History of Sligo, county and town, from the close of the Revolution of 1688 to the present time

Each story keeps the passage it was read from. Open one to read it as the scan has it, and, where the companion has written its own telling, that too. The passages are read off photographs of the page by machine, so a word here and there comes out wrong; they are kept as the reading produced them, so you can check any of them against the scan.

1. Lake dwelling discovered at Ballygawley Lake

   Ballygawley · town · Sligo

   Ballygawley Lake, styled Lough Cas in the 1809–1818 survey, sits at the foot of the Slieve-da-en range. When the water level was reduced by drainage, the site of a lake dwelling was revealed.

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   Ballygawley, or Ballydawley Lake — styled Lough Cas in the survey of 1809-1818 — picturesquely situated at the foot of the Slieve-da-en range of mountains, is embosomed in wood which may be viewed as now representing the primeval mantle that had formerly covered the neighbouring slopes. Some years ago the level of the water was considerably reduced by drainage, and the site of a Lake Dwelling was discovered.

   In Lough Talt are the remains of three (stone) crannogs (see page 197). One of them is still well defined, and the sites

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 136

   As the companion tells it

   Ballygawley is a place where a lake holds an old secret. The lake was called Lough Cas in the survey of 1809 to 1818, and it sits at the foot of the Slieve-da-en mountains, wrapped in woodland that recalls the ancient forest that once covered these slopes. When the water level was lowered by drainage some years ago, the site of a lake dwelling came to light beneath the surface. What had been hidden under water for who knows how long was suddenly there to be seen, a home built before the lake rose over it.

2. Night watch system of Sligo town under Vestry of St. John's

   Sligo · town · Sligo · 1766–1859

   From approximately 1766 to 1800, the watching and lighting of Sligo town was managed by the Vestry of St. John's. In January 1785, the watchmen were discontinued but shortly re-appointed. The night-watch system remained notoriously poor; as late as 1856, aged watchmen patrolled with lanterns and hooked poles, and by 1859 only eight elderly men were appointed to protect the town.

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   From circa 1766 to 1800 the watching and lighting of the town devolved on the Vestry of St. John's ; on the 4th January, 1785, the Vestry resolved that " the watchmen of this town shall be discontinued from the present day." Shortly afterwards, however, they were re-appointed. The system of night- watching was always very bad : even so late as 1856 the watchmen went about — lantern in hand — calling the hours, and carrying a pole to which a hook was attached. They were dressed in great coats and " sou-wester " hats. In 1859 there were but " eight watchmen appointed to protect the lives and properties of the inhabitants of the town during the silent hours of the night." They were nearly all old men, who on most occasions moved off from the vicinity of a row, instead of grappling with the ringleaders. This state of affairs only terminated when the watching of the town was intrusted to the lioyal Irish Constabulary. Shortly before the abolition of the watchmen, one of their number was remonstrated with for not arresting a disturber of

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 50

   As the companion tells it

   Sligo town had its own night watch for a long stretch of years. From around 1766 to 1800, the watching and lighting of the town was managed by the Vestry of St. John's. On the 4th of January, 1785, the Vestry resolved that the watchmen of the town should be discontinued from that day. But shortly afterwards, they were re-appointed. The system of nightwatching was always very bad. Even as late as 1856, the watchmen went about with lantern in hand, calling the hours, and carrying a pole with a hook attached. They wore great coats and sou-wester hats. In 1859 there were only eight watchmen appointed to protect the lives and properties of the inhabitants of the town during the silent hours of the night. They were nearly all old men, who on most occasions moved off from the vicinity of a row instead of grappling with the ringleaders. This only ended when the watching of the town was entrusted to the Royal Irish Constabulary. Shortly before the abolition of the watchmen, one of their number was remonstrated with for not arresting a disturber of the peace.

3. Reform Bill of 1832 sweeps away old Sligo Corporation government

   Sligo · town · Sligo · 1832

   The Reform Bill of 1832 abolished the old corporation government of Sligo, which had consisted of a Provost and twelve burgesses controlled by the Wynne family since 1722. The new reformed register recorded 418 voters for the borough, compared with 695 on the county register.

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   Thus, prior to the Eeform Bill of 1832, the Members for the Borough of Sligo were, from the year 1722, returned by the Wynne family. The old government of the Provost and twelve burgesses having been swept away by the Eeform Bill, the number of voters on the new and reformed register is stated to have been 418,^^ as compared with 695 on the county

   ^ " Mr. Wynne is the patron of the Borough; he is the person that received compensation at the time of the Union." — Corporatmi Inquiry, 1833.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 24

   As the companion tells it

   Up ahead is Sligo town. In 1832, the Reform Bill swept away the old corporation government here, a Provost and twelve burgesses who had been controlled by the Wynne family since 1722. The Wynnes had returned the members for the borough all that time. After reform, the new register listed 418 voters for the borough, against 695 on the county register.

4. Reward offered for stolen Sligo freeholder registry book (1778)

   Sligo · town · Sligo · 1778

   A reward of 155 guineas was offered after someone secured or destroyed the Registry Book containing the list of forty-shilling freeholders of County Sligo. Owen Wynne, Joshua Cooper, and others guaranteed sums to discover the perpetrator of this attack on electors' privileges.

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   " A HuNDKED AND FiFTT-FivE GUINEAS Rewaed. — We, the undernamed, taking into our most serious consideration the atrocious attack that has been lately made on the Privileges of many of the electors of the County of Sligo by some person or persons having secured or destroyed the Registey Book containing a List of the forty-shilling Freeholders of said County, and being desirous of making manifest our just abhorrence of such an infamous transaction and of doing everything in our power that may tend towards discovering the Axjthoe or Axjthoes of such secretion or destruction, do hereby promise and engage, respectively, to pay such sum as is annexed to each of our names, to any person who is able to throw such light on the above abominable business, as may bring to open and public conviction the perpetrator or perpetrators of the same." — July 2, 17 78. The list is headed by 0. Wynne, candidate, for £56 17s. Qd., Joshua Cooper and 0. Wynne for £22 15s. each; whilst the following gentlemen respectively guaranteed £5 13s. 2d. : Henry Hughes, Arthur Cooper, W. H. Cooper, Arthur Cooper, jun., Folliott Wynne, John Martin, Robert Lyons, Phil. Burne, Robert Hillas, Hyac. O'Rorke, Hen. Griffith, Wm. Gibson, sen., Robert Bolton.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 18

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Sligo, this is a town with an odd episode from 1778. Someone had taken or destroyed the Registry Book, the volume that held the list of forty-shilling freeholders of County Sligo. That book mattered because it recorded who had the right to vote, so losing it was an attack on electors' privileges. In response, a reward of 155 guineas was posted on July 2, 1778. The notice called it an atrocious and infamous transaction, and promised payment to anyone who could bring the perpetrator to open and public conviction. Owen Wynne, a candidate, guaranteed 56 pounds, 17 shillings and sixpence. Joshua Cooper and Owen Wynne each guaranteed 22 pounds and 15 shillings. A further group each put up 5 pounds, 13 shillings and twopence: Henry Hughes, Arthur Cooper, W. H. Cooper, Arthur Cooper the younger, Folliott Wynne, John Martin, Robert Lyons, Phil Burne, Robert Hillas, Hyacinth O'Rorke, Henry Griffith, William Gibson senior, and Robert Bolton. We do not know if anyone ever collected the reward, or whether the book was recovered.

5. Sligo town theatre from 1750

   Sligo · town · Sligo · 1750

   Sligo town had a theatre from at least 1750, originally located near the quay and later moved to the vicinity of the Linen-Hall. Visiting companies from the Theatre Royal, Crow-street, Dublin, sometimes stayed for several months.

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   When a trip to Dublin was a rare event it naturally required more attention to provide local amusements, and Sligo, from, if not before, the year 1750, contained a theatre. The original building was near the quay ; it was subsequently moved to the vicinity of the Linen-Hall. *' His Majesty's servants from the Theatre Royal, Crow-street," occasionally visited Sligo, even during the Dublin season, showing that in those days the townsfolk appreciated the drama, for in some instances the company remained during several months.

   Mr. Owenson, father of the afterwards well-known Lady Morgan, was frequently before the Sligo public, and was, in his day, celebrated for his personification of Irish characters, and (says Sir Jonah Barrington) never did an actor exist 80 perfectly calculated to personify that singular class of people. " In what might be termed the middle class of Paddies, no man ever combined the look and the manner with such feeling as Owenson ... he sang well . . . but he was, like most of his profession, careless about his concerns, and he grew old without growing rich." His daughter, Sidney Owenson (Lady Morgan), lived for some time at the residence of the Crofton family. Her writings, however unattractive now, were popular in their day, and she made Longford House and its inhabitants, the subject of some of her novels.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 202

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Sligo, you are in a town that had a theatre from at least 1750. The original building stood near the quay, and was later moved to the vicinity of the Linen-Hall. Visiting companies from the Theatre Royal, Crow Street, Dublin, came to Sligo, sometimes during the Dublin season itself, and on occasion stayed for several months. A man called Owenson, father of the writer later known as Lady Morgan, performed frequently before the Sligo public. He was celebrated for his personification of Irish characters. Sir Jonah Barrington said no actor existed so perfectly calculated to personify that singular class of people, and that in the middle class of Paddies no man combined the look and the manner with such feeling. Owenson sang well, but like most of his profession was careless about his concerns, and grew old without growing rich. His daughter Sidney lived for some time with the Crofton family at Longford House, and made the house and its inhabitants the subject of some of her novels. Her writings were popular in their day, though less attractive now.

6. Terrific storm and tidal wave hits Sligo

   Sligo · town · Sligo · 1884

   On January 26, 1884, a terrific storm and a tidal wave struck Sligo, causing nearly £2000 in damage to sea walls, roads, and footpaths. The low-lying parts of the town were inundated, bridges were carried away, and entire woods were levelled in the country.

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   the pool were driven ashore; in 1834, 1839, and 19th January, 1875 ; whilst the storm of 2nd November, 1881, was as violent as the memorable hurricane of 1839. On the 26th January, 1884, a terrific storm burst over Sligo and its neighbom-hood, joined to which a tidal wave was propelled by a south-westerly wind with great force into the bay and harbour. Damage to a large amouut was effected in the port ; nearly £2000 of public money was spent in repairing sea walls, roads, and footpaths, which had been swept away in the immediate vicinity of the town, where all the low-lying portions were inundated. In the country much damage was done, bridges were carried away, roads cut, and some of them, through the falling of timber, rendered impassable. In places entire woods were levelled. In January, 1886, there was another storm, but not of such terrific violence.

   In 1802 the principal plantings in the county were at Markree, Annaghmore, Hazlewood, and Templehouse; owners of other places had done something in the same line, but on a minor scale. Premiums for good plantations were given by the Dublin Society. Mr. Wynne obtained a prize for one in 1787, and Mr. O'Hara for one in 1798, both having succeeded well. It will thus be seen that timber was scarce. Mr. Wynne then sold "Irish firs" at 50.s. the ton (the price in 1886 was 12s.), and small timber, for common use, from one to two or three shillings. Mr. Cooper sold timber at Union Wood at the same price, and small timber for hurdles and roofing at bulk prices.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 141

   As the companion tells it

   As you come through Sligo, this is a town that has taken its share of punishment from the sea. Sligo sits on the coast, and the bay and harbour have drawn storms again and again over the years. There had been bad ones before, in 1834, 1839, and January 1875, and a violent storm in November 1881 that was compared to the memorable hurricane of 1839. But on the 26th of January, 1884, a terrific storm burst over Sligo and its neighbourhood. Joined to it came a tidal wave, propelled by a south-westerly wind with great force into the bay and harbour. Damage was done to a large amount in the port. Nearly £2000 of public money was spent afterwards repairing sea walls, roads, and footpaths that had been swept away in the immediate vicinity of the town. All the low-lying portions of the town were inundated. Out in the country, bridges were carried away, roads were cut, and some were rendered impassable by fallen timber. In places, entire woods were levelled. Two years later, in January 1886, there was another storm, but not of such terrific violence.

7. Unfinished famine road on Coney Island

   Inishmulclohy or Coney Island · townland · Sligo · 1845–1850

   During the year of the famine a road intended to encircle Coney Island was commenced but never completed. It remains as a tangible reminder of famine-era public works on the island.

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   sive and magnificent prospect. Tradition points to the earliest settlement in the island having been at the locality styled Pollnamaddow. In comparatively recent times the " seat of empire " was removed to the centre of the island, to a sheltered hollow styled Shanbally {i.e. old village), where the plough still turns up quantities of charcoal, the pavements of " streets," or the foundations of houses. About 150 years ago the inhabitants, following as usual the channel of trade, emigrated to the eastern shore, where the village now exists. During the year of the famine a road, which was originally intended to go round the island, was commenced, but never completed.

   At low water, during spring tides, the rocky ledge from the lighthouse to the island is so far uncovered as to enable communication to be carried on dryshod between it and the land. It is probably somewhere in this locality that the galleon of the Spanish Armada was wrecked, after having been repaired in Sligo ; for it is stated that antique silver ornaments, «S;c., of sixteenth centuiy workmanship were to be seen in houses at Bosses Point and on Coney Island. Numerous wrecks also have occurred on the island.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 112

   As the companion tells it

   Close to Inishmulclohy or Coney Island, somewhere around here, a road was begun during the famine years, meant to go all the way round the island. It was never finished. What remains is a visible reminder of the public works carried out in that desperate time. The island itself has a long history of settlement and movement. Its earliest settlement was at a place called Pollnamaddow. Later the centre of the island, a sheltered hollow called Shanbally, meaning old village, became home, where the plough still turns up charcoal and the foundations of old houses. About 150 years ago the inhabitants moved to the eastern shore, where the village stands now. At low water during spring tides, a rocky ledge from the lighthouse to the island is uncovered enough to cross dryshod. It is probably somewhere in this locality that a galleon of the Spanish Armada was wrecked after being repaired in Sligo, for antique silver ornaments of sixteenth century workmanship were to be seen in houses at Bosses Point and on Coney Island.

8. Wine cargo wrecked on Sligo coast, 1312

   Sligo · town · Sligo · 1312

   In 1312, twenty tuns of wine washed ashore on the Sligo coast from a wrecked vessel, suggesting that trade with the Continent was already considerable at that early date. The incident is one of the earliest documentary indications of the port's foreign commerce.

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   From very early times the port of Sligo appears to have been the scene of busy foreign traffic. Camden, when writing his Britannia, states : — " Hereabouts [i.e. in the County Sligo) Ptolemy places the city of Nagnata, but I have not been able to discover it. . . . The place which Ptolemy points at is now called the Bay of Sligo, a creeky road for ships just under the town, whicli is the chief port in this county, and is adorned with a castle." In 1312 twenty tuns of wine washed ashore on the coast from a wrecked vessel would seem to denote that trade with the Continent was even then considerable. The deed of conveyance of " ye cokket of Sligo" bears date 1430 and 1449, whilst again, a few years later, another concession was granted by Patent, 31 Henry VI. In 1544 Lord Fitzwilliam Bourke petitioned *' to have in fee-farm the cockets of Sligo, Portevade, and Leighborne, with all other creeks and havens, wliich his ancestors had, and whereof the King never had profit, as they were kept from his Highness by usurpation."

   In 1566 Sir Henry Sidney stated that Sligo " hath been a great town, full of merchants' houses ; " and the " Four Masters " record the death of several members of the O'Creau family, who, from the 14th to the 17th century, appear to have been the " Merchant Princes " of Sligo.*

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 114

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Sligo, you're travelling through what was, even in the early 1300s, a port with busy foreign trade. In 1312, twenty tuns of wine washed ashore on this coast from a wrecked vessel, one of the earliest documentary signs of Sligo's commerce with the Continent. Camden, writing his Britannia, described the Bay of Sligo as a "creeky road for ships just under the town," the chief port in the county, adorned with a castle. By 1566, Sir Henry Sidney would say Sligo "hath been a great town, full of merchants' houses." The Four Masters record the O'Crean family as the "Merchant Princes" of Sligo from the 14th to the 17th century. That wrecked cargo of wine on these shores tells us trade here was already considerable long before those later records.

9. Agitation in Sligo after O'Connell's imprisonment

   Sligo · town · Sligo

   After the imprisonment of O'Connell, the town of Sligo was greatly agitated. The editor of the Sligo Journal had a newspaper dispute with the editor of the Champion, leading to a projected duel that ended in fiasco when constabulary were notified.

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   After the imprisonment of O'Connell the town of Sligo seems to have been greatly agitated. The editor of the iSligo Journal had a newspaper dispute with the editor of the Chatnpion. The constabulary were notified of the projected meeting, and the affair ended in a fiasco, which may be said to have formed a fitting conclusion to duelling in Sligo ; although so late as the

   322 HISTORY OF SLIGO.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 161

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Sligo, you are in a town that was greatly agitated after the imprisonment of O'Connell. The editor of the Sligo Journal fell into a newspaper dispute with the editor of the Champion. A duel was planned, but the constabulary were notified and the whole affair ended in fiasco, bringing duelling in Sligo to a fitting close.

10. Anti-Reform meeting at Sligo Court House

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1832

    A very important demonstration was held in the Sligo Court House on 11th January 1832. Though designated an Anti-Reform meeting, speakers on both sides of the Reform question were allowed a hearing.

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    On O'Connell's visit to Sligo, during the Summer Assizes of 1828, he was entertained at a public banquet in "the new Catholic Free-School," and about one hundred and thirty sat down to dinner. The Catholic Emancipation question was warmly taken up in Sligo, Roman Catholic and Protestant meetings being of frequent occurrence. In the year 1829 the mob broke the windows of almost every Protestant householder in Sligo. In 1831 Reform and anti-Reform meetings were held in the town ; and the throwing open of the Borough to popular representation was naturally opposed most strenuously by Mr. Wynne. A very important demonstration was held in the Court House, 11th January, 1832 ; although designated an Anti-Reform meeting, yet speakers on both sides were allowed a hearing.

    So early as 1828, when Reform was on the tajns, Mr. John Martin had been nominated by the moderate Liberals to contest the representation of the borough with Mr. Wynne. He was not considered by some to be a politician of sufficiently advanced type, and as such O'Connell objected to him, concluding his speech thus : — " My hostility to Mr. Martin is by no means personal ; on the contrary, he is a gentleman for whom I entertain personal regard." However, the time for the contest drew on, and no candidate more pleasing to O'Connell was obtained. At the hustings the electors were reminded of the time when a bundle of rushes or even a horse-load of brooms could not enter the town without paying toll; and their worthy ex-Provost had been compelled to appear one night at an entertainment in very shabby lower-garments, because the smart new attire intended for the occasion had been detained at the toll-gate for want of the bearer being provided with the sum of two-pence needful to

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 25

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you are in a town that was at the heart of the reform struggle in the years around 1832. Daniel O'Connell visited here during the Summer Assizes of 1828 and was entertained at a public banquet in the new Catholic Free-School, where about 130 sat down to dinner. Catholic Emancipation was warmly taken up in Sligo, with Roman Catholic and Protestant meetings of frequent occurrence, though tensions ran high. In 1829 the mob broke the windows of almost every Protestant householder in the town. Reform and anti-Reform meetings were held in 1831, and the throwing open of the Borough to popular representation was opposed most strenuously by Mr. Wynne. Then on the 11th of January 1832 a very important demonstration was held in the Court House. Though designated an Anti-Reform meeting, speakers on both sides were allowed a hearing. John Martin had been nominated by the moderate Liberals as early as 1828 to contest the representation of the borough with Mr. Wynne, but O'Connell objected to him as not a politician of sufficiently advanced type, while conceding,

11. Ball-yard declared a nuisance in Stephen Street, Sligo

    Stephen Street · street · Sligo · 1762

    In 1762 the Provost and Burgesses of Sligo declared the ball-yard in Stephen Street, kept by Robert Clark, glazier, to be a common nuisance creating idleness, drunkenness, and disorders. They ordered its removal from the Corporation.

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    " Borough of Sligo to Wit. — At a Meeting and Assembly of the Provost and free Burgesses of the said Borough, held the 29th day of September, 1762. Whekeas, it appears to us, this day, by the oath of James Gibson, that the ball-yard in Stephen-street, kept by Robert Clark, glazier, is a place which creates idleness, drunkeness, and disorders within the Corporation, and is a grievous nuisance to the industrious and sober inhabitants therein. Therefore we the Provost and Burgesses do present the said ball-yai'd to be a common nuisance, and do order that the same may be removed.

    " Edward Martin, Provost ^

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 50

    As the companion tells it

    A ball-yard declared a nuisance, in Stephen Street, Sligo. On the 29th of September, 1762, the Provost and free Burgesses of the Borough of Sligo held a meeting. On the oath of James Gibson, they found that the ball-yard in Stephen Street, kept by Robert Clark, a glazier, was a place creating idleness, drunkenness, and disorders within the Corporation, and a grievous nuisance to the industrious and sober inhabitants. They declared the ball-yard a common nuisance and ordered that it be removed. Edward Martin was Provost.

12. Barley in Tireragh used for illicit distillation

    Tireragh · barony · Sligo

    Along the sea coast in Tireragh, the lighter soil produced considerable quantities of barley, which was consumed in illicit distillation. Up to 90 percent of prisoners at the assizes were committed for this offence.

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    During the continental struggle the lands in Sligo were mostly under tillage, the rough pastures supporting cows, horses, and sheep. The crops were principally potatoes, oats, and flax ; comparatively little wheat or barley being grown, except along the sea coast — chiefly in Tireragh — where the soil being lighter, considerable quantities of barley were raised, and consumed in illicit distillation ; in some of the calendars of prisoners for trial at the assizes, fully 90 per cent, were committed for that offence.

    Good ground set for 40s. to 50.9. per acre ; indifferent ground at 205'. ; whilst con-acre in good soil brought £8 Ss. for a crop of potatoes ; from 5 to 6 guineas for oats ; and 4 guineas, the tliird year, for oats or flax. The sods were generally turned up, dried, then burnt upon the ridges, and tlie ashes spread, the land after these crops being suffered to lie waste for several years, and coat itself with natural grasses ; with the exception of the gentry, few laid down their land with grass-seed ; but the backwardness of

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 144

    As the companion tells it

    As the road passes through Tireragh in Sligo, you are travelling through country that once fed a hidden trade. During the continental struggle, the lands of Sligo were mostly under tillage, the rough pastures supporting cows, horses, and sheep. The crops were principally potatoes, oats, and flax. Comparatively little wheat or barley was grown, except along the sea coast, chiefly in Tireragh, where the soil being lighter, considerable quantities of barley were raised and consumed in illicit distillation. In some of the calendars of prisoners for trial at the assizes, fully 90 per cent were committed for that offence. Good ground was set for 40s. to 50s. per acre, indifferent ground at 20s. Con-acre in good soil brought £8 8s. for a crop of potatoes, from 5 to 6 guineas for oats, and 4 guineas the third year for oats or flax. The sods were generally turned up, dried, then burnt upon the ridges, and the ashes spread. After these crops the land was suffered to lie waste for several years and coat itself with natural grasses. With the exception of the gentry, few laid down their land with grass-seed.

13. British retreat from Sligo to Ballyshannon

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1798

    On 6 September 1798, the commanding officer in Sligo ordered a retreat to Ballyshannon, accompanied by most of the town's respectable inhabitants. Sligo was left undefended until it was re-occupied the following day.

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    On Thursday, the 6th September, the officer in command of the troops in Sligo ordered a retreat on Bally shannon, and he was accompanied by a majority of the respectable inhabitants. The town was thus left at the mercy of the French and the insurgents, but was re-occupied again on Friday, the 7th.

    " During the above anxious period," remarks the Editor of The Sligo Journal, '* all here was silent as the night, no business of any kind done, and nothing was seen in our streets save a few, a very few, citizens, who with a holy fear kept a desultory watch. We printed not ; for what had we to say ? or to whom publish our tale of woe ? "

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 11

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you are on the road the British army took in retreat on the 6th of September, 1798. The officer commanding the troops in Sligo ordered a retreat to Ballyshannon, and most of the town's respectable inhabitants went with him. Sligo was left undefended, at the mercy of the French and the insurgents, until it was re-occupied the following day, the 7th. The editor of the Sligo Journal wrote of that time that all was silent, no business of any kind done, and nothing was seen in the streets save a few citizens who kept a desultory watch. He said, "We printed not; for what had we to say? or to whom publish our tale of woe?"

14. Brunswick Club established in Sligo

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1828

    In 1828 a Brunswick Club was established in Sligo under the presidency of the Hon. Colonel Wingfield. Branches rapidly spread through the county at small towns and centres of Protestant population.

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    In the year 1828 a "Brunswick Club" was established in Sligo, the President being the Hon. Colonel Wingfield, and this political combination spread rapidly through the county, branches being formed at all the small towns and centres of Protestant population.

    On O'Connell's visit to Sligo, during the Summer Assizes of 1828, he was entertained at a public banquet in "the new Catholic Free-School," and about one hundred and thirty sat down to dinner. The Catholic Emancipation question was warmly taken up in Sligo, Roman Catholic and Protestant meetings being of frequent occurrence. In the year 1829 the mob broke the windows of almost every Protestant householder in Sligo. In 1831 Reform and anti-Reform meetings were held in the town ; and the throwing open of the Borough to popular representation was naturally opposed most strenuously by Mr. Wynne. A very important demonstration was held in the Court House, 11th January, 1832 ; although designated an Anti-Reform meeting, yet speakers on both sides were allowed a hearing.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 25

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Sligo, you are passing through a town that was a battleground of politics in the late 1820s. In 1828 a Brunswick Club was established here under the presidency of the Hon. Colonel Wingfield, and branches spread rapidly through the county at small towns and centres of Protestant population. That same year O'Connell visited during the Summer Assizes and was entertained at a public banquet in the new Catholic Free-School, with about 130 sitting down to dinner. Catholic Emancipation was warmly taken up, and Roman Catholic and Protestant meetings were frequent. In 1829 the mob broke the windows of almost every Protestant householder in Sligo. In 1831 Reform and anti-Reform meetings were held in the town. Mr. Wynne strenuously opposed opening the Borough to popular representation. On 11 January 1832 a large demonstration was held in the Court House, called an Anti-Reform meeting, but speakers on both sides were heard.

15. Burning of Willowbrook haggard near Sligo

    Willowbrook · townland · Sligo · 1797

    Agrarian agitators set fire to the haggard of Mr. A. Irwin of Willowbrook. The letter writer feared they would continue burning 'without mercy or distinction.'

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    " jS[ow to inform you of the situation of this country at present, and the immediate prospect before us. . . . They began a few days ago by burning the haggards of Mr. Thomas Jones of Mount Edward, a few miles below Sligo ; a few nights after they burned the house of Mr. Henry at Knocknarea ; a few nights after stripped Mr. "Wynne's gatehouse of the lead, which they took for bullets ; and the night before last, set fire to the haggard of Mr. A. Irwin of Willowbrook. It is thought they will burn on without mercy or distinction. There is a total stop to trade ; no circulation of money ; no demand for cattle — the graziers afraid to buy, they are in such dread of houghing."

    In November, 1799, the " cattle markets were very bad, and the crops in a dismal way." In March of the following year provisions of all kinds were very scarce and amazingly high in price ; starvation among the poor was dreaded.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 162

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in 1797, agrarian agitators set fire to the haggard of Mr. A. Irwin of Willowbrook. It was part of a wave of attacks. They had begun by burning the haggards of Mr. Thomas Jones of Mount Edward, a few miles below Sligo. A few nights after, they burned the house of Mr. Henry at Knocknarea. Then they stripped the lead from Mr. Wynne's gatehouse, taking it for bullets. The night before last, they set fire to Mr. Irwin's haggard. The letter writer feared they would burn on without mercy or distinction. Trade had stopped entirely. There was no circulation of money and no demand for cattle. The graziers were afraid to buy, in such dread of houghing. By November 1799, cattle markets were very bad and crops dismal. The following March, provisions were scarce and amazingly high in price, and starvation among the poor was dreaded.

16. Cholera epidemic of 1832 kills Bolton newspaper family in Sligo

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1832

    During the 1832 cholera epidemic in Sligo, almost every member of the Bolton family—owners of the Sligo Journal—was killed by the disease. The newspaper nevertheless continued under the widow's management.

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    During the cholera of 1832, almost every member of the Bolton family was swept off by the fearful epidemic. The newspaper, however, continued to be published by the widow of the proprietor, and it lingered on until about the year 1860, having had a career of nearly one hundred years.

    *' The Sligo Morning Herald, or Connaught Advertiser," appears to have been first issued in 1789, and it came to an end before the commencement of the present century.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 203

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Sligo now. In the cholera of 1832, almost every member of the Bolton family, who owned the Sligo Journal newspaper, was swept off by the epidemic. The widow of the proprietor kept the paper going, and it lingered on until about 1860, after a career of nearly one hundred years.

17. Clerical influence in 1868 Sligo election

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1868–1869

    The Commissioners found that during the 1868 Sligo election, clergy used words after Mass that were understood as ecclesiastical censure against those voting against the Roman Catholic candidate. This was admitted to imply a withholding of Church rites from offenders until reparation was made.

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    and the Commissioners, subjected to the penalties, disqualifications, and deprivations enumerated in the Corrupt Practices Prevention Act. It is remarkable that the prevalence of corrupt practices in Sligo proved to have been greatest when the candidates were of the legal profession ; but at the election of 1868, in addition to corrupt practices, undue clerical influence likewise was employed. There can be little or no doubt that the words used by the clergy after Mass were understood by the people as a strong declaration of ecclesiastical censure against those who should vote against the Roman Catholic candidate, a censure which — indeed it was so admitted — implied a withholding from the offenders of the rites of their Church till suitable reparation should be made.^

    As will be seen from the list of Members of Parliament (see Appendix D) the so-called independent representation of the Borough of Sligo, during the thirty- six years of its existence, was signalized by the filing of five successful petitions against the sitting member, and in each case malpractices were proved ; in short, liberty had degenerated into licence ; votes were almost openly sold.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 30

    As the companion tells it

    Sligo town has a long history of contested elections. The Commissioners who looked into the matter found that during the 1868 election here, there was more than the usual corruption. In addition to corrupt practices, undue clerical influence was employed. The words used by the clergy after Mass were understood by the people as a strong declaration of ecclesiastical censure against those who should vote against the Roman Catholic candidate. This censure, it was admitted, implied a withholding from the offenders of the rites of their Church until suitable reparation was made. The Commissioners also noted that corrupt practices in Sligo proved greatest when the candidates were of the legal profession. Over the thirty-six years of the borough's so-called independent representation, five successful petitions were filed against the sitting member, and in each case malpractices were proved. Liberty had degenerated into licence, and votes were almost openly sold.

18. Collooney escapes cholera in 1832 and 1849

    Collooney · townland · Sligo · 1832–1849

    While neighbouring Ballysodare was devastated by cholera, the village of Collooney escaped the disease both in 1832 and again upon its reappearance in 1849.

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    The village of Ballysodare suffered very severely, and from tlie first outbreak of the cholera in that locality to its final disappearance, it is estimated that nearly one hundred deaths took place in the village and its immediate vicinity : the scenes in Sligo were here reproduced in a minor degree; tlie country j)eople drew a cordon round the devoted hamlet and prevented all egress, but the neighbouring village of Collooney escaped both in the year 1832, and also upon the reappearance of the malady in 1849. In 1834 there was a slight return of cholera, which, however, appears to have attacked only the country villages ; and in Easky five deaths having occurred in one day the inhabitants deserted it in the commencement of October.

    "Nowhere in Ireland," writes Inglis, "did cholera rage with such deadly violence as in Sligo ; and I found, in the year 1834, in the town when I visited it, the greatest dread of its reappearance, a few cases having appeared at Ballina and in some of the neighbouring villages."

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 39

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Collooney, a village escaped what struck its neighbours. In 1832 cholera broke out in the area, and the village of Ballysodare suffered very severely. From the first outbreak there to its final disappearance, nearly one hundred deaths took place in Ballysodare and its immediate vicinity. The country people drew a cordon round the hamlet and prevented all from leaving. But Collooney escaped. When the malady reappeared in 1849, Collooney escaped again. In 1834 there was a slight return of cholera, which appears to have attacked only the country villages. In Easky, five deaths occurred in one day, and the inhabitants deserted it at the beginning of October. Inglis wrote that nowhere in Ireland did cholera rage with such deadly violence as in Sligo. He visited the town in 1834 and found the greatest dread of its reappearance, a few cases having appeared at Ballina and in some of the neighbouring villages.

19. Coney Island healing boulder with step-like ledges

    Inishmulclohy or Coney Island · townland · Sligo

    A large erratic boulder with three step-like ledges stands in a field near the Atlantic shore of Coney Island. Strangers occasionally come there to pray, and local tradition attributes miraculous cures to the faithful, though some islanders are sceptical of both the efficacy and antiquity of the custom.

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    The name of St. Patrick is connected in popular legend with Coney Island. In a field not far from the Atlantic-beaten shore is a large erratic boulder having three step-like ledges, and here it is stated that strangers occasionally come to pray, and miraculous cures follow the petitions of the faithful : some of the islanders, however, appear to be sceptical, both as to the efficacy of the prayers and the antiquity of the custom. According to local tradition St. Patrick, when in Sligo, resided for some time on the island, and observing the need of a safe commimication with the mainland, commenced a causeway, which was to connect it with Strandhill. He sent a messenger to his hostess, a woman named Stoney, i. e. Mulclohy (hence the ancient name of the Island Inismulclohy), to cook a rabbit for his dinner. When, however, the saint sat down, pronouncing a blessing on the food, a gigantic cat jumped up off the platter set before him. It would seem that his hostess, not having a rabbit in readiness, substituted a fine specimen of the feline tribe. St. Patrick was so disgusted at this treatment, that he never resumed his work, and his ante-dinner labour is now represented by the small island styled Doonanpatrick. On taking his departure, instead of leaving a blessing on tlie islanders, he prayed that there might never be four of the name of Stoney {i.e. sons of the same father and mother) alive at the same time to carry the remains of one of their relations to the grave.

    384 HISTORY OF SLIGO.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 193

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Inishmulclohy or Coney Island, a large erratic boulder with three step-like ledges stands in a field not far from the Atlantic shore. Strangers occasionally come there to pray, and miraculous cures are said to follow the petitions of the faithful. Some of the islanders, though, are sceptical about both the efficacy of the prayers and how old the custom really is. The boulder is bound up with St. Patrick, who according to local tradition lived on the island for a time when he was in Sligo. He saw the need for a safe crossing to the mainland and began building a causeway to connect the island with Strandhill. He sent word to his hostess, a woman named Stoney, or Mulclohy, to cook a rabbit for his dinner. When the saint sat down and blessed the food, a gigantic cat jumped up off the platter. His hostess had no rabbit ready and had substituted a fine cat instead. St. Patrick was so disgusted he never went back to work. What he had built before dinner is now the small island called Doonanpatrick. On leaving, instead of a blessing, he prayed that there might never be four of the name of Stoney alive at the same time to carry one of their own relations to the grave.

20. Dr. Urwick's arduous journey from Dublin to Sligo, 1816

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1816

    Dr. William Urwick travelled to Sligo in June 1816 to begin his ministry, describing a two-day journey across bleak and boggy country from Dublin. His previous experience included missionary work in the area.

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    The next minister would appear to have been the afterwards well-known Dr. William Urwick, an Englishman, styled " the Little G-iant," on account of his small stature but great abilities. His ministration in Sligo commenced June, 1816 ; he, however, had some experience of Irish missionary work through a previous visit to Sligo. A short sketch of the journey from his native place gives an insight into the times. He had to be ferried across the Menai Strait, " and from Holyhead a sailing packet, sloop, or lugger, giving but scant accommodation, made the passage to Dublin, sometimes in seven hours, sometimes in from three to seven days. It was at that time a two days' journey across a bleak and boggy country " from Dublin to Sligo. Changed times ! "We may now dine in London, and on the following day in Sligo.

    Dr. Urwick appears to have been an indefatigable worker, and he largely increased the number of his congregation. At the close of the year 1824 he took part in the "Easky Discussion." The priest of Easky had challenged to a public debate, in presence of his congregation, two Scripture-readers who had formerly been Eoman Catholics, and who were then travelling through his district. At an early hour the chapel was filled with a large concourse of people. The chairman sat before the altar ; reporters took down verbatim all that was said,

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 70

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming into Sligo now, the town where Dr. William Urwick began his ministry in June 1816. He was an Englishman called the Little Giant for his small stature and great abilities, and he had already seen something of the country through an earlier visit doing missionary work here. When he first travelled out to take up the post, the journey from Dublin took two days across what he described as a bleak and boggy country, after a crossing from Holyhead that could last anywhere from seven hours to seven days on a sailing packet giving but scant accommodation. He proved to be an indefatigable worker and greatly increased the number of his congregation. At the close of 1824 he took part in the Easky Discussion, when the priest of Easky challenged two Scripture-readers, former Roman Catholics then travelling through his district, to a public debate before his congregation. The chapel filled early with a large concourse of people, a chairman sat before the altar, and reporters took down verbatim all that was said. The book simply notes of Urwick's journey and the changes since: changed times. We may now dine in London, and on the following day in Sligo.

21. Fever increasing in Sligo amid overcrowded hovels

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1822

    Cases of fever were daily increasing in number and malignancy in Sligo, as evidenced by the numbers in the fever hospital. The situation was worsened by four or five families being crowded together in hovels compared unfavourably to stables.

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    According to the testimony of the medical profession, cases of fever were daily increasing in number and malignancy — as evidenced by the numbers in the fever hospital — but the prospect was indeed gloomy if contagion began its ravages among the poor at a period when, from inability to paj^ for separate dwellings, four or five families were crowded together in hovels, compared with which many a stable might be viewed as a mansion.

    The perseverance of the local committee — 0. Wynne, M.P. ; Abraham Martin, James Soden, Colonel Parke, Eev. C. West, Eev. J. Yeates, Eev. W. C. Armstrong, and William Faussett — amidst their unceasing and painful toil, was much to be admired ; as was also that strong principle of subjection to law and regard to the rights of others, which, under such pressing want, preserved the lower classes of the County from acts of violence — for want almost invariably begets disturbance. In the commencement of the distress caution was needful, and a meeting of the magistrates of the County was convened by the High Sheriff "to take into consideration the outrages of an insurrectionary character which had lately been committed in a part of the County, and to deliberate on the most speedy and effectual means of suppressing the same." The steps taken by the magistrates appear to have had the desired effect, as the County remained in a peaceful condition whilst other less happy portions of the kingdom were a prey to lawlessness and anarchy.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 34

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you are travelling through a town that in 1822 was gripped by a spreading fever. Cases were daily increasing in number and malignancy, as the numbers in the fever hospital made plain. The prospect was gloomy indeed, because four or five families were crowded together in hovels, compared with which many a stable might be viewed as a mansion. A local committee worked through unceasing and painful toil. Owen Wynne, Member of Parliament, Abraham Martin, James Soden, Colonel Parke, Reverend C. West, Reverend J. Yeates, Reverend W. C. Armstrong, and William Faussett persevered amid the distress. What was also admired was the regard for law among the lower classes, which under such pressing want preserved the county from violence. At the start of the distress the High Sheriff convened the magistrates to consider outrages of an insurrectionary character lately committed in part of the county and to deliberate on suppressing them. The steps taken had the desired effect. The county remained in a peaceful condition whilst other less happy portions of the kingdom were a prey to lawlessness and anarchy.

22. Floods and potato failure in Sligo, autumn 1879

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1879

    In autumn 1879, continuous rains caused the river through Sligo town to swell dramatically between the Upper and Lower Weirs, submerging houses and transforming valleys into lakes across the county. Three successive bad seasons inflicted great suffering, especially on small farmers, as both turf and potato supplies were seriously damaged.

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    In the autumn of 1879 the potato crop was again almost an entire failure owing to the inclemency of the season and continuous rains. The flood was so great as to cause the river in the town to become heavily swollen between the Upper and Lower Weirs; over the former a seething mass of rolling waters poured, submerging many of the houses on each side, and at the Lower Weir the rush of such a volume of water presented a wonderful spectacle. All through the county incalculable mischief was wrought, valleys were transformed into lakes, the turf supply was seriously injured as well as the potatoes, and thus three successive bad seasons inflicted great suffering on all, but more especially on the small farmers.

    There were in the Sligo Union over 500 persons, including children, in receipt of outdoor relief, costing at the rate of £1300 per annum.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 40

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, this is a town that saw terrible flooding in the autumn of 1879. Continuous rains brought the river swelling between the Upper and Lower Weirs, and water poured over the Upper Weir submerging houses on each side. Across the county, valleys were turned into lakes, and the potato crop was almost an entire failure for the third bad season running. Turf supplies were seriously damaged too, and the suffering fell hardest on the small farmers. Over 500 people in the Sligo Union, including children, were receiving outdoor relief at a cost of £1300 a year.

23. Folliott Barton's barytes workings at Gleniff cliff

    Gleniff · townland · Sligo · 1870–1875

    In 1870 Mr. Folliott Barton took up the barytes lode at the top of the cliff in Gleniff on Sir Robert Gore-Booth's property, using an endless wire-rope system to lower ore some 1000 feet. The ore was washed, then ground at a water-mill near the mouth of the Bunduff river and shipped from Mullaghmore.

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    In tlie carboniferous limestone formation between Grieniff and Glencar on the one side, andGrlenade in the county Leitrim on the other, are found continuous deposits of barytes, chemioally known as sulj)hate of barium. The lodes on the nortli side towards Glenade have only recently been discovered, and are now in process of exploration. That towards Glencar — which is apparently a true fissure-vein varying from six feet to a foot and even less in thickness — can be traced on the surface to within a short distance of the cliff in Glencar ; it was first worked on the top of the mountain in 1858 by a Mr. Williams, who had the ore transported on donkeys' backs round the spur of the cliff to Gleniff, whence it was carted to Mullaglimore and shipped there in the raw state for Liverpool. Mr. Williams not being able to come to terms with the owners of the mineral rights, abandoned the working, which so far had been a mere scratching of the surface. In 1870 the working of the lode was taken up by Mr. Folliott Barton, who began at the top of the cliff in Gleniff, on Sir Robert Gore-Booth's property. The ore was thence brought down to the valley by small buckets carrying two stone weight each ; the buckets were then hooked on to an endless wire-rope, and moved by the weight of the full buckets round inclined drums at either end. The vertical height of the terminal stage at the mouth of the workings, above the lower terminal platform, wliere the buckets were taken off, emptied, and hooked on again on tlie other side of the drum, was about 1000 feet. The ore was removed to a wash-trough situated a couple of miles down the glen, and from thence to a small Water-mill near the mouth of the Bunduff river, where it was ground by the wet process used in making china, lavigated, bleached with sulphuric acid, and packed in barrels or bags for shipment from Mullaglimore. From 1875 to 1888 the working of the mine was discontinued. In the latter year Sir Henry Gore-Booth and Mr. George Tottenham took it up, and have

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 125

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Gleniff, there are barytes deposits running through the carboniferous limestone between here and Glencar on one side, and Glenade in county Leitrim on the other. The lode towards Glencar is a true fissure-vein, varying from six feet down to a foot or even less in thickness, and it can be traced on the surface to within a short distance of the cliff. It was first worked on the top of the mountain in 1858 by a Mr. Williams, who had the ore transported on donkeys' backs round the spur of the cliff to Gleniff, then carted to Mullaghmore and shipped in the raw state for Liverpool. Williams could not come to terms with the owners of the mineral rights and abandoned the working, which had been no more than a scratching of the surface. In 1870 the lode was taken up by Mr. Folliott Barton, who began at the top of the cliff in Gleniff, on Sir Robert Gore-Booth's property. The ore was brought down to the valley by small buckets carrying two stone weight each. These buckets were hooked onto an endless wire-rope, moved by the weight of the full buckets round inclined drums at either end. The vertical height from the terminal stage at the mouth of the workings down to the lower platform, where the buckets were taken off, emptied, and hooked on again, was about 1000 feet. From there the ore went to a wash-trough a couple of miles down the glen, and then to a small water-mill near the mouth of the Bunduff river, where it was ground by the wet process used in making china, lavigated, bleached with sulphuric acid, and packed in barrels or bags for shipment from Mullaghmore. From 1875 to 1888 the working of the mine was discontinued. In the latter year Sir Henry Gore-Booth and Mr. George Tottenham took it up.

24. French advance guard sent to Bellahy

    Bellahy · townland · Sligo · 1798

    From Swinford the French troops proceeded towards Bellahy, halting about two miles from that village and sending an advance guard ahead. This was part of Humbert's march from Castlebar towards Sligo in September 1798.

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    On the night of the 3rd of September, Greneral Humbert, the commander of the French, sent off his baggage and cannon with some of his troops towards Sligo ; on their departure from Castlebar the French numbered about nine hundred men, without counting their Irish allies. From Swinford they proceeded towards Bellahy, halting about two miles from that village, to which they sent an advance guard : thence they proceeded towards Tubbercurry, and halted within two miles of it.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 8

    As the companion tells it

    Near here, on the night of the 3rd of September 1798, General Humbert, commander of the French, sent his baggage and cannon with some troops towards Sligo. The French had about 900 men when they left Castlebar, not counting their Irish allies. From Swinford they moved towards Bellahy, halting about two miles from the village and sending an advance guard ahead. Then they proceeded towards Tubbercurry and halted within two miles of it.

25. French officers' disillusionment reported at Collooney

    Collooney · townland · Sligo · 1798

    At Collooney, General Lake received reports that French officers felt grossly deceived, having expected to be joined by an organised and disciplined Irish army. Instead they found what they described as a barbarous, undisciplined mob unfit for action.

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    General Lake received in Collooney some curious particulars relative to the French troops, it being stated that their officers declared themselves to have been grossly deceived : " they had expected to be joined by the whole power of the country, i. e. by an organized and disciplined army, who only required to be put in motion to ensure success. Instead of this, they found only a barbarous undisciplined mob, the refuse of the country, unfit for action, and incapable of order ; ferocious towards their allies, and discordant amongst themselves."

    It may be well to state here what occurred in Tireragh,

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 11

    As the companion tells it

    Near here in 1798, General Lake received curious particulars about the French troops. Their officers declared themselves grossly deceived. They had expected to be joined by the whole power of the country, an organized and disciplined army who only required to be put in motion to ensure success. Instead, they found only a barbarous undisciplined mob, the refuse of the country, unfit for action and incapable of order, ferocious towards their allies and discordant amongst themselves.

26. Inishmurray early Celtic cross-markings

    Inishmurray · townland · Sligo

    Inishmurray possesses the most varied and interesting group of early Celtic cross-markings found in Ireland, many resembling crosses carved by early Christians on the walls of pagan temples in Egypt. Numerous numbered designs are described, including crosses with spiral ornament, cup-marks, anchor symbols, and one comparable to the sixth-century alphabet-stone at Kilmalkedar, County Kerry.

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    But of all the groups of early Celtic cross-markings found in Ireland that upon Inismurray is the most varied and interesting. The majority of these figurings bear wonderful resemblance to crosses carved by early Christians on the walls of pagan temples in Egypt. No. 2 of fig. 58 represents a design, a counterpart of which was observed by Bishop Graves upon a Coptic or Egyptian temple. The stone measures in height 26J inches.

    No. 3 is a cross, exhibiting the spirals characteristic of au early age. A large portion of the stone appears to be missing. There were, in all likelihood, five crosses upon the leac as it originally stood. The meaning of the five crosses which are found carved upon a number of the Inismurray monuments is a subject for conjecture. The design is, however, to be seen on pillar stones remaining in some of the western counties. The original of No. 4 measures 14^ inches in height.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 186

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here on Inishmurray, you'll find the most varied and interesting group of early Celtic cross-markings in Ireland. Many of these markings resemble crosses carved by early Christians on the walls of pagan temples in Egypt. One design has a counterpart that Bishop Graves observed on a Coptic or Egyptian temple. That stone measures 26 inches in height. Another cross exhibits spirals characteristic of an early age, though a large portion of the stone appears to be missing. In all likelihood, there were five crosses upon the stone as it originally stood. The meaning of five crosses carved on a number of the Inishmurray monuments remains a subject for conjecture. The design can also be seen on pillar stones in some of the western counties. Another marked stone measures 14 inches in height. One cross is comparable to the sixth-century alphabet-stone at Kilmalkedar in County Kerry.

27. Irish funereal lamentation heard near Sligo, 1807

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1807

    In 1807, Lady Morgan recorded an account of a musical professor walking near Sligo at an early hour who heard a wild, plaintive cry from an elderly woman mourning her recently deceased daughter at a cabin. The lamentation was described as an impromptu requiem characteristic of the traditional 'Irish howl.'

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    " But a few days back," writes Lady Morgan, in 1807, " a musical professor, from whom I had the anecdote, was walking in the vicinity of Sligo at a very early hour, when a sound, wild, low, and plaintive, caught his ear, and, approaching the spot from whence it seemed to proceed, he observed an elderly woman leaning over a little paling which encircled a cabin. Her hair was dishevelled, her eyes full of tears, and her voice broken and inarticulate, respu'cd in the intervals of her deep-heaved sobs a melancholy recitative accompanied by these simple words : — ' A few days are gone by ; she entered this gate in all her beauty and her health ; to-morrow she will pass it without life, and she never will enter it more.' This funereal song was the impromptu requiem of a wretched mother, whose only daughter, a young and lovely girl, had expii'ed the night before." -

    ' There is a townland in the Parish of Kilfree, styled Rathmadder, i.e. the Fort of the Madder.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 175

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, there is a story from 1807 that Lady Morgan recorded. A musical professor was walking near the town at a very early hour when a wild, low, plaintive sound caught his ear. He approached and found an elderly woman leaning over a little paling around a cabin. Her hair was dishevelled, her eyes full of tears, and her voice broken and inarticulate between deep-heaved sobs. She sang a melancholy recitative with these simple words: "A few days are gone by; she entered this gate in all her beauty and her health; to-morrow she will pass it without life, and she never will enter it more." It was the impromptu requiem of a mother whose only daughter, a young and lovely girl, had died the night before. Lady Morgan described it as an instance of the traditional Irish howl, a spontaneous funereal lamentation.

28. James II brass money circulating in Sligo

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1689–1700

    Specimens of brass money issued by James II are frequently found in County Sligo, usually in or near old buildings. The brass half-crowns and other coins circulated briefly before being reduced to a commercial value of about one penny.

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    Specimens of the brass money issued by James II. are frequently found in 'the county, usually in or near old buildings ; for the brass half-crowns and some other coins were allowed to circulate for a time, but were quickly reduced to their proper commercial value of about one penny.

    In the year 1732 the credit of paper-money sustained a severe shock through the failures of some well-known Dublin banks ; therefore a bill was drawn up for relief of all the parties interested in the settlement, and sent over to be confirmed by the Privy Council of England — the bankrupt laws not having been introduced into Ireland. The depreciation of paper caused a demand for silver and copper money, and the market was again flooded with the most curious variety of coin and forgeries. In 1746 a great quantity of " base Eapparee halfpence" were in circulation throughout the county.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 86

    As the companion tells it

    As the road passes through Sligo, this is a town where brass money issued by James II still turns up. Specimens are frequently found in the county, usually in or near old buildings. The brass half-crowns and some other coins were allowed to circulate for a time, but were quickly reduced to about one penny in commercial value. In 1732, the credit of paper money took a severe shock when some well-known Dublin banks failed. A bill was drawn up for relief and sent to the Privy Council of England, since bankrupt laws had not been introduced into Ireland. The depreciation of paper caused a demand for silver and copper money, and the market was flooded with curious coin and forgeries. In 1746, a great quantity of base rapparee halfpence circulated throughout the county.

29. Major volunteer review near Sligo, 1781

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1781

    One of the largest provincial reviews of the Volunteers was held near Sligo in 1781, with various corps drawn up in order and fully provided with camp equipment. Officers still carried fusils and observed elaborate salute protocols.

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    One of the largest of these reviews was held near Sligo in 1781, and the order in which the various corps were drawn up is here given. The details of the manoeuvres — which occupy sixteen pages of the pamphlet' — are omitted, but some items are curious; for instance, officers still carried "fusils," and when saluting the inspecting general, "the officers wearing hats (except those on horseback) will take off their hats; the capofficers will put their hands to their caps."

    "The cavalry to be formed into one squadron; the infantry into two regiments ; the whole forming one brigade. The several corps to take post according to seniority ; the eldest corps on the right of the first regiment ; the second corps on the right of the second regiment ; the third corps on the left of the first regiment ; the fourth corps on the left of the second regiment ; and so on until the whole is formed. The Grenadiers and light infantry of the eldest corps to be posted to the first regiment ; the Grenadiers and light infantry of the other corps to the second regiment. The colours of the two corps nearest the centre of each regiment to be used ; the other corps who have colours will cany them to the field. The eldest Colonel will command the brigade as Brigadier-General ; the eldest Lieutenant- Colonel and Major of each regiment to act in their stations to the

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 4

    As the companion tells it

    Sligo, 1781. One of the largest provincial reviews of the Volunteers took place near this town. Corps from the surrounding country were drawn up in full order, provided with camp equipment, formed into a single brigade. The cavalry made one squadron, the infantry two regiments. Each corps took its post by seniority, the eldest on the right of the first regiment, the second on the right of the second, the third on the left of the first, the fourth on the left of the second, and so on until the whole was formed. Grenadiers and light infantry of the eldest corps went to the first regiment; those of the other corps to the second. Only the colours of the two corps nearest the centre of each regiment were used, though other corps with colours carried them to the field. The eldest colonel commanded the brigade as brigadier-general. Some details stand out. Officers still carried fusils. The salute had its own rule: the officers wearing hats, except those on horseback, will take off their hats, and the cap officers will put their hands to their caps. The full manoeuvres filled sixteen pages of a pamphlet printed for the occasion.

30. Massive woodcock shoots at Lissadell

    Lissadell · street · Cork · 1867–1881

    Sir R. Gore-Booth recorded extraordinary woodcock bags at Lissadell, including 150 couple in three days and 338 couple in six days during January–February 1867. The best bag in 1880–81 was 33 couple to four guns.

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    Sligo and Mayo are noted counties for Woodcock. " In the season," writes Wakefield, in 1812, " these birds visit Ireland in immense flights ; while in the country I do not think that, during several months in the year, I ever dined without some of them being at table." "Mr. Warren tells me," says Sir R. Payne Gallwey, "that in frost and snow the birds desert the inland coverts for the coast, and that when tiie tide is out they feed among the rocks on seaweed of tlie shore; that in the severe weather of 1878-79 and 1880-81 numbers were killed by country boys stalking them from behind rocks and boulders and knocking them down witli sticks as tliey rose." In the County Sligo, as stated by Sir R. Gore-Booth : " Some years since a hundred and fifty couple were killed in three days by a party to eight guns close round the Ijouse at Lissadell. During the last few days of January and beginning of February, 1867, three hundred and thirty-eight couple were killed in six days at the same place by a party averaging seven guns. The best bag in 1880-81 was thirty-three couple to four guns."

    Snipe — according to a reply sent to Sir R. Payne Gallwey by Mr. Edward Gethin, of Earl.sfield — were so numerous in 1877-78 that he shot during the season 959 birds; of these there were never more Jack-suipo than four or five in a day, and many days, none at all. There was great injury to Snipe in Ireland " by the severe winter of the Crimean War, when the snow lay a foot deep over Ireland for eight months ; when the thaw came, the skeletons of innumerable birds were to bo seen scattered over the country." The hard winters of 1878-79,

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 153

    As the companion tells it

    This is Lissadell, in County Sligo, a place noted for woodcock. Wakefield wrote in 1812 that in the season these birds visit Ireland in immense flights, and that during several months of the year he never dined without some of them being at table. Sir R. Gore-Booth recorded the bags. Some years before his account, 150 couple were killed in three days by a party of eight guns close round the house at Lissadell. During the last few days of January and the beginning of February 1867, 338 couple were killed in six days at the same place by a party averaging seven guns. The best bag in 1880 to 1881 was 33 couple to four guns. Mr. Warren told Sir R. Payne Gallwey that in frost and snow the birds desert the inland coverts for the coast, and when the tide is out they feed among the rocks on seaweed on the shore. In the severe weather of 1878 to 1879 and 1880 to 1881, numbers were killed by country boys stalking them from behind rocks and boulders and knocking them down with sticks as they rose. Snipe were also numerous. Mr. Edward Gethin of Earlsfield shot 959 birds during the season of 1877 to 1878, of which never more than four or five were jack snipe in a day, and many days none at all. Great injury came to snipe in Ireland in the severe winter of the Crimean War, when snow lay a foot deep over Ireland for eight months. When the thaw came, the skeletons of innumerable birds were scattered over the country.

31. O'Connell holds mass meeting in Sligo, 1843

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1843

    On 4 May 1843, O'Connell held a mass meeting in Sligo as part of the Repeal movement, and was entertained at dinner in the Hibernian Hotel. He delivered a characteristic speech mocking Lane-Fox and calling for Repeal.

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    On the 9th July, 1841, John Patrick Somers was, without opposition, again returned member for the borough; politics ran high ; the Repeal movement was then in full swing ; and on the 4th May, 1843, O'Connell held a mass meeting in Sligo ; in the evening he was entertained at a dinner in the Hibernian Hotel, and on both occasions he delivered a characteristic speech. Amongst a variety of other topics he stated that England had tried to ignore the agitation until " a chap of the name of Lane- Fox — a poor man who had more strength than brains; a Fox by name but not by nature, for there was no cunning in him — came out with his notice of motion to have it suppressed. . .. . Oh ! was it not worth while struggling for Repeal to gag a fellow of that kind."

    At a meeting of the Repeal Association held in Dublin on the 24th November, 1845, O'Connell read a communication from the " Repeal " members of the Town Council of Sligo, by which they pledged " themselves, one and all, on good faith and honour, that in future every question arising in the Corporation and Borough should be determined on and acted on by the decision of the majority of the Repealers without any reference to, or deriving any assistance from, the Non-Repeal or Tory party."

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 26

    As the companion tells it

    You are passing through Sligo, the town where O'Connell held a mass meeting on the 4th of May, 1843, as the Repeal movement was in full swing. That evening he was entertained at dinner in the Hibernian Hotel, and on both occasions he delivered what the record calls a characteristic speech. He mocked a member of parliament called Lane-Fox, describing him as a poor man who had more strength than brains, a Fox by name but not by nature, for there was no cunning in him. Lane-Fox had brought a notice of motion to have the agitation suppressed, and O'Connell asked whether it was not worth struggling for Repeal to gag a fellow of that kind. The Repeal movement stayed active in the town. In November 1845, the Repeal members of the Town Council of Sligo sent a communication to O'Connell in Dublin, pledging that every question arising in the Corporation and Borough would be decided by the majority of the Repealers, without reference to or assistance from the Tory party.

32. Public punishment stocks and pillory in Sligo

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1726–1840

    In 1726 the Corporation ordered a new pair of stocks for Sligo at a cost of £1 3s. A pillory was erected in 1806, and in 1807 the Grand Jury spent about £6 on stocks for the town. The Sligo stocks were still in existence in 1840, kept in the hall of the courthouse.

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    ''Borough of Sligo, September 29th, 1726. — Whereas there is a stocks mucli wanting in the said Borough, We, the Provost and Free Burgesses of the said Borough, being assembled this day in Common Council, do order that the sum of one pound three shillings sterling, be applotted and levied off the said Borough to make a new pair of stocks, and furnish the same with lock and key. As Witness our hands this 29th day of September, 1726.

    " Geokge Oemsbt, Provost. "Laukexce Yeexon axd Wir. GiBsoif, Applotters of the said moneijP

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 50

    As the companion tells it

    In Sligo, the town you're passing through, public punishment was once a civic concern. In 1726 the Corporation ordered a new pair of stocks at a cost of £1 3s, furnished with lock and key. A pillory went up in 1806, and the Grand Jury spent about £6 on stocks in 1807. The stocks were still around in 1840, kept in the hall of the courthouse.

33. Relief crisis and premature potato harvesting in Sligo

    Sligo · town · Sligo

    By July, the local relief committee had 11,000 persons dependent on them for subsistence. Peasants were digging potato crops before maturity out of hunger, prompting the committee to threaten removal from relief lists for anyone harvesting before 20th August.

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    On the 27th July it was stated that the local committee had 11,000 persons depending on them for subsistence, and including wages and every other allowance the ratio of relief which they could afford for each person per diem was very low indeed, and the practice of digging the potato-fields before they could yield their produce was unfortunately becoming very general ; indeed it was with the greatest difficulty that the peasantry were prevented from eating the crop when hut half grown, and therefore the committee issued a notice stating that any person on the lists for relief who dug potatoes before the 20th August would be at once removed from the relief list, for the practice if persisted in would tend to deprive the poor of means of future subsistence.

    The report of the committee for relief of the distressed poor in the town of Sligo, Union of St. John's, dated 28th June, is given as a specimen of these returns (Appendix E) . As may be noticed, the recipients of relief were divided into two classes, those who received gratuitous aid and those who earned it ; no portion of the wages given for work was paid in mone)j, but each labourer received a quantity of oatmeal proportioned to the number of his family and the work performed by him.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 35

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo town, you are moving through a place where, by the 27th of July in the Famine years, the local relief committee had 11,000 persons depending on them for subsistence. The daily allowance per person, wages and all other allowances included, was very low. Peasants, driven by hunger, were digging potato fields before the crop was half grown, and the practice was becoming general. The committee warned that anyone on the relief lists who dug potatoes before the 20th of August would be removed from the lists at once, since persisting would deprive the poor of future means of subsistence. A relief report dated the 28th of June divided recipients into two classes: those who received gratuitous aid and those who earned it. No wages were paid in money. Each labourer received a quantity of oatmeal, proportioned to the number in his family and the work he performed.

34. Sacred wells of Drumcliff parish

    near Drumcliff · parish · Sligo

    The parish of Drumcliff contained several revered holy wells, including Mary's Well (Tobar Muire), where stations were still performed on Lady Day, and which was reputed to house sacred trout and cure ophthalmia. St. Patrick's Well was associated with a legend that the saint baptized converts there.

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    The following were esteemed sacred springs in the parish of Drumcliif : Tohar na bachail/e, or the well of the crozier ; Tobar nwire, Mary's- well. On Lady Day there are, it is stated, stations still carried on there ; the well was reputed to have been the home of sacred trout, and to have possessed healing virtues, particularly in cases of ophthalmia ; St. Patrick's- well, where a legend recounts that the saint baptized converts : there are also the wells of Tobar na bohjoighe, Tobervoguc, and Tobcr Colnmb- Icill. In the footnote is given a list of wells which had been formerly held in estimation as " holy."'

    1 In the parish of Kilmacowen, Toberpatrick ; parish of Cahy, Tober- Connel ; parish of Ballysadare,Tobercurrin, Tobertuna-luin, andTobcrcailen; parish of Killoran, Tobergal ; parish of Achoury, Toberaribba, Tobercurry,

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 180

    As the companion tells it

    The parish of Drumcliff held several wells once thought sacred. There was the Well of the Crozier, and Mary's Well, where stations were still carried out on Lady Day. People believed sacred trout lived in that well, and that its water could cure ophthalmia. St. Patrick's Well carries a legend that the saint baptized converts there. Three more wells were named in the parish: Tobar na bohjoighe, Tobervogue, and Tobar Columbkille. A list of other wells once held in estimation as holy was also recorded. The road takes you through country where these springs were revered.

35. Sale of the manor of Ballymote, negotiated at Annaghmore

    Ballymote · town · Sligo · 1832

    In 1832, the manor of Ballymote was sold by Lord Kirkwall to Sir R. Gore-Booth. Both parties were staying at the house of Annaghmore with Major O'Hara during negotiations. A memorandum of agreement signed at the dinner-table was said to have prevented Lord Kirkwall from withdrawing the next morning.

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    In 1832, the manor of Ballymote was sold by the then Lord Kirkwall to Sir R. Gore-Booth. They were both staying in the house of Annaghmore with Major O'Hara, while negotiations for the sale of the property were going on. Many fluctuations with regard to terms occurred between them ; at

    ' The tourist Beranger, who spent some days with Colonel Irwin, at Tanrego, was there shown two islands, on which cattle were grazing ; when the tide was in they were accessible only by a boat. The foundations of these islands were oyster-shells, with about six inches of earth over them. Beranger walked round them, and was amazed at the sight.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 149

    As the companion tells it

    Ballymote, in Sligo, is the town where a manor changed hands in 1832. Lord Kirkwall sold it to Sir R. Gore-Booth. Both men were staying at the house of Annaghmore with Major O'Hara while the negotiations went on. The terms shifted many times between them. A memorandum of agreement was signed at the dinner-table, and it was said to have stopped Lord Kirkwall from withdrawing the next morning. The sale went through, and the manor of Ballymote passed from one owner to the other.

36. Skull of a notable buried at Kilronan church

    Kilronan · parish · Roscommon · 1738

    A man who died at Alderford in 1738 was buried at Kilronan, County Roscommon. His bones were later dug up to make room for newer burials, and his skull was placed in a niche in the old church walls, distinguished by a black riband, until it was eventually stolen by a collector of curiosities.

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    use of his limbs by his intemperance, and during the latter years of his life passed almost his whole time in bed. He died at Alderford, in the year 1738, at a very advanced age, and was buried at Kilronan, in the county Roscommon ; his bones, however, have, as is usual in many Irish cemeteries, been long ago dug up to make room for newer arrivals. His skull, placed in a niche within the walls of the old church, was distinguished by a black riband, and there it remained in grim and ghastly state for many years, until it was finally stolen by a collector of curiosities.

    In Ireland, as a rule, there is too little regard to the sanctity which ought to surround the dead. The memory of those unpopular to the mass of the people is often — even after death, which ought to shield from such attacks — held up to opprobrium.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 201

    As the companion tells it

    The road passes through the parish of Kilronan in County Roscommon. A man who died at Alderford in 1738, at a very advanced age, was buried at Kilronan. He had lost the use of his limbs through intemperance, and during the latter years of his life passed almost his whole time in bed. His bones, as is usual in many Irish cemeteries, were long ago dug up to make room for newer arrivals. His skull was placed in a niche within the walls of the old church, distinguished by a black riband. There it remained in grim and ghastly state for many years, until it was finally stolen by a collector of curiosities.

37. Sligo distillery built 1810–1820, closed 1845

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1810–1845

    Mr. Martin built a distillery at the riverside in Sligo between 1810 and 1820, managed initially by Mr. Jameson. After years of idleness it resumed work in 1836 but was finally closed in 1845 and left to ruin.

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    Some time between the years 1810 and 1820 Mr. Martin built, at the riverside, a distillery, over which Mr. Jameson acted as manager. On his departure to Dublin another manager was appointed in his stead ; but the work was not continued for any very lengthened period. After several years of idleness the distillery (in other hands) resumed work in 1836 ; but in 1845 was finally closed, and the premises allowed to go to utter ruin.

    Some sixty or seventy years ago there were no less than four breweries iu working order wdthin the town of Sligo itself, in addition to others scattered throughout the adjacent rural districts ; and, now, the sole survivor is the Lough Gill Brewery, owned by Messrs. Anderson & Co. The produce

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 121

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Sligo now. Between 1810 and 1820 a man named Martin built a distillery at the riverside here, and a Mr. Jameson managed it at first. When Jameson left for Dublin another manager took over, but the work did not last long. The place sat idle for several years, then started up again in 1836 under different hands. It closed for good in 1845, and the premises were left to go to utter ruin.

38. Sligo, Leitrim and Northern Counties Railway opened 1882

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1882

    The Sligo, Leitrim, and Northern Counties Railway, which had been working as far as Collooney, was opened into Sligo in 1882. It had running powers over the Midland Great Western line from Carricknagat Junction and linked Sligo with the North of Ireland, giving impetus to the cattle trade.

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    The Sligo, Leitrim, and Northern Counties Railway, which had been working for some time as far as Collooney, was opened into Sligo in 1882. It has running powers over the Midland Great Western line from Carricknagat Junction into the town. About nine miles of this railway from the above junction to Balliutogher lie within the county. It furnishes a link between Sligo and the North of Ireland, aud has given a great impetus to the cattle trade, Collooney being now the best fair within a considerable radius. The traffic on this line is slowly improving. In 1888 it carried 124,628 passengers, and 33,769 tons of general merchandize and minerals, the total receipts being £14,941, the working expenses £13,634.

    The traffic carried by railway consists principally of imported goods sent inwards ; the outward trade being comparatively small, barely one-ninth of the whole. The latter consists

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 107

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you are on a town that became a railway junction in 1882, when the Sligo, Leitrim, and Northern Counties Railway was opened into the town. It had been working for some time as far as Collooney, and it had running powers over the Midland Great Western line from Carricknagat Junction into the town. It furnished a link between Sligo and the North of Ireland, and gave a great impetus to the cattle trade, with Collooney becoming the best fair within a considerable radius. The traffic on the line was slowly improving. By 1888 it carried 124,628 passengers and 33,769 tons of general merchandise and minerals, with total receipts of £14,941 against working expenses of £13,634.

39. Sligo town beadle and scavenger appointed 1711

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1711

    On 11th December 1711, the Provost and free burgesses of Sligo resolved to appoint a Beadle to sweep the town clear of strange beggars and a scavenger to carry dirt from the streets to the Commons. Four pounds was applotted on inhabitants for each salary.

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    " Wc, tlic Provost and fi'ce burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, being this day in Common Council assembled, for the good government of this Borough, have found it fitting and convenient that a Beadle be appomtcd to sweep the town clear and free from strange beggars. And we do hereby order that four pounds sterling be applotted upon the inhabitants of this borough for one year's salary and for the said buying a coat for a Beadle, and we do hereby also order and appoint that four pounds sterling be applotted upon the said inhabitants to pay a scavenger for carrying away the dirt out of the streets of the town (to the Commons belonging to the Borough) and for keeping the streets clear ; and we do also appoint that three pounds sterling be also applotted upon the said inhabitants for the reimbursing Captain Gethin and Mr. John de Butt for money formerly paid by them for salary for him who served Beadle last of this Borough, and we do hereby order that the several sums as aforesaid be applotted by applotters to be named by the Provost. Witness our hands the day and year above written.

    "John Booth, Provost, &c."

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 102

    As the companion tells it

    Sligo town had a problem with beggars in 1711. On the 11th of December that year, the Provost and free burgesses of the borough met in Common Council and decided something had to be done. They ordered that a Beadle be appointed, in their words, to sweep the town clear and free from strange beggars. Four pounds sterling was applotted on the inhabitants for one year's salary for the Beadle and for buying him a coat. They also ordered another four pounds applotted on the same inhabitants to pay a scavenger, whose job was carrying the dirt out of the streets of the town to the Commons belonging to the borough, and keeping the streets clear. On top of that, three pounds was applotted to reimburse Captain Gethin and Mr. John de Butt for money they had formerly paid out of their own pockets for the salary of the man who had served as Beadle before. The several sums were to be applotted by applotters named by the Provost. John Booth was Provost at the time.

40. St. John's Parish Church built by Castels c.1730

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1730–1752

    St. John's Parish Church in Sligo was built circa 1730 by the German architect Mr. Castels in the form of a Celtic cross with a polygonal apse and domed ceiling. Pococke in 1752 described it as the finest church he met with on his tour of Ireland, noting its curious roof and cross-shaped design with galleries.

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    The Parish Church of St. John's was built in the form of a Celtic cross, the eastern limb being finished with a polygonal apse ; the ceiling, doubtless, was in the shape of a rather flattened dome ; the windows were topped with a semicircular arch, and a round arch led into the chancel. This can now be seen above the ceiling of the present chancel ; the old chancel was much shorter than the present one, and was lighted by windows, one in each side of the apse; the whole church was built of stone, quite unchiselled, and the roof rested on the walls, as in an ordinary dwelling-house. This edifice was almost entirely the work of a Mr. Castels who erected it on the site of the prior structure circa 1730. Pococke, in his tour in Ireland, in 1752, thus describes St. John's : — " The Church is the design of Mr. Castels ; it is in the form of a cross, with galleries at every end, except the east. The roof is a curious piece of work."

    It is stated that Castels (a German by birth) was at the commencement of the eighteenth century the leading architect in Ireland. He built Leinster House, in Dublin ; Carton ; the Eotunda ; the Dining-hall in T. C. D. ; in fact, he had more or less to do with all the great buildings erected from 1725 to 1751 : he also designed Hazlewood House ; but the Church of St. John appears to have been almost the only one remodelled by him. Pococke states that it was the finest he met with in his tour. In 1773, a second row of galleries was erected for accommodation of the Charter-school children ; but the church underwent no important change until the year 1812, when it was decided to transform it into a Grothic edifice. The windows

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 66

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Sligo, you have the town where St. John's Parish Church was built, around 1730, by a German architect named Mr. Castels. He was the leading architect in Ireland at the start of the eighteenth century. He built Leinster House in Dublin, Carton, the Rotunda, the Dining-hall in Trinity College Dublin. He had more or less to do with all the great buildings erected between 1725 and 1751, and he also designed Hazlewood House. But St. John's appears to have been almost the only church he remodelled. He built it on the site of a prior structure, in the form of a Celtic cross, the eastern limb finished with a polygonal apse. The ceiling was in the shape of a rather flattened dome. The windows were topped with semicircular arches, and a round arch led into the chancel. The whole church was built of stone, quite unchiselled, and the roof rested on the walls, as in an ordinary dwelling-house. The old chancel was much shorter than the present one, lighted by one window in each side of the apse. Pococke, travelling in Ireland in 1752, described it thus: "The Church is the design of Mr. Castels; it is in the form of a cross, with galleries at every end, except the east. The roof is a curious piece of work." He said it was the finest church he met with on his tour.

41. Sunday drinking and scolteen near Sligo lake, 1834

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1834

    In 1834, the traveller Inglis visited a house near the lake where Sligo citizens gathered on Sundays to drink scolteen, a beverage of whiskey, eggs, sugar, butter, caraway-seed, and beer. Sunday drinking was noted as prevalent both then and at the time of writing.

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    Sunday drinking was formerly — as at present — very prevalent. In 1834 Inglis visited a house, near the lake, to which citizens of Sligo resorted on Sundays, and he there tasted a favourite beverage called scolteen, composed of wliiskey, eggs, sugar, butter, caraway-seed, and beer. From about the j-ear 1839, a considerable falling off took place in the consumption of ardent spirits, for it was about this period that Father Mathew commenced his crusade against intemperance in Sligo. Thackeray thus describes him : — " A stout, handsome, honest-looking man of some two-aud-forty years, was passing by, and received a number of bows fi-om the crowd around ; it was Tlieobald Mathew, with whose face a thousand little print-shop windoM's had already rendered me familiar. He shook hands with the master

    336 HISTORY OF SLIGO,

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 169

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, near the lake there was once a house where citizens gathered on Sundays in 1834 to drink scolteen, a brew of whiskey, eggs, sugar, butter, caraway-seed and beer. Inglis visited that year and tasted it himself. Sunday drinking was very prevalent then, but from about 1839 a considerable falling off took place in the consumption of ardent spirits. It was around that time that Father Mathew began his crusade against intemperance in Sligo. Thackeray described him as "a stout, handsome, honest-looking man of some two-and-forty years."

42. Sweat House at Inismurray

    Inishmurray · townland · Sligo

    A beehive-shaped sweat house on Inismurray, about 6 feet in diameter and 6 feet high, built of uncemented stones covered with clay, was used as a hot-air bath for pleasure and as a cure for rheumatism. The chamber was heated by burning turf inside, then cleared and lined with green rushes before the bather entered.

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    laconicum of ancient Greece and Imperial Eome — was in common use amongst the Irish, and in the county Sligo lingered on until the commencement of this century. On the first map made of the county several " sweat-houses" are marked. They were generally of beehive shape, about 6 feet in diameter, and 6 feet high, built of converging layers of uncemented stones, covered with clay, and having a low narrow entrance, resembling the remains of huts still to be seen in juxtaposition with cashels or early ecclesiastical buildings, such as the hut styled the Sweat-house at Inismurray. The manner of heating

    412 HISTORY OF SLTGO.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 208

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Inishmurray there is a beehive-shaped sweat house, built of uncemented stones covered with clay, about 6 feet across and 6 feet high. These sweat houses were once common in Sligo and lingered on until the start of the 1800s. It was heated by burning turf inside the chamber. When the stones were hot enough, the ashes were cleared out and the floor lined with green rushes. Then the bather went in through a low narrow entrance. People used the hot-air bath for pleasure and as a cure for rheumatism. The hut stands among remains like those found beside early cashels and ecclesiastical buildings.

43. The 'model election' of Sligo Borough, May 1859

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1859

    The Sligo Borough election of 6 May 1859 passed off in such comparative quiet that it was styled 'the model election.' Mr. Wynne was returned by 177 votes, Somers polled 73, and Lucas A. Treston polled 3, marking a striking contrast to the violence and corruption of previous contests.

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    The election on the 6th May, 1859,^ passed off in such comparative quiet that it was styled "the model election"; Mr. Wynne was returned by 177 votes, Somers polled but 73, and Lucas A. Treston, 3.

    In 1860 Mr. Wynne resigned his seat, his health not permitting him to attend to his Parliamentary duties. Francis Macdonogh, Q.C., who succeeded him in the representation, had, on previous occasions, unsuccessfully canvassed several Borough constituencies. It was alleged that, like the chameleon, he had changed his colours according to locality — " He's a Radical in London, a rebel in Carlow, a Whig in Carrickfergus, a Conservative in Sligo."

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 28

    As the companion tells it

    Sligo saw what was called the model election on the 6th of May, 1859. It passed off in such comparative quiet that it earned the name. Wynne was returned with 177 votes. Somers polled 73. Lucas A. Treston polled 3. In 1860 Wynne resigned, his health not permitting him to attend to his Parliamentary duties. Francis Macdonogh succeeded him in the representation. He had on previous occasions unsuccessfully canvassed several borough constituencies. It was alleged that he changed his colours: "He's a Radical in London, a rebel in Carlow, a Whig in Carrickfergus, a Conservative in Sligo."

44. 'Threshing system' forces anti-tithe oath on peasantry

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1806

    In 1806, the 'threshing system' was instituted among the peasantry, with gangs going about forcing people to swear an oath not to take their tithes to the parson on any terms, but to leave him the task of collecting and drawing them home.

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    It was in the year 1806 that the " threshing- system " was instituted amongst the peasantry, and gangs went about forcing upon the people an oath not to take their tithes to the parson on any terms, but to leave to him the task of collecting and drawing them home.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 163

    As the companion tells it

    In 1806, Sligo saw the rise of what was called the threshing system. Gangs moved among the peasantry, forcing people to swear an oath. They were not to take their tithes to the parson on any terms, but to leave him the task of collecting and drawing them home himself.

45. Vessels plying Lough Gill between Sligo and Dromahair

    near Lough Gill · lake or lakes · Kerry · 1839–1885

    In 1839 a schooner called the Maid of the Mills was launched on Lough Gill to ply between Sligo and the mills at Dromahair. This was succeeded by steam-boats, including Mr. Kell's Maid of Breffney, which continued the passage until wrecked in 1885, after which traffic passed to the railway.

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    In 1839 a schooner called the Maid of the Mills was launched on Lough Gill, to ply between Sligo and the mills at Drumahaire. In 1843 Mr. Kernaghan's steam-boat, The Lady of the Lake, plied between the above places. This was succeeded by Mr. Kell's Maid of Breffneij, which continued to make the same passage until wrecked in 1885. This mode of transit for merchandize, however, has entirely collapsed, all traffic being now carried on by the " Sligo, Leitrim, and Northern Counties Railway."

    In 1852 the Corporation passed a resolution expressing " their most anxious wish to have Sligo connected with the capital by means of a railway, and that both as a body and individually they would give their best support and assistance to any public company formed for such object." On the 15th February, 1856, they, however, petitioned Parliament against a bill brought forward by a company styled the " North Western," the projected line being, in their opinion, likely to be most injurious to the trade of Sligo ; whilst on the 2nd June of the following year they approved of the Sligo extension of the Midland Grreat Western Railway, if that company guaranteed the completion of the line in five years, the road to be commenced simultaueously at Sligo and Longford. Finally, after long negotiations, the line was commenced, the company guaranteeing not to open any smaller portion to the public, but to wait until the entire line was completed. A great number of English navvies were employed at this time, and they astonished the natives as much by the amount of work done by them, as by their predilection for rook-pie, a then unheard of

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 106

    As the companion tells it

    As the road takes you along Lough Gill, you are on a lake that once carried cargo between Sligo and Dromahair. In 1839 a schooner called the Maid of the Mills was launched on these waters, to ply between Sligo and the mills at Dromahair. In 1843 Mr. Kernaghan's steam-boat, the Lady of the Lake, took up the same route. She was succeeded by Mr. Kell's Maid of Breffney, which continued the passage until she was wrecked in 1885. After that, this mode of transit for merchandize entirely collapsed, all traffic being carried on by the Sligo, Leitrim, and Northern Counties Railway. The coming of the railway was long in the negotiating. In 1852 the Corporation passed a resolution expressing "their most anxious wish to have Sligo connected with the capital by means of a railway." On the 15th of February, 1856, they petitioned Parliament against a bill brought forward by a company styled the North Western, the projected line being, in their opinion, likely to be most injurious to the trade of Sligo. On the 2nd of June of the following year they approved of the Sligo extension of the Midland Great Western Railway, if that company guaranteed completion of the line in five years, the road to be commenced simultaneously at Sligo and Longford. English navvies were employed at this time, and astonished the natives as much by the amount of work done as by their predilection for rook-pie, a then unheard of dish.

46. Wesley's first visit to Sligo, May 1758

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1758

    John Wesley paid his first visit to Sligo in May 1758, riding from Drumsna through Ballymote, Collooney, and Ballysadare. The prospect was encouraging enough that arrangements were made for regular visits by the minister stationed at Castlebar.

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    In May, 1758, Wesley paid his first visit to Sligo, riding from Drumsna through Ballymote, Collooney, and Ballysadare. The prospect was so encouraging that arrangements were made for regular visits by the minister stationed in Castlehar. On May 16th, 1760, Wesley again visited the town and found the congregation so much increased in number that he saw the need of providing a comfortable place wherein to hold the services ; accordingly a large and commodious apartment was procured. In 1775 the first Methodist Chapel was erected in "Bridge-street ;" it was small, and had an exceedingly low, thatched roof. By this time, however, the town had become the head of a Circuit, provided with two ministers. On May 20th, 1789, Wesley paid his fourteenth and last visit to Sligo, and was entertained in the barracks by the then Quartermaster of the 1st Dragoons.

    About this time Gideon Ouseley — " Ireland's most successful evangelist " — settled in the town, and opened a school in the little chapel in " Bridge-street," which was largely attended. He, with other ministers, preached in the open air, more especially on market-days, and as they addressed the people in their native Irish tongue, crowds gathered around, listening eagerly and respectfully. In 1797 Ouseley settled in Ballymote and delivered many outdoor addresses.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 71

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you are following the route John Wesley took in May 1758. He rode from Drumsna through Ballymote, Collooney, and Ballysadare to reach the town, and the reception was encouraging enough that a minister based at Castlebar was assigned to call regularly. He came back in 1760 and found the congregation had grown so much that a large room was secured for services. The first Methodist chapel went up in Bridge Street in 1775, small and low-roofed under thatch, and by then Sligo had become the head of a circuit with two ministers. Wesley's fourteenth and last visit was on 20 May 1789, when the quartermaster of the 1st Dragoons hosted him in the barracks. Later, Gideon Ouseley settled here and ran a well-attended school in the Bridge Street chapel, and he and other ministers preached outdoors, especially on market days, drawing respectful crowds by speaking to people in Irish.

47. Widow Tuohy's Field designated as Sligo cemetery

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1847–1848

    On 7 January 1847, the Town Council appropriated 'The Widow Tuohy's Field,' part of the Commons Plot, as a public cemetery for all denominations. Treasury permission for three and a half acres was granted in November 1848.

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    On December 1st, 1846, the Town Council expressed their willingness " to let a portion of the Commons, /. e. about four Irish acres, for tlie purpose of a cemetery for the public of all denominations," and on January 7th, 1847, " The Widow Tuohy's Field," part of the " Commons Plot," was thus appropriated, whilst on July 28th of the same year, in compliance with a communication from Government, the deed by which the cemetery was to be constituted was submitted to the clergymen of all denominations. On August 21st, 1848, it was further proposed to make a transfer of the cemetery to the following trustees : — John Wynne, Esq. ; the Protestant and Poman Catholic Rectors ; and clergymen for the time being of all religious denominations ; and on November 25th, 1848, the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury granted permission to set apart three and a-half acres for the purpose.

    184 HISTORY OF SLIGO.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 92

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you are near ground that became a cemetery in the worst of the Famine years. On the 1st of December 1846, the Town Council said they were willing to let a portion of the Commons, about four Irish acres, for a cemetery for the public of all denominations. On the 7th of January 1847, a piece of land called the Widow Tuohy's Field, part of the Commons Plot, was appropriated for that purpose. By July of that year the deed was submitted to the clergymen of all denominations, and in August 1848 it was proposed to transfer the cemetery to trustees including John Wynne and the Protestant and Catholic rectors. On the 25th of November 1848, the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury granted permission to set apart three and a half acres.

48. Yeomanry corps raised across County Sligo

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1796–1797

    Seven yeomanry corps — three infantry and four cavalry — were commissioned by the Crown in County Sligo on 31st October 1796, with an additional light infantry corps raised in February 1797. The yeomanry, composed almost entirely of Protestants, were later credited with distinguishing themselves by 'steadiness, bravery, and perseverance' during the 1798 rebellion.

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    The mania for military service seized upon all ranks and classes amongst the Protestant population ; in some rare instances clergymen so far forgot their position as to accept commissions in the yeomanry, but as was well remarked by a contemporaneous writer " a clergyman, alternately arrayed in the surplice of a parson and the uniform of an officer, may very innocently transpose his spiritual and temporal functions, become pastoral in the field and pugnacious in the pulpit." The yeomanry, however, which consisted almost entirely of Protestants, wrung from a reluctant witness the admission that during the subsequent rebellion of 1798 they distinguished themselves " by steadiness, bravery, and perseverance." These bodies of armed men, varying in number and military organization, were styled "District Cor[)s," and as regards the County Sligo the following is a complete list of the officers of the three infantry and four cavalry corps first raised : —

    Ballymote Infantey : —

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 6

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you are in a county that raised seven yeomanry corps by Crown commission on 31st October 1796 — three infantry and four cavalry — with a light infantry corps added in February 1797. The mania for military service seized all ranks of the Protestant population, and even some clergymen accepted commissions, prompting a contemporary to remark that such a man might "become pastoral in the field and pugnacious in the pulpit." These armed bodies, styled District Corps, were almost entirely Protestant, and a reluctant witness admitted that during the 1798 rebellion they distinguished themselves "by steadiness, bravery, and perseverance."

49. Charter School built near Lough Gill, 1752

    near Lough Gill · lake or lakes · Kerry · 1752

    Dr. Pococke, touring in 1752, described visiting Colonel Wynne's house on Lough Gill and viewing the Erasmus Smith Charter School then under construction. The governors gave £700 and Colonel Wynne donated four acres; the school was built of slaty limestone for sixty children.

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    Charter Schools were established about the year 1733, but the one in Sligo was not commenced until 1752, for Dr. Pococke, who (in a MS. in T.O.D.) describes his Irish tour during the above-named year, states that he " went two small miles to see Colonel Wynne's House on Lough Gilley, and on the way viewed the Charter School which is building out of Erasmus Smith's charity ; there are three good rooms on a floor, a kitchen, and two schools being built for sixty children. The governors of Erasmus Smith's Schools gave first £500, then £200, and Colonel Wynne gave 4 acres of ground for ever. They have raised it to the first floor ; it is built of slaty limestone."

    The old Charter School or Erasmus Smith Trust supplied a plain education, i. e. reading, writing, and arithmetic ; the boys were boarded in the house and taught trades ; there were rows of houses where tradesmen were kept to instruct in tailoring, shoemaking, &c., but this arrangement was given up on the passing of a measure for the establishment of national education. The rental of the Erasmus Smith Trust in the county Sligo was about £430 per annum, consisting of 2132 acres, with a Poor Law valuation of £408.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 210

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming up along Lough Gill. In 1752 Dr. Pococke travelled this way and went to see Colonel Wynne's house on the lake. On the road he stopped to view the Erasmus Smith Charter School then under construction. The governors of Erasmus Smith's Schools gave £500 and then £200 toward it, and Colonel Wynne donated four acres of ground. The building was going up in slaty limestone, with three good rooms on a floor, a kitchen, and space for sixty children. Pococke noted it had reached the first floor when he saw it. The Charter Schools gave a plain education: reading, writing, and arithmetic. Boys were boarded in the house and taught trades. There were rows of houses where tradesmen were kept to instruct them in tailoring, shoemaking, and the like. That arrangement ended when a measure for national education was passed. The Erasmus Smith Trust held about 2132 acres in county Sligo, with a rental of roughly £430 a year.

50. Dancing and social customs in County Sligo (1810)

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1810

    In 1810, a writer observed that dancing was considered a necessary accomplishment in County Sligo, with hundreds attending dancing schools despite not knowing English. Singing old Irish songs was also common, though gatherings often descended into tumult and drunkenness.

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    In the year 1810, a writer on the customs of the county Sligo, states, that dancing was considered as a necessary accomplishment, and hundreds who did not know their alphabet or a word of English were regular attendants — and at no small expense — at the dancing schools. Singing old Irish songs made also a part of the entertainment, and many possessed sweet and melodious voices, well adapted to the melancholy and plaintive strains. In the beginning of the performance, things were conducted with propriety, but soon the scene exhibited a chaos of tumult, vociferation, and drunkenness ; perhaps three musicians might be found playing to as many sets of dancers, a dozen men and women singing different songs, whilst other groups were engaged in altercation and quarrelling.

    Amongst the upper classes also' dances were very frequent. No public gathering such as an assizes, a race meeting, or a regatta was considered complete without a ball in the evening ; and there were in the town ladies in poor circumstances who seem to have made a regular business of getting up subscription dances, the names of the gentlemen who were to act as stewards being always announced :—

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 202

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you are in a town where, in 1810, a writer found dancing was thought a necessary accomplishment. Hundreds who could not read or speak a word of English attended dancing schools at no small expense. Singing old Irish songs was part of the entertainment, and many had sweet voices suited to the melancholy and plaintive strains. Things began with propriety but soon became a chaos of tumult, vociferation, and drunkenness. Three musicians might play to three sets of dancers, a dozen men and women singing different songs, while other groups argued and quarrelled. The upper classes danced frequently too. No assizes, race meeting, or regatta was complete without a ball in the evening, and ladies in poor circumstances in the town made a regular business of getting up subscription dances, the names of the gentlemen who were to act as stewards always announced.

51. Cholera, famine and sewer construction in Sligo town

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1832–1866

    Before the 1832 cholera epidemic, Sligo town had almost no sewers and relied on surface drains. Significant sewer construction only began during the famine year and continued up to 1866.

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    were, by resolution of 6th September, 1871, to be swept daily ; tlie second class, twice a week ; and the third class once a week. For some years after the separation of the Borough and County, the Corporation effected a considerable saving in the outlay on repairs, as compared with that paid by the Grand Jury, full advantage being taken of the large out-put of road metal Which had been placed on the highways. According to the evidence of the County Surveyor, the actual cost of keeping in repair, from 1859 to 1867, the 7092 perches of roads within the Borough, averaged £760 per annum. Before the epidemic of cholera in 1832, the town of Sligo was almost devoid of sewers, the superfluous water being carried off by surface drains, and little improvement seems to have been made until the year of the famine.' From that date, however, up to 1866, four miles, six furlongs, and seven perches of sewers were constructed by the Grand Juiy within the Borough, at a cost of £4782. Since that period a large main drain has been made

    C harlotte -street ; Church-hill; Church-lane; Cranmore ((/rea^ ^ree)-lane; Distillery-lane ; Duck-street ; Fish-market, or Quay-lane ; Garden-hill and Love-lane ; Gallows-hill North and Gallow's-hill South ; Gethin'sstreet ; Harmony-hill ; Hudson's-lane ; James-street ; Knappagh {hillocky)- road ; Lower and Upper Quay-streets ; Lungy-street — this used formerly to be styled "The Lungy," also "The Lungay," and " Longay" (it may be derived either from an Irish word signifying a ship, or another somewhat similar signifying an eiicdm/nnent or fortress) ; Mall-lane ; Middleton'srow ; M'Donogh's-row ; Old Mail Coach-road ; Prince's-street ; Ramsay'srow ; Riverside ; llopewalk ; Tubbernashelmada {s?i(nPs well) ; Vernon -row ; William-street.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 104

    As the companion tells it

    Sligo town had almost no sewers before the cholera epidemic of 1832. The superfluous water was carried off by surface drains. Little improvement seems to have been made until the year of the famine. From that date, however, up to 1866, four miles, six furlongs, and seven perches of sewers were constructed by the Grand Jury within the Borough, at a cost of £4782. Since that period a large main drain has been made. For some years after the separation of the Borough and County, the Corporation effected a considerable saving in the outlay on repairs, as compared with that paid by the Grand Jury, full advantage being taken of the large output of road metal which had been placed on the highways. According to the evidence of the County Surveyor, the actual cost of keeping in repair, from 1859 to 1867, the 7092 perches of roads within the Borough, averaged £760 per annum. By resolution of 6th September 1871, the streets were to be swept according to class. The first class were to be swept daily. The second class, twice a week. The third class, once a week.

52. Early brewery at Farm Hill, Sligo

    Farmhill · townland · Galway · 1770

    A small brewery was built near Sligo town at Farm Hill about 1770, producing ale and table-beer, as porter and stout were then unknown in Connaught. As the business grew, the partners eventually moved to larger premises.

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    of these breweries originally consisted of ale and table-beer, porter and stout being then unknown in Connaught. The business was first started at Farm Hill, situated near the town, where a small brewery had been built about the year 1770. Increasing business, rendered these premises too small, and a move was made, by the survivors of the original co-partners, to Water-lane, where more extensive buildings were obtained, and a large trade was carried on for many years. Want of space, however, owing to increased business, again necessitated another move to a more eligible site on the opposite side of the river, where the firm secured the buildings that now form the Lough Gill Brewery, and which had been erected by Messrs. Cochrane & Davis upon the site of an old shambles and riding-ring. Around this spacious quadrangle the brewery was built, with its stores, malt-house, &c. ; and these premises were fitted with all the appliances then in vogue.

    The export provision trade in Sligo seems to have commenced about 1750. In January, 1748, " the slaughtering of beef for export, which on all former occasions ceased about Christmas, continued, in consequence of large orders from England for the purpose of ' victualling ' the fleets which, even at this season of the year, were obliged to be on channel service." Sligo, in 1800, was described as "a slaughtering exporting market." Cattle were slaughtered in the " Cadger's Field," on the site now occupied by the artisans' dwellings. There is still a considerable export trade in cattle to England and Scotland. A more curious traffic is that of donkeys, which are often shipped in large droves to England, and are sold in the large cities to costermongers, &c.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 122

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, a small brewery was built about 1770 at Farm Hill, near Sligo town. It produced ale and table-beer, as porter and stout were then unknown in Connaught. The business grew, and the premises became too small. The survivors of the original co-partners moved to Water-lane, where they obtained more extensive buildings and carried on a large trade for many years. Want of space, again owing to increased business, necessitated another move to a more eligible site on the opposite side of the river. There the firm secured the buildings that now form the Lough Gill Brewery, which had been erected by Messrs. Cochrane and Davis upon the site of an old shambles and riding-ring. Around this spacious quadrangle the brewery was built, with its stores, malt-house, and so on. The premises were fitted with all the appliances then in vogue. The export provision trade in Sligo seems to have commenced about 1750. In January 1748, the slaughtering of beef for export, which on all former occasions ceased about Christmas, continued in consequence of large orders from England for the purpose of "victualling" the fleets, which even at that season were obliged to be on channel service. Sligo in 1800 was described as "a slaughtering exporting market." Cattle were slaughtered in the Cadger's Field, on the site now occupied by the artisans' dwellings. A more curious traffic is that of donkeys, shipped in large droves to England and sold in the large cities to costermongers.

53. Masonic dispute over Sligo Journal publication

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1791

    On 14 May 1791, an emergency Masonic meeting was called by Brother Thomas Soden of Lodge No. 530 against Brother Michael Parker, proprietor of the Sligo Journal, charging him with publishing a letter reflecting on Soden's conduct as billeting master for the town of Sligo.

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    Difiiculties arose occasionally, as for instance when on the 14th May, 1791, an " Immergency " meeting of the Masonic body was called by Brother Thomas Soden, of Lodge No. 530, against Brother Michael Parker, proprietor of the " SKgo Journal," charging him with having published in his paper a letter tending to reflect upon Soden's conduct as "Billeting master for the town of Sligo "; whilst on the 5th February, 1796, Brother William M'Mullen complained that Brother Joseph Hudson, had " advertised him for defamation of character."

    The Sligo newspaper varied greatly in size and also in price, the latter in 1785 had increased to 2d. ; in 1797 it was renumbered, and the price raised to 2|rf. ; in 1799 the cost was 4(7, ; John Gray was then proprietor. In 1801 the paper again changed hands and was issued simply as "The Sligo Journal." The device at heading was altered to an oval enclosing the arms of Sligo surmounted with a crown : the legend, however,

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 203

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, back in 1791 this town saw a quarrel that split the local Masonic body. On the 14th of May that year, Brother Thomas Soden of Lodge No. 530 called an emergency meeting against Brother Michael Parker, who was the proprietor of the Sligo Journal. Soden charged Parker with publishing a letter that reflected on his conduct as billeting master for the town of Sligo. The paper itself had been around for some years, its price rising to 2 pence in 1785 and again by 1797. By 1799, under proprietor John Gray, it cost 4 pence. In 1801 it changed hands once more and was issued simply as The Sligo Journal, its heading changed to an oval enclosing the arms of Sligo, surmounted with a crown. So a printing press and a Masonic lodge crossed paths here, over a published letter and a billeting master's reputation.

54. Seasonal migration and begging in County Sligo

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1800–1884

    In the early nineteenth century, Sligo men went to England or Leinster for summer employment after planting potatoes, while women and children locked their cabins and went begging until harvest. This practice gradually diminished through emigration.

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    In the commencement of the present century spring and harvest were the only periods in which there was brisk employment for labour. In the summer season, when the potatoes were planted, many of the men went to England or to Leinster, in order to procure employment, and the women and children, having fastened the door with a piece of twine, took their blankets on their backs and turned out to beg until the latter end of harvest. The thinning of the population by emigration and other causes has almost totally put an end to this state of society, and although from remote parts of the county there is still a 3'early exodus to England for harvest work, it is becoming gradually less. A correspondent of The Times, writing in 1884, was very favourably struck with the general bearing of the Sligo peasantry when compared with those of other western counties.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 145

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo town, you're travelling through a place that once saw a yearly exodus. In the early 1800s, spring and harvest were the only times work was brisk here. Once the potatoes were planted, many men left for England or Leinster to find summer employment. The women and children fastened their cabin doors with a piece of twine, put their blankets on their backs, and went out begging until harvest returned. Emigration and other causes thinned the population and almost wholly ended this way of life. By 1884, a correspondent of The Times noted he was favourably struck by the general bearing of the Sligo peasantry compared with those of other western counties. Some still left remote parts for harvest work in England, but the numbers were shrinking year by year.

55. Working-class distress in Sligo, winter 1860

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1860

    The 1860 petition for the Town Hall noted that the working class in the Sligo district was in much distress due to a severe and long-continued winter, high prices of food and fuel, and scarcity of employment, justifying the use of famine-relief funds for a public works project.

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    " That in consequence of the very severe and long-continued winter, the high price of food and fuel, and the scarcity of employment, the working class in this district is in much distress ; and as the fund was created by the spontaneous liberality of the people of Great Britain and Ireland to relieve the distress then existing, your Memorialists

    152 HISTORY OF SLIGO.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 73

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, this town saw hardship in the winter of 1860. A petition for the Town Hall noted the working class in the district was in much distress from a severe and long-continued winter, high prices of food and fuel, and scarcity of employment. It argued famine-relief funds should support a public works project.

56. 1850 white-thorn hedge trial on the Commons

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1850

    In December 1850 the Corporation summoned a tenant on 'the Commons' for cutting down a white-thorn hedge, but the case was dismissed as the tenant had improved the fence. He promised to name his house 'The White-thorn'; the Town Clerk sarcastically suggested 'The Hedge-Hog' instead.

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    An amusing incident occurred in December, 1850, when the Corporation, through the Town Clerk, summoned one of their tenants on "the Commons," before the Barrister, for committing waste on their property by cutting down a white-thorn hedge. The case was dismissed, as the tenant had in reality improved the fence ; and when leaving the Court, he assured the Bench, that in memory of the trial, he would call his house in the future "The White-thorn." The Town Clerk, in a tone of bitterness, threw after him the suggestion, that he would probably find a more appropriate designation in that of "The Hedge-Hog."

    In 1846 (9 Yict. c. 24) was passed the third local Act, amending that of 1803. Its chief object was to define the Harbour-dues to be levied upon articles of import and export, but other alterations in the prior Act were also introduced ; by it the Members of Parliament for the County and Borough, who seldom attended, were disqualified from being ex-officio Members of the Board; and it was enacted, that the limits of the Port and Harbour were to be clearly defined by landmarks. This Bill was introduced by the Harbour Commissioners themselves, under charge of three members of that body ; and it was subsequently alleged that sufficient provision was not made, or sufficient care taken for proper equalization of the numerous Harbour-dues.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 48

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo town, there is a story from December 1850 worth hearing. The Corporation summoned one of their tenants on the Commons before a barrister, accusing him of waste for cutting down a white-thorn hedge. The case was dismissed, because the tenant had actually improved the fence. Leaving the court, he promised the bench that in memory of the trial he would call his house "The White-thorn." The Town Clerk, in a tone of bitterness, called after him that he would probably find a more fitting name in "The Hedge-Hog."

57. 1852 Liberals contest Sligo and carry one seat

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1852

    In 1852 the Liberals again contested County Sligo and succeeded in carrying one seat. The poll result was: Sir Robert Gore-Booth 942, Richard Swift 875, William Richard Ormsby Gore 774, John Taaffe 39.

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    ill the place of Mr. Cooper, who did not seek re-election, and the same year John Ffolliott succeeded Perceval, who had been appointed Sergeant-at-Arms to the House of Lords. The representation remained unaltered until 1850, when Ffolliott, having accepted the Chiltern Hundreds, Sir Robert Gore- Booth, Bart., was elected without opposition. In 1852 the Liberals again contested the County, and succeeded in carrying one seat. The result of the poll was as follows : Sir Robert Gore-Booth, Bart., 942; Eichard Swift, 875 ; William Eichard Ormsby Gore, 774 ; John Taaffe, 39. In 1857, at the next election, the numbers polled were : for Sir Eobert Gore-Booth, Bart., and Edward Joshua Cooper, 1434 each; John Ball, 304; Eichard Swift, 5.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 21

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, it carries the memory of a contested election in 1852, when the Liberals again stood for County Sligo and succeeded in carrying one seat. The poll saw Sir Robert Gore-Booth take 942 votes, Richard Swift 875, William Richard Ormsby Gore 774, and John Taaffe 39. Sir Robert Gore-Booth had been elected without opposition in 1850 after Ffolliott accepted the Chiltern Hundreds, and the representation had otherwise remained unaltered for some years before that.

58. 1852 Sligo election: Townley again unseated, 'rotten borough'

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1852

    In the 1852 election, Townley was declared to have won Sligo Borough by 147 votes to Somers's 108, but was again unseated on proof of corruption. Sligo was described as notoriously 'one of the most rotten boroughs in Ireland', with bribery euphemistically called 'strengthening the electors.'

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    In the new election on the loth July, 1848, John Patrick Somers was returned at the head of the poll, with 102 votes ; James Hartley, 90 ; John Ball, 87 ; the constituency at this period numbered 292. At the dissolution of 1852 the conflict between Somers and Townley was renewed, much, it was alleged, having been effected in the interval to make the return of the latter secure ; after a bitter contest Townley was declared on the 15th July to have obtained a majority at the poll, i. e. 147 votes to Somers's 108. The latter again petitioned, and upon proof of corruption still stronger than before, Townley was again unseated. Sligo had now long been viewed as a sink of political corruption, and as notoriously " one of the most rotten boroughs in Ireland"; the cant term for bribery was to *' strengthen the electors."

    56 HISTORY OF SLIGO.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 27

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you're in a town that was once called "one of the most rotten boroughs in Ireland." In the 1852 election, Townley was declared the winner over Somers, 147 votes to 108, but was unseated again on proof of corruption even stronger than before. Bribery here had its own polite phrase — people called it "strengthening the electors."

59. 1880 Liberals capture both Sligo seats from Conservatives

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1880

    In the General Election of 1880 both Sligo county seats were captured by the Liberals, with Thomas Sexton polling 1591, Denis Maurice O'Connor 1551, and Edward Robert King-Harman 1261.

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    In 1859 Charles W. Cooper O'Hara was elected, vice Edward Joshua Cooper, who declined to be re-nominated ; whilst m 1865, Mr. O'Hara retired from the representation of the county, owing to ill-health, and was succeeded by Colonel E. H. Cooper. During three years the representation of the county (/. e. Booth and Cooper) remained unaltered, but in 1868 the Liberals again wrested one seat, the numbers being : Denis Maurice O'Connor, 1722 ; Sir Eobert Gore-Booth, 1219 ; Colonel Edward Henry Cooper, 1125. In 1877, on the death of Sir Eobert Gore-Booth, Colonel Edward Eobert King-Harman was elected in his place without contest as a Liberal-Conservative. Both seats were captured by the Liberals in the General Election of 1880, Thomas Sexton polling 1591, Denis Maurice O'Connor 1551, and Edward Eobert King-Harman 1261. The Eight Hon. Colonel King- Harman died June, 1888. Towards the conclusion of his life he laboured for Ireland with zeal and purity of purpose. Denis Maurice O'Connor died in 1883 ; towards the latter years of his political career he was no favourite with the ultra- Eadical party, as he occasionally showed that he could still hold to his own opinions. One of his political opponents thus writes of him : " He made a favourable impression upon the House of Commons, for he was a clever, good, solid speaker, and even to those who had opposed his election he was courteous and always

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 21

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you are in a town with a lively electoral past. In 1868 the Liberals wrested one county seat back, with Denis Maurice O'Connor polling 1722 against Sir Robert Gore-Booth and Colonel Edward Henry Cooper. When Sir Robert died in 1877, Colonel Edward Robert King-Harman replaced him without contest as a Liberal-Conservative. Then in the General Election of 1880 both Sligo county seats fell to the Liberals. Thomas Sexton polled 1591, Denis Maurice O'Connor 1551, and King-Harman 1261. King-Harman died in June 1888, and the record says he laboured for Ireland with zeal and purity of purpose. O'Connor died in 1883, and though he fell out of favour with the ultra-Radicals near the end, a political opponent wrote of him that he made a favourable impression on the House of Commons, for he was a clever, good, solid speaker, and even to those who had opposed his election he was courteous.

60. Arigna iron works established 1788, abandoned 1808

    Arigna · electoral division · Leitrim · 1788–1808

    Iron works were established at Arigna in 1788, marking the first important era in the mining district on the confines of Lough Allen across Leitrim, Roscommon, and Sligo. The concern was abandoned in 1808, and later revival attempts by three mining companies after 1824 eventually collapsed due to lack of railway transport.

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    The first important era in the mining district was the establishment of iron works at Arigna in 1788, but the concern was abandoned in 1808. In consequence of the evidence of Mr. Griffith before a Committee of the House of Commons in 1824, three mining companies made the borders of Lough Allen the scene of revived activity ; several new pits were formed, the largest of which was worked to advantage for a long time, but after various vicissitudes all the undertakings collapsed. Until the works are opened up by railway they cannot prove remunerative, for although no question was entertained relative to the good quality of the iron manufactured, still it was found that owing to want of facilities of transit, neither the pig nor bar iron could be successfully brought into competition in the public markets with the supplies from England, Scotland, and Wales.

    Mr. Latouche, who for some years carried on the works at a serious loss, used in after-life to point out to his visitors a large and handsome entrance gate to his demesne, and ask them

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 129

    As the companion tells it

    Arigna is a place the road passes through in this part of Leitrim. Iron works were established here in 1788, and this marked the first important era in the mining district that spreads across the borders of Leitrim, Roscommon, and Sligo, around Lough Allen. The concern was abandoned in 1808. After Mr. Griffith gave evidence before a Committee of the House of Commons in 1824, three mining companies brought revived activity to the borders of Lough Allen. Several new pits were formed. The largest was worked to advantage for a long time. But after various vicissitudes, all the undertakings collapsed. The iron manufactured here was of good quality. Nobody questioned that. But without railway transport, neither pig nor bar iron could compete in the public markets with supplies from England, Scotland, and Wales. Mr. Latouche, who for some years carried on the works at a serious loss, used in after life to point out to his visitors a large and handsome entrance gate to his demesne, and ask them where it came from.