History of the Diocese of Meath (vol. 1)

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. Murder of Mr. Barton in Athlone churchyard

   Athlone · town · Westmeath · 1641

   Rebels murdered Mr. Barton, son of a Protestant clergyman, in the churchyard of Athlone, then turned his wife and children out of the town, where the children perished because no one dared relieve them.

   Read the passage

   In Westmeath, the influence of Doctor Dease, the Roman Catholic bishop, restrained the rebels to some extent. Yet even there it was not possible to prevent cruel murders and robbery. The Vicar of Mullingar was robbed of all his goods ; the same thing happened to the minister of Rathconrath. The Rev. Thomas Fleetwood, curate of Kilbeggan, tells how he was himself robbed and taken prisoner with some of his children. His captors stripped him of his clothes, and threatened to kill him. They stripped some old men and women and sent them adrift perfectly naked in the middle of winter. They murdered, in the church-yard of Athlone, a Mr. Barton, son of a Protestant clergyman, and then " turned his wiffe and children out of ye towne, which children perished and dyed, for that the cruell rebells would neither harbour nor suffer any other to relieve them, but threatened to burn the houses of such as should give them any succour."

   276 HISTORY OF THE DIOCESE OF MEATH

   Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 133

   As the companion tells it

   You're coming into Athlone now, in Westmeath. In 1641, rebels murdered a Mr. Barton, son of a Protestant clergyman, in the churchyard here. They then turned his wife and children out of the town. The children perished and died, because the rebels would neither harbour them nor suffer anyone else to relieve them, threatening to burn the houses of anyone who gave them succour. Even in Westmeath, where the Roman Catholic bishop Doctor Dease restrained the rebels to some extent, cruel murders and robbery could not be prevented. The Vicar of Mullingar was robbed of all his goods, and the minister of Rathconrath met the same fate. The Reverend Thomas Fleetwood, curate of Kilbeggan, was robbed and taken prisoner with some of his children, stripped of his clothes, and threatened with death. Old men and women were stripped naked and sent adrift in the middle of winter.

2. Repeated burnings and Danish pillage of Clonard

   Clonard · town · Meath · 746–1045

   Clonard was repeatedly destroyed by fire and raiding: burned in 746, 784, and 794, pillaged by the Danes in 840 and again in 887, and burned three times in one week in 1045, destroying the whole town and its churches.

   Read the passage

   The community at Clonard had also their times of trouble. From the middle of the eighth century down to the end of the twelfth it was often desolated by hostile troops, sometimes belonging to the native Irish, and sometimes to the foreigners, who were beginning to form settlements in the country. It was burned in 746, again in 784, and yet again in 794. In 840 it was pillaged by the Danes, who came again with their unwelcome attentions in 887. In 1045 it was burned three times in the one week, so that the whole town with its churches was destroyed. In 1136 " the inhabitants of the Brenny plundered and sacked Clonard, and behaved in so shameless a manner as to strip O'Daly, then chief poet of Ireland, even to his skin, and leave him in that situation ; and, amongst other outrages, they

   22 HISTORY OF THE DIOCESE OF MEATH

   Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 13

   As the companion tells it

   You are coming near Clonard in Meath, a town with a hard history of fire and raid. The community here was burned in 746, again in 784, and yet again in 794. The Danes pillaged the place in 840 and came back to do it again in 887. In 1045 it was burned three times in one week, so that the whole town with its churches was destroyed. In 1136 the inhabitants of the Brenny plundered and sacked Clonard, and stripped O'Daly, then chief poet of Ireland, even to his skin.

3. Roderic O'Connor revives the Fair of Teltown

   Teltown · townland · Meath · 1168

   While English knights fought in Leinster, King Roderic O'Connor sought to re-establish ancient glories by holding the Fair of Teltown, where crowds of horses and men extended from Oristown to the Hill of Loyd, some four to five miles distant.

   Read the passage

   The number of this first expedition was ridiculously small — so small that if any determined effort had been made to repulse them, they would have been utterly annihilated ; but their coming seems to have attracted little or no attention outside Leinster. The event was regarded as concerning the internal affairs of that province, and with these the other kingdoms of the country had nothing to do. While these English knights were fighting side by side with the men of Leinster, and reducing the towns of Waterford and Wexford to obedience, King Roderic was busy with local disputes in Meath, and was endeavouring to re-establish the ancient glories of the kingdom by holding once more the " Fair of Teltown." The people delighted, then, as in later years, to assemble " in their thousands," and the fair was pronounced a great success. The crowd of horses and men is said to have extended from Oristown, which is beside Teltown, on the one side, to the Hill of Loyd, which is between four and five miles distant, on the other.1 Thus the people of Meath seemed to be utterly unconscious that an enemy was already within the gates who would not rest until he had subdued the whole country.

   In the meantime the affairs of Dermot continued to improve, and he became once more established in his kingdom. He then proceeded to attack the neighbouring kingdom of Ossory, and, according to the custom of the time, devastated the whole of that country. This roused King Roderic to action, and he accordingly led an army into Leinster, for the purpose of punishing his troublesome vassal. But he displayed no hostility to the English adventurers ; on the contrary, he did his best, though without success, to attract them to his own side. In the end he made

   Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 32

4. Round Towers and Ancient Tombstones at Clonmacnoise

   Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly

   Two well-preserved round towers stand at Clonmacnoise, one incorporated as a belfry with visible signs it predated the church built beside it. The site also contains finely carved crosses and the largest collection of ancient tombstones found anywhere in Ireland.

   Read the passage

   monument, and are, some of them, as old as pre- Norman days, though none — not even the exceedingly small church in which the grave of Saint Kieran is pointed out — date from the time of the founder. Two well preserved round towers stand within the precincts, and one of them has been incorporated as a belfry for one of the churches. It was evidently standing there before the church was built, as the place can still be seen where a portion of it was hacked away in order to suit the requirements of the new structure. Some finely carved crosses stand in the graveyard, and a wonderful collection of ancient tombstones, by far the most numerous of any to be found in Ireland, has been brought together in one of the ruins. Altogether, it may be said that no locality in Ireland possesses such interesting remains of our ancient Church.

   Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 16

5. Royal protection for pilgrims to Trim abbey shrine

   Trim · town · Meath · 1402

   In 1402 King Henry IV took under his protection all pilgrims, whether liege men, Irish, or rebels, travelling to Saint Mary's Abbey Trim to visit its miraculous shrine, an exception to the usual exclusion of Irish from Pale towns.

   Read the passage

   Saint Mary's Abbey at Trim, the " yellow steeple " of which forms such a conspicuous feature in the ruins at that place, dates from the latter part of the thirteenth century,18 and is, therefore, a little later than the monasteries mentioned above. It was founded by the De Lacy family, and soon became one of the most famous in Ireland. Here, as at Navan, there was a miraculous image of the Blessed Virgin, and in both places there were special facilities given for pilgrims, whether Irish or English, who wished to visit the shrine.^ Under ordinary circumstances, Irishmen were not permitted to enter these strongholds of the Pale, but the revenue derived from the devotion of visitors was so great that it was deemed advisable to make some relaxation in their case. In 1402, King Henry IV. " took under his protection all pilgrims, whether liege men, Irish, or rebels, going on pilgrimage to the said abbey, according to immemorial privilege." And in 1415 we have the same king petitioned by the community of Saint Mary's, " showing that they and their predecessors had this privilege, that all Irish rebels

   18 Butler, Trim Castle. He gives the date as 1276. " Ibid.

   Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 48

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Trim, you are near the site of Saint Mary's Abbey, whose yellow steeple still stands among the ruins. The abbey was founded by the De Lacy family in the latter part of the thirteenth century and became one of the most famous in Ireland. It held a miraculous image of the Blessed Virgin, and pilgrims came from far and wide to visit the shrine. Under ordinary circumstances, Irish people were not permitted to enter these strongholds of the Pale. But the revenue from devoted visitors was so great that exceptions were made. In 1402, King Henry IV "took under his protection all pilgrims, whether liege men, Irish, or rebels, going on pilgrimage to the said abbey, according to immemorial privilege." By 1415, the community of Saint Mary's was petitioning the same king, asserting that they and their predecessors had long held this privilege.

6. Suspension of drunken preacher Richard Bourk at Navan

   Navan · town · Meath · 1658

   Richard Bourk, preacher at Navan, was suspended and ejected from his charge in 1658 after being found shamefully drunk in the streets of Dublin and declared a common haunter of alehouses, unfit for ministry.

   Read the passage

   Whereas, upon examination and confession of Mr. Richard Bourk, preacher att ye Navan in ye County of Meath, as also of ye concurrant testimonie of divers creditable persons (who lately saw him shamefully overcome with drink as towards noon day he passed throught ye streets in Dublin), it manifestly appears that the said Richard Bourk is a common haunter of alehouses, and soe intemperately given to drink as renders him to be of a loose and vain life and conversation. And whereas an humble address hath this day been made unto ye Board by ye ministers now assembled in this citty from several parts of this nation, expressing their sense of such a notorious miscarriage, and how it may reflect upon the ministeriall calling, without bearing their testimony not only against soe great publique wickedness in all sorts of men, but principally in a minister, who ought to be an example to the fflock, and therefore praying that the said Mr. Bourk may be suspended ye exercise both of his office and the performance of any ministerial duty in this nation, until he

   Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 140

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Navan in Meath, this town was where a preacher named Richard Bourk held his charge in 1658. He was found shamefully drunk in the streets of Dublin towards noon, passing through the city in that state, as several creditable persons testified. The record calls him a common haunter of alehouses, so intemperately given to drink as to render him loose and vain in life and conversation. The ministers assembled in Dublin made humble address to the Board, expressing how such a notorious miscarriage reflected upon the ministerial calling. They prayed that Bourk be suspended from the exercise of his office and from performing any ministerial duty in the nation. And so he was, both suspended and ejected from his charge at Navan. A minister, as they said, ought to be an example to the flock.

7. Synod of Kells establishes Irish hierarchy, 1152

   Kells · town · Meath · 1152

   The Synod of Kells, held in 1152, marked a formal submission of the Irish Church to Rome, with palls distributed to four archbishops, decrees against simony and usury, enforcement of clerical celibacy, and introduction of tithes. The Diocese of Meath dates its existence as a separate see from this synod.

   Read the passage

   Malachy himself took charge of the petition which the synod had adopted, and undertook a second journey to Rome in order that he might present it in person. He, however, died on the way, having gone only as far as the monastery of Clairvaux, where his bones were laid to rest. His companions continued the journey after his death, and as a result of their mission, a cardinal, Papiron, was commissioned to proceed to Ireland, where he was to assemble a synod, and at it to present the palls. At the same time he was to consult with the Irish ecclesiastics as to the proper measures that should be taken for the better propagation of the Christian faith, and for the more effectual edification of the people. This synod met at Kells in the year 1152.

   The Synod of Kells marks an epoch in Irish Church history, for it was a formal acknowledgment of submission to the Roman See. Beyond the distribution of the Palls to the four archbishops very little business was done. There was, however, an attempt to establish diocesan episcopacy, and, with this in view, the number of bishoprics was reduced. Decrees were made against simony and usury, and it was ordered that concubines should be put away, which probably meant that the celibacy of the clergy should be enforced. The system of tithes also was introduced, and it was ordered that these should be regularly paid.

   Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 30

   As the companion tells it

   Coming up through Kells now, the town in Meath where one of the most important gatherings in Irish Church history took place. The Synod of Kells met here in 1152, and it marked a formal acknowledgment of submission to the Roman See. The story begins earlier, with Malachy, who took charge of a petition that a synod had adopted. He set out on a second journey to Rome to present it in person, but he died on the way, having gone only as far as the monastery of Clairvaux, where his bones were laid to rest. His companions continued the journey after his death. As a result of their mission, a cardinal called Papiron was commissioned to proceed to Ireland, assemble a synod, and present the palls. He was also to consult with the Irish ecclesiastics on measures for the better propagation of the Christian faith and the more effectual edification of the people. That synod met here at Kells. Palls were distributed to four archbishops. There was an attempt to establish diocesan episcopacy, and the number of bishoprics was reduced. Decrees were made against simony and usury. It was ordered that concubines should be put away, which probably meant enforcement of clerical celibacy. The system of tithes was introduced and ordered to be regularly paid. The Diocese of Meath dates its existence as a separate see from this synod.

8. The Market Cross of Kells Marking Sanctuary Boundary

   Kells · town · Meath

   The cross standing in the market-place of Kells marks the spot that was formerly the entrance to the ecclesiastical city's enclosure. A fugitive who passed this point was under the protection of the Church.

   Read the passage

   time when laws were without an effective sanction, the institution of something like the ancient cities of refuge was the only way in which a man could be protected from private vengeance. An old Irish canon enacts that the boundary of a sacred place should have the sign of the cross ; and another lays down the rule : " Wherever you find the sign of the Cross of Christ do not do any injury." The cross which at present stands in the market-place of Kells marks the spot which was formerly the entrance to the enclosure of the ecclesiastical city. The fugitive who had once passed that point was under the protection of the Church. A still more instructive example is furnished at Tristelkieran, in the parish of Loughan. There the churchyard stands by the side of the Blackwater, and has three crosses in position, marking the bounds of the sanctuary. There are the remains of a fourth cross in the bed of the river, so that one coming from the opposite bank might be in a place of safety while still endeavouring to ford the stream.

   About the same age as the crosses, or perhaps a little later, are the round towers, of which an excellent example — perfect, except that the conical roof is missing — may be seen at Kells. These were manifestly watch towers, erected at a time when the Church was no longer at peace ; and in this connection the Kells tower is particularly instructive. Ordinarily there are four windows at the top of these towers, which command the four cardinal points, but in Kells there are five such apertures, corresponding to the five roads by which the place was formerly approached. The other round towers that Meath possesses are situated at Donaghmore, near Navan, and at Clonmacnoise.

   Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 22

   As the companion tells it

   The town of Kells lies along the road ahead. The cross standing in the market-place here marks the spot that was formerly the entrance to the enclosure of the ecclesiastical city. A fugitive who passed that point was under the protection of the Church. In a time when laws were without an effective sanction, the institution of something like the ancient cities of refuge was the only way a man could be protected from private vengeance. An old Irish canon enacts that the boundary of a sacred place should have the sign of the cross. And another lays down the rule: "Wherever you find the sign of the Cross of Christ do not do any injury." A still more instructive example is furnished at Tristelkieran, in the parish of Loughan. There the churchyard stands by the side of the Blackwater, and has three crosses in position, marking the bounds of the sanctuary. There are the remains of a fourth cross in the bed of the river, so that one coming from the opposite bank might be in a place of safety while still endeavouring to ford the stream. About the same age as the crosses, or perhaps a little later, are the round towers. An excellent example may be seen at Kells, perfect except that the conical roof is missing. These were watch towers, erected at a time when the Church was no longer at peace. Ordinarily there are four windows at the top of these towers, commanding the four cardinal points, but at Kells there are five such apertures, corresponding to the five roads by which the place was formerly approached. The other round towers Meath possesses are at Donaghmore, near Navan, and at Clonmacnoise.

9. The Misach shrine and St. Cairnech at Whitechurch

   Whitechurch · townland · Cork

   The shrine of the Misach, said to have been made by St. Cairnech, is preserved at the College of Saint Columba, Whitechurch, though the book itself has disappeared. It was used by the O'Neill Clan as a battle relic believed to bring victory when their cause was just.

   Read the passage

   The " Seanchus Mor " was the great book of Statutes, codified at a very early period. The old church of Dulane is an interesting specimen of ancient ecclesiastical architecture, and is now preserved as a national monument. Its " cyclopian " doorway, with its massive lintel, is specially worthy of notice, and excites the admiration of all antiquaries. The name of Cairnech is also associated with a curious relic known as the Misach, which was a book of some sort, said to have been produced by his own hand. The book has long since disappeared, but the shrine in which it was encased is still preserved in the College of Saint Columba, at Whitechurch. Like some other relics of the same class, it was used for a long time by the O'Neill Clan as one of their insignia of battle, and when brought into the field of conflict was believed to bring victory to them, provided that their quarrel was just.6 Saint Kenan, the founder of Duleek, was one of Patrick's first converts. According to an old Irish annotator on the Hymn of Saint Fiacc, Kenan had found Patrick at the time when he was escaping from captivity, and had sold him to the shippers who were at the mouth of the Boyne, receiving in return two copper cauldrons. 7 The legend tells how when he brought the cauldrons home he hung them on the walls of his house, but found that his hand clave to them so firmly that he was unable to get free. Then his wife came to help him, only to find herself in a similar plight. Eventually the whole household became attached to the cauldrons, and there was nothing for it but to send for Patrick^and beg for their release. Needless to say, this led to^his repentance, and he became a Christian.

   6 O'Curry, MSS. Materials, pp. 336, 599.

   Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 9

10. White Water renamed Black Water after attack on Patrick

    Teltown · townland · Meath · 432–460

    A hostile chief attacked Patrick and tried to throw him and his followers into the river at Teltown, and the stream, formerly called the White Water, was afterwards known as the Black Water.

    Read the passage

    It was shortly after this that the Church of Donaghpatrick was founded. Donaghpatrick was in the immediate neighbourhood of the royal city of Teltown, where every year a great assembly of the people was held. Patrick took advantage of the concourse for his work of evangelisation. But with varying success. One chief attacked him, and attempted to throw him and his followers into the river, for which reason, it is said, the stream, named up to that time the White Water, became ever afterwards known as the Black Water. Other chiefs were less obstinate ; and one in particular — a prince named Conall — accepted the faith, and bestowed on Saint Patrick the site on which the church of Donaghpatrick was afterwards built .7 The new church, lately erected by the generosity of Mr. Thomas Gerrard of Gibbstown, stands on the ancient site, and

    • Bernard and Atkinson, 7mA Liber Hymnorum, Vol. ii., p. 49. i Tripartite Life of St. Patrick.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala

11. Columkill's Ties to Teltown and the Founding of Kells

    Teltown · townland · Meath

    Some of the most striking episodes of Columkill's life took place at Teltown near Kells; tradition holds the Kells site was given to the saint as recompense for a slight from King Diarmaid's followers, at roughly the same time as Durrow's founding.

    Read the passage

    but as some of the most striking episodes of ColumkilTs life took place at Teltown, in the immediate neighbourhood, we may fairly assume that he was often there. The tradition is that the site was bestowed on the saint as a kind of recompense for a slight that had been offered to him by the followers of King Diarmaid. The date would be about the same as the founding of Durrow, or possibly a little later. Some time afterwards the king and the saint had a dispute, first about a copy of the Psalter, which Columkill claimed, and afterwards because the king violated the right of sanctuary — a right which was jealously guarded in those days. The result was that Columkill had to fly for his life, until he found refuge among the clans of the north, who were his own kindred. It was probably from Kells that he took his journey on this occasion, and a hymn is still extant, said to have been composed at the time, which was afterwards used as a " Lorica," or " Breastplate," to protect travellers on their journeys. Those who recited it were supposed to be secured against the dangers of the way. As being thus connected with Meath, and as a fair specimen of ancient Irish hymnology, a free metrical rendering may here be presented.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 19

12. Navan abbey's miraculous image of the Virgin drew pilgrims

    Navan · town · Meath · 1457

    Navan abbey later gained a source of income from a miraculous image of the Blessed Virgin, which attracted pilgrimages from all over the country. The abbot John Bole was elevated to Archbishop of Armagh in 1457.

    Read the passage

    The abbey of Navan was founded about this time by Joceline de Angulo. This name appears sometimes as Nangle, and sometimes as De la Corner, both forms commemorating the " corner " or " angle " of Pembrokeshire in which the family was settled. The name was borne by two knights, Gilbert and Joceline, who obtained large grants of land in the County Meath. Gilbert became possessed of the whole barony of Morgallion, and Joceline obtained Navan and Ardbraccan.11 Navan soon became one of the most important towns of the Pale, and was naturally chosen as the site of a great abbey. At first, however, the endowments seem to have been small, and we have the prior and brethren asking in 1267 for licence to elect an abbot, without being obliged to go to England with their petition, urging as a reason that they had "very poor temporalities." I2 In after years they obtained a source of considerable income, in the form of a miraculous image of the Blessed Virgin, to which pilgrimages were made from all parts of the country. As a proof of the importance to which the establishment afterwards attained, it may be mentioned that in 1457 the abbot, John Bole, was elevated to the Archbishopric of Armagh.^ The site of the abbey is now occupied by the disused cavalry barracks, and no vestige remains of the ancient buildings.

    The Augustinian monastery of Mullingar was founded by Ralph le Petit,1 4 when he was Bishop of

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 47

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up now is Navan, one of the most important towns of the Pale in medieval times. An abbey stood here, founded by Joceline de Angulo, whose name also appears as Nangle and De la Corner, both forms marking the corner of Pembrokeshire where the family had settled. Joceline and his brother knight Gilbert obtained large grants of land in County Meath. Gilbert took the whole barony of Morgallion, and Joceline obtained Navan and Ardbraccan. Navan was naturally chosen as the site of a great abbey, but the endowments were small at first. In 1267 the prior and brethren asked for licence to elect an abbot without having to go to England with their petition. They urged as a reason that they had, in their own words, very poor temporalities. In later years the house obtained a source of considerable income from a miraculous image of the Blessed Virgin, to which pilgrimages were made from all parts of the country. As proof of the importance the establishment reached, in 1457 the abbot, John Bole, was elevated to the Archbishopric of Armagh. The site of the abbey is now occupied by the disused cavalry barracks, and no vestige remains of the ancient buildings.

13. Nicholas Birford's house at the Granges burned in reprisal raid

    Grange · townland · Meath · 1596

    Following the Dunmoe raid, the same rebels attacked the Granges, a neighbouring village belonging to Nicholas Birford, killing one man, wounding another, taking all his cattle and goods, and burning his house.

    Read the passage

    " the O'Reillys and Duffs came to Dunmow, a village seated upon the Boyne side, and took from it one hundred cows or thereabouts, unyoked the garrans out of the ploughs, and carried them with them. Thence they went to the Granges, a village adjoining, and belonging to Nicholas Birford, and in revenge for his late good service, have taken all the cattle and goods that he had, killed one of his men, dangerously injured another, and burned his house. All this was done within two miles of the Navan, before the setting of the sun. Every night some spoil is committed, and unless present order be taken for guarding that border, I do not think that any man dwelling on that side of the Boyne who is not of Philip's confederacy will possess any goods."

    Shortly after this Philip O'Reilly was killed in one of the forays, and the bishop urges that " a small force, now sent to the borders, would for ever recover the Brenny," But little or no response was made to this appeal, and the following year saw the O'Reillys once more in the field, making an incursion " to prey the Pale towards Kells." The soldiers of the queen, under the sheriff of Meath, who had forty horsemen, and one hundred foot, together with the garrison of Kells, now increased to one hundred men, went forth to meet the rebels, but were badly beaten. As soon as they came in sight of the foe, the horsemen " fled presently," and overran their own footmen, so that all was in confusion ; and when the fight was over, it was found that the commanding officer was killed, together with his ensign and serjeant, his lieutenant was mortally wounded, another officer was taken prisoner, and fifty of the company were slain.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 110

14. Rahan: Saint Carthage Mochuda's First Establishment

    Rahan · parish · Offaly · 500–599

    The ancient church of Rahan, small but beautiful, marks the site where Saint Carthage Mochuda set up his first establishment in the sixth century, before persecution forced him to flee and eventually found Lismore. A legend holds that a king of the Britons named Constantine later became abbot at Rahan.

    Read the passage

    In the same district is the ancient church of Rahan, small, like all the old buildings, but perhaps the most beautiful of all that have come down to us from pre- Norman times. It marks the site where, in the sixth century, Saint Carthage Mochuda set up his first establishment. For some reason or another he incurred the enmity of his neighbours, and was so persecuted by them that in the end he had to fly and seek for some other location where he and his followers might dwell in peace. After much wandering he settled in Lismore, the See of which he is said to have founded. There is a composition extant which professes to be the Rule drawn up by him for the direction of his disciples. It is a rather long poem, written in Irish, and deals with the duties appertaining to the various offices in the Church. In after years it is said that a king of the Britons named Constantine was abbot of the establishment at Rahan — a notable example of how the sanctuaries of Ireland attracted to them pilgrims from beyond the seas.

    Mention may also be made of the church of Lynally, which was founded by Saint Colman at the end of the sixth or beginning of the seventh century. Colman was a Meath man by birth, and was one of the followers of Columkill, by whose influence a site was obtained from King Aidus, on which the church of Lynally was afterwards built. This Colman is referred to by Adamnan, who relates that once, while on his way to lona, the saint was in great danger of shipwreck off the coast of Rathlin Island. Columkill, by prophetic instinct, became aware of the danger in which his friend was placed, but told his followers that " the Lord is thus frightening him, not that he is to be overwhelmed in the waves by the wreck of the ship in which he is sitting, but rather that he may be roused

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 24

15. Trim taken and burned by Silken Thomas

    Trim · town · Meath · 1534

    After the skirmish at Dunshaughlin, the insurgents took Trim, and Lord Thomas robbed the town and burned a great part of it, taking all the cattle of the surrounding countryside.

    Read the passage

    Meath suffered considerably in this rebellion. First Dunboyne was burned by the insurgents. Then a skirmish was fought at Dunshaughlin, in which they were worsted. Afterwards they took Trim, and Lord Thomas " ther robbed not only the same (towne of Trim), but also brente a great part thereof, and took all the cataill of the countrie thereaboughtes." 3 Several of the Meath gentry joined in the insurrection, and some of the clergy. Among the latter was Charles Reynolds, Archdeacon of Kells, who went with others on a mission, first to the Pope, and then to the Emperor^ Charles V., hoping that in the irritation caused by the divorce of Queen Katherine these potentates would be ready to give help against King Henry. Their efforts in this direction, however, proved fruitless, and in the meantime the followers of Silken Thomas began to fall away from him, until at length he was obliged to submit. He was sent to the Tower, and in 1537 was executed with five of his uncles at Tyburn.

    As to Charles Reynolds, or as was better pleased to call himself, Cahir MacRanell, he was deprived of his archdeaconry in 1535, and was afterwards attainted of treason by the Irish Parliament. Whether he suffered imprisonment or death in consequence of this

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 84

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Trim, this is the town Silken Thomas seized in 1534. After a skirmish at Dunshaughlin where his insurgents were worsted, they seized the town. Lord Thomas robbed it, burned a great part of it, and took all the cattle of the surrounding countryside. The record says he "brente a great part thereof, and took all the cataill of the countrie thereaboughtes." Meath suffered considerably in the rebellion. Several Meath gentry joined, and some of the clergy. Among them was Charles Reynolds, Archdeacon of Kells, who went on a mission to the Pope and then to the Emperor Charles V, hoping the irritation caused by the divorce of Queen Katherine would make these rulers willing to help against King Henry. Their efforts proved fruitless. Silken Thomas's followers fell away until he was obliged to submit. He was sent to the Tower, and in 1537 was executed with 5 of his uncles at Tyburn. Charles Reynolds was deprived of his archdeaconry in 1535 and attainted of treason by the Irish Parliament.

16. Alcuin's Letter to Colchas of Clonmacnoise

    Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly · 794

    Alcuin wrote a letter to Colchas, a lector at Clonmacnoise, sending news of Irish friends at Charlemagne's court and a gift of money. This dates to 794 and shows the wide fame of Clonmacnoise abroad.

    Read the passage

    There is a remarkable letter, published by Ussher, from the famous Alcuin to one Colchas, who seems to have been a lector at Clonmacnoise. In this Alcuin speaks of himself as " thy son," which, perhaps, might imply that he had been at one time under the tuition of Colchas. He also gives news about " all thy friends who are here " — that is, in France, at the Court of Charlemagne, which would lead us to conclude that there were Irishmen — perhaps students from Clonmacnoise— distinguishing themselves at that time on the Continent of Europe. He sends also a present of money, partly from the king and partly from himself, which again is an interesting point, and shows that at that time (A.D. 794) the fame of Clonmacnoise was very widely extended.10

    The ruins of Clonmacnoise are generally known as the "seven churches," from a notion which sprung up among antiquaries in the beginning of the last century, that the Irish were in the habit of building their churches in sevens, as suggested by the seven churches of the Apocalypse. The idea is altogether a fallacy. The churches of Clonmacnoise, like those of similar places where there are said to be seven churches, were erected at different periods, by different founders, and with no intention of completing the number seven. As a matter of fact, even the numerical coincidence is wanting. The number of churches at Clonmacnoise, the ruins of which can be traced, is ten, and not seven. It is doubtful if there is a solitary spot in Ireland where the exact number seven is to be found, and if it be, the occurrence is merely accidental.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 16

17. Archbishop of Armagh summoned to answer charges at Drogheda

    Drogheda · town · Louth · 1281–1285

    Edward I sent a mandate to the Archbishop of Armagh ordering him to attend at Drogheda and answer charges relating to his unlicensed consecration of a Bishop of Meath, but the archbishop refused to attend and was excommunicated in absentia.

    Read the passage

    King, who thereupon gave the royal assent. For some reason or other, the appointment was not acceptable to the Archbishop of Armagh and he refused to confirm it. An appeal was thereupon made to the Pope, and St. Leger went himself to Rome to press his suit ; but in his absence the primate appointed and consecrated Walter de Fulburn, Dean of Waterford. Edward I. was now king, and we might naturally expect more firmness from him than from his immediate predecessors. He immediately sent a mandate to the archbishop ordering him to attend at Drogheda, and to answer there a number of charges that had been made against him, amongst others, " that he newly consecrated the Bishop of Meath, no licence being demanded nor fealty taken." This, however, did not aavance matters very much. The archbishop cared little for such a tribunal, and refused to attend. A sentence of excommunication was then pronounced against him, but that really meant very little when those who pronounced it were unable to enforce it. So he continued to be contumacious, and defied the King. A letter from the archdeacon of Meath to the Bishop of Bath and Wells, written towards the close of the year 1285 — that is, after the contest had lasted more than four years — shows how little hope there was then of a settlement, and besides, throws some light on the motives which were at the back of the whole thing. The archdeacon recounts how "St. Leger had come to the Court with letters of the clergy of Meath, to present himself to the King, to obtain the royal assent according to custom, to his election, and to pray letters to the Pope, touching its confirmation, because the Archbishop of Armagh, by whom it ought to be confirmed, had been made incapable by sentence of excommunication long since passed upon him. On

    EPISCOPAL APPOINTMENTS 89

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Drogheda, you are on the ground where Edward I once summoned the Archbishop of Armagh to answer charges. The quarrel had begun over who should be Bishop of Meath. St. Leger had been elected, but the Archbishop of Armagh refused to confirm the appointment. An appeal went to the Pope, and St. Leger travelled to Rome himself to press his case. While he was away, the primate appointed and consecrated Walter de Fulburn, Dean of Waterford, as Bishop of Meath instead. Edward I sent a mandate ordering the archbishop to attend at Drogheda and answer a number of charges, among them, in the words of the record, that he newly consecrated the Bishop of Meath, no licence being demanded nor fealty taken. The archbishop cared little for such a tribunal and refused to attend. A sentence of excommunication was pronounced against him, but it meant very little when those who pronounced it could not enforce it. He continued defiant and defied the King. A letter from the archdeacon of Meath to the Bishop of Bath and Wells, written towards the close of 1285, after the contest had lasted more than four years, shows how little hope there was of a settlement. The archdeacon recounts how St. Leger had come to the Court with letters of the clergy of Meath, to present himself to the King, to obtain the royal assent according to custom to his election, and to pray letters to the Pope touching its confirmation, because the Archbishop of Armagh, by whom it ought to be confirmed, had been made incapable by sentence of excommunication long since passed upon him.

18. Bishop refuses burial until keys surrendered in Galtrim advowson dispute

    Galtrim · townland · Meath · 1289

    In a 1289 lawsuit over the advowson of Galtrim parish, the bishop refused to allow Walter Hosee's body to be buried until his widow Lucy handed over the keys to his coffers, then used Walter's seal to forge a deed and ejected the newly appointed parson from the church.

    Read the passage

    We have another instance of high-handed action in the report of a lawsuit touching the advowson of the parish of Gal trim, which was heard in the year 1289. It appears that Hugh of Galtrim was patron of the living, and William de la Corner (of the same family as the bishop just mentioned) was rector. William was raised to the episcopate (it does not appear for what diocese), and the parish thus becoming vacant, Walter Hosee, Hugh's uncle, appointed Philip le Norman to the vacant benefice. But this Walter had some time previously been excommunicated for a crime which he had committed, and as the price of absolution it was proposed that this church should be given over into the bishop's hands. The negotiations were, however, unduly prolonged, and in the meantime Walter was killed at Fytherath. The bishop was not to be baulked of his purpose, and so he refused to allow the dead man to be buried until Lucy, wife of Walter Hosee, had given up the keys of his coffers. Then, searching in the coffers, he found Walter's seal, drew up a deed touching the advowson, and put the seal to it. He followed this up by ejecting the newly appointed parson out of his church. In the end, however, he failed in his design, for the jury which tried the case gave a verdict against him, and awarded fifty marks

    8 Vatican Records.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 69

19. Columkill's Poem Praising Durrow

    Durrow · parish · Offaly

    An ancient poem ascribed to Columkill describes the charms of Durrow, its books and learning, its hundred crosses, and the sweetness of the blackbird's song and wind through the elms on the oak plain.

    Read the passage

    he had built a noble monastery in Ireland, which, from the great number of oaks, is in the Irish tongue called Dearmach (Burrow) — the Field of Oaks."4 The similarity of the two names Burrow and Berry, and the fact that both have reference to the abundance of oaks, make it doubtful, however, whether Bede has not confounded the two, and that hence he may be speaking of the latter instead of the former. Adamnan, the biographer of Columkill, has several references to Burrow, and speaks of the building of the great house there. There is also an ancient poem, ascribed to Columkill, in which he describes its charms, and " enlarges on the beauty of that devout city, with its books, and its learning, and its hundred crosses ; he describes how sweet is the blackbird's song, and the music of the wind as it murmurs through the elms on the oak plain ; " s and it is in connection with Burrow that he says, in the same poem, that " death is better in reproachless Erin than life for ever in Alba (Scotland.)"

    Burrow was founded somewhere about the year 553, and after Columkill had left the country for lona, it was placed in charge of one Cormac. He was from Munster, and not being of the family of Columkill, was not acceptable to the inmates. He therefore remained but a short time, and his place was then taken by Laisren, who was first cousin of the saint. The establishment continued in more or less prosperity down to the time of the coming of the English. It was then seized on by Hugh de Lacy, who built a castle on the site, and it was there, as we shall see later, that he met his death.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 19

20. Danish Raid Plunders Duleek and Slane, 833

    Duleek · town · Meath · 833

    In 833 a large Danish force landed on the Wexford coast and moved northward, plundering as they went, proceeding as far as Duleek and Slane, both of which were plundered before the raiders returned to their ships.

    Read the passage

    The first experience that Meath had of these marauders was in 833. A large body came in ships and landed on the coast of Wexford, and then made their way northwards, penetrating more or less into the interior of the country, and spoiling as they went. They proceeded as far as Duleek and Slane, both of which places they plundered. After that they returned to their ships and departed with their booty. A few years later, in 839, a more formidable expedition arrived under the leadership of the famous Turgesius, whose aim was not merely to plunder, but to form for himself and his followers a settlement in the island. His first enterprise was in the north, and he took possession of the ecclesiastical city of Armagh, forcing the abbot to flee, and appropriating to himself all the possessions of the church. After that he seems to have conceived the idea of subjugating the whole island, and with that purpose in view sent a fleet of ships round to the mouth of the Shannon, who, sailing up the river, reached as far as Clonmacnoise, which place they seized. It is said that his wife Ota took up her residence in one of the churches, and used to " give her audience," seated upon the altar.s After that he overran the whole of Meath, finding his richest booty in the ecclesiastical establishments. In 845, however, he was taken prisoner by an ingenious stratagem, and was put to death by the Irish by drowning in Lough Owel, in Westmeath. His death, however, brought only a temporary respite, for, only a few years later, " the foreigners plundered from the Shannon to the

    8 Wars of the Gaedhil with the Gaill, xi. Some writers have interpreted this to mean that she gave " oracular responses " from the altar. There are really no grounds for such a supposition.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 26

21. Duke of Ormond proclaims King James II in Dublin and is dismissed as Lord Lieutenant

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1685

    When news of Charles II's death reached Dublin, the Duke of Ormond proclaimed the new king, James II, as his last official act as Lord Lieutenant. James at once ordered Ormond's vice-royalty to cease, requiring him to lay down the sword of office in Dublin rather than surrender it in person to the King.

    Read the passage

    KING CHARLES II. died on the sixth of February, 1685, and James II. succeeded to the throne. As soon as the news arrived in Dublin, the Duke of Ormond proclaimed the new king. It was his last official act as Lord Lieutenant. Already, before the death of Charles, it had been decided that he was to be removed from that office, and King James at once gave orders that his vice-royalty should cease, adding the further humiliation that he was to lay down the sword of office in Dublin, instead of surrendering it in person into the hands of the King.1 The act was ominous, for Ormond was " the head of the English interest in Ireland ; he was firmly attached to the Protestant religion ; and his power far exceeded that of an ordinary Lord Lieutenant, first, because he was in rank and wealth the greatest of the colonists, and secondly, because he was not only the chief of the civil administration, but also commander of the forces." The loyalists of Ireland regarded his recall with consternation, though they had as yet little idea of the new policy which was about to be inaugurated. They

    were somewhat reassured when it was found that Lord

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 149

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Dublin, this is where the Duke of Ormond made his last stand as Lord Lieutenant in 1685. Word reached the city that Charles II had died on the 6th of February, and Ormond at once proclaimed James II as the new king. It would be his final official act. James had already decided to remove him from office, and he ordered that Ormond's vice-royalty should cease immediately, with the added humiliation that he was to lay down the sword of office in Dublin rather than surrender it in person to the King. The loyalists of Ireland regarded his recall with consternation. Ormond was described as "the head of the English interest in Ireland" and "firmly attached to the Protestant religion," and his power far exceeded that of an ordinary Lord Lieutenant, for he was in rank and wealth the greatest of the colonists and commanded the forces as well as heading the civil administration. The act was ominous, though the loyalists had as yet little idea of the new policy about to be inaugurated.

22. Final sack of Clonard in 1170 and founding of Augustinian monastery

    Clonard · town · Meath · 1170–1175

    Clonard was plundered and burnt for the last time in 1170 by the men of Leinster acting with the newly-arrived Normans; in 1175 an Augustinian monastery was founded on its site by Walter de Lacy.

    Read the passage

    sacrilegiously took from the vestry of this abbey a sword, which had belonged to Saint Finian, the founder." And so the story went on year after year, until Clonard was plundered and burnt for the last time in 1170 by the men of Leinster, acting in conjunction with the newly-arrived Normans ; and in 1175 its place was taken by an Augustinian monastery founded then by Walter de Lacy. There are no remains at Clonard at present which testify to its former greatness. At the beginning of the nineteenth century the ruins were extensive, though in a great state of dilapidation. The only relic that recalled Celtic days was the stump of the round tower. The tower itself fell, according to the annalists, in 1039. ^ne other remains, which were those of the Norman abbey, are thus described by Archdall :

    The entrance, into this abbey, on the west side, was through a small building, with a lodge over it, which led into a small court ; to the right of this court stands the kitchen and cellar, and over them the dormitory, ranging with the river, and overlooking the garden, which sloped from thence to the water's edge ; opposite the entrance was another small apartment, and adjoining to it the refectory, which was carried for some length beyond the square, and joined the choir, a large and elegant building, most part of which still remains, and the windows are finished in a light Gothic style. On the south side of the altar is a small double arch, in the old Saxon manner, and divided by a pillar through which iron bars were fixed. This is supposed to have been the founder's tomb. There are many remains of walls adjoining the other parts of the abbey, but in so ruinous a state that little information can be gleaned from them. At a little distance from the east window, in the burial ground, stands a small chapel, in which is a table monument, ornamented with the effigies of a man and woman, in a praying posture, and dressed in the ruff of Queen Elizabeth's time ; the sides adorned with many coats of arms — that of the family of Dillon is most conspicuous."6

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 13

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Clonard, you are on the site of one of the great early monastic settlements of Meath. Clonard was plundered and burnt for the last time in 1170, by the men of Leinster acting with the newly-arrived Normans, ending centuries of raids that had gone on year after year. In 1175 Walter de Lacy founded an Augustinian monastery on the site. There are no remains at Clonard at present which testify to its former greatness. At the beginning of the nineteenth century the ruins were extensive, though greatly dilapidated. The only relic that recalled Celtic days was the stump of the round tower, which according to the annalists had fallen in 1039. Archdall described the Norman abbey remains in some detail. The entrance on the west side led through a small building with a lodge over it into a small court. To the right stood the kitchen and cellar, with the dormitory above, ranging with the river and overlooking a garden that sloped to the water's edge. Opposite the entrance was another small apartment, adjoining the refectory, which ran beyond the square and joined the choir, a large and elegant building whose windows were finished in a light Gothic style. On the south side of the altar was a small double arch in the old Saxon manner, divided by a pillar through which iron bars were fixed, supposed to have been the founder's tomb. At a little distance from the east window, in the burial ground, stood a small chapel containing a table monument with the effigies of a man and woman in a praying posture, dressed in the ruff of Queen Elizabeth's time. The sides were adorned with many coats of arms, that of the family of Dillon most conspicuous.

23. Foundation of Mellifont Abbey by Cistercians

    Mellifont · townland · Louth

    On the invitation of Bishop Malachy of Armagh, the Cistercian Order came into Ireland and founded a new monastery at Mellifont, introducing monastic reform to a people who had scarcely known monks before.

    Read the passage

    when brought in contact with the unity and power of the English. The parallel between the two cases is striking and instructive. The English adventurers first came to Ireland on the invitation of one of the native princes, who hoped that thereby he would be strengthened against his own countrymen of another tribe ; but in the event both parties were alike subdued, and those who had invited the stranger were deprived of their independence just as much as the others. Similarly, in the Church there were two parties, the one retaining its old forms and asserting its national independence, and the other inclining to the Papal system, which had established itself all over western Europe, and which actually existed before their eyes in the Danish settlement. Many were attracted to this latter, because it seemed to give the Church a power which it did not possess in other parts of the country, and because they fondly hoped that it would enable them more effectually to resist the oppressions of the native princes. But they did not carry the whole country with them, for there were still some who clung to the old ways, and preferred the tribal organization with all its drawbacks. These resisted all attempts at change. Once more the stranger was called in. On the invitation of Bishop Malachy of Armagh the Cistercian Order came into the country, and began to instruct the people, who up to that time " may have heard of the name of a monk, but had certainly never seen one." X7 The foundation of that new monastery at Mellifont was as real an invasion as was the landing of Strongbow and his followers in the kingdom of Leinster ; and the result in both cases was the same ; the invader held his ground, and eventually subdued the whole country.

    17 Bernard, Vita S. Malachia, chap. xvi.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 29

24. Kells garrison routed by O'Reillys in botched engagement

    Kells · town · Meath · 1597

    When the O'Reillys made a fresh incursion toward Kells, the sheriff of Meath's forces and the increased Kells garrison went to meet them but were routed; the horsemen fled at first sight of the enemy, and the commanding officer, his ensign and sergeant were killed along with fifty of the company.

    Read the passage

    Shortly after this Philip O'Reilly was killed in one of the forays, and the bishop urges that " a small force, now sent to the borders, would for ever recover the Brenny," But little or no response was made to this appeal, and the following year saw the O'Reillys once more in the field, making an incursion " to prey the Pale towards Kells." The soldiers of the queen, under the sheriff of Meath, who had forty horsemen, and one hundred foot, together with the garrison of Kells, now increased to one hundred men, went forth to meet the rebels, but were badly beaten. As soon as they came in sight of the foe, the horsemen " fled presently," and overran their own footmen, so that all was in confusion ; and when the fight was over, it was found that the commanding officer was killed, together with his ensign and serjeant, his lieutenant was mortally wounded, another officer was taken prisoner, and fifty of the company were slain.

    According to Archbishop Loftus, a great portion of Meath — (he mentions the baronies of Kells, Slane,

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 110

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kells, you are moving through the ground of a bad defeat in 1597. The O'Reillys came raiding toward Kells that year, and the queen's soldiers under the sheriff of Meath, forty horsemen and a hundred foot, joined with the Kells garrison, now a hundred men strong, and marched out to meet them. It went wrong at once. The horsemen, as the record puts it, "fled presently" at the first sight of the enemy, overrunning their own footmen in the confusion. When it was over, the commanding officer was dead, along with his ensign and sergeant, his lieutenant was mortally wounded, another officer was taken prisoner, and fifty of the company were slain.

25. Oengus slain at Clonard by lord of Delvin

    Clonard · town · Meath

    Oengus, lord of Laeghaire, retired to Clonard in his declining years after a life of turmoil, but was pursued there by his foes and slain by the lord of Delvin.

    Read the passage

    these remarkable men. Thus they tell us of Bishop Tola, who was " a worthy soldier of Christ," and of Faelgus, who was " a wise man of Clonard." They tell of Suairleach, " bishop, anchorite, and abbot of Clonard, doctor in divinity and in spiritual wisdom, in piety and good deeds, so that his name spread over all Ireland : " and yet again of Ruman the amiable, a bishop who was " a shrine of wisdom, illustrious, acute, a man of virgin purity," and " loved by the hosts of the assembled people." Then we have Colman, the " wise doctor," and Maelmochta, " the head of the piety and wisdom of Ireland ; " Tuathal, the bishop, who " died after a good life," and Oengus, lord of Laeghaire, who, after a life of turmoil, retired to spend at Clonard his declining days, but was followed thither by his foes, and slain by the lord of Delvin. Such entries suggest many thoughts, but it is left to the imagination to fill in the picture. They tell, however, that the place was the abode of learning and piety, where good and learned men served their generation by the will of God.

    The community at Clonard had also their times of trouble. From the middle of the eighth century down to the end of the twelfth it was often desolated by hostile troops, sometimes belonging to the native Irish, and sometimes to the foreigners, who were beginning to form settlements in the country. It was burned in 746, again in 784, and yet again in 794. In 840 it was pillaged by the Danes, who came again with their unwelcome attentions in 887. In 1045 it was burned three times in the one week, so that the whole town with its churches was destroyed. In 1136 " the inhabitants of the Brenny plundered and sacked Clonard, and behaved in so shameless a manner as to strip O'Daly, then chief poet of Ireland, even to his skin, and leave him in that situation ; and, amongst other outrages, they

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 13

    As the companion tells it

    The road is taking you through Clonard, in Meath. The old accounts speak of it as a place of learning and piety, where good and learned men served their generation by the will of God. They tell of Bishop Tola, called a worthy soldier of Christ, and Faelgus, a wise man of Clonard. Suairleach was bishop, anchorite, and abbot of Clonard, a doctor in divinity and in spiritual wisdom, in piety and good deeds, so that his name spread over all Ireland. Ruman the amiable was a bishop described as a shrine of wisdom, illustrious, acute, a man of virgin purity, and loved by the hosts of the assembled people. Colman was called the wise doctor, and Maelmochta was called the head of the piety and wisdom of Ireland. Tuathal the bishop died after a good life. And there was Oengus, lord of Laeghaire, who after a life of turmoil retired to spend at Clonard his declining days, but was followed there by his foes and slain by the lord of Delvin. The community at Clonard had their times of trouble as well. From the middle of the eighth century down to the end of the twelfth it was often desolated by hostile troops, sometimes native Irish, sometimes foreigners who were beginning to form settlements in the country. It was burned in 746, again in 784, and again in 794. In 840 it was pillaged by the Danes, who came again in 887. In 1045 it was burned three times in the one week, so that the whole town with its churches was destroyed. In 1136 the inhabitants of the Brenny plundered and sacked Clonard, and stripped O'Daly, then chief poet of Ireland, even to his skin, and left him in that situation.

26. St Mary's Church, Drogheda, Carmelite Origins

    Drogheda · town · Louth · 1200–1650

    St Mary's church in Drogheda originated from a Carmelite monastery founded by the town's inhabitants in the thirteenth century. It drew income from tolls on butter entering through what became known as the Butter Gate. Just before Cromwell's time the Carmelites retook the church and said Mass there, but were expelled after the siege.

    Read the passage

    Saint Mary's church, Drogheda,38 owes its origin to a Carmelite monastery which was founded there by the inhabitants of that town in the thirteenth century. It derived a considerable portion of its income from the tolls on butter entering Drogheda by what is now called in consequence the Butter Gate. Just before the time of Oliver Cromwell the Carmelites retook possession of the church, and celebrated Mass in it. They were, however, expelled immediately after the siege.

    There was a Carmelite friary at Ardnacranna, in the parish of Noughaval (part of the union of Kilkenny west). It was founded in the fourteenth century by Robert Dillon, Lord of Drumrany. At the dissolution it came back again into the possession of the Dillons, but the representative of the family, James Dillon, allowed the monks to remain in occupation of their property, and it was only some time afterwards that they were dispossessed. Only slight remains of the abbey are now preserved.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 54

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Drogheda, you are near the site of St Mary's Church, which began as a Carmelite monastery founded by the townspeople in the 1200s. The monastery drew much of its income from tolls on butter brought into Drogheda through what came to be called the Butter Gate. Just before Oliver Cromwell's time, the Carmelites took the church back and said Mass there, but they were expelled immediately after the siege.

27. Trevet Named for the Burial of King Art

    Trevet · townland · Meath · 190–210

    The church of Trevet in the Union of Dunshaughlin was named because three sods were dug there in honour of the Trinity when the grave of King Art, ruler of Ireland at the end of the second century, was being dug. Art was said to have foretold Saint Patrick's coming and directed his own burial at Trevet in anticipation of its future sanctity.

    Read the passage

    The church of Trevet (in the Union of Dunshaughlin) is one of the few which are not called after the name of the founder. It is said to have been so called because " three sods (tri-foid) were dug there in honour of the Trinity when the grave of Art was being dug there." Art was king of Ireland at the end of the second century. The Book of the Dun Cow relates that this Art, though living in heathen times, was to some extent a believer in Christianity ; and in " the Prophecy and Christian Belief of Art the Lonely," it tells how he foretold the coming of Saint Patrick; the great changes which his mission would bring about in the condition of Erin ; the subsequent importance, as a religious establishment, of Trevet, the place in which he then happened to be, and where, by his own direction, his body was carried from the battlefield and buried, in anticipation of the future sanctity of the place.2

    Balrathboyne is said to have been founded by Saint Baithen, who succeeded Columkill in the abbacy of lona, and is another of the links which bind Meath to the island sanctuary. It is he who is referred to in the affecting story which Adamnan tells of the last days of Columba. He relates that the latter, on the

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 24

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here is Trevet, whose church is one of the few not named after its founder. The name comes from three sods, "tri-foid," dug in honour of the Trinity when the grave of Art was being dug here. Art was king of Ireland at the end of the second century. The Book of the Dun Cow says that though he lived in heathen times, he was to some extent a believer in Christianity. In the Prophecy and Christian Belief of Art the Lonely, he foretold the coming of Saint Patrick and the great changes Patrick's mission would bring about in the condition of Erin. Art also foretold the future importance of Trevet as a religious establishment. By his own direction, his body was carried from the battlefield and buried here, in anticipation of the sanctity the place would one day hold.

28. Trial at Trim of Bishop's Suffragan and a Friar

    Trim · town · Meath · 1536–1539

    A bishop's suffragan and a friar were imprisoned in Dublin Castle for offences against the King and brought to trial at Trim, but the jury refused to indict them, angering supporters of the Reformation including the Lord Deputy, who nonetheless knelt in the chapel at Trim before an image called 'the idol of Trim' to hear Mass.

    Read the passage

    of the law and all other (in good faith, except my Lord Treasurer and very few besides) be such papists, hypocrites, and worshippers of idols, that they were not indicted ; whereat my lord of Dublin, Mr. Treasurer, and the Master of the Rolls, were very angry. Howbeit they could not remedy it. The three would not come into the chapel where the idol of Trim stood, to the intent they would not occasion the people ; notwithstanding my Lord Deputy, very devoutly kneeling before her, heard three or four masses.

    It was not to be expected that Staples would be silent under such an attack. He asserted that the archbishop had accused him of " malice and disdain/' and he appealed to the Privy Council to adjudicate between them. He also wrote letters to those in power, in one of which he said that Brown " boasteth himself to rule all the clergy under our sovereign lord, and he hath given a taste of his good demeanour, that every honest man is not only weary thereof, but reckoneth that pride and arrogance hath ravished him from the right remembrance of himself." In the same letter he appeals to his correspondent, " If you can preserve the poor soul [that is, himself] from the purgatory of the Bishop of Dublin, I will give every of you one mass penny. Alas, poor soul ! "

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Trim in Meath, you are in the town where, around 1536, a bishop's suffragan and a friar were brought to trial. They had been held in Dublin Castle for offences against the King. The jury refused to indict them. The record says the law officers and nearly everyone else, except the Lord Treasurer and very few besides, were such papists, hypocrites, and worshippers of idols that the accused went free. My lord of Dublin, Mr. Treasurer, and the Master of the Rolls were very angry, but they could not remedy it. Those three would not enter the chapel where the idol of Trim stood, not wanting to occasion the people. Yet the Lord Deputy, very devoutly kneeling before her, heard three or four masses. Staples would not stay silent. He asserted the archbishop had accused him of malice and disdain, and appealed to the Privy Council. He also wrote letters to those in power, saying that Brown "boasteth himself to rule all the clergy under our sovereign lord," and that pride and arrogance had ravished him from the right remembrance of himself. In one letter he wrote, "If you can preserve the poor soul from the purgatory of the Bishop of Dublin, I will give every of you one mass penny. Alas, poor soul."

29. Barith's Attack on Duleek and Captivity of Its People

    Duleek · town · Meath · 878

    The Danish champion Barith joined with the Norsemen of Dublin and attacked the establishment at Duleek, from which a great number of persons were carried off into captivity; he was later slain and burned at Dublin.

    Read the passage

    Soon after this, another Danish champion appears, named Barith, who joined with the Norsemen of Dublin, and devastated the whole country. He found a new source of booty in the ancient sepulchral caves which are so numerous all over the land, and which seemed to have contained treasures of gold, which had been buried with the dead.8 Among his other exploits was an attack on the establishment at Duleek, whence " a great number of persons were carried off into captivity." He is spoken of as a " fierce champion and chief of the persecutors." He was afterwards " slain and burned at Dublin through the miracles of God and Saint Keenan." 9 After this followed a time of

    8 Annals of the Four Masters, A.D., 848.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 26

30. Bede's Description of Durrow, the Field of Oaks

    Durrow · parish · Offaly

    Bede describes Columba building a noble monastery in Ireland called Dearmach (Durrow), meaning the Field of Oaks, referencing the great number of oaks there, before Columba passed over into Britain.

    Read the passage

    he had built a noble monastery in Ireland, which, from the great number of oaks, is in the Irish tongue called Dearmach (Burrow) — the Field of Oaks."4 The similarity of the two names Burrow and Berry, and the fact that both have reference to the abundance of oaks, make it doubtful, however, whether Bede has not confounded the two, and that hence he may be speaking of the latter instead of the former. Adamnan, the biographer of Columkill, has several references to Burrow, and speaks of the building of the great house there. There is also an ancient poem, ascribed to Columkill, in which he describes its charms, and " enlarges on the beauty of that devout city, with its books, and its learning, and its hundred crosses ; he describes how sweet is the blackbird's song, and the music of the wind as it murmurs through the elms on the oak plain ; " s and it is in connection with Burrow that he says, in the same poem, that " death is better in reproachless Erin than life for ever in Alba (Scotland.)"

    Burrow was founded somewhere about the year 553, and after Columkill had left the country for lona, it was placed in charge of one Cormac. He was from Munster, and not being of the family of Columkill, was not acceptable to the inmates. He therefore remained but a short time, and his place was then taken by Laisren, who was first cousin of the saint. The establishment continued in more or less prosperity down to the time of the coming of the English. It was then seized on by Hugh de Lacy, who built a castle on the site, and it was there, as we shall see later, that he met his death.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 19

31. Clonmacnoise plundered by the English repeatedly

    Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly · 1199–1204

    Clonmacnoise was attacked by William de Burgo in 1199, and was again plundered by the English in 1200, 1201 and 1204; afterwards a castle was built there as a border fortress on church land.

    Read the passage

    out his income by holding some parish in commendam. This was the case in 1398, when Philip, elect of Clonmacnoise, is allowed by the Pope to retain the parish of Saint Mary's, Moybrechri, in Ardagh, belonging to the Cistercian monastery at Granard, " to the end that he may not, on account of the slender revenues of his See, be compelled to beg, to the shame of the pontificial dignity.16 Yet, poor as it was, the King insisted that no election should be made without his consent having been first asked,17 and at least on one occasion the bishop was a high state official, for we find that in 1390, one Miles Cory, Bishop of Clonmacnoise, was made Lord Justice of Connaught by Richard II. Judging by the names, we would conclude that most of the bishops were Irishmen by birth. The small income and backward position had few attractions for Norman adventurers. It is probable, too, that Irish customs continued here long after they had been abrogated in Meath, and for that reason the English felt under no obligation to respect the sacred character of the places It was attacked by William de Burgo in 1199, and was again plundered by the English in 1200, in 1201, and in 1204. After that a castle was built, and it became an important border fortress. The castle was erected on church land, and the builders cut down the bishop's fruit trees, and appropriated his cows, horses, oxen, and household utensils. On a complaint being made to the King, however, it was ordered that the bishop should be compensated for these losses.18

    In consequence of the poverty of the See, there was sometimes considerable difficulty in finding a suitable occupant for it, and frequently it remained vacant for years at a time. Sometimes too the occupant was far

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 80

32. Kieran founds Clonmacnoise in 544

    Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly · 544

    Kieran, an alumnus of Clonard and son of a carpenter, arrived on the banks of the Shannon in 544 and completed the building of Clonmacnoise by 9 May that year, with the founding date recorded with remarkable astronomical precision.

    Read the passage

    Among the alumni of Clonard were many whose names afterwards became eminent, but none more so than Kieran, the founder of Clonmacnoise. His father was an artificer, for which reason he is often spoken of as the son of the carpenter. He cannot have been long at Clonard, for he died young, and in his short life spent a considerable time on the Island of Aran, at Scattery, and at Hare Island, before he finally settled at Clonmacnoise. The details of those early years are given at considerable length in his biographies, but do not concern us here. Suffice it to say that he arrived on the banks of the Shannon in the year 544, " on the eighth of the calends of February, on the tenth of the moon, on the tenth of the lunar month, on a Saturday," 7 and that the work of building was completed on the ninth of May in the same year.

    It will be noted that the date is given with great preciseness, and possibly some readers may smile with incredulity at the thought that such minute accuracy should be claimed in the old documents which contain our information. But it is a well ascertained fact, though one not generally known, that wherever our old records can be tested by the astronomical events that they record, they invariably satisfy the test. In this particular instance, I have myself made the necessary calculations, and they altogether bear out the reliability of the narrative. The twenty-third of January in the year 544 was a Saturday, and the moon

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 14

33. O'Reillys and Duffs raid Dunmoe village on the Boyne

    Dunmoe · townland · Meath · 1596

    The O'Reillys and Duffs attacked the village of Dunmoe on the Boyne, taking around a hundred cows, unyoking plough garrans and carrying them off, all within two miles of Navan before sunset.

    Read the passage

    " the O'Reillys and Duffs came to Dunmow, a village seated upon the Boyne side, and took from it one hundred cows or thereabouts, unyoked the garrans out of the ploughs, and carried them with them. Thence they went to the Granges, a village adjoining, and belonging to Nicholas Birford, and in revenge for his late good service, have taken all the cattle and goods that he had, killed one of his men, dangerously injured another, and burned his house. All this was done within two miles of the Navan, before the setting of the sun. Every night some spoil is committed, and unless present order be taken for guarding that border, I do not think that any man dwelling on that side of the Boyne who is not of Philip's confederacy will possess any goods."

    Shortly after this Philip O'Reilly was killed in one of the forays, and the bishop urges that " a small force, now sent to the borders, would for ever recover the Brenny," But little or no response was made to this appeal, and the following year saw the O'Reillys once more in the field, making an incursion " to prey the Pale towards Kells." The soldiers of the queen, under the sheriff of Meath, who had forty horsemen, and one hundred foot, together with the garrison of Kells, now increased to one hundred men, went forth to meet the rebels, but were badly beaten. As soon as they came in sight of the foe, the horsemen " fled presently," and overran their own footmen, so that all was in confusion ; and when the fight was over, it was found that the commanding officer was killed, together with his ensign and serjeant, his lieutenant was mortally wounded, another officer was taken prisoner, and fifty of the company were slain.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 110

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in 1596, the O'Reillys and Duffs came to Dunmoe, a village on the Boyne, and took about 100 cows. They unyoked the garrans from the ploughs and carried them off too. From here they went to the Granges, a village belonging to Nicholas Birford, and in revenge for his late good service took all the cattle and goods he had, killed one of his men, dangerously injured another, and burned his house. All of this was done within 2 miles of Navan, before sunset. Every night some spoil was being committed along this border, and unless order was taken for guarding it, the bishop warned that no man dwelling on the side of the Boyne who was not of Philip O'Reilly's confederacy would possess any goods. Shortly after this, Philip O'Reilly was killed in one of the forays. The bishop urged that a small force sent to the borders would recover the Brenny, but little response came. The following year the O'Reillys were back, raiding the Pale towards Kells. The queen's soldiers under the sheriff of Meath, with 40 horsemen and 100 foot, plus the Kells garrison of 100 men, went to meet them but were badly beaten. The horsemen fled and overran their own footmen. The commanding officer was killed, with his ensign and sergeant, his lieutenant mortally wounded, another officer taken prisoner, and 50 of the company slain.

34. The Round Tower of Kells with Five Windows

    Kells · town · Meath

    The round tower at Kells is a perfect example except that its conical roof is missing. Unusually it has five windows at the top instead of the usual four, corresponding to the five roads by which Kells was formerly approached.

    Read the passage

    About the same age as the crosses, or perhaps a little later, are the round towers, of which an excellent example — perfect, except that the conical roof is missing — may be seen at Kells. These were manifestly watch towers, erected at a time when the Church was no longer at peace ; and in this connection the Kells tower is particularly instructive. Ordinarily there are four windows at the top of these towers, which command the four cardinal points, but in Kells there are five such apertures, corresponding to the five roads by which the place was formerly approached. The other round towers that Meath possesses are situated at Donaghmore, near Navan, and at Clonmacnoise.

    Both Kells and Durrow are also celebrated for their metal work. The shrine in which was enclosed

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 22

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Kells, there's a round tower here that's a fine example of the kind, perfect in every way except that its conical roof is gone. These towers were watch towers, built when the Church was no longer at peace. What makes the Kells tower unusual is the windows. Most round towers have four at the top, facing the four cardinal points, but this one has five, corresponding to the five roads by which Kells was formerly approached. The same book notes other round towers in Meath at Donaghmore, near Navan, and at Clonmacnoise.

35. Walter Hosee killed at Fytherath during church dispute

    Fyanstown · townland · Meath

    During negotiations over the advowson of Galtrim, Walter Hosee, who had been excommunicated for a prior crime, was killed at Fytherath before the matter could be resolved.

    Read the passage

    We have another instance of high-handed action in the report of a lawsuit touching the advowson of the parish of Gal trim, which was heard in the year 1289. It appears that Hugh of Galtrim was patron of the living, and William de la Corner (of the same family as the bishop just mentioned) was rector. William was raised to the episcopate (it does not appear for what diocese), and the parish thus becoming vacant, Walter Hosee, Hugh's uncle, appointed Philip le Norman to the vacant benefice. But this Walter had some time previously been excommunicated for a crime which he had committed, and as the price of absolution it was proposed that this church should be given over into the bishop's hands. The negotiations were, however, unduly prolonged, and in the meantime Walter was killed at Fytherath. The bishop was not to be baulked of his purpose, and so he refused to allow the dead man to be buried until Lucy, wife of Walter Hosee, had given up the keys of his coffers. Then, searching in the coffers, he found Walter's seal, drew up a deed touching the advowson, and put the seal to it. He followed this up by ejecting the newly appointed parson out of his church. In the end, however, he failed in his design, for the jury which tried the case gave a verdict against him, and awarded fifty marks

    8 Vatican Records.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 69

36. Founding and Succession at Durrow

    Durrow · parish · Offaly · 553

    Durrow was founded around 553; after Columkill left for Iona it was placed under Cormac of Munster, who was unwelcome as an outsider and soon replaced by Laisren, the saint's first cousin. The establishment prospered until the English arrived.

    Read the passage

    Burrow was founded somewhere about the year 553, and after Columkill had left the country for lona, it was placed in charge of one Cormac. He was from Munster, and not being of the family of Columkill, was not acceptable to the inmates. He therefore remained but a short time, and his place was then taken by Laisren, who was first cousin of the saint. The establishment continued in more or less prosperity down to the time of the coming of the English. It was then seized on by Hugh de Lacy, who built a castle on the site, and it was there, as we shall see later, that he met his death.

    Kells is less frequently mentioned in early records ;

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 19

37. 1536 Dublin Parliament Passes Act of Royal Supremacy

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1536

    A parliament held in Dublin in 1536 passed the Act of Succession and the Act of Royal Supremacy, declaring the King head of the Church of Ireland, with Bishop Staples of Meath taking a prominent part.

    Read the passage

    Conqueror, and continued down to the time that we are now considering, which deal with this subject. And the same thing is true of Ireland. There also the interference of the Pope was again and again repudiated. A solitary example may here be given, not on account of its singularity or importance, but because it is in a way connected with the Diocese of Meath. In 1475, Bishop William Sherwood, being deputy for the Duke of Clarence, held a parliament in Dublin, and one of its first acts was to forbid, under pain of treason, that any one should bring Bulls from Rome. And, as we have seen the same thing was shown in the appointment of bishops, for while they generally obtained papal " provision," they were not allowed to enjoy the temporalities of the see until they had renounced the provision so obtained, and paid a fine for their offence. A parliament was held in Dublin in 1536, for the purpose of passing acts similar to those which had been already passed in England. In this assembly Staples took a prominent part. Its first statute was the Act of Succession, which declared the marriage of King Henry with Katherine of Aragon to be null and void, and settled that the succession should be limited to the children of Anne Boleyn. Before the sittings were finished, however, this act had to be repealed, for Anne had been led to the block, and the King had taken to himself another spouse Then came the Act of Royal Supremacy, by which it was ordained that " the King, his heirs, and successors, should be the supreme head on earth of the Church of Ireland." Other acts reserved the payment of first-fruits to the King, forbade anyone to maintain by act or writing the usurped power of the Pope, and put a tax on all ecclesiastical incomes of one-twentieth, which was to

    l66 HISTORY OF THE DIOCESE OF MEATH

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 85

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin, where the road passes through, was where a parliament met in 1536. It was held to pass acts like those already passed in England, and in this assembly Staples, Bishop of Meath, took a prominent part. Its first statute was the Act of Succession, which declared the marriage of King Henry with Katherine of Aragon to be null and void, and settled that the succession should be limited to the children of Anne Boleyn. Before the sittings were finished, this act had to be repealed, for Anne had been led to the block, and the King had taken to himself another spouse. Then came the Act of Royal Supremacy, by which it was ordained that "the King, his heirs, and successors, should be the supreme head on earth of the Church of Ireland." Other acts reserved the payment of first-fruits to the King, forbade anyone to maintain by act or writing the usurped power of the Pope, and put a tax on all ecclesiastical incomes of one-twentieth. There was earlier precedent for Dublin parliaments resisting papal authority. In 1475, Bishop William Sherwood, being deputy for the Duke of Clarence, held a parliament in Dublin, and one of its first acts was to forbid, under pain of treason, that anyone should bring Bulls from Rome. The same pattern showed in the appointment of bishops, for while they generally obtained papal provision, they were not allowed to enjoy the temporalities of the see until they had renounced the provision so obtained and paid a fine for their offence.

38. Assembly of Chieftains at Rahugh for Peace

    Rahugh · townland · Westmeath · 857

    A great meeting of the chieftains of Ireland was assembled at Rahugh in Westmeath to establish peace and concord between the men of Ireland, attended by the abbots of Armagh and Clonard, though the truce proved short-lived.

    Read the passage

    A short respite ensued, due, perhaps, to internal dissensions amongst the strangers, and at the same time an effort was made to promote some degree of unity amongst the native tribes. A great meeting of the chieftains of Ireland was assembled at Rahugh, in Westmeath, " to establish peace and concord between the men of Ireland." ? The abbots of Armagh and Clonard attended the meeting, and if the good resolutions at which they arrived had only been carried into effect, something might, no doubt, have been done to stem the tide of invasion. But the truce between Irish factions has always been of an evanescent kind, and the divisions of the people have been the great strength of their enemies.

    Soon after this, another Danish champion appears, named Barith, who joined with the Norsemen of Dublin, and devastated the whole country. He found a new source of booty in the ancient sepulchral caves which are so numerous all over the land, and which seemed to have contained treasures of gold, which had been buried with the dead.8 Among his other exploits was an attack on the establishment at Duleek, whence " a great number of persons were carried off into captivity." He is spoken of as a " fierce champion and chief of the persecutors." He was afterwards " slain and burned at Dublin through the miracles of God and Saint Keenan." 9 After this followed a time of

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 26

39. Bishop attacked in his house at Ardbraccan and flees to Dublin

    Ardbraccan · townland · Meath · 1641

    At the opening of the rebellion the bishop was attacked in his house at Ardbraccan and forced to flee to Dublin, taking refuge at Trinity College where he had formerly been a fellow.

    Read the passage

    church clergy, and as the insurrection was followed by the Cromwellian regime, this state of things continued for a period of close on twenty years. It was, therefore, the greatest blow that our Church ever sustained — so great a blow that many imagined that she would never rise again. We shall see, however, that God in His own good Providence delivered her in the end out of all her afflictions, and though other troubles were quickly to follow, yet never again was our Church brought so low as at this unhappy period. It remains only to add that with the flight of the clergy has to be chronicled also the flight of the bishop. At the opening of the rebellion he was attacked in his house at Ardbraccan, and was forced to take refuge in Dublin. He had formerly been a fellow of Trinity College, and thither he made his way. The provost, an Englishman named Richard Washington, left his post, and would not stay any longer in Ireland, and Bishop Martin after a while took his place, and continued to hold it through troublous times. When the Book of Common Prayer was proscribed by order of Cromwell, its forms were still used in the College Chapel, and when many accommodated themselves to the new order of things, Martin was still found among the faithful. He died of the plague which raged in the summer of 1650 — it is said, in great poverty, — and was buried within the precincts of the university.3

    »Mant.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 134

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Ardbraccan, in 1641, at the opening of the rebellion, the bishop was attacked in his house and forced to flee. He made his way to Dublin and took refuge at Trinity College, where he had formerly been a fellow. The provost at the time was an Englishman named Richard Washington. He left his post and would not stay any longer in Ireland, and after a while Bishop Martin took his place and continued to hold it through troublous times. When the Book of Common Prayer was proscribed by order of Cromwell, its forms were still used in the College Chapel, and when many accommodated themselves to the new order of things, Martin was still found among the faithful. He died of the plague which raged in the summer of 1650, it is said, in great poverty, and was buried within the precincts of the university. The insurrection was followed by the Cromwellian regime, and this state of things continued for close on twenty years. The author calls it the greatest blow that the Church ever sustained, so great that many imagined she would never rise again.

40. Bishop Dopping's Lone Dissent in the House of Lords

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1689–1690

    Bishop Dopping of Meath is described as having spoken fearlessly in the House of Lords under King James II, being the only voice raised in opposition to the King and the only vote cast against his arbitrary measures. This is presented as evidence of his courage despite later accusations of being a time-server.

    Read the passage

    It would take from the force of these words to add any note or comment. Suffice it to remind the reader that we have here not the rhetorical exaggerations of one who only knew by hearsay of the events which he records, nor the fancies of one who had to call on his " historical imagination " to supply the shortcomings of an ancient document, but the words of one who had himself passed through what he describes, and who addressed his words to men who were familiar with all that he recounts to them. In after years there were many who found fault with Bishop Dopping for the part which he played at that time, and it has been said that he was a time-server, adapting himself to the views of whatever party was in power, but surely it speaks something for his courage and devotion to learn that he stood at his post through all these troubles ; that he spoke fearlessly and eloquently in the House of Lords presided over by King James, when his was the only voice to be heard in opposition to the King ; and that he voted against the arbitrary measures of that monarch when his was the only vote that was given against them. The principles which guided his action were really consistent all through. They were misunderstood simply because he was in advance of the age in which he lived. He regarded the Church as an organization whose functions were wholly spiritual and which had nothing to do with politics. Hence, under the regime of King James, though he felt so keenly the disasters which it entailed, he neither deserted his post nor joined with those who by force of arms were seeking redress. His duty then seemed

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 157

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Dublin, the city holds the story of Bishop Dopping of Meath and his lonely stand in the House of Lords. The year was 1689, and King James II presided over that house. In the troubles of that time, Dopping spoke fearlessly and eloquently, and his was the only voice raised in opposition to the King. When the arbitrary measures of that monarch came to a vote, his was the only vote given against them. In after years, many found fault with Dopping for the part he played. It was said he was a time-server, adapting himself to whatever party held power. But the words we have are not hearsay or fancy. They come from one who had himself passed through what he describes, and who addressed men familiar with all he recounted. The principles guiding Dopping were consistent all through. They were misunderstood simply because he was in advance of his age. He regarded the Church as an organization whose functions were wholly spiritual and which had nothing to do with politics. Under the regime of King James, though he felt keenly the disasters it entailed, he neither deserted his post nor joined with those who by force of arms were seeking redress. He stood at his post through all these troubles, and his courage speaks for itself.

41. Bishop Walsh preaches against the Prayer Book at Trim

    Trim · town · Meath · 1559

    Bishop Walsh openly opposed the introduction of the Book of Common Prayer, preaching against it at Trim and becoming the leader of the Romanist party in the diocese as a result.

    Read the passage

    THE premature death of Queen Mary, and the accession of Elizabeth, was a great blow to the hopes of those who were expecting that all the work of Reformation, begun under the auspices of Edward VI., was soon to be undone. Amongst these one of the foremost was Bishop Walsh. He had taken a leading part in the task of depriving those of the bishops and clergy who favoured the Reformation. He was soon to experience the process of deprivation himself. He refused to take the oath of supremacy, and when, by order of Elizabeth, the Earl of Sussex endeavoured to introduce the Book of Common Prayer into the Irish churches, he openly protested before all the people " that he would never communicate or be present (by his will) where the service should be ministered, for it was against his conscience, and (as he thought) against God's word." He afterwards preached against the Book at Trim, and took such a decided stand that he became at once the leader of the Romanist party. Archbishop Loftus (then of Armagh) wrote of him that " he is one of great credit amongst his countrymen, and upon whom (as touching causes of religion) they wholly depend."1 In consequence of his recusancy he was put in prison, and shortly afterwards deposed. He remained in custody for some years, and finally, with the connivance of the authorities, escaped to Spain, where he spent the remainder of his days in a Cistercian monastery.2

    1 Shirley, Original Letters. a Ware.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 97

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Trim, in Meath, this is where Bishop Walsh preached against the Book of Common Prayer in 1559. When Queen Elizabeth ordered the Earl of Sussex to introduce the new Prayer Book into the Irish churches, Walsh refused to take the oath of supremacy and protested openly before all the people, saying he would never communicate or be present where the service was ministered, for it was against his conscience and, as he thought, against God's word. He had been one of the foremost in the work of depriving clergy who favoured the Reformation under Edward the Sixth, and now he found the same process turned on himself. His stand at Trim made him at once the leader of the Romanist party in the diocese. Archbishop Loftus wrote of him that he was one of great credit amongst his countrymen, and upon whom, as touching causes of religion, they wholly depend. For his recusancy he was put in prison and shortly afterwards deposed. He remained in custody for some years, and finally, with the connivance of the authorities, escaped to Spain, where he spent the rest of his days in a Cistercian monastery.

42. Brawney raid on Clonmacnoise pigs, 1155

    Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly · 1155

    The people of Brawney in Teffia went to Clonmacnoise in 1155 and carried off pigs belonging to Keiran's clergy. When the ecclesiastics pursued them with their shrine as far as the Fort of the Gospel but were disobeyed, the raiders suffered a defeat the following day.

    Read the passage

    on the clergy, in that very place was he beheaded before the end of a month." J5 Another example will suffice. The people of Brawney, in the same district of Teffia, in Westmeath, went in 1155 to Clonmacnoise, and carried off all that they could find of the pigs of Keiran's clergy. " The ecclesiastics went after them with their shrine as far as the Fort of the Gospel, but they were not obeyed. On the following day they sustained a defeat, in consequence of disobeying Keiran's clergy." l6

    All this shows that religion had, in a great measure, degenerated into superstition, and that whatever spiritual vitality had at one time belonged to the Irish Church had almost completely disappeared. In this way again the way was prepared for the bringing in of another system.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 29

43. Daniel Wilson of Galtrim robbed and pressured to convert

    Galtrim · townland · Meath · 1641

    Daniel Wilson, a Protestant living in the Parish of Galtrim, was robbed by his neighbours and again by the rebels, who offered that he would lose nothing if he went to Mass, which he refused.

    Read the passage

    Occasionally the work of robbery and murder was diversified by efforts of proselytism. Daniel Wilson, a Protestant living in the Parish of Galtrim, relates how first of all he was robbed by his neighbours, then, when the rebels came, his house was attacked once more, but " he told them they had come too late, for that the inhabitants had robbed him before they came ; and Captain Houler, answering, said that he, this deponent, might choose whether he would be robbed or no, for (sayd he) if you will goe to Masse, you shall loose nothing. To which this deponent answered that if this be their way to convert people (as you call it), much good may doe you with what you have."

    In Westmeath, the influence of Doctor Dease, the Roman Catholic bishop, restrained the rebels to some extent. Yet even there it was not possible to prevent cruel murders and robbery. The Vicar of Mullingar was robbed of all his goods ; the same thing happened to the minister of Rathconrath. The Rev. Thomas Fleetwood, curate of Kilbeggan, tells how he was himself robbed and taken prisoner with some of his children. His captors stripped him of his clothes, and threatened to kill him. They stripped some old men and women and sent them adrift perfectly naked in the middle of winter. They murdered, in the church-yard of Athlone, a Mr. Barton, son of a Protestant clergyman, and then " turned his wiffe and children out of ye towne, which children perished and dyed, for that the cruell rebells would neither harbour nor suffer any other to relieve them, but threatened to burn the houses of such as should give them any succour."

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 133

44. Dopping intervenes with Lord Deputy over disarming of Protestants

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1689

    When Protestants were ordered disarmed and soldiers embezzled surrendered weapons, the Lord Deputy planned to hand over armed Protestants to soldiers' mercy; Bishop Dopping persuaded him to require alderman supervision of searches instead.

    Read the passage

    This was not the only time that Bishop Dopping took his stand as advocate for his co-religionists. When the decree went forth for the disarming of Protestants it was found that comparatively few arms were brought into the King's stores. As a matter of fact, all those which were of any value were embezzled by the soldiers. The Lord Deputy, however, attributed it to the obstinacy of the citizens, and was about to issue an order that all Protestants with whom any arms were found should be given up to the mercy of the soldiers. The Bishop, however, went to the Lord Deputy, and reasoned with him so successfully that it was decreed that whatever searches were made should be under the superintendence of an alderman, with the assistance of one or more military officers, and not by any of the ordinary soldiers. This was oppressive enough, but at all events it was better than a proposal which would render it possible for " some ill fellows to come into a house and drop a bayonet or sword hi a corner, and pretend to find it there," after which the soldiers might have with impunity destroyed and robbed as they pleased. 5

    Bishop Dopping intervened once more while the siege of Deny was proceeding. General Rosen, as is well known, used the horrible stratagem of bringing together under the walls of the beleaguered city all the Protestants that he could find in the surrounding

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 152

    As the companion tells it

    In Dublin, in 1689, a decree went out for the disarming of Protestants. Few arms came into the King's stores. The ones of any value were embezzled by the soldiers. The Lord Deputy blamed the citizens for their obstinacy. He was about to order that any Protestant found with arms would be given up to the mercy of the soldiers. Bishop Dopping went to the Lord Deputy and reasoned with him. He was successful. It was decreed instead that searches would be carried out under the superintendence of an alderman, with the assistance of one or more military officers, and not by ordinary soldiers. It was still oppressive, but it was better than what might have happened. Without alderman supervision, as Dopping had argued, some ill fellows could come into a house and drop a bayonet or sword in a corner and pretend to find it there. After that the soldiers could have destroyed and robbed as they pleased, with impunity. The bishop had taken his stand as advocate for his co-religionists, and here in Dublin that intervention spared Protestant householders from being handed over to the soldiers' mercy.

45. Dopping's speech against repeal of the Act of Settlement

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1689

    In the House of Lords, Bishop Dopping alone argued against the repeal of the Act of Settlement, warning it would ruin trade and destroy public credit during ongoing civil war.

    Read the passage

    indefeasible title. It was not calculated to promote the public good, nor the King's honour. It would be ruinous to trade, and would destroy the public faith and credit of the nation. Finally, it was inconvenient in point of time, for civil war was raging, and it would be more wise to wait until they were quite assured of the possession of the land before they began to divide it. " We cannot," he said, " in this case set a better precedent before us than the case of the Israelites in the Book of Joshua. They had the Land of Canaan given them by God, but yet Joshua did not go about to make a distribution of it to the tribes, till they had subdued their enemies and the Lord had given them peace." All these points he dwelt on at considerable length, and concluded by saying, " I have ventured candidly and impartially to lay my thought before you, and I have no other design in it than honestly to acquit my conscience towards my King and country. If my freedom hath given your lordships any offence, I do here submissively beg your pardon for it, but it is the concern of the nation in general that hath made me so warm in this affair. I have but one thing more to add, that God would so direct and instruct your hearts that you may pitch upon those courses that may be for the honour of the King and the benefit of the kingdom." 4

    All this, however, was of no avail. The passing of the Act of Repeal was a foregone conclusion, and when the Act was published, it was said to be enacted " by the advice and consent of the lords spiritual and temporal," though as a matter of fact, every one of the bishops had voted against it. They complained of this to the King, but there was no redress, Mant reminds us that " a different and more ingenuous course

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 152

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Dublin, this is the city where in 1689 Bishop Dopping stood alone in the House of Lords to argue against the repeal of the Act of Settlement. He warned that repeal would be ruinous to trade and would destroy the public faith and credit of the nation. He said it was inconvenient in point of time, for civil war was raging, and it would be wiser to wait until they were assured of possession of the land before they began to divide it. He told the lords, "We cannot in this case set a better precedent before us than the case of the Israelites in the Book of Joshua. They had the Land of Canaan given them by God, but yet Joshua did not go about to make a distribution of it to the tribes, till they had subdued their enemies and the Lord had given them peace." He closed by saying he had no design but honestly to acquit his conscience towards his King and country, and begged their pardon if his freedom had given offence. All of it was of no avail. The passing of the Act of Repeal was a foregone conclusion. When it was published, it was said to be enacted "by the advice and consent of the lords spiritual and temporal," though in fact every one of the bishops had voted against it. They complained to the King, but there was no redress.

46. Dopping's Thanksgiving sermon at Christ Church after the Boyne

    Christ Church Cathedral · ecclesiastical site · Dublin · 1690

    After the Battle of the Boyne, Bishop Dopping preached a Thanksgiving sermon at Christ Church Cathedral describing the sufferings of Protestants who fled to England, whose goods were seized and who faced attainder and trial before Catholic judges.

    Read the passage

    even with the English Parliament. The result was a state of things which may best be described in the bishop's own words. The extract is taken from a sermon preached by him in Christ Church Cathedral, at a Thanksgiving Service held there after the battle of the Boyne.

    They that fled into England (the bishop says), went

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 156

    As the companion tells it

    Christ Church Cathedral stands right here. In 1690, after the Battle of the Boyne, Bishop Dopping preached a Thanksgiving sermon in this cathedral. He described the sufferings of Protestants who had fled to England, their goods seized, facing attainder and trial before Catholic judges.

47. Dunboyne burned by insurgents during Silken Thomas's rebellion

    Dunboyne · town · Meath · 1534

    During the rebellion of Silken Thomas, Meath suffered considerably; Dunboyne was burned by the insurgents.

    Read the passage

    Meath suffered considerably in this rebellion. First Dunboyne was burned by the insurgents. Then a skirmish was fought at Dunshaughlin, in which they were worsted. Afterwards they took Trim, and Lord Thomas " ther robbed not only the same (towne of Trim), but also brente a great part thereof, and took all the cataill of the countrie thereaboughtes." 3 Several of the Meath gentry joined in the insurrection, and some of the clergy. Among the latter was Charles Reynolds, Archdeacon of Kells, who went with others on a mission, first to the Pope, and then to the Emperor^ Charles V., hoping that in the irritation caused by the divorce of Queen Katherine these potentates would be ready to give help against King Henry. Their efforts in this direction, however, proved fruitless, and in the meantime the followers of Silken Thomas began to fall away from him, until at length he was obliged to submit. He was sent to the Tower, and in 1537 was executed with five of his uncles at Tyburn.

    As to Charles Reynolds, or as was better pleased to call himself, Cahir MacRanell, he was deprived of his archdeaconry in 1535, and was afterwards attainted of treason by the Irish Parliament. Whether he suffered imprisonment or death in consequence of this

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 84

    As the companion tells it

    You're passing through Dunboyne in Meath. In 1534, during the rebellion of Silken Thomas, this town was burned by the insurgents, the first place in Meath to suffer in that rising. The rebels then moved on and fought a skirmish at Dunshaughlin, where they were worsted, before taking Trim, where Lord Thomas robbed the town and burned a great part of it. Several of the Meath gentry and clergy joined the insurrection, among them Charles Reynolds, Archdeacon of Kells, who went on a mission to the Pope and then to the Emperor Charles V, hoping they would help against King Henry. Those efforts came to nothing, and Silken Thomas's followers fell away until he was forced to submit. He was sent to the Tower and in 1537 was executed with five of his uncles at Tyburn. Reynolds, who preferred to call himself Cahir MacRanell, was deprived of his archdeaconry in 1535 and afterwards attainted of treason by the Irish Parliament.

48. Founding of Donaghpatrick near Teltown assembly site

    Teltown · townland · Meath · 432–460

    Donaghpatrick was founded near the royal city of Teltown, where a great annual assembly was held; Patrick used the gathering for evangelisation, with mixed success among the chiefs present.

    Read the passage

    It was shortly after this that the Church of Donaghpatrick was founded. Donaghpatrick was in the immediate neighbourhood of the royal city of Teltown, where every year a great assembly of the people was held. Patrick took advantage of the concourse for his work of evangelisation. But with varying success. One chief attacked him, and attempted to throw him and his followers into the river, for which reason, it is said, the stream, named up to that time the White Water, became ever afterwards known as the Black Water. Other chiefs were less obstinate ; and one in particular — a prince named Conall — accepted the faith, and bestowed on Saint Patrick the site on which the church of Donaghpatrick was afterwards built .7 The new church, lately erected by the generosity of Mr. Thomas Gerrard of Gibbstown, stands on the ancient site, and

    • Bernard and Atkinson, 7mA Liber Hymnorum, Vol. ii., p. 49. i Tripartite Life of St. Patrick.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala

49. Founding of St. Finian's school at Clonard

    Clonard · town · Meath · 520

    St. Finian founded his famous school at Clonard around the year 520, after training under Foritchernn of Trim and studying at St. David's school at Menevia in Wales.

    Read the passage

    Almost the first, and for many ages the most famous of these schools, was that founded by Saint Finian at Clonard, somewhere about the year 520. This Finian was the child of Christian parents, and was born in Leinster. He was early placed under the care of Foritchernn of Trim, who was, as we have seen, one of Saint Patrick's first converts. He afterwards passed over into Britain, and entered the famous school of Saint David, at Menevia in Wales — a fact interesting to the historian, showing, as it does, that there was a certain amount of intercourse between Ireland and the sister island. It was doubtless from his experience there that he conceived the idea of establishing a

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 11

    As the companion tells it

    Clonard in Meath is where Saint Finian founded his famous school, somewhere about the year 520. He was born in Leinster to Christian parents and was placed early under the care of Foritchernn of Trim, one of Saint Patrick's first converts. He then crossed into Britain and entered Saint David's school at Menevia in Wales, a sign that there was already a certain amount of intercourse between Ireland and the sister island. It was doubtless from that experience that he conceived the idea of establishing his own school here at Clonard. For many ages it remained the most famous of the Irish schools.

50. Henry Crumpe's heresy dispute with Bishop of Meath

    Drogheda · town · Louth · 1401

    Cistercian monk Henry Crumpe of Baltinglass, having already been silenced in England for attacking mendicant orders, engaged in controversy in Ireland with Bishop William Andrew of Meath over the Real Presence, and later preached against a papal indulgence tied to the Friars Preachers house in Drogheda.

    Read the passage

    he would never publish any of his writings, although great matters were expected of him." The doctrines of Wycliff were at this time exercising the minds of men in the Church of England, and it is interesting to find that they reached Ireland also. Henry Crumpe, a Cistercian monk of Baltinglass, first comes into notice for having, in his sermons at Oxford, attacked the mendicant orders. He argued that they were never instituted by God's inspiration, and that they were directly contrary to the decrees of the General Council of Lateran, which prohibited the bringing in of any more new religious orders into the church. For this teaching he was brought before the Archbishop of Canterbury, and having been forced to " deny and abjure these assertions," he was silenced, " that he should not excercise publicly any act in the schools, either by reading, preaching, disputing, or determining, until he should have a special licence from the said Archbishop to do so." 7 We next find him in Ireland, engaged in controversy with Bishop William Andrew, of Meath. This time the subject was the Real Presence in the Sacrament. Crumpe argued that " the Body of Christ in the Sacrament of the Altar was only a looking glass to the Body of Christ in heaven." 8 The bishop denounced such teaching as heresy, but there the record stops, leaving us, as is so often the case, just at the point where we would have liked more information. Crumpe, however, was not silenced, for in 1401 we have him preaching against the indulgence granted by the Pope to those who " visited on the Feast of the Annunciation the House of the Friars Preachers, Drogheda, and the Chapel of Saint Mary, the Mother of God, almost contiguous."

    7 Ussher, Religion Professed by the Ancient Irish, chap. vi. • Ibid., chap. v.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 75

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Drogheda, this is the town where a troublesome Cistercian monk named Henry Crumpe stirred up trouble in 1401. Crumpe came from Baltinglass and had already made a name for himself in England, where he attacked the mendicant orders from the pulpit at Oxford, arguing they were never instituted by God's inspiration and were contrary to the decrees of the General Council of Lateran. For that he was hauled before the Archbishop of Canterbury, forced to deny and abjure his assertions, and silenced from reading, preaching, disputing, or determining in the schools without special licence. In Ireland he took on Bishop William Andrew of Meath over the Real Presence in the Sacrament. Crumpe argued that the Body of Christ in the Sacrament of the Altar was only a looking glass to the Body of Christ in heaven. The bishop called it heresy, but the record goes quiet after that. Crumpe was not done. In 1401 he preached against a papal indulgence granted to those who visited on the Feast of the Annunciation the House of the Friars Preachers here in Drogheda, and the Chapel of Saint Mary, the Mother of God, almost contiguous. So this town was the stage for the last act of Crumpe's Irish controversies, a monk who would not stay quiet.

51. Henry Jones's warning saves Drogheda from rebel attack

    Drogheda · town · Louth · 1641

    After escaping to Dublin from Kilmore during the 1641 rebellion, Henry Jones gave the government warning of an intended rebel attack on Drogheda, a warning that practically secured the town's safety.

    Read the passage

    Bishop Leslie was succeeded by Doctor Henry Jones, who was translated from Clogher. Bishop Jones had a somewhat remarkable career. He was the son of Lewis Jones, Bishop of Killaloe. His first dignity in the Church was the Deanery of Ardagh, from which he passed by exchange to the Deanery of Kilmore. He held this latter office under the episcopate of the famous Bishop Bedell. He was in Kilmore when the rebellion of 1641 broke out, and was employed by the rebels to deliver a remonstrance from them to the Lords Justices in Dublin. In the disturbed state of the country the embassy entailed no little danger and difficulty. His wife and children were kept by the rebels during his absence as hostages for his return. At the end of ten days he came back having complied with their request. After this he made his escape to Dublin, and was able to render good service to the government by giving them warning of the intended attack on Drogheda — a warning which practically secured the safety of that

    x

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 143

    As the companion tells it

    Drogheda stands ahead on the road through Louth. In the rebellion of 1641, this town was the target of a rebel attack that never succeeded, and the reason it never succeeded was a man named Henry Jones. Jones was Dean of Kilmore under the famous Bishop Bedell. He was in Kilmore when the rebellion broke out. The rebels gave him a remonstrance to carry to the Lords Justices in Dublin, and to make sure he came back they kept his wife and children as hostages. The country was in turmoil and the journey was dangerous, but after ten days he returned to Kilmore having done what the rebels asked. Then he made his escape to Dublin. There he gave the government warning of the intended attack on Drogheda, and that warning practically secured the safety of the town.

52. Land dispute between Kells church and St Mary's Abbey

    Kells · town · Meath · 1280

    Around 1280 a long dispute arose over one and a half carucates of land in Ardmulchan and Ballygoddan claimed both by the church of Kells and the abbot of St Mary's near Kells, leading to mutual excommunications between the archdeacon and the abbot.

    Read the passage

    The contention took place about the year 1280, and continued for some years afterwards. It was about " one and a half carucates of land in Ardmym and Ballygoddan," said to belong to the church of Kells, but claimed by the abbot of Saint Mary's near that town. A carucate consisted of about one hundred and twenty acres. The Archbishop of Armagh took the part of the abbey, and because the rector would not submit to his ruling, he excommunicated John de Kenley, Archdeacon of Meath and Rector of Kells, Thomas Saint Leger, Archdeacon of Kells, and William Barbedor, and Henry of Oxford, their officials. They not only ignored this ecclesiastical sentence against them, but retaliated in a similar way by excommunicating the abbot. The excommunicated person was not only debarred from all religious privileges, but was placed under what we would now call a strict " boycott," no one being allowed to have any dealings with him. Accordingly we have the archdeacon and his friends, after two years, issuing a manifesto in which they " warn the faithful more strictly to avoid Maurice, who bears himself as abbot of Saint Mary's, near Kells, and whom they had excommunicated two years previously " This was answered by a countermanifesto from the archbishop, which states that all of them had been excommunicated by him three years before, and that, therefore, their sentence against the abbot Maurice was invalid. And so things went on, until in the end they had to appeal to the secular arm, and brought the matter before the King ; and this is how it happens that we have a record of the whole transaction preserved. We are not told what eventually was the verdict, but as the property in question belonged, in Bishop Ussher's time, to the Archdeacon of Meath and Rector of Kells, we may conclude that the

    INCIDENTS OF THE ANGLO-NORMAN PERIOD 13!

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 67

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Kells in Meath. Around 1280, this town was at the centre of a bitter church dispute that dragged on for years. The fight was over one and a half carucates of land in Ardmulchan and Ballygoddan, roughly 180 acres. The land was said to belong to the church of Kells, but Maurice, who bore himself as abbot of Saint Mary's near the town, claimed it for his abbey. The Archbishop of Armagh took the abbey's side. When the rector would not submit to his ruling, the archbishop excommunicated John de Kenley, Archdeacon of Meath and Rector of Kells, along with Thomas Saint Leger, Archdeacon of Kells, and William Barbedor and Henry of Oxford, their officials. They ignored the sentence and retaliated by excommunicating the abbot Maurice themselves. An excommunicated person was not only shut out of all religious privileges but placed under what we would now call a strict boycott, with no one allowed to have any dealings with him. After two years the archdeacon and his friends issued a manifesto in which they, as the source says, warn the faithful more strictly to avoid Maurice, whom they had excommunicated two years previously. The archbishop answered with a counter-manifesto stating that all of them had been excommunicated by him three years before, and that therefore their sentence against the abbot was invalid. And so things went on, until in the end they had to appeal to the secular arm and bring the matter before the King. That is how the record survives. The verdict is not told, but in Bishop Ussher's time the property in question belonged to the Archdeacon of Meath and Rector of Kells, so we may conclude that the church of Kells held onto the land.

53. Long legal battle over the parish of Killallon

    Killallon · parish · Meath · 1398

    John O'Carroll was granted the parish of Killallon by papal provision but faced repeated rivals, including John Asserby and Thomas de Everdon, who imprisoned him twice over several years before he finally secured the parish.

    Read the passage

    As another example of the disputes which arose concerning appointments we may take the case oi Killallon, which came to an end in 1398. This was not as great a prize as the archdeaconry, so there was less temptation to bestow it on a foreigner. As a matter of fact the Pope bestowed it on a native, John O'Carroll, whose name the Italian scribe spells Okkarwill. But once again the Pope's right was contested, and when O'Carroll went to take possession of the parish, he found another in occupation, one John Asserby, " priest of the Diocese of Meath." A lawsuit at Rome ensued, in which the cause " was heard in the apostolic palace by divers auditors, who adjudged the church to Okkarwill." Before this sentence was pronounced, however, Asserby resigned ; probably he could no longer bear the expense of prosecuting his cause at Rome. But this only made matters worse for O'Carroll, for a new rival now appeared in the person of Thomas de Everdon, Dean of Saint Patrick's, Dublin. The decree was altered, and " the Pope ordered the sentence to be carried out against Everdon and any other intruders." Armed with this document, O'Carroll again assayed to take possession, and actually held the parish for thirty days, but after that " Everdon despoiled him, and had him imprisoned for about six years." We are not told how this was accomplished, but it was doubtless under the Statute of Provisors, first passed in 1351, and re-enacted in 1390, which enacted that all persons receiving papal provisions should be liable to imprisonment, and that all the preferments to which the Pope nominated should be forfeit for that turn to the King.1 3 When O'Carroll got out of prison, he once more took possession of the parish, and held it for about fifteen months, but

    13 Stubb's Constitutional History of England, chap. xix.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 71

54. Lynally Founded by Saint Colman with King Aidus's Grant

    Lynally · parish · Offaly · 580–620

    The church of Lynally was founded by Saint Colman, a Meath man and follower of Columkill, at the end of the sixth or beginning of the seventh century, on a site obtained from King Aidus through Columkill's influence. Colman later nearly shipwrecked off Rathlin Island, an event Columkill foresaw prophetically.

    Read the passage

    Mention may also be made of the church of Lynally, which was founded by Saint Colman at the end of the sixth or beginning of the seventh century. Colman was a Meath man by birth, and was one of the followers of Columkill, by whose influence a site was obtained from King Aidus, on which the church of Lynally was afterwards built. This Colman is referred to by Adamnan, who relates that once, while on his way to lona, the saint was in great danger of shipwreck off the coast of Rathlin Island. Columkill, by prophetic instinct, became aware of the danger in which his friend was placed, but told his followers that " the Lord is thus frightening him, not that he is to be overwhelmed in the waves by the wreck of the ship in which he is sitting, but rather that he may be roused

    46 HISTORY OF THE DIOCESE OF MEATH

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 24

55. Robert Draper's 1584 proposal for a university at Trim

    Trim · town · Meath · 1584

    Robert Draper, parson of Trim, petitioned Lord Burghley in 1584 to establish a university at Trim, describing the town's fair castles and stone houses divided into five streets, its great stately castle, a large abbey, and a friary suitable for a college.

    Read the passage

    The town itself is full of very fair castles and stone houses, builded after the English fashion, and divided into five fair streets, and hath in it the fairest and most stately castle that her Majesty hath in all Ireland, almost decayed.

    It hath also one great and large abbey, nothing thereof defaced but the church, and therein great store of goodly rooms, in meetly good repair ; the house is put to no use, and will (I think) be easily bought of the owner, Edward Cusack, of Lesmollen. The said Edward hath also a friary in the said town, a very fit place for a college, which also may be easily be gotten of him.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 116

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Trim in Meath, you are in a town that nearly became a university seat. In 1584 Robert Draper, the parson of Trim, petitioned Lord Burghley to establish a university here. He described Trim as full of fair castles and stone houses, built after the English fashion, divided into five streets, with the fairest and most stately castle her Majesty had in all Ireland, though almost decayed. He noted a great abbey, nothing defaced but the church, with goodly rooms in meetly good repair, standing unused and easily bought from Edward Cusack of Lesmollen. Cusack also held a friary in the town, which Draper called a very fit place for a college.

56. Soldiers disrupt Protestant service and seize Athlone church

    Athlone · town · Westmeath · 1689–1690

    About one hundred soldiers broke into the Athlone church during service, threatened the congregation and threw stones; the following week they put cattle in the church, and the priest later obtained an order from Major General Sarsfield to use the building for Mass.

    Read the passage

    The churches of Meath were now either wrecked by the mob or given over to the Roman Catholic priests. The details of this destruction have in some cases come down to us, and a few examples may be given. At Lynally, William Sheill, a Roman Catholic priest, came demanding the keys of the church. When these were denied him, he went with a dragoon and broke in the door, and took possession of the building, saying Mass in it on the following Sunday. In Ballyboy also the priest took possession of the church. At Athlone, while the service was being held, a body of about one hundred soldiers broke in, crying, " Come out, you rebels, and we will tear you in pieces." They ridiculed the service, and threw stones at the congregation. The next Sunday they put cattle into the church, and shortly afterwards the priest got an order for possession of the edifice from Major General Sarsfield, and used the building for the celebration of Mass. Ardnurcher Church was also taken by the

    •King.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 153

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Athlone, a town the road passes through. In 1689 or 1690, the churches of Meath were being wrecked by mobs or handed over to Roman Catholic priests, and what happened here is one of the clearest cases recorded. While a Protestant service was being held, about 100 soldiers broke into the church, crying, "Come out, you rebels, and we will tear you in pieces." They ridiculed the service and threw stones at the congregation. The next Sunday they put cattle into the church. Shortly afterwards the priest got an order for possession of the building from Major General Sarsfield, and used it for the celebration of Mass. The same wave hit other places. At Lynally, William Sheill, a Roman Catholic priest, demanded the keys of the church. When they were denied him, he went with a dragoon, broke in the door, and took possession, saying Mass there the following Sunday. In Ballyboy the priest also took possession of the church.

57. Yellow steeple of Saint Mary's Abbey, Trim

    Trim · town · Meath · 1276

    Saint Mary's Abbey at Trim, founded by the De Lacy family in the late thirteenth century, is famous for its 'yellow steeple' which forms a conspicuous feature in the ruins at Trim.

    Read the passage

    Saint Mary's Abbey at Trim, the " yellow steeple " of which forms such a conspicuous feature in the ruins at that place, dates from the latter part of the thirteenth century,18 and is, therefore, a little later than the monasteries mentioned above. It was founded by the De Lacy family, and soon became one of the most famous in Ireland. Here, as at Navan, there was a miraculous image of the Blessed Virgin, and in both places there were special facilities given for pilgrims, whether Irish or English, who wished to visit the shrine.^ Under ordinary circumstances, Irishmen were not permitted to enter these strongholds of the Pale, but the revenue derived from the devotion of visitors was so great that it was deemed advisable to make some relaxation in their case. In 1402, King Henry IV. " took under his protection all pilgrims, whether liege men, Irish, or rebels, going on pilgrimage to the said abbey, according to immemorial privilege." And in 1415 we have the same king petitioned by the community of Saint Mary's, " showing that they and their predecessors had this privilege, that all Irish rebels

    18 Butler, Trim Castle. He gives the date as 1276. " Ibid.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 48

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Trim, the yellow steeple of Saint Mary's Abbey still stands as a conspicuous feature among the ruins. The abbey dates from the latter part of the thirteenth century and was founded by the De Lacy family, becoming one of the most famous in Ireland. Like Navan, it housed a miraculous image of the Blessed Virgin, and both places offered special facilities for pilgrims, Irish or English, who wished to visit the shrine. Normally, Irishmen were not permitted to enter these strongholds of the Pale, but the revenue from the devotion of visitors was so great that a relaxation was made. In 1402, King Henry IV took under his protection all pilgrims, whether liege men, Irish, or rebels, going on pilgrimage to the said abbey, according to immemorial privilege. In 1415, the same king was petitioned by the community of Saint Mary's, showing that they and their predecessors had this privilege, that all Irish rebels could come on pilgrimage.

58. Birth of Columkill at Gartan

    Bellville or Gartan · townland · Donegal · 521

    Columkill (Columba) was born at Gartan in County Donegal early in the sixth century, probably in the year 521, and was of noble descent as was typical of Irish saints.

    Read the passage

    Columkill was born at Gartan, in the County Donegal, early in the sixth century, probably in the year 521. He was of noble descent, as was the case of most of the saints of Ireland, which simply means that social rank was considered to be as essential for the headship of an ecclesiastical clan, as it was for the chieftainship of an ordinary tribe. He was originally named Columba, but the suffix " kill/' meaning " church," was afterwards added on account of his devotion. In his early youth he visited most of the principal schools, and was for some time a disciple of Saint Finian at Clonard. After a time he sought ordination, and for this purpose was sent to Bishop Etchen of Clonfad, in the County Westmeath.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 17

59. Dispute over the Archdeaconry of Kells

    Kells · town · Meath · 1372–1393

    The lucrative Rectory of Kells, which carried the Archdeaconry of Meath and extensive corn-producing lands, became the subject of a long dispute between papal appointee Cardinal Hugh and local nominee Matthew Crumpe. Crumpe kept possession despite papal appeals, and his successor Thomas Sprott likewise defeated the papal provision so no income reached the Italian cardinals.

    Read the passage

    Contentions like this about patronage and church appointments are frequent at this time. A couple of examples may be given. The Rectory of Kells, which carried with it the Archdeaconry of Meath, was one of the most lucrative offices in the Irish Church, and naturally was a position eagerly sought after. Not only was there a large income, but there were also extensive lands on which crops of corn used to be raised and exported to England.1 * The Pope was always on the watch for opportunities of giving positions such as this to some priest — generally an Italian— for whom he wished to make provision, and in this case he bestowed the dignity on Hugh, Cardinal of Saint Mary's in Porticu. But the authorities at home had made another appointment, and their nominee, Matthew Crumpe, held possession and kept out the cardinal. A long litigation ensued, which was terminated by an " amicable concord," according to which Crumpe was to hold the offices, but was to pay out of the revenue a yearly pension to the cardinal. Whether Crumpe really promised this it is impossible to say, but it is quite certain that he never performed it, and so, in 1372, the Pope appealed to the King of England for help, because " Matthew Crumpe of Ireland had set at nought the amicable concord which he swore to observe, and refused to give up the archdeaconry, or to restore the fruits received." Appeals of this kind were never received with much favour in England, and it is probable that the King took no

    10 Vatican Records.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 70

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kells, you're in a town that was once the centre of a stubborn church dispute. The Rectory of Kells carried the Archdeaconry of Meath and was one of the most lucrative offices in the Irish Church, with a large income and extensive corn lands whose harvest was exported to England. The Pope gave the position to Hugh, Cardinal of Saint Mary's in Porticu, an Italian priest, but the local authorities had already appointed Matthew Crumpe. Crumpe held on and kept the cardinal out. A long fight ended in what was called an amicable concord: Crumpe would keep the offices but pay a yearly pension to the cardinal. Whether he ever promised it is impossible to say, but he never paid. In 1372 the Pope appealed to the King of England, saying Crumpe had “set at nought the amicable concord which he swore to observe, and refused to give up the archdeaconry, or to restore the fruits received.” Such appeals were never received with much favour in England, and the King probably did nothing.

60. Drumcullen Founded by the Legendary Traveller Barrind

    Drumcullen · parish · Offaly

    The parish of Drumcullen, now dismembered with its ruined church transferred to the diocese of Killaloe, was founded by Barrind, a famous traveller who legend says discovered America before Columbus.

    Read the passage

    At the extreme end of the diocese is the parish of Drumcullen, now dismembered, and the portion on which the ruined church stands transferred to the diocese of Killaloe. The founder of this church was one Barrind, who was famous in his day as a traveller, and who, if legends are to be trusted, discovered America long before the time of Columbus.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 23