor of Drogheda, in the field; and (as Cox observes) well they merited it for their good service in obtaining so great a victory, which broke the power of the North, and quieted the borders for some years. In 1540, it was proposed to repeal the Acts, which directed that no Irish Parliament should be holden but only in Dublin or Drogheda; the proposition was not, however, carried into effect until two years afterwards. Lord Leonard Grey, the Lord Deputy, passed here the close of the year 1540, and some of his despatches and letters to the king, dated fix)m " Your Grace's town of Drogheda," are extant. One of the subsequent charges against this unfortunate nobleman is in these words; " By force of weather a ship was wind-driven to the haven of Drogheda, and in the same was the Dean of Derry of O'Donnel's country, which not only had impetrated from the Bishop of Rome certain provisions, but also treacherously practised with the King of Scots to have ordinance and aid to O'Donnel, as he himself confessed. Whereupon, being in the Castle of Dublin to be arraigned, my said Lord Deputy put him at large, which Dean, after his coming home to O'Donnel, went eftsoons into Scotland, to procure the Scots of the isles to come to O'Donnell and O'Neill against the said rebellion."
Consequent upon the dissolution of monasteries,

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 90

As the companion tells it

As you come through Drogheda, this is a town at the heart of a story from 1540. That year, Lord Deputy Grey passed through here, and some of his letters to the king are dated from what he called, in the words of the source, "Your Grace's town of Drogheda." Also in 1540, a proposal was made to repeal the Acts directing that no Irish Parliament should be held except in Dublin or Drogheda, though this was not carried into effect until two years afterwards. The darker story concerns a ship driven by force of weather into the haven of Drogheda. On board was the Dean of Derry, from O'Donnell's country. He had obtained certain provisions from the Bishop of Rome, and had treacherously practised with the King of Scots to obtain ordinance and aid for O'Donnell, as he himself confessed. He was sent to Dublin Castle to be arraigned, but Lord Deputy Grey put him at large. After returning to O'Donnell, the Dean went into Scotland to procure the Scots of the isles to come to O'Donnell and O'Neill against the rebellion. This release of the Dean became one of the subsequent charges against Grey.
Destruction of clergy libraries during the rising

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1641

During the unrest, mobs burned and destroyed the papers and books of clergy already plundered, including the libraries of the Bishop of Meath and Lord Conway. Dean Bernard feared for the safety of Archbishop Ussher's invaluable library, which he was entrusted with.

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day. It was then found that the insurgents had already taken Dundalk and Dromisken, and actually extended their foray to within five miles of this town ; whereupon, Sir Faithful Fortescue posted to the city, but, finding all efforts to obtain further assistance ineffective, he resigned his commission, whereon Lord Moore, in this emergency, assumed the direction of affairs. The horse at night partly traversed the town, while some scoured the immediate vicinity of the walls, and rescued the cattle which the enemy had captured " At this time," says Dean Bernard, " one of the chief cares that lay upon me even more than my life, was that great treasure of my Lord Primate's (Ussher's) library, which I had the happiness to be trusted with in his absence. We heard of the daily rudeness of the vulgar in burning and cutting in pieces the papers and books of such of the clergy already made a prey of (especially the Bishop of Meath's and the Lord Conway's library); the manuscripts, howsoever invaluable, yet by their mean clothing likely to be least respected by such illiterate hands. No barks being left in the harbour to remove them, the best course, which the misery and necessity of that time would afford, was not neglected, but none could promise safety."
At length a force of a thousand foot and a hundred horse arrived under the command of Sir Henry Tichburne, who was also made Governor of the town. This gallant ofiicer had been residing at Dunshaughly, near Finglas, on the night when the

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 101

As the companion tells it

Drogheda stands ahead on the road. In 1641, during the rising, insurgents had taken Dundalk and Dromisken and raided to within five miles of this town. Sir Faithful Fortescue rode for the city seeking help, found none, and resigned his commission, leaving Lord Moore to take charge. Dean Bernard wrote that one of his chief cares, more than his own life, was the great treasure of Archbishop Ussher's library, entrusted to him in Ussher's absence. He heard of the daily rudeness of the vulgar in burning and cutting in pieces the papers and books of clergy already made a prey of, especially the Bishop of Meath's and Lord Conway's libraries. The manuscripts, however invaluable, were by their plain clothing likely to be least respected by such illiterate hands. No barks were left in the harbour to remove them, and the best course that misery and necessity afforded was tried, though none could promise safety. A force of a thousand foot and a hundred horse later arrived under Sir Henry Tichburne, who was made Governor of the town.
Destruction of Trim, Duleek and Slane castles in 1174

Trim · town · Meath · 1174

Roderic O'Conor invaded Meath in 1174 while Hugh de Lacy was absent, destroying fortresses. Hugh Tyrrell demolished Trim castle and razed Duleek castle while retreating towards Drogheda, and the garrison at Slane castle was put to the sword with Le Fleming slain.

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this country. This grant passed to the patentee all liberties and free customs in wood and plain, waters and mills, warrens and loughs, fisheries and chases, seaports, and all other places thereto appertaining, and is specially witnessed amongst others by Earl Strongbow, whose recognition Henry was anxious to acquire in such an extensive conveyance. The notice of this grant is the more pertinent here, as it included the town and lands of Drogheda, and was confirmed by King John, with very important exceptions that a few years had necessitated, viz. of the borough and castle of this town. In 1174, Roderic O'Conor, the last acknowledged King of Ireland, conceiving that circumstances, and especially the defection of Donald Kavanagh, the son of the late King Dermod, opened a favourable opportunity for re-asserting his sovereignty, invaded Meath with a large confederate force, from which, Hugh de Lacy being then absent, he destroyed all the fortresses erected by that lord, and laid waste the country to the vicinity of Dublin. Hugh Tyrrell, who had been left to defend the Palatinate, finding himself unable to hold possession of the castle of Trim, demolished the fortifications, and retreating towards Drogheda, also rased the castle of Duleek. About the same time, that of Slane, which had been granted by De Lacy to Richard le Fleming, ancestor of the barons of Slane, having been surprised by the Irish Chief to whom it previously belonged, the whole garrison and inmates were put to the sword, and Le Fleming

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 21

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Trim, you are moving through a place that saw ruin in 1174. That year, Roderic O'Conor, the last acknowledged King of Ireland, saw his chance. The defection of Donald Kavanagh, son of the late King Dermod, opened what he thought was a favourable opportunity to re-assert his sovereignty. He invaded Meath with a large confederate force. Hugh de Lacy, who had built the fortresses across this country, was away. O'Conor destroyed all the fortresses de Lacy had erected and laid waste the land right to the vicinity of Dublin. Hugh Tyrrell had been left to defend the Palatinate. He found himself unable to hold the castle of Trim, so he demolished the fortifications himself. Retreating towards Drogheda, he also razed the castle of Duleek. About the same time, the castle of Slane, which de Lacy had granted to Richard le Fleming, ancestor of the barons of Slane, was surprised by the Irish chief to whom it previously belonged. The whole garrison and inmates were put to the sword, and Le Fleming was slain.
De Windsor imposes unauthorized levy on Drogheda burgesses

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1369

Lord Deputy William de Windsor convened a Parliament at Dublin and imposed a charge of twenty pounds on Drogheda's burgesses without their consent, part of which he forced them to pay, and imprisoned Louth's representatives for refusing a subsidy.

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In 1368, the available shipping of Drogheda was ordered over to Liverpool for the conveyance of William de Windsor, Lord Deputy elect, and his retinue, to Ireland; a viceroy, who in the following year convened a Parliament at Dublin, and there imposed a charge of twenty pounds on the burgesses of Drogheda, without their consent, part of which he compelled them to pay, and afterwards imprisoned the representatives of the county of Louth, for refusing to vote a proportionate subsidy. At length his oppressive conduct on these and similar occasions excited the royal resentment, and, while the authorities of Drogheda, like those of other towns, were ordered to arrest any of his suite, that might be found, absenting themselves without license, within their jurisdiction, the Deputy was himself commanded to refrain from levying his extorted talliages, subsidies, and other impositions here; and a special discharge was granted to the borough from all payments or arrears thereof,

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 40

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Drogheda, this is a town that once defied a viceroy. In 1369, Lord Deputy William de Windsor convened a Parliament at Dublin and imposed a charge of 20 pounds on Drogheda's burgesses without their consent. He forced them to pay part of it, and when the representatives of County Louth refused to vote a proportionate subsidy, he had them imprisoned. His oppressive conduct on these and similar occasions eventually excited the royal resentment. The authorities of Drogheda, like those of other towns, were ordered to arrest any of his suite found absenting themselves without license within their jurisdiction. The Deputy was himself commanded to refrain from levying his extorted tallages, subsidies, and other impositions here, and a special discharge was granted to the borough from all payments or arrears thereof.
Drogheda ships seized as hostage guarantee during Carrickfergus siege

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1317

In July 1317 eight ships laden at Drogheda intended for the besieged garrison at Carrickfergus were stopped by the Earl of Ulster as a guarantee for the release of William de Burgh, then a Scottish prisoner.

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^ eight ships, laden at Drogheda, to be sent to Ihose who were besieged at Carrickfergus, were stopped by the Earl of Ulster, as a guarantee for the deliverancp of William de Burgh, who was a prisoner with the Scots."
In consequence of the victory so obtained by Sir John de Bermingham, King Edward the Second, in his ParUament, in consideration of such his services, confirmed to him, and his heirs male, an annual rent-charge of £20, chargeable on the county of Louth, together with the name and honour of Earl of Louth, in right of which, he sat in the Par- Kament of Dublin, in 1324; and for the better support of said honour and name, his Majesty fiirther granted to him the residue of the issues of said county, with the whole county itself, and the oflElce of sheriff of the same, and all things thereto appertaining, and the liberty of said county, to have and to hold for the term of his life, with the knights' fees, advowsons of churches, chapels, abbeys, priories, hospitals, and other religious houses in said county, and all Uberties thereto appertaining, in as full a manner as Thomas Earl of Kildare holds his county of Kildare; excepting only pleas of rape, offences on the highway, arson, and treasure-trove, and this town of Drogheda with its appurtenances; and also excepting the homages and services of the king's nephews and nieces, and all cross lands, as in the grants of other counties, with reversion to the Crown on the decease of said John de Berming-

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 34

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Drogheda, you are on ground where, in July 1317, eight ships laden here for the besieged garrison at Carrickfergus were stopped by the Earl of Ulster. He held them as a guarantee for the release of William de Burgh, who was a prisoner with the Scots. The ships never reached Carrickfergus while that bargain hung in the balance. A victory by Sir John de Bermingham followed, and King Edward the Second confirmed to him an annual rent-charge of 20 pounds on the county of Louth, along with the name and honour of Earl of Louth. Bermingham sat in the Parliament of Dublin in 1324, and the king granted him the county itself and the office of sheriff for life, with knights' fees, advowsons of churches, abbeys, priories, and hospitals, in as full a manner as the Earl of Kildare held his county. This town of Drogheda was excepted from that grant, along with pleas of rape, offences on the highway, arson, and treasure-trove, with reversion to the Crown on Bermingham's death.
Duke of Berwick Ordered to Hold Newry

near Newry · town · Down · 1689

In response to Schomberg's landing, King James despatched the Duke of Berwick to command the troops about Newry and to hold the place as long as possible against the advancing Williamite forces.

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The rumours of an invasion of Ireland, from England, were in a few weeks verified, Monsieur Schomberg having landed on the 13th of August, at Bangor, near Belfast, accompanied by a considerable and well appointed army. King James hereupon, with the concurrence of Lord Tyrconnel, some of the French officers, and many of his own subjects, despatched the Duke of Berwick to command the troops about Newry, and to keep the place as long as he could; he next ordered Sir Charles Camy to quit Coleraine, and come off by the way of Charlemont, lest he might be intercepted by the enemy; and on the 26th of August went himself to Drogheda, to encourage his own men and be nearer the enemy, that he might better observe their motions. He took with him one hundred of his horse guards,, two hundred of Parker's regiment of horse, which were all at that time in a condition to march, and left the Duke of Tyrconnel (who was then unwell), behind at Dublin, to expedite troops after him, as fast as they could be got into a condition to march.
Schomberg, immediately on his landing, besieged Carrickfergus, which he took, but not without a resistance of eight days, and soon afterwards possessed himself of Dundalk. A scarce pamphlet, dated 2nd September, 1689, and entitled " An account of Duke Schomberg's march towards Dublin," contains the following passages in reference to the state of the country at this juncture: "His Grace Duke Schomberg intends to take in Charlemont, being upon his

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 139
Earl of Ulster's Show of Force at Trim and Drogheda

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1308

In 1308, Richard, Earl of Ulster, in defiance of the Viceroy Peter Gaveston, held a court at Trim during Whitsuntide where he knighted two of the de Lacys, then marched to Drogheda intending to confront the Lord Lieutenant, but ultimately withdrew without further action.

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there ; while the Mayor and bailiffs of the town at that side received the royal command, not to permit the exportation of com, wine, victuals, or arms, to foreign parts, without special license. In the same year, Bichard, Earl of Ulster, as it were in defiance of the ill-chosen favourite of Edward the Second, Peter Gaveston, then Viceroy of Ireland, held a Court at Trim, in Whitsuntide, where, having dubbed two of the de Lacys Knights, he marched to Drogheda, with the avowed intention of encountering the Lord Lieutenant, but, on better consideration, returned without further prosecuting his design. In the following year, a branch of the Brown family was settled in this town, one of whom, William Brown, and his children lawfully begotten, had liberty to use the English law. In this latter year, the following personages of this vicinity had special writs of summons to the Parliament of Kilkenny, Simon Feypo, Richard Taaffe, William Taaffe, Henry le Fleming, Thomas le Tayllur, Simon de Geneville, Nigel le Brun, Walter de Lacy, Hugh de Lacy, Walter de Cusack, Richard le Savage, and Milo de Swords. In 1310, the Mayor, Commons, and Bailiffs of Drogheda, on the Louth side, were fined, for affording sanctuary to certain murderers, and especially to the murderer of Jordan, the chaplain of Hugh de Lacy. In the same year, the king issued his mandate to the bailiff and seneschal of Depree, in Normandy, to withdraw a caption, which he had made by reprisal, on the goods of Michael Trim, a burgess of Drogheda At this
60 GENERAL HISTORY.

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 29

As the companion tells it

Coming through Drogheda now. In 1308 this town stood at the edge of a confrontation between two of the most powerful men in Ireland. Richard, Earl of Ulster, acting in defiance of Peter Gaveston, the Viceroy appointed by Edward the Second, held a court at Trim during Whitsuntide. There he knighted two of the de Lacys, a gesture of open challenge to the crown's representative. From Trim he marched his forces here to Drogheda, with the avowed intention of encountering the Lord Lieutenant. On better consideration, though, he turned back without pressing the matter further, and the town was spared whatever that meeting might have brought. That same year the mayor and bailiffs had received a royal command not to permit the exportation of corn, wine, victuals, or arms to foreign parts without special license. Two years later, in 1310, the mayor, commons, and bailiffs of the Louth side were fined for affording sanctuary to certain murderers, among them the killer of Jordan, chaplain to Hugh de Lacy.
John Genet tombstone at Donore graveyard, 1609

Donore · town · Meath · 1609

In the old graveyard at Donore, a solitary tombstone erected soon after the Reformation, usurping the place of the altar, records the burial of John Genet of Oldbridge who died in 1609, with a verse epitaph.

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the last, but certainly not the least interesting noticed in this section of the history. The parish has a population of 1489 persons, and contains, on the recent Trigonometrical Survey, 3661a. 3r. 38p., in six townlands, Donore, 01dbridge,Sheephouse, Bathmullen, Stalleen, and Cruise-rath. On that of Donore, is a village of cleanly whitewashed cottages, a National School, which gives instruction to 110 boys and 58 girls, a new chapel of rectangular form, long but narrow, and without galleries, of sufficient area, however, for its present congregation ; but the scene of greatest attraction here, is the old graveyard and church. The former is small, and thickly filled with undistinguished tombstones ; the walls of the latter scarcely traceable above the human clay that has been gathered round them since the Reformation ; one solitary tombstone, erected soon after that event, usurps the place of the altar, recording, that " Here lieth the bodie of John Genet of Oldbridge in this tomb, who departed this life,
1609.-

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 214
King Cormac's death near Kells attributed to Magi's resentment

Kells · town · Meath

Cormac, who rejected Paganism in favour of belief in one Omnipotent Being and disputed theology with the Magi, died suddenly near Kells about the close of the third century, an event some attributed to the Magi's resentment.

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English law slowly supplanted them. Nor were the thoughts of this great man less zealously directed to the eternal welfare of his people. Utterly dissenting from the Paganism that surrounded him, although in Ireland it exhibited a character more refined and rational than in any other quarter of the globe, he ventured to uphold the doctrine of one Omnipotent Being, governing the universe by his will and wisdom; and in fiu'therance of this his belief, is recorded to have carried on a theological discussion with the Magi so earnestly, that his sudden death is by some attributed to the agency of their provoked resentment. That event occurred about the close of the third century, in a cottage near Kells, whither he had retired from the cares of government seven years previously. It is also recorded, that in his dying moments he prohibited the biuial of his body in the Royal sepulchre ofhis Pagan predecessors, at the Bathna-Eiogh, in Tara ; in literal observance of the words of which wish, though not of the principle that recommended it, his people carried the corpse towards a burial ground, not less recognized for public and distinguished inhumation according to the rites of the day, within the district extending from the limits of Dowth to New Grange, of which more full mention shall be made hereafter. The Magi were, however, no less reluctant to receive him at that side of the Boyne, and as there was no bridge then across the river, they three several times frustrated all attempts to lead the funeral, as was sought through

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 8

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Kells, this town carries a story from about the close of the third century. Cormac, who had retired from the cares of government 7 years before, died suddenly in a cottage near here. He had utterly dissented from the Paganism that surrounded him, even though in Ireland it exhibited a character more refined and rational than in any other quarter of the globe. He ventured to uphold the doctrine of one Omnipotent Being, governing the universe by his will and wisdom. In furtherance of this belief, he is recorded to have carried on a theological discussion with the Magi so earnestly that his sudden death is by some attributed to the agency of their provoked resentment. In his dying moments he prohibited the burial of his body in the Royal sepulchre of his Pagan predecessors at the Bath-na-Eiogh in Tara. In literal observance of the words of his wish, though not of the principle that recommended it, his people carried the corpse towards a burial ground, no less recognized for public and distinguished inhumation according to the rites of the day, within the district extending from the limits of Dowth to Newgrange. The Magi were, however, no less reluctant to receive him on that side of the Boyne. As there was no bridge then across the river, they 3 separate times frustrated all attempts to lead the funeral through.
King's reward to Drogheda corporation for victory

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1470

In commemoration of the defeat of O'Reilly's forces, King Edward gave the Drogheda corporation a ceremonial sword to be carried before the mayor, along with an annual sum of £20 toward maintaining civic dignity.

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of this town, at the instigation of the Archbishop of Armagh, selected 500 archers, and 200 pole-axe men, marched to Ardee, where he was joined by Sir Robert TaafFc, with 70 horse. The Primate being of the party, thereupon caused them to halt imtil he said a solemn mass, and gave the people his benediction, immediately on receiving which they marched to Corbally, near Malpas bridge, when a desperate engagement ensued, in which O'Reilly was defeated with the loss of 400 of his men. This battle, says Sir James Ware, was narrated in the " Register of the Mayors of Drogheda," and from it he professed to extract his accoimt; but the venerable muniment is no longer forthcoming. In commemoration of this signal service to the state, as it was deemed, King Edward gave to this corporation a sword, to be carried before the mayor, and an annual sum of £20, towards the maintenance of the dignity. In 1471, William Crumpe and Thomas Barby were appointed Masters of the mint in the castles of Dublin and Trim, and in the town of Drogheda; but in three years afterwards were displaced, when Richard Heron was appointed for life master and worker of the mint within said places, and elsewhere in Ireland. In 1472, on the feast of St Jerome, the bridge of Drogheda is recorded to have fallen down in consequence of a flood. In the same year, the Earl of Kildare, as deputy to the Duke of Clarence, convened a Parliament at Naas, which was adjourned to Dublin, wherein an Act was passed prohibiting the ex-
GENERAL HISTORY. I6l

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 75

As the companion tells it

Coming up now through Drogheda, in Louth. In 1470, this town played its part in a sharp fight. At the instigation of the Archbishop of Armagh, the town selected 500 archers and 200 pole-axe men and marched to Ardee. There they were joined by Sir Robert Taafe with 70 horse. The Primate was of the party, and he caused them to halt until he said a solemn mass and gave the people his benediction. Immediately on receiving it, they marched to Corbally, near Malpas bridge, where a desperate engagement ensued. O'Reilly was defeated with the loss of 400 of his men. Sir James Ware says this battle was narrated in the Register of the Mayors of Drogheda, and from it he professed to extract his account. But that venerable muniment is no longer forthcoming. In commemoration of this signal service to the state, as it was deemed, King Edward gave to the corporation a sword, to be carried before the mayor, and an annual sum of £20 towards the maintenance of the dignity. A few years later, in 1472, on the feast of St Jerome, the bridge of Drogheda is recorded to have fallen down in consequence of a flood.
King William lodges at Duleek after the battle

Duleek · town · Meath · 1690

After the Battle of the Boyne, King William's troops lay on their arms at Duleek the night after the battle, and the king himself stayed there that night after being guided back by Colonel Bellingham.

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Dutch, like angels. The king charged in person at the head of the Enniskilleners, and exposed himself with undaunted bravery. He pursued almost as far as the Naul, and left them not until near 10 o'clock at night. I was his guide back to Duleek. We killed about 2,000 of their men, besides Lords Carlingford, Dungan, and several other officers of note killed and taken prisoners. We lost not above 200 in the whole action, many of which were killed by our own men through mistake. I returned to the camp at Oldbridge, having left the king in his coach at Duleek, where he staid that night. I was almost faint for want of drink and meat."
How sadly contrasted with these results of triumph were the fortunes of the fallen James. Hurrying through Dublin to Waterford, and, causing the bridges on his course to be broken down behind him as he passed, he embarked at the latter port for France, and was in a few days a neglected exile, in the mimic Court of St. Germains. Soon afterwards three hundred of the refugee Swiss and Germans, belonging to his French allies, deserted to William's army, while yet more of these allies, proceeding to Kinsale, embarked thence for the continent, and although Lausun, with the remainder, accompanied Tyrconnel and the Irish to Limerick, yet he also embarked thence for France ; the Earl of Tyrconnel, however, sailed in his fleet thitlier, and on his arrival procured his disgrace by reason of his misconduct while in Ireland.

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog
Lausun and French allies embark from Kinsale and Limerick

Kinsale · town · Cork · 1690

After the Boyne, refugee Swiss and German troops deserted to William's army, while more French allies embarked from Kinsale; Lausun accompanied Tyrconnel and the Irish to Limerick before also embarking for France.

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How sadly contrasted with these results of triumph were the fortunes of the fallen James. Hurrying through Dublin to Waterford, and, causing the bridges on his course to be broken down behind him as he passed, he embarked at the latter port for France, and was in a few days a neglected exile, in the mimic Court of St. Germains. Soon afterwards three hundred of the refugee Swiss and Germans, belonging to his French allies, deserted to William's army, while yet more of these allies, proceeding to Kinsale, embarked thence for the continent, and although Lausun, with the remainder, accompanied Tyrconnel and the Irish to Limerick, yet he also embarked thence for France ; the Earl of Tyrconnel, however, sailed in his fleet thitlier, and on his arrival procured his disgrace by reason of his misconduct while in Ireland.
GENERAL mSTORY. 345

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 156

As the companion tells it

You are near Kinsale, the Cork town where, after the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, the tide went out for James's cause. French allies who had fought for him came here and embarked for the continent, heading home. Lausun, their commander, held on a little longer, accompanying Tyrconnel and the Irish to Limerick before he too sailed for France. Tyrconnel followed in his fleet, but on arrival his misconduct in Ireland brought him disgrace.
Mayor George Elcock accused of treacherous correspondence

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1566

George Elcock, Mayor of Drogheda, was accused before Sir William Fitzwilliams of holding treacherous correspondence with the Irish during the 1566 crisis, and was committed to the Castle of Dublin as a result.

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room with their skenes by them. But as soon as he came to his master, Adam Loftus, he cried out " pardon me, master !" The Archbishop asking him " why, what hast thou done?" he told him the whole story, whereupon he wrote to the Lord Lieutenant of it. From this apparently trifling incident a suspicion was strongly excited against O'Neill, on which the Lord Lieutenant began preparations for an expedition into the North, which he made in April 1563. After some slight successes against the adherents of the Ulster chief, Lord Sussex came upon them, and took three thousand cattle and fifteen himdred horses, with which he marched to Drogheda. O'Neill hereupon felt the necessity of renewing his submission, and in return received favours and professions from the politic Elizabeth, which flattered his vanity and for a time postponed hostilities. Li 1566, however, the Lord Deputy Sydney being absent in England, this town was in hazard of being taken by this same O'Neill, but on the urgent request of the Lady Sydney, then residing in Drogheda, Master Sarsfield, Mayor of Dublin, with a chosen and goodly band of his citizens, came to its relief, and baffled the expectations of the enemy. On this occasion George Elcock, Mayor of this town, was accused before Sir William FitzwiUiams of holding a treacherous correspondence with the Irish, and was thereupon committed to the Castle of Dublin. In vindication of English authority, the Deputy, Avithin the same year, accompanied by the Earl of Kildare, set out from

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 91

As the companion tells it

As the road brings you through Drogheda, the town carries a story from 1566. The Lord Deputy Sydney was away in England that year, and this town was in danger of being taken by O'Neill. Lady Sydney was residing in Drogheda at the time, and she made an urgent request for help. Master Sarsfield, Mayor of Dublin, came with a chosen band of his citizens to relieve the town, and they baffled the expectations of the enemy. It was on this occasion that George Elcock, Mayor of Drogheda, was accused before Sir William Fitzwilliams of holding a treacherous correspondence with the Irish. He was committed to the Castle of Dublin as a result. The trouble with O'Neill had been building before then. A man had come to his master, Adam Loftus, the Archbishop, crying out "pardon me, master." When the Archbishop asked him what he had done, he told the whole story, and Loftus wrote to the Lord Lieutenant of it. From this apparently trifling incident a suspicion was strongly excited against O'Neill. The Lord Lieutenant began preparations for an expedition into the North, which he made in April 1563. After some slight successes against the adherents of the Ulster chief, Lord Sussex came upon them and took three thousand cattle and fifteen hundred horses, and marched to Drogheda. O'Neill renewed his submission and received favours from Elizabeth, which postponed hostilities for a time.
Monuments to the Moore and Ball Families in Drogheda's Great Church

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1634

In the great church of Drogheda, described by the 1634 traveller, stood a fair monument to Lord Moore, his lady, Sir Edward Moore and Sir Thomas Moore, their wives and children, including one for Lady Salisbury; opposite was Sir Francis Ball's monument, depicting him in his mayoral scarlet gown.

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framed in grass. In this palace the primate is most resident when he is not in Dublin. In this town are two churches, one placed on the one side of the river, the other on the other, over which is a wooden bridge. In the great church my Lord Primate preacheth every sabbath. In the body of the church over against the pulpit, the communion table is placed lengthwise in the aisle ; the body of the church is kept in good repair; only herein is a fair monument for my Lord Moore, his lady, Sir Edward Moore and Sir Thomas Moore, his sons, and their wives and children. Among these is one erected for the Lady Salisbury, now living at Chester. On the side opposite hereunto is Sir Francis Ball's monument, who died when Mayor, he is pictured in his scarlet gown." .... "From Tredagh" (continues the writer), " we came to Swords; here we lodged at the sign of the boot, a tavern, and were well used, and found far better accommodation in so mean a village than could be expected. The way from Tredagh hither, as dainty fine way as ever I rid, and a most pleasant coimtry, greatest part com upon the very sea coast, and very good and well reared com, the barley now (July 9th) beginning to turn, and will be ripe before the rye. Here I saw very fair large English kine; I inquired the price, which is about £2, or £2 10^., or £3, these worth in England double the price. Land here sold for about twenty years' purchase, sets for 5^. or 6^. per acre, some for £l. Some land about Dublin is set for £2, £3,
222 GENERAL HISTORY.

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 100

As the companion tells it

You're coming through Drogheda now. A traveller in 1634 wrote about this town and its churches. He noted the palace, where the primate is most resident when he is not in Dublin. There were two churches, one on each side of the river, with a wooden bridge over it. In the great church, the Lord Primate preached every Sabbath. Against the pulpit, the communion table was placed lengthwise in the aisle. The body of the church was kept in good repair. Inside, what stood out was the monuments. There was a fair monument for Lord Moore, his lady, Sir Edward Moore and Sir Thomas Moore, his sons, and their wives and children. Among these was one erected for the Lady Salisbury, who was then living at Chester. On the side opposite stood Sir Francis Ball's monument. He died while serving as Mayor, and he is pictured in his scarlet gown. The traveller called the town Tredagh. After leaving, he came to Swords and lodged at the sign of the boot, a tavern, and was well used. He found far better accommodation in so mean a village than could have been expected. The way from Tredagh to Swords was, in his words, "as dainty fine way as ever I rid," through a most pleasant country, the greatest part corn upon the very sea coast.
Nicholas de Verdon Arraigned at Drogheda for Rebellion in Louth

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1312

In 1312 Nicholas de Verdon was arraigned at Drogheda for resisting the king's authority in county Louth, accused of aiding rebels who despoiled lands of the Abbot of Mellifont and the king's lands at Ardee, and exacted tribute from the king's subjects.

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In 1312, Nicholas de Verdon was arraigned at Drogheda, for resisting the king's authority in the county of Louth, and vicinity of this town. The indictment stated that his brother, Robert de Verdon, with others of the county Louth, as well English as tish, had publicly appeared in arms against the king, and despoiled not only the lands of the Abbot of Mellefont, but those of the king at Ardee, and those of the lord of Louth, which he held of the king, that they exacted homage and tribute from the king's subjects, imtil the Lord Justice, on deep consideration, collected a body of hobillers in Dublin, and sent a detachment thereof to guard the king's town of Ardee, where, however, the arrival of such a body was so unwelcome, that the king's lieges there suffered more from their accession than they had from the original spoilers. That thereupon the Lord Justice, leaving the greater part of his forces in Dublin, proceeded with a few to Drogheda, where the commonalty of the county besought him to return, and that they would keep the peace at their own proper charges ; and the said Nicholas, and Milo de Verdon another brother of his, solemnly engaged to subdue the rebels, or at least to remove them from the county of Louth; that a royal commission was accordingly given to them for that purpose, and the Lord Justice returned to Dublin; that before the

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 29

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Drogheda, this is where Nicholas de Verdon was brought before the court in 1312, charged with resisting the king's authority in county Louth. The indictment said his brother Robert de Verdon, with others both English and Irish, had openly taken up arms against the king and despoiled the lands of the Abbot of Mellifont, the king's lands at Ardee, and the lands of the lord of Louth. They exacted homage and tribute from the king's subjects. The Lord Justice gathered a body of hobillers in Dublin and sent a detachment to guard the king's town of Ardee, but the arrival of these troops was so unwelcome that the king's own lieges there suffered more from them than from the original spoilers. The Lord Justice then came on to this town with a small force, where the commonalty of the county begged him to go back, promising to keep the peace at their own expense. Nicholas and his brother Milo de Verdon solemnly undertook to subdue the rebels or at least drive them out of county Louth. A royal commission was granted to them for that purpose, and the Lord Justice returned to Dublin.
Night watch and gate curfew ordered in Drogheda

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1715–1718

In 1715 the Assembly directed a constable and fourteen Protestants to mount guard with firelocks every night, requiring Papists to hire Protestants for the town-guard, and later ordered gates locked at set hours.

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By vote of the Assembly, in 1709, in consideration of the advantages this town has had, by the foundation of a school, settled therein by Erasmus Smith, Esq., deceased, it was ordered,that Samuel Smith, son and heir of said Erasmus, and Hugh Smith, another of his sons, being both then in the town, should be presented with the freedom of the corporation, and they were accordingly admitted. In August, 1712, the Body voted an address to the Queen, in favour and approval of the government of the Duke of Ormond, and, on the 30th of March following, resolved that His Excellency Sir Constantine Phipps, should be presented with the freedom in a gold box, and entertained in the Tholsel. In October, 1715, they directed, that a constable and fourteen Protestants should mount guard with firelocks every night, and that the bye-watches without the gates should appoint the guard at eight o'clock p. m., and take such orders as the mayor would direct ; and that all Papists should hire Protestants to mount the townguard, on pain of being distrained for their neglect, and the Assembly should indemnify the mayor in so distraining them; and in May, 1718, they passed their resolution, that for the future, the constable of the night should lock all the bye-gates at 10, and the West-gate, and Dublin gate, at 12 o'clock. It appears by a Retiun of the Commissioners of Array to Parliament, that the military force, at this time in Drogheda, consisted of one independent troop of dragoons, and two independent companies of foot.

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 162

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is Drogheda, the town the road is passing through. In October 1715 the Assembly here directed that a constable and fourteen Protestants should mount guard with firelocks every night. The bye-watches outside the gates were to appoint the guard at eight o'clock in the evening and take such orders as the mayor would direct. Every Papist in the town was required to hire a Protestant to mount the town guard. If any neglected this duty, they could be distrained, and the Assembly would indemnify the mayor for distraining them. Then in May 1718 the Assembly passed a further resolution. From then on, the constable of the night was to lock all the bye-gates at ten o'clock, and the West-gate and Dublin gate at twelve o'clock. A Return of the Commissioners of Array to Parliament shows the military force in Drogheda at this time consisted of one independent troop of dragoons and two independent companies of foot. Before these orders, in 1709 the Assembly had voted to present Samuel Smith and Hugh Smith, sons of Erasmus Smith, with the freedom of the corporation, in consideration of the advantages the town had from the school Erasmus Smith had founded there.
Officers buried near Oldbridge quarry ground

Oldbridge · townland · Meath · 1690

Officers who fell on William's side were, according to tradition, buried about a mile from Oldbridge, at a site now marked by a quarry ground, a lime kiln and a cabin, close to the Irish ramparts, said to have once been an osier garden.

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This Captain Mulloy lived to the year 1 734, when he was buried in the church of Ardcame, county r :)scommon. Coote Mulloy, Esq., of Oakport, De- • aty Lieutenant, and present High Sheriff of that county, deduces his very ancient line of pedigree directly through this gallant soldier. The other officers, who fell on William's side, were, according to tradition, buried about a mile from the town of Oldbridge, where there is a piece of quarry groimd, and beside it now a lime kiln and a cabin, close to the Irish ramparts ; it is said to have been then an osier garden. At several points of the battle field, which extended from the bridge of Slane nearly to Drogheda, many remains of earthworks, and other traces of military operations, are still to be seen.
The whole ground, indeed, on which the destinies of the three kingdoms were decided, where two kings in person contended for their dynasties and faith, throughout one long summer's day, and the royalty and hopes of the Stuarts were extinguished for ever, should be a scene of paramount interest to every individual in the British Empire. " This view," writes

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 151

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Oldbridge, officers who fell on William's side in 1690 were, according to tradition, buried about a mile from the town. The place is now marked by a piece of quarry ground, with a lime kiln and a cabin beside it, close to the Irish ramparts. It is said to have been an osier garden then. The battlefield extended from the bridge of Slane nearly to Drogheda, and at several points along it, many remains of earthworks and other traces of military operations are still to be seen. This is the ground on which the destinies of the three kingdoms were decided, where two kings in person contended for their dynasties and faith, throughout one long summer's day, and the royalty and hopes of the Stuarts were extinguished for ever. It should be a scene of paramount interest to every individual in the British Empire.
Ormond's council in Drogheda and burning of Slane

Slane · townland · Meath · 1642

The Earl of Ormond entered Drogheda and dined with Lord Moore, holding a council of officers. Sir Henry Tichburne, unable to extend Ormond's commission, exerted himself to avert a second siege, burning Slane and defeating the enemy at Ardee.

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On the 11th of March, the Earl of Ormond, attended by several colonels and captains, entered Drogheda, and dined with Lord Moore. Another council was then held with the officers of .the garrison, when it was agreed, that eflforts should be renewed to obtain an extension of the Earl's commission, so as to enable him to march further northward than the Boyne, but the chief governors were inexorable, and the army of Ulster, emboldened thereby, and having recovered from their consternation, regained many of the places they had before abandoned, and even threatened again to investDrogheda, so that Sir Henry Tichbume was obliged, on the departure of Ormond, to exert his utmost vigour to avert the calamity of a second siege of this town. In the promotion of this object, he burned Slane, defeated a considerable party of the enemy at Ardee, and afterwards, as no restriction had been laid upon his conduct, he marched to Dundalk, and drove the enemy, with great slaughter, from that town also.
250 OEXEBAL BISTORT.

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 112

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Slane, on the 11th of March 1642, the Earl of Ormond entered Drogheda, attended by several colonels and captains, and dined with Lord Moore. A council was held with the officers of the garrison. They agreed to seek an extension of Ormond's commission, so he could march further northward than the Boyne. But the chief governors were inexorable. The army of Ulster, emboldened and recovered from their consternation, regained many places they had abandoned, and threatened again to invest Drogheda. On Ormond's departure, Sir Henry Tichburne was obliged to exert his utmost vigour to avert a second siege. He burned Slane, defeated a considerable party of the enemy at Ardee, and afterwards marched to Dundalk, driving the enemy from that town with great slaughter.
Peter Leyns of Croboy and rebellion of Silken Thomas

Owenstown · townland · Meath · 1524–1556

Peter Leyns of the Knock appeared on the hill of Owenstown on royal summons for military service. He was later implicated in the rebellion of Lord Thomas Fitzgerald, and his heirs' devotion to the Stuart cause eventually led to forfeiture and transplantation to Connaught.

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The names of three individuals occur in this array of marchers, which claim some notice. Gerald Wellesley, of Dangan, was the ancestor of the Duke of Wellington; he held said manor of Dangan by the tenure of Grand Serjeantcy, viz., by the honourable duty of bearing the standard of the lord the king in his wars in Ireland. On his death, in 1539, livery of his estates was granted to his son and heir William Wellesley of Dangan. — Peter Leyns was the representative of a family, that had early settled in the neighbourhood of Dangan; he appeared in 1532 on the hill of Owenstown, on a royal summons, for military service, in right of his lay fee at Croboy, the Knock, &c. In a few years afterwards, he was implicated in the rebellion of Lord Thomas Fitzgerald, the silken lord ; his heirs, however, maintained possession of the estates, until their misguided devotion to the Stuart line vested them, on alleged claims as by forfeiture, in the Crown, and led to their transplantation into Connaught, and the grant of their former estates to the Rowleys, afterwards ennobled with the title of Langford. — Christopher Plunkett
GENERAL inSTORY. 185

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 86
Roderic O'Conor's encampment at Drogheda in 1166

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1166

King Roderic O'Conor encamped with an army near Drogheda to test allegiance in the district. Donogh O'Carrol and other Louth chiefs came to his tent, delivered hostages, and received a gift of 240 beeves.

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designs of that prince, were frustrated by his death, and not afterwards revived, until the accession, under the most favourable auspices, of Henry the Second, to the British Crown. Thus far it seemed relevant to this History, to preface respecting the English invasion, as well on account of the political events before related, which occurred at Drogheda, in fatal testimony of Irish disunion, as that here, in 1166, on the very eve of StrongboVs incursion, Roderic O'Conor, then the acknowledged King of Ireland, encamped with an army, for the object of ascertaining the feelings of allegiance towards him in this quarter, and here Donogh O'Carrol (whose territory, as Prince of Uriel, extended from Drogheda to Asigh, in the County of Meath), together with the other chiefs of Louth, came into Roderio's tent, delivered hostages for their fealty, and received in return, as recorded in the " Annals of Innisfallan," a " present of two hundred and forty beeves"(a).
Tacitus has recorded, in his " Life of Agricola," the conviction of Roman policy, that Ireland should be estimated as the great arena where Roman power might be most effectively employed, and " the chains not only of Britain, but likewise of Spain and Gaul,

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 20

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is Drogheda, the town where, in 1166, on the very eve of Strongbow's incursion, Roderic O'Conor, then the acknowledged King of Ireland, encamped with an army. His object was to ascertain the feelings of allegiance towards him in this quarter. Donogh O'Carrol, whose territory as Prince of Uriel extended from Drogheda to Asigh in the County of Meath, together with the other chiefs of Louth, came into Roderic's tent. They delivered hostages for their fealty, and received in return, as recorded in the Annals of Innisfallan, a present of 240 beeves. It was a moment of Irish disunion, fatal testimony of it, in the same town where political events had already occurred that spoke to the fractures among the Irish. The English invasion was coming, under the most favourable auspices of Henry the Second to the British Crown, and this gathering at Drogheda was the last assertion of an Irish king's authority before it arrived.
The great flood of 1330 sweeps away Boyne bridges

near River Boyne · river · Kildare · 1330

A memorable flood of the Boyne in 1330 swept away all bridges except Babe's bridge near Blackcastle, causing much damage at Trim, Drogheda and surrounding districts.

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the stream of this river, from Drogheda to Trim, of which latter place Luman was afterwards Bishop. The frequent devastations of the Danes along its banks, during the ninth century, are detailed in the Greneral History; yet were so many ecclesiastical houses and schools maintained on these banks, that, for centuries before the English invasion, it was styled by the flattering appellation of the river of sanctity and science. The Annals of the Four Masters record, at the year 931, the death of " the chief poet of Ireland, the Bard of the Boyne," and at 1032, a sad victory obtained on its banks by Sitric, the son of Aulaffe, and his Danes, over the Irish, in which three himdred of the latter were slain or taken prisoners. After the English invasion this river, from Trim to Drogheda, was the acknowledged northern terminator of the Pale. In 1203, King John confirmed to the Abbot of Mellefont, certain rights of fishery at both its sides, as appiutenant to the landed possessions of his house. In 1330, a memorable flood of this river swept away (according to Grace's Annals), all the bridges, except Babe's bridge, near Blackcastle, and did much injury at Trim, Drogheda, and the adjoining districts; soon after which considerable evidence appears upon record, of litigation between the Crown and the patentees of weirs on this water. One instance occurred in 1342, when the king directed his mandate to his then Escheator, Roger D'Arcy, in which, after reciting a prior writ to said Escheator, requiring him to certify his rea-

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 176
Theological Controversy Between Jesuits and Franciscans at Drogheda

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1623–1624

In 1623 Drogheda became the arena of much theological controversy between the Jesuits and the Franciscans. The following year Primate Hampton died there a bachelor at seventy-three, and Archbishop Ussher, his successor, made Drogheda his principal abode until the wars of 1641.

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appears from the Corporation books, occupied the grotind from the north side of William-street to Fairstreet, and thence southward towards Laurencestreet. This Prelate also frirnished the rooms with portraits of his predecessors, which were subsequently removed to the palace of ArmagL John Netterville was, at this period, seised in fee of Barnatty, within the franchises of Drogheda, comprising six messuages and 120 acres, and being so seised, he, together with Nicholas Viscount Netterville, Richard Netterville, son and heir of Christopher Netterville, then late of Blackcastle, Thomas Netterville of said place, and James Netterville of Tobber in the county Wicklow, conveyed same to trustees, one of whom was Laurence Netterville of Dublin. The said John Netterville, on his death, was succeeded herein by Laurence Netterville, his cousin and heir. In 1623, Drogheda was the arena of much theological controversy between the Jesuits and the Franciscans. In the following year Primate Hampton died here a bachelor, at the advanced age of seventy-three, when the celebrated Doctor James Ussher was advanced to the primacy, and he also made Drogheda his principal abode, until the wars of 1641.
At the close of the year 1628, an ordinance against the Roman Catholics, their worship, and their priesthood, was dii-ectedto be proclaimed here, in reference to which, the Lord Deputy Falkland, in April, 1629, wrote particularly to the aforesaid Archbishop Ussher.

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 97

As the companion tells it

Coming through Drogheda now. Back in 1623, this town was the arena of much theological controversy between the Jesuits and the Franciscans. The following year, Primate Hampton died here, a bachelor, at the advanced age of seventy-three. The celebrated Doctor James Ussher was then advanced to the primacy, and he made Drogheda his principal abode until the wars of 1641. The prelate's residence occupied the ground from the north side of William Street to Fair Street, and thence southward towards Laurence Street. He furnished the rooms with portraits of his predecessors, which were later removed to the palace of Armagh. At this period, John Netterville held Barnatty, within the franchises of Drogheda, comprising six messuages and 120 acres. Together with Nicholas Viscount Netterville, Richard Netterville, son and heir of Christopher Netterville of Blackcastle, Thomas Netterville of the same place, and James Netterville of Tobber in County Wicklow, he conveyed the land to trustees, one of whom was Laurence Netterville of Dublin. When John Netterville died, he was succeeded by his cousin and heir, Laurence Netterville.
Tyrconnell Forces Election of Ignatius Peppard as Mayor

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1687

In 1687 Lord Tyrconnell overrode Drogheda's corporate customs by directing that Ignatius Peppard be elected mayor despite not having been an alderman. Peppard was sworn in but died shortly after his mayoralty, holding property including the Blue Boar's Head house and lands near the bog of Beamore.

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In the following year, his successor. Lord Tyrconnell, in one of those indiscreet attempts to enforce authority as by prerogative, and which ultimately led to the subversion of his royal master's dynasty, assumed to direct, that Mr. Ignatius Peppard should be elected mayor of Drogheda, and, although the corporation remonstrated against such an innovation on their laws and customs, as to elect one a mayor, who had not been previously an alderman, Peppard was, nevertheless, afterwards sworn. He died immediately after his mayoralty, when, on an inquisition post mortem, he was found to have been, at the time of his decease, seised in fee of one house in Deer-street, called the Blue Boar's Head, and other houses near the quay ; two messuages situated in the bull-ring ; sixteen acres outside Duleek gate, near the bog of Beamore, &c., the title to all which, he acquired under a lease from the corporation. It appears, indeed, from the celebrated case of Peppard versus the Mayor of Drogheda, reported in the second volume of Browne's Parliamentary Cases, that King James's corporation assumed to themselves the power, of not only making leases for long terms of years, but also reversionary leases, by one of which,
298 GENERAL HISTOBT.

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 132

As the companion tells it

In 1687 this town of Drogheda saw Lord Tyrconnell impose royal prerogative in a way that would help undo his master's dynasty. He directed that Ignatius Peppard be elected mayor, though the corporation's customs required a mayor to have first served as an alderman. The corporation remonstrated against the innovation, but Peppard was sworn in regardless. He died immediately after his mayoralty. An inquisition post mortem found he had been seised in fee of the Blue Boar's Head house in Deer-street, other houses near the quay, two messuages in the bull-ring, and sixteen acres outside Duleek gate near the bog of Beamore, all acquired under a lease from the corporation. The celebrated case of Peppard versus the Mayor, reported in Browne's Parliamentary Cases, later showed that King James's corporation had assumed the power of making not only long-term leases but reversionary leases.
Bertram de Verdon Founds Priory and Incorporates Dundalk

Dundalk · town · Louth · 1170–1200

Bertram de Verdon, first of his line to settle in Ireland, was made Seneschal of Ireland and obtained the barony of Dundalk with the lordship of Clonmore. He constituted burgages in Drogheda north of the Boyne, formally incorporated the borough of Dundalk, and founded the Priory for Crossbearers there.

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It may be here allowable, in reference to the foregoing notice of so many members of this very ancient family of Louth, the De Verdons, to furnish a few particulars of their pedigree and achievements. Bertram de Verdon, the first of the race who settled in Lreland, arrived there in the company of Prince John, soon after which he was appointed Seneschal of Lreland, and obtained the barony of Dundalk, with the lordship of Clonmore, and other estates in the maritime portion of the county Louth, up to the mouth of the Boyne; he thereupon constituted his burgages in Drogheda, on the north side of that river, and more formally incorporated the borough of Dundalk, and founded the Priory for Crossbearers there. Nicholas, his son, succeeded to his
64 GENERAI. HISTORY.

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 31
Boyne anniversary celebrations in Drogheda

Drogheda · town · Louth

The anniversaries of the Battle of the Boyne were marked in Drogheda with bonfires, cannon fire, bell ringing and party excitement, described by the author as taunting orgies unworthy of the principles of the revolution.

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but the taunting orgies, with which the anniversaries of that battle have been celebrated, and more especially in the town which is the subject of the present history ; the party excitements, amidst which bonfires were kindled, cannons fired, bells rung, flowers debased, and even the social board infuriated, were wholly unworthy of the great man, and the great principle that led in the revolution. Public opinion is, however, happily righting itself; and, it may be fearlessly asserted, that every hour, the moral and substantial union of the countries is deferred ; every withholding of even and universal legislation through the empire, detracts from the peace of the one country, the revenue of the other, and the power and happiness of both.
It must not be omitted, that memorials of another character are also confidently produced, in testimony of the achievements of this day. In the Tholsel of Drogheda, as before mentioned, are preserved kettle-drums that were captured from James; in Townley Hall is the sword of the victorious monarch; and at Mr. Thompson's of Ravensdale, the lacerated and stained buff jerkin which he wore, when the ball grazed his shoulder.

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 152

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Drogheda, you're in the town where anniversaries of the Battle of the Boyne were long marked with bonfires, cannons fired, bells rung, and what one local historian called "taunting orgies" wholly unworthy of the great man and the great principle that led the revolution. He saw these party excitements as obstacles to the moral and substantial union of the countries, detracting from the peace of one, the revenue of the other, and the happiness of both. Memorials of another sort survive here too. Kettle-drums captured from James are preserved in the Tholsel of Drogheda. The sword of the victorious monarch is kept at Townley Hall, and the lacerated and stained buff jerkin he wore when a ball grazed his shoulder is held at Mr. Thompson's of Ravensdale.
Cathal of Munster ravages Bregia to Drogheda's edge

Drogheda · town · Louth · 720

In 720, Cathal, King of Munster, laid waste the plains of Bregia up to the edge of Drogheda, until Feargall, King of Tara, concluded a peace with him secured by hostages.

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In 720, Cathal, King of Munster, laid waste the plains of Bregia to the verge of this town, until Feargall, King of Tara, consented to conclude a peace with him, and gave hostages to secure its inviolability. In 780, the people of Bregia had a sanguinary conflict with those of Leinster, in which fell Cucongal. King of Rath-Inver. At the commencement of the ensuing century, the natives of this district were arrayed in more legitimate hostility against the Danes, who, in sixty long transports, entered the mouth of the Boyne, plundered all the ecclesiastical edifices within the territories of Magh LifFe, andMagh Breagh ; extended their ravages toKildare ; destroyed

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 13

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Drogheda, you are on the edge of ground once ravaged by a king of Munster. In 720, Cathal laid waste the plains of Bregia all the way to the verge of this town. He stopped only when Feargall, King of Tara, agreed to make peace and handed over hostages to secure it.
Foundation of Mellifont Abbey in 1142

Mellifont · townland · Louth · 1142

In 1142 Donogh O'Corrol, prince of Uriel, erected the Cistercian abbey at Mellifont, furnished by St. Bernard from his own abbey of Clairvaux and dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, one of the earliest of that order in Ireland.

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In 1142,Donogh O'Corrol, prince of Uriel, erected an abbey here for monks of the Cistercian order, with which St. Bernard furnished it from his own abbey of Clairvaux; it was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, and was one of the earliest of that order in

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 190
Fugitives retreat to the Naul after the Boyne

Naul · town · Dublin · 1690

Following the battle, the main body of James's fugitive forces effected an orderly retreat, commended even by their enemies, to another great defile on the Dublin road at the Naul.

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his troops retreated through the pass of Duleek, over the little bridge, which was then the only safe mode of crossing the Nanny-water thereabouts, the banks higher up being impracticable by reason of a bog. When Count Schomberg, informed of his father's death, and his zeal being thereupon fired by a spirit of revenge, hotly pursued the fugitives, covering the ground with carnage ; but King James had no sooner passed Duleek, than Tyrconnel and Lausun, with some horse and foot, turned upon the pursuers, " and made so good a countenance, that they suflfered them to pass quietly over the brook, and bring away five of their six pieces of cannon, the other, being bogged, was lost." Then it was, that, by King William's command, the Earl of Portland obliged Count Schomberg and his forces to return to the commons of Duleek, where that monarch's infantry had encamped, and there all remained under arms that night, while the main body of the fugitives effected their retreat, in such order as was commended by their enemies, to another great defile on the Dublin road — the Naul. The loss on James's side was computed to be about 1200, while on William's it scarcely amounted to one-third of that number. The chief persons of distinction slain on the former were, besides Sir NeiU O'Neill, the Lords Dungan and Cai'lingford, the Marquess d^Hoquincour, Colonel Green, and many others. On the latter were, as before related, Schomberg, Caillemotte, and Doctor Walker.
Of Duke Schomberg, who, at the advanced age of

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 147
Inchiquin's cavalry rout near Drogheda

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1649

Lord Inchiquin's horse surprised a parliamentary troop and routed Colonel Coote's 300 horse, with the defeated party fleeing in disorder into Drogheda. Inchiquin believed the town could easily be taken if pursued immediately.

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prised a whole troop, and afterwards encountering Colonel Coote, at the head of 300 horse, routed the party, killing many, and the rest flying in great disorder into Drogheda." Inchiquin lost no time in sending an account of his success, adding, that he had reason to believe, if he pursued his advantage, and attempted the town, before the rebels recovered from their consternation, it would make but little resistance. Hereupon, it being considered in a council of war, that Dublin was too completely fortified, and plentifully manned, both with horse and foot, so that it would be a desperate action, to hazard the army by a general assault, and that there were not yet sufficient numbers to invest the place, especially while O'Neill and Monck, with the garrisons of D|-ogheda and Trim, lay so convenient to attack them, and that the reduction of the former of those places would secure a correspondence with the North, and give great encoiu^agement to the Scots in Ulster (who made great professions of duty to the king, and had now, under the conduct of the Lord Viscount Montgomery of the Ardes, driven Sir Charles Coote into the city of Deny, and there beleaguered him(a) ), it was resolved, that the Lord Lieutenant should continue in his camp with 5000 foot and 1500 horse, to straiten Dublin, and be ready to countenance any stirs or revolts within the city ; and that the Lord Lichiquin, with about the same number of horse and
(a) Clarendon's Hist. Rebellion.

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 119

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Drogheda, you are near where Lord Inchiquin's horse surprised a parliamentary troop in 1649. Inchiquin then encountered Colonel Coote at the head of 300 horse and routed the party, killing many, with the rest fleeing in great disorder into Drogheda. Inchiquin sent word of his success straight away, adding that if he pursued his advantage and attempted the town before the rebels recovered from their consternation, it would make but little resistance. A council of war then weighed what to do next. Dublin was judged too well fortified and too well manned with horse and foot for a general assault, and there were not yet enough men to invest it, especially while O'Neill and Monck, with the garrisons of Drogheda and Trim, lay close enough to attack. The reduction of Drogheda would secure a line to the North and encourage the Scots in Ulster, who under Lord Viscount Montgomery of the Ardes had driven Sir Charles Coote into Derry and besieged him there. It was resolved that the Lord Lieutenant should stay in camp with 5000 foot and 1500 horse to straiten Dublin, and that Inchiquin, with about the same number of horse and foot, should move on Drogheda.
Irish lords embark from Drogheda on Scottish expedition

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1314

In 1314 a large body of Irish gentry and their retainers embarked from Drogheda for the Scottish expedition, joining King Edward I's forces. An ancient record lists the many Gaelic and Anglo-Norman lords who took part.

Read the passage

In or about the year 1314 the king became so reconciled to Sir Theobald de Verdon, as to grant to this town, on his petition, the privileges of a market and fair, which subsequent monarchs confirmed, with many incidental advantages. In the same year a very large body of the gentry of Ireland, with their retainers, embarked hence on the Scottish expedition. It may be permitted here to mention their names as set forth in an ancient record.
O'Conor Don of Conaght. M*Mahon, of Uriel.

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 33

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Drogheda, this is the town where, in 1314, a very large body of the gentry of Ireland gathered with their retainers and embarked for the Scottish expedition. An ancient record sets forth their names, among them O'Conor Don of Connacht and MacMahon of Uriel. That same year, the king granted Drogheda the privileges of a market and fair on the petition of Sir Theobald de Verdon.
James Miles, Franciscan Friar and Musician of Drogheda

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1630–1639

James Miles, a Franciscan friar and native of Drogheda, was noted as a great adept in music and author of works on that science and on religious subjects. He lived at the Irish College in Rome before removing to Naples, where he died in 1639.

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In 1630, Thomas Earl of Ormond and Ossoiy, in consideration of £1000, granted the prisage of wines in the harbours of Dublin, Drogheda, Carlingford, Newry, Dundalk, Carrickfergus, Lough-Foyle, and Londonderry, to Edward Gough, to hold for ninetynine years, at a pepper-corn rent. An account of the customs in 1632, in Irish ports, states, amongst others, Dublin, as £6,136 2^. 6rf. ; Youghal, £1,904 7s. 3rf. Cork, £1,752 7*. 8rf.; Waterford, £1,688 12*. 6rf. Limerick, £1,619 1*. 7d. ; Drogheda, £1428 15^?. 3d. Galway, £1,376 17*. 7rf.; Kinsale, £982 9*. 9d. Carrickfergus, £768 9s. 8rf, &c.(a). About this time flourished James Miles, a Franciscan friar, and native of this town, a great adept in music, and author of some works, as well on that science, as on religious subjects. He lived some time in the Irish College at Rome, whence he removed to Naples, where he died in 1639.
A census of the gentlemen of the Pale, taken during the early part of the reign of King Charles the First, mentions those of the barony of Ferrard, as Patrick, the son of Christopher Dowdall of Newtown ; William, son of Thomas Plunkett of Bewly ; Alexander, son of Oliver Lord Louth ; James, son

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 98

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Drogheda, this is the town where James Miles was born. He was a Franciscan friar, described as a great adept in music, and he wrote works on that science as well as on religious subjects. He lived for a time at the Irish College in Rome before moving to Naples, where he died in 1639. The same town was busy with trade around then. In 1630, the Earl of Ormond granted the prisage of wines in Drogheda's harbour, along with several other ports, to Edward Gough for £1000, to hold for 99 years at a pepper-corn rent. An account of customs in Irish ports in 1632 valued Drogheda at £1428, between Limerick and Galway in the rankings.
King John's two-day visit to Drogheda in 1210

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1210

On his second visit to Ireland, King John spent two days, the 8th and 9th of August 1210, in Drogheda, from where he may have despatched a raiding party to the Isle of Man that pillaged it for fifteen days.

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In 1204, the king issued his mandate, requiring John de Courcy to return to his allegiance, and empowering the Lord Deputy thereupon, to confer upon him eight cantreds of land immediately adjoining the possessions of Walter de Lacy and Hugh, his brother, the two sons of the original Palatine of Meath, to be held of such service as might be thereafter agreed upon. The monarch, however, by a grant of " Drogheda Pons" to Nicholas de Verdon, adroitly interposed a neutral interest to at least prevent collision between these rival lords. In the following year this latter noble had a more emphatic grant of the custody of the Bridge of Drogheda, to hold as his father had theretofore held it The same sovereign, on the occasion of his second visit to Ireland, in 1210, passed in this town two days, the 8th and 9th of August, at which time possibly he despatched that predatory party, to which the "ChroniconManniaB" alludes, where, speaking of this royal excursion, it states, that he then despatched a party of his troops under Fulco, to Man, who in fifteen days totally pillaged that island; and, after exacting hostages, returned home : the Chronicle adds, that neither Reginald, nor any of the nobility, were then in the island. At this time, also, John confirmed Hugh de Lacy's endowment of the Abbey of Mellifoht, with the granges of Drogheda, Mell, &c., as hereafter more particularly set forth, ad ann, 1238. Hanmer, speaking of the sojourn of King John in Ireland, and its consequences so far
GENERAL HISTORY. 45

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Drogheda, you are in a town where King John stayed for two days in August 1210, the 8th and 9th, during his second visit to Ireland. It was from here, the records suggest, that he may have despatched a party of troops under a commander called Fulco to the Isle of Man. The Chronicle of Man says those troops pillaged the island for 15 days, exacted hostages, and returned home, while neither Reginald nor any of the nobility were on the island at the time. During the same stay, John confirmed Hugh de Lacy's endowment of the Abbey of Mellifont, including the granges of Drogheda and Mell.
Lord Lieutenant Sydney's ceremonial visit to Drogheda, 1693

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1693

On 19 April 1693 the Lord Lieutenant Viscount Sydney visited Drogheda, was met outside the town by the Lord Drogheda and militia, received the freedom of the town in a gold box at the Tholsel, and afterwards stayed at the Earl of Drogheda's at Mellifont.

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met a mile this side of the town by the Lord Drogheda, the Sheriffs of the city, and the militia county troop, who attended his Excellency to the gates of the town, where he was received by the Mayor, Grovemor and Aldermen, in all their formalities. At the entry of the gates the mayor made a speech, and delivered up the keys to his Excellency, who immediately returned them to him, who invited his Excellency to the Tholsel, where he was presented with his freedom in a gold box, and several of the gentlemen, who attended his Excellency, were likewise made free, after which he had a sumptuous entertainment From thence his Excellency went to the Earl of Drogheda's, at Mellefont, where he lay that night, and on his return to Dublin, the day following, he dined at Colonel Coote's at Gormanstown."
From IC9I to 1696, the following persons of this town and its vicinity were on outlawries attainted, Christopher Bathe, Esq., John Bird, Oliver Bird, Andrew Bathe, James Bellew, and Walter Babe, merchants ofDrogheda; Christopher Cheevers of Camtown; John, Patrick, James and Robert Cheevers of same place; Robert Conly, merchant; Bryan M'Cabe, yeoman; Thomas Cullen, merchant; Thady Duff of Pilltown, county Meath; Henry Dowdall ofDrogheda, Esq.; Christopher Dowdall, John Dowdall, and Robert Dermott, merchants of Drogheda; John, Lord Baron of Duleek ; Patrick Dowdall, of Termonfeckin ; Jenico Viscount Gormanston; Nicholas Gremon of Julianstown ; Bartholomew Gemon, merchant of

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 156

As the companion tells it

Drogheda stands ahead, the town the road carries you toward. In 1693 the Lord Lieutenant Viscount Sydney made a ceremonial visit here. He was met a mile this side of the town by the Lord Drogheda, the Sheriffs, and the militia county troop, who attended him to the gates. There the Mayor, Grovemor, and Aldermen received him in all their formalities. At the entry of the gates the Mayor made a speech and delivered up the keys to his Excellency, who immediately returned them. The Mayor invited him to the Tholsel, where he was presented with his freedom in a gold box, and several of the gentlemen who attended him were likewise made free. After that came a sumptuous entertainment. From the Tholsel his Excellency went to the Earl of Drogheda's at Mellefont, where he lay that night. On his return to Dublin the day following, he dined at Colonel Coote's at Gormanstown.
Lord William de Bermingham relieves besieged Arklow Castle

Arklow · town · Wicklow · 1331

In 1331 Lord William de Bermingham relieved the castle of Arklow when it was besieged by the O'Tooles, defeating them with considerable slaughter.

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deBermingham, that with his suite, he, in 1331, took up his summer residence in the wood of Graignemanagb, on which occasion, Eustace le Poer married the daughter of the aforesaid Earl of Louth. Lord William, in the same year, relieved the castle of Arklow when besieged by the O'Tooles, and defeated them with considerable slaughter. On the death of Lord Walter, his lineal descendant (a debtor of the King), his estates, and with them his armour, were taken into his Majesty's hands, but the King immediately conveyed all the armour, specifying each piece distinctly by name, and its value, to Sir Robert de Preston, who was guardian of Lord Walter's son and heir, in trust, that Sir Robert should deliver same to him on his attaining full age. The extent of Walter's possessions at this time, is proved by the fact, that on his demise, royal writs to seize his lands and possessions were directed to the sheriflfs of the several counties of Dublin, Meath, Kildare, Tipperary, Limerick, Cork, Coimaught, and Roscommon.
In the year previous to this battle of the Faughart, about Whitsuntide, the Lord Justice, Roger de Mortimer, marched toDrogheda,and thence to Trim, where he commanded the de Lacys to attend him. These proud nobles, however, not only refused his requisition, but murdered its bearer. Sir Hugh Crofts, an indignity which the Lord Justice was fain to avenge, by wasting the territory, and seizing on the property of the aggressors, slaying many of their ad-

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 35

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Arklow, in Wicklow, you are passing a place where a siege was broken in 1331. Lord William de Bermingham had taken up his summer residence in the wood of Graignemanagh that same year, when the O'Tooles besieged the castle of Arklow. He marched to its relief and defeated them with considerable slaughter. The castle stood then as a key stronghold on this coast, and the O'Tooles were among the local families who pressed hard against it. Beyond that, the record says little of the fight itself, only that the defeat was severe.
Louth countryside wasted by Irish incursions, castle-building mandated

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1429

In 1429 the vicinity of Drogheda and the whole county of Louth had been wasted by Irish incursions unchecked for want of castles and fortresses on the marches; Parliament offered subsidies to build defensive towers and later compelled labourers to construct them.

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In 1429, the vicinity of Drogheda, and the whole county of Louth, having been for some time previously wasted by the Irish, whose incursions could not be restrained, from the defect of castles and fortresses on the marches, it was enacted that every liege man of the king, who would, within five years, build a castle or tower there, twenty feet in length, sixty in breadth, and forty in height, should receive ten pounds in aid of the imdertaking, to be assessed in the way of subsidy, off said county. But this boon failing to meet the exigence, Parliament, upon the supplication of the commonalty of that county, authorized the sheriff thereof to compel the attendance of all labourers for eight days, in each of the three successive years, to be employed in the erec-
I 2

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 51

As the companion tells it

Around Drogheda here, the whole countryside of Louth had been laid waste by Irish incursions that no one could hold back, for want of castles and fortresses on the marches. In 1429, Parliament tried to fix this. Any king's liege man who would build a castle or tower within five years, twenty feet in length, sixty in breadth, and forty in height, would receive ten pounds toward the work, assessed as a subsidy off the county. But that offer was not enough. On the supplication of the commonalty of Louth, Parliament then authorized the sheriff to compel all labourers to attend for eight days in each of three successive years, to be employed in the erection of these defences.
O'Neill's headquarters at Bewley during the siege of Drogheda

Bewley · townland · Waterford · 1641

During the siege, O'Neill established his headquarters at Bewley, with detachments occupying the Castle of Rathmullan and the villages of Bettystown, Mornington, Oldbridge, Tullyallen, and Ballymakenny.

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around, that no one could pass unnoticed and unsearched, although divers stratagems are recorded to have been tried for the conveyance of letters of advice, some sowed up in the collars of doublets, the soles of boots, or even in bandages or sear-cloths laid on feigned bruises or sores. Nor was the vigilance ' and activity of the beleaguerers unparalleled by the besieged; breast-works were made before every gate, platforms erected where the walls were defective, some for the sentinels, others for field-pieces; abundance of " morning stars," described as terrible weapons of war, were set upon the ramparts, and " a world of crescets" gave light in a dark night about the town; an iron chain was thrown across the river; and the inhabitants of the submrbs were likewise commanded to bring in their com and hay, but this precaution was adopted too late, and the besiegers succeeded in seizing or burning the greater portion of the grain and provender in haggard. O'Neill had established his head quarters at Bewly, and his detachments also occupied the Castle of Eathmullen, and the villages of Bettystown, Momington, Oldbridge, Tullyallen, and Ballymakenny.
It is not, therefore, to be wondered that, even at so early a period of the siege as the 3rd of December, the privations of the garrison demanded a sally; when 350 foot, and two troops of horse, having issued from St Laurence's gate, to escort some cars that were directed to bring in com from the adjacent townland of Greenhills, encountered the enemy on

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 102
Relief of poor with oatmeal during scarcity

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1756

In 1756, amid a prevalent scarcity, the Drogheda corporation voted £1000 for the purchase of oatmeal to be retailed cheaply to the poor, with a further £1000 lent by Henry Singleton for the same purpose.

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In 1756, the corporation, in consequence of a prevalent scarcity, voted £1000 for the purchase of oatmeal, to be retailed in small quantities to the poor, when the market price was too high for them to buy at. The former Recorder, the Right Honourable Henry Singleton, then Master of the Rolls, also lent another £1000 for the same purpose. De Burgo gives a list of the Dominican friars at this time residing in Drogh-
364 GENERAL HISTOBT.

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Drogheda, there is a story from 1756. A scarcity gripped the town that year, and the market price of food rose beyond what the poor could pay. The corporation voted £1000 to buy oatmeal, to be sold in small quantities at a price they could afford. Henry Singleton, the former Recorder and then Master of the Rolls, lent another £1000 toward the same purpose.
Robert Travers of Drogheda becomes Bishop of Killaloe

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1166–1224

Robert Travers, born in Drogheda around this period, later became Bishop of Killaloe but was deprived of his See by the Pope in 1221, after which he resided as a bishop without a bishopric at Tewkesbury.

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(a) About this time Robert Travers, afterwards Bishop of Killaloe, was born in Drogheda. This Prelate was deprived of his See bj the Pope in 1221, and having thereupon passed over into England, he resided, a Bishop without a bishopric, at Tewkesbury, in the Annals of which town he is noticed, as consecrating two standards in its ancient church in 1224.
38 GENERAL HISTORY.

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog

As the companion tells it

Drogheda is the town you are coming up to. Around this time Robert Travers, afterwards Bishop of Killaloe, was born here. The Pope deprived him of his See in 1221, and he passed over into England, living as a bishop without a bishopric at Tewkesbury. The annals of that town note him consecrating two standards in its ancient church in 1224.
Swift's letter on the Drogheda conventicle affair

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1708

Dean Swift wrote to Archbishop King commenting on the noise made by the Drogheda affair regarding the Presbyterian minister's imprisonment, fearing it would be used politically regarding the sacramental test.

Read the passage

aforesaid, do present and declare that there is no occasion for such meetings in this town of Drogheda aforesaid, there not being any of their persuasion in this town, but such as the said missionaries bring to meet them from other places, or some few inconsiderable proselytes they have lately made, and those for the most part very scandalous ; and that the per^ mitting such a meeting in the said town, wiU only tend to create faction, schism, and disunion among the Protestant inhabitants of said town ; therefore, we do present and desire, that the Right Worshipful the Mayor of Drogheda aforesaid, and other the magistrates of said town, will discourage and discountenance such meetings or conventicles, by putting the laws in execution." And, under the sanction of this presentment, and on the certificate of the Primate, the Mayor committed Mr. Biggs, a Presbyterian minister, to prison. Dean Swift, alluding to this occurrence, wrote to Archbishop King : " The aflFair of Drogheda has made a noise here, and, like every thing else on your side, is used as a handle. I have had it run in my ears from certain persons. I hope you are prepared to take off the sacramental test, because that will be a means to have it taken off here among us ; and that the clergy will be for it in consideration of the Queen's bounty ; and that men in employment will be so wise as to please the Court and secure themselves ; but to think there is any design of bringing the Scotch into offices, is a mere scandal."
358 GENERAL HlfiTORY.

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 162

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Drogheda, this is the town where, in 1708, a Presbyterian minister named Mr. Biggs was sent to prison by the Mayor. The magistrates had presented that there was no occasion for Presbyterian meetings in Drogheda, claiming there were none of that persuasion in the town except missionaries bringing people from elsewhere, and that permitting such meetings would only tend to create faction, schism, and disunion among the Protestant inhabitants. Under the sanction of that presentment, and on the certificate of the Primate, the Mayor committed Biggs to prison. Dean Swift, alluding to this, wrote to Archbishop King: "The affair of Drogheda has made a noise here, and, like everything else on your side, is used as a handle." Swift said it had been run in his ears from certain persons, and he hoped King was prepared to take off the sacramental test, because that would be a means to have it taken off among them. He added that to think there was any design of bringing the Scotch into offices was a mere scandal.
Tichburne burns the village of Newtown near Bewly

Newtown · townland · Meath · 1642

Sir Henry Tichburne carried out a successful sally towards Bewly, during which he burned the village of Newtown, contributing to the collapse of the siege of Drogheda.

Read the passage

ing, and for expression of joy there wanted no bonfires of three or four towns together, whereby a clear day grew dusky by the smoke. A fair house of one Draycot (who by the rebels was newly created Viscount Momington, for his merit in the cause), made the clearest light, which was done the rather in a just revenge of his fraudulent disarming many of our soldiers as they were making hither from the bridge of Juhanstown. His library, with what could be preserved from the fire, was brought in hither and sold us at very easy rates; a very large parch-, ment manuscript of an old missal, consecrated to that church of Momington, came to my hands, the loss of which I presume they have valued more than their houses." On the 5th of March Lord Moore led out 400 foot, and 80 horse, over his own estates of Tullyallen, and also defeated the forces of the besiegers in that quarter, taking prisoner Art Mac Mahon, who had been stiled amongst the Irish, Lord Baron of Monaghan, and whose head was of those especially valued in the before-mentioned proclamation. And in the mean time. Sir Henry Tichbume was equally successful in a sally towards Bewly, in which he burned the village of Newtown.
The results of these harassing sallies were immediately apparent; the castles of Bewly and Stameen, at their respective sides of the river, were deserted on that very evening ; and Sir Phelim O'Neill himself, hearing of the approach of the Earl of Ormond, fled with some field pieces in the direction of Dun-

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 110
Tichburne drives enemy from Dundalk with great slaughter

Dundalk · town · Louth · 1642

Sir Henry Tichburne, no longer restricted, marched to Dundalk and drove the enemy from that town with great slaughter, following his defeat of forces at Ardee.

Read the passage

On the 11th of March, the Earl of Ormond, attended by several colonels and captains, entered Drogheda, and dined with Lord Moore. Another council was then held with the officers of .the garrison, when it was agreed, that eflforts should be renewed to obtain an extension of the Earl's commission, so as to enable him to march further northward than the Boyne, but the chief governors were inexorable, and the army of Ulster, emboldened thereby, and having recovered from their consternation, regained many of the places they had before abandoned, and even threatened again to investDrogheda, so that Sir Henry Tichbume was obliged, on the departure of Ormond, to exert his utmost vigour to avert the calamity of a second siege of this town. In the promotion of this object, he burned Slane, defeated a considerable party of the enemy at Ardee, and afterwards, as no restriction had been laid upon his conduct, he marched to Dundalk, and drove the enemy, with great slaughter, from that town also.
250 OEXEBAL BISTORT.

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 112
Unique Drogheda mint coinage under Edward IV

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1465

Following a 1465 Parliament held at Trim, mints were established at Drogheda alongside Dublin, Trim, Waterford, Limerick, Galway and Carlingford; unique groat and double groat coins bearing 'Villa Drogheda' were struck there, distinguishable by a rose motif.

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now struck at Waterford, in Dundory, otherwise Beginald's Tower. In 1465, in a Parliament begun at Trim, before Thomas Earl of Desmond, as deputy to the Duke of Clarence, the value of all the gold coin, stamped from the beginning of the reign of Edward the Third to the end of that of Henry the Sixth, was raised, i. e. the noble, which before was current at 6^. 8d., to 10*., and so of other money, according to the same rule and proportion. On this occa^on the ounce of silver was also divided into forty pence, and in the seventh year of the same king's reign, was raised to double value, in consequence of the scarcity of silver, and to prevent its being carried out of the country; it was likewise prescribed, that doubles, grosses, half grosses, deniers, halfpence and farthings, should, according to certain forms, of certain weights, and with inscriptions, as therein fully set forth, be coined in the castles of Dublin and Trim, the cities of Waterford and Limerick, and the towns of Drogheda, Galway, and Carlingford, and that all other coins should, from the Easter following, be annulled, and the receivers and payers of any others be adjudged felons. " The coins, under this provision, from the Dublin mint are the most numerous, viz., the double groat, groat, half groat, and penny. Of Trim, there are the groat and -half groat, both unique; and of Drogheda, the double groat, which is also unique. None" (adds Dr. A. Smith, in a recent and able Essay upon the subject, in the Royal Irish Academy Transactions, vol. xix.) "of Li-
140 GENERAL HISTORY.

Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 63

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Drogheda, you are in a town that once struck its own coinage. In 1465, a Parliament was held at Trim, before Thomas Earl of Desmond, acting as deputy to the Duke of Clarence. That Parliament raised the value of all gold coin stamped from the beginning of the reign of Edward the Third to the end of Henry the Sixth. The noble, which had been current at 6 shillings and 8 pence, was raised to 10 shillings, and other money in the same proportion. The ounce of silver was divided into forty pence, and in the seventh year of the king's reign, silver was raised to double value, because of the scarcity of silver and to prevent it being carried out of the country. The Parliament ordered that doubles, grosses, half grosses, deniers, halfpence and farthings should be coined in the castles of Dublin and Trim, the cities of Waterford and Limerick, and the towns of Drogheda, Galway, and Carlingford. All other coins were to be annulled from the Easter following, and anyone who received or paid any other coin was to be adjudged a felon. The coins from the Dublin mint are the most numerous, the double groat, groat, half groat, and penny. Of Trim there are the groat and half groat, both unique. And of Drogheda, the double groat, which is also unique. Dr. A. Smith, in an essay in the Royal Irish Academy Transactions, volume 19, noted that none of Limerick's

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The History of Drogheda, with its Environs (vol. 2)

The stories, best first

William crosses the Boyne near Drogheda

Burning of the Town of Louth and Nearby Villages

Cavalry raid into Cavan against Owen Roe O'Neill's forces

Dearth of provisions and quartering burdens in Drogheda, 1691

Destruction of the palace of Eamania by the Collas in 333

Duke of York convenes first Drogheda Parliament as Lord Lieutenant

Flatten estate confiscated after Williamite revolution

Killeen burned after broken promise by Earl of Fingal

Ormond ordered to prosecute rebels along the Boyne, 1642

Presbyterian conspiracy with false keys at Drogheda gates

Primate Hampton's Palace Near the East Gate, Drogheda

Queen Elizabeth's proposed university at Clonfert

Schomberg fortifies Dundalk as winter quarters

Siege and relief of Carrickfergus Castle by Edward Bruce

Tapestry painting of the Boyne battle in the old Irish House of Peers

Trial before the Justices in Eyre at Drogheda, 1301

Tyrconnel Joins King James at Drogheda with Reinforcements

Arthur Young's description of the Boyne battlefield landscape

A Scottish-linked fugitive escapes the Castle of Dublin via Drogheda

Destruction of clergy libraries during the rising

Destruction of Trim, Duleek and Slane castles in 1174

De Windsor imposes unauthorized levy on Drogheda burgesses

Drogheda ships seized as hostage guarantee during Carrickfergus siege

Duke of Berwick Ordered to Hold Newry

Earl of Ulster's Show of Force at Trim and Drogheda

John Genet tombstone at Donore graveyard, 1609

King Cormac's death near Kells attributed to Magi's resentment

King's reward to Drogheda corporation for victory

King William lodges at Duleek after the battle

Lausun and French allies embark from Kinsale and Limerick

Mayor George Elcock accused of treacherous correspondence

Monuments to the Moore and Ball Families in Drogheda's Great Church

Nicholas de Verdon Arraigned at Drogheda for Rebellion in Louth

Night watch and gate curfew ordered in Drogheda

Officers buried near Oldbridge quarry ground

Ormond's council in Drogheda and burning of Slane

Peter Leyns of Croboy and rebellion of Silken Thomas

Roderic O'Conor's encampment at Drogheda in 1166

The great flood of 1330 sweeps away Boyne bridges

Theological Controversy Between Jesuits and Franciscans at Drogheda

Tyrconnell Forces Election of Ignatius Peppard as Mayor

Bertram de Verdon Founds Priory and Incorporates Dundalk

Boyne anniversary celebrations in Drogheda

Cathal of Munster ravages Bregia to Drogheda's edge

Foundation of Mellifont Abbey in 1142

Fugitives retreat to the Naul after the Boyne

Inchiquin's cavalry rout near Drogheda

Irish lords embark from Drogheda on Scottish expedition

James Miles, Franciscan Friar and Musician of Drogheda

King John's two-day visit to Drogheda in 1210

Lord Lieutenant Sydney's ceremonial visit to Drogheda, 1693

Lord William de Bermingham relieves besieged Arklow Castle

Louth countryside wasted by Irish incursions, castle-building mandated

O'Neill's headquarters at Bewley during the siege of Drogheda

Relief of poor with oatmeal during scarcity

Robert Travers of Drogheda becomes Bishop of Killaloe

Swift's letter on the Drogheda conventicle affair

Tichburne burns the village of Newtown near Bewly

Tichburne drives enemy from Dundalk with great slaughter

Unique Drogheda mint coinage under Edward IV