The history of the county and city of Cork (vol. 2)

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

1. Curran's dramatic intervention at Wolfe Tone's trial in Dublin

   Dublin · city · Dublin · 1798

   On the day fixed for Wolfe Tone's execution by court-martial, Curran led Tone's aged father into the Court of King's Bench in Dublin before Lord Kilwarden. Curran argued that Tone held no commission under the crown and therefore could not be tried by court-martial while the civil courts sat, demanding his client appear before the civil court.

   Read the passage

   An exciting and extraordinary scene occurred the next day — the day fixed for his execution — in the Court of King's Bench, where that upright judge, Lord Kilwarden,* presided. Curran entered the court, leading an aged man — Wolfe Tone's father — up to the bench, where he made an affidavit that his son had been brought before a " bench of officers, calling themselves a court-martial, who had sentenced him to death."

   " I do not pretend," said Curran, " that Mr. Tone is not guilty of the charges for which he is accused. I presume that the officers were honorable men, but it is stated in this affidavit, as a solemn fact, that Mr. Tone had no commission under his majesty, and therefore no court-martial could have cognizance of any crime imputed to hinij whilst the Court of King's Bench sat in the capacity of the great criminal court of the land. In times when war was raging, when man was opposed to man in the field, courts-martial might be endured ; but every law authority is with me, whilst I stand upon this sacred and immutable principle of the constitution, that martial law and civil law are incompatible, and the former must cease with the existence of the latter. This is not, however, the time for arguing this momentous question. My client must appear in this court. He is cast for death this very day. He may be ordered for execution whilst I address you. I

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 127

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Dublin, you are moving through the city where one of the most dramatic courtroom scenes of 1798 unfolded. On the very day fixed for Wolfe Tone's execution, the barrister Curran walked into the Court of King's Bench, leading Tone's aged father up to the bench. The old man swore an affidavit that his son had been brought before officers calling themselves a court-martial and sentenced to death. Lord Kilwarden presided over the court. Curran did not deny the charges. He said, "I do not pretend that Mr. Tone is not guilty of the charges for which he is accused." But he argued that Tone held no commission under the crown, and therefore no court-martial could have cognizance of any crime while the Court of King's Bench sat as the great criminal court of the land. He said martial law and civil law were incompatible, and the former must cease with the existence of the latter. He demanded his client appear in that court. Tone was cast for death that very day, and Curran warned he might be ordered for execution even as he spoke.

2. Massacre at the Rock of Cashel by Lord Inchiquin

   near Rock of Cashel · rock or rocks · Tipperary · 1645

   In 1645, Lord Inchiquin overran Munster and stormed the Rock of Cashel, where civilians had taken refuge in the cathedral church. The soldiers gave no quarter, massacring over twenty priests and religious men along with many others inside and outside the church.

   Read the passage

   Minister, and coming to Cashel, the people retired to the Kock, where the cathedral church stands, and thought to defend it. But it was carried by storm, and the soldiers gave no quarters, so that within and without the church, there was a great massacre, and amongst others, more than twenty priests and religious men killed." — Earl of Castlehaverfs Memoirs, p. 78.

   The enemy being subdued, the conquerors set about dividing the spoil. " After the subduing of Ireland," says Ludlow, " there was no small consultation how to divide every one's portion, until at a general council of war, Lord Broghill proposed, that the kingdom, might be surveyed, and the number of acres taken, with the quality of them, and then all the soldiers to bring in their demands of arrears, and so to give every man by lot, as many acres of ground as might answer the value of their arrears. The kingdom being surveyed, and the value of acres being given, the highest was estimated at four shillings the acre, and some only at a penny. Accordingly the soldiers drew lots for their several portions, and in that manner the whole forfeited lands were divided among the conquerors and adventurers for money, At the same time it was agreed that the Irish should be transplanted into Connaught, which so shattered them, that they never made any head afterwards."

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 62

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere about Rock of Cashel, in 1645, Lord Inchiquin overran Munster and came to Cashel. The people retired to the Rock, where the cathedral church stands, and thought to defend it. But it was carried by storm. The soldiers gave no quarter, so that within and without the church there was a great massacre. Among others, more than twenty priests and religious men were killed. After the enemy was subdued, the conquerors set about dividing the spoil. There was no small consultation how to divide every one's portion, until at a general council of war Lord Broghill proposed that the kingdom might be surveyed, and the number of acres taken with the quality of them. Then all the soldiers were to bring in their demands of arrears, and so to give every man by lot as many acres of ground as might answer the value of their arrears. The kingdom being surveyed, the highest land was estimated at four shillings the acre, and some only at a penny. The soldiers drew lots for their several portions, and the whole forfeited lands were divided among the conquerors and adventurers for money. At the same time it was agreed that the Irish should be transplanted into Connaught, which so shattered them that they never made any head afterwards.

3. Battle of the Boyne — Dean Davies' eyewitness account

   Drogheda · town · Louth · 1690

   Dean Rowland Davies, a Cork clergyman serving as chaplain in King William's army, described drawing up horse within cannon shot of King James's forces across the Boyne near Drogheda. William was struck on the shoulder by a cannon shot, and Davies witnessed the king charging at the head of the Enniskilling horse on 1 July.

   Read the passage

   "30th. [June.] At two in the morning we decamped again, and marched towards Drogheda, where we found King James encamped on the other side of the Boyne. "We drew up all our horse in a line opposite to him, within cannon shot; and as his majesty passed our line, they fired six shot at him, one whereof, fell and struck off the top of the Duke of Wurtemberg's pistol, and the whiskers off his horse, and another tore the king's coat on the shoulder.* We stood open during at least twenty shot, until a man and two horses being killed among the Dutch guards, we all retired into a trench behind us, where we lay safe while much mischief was done to other regiments, and in the evening drew off and encamped behind the hill."

   "July 1st. His majesty came up and charged at the head of the Enniskilling horse, who deserted him at the first charge, and carried with them a Dutch regiment, but the king's blue troops of guards soon supplied the place, and with them he charged in person and routed the enemy."

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 78

   As the companion tells it

   As you come through Drogheda, this is where the Battle of the Boyne unfolded in 1690. Dean Rowland Davies, a chaplain in King William's army, marched towards the town at two in the morning on 30 June and found King James encamped across the Boyne, then drew up all the horse within cannon shot of his lines. Six cannonballs were fired at William as he passed; one tore the king's coat on the shoulder, another struck the top of the Duke of Wurtemberg's pistol and the whiskers off his horse. They stood under at least twenty shots until a man and two horses were killed among the Dutch guards, then retired into a trench. On 1 July, William charged at the head of the Enniskilling horse, who deserted him at the first charge and carried a Dutch regiment with them, but the king's blue troops of guards soon supplied their place, and with them he charged in person and routed the enemy.

4. Bishop of Ross hanged at Carrigadrohid castle

   Carrigadrohid · townland · Cork · 1650

   Lord Broghill marched to Kilcrea and Carrigadrohid castles, both strongly garrisoned by the Catholic Bishop of Ross. After defeating the bishop's army at Macroom, Broghill took him prisoner and offered pardon if he ordered the Carrigadrohid garrison to surrender. Instead the bishop urged them to hold out, and was hanged at the castle walls.

   Read the passage

   Oliver marches to Clonmel, where victory seems disposed to desert his standard. More than half of his troops are enfeebled by sickness. To add to his perplexity, he hears the Catholic bishop of Eoss is assembling an Irish army of 4,000 foot and 300 horse for the relief of the town. To end his successful campaign by a defeat, or even a retreat, is not to be thought of, he therefore sends to his trusty and well-beloved Broghill, who has never yet failed him, who takes the field at the head of 2,000 horse and the same number of foot^ and marches to Kilcrea and Carrigadrohid castles, which he finds strongly garrisoned by the bishop, so he turns his horse's head in the direction of Macroom. The bishop fires this castle, and draws up his army in the park. Broghill charges, and puts the Irish to the rout, and succeeds in making their warlike bishop prisoner, to whom he offers pardon on the condition of his ordering the garrison of Carrigadrohid to deliver up the castle. They conducted the courageous churchman to the walls, as the Carthagenians carried Regulus to Eome, with the full persuasion that he would recommend his countrymen to surrender ; " Hold out to the last " were his words ; so they hanged him then and there. A shame upon you, Broghill.

   The castle was taken by a very simple stratagem. The besiegers cut up trees to the size of cannon, yoked them — as if weighty metal — to a number of oxen, and had them planted opposite the walls. When the Irish saw the wooden ordnance, they began to parley, and finally agreed to surrender "upon articles."

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 60

5. Wolfe Tone's suicide in Dublin Barracks

   Dublin · city · Dublin · 1798

   Theobald Wolfe Tone, held at the Provost Prison in Dublin Barracks, slashed his throat with a penknife after legal efforts to stay his execution failed. He wrote a farewell letter to his wife on 19 November 1798, expressing tranquility and commending his children to her care.

   Read the passage

   Lord Kilwarden rose, and his passion was actually sublime. " Mr. Sheriff, take the body of Tone into custody, take provost-marshal into custody, take Major Sandys into custody, and for so doing show the order of court." The sheriff hastened to the barracks, and as speedily returned. He whispers something in the judge's ear — the whisper soon runs round the court — "Wolfe Tone, who knew nothing of the proceedings taken to stay his execution, had inflicted a deadly wound on his throaty with a penknife. He wrote the following beautiful letter to his wife, just before he committed the fearful deed : —

   244 HISTORY OF CORK.

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 128

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Dublin, you are near where Wolfe Tone's story ended in 1798, in the barracks here. In court, Lord Kilwarden rose and gave an order. He told the sheriff to take the body of Tone into custody, the provost-marshal into custody, Major Sandys into custody, and to show the order of court. The sheriff hastened to the barracks and returned speedily. He whispered something in the judge's ear. The whisper ran round the court. Wolfe Tone, who knew nothing of the proceedings taken to stay his execution, had inflicted a deadly wound on his throat with a penknife. He had written a letter to his wife just before the deed.

6. Lord Bandon's tenant gala near Ardfert Abbey, 1793

   Ardfert · town · Kerry · 1793

   An agent's letter of April 1793 describes a lavish tenant gala for Lord Bandon near Ardfert Abbey, with over 80 gallons of whiskey-punch, an ox roasted whole, pipers and fiddlers, and cannon fired from the abbey tower. Catholic tenants attached to Lord Bandon were specially invited.

   Read the passage

   " None who were not tenants did I invite, except those named by you, viz., Father Morgan Flaherty, Tim M'Carthy, Charles Casey, Doctor Leyne, and Father Nelan, son to Old John. These I asked as Catholics particularly attached to you. Had I gone further I must either Lave excited jealousy, or summoned half the country. We had a company of 22 in the parlour, of whom I will send you a list next post. In the breakfast-parlour there was another company of second rate, and the third rate dined in the tent pitched in the avenue near the abbey. In the parlour your claret was made free with, as Stephen tells me he opened 34 oottles. In the breakfast-parlour port wine and rum-punch were supplied in abundance, and abroad large libations of whiskey-punch. We had two quarter casks (above 80 gallons) of that beverage, made the day before, which was drawn off unsparingly for those abroad, and plenty of beer besides. Two patteraroes, borrowed from Jack Collis, and placed on the top of the abbey tower, announced our dinner, toasts, and our exultation. Pipers and fiddlers enlivened the intervals between the peals of the ordnance. The May-men and maids, with their hobby horse, danced most cheerfully, and were all entertained at dinner, and with drink in abundance. An ox was roasted whole at one end of the turf house, on a large ash beam, by way of a spit, and turned with a wheel well contrived by Tom O'Brien. It was cut up from thence, and divided as wanting. The name of its being roasted entire was more than if two oxen had been served piecemeal. Six sheep were also sacrificed on the occasion, and, in short, plenty and hospitality graced both your board and your sod ; and a fine serene evening favoured happily the glee and hilarity of the meeting. All was happiness, mirth, and good humour. God save great George our king was cheered within and abroad, accompanied with fiddles, pipes, &c., &c."

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 254

   As the companion tells it

   Coming through Ardfert now, in Kerry. Back in April 1793, an agent wrote to Lord Bandon describing a tenant gala he had held near the abbey here. He had invited none who were not tenants, except those Lord Bandon himself named: Father Morgan Flaherty, Tim M'Carthy, Charles Casey, Doctor Leyne, and Father Nelan, son to Old John. These he asked as Catholics particularly attached to Lord Bandon. He said had he gone further he must have excited jealousy or summoned half the country. There was a company of 22 in the parlour, and your claret was made free with, Stephen having opened 34 bottles. In the breakfast-parlour there was another company of second rate, with port wine and rum-punch in abundance. The third rate dined in a tent pitched in the avenue near the abbey. Outside, there were large libations of whiskey-punch. Two quarter casks, above 80 gallons, had been made the day before and drawn off unsparingly, with plenty of beer besides. Two patteraroes borrowed from Jack Collis were placed on top of the abbey tower and announced the dinner, the toasts, and the exultation. Pipers and fiddlers enlivened the intervals between the peals of the ordnance. The May-men and maids with their hobby horse danced most cheerfully and were entertained at dinner with drink in abundance. An ox was roasted whole at one end of the turf house, on a large ash beam by way of a spit, turned with a wheel contrived by Tom O'Brien. The agent said the name of it being roasted entire was more than if two oxen had been served piecemeal. Six sheep were also sacrificed. A fine serene evening favoured the glee and hilarity of the meeting. All was happiness, mirth, and good humour. "God save great George our king" was cheered within and abroad, accompanied with fiddles, pipes, and all the rest.

7. French and English fleets clash at Bantry Bay

   near Bantry Bay · bay · Cork · 1689

   A French fleet supporting James II engaged an English fleet under Admiral Herbert at the mouth of Bantry Bay. The French bore down with twenty-eight men-of-war and six fire-ships, battering the English van until the English sailed for Plymouth; both sides claimed victory.

   Read the passage

   The fleet contained a large quantity of military stores, and a further supply of money. To give Louis XIV. his due, he behaved like a prince and a gentleman to James. An English fleet, under Admiral Herbert, appeared next morning before the mouth of the bay. The French bore down upon them with twenty-eight men-of-war and six fire-ships, and opened upon the Defiance, which led the English van. Herbert made several tacks, to gain the wind, and engage the enemy at close quarters, but failed; so they "continued battering upon a stretch till five in the afternoon," when the English sailed for Plymouth, to repair damages, and the French re-entered Bantry Bay. Herbert had about a hundred killed — among the number Captain George Aylmer, a lieutenant — and two hundred and fifty wounded. Both sides claimed the victory, and to render the decision more doubtful the House of Commons passed a vote of thanks to Herbert, and James ordered bonfires and a Te Deum for Chateau Eenaud.

   James appointed Lord Clare and M. Boileau, governors of Cork, who appeared to have acted with severity towards the Protestants. " On the llth of August, the Lord Clare, governor of Cork, committed all the Protestants of the city to St. Peter's, Christ Church,* and the Court - Houses ; on the 10th of September several were sent to Blarney Castle; on the llth, many to Macroom ; and October the 13th, all the churches were shut up. In several places the governors went into houses and shops, seized what they

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 78

8. Battle of Liscarrol and death of Lord Kinalmeaky

   Liscarroll · town · Cork · 1642

   Lord Inchiquin's parliamentary forces defeated the Irish confederates at Liscarrol, killing seven hundred men and capturing thirteen pairs of colors. Lord Kinalmeaky was killed by musketeers behind hedges, and his brother Francis Boyle bore off his body from amid the enemy.

   Read the passage

   battery; the third division, which consisted for the most part of pikes, stood between, and a little behind the other two. The horse occupied the brow of a hill. Their position was well chosen. Lord Inchiquin advanced with a party of horse against the Irish cavalry. It was on this occasion that Lord Kinalmeaky was killed, by a party of musqueteers that lay behind the hedges. His brother, Francis Boyle, a lad of nineteen, bore off his body and horse from the midst of the enemy. Inchiquin made one or two mistakes, but gained, notwithstanding, a decided victory. The confederates lost seven hundred men, three pieces of artillery, and thirteen pair of colors. There was quarter given to none, but Colonel Richard Butler, son to the Lord Ikerrin, who was the last man of the Irish army that left the field. Inchiquin had only twelve men killed, and about twenty wounded. The loss of the confederates was not great : seven hundred from an army of seven thousand five hundred; nor was Lord Inchiquin able to follow up the victory, but was compelled, for want of subsistence, to march back to Mallow, and disperse his troops in garrisons.

   Although this battle was fought for the parliament and against the confederates, who were friendly to the king, Lord Cork has the face to write to the king's sincere and tried friend, the Marquis of Ormond, Lieutenant-General of the kingdom, requesting that Einalmeaky's commission — for the command of a troop of horse — may be transferred to his brother, Dungarvan ; and that Dungar van's company of foot may be given to the younger brother, Francis. He also recommends to his lordship's favour the young lord

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 39

9. Boyle's speedy ride from Shandon Castle to London with Kinsale news

   near Shandon · locality · Cork · 1601–1602

   After the siege of Kinsale, Boyle was dispatched by the Lord President to carry news of the victory to Queen Elizabeth. He departed Shandon Castle near Cork at roughly two o'clock on a Monday morning and delivered his packet in London the following Tuesday.

   Read the passage

   " Then, as Clerk of the Council, I attended the Lord President in all his employments, and waited on him during all the siege of Kinsale, and was employed by his lordship to her majesty, with the news of that happy victory, in which employment I made a speedy expedition to the court, for I left my Lord President at Shandon Castle, near Cork, on the Monday morning near two o'clock, and the next day, being Tuesday, I delivered my packet, and supped with Sir Robert Cecil, being then principal Secretary of State, at his house in the Strand ; who after supper held me in dis-

   * Clerk of the Council of Munster.— His commission dates November 16, 1602. The salaiy was " £20 per annum, and large fees of office."

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 21

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Shandon, near Cork, this is where a famous speedy ride began. After the siege of Kinsale in 1601, Boyle was sent by the Lord President to carry news of the victory to Queen Elizabeth. He left Shandon Castle on a Monday morning near two o'clock and delivered his packet in London the very next day, Tuesday, then supped with Sir Robert Cecil, the principal Secretary of State, at his house in the Strand.

10. Charles II proclaimed in Cork; Cromwell's governor imprisoned

    Cork · city · Cork · 1660

    On 18 May 1660, Charles II was proclaimed king in Cork by Lord Broghill, who had secretly arranged the timing with Sir Charles Coote. The same day, Colonel Phaire, Cromwell's governor of Cork, was sent prisoner to Dublin Castle and replaced by Colonel Courthorp.

    Read the passage

    no time. Broghill is somewhat startled, but sees the necessity — lest he should be anticipated by some one else — so Charles is proclaimed in Cork, on the 18th of May, and the same day Colonel Phaire, Cromwell's governor of Cork, and one with whom my Lord Broghill had often taken sweet counsel, is sent prisoner to Dublin Castle, and Colonel Courthorp appointed governor in his stead.

    Carlyle calls Phaire, or Phayr, " He of the hinges death-warrant" Whatever may have been his acts, in the affair of the king's death, he was a consistent republican. We find him, as governor of Cork in 1654, and Colonel Saunders as governor of Kinsale, declaring for the English Parliament, and against Cromwell, when that great English general and dictator entered the house, with three hundred armed men, and turned out the members. But we do not find Phaire's name among the Committee appointed to wait on Cromwell, and ask him to accept the crown. The second name on that list is " Lord Broghill," who was one of the speakers in that farce to " Advise your highness to assume the title and office of king" His speech, which is a long one, and the Lord Protector's reply, may be seen in an interesting work called " TREASON'S MASTERPIECE ; or, a Conference held at Whitehall, between Oliver, the late Usurper, and a Committee of the then Pretended Parliament, who desired him to take upon him the title of the King of England, with an intent to exclude the royal line, wherein," continues the title page, which — like a Scotch grace, is as long as my arm — "many of the leading men of those times did, by unanswerable argu-

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 66

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, you are on ground where the monarchy was restored in this city. On the 18th of May 1660, Charles the Second was proclaimed king here. Lord Broghill did the proclaiming. He was, the record says, somewhat startled, but saw the necessity, lest he should be anticipated by someone else. The same day, Colonel Phaire, Cromwell's governor of Cork, was sent prisoner to Dublin Castle. Colonel Courthorp was appointed governor in his stead. Broghill and Phaire had, the book tells us, often taken sweet counsel together. Carlyle calls Phaire, or Phayr, the man of the hinges death-warrant. Whatever his part in the king's death, he was a consistent republican. In 1654, as governor of Cork, with Colonel Saunders as governor of Kinsale, he declared for the English Parliament and against Cromwell, when Cromwell entered the house with 300 armed men and turned out the members. Yet Phaire's name is not on the committee appointed to wait on Cromwell and ask him to accept the crown. The second name on that list is Lord Broghill, who was one of the speakers in that affair, advising his highness to assume the title and office of king. His speech, and the Lord Protector's reply, are recorded in a work called Treason's Masterpiece.

11. Dominican friar Richard Barry burned alive at Rock of Cashel

    Cashel · town · Tipperary · 1647

    In 1647, Richard Barry, a Cork Dominican and prior of the order in Cashel, refused to renounce his religious habit and was condemned to be burned alive on the summit of the Rock of Cashel. After suffering in the flames for two hours, he was transfixed through the side with a sword; his remains were later conveyed to his convent cloister.

    Read the passage

    "A.D. 1647. Richard Barry, a Cork Dominican and prior of the order in Cashel, refused to accept his life on condition of stripping himself of his religious habit, and assuming a secular dress, which he deemed would be an act of apostacy. He was condemned to be burned alive on the summit of the Rock of Cashel, and having VOL. ii. 24

    370 HISTORY OF CORK.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 188

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cashel, Richard Barry, a Cork Dominican and prior of the order here, was burned alive on the Rock in 1647. He refused to give up his religious habit for secular dress, deeming it apostasy. He suffered in the flames for two hours before being transfixed with a sword, and his remains were taken to his convent cloister.

12. French expedition reaches Bantry Bay but fails to land

    Bantry · town · Cork · 1796

    A French fleet sailed from Brest in December 1796 intending to land at Bantry Bay and march on Cork. Adverse winds prevented the landing, the fleet became scattered, and the flagship Fraternité (carrying General Grouchy) was absent. Wolfe Tone's journal records the frustration of nearing Bantry Bay but being unable to debark, forcing the fleet to return to Brest.

    Read the passage

    "December 22. — This morning at eight we have neared Bantry Bay considerably, but the fleet is terribly scattered, no news of the Fraternite ; I believe it is the first instance of an admiral in a clean frigate, with moderate weather and moonlight nights, parting company with his fleet. Captain Grammont, our first lieutenant, told me his opinion is, that she is either taken or lost, and in either event it is a terrible blow to us. All rests upon Grouchy, and I hope he may turn out well. He has a glorious game in his hands, if he has spirit and talent to play it ; if he succeeds, it will immortalize him.

    240 HISTORY OP CORK.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 125

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Bantry in Cork, this is where a French fleet nearly changed Irish history in December 1796. A force sailed from Brest intending to land at the bay here and march on Cork, but adverse winds scattered the ships and prevented any landing. The flagship Fraternité, carrying General Grouchy, was missing from the fleet. Wolfe Tone's journal records December 22: "This morning at eight we have neared Bantry Bay considerably, but the fleet is terribly scattered, no news of the Fraternite." He noted that all rested on Grouchy, writing "if he succeeds, it will immortalize him," but the fleet never landed and returned to Brest.

13. Joseph Pike witnesses panic on Custom-house quay, Cork

    Cork · city · Cork · 1689

    Joseph Pike and his cousin Samuel Randall were walking on the Custom-house quay in Cork when they saw a multitude assembling. Troopers rode through the streets with drawn swords, the Irish cried out that the Bandon people were killing thousands, and many husbands, women, and children fled aboard ships believing the English would all be slain.

    Read the passage

    " I remember, that at the very time of this hurlyburly, my cousin, Samuel Eandall and I, walking on the Custom-house quay, saw a multitude of people, but knew not the cause of their assembling ; and hastening into town we found the troopers riding violently along the streets, with drawn swords ; the soldiers running to arms ; the Irish in an uproar, crying out ' The Bandon people are come, and killing thousands out of South Gate ; ' others, in confusion, cried out ' Kill them all, kill them all,' and some looked wickedly upon us two, with countenances full of mischief ; yet we got safely through them to my house. During this time of confusion, many husbands left their families and houses and ran on board the first ship they could get, as did also many women and children, as believing the English would be all slain. The ships sailing directly for England carried the news that all the English were murdered ; but in a little time this confusion ceased, when the true cause was known." — Life of Joseph Pike, pp. 51, 52.

    The Clancarty here mentioned was Donough, the fourth earl. The Lord of Muskerry, who was created Earl of Clancarty by Charles II., died in London in 1665. He had three sons, Charles, Callaghan, and Justin. Charles was slain in a sea-fight with the Dutch, in June 2nd, 1665, He was a great favorite

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 74

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, you are moving through the streets where Joseph Pike walked one day in 1689 with his cousin Samuel Randall, on the Custom-house quay. They saw a multitude of people assembling, but could not tell why. Hurrying into town, they found troopers riding violently along the streets with drawn swords, and soldiers running to arms. The Irish were in an uproar, crying out, "The Bandon people are come, and killing thousands out of South Gate." Others, in confusion, cried out, "Kill them all, kill them all." Some looked wickedly at Pike and his cousin, with countenances full of mischief, yet the two of them got safely through the crowd to Pike's house. During the confusion, many husbands left their families and houses and ran aboard the first ship they could find, and many women and children did the same, believing the English would all be slain. The ships sailing directly for England carried the news that all the English had been murdered. But in a little time the confusion ceased, when the true cause was known.

14. Lady Fanshawe reaches Kinsale garrison

    Kinsale · town · Cork · 1649

    After fleeing Red Abbey, Lady Fanshawe and her household travelled ten miles to Kinsale, where the garrison held by Parliamentary forces sheltered them. She found her husband there in despair for his family's safety.

    Read the passage

    " I came through thousands of naked swords to Eed Abbey, and hired the next neighbour's cart, which carried all that I could remove; and myself, sister, and little girl, Nan, with three maids and two men, set forth at five o'clock in November, having but two horses amongst us all, which we rid on by turns. In this sad condition I left Eed Abbey, with as many goods as were worth £100, which could not be removed, and so were plundered. We went ten miles to Kinsale, in perpetual fear of being fetched back again, but by little and little, I thank God, we got safe to the garrison, where I found your father the most disconsolate man in the world, for fear of his family, which he had no possibility to assist ; but his joys exceeded to see me and his darling daughter, and to hear the wonderful escape we, through the assistance of God, had made."

    While Broghill and Phaire are preparing his way in Cork, Youghal, Bandon, and Kinsale, Cromwell is breaking up his camp at Eoss, and preparing a bridge to cross the Barrow. The Irish, under Owen Eoe O'Neill, are lying in force between the Barrow and the Nore, and " give out they will have a day of it, which we hope the Lord of his mercy will enable us to give them in his own good time." But while lying there, the Cromwellians were "not without some sweet taste of the goodness of God." The parliamentary fleet had taken the Dunkirk of thirty- two guns, and a Turkish ship of ten guns, with poor-John and oil. Another mercy was the escape of a party of about 1200 — who had been left on the sick list in Dublin — from the hands of Inchiquin, on the beach of Arklow. " With-

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 55

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming into Kinsale, the Cork town where Lady Fanshawe reached safety in 1649. She had come through what she called "thousands of naked swords" to Red Abbey, and hired the next neighbour's cart to carry all she could remove. She set forth at five o'clock in November with her sister, her little girl Nan, three maids and two men, with only two horses among them all, which they rode by turns. She left behind goods worth £100 that could not be removed, and so they were plundered. They travelled ten miles to Kinsale in perpetual fear of being fetched back, but by little and little, she thanked God, they got safe to the garrison. There she found her husband the most disconsolate man in the world, for fear of his family, which he had no possibility to assist. But his joys exceeded to see her and his darling daughter, and to hear of the wonderful escape they, through the assistance of God, had made. The garrison here was one of several being prepared for Cromwell's advance. Broghill and Phaire were securing Cork, Youghal, Bandon, and Kinsale, while Cromwell broke up his camp at Ross and prepared a bridge to cross the Barrow. The Irish under Owen Roe O'Neill lay in force between the Barrow and the Nore, and gave out they would have a day of it. The parliamentary fleet had taken the Dunkirk of 32 guns and a Turkish ship of 10 guns, carrying poor-John and oil. Another mercy was the escape of about 1200 men left on the sick list in Dublin, who had slipped from the hands of Inchiquin on the beach of Arklow.

15. Massacre of North Cork Militia at Oulart

    Oulart · town · Wexford · 1798

    A force of 109 picked men of the North Cork Militia under Lieutenant-Colonel Foote marched out to battle at Oulart and were almost annihilated by rebels, with only two survivors returning. Among the officers killed were Major Lombard, Captain de Courcy, Lieutenants Williams, Ware and Barry, and Ensign Keogh.

    Read the passage

    A very serious affair occurred at Oulart, county Wexford, between the rebels and the North Cork Militia. A hundred and nine picked men, of the North Cork, under the command of Lieutenant- Colonel Foote, marched out to battle : of which number but two Teturned to tell of their defeat. "Lieutenant- Colonel Foote and one sergeant, the wretched remains of that fine and valiant body of men, were seen pensively riding over the bridge, and approaching the town.'7 There fell, of officers, on this occasion, Major Lombard, the Honourable Captain de Courcy, (of the Kinsale family) Lieutenants Williams, Ware and Barry, and Ensign Keogh. Lieutenant Ware,* " a young gentleman, just of age, possessed of a good property," and nephew to Lieutenant-Colonel Foote, lost his life by humanely reining in his steed, to raise a wounded boy, belonging to the band, to the saddle behind him. A rebel came up in the nick of time, and pulled him down with the crook of his pike. The commander had the crook of a pike in his pig-tail, but the ribbon broke, leaving the Irishman no more than a lock of his hair.

    * Lieutenant Ware. — John Ware, the uncle of Sir James Ware, the historian, settled in the county Cork, in the end of the 16th century. The Wares were originally from Yorkshire. They came to Ireland with the Lord Deputy Fitz- William. The descendants of John Ware, live at Woodford, near Mallow, of which Sir James Ware, the historian's father, was member in 1613.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 134

16. Morty Oge O'Sullivan shoots Mr. Puxley at Dunboy

    Castletownbere · town · Cork · 1754

    Morty Oge O'Sullivan shot Mr. Puxley of Dunboy in 1754. A military party was dispatched from Cork to Bearehaven to apprehend him; he defended his fortified house until ammunition was exhausted, then broke through his enemies but was shot dead clearing a hedge.

    Read the passage

    Mr. Puxley, of Dunboy, was shot by Morty Oge O'Sullivan, in 1754. A military party was dispatched from Cork to Bearehaven to apprehend the murderer. O'Sullivan had fortified his house, which he defended till his ammunition was exhausted, when he rushed forth and broke through his enemies, but when clearing a hedge, was shot through the heart.

    524 HISTORY OF COKK.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 269

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Castletownbere, in Bearehaven, where in 1754 Morty Oge O'Sullivan shot Mr. Puxley of Dunboy. A military party was dispatched from Cork to apprehend him. O'Sullivan had fortified his house and defended it until his ammunition was exhausted. He broke through his enemies, but was shot through the heart clearing a hedge.

17. O'Driscoll piracy: seizure of La Sancta Maria de Soci

    Baltimore · town · Cork · 1673

    On 20th February 1673, Fineen O'Driscoll and his son Gilly Duff spied four vessels before Baltimore harbour. They boarded the La Sancta Maria de Soci, laden with 100 tons of Portugal wine, offered to pilot it in, then clapped the crew in irons and plundered the ship. Waterford merchants retaliated with an armed vessel.

    Read the passage

    About five miles to the south-west of Skibbereen is the old English borough town of Baltimore. It belonged originally to the O'Driscolls, who possessed every acre of Carbery* before the English invasion. The Mac Carthy's, who afterwards became the lords paramount, lived at Cashel, the O'Sullivans at Knockraffan and Clonmel, and the O'Donovans at Groom and ^turee. The harbour of Baltimore was at one time crowded with O'Driscoll's fishing boats and war pinnaces. The O'Driscolls were bold sailors, who did some trade in the pirating line. Fineen, or Florence, and his base-born son, Gilly Duff, or the Black Boy, were on the cliffs on the 20th of February, 1673, from which they spied four vessels beating about in the storm before the harbour's mouth. They descended, took to their boats, and went aboard the La Sancta Maria de Soci, which was laden with 100 tons of rich Portugal wine, and offered to pilot the vessel into the harbour for three pipes of the precious juice. The offer was accepted, and the captain and crew afterwards invited to dine at the castle, where they were clapped into irons, and the ship plundered. The wine had been consigned to Waterford merchants, who, on hearing the news, fitted out an armed vessel, suddenly entered the harbour of Baltimore, and boarded the wine ship, from which Gilly Duff O'Driscoll and 24 of his comrades escaped, after reducing the 100 pipes of wine to 25. The Mayor of Waterford fitted out another expedition to revenge the robbery. They landed on Sherkin Island, and seized O'Driscoll's castle of Dun-

    * Every acre of Carbery. The O'Driscoll and his co-relatives had the whole of Corca Laighe, which is co-extensive with the diocese of Ross. — Vide Corca Laighe, edited by John a Donovan, .Esq., LL.D., M.R.LA,

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 266

    As the companion tells it

    The old borough town of Baltimore belonged originally to the O'Driscolls, who possessed every acre of Carbery before the English invasion. The harbour was at one time crowded with their fishing boats and war pinnaces. The O'Driscolls were bold sailors, who did some trade in the pirating line. On the 20th of February 1673, Fineen, or Florence, O'Driscoll and his base-born son, Gilly Duff, or the Black Boy, stood on the cliffs and spied four vessels beating about in the storm before the harbour's mouth. They descended, took to their boats, and went aboard the La Sancta Maria de Soci, laden with 100 tons of rich Portugal wine. They offered to pilot the vessel into the harbour for three pipes of the precious juice. The offer was accepted. The captain and crew were afterwards invited to dine at the castle, where they were clapped into irons, and the ship plundered. The wine had been consigned to Waterford merchants. On hearing the news, they fitted out an armed vessel, suddenly entered the harbour, and boarded the wine ship. Gilly Duff O'Driscoll and 24 of his comrades escaped, after reducing the 100 pipes of wine to 25. The Mayor of Waterford fitted out another expedition to revenge the robbery. They landed on Sherkin Island and seized O'Driscoll's castle.

18. King proclaimed near Shandon Castle; citizens intercept artillery

    near Shandon · locality · Cork · 1603

    Sir George Thornton, with Lord Roche and 800 soldiers, proclaimed the king in the north suburbs near Shandon Castle, while the recorder protested the violation of civic liberties. Commissioners sent to Haulbowline for artillery; citizens led by William Terry attempted to intercept it, and a scuffle ensued with several killed on both sides.

    Read the passage

    side the walls, as they were not allowed to do so inside. Sir George Thornton, accompanied by Lord Roche and supported by eight hundred soldiers, proclaimed the king in the north suburbs, near Shandon Castle, the recorder protesting all the while against such a violation of their "liberties." The commissioners, who appeared to have acted with great moderation, sent to Haulbowline for artillery, when the citizens, under the leadership of William Terry, attempted to intercept them. A scuffle ensued, and several were killed on ."both sides.

    The religious element in this rebellion was paramount. Though a large portion of the inhabitants of Cork were of Danish, Norman, and Saxon descent, they were sincere Catholics, who hoped for the reestablishment of their own faith at the death of the queen. They had not forgotten, though five-andtwenty years had elapsed, that the Protestant bishop had burned the image of St. Dominick at the High Cross of Cork. They now retaliate, by retaking possession of the churches — which they sprinkle in order to exorcise the demon of Protestantism — by burning Protestant bibles and prayer-books ; by razing out the ten commandments, and substituting the emblems of their own faith. A number took the sacrament to strengthen them in defence of their religion. A legate from the Pope went through the city in procession with a cross, compelling all he met to bow down to it. They not only fired on Shandon Castle, where Lady Carew lodged, but on the bishop's palace, where the commissioners were assembled ; they killed Mr. Eutledge, and wounded a servant of Bishop Lyon, and told him, if

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 13

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Shandon, you are near the castle that stood at the centre of a violent episode in 1603. Sir George Thornton, with Lord Roche and 800 soldiers, proclaimed the king in the north suburbs near Shandon Castle, while the recorder protested against the violation of the citizens' "liberties." Commissioners sent to Haulbowline for artillery, and citizens under William Terry tried to intercept it. A scuffle followed and several were killed on both sides. The rebellion was driven above all by religion. Many inhabitants of Cork were of Danish, Norman, and Saxon descent but were sincere Catholics who hoped for the restoration of their faith at the queen's death. They had not forgotten that 25 years earlier the Protestant bishop had burned the image of St. Dominick at the High Cross of Cork. Now they retook the churches, sprinkling them to exorcise what they called the demon of Protestantism, burned Protestant bibles and prayer-books, and replaced the ten commandments with emblems of their own faith. A number took the sacrament to strengthen themselves in defence of their religion. A legate from the Pope processed through the city with a cross, compelling all he met to bow down. They fired on Shandon Castle, where Lady Carew lodged, and on the bishop's palace where the commissioners were assembled. They killed Mr. Eutledge and wounded a servant of Bishop Lyon.

19. Castlehaven escorts Protestant garrison from Birr to Athy

    Birr or Parsonstown · town · Offaly

    Castlehaven visited the garrison of Birr before it marched out and found Protestant men and women begging for protection from their Irish neighbours. He secured command of the convoy, called out 800 foot and 200 horse, and safely escorted at least 800 men, women and children through the woods of Iregan to Athy.

    Read the passage

    <k I had,'' he continues, " the good fortune to begin my command with an act of charity ; for going to see the garrison of Birr, before it marched out, I came into a great room, where I found many people of quality, both men and women. They no sooner saw me, than, with tears in their eyes, they fell on their knees, desiring me to save their lives. I was astonished at their posture and petition, and having made them rise, asked what the matter was? They answered that from the first day of the war, there had been continual action and bloodshed between them and their Irish neighbours, and therefore (understanding that I was an Englishman) begged I would take them into my protection. I knew there was too much reason for their fears, considering they were to march two or three days through the woods of Iregan, and waste countries, before they came to Athy, their next friendly garrison. I went, therefore, to the general immediately, and got to be commander of their convoy; and, to make sure, I called out 800 foot, and 200 horse, in whom I had most confidence, and carried off the people, who were, at least, 800 men, women, and children, and though sometimes attacked, I delivered them

    76 HISTORY OF CORK.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 42

20. Algerine raid on Baltimore coast

    Baltimore · town · Cork · 1631

    Algerine corsairs carried off about a hundred English inhabitants to Algiers, including William Gunter and his family. A Dungarvan fisherman named Hacket piloted the raiders into the harbour. The Earl of Cork warned that further attacks were feared along the coast.

    Read the passage

    and carried off about a hundred of the English to Algiers ; and among the number, "William Gunter — " a person of some credit " — his wife and seven sons. The Algerines were pilotted into the harbour by " one Hacket, a Dungarvan fisherman." The men of Waterford had not yet forgotten the seizure of their wine ship.

    The Earl of Cork, writing to the lords of the English council some time after this, says: — "They certainly intend another attempt * on these coasts the next summer, and with forces to surprise the whole coast at once, by dispersing their fleet to every part, according to the strength of such places. This report so suddenly succeeding the former disaster, hath begotten so many doubts and fears in the minds of the inhabitants thereabouts, as, unless some timely prevention interpose, it is conceived it may dispeople the sea coasts of the English inhabitants, whereby the harbours may be left open to enemies, the fishermen of the coast and in the deep may be utterly overthrown, and his majesty deprived of their services for supply of his navy on all occasions. The pilchard fishery also may thereby, and in all probability will, be interrupted, and his majesty much hindered thereby in his customs. And lastly, which is not least considerable, the kingdom may be thereby deprived of the benefit they may otherwise have, of the importation of coyne, there having been some years £15,000, and in some other years £20,000, observed to have been imported into this kingdom for

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 267

    As the companion tells it

    Just ahead is Baltimore, the town on the Cork coast. In 1631, Algerine corsairs raided here and carried off about a hundred of the English inhabitants to Algiers. Among the captives was William Gunter, described as a person of some credit, his wife, and his seven sons. The raiders were piloted into the harbour by one Hacket, a Dungarvan fisherman. The men of Waterford had not yet forgotten the seizure of their wine ship, and the shadow of such seizures still hung over the southern waters. After the raid, the Earl of Cork wrote to the lords of the English council with a warning. He said the Algerines certainly intended another attempt on these coasts the next summer, with forces to surprise the whole coast at once, dispersing their fleet to every part according to the strength of such places. The report, so suddenly succeeding the earlier disaster, had bred so many doubts and fears in the minds of the inhabitants thereabouts that unless some timely prevention interposed, it was conceived it might dispeople the sea coasts of the English inhabitants. The harbours might be left open to enemies, the fishermen of the coast and in the deep utterly overthrown, and his majesty deprived of their services for supply of his navy. The pilchard fishery also might thereby be interrupted, and his majesty much hindered in his customs. The kingdom might be deprived of the benefit of the importation of coin, there having been some years £15,000, and in some other years £20,000, observed to have been imported into this kingdom.

21. Broghill besieges Castletownroche and executes officers

    Castletownroche · town · Cork · 1650

    Lord Broghill drew cannon against Castletownroche, defended by Lady Roche in her husband's absence. After about ten shots the garrison yielded; soldiers were given quarter but six officers were shot to death. Cromwell's letter to the Speaker omits any mention of Lady Roche's role.

    Read the passage

    Cromwell left Youghal on the 29th of January, 1650, and turned his face to the north. He writes to the Speaker from Castletown, in Limerick, Feb. 15, 1650: " Having refreshed our men in winter quarters, and health being pretty well recovered, we thought fit to take the field, and to attempt such things as God, by his providence, should lead us to upon the enemy." He crosses the Blackwater, at Mallow, and presses on to the county Limerick, having dispatched Broghill to besiege Castletownroche. " His lordship," says Cromwell, " drew two cannon to the aforesaid castle, which, having summoned, they refused, but his lordship having bestowed about ten shots made their stomachs come down. He gave all the soldiers quarter for life, and shot all the officers, being six in number, to death." He says nothing of Lady Koche, by whom the castle was defended in the absence of her lord.

    Lord Koche and other Irish noblemen were indicted of treason by the Earl of Cork and his sons, in 1642-

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 59

22. Carrigadrohid castle taken by stratagem of wooden cannon

    Carrigadrohid · townland · Cork · 1650

    After the bishop's execution, Carrigadrohid castle was taken by a simple stratagem: the besiegers cut trees to the size of cannon, yoked them to oxen as if weighty metal, and planted them opposite the walls. The Irish garrison, seeing the wooden ordnance, parleyed and agreed to surrender upon articles.

    Read the passage

    The castle was taken by a very simple stratagem. The besiegers cut up trees to the size of cannon, yoked them — as if weighty metal — to a number of oxen, and had them planted opposite the walls. When the Irish saw the wooden ordnance, they began to parley, and finally agreed to surrender "upon articles."

    Broghill hastened from Carrigadrohid to Clonm where Cromwell still lay, with his army greatly re-

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 60

23. Connell's elegy for O'Sullivan Beare, written in Cork gaol

    Cork · city · Cork · 1754

    A follower named Connell, reputed author of an elegy on O'Sullivan Beare, wrote the keen in Cork gaol the night before his execution, lamenting his master's death and his own impending hanging.

    Read the passage

    O'Sullivan's body was lashed to the stern of a king's cutter^ and towed through the sea, to Cork, where his head was spiked on the South-gate. Some of O'Sullivan's followers were killed and others wounded in his defence. One of them, named Connell, is the reputed author of the following keen, written in Cork gaol, the night before his execution : —

    ELEGY ON O'SamvAN BEA.BE.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 269

    As the companion tells it

    As the road carries you through Cork, this is where O'Sullivan Beare's body came, lashed to the stern of a king's cutter and towed through the sea. His head was spiked on the South-gate. Some of his followers were killed and others wounded in his defence. One of them, named Connell, wrote a keen in Cork gaol the night before his execution, lamenting his master and his own hanging to come.

24. Cromwell storms Drogheda and puts garrison to the sword

    Drogheda · town · Louth · 1649

    Cromwell made his first movement upon Drogheda, taking the place by storm and putting about 3,000 to the sword. In his own letters, Cromwell described how the garrison made a stout resistance but was eventually overcome, with survivors shipped to the Barbadoes and officers executed.

    Read the passage

    Cromwell made his first movement upon Drogheda, which Inchiquin had lately wrested from the parliament. He took the place by storm, putting about 3,000 to the sword. " I offered mercy to the garrison of Tredah," he says in his summons to the governor of Dundalk, " which, being refused, brought their evil upon them." Carlyle says, " the garrison consisted, in good part, of Englishmen " — Inchiquin's troops, we conclude — who never gave quarter themselves.

    "We shall give the account of the siege in Oliver's own words, in a letter to the Honorable John Bradshaw, President of the Council of State, and dated from Dublin, September 16th, 1649 : —

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 50

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Drogheda, this is the town Cromwell stormed in 1649. Inchiquin had lately wrested it from the parliament. Cromwell made his first movement here, took the place by storm, and put about 3,000 to the sword. In his summons to the governor of Dundalk he said, 'I offered mercy to the garrison of Tredah, which, being refused, brought their evil upon them.' Carlyle notes the garrison consisted in good part of Englishmen, Inchiquin's troops, who never gave quarter themselves. Cromwell gave his own account in a letter to John Bradshaw, President of the Council of State, dated from Dublin, September 16th, 1649.

25. Death of the Earl of Orrery at Castlemartyr

    Castlemartyr · townland · Cork · 1679

    Roger Boyle, the first Earl of Orrery, died at Castlemartyr in October 1679 at the age of fifty-eight. He had retired from public affairs after a political career including serving as Lord President of Munster and surviving an impeachment for treason.

    Read the passage

    himself but little with public affairs, but spent the remainder of his life in a Christian preparation for eternity." He died at Castlemartyr, in the October of 1679, in the fifty-ninth year of his age. The following lines, entitled " Minerva's Check to the Author, for attempting to write an Elegy on the Eight Honorable and much-to-be-lamented Koger, first Earl of Orrery, were printed in London in 1680." We shall only quote a few of them, for the reader will agree with us, that in this instance Minerva herself requires a

    " That news hath winds we every day doth find, And ill doth ever leave the hest behind ; Admire not then the death of Orrery ; Renown' d all's days, should in a moment flie Both far and near, the world to terrific, At Cork, at Dublin, London, and at Paris Too soon't arrives, and Rome, but there ne'er tarries, Till at both Indies, or where'er more far is."

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 71

26. Executioner attacked by mob on Cork Main Street

    Cork · city · Cork

    The day after Twomey's execution, the executioner was attacked by the populace as he passed through the Main Street of Cork, pelted with sticks and stones and desperately wounded. He was brought by the sheriffs on a car to the South Infirmary, the mob enraged by his having stripped Twomey's shoes as a perquisite.

    Read the passage

    " On the following day, as the executioner was passing through the Main Street, he was attacked by the populace, who followed him a mile out of town, pelting him with sticks and stones, by which he was desperately wounded ; he was brought on a car, by the sheriffs, to the South Infirmary. What more particularly exasperated the mob against him was, his having stripped Twomey's shoes off, while the body was hanging, claiming them as a perquisite of his reputable profession."— Tuckey, p. 148 & 149.

    We had in those days, as well as the present, female thieves and pickpockets. " During the interment of a corpse in St. Fin Barry's church-yard, a young woman, decently dressed, was detected picking a gentleman's pocket, which he soon discovered, and on examining her, found no less than seven handkerchiefs upon her, which were restored to the owners. The populace, afterwards, set the culprit in the stocks, where they threw several things at her, till it was thought she received sufficient punishment for such practices."

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 105

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, this city holds a story from the day after Twomey's execution. The hangman was walking down the Main Street when the crowd turned on him. People followed him a mile out of town, throwing sticks and stones, wounding him so badly that the sheriffs had to put him on a car and bring him to the South Infirmary. What had the mob so enraged was this: while Twomey's body was still hanging, the executioner stripped the dead man's shoes off and claimed them as a perquisite of his profession. The crowd saw it and would not let him pass. Cork had its thieves then too. During a burial in St. Fin Barry's churchyard, a decently dressed young woman was caught picking a gentleman's pocket. When she was searched, they found seven handkerchiefs on her, all restored to their owners. The people put her in the stocks and threw things at her until they thought she had been punished enough.

27. James II statue reheaded as William III in Cork Grand Jury Room

    Cork · city · Cork · 1806–1836

    A wooden statue in the County Grand Jury Room originally represented James II but was decapitated and dishonourably flung aside after his downfall. During the rebuilding of the old Court House (King's Old Castle) in 1806 it was placed on a pedestal with William III's head, and in 1836 moved to the new Grand Jury Room.

    Read the passage

    But this was nothing to their ingratitude and disloyalty to James II. We quote from Mr. Windele's Historical Notices, page 20 : " In the County Grand Jury Eoom is a wooden statue of William III., the history of which is not a little curious. It originally represented his father-in-law, James, but on his downfall, the statue was dishonorably flung aside, having, however, been first, for the sins of the original, decapitated. For several years it had lain neglected, under the stairs leading to the offices, until the rebuilding of the old Court House, (King's Old Castle,) in 1806, when it was once more placed on a pedestal in the Grand Jury Room, and the lost head replaced by that of William. From the old it was removed to the new Grand Jury Eoom, by order, in 1836." Cork has very many sins to answer for on the score of monuments to great men. George IL is fast sinking into the belly of his horse, and the horse is supported by an ugly crutch. There is the monument of Father Mathew ; or, I ought rather to ask, Where is the monument of Father Mathew ?

    The Eostellan property has been greatly improved since it came into the possession of the Wise family. I went over the estate about three years ago, with a friend, who thought of purchasing it, and it is so altered for the better, in its woods and walks, its tillage and its pasturage, that, to use a common expression, I should scarcely have known it.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 226

28. Mac Mahown executed at his own house in Monaghan

    Monaghan · town · Monaghan · 1590

    Hugh Roe Mac Mahown, whose brother had surrendered Monaghan to the Crown and received a re-grant by patent, was induced to promise about 600 cows for settlement. On arriving with the Lord Deputy, he was clapped in bolts, tried by a jury of soldiers, and executed at his own house.

    Read the passage

    " At their first arrival, the gentleman was clapt in bolts, and within two days after indicted, arraigned, and executed at his own house ; all done, as the Irish said, by such officers as the Lord Deputy carried with him for that purpose. The Irish said he was found guilty by a jury of soldiers, but no gentlemen or freeholders ; that four English soldiers were suffered to go and come at pleasure, but the others, being Irish kerne, were kept straight, and starved till they found him guilty.';

    It is only fair to hear Boyle's defence of himself: —

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 18

29. Macroom Castle and Murder Charges Against Clancarty

    Macroom · town · Cork

    Donough MacCarthy, Lord Clancarty, was charged at trial with putting several English to death on the road between his castle of Macroom and Cork. Ludlow acknowledged the murders were committed by the convoy, not Clancarty himself, who had tried to bring the guilty to justice. The court acquitted him.

    Read the passage

    The more we know of the Lords of Muskerry, or the Earls of Clancarty, to whose castle at Blarney we now turn, the more we feel disposed to esteem them. Donough Mac Carthy, who was educated at Oxford, is accused, by those who had an interest in confiscated property, of cruelty to Protestants. We have already referred to the case of the Mallow butcher, who was tossed in a blanket, and bumped to death, by his dragoons, for seeking reparation for his horse ; but it would not be fair to make a general responsible for the violent conduct of his troops during a civil war. There were no greater thieves, or more violent scoundrels, than the Dutch troops and Enniskillen dragoons in William's army ; they robbed and ill-used the country people right and left, and stole the pistols, and very shoes, of their own chaplain, Dean Davies, of Cork. Ludlow, who was one of the Commissioners appointed to try this Lord Clancarty, says he was charged with having put several of the English to death, on the road between his house, or castle of Macroom, and

    * He died peaceably. Lord Broghill, the Irish Titus Gates of his day, attempted to implicate him, as well as Ludlow, in a conspiracy to revive the Commonwealth.— Seepages 130, 131.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 252

30. Macroom Castle: origins, capture, and Cromwellian grant

    Macroom · town · Cork · 1602–1691

    Macroom Castle may have been built by the Carews in King John's time or by the O'Flyns. It was taken from Cormac Mac Dermot MacCarthy in 1602, and after the civil war was granted to Admiral Penn by Cromwell. Lord Muskerry later recovered it but his grandson lost it again for loyalty to James II.

    Read the passage

    This castle, and property around it, was granted, on the termination of the civil war, to Admiral Penn, who fought on the side of the Parliament. For this he was indebted to Oliver Cromwell. There is an impression abroad that Penn, the famous Quaker, was born here. Smith says, " Sir William Penn, the famous sea admiral, was born in it;" that is the Quaker's father. Both statements are equally incorrect, as I have explained elsewhere (vol. ii., pp. 119, 120). Lord Muskerry, created (for his faithfulness to the royal cause) Earl of Clancarty, got it back from Penn. Lord Muskerry's grandson, Donough, the fourth earl, lost it again, and the whole of his vast estates, for his loyalty to James II. Macroom Castle is now in the possession of Colonel White Hedges, the brother to Lord Bantry, and heir to his estates. He inherits the Macroom property from his grand-uncle, Robert Hedges Eyre, who died in 1840. It was at one time the joint property of the Earl of Bandon and the Hon. Eobert Hedges Eyre. The town, which contains about 2000 inhabitants, is pleasantly situated on the Sullane, a river only inferior to the Lee.

    Two or three miles to the west of Macroom is Carriga-Pooka Castle, of which we speak in page 404 of this volume ; and about a mile further south, Dun-darick Castle, built by the Mac Carthys, which was forfeited after the great civil war of 1641.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 250

31. Marlborough and Duke of Wurtemberg dispute command at Cork

    Cork · city · Cork · 1690

    The Duke of Wurtemberg and the Earl of Marlborough disputed precedence as generalissimo during the Cork campaign. A Huguenot officer proposed they assume precedence on alternate days, which satisfied both commanders without compromising their dignity.

    Read the passage

    The Duke of Wurtemberg did not arrive in Cork, as we shall see by the Journal, till the 26th, after the two new forts and Shandon Castle were in the hands of the English. The duke had an army of 4,000 foot, besides 1,200 horse, under the command of Lieutenant- General Scravenmore. It was at this time, as we learn from Tindal, in his continuation to Eapin, that the Duke of Wurtemberg paraded his claims as generalissimo, which the Earl of Marlborough* parried with his usual tact and temper. His highness of Wurtemberg contended that, as the general of an army which had lately besieged Limerick, and as the prince of a sovereign house, the precedence was his. Marlborough stood on his rights as an English general, who had received his commission from his prince and his parliament. The German grew restive and rude, the Englishman resolved and resolute. A Huguenot officer proposed a compromise — let them assume precedence on alternate days. The proposal met the views without compromising the dignity of either of these great men. The first morning Marlborough

    * The Earl of Marlboroitffh.—John Churchill, Earl of Marlborough was not created duke till December 1 4th, 1702.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 79

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Cork now. Back in 1690, this city saw a quarrel between two commanders over who stood first. The Duke of Wurtemberg arrived late, on the 26th, after the two new forts and Shandon Castle were already in English hands. He brought an army of 4,000 foot and 1,200 horse under Lieutenant-General Scravenmore. But the duke claimed the rank of generalissimo, and the Earl of Marlborough parried the claim with his usual tact and temper. Wurtemberg argued that as the general of an army which had lately besieged Limerick, and as the prince of a sovereign house, the precedence was his. Marlborough stood on his rights as an English general, who had received his commission from his prince and his parliament. The German grew restive and rude, the Englishman resolved and resolute. A Huguenot officer proposed a compromise: let them assume precedence on alternate days. The proposal met the views without compromising the dignity of either of these great men.

32. Massacre at Cloghlea after Vavasor's retaking

    Cloghlea · townland · Clare · 1643

    Sir Charles Vavasor's troops retook Cloghlea castle, finding twenty men, eleven women, and seven children inside. Despite attempts by Major Howell to save them, the garrison was stripped and butchered by a guard with carbines, pistols, and swords.

    Read the passage

    which consisted of thirty-six of Lord Barrymore's troopers, who were all slain, with the exception of one, who escaped with thirty-six wounds. Sir Charles Vavasor's troops retook Cloghlea, in which they found twenty men, eleven women, and seven children, who were first stripped, and then butchered. This was even worse than the slaughter of Barrymore's dragoons. Major Howell interfered with Colonel Yavasor to save their lives, who committed them to the care of Captain Wind, who left them to a guard, that "fell upon them with carbines, pistols, and swords." Sir Charles vowed vengeance on the captain of the guard, but vengeance on himself, and the whole host, from another quarter, was at hand.

    It was Sunday, the 4th of June, when Mr Hill, with a troop of horse, were sent to scout or pillage near Clooheen. The morning was dark and cloudy. "When the sun dispelled the mist, they found themselves almost surrounded by the Irish horse. The English broke through, and passed the river Funcheon, and gained the top of the hill, with the enemy at their heels. From this hill to Fermoy, there is a narrow defile, through which they pressed upon their main body, that lay on the banks of the Blackwater, under command of Colonel Yavasor. There was no escape. The Earl of Castlehaven, who commanded the Irish, gained a complete victory. The English lost their colors and artillery, and had five or six hundred slain, and a large number made prisoners, among which was their commander, Sir Charles Yavasor ; for Castlehaven had not adopted the bloody and inhuman practice of refusing quarter. The Irish commander describes the

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 41

33. Prince Rupert arrives at Kinsale with royalist fleet

    Kinsale · town · Cork · 1649

    After the execution of Charles I, Prince Rupert entered Kinsale harbour with sixteen ships displaying black flags in mourning. He stated he came to prepare the way for Charles II, was visited by the Marquis of Ormond, and treated with honour by the inhabitants. His fleet captured several corn vessels and sent forces and money to aid the royalist cause.

    Read the passage

    To decapitate Charles I. was to enlarge the King of England. The Earl of Ormond had Charles II. proclaimed in Youghal, Carrick, Cork, Kinsale, and in all the other towns of this province. Prince Eupert, the great royalist general, and nephew of the murdered king, entered the harbour of Kinsale with sixteen ships, displaying black jacks, ensigns and pendants. The prince and all his officers were in deep mourning. He came, as he stated, to prepare the way for Charles II. He was visited by the Marquis of Ormond, and treated with all honor and respect by the inhabitants. His fleet succeeded in making prizes of a number of corn vessels, of which it stood in the greatest need. He sent a force to the relief of Scilly, and 5,000 pistoles to the new king. Prince Eupert's brother, Maurice, had arrived in Kinsale about a fortnight before him.*

    All this looked bright enough for the royal cause, but it was no more than a flash of wintry sunshine. The English parliament sent Admirals Blake and Deane to blockade the harbour of Kinsale, which they accomplished, capturing the Guinea, one of Eupert's ships, which was out on a cruise. The prince

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 48

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up along Kinsale now. In 1649, after the execution of Charles I, the Earl of Ormond had Charles II proclaimed in Youghal, Carrick, Cork, Kinsale, and all the other towns of this province. Prince Rupert, the great royalist general and nephew of the murdered king, entered the harbour of Kinsale with sixteen ships displaying black jacks, ensigns and pendants. The prince and all his officers were in deep mourning. He came, as he stated, to prepare the way for Charles II. He was visited by the Marquis of Ormond and treated with all honour and respect by the inhabitants. His fleet succeeded in making prizes of a number of corn vessels, of which it stood in the greatest need. He sent a force to the relief of Scilly, and 5,000 pistoles to the new king. Rupert's brother Maurice had arrived in Kinsale about a fortnight before him. All this looked bright enough for the royal cause, but it was no more than a flash of wintry sunshine. The English parliament sent Admirals Blake and Deane to blockade the harbour of Kinsale, which they accomplished, capturing the Guinea, one of Rupert's ships, which was out on a cruise.

34. Rebels demolish fort on south side of Cork

    Cork · city · Cork · 1603

    The recorder and citizens of Cork demolished the king's fort on the south side of the city, killing and wounding several soldiers in the action. The recorder publicly justified the act, claiming the corporation had built the fort at their own expense.

    Read the passage

    Sir Richard Boyle continues, " The mayor and recorder imprisoned Mr. Allen Apsley, commissary of the king's victuals, and Mr. Michael Hughes, clerk of the munitions. The recorder, in person, with a guard, carried Mr. Apsley from his own house to the common gaol, and then distributed the king's stores as he thought proper. They demolished the fort on the south side of the city, in which action they killed and wounded several soldiers. The day before they demolished this fort, the recorder, striking himself on the breast, solemnly swore, at the door of Skiddy's Castle, that if the mayor would not take charge of the king's stores he would presently quit the town for ever, upon which he turned about to the crowd, who huzzaed and applauded him for his speech; then Thomas

    * Skiddy's Castle stood on the west side of the North Main Street. It was built by John Skiddy in 1445. It was afterwards used as a powder magazine. A rat, saturated with turpentine and set on fire, was killed by a sentinel in passing into the powder vaults. After this, the citizens petitioned to have the magazine removed ; the building itself was removal in 1785.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 12

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, this city saw open rebellion in 1603. The mayor and recorder imprisoned Mr. Allen Apsley, the king's commissary of victuals, and Mr. Michael Hughes, clerk of the munitions. The recorder himself, with a guard, carried Apsley from his own house to the common gaol, then handed out the king's stores as he saw fit. They demolished the fort on the south side of the city, killing and wounding several soldiers in the action. The day before, the recorder had struck himself on the breast and solemnly sworn at the door of Skiddy's Castle that if the mayor would not take charge of the king's stores he would presently quit the town forever. He turned to the crowd, who huzzaed and applauded him. Then Thomas

35. Short Castle besieged and Williamson's escape

    Mallow · town · Cork · 1642

    Short Castle, also called Castle Gan, was besieged by and surrendered to Major Purcell of the royal confederate forces. After surrendering, Lieutenant Williamson went to a public house where an Irish officer brought a block and sword to behead him; Williamson snatched the sword, seized the officer by the hair, dragged him to the walls of the other castle, and escaped inside with his men.

    Read the passage

    Mallow had two castles, the property of the Jephsons, who were at this time* great parliamentary men and great Cromwellians. Sir William Jephson, the eldest son of Sir John, moved in the house that Cromwell be offered the crown.f One of these castles, the picturesque ruins of which still adorn Sir Denham Norreys' demesne, was under the command of Arthur Bettesworth, and had a garrison of two hundred men. The other, called Short Castle, and in Irish, Castle Gan, was in charge of Lieutenant Richard Williamson. The latter place was besieged by and surrendered to Major Purcell, who was serving with the loyal

    * At this time. The Norreys, from whom the Jephsons were maternally descended, were most special favorites with Queen Elizabeth, who writes to Lady Norreys, on the death of one of her sons — " My own dear Crow, nature can have stirrea no more dolorous affection in you, as a mother, for a dear son, than the grateful memory of his services past hath wrought in us, his sovereign." Lady Norreys was called a " crow," from the darkness of her hair. Her husband told the queen that the rumour of their son's death had made the crow's heart as black as her feathers.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 33

36. Waterford raid on Dun-a-long castle, Sherkin Island

    near Dunalong Castle · street · Cork · 1673

    To avenge the wine robbery, the Mayor of Waterford fitted out an expedition that landed on Sherkin Island and seized O'Driscoll's castle of Dun-a-long. They found malt, barley and salt, burned about fifty boats or pinnaces, and bore off O'Driscoll's war galley of 30 oars.

    Read the passage

    About five miles to the south-west of Skibbereen is the old English borough town of Baltimore. It belonged originally to the O'Driscolls, who possessed every acre of Carbery* before the English invasion. The Mac Carthy's, who afterwards became the lords paramount, lived at Cashel, the O'Sullivans at Knockraffan and Clonmel, and the O'Donovans at Groom and ^turee. The harbour of Baltimore was at one time crowded with O'Driscoll's fishing boats and war pinnaces. The O'Driscolls were bold sailors, who did some trade in the pirating line. Fineen, or Florence, and his base-born son, Gilly Duff, or the Black Boy, were on the cliffs on the 20th of February, 1673, from which they spied four vessels beating about in the storm before the harbour's mouth. They descended, took to their boats, and went aboard the La Sancta Maria de Soci, which was laden with 100 tons of rich Portugal wine, and offered to pilot the vessel into the harbour for three pipes of the precious juice. The offer was accepted, and the captain and crew afterwards invited to dine at the castle, where they were clapped into irons, and the ship plundered. The wine had been consigned to Waterford merchants, who, on hearing the news, fitted out an armed vessel, suddenly entered the harbour of Baltimore, and boarded the wine ship, from which Gilly Duff O'Driscoll and 24 of his comrades escaped, after reducing the 100 pipes of wine to 25. The Mayor of Waterford fitted out another expedition to revenge the robbery. They landed on Sherkin Island, and seized O'Driscoll's castle of Dun-

    * Every acre of Carbery. The O'Driscoll and his co-relatives had the whole of Corca Laighe, which is co-extensive with the diocese of Ross. — Vide Corca Laighe, edited by John a Donovan, .Esq., LL.D., M.R.LA,

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 266

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Dunalong Castle, a raid came ashore in 1673. The story begins with the O'Driscolls, who held every acre of Carbery before the English invasion. They were bold sailors, doing some trade in the pirating line. On the 20th of February 1673, Fineen, or Florence, and his base-born son, Gilly Duff, the Black Boy, stood on the cliffs and spied four vessels beating about in the storm before the mouth of Baltimore harbour. They took to their boats and went aboard the La Sancta Maria de Soci, a ship laden with 100 tons of rich Portugal wine. They offered to pilot her into the harbour for three pipes of the precious juice. The offer was accepted. The captain and crew were then invited to dine at the castle, where they were clapped into irons and the ship plundered. The wine had been consigned to Waterford merchants. On hearing the news, they fitted out an armed vessel, entered Baltimore harbour, and boarded the wine ship. Gilly Duff O'Driscoll and 24 of his comrades escaped, but only after reducing the 100 pipes of wine to 25. The Mayor of Waterford then fitted out another expedition to revenge the robbery. They landed on Sherkin Island and seized O'Driscoll's castle of Dun-a-long. There they found malt, barley and salt. They burned about fifty boats or pinnaces, and bore off O'Driscoll's war galley of 30 oars.

37. Weavers' protest march to Cork gallows, 1754

    Cork · city · Cork · 1754

    In July 1754, four hundred weavers and combers marched in procession to the Cork gallows carrying an effigy dressed in chintz and foreign cotton, which they burned. The protest reflected the decline of the woollen trade after the 1698 act discouraging Irish woollen manufacture.

    Read the passage

    The trade of a country takes a long time dying as well as growing, but there can be no doubt that the woollen trade of Cork and Dublin received a mortal thrust in 1698. On the 22nd of July, 1754, that is fifty-six years after the king had given this gracious reply to the English woollen manufacturers, four hundred weavers and combers walked in procession to the Cork gallows — a very significant place — with an effigy, we are not told of whom, dressed in chintz and foreign cotton, which they burned. They went farther than this,

    » Linen Trade.— The success of the linen trade was owing, as we have shewn, vol. ii , p. 47, to the exertions of the Earl of Strafford.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 108

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, you travel roads that once saw a bitter protest. The woollen trade here took a mortal blow in 1698. Fifty-six years later, on the 22nd of July 1754, four hundred weavers and combers walked in procession to the Cork gallows. They carried an effigy dressed in chintz and foreign cotton, and they burned it. The record does not say whom the effigy represented. They went farther than this, but the passage breaks off. The book notes that a country's trade takes a long time dying as well as growing, and the march came fifty-six years after the king gave his reply to the English woollen manufacturers. The woollen trade was dying, and these men chose the gallows to show their anger.

38. James II lands at Kinsale from France with French ambassador

    Kinsale · town · Cork · 1689

    James II arrived at Kinsale from France on 12 March 1689, accompanied by the French ambassador Count Avaux, who was tasked with regulating the royal fugitive's movements. James left Kinsale for Cork on the 14th.

    Read the passage

    Of all towns in Ireland, Kinsale was the most favoured by foreign landings. James II. came from France to Kinsale on the 12th of March, 1689. He was accompanied by the famous French ambassador, Count Avaux, whose duty it was to regulate all the movements of the royal fugitive. He left Kinsale on the 14th for Cork, where he was hailed with enthusiasm. The following entry from the Cork Grand Jury Book, 12th March, 1688:—

    " We present that four hundred and twenty pounds be raised in the County of Cork, to be paid to George Crofts, Esq., who is forthwith to furnish the French fleet with fifty fat oxen, and four hundred fat weathers ; the same to be given to the admiral, officers, and seamen of the said fleet, as a small acknowledgment of the universal thanks due to them from this kingdom in general, but from us, more particularly, for transporting his Majesty hither, we having the first blessings of his Majesty's presence in this country, for which we and our posterity shall ever praise God. George Crofts to be satisfied for grazing the said cattle till the return of the French fleet."

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 75

    As the companion tells it

    Of all towns in Ireland, Kinsale was the most favoured by foreign landings. On the 12th of March 1689, James II came from France to this town, accompanied by the famous French ambassador, Count Avaux, whose duty was to regulate all the movements of the royal fugitive. He left on the 14th for Cork, where he was hailed with enthusiasm. The Cork Grand Jury Book recorded an entry that same day. 420 pounds was to be raised in the County of Cork and paid to George Crofts, who was to furnish the French fleet with 50 fat oxen and 400 fat weathers. These were given to the admiral, officers, and seamen of the fleet, as a small acknowledgment of thanks for transporting his Majesty. The entry declared that they had the first blessings of his Majesty's presence in this country, and that they and their posterity shall ever praise God. George Crofts was to be satisfied for grazing the cattle till the return of the French fleet.

39. Whiteboy ambush of Sir John Purcell near Mallow

    Mallow · town · Cork

    Sir John Purcell, riding with Mr. Seward of Mallow, was surrounded by Whiteboys who sprang from a wood. They told Seward he had nothing to fear but debated how to kill Purcell, known as the 'Knight of the Knife.' Purcell escaped on Seward's horse, while Seward was stripped and tied to Purcell's garron with a furze bush for a saddle.

    Read the passage

    Mr. Seward, of Mallow, when he found himself surrounded by a number of Whiteboys, who sprang upon him out of a wood. They commanded him and his companion to dismount, but informed Mr. Seward that he had nothing to apprehend, as he was a kind man. The Whiteboys retired to a little distance, to decide on the kind of death they should give the " Knight of the Knife" as Sir John was called. Sir John, who was a miser, and always rode a bad horse, said to Seward, " If I had your horse, I think I could escape." " Take him," said Seward. Though nearly eighty years of age, he vaulted into the saddle? and broke through his enemies like a thunderbolt. There was a wild shout of revenge, and a hot pursuit, but Purcell escaped. Poor Seward paid the penalty of his benevolence, but not with his life. They stripped him of his small-clothes, and tied him down on Sir John's garron, with a furze bush for a saddle.

    We call these lawless men Whiteboys, although some insist that Whiteboys belong to an earlier period. Dr. Campbell says, " The original cause of the rising of Whiteboys was this — some landlords, in Munster, set their lands to cottiers far above their value, and to lighten their burden, allowed commonage to their tenants. Afterwards, in despite of all equity, the landlords enclosed these commons." The cottier tenants commenced their illegal proceedings by levelling the fences and ditches, hence their name of " levellers"

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 151

40. Catholics expelled from Cork after sham trial

    Cork · city · Cork · 1644

    After Muschamp's sham trial and condemnation, leading citizens who came out to witness the execution were seized and imprisoned in the fort. The gates of Cork were shut and the drawbridge taken up; the Irish inhabitants were threatened with shooting and hanging, and many were turned out to wander as vagabonds.

    Read the passage

    nesses produced, the words were proved against him, and being found guilty, was condemned by the council of war for treason, had his sentence given to be hanged next day. And at the time appointed, the sheriffs and the greatest part of the city came to see the execution, and the prisoner was brought out of the city well guarded, with a considerable company of musqueteers; and when they perceived that the chiefest and most dangerous men of the city were come out of the gates, the word was given, and the prisoner, Captain Muschamp, being set at liberty, did command his officers to lay hold on all the chiefest of the citizens, and carry them prisoners to the fort, whereof he was captain and governor ; and as soon as they were taken, the chiefest aldermen and others in the city were taken, and kept prisoners as hostages, to secure the English as well within as without the gates, which were at that instant shut up, and the drawbridge taken up, so that none could come in or go out, till all matters were pacified,

    " And, in the meantime, there was a proclamation made, that if the Irish resisted the English, the soldiers should shoot them, and if any English were killed in that broil, the chiefest of their city should be hanged over their walls ; which proclamation did so terrify the Irish, that they were all glad to be quiet, and so there was no great hurt done, which was much to be admired, that a matter of so dangerous a consequence should be effected without any further trouble, and the projectors thereof highly to be commended in devising such a stratagem of mercy, in time of such troubles and rebellion, to prevent the shedding of guiltless blood."

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 45

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Cork, you are passing through a city where, in 1644, a sham trial turned the streets into a trap. Captain Muschamp was tried by a council of war for treason, found guilty on proved words, and condemned to be hanged the next day. The sheriffs and the greatest part of the city came out to see the execution. The prisoner was brought out well guarded, with a considerable company of musketeers. But the trial was a stratagem. When the chiefest and most dangerous men of the city had come out through the gates, the word was given. Muschamp was set at liberty, and he commanded his officers to lay hold on all the chiefest citizens and carry them prisoners to the fort, whereof he was captain and governor. The gates of the city were shut up at that instant, and the drawbridge taken up, so that none could come in or go out until all matters were pacified. The chiefest aldermen and others were kept as hostages to secure the English. A proclamation was made: if the Irish resisted the English, the soldiers should shoot them, and if any English were killed in that broil, the chiefest of their city should be hanged over their walls. The proclamation so terrified the Irish that they were all glad to be quiet, and no great hurt was done. The writer called it a stratagem of mercy devised to prevent the shedding of guiltless blood.

41. Cork citizens refuse to relieve Haulbowline Fort

    near Haulbowline Island · population centre · Cork · 1603

    During the Cork rebellion, Sir George Thornton asked the citizens to send cannon to relieve Haulbowline Fort. The corporation refused, declaring the fort 'a very pestilent impoverishment' built without their consent, and vowed to take possession of it themselves.

    Read the passage

    Sir George Thornton desires the citizens to send, or rather allow some cannon to go from Cork to the relief of Haulbowline. They reply, "We have, as you see, called our brethren together about this business, and we have come to the resolution, that the fort of Haulbowline is a very pestilent impoverishment to our corporation, and therefore think it not meet to suffer any relief to go thither, nor will we." Are we to conclude from this language, that the corporation were at the expense of finding and maintaining this fort? They say again, "This fort was a needless work, and built in their franchises, without their consent, by the Lord President, [Carew] but not for any good to the city." They add, that they will " take the fort, and keep possession of it "

    Eichard Boyle mentions one " Edward Eoche, the brother of Dominick Eoche, the priest," and Owen Mac Eedmond, a schoolmaster, as taking an active part in this rebellion. " This fellow," continues Sir Eichard, speaking of the schoolmaster, " said it was not known who was King of England. That, to his own knowledge, about seven or eight years ago, there was no other mockery in all the stage plays, but the King of Scots ; that no Englishman would abide the government of a Scot; that he was the poorest prince in

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 11

42. Cromwell storms Wexford, 2,000 Irish lost

    Wexford · town · Wexford · 1649

    Cromwell summoned Colonel David Synnott to surrender Wexford, but while negotiations proceeded the governor of the castle delivered up the place. The Irish deserted their walls on seeing Cromwellian troops in the castle; the walls were stormed and about 2,000 Irish were killed, Cromwell losing not twenty.

    Read the passage

    But the answer, he informs us, had no effect, for while he was preparing it, the governor of the castle, " being fairly treated," delivered up the place. When the Irish see the Cromwellian troops in the castle, they desert their walls, which are instantly stormed. The Irish lost about 2,000 men, and Cromwell " not twenty."

    Cromwell advances from Wexford to Eoss, which he summons in the following style. The summons is addressed to Lucas Taaffe, the brother of Lord Taaffe,

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 51

43. Dominic de Burgo imprisoned and escaped from Kinsale jail

    Kinsale · town · Cork · 1648

    In 1648, Brother Dominic de Burgo was captured aboard a ship bound for Spain and imprisoned at Kinsale. He escaped by jumping from the jail wall to the sea-shore, hid for two days in a neighbouring wood, and eventually found shelter with the Roches, probably at Garrettstown. He later became Bishop of Elphin and died in exile.

    Read the passage

    "A.D. 1648. Brother Dominic de Burgo, a young professed member of the order of preachers, and near relative of the Earl of Clanricarde, was made prisoner on board of the ship in which he had taken his passage for Spain, to pursue his studies. He was thrown into prison at Kinsale, whence he made his escape by jumping from the top of the jail wall down on the sea-shore. For two days, he lay concealed in a neighbouring wood, all covered with mud, without clothing, food, or drink. At length, he found shelter under the hospitable roof of the Roches in that neighbourhood, probably of Garrettstown. He became, at a later period of life, Bishop of Elphin, for whose head or capture the government offered a large reward, and to whom Oliver Plunket, the martyred Archbishop of Armagh, wrote from his dungeon, warning him of the attempts of the privy council against his life. He died in exile.

    "A.D. 1651. Father Eneas Ambrose O'Cahil, an eloquent preacher, and zealous missionary in Cork, being recognised as a Friar of the Dominican community, was rushed upon by a troop of Cromwell's soldiers, cut to pieces with their sabres, and his limbs scattered about, to be trampled under foot."

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 188

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming through Kinsale now. In 1648 a young Dominican named Brother Dominic de Burgo was captured on a ship bound for Spain, where he meant to continue his studies. He was a professed member of the order of preachers and a near relative of the Earl of Clanricarde. The ship never got him there. He was thrown into prison here at Kinsale. He got out by jumping from the top of the jail wall down onto the sea-shore. For two days he lay hidden in a neighbouring wood, all covered with mud, without clothing, food, or drink. At length he found shelter under the roof of the Roches in that neighbourhood, probably at Garrettstown. Later in life he became Bishop of Elphin. The government offered a large reward for his head or capture, and Oliver Plunket, the martyred Archbishop of Armagh, wrote to him from his dungeon warning him of the privy council's attempts against his life. He died in exile.

44. Earl of Cork defends Youghal during 1642 rebellion

    Youghal · town · Cork · 1642

    The elderly Earl of Cork brought 1,000 foot soldiers and 60 horse to defend Youghal, where the Irish outnumbered the English three to one. He wrote to his son-in-law Lord Goring of his determination to hold the town or die in its defence, calling it the last hope and retreat of the English in the province.

    Read the passage

    sions for the execution of martial law on loyal Irish Catholics, return thanks to the Earl of Cork for his care of Youghal, and tell him they depend on him to keep it for the landing of supplies. The earl, who is now an old man, writing to another son-in-law, Lord Goring,* says, "To prevent the yielding up of this town to the rebels, as weak and infirm as I am, I am commanded hither, and I have brought with me for my guard, 1000 foot and 60 horse, which I have here with me in defence of this poor weak town, where the Irish are three to one of the English ; and if it should be lo£t, all the hope and retreat of the English in the province is gone. And God willing, I will be so good a constable to the king, my master, as I will die in the defence thereof, although I have no great hope to defend it, yet we will bestir ourselves as Englishmen."

    King or Parliament, it was all alike to my Lord Cork, provided he was allowed to hold his own. This letter was dated at midnight of Twelfth-day, after a heavy and sorrowful Christmas, He writes a few days after, and puts the following superscription on his letter :—« In all haste ! Haste! Post-haste! Haste!"

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 37

45. French fleet spotted under Cape Clear

    Cape Clear · electoral division · Cork · 1796

    On the morning of 21 December 1796, Wolfe Tone's journal records the fleet under Cape Clear, about four leagues distant, marking the moment he first sighted Ireland again. The absence of the general (Grouchy) aboard the Fraternité was already causing concern.

    Read the passage

    " December 21. — Last night, just at sunset, signal for seven sail in the offing ; all in high spirits, in hopes that it is our comrades. Stark calm all the fore part of the night ; at length a breeze sprung up, and this morning, at day-break, we are under Cape Clear, distant about four leagues, so I have, at all events, once more seen my country; but the pleasure I should otherwise feel at this, is totally destroyed by the absence of the general, who has not joined, and of whom we know nothing.

    "December 22. — This morning at eight we have neared Bantry Bay considerably, but the fleet is terribly scattered, no news of the Fraternite ; I believe it is the first instance of an admiral in a clean frigate, with moderate weather and moonlight nights, parting company with his fleet. Captain Grammont, our first lieutenant, told me his opinion is, that she is either taken or lost, and in either event it is a terrible blow to us. All rests upon Grouchy, and I hope he may turn out well. He has a glorious game in his hands, if he has spirit and talent to play it ; if he succeeds, it will immortalize him.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 125

46. Mob attacked Mrs. Norton's house after Twomey's execution

    Cork · city · Cork

    After the execution of Twomey, a mob attacked Mrs. Norton's house near the South River in Cork, besmearing the door with blood and pelting windows with stones. Mrs. Norton defended the house, threw a rope into the South river, and fired several shots at the mob before soldiers arrived to guard the house.

    Read the passage

    it in the window, besmeared the door and windowshutters with his blood, whilst showers of stones were pelted at the windows from every quarter. During this time, Mrs. Norton resolutely defended her house, threw the rope into the South river, and fired several shots at the mob. No person was, however, hurt. A party of soldiers soon came to her assistance, some of whom were left as a guard all night at the house.

    " On the following day, as the executioner was passing through the Main Street, he was attacked by the populace, who followed him a mile out of town, pelting him with sticks and stones, by which he was desperately wounded ; he was brought on a car, by the sheriffs, to the South Infirmary. What more particularly exasperated the mob against him was, his having stripped Twomey's shoes off, while the body was hanging, claiming them as a perquisite of his reputable profession."— Tuckey, p. 148 & 149.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 105

47. Mountjoy at Grace-Dieu: Waterford refuses entry citing King John charter

    Waterford · city · Waterford · 1603

    Lord Deputy Mountjoy arrived at Grace-Dieu near Waterford on 5 May 1603 and summoned the mayor to open the gates. The citizens refused, citing a charter of King John exempting them from quartering soldiers. After Dr. White's religious controversy and Mountjoy's threats to level the city, the citizens submitted and a garrison was stationed.

    Read the passage

    The following is Dr. Ryland's account of the Lord Lieutenant's visit to Waterford : — " The Lord Deputy Mount] oy, judging that the situation of affairs of the province, required his immediate personal attention, proceeded with a numerous army into Munster, and on the 5th of May, 1603, came to Grace-Dieu, within the liberties of Waterford, and summoned the mayor to open the gates, and receive him and his army into the city. The spirit of rebellion immediately appeared ; the gates were shut against him, and the citizens pleaded that, by a charter of King John, they were exempted from quartering soldiers. While the parties were thus engaged, two ecclesiastics, Dr. White and a young Dominican friar, came into the camp ; they were habited in the dresses of their order, Dr. White wearing a black gown and cornered cap, and the friar wearing a white woollen frock. When they entered the Lord Deputy's tent, Dr. White commenced a violent religious controversy, 'all of which,' we are told, 1 his lordship did most learnedly confute.' He then severely reprehended the conduct of the citizens; threatened to draw King James* sword, and cut the charter of King John to pieces ; and declared his intention, if they persisted in their obstinacy, to level their city, and strew it with salt. His menaces were effectual; the citizens immediately submitted, and received the Lord Deputy and his army within their walls. They afterwards took the oath of allegiance, renounced all foreign jurisdiction, and, to prevent any future disturbance, a garrison was stationed in the city."

    16 HISTORY OF CORK.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 14

48. Protestants of Cork imprisoned in churches by Lord Clare

    Cork · city · Cork · 1689

    On 11 August, Lord Clare, governor of Cork, committed all the Protestants of the city to St. Peter's, Christ Church, and the Court-Houses. The churches were subsequently shut up on 13 October, and the governors acted with severity towards the Protestant population.

    Read the passage

    James appointed Lord Clare and M. Boileau, governors of Cork, who appeared to have acted with severity towards the Protestants. " On the llth of August, the Lord Clare, governor of Cork, committed all the Protestants of the city to St. Peter's, Christ Church,* and the Court - Houses ; on the 10th of September several were sent to Blarney Castle; on the llth, many to Macroom ; and October the 13th, all the churches were shut up. In several places the governors went into houses and shops, seized what they

    * Ohrist Church. " A bomb fell through the roof of Christ Church, but by God's providence, it did no damage." — Oox.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 78

    As the companion tells it

    As the road takes you through Cork, this city holds a grim chapter from 1689. James appointed Lord Clare and M. Boileau as governors of Cork, and they acted with severity towards the Protestants. On the 11th of August, Lord Clare committed all the Protestants of the city to St. Peter's, Christ Church, and the Court-Houses. On the 10th of September several were sent to Blarney Castle. On the 11th, many to Macroom. And on October the 13th, all the churches were shut up. The governors went into houses and shops, seizing what they found.

49. Bandon revolt: townsmen disarm garrison, walls razed

    Bandon · town · Cork · 1689

    The townsmen of Bandon disarmed the royalist garrison under Captain Daniel O'Neill and were punished with a £1,000 fine and the demolition of their town walls, which were razed to the ground and never rebuilt. Tyrconnell later expressed regret that Clancarty had entered into a treaty before the assault's authors were brought to justice.

    Read the passage

    The townsmen of Bandon, who had disarmed the royalist garrison, under the command of Captain Daniel O'Neill, were fined £1,000, "with the demolition of their walls, which were then razed to the ground, and never since rebuilt" Tyrconnell thought they got off too cheap. In a letter, dated March 10th, 1C 89, he regrets that Clancarty had entered into a treaty with the people of Bandon till the authors of the assault upon the garrison had been brought to justice.

    It was Lieutenant-general Justin Mac Carthy that was employed to punish the Bandonians. We have a graphic description of this affair from the pen of Joseph Pike. " The English of Bandon revolted, and turned out the Irish garrison, upon which an army of Irish horse and foot gathered at Cork to reduce them. Justin Mac Carthy, afterwards Lord Mountcashel,* commanded them. Before they went towards Bandon, some of the soldiers or others, laid a design to plunder the house of Eichard Terry, who lived out of the South

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 74

50. Battle of Bandon walls, February 1642

    Bandon · town · Cork · 1642

    Irish forces under MacCarthy Keagh attacked Bandon on 18 February 1642. Lord Kinalmeaky sallied forth with about 200 foot and 60 horse, repulsing the Irish with over 100 slain and 14 prisoners taken, who were immediately executed at the town gate under martial law.

    Read the passage

    The Irish, under the command of Mac Carthy Keagh, approached the walls on the 18th of February, 1642. Lord Kinalmeaky made a sally with about two hundred foot and sixty horse. There was some hard fighting. The Irish, who were repulsed, had over a hundred slain — " whereof five were gentlemen of note and leaders " — and fourteen taken prisoners, who were "directly executed by martial law* at the town gate." Sharp practice this for men fighting for their king, and liberty to practise their religion.

    Lord Cork, writing of this affair to his relative, the Earl of "Warwick,-]- says, " And now the boy has blooded himself upon them, I hope that God will bless him and his majesty's forces, that as I now write but of the killing of a hundred, I shall shortly write of the killing of thousands." — Pious language this, my Lord Cork ! But he explains : " Their unexampled cruelty hath bred such desires of revenge in us, that every man hath laid aside all compassion, and is as bloody in his desire against them, as they have been in their execution of us." Lord Cork, who set up for a pious man, and who took for his motto, " God's providence is my inheritance," forgot the words, " The Lord will abhor the bloody man." — " Bloody men shall not live half their days." A year did not pass before "the boy,'' who had "Hooded himself" at Bandon, was brought home a bloody corpse from Liscarrol.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 36

51. Bishop Moylan's opposition to United Irishmen in Cork

    Cork · city · Cork · 1787–1803

    Dr. Francis Moylan, Catholic Bishop of Cork from 1787 to 1803, strenuously opposed the United Irishmen, to the extent that the organisation's Cork committee discussed murdering him in revenge for his loyalty. Wolfe Tone had earlier told General Hoche he did not expect Catholic clergy to assist the rebellion.

    Read the passage

    Wolfe Tone very honestly informed General Hoche, when he asked whether he thought the Catholic clergy would join them, " I certainly do not calculate on their assistance, but neither do I think they will be able to give us any effectual opposition. But here he was mistaken. Doctor Francis Moylan, Catholic bishop of Cork, from 1787 to 180 3, gave all the illegal associates of these days the most strenuous and effectual opposition. Sir Eichard Musgrave says, " The members of the Union in Cork were so desperate and sanguinary, that a proposition was made, and it was for some time discussed in committee, to murder the amiable Doctor Moylan, the titular Bishop of Cork, partly from motives of revenge, on account of his loyalty." The Catholic gentlemen of Cork were as distinguished for their loyalty as the Protestants. On the 4th of June, 1779, an express came to Cork, ordering the 81st Highland regiment to march, at the shortest notice, to Bantry. A fleet of several ships of the line frigates and transports, were seen in Bantry Bay. A

    246 HISTORY OF CORK.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 129

52. Blarney Castle Confiscation and Sale, 1702

    near Blarney · townland · Cork · 1702

    The whole of Donough MacCarthy's estates, including his castles of Macroom and Blarney, were confiscated after political trials. In November 1702, Blarney with its village, castle, mills, and 1,401 acres was sold at Chichester House to Sir Richard Pyne for £3,000.

    Read the passage

    " Oct. 1 702.— Set up by cant at Chichester House — Blarney, with the village, castle, mills, fairs, customs, and all lands, and the park thereto belonging, containing 1,401 acres. Real value, £370 4s. ; yearly rent, £295. This lies within four miles of Cork, it has a castle and mansion house, formerly the residence of the Earl of Muskerry, a chapel, two mills, and several small houses and cabins ; the land is arable, and good pasture, and within the park is a fine oak wood, etc. Value of the wood, about £1,000. Tenant's name, Rowland Davies.J Purchaser, Sir Richard Pyne, Lord Chief- Justice, for £3,000. — November 17, 1702."

    * Without issue. — The Mac Carthys, of Carrignavar, are a collateral branch of this great family, the descendants of Daniel Mac Carthy, the uncle of Dermot, created Earl of Clancarty hy Charles II.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 252

53. Bloody aftermath of Knocknaclashy from Blarney

    near Blarney · townland · Cork · 1652

    In a letter to the speaker dated from Blarney (Blairney) Castle on 1 August 1652, Broghill described the pursuit and killing of the defeated Irish over three miles. He noted that priests had encouraged the Irish before battle with speeches, holy water, and charms, and that few field-officers escaped.

    Read the passage

    In a letter to the speaker, dated Blairney* 1st August, 1652, he says, " We had a very fair execution for above three miles, and, indeed, it was bloody, for I gave orders to kill all, though some few prisoners, of good quality, were saved. All their foot field-officers charged on foot, with pikes in their hands, so that few of them got off, it being too farre from any bogs or woods, which, they say, they selected purposely, that their men might have no confidence but in their courages, but we relyed on a better strength than the arm of flesh, and when their strength failed them ours did not fail us. Their priests, all the way before they came to fight, encouraged them by speeches, but especially by sprinkling holy water on them, and by charms, of which I herewith send you a copy.']' Many of them were found quilted in the doublets of the dead. Certainly they are a people strangely given over to destruction, who, though otherwise understanding

    * Slairney, or Blarney Castle. Lord Broghill got possession of this castle, the property of Lord Muskerry, in 1646, where he sometimes resided.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 61

54. Carrigrohan Castle and O'Neill's Anecdote

    near Carrigrohane · townland · Cork

    Carrigrohan Castle stands on the southern banks of the Lee, about a mile and a half from Ballincollig. The Barretts acquired it from the MacCarthys. Hugh O'Neill, when marching by, declared he hated the English churl 'as if he came but yesterday' despite learning Barrett was a good Catholic whose family held the estate for 400 years.

    Read the passage

    From Kilcrea to Ballincollig is about six miles. Here is an old castle belonging to the Barretts, said to have been built in the reign of Edward III. Here are also extensive powder mills. A mile and a half from Ballincollig, on the southern banks of the Lee, stands the castle of Carrigrohan, which the Barretts got from the Mac Carthys. The Barretts were of English descent. Hugh O'i^eill, when marching by one of. their castles, asked to whom it belonged, and was told, " to one Barrett, a good Catholic, whose family have possessed the estate for 400 years." " No matter," said O'Neill, " I hate the English churl as if he came but yesterday."

    About a mile and a-half from Ballincollig is Athnowen, or the Ovens, j* a parish partly in the barony of Barretts, but chiefly in that of East Muskerry. Smith speaks of remarkable limestone caves which are now nearly filled up. Had Smith seen the Mitchelstown caves, he would have thought nothing of these.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 252

55. Cat Fort taken without a blow during siege of Cork

    Cork · city · Cork

    The enemy deserted their works at the Cat Fort, allowing two seamen to take possession of it without resistance. From the captured fort, besieging forces began casting bombs into Cork city. The fort stood on high ground south of the city at the top of Cat Lane.

    Read the passage

    " 27th. The enemy having deserted their works at the Cat, without a blow struck, we became masters of it, and began to east bombs into the city."

    Sir Richard Cox is surprised that the governor of Cork should have deserted the Cat Fort, which became the easy prey of two sailors. " Most parts of the walls and streets of the city were exposed to the musket shot from this fort ; yet so important a post was deserted, without a stroke, for the two seamen found it abandoned and took possession of it, which is a thing almost incredible3 that either the enemy should leave it so tamely, or that two men should have the confidence to attempt it, and to boast (as they did beforehand) that they would take it : for though they perceived no shot from thence, yet at that juncture they could not in reason imagine but that it was well provided both with men and ammunition."

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 81

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Cork, you are near ground where the Cat Fort once stood, on high ground south of the city at the top of Cat Lane. During the siege of Cork, the enemy deserted their works at the Cat without a blow struck, and the besieging forces became masters of it and began to cast bombs into the city. Sir Richard Cox expressed surprise that the governor of Cork should have deserted the fort. Most parts of the walls and streets of the city were exposed to musket shot from this fort, yet so important a post was deserted without a stroke. Two seamen found it abandoned and took possession of it. Cox called it almost incredible that the enemy should leave it so tamely, or that two men should have the confidence to attempt it. He noted that they had even boasted beforehand that they would take it. Though they perceived no shot from the fort, they could not in reason imagine but that it was well provided both with men and ammunition.

56. Cromwell hands Kinsale keys to Colonel Stubber

    Kinsale · town · Cork · 1650

    Cromwell visited Kinsale and was handed the keys of the town. Instead of returning them to the Catholic chief magistrate as was customary, he gave them to Colonel Stubber, the governor, dismissing concerns about Stubber's religious laxity by citing his military honour.

    Read the passage

    Cromwell visited Kinsale and was handed the keys, which he did not, as usual, return to the chief magistrate, who was a Catholic, but handed them over to Colonel Stubber, the governor. Some one whispered in his ear that Stubber was not over strict in any religion. " May be not," replied Cromwell, " but as he is a soldier he has honor, and, therefore, we will let his religion alone this time."

    Cromwell left Youghal on the 29th of January, 1650, and turned his face to the north. He writes to the Speaker from Castletown, in Limerick, Feb. 15, 1650: " Having refreshed our men in winter quarters, and health being pretty well recovered, we thought fit to take the field, and to attempt such things as God, by his providence, should lead us to upon the enemy." He crosses the Blackwater, at Mallow, and presses on to the county Limerick, having dispatched Broghill to besiege Castletownroche. " His lordship," says Cromwell, " drew two cannon to the aforesaid castle, which, having summoned, they refused, but his lordship having bestowed about ten shots made their stomachs come down. He gave all the soldiers quarter for life, and shot all the officers, being six in number, to death." He says nothing of Lady Koche, by whom the castle was defended in the absence of her lord.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 59

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Kinsale in Cork, the town carries a story from 1650. Cromwell visited and was handed the keys of the town. He did not return them to the chief magistrate, who was a Catholic, as was customary. Instead he handed them to Colonel Stubber, the governor. Someone whispered in his ear that Stubber was not over strict in any religion. "May be not," replied Cromwell, "but as he is a soldier he has honor, and, therefore, we will let his religion alone this time." After this, Cromwell left Youghal on the 29th of January, 1650, and turned north. He wrote to the Speaker from Castletown in Limerick on the 15th of February, 1650: "Having refreshed our men in winter quarters, and health being pretty well recovered, we thought fit to take the field, and to attempt such things as God, by his providence, should lead us to upon the enemy." He crossed the Blackwater at Mallow and pressed on to the county of Limerick, having dispatched Broghill to besiege Castletownroche. Broghill drew two cannon to the castle and summoned it. They refused. After about ten shots their stomachs came down. He gave the soldiers quarter for life and shot six officers to death. Cromwell said nothing of Lady Roche, who had defended the castle in her lord's absence.

57. Drogheda garrison towers besieged — survivors sent to Barbados

    Drogheda · town · Louth · 1649

    After storming Drogheda, two remaining towers held out. One tower's officers were killed and every tenth soldier executed, the rest shipped to the Barbadoes. Soldiers in the other tower were spared as to their lives but also shipped to the Barbadoes.

    Read the passage

    In another letter to the Honorable William Lenthallj Speaker of the parliament of England, and dated from Dublin, September 17, 1649, he says, " The next day, the two other towers were summoned, in one of which was about six or seven score, but they refused to yield themselves, and we knowing that hunger must compel them, set only good guards to secure them from running away, until their stomachs were come down. From one of the said towers, notwithstanding their condition, they killed and wounded some of our men. When they submitted, their officers were knocked on the head, and every tenth man of the soldiers killed, and the rest shipped for the Barbadoes. The soldiers in the other tower were all spared, as to their lives only, and shipped likewise for the Barbadoes. " Since that time" — that is, the taking of Drogheda — "the enemy quitted to us Trim and Dundalk. In Trim,

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 50

58. Food riot and bonfire on Mall Isle, 1765

    Cork · city · Cork · 1765

    In October 1765, hundreds of armed butchers and weavers searched merchants' cellars in Cork for hoarded provisions intended for export. Finding little, they burned empty hampers on Mall Isle before the military, headed by city sheriffs, suppressed the riot and arrested seven participants.

    Read the passage

    " Oct. 18, 1765. A mob, consisting of several hundred of butchers and weavers, armed with hatchets, cleavers, long knives and sticks, went through the city, and visited several of the merchants' cellars in search of meat and other provisions, which it had been reported were cellared up for exportation. They found little, besides some empty hampers, of which they made a bonfire on Mall Isle, supposing they were designed for transporting provisions in. They were put down by the military, headed by the city sheriffs, who apprehended seven of the most forward of them and committed them to the city gaol, but soon afterwards liberated them."

    Provisions were so scarce this year that the mayor gave notice, that if any were shipped for exportation he would " cause the same to be unladen and sold in the public market."

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 109

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, you are near Mall Isle, where a food riot burned itself out in October 1765. Several hundred butchers and weavers, armed with hatchets, cleavers, long knives and sticks, went through the city and visited merchants' cellars, searching for meat and provisions they believed were hoarded for export. They found little besides some empty hampers, which they carried to Mall Isle and burned in a bonfire, supposing the hampers were meant for transporting provisions out of the city. The military, headed by the city sheriffs, put the riot down and apprehended seven of the most forward participants, committing them to the city gaol, but soon afterwards liberated them. Provisions were so scarce that year that the mayor gave notice he would cause any provisions shipped for exportation to be unladen and sold in the public market.

59. Governor fires Cork suburbs after taking payment

    Cork · city · Cork · 1690

    In 1690, during the siege of Cork by Marlborough's forces, the Irish governor MacGillicuddy accepted £500 from inhabitants to spare the suburbs, then burned both north and south suburbs without notice, destroying houses and goods. The Quaker Joseph Pike had distrusted the governor and removed his goods beforehand.

    Read the passage

    "In the seventh month, 1690, Cork was besieged by the English. The Lord Churchill, afterwards Duke of Marlborough, commanded the siege, Mac Gillicuddy being then the Irish governor of the city. He was a rude, boisterous, man, and gave out that he intended to burn the suburbs ; upon which the inhabitants, English and Irish, treated with him to save them, and agreed to give him five hundred pounds in silver, most of which was gathered and paid to him ; yet I could not trust his word, and removed the best of my goods, and thereby saved them. Notwithstanding which, he afterwards, without giving the least notice, burned both the north and south suburbs, whereby not only the houses but much goods were destroyed. The town was delivered up in a few days; and about four thousand, with the governor, taken prisoners, some of whom were put into our meeting-house, so that Friends had to meet in another place."

    Again he writes, " When the town was delivered up,

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 83

    As the companion tells it

    Cork stands around you as a city that in the seventh month of 1690 was besieged by the English under Lord Churchill, later Duke of Marlborough. The Irish governor of the city was MacGillicuddy, a rude, boisterous man. He gave out that he intended to burn the suburbs. The inhabitants, English and Irish, treated with him to save them and agreed to give him 500 pounds in silver, most of which was gathered and paid. The Quaker Joseph Pike wrote that he could not trust the governor's word and removed the best of his goods, and thereby saved them. Notwithstanding the payment, MacGillicuddy afterwards, without giving the least notice, burned both the north and south suburbs. Not only the houses but much goods were destroyed. The town was delivered up in a few days. About 4,000, with the governor, were taken prisoners. Some of the prisoners were put into the Quakers' meeting-house, so that Friends had to meet in another place.

60. Great flood devastates Cork city, January 1789

    Cork · city · Cork · 1789

    A torrential rainstorm melted upcountry snow and sent the river roaring through Cork, flooding streets to depths of five to seven feet. Houses on North Mall, Baldwin's corner, and Globe Lane were swept away, quays were damaged, and a man named Noah lost his life.

    Read the passage

    The affair is thus described in a Cork newspaper, bearing date January 17th, 1789: — "This day the city exhibited a spectacle dreadful to behold ; a heavy fall of rain began on the previous day, and continued without intermission during the night, and having dissolved the snow up the country, the river thundered down like a mountain torrent, broke every boundary, and overflowed the entire city between the gates. It rushed through the streets and avenues with the most impetuous violence, and by four o'clock had completely deluged all the flat parts, from the Mansion house to Cold Harbour. In most places it was near five feet, in many parts seven feet high, and continued rising until seven o'clock at night, at which hour it remained stationary for some time ; about nine o'clock it happily began to subside, and at three o'clock the following morning returned within its usual limits.

    "During this melancholy scene, several boats plied in different streets and lanes; many horsemen and persons in carriages would have been lost after night fell, had it not been obviated by the vigilance of the citizens, who held out lights to them, and cautioned them of the impending danger. The loss sustained by the inhabitants was very considerable. A cellar on the North Mall, a house at Baldwin's corner, and two in Globe Lane were swept away, as were also the quays in many places, so as to render the situation of the houses, particularly on Bachelor's Quay, truly alarming.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 167

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, you are travelling through the scene of a flood that struck in January 1789. A Cork newspaper of January 17th described what happened. A heavy fall of rain began the day before and continued without pause through the night. Up the country it dissolved the snow, and the river came down like a mountain torrent, broke every boundary, and overflowed the entire city between the gates. The water rushed through the streets and avenues with what the newspaper called the most impetuous violence. By four o'clock it had completely deluged all the flat parts, from the Mansion House to Cold Harbour. In most places it was near five feet deep, in many parts seven feet, and it kept rising until seven o'clock at night, where it held stationary for a time. About nine it began to subside, and by three the following morning the river had returned within its usual limits. Boats plied in the streets and lanes. After dark, citizens held out lights to warn horsemen and people in carriages of the danger. The losses were considerable. A cellar on the North Mall, a house at Baldwin's corner, and two houses in Globe Lane were swept away. The quays were broken in many places, leaving the houses on Bachelor's Quay in what the report called a truly alarming condition.