Name: History of Sligo, county and town, from the close of the Revolution of 1688 to the present time
Author: W. G. (William Gregory) Wood-Martin (1847–1917)

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.

Read the passage

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?"

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.

Read the passage

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.

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.'

Read the passage

" 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

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.

Read the passage

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.

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.

Read the passage

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

As you come through Sligo, this is a town with a troubled electoral history. The Commissioners looking into the 1868 election found that corrupt practices were bad enough, but that undue clerical influence was also at work. The words used by the clergy after Mass were understood by the people as a strong declaration of ecclesiastical censure against anyone who voted against the Roman Catholic candidate. That censure, as was admitted, meant withholding the rites of their Church from offenders until suitable reparation was made. Over the 36 years of the borough's existence, five successful petitions were filed against the sitting member, and malpractices were proved in each case. The record notes that liberty had degenerated into licence, and votes were almost openly sold.

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.

Read the passage

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

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.

Read the passage

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.

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.

Read the passage

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.

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.

Read the passage

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.

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.

Read the passage

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.

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.

Read the passage

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

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.

Read the passage

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

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.

Read the passage

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

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.'

Read the passage

" 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.

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.

Read the passage

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 you pass through Sligo, old buildings here and in the surrounding county still turn up brass coins from the time of James the Second. These half-crowns and other brass pieces were issued during the war years between 1689 and 1691 and allowed to circulate for a short time. They soon dropped to their true commercial worth, which was about one penny. So what people find now is a base-metal relic of a brief and desperate currency, not a treasure.

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.

Read the passage

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

As you pass through Sligo, you are near the ground where one of the largest provincial reviews of the Volunteers was held, in 1781. Various corps were drawn up in order, fully provided with camp equipment. The details of the manoeuvres filled sixteen pages of a pamphlet, but some items stand out. Officers still carried fusils. When saluting the inspecting general, the orders read that 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 cavalry was formed into one squadron, the infantry into two regiments, the whole forming one brigade. The several corps took post according to seniority. The eldest corps stood 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 was formed. The Grenadiers and light infantry of the eldest corps were posted to the first regiment, and 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 were used, and other corps who had colours carried them to the field. The eldest Colonel commanded the brigade as Brigadier-General, with the eldest Lieutenant-Colonel and Major of each regiment acting in their stations.

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.

Read the passage

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

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.

Read the passage

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.

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.

Read the passage

''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.

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.

Read the passage

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.

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.

Read the passage

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

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.

Read the passage

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

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.

Read the passage

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.

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.

Read the passage

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.

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.

Read the passage

" 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

As you pass through Sligo, this is a town that was sorting out its streets in 1711. On the 11th of December that year, the Provost and free burgesses, meeting in common council, decided to appoint a beadle to sweep the town clear and free from strange beggars. They ordered four pounds sterling be applotted on the inhabitants for the beadle's salary and his coat. They also ordered another four pounds for a scavenger to carry the dirt out of the streets to the Commons and keep the streets clear. And three pounds more was applotted to reimburse Captain Gethin and Mr. John de Butt for money they had paid out of pocket for the previous beadle's salary. John Booth was Provost at the time. So Sligo's householders were taxed eleven pounds in all to keep beggars off the streets and the dirt hauled away.

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.

Read the passage

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.

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.

Read the passage

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."

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.

Read the passage

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

As you pass through Sligo, this town saw what they styled the model election on 6 May 1859. It passed off in such comparative quiet that the name stuck. Wynne was returned with 177 votes, Somers polled 73, and Lucas A Treston just 3. Wynne resigned his seat the following year, his health not permitting him to attend to Parliament. Francis Macdonogh, a Queen's Counsel who had already failed to win several borough seats, succeeded him. Of Macdonogh it was said, in the words of the source, he's a radical in London, a rebel in Carlow, a Whig in Carrickfergus, a Conservative in Sligo.

'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.

Read the passage

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

As you pass through Sligo, this is where the 'threshing system' took hold in 1806. Gangs went 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.

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.

Read the passage

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.

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.

Read the passage

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.

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.

Read the passage

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.

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.

Read the passage

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."

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.

Read the passage

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.

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.

Read the passage

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.

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.

Read the passage

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

Up ahead is Sligo, a town that paid a high price for neglected sanitation. Before the cholera epidemic of 1832, Sligo was almost devoid of sewers. Superfluous water was carried off by surface drains, and little improvement seems to have been made until the year of the famine. From that date 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 pounds. A large main drain was made since that period. So the town you are passing through took its worst public health crisis and the famine years together to finally build what it had lacked for so long.

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.

Read the passage

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

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.

Read the passage

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.

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.

Read the passage

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.

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.

Read the passage

" 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.

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.

Read the passage

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."

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.

Read the passage

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.

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.'

Read the passage

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."

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.

Read the passage

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.

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.

Read the passage

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

Ballysadare River created a several fishery by Act of Parliament

Ballysadare · townland · Sligo · 1841

In 1841, Mr. Cooper secured an Act of Parliament making the Ballysadare River a several fishery as far as the bar, having agreed terms with landed proprietors on both sides. Fish ladders were constructed at Ballysadare Falls and Collooney, and after initial poor catches the fishing suddenly improved and became highly profitable.

Read the passage

In 1841 Mr. Cooper succeeded in getting the river of Ballysadare created, by Act of Parliament, a several Fishery as far as the bar, he having, for the upper waters, arrived at an understanding with the lauded proprietors on both sides of the river. Above Ballysadare, in the fresh water, owners can angle from their own lands. The construction of the ladders at Ballysadarefalls (see fig. 44) and Collooney, togetlier with other necessary outlay and legal expenses, must have amounted to a considerable sum, but for many years very few fish were caught. Suddenly the fishing improved, and has ever since proved most profitable.
The number of salmon taken in the course of the last six years is as follows : —

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 129

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, the Ballysadare River was turned into a several fishery by Act of Parliament in 1841. Mr. Cooper got the act passed after agreeing terms with the landed proprietors on both sides for the upper waters, where owners could angle from their own lands. Fish ladders were built at Ballysadare Falls and Collooney, and the construction costs plus legal expenses must have been considerable. For many years very few fish were caught, but then the fishing suddenly improved and proved most profitable.

Barrington's Hotel on the Lough Gill Brewery site, Sligo

Sligo · town · Sligo · 1750

Barrington's Hotel existed in Sligo town by 1750, situated on or about the site later occupied by the Lough Gill Brewery. It represents the early inn-keeping landscape of the town.

Read the passage

In Sligo, the inns were probably neither better nor worse than the usual average of provincial towns. They, like most places of business, were distinguished by huge signboards, which competed with each other in gaudiness of colouring. In 1750 " Barrington's Hotel " was in existence ; it stood on or about the site of the present *' Lough Gill Brewery." "The Black Lion " was in Pound-street ; the signboard is still in existence (see fig. 46), but fast mouldering in the damp and wet; the jet black of the lord of the forest is now rusty brown, his gold collar has almost vanished ; in a few mouths the last of one of the oldest hostelries in the town will be but a memory. Here it was that most of the subscription balls were given, bowls and cockfighting were great attractions, and the last " main " advertised and fought in public took place in the backyard. In this inn Major Hillas slept the night before the duel in which he fell, and it is yet recounted how in the morning he declared that he was a doomed man, for he dreamed that he had seeu a large funeral passing the inn, and he recognized the gentry of the county, and. his own relations in mourning following the hearse. Close to this inn was situated the " Spinning Wheel," in Highstreet ; also the " York Hotel," the scene of many a race and regatta ball ; the " King's Arms " and " Rosses Hotel," in old
z

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 170

As the companion tells it

Along this street stood the Black Lion, one of the oldest hostelries in Sligo. Most of the subscription balls were given there, and bowls and cockfighting were great attractions. The last main advertised and fought in public took place in the backyard of this inn. It was here that Major Hillas slept the night before the duel in which he fell. In the morning he declared he was a doomed man, for he dreamed he had seen a large funeral passing the inn, and he recognized the gentry of the county and his own relations in mourning following the hearse. The signboard survived into modern times, but the jet black of the lord of the forest had turned rusty brown and his gold collar had almost vanished.

Carolan's failed planxty and prophetic prediction for Miss Brett

Sligo · town · Sligo

Carolan, the blind improvisatore and musician, was a frequent visitor at the Brett family house in county Sligo. He could never compose a planxty for Miss Brett, predicting she would not survive twelve months, and she died within that period.

Read the passage

a fair literary education, and pursued his studies until, in his eigliteentli year, he had the misfortune to be stricken with the smallpox, and entirely lost his eyesight. Previous to this, music had not engaged his attention, but he turned to it as a solace in his misfortune. At the age of twenty-one he began to compose, and his first essays gave such promise of success that he was recommended to direct his talents to composition, rather than endeavour to attain excellence in musical execution. In the " Percy Anecdotes of Imagination " it is related that Carolan, even in his gayest mood, never could compose a planxty (a kind of dance music) for a Miss Brett, of the county Sligo. He was a frequent visitor at her father's house, where he always met with a cordial reception. One day, after an unsuccessful attempt to compose something in a sprightly strain for this lady, he threw aside his harp with a mixture of rage and grief, and addressing himself in Irish to her mother, "Madam," said he, "I have often, from my great regard to your family, attempted a planxty in order to celebrate your daughter's perfections, but to no purpose ; some evil genius hovers over me ; there is not a string in my harp that does not vibrate a melancholy sound when I set about the task. I fear she is not doomed to remain long among us: nay," said he, emphatically, "she will not survive twelve months." The event verified the prediction, and the young lady died within the period limited by the prophetic minstrel. This circumstance gave to Mrs. Hemans the idea evolved in her well-known poem of " Carolan's Prophecy." One of Carolan's songs, " Fair-Haired Mary," was composed in honour of Mary, daughter of MacDermot, Prince of Coolavin, then maiiied to Owen O'Rourke, who lived on the shores of Lough Allen. " A person," relates James Hardiman in his " Irish Minstrelsy," " lately remonstrating with a descendant of this gentleman on his extravagance, amongst other things told him 'he ought to have sense.' 'Sense,' replied the indignant Milesian. ' Know that an O'Rourke scorns to have sense.' "

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 200

As the companion tells it

Sligo is the town the road passes through. Carolan, the blind improvisatore and musician, was a frequent visitor at the Brett family house in county Sligo. He lost his eyesight to smallpox in his eighteenth year, and turned to music as a solace in his misfortune. At twenty-one he began to compose, and his first essays gave such promise that he was recommended to direct his talents to composition rather than musical execution. Even in his gayest mood, he never could compose a planxty, a kind of dance music, for Miss Brett of the county. He was always met with a cordial reception at her father's house. One day, after an unsuccessful attempt to compose something in a sprightly strain for this lady, he threw aside his harp with a mixture of rage and grief, and addressing himself in Irish to her mother, said: "Madam, I have often, from my great regard to your family, attempted a planxty in order to celebrate your daughter's perfections, but to no purpose; some evil genius hovers over me; there is not a string in my harp that does not vibrate a melancholy sound when I set about the task. I fear she is not doomed to remain long among us: nay, she will not survive twelve months." The event verified the prediction, and the young lady died within the period limited by the prophetic minstrel. This circumstance gave Mrs. Hemans the idea for her well-known poem, Carolan's Prophecy.

Cholera death toll estimates for Sligo town, 1832

Sligo · town · Sligo · 1832

Out of a population of about 15,000 in Sligo, the 1832 cholera epidemic carried off approximately 1,500 people, though only four to five thousand remained in the town. The hospital recorded 1,229 admissions and 640 deaths.

Read the passage

A return is given of the eases admitted to, and the numbers who actually died within, the hospital. The gross totals are specified, but unfortunately the first and some intermediate portions of the tabular statement are missing. It is impossible to ascertain the actual number of deaths that occurred within the precincts of the Borough, for there appears to have been no regular system of registration observed beyond the bounds of the hospital and the registry of St. John's; no doubt, however, the number furnished in the returns here given would be considerably increased if the burials which took place in the Abbey were added to them, for many contemporaneous observers were of opinion that more were interred there than at the hospital. The numbers who actually died of the epidemic have been variously estimated. It is tliought the statement that "out of a population of about 15,000 the cholera carried off 1500," is not far from the true facts of the case; but it is to be noted that out of the above nominal population, not more than four or at most five thousand remained.
To ensure uniformity, the return of deaths in the hospital was always made out at the same hour, namely, 11 o'clock, a.m. In the first fortnight after the outbreak of cholera, 449 people died in the hospital — being at the rate of about 225 per week; but it is probable that the majority of these fatal cases occurred in the first seven days, for cholera appears to be subject to the same laws that regulate the outbreak, course, and termination of other epidemics, i.e. it is more fatal at its

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 37

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is Sligo town. In 1832 cholera struck here, and the numbers that survive tell a grim story. The town had a population of about 15,000, but when the epidemic came, not more than four or at most five thousand remained. Most had fled. The cholera carried off 1,500 people according to the estimates of contemporaneous observers, and that figure is thought to be not far from the truth. The hospital kept records. A return was made of the cases admitted and the numbers who actually died within its walls. The gross totals were specified, but the first and some intermediate portions of the tabular statement are missing, so the full count cannot be perfectly reconstructed. In the first fortnight after the outbreak, 449 people died in the hospital, at a rate of about 225 per week. It is probable that the majority of these fatal cases occurred in the first seven days, for cholera appears to be subject to the same laws that regulate the outbreak, course, and termination of other epidemics: it is more fatal at its onset. Beyond the hospital there was no regular system of registration, except for the registry of St. John's. Many burials took place in the Abbey, and some observers believed more were interred there than at the hospital itself. The hospital returns were always made out at the same hour, 11 o'clock in the morning, to ensure uniformity.

Cholera epidemic hits Sligo hospital, 1849

Sligo · town · Sligo · 1849

The first cholera patient of 1849 was admitted to Sligo hospital on 29 May and died the same day. Between 18 and 22 August, 166 patients were admitted to the hospital and hospital sheds; 98 died and 68 recovered before the epidemic ceased abruptly.

Read the passage

I'he first patient attacked by cholera in 1849 was brought to the hospital on the 29th May, and died the same day; but between the 18th and 22nd August, 166 patients were admitted to the hospital and hospital sheds : the former provided 50, and the latter 100 beds. Of the patients 98 died, but 68 recovered. The epidemic ceased as abruptly as it had commenced.
Dr. Mapother, at one time Medical Ofiicer of Health to the

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 40

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Sligo, this is the town where the 1849 cholera epidemic struck the hospital. The first patient was brought there on 29 May and died the same day. Between 18 and 22 August, 166 patients were admitted to the hospital and its sheds, which together held 150 beds. Of those patients, 98 died and 68 recovered. The epidemic ended as abruptly as it had begun. Dr. Mapother, once Medical Officer of Health, appears in the record too.

'Circuit Road' from Collooney to Castlebar

Tobercurry · town · Sligo · 1700–1800

An old trunk road led from Collooney through Tubbercurry, Banada and Kilmacteigue over the mountains to Foxford and Castlebar. It was known as the 'Circuit Road' because judges and barristers rode it when going on assize circuit from Sligo to Castlebar.

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Another of the old trunk-lines led from Collooney through Tubbercurry, Banada, and Kilmacteigue, over the mountains to Foxford and Castlebar. This road is still known as the *' Circuit Road," ' from the fact that the judges and members of the bar rode by it from Sligo to Castlebar when going circuit. There are yet some old men living who recollect this, and who saw soldiers, on the march to their quarters at Castlebar, encamp for the night near the village of Aclare. Near Banada, a road branched off to Balliua through " The Gap " by Lough Talt. Of this road, Neligau (1816) in his Statistical Account of Kilmacteiye, relates that " a valuable improvement was made in this place through the exertions of a Captain O'Dowd, who possessed an estate of many thousand acres of these mountains, which were without inhabitants, . . . and which were nearly impassable to the active and barefooted natives. The immense rocks, steep hills, and deep caverns which everywhere presented themselves, formed as many difficulties as the passage of the
1 In the presentment book of the Grand Jury (1805) it is styled the " Grand Circuit Road." The road from Boyle to Ballyshannon through Sligo is also desi^ruated " The Circuit lioad."

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 99

Collooney mill converted to woollen factory

Collooney · townland · Sligo · 1886

In 1886 one of the extensive mills at Collooney was converted at considerable expense into a woollen factory fitted with new machinery for converting home-shorn wool into fabrics. This revived a textile industry that had long vanished from the peasantry.

Read the passage

This employment amongst the peasantry now no longer exists, but in 1886, one of the extensive mills at Collooney was, at considerable expense, converted into a woollen factory, fitted up with the newest and most approved machinery for converting home-shorn wool into fabrics of all descriptions.
The first attempt at establishing the linen trade in Ireland may be attributed to the Earl of Strafford, who was disposed to promote this manufacture in which he himself embarked £30,000 ; but the civil war of 1641 to 1651 seems to have totally extinguished this industry. No trace of it appears in Sligo prior to 1688, and the early attempts at introducing the linen trade into the county appear to have resulted in failure ; in the year 1740 it is stated that scarcely any linen was sold, but a good deal of weaving for private consumption was carried on.

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 122

Disfranchisement of forty-shilling freeholders in Sligo

Sligo · town · Sligo · 1829

In 1829 an enormous reduction was made in the number of electors in County Sligo by the disfranchisement of the forty-shilling freeholders, who had possessed the right of voting under both terminable leases and those in perpetuity. The candidates returned by the freeholders' votes then acquiesced in the proposal to deprive them of their franchise.

Read the passage

In 1829 an enormous reduction was made in the number of electors in the County by the disfranchisement of the fortyshilling freeholders, who had possessed the right of voting under terminable leases as well as those in perpetuity. Previous to the time when the question of Catholic Emancipation was finally decided, Irish landlords relied on their forty-shilling freeholders. It did not enter into the imagination of the former that the freeholders would ever vote against them ; and during a very long period it as little entered into the conception of the freeholders that they could vote against the landlords ; *' and political gratitude was never so unpleasantly exemplified as in the fact that the candidates who were returned by their votes acquiesced, in 1829, in the proposal to deprive them of their franchise."
In 1830 an attack was made on the Conservative seats. Cooper was proposed by Charles K. O'llara, seconded by John

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 20

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Sligo town, you are in a county where the electorate was drastically cut in 1829. The forty-shilling freeholders, who could vote under both terminable leases and leases in perpetuity, were disfranchised that year. Landlords had long relied on them, never imagining the freeholders would vote against them, and the freeholders themselves had never imagined they could vote against the landlords. The candidates those freeholders had returned then acquiesced in the proposal to strip them of their franchise. The source calls it a case where political gratitude was never so unpleasantly exemplified.

Disturbed state of Tireragh barony, 1806

Tireragh · barony · Sligo · 1806

Owing to the disturbed state of County Sligo in 1806, particularly in the barony of Tireragh, the burning of crops and stack-yards was an almost nightly occurrence. Four additional constables were appointed to each barony, bringing the total to 65.

Read the passage

At the close of the last and commencement of the present century law and order were enforced in the county by a "chief constable " in every barony, who had under him eight " subconstables " (Corran and Coolavin were, however, reckoned for this purpose as one district), or a total of 45 men. In the year 1806, owing to the disturbed state of the county, particularly in the barony of Tireragh, where the burning of crops and stackyards was an almost nightly occurrence, four additional constables were appointed to each barony or district, making a total of 65. Most of these received pensions on the creation of the present police.
In 1888 the police force in the county consisted of a county inspector, 4 district inspectors, 5 head constables, and 252 sergeants and constables — a total of 263 ; this establishment is at the ratio of 23 per 10,000 of the population, which is about the average number, for Limerick heads the list at 39 per 10,000 inhabitants, Londonderry and Antrim having but 10 and 11, respectively. The succession of county inspectors, as far as can be ascertained, was as follows : — Captain Tracy ; Captain Lawson ; J. Stoker ; T. M'Mahon ; A. S. Waters ; M. Bloxham ; T. Koss ; H. A. Allen.

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 90

Dr. William Urwick averts duels in Sligo

Sligo · town · Sligo

Dr. William Urwick, Congregational Minister in Sligo, earned a reputation for successfully preventing duels on several occasions. One notable case involved a Peninsular War veteran living near Sligo town who had been challenged despite having given no offence.

Read the passage

The local and the Dublin papers of the time were full of duelling intelligence. Dr. William Urwick, Congregational Minister in Sligo, had the reputation of having on several occasions succeeded in averting these " affairs of honour." One well-known case was that of a field-officer who resided close to the town of Sligo. He had been through the Peninsular campaign and had fought bravely at the storming of Badajoz. A challenge was sent to him, although he had neither done, nor intended, anything offensive to his adversary. Dr. Urwick found him seated at dinner with the " friends " who were to be his " seconds," and neither his wife nor children knew aught of what was about to occur, although next morning he might be brought home to them a corpse. After dinner Dr. Urwick introduced the subject

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 159

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Sligo, this is the town where Dr. William Urwick, a Congregational minister, earned a reputation for stopping duels. The papers of the time were full of duelling intelligence, and Urwick succeeded on several occasions in averting what were called "affairs of honour." One well-known case involved a field-officer who lived close to the town. He had fought bravely at the storming of Badajoz in the Peninsular campaign. A challenge was sent to him, though he had neither done nor intended anything offensive to his adversary. Urwick found him seated at dinner with the "friends" who were to be his "seconds." His wife and children knew nothing of what was about to occur, though next morning he might have been brought home to them a corpse. After dinner, Urwick introduced the subject.

Dyers' shopfronts enlivened Sligo streets

Sligo · town · Sligo

Sligo town had a number of dyers who advertised by suspending freshly dyed cloth pieces before their doors, and the various colours displayed enlivened the appearance of the streets. Cottagers made frieze, drugget, and flannel, while housewives dyed their own woven cloth with madder and alum.

Read the passage

rope makers ; there had been a small trade in rush-lights, Carigeen moss, and flax-seed. Some of the female portion of the population found occupation in embroidering, and sewing muslin and light cottons. Frieze, drugget, and flannel were made by the cottagers, and the housewives generally dyed, with madder and alum, the cloth woven by themselves ; but there were a number of dyers in the town who, by way of advertisement, were in the habit of suspending before their doors the pieces coming out of their hands ; and the various colours thus displayed enlivened the appearance of the streets.
Many curious and antique gold ornaments have been found from time to time in the county. Along with a penannular ornament (acquired by the Royal Irish Academy), were discovered a quantity of small ring chains. A golden-cupped fibula (fig. 42) was found in a bog near the town in 1874 ; it was quite perfect, and was purchased by the Royal Irish Academy for £21 12s. Remains of this class have long been a puzzle to the antiquary. There seem to be but scanty grounds for styling them " fibulse ; " they are found of sizes varying from a mere shirt stud to that of a door-handle — sometimes even larger. Portion of a strange penannular object was found in a cutting when the Collooney and Enniskillen Railway line was in course of construction ; it was in a stratum of peat, resting on gravel, and at a depth of about six feet from the surface ; the relic consists of a hard earthen core, covered with a thin plate of gold, upon which is displayed a variety of dots and scorings of very archaic character. Articles of the so-called " fibulae " character, and probably contemporary with the fragment in question, have not unfrequently been found to contain a core of earth or copper. This curious waif of time coming into the possession of Robert Duke, d. l., of Newpark,

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 124

As the companion tells it

As you come through Sligo, the town once had a lively trade in dyed cloth. Cottagers made frieze, drugget, and flannel, and housewives generally dyed their own woven cloth with madder and alum. But there were also a number of professional dyers in the town, and they had a striking way of advertising. They would suspend before their doors the freshly dyed pieces coming out of their hands, and the various colours thus displayed enlivened the appearance of the streets.

Execution for Ash-lane murder

Ash Lane · street · Sligo · 1875

The latest execution in Sligo occurred on March 20, 1875, for the brutal murder and robbery of an old man at Ash-lane, Sligo. This followed the last public execution which had taken place in 1861.

Read the passage

The last imhlic execution took place in 1861 ; the offence was murder of the most brutal description, and the object of the murder was robbery. The latest execution occurred on the 20th March, 1875, for the murder of an old man at Ash-lane, Sligo. Eobbery was the object of the murder.
In 1878 the management of the prison Avas transferred from the Grand Jury of the County to Grovernment. In the following year gas was introduced into the prison, the cells were heated by hot-water pipes, and sanitary arrangements were improved, all at a cost of £700, whilst in 1885 the prison was enlarged (by prison labour) at a cost of £500. Useless work was no longer enforced — all labour beiug now reproductive.

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 76

As the companion tells it

Along here at Ash Lane in Sligo, a murder took place that led to the latest execution in the town, on the 20th of March, 1875. An old man was killed here, and robbery was the object of the murder. The previous execution in Sligo had been in 1861, also for a brutal murder where robbery was the motive.

First steam-packet departs Sligo quay 1831

Sligo · town · Sligo · 1831

On 31 October 1831, the first steam-packet left the quay of Sligo, a 300-ton, 100-horsepower vessel belonging to the Glasgow and Liverpool Steam Shipping Company. The quays and both sides of the river were lined with a dense crowd who cheered as the vessel moved from her berth.

Read the passage

Before the general introduction of steam, and even long afterwards, a regular trade was carried on by means of small fast-sailing schooners of from 80 to 100 tons ; but it was not until the 31st October, 1831, that the first steam-packet left the quay of Sligo. This was a novel sight ; the quays and both sides of the river were lined by a dense crowd, who cheered in an enthusiastic manner as the vessel commenced to move from her berth, for numbers of those in the crowd had never before seen a steamer. This boat was of 300 tons burden, and 100 horse-power, and belonged to the Glasgow and Liverpool Steam Shipping Company. From 1840 to 1856 Messrs. Middleton & Pollexfen ran sailing: vessels

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 107

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Sligo, the town's quay was where a new age arrived on the 31st of October 1831. Until then, trade here ran on small fast-sailing schooners of 80 to 100 tons, but that day the first steam-packet left the quay, a 300-ton, 100-horsepower vessel belonging to the Glasgow and Liverpool Steam Shipping Company. It was a novel sight, the quays and both sides of the river lined with a dense crowd, cheering as the vessel began to move from her berth, for numbers of those in the crowd had never before seen a steamer.

Food scarcity and price crisis in Sligo, 1830–31

Sligo · town · Sligo · 1830–1831

From early 1830, scarcity forced peasants to travel up to twenty miles to buy a stone of meal in Sligo town. Potatoes rose to nearly 3s. per peck, oatmeal to 20s. per cwt., coals to 22s. a ton, and potatoes had to be imported into Sligo by May 1831.

Read the passage

A scarcity of provisions in Sligo became very apparent at the commencement of the year 1830, and the peasantry were compelled to travel from remote quarters of the country, ten, fifteen, or twenty miles, in order to purchase a stone of meal in the town ; there was, in short, a recurrence of a period of scarcity almost as great as in the year 1822. The price of potatoes rose to nearly 3s. a peck of 4 stone ; oatmeal stood at 20.s. per ewt. ; fuel of every description attained an unprecedented high price ; coals rose to 22s. a ton, and in May, 1831, potatoes had to be imported into Sligo.
In the autumn of that year quarantine regulations were enforced in the port against ships from foreign parts, and alarmed by the accounts of the slow but sure advance of the Asiatic cholera, the vestry of St. John's, on the 22nd November, voted the sum of £200 to be expended for sanitary purposes, and officers of health were appointed. Sligo was indeed ripe for an attack of the epidemic. There were but a few short sewers in the town, and they all discharged into the river, the water of which was used by the inhabitants for drinking and culinary

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 35

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Sligo, this was a town hit hard by hunger in 1830. Scarcity became apparent at the start of that year, and peasants were compelled to travel 10, 15, or 20 miles from remote quarters just to buy a stone of meal in the town. It was almost as bad as the scarcity of 1822. Potatoes rose to nearly 3 shillings a peck of 4 stone, oatmeal stood at 20 shillings per hundredweight, and coals climbed to 22 shillings a ton. By May 1831, potatoes had to be imported. That autumn, quarantine regulations were enforced at the port against ships from foreign parts. People were alarmed by accounts of the slow but sure advance of Asiatic cholera. On the 22nd of November, the vestry of St. John's voted 200 pounds for sanitary purposes, and officers of health were appointed. The town was ripe for an epidemic. There were only a few short sewers, all discharging into the river, and the inhabitants used that same water for drinking and cooking.

Inishmurray islanders had no priest, physician, or lawyer

Inishmurray · townland · Sligo · 1700–1799

In the eighteenth century, Beranger visited the island of Inishmurray and found the learned professions absent. His guide, the only English-speaking native, reported the inhabitants were religious, healthy, and lived without quarrels.

Read the passage

HE Irish seem always to have been a sporting race. A MS. which recounts the fantastical voyage of an ancient Milesian thus depicts the hero : " He was high-spirited and generous, and he loved all sorts of manly exercises. In ball-playing, in running and leaping, in throwing the stone, in chessplaying, and in horse-racing, he surpassed all the youths that came to the King's palace, and won the palm in every contest." When Beranger visited the island of Inismurray in the eighteenth century, he found the learned professions at a discount ; his guide, the only native who could speak English, informed him " very gravely, that they had neither priest, physician, nor lawyer amongst them, and that they were religious, healthy, and lived in peace, without quarrels."
A writer, describing the state of society at the close of the last century, says that although hard cash was scant, and no bank-notes were in use, yet food of all kinds was plentiful, and little inconvenience was experienced from the want of a circulating medium. In the country all the gentry were resident, and there was constant employment. The same writer divides the gentry into three classes : " the half-mounted gentlemen," or well-to-do yeomen ; " gentlemen, every inch of them," i. e. men of good family, but in poor circumstances ; and " gentlemen to the backbone," i. e. men of family and having good means.

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 195

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

The stories, best first

British retreat from Sligo to Ballyshannon

Brunswick Club established in Sligo

Burning of Willowbrook haggard near Sligo

Cholera epidemic of 1832 kills Bolton newspaper family in Sligo

Clerical influence in 1868 Sligo election

Collooney escapes cholera in 1832 and 1849

Coney Island healing boulder with step-like ledges

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

Fever increasing in Sligo amid overcrowded hovels

Floods and potato failure in Sligo, autumn 1879

Folliott Barton's barytes workings at Gleniff cliff

French officers' disillusionment reported at Collooney

Inishmurray early Celtic cross-markings

Irish funereal lamentation heard near Sligo, 1807

James II brass money circulating in Sligo

Major volunteer review near Sligo, 1781

Massive woodcock shoots at Lissadell

O'Connell holds mass meeting in Sligo, 1843

Public punishment stocks and pillory in Sligo

Relief crisis and premature potato harvesting in Sligo

Sale of the manor of Ballymote, negotiated at Annaghmore

Skull of a notable buried at Kilronan church

Sligo distillery built 1810–1820, closed 1845

Sligo, Leitrim and Northern Counties Railway opened 1882

Sligo town beadle and scavenger appointed 1711

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

Sunday drinking and scolteen near Sligo lake, 1834

The 'model election' of Sligo Borough, May 1859

'Threshing system' forces anti-tithe oath on peasantry

Vessels plying Lough Gill between Sligo and Dromahair

Wesley's first visit to Sligo, May 1758

Widow Tuohy's Field designated as Sligo cemetery

Yeomanry corps raised across County Sligo

Charter School built near Lough Gill, 1752

Dancing and social customs in County Sligo (1810)

Cholera, famine and sewer construction in Sligo town

Early brewery at Farm Hill, Sligo

Masonic dispute over Sligo Journal publication

Seasonal migration and begging in County Sligo

Working-class distress in Sligo, winter 1860

1850 white-thorn hedge trial on the Commons

1852 Liberals contest Sligo and carry one seat

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

1880 Liberals capture both Sligo seats from Conservatives

Arigna iron works established 1788, abandoned 1808

Ballysadare River created a several fishery by Act of Parliament

Barrington's Hotel on the Lough Gill Brewery site, Sligo

Carolan's failed planxty and prophetic prediction for Miss Brett

Cholera death toll estimates for Sligo town, 1832

Cholera epidemic hits Sligo hospital, 1849

'Circuit Road' from Collooney to Castlebar

Collooney mill converted to woollen factory

Disfranchisement of forty-shilling freeholders in Sligo

Disturbed state of Tireragh barony, 1806

Dr. William Urwick averts duels in Sligo

Dyers' shopfronts enlivened Sligo streets

Execution for Ash-lane murder

First steam-packet departs Sligo quay 1831

Food scarcity and price crisis in Sligo, 1830–31

Inishmurray islanders had no priest, physician, or lawyer