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. Protestant prisoners sent to Macroom

   Macroom · town · Cork · 1689

   On 11 September, many Protestants from Cork were sent to Macroom as prisoners. The Jacobite governors continued to move Protestant captives to various locations, and all churches in the city were shut up by 13 October.

   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

2. Raleigh's last voyage from Cork Harbour

   near Cork Harbour · estuary · Cork · 1617

   Sir Walter Raleigh sailed from Cork Harbour on his final, fatal expedition to the West Indies on 9 August 1617. His vessel lay in the river somewhere between Dundanion and Tivoli before departure.

   Read the passage

   * Last coming to Ireland.— Sir Walter Raleigh sailed from Cork harbour on his last unfortunate expedition to the West Indies, the 9th of August, 1617. His vessel lay in the river, somewhere between Dundanion and Tivoh. I have been >inted to cedars at Tivoli which tradition says were planted by Sir Walter 1 '^h's own hand.

   34 HISTORY OF CORK.

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 22

3. Remains of 1798 rebels in vault near Shandon Street

   Shandon Street · street · Cork · 1798

   The bodies of men executed for rebellion in 1798 were preserved in a dry vault, but after removal to another, less dry vault, they rapidly decayed to near-skeletons. They lay side by side in uncovered coffins with their skulls placed upon their chests.

   Read the passage

   who were executed for rebellion in 1798. They were, until the last few years, in a state of perfect preservation." They were removed to another vault, which was not as dry, and since they have "rapidly decayed, and are now almost mere skeletons." They lie side by side in two uncovered coffins, with their skulls upon their chests, where their gory heads were placed the day they were executed.

   From Shandon Street we proceed to Mallow Lane, the site of the old Butter Market.

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 191

   As the companion tells it

   Along here on Shandon Street, there is a vault holding the remains of men executed for rebellion in 1798. Until the last few years they were in a state of perfect preservation. They were removed to another vault, which was not as dry, and since then they have rapidly decayed and are now almost mere skeletons. They lie side by side in two uncovered coffins, with their skulls upon their chests, where their gory heads were placed the day they were executed.

4. Shannagarry estate dispute and William Penn the Quaker

   Shanagarry · town · Cork · 1660–1670

   Admiral Penn received the Shannagarry estate in the barony of Imokilly as compensation when Macroom was restored to Lord Muskerry. His son William Penn, the famous Quaker, came to Ireland to defend his father's title before the Lord Commissioners against Colonel Wallace's challenge.

   Read the passage

   was the property of Lord Muskerry3 who had suffered much in the royal cause, to whom it was, therefore, restored ; but Admiral Perm got more than an equivalent in the Shannagarry estate, in the barony of Imokilly, in this county. We learn from Mr. Hepworth Dixon's life of William Penn, that the Admiral's title to this estate was disputed by Colonel Wallace, and that his son \\ illiam, the famous Quaker, came to Ireland to defend his father's title before the Lord Commissioners, which he did most successfully. It was on this occasion, as we shall explain in our next chapter, that he was converted to Quakerism, got into prison in Cork, and turned out of doors by his father.

   A number of Cromwell's soldiers became Quakers ; nor were these forgotten in the general distribution. Their preaching ability would rather bring them into favor with their officers. Mr. Henry Cromwell, the protector's son, who became Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, informs Thurloe that their meetings were attended by Colonel Phaire and Major Wallace, and most of the chief officers of Cork. Major Hodder, the governor of Kinsale, kept a Quaker to preach to the soldiers. But this state of things did not out-live the restoration. The following biographical sketch of Eichard Pike, a Cork Quaker, will be read with interest : —

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 63

5. Skibbereen devastated by the Great Famine

   Skibbereen · town · Cork · 1846–1848

   Skibbereen, a market and post town in the parish of Abbeystowry, consists of seven streets. No part of Ireland suffered more or lost more of its population during the great famine of 1846-1848 than the town and district of Skibbereen.

   Read the passage

   The town of Skibbereen lies five or six miles to the north-north-west of Castletownsend. It is a market and post town, in the parish of Abbeystowry.* It is situated on the southern bank of the river Hen, and consists of seven streets. "We conclude that the last census will give this town a population of over 4,000, although no part of Ireland suffered more, or lost more of its population during the great famine of 1846-1848, than the town and district of Skibbereen. Skibbereen, as well as Dunmanway, Clonakilty, and Bandon, had its woollen and linen trade ; but this belongs to their past history. It is well situated for trade. The tide, from the harbour of Baltimore, flows up to the town, and the river Hen is navigable for vessels of 200 tons to Old Court, two miles below the town. The parochial church of Abbeystowry is situated in Bridgetown. Here is a E.G. chapel, a beautiful Grecian edifice, erected in 1826, under the direction of Doctor Collins, K.C. Bishop of Eoss.

   * Abbeystowry.— To the west of Skibbereen stood the old abbey, which gave name to the parish. " In it," writes Smith, " are several old tombs, and in particular a large one of the Roches." It was here, as we learn from Dive Downes, that the rector demanded, as a burying fee, " the second best suit of clothes of the dead man, or 6s. 8d. in lieu thereof." See p. 360 of this volume.

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 265

   As the companion tells it

   As the road passes through Skibbereen, a market and post town in the parish of Abbeystowry, you are in a place that suffered more than any other in Ireland during the great famine of 1846 to 1848. The town stands on the southern bank of the river Hen and consists of seven streets. The census was expected to show a population of over 4,000, though no part of Ireland lost more of its people during those years than the town and district of Skibbereen. Like Dunmanway, Clonakilty, and Bandon, it once had a woollen and linen trade, but that belongs to its past history. It is well situated for trade. The tide from the harbour of Baltimore flows up to the town, and the river Hen is navigable for vessels of 200 tons to Old Court, two miles below the town. The parochial church of Abbeystowry is in Bridgetown. There is a chapel, a Grecian edifice, erected in 1826 under the direction of Doctor Collins, Bishop of Ross.

6. St Dominick's image publicly burnt at High Cross, Cork

   Cork · city · Cork · 1578

   In 1578, Matthew Cheyne, the Protestant Bishop of Cork, seized the Dominican Friars' image of St. Dominick and had it publicly burnt at the High Cross in Cork, to the great grief of the local Irish population. The friars also possessed a miraculous ivory carving of the Blessed Virgin, preserved in a silver case inscribed by Honoria, daughter of James Fitzgerald.

   Read the passage

   The Dominican Friars were at one time possessed of two highly prized relics, the images of St Dominick and of the blessed Virgin Mary. Matthew Cheyne, the Protestant Bishop of Cork, laid violent hands on the image of St. Dominick, in 1578, and had it publicly burnt at the High Cross, " to the great grief of thej£rish of that place." The " miraculous image of the Blessed Yirgin," a carving in ivory, about three inches long, and a good deal worn and discoloured by time, is in custody of the friars, preserved in a silver case, which bears the following inscription : " Orate pro anima Onorise, filiae Jacobi de Geraldine, quse me fieri fecit." This Onoria, or Honoria, the daughter of James Fitzgerald, was not the " long-lived Countess of Desmond," as Mr. Eoche conjectures. The old countess' name was Catherine, and her father's name John — Sir John of Dromana ; nor was she the daughter of Sir James Desmond, who was slain by Burke, in 1597, as Mr. Croker thinks, but the daughter of James, the fifteenth Earl of Desmond, long known as the pretended earl, for whom the dispensation was procured to marry Mac Carthy More.

   "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

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 188

7. St. Finn-Barr's round tower and cathedral

   Cork · city · Cork · 1644–1725

   A round tower once stood in the churchyard of St. Finn-Barr's Cathedral, of which no vestige then existed. A French traveller in 1644 recorded local tradition that it was built by St. Baril without lime or stone, and that the saint leapt from its top, leaving his footprint on a flint stone where old women prayed with devotion.

   Read the passage

   of comparatively recent erection. The church of 1690 received so much injury during the siege, that, with the exception of the steeple, it was taken down in 1725, and rebuilt in 1735. The steeple is of more ancient date. A round tower stood in the churchyard, of which no vestige now exists. M. de la Boullaye le Gouz, a Frenchman, who travelled in Ireland in 1644, published a work in Paris in 1653, in which he makes mention of this round tower. " In one of the suburbs of Korq, there is an old tower, ten or twelve feet in circumference, and more than one hundred feet high, which they conscientiously believe to have been built by St. Baril, without lime or stone, to prove by this miracle his religion ; then it was lopped, or half destroyed, by the same saint, who jumped from the top to the bottom of it, and imprinted the mark of his foot on a flint stone, where the old women go with great devotion to say their prayers." Hanmer calls it a £? watch tower, built by the Danes." It is marked on old maps of the city, as the " spire."

   Dive Downes describes the parish thus: — "This parish extends to the western stone bridge, and so runs by the west end of the stone [Elizabeth] fort up to the sign of the Mitre, from thence to Gallows-green and the Spittal lands, and to Killindrindownagh lands, belonging to St. Dominick's Abbey. Here some small fields and a small street, which are in this parish, are not in the manor of St. Barry's, but in the city. All the rest of this parish, together with several other lands in several other parishes, belong to the manor of St, Barry's.

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 181

   As the companion tells it

   As the road passes through Cork, it goes near the ground where St. Finn-Barr's Cathedral stood, with its churchyard that once held a round tower. No trace of that tower survives. The church dated from 1690, but took such damage during the siege that it was taken down in 1725 and rebuilt in 1735, though its steeple was older. A French traveller, M. de la Boullaye le Gouz, came through Ireland in 1644 and published an account in Paris in 1653. He wrote of this tower. In his words, in one of the suburbs of Cork there stood an old tower, ten or twelve feet in circumference and more than one hundred feet high, which the people conscientiously believed to have been built by St. Baril without lime or stone, to prove his religion by a miracle. Then it was lopped, or half destroyed, by the same saint, who jumped from the top to the bottom of it, and imprinted the mark of his foot on a flint stone, where the old women went with great devotion to say their prayers. Hanmer called it a watch tower, built by the Danes. Old maps of the city marked it as the spire. Dive Downes described the parish as extending to the western stone bridge, running by the west end of the Elizabeth fort up to the sign of the Mitre, from there to Gallows-green and the Spittal lands, and to Killindrindownagh lands belonging to St. Dominick's Abbey. Some small fields and a small street in this parish were not in the manor of St. Barry's but in the city. All the rest of the parish, together with several other lands in other parishes, belonged to the manor of St. Barry's.

8. The Doneraile Conspiracy, 1829

   Doneraile · townland · Cork · 1829

   In 1829 a number of shots were fired into the carriage of Doctor Norcott near Doneraile in an attack called 'the Doneraile Conspiracy.' Seventeen persons were charged with conspiring; true bills were found against four, who were ably defended by Daniel O'Connell. The jury could not agree and were discharged.

   Read the passage

   A very serious attack was made some years after this on the life of George Bond Lowe, an active and zealous Protestant magistrate ; and at a later period, in 1829, a number of shots were fired into the carriage of Doctor Norcott, near Doneraile. This was called " the Doneraile Conspiracy," and assumed a decidedly political complexion. Seventeen persons were charged with conspiring, and true bills found against four, Le"ary, Shine, Eoche, and Magrath. They were ably defended by Daniel O'Connell. The jury could not agree, and' were discharged; so the Doneraile conspiracy, as the editor of the Chronicle informs us, " ended in a bottle of smoke."

   Party politics ran very high in both the county and city of Cork, to the time of the passing of the Catholic Emancipation Act in 1829. The Cork Mercantile Chronicle, speaking of the success of Mr. Hutchinson, the nephew of Lord Donoughmore, who was returned for the city in 1812, says, "If an angel could envy the situation of a human being, elevated to the pinnacle of honour by the enthusiastic gratitude of his fellow-beings, he would yesterday have envied the Honourable Christopher Hely Hutchinson. Never did we witness such a scene. Never did the oldest person hear from his progenitors the traditionary description of such an exhibition in Cork or its environs."

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 152

9. Townsend occupies cathedral steeple to gall Elizabeth Fort

   Cork · city · Cork

   Lieutenant Townsend and his men were posted in the steeple of the cathedral in Cork, from which they fired muskets at the enemy in Elizabeth Fort and shot the governor of that fort. The Irish responded with cannon that shook the steeple to its foundation, but Townsend removed the ladder and held the position until the fort surrendered.

   Read the passage

   steeple * of the cathedral, that if boards were laid on the beams thereof, our men might gall the enemy in the fort from that place with their muskets ; whereupon Lieutenant Townsend was sent with men thither, and accordingly did very good execution."

   From this elevated position they shot the governor of Elizabeth fort. To remove this party the Irish used cannon, which shook the steeple to its foundation. Townsend's men were terrified, and about to descend, when their leader gave directions to those below to remove the ladder, and remained in this dangerous post till the next day, when the fort surrendered.

   Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 82

10. Tyrconnell sumptuously entertained by new Cork corporation

    Cork · city · Cork · 1686

    Lord Lieutenant Tyrconnell visited Cork in 1686 and was sumptuously entertained by the new corporation, presided over by Christopher Crofts as chief magistrate, reflecting the Catholic takeover of civic government under the new regime.

    Read the passage

    The Lord Lieutenant Tyrconnell visited Cork in 1686, and was sumptuously entertained by the new corporation, presided over by Christopher Crofts, as chief magistrate.

    The tables were now turned on the Protestants. The Catholics began to display their loyalty by robbing the sassanachs of their flocks and herds, being accompanied in some of their raids by pipers, who gave them music for their mutton.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 74

11. Volunteers of Dungannon demand reform

    near Dungannon · town · Tyrone

    The volunteers of the North, known as the men of Dungannon, felt they had been deceived by Protestant ascendency and dictated political terms at the touch-holes of their cannon. The author credits them with awakening the South from its political slumber.

    Read the passage

    picture of national prosperity, which had passed before them as the result of Protestant ascendency, was no more than a deceptive dream. There were men in the South who would have shut their eyes and dreamed again, but they were aroused from their slumbers by the shouts and firm tread of the volunteers of the North, of the men of Dungannon, who felt that they had been deceived and bamboozled, and who could stand it no longer. These were the men who dictated terms at the touch-holes of their cannon, who resolved

    to be righted " or ." The country was proud of

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 122

12. Mr. Jeffreys of Blarney's bailiff-scenting horse

    near Blarney · townland · Cork

    Mr. Jeffreys, a landed proprietor at Blarney, kept a horse reputedly able to scent approaching bailiffs at a distance and carry his master to safety. The anecdote illustrates the precarious financial condition of Cork-area landed proprietors and merchants in the eighteenth century.

    Read the passage

    The landed proprietors or esquires without the city, were no better off than the merchants. Mr. Jeffreys, of Blarney, had a horse that was able to scent a bailiff at any reasonable distance, and bring his master off as safe as Tarn O'Shanter. An invaluable animal at such a period, and one that would have brought a high price, if money had not been so scarce.

    The condition of Cork prisons in the latter part of the eighteenth century, was not such as to reconcile a debtor to the loss of his personal liberty. It was not till the year 1775 that a second door was opened in the south gaol, to separate the debtors from the criminals. The debtors in the south gaol complained, through the medium of the Cork papers, as late as November, 1782, that they were reduced to the necessity of drinking salt water : — " The debtors in the south gaol were reduced to the necessity of drinking salt water very often for the last three months, their pumps being for a long time dry, and many of them

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 100

13. Tettau draws cannon to Fair Hill for assault on forts

    Fair Hill · street · Cork · 1690

    Major-General Tettau drew cannon to Fair Hill and resolved to attack the new forts near Shandon Castle. Before his men could attack, the enemy set fire to the suburbs, deserted the forts and castle, and retired to the city.

    Read the passage

    " About three in the afternoon, Major-General Tettau having drawn some cannon to Fair Hill, resolved to make a descent, and to attack one or both the new forts near Shandon Castle ; f but no sooner were his

    » The Duke of Berwick, sou to James II., by Arabella Churchill, the Earl of Marlborough' s sister, was not more than twenty years of age at this time. He afterwards became a Marshal of France. He was a great favorite with the king, his father. He married General Sarsfield's widow. He was killed by a cannon ball at the Siege of Philipsburgh, in Germany, June 12th, 1734.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 80

    As the companion tells it

    Along here in 1690, Major-General Tettau drew cannon to Fair Hill and resolved to make a descent, and to attack one or both of the new forts near Shandon Castle. But no sooner were his men ready than the enemy set fire to the suburbs, deserted the forts and the castle, and retired into the city. The assault never came. Tettau had the ground, but the defenders had chosen to burn what lay outside the walls rather than hold it.

14. Camden describes Cork as besieged trading town

    Cork · city · Cork · 1550–1600

    Camden described Cork in the late 16th century as a populous trading town beset by rebel enemies on all sides, forcing citizens to keep constant watch as if under siege. Citizens were so isolated they married only among themselves, making all inhabitants related.

    Read the passage

    CAMDEN calls Cork, in the latter half of the 16th century, "a populous little trading town, and much resorted to; but so beset with rebel enemies on all sides, that they are obliged to keep constant watch, as if the town were continually besieged ; and they dare not marry out their daughters in the country, but contract one with another among themselves, whereby all the citizens are related in one degree or other."

    The chief magistrate was chosen for the space of a hundred and seventy-five years — that is, from 1435 to 1610 — with but five exceptions,* from the following names : — Goulds, Eoches, Terrys, Meads, Coppingers, Galways, Sarsfields, Morroghs, Skiddys, Eonaynes, Walters, and Lavallyns. Sir Henry Sydney tells

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 7

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, consider how Camden described this place in the latter half of the 1500s. He called it a populous little trading town, much resorted to. But it was so beset with rebel enemies on all sides that the citizens were obliged to keep constant watch, as if the town were continually besieged. They dared not marry their daughters out in the country, but contracted one with another among themselves, so that all the citizens were related in one degree or other. The chief magistrate was chosen for 175 years, from 1435 to 1610, with only five exceptions, from families including the Goulds, Terrys, Meads, Coppingers, Galways, Sarsfields, Skiddys, and Lavallyns.

15. Catholic traders bypass Protestant shops for Mallow Lane

    Cork · city · Cork

    A writer describing Cork's trading dynamics observed that Catholic dealers deliberately avoided Protestant shops and patronised their co-religionists on Mallow Lane. This mutual solidarity among oppressed Catholics was seen as undermining the Protestant trading interest in the city.

    Read the passage

    " By running away with this profitable branch, not only the prejudice they do a Protestant trader, but the benefit arising to Popish dealers and tradesmen is destructive of the Protestant interest of the city. From the mutual kindness of all men under oppression, and a natural hatred of their oppressors, they deal with and always employ one another. If a papist at the gallows wanted an ounce of hemp, he'd skip the Protestant shops, and run to Mallow Lane, to buy it ; and as the jurisdiction they acknowledge is abroad, they would live independent of the state at home, where they poison all things they touch. They have no regard to posterity ; they consider nothing but the present ; their schemes are always big with cunning, they want ingenuity, [ingenuousness] the life of business. In all works, regardless of the future, they mar the best undertakings, to make what they can of everything now."

    There is something so extravagant, and at the same time so shrewd, in the remarks of Alexander the Coppersmith, that we feel disposed to rank him as a Catholic in disguise. The very name,* Alexander the Coppersmith, is that of an enemy in the camp. William Boles, one of the True-blue Protestants of those days, says, he can't find the Coppersmith in any of the reli-

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 98

16. Colonel Phair appointed governor of Cork after regicide

    Cork · city · Cork · 1649

    Colonel Phayr (Phair), one of three men appointed by the regicides to ensure the execution of Charles I's death warrant, was appointed governor of Cork by Cromwell in November 1649. He was also made commissioner for temporary management of affairs in Munster alongside Lord Broghill and others.

    Read the passage

    This Colonel Phayr or Phair, who is united with Broghill, Fenton, Blake, and Deane, was one of the three* appointed by the regicides to see that the death-warrant on Charles I. was duly executed. He is immediately after this appointed governor of Cork, before the king's blood is dry upon his fingers. This Colonel Blake became Admiral Blake. The next letter is for the Hon. William Lenthall, Esq., Speaker of the parliament of England, and is dated Eoss, 14th of November, 1649 : —

    * One of the three.— The other two were Colonel Francis Hacker and Colonel Huncks. Colonel Huncks got the lands of Monkstown in Cromwell's time. There was a Doctor Huncks arrested in Cork, and sent as prisoner to Dublin, the 18th May, 1660, the day that Charles the II. was proclaimed in Cork.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 53

17. Cork Union volunteers on the Grand Parade

    Grand Parade · street · Cork

    The Cork Union armed company, wearing scarlet coats with green facings and green cockades, paraded through the Grand Parade after a review in the Mardyke field, firing volleys and cheering for Saint Patrick in a gesture of revolutionary and nationalist sentiment.

    Read the passage

    but in passing one day through the Grand Parade, after a review in the Mardyke field, they fired several volleys, and gave three cheers for Saint Patrick !

    The English government were not slow in discovering this change of feeling, and that Ireland could be no longer governed on the " divide and conquer " principle. They hailed, we hope with sincerity, a better feeling between Protestant and Catholic, and passed an act on the 25th of September, 1778, permitting Catholics to take long leases; and on the 1st of January, 1780, the repeal of the act of William and Mary, which prohibited the export of Irish woollen goods, was proclaimed in Cork amidst the ringing of bells, the firing of feu de joies, and public illuminations. But the repeal of this infamous law was too late ; our woollen trade was too far gone to be recalled ; it had now a fixed habitation in England. The repeal of the law was not worth the powder expended on the feu de joie, but it amused the people.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 121

    As the companion tells it

    Along here on the Grand Parade, the Cork Union volunteers passed one day after a review in the Mardyke field. They fired several volleys and gave three cheers for Saint Patrick. The English government were not slow in discovering this change of feeling, and that Ireland could no longer be governed on the divide and conquer principle. They hailed, we hope with sincerity, a better feeling between Protestant and Catholic, and passed an act on the 25th of September 1778 permitting Catholics to take long leases. On the 1st of January 1780, the repeal of the act of William and Mary, which prohibited the export of Irish woollen goods, was proclaimed in Cork amidst the ringing of bells, the firing of feu de joies, and public illuminations. But the repeal of this infamous law was too late. The woollen trade was too far gone to be recalled. It had now a fixed habitation in England. The repeal of the law was not worth the powder expended on the feu de joie, but it amused the people.

18. Cromwell converts Cork church bells into cannon

    Cork · city · Cork · 1649

    Being in need of artillery, Cromwell ordered the Cork bells to be converted into battering ordnance. When friends remonstrated on the score of sacrilege, he quipped that since gunpowder was invented by a priest, promoting bells into canons was fitting.

    Read the passage

    Bishop Bramhall narrowly escaped the protector's hands in Cork, who seems to have owed him a grudge. " I'd have given a good sum for that Irish Canterbury," said the nonconformist general, who was fond of a joke, though his jokes were generally poor ones. Being in want of artillery, he ordered the Cork bells toT)e converted into battering ordnance. Some of his friends remonstrating on the score of sacrilege, he replied, " Since gunpowder was invented by a priest, I think it not amiss to promote the bells into canons."

    Cromwell's humour was sometimes of a very grim kind. Eichard Magner, of Castle-Magner, near Mallow, went to pay his respects. Some one whispered in Cromwell's ear that Magner was a troublesome fellow, who had been active in the late rebellion. Oliver received him with apparent favor, and gave him a letter for his friend, Colonel Phair, the Parliamentary Governor of Cork. Magner thought it prudent to look at the letter before handing it to such a man. He broke the seal, and read his own death-warrant, in these words — " EXECUTE THE BEARER." This letter shall be delivered, soliloquised Eichard, but not by me ; so he posted off to Mallow, and handed it to the officer commanding there — who had often preyed upon his lands — telling him that General Cromwell directed that he should deliver it in person. This officer did not hesitate a moment. It might contain instructions for his promotion ; it might give him a lift, very likely,

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 59

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, the city carries a story from 1649. Cromwell came here in need of artillery and ordered the bells of Cork's churches to be converted into battering ordnance. Some of his friends remonstrated with him on the score of sacrilege. He replied, 'Since gunpowder was invented by a priest, I think it not amiss to promote the bells into canons.' Bishop Bramhall narrowly escaped the Protector's hands in this city. Cromwell seems to have owed him a grudge. The nonconformist general, who was fond of a joke though his jokes were generally poor ones, said, 'I'd have given a good sum for that Irish Canterbury.' Cromwell's humour was sometimes of a very grim kind. Richard Magner of Castle-Magner, near Mallow, went to pay his respects. Someone whispered in Cromwell's ear that Magner was a troublesome fellow, active in the late rebellion. Oliver received him with apparent favour and gave him a letter for his friend Colonel Phair, the Parliamentary Governor of Cork. Magner thought it prudent to look at the letter before handing it to such a man. He broke the seal and read his own death-warrant. The words were, 'Execute the bearer.' This letter shall be delivered, Magner soliloquised, but not by me. He posted off to Mallow and handed it to the officer commanding there, a man who had often preyed upon his lands, telling him that General Cromwell directed that he should deliver it in person. That officer did not hesitate a moment.

19. Dunmanway associated with Sir Richard Cox, historian and Lord Chancellor

    Dunmanway · town · Cork · 1650

    Dunmanway is intimately associated with Sir Richard Cox, the historian and Irish Lord Chancellor. His grandfather settled at Kilworth and endured the calamity of 1641; his father, a captain in Jephson's regiment, was murdered by Captain Norton with a pen-knife.

    Read the passage

    Ten miles north-east of Clonakilty, is Dunmanway,* styled by Doctor Smith, a pleasant thriving little town. It is a market and post town, in the parish of Fanlobbus. It consists of one street, of about half-amile in length. There is a Protestant church, a Catholic chapel, and a Methodist meeting-house in this town. The Commissioners of the National Board f have established a model school here. The town of Dunmanway is intimately associated with the name of Sir Eichard Cox, the historian and Irish Lord Chancellor. We learn from his " Autobiography," edited by Mr. Caulfield, that Sir Eichard Cox was born in Bandon, the 25th of March, 1650. His grandfather came from Wiltshire, and settled at Kil worth, "and bore his share in the calamity of 1641." His father, a "very strong and valiant person," a captain in Major-General Jephson's regiment of horse, was murdered by Captain Norton, who stabbed him with a pen-knife as they

    * Dun-na-m-beann, or " Fort of Gables," now anglicised into Dunmanway. The castle was built in 1507, by Catherine, the daughter of Thomas of Drogheda, eighth Earl of Desmond, " a truly hospitable woman."

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 260

20. Execution of the Bishop of Ross at Carrigadrohid

    Carrigadrohid · townland · Cork · 1300–1399

    The old castle of Carrigadrohid, east of Macroom, was built by the MacCarthys in the fourteenth century and entrusted to the O'Learys. Lord Broghill hanged the Catholic Bishop of Ross before its walls, and the castle is now in ruins.

    Read the passage

    To the east of Macroom is the old castle of Carrigadrohid, before the walls of which Lord Broghill hung the Catholic Bishop of Ross. It is now in ruins. It was built by the Mac Carthys in the fourteenth century, who committed it to the keeping of the O'Learys. To the east, the village of Coachford ; to the north-east of Coachford, in the parish of Magourney, are the ruins of Carrig-na-muck Castle, belonging to the Mac Carthys- In the same parish are the ruins of the old church of Kilcoleman, and on the river Dripsey, the Dripsey paper mills. The paper manufactured here * is of a very superior quality.

    Further east the Lee unites its waters with the Bride, near the old church at Inniscarra. It was in this district that Hugh O'Neill met the assembled Irish chieftains in 1600, and installed the gigantic Florence Mac Carthy as the Mac Carthy More.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 251

21. Firing on Shandon Castle and bishop's palace in Cork

    near Shandon · locality · Cork · 1603

    Rebels 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, threatening that if they had the bishop himself he would not escape with his life.

    Read the passage

    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

    14 HISTORY OF CORK.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 13

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Shandon, outside Cork, you're near where rebels fired on the castle and the bishop's palace in 1603. The rebellion here was driven by religion. Many inhabitants were of Danish, Norman, and Saxon descent, but they were sincere Catholics who hoped for the restoration of their faith at the queen's death. They had not forgotten that twenty-five years earlier the Protestant bishop had burned the image of St. Dominick at the High Cross of Cork. Now they retaliated. They retook the churches, sprinkling them to exorcise the demon of Protestantism. They burned Protestant bibles and prayer-books. They razed out the ten commandments and substituted the emblems of their own faith. Some took the sacrament to strengthen themselves 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. 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, and told him if they had the bishop himself he would not escape with his life.

22. Gold Rock smuggling legend on Spike Island

    Spike Island · townland · Cork

    A tradition persisted on Spike Island of smugglers using the island to land contraband unseen by Cork officers. At the eastern extremity, the so-called Gold Rock was pointed out as the spot where a smuggler buried a crock of gold alongside a slain black man supposed to guard it in death.

    Read the passage

    at high water, steal in unseen by the officers of Cork." We are still pointed to the " Gold Eock," at the eastern extremity of the island, where one of these smugglers buried a crock of gold, and a black man — whom he had slain — to watch it. There is no such watch or sentry as the ghost of a black man.

    On the crown of the island is a convict depot or government prison. The number of prisoners is now about 500, but as many as 2,500 were confined here in 1850. Spike Island prison is one of five government prisons, under the superintendence of three directors. There is a male and female prison at Mountjoy, Dublin, built on the same plan as Pentonville prison. The rule is, to commence the imprisonment at Mountjoy, where prisoners are kept in separate confinement for eight months, and are then drafted either to Philipstown or Spike.*

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 219

23. Governor Magillicuddy burns Cork suburbs during James II's reign

    Cork · city · Cork

    During King James II's time, the Popish governor Magillicuddy imprisoned Protestant citizens of Cork and burned the city's suburbs to the ground, despite having previously agreed to spare them in exchange for a considerable sum of money paid by the petitioners.

    Read the passage

    " That in the late king James' time, your petitionerssuffered very much for their adherence to the Protestant interests> were put into prison ; and their suburbs, which make a considerable part of the city, were set on fire, and burned to the ground, by the then Popish governor, Magillicuddy, and notwithstanding he had before-hand agreed and promised to save the said suburbs, upon the payment of a considerable sum of money to him by your petitioners.

    " That your petitioners were relieved from their prisons and their miseries by king William of glorious memory, under the command of your majesty's renowned and victorious general, his grace the Duke of Marlboro ugh, who besieged the said city, and took it in the year 1690.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 88

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Cork now. In King James the Second's time, Protestant citizens here suffered for their adherence to the Protestant interest. They were thrown into prison. Their suburbs, which made a considerable part of the city, were set on fire and burned to the ground by the then Popish governor, Magillicuddy. This was in spite of the fact that he had beforehand agreed and promised to save those suburbs upon the payment of a considerable sum of money to him by the petitioners. They paid him, and he burned them anyway. Their relief came when King William's forces, under the command of the Duke of Marlborough, besieged the city and took it in 1690. The petitioners were freed from their prisons and their miseries by that siege.

24. Phaire as governor of Cork defies Cromwell for Parliament

    Cork · city · Cork · 1654

    In 1654, Colonel Phaire, as governor of Cork, declared for the English Parliament against Cromwell after Cromwell dissolved Parliament by force. Phaire was a consistent republican and had signed the king's death-warrant.

    Read the passage

    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-

    126 HISTORY OF CORK.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 66

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Cork, you're in a city with a stubborn republican past. In 1654, Colonel Phaire stood here as governor. Carlyle calls him "he of the hinges death-warrant." Whatever his part in the king's death, he was a consistent republican. That year, Phaire and Colonel Saunders, governor of Kinsale, declared for the English Parliament against Cromwell. Cromwell had entered the house with three hundred armed men and turned out the members. Phaire's name does not appear among the Committee appointed to wait on Cromwell and ask him to accept the crown. The second name on that list was Lord Broghill, one of the speakers in what the source calls a 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 a 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."

25. Roger Conor, United Irish organizer, confined in Cork jail

    Cork · city · Cork · 1798

    Roger Conor, identified by Sir Richard Musgrave as the chief director of the United Irish organization in Cork, was confined in Cork jail. He kept open house for soldiers, paid their entertainment bills, and supplied concubines to seduce them into the conspiracy.

    Read the passage

    Sir Richard Musgrave mentions "Roger Conor, confined in Cork jail," as the chief director, or organizer, of the Union in Cork. It was he who kept open house for the reception of soldiers, and paid the bills of entertainment. It is said " he even supplied the concubines, the more effectually to seduce them." "We suspect that this Roger was a relative of the far more famous Arthur 0' Conor, who surrendered himself on the 3rd of July, 1797, Lord Edward Fitzgerald and Emmet becoming his sureties.

    Conway and Swanton, both Cork men, were very actively engaged. Conway was a watchmaker, and one of the Directory of Cork. Both he and his friend Swanton were arrested and sent to Cork jail, where Conway lost his health, and offered the government 11 useful information " for his liberty.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 130

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, you are in a city with its own piece of the 1798 story. Sir Richard Musgrave names Roger Conor, confined in Cork jail, as the chief director of the United Irish organization in Cork. Conor kept open house for soldiers and paid the bills of entertainment. It is said he even supplied the concubines, the more effectually to seduce them. Musgrave suspected this Roger was a relative of the far more famous Arthur O'Conor, who surrendered himself on the 3rd of July, 1797, with Lord Edward Fitzgerald and Emmet becoming his sureties. Two other Cork men, Conway and Swanton, were also active. Conway was a watchmaker and one of the Directory of Cork. Both were arrested and sent to Cork jail, where Conway lost his health and offered the government useful information for his liberty.

26. Shandon Castle held and cannon played into Cork

    near Shandon · locality · Cork

    Besieging forces under the Duke of Wurtemberg took possession of Shandon Castle on the north side of Cork city, from which their cannon fired into both the forts and the city. The castle served as a key artillery position during the assault.

    Read the passage

    "26th. I went to the camp early, and missing Scravenmore, I delivered my message myself to the Earl of Marlborough, after which I went home, and in the afternoon shewed a new way from one camp to the other, by my house at Gillabbey. In the evening the Duke of Wurtemberg came to the camp on the north side of the city, we being also in possession of Shandon Castle ; whence our cannon played both into the forts and the city ; and Scravenmore, bringing over all his horse to join us, took up his quarters at Gillabbey.

    " 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."

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 81

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Shandon on the north side of Cork, besieging forces held the castle and fired cannon into the city. On the 26th the Duke of Wurtemberg came to the camp on the north side of the city. They were in possession of the castle, and from there their cannon played both into the forts and the city. That morning the narrator went early to camp and delivered his message to the Earl of Marlborough, then showed a new way between camps by his house at Gillabbey. Scravenmore brought all his horse to join them and took quarters at Gillabbey. On the 27th the enemy deserted their works at the Cat without a blow struck, and they began to cast bombs into the city.

27. Siege and surrender of Liscarrol Castle

    Liscarroll · town · Cork · 1642

    The Irish confederate army under General Barry besieged Liscarrol Castle, property of Sir Philip Perceval, beginning 20 August 1642. The castle surrendered on 2 September after a thirteen-day siege, having been assailed by a massive battering piece drawn by twenty-five yoke of oxen.

    Read the passage

    The Irish confederate army, consisting of 7,000 foot, 5,000 horse, and a good train of artillery, under the command of General Barry, re-entered this county on the 20th of August, 1642. They commenced operations by the siege of Liscarrol Castle, which they assailed with a "battering piece of so large a bore, that it was drawn by twenty-five yoke of oxen." The castle, the property of Sir Philip Perceval,* who was in England, surrendered on the 2nd of September, after a siege of thirteen days.

    Inchiquin arrived on the ground the next day, at the head of the Parliamentary troops. Sir Charles Yavasor, Colonel Myn,f Captain Jephson, and the four sons and the son-in-law of Lord Cork, were in his army, namely, Lords Dungarvan, Kinalmeaky, Broghill, and Barrymore, with Master Francis Boyle, afterwards Lord Shannon. In the Irish confederate army were Lords Eoche, Muskerry, Ikerrin,J Dunboyne, Castleconnel, Brittas, Colonel Eichard Butler, and a number of other Irish gentlemen.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 38

28. Sir James Anderson's castle and mills at Buttevant

    Buttevant · town · Cork

    Sir James Anderson of Buttevant Castle built a castle and flour-mills at Buttevant and lost both. He also conducted experiments there for a steam-carriage for common roads, spending a fortune with no reward.

    Read the passage

    Fermoy, built a castle and flour-mills here, and lost both. Here he commenced his experiments and extraordinary labors for the construction of a steam-carriage for common roads, upon which he spent a fortune and reaped no reward, except the satisfaction of having labored for a noble object. I have often heard him say, " Others will reap the rewards of my labors when I am dead and gone."* He is now gone, and a purer patriot, a sincerer friend, or a more accomplished gentleman never breathed.

    Six miles from Buttevant is the village of Liscarrol, with the ruins of its noble castle, a rectangle, 240 feet by 120, flanked by four circular and two quadrangular towers. It is thought by some to have been built in the reign of King John. The Barrys possessed it before it came into the hands of the Percival family. For its siege, in 1642, and the battle fought beneath its walls, we refer the reader to page 68 of this volume.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 246

29. Trade riots between Cork and Dublin, 1766

    Cork · city · Cork · 1766

    The tradesmen of Cork and Dublin were at fierce war in 1766 and following years. Six hundred and forty pounds was granted in compensation to several merchants for goods manufactured in Dublin that were destroyed on their way to Cork by a riotous mob.

    Read the passage

    Some of these were trade, and others food riots. The tradesmen of Cork and Dublin were at fierce war in 1766 and the following years. Six hundred and forty pounds was granted in 1766, to Samuel Beale, Eobert Stevally, John Litchfield, Mary Simmons, and Thomas Beeby, in compensation for goods — manufactured in Dublin — and which had been destroyed on their way to Cork, by a riotous mob.

    "January llth, 1772. — A number of men this evening, with their faces blackened, and armed with hangers and bludgeons, entered the shop of a respectable citizen, a woollen draper, near North Bridge, where they behaved in a most riotous and cruel manner, put out the candles, broke his shop windows in pieces, and cut, spoiled, and carried off large quantities of his goods. No reason could be assigned for this outrage, but that he sold English and Dublin goods."

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 107

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, this city was the scene of bitter trade riots in 1766 and the years that followed. The tradesmen of Cork and Dublin were at fierce war. Goods manufactured in Dublin and sent on their way to Cork were destroyed by a riotous mob. In 1766, six hundred and forty pounds was granted in compensation to several merchants for what they lost: Samuel Beale, Robert Stevally, John Litchfield, Mary Simmons, and Thomas Beeby. The trouble did not end there. On the 11th of January, 1772, a number of men with their faces blackened, armed with hangers and bludgeons, entered the shop of a respectable woollen draper near North Bridge. They put out the candles, broke the shop windows in pieces, and cut, spoiled, and carried off large quantities of his goods. No reason could be assigned for this outrage, but that he sold English and Dublin goods.

30. Water Club gala spectacle, 1784

    near Haulbowline Island · population centre · Cork · 1784

    Two English gentlemen in 1784 described the Water Club's annual ceremony at Cork, likening it to the Doge of Venice wedding the sea. The admiral led a fleet of gaily painted and gilded vessels out to sea, attended by a prodigious number of boats with colours flying, drums beating and trumpets sounding.

    Read the passage

    " I shall now acquaint your lordship with a ceremony they have at Cork, where we are arrived. It is somewhat like that of the Doge of Venice's wedding the sea. A set of worthy gentlemen, who have formed themselves into a body, which they call the Water Club, proceed a few leagues out to sea, once a year, in a number of little vessels, which, for painting and gilding, exceeds the king's yachts at Greenwich and Deptford. Their admiral, who is elected annually, and hoists his flag on board his little vessel, leads the van, and receives the honours of the flag ; the rest of the fleet fall in their proper stations, and keep their line in the same manner as the king's ships. This fleet is attended with a prodigious number of boats, which, with their colours flying, drums beating, and trumpets sounding, forms one of the most agreeable and splendid sights your lordships can conceive." — Tour through Ireland, p. 118.

    Philip Luckombe, writing in 1799, says, " Under this island we saw several elegant yawls and pleasure boats, belonging to a society, formed by the neigh-

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 213

31. Wolfe's death at Queenstown

    Cobh · municipal district · Cork · 1821

    Rev. Charles Wolfe died of consumption at Queenstown (now Cobh). Just before his death he began to pray for his friends but his voice failed, and he exclaimed 'God bless them all' before whispering a final farewell to his sister.

    Read the passage

    Charles Wolfe died of consumption. "Writing to a friend, under date, May 28th, 1821, he says, "At length the die is cast — the doctor has, in fact, stripped me of my gown" — prohibited his preaching. He died at Queenstown. Just before his death he began to pray for all his dearest friends, but his voice failing, exclaimed, " God bless them all!" He then whispered •'•""in his sister's ear, " Close this eye, the other is closed already ; and now farewell."

    Charles Wolfe was a student of Trinity College. Close beside his grave nestles another of the Alumni of the same Alma Mater, I think the name is Charles Connor, who died young. The two lie together, covered with foliage, like the Babes of the Wood, but the foliage consists of rank nettles.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala

32. Wolfe Tone plans Bantry Bay expedition

    near Bantry Bay · bay · Cork · 1796

    Writing from Paris in August 1796, Theobald Wolfe Tone recorded memorandums about himself and his family in anticipation of the Bantry Bay expedition, a planned French invasion of Ireland. The expedition represented Tone's determination to conquer Ireland with French bayonets.

    Read the passage

    though we may not always mark the quotation. He writes from Paris, August 7th, 1796, in reference to the Bantry Bay expedition, " As I shall embark in a business in a few days, the event of which is uncertain, I take the opportunity of a vacant hour to throw on paper a few memorandums, relative to myself and family." He was born in Dublin, the 20th of June, 1763. He entered Trinity College, got a scholarship, and then a wife ; tried the law and failed, wrote political pamphlets, organized clubs, became the secretary of the United Irishmen, went to America and from that to France, where we now find him just landed.

    "Feb. 6th, 1796.— It is singular, but I have had several occasions already to observe it, that there is more difficulty in passing silver than paper." But we soon find him running out of both. " Eose early this morning and wrote a threatening letter to Carnot, ' if he did not put five pounds in a sartin place ' "

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 122

33. Castlehaven joins Confederate Catholics at Kilkenny

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny

    After his escape, during which his servants were killed and his house burned, Castlehaven travelled to Kilkenny and joined the confederate Catholics there. He was appointed a general of horse by the confederate forces.

    Read the passage

    provided the horses. It was Castlehaven's intention to have gone to France, but being disappointed in the vessel, he set off for Kilkenny, and joined the confederate Catholics, by whom he was made a general of horse. Speaking of his escape — for he was pursued — he says, " They killed many of my servants, and burned my house. This I saw as I passed by in the disguise of a servant to the trooper — and had notice by the way that Castlehaven was seized by the English."

    <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

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 42

34. Catholic exclusion from Cork Corporation, 1656–1829

    Cork · city · Cork · 1656–1829

    From 1656 to 1829, Roman Catholics were disqualified from holding any office in the Cork Corporation, despite having previously served as mayors and sheriffs alongside Protestants. The exclusion did not produce peace, as the Protestant corporation was plagued by internal disputes.

    Read the passage

    PKEVIOUS to the civil wars, Protestants as well as Catholics* were members of the Corporation, and filled the offices of mayors and sheriffs, and we do not find that they worked inharmoniously together ; but from 1656 to 1829, a period of a hundred and seventy-three years, Eoman Catholics were disqualified from filling the meanest office in the council. But we do not find that the exclusion of the Catholic, and his deprivation of all civic privileges, produced those halcyon days of peace which some anticipated. Disputes and wrangling will occur in the best regulated communities ; and when place, power, and pelf, are to be had for the striving, we find those who have been reared in the same nest, turning their halcyon backs against each other. This state of things was of frequent occurrence in the Protestant Corporation of Cork. If we are to believe a writer of the period, this common council was more like a rookery of crows than a nest of young doves. He calls the court " D'Oyer Hundred," — a court of confusion.

    * Protestants as well as CatMies. Mr. Tuckey says, " Some Protestants were occasionally admitted, but were mostly statesmen or official persons of distinction." They must therefore have had the greater influence.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 90

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, this city carries a long story of exclusion. Before the civil wars, Protestants and Catholics were both members of the Corporation, and both filled the offices of mayors and sheriffs. The record says they did not work inharmoniously together. But from 1656 to 1829, a period of 173 years, Catholics were disqualified from filling the meanest office in the council. Yet the exclusion of the Catholic and his deprivation of all civic privileges did not produce the halcyon days of peace some anticipated. Disputes and wrangling will occur in the best regulated communities, and when place, power, and pelf are to be had for the striving, those reared in the same nest turn their backs against each other. This was frequent in the Protestant Corporation of Cork. A writer of the period said this common council was more like a rookery of crows than a nest of young doves. He called the court "D'Oyer Hundred" — a court of confusion.

35. Colum, Coarb of St. Barry, receives Mahon's bloodstained gospel

    Cork · city · Cork · 988

    Colum Mac Kiergan, Airchinneach of Cork and Coarb of St. Barry, was told by two priests of Molloy's death and given the gospel stained with Mahon's blood. The holy prelate wept bitterly and uttered a prophecy concerning the future fate of the murderers.

    Read the passage

    " A.D. 988. Colum, Airchinneach of Corcach, died." Colum, who is here styled Airchinneach, is styled the Coarb of St. Barry, and holy prelate, in the work styled the War of the Gaels with the Danes. " The two priests " — who had witnessed the death of Molloy — returned home and told Colum Mac Kiergan, the Coarb of St. Barry, what had been done, and gave him the gospel, which was stained with the blood of Mahon ; and the holy prelate wept bitterly, and uttered a prophecy concerning the future fate of the murderers- Doctor O'Donovan says — and we could have no higher authority — that " the Airchinnech was always a layman, or, at least, one who had merely received primam tonsuram" He quotes Sir John Davies for the meaning of the term. " There are few parishes, of any compass or extent, where there is not an Erenach, which, being an office of the church, took beginning in this manner: "When any lord or gentleman had a direction to build a church, he did first dedicate some good portion of land to some saint or other, whom he chose to be his patron ; then he founded the church, and called it by the name of that saint, and then gave the land to some clerke, not being in orders, and to his heires for ever ; with this intent, that he should keep the church clean and well repaired, keep hospitality, and give almes to the poore, for the soul's health of the founder. This man and his heires had the name of Erenach. The Erenach was also to make a weekly commemoration of

    346 HISTORY OP CORK.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 176

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Cork, this city carries a story from the year 988. That was the year Colum Mac Kiergan died. He was the Airchinneach of Cork and the Coarb of St. Barry, called a holy prelate in the work known as the War of the Gaels with the Danes. Two priests who had witnessed the death of Molloy returned home and told Colum what had been done. They gave him the gospel, which was stained with the blood of Mahon. The holy prelate wept bitterly and uttered a prophecy concerning the future fate of the murderers. Doctor O'Donovan says, and the source calls him the highest authority, that the Airchinneach was always a layman, or at least one who had merely received first tonsure. Sir John Davies explained the office. When a lord had a direction to build a church, he dedicated a portion of land to a saint as patron, founded the church in that saint's name, and gave the land to a clerk not in orders, and to his heirs forever. The clerk was to keep the church clean and well repaired, keep hospitality, and give alms to the poor for the soul's health of the founder. This man and his heirs had the name of Erenach. The Erenach was also to make a weekly commemoration of the founder.

36. Cromwell lands in Dublin with army

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1649

    Cromwell landed in Dublin on the 14th of August, 1649, with an army of 9,000 foot and 4,000 horse. He found the English troops flushed with their victory over Ormond at Rathmines and learned they had been committing acts of violence upon the people, prompting him to issue a proclamation against such abuses.

    Read the passage

    CROMWELL landed in Dublin, the 14th of August, 1649, with an army of 9,000 foot and 4,000 horse. He found the English troops, under Lieutenant-general Jones, flushed with their late victory over Ormond at Eathmines, and learned that they, and the parliamentary soldiers generally, had been committing acts of violence upon the people,* and, therefore, published the address from which we give these extracts : —

    " Whereas, I am informed, that upon the marching out of the armies heretofore, or of parties from garrisons, a liberty hath been taken by the soldiery to abuse, rob and pillage, and too often to execute cruelties upon the country people ; being resolved, by the grace of God, diligently and strictly to restrain such wickedness for the future, I do hereby warn and require all officers, soldiers, and others under my command, henceforth, to forbear all such evil practices as aforesaid, and not to do any wrong or violence toward country people, or persons whatsoever, unless they be

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 49

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Dublin, this is where Cromwell arrived on the 14th of August, 1649, with an army of 9,000 foot and 4,000 horse. He found the English troops under Lieutenant-general Jones flushed with their late victory over Ormond at Rathmines. But he also learned that these soldiers, and parliamentary soldiers generally, had been committing acts of violence upon the people. So he published an address. He said he was informed that upon the marching out of the armies, or of parties from garrisons, a liberty had been taken by the soldiery to abuse, rob and pillage, and too often to execute cruelties upon the country people. He declared himself, by the grace of God, diligently and strictly resolved to restrain such wickedness for the future, and warned all officers, soldiers, and others under his command to forbear all such evil practices and to do no wrong or violence toward country people or persons whatsoever.

37. Cromwell's march to Kilmacthomas castle

    Kilmacthomas · town · Waterford · 1649

    On 2 December 1649, Cromwell marched from Waterford through difficult, craggy terrain to Kilmacthomas castle, about eight miles from Dungarvan, seeking winter quarters to refresh his men. The enemy had meanwhile reinforced their garrison across the water.

    Read the passage

    " We marched off the 2nd of this instant, it being so terrible a day as ever I marched in all my life. Just as we marched off in the morning, unexpected to us, the enemy had brought an addition of near two thousand horse and foot to the increase of their garrison, which we plainly saw at the other side of the water. We marched that night some ten or twelve miles, through a craggy country, to Kilmacthomas, a castle some eight miles from Dungarvan. As we were marching off in the morning from thence, the Lord Broghill — I having sent before to him to march up to me — sent a party of horse to let me know he was, with about twelve or thirteen hundred of the Munster horse and foot, about ten miles off, near Dungarvan, which was newly rendered to him."

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 58

38. Duke of Grafton mortally wounded at Grafton's Alley

    Cork · city · Cork

    The Duke of Grafton, an illegitimate son of Charles II, received a mortal wound during the storming of Cork's walls. According to Mr. Edwards, the shot was fired by a blacksmith from a forge in Post Office Lane, and the place is called Grafton's Alley to this day. He died in Cork on the 9th of October.

    Read the passage

    * Senry Fitz-Soy, Luke of Grafton, was an illegitimate son of Charles II. and the Duchess of Cleveland. Collins says, he received a shot which broke two of his ribs. Mr. Edwards says, the shot was fired by a blacksmith, from a forge in Post Office Lane. The place where he was mortally woundtd is called Grafton's Alley to this day. He died in Cork the 9th of October. His body was brought 'to England and buried at Euston, Suffolk.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 82

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, this is where Henry Fitz-Roy, Duke of Grafton, an illegitimate son of Charles II and the Duchess of Cleveland, was mortally wounded. Collins says he received a shot which broke two of his ribs. Mr. Edwards says the shot was fired by a blacksmith from a forge in Post Office Lane. The place is called Grafton's Alley to this day. He died in Cork on the 9th of October. His body was brought to England and buried at Euston, Suffolk.

39. Encounter at Clonmeen before Battle of Knocknaclashy

    Clonmeen · parish · Cork · 1652

    Lord Broghill, pursuing a body of Lord Muskerry's horse that had marched from Dromagh castle near the Blackwater, crossed the river near Clonmeen. There he met ninety Irish who claimed to have come out of curiosity to see the battle, motivated by a prophecy that a battle would be fought on that ground.

    Read the passage

    Ireton was engaged in the seige of Limerick, on the July of 1652, when Lord Muskerry raised an army for its relief. Lord Broghill, who received intelligence that a body of Lord Muskerry's horse had marched from the castle of Dromagh, near the Blackwater, gave pursuit. We give Lord Broghill's account of the affair: — "In the morning early, I passed the river, near Clonmeen, where I met with ninety Irish, who were under protection. I asked them what they were assembled for ? They answered, they came out of curiosity to see the battle. Having asked them how they knew there was to be a battle ? they answered, they had a prophecy that there was to be one fought on that ground, one time or other, and they knew none more likely than the present. Upon which I again asked them, on what side the victory was to fall? They shook their heads, and said the English are to get the day.

    " Having begun to march to their camp, the Irish

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 60

40. Enemy forces killing English near Ballyduff

    Ballyduff · townland · Cork · 1642

    In February 1642, Lord Broghill received intelligence that two colours of enemy troops were active near Ballyduff, killing and rifling English inhabitants, prompting him to draw out thirty foot and thirty horse in response.

    Read the passage

    " Yesterday morning I had intelligence that two colours of the enemy were on this side Ballyduff, killing and rifling all the English, which made me draw out thirty foot and thirty horse, with Captain Brodrick, who would needs accompany me. When I came to Ballygarron, I espied two troops of horse and advanced towards them, which, when they saw, they sent two light horse down the glen, towards the river, to call up their foot — their horse retired into a lane — whereupon I made a stand, and would have had our musqueteers to have poured in upon them, and made them come into good ground to have charged them with my horse, but before we could effect this there came up to their horse a body of 800 foot, well armed with pike and gun, and also a troop of sixty horse, out of a wood. We staid till the foot came within musket

    62 HISTORY OF CORK.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 35

41. English colony at Baltimore incorporated 1613

    Baltimore · town · Cork · 1613

    An English colony was established at Baltimore by Sir Thomas Crooke, who took a 21-year lease from Sir Fineen O'Driscoll. The town was incorporated through Crooke's interest in 1613. After his death, Sir Walter Coppinger gained possession of the property from the O'Driscolls, to the great annoyance of the English colonists.

    Read the passage

    There was an English colony established at Baltimore, by Sir Thomas Crooke, who took a lease of the place for 21 years, from Sir Fineen O'Driscoll. The town was incorporated, through his interest, in 1613. After his death Sir Walter Coppinger managed to get possession of the property from the O'Driscolls, to the great annoyance of the English colonists, as the following document, which I find among Lord Cork's papers at Lismore Castle, will prove : —

    " The suflraine and burgesses of Baltimore, consisting of many English Protestant families, were at great charges in building and planting there, to the value of £2,000, at least, in confidence of enjoying their estate, promised and derived to them from Sir Thomas Crooke, bart., deceased, whose interest therein being avoided by a title, gained therein by Sir Walter Coppinger, knight, from some natives thereabouts, hath occasioned controversies between them and Sir Walter Coppinger, wherein we (out of reasons of state) have interposed the authority of this board, principally aiming at the strengthening and serving of the poor ; the suflraine and burgesses do offer, if there may be secured unto them, that notwithstanding the late disaster befallen them, they will contribute, in a good measure, towards the building of a fort, or blockhouse, there, which they will guard at their own charge, so that his Majesty will be pleased to assign them some ordnance for their better strength." Lords Cork and Loftus1 Letter to the Lords in England, No. 395, pp. 399, 400.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 266

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up now near Baltimore, in Cork. An English colony was established here by Sir Thomas Crooke, who took a lease of the place for 21 years from Sir Fineen O'Driscoll. The town was incorporated through Crooke's interest in 1613. After his death, Sir Walter Coppinger managed to get possession of the property from the O'Driscolls, to the great annoyance of the English colonists. The sovereign and burgesses of Baltimore, consisting of many English Protestant families, were at great charges in building and planting there, to the value of £2,000 at least, in confidence of enjoying their estate, promised and derived to them from Sir Thomas Crooke, deceased. His interest was avoided by a title gained by Sir Walter Coppinger from some natives thereabouts, and this caused controversies between the colonists and Coppinger. Lords Cork and Loftus interposed the authority of their board, principally aiming at strengthening and serving the poor. The sovereign and burgesses offered that if there might be secured unto them, notwithstanding the late disaster befallen them, they would contribute towards the building of a fort or blockhouse there, which they would guard at their own charge, so that his Majesty would be pleased to assign them some ordnance for their better strength. This was set out in a letter from Lords Cork and Loftus to the Lords in England.

42. Fr. Barry of Mallow informs on rebel plot

    Mallow · town · Cork

    The Rev. Mr. Barry, parish priest of Mallow, alerted the government to a plan by a regiment to seize the town of Mallow. For this he received an annual pension of two hundred pounds and the nickname 'the Protestant priest'. The Rev. Mr. Barry of Charleville was likewise an active opponent of the United Irishmen.

    Read the passage

    The Eev. Mr. Barry, parish priest of Mallow, and the Kev. Mr. Barry, parish priest of Charleville, were active opponents of all kinds of United Irishmen, and democratic associations. Barry, of Mallow, gave information to government of a plan laid by a regiment to siege the town of Mallow, for which he got a pension of two hundred a-year, and the name of the Protestant priest. The following letter from Lieut.- General Lake— which appears among the Cornwallis' correspondence — makes incidental reference to the circumstance, in describing a like affair among the Meath Militia, which occurred soon afterwards. The object of the second attack was to liberate some pri^ Boners of the regiment that were confined for treasonable practices — for treason in those days was as rife in the army* as among the civilians : —

    " LIEUT.-GENEBAL LAKE TO LIEUT.-COLONEL LITTLEHALES.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 129

43. French fleet prisoners held in Cork Harbour under Cotter's protection

    near Cork Harbour · estuary · Cork · 1692

    Charles Northote, along with two other gentlemen, was sent prisoner from the French fleet in Cork Harbour to Sir James Cotter, then Governor of Cork, on or around 12 May 1692. Despite being under sentence for treason, Cotter treated them with humanity and kindness beyond their expectations.

    Read the passage

    * I doe hereby certify that when I, together with Mr. Will. Southwell and Mr. Symon Griffith, was sent prisoner from off the French fleet in the Harbour of Corke, to Sir James Cotter, Governor of the said Citty, that the said Sir James did use me, and the other two gentlemen, with all the humanity and kindness he was able, notwithstanding our being under sentence for treason against the then Government, and that he ventured to favor us and to be kind to us beyond our hopes and reasonable expectations. — All of which I certifie, under my hand, this 12th day of May, 1692.

    " CHARLES NORTHCOTE, Clergiman."

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 88

44. George II statue decaying in Cork

    Cork · city · Cork

    A statue of George II in Cork was described as fast sinking into the belly of his horse, with the horse itself supported by an ugly crutch, illustrating the city's neglect of its public monuments.

    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

    As the companion tells it

    As the road brings you through Cork, the city has a poor record with its public monuments. A statue of George II is fast sinking into the belly of his horse, and the horse itself is supported by an ugly crutch. Cork has many sins to answer for on the score of monuments to great men. The book quotes from Mr. Windele's Historical Notices about another statue, a wooden one of William III in the County Grand Jury Room, whose history is curious. It originally represented his father-in-law, James II, but on his downfall the statue was dishonorably flung aside, having first been decapitated for the sins of the original. For several years it lay 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. It was removed from the old to the new Grand Jury Room by order in 1836. The writer also asks, where is the monument of Father Mathew.

45. Great Island's ancient name and legend

    near Great Island · townland · Cork

    Great Island, on which Queenstown (Cobh) is situated, was anciently called Ard-Neimhidh after Nemedius, a chieftain who came from the borders of the Euxine Sea and who, with 2,000 followers, died there of a pestilence. Tradition holds that his grandson Briotan Maol led refugees to Albion, giving Britain its name.

    Read the passage

    If we can believe our ancient chroniclers, or our modern historian, Mr. Haverty, who is both learned and correct, the ancient inhabitants of the Great Island, on which Queenstown is situated, gave name to Great Britain. Inis Mor, or the Great Island, was anciently called Ard-Neimhidh, from Ard, " Great," or " high," and Nemedius, a chieftain, who came from the borders of the Euxine sea, and who, with 2000 of his followers, died here of a pestilence. His followers were harassed by the Fomorians.* Some of them, under

    * The Fomorians are thought by some to have been African pirates ; by others,

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 217

46. James Barry born in Water Lane, Blackpool, Cork

    Blackpool · townland · Cork · 1741–1783

    The eminent artist James Barry was born on October 11th, 1741, in a house in Water Lane, Blackpool, Cork. Mr. Crofton Croker provided a sketch of the birthplace. Barry painted six allegorical frescoes on the walls of the Adelphi in John Street, London, between 1777 and 1783.

    Read the passage

    engravings of the six allegorical frescoes, painted by James Barry, in 1777-83, on the walls of the Adelphi, or Society of Arts, in John Street, London. This eminent artist was born in Cork, llth of October, 1741. Mr. Crofton Croker has given us a sketch of the house in which he was born, in Water Lane, Blackpool. He was the friend of Burke, with whom he quarrelled, for Barry was a man of a peculiar and irritable temper. Burke was kind, and, perhaps, patronizing, and Barry could brook no patron, not even in a man of Burke' s high position. The following words, addressed to his friend, Doctor Hugh, are worthy of this noble Cork artist : — " My hopes are grounded in a most unwearied intense application. I every day centre more upon my art, I give myself wholly to it, and, except honor and conscience, am determined to renounce everything else." He died, February 22nd, 1806, and was interred in St. Paul's Cathedral. There are one or two pictures in Cork by Barry's 'prentice hand.*

    Cork has produced an equally great, if not greater, living artist in Mr, Daniel Maclise. His friend, Mr. Sainthill, of Nelson Place, Cork, has several of his early sketches, and among the number, two or three of Sir Walter Scott, taken on the sly, when the great novelist was in Cork. The young artist dodged him through the city, got a stroke at him from behind the counter of a bookseller's shop, a second on the steps of the Imperial Hotel. The third was a regular " sitting,"

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 163

47. Men of Bandon indicted despite promised pardon

    Bandon · town · Cork · 1689

    Despite King James having promised a pardon to the men of Bandon, many of them were indicted at the assizes and capias issued against them. Dean Davies reported this news from London upon returning from the coronation of William and Mary.

    Read the passage

    " The procession was very sumptuous, according to the printed account of it. The king went stooping, but no more under the crown than under the cap of maintenance. He looked very brisk and cheerful, and the queen abundantly more, and I pray God preserve them ! About seven in the evening, I got into the Park, having been at Westminster fourteen hours, and received an account that King James, in Ireland, proceeded very severely against the Protestants, and, notwithstanding that he had promised a pardon to the men of Bandon, many of them were indicted at the assizes, and capias issued against them ; that Mac Carthy had gone with him to Dublin, and a French governor left in Cork."

    The most circumstantial account of the siege of Cork is by the hand of the same writer. This clergyman was at the battle of the Boyne, and near the Prince of Orange when he was hit on the shoulder.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 78

48. Monkstown seized under Cromwell by Colonel Hunks

    Monkstown · townland · Cork · 1649–1660

    After John Archdeacon's death in 1660, Cromwell deprived the family of their castle and lands, though not their life. Colonel Hunks, one of the three men deputed to execute the death-warrant of Charles I, received the Monkstown lands and sold them to Primate Boyle for about £400.

    Read the passage

    "A.D. 1660. — Archdeacon died, and when Cromwell came to Ireland, he was deprived of his castle, lands, etcetera, but not his life, which they did not covet."

    "We learn from Dive Dowries that Colonel Hunks, one of the three deputed to execute the death-warrant of Charles I., got the Monkstown lands, and, we conclude, castle, in Cromwell's time. Hunks sold the lands to Primate Boyle, brother to the first earl of Cork ; who " gave about £400 for it to Hunks." The Archdeacons must have got it back, or rented it from Boyle, for they were dispossessed of it in 1689, for their adhesion to James II.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 213

49. Parliamentary blockade of Kinsale harbour

    Kinsale · town · Cork · 1649

    The English parliament sent Admirals Blake and Deane to blockade Kinsale harbour, capturing one of Rupert's ships, the Guinea, which was out on a cruise. Rupert asked Cork and Waterford for aid but was refused, and his fleet was reduced from sixteen ships to four and the flag ship through want and desertion before he escaped to Lisbon.

    Read the passage

    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

    * Fortnight before him.— Prince Rupert first put into Crookhaven, owing to a mistake of the pilot.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 48

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kinsale in Cork, this harbour was blockaded in 1649 by Admirals Blake and Deane, sent by the English parliament. They captured the Guinea, one of Prince Rupert's ships, out on a cruise. Rupert's fleet shrank from sixteen ships to four through want and desertion before he escaped to Lisbon.

50. Sheares brothers' father banker in Cork, MP for Clonakilty

    Clonakilty · town · Cork

    Henry Sheares, father of the executed United Irishmen Henry and John Sheares, was a banker in Cork city and represented the borough of Clonakilty in the Irish Parliament. The apprehension and death of his two sons was deeply felt by Cork inhabitants.

    Read the passage

    The apprehension and death of the two brothers, Henry and John Sheares, was deeply felt by the inhabitants of Cork generally. Their father* was a banker in the city, and had represented the borough of Clonakilty in the Irish Parliament. A gentleman in Cork, who remembers the two brothers — Mr, Humphreys, of the Eoyal Cork Institution — tells me that Henry, the elder, had a wine stain on his face, but that John was a very handsome man. Both brothers had imbibed the principles of the French Eepublican school. They were in Paris, and present at the execution of Louis XVI. O'Connell met them on his return from St. Omer and Douai, in January 1793, and expressed his " horror " — as he told Mr. James Eoche of Cork — " at the language of these unhappy men, in reference to the execution, which they had exultingly witnessed."

    John Sheares was fearfully democratic. There cannot be the shadow of a doubt, after reading the following paper, which was found in his possession, and produced on his trial, that he contemplated not only a general

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 131

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Clonakilty, a town in Cork with a quiet connection to a grim chapter. The borough was once represented in the Irish Parliament by a banker from Cork city, the father of Henry and John Sheares. The two brothers were United Irishmen, and their apprehension and death were deeply felt by the inhabitants of Cork generally. A gentleman in Cork who remembered them, Mr. Humphreys of the Royal Cork Institution, said that Henry, the elder, had a wine stain on his face, but that John was a very handsome man. Both brothers had imbibed the principles of the French Republican school. They were in Paris, and present at the execution of Louis the 16th. O'Connell met them on his return from St. Omer and Douai in January 1793, and expressed his horror, as he told Mr. James Roche of Cork, at the language of these unhappy men, in reference to the execution, which they had exultingly witnessed. John Sheares was fearfully democratic. A paper found in his possession and produced on his trial left no doubt that he contemplated a general rising.

51. Sir John Arnott's visit to Cork Workhouse, 1859

    Cork · city · Cork · 1859

    Sir John Arnott visited the Cork Union Workhouse on 6 April 1859 and recorded his appalled observations in the Union visiting book. He described children deformed, maimed, and diseased from scrofula caused by inadequate nutrition, concluding it would be a mercy to let them die rather than be reared under such a system.

    Read the passage

    Near the South Infirmary is the junction of the Blackrock and Douglas Eoads, the former running east, the latter south-east. More south-east still is the Evergreen Eoad, and the Cork Union Workhouse, which will be ever green, or gangrene, in the public mind for its inhumanity to the poor. Sir John Arnott visited the Cork workhouse on the 6th of April, 1859, and entered his opinion on the Union visiting book, from which we take the following extract : —

    " I have been shocked — I may say appalled — from my observation of the state of the children ; and the results of my inquiries have led me to the deliberate conclusion that it would be a mercy to close the gates of the Union House against them, and let them attain the mercy of death rather than be reared deformed, maimed, and diseased objects, through the system of feeding them, to which, I have reason to believe, their terrible state is attributable. For want of proper nutriment, and change of diet, scrofula has so infected those young creatures, that there was scarcely one of them, whom I examined, that did not bear plain and frightful tokens that their blood had been wasted to that degree, that the current, which should have borne vigour and health to their frames, was only a medium to disseminate debility and disease.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 168

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, the city holds the memory of the Cork Union Workhouse, described in its own day as a place of inhumanity to the poor. On the 6th of April 1859, Sir John Arnott visited the workhouse and wrote his opinion in the Union visiting book. He said he was shocked and appalled by the state of the children, and reached what he called a deliberate conclusion: that it would be a mercy to close the gates against them and let them die rather than be reared deformed, maimed, and diseased through the system of feeding them. He blamed their terrible state on the lack of proper nutriment and change of diet. Scrofula had so infected the young creatures, he wrote, that scarcely one he examined did not bear plain and frightful tokens that their blood had been wasted, until the current that should have borne vigour and health to their frames was only a medium to disseminate debility and disease.

52. Sir Richard Cox of Dunmanway prosecutes Clancarty

    Dunmanway · town · Cork

    Sir Richard Cox of Dunmanway was Donough MacCarthy's most determined enemy, preparing the charges against him for which he 'received the thanks of every Protestant of figure in the county.'

    Read the passage

    It was his splendid property,* and not his blood, that his political enemies sought. The whole of his estates, along with his castles of Macroom and Blarney, were confiscated. His most determined enemy was Sir Richard Cox, of Dunmanway, who prepared the charges against him, for which he " received the thanks of every Protestant of figure in the county." But King William, who was a more just ruler than he gets credit for, granted him a pension of £300 a-year, on condition of his quitting the kingdom, and never taking up arms against the Protestant succession. Lord Macauley's last volume of the History of England has an interesting account of this earl's early marriage and clandestine union with the Earl of Sunderland's daughter. He finally retired from society, to an island in the Elbe, which he purchased from the citizens of Altona. Here he erected a house, planted a garden, and built storehouses for wrecked property. Here he saved many lives. He kept the wrecked property in his' storehouses for a year, and if an owner was found within this period, the goods were restored on the pay-

    * His splendid property, — Upon a loose calculation, made in the middle of the last century, his property was supposed to be worth £150,000, per annum ; and in 1796, about £200,000.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 252

53. Sisters of Mercy convent built on site of old Dominican Priory, Cork

    Cork · city · Cork · 1850–1852

    The Convent of the Sisters of Mercy of St. Mary's of the Isle, a Tudor structure designed by William Atkins, now occupies the site of the old Dominican Priory in Cork. Its foundation was laid in 1850 and the house opened in 1852. The sisterhood of about thirty-five boarded, clothed, and educated about sixty orphan children, and ran a school of about 300 children.

    Read the passage

    The CONVENT OF THE SISTERS OF MERCY of St. Mary's of the Isle, which now occupies the site of the old Dominican Priory, is a beautiful Tudor structure, designed by Mr. William Atkins. The foundation was laid in 1850. The house was first opened and occupied by the order of the Sisters of Mercy in 1852. The foundress, Miss Catherine Macauley — being an orphan — was reared by a respectable Protestant family in Dublin. She commenced her novitiate in 1827, and was installed, as a patroness of the order, in 1830. The number of the sisterhood is about thirty -five. They board, clothe, and educate about sixty orphan children, and give the advantages of their asylum to thirty-six females, whom they fit for servants. They also superintend a school — in connexion with the National Board — -of about 300 children, and take the

    * Sir George and Lady Carew lived. Sir George's wife was Joyce, daughter of William Clopton, of Warwickshire. She and her husband lie buried in the Church of Stratford-on-Avon. A rusty helmet and a tattered homer are suspended above their tomb.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 188

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, you are near the Convent of the Sisters of Mercy of St. Mary's of the Isle, which stands on the site of the old Dominican Priory. It is a Tudor structure designed by William Atkins. The foundation was laid in 1850 and the house opened in 1852. The foundress, Miss Catherine Macauley, was herself an orphan, reared by a respectable Protestant family in Dublin. She began her novitiate in 1827 and was installed as patroness of the order in 1830. The sisterhood numbers about thirty-five. They board, clothe, and educate about sixty orphan children, and give the advantages of their asylum to thirty-six females whom they fit for servants. They also superintend a school, in connexion with the National Board, of about 300 children.

54. Storming of Old Fort and Ringrone Castle, Kinsale

    Ringrone · townland · Cork · 1690

    On 3 October 1690, Major-General Tettau and Colonel Fitzpatrick crossed with 300 men to the peninsula where the ruins of the Old Fort and Ringrone Castle stand, and stormed the fort. The Irish retired to the castle, losing forty men in a gunpowder barrel explosion, and refused to surrender until Governor Colonel O'Driscoll and 200 of the garrison had been slain.

    Read the passage

    Marlborough arrived in Kinsale on the 2nd of October. On the 3rd, Major-General Tettau and Colonel Fitzpatrick, crossed in boats, with 300 men, to the peninsula or tongue of land on which the ruins of the Old Fort and Eingrone Castle now stand. They took the fort by storm, the Irish retiring to the castle. Here they lost forty men by the explosion of a barrel of gunpowder, but refused to surrender till their governor, Colonel O'Driscoll, and two hundred of the garrison, had been slain.

    The New, or Charles Fort, was then summoned. The governor, Sir Edward Scot, said it was time enough, a month hence, to talk of surrender. The trenches were opened on the 5th of October, and batteries erected, on the east by the Danes, and on the north by the

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 85

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Ringrone, on a peninsula where the ruins of the Old Fort and Ringrone Castle stand, Marlborough's forces struck on 3 October 1690. Major-General Tettau and Colonel Fitzpatrick crossed in boats with 300 men and took the fort by storm. The Irish retired to the castle, where 40 men were lost to the explosion of a barrel of gunpowder. They refused to surrender until their governor, Colonel O'Driscoll, and 200 of the garrison had been slain.

55. St. Peter's Church Void Room Lease, 1606

    Cork · city · Cork · 1606–1609

    An indenture dated 6 February 1606 stipulated that the 'voyd roome' in the forefront of St. Peter's Church could be leased for building purposes, but only to a merchant tailor. A tailor named Carrule received the space, and three years later it was transferred to Thomas Davie for his wife's grave.

    Read the passage

    MARGARITE." A stone, copied by Mr. Sainthill, bears the initials E. C. I. M., a pair of shears, and a smoothing iron. The profession of a tailor was something to be proud of in those days. An indenture, bearing date the 6th of February, 1606, stipulates that the 11 voyd roome, in the fore-front of St. Peter's church,"

    * Two small parishes.— " Whereas the whole city of Cork, being the shire city of the county of Cork, containing only two small parishes, and there being four dissolved abbeys, viz, Gill Abbey, St. Dominick's Abbey, St. Augustin's Abbey, and St. Francis' Abbey — that those abbeys, with their possessions and inhabitants, may be within the jurisdiction and government of the officers of the city."

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 160

    As the companion tells it

    In Cork, an indenture dated 6 February 1606 set out that the "voyd roome" in the fore-front of St. Peter's Church could be leased for building, but only to a merchant tailor. A tailor named Carrule received the space. Three years later it passed to Thomas Davie, for his wife's grave.

56. Surrender of Charles Fort, Kinsale to Marlborough, 1690

    near Charles Fort · monument · Cork · 1690

    Colonel Daniel O'Donovan served as deputy-governor of Charles Fort in Kinsale under James II. In October 1690 he surrendered the fort to Marlborough on honorable terms during the Williamite War.

    Read the passage

    This Daniel, better known afterwards as Colonel O'Donovan, was committed in 1684, by Sir Emanucl Moore, on a charge of treason, for conspiring the death of the king, in his lodgings at Whitehall, but he was entirely acquitted. We find him, July 1689, a colonel of a regiment of foot, in the service of James II. In October, 1690, he was deputy-governor of Charles Fort, in Kinsale, which he surrendered to Marlborough on honorable terms.

    He was required, at the conclusion of the James and Williamite war, to march with his regiment to Cork harbour, and there to embark. The order is dated 12th Nov., 1691, and signed " Jo. WANEHOPE." It would appear that Colonel O'Donovan did not obey this order, for on the 4th of January, 1692, we have a " Permit," signed " B. TOWNSEND," for " Colonel O'Donovan to travell to Timoleague, to deliver himselfe a prisoner unto the High-Sheriff, without molestation, he behaving himselfe as becometh." He was alive in January, 1701.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 264

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Charles Fort, in October 1690, the deputy-governor of this fort, Colonel Daniel O'Donovan, surrendered it to Marlborough, on honorable terms. O'Donovan had been committed in 1684, by Sir Emanucl Moore, on a charge of treason, for conspiring the death of the king, in his lodgings at Whitehall, but he was entirely acquitted. We find him, July 1689, a colonel of a regiment of foot, in the service of James II. At the end of the war, he was required to march with his regiment to Cork harbour, and there to embark. The order is dated 12th Nov., 1691, and signed "Jo. WANEHOPE." But he appears not to have obeyed. On 4th January, 1692, there is a permit, signed "B. TOWNSEND," for Colonel O'Donovan to travell to Timoleague, to deliver himselfe a prisoner unto the High-Sheriff, without molestation, he behaving himselfe as becometh. He was alive in January, 1701.

57. William Penn and Quakers imprisoned in Cork

    Cork · city · Cork · 1667

    On 3 September 1667, William Penn was arrested at a Quaker meeting in Cork and brought before Mayor Timothy Tuckey. Refusing to give bond for good behaviour, Penn and eighteen others were committed to the common prison. Orrery, then at Charleville, ordered Penn's discharge.

    Read the passage

    " On the 3rd of September, 1667, Penn, being at a meeting in that city, was apprehended, with many others, and carried before the mayor — Timothy Tuckey — who, observing his dress was less primitive than that of his companions, or perhaps recollecting that his father, Sir "William Penn, was a man of considerable power and influence both in the country and in England, would have set him at liberty upon giving bond for his future good behaviour, which Penn refused to do, and was committed with eighteen others to the common prison. Immediately on his commitment, he wrote a manly letter to Lord Orrery, President of Munster, then at Charleville, who ordered his discharge, but suffered his fellow-prisoners to remain until released in the due course of law.

    " Amongst the early religious associates of Penn was John Exham, distinguished by the name of ' the Quaker Prophet,' an eccentric fanatic, originally a

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 69

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cork, this city holds a story from September 1667. William Penn was at a Quaker meeting here when he was arrested with many others and brought before the mayor, Timothy Tuckey. Tuckey noticed Penn's dress was less plain than his companions, or perhaps recalled that Penn's father, Sir William Penn, carried considerable power and influence in England. The mayor would have released him on bond for good behaviour. Penn refused, and was committed with eighteen others to the common prison. Straight away he wrote a manly letter to Lord Orrery, President of Munster, then at Charleville. Orrery ordered Penn's discharge but left his fellow prisoners to remain until released in the due course of law.

58. Ballycotton's curious windmill bellows in cabins

    Ballycotton · town · Cork

    In many cabins of Ballycotton village, a curious bellows of windmill construction was observed, built into the hollow hob and turned by a handle like a grindstone. The author recommends the Ballycotton bellows to all poor people in Ireland as it saves time lost in borrowing.

    Read the passage

    I saw, in many of the houses, or cabins, of this village, a bellows of a very curious construction. It is a sort of little windmill, built into the hob, which is hollow. You turn a handle, as you would that of a grindstone, and the air rushes out through a tube at the side of the fire. It performs its object perfectly, and it has this advantage, that your neighbours cannot borrow it, and must, therefore, provide for themselves. It would be well if every village in Ireland had this sort of bellows. It would save poor people a great deal of time, lost in borrowing. There is nowhere you hear the question so often put as in Ireland, " Will you lend me the loan of your bellows ? " And the worst of it is they all want it about the same time. We strongly recommend the Ballycotton bellows to all poor people. A handy -man might erect one at his fire side, in two or three hours, at the cost of a shilling, or the utmost, one and sixpence.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 231

59. Bandon town origins and Becher grants

    Bandon · town · Cork · 1612

    Bandon, first called Bandon-bridge, formed part of the forfeited estates granted to Phaire Becher in Elizabeth's reign. James I granted Henry Becher a Saturday market and two fairs, and in 1612 a moiety of the territory of Kinalmeaky was erected into the manor of 'Castle Mahowne.'

    Read the passage

    Bandon is a borough, market, and post town, on the Bandon river, from which it derives its name. It was first called Bandon-bridge. It formed a part of the grant of forfeited estates f made to Phaire Becher, in Elizabeth's reign. James I. granted to Henry Becher the privilege of a Saturday's market, and two fairs, " at the town lately built on the south side of the river Bandon, near the bridge." In the grant made to Becher, in 1612, of a moiety of the territory of Kinalmeaky, which was erected into the manor of " Castle Mahowne," power was given to him and his heirs, to appoint a clerk of a market, in the " newly erected town called Bandon-bridge."

    These grants were shortly after purchased by the first Earl of Cork, who may be justly styled the founder of the town. Through him, the Earls of Cork and Shannon, and the Duke of Devonshire, possess property in the town and neighbourhood. The Earl of Bandon is also a proprietor, but the principal part of his property is in Kerry and in the western part of the county. The Bernard family have always been esteemed good landlords and kind to their tenantry.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 254

60. Battle of the Stares over Dublin, 1629

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1629

    In 1629, an immense multitude of starlings, described as like a dark cloud, passed over Dublin and were observed to fight furiously for several hours, with great numbers falling to the ground quite dead. The event was noted as famous for that year.

    Read the passage

    * In 1629. This year is famous for the Battle of the Stares. "All of a sudden an infinite multitude of stares," like a dark cloud, passed over the city. They were observed to fight furiously for several hours. Great numbers fell to the ground quite dead.

    Internet Archive historyofcountyc02gibsiala, Chapter 25

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin, 1629. That year was famous for what was called the Battle of the Stares. All of a sudden an infinite multitude of stares, like a dark cloud, passed over the city. They were observed to fight furiously for several hours. Great numbers fell to the ground quite dead.