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

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1. Theobald de Verdon Besieged in Athlone Castle

   Athlone · town · Westmeath · 1288

   In 1288 Theobald de Verdon was besieged in the Castle of Athlone by Richard de Burgo, Earl of Ulster (the Red Earl), who pretended a claim to the lordship of Meath.

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   estates. This Nicholas, according to the fashion of the piety of that day, granted all the tithes of the two knights' fees, in the first castle precinct he should erect on the lands in his possession in the county Louth, to the Abbey of St. Thomas of Dublin. His daughter and only child, Rosia, about the year 1225, at the special request of King Henry(a), intermarried with Theobald le Botiller, the issue of which union was John de Verdon, who, marrying Margaret, a co-heiress of Walter de Lacy, acquired a moiety of Meath palatinate. He bore the name of his mother, as did his descendants; foimded the Grey Friary of Dundalk, and left Theobald de Verdon, his eldest son, who had various royal summonses, and in 1282 more especially was required to attend a muster at Rhudlann, against the Welch, on which occasion he acknowledged the service of two knights' fees and a half, in the Marches of Ireland, being a moiety of the inheritance of Walter de Lacy; and of one knight's fee due for his lands in England. In 1288 he was besieged in the Castle of Athlone, by Richard de Burgo, Earl of Ulster, commonly called the Red Earl, who pretended title to the lordship of Meath. This Theobald was styled Constable of Ireland, and, dying early in the reign of Edward the Second, left a son, Theobald de Verdon, junior, who had frequent and early summonses to the Parhaments of England; he had a brother, Milo, while Nicholas and Robert, the subjects of the above no-

   (a) Rot. Claus. Henr. III. in Turr. Lond.

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   As you pass through Athlone, this town holds a Norman castle siege in its history. In 1288, Theobald de Verdon, styled Constable of Ireland, was besieged in the Castle of Athlone by Richard de Burgo, Earl of Ulster, commonly called the Red Earl, who pretended title to the lordship of Meath. Theobald's family held a moiety of the Meath palatinate through his grandfather John de Verdon's marriage to Margaret, a co-heiress of Walter de Lacy. Theobald himself had answered royal summonses, including a muster at Rhudlann against the Welsh in 1282, where he acknowledged service of two and a half knights' fees in the Marches of Ireland. He died early in the reign of Edward the Second, leaving a son, also named Theobald, who was summoned frequently to the parliaments of England, and a brother, Milo.

2. Adam de Cusack Dies Resisting Edward Bruce at Faughart

   Faughart · parish · Louth · 1318

   Adam de Cusack, one of the pardoned accomplices of Robert de Verdon, later died fighting against Edward Bruce on the field of Faughart, expiating his earlier offences through gallant resistance.

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   Of some of his accomplices the following notices seem not irrelevant: Walter de la PuUe was afterwards Escheator of Ireland ; Roger de Clinton was of a family who had followed the fortunes of De Courcy, and settled in the county Louth, at the close of the twelfth century ; Hugh de Clinton, a member of the same line, was sheriff of that county in 1301 ; Adam de Cusack expiated his offences on the field of Faughart, by his gallant resistance of Edward Bruce; John de Pipard, although committed in this feud, enjoyed the previous confidence of royalty, had in 1295, a writ for military service directed to him, and in 1297, a mandate to appear in London for the purpose of receiving and obeying the king's commands concerning warhke duties to be performed in parts beyond the seas; of Roger and John Gemon it appears, that their subsequent services in the engagement against Edward Bruce, near Dundalk, had acquired for them also, such favour, that Roger de Mortimer, Lord Justice of Ireland, was ordered to reprise them out of the escheated estates of the enemy, "in order that they might be the more prompt in their allegiance in future;" accordingly the said Lord Justice directed that a patent should be made out to Roger Grcmon, in fee of the castle and manor of Taghobrecock, which had been the property of Hugh de Lacy, an adherent of Bruce, and therefore escheated to the king.

   In the following year (it may be mentioned), one Robert Oliver was also arraigned at Drogheda, as

   Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 32

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   The parish of Faughart is a place the road passes through. In 1318, Edward Bruce was met and resisted on this field, and among those who stood against him was Adam de Cusack. Adam de Cusack had been one of the accomplices of Robert de Verdon, and had been pardoned for his part in that feud. The record says he "expiated his offences on the field of Faughart, by his gallant resistance of Edward Bruce." He died there, fighting against Bruce, and so paid for his earlier wrongdoing with his life. He was not alone among those former accomplices who later served the crown. Walter de la Puelle became Escheator of Ireland. Roger de Clinton came from a family that had followed the fortunes of De Courcy and settled in County Louth at the close of the twelfth century. Hugh de Clinton, of the same line, was sheriff of that county in 1301. John de Pipard, though committed in the same feud, had earlier held royal confidence: in 1295 he received a writ for military service, and in 1297 a mandate to appear in London to receive the king's commands concerning warlike duties beyond the seas. Roger and John Gemon also fought against Edward Bruce near Dundalk, and earned such favour that Roger de Mortimer, Lord Justice of Ireland, was ordered to reprise them from the escheated estates of the enemy, so that they might be the more prompt in their allegiance. A patent was made out to Roger Gemon for the castle and manor of Taghobrecock, formerly the property of Hugh de Lacy, an adherent of Bruce.

3. Ancient bridge at Duleek repaired 1687 by Bathe and Dowdall

   Duleek · town · Meath · 1687

   A narrow, very ancient bridge over the Nanny within the demesne at Duleek bears a flag stating it and the causeway were repaired and built by William Bathe of Athcarne and his wife Genet Dowdall in 1687.

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   within a demesne, the property of the Earl of Thomond, is the castellated gateway that once led into the Abbey of St. Mary. The park, in which it stands, is meared by the Nanny, over which here is a narrow and veiy ancient bridge, having, encased in the battlement, a flag, stating that, '* this bridge and the causewaye were repaired and bnilded by William Bathe of Athcame, Justice, and Genet Dowdall, his wife, in the year 1687, whose souls God take in his mercy. Amen !" An old moat, which once stood in Duleek, has been almost totally carried away for agricultural uses.

   This place derived its name Damh-liac (i. e. the house of stone) from the church which St Cienan founded here, on the earliest introduction of Christianity in Ireland. He was baptized by St Patrick in 450, by him appointed Abbot over this house, and endowed with the Apostle's copy of the Gospels. This was for ensuing ages the seat of a rural bishopric, until, on the ecclesiastical arrangements of the twelfth century, it merged in that of Meath. During the days of Danish tyranny it was frequently burned and plundered. After the victory obtained at Clontarf over that people by Brian Boroimhe, the corpse of the fallen victor, and that of his son Murrough, their funeral solemnities of the first night having been celebrated at Swords, were carried to the abbey here, whence, on the third day, they were conveyed to that of Louth. In 1106, Donald, Archbishop of Armagh, died here. In 1169, the abbey

   Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 211

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   Within a demesne at Duleek, once the property of the Earl of Thomond, stands a castellated gateway that led into the Abbey of St Mary. The Nanny runs by, and over it is a narrow and very ancient bridge. Set into the battlement is a flag bearing the words: "this bridge and the causewaye were repaired and builded by William Bathe of Athcarne, Justice, and Genet Dowdall, his wife, in the year 1687, whose souls God take in his mercy. Amen." Duleek takes its name from Damh-liac, the house of stone, from a church St Cienan founded at the earliest introduction of Christianity in Ireland. St Patrick baptized him in 450 and appointed him abbot, endowing him with the Apostle's own copy of the Gospels. For ages this was the seat of a rural bishopric, until the ecclesiastical arrangements of the twelfth century merged it into Meath. During the days of Danish tyranny it was frequently burned and plundered. After Brian Boroimhe's victory at Clontarf, the corpse of the fallen victor and that of his son Murrough were carried to the abbey at Duleek, their funeral solemnities of the first night having been celebrated at Swords. On the third day they were conveyed to the abbey of Louth. In 1106, Donald, Archbishop of Armagh, died at Duleek. An old moat that once stood in the town has been almost totally carried away for agricultural uses.

4. Bishop Thady swears obedience to the Primate at Termonfeckin, 1470

   Termonfeckin · town · Louth · 1470

   In 1470 Thady, Bishop of Down and Connor, came to Termonfeckin to make his obeisance to Primate John Bole, swearing obedience to the church of Armagh with his hand on his heart and eyes on the gospel.

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   here. There was, at this time, a chantry in the chapel of St. Nicholas, in the church of Termonfeckin, which Anna Bocombe endowed with the lands of Lobingstown, Rathmerichan, Bardeston, andfive acres of land in Drumconrath ; this ahenation was made in 1463, without the royal hcense, and at which time John Sanders was vicar of said chapel. In 1470, Thady, Bishop of Down and Connor, made his obeisance here to John Bole, the Primate, and, " laying his hand on his heart, and looking on the gospel," he swore obedience to the church of Armagh, its Archbishop, and his successors. In 1471, in the Parliament of Dublin, the demesnes of Richard Verdon of Termonfeckin, were discharged from the payment of subsidies, the custom in the county of Louth being, as therein recited, that no gentleman should pay subsidies for lands occupied by himself; and in 1508, Malachy O'Cluan was here consecrated Bishop of Killala.

   The Crown, soon afterwards, on the dissolution of monasteries, acquired the advowson hereto, as well as the tithes of the parish, on which occasion, the respective rights of the religious houses, here and hereto, were ascertained by inquisitions, and subsequently demised or granted to several patentees. In 1543, Primate Dowdall, the last of the legally acknowledged Roman CathoUc Primates, was interred here. In 1613, Primate Henry Ussher died in this village, and in 1617, the manor was valued to the First Fruits at £23 18^. 6rf., and the rectory at £9 7^.

   Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 184

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   The town of Termonfeckin had a chantry in the chapel of St. Nicholas, in its church, which in 1463 Anna Bocombe endowed with the lands of Lobingstown, Rathmerichan, Bardeston, and five acres in Drumconrath. This was done without royal license, and at that time John Sanders was vicar of the chapel. In 1470, Thady, Bishop of Down and Connor, came to this town to make his obeisance to John Bole, the Primate. "Laying his hand on his heart, and looking on the gospel," he swore obedience to the church of Armagh, its Archbishop, and his successors. In 1471, in the Parliament of Dublin, the demesnes of Richard Verdon were discharged from the payment of subsidies, the custom in the county of Louth being that no gentleman should pay subsidies for lands occupied by himself. In 1508, Malachy O'Cluan was consecrated Bishop of Killala in this town. The Crown, after the dissolution of monasteries, acquired the advowson and the tithes of the parish, the rights of the religious houses in this place being settled by inquisitions and then granted to several patentees. In 1543, Primate Dowdall, the last of the legally acknowledged Roman Catholic Primates, was interred in this village. In 1613, Primate Henry Ussher died in this village, and in 1617 the manor was valued to the First Fruits at 23 pounds, 18 shillings and 6 pence, and the rectory at 9 pounds and 7 shillings.

5. Castles of Bewly and Stameen deserted

   Bewley · townland · Waterford · 1642

   Following the harassing sallies, the castles of Bewly and Stameen on their respective sides of the river were deserted the same evening, and Sir Phelim O'Neill fled toward Dundalk.

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   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-

   GENERAL HISTOBY. 24?

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   Somewhere near here in 1642, the castles of Bewly and Stameen stood on opposite sides of the river. After a series of harassing sallies, both were deserted that same evening. Sir Phelim O'Neill, hearing of the Earl of Ormond's approach, fled with some field pieces toward Dundalk.

6. De Lucy lays waste O'Byrne territory to Arklow

   Arklow · town · Wicklow · 1331–1332

   During his government as Lord Justice, Sir Anthony de Lucy led a strong force into the country of the O'Byrnes, laying waste the land as far as the town of Arklow.

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   escaped only by his privilege as an ecclesiastic, and Desmond, after a long confinement, was discharged, on giving great surety and sent into England, De Lucy, during his government, also led a strong force into the country of the O'Byrnes, which he laid waste to the town of Arklow,

   In the succeeding year (1332), Robert Norman endowed the Abbot of Fumes, in Lancashire, with one messuage and six shops, in addition to other possessions of the same ecclesiastic in this town. At the same time, William de Burgo, Earl of Ulster, was found seized of Drogheda, the castle of Carlingford, the town of Cooly, the manor of Rath, &c.(a), all which were thereupon seized into the King's hands, by reason of the minority of said William's heir, subject to the dower of Matilda, his widow, which the King's escheator was directed to assign(6). The fiscal accounts of William Roth, as then Mayor of Drogheda at the Louth side, are preserved in the Pipe Rolls, as are various other subsequent accounts from his successors. In 1335, the following individuals were summoned from this vicinity, to attend John D'Arcy, Justiciary, with arms and horses, in his expedition to Scotland: Simon de Geneville, Nicholas de Verdon, Francis Fepo, Matthew de Bath, Elias de Asshebum, John de Wellesle, Robert Savage, O'Neill of Ulster, O'Melaghlin of Meath, O'Reilly, Robert Cruice, John Cruice of the Nail

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   Up ahead is Arklow, the town in Wicklow. In 1331, during his government as Lord Justice, Sir Anthony de Lucy led a strong force into the country of the O'Byrnes. He laid waste to the land as far as this town. The O'Byrnes were a powerful Gaelic family in the Wicklow mountains, and de Lucy's campaign was part of the ongoing effort by the English administration to assert control over the territory. The records tell us only that he laid the country waste to Arklow, no more than that. In the succeeding year, 1332, other matters occupied the administration. Robert Norman endowed the Abbot of Furness, in Lancashire, with one messuage and six shops in addition to other possessions of the same ecclesiastic in this town. At the same time, William de Burgo, Earl of Ulster, was found seized of Drogheda, the castle of Carlingford, the town of Cooly, the manor of Rath, and more, all of which were seized into the King's hands by reason of the minority of William's heir, subject to the dower of Matilda, his widow.

7. Donogh O'Carrol burns Drogheda in 1146

   Drogheda · town · Louth · 1146

   In 1146 the town of Drogheda was burned by Donogh O'Carrol in hostility to the family of O'Melaghlin.

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   tribute from the Danes, evidently thoee then occupying Drogheda(a) ; and in 1056, Turlogh O'Brien, leading his adherents from Munster hither, so despoiled Bregia and its vicinity, that, as the Annalist remarks, " Munster never acquired greater spoil of men or cattle"(6). In 1084, Dunslevy, King of Ulster, received tribute, in Drogheda, firom Donogh, the son of Caillach O'Kourke. In 1108 a battle was fought between the people of Meath and those of Uriel (Louth), at Drogheda, in which the latter were defeated. In 1146 this town was burned by Donogh O'Carrol, in hostility to the family of O'Melaghlin. In 1147 all Ulster was devastated by the O'Loghlens ; as it was again in the ensuing year by the same sept, aided by the O'Carrols and O'Kourkes. In 1149 the O'Carrols laid waste the plain of Bregia. In 1150 Meath was forcibly partitioned between O'Conor, O'Eourke, and O'Carrol (O'Melaghlin being ousted of all share in the ancient inheritance of his ancestors) ; and in 1152 Drogheda was again sacked by the O'Briens. In 11 55, Murtough O'Loghlen devastated Meath, while Tieman O'Rourke, after a successful invasion of the country of O'Carrol, imprisoned the Chief of the sept in an island of Lough- Shillen. Thus was it that domestic feuds succeeded foreign ravages throughout the country; the laws of more tractable generations became ineffective, until at length the government was irrecoverably preci-

   (a) Annals of the Four Masters. (b) Ann. Inisf.

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   As you pass through Drogheda, you're in a town that was burned in 1146 by Donogh O'Carrol, in hostility to the family of O'Melaghlin. The town had known trouble before — in 1108 a battle was fought here between the people of Meath and those of Louth, and Louth was defeated. The burning was part of a wider upheaval. In 1147 all Ulster was devastated by the O'Loghlens, and in 1149 the O'Carrols laid waste the plain of Bregia. Drogheda itself was sacked again in 1152 by the O'Briens. The annals show domestic feuds following foreign ravages, with the old laws becoming ineffective.

8. Donore church and village overlook the Boyne battlefield

   Donore · town · Meath · 1690

   On the hill at the rear of the Irish position appeared the church and village of Donore, which sat above the tongue of land bounded by the Boyne that became the field of the fiercest fighting.

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   it was his interest, to bring the contest to an immediate decision ; and, on the last day of June, 1690, at dawn of morning, he moved his army forward in three columns towards the Bojme. After refreshing his troops out of view of the Irish, at the back of the eminence now occupied by Townley-hall, and where the stone, on which himself breakfasted, is still traditionally pointed out, he placed himself at the head of his advanced guard, and passing through the glen, that seemed to open an avenue for him, and which is still popularly styled King William's glen ; he appeared, by nine o'clock, within two miles of Drogheda, on a no less favourable field for disposing his forces, in front of the fords of Oldbridge. Observing the eminences of Tullyallen at his left, he rode to their summit, with his principal officers, to take a view of the enemy. On their right, full in view, was their then friendly town of Drogheda, filled with Irish soldiers ; westward of the town, on the further banks of the river, their camp extended in two lines, with a morass on the left, difficult to be passed; in their front was that tongue of land^ bounded by the Boyne, which afterwards became the field of the fiercest fight; while the Boyne itself, there, in mostplaces deep and dangerous with rugged banks, was yet further defended by breast works, and margined with huts and hedges, convenient to be lined with infantry; on the hill at their rear, appeared the church and village of Donore, but other eminences to the south-west, intercepted any further view of

   Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 144

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   The town of Donore sits on a hill above the Boyne, where the Irish army had its rear in 1690. On the last day of June that year, King William moved his army forward in three columns toward the river. He refreshed his troops out of view of the Irish, at the back of the eminence now occupied by Townley Hall, where the stone he breakfasted on is still pointed out. Then he placed himself at the head of his advanced guard and passed through the glen that seemed to open an avenue for him, a passage still called King William's glen. By nine o'clock he stood within two miles of Drogheda, on a field favourable for disposing his forces in front of the fords of Oldbridge. He rode to the summit of the Tullyallen eminences with his principal officers to survey the enemy. To the right lay Drogheda, filled with Irish soldiers. Westward of the town, on the further bank of the river, the Irish camp stretched in two lines, with a morass on the left that was difficult to cross. In their front lay that tongue of land bounded by the Boyne, which would become the field of the fiercest fight. The river itself, deep and dangerous in most places with rugged banks, was further defended by breastworks and margined with huts and hedges convenient for infantry. On the hill at their rear appeared the church and village, before other eminences to the south-west cut off any further view.

9. Earl of Essex's residence enriches Drogheda amid regional poverty

   Drogheda · town · Louth · 1570

   Sir Henry Sydney wrote that while Carlingford, Dundalk, and Ardee were extremely impoverished, Drogheda alone was in better state, having been enriched through the great expenses of the Earl of Essex who resided and spent bountifully there.

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   ney, when he was himself admitted a freeman and alderman of the cgrporation. It is to this period the following description of Holinshed applies: "Drogheda, accounted the best town in Ireland, and truly not far behind some of their cities ; the one moiety is in Meath, the other, planted on the further side of the water, lieth in Ulster. There runneth a blind prophecy on this town, that Ross was, Dublin is, Drogheda shall be, the best of the three." About the same time Sir Henry Sydney wrote of it and others of its vicinity: " The good towns of Carlingford, Dundalk, and Ardee, are extremely impoverished, and only the town of Drogheda in better state, which was more amended and increased in wealth, through the great expenses of the Earl of Essex, who lay and continued there much, and during his abode very bountifully and honourably spent in the same. Howbeit the rest of the country is in great confidence of speedy recovery, for the gentlemen are willing to obey and forward to serve, and the rather for the good inclination I find of my Lord of Louth, who is one both well given and forward, as it seemeth, to execute any thing committed to him."

   In 1575, Sir Henry Sydney, having been a second time deputed to the government of Ireland, landed in September at Skerries, whence he proceeded hither, where he took the oaths, and afterwards kept his Court for some time; the plague being then so prevalent in Dublin, that its corporate officers were

   Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 92

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   Drogheda was accounted the best town in Ireland, and not far behind some of their cities. Half of it lay in Meath, and the other half, across the water, lay in Ulster. There was a prophecy about the town: Ross was, Dublin is, Drogheda shall be, the best of the three. Around 1570, Sir Henry Sydney wrote that the good towns of Carlingford, Dundalk, and Ardee were extremely impoverished. Only Drogheda was in better state. It had been amended and increased in wealth through the great expenses of the Earl of Essex, who lay and continued there much, and during his abode very bountifully and honourably spent in the same. The rest of the country, Sydney wrote, was in great confidence of speedy recovery, for the gentlemen were willing to obey and forward to serve. He noted the good inclination of my Lord of Louth, who was well given and forward to execute anything committed to him. In 1575, Sydney, deputed a second time to the government of Ireland, landed in September at Skerries and proceeded to Drogheda, where he took the oaths and kept his Court for some time, the plague being so prevalent in Dublin that its corporate officers were unable to function.

10. False report of the fall of Drogheda

    Drogheda · town · Louth · 1689

    A propaganda pamphlet falsely claimed Drogheda had fallen to a force under Lieutenant-General Douglas after a breach was made in the old wall and the town stormed, putting defenders to the sword. The report was entirely without foundation.

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    Soon afterwards, a printed notification entitled, " Great and good News from Ireland," was industriously circulated in the sister country, with the obvious intention of urging the desired arrival of King William to confront his rival. It stated that " Advice came to King James at Dublin, that the famous town of Drogheda was lost, Duke Schombei^ having detached a strong party of horse, foot, and dragoons, consisting of 5000 men, under the command of Lieutenant-General Douglas, who, investing the place, immediately ordered their miners, and raised a strong battery of whole and demy cannon, which in a little time made so great a breach in the old wall, that our men, after having filled up the ditch, entered the town pell-mell, and put all that did not immediately lay down their arms to the sword. All the prisoners profess themselves willing and glad to be taken from the misery they feared would come upon them, by which you may judge what may be expected if our king were once over." The nunour, however, was utterly without foundation. Another Report of more veracity, referring to the 20th of March, 1689, states the recent death of Marshal de Col, Governor of Drogheda, and of Colonel Mortles; and adds, that the forces of James, at Dundalk, Ardee, Cavan, Castle-Blaney, andDrogheda, were in a bad condition, dying in great numbers for want of provision and other conveniences, and that

    Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 141

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    You are coming through Drogheda, the town on the Boyne in Louth. In 1689 a printed pamphlet called "Great and good News from Ireland" was spread in England claiming this town had fallen. It said Duke Schomberg had sent 5000 horse, foot and dragoons under Lieutenant-General Douglas to invest the place, that their miners and cannon made a breach in the old wall, and that the men filled the ditch, entered pell-mell, and put all who did not lay down their arms to the sword. The whole report was utterly without foundation. A more reliable account dated the 20th of March 1689 records the recent death of Marshal de Col, Governor of Drogheda, and of Colonel Mortles. It adds that the forces of James at Dundalk, Ardee, Cavan, Castle-Blaney, and Drogheda were in a bad condition, dying in great numbers for want of provision and other conveniences. So the town never fell in 1689, though the pamphlet wanted readers in England to believe it had.

11. Fire destroys corporation records at the Tholsel

    Drogheda · town · Louth · 1798

    During the disastrous year following the formation of Loyal Drogheda volunteer corps, a military guard was kept at the Tholsel, where an accidental fire broke out and badly damaged the corporation's records.

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    In 1792, the Assembly instructed their representatives, " that they should, to the utmost of their power, preserve those laws inviolate, by which Protestant ascendancy had been preserved and supported in this kingdom, and oppose any attempt to alter the same, or to destroy that repose and tranquillity under which we have so long lived and prospered." In 1797, the Loyal Drogheda Cavalry was embodied, Ralph Smith, Esq., being selected captain, as was the Loyal Drogheda Infantry, Charles Evans, Esq., to be captain, and W. O. Fairtlough and Launcelot Fisher, Esqs., lieutenants. Several of the inhabitants also formed themselves into a corps of volxmteers. In the disastrous year that succeeded, when a military guard was kept in the Tholsel, the records of the corporation sufiered considerably by an accidental fire that broke out there. It appears, however, creditable to the loyalty of the town, that at the two Assizes of 1799, the number of felons arraigned was but seventeen, of whom one only was tried for sedition, and discharged.

    GENERAL fflSTORY. 371

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    As you pass through Drogheda, you are in a town that saw its corporation records badly damaged by fire in 1798. The year before, two loyal volunteer corps had been formed here: the Loyal Drogheda Cavalry under Captain Ralph Smith, and the Loyal Drogheda Infantry under Captain Charles Evans, with lieutenants W. O. Fairtlough and Launcelot Fisher. The year 1798 was described as disastrous, and a military guard was kept at the Tholsel, the town's civic building, where an accidental fire broke out and the corporation's records suffered considerable damage. Despite the turmoil, the town's loyalty was noted the following year. At the two assizes of 1799, only seventeen felons were arraigned, and just one was tried for sedition, who was discharged.

12. O'Neill threatens to burn 'Draheda' in 1538

    Drogheda · town · Louth · 1538

    Lord Deputy Leonard Gray reported that O'Neill, angry over unpaid wages, threatened to prey, spoil, and burn the town of Drogheda contrary to his sworn peace, prompting Gray to summon aid from Drogheda, Ardee, and Dundalk.

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    Other prescribed objects, should be of like force as if enacted in Parliament. In the following year ( 1538), the Lord Deputy, Lord Leonard Gray, wrote to Secretary Crumwell : " I have cut divers passes in the county of Ferney, at which time I being in the said county of Ferney, O'Neill was gathered a great host, threatening daily, for that he was not paid his wages, not only to have letted me of my purpose in Ferney, in taking part with them, and securing their goods and chattels, but also to have preyed, spoiled, and burnt to your Grace's town of

    * Draheda,' which was contrary to his peace, oath, and promise ; whereupon I sent to your towns of 'Draheda,' Ardee, and Dundalk, for company to assist me against the said O'Neill, of whom I was very well answered, and specially of your town of

    Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 89

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Drogheda, you're travelling through a town that faced a serious threat in 1538. Lord Deputy Leonard Gray wrote to Secretary Cromwell that O'Neill had gathered a great host, angry because he had not been paid his wages. O'Neill threatened to prey, spoil, and burn the town, contrary to the sworn peace he had made. Gray responded by summoning aid from Drogheda itself, along with Ardee and Dundalk.

13. Sheep drowned along the Meath coast

    Drogheda · town · Louth · 1489

    The Annals of the Four Masters record that in 1489 all the sheep of Meath along the coast from Dublin to Drogheda went into the sea against their shepherd's will and drowned.

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    Louth ; SO says the " Liber Niger ;" but the Roll of this ParUament cannot be found. The Annals of the Four Masters record, at 1 489, with much simplicity, that all the sheep of Meath, along the coast £ix)m Dublin to Drogheda, having gone into the sea in spite of their shepherd, were drowned.

    In 1493, Sir Robert Preston, the first Viscount Grormanstown, and who had previously been Deputy Keeper of the Great Seal, having been created Deputy to the Duke of Bedford, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, held a legislative assembly here, whose Statutes are, however, no longer extant, having been, in a Parliament assembled also here in the following year, declared void for three causes; first, because the Duke, whose deputy he had been so appointed, resigned before the time of summoning the Parliament; secondly, because the writs of summons to attend it were not general, but only directed to the four counties; and thirdly, because in the king's letters patent by which he was made deputy, there was no power granted to him to convoke a legislative assembly.

    Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 81

    As the companion tells it

    Drogheda, on this coast, carries an odd record from the year 1489. The Annals of the Four Masters note that all the sheep of Meath, along the coast from Dublin to Drogheda, went into the sea in spite of their shepherd, and were drowned. The annalists set it down with what the source calls much simplicity. No reason is given. The sheep simply went, against the will of the man watching them, and the sea took them. Four years later, in 1493, Drogheda saw another kind of event. Sir Robert Preston, the first Viscount Gormanstown, who had previously been Deputy Keeper of the Great Seal, had been created Deputy to the Duke of Bedford, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. He held a legislative assembly here, but its statutes did not survive. A Parliament assembled the following year, also here, declared them void for three causes. The Duke had resigned before the Parliament was summoned. The writs of summons were not general but directed only to the four counties. And the king's letters patent appointing Preston as deputy contained no power to convoke a legislative assembly.

14. Ship of war ordered built at Drogheda against Scottish raiders

    Drogheda · town · Louth · 1409

    In 1409 it was ordered that a ship of war should be built at Drogheda, at the charges of Jenico Darditz, to defend the coasts from Scottish invasion.

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    In 1406, William Symcock had license to export wine that was unfit for sale in England, to Lough Foyle, in Ulster(a). In 1409 it was ordered that a ship of war should be built in this town, at the charges of the before-mentioned Jenico Darditz, to defend the coasts from the invasion of the Scottish enemy(6) ; and in two years afterwards the first regular recorded Assizes were held in this town, before Justices Stephen Bray, William Tynbegh, John Lumbard, and John Keppock, who were directed to sojourn afterwards here, to hold a state inquiry in relation to the vicinage. [The Stephen Bray here mentioned was commissioned so early as 1377, to inquire into seditions then distracting the county and crosslands of Meath. In the same year he was summoned to a Parliament at Castledermot, soon afterwards to another in Dublin, and was next appointed Chief Justice of the Common Pleas in Ireland, and a Privy Councillor. He was Chief Justice of the

    (a) Hot in Cane Hib, (b) Id.

    Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 49

    As the companion tells it

    Drogheda carries an old order from 1409, when it was directed that a ship of war should be built in this town, at the charges of Jenico Darditz, to defend the coasts from the invasion of the Scottish enemy. Three years before that, William Symcock had license to export wine that was unfit for sale in England, to Lough Foyle in Ulster. Two years after the ship was ordered, the first regular recorded Assizes were held in the town, before Justices Stephen Bray, William Tynbegh, John Lumbard, and John Keppock, who were directed to sojourn here afterwards to hold a state inquiry in relation to the vicinage. Stephen Bray had been commissioned as early as 1377 to inquire into seditions then distracting the county and crosslands of Meath, and was later appointed Chief Justice of the Common Pleas in Ireland and a Privy Councillor.

15. Sir Charles Carny Ordered to Quit Coleraine for Charlemont

    near Coleraine · town · Derry · 1689

    King James ordered Sir Charles Carny to abandon Coleraine and retreat via Charlemont to avoid being cut off by Schomberg's advancing army.

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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

    As the companion tells it

    In 1689, Coleraine became a position King James could no longer hold. Schomberg landed at Bangor, near Belfast, on the 13th of August with a considerable and well-appointed army. King James, with the concurrence of Lord Tyrconnel, some of the French officers, and many of his own subjects, acted quickly. He sent the Duke of Berwick to command the troops about Newry and to hold that place as long as he could. Then he ordered Sir Charles Camy to quit Coleraine and come off by the way of Charlemont, lest he might be intercepted by the enemy. On the 26th of August, James himself went to Drogheda, to encourage his men and be nearer the enemy so he might better observe their motions. He took with him 100 of his horse guards and 200 of Parker's regiment of horse, which were all at that time in a condition to march. He left the Duke of Tyrconnel behind at Dublin, for Tyrconnel was then unwell, to expedite troops after him as fast as they could be got into a condition to march. Schomberg, immediately on his landing, besieged Carrickfergus. He took it, but not without a resistance of eight days. Soon afterwards he possessed himself of Dundalk.

16. St Fechin founds monastery at Termonfeckin, 7th century

    Termonfeckin · town · Louth · 601–700

    The name Termonfeckin derives from the termon or erenach lands of St Fechin, who founded a monastery here in the middle of the seventh century; he was also Abbot of Fore and founder of the religious house of Ballysadare.

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    The name of Termon-Feckin suggests the immunities and exemptions anciently annexed to the locality, as the termon or erenach lands of St. Fechin, who founded a monastery here in the middle of the seventh century. To this holy man, who was Abbot of Fore, the religious house of Ballysadare also owed its origin. The Irish Annals record the deaths of Abbots and Archennaghs of this house, down to the time of the English invasion, immediately previous to which, a chief of the MacMahon sept founded and endowed an abbey here, for regular canonesses, under the invocation of the Blessed Virgin. Its possessions afterwards vested in the superior of the nunnery of Clonard, to whom this house of the canonesses became subservient, as was recognized by Pope Celestine the Third, in 1195 ; and a plot adjoining the village is still known by the appellation of the Nunnery land. The abbey, however, which was dedicated to St. Fechin, was, together with the church of Kill-clogher, and the

    VOL. IL 2d

    Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 183

    As the companion tells it

    This is Termonfeckin. The name itself carries the old immunities and exemptions once attached to the place. These were the termon or erenach lands of St Fechin, who founded a monastery here in the middle of the 7th century. He was also Abbot of Fore, and the religious house of Ballysadare owed its origin to him as well. The Irish Annals record the deaths of Abbots and Archennaghs of this house down to the time of the English invasion. Just before that invasion, a chief of the MacMahon sept founded and endowed an abbey here for regular canonesses, under the invocation of the Blessed Virgin. Its possessions afterwards vested in the superior of the nunnery of Clonard, and this house of canonesses became subservient to that superior, as Pope Celestine the Third recognized in 1195. A plot adjoining the village is still known as the Nunnery land. The abbey dedicated to St Fechin, together with the church of Kill-clogher, was also recorded.

17. Surrey marches to Slane against Con O'Neill

    Slane · townland · Meath · 1520

    About 1520 Con O'Neill invaded Meath with an army; the Earl of Surrey, gathering local forces from Meath, Louth and Drogheda, marched to Slane, but O'Neill retreated and later sued for pardon.

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    thousand others, horse and foot. About the time of his arrival in Ireland, Con (Boccagh) O'Neill, who had, by popular election, succeeded his brother in the principality of Ulster, invaded Meath with a large but ill-disciplined army; Surrey hastened to encounter him, and, adding to his own forces such local array as Meath, Louth, and Drogheda could afford, he marched to Slane, but O'Neill was so awed by his character, and the well known discipline of his forces, that "he retired so fast that the Lord Lieutenant could neither find him nor his army; but not long after he sent letters to implore pardon, which was granted him on promise of future obedience. In October the king wrote to the Lord Lieutenant, that there will never be a thorough reformation in Ireland imtil all the Irish are amenable to law, and have the benefit of it; and not long after a commission of martial law, and of conferring knighthood, was sent to the Viceroy, and he was ordered to knight O'Neill and other Irish potentates; and the king sent a collar of gold to O'Neill, and ordered Surrey to prevail with him if possible to visit the Court of England, in hopes to inure him to civility and a regular way of living, and the same letter ordered the Lord Lieutenant to propose a match between the Earl of Ormond's son, and Sir Thomas Bullen's daughter"(a), which marriage was afterwards consummated. In 1521 the same Lord Lieu-

    (rt) Cox's Ireland, vol. L p. 209.

    Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 85

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Slane, around 1520, Con O'Neill — they called him Boccagh — had taken the principality of Ulster after his brother, by popular election. He invaded Meath with a large but ill-disciplined army. The Earl of Surrey, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, gathered what forces Meath, Louth, and Drogheda could muster and marched here to Slane to meet him. But O'Neill was so awed by Surrey's character and the reputation of his disciplined troops that, as the record puts it, "he retired so fast that the Lord Lieutenant could neither find him nor his army." Not long after, O'Neill sent letters begging pardon, and it was granted on his promise of future obedience. The king then ordered Surrey to knight O'Neill and other Irish chieftains, and even sent O'Neill a collar of gold, hoping to draw him to the English court and, in the king's words, inure him to civility and a regular way of living. A marriage was also proposed between the Earl of Ormond's son and Sir Thomas Bullen's daughter, later carried out. In the end, this ground saw no battle — only a retreat, and a pardon bought with promises.

18. The Maiden Tower at Mornington

    near Mornington · town · Meath · 1558–1603

    An ancient tower called the Maiden Tower stands at the mouth of the Boyne, built in the time of Elizabeth, about sixty feet high with 55 steps to a battlemented terrace commanding views over sea and land.

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    who assigned to Francis Leigh of Drogheda. At the extremity of this townland, on the beach at the mouth of the Boyne, is an ancient tower, called the Maiden tower, from having been erected in the time of Elizabeth(a). It is about sixty feet in height, in

    (a) A charter of her Majesty, granting certain tolls and customs to the corporation of Dublin, in aid of erecting at Poolbeg a tower, similar to that recently built at the entrance of the harbour of Drogheda, at once establishes the era and use of the latter edifice. See also of this curious structure, ante^ p. 366.

    Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 206

    As the companion tells it

    Mornington sits near the mouth of the Boyne. On the beach there stands an ancient tower called the Maiden Tower, built in the time of Elizabeth. It is about 60 feet in height. A charter of her Majesty, granting certain tolls and customs to the corporation of Dublin, in aid of erecting at Poolbeg a tower similar to that recently built at the entrance of the harbour of Drogheda, establishes the era and use of this structure. Francis Leigh of Drogheda was assigned the townland where the tower stands.

19. Two rival Parliaments: Naas and Drogheda

    Drogheda · town · Louth · 1476–1477

    An extraordinary anomaly occurred when two Irish viceroys contended for authority, holding rival Parliaments simultaneously at Naas and at Drogheda, with the king ultimately confirming the acts of both as valid.

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    those particular counties. The second ensuing year witnessed the extraordinary anomaly of two Irish viceroys contending for paramount authority, the one holding a Parliament at Naas, and the other in this town, while the king, with royal selfishness, actually sanctioned, by his assent on record, such of these enactments as were beneficial to his revenue ; accordingly, in a Close Roll preserved in the Chancery of Ireland, is comprised " the king's will, determination, commandment, and pleasure, upon the Parliaments holden late at Naas and Drogheda, and upon the Parliament that shall be now next holden within his land of Ireland. Whereas there have been great variances of late in our said land of Ireland, upon two Parliaments there last holden, the one at the Naas, the other at Drogheda, whichever of them should be of authority, we have hereupon taken such directions as foUoweth: first, we consider that in the two Parliaments were commenced and concluded principally two Acts, the one touching the grants of certain subsidies for the weal and defence of our said land ; the second concerned resumptions, as well of ofiices, as of our revenues ;" both of which, after this recital, his Majesty confirms as alike valid, and of full force.

    Of those passed at Drogheda, as they were never printed, it may be here noticed, one recites, that the Bishop of Meath, then Lord Deputy, had undertaken to go into England, to solicit the king for the relief of this land, and has been often before this time so

    Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 79

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up now is Drogheda, the town itself, and back in the second ensuing year of this story, it was the site of an extraordinary anomaly in Irish governance. Two Irish viceroys contended for paramount authority at the same time. The one held a Parliament at Naas, and the other held a Parliament here in this town. The king, with what the record calls royal selfishness, actually sanctioned by his assent on record such of the enactments as were beneficial to his revenue. A Close Roll preserved in the Chancery of Ireland sets out the king's will, determination, commandment, and pleasure upon the Parliaments holden late at Naas and Drogheda. The record states that whereas there have been great variances of late in the land of Ireland upon two Parliaments there last holden, the one at Naas, the other at Drogheda, whichever of them should be of authority, the king took directions as follows. He considered that in the two Parliaments were commenced and concluded principally two Acts, the one touching the grants of certain subsidies for the weal and defence of the land, and the second concerned resumptions, both of offices and of revenues. His Majesty confirmed both as alike valid and of full force. Of those passed at Drogheda, one recites that the Bishop of Meath, then Lord Deputy, had undertaken to go into England to solicit the king for the relief of this land.

20. Abbot's aid in war against Hugh de Lacy

    Mellifont · townland · Louth · 1221–1225

    During the war against Hugh de Lacy, the Abbot of Mellifont gave forty marks and 300 cows toward its prosecution, and in 1225 the justiciary was ordered to reimburse the house accordingly.

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    and that of Incean, which was granted after the arrival of King Henry the Second, together with their free customs and fishery on both sides of the river Boyne. In 1206, Benedict and Gerald, friars of this abbey, were presented to King John, and made a tender to his Majesty of three hundred marks of silver, and three of gold, on behalf of Eugene, Archbishop of Armagh, for restitution of the lands and liberties belonging to that see. In 1211, the Abbot Thomas was a subscribing witness to the charter of confirmation, granted by Eugene, Archbishop of Armagh to the hospital of St. John of Ardee, and in 1219, Cormac O'Torpa, Abbot of this house, was made Bishop of Achonry, from which see he retired hither in 1226, and here in that year died and was interred. In 1220, Nicholas de Verdon, having sued the Abbot of this house for a carucate and a half in Mellefont, which said Abbot held by gift of the king's father, the proceedings of Nicholas were by royal order directed to be suspended, on account of his Majesty having been prevented, by reason of his tender age, from warranting the premises as he ought. In the following year the correction of Mellefont was committed to the Abbot of Clairvaux, soon after which, on the occasion of the war against Hugh de Lacy, the Abbot having given forty marks and 300 cows towards its prosecution, the justiciary received a mandate in 1225 for reimbursing this house on foot thereof In 1227, Luke Netterville, Archbishop of Armagh, was buried

    422 ENViROKa

    Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 193

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Mellifont, an abbey's abbot gave 40 marks and 300 cows towards the prosecution of the war against Hugh de Lacy. That was in 1221, soon after the correction of Mellifont had been committed to the Abbot of Clairvaux. The Abbot of this house backed the crown's campaign with silver and cattle, and in 1225 the justiciary received a mandate for reimbursing this house on foot of that contribution. The abbey had dealings with the crown before the war. In 1206, Benedict and Gerald, friars of this house, were presented to King John and made a tender of 300 marks of silver and 3 of gold on behalf of Eugene, Archbishop of Armagh, for restitution of the lands and liberties belonging to that see. In 1211, the Abbot Thomas was a subscribing witness to the charter of confirmation granted by Eugene, Archbishop of Armagh, to the hospital of St. John of Ardee. In 1219, Cormac O'Torpa, Abbot of this house, was made Bishop of Achonry, from which see he retired hither in 1226, and here in that year died and was interred. In 1220, Nicholas de Verdon sued the Abbot for a carucate and a half in Mellifont, which the Abbot held by gift of the king's father. The king, prevented by his tender age from warranting the premises, had Nicholas's proceedings suspended by royal order.

21. O'Bogan appointed sub-constable of Ballymore Castle amid English/Irish tension

    Ballymore Eustace · town · Kildare

    Robert Fitz-Eustace, constable of Ballymore Castle, failed to reside there and appointed an Irishman, Laurence O'Bogan, as sub-constable, prompting Parliament to compel English-only garrisoning of the castle amid concerns about secrets being discovered by the Irish.

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    especially in time of war, and that Richard, Archbishop of Dubhn, predecessor to Michael Tregury, by the assent of his chapter, constituted Sir Richard Fitz-Eustace constable thereof, to him and the heirs male of his body; and granted him to receive in the same office, the profits of a mill of the annual value of JEIO, and £10 a year rent-charge off said lands; that said Richard Fitz-Eustace died, and Robert, his son and heir, occupied said office, but did not make his residence there, and on the contrary appointed as a sub-constable one Laurence O'Bogan, an Irishman both by father and mother, who by nature would discover the secrets of the English; that also said Robert Fitz-Eustace lodged his sheep in the vaults of the said castle, and wasted the same, and distrained the free tenants and burgesses of the same, under colour of said rent-charge; therefore, at the petition of Michael, Archbishop of Dublin, it is enacted, that the said Robert be compelled to keep a sufficient company of Englishmen, and no Irish, to guard said castle, and, if said Robert put any Irishman, not having his charter of liberty, to ward the said castle, that then it should be lawful for the said Archbishop and his successors to turn said Robert out of the said constableship, and to give the said office to any other for life, or years, &c.

    In and previous to the year 1470, O'Reilly of Cavan, and his sept, to the number of upwards of 2000 men, having committed various outrages in the county of Louth, and vicinity of Drogheda, the mayor

    Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 74

    As the companion tells it

    The town of Ballymore Eustace holds an old castle story from the time when an Archbishop of Dublin held authority over its walls. Richard, Archbishop of Dublin, with the assent of his chapter, made Sir Richard Fitz-Eustace constable of Ballymore Castle, granting the office to him and the heirs male of his body, along with the profits of a mill and a rent-charge of 10 pounds a year off the lands. Richard Fitz-Eustace died, and his son Robert took the office. But Robert did not live there. Instead he appointed a sub-constable, one Laurence O'Bogan, an Irishman both by father and mother, who, as the record puts it, would discover the secrets of the English. Robert Fitz-Eustace also lodged his sheep in the vaults of the castle, wasted the place, and distrained the free tenants and burgesses under colour of the rent-charge. At the petition of Michael, Archbishop of Dublin, Parliament enacted that Robert be compelled to keep a sufficient company of Englishmen, and no Irish, to guard the castle. If Robert put any Irishman, not having his charter of liberty, to ward the castle, the Archbishop and his successors could turn Robert out of the constableship and give the office to another for life or for years.

22. St. Bernard's Chapel crypt at Mellifont

    Mellifont · townland · Louth

    St. Bernard's chapel at Mellifont, embedded in the rock, comprises a finely wrought crypt and upper chapel, with groined roof, foliage capitals, and grotesque-head column bases, though much of its stonework has since been removed.

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    five sides now survive, each resting on an arch of graceful form ; the roof is wanting ; but, while a ledge runs inside, at a height that evinces it once supported the flooring of another room, the corbels are yet fixed in the walls, from which the arches sprung to support that roof The ornamental parts of this building were of red granite, and were, it is thought, formerly painted and partly gilt An engraving of the whole, in its more perfect state, is given by Wright, in his Louthiana. Near it is a holy well, which, after being lost in the ruins for many years, was discovered and re-opened in 1826; between this and the baptistry are the vaults and fallen, though still stubbornly cemented, walls of a large edifice. Next the octagonal structure are the elegant remains of St. Bernard's chapel imbedded in the rock, the floor being considerably lower than the outer surface. It consists of a crypt or imderground chapel, and an upper apartment; the former was a chaste specimen of most elaborate and finished workmanship; the roof is plainly groined with arches springing from clusters of columns on the side walls, with foliage-ornamented capitals; the windows are also groined and pillared at the angles, the bases of the pillars representing grotesque heads, apparently pressed flat by the superinciunbent weight; the mullions are all destroyed, but some portions of the tracery of the tops remain, and a handsome lozenge or nail-headed moulding is continued round the interior of each, below which a projecting basement runs

    Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 189

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, close to Mellifont, are the remains of St. Bernard's Chapel, set into the rock with its floor well below the ground outside. It had two parts: a crypt underneath and an upper room. The crypt was finely wrought. Its roof was groined, the arches springing from clusters of columns along the side walls, the capitals carved with foliage. The windows were groined too and pillared at the angles. The bases of those pillars took the shape of grotesque heads, as though pressed flat by the weight above them. The mullions are all destroyed now, but some tracery survives at the tops, and a handsome lozenge or nail-headed moulding runs round the inside of each window, with a projecting basement below. The ornamental stonework was red granite, thought to have been painted and partly gilded. Wright's Louthiana gives an engraving of the building in its more complete state. Near the chapel is a holy well, lost among the ruins for many years before being discovered and re-opened in 1826. Between the well and the baptistry are the vaults and fallen walls of a large edifice, still stubbornly cemented. Five sides survive nearby, each resting on an arch of graceful form. The roof is gone, but a ledge runs inside at a height that shows it once carried the flooring of another room, and the corbels stay fixed in the walls where the arches sprung.

23. 1657 Down Survey Map of Drogheda's Walls and Public Buildings

    Drogheda · town · Louth · 1657

    The 1657 Down Survey map of Drogheda shows nineteen towers on the north walls and eleven on the south, with public buildings including St. Peter's church, the Dominican friary, the Tholsel, the Bishop's palace, St. Mary's church, the Custom-house and the Castle.

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    ms another river, called the Nanny Water, over hich there are several bridges. These two rivers Ford no great store or variety of fish; salmon, trout, id eels, being the best it yields, but no great plenty.*' n the face of the map, the tide is represented as )bing and flowing to two miles above the town ; [aiden Tower, and its adjoining pillar, are disnctly exhibited ; while in the margin is sketched vignette of St. Mary's church and the mill-mount, n the same year, and in aid of that survey, the ineresting map delineated on the accompanjdng sheet vas taken. It has been reduced, by the kind care and skill of Mr. Merrall, from the original, preserved In the Mimiments of the Corporation. It affords no pames to the streets, nor key to the public buildings, but the walls are defined, and the towers that strengthened them, to the number of nineteen at the north side, and eleven at the south; the public edifices in the former section are, St. Peter's church, the Dominican friary, the Tholsel, the Bishop's palace, and the ruins of the abbey ; those at south of the river are, St. Mary's church, the Custom-house, the Castle, and the buildings on the mill-moimt.

    That, notwithstanding this unexampled visitation, the town, however, retained some of its wonted commercial importance, appears from many tokens which circulated thence, bearing the respective impresses of '* Samuel Stanbridge, of Drogheda, 1653;" " Edward Martin, of Drogheda;" " Andrew Hamlin, of Drogheda, merchant;" " John Ley, merchant, in

    Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 127

    As the companion tells it

    Drogheda was surveyed and mapped in 1657. The Down Survey map from that year defines the walls and the towers that strengthened them: 19 towers on the north side, 11 on the south. It gives no names to the streets and no key to the buildings, but the public edifices are marked. North of the river stood St. Peter's church, the Dominican friary, the Tholsel, the Bishop's palace, and the ruins of the abbey. South of the river stood St. Mary's church, the Custom-house, the Castle, and the buildings on the mill-mount. The tide was marked on the map as ebbing and flowing to 2 miles above the town. Maiden Tower and its adjoining pillar are shown distinctly. A vignette in the margin sketches St. Mary's church and the mill-mount. The original was preserved in the Muniments of the Corporation, and reduced by the care and skill of Mr. Merrall. The map was taken in aid of the survey that same year. Notwithstanding an unexampled visitation, the town retained some of its commercial importance. Tokens circulated bearing the names of merchants such as Samuel Stanbridge of Drogheda, 1653, Edward Martin of Drogheda, Andrew Hamlin of Drogheda, merchant, and John Ley, merchant.

24. Ancient carved stone cross at Termonfeckin church

    Termonfeckin · town · Louth

    In the graveyard at Termonfeckin stands a fine old carved stone cross marking ecclesiastical jurisdiction, depicting the crucified Saviour with angels on one side and a figure believed to represent St Patrick on the other.

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    it is curiously carved and ogied down its pedestal ; the arms are enclosed within a circle, and are carved, on the one side with the crucified Saviour, and angels at his head and hands, while on the other side appears a figure, intended, as it would seem, to represent St Patrick. There is, in the village, a Roman Catholic chapel, a plain thatched edifice in the T shape. There is also here a National School, which is attended, on the latest Report, by 180 boys and 79 girls.

    The name of Termon-Feckin suggests the immunities and exemptions anciently annexed to the locality, as the termon or erenach lands of St. Fechin, who founded a monastery here in the middle of the seventh century. To this holy man, who was Abbot of Fore, the religious house of Ballysadare also owed its origin. The Irish Annals record the deaths of Abbots and Archennaghs of this house, down to the time of the English invasion, immediately previous to which, a chief of the MacMahon sept founded and endowed an abbey here, for regular canonesses, under the invocation of the Blessed Virgin. Its possessions afterwards vested in the superior of the nunnery of Clonard, to whom this house of the canonesses became subservient, as was recognized by Pope Celestine the Third, in 1195 ; and a plot adjoining the village is still known by the appellation of the Nunnery land. The abbey, however, which was dedicated to St. Fechin, was, together with the church of Kill-clogher, and the

    Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog

    As the companion tells it

    In the graveyard at Termonfeckin stands a carved stone cross, curiously carved and ogied down its pedestal. The arms are enclosed within a circle. On one side is carved the crucified Saviour, with angels at his head and hands. On the other side appears a figure intended, as it would seem, to represent Saint Patrick. The name of Termonfeckin suggests the immunities and exemptions anciently annexed to the locality, as the termon or erenach lands of Saint Fechin, who founded a monastery here in the middle of the seventh century. He was Abbot of Fore, and the religious house of Ballysadare also owed its origin to this holy man. The Irish Annals record the deaths of Abbots and Archennaghs of this house, down to the time of the English invasion. Immediately previous to that, a chief of the MacMahon sept founded and endowed an abbey here, for regular canonesses, under the invocation of the Blessed Virgin. Its possessions afterwards vested in the superior of the nunnery of Clonard, to whom this house became subservient, as was recognized by Pope Celestine the Third in 1195. A plot adjoining the village is still known as the Nunnery land.

25. Aston appointed to defend Drogheda before Cromwell's siege

    Drogheda · town · Louth · 1646–1649

    Drogheda was required by the confederate Catholics to be garrisoned by Catholics, largely fulfilled when Sir Arthur Aston was entrusted with its safety by Ormond when the town was besieged by Cromwell, with most of his officers and soldiers being Catholic.

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    good subjects, doth again earnestly press the propositions, so long expected, for the peace of that and his other kingdoms, may be hastened to him, expecting that they will contain the readiest means, not only of preserving these places which are already in his power, but likewise of reducing the rest of that kingdom possessed by the rebels, to his obedience ; and, as his Majesty knows not a more speedy or effectual way for attaining these ends, by removing all differences betwixt his Majesty and the two Houses of Parliament, so nothing will be more easily endeavoured by his Majesty than a solid and lasting peace be forthwith established. ''NeweastU, Utho/July, 1646.'' Drogheda and Carlingford were then, however, two of the towns which the confederate Catholics, in their propositions of that year, required should be garrisoned by Catholics, a requisition, which, if not then, was soon after in a great measure complied with, at least in the case of Drogheda, as the unfortunate Sir Arthur Aston, to whom its safety was intrusted by Ormond, when it was besieged by Cromwell, was a Roman Catholic, and it is expressly stated in the Essex MSS. at Stowe, that the majority of his oflScers and soldiers were of the same persuasion. In the above year (1646) the Lord Lieutenant and council instructed Sir Gerard Lowther, Sir Francis Willoughby, and Sir Paul Davis, to proclaim perfect freedom of trade to Dublin, Drogheda, Dundalk, and Carlingford. About this time Peter Pep-

    Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 117

    As the companion tells it

    Drogheda, the town on this road, carries the marks of the 1640s. In 1646 the confederate Catholics put forward their propositions, and among their demands was that Drogheda and Carlingford should be garrisoned by Catholics. This was not met at once, but it was complied with in great measure soon after, at least for Drogheda. The unfortunate Sir Arthur Aston, a Roman Catholic, was entrusted with the safety of the town by Ormond, at the time when it was besieged by Cromwell. The Essex manuscripts at Stowe state expressly that the majority of his officers and soldiers were of the same persuasion. That same year, 1646, the Lord Lieutenant and council instructed Sir Gerard Lowther, Sir Francis Willoughby, and Sir Paul Davis to proclaim perfect freedom of trade to Dublin, Drogheda, Dundalk, and Carlingford. Behind these events lay the king's pressing of propositions for peace across his kingdoms, seeking a solid and lasting peace, dated from Newcastle in July 1646. What followed for Aston and for Drogheda under Cromwell's siege is another, darker chapter.

26. De Lacy marches on Drogheda against de Courcy, 1180

    Drogheda · town · Louth · 1180

    Hugh de Lacy, as Lord Justice, marched a force to Drogheda in 1180 to control Sir John de Courcy's power in Ulster, an expedition which provoked heart-burning, division and bloody brawls among the English.

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    a patent of Ulster as his Palatinate, but fix)m this expedition, as Hanmer observes, " rose much heartburning, division, quarrels, and bloody brawls," among the English.

    In 1185, fortified by the Pope's confirmation of his father's grant, prince John, then aged nineteen, visited Ireland, attended by a gorgeous cavalcade of young nobles(a), and having Ealph Glanville, then Chief Justice of all England, as his counsellor and adviser, and another not less remarkable person, Giraldus de Barri, commonly styled Cambrensis, as his tutor. In his tour of the Pale he appears to have sojourned for a time at Drogheda, when he granted to the Abbey of Mellifont (inter alia) the granges of Mell, Drogheda, &c., the grant being witnessed by Gilbert Peppard and others.

    Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Drogheda, the town the road is taking you through. In 1180, Hugh de Lacy, as Lord Justice, marched a force here to curb Sir John de Courcy's power in Ulster. The expedition, as Hanmer observes, "rose much heartburning, division, quarrels, and bloody brawls" among the English. A few years later, in 1185, Prince John, aged nineteen, visited Ireland and sojourned for a time at Drogheda, attended by young nobles, with Ralph Glanville as his counsellor and Giraldus de Barri as his tutor. While there, he granted to the Abbey of Mellifont the granges of Mell, Drogheda, and others, the grant witnessed by Gilbert Peppard and others.

27. Legendary residence of Fin Mac Coul's son at Drogheda

    Drogheda · town · Louth

    Doctor Hanmer states that Drogheda was the residence and stronghold of a son of Fin Mac Coul at the beginning of the fourth century, while Fin himself was dynast of Dundalk.

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    gendary lore, for which he is so remarkable, states this locality to have been the residence and stronghold of a son of Fin Mac Coul, the father being at the same time, that is to say, at the beginning of the fourth century, dynast of Dundalk. This Fin was the son-in-law of the aforesaid Cormac, and is the Fingal whom, in disregard of chronology, Mac Pherson, in his " Ossian's Poems," makes a contemporary of CuchuUin. The fort or dun, so durably existing at the Meath side of this town, would indeed induce a belief, that it was the military station of one of those chiefs of Scotia (by which title Ireland was then exclusively called), who co-operated with the Picts, as recorded by Eumenius the Rhetorician and other writers, in harassing the Britons and Romans, and who, although an earlier origin for this mount is hereinbefore suggested, might possibly have, on their return from England, borrowed the model of this and similar earthworks from the Roman camps, yet so numerous in the sister kingdom. The Mill- Mount at Drogheda has evidently been a fort of high antiquity, a work of art, grafted as it were on nature, cut out of the hill, rather than like the funeral mounts raised from the plain, and undoubtedly in its prouder days presenting in fosses, ramparts and entrenchments, the strong similitude of " grim visaged war." On its summit was then the central habitation of the chief, while his family and adherents surrounded him with their humbler abodes of earthen walls, interlaced with wood or wicker work, covered VOL. n. c

    18 GENERAL HISTORY.

    Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 10

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Drogheda, you are in a town that Doctor Hanmer places at the beginning of the fourth century as the residence and stronghold of a son of Fin Mac Coul. Fin himself held Dundalk as dynast at the same time, and was the son-in-law of Cormac. He is the Fingal whom Mac Pherson, in his Ossian's Poems, makes a contemporary of Cuchullin, though in disregard of chronology. The fort or dun on the Meath side of the town, known as the Mill-Mount, is cut out of the hill rather than raised from the plain, a work of art grafted on nature. In its prouder days it presented fosses, ramparts and entrenchments, the strong similitude of grim visaged war. On its summit stood the central habitation of the chief, while his family and adherents surrounded him with humbler abodes of earthen walls interlaced with wood or wickerwork. The mount's durability has induced a belief that it was the military station of one of those chiefs of Scotia, as Ireland was then called, who co-operated with the Picts in harassing the Britons and Romans, as recorded by Eumenius the Rhetorician and other writers.

28. Primate Dowdall, last Catholic Primate, interred at Termonfeckin, 1543

    Termonfeckin · town · Louth · 1543

    In 1543, Primate Dowdall, the last of the legally acknowledged Roman Catholic Primates of Armagh, was interred at Termonfeckin.

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    The Crown, soon afterwards, on the dissolution of monasteries, acquired the advowson hereto, as well as the tithes of the parish, on which occasion, the respective rights of the religious houses, here and hereto, were ascertained by inquisitions, and subsequently demised or granted to several patentees. In 1543, Primate Dowdall, the last of the legally acknowledged Roman CathoUc Primates, was interred here. In 1613, Primate Henry Ussher died in this village, and in 1617, the manor was valued to the First Fruits at £23 18^. 6rf., and the rectory at £9 7^.

    2d2

    Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 184

    As the companion tells it

    The road passes through or near the town of Termonfeckin. In 1543, Primate Dowdall, the last of the legally acknowledged Roman Catholic Primates, was interred here. On the dissolution of monasteries, the Crown acquired the advowson and tithes of the parish, and the rights of religious houses were ascertained by inquisitions and granted to patentees. In 1613, Primate Henry Ussher died in this village. In 1617, the manor was valued to the First Fruits at 23 pounds, 18 shillings and 6 pence, and the rectory at 9 pounds, 7 shillings and 2 pence.

29. Primate Ussher hosts Bishop Bedell at Termonfeckin, 1630

    Termonfeckin · town · Louth · 1630

    In 1630 Primate Ussher entertained his celebrated suffragan, Doctor Bedell, Bishop of Kilmore, at Termonfeckin; ten years later Ussher removed to England and never returned to his province.

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    Sterling. In 1621, after the succession of Primate Hampton to the See, his possessions in right thereof were, on inquisition, found to comprise the manor, castle, town, and lands of Termonfeckin, to which appertained one great castle, and a carucate of land in Termonfeckin ; thirty acres in Betaghstown in said parish; the town and land called Colnerstown, containing half a carucate ; Bullraye, sixty acres ; Kill-clogher, sixty acres ; the Dales, sixty acres ; Allmondston, thirty acres; Ballygander, sixty acres; one carucate in Newtown-Monasterboyce, and five acres of the meadows ; sixty acres in Oldtown-Monasterboyce ; Curragh, thirty acres ; one carucate in Rusteagh ; one water-mill in Termonfeckin ; the parsonage and tithes of Ballymakenny, with all the messuages, lands, and tenements, lying within and upon the east side of the river of Termonfeckin ; the custom of fish in every boat, which shall come within the harbours and creeks of the said town of Kill-clogher, that is to say, the best fish in every boat which shall come in there. It was also thereby found, that said Archbishop was seised in fee of the manor, castle, &c., of Dromisken, to which belonged one castle and a carucate of land in Dromisken, &c. In 1630, Primate Ussher entertained here his celebrated suffragan. Doctor Bedell, Bishop of Kilmore ; and, in ten years afterwards, removed into England, whence he never returned to his province. In the confiscations consequent upon the civil war of 1641, the forfeiting proprietors within this parish were Stephen and John Dowdall, William, George, and James

    Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 184

    As the companion tells it

    The town of Termonfeckin was once a place of substance for the Archbishops of Armagh. In 1621, after Primate Hampton succeeded to the See, an inquisition found his possessions here included the manor, castle, town, and lands of Termonfeckin, with one great castle and a carucate of land. The holdings spread wide across the parish: thirty acres in Betaghstown, half a carucate in Colnerstown, sixty acres each in Bullraye, Kill-clogher, the Dales, and Ballygander, thirty acres in Allmondston, lands in Newtown and Oldtown-Monasterboyce, and thirty acres in Curragh. There was a carucate in Rusteagh and a water-mill in Termonfeckin itself. The parsonage and tithes of Ballymakenny belonged to the See, with messuages and lands lying on the east side of the river of Termonfeckin. The Archbishop also held the custom of fish, the best fish from every boat that came into the harbours and creeks of Kill-clogher. The same inquisition found him seised of the manor and castle of Dromisken, with a castle and a carucate there too. In 1630, Primate Ussher entertained at Termonfeckin his celebrated suffragan, Doctor Bedell, Bishop of Kilmore. Ten years later, Ussher removed to England and never returned to his province. When the civil war of 1641 brought confiscations, the forfeiting proprietors within this parish were Stephen and John Dowdall, and William, George, and James Dowdall.

30. Bruce's forces pass by Drogheda and Dublin

    Drogheda · town · Louth · 1315–1317

    Barbour's Metrical History records that Robert Bruce's army marched south through Ireland, passing by Drogheda and Dublin without encountering battle, before continuing on to Limerick.

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    ** The King, and all that there were, Rode furthwart in better arra j, And nearer together than erst did they. Through all the land plainly they raid. They found none that them obstacle made; They raid ewyn fprouth Drochendra, And forouth Dewellyne syne alsua, An to give battail nane thai fund; Syne wen they southward in the land. And right till Kinrycke [Limerick] held their way. That is, the southmaist town perfay, That in Ireland may founden be." &c. kc &c.

    Thus, the narrative records the Bruce and all his actions, until his discomfiture and death on the field of Faughart. Some other particulars of this invasion, connected with Drogheda, are mentioned in " Grace's Axmals," which have been lately published by the Irish Archaeological Society, with the learned editorship of the Reverend Richard Butler of Trim. The account of the fight at Carrickfergus there given, says : " Thomas Mandeville, with more men from Drogheda, attacked the Scots in Carrickfergus, and put them to flight, having kiUed about thirty on Maundy Thursday ; and again attacking them on Easter eve, he slew sixty of them, but fell himself in the conflict, fighting in his own country, and for his own rights." In July of the same year.

    Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 33

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming through Drogheda now. Back around 1315, Robert Bruce led his Scottish army south through Ireland, and they rode right past this town without a fight. The old metrical history puts it plainly: they found none that made obstacle, passed by Drogheda, then Dublin, and pressed on southward toward Limerick. No battle came to them here. But Drogheda men were not absent from this war. Thomas Mandeville led more men from the town up to Carrickfergus, where he attacked the Scots and killed about 30 of them on Maundy Thursday. He struck again on Easter eve and slew 60, but he fell himself in that fight. The chronicle says he died fighting in his own country and for his own rights. Bruce's campaign ran on until his defeat and death at Faughart, but here at Drogheda his army simply passed by.

31. Earthworks and traces of the Boyne battlefield

    Slane · townland · Meath · 1690–1844

    At several points of the battlefield, extending from the bridge of Slane nearly to Drogheda, remains of earthworks and other traces of military operations were still visible.

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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 around here, the ground still carries marks of the Boyne battlefield. At several points across the field, which extended from the bridge of Slane nearly to Drogheda, many remains of earthworks and other traces of military operations were still to be seen. Officers who fell on William's side were, according to tradition, buried about a mile from the town of Oldbridge, where there was a piece of quarry ground, and beside it a lime kiln and a cabin, close to the Irish ramparts. It is said to have been then an osier garden. The whole 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, should be a scene of paramount interest to every individual in the British Empire.

32. First bridge over the Boyne at Drogheda predates Dublin's Liffey bridge

    Drogheda · town · Louth · 1210–1215

    Walter de Lacy obtained a royal licence to erect a mill at the bridge of Drogheda, and the record implies a substantial bridge existed there before Dublin's first bridge over the Liffey, patented only in 1215.

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    as the Pale was aflfected thereby, says, " King John having pacified the land, ordained that the English laws should be used in Ireland; appointed twelve English shires, of which were Meath and Louth; assigned Sheriffs and other officers to rule the same; reformed the coin; directed its uniformity in weight and fineness, and made it current as well in England as in Ireland." When he had " disposed of his affairs, and ordered all things at his pleasure," he took the sea again with much triumph, and landed in England on the 30th day of August It must be remarked, however, that although the king might have meditated such a division of counties, and although Sir John Davis supports the assertion, the history of the country contradicts its realization for centuries. A short time previous to this, Walter de Lacy had obtained a Royal license to erect one mill at the bridge of Drogheda, provided such erection did not prejudice the king, or any of his subjects; and from the manner in which this bridge is mentioned in the record, it may be fairly inferred, that one of better and more durable materials, such as in the twelfth century Turlogh O'Conor constructed over the Shannon and the Suck, was heretofore erected in this place, by which it would appear, that Drogheda preceded the metropohs in such a useful erection, the patent for the first substantial bridge over the Liffey, at Dublin, bearing date not until 1215. According to the Irish Annalists, the king at this time rode into the heart of Meath, as far as Ardbraccan,

    46 GENERAL mSTOBY.

    Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 24

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Drogheda in Louth, there was a bridge here that may have been built before Dublin had one. Around 1210, Walter de Lacy obtained a royal licence to erect a mill at the bridge of Drogheda, and the way the bridge is mentioned in that record suggests a substantial structure already stood here. The patent for the first bridge over the Liffey in Dublin was not dated until 1215, so Drogheda preceded the capital in this. The comparison in the record is to bridges Turlough O'Conor built over the Shannon and the Suck in the twelfth century.

33. Henry de Lacy's grant of Meath including Drogheda

    Drogheda · town · Louth · 1172

    Henry the Second granted Hugh de Lacy the palatinate of Meath, the ancient mensal lands of the O'Melaghlins, including the town and lands of Drogheda. The grant conveyed extensive liberties, fisheries, mills and seaports.

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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

    Coming up through Drogheda now, a town that goes back to a grant of 1172. Henry the Second gave Hugh de Lacy the palatinate of Meath, the old mensal lands of the O'Melaghlins, and this town and its lands were part of it. The grant carried liberties and free customs in wood and plain, waters and mills, fisheries and seaports, and all else appertaining, witnessed among others by Earl Strongbow, whose recognition Henry was anxious to secure for so extensive a conveyance. King John later confirmed the grant, but with important exceptions, the borough and castle of this town among them. In 1174, Roderic O'Conor, the last acknowledged King of Ireland, saw his chance to reassert sovereignty and invaded Meath with a large confederate force. Hugh de Lacy was absent at the time. O'Conor destroyed all the fortresses De Lacy had erected and laid waste the country to the vicinity of Dublin. Hugh Tyrrell, left to defend the palatinate, found he could not hold Trim, demolished its fortifications, retreated towards Drogheda, and razed the castle of Duleek as well. Around the same time the castle of Slane, which De Lacy had granted to Richard le Fleming, was surprised by the Irish chief to whom it had previously belonged, and the whole garrison and inmates were put to the sword.

34. James retreats to Ardee and Drogheda

    Ardee · townland · Louth · 1689

    King James fell back upon Ardee where he remained until 3 November 1689, leaving battalions there, then returned to Drogheda keeping six battalions as his own guard.

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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

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, King James fell back with his forces in 1689. He had drawn them up in battle array, willing to profit by the eagerness of his adherents. Schomberg declined hazarding his master's cause at that juncture, with an army languid and distempered, suffering under the fatigues of their recent march, the inclemency of the climate, and the deprivation of food, fuel, and covering. James, instead of ordering an assault upon a camp that, as Story suggests, "it certainly was not impossible to force," fell back upon Ardee with that fatuity and indecision which marked his progress in Ireland. Even Marshal Rosen said, "if you possessed a hundred kingdoms you would lose them." James remained until the 3rd of November 1689. When he broke up his camp, he left six battalions of foot and fifty horse, and other detachments in the vicinity. He returned himself to Drogheda, where he kept six battalions of foot as his own guard and sent the rest into winter quarters. On the 8th, finding that Schomberg had also decamped northward with a large number of sick soldiers, James returned to Dublin, after sending a detachment to occupy Dundalk.

35. Lord Clarendon's Viceregal Visit to Drogheda, 1686

    Drogheda · town · Louth · 1686

    The Earl of Clarendon, then Lord Lieutenant, visited Drogheda in October 1686, staying at Mellifont with the Earl of Drogheda before entering the town. The corporation prepared a lavish reception including a treat at the Tholsel and a gold box gifted with the freedom of the corporation.

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    In October, 1686, on its being intimated, that the Earl of Clarendon, then Lord Lieutenant, was to visit the town, the Assembly ordered, " that there be all due preparations made to receive his Excellency, and that provision be made to give him a decent treat at the Tholsel, at the discretion of the mayor." A gold box was also directed to be prepared, to present to him with the freedom of the corporation, and all charges to be defrayed by them. His Lordship's account of this visit, is given in his letter to the Earl of Rochester, preserved in " Singer's Correspondence." It is dated from Dublin Castle, October 23rd, 1686. " I went on Tuesday to Drogheda, as I told you in my last I intended. I lay at Mellefont, the Earl of Drogheda's, being earnestly invited thither. The next morning I came back to the town, and saw nine companies of Sir Thomas Newcomen's regiment (who are there quartered), drawn out, and exercised. They seem to be very good men, are very well sized, and as adroit as can be expected from new men. I dined at the mayor's, in the evening I returned to Mellefont ; and the next

    296 GENERAL HISTOBY.

    Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 132

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Drogheda, you are in a town that once hosted the Earl of Clarendon, then Lord Lieutenant, in October 1686. The corporation ordered all due preparations for his reception, including a decent treat at the Tholsel at the mayor's discretion, and a gold box to present him with the freedom of the corporation. Clarendon stayed first at Mellifont with the Earl of Drogheda, before coming into the town the next morning. He saw nine companies of Sir Thomas Newcomen's regiment, quartered there, drawn out and exercised. He wrote that they seem to be very good men, very well sized, and as adroit as can be expected from new men. He dined at the mayor's and returned to Mellifont that evening. His own account survives in a letter to the Earl of Rochester, dated Dublin Castle, October 23rd, 1686, preserved in Singer's Correspondence.

36. Primate Prene dies and is buried at Termonfeckin, 1443

    Termonfeckin · town · Louth · 1442–1443

    Primate Prene, who had been rector of Termonfeckin in early life, died in 1443 and was buried there, following a 1442 assembly he summoned at Termonfeckin regarding the proposed union of the dioceses of Connor and Down.

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    tithes of the parish, appropriated to the Prior of Louth, who claimed certain privileges of fishery in the Boyne in right thereof, against the Prior of Lanthony, which were the subject of Utigation, and of an ultimate appeal to the Pope, in the commencement of the fifteenth century. The Prior of Louth had, likewise, the first voice in the election of the Prioress. The manor and lands of Termonfeckin, soon after the English invasion, passed by royal grant to the Primate, and acxiordingly, Richard de Rupella appears, on record, assigning to John Fyfide, all the land and tenements which he had in Termonfeckin by grant from William Martell, to hold to said John in fee, as freely as said Richard held same, rendering yearly to the Archbishop of Armagh and his successors, one pound of cumin, and to the chapter of the church of Armagh, one pound of wax at Easter. Early in the fourteenth century, an attempt was made on behalf of the Crown, to divest the Prior of Louth of the advowson of this benefice, but it was ultimately, after protracted litigation, decided to appertain to that Prior, and early presentations of his are on record. In 1385, Richard Moore, vicar of Termonfeckin, was one of those sent by Richard the Second, on an embassy to the Court of Rome. In 1442, the Primate summoned all the parties interested, to appear here before him, to show cause, if any existed, against the projected union of the dioceses of Connor and Down ; and in the following year. Primate Prene, who had been in early life rector of this parish, died, and was buried

    Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 183

    As the companion tells it

    Termonfeckin is a town with a long church history. The tithes of the parish were appropriated to the Prior of Louth, who claimed certain fishery privileges in the Boyne against the Prior of Lanthony. That dispute went to litigation and ultimately to an appeal to the Pope, in the commencement of the fifteenth century. The Prior of Louth also had the first voice in the election of the Prioress. Soon after the English invasion, the manor and lands of Termonfeckin passed by royal grant to the Primate. Richard de Rupella appears on record assigning to John Fyfide all the land and tenements he had in Termonfeckin by grant from William Martell, to hold in fee, rendering yearly to the Archbishop of Armagh and his successors one pound of cumin, and to the chapter of the church of Armagh one pound of wax at Easter. Early in the fourteenth century, the Crown tried to divest the Prior of Louth of the advowson of this benefice, but after protracted litigation it was decided to appertain to that Prior. In 1385, Richard Moore, vicar of Termonfeckin, was one of those sent by Richard the Second on an embassy to the Court of Rome. In 1442, the Primate summoned all the parties interested to appear here before him, to show cause against the projected union of the dioceses of Connor and Down. In the following year, Primate Prene, who had been in early life rector of this parish, died, and was buried there.

37. Rediscovery of the holy well at Mellifont in 1826

    Mellifont · townland · Louth · 1826

    A holy well near the baptistry at Mellifont, lost within the ruins for many years, was rediscovered and re-opened in 1826.

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    five sides now survive, each resting on an arch of graceful form ; the roof is wanting ; but, while a ledge runs inside, at a height that evinces it once supported the flooring of another room, the corbels are yet fixed in the walls, from which the arches sprung to support that roof The ornamental parts of this building were of red granite, and were, it is thought, formerly painted and partly gilt An engraving of the whole, in its more perfect state, is given by Wright, in his Louthiana. Near it is a holy well, which, after being lost in the ruins for many years, was discovered and re-opened in 1826; between this and the baptistry are the vaults and fallen, though still stubbornly cemented, walls of a large edifice. Next the octagonal structure are the elegant remains of St. Bernard's chapel imbedded in the rock, the floor being considerably lower than the outer surface. It consists of a crypt or imderground chapel, and an upper apartment; the former was a chaste specimen of most elaborate and finished workmanship; the roof is plainly groined with arches springing from clusters of columns on the side walls, with foliage-ornamented capitals; the windows are also groined and pillared at the angles, the bases of the pillars representing grotesque heads, apparently pressed flat by the superinciunbent weight; the mullions are all destroyed, but some portions of the tracery of the tops remain, and a handsome lozenge or nail-headed moulding is continued round the interior of each, below which a projecting basement runs

    Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 189

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Mellifont, a holy well was found again in 1826. It had been lost among the ruins for many years before that, and was re-opened then. The well sits near the old baptistry. That baptistry still has five sides standing, each resting on an arch of graceful form. The roof is gone. A ledge runs inside at a height that shows it once supported the flooring of another room. The corbels remain fixed in the walls, from which the arches sprang to hold that roof. The ornamental parts were of red granite, and are thought to have been formerly painted and partly gilt. Wright gave an engraving of the whole in his Louthiana. Between the well and the baptistry are the vaults and fallen walls of a large edifice, still stubbornly cemented. Next to the octagonal structure are the remains of St. Bernard's chapel, imbedded in the rock, with the floor considerably lower than the outer surface. It consists of a crypt, or underground chapel, and an upper apartment. The crypt was a chaste specimen of elaborate and finished workmanship. The roof is plainly groined with arches springing from clusters of columns on the side walls, with foliage-ornamented capitals. The windows are groined and pillared at the angles, the bases of the pillars representing grotesque heads, apparently pressed flat by the weight above. The mullions are all destroyed, but some portions of the tracery of the tops remain, and a handsome lozenge or nail-headed moulding runs round the interior of each, below which a projecting basement runs.

38. Robert Fitz-Eustace wastes castle vaults and distrains tenants at Ballymore

    Ballymore Eustace · town · Kildare

    Robert Fitz-Eustace lodged his sheep in the vaults of Ballymore Castle, wasting it, and distrained the free tenants and burgesses under colour of his rent-charge, leading to Parliamentary sanction against him.

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    especially in time of war, and that Richard, Archbishop of Dubhn, predecessor to Michael Tregury, by the assent of his chapter, constituted Sir Richard Fitz-Eustace constable thereof, to him and the heirs male of his body; and granted him to receive in the same office, the profits of a mill of the annual value of JEIO, and £10 a year rent-charge off said lands; that said Richard Fitz-Eustace died, and Robert, his son and heir, occupied said office, but did not make his residence there, and on the contrary appointed as a sub-constable one Laurence O'Bogan, an Irishman both by father and mother, who by nature would discover the secrets of the English; that also said Robert Fitz-Eustace lodged his sheep in the vaults of the said castle, and wasted the same, and distrained the free tenants and burgesses of the same, under colour of said rent-charge; therefore, at the petition of Michael, Archbishop of Dublin, it is enacted, that the said Robert be compelled to keep a sufficient company of Englishmen, and no Irish, to guard said castle, and, if said Robert put any Irishman, not having his charter of liberty, to ward the said castle, that then it should be lawful for the said Archbishop and his successors to turn said Robert out of the said constableship, and to give the said office to any other for life, or years, &c.

    In and previous to the year 1470, O'Reilly of Cavan, and his sept, to the number of upwards of 2000 men, having committed various outrages in the county of Louth, and vicinity of Drogheda, the mayor

    Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 74

    As the companion tells it

    The town of Ballymore Eustace holds an old story of a castle and a man who let it fall. Richard, Archbishop of Dublin, had placed Sir Richard Fitz-Eustace as constable of the castle, with the consent of his chapter, granting the office to him and the heirs male of his body. Along with it came the profits of a mill, worth ten pounds a year, and a rent-charge of ten pounds off the lands. Richard Fitz-Eustace died, and his son Robert took the office. But Robert did not live there. He appointed a sub-constable, Laurence O'Bogan, an Irishman by both father and mother, who, it was said, would by nature discover the secrets of the English. Robert Fitz-Eustace lodged his sheep in the vaults of the castle, and wasted it. He distrained the free tenants and burgesses under colour of his rent-charge. At the petition of Michael, Archbishop of Dublin, Parliament enacted that Robert be compelled to keep a sufficient company of Englishmen, and no Irish, to guard the castle. If Robert put any Irishman without his charter of liberty to ward it, the Archbishop and his successors could turn Robert out of the constableship and give the office to another for life or for years.

39. Waterford's Reginald's Tower used as mint

    Reginald's Tower · man-made feature · Waterford

    On petition of the mayor and commons of Waterford, coining previously done at Dublin and Trim was ordered to be struck at Waterford, specifically at Dundory, otherwise Reginald's Tower.

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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

    On petition of the mayor and commons of Waterford, coining previously done at Dublin and Trim was ordered to be struck at Waterford, in Dundory, otherwise Reginald's Tower. In 1465, a Parliament begun at Trim, before Thomas Earl of Desmond, as deputy to the Duke of Clarence, 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 before was current at 6 shillings and 8 pence, was raised to 10 shillings, and so of other money, according to the same rule and proportion. On this occasion the ounce of silver was also divided into 40 pence, and in the seventh year of the same king's reign, was raised to double value, because 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 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 the receivers and payers of any others adjudged felons. The coins from the Dublin mint are the most numerous, being the double groat, groat, half groat, and penny. Of Trim, there are the groat and half groat, both unique. Of Drogheda, the double groat, which is also unique. Doctor A. Smith, in an essay upon the subject in the Royal Irish Academy Transactions, volume 19, wrote about these coins.

40. Weir at Slane obstructs salmon in the Boyne

    Slane · townland · Meath · 1836

    An 1836 inquiry described the great milldam wall at Slane bridge as so broad and inclined that fish could not leap over it except when the water was very high, leading to salmon being caught by gaffing as they fell back exhausted.

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    other persons used nets to its great injury. From Pass to Oldbridge, Mr. Coddington asserts a right of exclusive fishery. The construction of the Oldbridge weirs was such, as greatly to prevent the passage of the fish in their ascent to spawn, while, by the combined effects of spur and tail walls, and by the canal wall of the river navigation at this point, the king's gap was completely stopped. Such spur and tail walls have, however, been since decided to be illegal Above Oldbridge, the fishery belongs to each proprietor along the bank, the centre of the river being considered the boundary ; while weirs occur successively at Dowth, Grange, Rosnaree, Slane, and Fenner. Of that at Slane, the following evidence was given, on an inquiry in 1836. "At Slane bridge, the great milldam wall, over which the fish must leap, is so broad in its inclined plane, that the fish cannot leap over it, unless when the water is high; the eastern terminus of this wall goes to one of the arches of the bridge ; there a stage is erected, or a curragh fastened, for gaffing salmon, which, unable to get over the wall, gradually fall down along its base to the arch, where they are taken. The person, who rents the fishery, kills more fish here than with his traps and nets, it being almost impossible for the salmon to get over the wall, except when the water is imcommonly high, owing to the width of its inclined plane, eight feet from the surface of the water at ordinary height to the top, as salmon cannot go much forward in leaping." At

    384 environs!

    Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Slane, the Boyne holds a weir that once stopped salmon dead. An inquiry in 1836 described the great milldam wall at Slane bridge, over which fish had to leap. The wall's inclined plane was so broad that salmon could not get over it unless the water was uncommonly high. It measured eight feet from the surface of the water at ordinary height to the top, and as the evidence said, salmon cannot go much forward in leaping. When they failed, they fell back exhausted along the base of the wall to one of the bridge's arches, where a stage was erected or a curragh tied up for gaffing them. The man who rented the fishery killed more salmon there than with his traps and nets. Weirs also stood along the Boyne at Dowth, Grange, Rosnaree, and Fenner, each one another obstacle on the fish's way upstream to spawn.

41. 1108 battle between Meath and Uriel at Drogheda

    Drogheda · town · Louth · 1108

    In 1108 a battle was fought between the people of Meath and those of Uriel (Louth) at Drogheda, in which the latter were defeated.

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    tribute from the Danes, evidently thoee then occupying Drogheda(a) ; and in 1056, Turlogh O'Brien, leading his adherents from Munster hither, so despoiled Bregia and its vicinity, that, as the Annalist remarks, " Munster never acquired greater spoil of men or cattle"(6). In 1084, Dunslevy, King of Ulster, received tribute, in Drogheda, firom Donogh, the son of Caillach O'Kourke. In 1108 a battle was fought between the people of Meath and those of Uriel (Louth), at Drogheda, in which the latter were defeated. In 1146 this town was burned by Donogh O'Carrol, in hostility to the family of O'Melaghlin. In 1147 all Ulster was devastated by the O'Loghlens ; as it was again in the ensuing year by the same sept, aided by the O'Carrols and O'Kourkes. In 1149 the O'Carrols laid waste the plain of Bregia. In 1150 Meath was forcibly partitioned between O'Conor, O'Eourke, and O'Carrol (O'Melaghlin being ousted of all share in the ancient inheritance of his ancestors) ; and in 1152 Drogheda was again sacked by the O'Briens. In 11 55, Murtough O'Loghlen devastated Meath, while Tieman O'Rourke, after a successful invasion of the country of O'Carrol, imprisoned the Chief of the sept in an island of Lough- Shillen. Thus was it that domestic feuds succeeded foreign ravages throughout the country; the laws of more tractable generations became ineffective, until at length the government was irrecoverably preci-

    (a) Annals of the Four Masters. (b) Ann. Inisf.

    Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog

    As the companion tells it

    Drogheda sits on the Boyne, and this town has seen more than its share of violence. Back in 1108, a battle was fought here between the people of Meath and those of Uriel, the old name for Louth. The people of Uriel were defeated. It was one clash among many in a long, troubled century for this place. In 1056, Turlogh O'Brien led men from Munster here and carried off such spoil of men and cattle that, as one annalist wrote, "Munster never acquired greater spoil." In 1084, Dunslevy, King of Ulster, received tribute in Drogheda from Donogh, son of Caillach O'Kourke. The town was burned in 1146 by Donogh O'Carrol, sacked again in 1152 by the O'Briens, and the surrounding lands were repeatedly devastated through those decades. Domestic feuds followed foreign ravages, and the old laws lost their force.

42. 1656 Wolf Bounty Assessment in Ireland

    Drogheda · town · Louth · 1656

    An assessment was ordered across Irish districts to fund rewards for destroying wolves, which had increased greatly in many parts of the nation, with fixed rates for bitches, dog wolves and cubs.

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    wards assumed the command of the army against Scotland, and there effected, what neither the Roman Csesars nor the English Edwards could accomplish, the utter discomfiture of a Scottish army. In 1652, General Ludlow, after scouring the counties of Weirford and Wicklow, and placing garrisons wherever he thought convenient, came to this town, where he met the rest of the parliamentary commissioners. Having staid eight days here, he continued his march hence to Carrickmacross, " a house belonging to the Earl of Essex," which he caused to be fortified and garrisoned, being advantageously situated to restrain the enemy's excursions(a). In 1656, when an assessment was, by an Act of the Protector and his Parliament, laid on, at the^ rate of £35,000 per month in England, £6000 in Scotland, and £9000 in Ireland, to continue for three years ; the proportion chargeable on the county of Louth with Tredagh, was fixed at £590 12^., and that on the county of East Meath, at £1903 18^. Another memorable assessment was, at the same time, ordered to be applotted on the different districts of Ireland, to defray rewards proposed for the destruction of wolves, "which, of late years, had much increased in many parts of this nation ;" the scale proclaimed was, for every bitch dog, £6; every dog wolf, £5; every cub "that preyeth for himself," £2; and for every suckling cub, 10 shillings.

    (a) Ludlow's Memoirs, p. 162.

    Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 126

    As the companion tells it

    Drogheda, in County Louth, was the town where General Ludlow arrived in 1652, after scouring the counties of Wexford and Wicklow and placing garrisons wherever he thought convenient. He met the rest of the parliamentary commissioners here, stayed eight days, then marched on to Carrickmacross, a house belonging to the Earl of Essex, which he had fortified and garrisoned, it being advantageously situated to restrain the enemy's excursions. Four years later, in 1656, an Act of the Protector and his Parliament laid an assessment at the rate of £35,000 per month in England, £6,000 in Scotland, and £9,000 in Ireland, to continue for three years. The proportion chargeable on the county of Louth with Tredagh was fixed at £590 and 12 shillings, and that on the county of East Meath at £1,903 and 18 shillings. At the same time, another assessment was ordered to be applotted on the different districts of Ireland, to defray rewards proposed for the destruction of wolves, which, in the words of the source, had much increased in many parts of this nation. The scale proclaimed was: for every bitch dog, £6; every dog wolf, £5; every cub that preyeth for himself, £2; and for every suckling cub, 10 shillings.

43. Andrew Tuite's tower and trench near Rathconrath

    Rathconrath · townland · Westmeath

    Andrew Tuite built a tower on a dangerous open road used by Irish enemies to enter Westmeath, and Parliament granted him a toll to fund a defensive trench, as the local poor could not afford to build it themselves.

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    Britons, and Flemings, and, as in all the counties around said city there live no lords, gentlemen, or commons, arranged in English habit, nor submitting to the king's obedience, nor who are governed by any laws save those called Brehon, therefore, as the Mayor, &c., of said city are the king's faithful subjects, it was enacted, that they shall thenceforth have the election of the sheriffs of said city, and that said Richard Power be, and was thereby divested of such office. — " Likewise, at the prayer of Andrew Tuite, gentleman, whereas there is a common and open road for the Irish enemies of the king, between Rathcouncil and Quaylan (Cullen), to come and enter into the county of Westmeath, for the destruction thereof, and for which cause the said Andrew, in the most dangerous place of the said road, hath made a tower, upon the vault whereof is a singular refuge for all the said county, and if a trench were made there, a mile or less in length, the said enemies should have no entrance by that road in said coimty, the which trench the said Andrew is not able to make, and the common people there inhabiting are so poor, that they cannot attend to the making thereof; whereupon consideration being had, it is ordained, enacted, and established, and also granted, by authority of said Parliament, that it shall be lawful for the said Andrew to take and receive, for every cow, and for every bullock, and for every horse, pack of every merchandize, or victuals, that shall come or go by or near that road, one penny, to help to make the

    Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 80

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Rathconrath, Andrew Tuite, a gentleman, built a tower on a road that the Irish enemies of the king used to enter Westmeath. The road ran between Rathcouncil and Quaylan, which is Cullen. It was a common and open road for those enemies to come into the county, for the destruction thereof. Andrew chose the most dangerous place on that road and raised a tower there. Upon the vault of that tower, the record says, there is "a singular refuge for all the said county." If a trench were made there, a mile or less in length, the enemies should have no entrance by that road into Westmeath. But the said Andrew was not able to make the trench himself, and the common people there inhabiting were so poor that they could not attend to the making of it. At the prayer of Andrew Tuite, Parliament took consideration. It was ordained, enacted, established, and also granted, by authority of said Parliament, that it should be lawful for the said Andrew to take and receive one penny for every cow, every bullock, every horse, every pack of merchandise or victuals that came or went by or near that road, to help to make the trench.

44. Approach to Mellifont's entrance tower

    Mellifont · townland · Louth

    The remains of the entrance to Mellifont include a massive square tower positioned to guard against frequent assaults, given its location immediately outside the Pale, near a ravine watered by the River Mattock.

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    They are situated about four miles and a half from Drogheda, in a sequestered valley watered by the prettily winding Mattock, which here enters a remarkable cleft or ravine, and is the boundary between the two counties of Louth and Meath ; the eastern or Louth side is composed of limestone rock, rude and rough, in some places thinly covered with a scanty tiuf, but in others entirely exposed. On the western or Meath side, the bank rises nearly perpendicular from the margin of the stream, to about thirty feet in height, and is wholly composed of clay. At a short distance down the valley, a projection of the naked rock approaches to within a few yards of the river, and here, a portion of the entrance to Mellefont yet stands, a massive square tower, carried up on one side to a considerable height, and forming a strong protection against the frequent assaults, to which, from its position immediately outside the Pale, it was for centuries exposed, connected as it was with the rock ledges on the Louth side by a wall, that only admitted ingress through a large circular arch, under which the head-race of an extensive flour mill is now conducted. On passing this arch, the first edifice, that attracts attention, is that called the baptistry, a building of great beauty, but now so completely dilapidated, that it is difficult to conjecture its former appropriation. It was once octagonal, with an arched entrance at each face; only

    416 EKVIRONS.

    Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 189

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, the remains of Mellifont's entrance still stand. They sit about four and a half miles from Drogheda, in a secluded valley watered by the River Mattock. The Mattock enters a remarkable cleft or ravine here, and marks the boundary between the counties of Louth and Meath. On the Louth side, the eastern bank is limestone rock, rough and rude, thinly covered with scanty turf in places, entirely bare in others. On the Meath side, the western bank rises nearly perpendicular from the stream to about 30 feet, and is wholly clay. A short distance down the valley, a projection of naked rock comes within a few yards of the river. Here a portion of the entrance to Mellifont yet stands: a massive square tower, carried up on one side to a considerable height. It formed a strong protection against the frequent assaults to which it was exposed for centuries, standing as it did immediately outside the Pale. A wall connected the tower to the rock ledges on the Louth side, and allowed ingress only through a large circular arch. The head-race of an extensive flour mill is now conducted through that arch. On passing through it, the first building that draws the eye is the baptistry, a structure of great beauty, now so completely dilapidated that it is difficult to guess its former purpose. It was once octagonal, with an arched entrance at each face. Only fragments remain.

45. Drogheda bridge collapses in flood of 1472

    Drogheda · town · Louth · 1472

    On the feast of St Jerome in 1472, the bridge of Drogheda fell down as a result of a flood.

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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

    As you pass through Drogheda in Louth, the town carries an old note of disaster. In 1472, on the feast of St Jerome, the bridge of Drogheda fell down in a flood. That is all the record gives, a single line in the old register, no names of the lost, no count of the dead, just the fact of the bridge and the water and the day. The same year saw the Earl of Kildare convene a Parliament at Naas, later adjourned to Dublin, but that belongs elsewhere. The bridge is what happened here. A flood took it, and the town stood without one.

46. False coiners active in Cork, Youghal, Kinsale and Kilmallock

    Kilmallock · townland · Limerick · 1472

    An Act of 1472 recorded that divers coiners operated without authority in Cork, Youghal, Kinsale and Kilmallock, producing false coins; they were ordered attainted.

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    a pair of shoes for women, 2d.; half a gallon of the best beer, l^d.; a gallon of Rochel wine, 6rf.; a gallon of Gascony wine, 8rf.; a hundred of white yarn, SO*.; a hundred of gray yam, 23*. 4rf.; and it was prescribed, that whoever bought or sold any of said goods at a higher price, should forfeit 20*., and baronial commissioners were directed to see to the due execution of this Statute. In the next year the value of the gross, imclipped, was fixed at nine pence, and other coins in proportion, while to aid the circulation, it was further enacted, about this time, that the master or masters of the coinage should have power to make and strike within the castles of Dublin and Trim, and the town of Drogheda, five sorts of silver coins, according to the fineness of the coins struck in the Tower of London, viz., groats, half groats, pennies, hal^nnies, and farthings, eleven groats to go to the ounce. By the recitals of another Act of 12th of Edward the Fourth (1472), it appears that there were then divers coiners in Cork, Youghal, Einsale and Eilmallock, one of them, John Fannin, showing letters patent, not of record, the rest making false coins without any authority. The Act ordered that they should be attainted, and their alleged letters patent declared void. In the same year Germyn Lynch himself, late Master of the Mints in Ireland, was indicted, for that, when the Statute said that every pound of bidhon coined should be forty-four shillings in money, he coined out of every pound fortyeight shillings; and that he coined at Drogheda, one

    144 GENERAL HISTORY.

    Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in 1472, an Act of Parliament recorded that divers coiners were at work in Cork, Youghal, Kinsale and Kilmallock. One of them, John Fannin, produced letters patent to justify himself, but those letters were not of record. The rest made false coins without any authority whatsoever. The Act ordered that they should be attainted, and their alleged letters patent declared void. This was part of a wider struggle with the coinage. Earlier statutes had fixed prices for goods: a pair of women's shoes at 2d., half a gallon of the best beer at 1d., a gallon of Rochel wine at 6d., a gallon of Gascony wine at 8d., white yarn and gray yarn at set rates. Anyone who bought or sold above those prices would forfeit 20 shillings, and baronial commissioners were directed to see to the execution of the statute. The value of the gross, unclipped, was fixed at nine pence, with other coins in proportion. To aid circulation, the master or masters of the coinage were empowered to strike five sorts of silver coins within the castles of Dublin and Trim and the town of Drogheda, according to the fineness of coins struck in the Tower of London: groats, half groats, pennies, halfpennies and farthings, eleven groats to the ounce. In the same year, Germyn Lynch, late Master of the Mints in Ireland, was indicted. The Statute said every pound of bidhon coined should yield 44 shillings in money, but he coined out of every pound 48 shillings, and he coined at Drogheda.

47. Grey Friary of Dundalk Founded by John de Verdon

    Dundalk · town · Louth · 1225–1280

    John de Verdon, son of Rosia le Botiller and heir through his mother's line, founded the Grey Friary of Dundalk and left his son Theobald de Verdon as heir to the family estates.

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    estates. This Nicholas, according to the fashion of the piety of that day, granted all the tithes of the two knights' fees, in the first castle precinct he should erect on the lands in his possession in the county Louth, to the Abbey of St. Thomas of Dublin. His daughter and only child, Rosia, about the year 1225, at the special request of King Henry(a), intermarried with Theobald le Botiller, the issue of which union was John de Verdon, who, marrying Margaret, a co-heiress of Walter de Lacy, acquired a moiety of Meath palatinate. He bore the name of his mother, as did his descendants; foimded the Grey Friary of Dundalk, and left Theobald de Verdon, his eldest son, who had various royal summonses, and in 1282 more especially was required to attend a muster at Rhudlann, against the Welch, on which occasion he acknowledged the service of two knights' fees and a half, in the Marches of Ireland, being a moiety of the inheritance of Walter de Lacy; and of one knight's fee due for his lands in England. In 1288 he was besieged in the Castle of Athlone, by Richard de Burgo, Earl of Ulster, commonly called the Red Earl, who pretended title to the lordship of Meath. This Theobald was styled Constable of Ireland, and, dying early in the reign of Edward the Second, left a son, Theobald de Verdon, junior, who had frequent and early summonses to the Parhaments of England; he had a brother, Milo, while Nicholas and Robert, the subjects of the above no-

    (a) Rot. Claus. Henr. III. in Turr. Lond.

    Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 31

    As the companion tells it

    Dundalk has an old friary at its heart, the Grey Friary, founded by John de Verdon. His grandmother, Rosia, was the only child of Nicholas, who had granted the tithes of two knights' fees to the Abbey of St. Thomas of Dublin. About the year 1225, at the special request of King Henry, Rosia married Theobald le Botiller. Their son took his mother's name and became John de Verdon. He married Margaret, a co-heiress of Walter de Lacy, and through her acquired a moiety of Meath palatinate. It was John who founded the Grey Friary of Dundalk. He left as his heir his eldest son, Theobald de Verdon. Theobald received various royal summonses. In 1282 he was required to attend a muster at Rhudlann against the Welsh, and on that occasion he acknowledged the service of two knights' fees and a half in the Marches of Ireland, being a moiety of the inheritance of Walter de Lacy, and one knight's fee due for his lands in England. In 1288 he was besieged in the Castle of Athlone by Richard de Burgo, Earl of Ulster, commonly called the Red Earl, who pretended title to the lordship of Meath. Theobald was styled Constable of Ireland. He died early in the reign of Edward the Second, leaving a son, Theobald de Verdon junior, who had frequent and early summonses to the Parliaments of England. He had a brother, Milo.

48. Hobillers Sent to Guard the King's Town of Ardee

    Ardee · townland · Louth · 1312

    The Lord Justice collected a body of hobillers in Dublin and sent a detachment to guard the king's town of Ardee against rebels, but their arrival caused more suffering to the local lieges than the original spoilers had.

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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

    Somewhere close to Ardee, in 1312, this place was at the centre of a troubled chapter. Nicholas de Verdon was arraigned at Drogheda for resisting the king's authority in the county of Louth. The indictment against him stated that his brother Robert de Verdon, with others of the county, both English and Irish, had openly appeared in arms against the king. They despoiled the lands of the Abbot of Mellifont, the king's lands at Ardee, and the lands of the lord of Louth, which he held of the king. They exacted homage and tribute from the king's subjects. The Lord Justice, on deep consideration, collected a body of hobillers in Dublin and sent a detachment to guard the king's town of Ardee. But their arrival was so unwelcome that the king's lieges there suffered more from them than from the original spoilers. The Lord Justice left most of his forces in Dublin and went with a few to Drogheda, where the commonalty of the county begged him to return, promising to keep the peace at their own cost. Nicholas and his brother Milo de Verdon solemnly engaged to subdue the rebels or at least remove them from the county. A royal commission was given to them for that purpose, and the Lord Justice returned to Dublin.

49. Hugh de Lacy erects castle at Drogheda pass

    Drogheda · town · Louth · 1179

    As Viceroy, Hugh de Lacy fortified Leinster and the Pale with castles, and erected at least one at the important pass of Drogheda, while also being noted for wise and impartial administration.

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    Immediately subsequent to this aggrandisement of John, the king confirmed to Hugh de Lacy the former grant of Meath, including Drogheda, but with this variation from the charter of 1172, that this Lord should thenceforth hold that Palatinate, with all its appurtenances, under him (Heniy), and his son John, and by the service of a hundred instead of fifty knights. In 1179, De Lacy was further honoured by the King's commission, appointing him viceroy of Ireland, under the style of Procurator General. Immediately on this new appointment he turned his attention to retrieve the interests which his predecessors in the government had endangered; and, as he felt in duty bound, applied himself to fortifying Leinster, and the Pale generally, with castles similar to those he had heretofore erected in the interior of Meath; and then it was that he erected at least one in the important pass of Drogheda : nor did he, while forwarding these works of military defence, neglect patronizing the arts of peace, and gaining the grateful affection, as well of the natives as of the English, by his affable behaviour, his impartial generosity, and his wise administration. As long as he was placed at the head of affairs, the country (remarks Hanmer) was singularly well managed ; the priest kept his church, the soldier his garrison, and the ploughman followed his plough. In 1180, being Lord Justice of Ireland, he marched a force to this town, with the object of controlling the power of Sir John de Courcy, who had received

    Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 22

    As the companion tells it

    Drogheda sits along this road, a town with a pass that mattered long before it was a town at all. In 1179, the king confirmed Hugh de Lacy's grant of Meath, including Drogheda, and appointed him viceroy of Ireland under the style of Procurator General. De Lacy held the land by the service of a hundred knights instead of the fifty named in the charter of 1172. He turned at once to repairing what his predecessors in government had endangered. He applied himself to fortifying Leinster and the Pale generally with castles, like those he had already built in the interior of Meath. It was then that he erected at least one castle in the important pass of Drogheda. He did not neglect the arts of peace while forwarding these works of military defence. He won the grateful affection of natives and English alike through his affable behaviour, his impartial generosity, and his wise administration. As long as he was placed at the head of affairs, the country was, as Hanmer remarks, singularly well managed: the priest kept his church, the soldier his garrison, and the ploughman followed his plough. In 1180, being Lord Justice of Ireland, he marched a force to this town to control the power of Sir John de Courcy.

50. Isabel Marshal Buried in Tintern Abbey

    near Tintern Abbey · monument · Wexford · 1221

    Isabel, only daughter of Strongbow, married William Earl Marshal who was created Earl of Pembroke; she died in 1221 and was buried in Tintern Abbey, Monmouthshire, illustrating the pattern of absentee proprietorship affecting Irish estates.

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    (a) It was a remarkable concurrence in the destinies of Ireland, that the male line of Strongbow also failed, and the marriages of bis female issue into English families, assigned his noble inheritanoe equally to the ruinous pillage of an absentee proprietary. His only daughter, Isabel, was for fourteen years a ward of Henry the Second. Her husband, William Earl Marshal, was in her right created Earl of Pembroke in 1199; he died in 1219* she in 1 221, and was buried in Tintem Abbey, in Monmouthshire. They had fiy^ sons : yiz., William, who married Eleanor, sister of Henry the Third, and died in 1231, as did hia brother Richard in 1234; Gilbert married in 1235, Margaret, daughter of William, King of Scotland, and died by a fall from his horse in 1242; Walter, the fourth son, died in Wales in 1245, as did the fifth, Anselm, in the same year. The daughters of William and Isabel were also five; 1, Maud, who successively married Hugh Earl of Norfolk, Wil* liam Earl of Warren, and Walter Lord Dunstanvill; 2, Joan, married Warren, Lord Montchensy, the richest Baron in England ;

    3, Isabel became the wife, first of Gilbert Earl of Gloucester, and afterwards of Richard Earl of Cornwall, King of the Romans;

    Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 31

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Tintern Abbey lies Isabel, the only daughter of Strongbow. The male line of Strongbow failed, and his female issue married into English families, assigning his noble inheritance to what the source calls the ruinous pillage of an absentee proprietary. Isabel was for fourteen years a ward of Henry the Second. Her husband, William Earl Marshal, was in her right created Earl of Pembroke in 1199. He died in 1219. She died in 1221 and was buried in Tintern Abbey, in Monmouthshire. They had five sons and five daughters. William, the first son, married Eleanor, sister of Henry the Third, and died in 1231. Richard died in 1234. Gilbert married Margaret, daughter of William, King of Scotland, in 1235, and died by a fall from his horse in 1242. Walter, the fourth son, died in Wales in 1245, as did the fifth, Anselm, in the same year. Their daughters included Maud, who successively married Hugh Earl of Norfolk, William Earl of Warren, and Walter Lord Dunstanvill. Joan married Warren, Lord Montchensy, the richest Baron in England. Isabel became the wife, first of Gilbert Earl of Gloucester, and afterwards of Richard Earl of Cornwall, King of the Romans.

51. James's army encamped near Castle Roche

    Roche Castle · monument · Louth · 1690

    A letter from Francis Gore dated 19 June 1690, sent from the bridge between Dundalk and Newry (Flurry-bridge), reported King James had 20,000 men encamped about Bedloe's Castle, identified as Castle Roche.

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    In June, 1690, King James receiving intimation, that his kingly rival was soon expected in Ireland, thought fit to commit the government and charge of Dublin to Colonel Lutterel, and to advance himself with about 6,000 French foot, old experienced soldiers, to join the rest of his forces, intending to penetrate northward as far as Dimdalk, to eat up the forage thereabout, and preserve the county Louth behind him. On the I6th of that month, he proceeded to Castletown-Bellew, where he encamped, on the southern bank of the river that falls into the sea at Dundalk, and having that town on his right hand. His movements were, as it might be supposed, narrowly observed by the opposite party ; and, in a letter from Mr. Francis Gore, dated 19th of June, 1690, "from the bridge between Dundalk and Newry" (i. e. Flurry-bridge), to the Honourable Lieutenant- Colonel Purcel, Governor of Newry, and which is preserved in the Manuscripts of Trinity College, Dublin, the following account is given, as gleaned from prisoners: " King James has 20,000 men encamped about Bedloe's Castle (Castle Roche), and this night they expect 10,000 French ; their artillery is not yet come up to them, but expected in one day or two. Their King is at Dundalk, and soon designs to re-

    Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 142

    As the companion tells it

    In June 1690, this is Castle Roche, the place where King James encamped with his army. He had received word that his rival would soon arrive in Ireland. He left Colonel Lutterel in charge of Dublin and advanced with about 6,000 French foot, old experienced soldiers, to join the rest of his forces. His plan was to push northward as far as Dundalk, to use up the forage there, and keep the county Louth behind him. On the 16th of June he reached Castletown-Bellew and encamped on the southern bank of the river that falls into the sea at Dundalk, with that town on his right hand. His movements were closely watched. A letter from Francis Gore, dated the 19th of June 1690, sent from the bridge between Dundalk and Newry, that is Flurry-bridge, to Lieutenant-Colonel Purcel, Governor of Newry, gave this account, gleaned from prisoners. "King James has 20,000 men encamped about Bedloe's Castle" — that is Castle Roche — "and this night they expect 10,000 French; their artillery is not yet come up to them, but expected in one day or two. Their King is at Dundalk, and soon designs to re-"

52. John de Parys slain at Drogheda

    Drogheda · town · Louth · 1314

    In 1314 John de Parys, who had accompanied King Edward I into Scotland in 1302, was killed at Drogheda according to Grace's Annals of Ireland.

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    In the same year (1314) John de Parys was slain at Drogheda (ad Pontem), as recorded in Grace's " Annals of Lreland." This, it would seem, was the John de Parys who had, on royal summons, attended, with other Irish nobles. King Edward the First mto Scotland in 1302.

    In the immediately ensuing years the coimty of Louth was devastated by Edward Bruce, on the occasion of his invasion of Ireland, until, in 1317, the Lord de Bermingham, at the head of the English and Irish forces, encountering him at Faughart, near Dundalk, " a fatal place," says Sir John Davis, " to the enemies of the Crown of England," effected the total overthrow of the invader. The most signal and effective achievement of the day was accomplished by John Malpas, a native of Drogheda, who led from this town, in aid of English government, a choice band of soldiers. " The English," says Pembridge, in his Annals, " gave the onset ; John Malpas and

    Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 33

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up along Drogheda here. In 1314 John de Parys was slain in this town, as Grace's Annals of Ireland record. He was the same John de Parys who had accompanied King Edward the First into Scotland in 1302 on royal summons. In the years after his death Edward Bruce devastated the county of Louth until 1317, when the Lord de Bermingham overthrew him at Faughart near Dundalk, a place Sir John Davis called fatal to the enemies of the Crown of England.

53. King James Establishes Headquarters at Ardee

    Ardee · townland · Louth · 1689

    A report dated 16 October 1689 records Ardee as King James's head quarters during the campaign, noting the scarcity of salt, brandy, and tobacco there.

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    With the wish, however, of a prompt encounter with Schomberg, King James advanced to Ardee, " which," says a Report, dated October 16, 1689, " is now his head quarters, and where salt, brandy, and tobacco are not to be had." Not finding Schomberg there, he advanced as far as the bridge of Aflane, and subsequently removed to that of Maplestown> where he learned that his opponent had begun to

    (a) darkens Life of James 11. vol. iL p. 377.

    Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 140

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Ardee, in 1689, King James made this place his headquarters. A report dated 16 October 1689 says so plainly, and notes that salt, brandy, and tobacco were not to be had. He had come looking for Schomberg, wanting a prompt encounter. He did not find him here. He pushed on as far as the bridge of Aflane, then moved to the bridge of Maplestown, where he learned his opponent had begun to move.

54. MacMahon founds abbey of canonesses at Termonfeckin

    Termonfeckin · town · Louth · 1195

    Immediately before the English invasion, a chief of the MacMahon sept founded and endowed an abbey at Termonfeckin for regular canonesses under the invocation of the Blessed Virgin, later recognised by Pope Celestine III in 1195 as subservient to Clonard.

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    The name of Termon-Feckin suggests the immunities and exemptions anciently annexed to the locality, as the termon or erenach lands of St. Fechin, who founded a monastery here in the middle of the seventh century. To this holy man, who was Abbot of Fore, the religious house of Ballysadare also owed its origin. The Irish Annals record the deaths of Abbots and Archennaghs of this house, down to the time of the English invasion, immediately previous to which, a chief of the MacMahon sept founded and endowed an abbey here, for regular canonesses, under the invocation of the Blessed Virgin. Its possessions afterwards vested in the superior of the nunnery of Clonard, to whom this house of the canonesses became subservient, as was recognized by Pope Celestine the Third, in 1195 ; and a plot adjoining the village is still known by the appellation of the Nunnery land. The abbey, however, which was dedicated to St. Fechin, was, together with the church of Kill-clogher, and the

    VOL. IL 2d

    Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 183

    As the companion tells it

    The town of Termonfeckin takes its name from the termon lands of St. Fechin, who founded a monastery here in the middle of the seventh century. St. Fechin was also Abbot of Fore, and the religious house of Ballysadare owed its origin to him. The Irish Annals record the deaths of Abbots and Archennaghs of this house down to the time of the English invasion. Immediately before that invasion, a chief of the MacMahon sept founded and endowed an abbey here for regular canonesses under the invocation of the Blessed Virgin. Its possessions afterwards vested in the superior of the nunnery of Clonard, and this house became subservient to Clonard, as was recognized by Pope Celestine the Third in 1195. A plot adjoining the village is still known as the Nunnery land. The abbey was dedicated to St. Fechin.

55. O'Donnell's submission negotiated via Drogheda

    Drogheda · town · Louth · 1531

    After Surrey's 1531 expedition into Ulster which frightened Hugh O'Donnell into submission, his deputies performed the act of fealty to the king in the presence of the Lord Deputy at Drogheda in May 1531.

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    mc: the most part of the marchers upon Irishmen, perceiving not how to be defended, have so practised with the Irishmen next adjoining to them, that the said Irishmen do come through them, and do hurt to others within them, and they take no hurt. If this be not remedied, the land will be clean overrun and spoiled, and £20,000 will not repair the hurts that shall be done ere mid-September. Your Grace, by your great wisdom, hath done so much, that I trust peace shall ensue among Christian princes, to the great laud of our Master, your Grace, and this realm. Most humbly beseeching your Grace, as well for the honour of his Highness, your Grace, and of this realm, now, in this time of great need, so to look upon the poor land of Ireland, that it take not more hurt this year, than it hath done in any year since the first conquest, which was never so likely to ensue as now, considering the great weakness of good captains of the Englishry, as lack of men of war, and also the great dissension between the greatest bloods of the land, and the Irishmen never so strong as now." In 1531, Surrey made an expedition into Ulster, " whence he returned loaded with prey and plunder, according to the custom of those times ; and with this achievement Hugh O'Donnell was frightened into a submission, which (being himself sick) he performed by his deputies, Con OTaghU, Abbot of Derry, and Richard O'Croghan, who, in the behalf of their master, perfected indentures, and swore fealty to the king, in presence of the Lord Deputy

    Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 86

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Drogheda, you are in a town where a political turning point played out in May 1531. The Earl of Surrey had led an expedition into Ulster, returning, as the source says, "loaded with prey and plunder, according to the custom of those times." That show of force was enough to frighten Hugh O'Donnell into submission. O'Donnell himself was sick, so he sent two deputies to act for him. Con O'TaghU, who was Abbot of Derry, and Richard O'Croghan came to Drogheda and there, in the presence of the Lord Deputy, they perfected indentures on their master's behalf and swore fealty to the king. The wider context was grim. A report from the time warned that the marchers on the frontier could not defend the land, that the Irish broke through them and did hurt within, and that £20,000 would not repair the damage expected by mid-September. It spoke of weak captains among the Englishry, a lack of men of war, great dissension between the greatest bloods of the land, and the Irish never so strong. The appeal was to look upon poor Ireland before it took more hurt than in any year since the first conquest. Against that backdrop, O'Donnell's submission at Drogheda was a small but significant moment of order imposed from outside.

56. Perrot Musters Forces at Drogheda Against Sorley Boy

    Drogheda · town · Louth · 1584

    In 1584, Lord Deputy Perrot, upon hearing that Sorley Boy was devastating Ulster's coast, ordered all able men from Birr to the Boyne to muster at Drogheda within twenty-four days. He was joined there by forces from Leinster and Munster.

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    In 1584, the Lord Deputy Perrot having, while sojourning at Limerick, received intimation that Sorleboy was devastating the coast of Ulster, immediately set out from that city, issuing his command that all, who were able to bear arms, from Birr to Boyne, should meet him within twenty-four days at Drogheda, where, accordingly, he was joined by the forces of Leinster and Munster(a). At this time,

    (fl) Annal8 of the Four Masters.

    Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 93

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Drogheda, in 1584 this town became a rallying point. Lord Deputy Perrot, sojourning at Limerick, heard that Sorley Boy was devastating the coast of Ulster. He set out at once, ordering every man able to bear arms from Birr to the Boyne to meet him here within twenty-four days, and was duly joined by the forces of Leinster and Munster.

57. Petition over inconvenient flesh market in Drogheda

    Drogheda · town · Louth · 1773

    Merchant Edward Caldwell petitioned Parliament in 1773 that Drogheda's flesh market was inconveniently sited on the main Dublin-north road, and that despite his building new shambles at great expense, butchers refused to use them.

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    In 1770, the Assembly ordered, " that the salary of Benjamin Rencher, as musician to this corporation, should be augmented from five to eight guineas per annum, he supplying a proper band of music, to attend the corporation on the usual days during pleasure. In three years afterwards, Edward Caldwell, a merchant of the town, preferred a petition to Parliament, setting forth, " that, it having been for some years past the general sense of the principal inhabitants thereof, and of the gentlemen who reside near it, that the flesh market of said town was situated in a very inconvenient place, the same being in the open street, which is the great thoroughfare from Dublin to the north of Ireland, the petitioner, being encouraged by said gentlemen and by the principal butchers of said town, did in the previous year contract for a large and commodious piece of ground, at the yearly rent of £65, whereon the petitioner has,

    366 GENERAL mSTOBY.

    Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Drogheda, you are on the very road that caused the trouble in 1773. The town's flesh market sat out in the open street, on the main thoroughfare from Dublin to the north of Ireland. Edward Caldwell, a merchant, petitioned Parliament that year, saying the principal inhabitants had long felt the market was inconveniently placed. Encouraged by local gentlemen and the principal butchers, he had leased a large piece of ground at 65 pounds a year and built new shambles on it. But the butchers refused to use them.

58. Prince John's grant to Mellifont Abbey at Drogheda

    Drogheda · town · Louth · 1185

    Prince John visited Ireland in 1185 and, sojourning at Drogheda, granted the Abbey of Mellifont the granges of Mell and Drogheda among others, witnessed by Gilbert Peppard.

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    In 1185, fortified by the Pope's confirmation of his father's grant, prince John, then aged nineteen, visited Ireland, attended by a gorgeous cavalcade of young nobles(a), and having Ealph Glanville, then Chief Justice of all England, as his counsellor and adviser, and another not less remarkable person, Giraldus de Barri, commonly styled Cambrensis, as his tutor. In his tour of the Pale he appears to have sojourned for a time at Drogheda, when he granted to the Abbey of Mellifont (inter alia) the granges of Mell, Drogheda, &c., the grant being witnessed by Gilbert Peppard and others.

    The records of a corporate character, referring to the town from this period, will be found in the previous Section, exclusively assigned to that branch of the history, while those of the castle and respective rehgious houses, are noted in that on the " Ancient Statistics."

    Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 23

    As the companion tells it

    You're passing through Drogheda. In 1185, Prince John, then aged 19, visited Ireland attended by young nobles, with Ralph Glanville as his adviser and Giraldus de Barri, known as Cambrensis, as his tutor. He sojourned at Drogheda and granted to the Abbey of Mellifont the granges of Mell and Drogheda, among others, the grant witnessed by Gilbert Peppard.

59. Ruined castle and tower of the Primates at Termonfeckin

    Termonfeckin · town · Louth

    A mouldering square tower with a portcullis-like front remains at Termonfeckin, marking the site of the castle constructed for the Primates of Armagh on the highest point of the village, once accompanied by a circular tower and barbican, now removed.

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    A manor appertaining, from time immemorial, to the Archbishops of Armagh, and for centuries their country residence, when the palace was kept in Drogheda. The village, once a town of note, is situated on a rivulet, which, here passing imder a handsome cut stone bridge of two arches, after enclosing a little island on which Mr. Mac Clintock has raised a cottage om^e, falls into the adjacent sea. A mouldering square tower, with a portcullis-like front, affording, from its summit, a fine prospect, yet remains, to mark where the castle

    TERMONFECKIN. 3<)9

    Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 182

    As the companion tells it

    The road passes through Termonfeckin, a manor belonging to the Archbishops of Armagh from time immemorial, their country residence for centuries when the palace was kept in Drogheda. The village, once a town of note, sits on a rivulet passing under a cut stone bridge of two arches, falling into the adjacent sea. A mouldering square tower with a portcullis-like front remains, affording a fine prospect from its summit, to mark where the castle stood on the highest point of the village. A circular tower and barbican once accompanied it, now removed.

60. Schomberg Takes Possession of Dundalk

    Dundalk · town · Louth · 1689

    After capturing Carrickfergus, Schomberg's forces went on to possess Dundalk, a strategic town near the Jacobite stronghold at Drogheda.

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    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

    310 QENEBAL HISTORY.

    Internet Archive historydrogheda01dalgoog, Chapter 139

    As the companion tells it

    Dundalk is the town along this road. In 1689, after landing and besieging Carrickfergus for eight days before taking it, Schomberg soon afterwards possessed himself of Dundalk. A pamphlet dated 2 September 1689, called "An account of Duke Schomberg's march towards Dublin," notes his next intention: taking in Charlemont.