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. Storm destroys western wings of Clonmacnoise cathedral

   Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly · 1547

   A storm in 1547 blew down the two western wings of the cathedral at Clonmacnoise.

   Read the passage

   who held the office of dean, and was killed in battle in 1539. After that, troublous times came for the old ecclesiastical city. A storm, in 1547, blew down the " two western wings of the cathedral." Five years later, the whole place was " reformed " by the drastic means that were then so common. This is the account, as given by the Four Masters, and it needs no enlargement, " Clonmacnoise was plundered and devastated by the English of Athlone, and the large bells were taken from the round tower. There was not left, moreover, a bell, small or large, an image, or an altar, or a book, or a gem, or even a glass in a window, which was not carried off. Lamentable was this deed, the plundering of the city of Keiran the holy patron."

   This was in 1552, the last year of King Edward VI. The bishop at the time was Flan Gerawan, who had been appointed by provision of the Pope in 1539, but had two years later taken the oath of allegiance to Henry VIII., which implied the acknowledgment of the royal supremacy. He continued as bishop under Queen Mary, and died in 1554. He was succeeded by Peter Wall, who had professed Protestantism under Edward, but now made his peace with the church, and was " absolved from all censures which he had incurred." He continued to hold the See under Queen Elizabeth, and evidently adapted himself once more to the changed order of things, for he was presented by the Queen to the benefice of Ballyloughloe in 1560, which he held in commendam with his bishopric. He died in 1568, and the See was then united to that of Meath, which union continues to the present day.

   Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 81

2. Strokestown rector deprived as 'idle and unworthy'

   Strokestown · town · Roscommon · 1615

   At Strokestown, the rector Robert Burton was reported as non-resident and described as 'homo otiosus et indignus'. He was deprived and a curate appointed to perform the duties of the parish.

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   benefice sequestrated. At Strokestown, in the same neighbourhood, the rector, Robert Burton, is reported as " homo otiosus et indignus " as well as nonresident. He, too, was deprived, and a curate was appointed to perform the duties of the parish. In several other cases it is the same. But action such as this was of no avail if the successors of these deprived clergy were not bound to a stricter performance of their duty. That it was possible so to bind them was practically demonstrated shortly afterwards by Bishop Bedell in the neighbouring diocese of Kilmore. But Bishop Montgomery proved himself very lax in this respect, and so we find that in 1662 there were many of the Meath clergy who lived in England, or in distant parts of the country, and who sometimes made most inadequate provision for the performance of their duty. Comparing the two lists we find only one name returned in both as nonresident, Gilbert Purdam, Rector of Paynestown and Multifarnham, two parishes almost as far asunder as they could be in the diocese, who had the King's licence to remain in England for the sake of his health. All the cases of non-residence, therefore, which are noted in the Report of 1622, except this one, are due to the permission or connivance of Bishop Montgomery. At the conclusion of Bishop Montgomery's Report we are told that " the number of preachers in this diocese is 35, resident 3. The number of reading ministers is 40." This proportion of preachers to readers is about the same as in 1622. The preaching ministers were more efficient, and better educated than the readers, and it is worthy of notice that it is amongst these that we have the greater number of non-residents. Three residents out of thirty-five was certainly an appalling state of things. In this respect

   230 HISTORY OF THE DIOCESE OF MEATH

   Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 118

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Strokestown in Roscommon, it is worth knowing that in 1615 this town's rector, Robert Burton, was reported as non-resident and described in Latin as "homo otiosus et indignus" — an idle and unworthy man. He was deprived of his benefice, and a curate was appointed to carry out the duties of the parish. The same pattern repeated across the Diocese of Meath, where Bishop Montgomery proved lax in binding replacement clergy to stricter residence. By contrast, Bishop Bedell in the neighbouring diocese of Kilmore showed shortly afterwards that firmer discipline could work. The problem persisted: in 1662 many Meath clergy still lived in England or distant parts and made inadequate provision for their parishes. Montgomery's own report noted that out of 35 preachers in the diocese, only 3 were resident — what the record calls an appalling state of things.

3. Synod of Drogheda settles primatial visitation rights over Meath

   Drogheda · town · Louth · 1262

   A dispute begun in 1227 by Bishop Hugh de Taghmon to claim exemption from the Primate's visitation continued until 1262, when a synod at Drogheda ruled that the Archbishop of Armagh could lawfully visit the bishop and clergy of Meath.

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   These interferences of the Archbishop with the Diocese of Meath were due to the fact that Meath was in his province. In the earlier years the bishops of Meath had endeavoured to assert their independence. In 1227 Bishop Hugh de Taghmon had a suit at the court of Rome, which lasted a long time, and was very expensive. He claimed exemption from the visitation of the Primate, but without success. The controversy still went on, however, until 1262, when a synod was held at Drogheda, and it was there agreed, " that it should be lawful for the Archbishop of Armagh, and his successors, without any offence, to visit the bishop and clergy of Meath, and their successors." From that time the right seems to have been exercised without any serious question.

   Bishops in those days were very great magnates, and with what high-handed measures they could act is shown by several incidents. Bishop Richard de la Corner was not the kind of man that we would expect to be particularly aggressive. In some ways he was remarkably conscientious,^ for in 1235, three years after his appointment as Bishop of Meath, he made petition to the Pope to be relived of the office, because ' he had it on his conscience that when a simple clerk he consented to the death of a malefactor." 8 His scruples in this case were overcome, for he continued until his death in 1250 in possession of the See. We would not have imagined that he was capable of such action as that with which he is charged in 1245, for in

   Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 69

4. Trim's great abbey offered for a proposed college

   Trim · town · Meath · 1584

   Draper described a great and large abbey in Trim, its church defaced but its rooms in good repair, owned by Edward Cusack of Lesmollen, which he believed could easily be purchased for the proposed university, along with a friary in the town.

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   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.

   1 Letter to the Earl of Salisbury.

   Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 116

   As the companion tells it

   Coming through Trim in Meath, where in 1584 Draper described a great and large abbey, its church defaced but its rooms in good repair. Edward Cusack of Lesmollen owned it, along with a friary in the town. Draper thought both could be easily bought of him and were "a very fit place for a college."

5. Archdeacon of Kells elected Bishop of Meath amid dispute

   Kells · town · Meath · 1281–1287

   Thomas St. Leger, Archdeacon of Kells, was chosen bishop of Meath in a contested election following the death of Hugh de Taghmon in 1281, but the Archbishop of Armagh refused to confirm him and consecrated a rival instead.

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   There is yet another contest to record, which occurred on the death of Hugh de Taghmon, in 1281. This time the clergy were more dutiful than on former occasions. They sent notice to the King of the death of their bishop, and requested the royal licence to elect. This having been granted, they chose one of their own number, John de Dubilton, Archdeacon of Meath ; but he having refused the honour, they gave their votes again, and this time chose the Archdeacon of Kells, Thomas St. Leger, and forwarded his name to the

   6 Vatican Records,

   Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 42

   As the companion tells it

   You are coming through Kells now. In 1281, when the bishop of Meath, Hugh de Taghmon, died, the clergy did things properly and notified the King, receiving his licence to elect. Their first choice, John de Dubilton, Archdeacon of Meath, refused the honour. So they voted again and chose Thomas St. Leger, Archdeacon of Kells. But the Archbishop of Armagh refused to confirm him, and consecrated a rival instead.

6. Ardbraccan church and others ruined by garrison soldiers

   Ardbraccan · townland · Meath · 1600

   Bishop Jones admitted that churches at Ardbraccan, Kells and Clongill were decayed and nearly pulled down by soldiers garrisoned there in past winters, though he claimed to have arranged rebuilding.

   Read the passage

   behalf. ... I might inform your honour how that some churches upon this border, as mine own church of Ardbraccan, of Kells, Clongell, and other places, where garrisons have been placed in the winters past, are decayed, and in a manner quite pulled down by the soldiers, but in regard I have taken order for the rebuilding of them in a convenient time, I will not trouble you with excuses. But now, I do appeal to your honour's censure, how injuriously I have been dealt with by this informer, who hath sought thus maliciously to work my disgrace. ... If this my letter do satisfy your honour then my humble suit unto your honour is to vouchsafe me this favour, to be a mean to satisfy her Highness, that I may recover her Majesty's good opinion, which by my faithful services, I have and still will endeavour to deserve, and without the which I do not desire to live.

   The bishop encloses with this letter " a note of such churches and chancels within the Diocese of Meath, as are at this instant in good reparation, most of them being in East Meath." He enumerates seventy-nine such churches, and adds, " that divers others churches in my diocese are in good reparation for the bodies of the churches, the chancels are in decay, being impropriate." It will be remembered that his predecessor, Bishop Brady, had counted up one hundred and four churches in repair, and that this was considered to be a lamentable state of affairs. It is quite manifest that things had not been prospering in the meantime. At the same time we need not blame the bishop too much. He was neither the first nor the last of those Englishmen who came over to Ireland full of confidence in themselves and their methods, but who found themselves doomed to disappointment.

   Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 109

   As the companion tells it

   Close to Ardbraccan, there was a church that belonged to the Bishop of Meath. Around 1600, Bishop Jones wrote that this church, along with others at Kells and Clongill, had been decayed and, in his own words, "in a manner quite pulled down by the soldiers" garrisoned in those places during winters past. He said he had taken order for rebuilding them, and asked not to be troubled with excuses.

7. Clonard Augustinian priory built on old Celtic monastery site

   Clonard · town · Meath · 1175

   The Augustinian priory of Clonard was erected by Walter de Lacy in 1175 on the site of the older Celtic monastery.

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   branches of the Order charged themselves with the care of the sick, and several hospitals were established under their auspices. Although the Anglo-Normans first came to the country as late in the twelfth century as 1170, yet before the century closed they had already founded several Augustinian establishments in Meath. Among the earliest was that of Clonard, which was erected by Walter de Lacy, in 1175, on the site of the old Celtic monastery .7 In .the same neighbourhood — at Ballyboggan — another priory was founded by Jordon Comin, which was dedicated to the Holy Trinity, and was sometimes called the Priory de Laude Dei. There was here a miraculous crucifix, which used to attract great numbers of pilgrims. It was publicly burnt in 1538. 8 In this, as in most of the establishments founded by the Normans, no Irishman could be elected prior. In 1399 an attempt was made to appoint one John O'Mayller, but on appeal to the King he was dispossessed, and an Englishman, Richard Cuthbert, put in his place. 9

   The earliest adventurers, as we know, came directly from Wales and the English counties adjoining. After settling in Ireland, they did not forget their old home. Already, on an ancient Celtic site in Monmouthshire, where Saint David is said at one time to have had his cell, and where, according to another tradition, Saint Paul himself laboured, they had founded the Augustinian Priory of Llanthony. They now founded daughter monasteries, one at Colpe and another at Duleek,10 the inmates of which owed allegiance to the prior of Llanthony. Of Colpe no remains are preserved, and the site is now occupied by the Parish

   Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 46

   As the companion tells it

   Coming up through Clonard in Meath. Walter de Lacy built an Augustinian priory here in 1175, right on the site of an older Celtic monastery. The Anglo-Normans had only arrived in Ireland around 1170, but within a few years they were founding Augustinian houses across Meath, and Clonard was among the earliest. Like most Norman foundations, no Irishman could be elected prior here. In 1399 an attempt was made to appoint one John O'Mayller, but on appeal to the King he was dispossessed and an Englishman, Richard Cuthbert, was put in his place. Nearby at Ballyboggan, another priory was founded by Jordon Comin, dedicated to the Holy Trinity and sometimes called the Priory de Laude Dei. It held a miraculous crucifix that drew great numbers of pilgrims, until it was publicly burnt in 1538. The Normans did not forget their old homes either. On an ancient Celtic site in Monmouthshire, where Saint David is said to have had his cell and where another tradition holds that Saint Paul himself laboured, they had founded the Augustinian Priory of Llanthony. They went on to found daughter monasteries at Colpe and Duleek, whose inmates owed allegiance to the prior of Llanthony.

8. Trim's town walls and defensibility praised

   Trim · town · Meath · 1584

   Draper emphasised that Trim lay in the midst of the English Pale and was well and strongly walled, a quality he argued would draw learned men and provide safety for students at a proposed university.

   Read the passage

   Lastly, (which is a matter of great importance), the town is in the midst of the English Pale, and is well and strongly walled about, a thing that will be a mean to draw learned men thither, and be great safety to the whole company of students there ; for your honour knoweth that wheresoever the university be founded, the town must of necessity have a good wall, else will no learned men go from hence or any other place thither, neither they of the country send their sons to any place that is not defensible and safe from the invasion of the Irish. The building of a wall will cost as much as the colleges, which charge (if your honour, and they by your procurement, shall like of this place) will be saved.3

   All this pleading, alas, was wasted, for not long afterwards it was decided that the University should be founded in Dublin, on the site of the old Monastery of All Hallows.

   Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 116

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Trim, you are in a town that once made a case for itself as a seat of learning. In 1584 a man named Draper argued that Trim lay in the midst of the English Pale and was well and strongly walled about, qualities he said would draw learned men and give safety to students at a proposed university. He warned that no learned men would go to any place that was not defensible and safe from invasion, and that building a wall would cost as much as the colleges themselves. All this pleading, as the record puts it, was wasted, for not long afterwards it was decided that the University should be founded in Dublin, on the site of the old Monastery of All Hallows.

9. Norman font and pilgrims' feet-washing trough at Clonard

   Clonard · town · Meath

   By the time of writing, all that remained visible at Clonard was an old Norman font, beautifully carved, and a large stone trough formerly used for washing pilgrims' feet, with the rest of the mediaeval establishment obliterated.

   Read the passage

   All these have completely disappeared, and there are at present only an old Norman font, beautifully carved, and a large stone trough formerly used for washing the pilgrims' feet. Otherwise all vestiges of the ancient and mediaeval establishments have been completely obliterated.

   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.

   Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 14

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Clonard in Meath, there's little left of the old establishment. What remains is a beautifully carved Norman font and a large stone trough once used for washing pilgrims' feet. Everything else from the ancient and mediaeval foundations has been completely obliterated. Clonard once educated men whose names became eminent. The most famous was Kieran, founder of Clonmacnoise. His father was an artificer, so he is often called the son of the carpenter. He cannot have been long at Clonard, for he died young, and in his short life spent considerable time on the Island of Aran, at Scattery, and at Hare Island before finally settling at Clonmacnoise. He arrived on the banks of the Shannon in 544, on the eighth of the calends of February, on a Saturday, and the work of building was completed on the ninth of May in the same year.

10. Bective Abbey founded as daughter house of Mellifont

    Bective · townland · Meath

    The Cistercian establishment at Bective, founded as a daughter monastery to the abbey of Mellifont, is identified as the only Meath abbey predating the Anglo-Norman invasion, though only by a few years.

    Read the passage

    ONE of the most striking results of the Anglo-Norman Invasion of Ireland, from the Church history point of view, was the springing up of monasteries, with more or less magnificent abbey churches, all over the land.1 Within about one hundred years of their advent, nearly all those abbeys were erected, of which so many ruins still exist ; and yet, only a few survive, for the greater part of them have been quite obliterated. The only Meath abbey that dates from before that time — and that only by a few years — is the Cistercian establishment at Bective, which was founded as a daughter monastery to the abbey of Mellifont.2

    The Cistercians had come into prominence early in the twelfth century, chiefly through the influence of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, who was at the height of his fame when he was visited, as we have seen, by Bishop Malachy of Armagh. Before the Irish bishop parted from his friend, with whom he would have dearly loved to remain, if that had been possible, he left some of his companions with Bernard, in order that they might learn from him what they were afterwards to teach to their own countrymen. " They will be a seed," said Malachy, " and in that seed shall nations be blessed."3 On his return to Ireland, he sent others to augment the number, and when

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 45

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here stood Bective Abbey, a Cistercian house founded as a daughter monastery to Mellifont. It is the only abbey in Meath that predates the Anglo-Norman invasion, though only by a few years. The Cistercians had come into prominence early in the 12th century, largely through the influence of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. Bishop Malachy of Armagh visited Bernard and left some of his companions to learn from him, saying "They will be a seed, and in that seed shall nations be blessed." When Malachy returned to Ireland, he sent others to join them, and from that seed grew houses like this one.

11. Bishop's lands at Clonmacnoise leased with hawk-preservation clause

    Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly · 1592

    In 1592 the Bishop of Meath's lands in Westmeath belonging to the bishopric of Clonmacnoise were leased to Edward Malone, who was bound to preserve young hawks breeding in the woods of Clonmacnoise and deliver half to the bishop at Ardbraccan, but the felling of timber drove the hawks away.

    Read the passage

    All the lands in Westmeath belonging to this bishopric were demised by Bishop Jones on the ist of November, 1592, to Edward Malone for sixty-one years, he paying thereout ten beeves yearly, and preserving the young hawks of Goshawkes, falcons, and tassells, breeding in the woods of Clonmacnoise, half of which he is bound to deliver to the Bishop of Meath at his house in Ardbraccan, or to forfeit four pounds for every hawk that shall be stolen or otherwise negligently lost. But by reason of the continual felling of the great timber in those woods (for which the said lessee hath no licence granted him in the lease) the hawks within this year or two have forsaken the place, and so the bishop hath lost the benefit of that reservation.

    l6o HISTORY OF THE DIOCESE OF MEATH

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 82

12. Columkill Sent to Bishop Etchen of Clonfad for Ordination

    Clonfad · townland · Westmeath

    After his education, Columkill sought ordination and was sent to Bishop Etchen of Clonfad in County Westmeath.

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    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

13. Disert-Columbkille granted for pilgrims

    Kells · town · Meath

    A charter grants Disert-Columbkille in Kells, with its vegetable garden, to God and pious pilgrims, stipulating that no pilgrim could hold lawful possession until devoting his life to God.

    Read the passage

    Kelts, and is worthy of a somewhat detailed notice, not merely as illustrating the subject we are now considering, but as throwing light on the law of contract as it existed in Ireland before the time of the English invasion. The document consists of seven charters,11 and they give an account of various grants of land made to the community of Kells from time to time. They are the oldest Irish charters in existence, and they are of a special value because they are in the Irish language, whereas all the other old charters are in Latin. They are, says O'Donovan, " exceedingly interesting to the historian, as proving that the ancient Irish had committed their covenants to writing in their own language before the Anglo-Norman invasion ; and that their chiefs, though not succeeding according to the law of primogeniture, claimed the right of binding their successors to covenants lawfully made by them — a right which Shane O'Neill and others called in question in the sixteenth century." The first charter tells how the family of Kells have granted the lands of Ballyheerin and Ballycowan, with their mills, for the support of pilgrims. The second agrees to grant for ever " Disert-Columbkille in Kells, with its vegetable garden, to God and pious pilgrims ; no pilgrim having any lawful possession in it until he devote his life to God and is devout/' The third relates to land at Donaghmore near Navan, which had been purchased by the " priest of Kells and his kinsmen " for eighteen ounces of gold. The fourth tells how Kildalkey was given by the king " to God and to Columbkille for ever," as an atonement for his having violated sanctuary ; and it states that both the laity and clergy of Meath gave their blessing to every king who

    11 These Charters are printed in full, with an English translation in the Miscellany of the Irish Arch&ological Society.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 27

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Kells now. These are the oldest Irish charters in existence, seven of them, written in the Irish language when most old charters were in Latin. O'Donovan called them exceedingly interesting, because they prove the ancient Irish committed their covenants to writing in their own tongue before the Anglo-Norman invasion, and that their chiefs claimed the right to bind their successors to agreements they had lawfully made. The second charter grants Disert-Columbkille in Kells, with its vegetable garden, to God and pious pilgrims. But there is a condition. No pilgrim could hold lawful possession in it until he devoted his life to God and was devout. The words of the charter read: "Disert-Columbkille in Kells, with its vegetable garden, to God and pious pilgrims; no pilgrim having any lawful possession in it until he devote his life to God and is devout." The other charters tell of land at Ballyheerin and Ballycowan granted for the support of pilgrims, land at Donaghmore near Navan bought by the priest of Kells and his kinsmen for 18 ounces of gold, and Kildalkey given by the king to God and to Columbkille for ever as atonement for violating sanctuary.

14. Drumconrath's Parson's Street and fair castle

    Drumcondra · town · Meath · 1622

    At Drumconrath in 1622 there was a fair castle and manse house, as well as a street of tenant houses in the town known as 'the parsons streate'.

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    sides. Of ancient tyme there belonged to this rectory a colledge and Cd (? 400) or thereaboutes acres of land, and some twenty howses for maynteynaunce of foure priestes, foure clarkes, and foure quiresters. The walles of the college are yet standing, and adjoining to the parsonage house, all wch have of long tyme beene in the possession of the lo. of Slane, but by what right it is not knowne." At Drumconrath there was not only " a faire castle and manse house," but also " a streat of messuages or tenant houses in ye towne of Drumconragh, called the parsons streate."

    Fifteen of the houses are dignified with the name of castles. The bishop's own residence is modestly described as " a faire house with convenient buildings and houses of office." All the glebe houses, of course, were not equally good, and nine of them are specially mentioned as " small." In a few cases the clergyman's house stood in the churchyard, near or attached to the church. Thus, at Mayne, there was " a small castle at the west end of the church," at Rathconnell, " a small castle at the east end of the chauncell," at Moylough (near Loughcrew) " a little castle at the west end of the church " at Drumrany " a small stone house at the end of the church," at Carrick, "a small house in the church yard."

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 124

15. Duleek: eighth church built by Patrick

    Duleek · town · Meath

    According to the Book of Armagh, the church of Duleek was the eighth which Patrick erected in the plains of Meath, and Patrick presented Kenan with a copy of the Gospels.

    Read the passage

    His church at Duleek is reputed to have been the first stone building erected in Ireland, " for before that time the churches of Ireland were built of wattles and boards." 8 In the Book of Armagh it is said that the church of Duleek was the eighth which Patrick erected in the plains of Meath.9 It is also stated in the Annals of Tighernach that Patrick presented Kenan with a copy of the Gospels, evidently a valuable possession in those days.

    Another of Saint Patrick's early converts was Saint Ere of Slane. We have already seen how he, alone amongst the retinue of the king, did honour to Patrick by rising up at his approach. It will also be noted that he is mentioned with Patrick and Cairnech as one of the nine pillars of the Senchus Mor, or great book of laws. He was in his day a famous Brehon, and in the account of the " family " of Saint Patrick, given by the Four Masters, he is spoken of as " his sweet spoken judge." In recording his death, also, they tell us that, in the age of Christ 512, " Saint Ere, Bishop of Lilcach (a place not identified) and of Fearta-fear-Feig (Slane), by the side of Sidhe-Truim to the west, died on the second day of the month of November. His age was fourscore and ten years when he departed. This Bishop Ere was judge to Patrick. It was for him that Patrick composed this quatrain :

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 9

16. Episcopal seat moved from Clonard to Newtown

    Clonard · town · Meath · 1194–1224

    As part of his reforms, Bishop Simon Rochfort removed the episcopal seat of the diocese from Clonard to the newly established cathedral at Newtown near Trim.

    Read the passage

    person dying within his diocese may be buried without opposition." He also founded the Augustinian Abbey of Newtown, near Trim, and erected its church into a cathedral. In doing so, he removed the episcopal seat from Clonard to Newtown.

    The most interesting event of his episcopate was the Council or Synod which he assembled at Newtown, at which canons were passed for the better regulation of the diocese. As these are important in themselves, and form besides one of the earliest documents connected with the diocese, they may be given here in full.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 37

    As the companion tells it

    As you approach Clonard, you are nearing what was once the episcopal seat of the Diocese of Meath. Between 1194 and 1224, Bishop Simon Rochfort founded the Augustinian Abbey of Newtown near Trim and erected its church into a cathedral, moving the seat from this town to Newtown. He also assembled a synod at Newtown where canons were passed for the better regulation of the diocese.

17. Kells church rebuilt under Bishop Brady, 1578

    Kells · town · Meath · 1578

    An inscription on the belfry of Kells, formerly the central tower of the church, records that the ruined body of the church was re-edified in 1578 through the efforts of Bishop Hugh Brady, Archdeacon Garvey, and the local sovereign Nicholas D.

    Read the passage

    The body of this church being in utter ruin and decay was re-edified in Anno Domini, 1578, et in anno IT. Elizabeth xx., through the diligence and care of the Reverend Father in God, Hughe Brady, Bishop of Meath, and Sir Johannes Garvie, Archdeacon of the same and Dean of Christ Church in Dublin, both of Her Majesty's Privy Council; Sir Henry Sidnie, Knight of the Noble Order, being then Lord Deputy, &c. The said re-edifying was begun and set forward by the advice and daily careful travail of the ancient burgess Nicholas D., then being Sovereign of Kenlis, 2nd July, anno predicto, with other daily furtherance, bought the roof of this church upon his own proper charges. God is not unright that He should forget the work and labour that proceedeth, which love is showed for His Name's sake.

    Kells is one of the parishes where we would have expected to find matters at a low ebb, for the rector was non-resident, and with his deanery and membership of the Privy Council, can have had little time to bestow on the care of his parish. We would have no record of this work of re-edification if this curious inscription had not been preserved. We may, therefore, reasonably think that this was not an exceptional case but that the " diligence and care " of the bishop caused many a church to be repaired, of which we have now no knowledge.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 106

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kells in Meath, the old church here has a story pinned to its belfry. The body of the church had fallen into utter ruin, and in 1578, the twentieth year of Elizabeth, it was re-edified through the diligence of Bishop Hugh Brady of Meath and Archdeacon John Garvey, who was also Dean of Christ Church in Dublin. Both men sat on Her Majesty's Privy Council. Sir Henry Sidney was Lord Deputy at the time. The work began on the 2nd of July that year, pushed forward by an old burgess named Nicholas D., then Sovereign of Kells, who bought the roof at his own expense. The inscription calls him and the bishop's care to remembrance, adding that God does not forget labour shown for His Name's sake. Without that inscription, the rebuilding would be unknown. The rector here was non-resident, busy with his deanery and council duties, so he can have had little time for parish care. The writer of the record suggests this was not an isolated repair but one of many carried out under Brady's care, now lost to knowledge.

18. Mullingar Burned in the Rebellion

    Mullingar · town · Westmeath · 1641–1647

    In Westmeath, the town of Mullingar was burned during the disturbances of the rebellion period.

    Read the passage

    deliverers. Trim was again and again the scene of conflict. It was taken by the rebels at the first outbreak of the war, but was recovered by Sir Charles Coote in 1642. Shortly afterwards it was again attacked. The attack was repulsed, but Sir Charles lost his life, shot it is not known whether by the enemy or by one of his own troopers. After this it became a base from which parties went out to " spoil and kill " the rebels, but it did not prevent them from taking the castles of Killalon, Balrath, Ballybeg, Bective, Balsoon, and Ardsallagh. Athboy also was besieged by the insurgents, but they were forced to raise the siege. In Westmeath, the towns of Mullingar and Ballymore were burned, and there was an engagement at Rathconnell. These were the most important events, but independently of them there was continual going to and fro of bodies of rebels or of soldiers, rendering life and property insecure all through the diocese.

    The most important engagement of all took place at Dungon's Hill, near Laracor, in 1647. The following description of the fight is taken from the Down Survey : " On the 8th of August, 1647, being the Lord's Day, happened a very greate battaile betweene the English and the Irish. Collonell Michaell Jones commanded the English, and one, General Preston, the Irish. The advantages that the Irish had were as many as men could have against men. Theire ground was high, theire artillery ready planted, theire men ready drawen up in battallia, immured with mudd walles, the sunn and winde in theire reare, two woods and a large bogg through which the English must march if they intended to fight. The English in a marching motion, and had not roome to drawe upp. But it pleased the Almighty Disposer of all things to magnify Himselfe

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 136

19. The River Boyne flowing through Trim

    Trim · town · Meath · 1584

    Draper noted that the pure and clear river Boyne ran through the midst of Trim, and that provisions might be brought upriver from Drogheda by boat if an old statute regarding weirs and fishing places were enforced.

    Read the passage

    Through the midst of the town runneth the most pure and clear river of the Boyne. Up this river might all provision come from Drogheda to Trim by boat, if the statute to that purpose made in Sir Henry Sydney's time were executed.

    Hard by the town is an excellent good quarry, if they should need any stone, limestone enough hard at the gate, slates within six miles, and timber enough within three miles.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 116

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Trim, the river Boyne runs clear through the middle of the town. In 1584 it was noted that all provisions might come up this river from Drogheda by boat, if an old statute made in Sir Henry Sydney's time were executed. Hard by the town there was an excellent quarry, with limestone at the gate, slates within 6 miles, and timber within 3 miles.

20. Appointment of Samuel Edwards as preacher at Athboy

    Athboy · town · Meath · 1650–1660

    Samuel Edwards, previously certified by Welsh commissioners for ejecting scandalous ministers, was appointed to preach the Gospel at the public meeting place at Athboy, County Meath, and adjacent parishes, to be maintained from local tithes.

    Read the passage

    Here is the appointment of Mr. Samuel Edwards to the Parish of Athboy. It will be noticed that there is a careful avoidance of any expression that would imply that he was in Holy Orders, or that the place in which he was to officiate was a church. " Upon reading ye Report of ye Committee for Approbation of Ministers, dated ye 22nd instant, whereby it appears that they have conferred with Mr. Samuel Edwards, and find him well testified unto by Sir Erasmus Phillipps, Sir Hugh Owen, and other ye Commissioners for Ejection of scandalous, ignorant, and insufficient ministers in South Wales, as also by several ministers living thereabouts, and likewise that they find him to be a person gifted with knowledge and utterance, and (as they hope) experimentally acquainted with ye working of ye Spiritt of ye Lord : upon consideration had thereof, it is thought fitt and ordered, That the same Mr. Samuel Edwards bee and hee is hereby appointed to preach ye Gospell att ye publique meeting place at Athboy in ye County of Meath, to ye inhabitants thereof, and parishes united and adjacent thereunto (who have quetnd [? requested] for him),

    » These documents are in the Record Office, Dublin.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 139

21. Ardbraccan Founded by Saint Breccan

    Ardbraccan · townland · Meath

    Ardbraccan owes its foundation to Saint Breccan, a kinsman of Saint Patrick, whose name is also linked to Templebraccan in Aran. He soon resigned his place there to his more famous successor Saint Ultan.

    Read the passage

    Ardbraccan owes its foundation, it is said, to Saint Breccan, a kinsman of Saint Patrick, whose name is also associated with the church of Templebraccan, in the island of Aran, off the coast of Galway. He remained but a short time in Meath, and resigned his place to his much more famous successor, Saint Ultan. Ultan belonged to the third order of saints, who lived the life of hermits. He is credited with the authorship of a Life of Saint Patrick, and of two hymns in praise of Saint Brigid, both ot which are preserved in the Irish Liber Hymnorum. He was succeeded by Tirechan, whose Annotations on the Life of St. Patrick are to be found in the Book of Armagh, and are a most important historical document. This work begins with the statement that " Tirechan the Bishop wrote these things either from word of mouth or from the book of Ultan the Bishop, of whom he was himself the scholar or disciple."

    Saint Fechin of Fore is another of the third order, and his name appears first on the list. He chose for his retreat that picturesque valley in Westmeath, in which at the present day remains dating from the Celtic period stand side by side with the ruins of the Norman monastery of later date. It is said that he had three hundred disciples, of whom he became the " leader and father."

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 23

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here is Ardbraccan, a church settlement that owes its foundation to Saint Breccan, a kinsman of Saint Patrick. Breccan's name is also linked to Templebraccan, on the island of Aran off the coast of Galway. He stayed only a short time in Meath and resigned his place to a far more famous successor, Saint Ultan. Ultan belonged to the third order of saints, who lived as hermits. He is credited with writing a Life of Saint Patrick and two hymns in praise of Saint Brigid, both preserved in the Irish Liber Hymnorum. He was succeeded by Tirechan, whose Annotations on the Life of Saint Patrick survive in the Book of Armagh and are a most important historical document. That work opens with the words: "Tirechan the Bishop wrote these things either from word of mouth or from the book of Ultan the Bishop, of whom he was himself the scholar or disciple."

22. Ballymore Burned and Rathconnell Engagement

    Rathconnell · townland · Westmeath · 1641–1647

    Alongside Mullingar, the town of Ballymore was burned, and there was a military engagement at Rathconnell during the Westmeath disturbances of the rebellion.

    Read the passage

    deliverers. Trim was again and again the scene of conflict. It was taken by the rebels at the first outbreak of the war, but was recovered by Sir Charles Coote in 1642. Shortly afterwards it was again attacked. The attack was repulsed, but Sir Charles lost his life, shot it is not known whether by the enemy or by one of his own troopers. After this it became a base from which parties went out to " spoil and kill " the rebels, but it did not prevent them from taking the castles of Killalon, Balrath, Ballybeg, Bective, Balsoon, and Ardsallagh. Athboy also was besieged by the insurgents, but they were forced to raise the siege. In Westmeath, the towns of Mullingar and Ballymore were burned, and there was an engagement at Rathconnell. These were the most important events, but independently of them there was continual going to and fro of bodies of rebels or of soldiers, rendering life and property insecure all through the diocese.

    The most important engagement of all took place at Dungon's Hill, near Laracor, in 1647. The following description of the fight is taken from the Down Survey : " On the 8th of August, 1647, being the Lord's Day, happened a very greate battaile betweene the English and the Irish. Collonell Michaell Jones commanded the English, and one, General Preston, the Irish. The advantages that the Irish had were as many as men could have against men. Theire ground was high, theire artillery ready planted, theire men ready drawen up in battallia, immured with mudd walles, the sunn and winde in theire reare, two woods and a large bogg through which the English must march if they intended to fight. The English in a marching motion, and had not roome to drawe upp. But it pleased the Almighty Disposer of all things to magnify Himselfe

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 136

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Rathconnell, during the rebellion of the 1640s, the town of Ballymore was burned, and there was a military engagement right around here. These events in Westmeath sat alongside the burning of Mullingar. The source calls them the most important events in the area, but notes that beyond them there was continual movement of rebels and soldiers back and forth across the whole diocese, leaving life and property insecure everywhere. All of this unfolded in the years after 1641, when the rebellion spread through Meath and Westmeath and towns like Trim changed hands more than once.

23. Bishop Dopping administers Dublin diocese in flight of Archbishop

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1688–1690

    When the Archbishop of Dublin fled Ireland amid the Williamite upheaval, Bishop Dopping administered the diocese, placing curates in parishes whose incumbents had fled.

    Read the passage

    It was in this period, while William was establishing himself in England, and James was ruling as independent sovereign in Ireland, that the Protestants of Ireland had their hardest trial. Most of the gentry were glad to escape to England, leaving their property behind them. Many of the clergy followed suit, and the parishes were left without either parsons or people. The Archbishop of Dublin was amongst those who fled, and in his absence the diocese was administered by Bishop Dopping, who endeavoured to place curates in all those parishes from which the incumbents had fled.

    322 HISTORY OF THE DIOCESE OF MEATH

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 151

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Dublin, you are moving through a city that saw its Protestant community tested between 1688 and 1690. Most of the gentry fled to England, leaving their property behind, and many of the clergy followed suit, leaving parishes without either parsons or people. The Archbishop of Dublin was among those who fled. In his absence, Bishop Dopping administered the diocese and tried to place curates in all the parishes whose incumbents had run.

24. Brady's death and burial at Dunboyne

    Dunboyne · town · Meath · 1583

    Bishop Hugh Brady died on 13 February 1583 at Dunboyne, his birthplace, and was buried there in the parish church.

    Read the passage

    Bishop Brady died on the thirteenth of February, 1583, at Dunboyne, the place of his birth, and he was buried there in the Parish Church. The year following, Thomas Jones was appointed, and he continued in the See during the remainder of the reign of Queen Elizabeth, and till the year 1605, at which date he was translated to Dublin.

    Jones was an Englishman by birth, but had spent some years in Ireland, where he had married the sister-in-law of Archbishop Loftus. At an early age he was elected to the Deanery of Saint Patrick's, Dublin, and in the same year, (1581), we have him officiating at the execution of three gentlemen who were to put death on a charge of treason, his office being to endeavour to bring them to a better state of mind before leaving this world. He was not very successful in his persuasion, for the culprits only answered to him, " Get thee behind me, Satan ; " one of them adding, " Is it not enough for you to have

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 106

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Dunboyne in Meath, you are passing the birthplace and burial place of Bishop Hugh Brady. He died here on the 13th of February 1583, and was laid to rest in the parish church. The year after his death, Thomas Jones was appointed to succeed him in the See of Meath. Jones was an Englishman by birth but had spent some years in Ireland, where he married the sister-in-law of Archbishop Loftus. He had been elected Dean of Saint Patrick's in Dublin in 1581, the same year he officiated at the execution of three gentlemen charged with treason. His task was to bring them to a better state of mind before they died. He was not very successful. The men answered him, 'Get thee behind me, Satan,' and one added, 'Is it not enough for you to have' — though the record cuts off there.

25. Conall grants site for Donaghpatrick church

    Donaghpatrick · townland · Meath · 432–1908

    Prince Conall accepted the Christian faith and bestowed on Saint Patrick the site on which the church of Donaghpatrick was later built; a new church erected by Thomas Gerrard of Gibbstown now stands on the ancient site.

    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

26. Dominican Friary at Athlone

    Athlone · town · Westmeath · 1241–1242

    A Dominican friary was founded at Athlone in 1241, begun by Cathal Dearg O'Conor, prince of Connaught, and completed the following year by Sir Henry Dillon.

    Read the passage

    The Dominicans were a great Order of preaching friars, and one of the earliest — if not the very earliest — of the mendicant Orders. They were founded in 1215, and almost at once attained the greatest popularity. As early as 1237 a branch was established in Meath, their first monastery having been founded in that year at Mullingar. This house soon attained to great importance, and several general chapters of the Dominicans were held in it .43 Shortly afterwards (1241) another branch was founded at Athlone. It was begun by Cathal Dearg O' Conor, prince of Connaught, and the building was completed in the following year by Sir Henry Dillon. A third Dominican friary was established at Trim in 1263. It was founded by Geoffrey de Geneville, one of the most famous men of his day, and soon attained the highest importance. In 1308 the founder resigned the lordship of Meath, and entered as a friar in the monastery which he had himself established, ending his days there in the year 1314. Dean Butler, speaking of him, says, " It is to be lamented that our notices of the varied life of this great man are so meagre, that we cannot fill up the outline of the young noble of Champagne wooing his wealthy bride in the court of England, retiring with her to his great seignories in Ireland, and joining with her in founding a religious house ; taking the cross in the Holy Land ; administering for a short time the government of his adopted country, busy for years in the councils and campaigns of the bold and politic Edward I., and closing his career by the resignation of his lordship of Meath to his youthful grand-daughter and her ambitious husband, and ending his days in the habit of a Dominican in the cloister which he and his wife had built fifty years before. "44 This friary

    «* Cogan, Diocese of Meath. «« Butler's Trim.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 56

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead, the road takes you through Athlone in County Westmeath. A Dominican friary was founded here in 1241, begun by Cathal Dearg O'Conor, prince of Connaught, and the building was completed the following year by Sir Henry Dillon. The Dominicans themselves were a preaching order founded in 1215, and they reached Meath quickly. Their first monastery in the area was at Mullingar in 1237, a house that grew important enough to host several general chapters of the order. Athlone's friary followed just four years later, one of several Dominican houses established across the region during that period.

27. Dysart rector's houses burned by malicious persons

    Dysart · townland · Westmeath · 1622

    The Rector of Dysart was left without a residence because his houses upon the rectory had been burned over his head by some malicious persons, and he was living at Kilbeggan instead.

    Read the passage

    converteth it to his owne use." The impropriator in this case was Sir Roger Jones, a relative of the former bishop, and he not only seized the glebe house but also kept back the great tithes of Deramstown, and the small tithes of the whole parish, which used formerly to have been paid to the vicar, leaving the whole income of the parish at the miserable rate of seven pounds a year. One clergyman, the Rector of Dysart (now in the Union of Leney) was left without a house because " his houses uppon his rectory were burned over his head by some malicious persons." On the whole, however, the state of the parsons' residences is better than we would have expected from the condition of the diocese in other respects.

    Several of the clergy were non-resident, and left their duty to be performed by curates, or as happened in some cases, made no provision whatever. The Parishes of Paynestown and Multifarnham were both held by the one rector, who lived in England, by licence from his Majesty. He made, however, adequate provision for both parishes. The Rector of Donaghpatrick also lived in England, leaving a curate to do the duty. The Rector of Loughbraccan (now in the Union of Drumconrath) was less conscientious. He lived in England, but seems to have appointed no one to do the duty for which he received the income. Two clergymen of Armagh, Luke Ussher, a distant cousin of the bishop's, and George Sing, held parishes in the Diocese of Meath. The former was Rector of Kentstown, and the latter of Killary (now in the Union of Drumconrath). Although the parishes were very far apart, they employed the one curate for both, " a very old and sickly man," quite unable to perform any duty. The Rectors of Kilbrew and Newtown Fertullagh both lived in Dublin, and employed

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 124

28. First Dominican Monastery in Meath at Mullingar

    Mullingar · town · Westmeath · 1237

    The Dominicans established their first branch in Meath at Mullingar in 1237, and the house soon became important, hosting several general chapters of the order.

    Read the passage

    The Dominicans were a great Order of preaching friars, and one of the earliest — if not the very earliest — of the mendicant Orders. They were founded in 1215, and almost at once attained the greatest popularity. As early as 1237 a branch was established in Meath, their first monastery having been founded in that year at Mullingar. This house soon attained to great importance, and several general chapters of the Dominicans were held in it .43 Shortly afterwards (1241) another branch was founded at Athlone. It was begun by Cathal Dearg O' Conor, prince of Connaught, and the building was completed in the following year by Sir Henry Dillon. A third Dominican friary was established at Trim in 1263. It was founded by Geoffrey de Geneville, one of the most famous men of his day, and soon attained the highest importance. In 1308 the founder resigned the lordship of Meath, and entered as a friar in the monastery which he had himself established, ending his days there in the year 1314. Dean Butler, speaking of him, says, " It is to be lamented that our notices of the varied life of this great man are so meagre, that we cannot fill up the outline of the young noble of Champagne wooing his wealthy bride in the court of England, retiring with her to his great seignories in Ireland, and joining with her in founding a religious house ; taking the cross in the Holy Land ; administering for a short time the government of his adopted country, busy for years in the councils and campaigns of the bold and politic Edward I., and closing his career by the resignation of his lordship of Meath to his youthful grand-daughter and her ambitious husband, and ending his days in the habit of a Dominican in the cloister which he and his wife had built fifty years before. "44 This friary

    «* Cogan, Diocese of Meath. «« Butler's Trim.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 56

29. Franciscan friars sheltering at Multifarnham abbey despite royal lease

    Fearbranagh or Multyfarnham · townland · Westmeath · 1615

    The 1615 list records that Maurice Ultagh, a Franciscan general considered a traitor, lived with other friars in the abbey of Multifarnham, which had been leased by the King to Richard Cusack of Lismullen.

    Read the passage

    Maurice Ultagh, a traytor, generall of the ffranciscans, who with some other ffryars live in the abbey of Multifernam, Leased by the King to Richard Cusack, of Lismallin, Esqr.

    Walter ffitz James Dalton, Priest, of 80 years old.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 121

30. John Carter, Rector of Killucan, writes to Bishop Ussher on anti-Romanist controversy

    Killucan · town · Westmeath · 1623

    John Carter, Rector of Killucan, wrote to Bishop Ussher describing his efforts to compose a reply to a Romish priest's answer to a Protestant gentleman, showing the ongoing religious controversy being carried out even in country parishes.

    Read the passage

    About eight or nine months now past, I received an answer made by a Romish priest unto certain demands of a Protestant gentleman ; and being requested to make a reply unto the same by some of my good friends and neighbours, I condescended to use my best endeavour herein, being moved thereunto, both in respect of my oath formerly taken to resist, oppose, and refute the adversary to the utmost of my power, and also considering that Popish priests and Jesuits were never more busy than at this day, seeking by all means to seduce and pervert unstable souls, and such as are not firmly grounded in the knowledge of true religion, in respect whereof I may say with Bishop Jewell, that seeing they set our their flags of defiance, and already boast of victory, nos non convenii esse mutos ; the which hath made me, though the weakest of a thousand, to enter the lists and to stand in the breach, with a full resolution, by God's assistance, never to start back from the defence of God's truth. And now, having finished the task laid upon me, I have thought good, according to my bounden duty, to send by bearer this my reply unto your lordship, humbly entreating that you will be pleased to read it over ; and if you shall find any great oversight in the same, I desire your lordishp to give me notice thereof, to the end I may amend it in my next copy. As for small slips or defects, I hope I shall perceive them myself. And indeed I would not have committed this treatise unto your lordship's view, so imperfect as it is (this being but the first copy thereof, lately drawn out of a rude and vast heap of disordered collections) but that my adversary the answerer is so importunate for a reply, boasting that he hath done such a work as no Protestant will be ever able to answer, and therefore I am very desirous that your lordship will vouchsafe to read it over, and to give me your advice concerning the same, before such time as I write it over again in such sort as I mean to deliver it unto him ; and if I shall receive any encouragement by your approbation of what I have done, I shall be willing at any time, as occasion shall be offered, to use my best endeavours in this kind, otherwise my purpose is to bend my studies another way, desiring to know nothing but Jesus Christ and

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 120

31. John de Burgo becomes vicar of Dunboyne as a youth

    Dunboyne · town · Meath

    John de Burgo, alias Ethenardi, entered religious orders before age fourteen and, after attaining the diaconate and priesthood, became vicar of Dunboyne, another example of underage clerical appointment.

    Read the passage

    Another wide-spread abuse was the appointment of mere boys to some of the vacant livings. We have an example of this in 1400, when the Pope issued his mandate to the Bishop of Clonmacnoise, ordering him to collate John Onniyl to the parish of Lemanaghan. This youth was " the son of a priest religious and an unmarried woman," and was in his fifteenth year. He is, however, to be promoted "to all even holy orders, and hold a benefice, even with cure, if found fit in Latin."11 Another example is the case of John de Burgo, alias Ethenardi, who " entered the order of friar preachers before his fourteenth year, and before that age, they caused him to be promoted to all the minor orders, and after attaining his fourteenth year, to the diaconate." He was then ordained priest, and became vicar of Dunboyne. Again, in 1402, a dispensation is granted to John Flemmyng, son of Thomas, Baron of Slane," to hold any benefice with cure, even a major dignity, he being in his nineteenth year." It often happened, however, that when a parish fell vacant, no one at all was appointed, and the income was applied to other purposes. Thus, in 1244, licence for a year was granted to the Archbishop of Armagh " to use for the payment of the debts of that church the proceeds of those churches in the dioceses of Armagh, Meath, and Down, which had been void for two years."

    In the account quoted above of the taxation of the deanery of Duleek, we cannot help being struck with the large number of the churches which are enumerated, and the same thing would hold with regard to nearly all the other deaneries. This does not mean that they ministered to a larger population than that which we

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 63

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Dunboyne, a town the road passes through in Meath. In the 1400s this place had a vicar named John de Burgo, also called Ethenardi, who had entered the order of friar preachers before his fourteenth year. Before that age he was promoted to all the minor orders, and after turning fourteen he attained the diaconate, was ordained priest, and became vicar here. It was cited as an example of a wider abuse in the diocese, the appointment of mere boys to vacant livings.

32. Kells church body unrepaired but chancel good

    Kells · town · Meath · 1622

    In the Deanery of Kells the only functioning church was Kells itself, and even there the body of the church was reported as altogether unrepaired while the chancel was in good repair. All the surrounding churches such as Moynalty, Kilskyre, Girley and Donaghpatrick were in complete ruin.

    Read the passage

    of eighty in all. Some parts of the diocese were in much better condition in this respect than others. In the Rural Deanery of Duleek, for example, there were sixteen churches more or less in repair, which were available for divine service, and one, the church of Ardmulchan, was in process of rebuilding. In Ratoath Deanery there were six churches, in Skryne fourteen, in Trim eleven, in Slane ten, and in Fore ten. In the Deanery of Kells, however, there was only one church, that of Kells itself, and of it the Report states that " the body is altogether unrepaired ; the chauncell is in good repair." The churches of Moynalty, Kilskyre, Girley, Donaghpatrick, as well as all the lesser churches in that district, were in complete ruin. In the Deanery of Clonmacnoise, the only churches were two, standing side by side at the " Seven Churches," but a new church was in course of erection at Athlone. The churches of Ballyloughloe, Moate, and Banagher were in ruins, and in the last parish there was no clergyman nor means to support one. The Deanery of Ardnurcher had only one church, with another in course of erection. This deanery included the great parish of Fercall, which embraces a considerable part of the King's County, and extends almost from Tullamore to Birr. There was no church in the whole district. In Clonard Deanery, there were churches at Clonard and Killucan, but all the rest were ruinous. Mullingar and Loughsuedy were somewhat better. The former had eight churches, and the latter seven. It would thus appear that there were some parts of the diocese which were fairly well supplied, whereas in others there was no adequate provision for the celebration of divine service.

    We are surprised to find that the church of Nobber, of which the bishop was himself rector, is amongst

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 124

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kells, you are in a town whose church was the only one still standing in its deanery in 1622. Even here, the report noted that the body is altogether unrepaired, while the chauncell is in good repair. Every other church in the district, Moynalty, Kilskyre, Girley, Donaghpatrick and the lesser churches too, was in complete ruin. So Kells alone kept any part of a working church, and only the chancel at that.

33. Lomman baptises Foirtchernn at the ford of Trim

    Trim · town · Meath · 432–460

    Lomman travelled to the ford of Trim to the house of Feidilmidh, where his son Foirtchernn found him reciting the Gospel and was baptised at an open fountain there, marking an early foundation of Christianity in Meath.

    Read the passage

    And when it was morning, Foirtchernn, son of Feidilmidh, found him reciting the Gospel, and wondering at the Gospel and his doctrine, straightway believed ; and there being an open fountain in that place, he was baptised in Christ by

    FOUNDATION OF CHRISTIANITY 3

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Trim, you are near a place where early Christianity took root. Lomman came to the ford of Trim, to the house of Feidilmidh. In the morning, Feidilmidh's son Foirtchernn found Lomman reciting the Gospel. Foirtchernn believed, and there being an open fountain in that place, he was baptised.

34. Lomman guards Patrick's ship at the mouth of the Boyne

    near River Boyne · river · Kildare · 432–460

    When Patrick arrived in Ireland he left Lomman at the mouth of the Boyne to guard the ship for forty days and nights, before Lomman travelled upriver to Trim.

    Read the passage

    When Patrick, with his holy companions in voyage, had arrived in Ireland, he left holy Lomman in the mouth of the Boind (Boyne) to guard the ship, forty days and forty nights ; and then he remained another period of forty, after having obeyed Patrick ; then, according to the command of his master, he arrived, under the guidance of the Lord, against the stream, as far as the ford of Trimm, at the door of the house of Feidilmidh, son of Loigaire.

    And when it was morning, Foirtchernn, son of Feidilmidh, found him reciting the Gospel, and wondering at the Gospel and his doctrine, straightway believed ; and there being an open fountain in that place, he was baptised in Christ by

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala

35. Meath garrisons at Navan, Trim, Ratoath, Dunboyne, Kells, Athboy burden inhabitants

    Trim · town · Meath · 1597–1600

    A petition from the inhabitants of Meath to the Lords Justices complained of the heavy burdens imposed on them to supply the garrisons stationed at Navan, Trim, Ratoath, Dunboyne, Kells, and Athboy.

    Read the passage

    Morgallion, Navan, and a part of the Barony of Fore) — was " quite wasted " by these incursions. But he complains also that " Meath is oppressed by the soldiers in the thoroughfare, both of horse and foot, especially by the troup of the Lord President and his horsemen, who commit very grievous extortions and oppressions." And about the same time a petition was drawn up by the inhabitants of Meath, and presented to the Lords Justices and Council of Ireland, complaining of the burdens imposed upon them for the supply of the garrisons of Navan, Trim, Ratoath, Dunboyne, Kells, and Athboy. Thus both her friends and enemies were alike destructive, and Meath had to suffer from the rebels who devastated her lands, and at the same time from the soldiers who were supposed to protect her.

    This was the state of the diocese, or at all events of the eastern portion of it, when Queen Elizabeth died, and it can be well understood how little it lent itself to the prosperity of the Church. On the accession of King James, there were proposals for the ameli oration of the condition of the country. If proposals and projects could have effected the regeneration of a land, then the Irish problem would long ago have been solved, for surely no other country has had so many proposals concerning it put forward from time to time. The pity is that so many of them were never carried out, and that so many others were merely attempted, and then relinquished. Early in 1604 the Lords of the Council drew up a document entitled, " Memorials for the better Reformation of the Kingdom of Ireland." It is of considerable length, and deals with a great variety of subjects, recommending a number of reforms which the memorialists deem necessary for the government of the country. The first two paragraphs are : —

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 110

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Trim here, a town that carries an old grievance from the turn of the 17th century. Around 1597 to 1600, the inhabitants of Meath drew up a petition to the Lords Justices and Council of Ireland, complaining of the burdens imposed on them for supplying the garrisons stationed at Navan, Trim, Ratoath, Dunboyne, Kells, and Athboy. Six garrisons to feed and provision, all placed on their backs. The country around had already been, in the words of the source, "quite wasted" by incursions. But the petitioners' complaint cut both ways. The source says Meath was "oppressed by the soldiers in the thoroughfare, both of horse and foot, especially by the troup of the Lord President and his horsemen, who commit very grievous extortions and oppressions." The people were caught between rebels who devastated their lands and soldiers who were supposed to protect them but instead stripped them bare. Both friends and enemies were alike destructive, and Meath suffered from each in turn. This was the state of the eastern portion of the diocese when Queen Elizabeth died.

36. Munstermen and Danes of Waterford Plunder Meath Churches, 938

    Meath · county · Meath · 938

    In 938 the Munstermen joined with the Danes of Waterford in plundering the churches of Meath, marking an important shift where Irish tribes began to associate with Danish raiders.

    Read the passage

    The history soon begins to repeat itself with painful uniformity ; and we have once more the story renewed of burning and slaughter and plunder. In 949, for example, the Annalists tell us that " Godfrey son of Sitric, with the foreigners of Dublin, plundered Kells, Donaghpatrick, Ardbraccan, Dulane, Disert Keiran, Kilskyre, and other churches in Meath in like manner; but it was out of Kells that they all plundered. They carried upwards of three thousand persons with them into captivity, besides gold, silver, raiment, and various wealth and goods of every description."10 We note, however, one important difference ; it is that from this time almost invariably they have one or other of the Irish tribes associated with them in their expeditions. Thus, in 938, we have the Munstermen joined with the Danes of Waterford in plundering the churches of Meath. In 951, the men of Leinster and the Danes of Limerick attack Clonmacnoise. In 967, and again in 968, we have the Leinstermen making common cause with the Danes of Dublin, and attacking Kells ; and the same thing is repeated again and again. When we come to the eleventh century, the Danes become less and less associated with the plunder of monasteries, until at last the mention of them ceases altogether. But the evil work goes on the same, perhaps one might say with increased frequency, only it is the native tribes who are the marauders. The truth is that in the meantime the Danes had become Christian ; while the natives seem to have lost whatever respect they once had for the houses of God. This fact may to some extent explain the readiness with which the Church

    10 Annals of the Four Masters, A.D. 949.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 26

    As the companion tells it

    As you travel through Meath, you are passing through a county whose churches were raided in 938. That year the Munstermen joined with the Danes of Waterford in plundering the churches of Meath. The annalists marked this as an important shift, because from this time on the Irish tribes almost invariably had one or another of their own people associated with the Danish raiders in these expeditions. The same pattern recurs again and again in the years that follow: the men of Leinster with the Danes of Limerick attacking Clonmacnoise in 951, and the Leinstermen with the Danes of Dublin attacking Kells in 967 and 968. By the eleventh century the Danes had become Christian, and mention of them in the plunder of monasteries ceases altogether. But the raids go on, carried on now by the native tribes themselves, who seem to have lost whatever respect they once had for the houses of God.

37. Rokeby confirms college of clerks at Maynooth

    Maynooth · town · Kildare · 1512

    After his translation from Meath to the archbishopric of Dublin, William Rokeby confirmed the establishment of a college of clerks founded at Maynooth by the Earl of Kildare.

    Read the passage

    Bishop Payne was succeeded in 1507 by William Rokeby, Vicar of Halifax, who had been appointed Lord Chancellor of Ireland in 1498. His episcopate only lasted four years, after which he was translated to Dublin. There is nothing of importance to record about him while Bishop of Meath. It may, however, be interesting to note that after his translation to the archbishopric he confirmed the establishment of a college of clerks founded at Maynooth by the Earl of Kildare.

    He was succeeded by Hugh Inge, who occupied the See for ten years, from 1512 to 1522, and after him came Richard Wilson, who was appointed to the bishopric by the Pope in 1523. Both these appointments, of course, belong to the reign of Henry VIII. The latter never came near his See, but spent all his time in England, leaving the diocese to take care of itself. After five years of absenteeism, a complaint was made of his continued neglect, and Archbishop Inge, who had been his predecessor in Meath, and was now Archbishop of Dublin, wrote to Cardinal Wolsey, telling him that " the diocese of Meth, which is large

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 79

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Maynooth now, a town linked to William Rokeby, who became Bishop of Meath in 1507 after serving as Lord Chancellor of Ireland since 1498. His episcopate in Meath lasted only four years, and there is little of note recorded about him during that time. He was then translated to the archbishopric of Dublin, and in 1512 he confirmed the establishment of a college of clerks that the Earl of Kildare had founded in this town. That act of confirmation is the main thing that connects his name to this place.

38. Saint Mary's Abbey Kells founded by Hugh de Lacy

    Kells · town · Meath · 1302

    The monastery of Saint Mary, Kells, founded by Hugh de Lacy, became one of the most important abbeys, with its abbot sometimes entrusted by the Pope to settle disputed episcopal elections. Its remains have now been completely obliterated.

    Read the passage

    The monastery of Saint Mary, Kells, must also be placed amongst the earliest Norman foundations. It owed its origin to Hugh de Lacy, Lord of Meath, and it soon took its place amongst the most important of the abbeys. Its abbot took the highest rank, and on some occasions was entrusted by the Pope with such business as the deciding of a disputed episcopal election or the hearing of a charge of misconduct against a bishop.^ The property of this house seems to have been considerable, including the tithes of several parishes, but, notwithstanding this, we find the brethren complaining, in 1302, of their " small temporalities," which they ask the King to restore when they will have elected a new abbot.16 There were some remains of this abbey until a comparatively late period, but they are now completely obliterated,

    Hugh de Lacy also founded an Augustinian abbey at Durrow,1? and at the same place began the erection of a castle. It was here that he met with his death, for he was murdered by an Irish youth, who had disguised himself as a workman. In the Dublin Penny Journal of June i5th, 1833, there is figured an old monastic seal, which had been found at Lynbury,

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 47

    As the companion tells it

    You're coming through Kells, a town in Meath where the monastery of Saint Mary once stood, founded by Hugh de Lacy, Lord of Meath. It was one of the earliest Norman foundations and soon ranked among the most important abbeys. Its abbot held the highest rank, and sometimes the Pope himself entrusted him to decide a disputed episcopal election or hear a charge of misconduct against a bishop. The house held considerable property, including the tithes of several parishes, yet in 1302 the brethren were complaining of their small temporalities, asking the King to restore them once they had elected a new abbot. There were some remains of the abbey until a comparatively late period, but they are now completely obliterated. Nothing of it is left to see.

39. Siege of Athboy Raised

    Athboy · town · Meath · 1641–1647

    Athboy was besieged by the insurgents during the rebellion, but they were forced to raise the siege.

    Read the passage

    deliverers. Trim was again and again the scene of conflict. It was taken by the rebels at the first outbreak of the war, but was recovered by Sir Charles Coote in 1642. Shortly afterwards it was again attacked. The attack was repulsed, but Sir Charles lost his life, shot it is not known whether by the enemy or by one of his own troopers. After this it became a base from which parties went out to " spoil and kill " the rebels, but it did not prevent them from taking the castles of Killalon, Balrath, Ballybeg, Bective, Balsoon, and Ardsallagh. Athboy also was besieged by the insurgents, but they were forced to raise the siege. In Westmeath, the towns of Mullingar and Ballymore were burned, and there was an engagement at Rathconnell. These were the most important events, but independently of them there was continual going to and fro of bodies of rebels or of soldiers, rendering life and property insecure all through the diocese.

    The most important engagement of all took place at Dungon's Hill, near Laracor, in 1647. The following description of the fight is taken from the Down Survey : " On the 8th of August, 1647, being the Lord's Day, happened a very greate battaile betweene the English and the Irish. Collonell Michaell Jones commanded the English, and one, General Preston, the Irish. The advantages that the Irish had were as many as men could have against men. Theire ground was high, theire artillery ready planted, theire men ready drawen up in battallia, immured with mudd walles, the sunn and winde in theire reare, two woods and a large bogg through which the English must march if they intended to fight. The English in a marching motion, and had not roome to drawe upp. But it pleased the Almighty Disposer of all things to magnify Himselfe

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 136

40. St James's Gate preserves name of Drogheda priory

    Drogheda · town · Louth

    Two priories existed at Drogheda on the Meath side of the Boyne, one dedicated to Saint John the Baptist and the other to Saint James; the latter's name survives in St. James's Gate.

    Read the passage

    establishments at Kilmainham Wood, and Kilmainhambeg 31 (nowKilbeg in the union of Moynalty), the latter founded by Walter de Lacy in the twelfth century, and the former by the Preston family in the thirteenth. Not much record remains of either of these houses, and no relic of their buildings has been preserved. There was also a preceptory of the same order at Beaumore, in the parish of Colpe. It likewise has disappeared. The Trinitarians had priories at Mullingar and at Kells. The site of the latter is now used as a Roman Catholic burying ground. The Crutched Friars had an hospital at Newtown, near Trim, founded by one of the Bishops of Meath. 32 The ruins are situated at the bridge, which marks what was at one time a ford of the river, and are somewhat extensive, and well preserved. There were also two priories at Drogheda, on the Meath side of the Boyne, the one dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, and the other to Saint James. The name of the latter is preserved in St. James's Gate. Very little is known about any of these establishments, but the fact that so many of them did exist may help to show that the old monasteries were not always such useless institutions as is sometimes supposed. In an age when the care of the sick was but little understood, it must have been an inestimable boon to have these houses set apart for the reception of the suffering.

    The establishments of other religious orders were not so numerous. The Benedictines had, as far as we can learn, only two houses — one at Ballymore, and the other at Fore. 33 This was perhaps the most distinguished of all the monastic orders. Its members were remarkable for their gentlemanly manners, as

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 52

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Drogheda, on the Meath side of the Boyne, there once stood two priories. One was dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, the other to Saint James. The name of the second survives in St. James's Gate. Very little else is known about either of them. The record notes that houses like these were set apart for the care of the sick, in an age when such care was little understood.

41. St Leger's rectory of Nobber and his unusual ordination

    Nobber · town · Meath

    Thomas St. Leger, Bishop-elect of Meath and Archdeacon of Kells, held the rectory of Nobber with cure of souls despite not yet being in Holy Orders, requiring special papal letters authorising his ordination.

    Read the passage

    There was one advantage in the system of making appeals to Rome : it discouraged litigation, for it was so very costly that men thought twice before prosecuting such an appeal. In this instance both the candidates did as was often done in such cases to save expense. They both resigned their claims, and left the disposal of the See altogether in the Pope's hands. His Holiness did his best to please all parties. He pleased the King and the clergy of Meath, for he declared their nominee to be duly elected ; and he pleased the archbishop and Walter de Fulburn by appointing the latter B shop of Waterford. Now comes the most surprising part of all. This Thomas St. Leger, thus declared to be Bishop elect of Meath, and already one of the dignitaries of the diocese, being Archdeacon of Kells, and it is to be supposed, holding the living with cure of souls which always went with that archdeaconry, the rectory of Nobber, was not in Holy Orders at all. The Pope gives him letters, " authorizing him to be ordained deacon and priest by any bishop of his choice, and to be consecrated by two or three others, without prejudice to the rights of Armagh." 6 The dispute and litigation in this case lasted for over six years.

    6 Calendar of Papal Registers.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 43

42. Trim's fair castle and hall of lime and stone

    Trim · town · Meath · 1622

    The glebe residence at Trim in 1622 was described as a fair castle and hall built with lime and stone, with many now-decayed houses of office, a garden, a backside, and a close of two acres of pasture.

    Read the passage

    In the matter of glebe houses, the report is somewhat more satisfactory. At least seventy-three parishes had houses, large or small, fit for residence. In this respect the diocese was much better off than it was at the beginning of the nineteenth century. These residences are differently described. Ordinarily the expression used is " a manse house," but in some cases the residence is described as a " castle." In Trim, for example, there is, we are told, " a fayre castle and an hall with lyme and stone, many houses of office which are now decayed, a garden and a backside, and a close contayning two acres of pasture." Under the heading of Slane, we read that there was " a faire stone house or castle and some howses of

    *

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 124

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Trim in Meath, the story here is about what stood in 1622. The glebe residence for the parish was described as a fair castle and hall, built with lime and stone. Around it were many houses of office already decayed, a garden, a backside, and a close containing two acres of pasture. The report called it a fair castle, though the outbuildings were falling into ruin even then.

43. Tristernagh Abbey founded at Kilbixy

    Kilbixy · townland · Westmeath · 1194–1224

    Under Bishop Simon Rochfort, the Abbey of Tristernagh at Kilbixy was founded by Sir Geoffrey de Constantin, who granted it the privilege of a free churchyard where anyone dying in the diocese could be buried.

    Read the passage

    From what has been said above, we need not be surprised to find that as soon as the bishopric of Meath became vacant, an Englishman was appointed to it. The choice fell on Simon Rochfort, who was consecrated in the year 1194. He is said by Ware to have " exercised his episcopal function with so much fidelity, vigilance, and integrity, especially in settling the clergy of his diocese, with such probity and meekness, that he obtained the name of an excellent bishop." I0 Under him the Abbey of Tristernagh, at Kilbixy, was founded by Sir Geoffrey de Constantin, and he granted to it " the privileges of a free church-yard, where any

    9 Calendar of Documents in Record Office, London. 10 Ware's Bishops.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 36

44. Vacant benefice of Loughcrew left unfilled by royal patronage policy

    Loughcrew · townland · Meath · 1685–1688

    On the death of Rev. Richard Duddell, Vicar of Loughcrew and Rector of the adjoining parishes of Clonabraney and Moylough, the King's policy of leaving royal-patronage cures unfilled meant no successor was appointed and the income went to the exchequer. Bishop Dopping appointed a curate but could never secure a salary for him from the commissioners or the barons of the exchequer.

    Read the passage

    The patronage of many of the parishes in Meath — as indeed in every other diocese — was vested in the King. When such a parish became vacant, the policy of the King was to leave the cure unfilled, and the income in the meantime was paid into the exchequer. The first case of this kind was that of the Rev. Richard Duddell, who was Vicar of Loughcrew, and Rector of the adjoining parishes of Clonabraney and Moylough. On his death a letter was at once sent to the bishop, enquiring the " true value " of his several benefices and " whether they are cures or sinecures ; " but no further action was taken by those in authority, and no one was appointed to succeed him. The Bishop accordingly, after some delay, " did what was in his power towards supplying the cure, and according to his duty appointed a curate, assigning him a salary according to the canons, but the commissioners would not allow him anything ; and though the bishop endeavoured it, and petitioned both the commissioners and the barons of the exchequer, yet he could never get anything for the curate. This was a precedent, and the same was practised in all other cases." 3

    It may be interesting here to note that there is still in the Parish of Loughcrew a silver chalice which was presented to that church by Mr. Duddell. It had been lost for many years, but has lately been restored to its sacred use by Mr. Harman, one of the gentry resident in that neighbourhood.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 150

45. Vicar of Mullingar robbed of all his goods

    Mullingar · town · Westmeath · 1641

    During the rebellion the Vicar of Mullingar was robbed of all his goods by the insurgents, despite the restraining influence of the Roman Catholic bishop Doctor Dease in Westmeath.

    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

46. William de Clera holds plural benefice at Galtrim

    Galtrim · townland · Meath · 1292

    In 1292 William de Clera was appointed to Galtrim although he already held two other parishes, one in York and one in Cork, demonstrating widespread pluralism among clergy.

    Read the passage

    Sancto Severe, obtaining a dispensation for holding the rectory of Marturin (Martry) in the diocese of Meath, while at the same time he held a canonry in the cathedral of Exeter. His successor in Martry was another foreigner, Matthew de Salerno, who was at the same time papal sub-deacon and chaplain .7 In 1283 the King, Edward I., wanted to make some provision for his queen's cousin, James of Spain. The Bishopric of Meath happened to be vacant at the time, and, therefore, the vacant parishes fell to the King's gift, and he bestowed the living of Skryne on his needy relative.8 In 1292 we have William de Clera appointed to Galtrim, though he already held two other parishes, one in York and the other in Cork. In 1398 there was a contest as to the Archdeaconry of Meath. The Pope wished John Prene to be appointed, but he was opposed by Thomas Bathe, who prevented the Pope's mandate from taking effect. Incidentally we learn that Prene was Canon of Howth in Dublin, and of St. Margaret's in Lincoln ; he had also a parish in York, and another in Canterbury, was a papal chaplain, and was litigating about the Deanery of Dublin, which was afterwards awarded to him. 9 These are but a few instances which reveal to us the state of ecclesiastical affairs at the time.

    In some cases the incumbents so appointed did not deem it necessary to take Holy Orders. We have already seen how Thomas Saint Leger, Archdeacon of Kells, was elected Bishop of Meath, and was then for the first time ordained. We have another instance in 1289, when Nicholas de Clera obtained the Pope's " indult " to hold certain livings without being ordained. In Meath he was rector of Loughsuedy,

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 62

47. Bishop of Meath asked to relax Cashel interdict

    Cashel · townland · Tipperary · 1222

    In 1222 the bishop of Meath was commissioned to intervene in the Diocese of Cashel, being asked to relax a sentence of interdict imposed there by the archbishop, showing the immense power wielded by churchmen.

    Read the passage

    We know that the power of excommunication was a weapon largely used in the period which we are now considering. In its severest forms it became an interdict, and in that case the inhabitants of a whole district were placed under the ban, and were deprived of all ministrations of the church. I have not been able to find any incident connected with the diocese of Meath which deals with the infliction of an interdict, from which we may, perhaps, conclude that it was spared from such a drastic punishment. We have, however, a case in the year 1222, in which the bishop of Meath was commissioned to interfere in the affairs of the Diocese of Cashel, and to relax the sentence of interdict which had been imposed there by the archbishop. We learn from this what a tremendous and practically irresponsible power was assumed by the churchmen in those days. It was decided by the Pope,

    INCIDENTS OF THE ANGLO-NORMAN PERIOD I2Q

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in 1222, an interdict weighed on the people of Cashel. That meant the whole district was placed under the ban, and the inhabitants were deprived of all ministrations of the church. The archbishop had imposed the sentence himself. The bishop of Meath was then commissioned to step in and relax that interdict, interfering directly in the affairs of this diocese. The writer of the history calls it "a tremendous and practically irresponsible power" assumed by churchmen in those days. It was a power so vast that one bishop could shut an entire district out of the church's rites, and another could be sent from another diocese altogether to lift the ban.

48. Breffny rebels spoil East Meath near Ardbraccan, 1596

    Ardbraccan · townland · Meath · 1596

    Two hundred rebels from Breffny raided East Meath early in the morning, coming within five or six miles of the bishop's own house at Ardbraccan.

    Read the passage

    A little later in the same year, he reports that the attack which he had predicted had actually taken place. Two hundred " rebels of the Brenny " (that is, of Breffny) were at about six in the morning " spoiling in East Meath," within five or six miles of the bishop's own house at Ardbraccan. Four days after this he writes again to the Lord Deputy, and tells him that

    1 The information in this chapter is nearly all derived from the Stale Papers of the time.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 110

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in 1596, two hundred rebels from Breffny came spoiling through East Meath at about six in the morning. They got within five or six miles of the bishop's own house at Ardbraccan. A man who had predicted the attack reported that it had actually taken place, and four days later wrote again to the Lord Deputy.

49. Capuchin abbey founded at Slane

    Slane · townland · Meath

    Under Bishop Dease's encouragement of religious orders, a Capuchin abbey was founded at Slane in the early seventeenth century.

    Read the passage

    This last mentioned Father Dease was shortly afterwards consecrated Roman Catholic Bishop of Meath, being the first appointed by the Pope since the time of the Reformation, and under his auspices the abbey of Multifarnham was rebuilt, and once more occupied ; a Capuchin abbey was founded at Slane, and another in the parish of Saint Mary's, Drogheda. He also introduced a community of Jesuits, and encouraged many of the religious orders to work in his diocese. Although he thus showed himself zealous in promoting the interests of his Church, he disassociated himself from political movements as far as possible, and in later years he incurred no little odium from his own co-religionists, because he discountenanced the insurrection which was soon to lead to so much civil war and bloodshed.

    As might have been expected, there were many who blamed the authorities for their lax administration of the law. Prominent among these was Bishop Ussher, whose zeal caused at times considerable ill-will against him. In a letter written to him by Sir Henry Bourgchier in 1622, that gentleman states, " I hear much murmurings among the papists here, especially those of our county, against some new persecutions (you know the phrase) lately raised in Ireland, and particularly against some courses of your lordship's in the Diocese of Meath, as namely in the case of Clandestine christenings, &c., beyond all others of your rank." From this we would conclude that the bishop was endeavouring to enforce a stricter administration of the law in his diocese, and in this respect to be following a policy different from that of his pre-

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 122

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Slane, a Capuchin abbey was founded in the early seventeenth century. It came about under Bishop Dease, the first Roman Catholic Bishop of Meath appointed by the Pope since the Reformation. He was zealous in promoting the interests of his Church. Besides this abbey, he had the abbey of Multifarnham rebuilt and reoccupied, founded another Capuchin house in the parish of Saint Mary's in Drogheda, and introduced a community of Jesuits. He encouraged many of the religious orders to work in his diocese. Yet he kept clear of political movements. He discountenanced the insurrection that was soon to bring civil war and bloodshed, and for that he drew odium from his own co-religionists. A letter from 1622 tells of murmurings among what the writer calls papists against persecutions raised in Ireland, and courses taken in the Diocese of Meath regarding clandestine christenings and the like. The writer, Sir Henry Bourgchier, addressed Bishop Ussher, who was pressing for stricter enforcement of the law.

50. Clonard nunnery founded, exempted by Pope in 1195

    Clonard · town · Meath · 1195

    The Augustinian nunnery of Clonard, possibly founded by O'Melaghlin, King of Meath, before the Norman invasion, was declared exempt from all ecclesiastical jurisdiction by the Pope in 1195, and later became a cell to Odder.

    Read the passage

    There remain to be mentioned three Augustinian nunneries, Clonard, Lismullen, and Odder.29 The earliest of these was the convent of Clonard, which must have been founded immediately after the Anglo- Norman Invasion. Indeed, by some it is said to have existed before that date, and to have been established by O'Melaghlin, King of Meath. In the Taxation of the Diocese of Meath, compiled in 1302,30 it is stated that the temporalities do not suffice for the burdens, which seems to imply that it was not a very rich community, yet it seems to have had considerable possessions. It became eventually a cell to the nunnery at Odder. It was declared by the Pope in 1195 to be exempt from all ecclesiastical jurisdiction.

    Lismullen was founded in 1240 by Alicia de la Corner, sister of the Bishop of Meath. It was largely endowed by the foundress and her family, and in course of time became one of the most important of such institutions in the Kingdom.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 51

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Clonard, where an Augustinian nunnery once stood. Some say it existed before the Norman invasion, founded by O'Melaghlin, King of Meath, though others place its founding just after. In 1195 the Pope declared it exempt from all ecclesiastical jurisdiction. It later became a cell to the nunnery at Odder. By 1302 it was noted that its temporalities did not suffice for its burdens, yet it seems to have had considerable possessions.

51. Drumconrath Rectory Leased to the Baron of Slane

    Drumcondra · town · Meath · 1622

    Thomas White, rector of Slane, Drumconrath and Donaghmore, held a rectory at Drumconrath worth £140 sterling per annum, but it was entirely leased to the Lord Baron of Slane by the incumbent for only about £24 per annum, showing how church revenue was diverted to local lords.

    Read the passage

    White, Thomas, of the countrey birth, a preaching minister of good life and conversacion. R. Slane, Drumconrath, and Donamore. His rectory of Drumconrath is worth £140 ster. p. aim., but is all leased to the lo. Baron of Slane by the now Incumbent dureing his incumbency for £24 p. ann. or thereaboutes. £99.

    Wingfield, John, a preacher of good life and conversacion, V. Donaghpatrick. He is now in England. The curate resideth in the Cure of the Martry about a mile of.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 127

52. Duleek priory ruins remain a picturesque landmark

    Duleek · town · Meath

    The priory at Duleek, founded as a daughter house of Llanthony, still has its old tower and part of the priory church standing, forming a picturesque feature in the landscape, unlike Colpe where no remains survive.

    Read the passage

    church, but at Duleek, the old tower and part of the priory church are still standing, and form a picturesque feature in the landscape.

    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.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 47

53. George Cusack usurps Kentstown benefice

    Kentstown · townland · Meath · 1577

    Commissioners appointed in 1577 to investigate ecclesiastical abuses found that George Cusack, a lay serving man, had usurped the benefice of Kentstown, an incapable appointment later deprived.

    Read the passage

    The state of the diocese under Bishop Brady does not seem to have been very prosperous. He speaks of the clergy as being in a state of beggary. He tells Lord Justice Pelham that " some one of her Majesty's farmers of parsonges impropriate near Trim, hath sixteen benefices in his hands, and amongst those not one vicar or minister maintained that can read English or understand Latin, or give any good instruction to his parishioners." Commissioners were appointed in 1577 to look after ecclesiastical matters, and they report among others things that " the bishops had admitted to livings boys, kearne, laymen, and other incapable persons." They instance George Cusack, a lay serving man, usurper of Kentstown ; Lucas Plunket, prentice to a vintner in Dublin, who had Killavy, a parish of which the Baron of Slane was patron ; Robert Nugent, a horseman of the Baron of Delvin's retinue, who held Galtrim ; and John Barnewall, a young boy of Dublin, who had Kilmessan.

    * Shirley's Original Letters. • Ibid.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 103

54. Grant of Ballyheerin and Ballycowan for pilgrims

    Ballyheerin · townland · Donegal

    The first of the Kells charters records that the family of Kells granted the lands of Ballyheerin and Ballycowan, with their mills, for the support of pilgrims.

    Read the passage

    Kelts, and is worthy of a somewhat detailed notice, not merely as illustrating the subject we are now considering, but as throwing light on the law of contract as it existed in Ireland before the time of the English invasion. The document consists of seven charters,11 and they give an account of various grants of land made to the community of Kells from time to time. They are the oldest Irish charters in existence, and they are of a special value because they are in the Irish language, whereas all the other old charters are in Latin. They are, says O'Donovan, " exceedingly interesting to the historian, as proving that the ancient Irish had committed their covenants to writing in their own language before the Anglo-Norman invasion ; and that their chiefs, though not succeeding according to the law of primogeniture, claimed the right of binding their successors to covenants lawfully made by them — a right which Shane O'Neill and others called in question in the sixteenth century." The first charter tells how the family of Kells have granted the lands of Ballyheerin and Ballycowan, with their mills, for the support of pilgrims. The second agrees to grant for ever " Disert-Columbkille in Kells, with its vegetable garden, to God and pious pilgrims ; no pilgrim having any lawful possession in it until he devote his life to God and is devout/' The third relates to land at Donaghmore near Navan, which had been purchased by the " priest of Kells and his kinsmen " for eighteen ounces of gold. The fourth tells how Kildalkey was given by the king " to God and to Columbkille for ever," as an atonement for his having violated sanctuary ; and it states that both the laity and clergy of Meath gave their blessing to every king who

    11 These Charters are printed in full, with an English translation in the Miscellany of the Irish Arch&ological Society.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 27

55. Illegitimate son succeeds father as rector of Moyvore

    Moyvore · townland · Westmeath · 1401

    In 1401 the rector of Moyvore was succeeded in the same parish by his illegitimate son, illustrating the prevalence of illegitimacy among the clergy of the period.

    Read the passage

    Giraldus Cambrensis tells us that whatever may have been the other faults of the Irish clergy, in the matter of morality their conduct was beyond reproach.10 The same can scarcely be said of their Norman successors. The Records of the Vatican throw a strange light on this subject, and show that a large proportion of these clergy were illegitimates. Such was the case with the Bishop of Clonmacnoise in 1352, and with the Archdeacon of Meath in 1238. In latter years it became still more common. In 1400 the rector of Kilbeggan resigned, and we learn that both he and his successor were illegitimate. In 1401 we have the rector of Moy vore succeeded in the same parish by his illegitimate son. In the same year we have a faculty issued to the Bishop of Meath authorizing him to ordain ten persons of this class. And all along it is the same story — not so bad in Meath, perhaps, as in some other places, but bad enough to make us suspect that this must have been a recognized means of

    10 Topography of Ireland, chap, xxvii.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 63

56. Illegitimate succession at Kilbeggan rectory

    Kilbeggan · town · Westmeath · 1400

    In 1400 the rector of Kilbeggan resigned, and records show that both he and his successor were illegitimate, reflecting a pattern of irregular clerical appointments.

    Read the passage

    Giraldus Cambrensis tells us that whatever may have been the other faults of the Irish clergy, in the matter of morality their conduct was beyond reproach.10 The same can scarcely be said of their Norman successors. The Records of the Vatican throw a strange light on this subject, and show that a large proportion of these clergy were illegitimates. Such was the case with the Bishop of Clonmacnoise in 1352, and with the Archdeacon of Meath in 1238. In latter years it became still more common. In 1400 the rector of Kilbeggan resigned, and we learn that both he and his successor were illegitimate. In 1401 we have the rector of Moy vore succeeded in the same parish by his illegitimate son. In the same year we have a faculty issued to the Bishop of Meath authorizing him to ordain ten persons of this class. And all along it is the same story — not so bad in Meath, perhaps, as in some other places, but bad enough to make us suspect that this must have been a recognized means of

    10 Topography of Ireland, chap, xxvii.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 63

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Kilbeggan, a town in Westmeath with a small footnote in the church records of medieval Ireland. In 1400 the rector of Kilbeggan resigned, and the records show that both he and the man who followed him were illegitimate. It was not unusual for the time. The Vatican records reveal that a large proportion of the Norman clergy in Ireland were illegitimates, including the Bishop of Clonmacnoise in 1352 and the Archdeacon of Meath in 1238. The same year as the Kilbeggan resignation, 1401, the rector of Moyvore was succeeded in his parish by his own illegitimate son, and the Bishop of Meath received a faculty authorizing him to ordain ten persons of this class. Giraldus Cambrensis had once said that whatever the other faults of the Irish clergy, their morality was beyond reproach, but the same could scarcely be said of their Norman successors.

57. James Plunkett, Vicar-General, resides at Lord of Killeen's house in Killeen

    Killeen · townland · Meath · 1615

    The 1615 list of eminent Roman priests notes that James Plunkett, Priest and Vicar-General of Westmeath, lived at Killeen, the house of the Lord of Killeen, and was reputed to be parson of Trim.

    Read the passage

    James Plunkett, Priest, Vicar-Generall of Westmeath, liveth att Killalon the Lord of Killeene his house, and remaineth ordinarily with the noble man ; reputed parson of Trime.

    Byram O'Mulledy, Priest, exerciseing ecclesiasticall jurisdiction and remaineth for the most parte with Sr. Christopher Nugent.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 121

58. Jonathan Edwards appointed preacher at Navan

    Navan · town · Meath · 1658

    Following Bourk's deposition, Doctor Jonathan Edwards was appointed on 17 June 1658 to preach the Gospel to the English inhabitants of Navan, who had petitioned for a replacement minister.

    Read the passage

    On the seventeenth of June following, Doctor Jonathan Edwards was appointed to take the place left vacant by the deposition of Mr. Bourk. One cannot help speculating whether or not he was an ancestor of his illustrious namesake, but the documents do not give us any assistance. The deed of his appointment is still preserved, but as it abounds less than the other similar deeds in those peculiar theological expressions which render them interesting, it need not here be quoted. It appears from it that the English inhabitants of Navan asked for his appointment, in order that he might " preach the Gospell to the inhabitants thereabouts, who are now become wholly destitute and deprived of that most necessary ffood of their soules, by the miscarriage of Mr. Richard Burgh, theire late minister." Of what happened

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 140

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Navan, there is a story from 1658. On the 17th of June that year, Doctor Jonathan Edwards was appointed to preach here, taking the place left vacant by the deposition of Mr. Bourk. The deed of his appointment is still preserved. The English inhabitants of Navan had asked for him, so that he might "preach the Gospell to the inhabitants thereabouts, who are now become wholly destitute and deprived of that most necessary ffood of their soules, by the miscarriage of Mr. Richard Burgh, theire late minister." Whether this Jonathan Edwards was an ancestor of his illustrious namesake, the documents do not say.

59. Kilbixy Founded by Saint Bigseach

    Kilbixy · townland · Westmeath

    Kilbixy was founded by Saint Bigseach as another example of a mixed community governed by an abbess, following the model of Saint Brigid's Kildare foundation.

    Read the passage

    abbess. Thus we have Clonguf&n, in the parish of Rathcore, which was founded by Saint Fintina ; Kilskyre, founded by Saint Schiria, and Kilbixy, founded by Saint Bigseach. All these were, doubtless, formed on the model of the establishment founded by Saint Brigid at Kildare. Her influence, we are told, " like a fruitful vine, spreading all round with growing branches," extended itself through the whole country. Unfortunately we have few details about the manner of life in these strange communities. Bede has, however, described for us very fully the organization of the establishment at Whitby, which was presided over by the Abbess Hilda ; and, as we know that this was founded by Irish missionaries, we may not perhaps be far wrong in supposing that the less famous establishments in Ireland were something of the same kind. Under her sway there was strict discipline, and a community of goods, " so that, after the example of the primitive church, no person was there rich, and none poor, all being common to all, and none having any property." She insisted on strict attention to the reading of Holy Scripture, and obliged those who were under her direction " to exercise themselves so much in works of righteousness, that many might be found there fit for ecclesiastical duties, and to serve at the altar. "4 Such, though perhaps on a smaller scale, were these establishments in Ireland, of which now nothing remains to us but the name.

    The materials that are available for the history of these centuries do not lend themselves easily to the compiling of a continuous narrative. The deaths of abbots and bishops and scribes are duly recorded, but the names we thus meet with are otherwise unknown, and are therefore of little interest to us. This

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 25

60. Leinstermen and Danes of Limerick Attack Clonmacnoise, 951

    Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly · 951

    In 951 the men of Leinster joined with the Danes of Limerick to attack Clonmacnoise, another instance of native Irish tribes collaborating with Danish raiders against ecclesiastical sites.

    Read the passage

    The history soon begins to repeat itself with painful uniformity ; and we have once more the story renewed of burning and slaughter and plunder. In 949, for example, the Annalists tell us that " Godfrey son of Sitric, with the foreigners of Dublin, plundered Kells, Donaghpatrick, Ardbraccan, Dulane, Disert Keiran, Kilskyre, and other churches in Meath in like manner; but it was out of Kells that they all plundered. They carried upwards of three thousand persons with them into captivity, besides gold, silver, raiment, and various wealth and goods of every description."10 We note, however, one important difference ; it is that from this time almost invariably they have one or other of the Irish tribes associated with them in their expeditions. Thus, in 938, we have the Munstermen joined with the Danes of Waterford in plundering the churches of Meath. In 951, the men of Leinster and the Danes of Limerick attack Clonmacnoise. In 967, and again in 968, we have the Leinstermen making common cause with the Danes of Dublin, and attacking Kells ; and the same thing is repeated again and again. When we come to the eleventh century, the Danes become less and less associated with the plunder of monasteries, until at last the mention of them ceases altogether. But the evil work goes on the same, perhaps one might say with increased frequency, only it is the native tribes who are the marauders. The truth is that in the meantime the Danes had become Christian ; while the natives seem to have lost whatever respect they once had for the houses of God. This fact may to some extent explain the readiness with which the Church

    10 Annals of the Four Masters, A.D. 949.

    Internet Archive historyofdiocese01healiala, Chapter 26