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

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

1. Protestant Hall established in Stephen Street, Sligo, c.1884

   Sligo · town · Sligo · 1884–1885

   Around 1884 the Primitive Methodists offered their meeting house in Stephen Street, Sligo for sale. It was purchased by a few gentlemen, fitted up, and styled 'The Sligo Protestant Hall,' offering rooms to the YMCA at lower rent than the Town Hall.

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   The Sligo United Young Men's Christian Association was formed in 1868, principally through the exertions of the Rev. John Dowden, who was then incumbent of Calry parish. In the beginning, the Association held its meetings in a small room near the "Victoria Bridge," but its progress being very rapid larger accommodation had to be procured, and on May 5th, 1880, an apartment in the Town Hall was hired. About 1884, the Primitive Methodists offered for sale their meeting house in Stephen-street ; it was purchased by a few gentlemen, was fitted up, and styled " The Sligo Protestant Hall." Rooms for their accommodation were then offered to the S. U. Y. M. C. A., at a much lower rent than those occupied by them in the Town Hall. In March, 1885, a branch of the Association transferred their property from the Town Hall to the Protestant Hall. At present there are about 150 members ; the reading-room is well supplied with periodicals, and the leading daily and weekly newspapers ; the library contains nearly 500 volumes. The dissentients to the removal of the Association from the Town Hall started a new society styled "The Sligo Young Men's Christian Association." In 1889 they entertained the idea of holding an Exhibition in the town ; the authorities of the Science and Art Department, South Kensington, consented to send a selection of exhibits, and from that time forward the Exhibition advanced considerably beyond the proportions originally contemplated. Promises of loans from local sources poured in, and the greater part of the Town Hall, where the Exhibition was to be held, was beautifully decorated. The opening day was fixed for April 8th ; the Exhibition remained open for eight days, and during that time nearly 6000 people passed through the doors.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 72

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Sligo, you are near Stephen Street, where a meeting house became the Sligo Protestant Hall around 1884. The Primitive Methodists put their meeting house up for sale, and a few gentlemen bought it, fitted it out, and gave it that name. The Sligo United Young Men's Christian Association had been formed in 1868, largely through the efforts of the Reverend John Dowden, then incumbent of Calry parish. The Association began in a small room near Victoria Bridge, grew quickly, and hired an apartment in the Town Hall on May 5th, 1880. When the Protestant Hall opened, rooms were offered to the Association at a much lower rent than the Town Hall, and in March 1885 a branch transferred its property there. By then the Association had about 150 members, a reading room stocked with periodicals and the leading daily and weekly newspapers, and a library of nearly 500 volumes. Those who disagreed with the move from the Town Hall started a separate society called the Sligo Young Men's Christian Association. In 1889 that group planned an Exhibition in the town, and the Science and Art Department at South Kensington agreed to send a selection of exhibits. The project grew well beyond what was first imagined, with promises of loans pouring in from local sources and the greater part of the Town Hall beautifully decorated. The opening was fixed for April 8th, the Exhibition stayed open eight days, and nearly 6000 people passed through the doors.

2. Protestant Orphan Society formation

   Calry · parish · Sligo · 1832–1839

   The Protestant Orphan Society, originating from the Cholera Orphan Society of 1832, was formed in 1839 mainly through the influence of Rev. William Armstrong, incumbent of Calry, to support orphans of deceased Protestants in the county.

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   The Protestant Orphan Society — which may be viewed as but a continuation of the Cholera Orphan Society of 1832 — owes its origin to the " Friendly Brothers' Club," which used to meet in Sligo on March 17th in each year, and to make a collection from the members then present in aid of some charitable object. In the year 1837 — mainly through the influence of the Eev. William Armstrong, incumbent of Calry — it was considered that no better application of their annual collection could be made than devoting it to the support of the orphans of deceased Protestants, who had lived and died in their own county, leaving no adequate provision for their widows and children. Accordingly, in 1839, the society was formed, about the time that the " Dublin Protestant Orphan Society " also came into existence. A committee was named : —

   The Bishop of Elphin, Patron; Lord Lorton, President; 0. Wynne, E. J. Cooper, Colonel A. Perceval, Sir E. Gore-Booth, Bt. ; Colonel Knox-Gore, Colonel J. Irwin, Hon. C. Wingfield and Major O'Hara, Vice-Presidents.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 79

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through the parish of Calry, you are travelling ground connected to the founding of the Protestant Orphan Society. The society grew out of the Cholera Orphan Society of 1832, and owed its origin to the Friendly Brothers' Club, which met in Sligo each year on March 17th and took up a collection from the members present for some charitable object. In 1837, mainly through the influence of the Rev. William Armstrong, incumbent of Calry, the club decided that no better use could be made of their annual collection than devoting it to the support of orphans of deceased Protestants who had lived and died in their own county, leaving no adequate provision for their widows and children. The society was formally established in 1839, around the same time the Dublin Protestant Orphan Society also came into existence. Its committee carried some of the most prominent names in the county. The Bishop of Elphin served as Patron. Lord Lorton was President. The Vice-Presidents included O. Wynne, E. J. Cooper, Colonel A. Perceval, Sir R. Gore-Booth, Colonel Knox-Gore, Colonel J. Irwin, the Hon. C. Wingfield, and Major O'Hara.

3. Puritan minister preached at St. John's Church, Sligo, silenced 1660

   Sligo · town · Sligo · 1660

   During the Commonwealth a Puritan or Independent minister resided in Sligo and preached in St. John's Church, but was silenced upon the Restoration in 1660. The Independent sect then remained without visible existence until the 1770s.

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   The Congkegational or Independent Church is mentioned during the time of the Commonwealth, when it is alleged that a Puritan or Independent Minister resided for some years in Sligo, and preached in St. John's Church, but was " silenced upon the Restoration in 1660." His following must have either dispersed or been merged in the Irish Church, for the sect remained without visible existence till the year 1773 or 1780, when Andrew Maiben (a Scotch merchant engaged in the linen trade) settled in Sligo, and commenced a regular " Sabbath-day" service. Maiben was a Presbyterian, but on account of the then minister of his denomination holding and preaching doctrines of which he did not approve, he (Maiben) commenced a daily prayer meeting. Through this means a young man named Albert Blest was converted, and became an earnest supporter of and worker with Mr. Maiben, and these two alternately addressed the meeting. Thus was commenced the Independent Congregation in Sligo, although neither of its founders held the views which are generally associated with the name Independent.

   L

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 70

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Sligo, you're in a town with a religious history going back centuries. During the Commonwealth period, a Puritan or Independent minister lived here and preached at St. John's Church. He was silenced upon the Restoration in 1660. His followers must have dispersed or merged into the Irish Church, because the Independent sect remained without visible existence until the 1770s. It was revived by Andrew Maiben, a Scottish linen merchant who settled in Sligo around 1773 or 1780. Maiben was a Presbyterian, but he disagreed with doctrines held by the minister of his own denomination, so he started a daily prayer meeting instead. Through that meeting a young man named Albert Blest was converted and became an earnest worker alongside Maiben. The two alternately addressed the gathering, and that was the beginning of the Independent Congregation in Sligo, though neither founder held the views generally associated with the name Independent.

4. Sligo Borough Improvement Act finally passed, 1869

   Sligo · town · Sligo · 1869

   After being five times before the House, the Sligo Borough Improvement Bill was finally passed in 1869 with taxed costs of £4,750. The Act dissolved the Town and Harbour Commissioners, vested Town Commissioner powers in the Corporation, and created a new body of Harbour Commissioners.

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   After having been five times before the House, the Bill was finally passed in 1869 ; the taxed costs of the measure were enormous, £4750. The Corporation had to pay two-thirds, and the Harbour Commissioners one-third of the expenses of promoting the Bill.

   Some of the more important changes brought about by this Act may be briefly noticed. The body constituted under the Town and Harbour Act of 1803, and known as the Town and Harbour Commissioners, was dissolved ; the powers of the Town Commissioners were vested in the Corporation, and a new body of Harbour Commissioners, having power to deal with the Port and Harbour, was incorporated. The Corporation obtained power to construct waterworks and supply water ; also to acquire by purchase the gasworks and to supply gas.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 53

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Sligo, you're in a town reshaped by a hard-won Act of 1869. The Sligo Borough Improvement Bill went before the House five times before it finally passed, with taxed costs of £4,750. The Corporation paid two-thirds and the Harbour Commissioners paid one-third. The Act dissolved the Town and Harbour Commissioners, a body created under the 1803 Act. Town Commissioner powers were vested in the Corporation, and a new body of Harbour Commissioners was incorporated to deal with the port and harbour. The Corporation also gained power to construct waterworks and supply water, and to acquire the gasworks and supply gas.

5. Sligo butter market inquiry recommends reforms, 1884

   Sligo · town · Sligo · 1884

   A memorial presented to the Sligo Corporation in 1884 about butter-market conduct led to a committee of inquiry. It recommended using smaller firkins in winter and abolishing the deduction of weight from every firkin.

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   A memorial having been presented in the year 1884 to the Sligo Corporation in regard to the manner in whicli the buttermarket was conducted, a committee of inquiry was appointed by that body. In their report it was recommended that during the winter months a kit or small firkin should be used instead of the large one then so general, justly observing " that the sooner butter can be sold, the better the quality will be : this being specially the case with reference to butter made during the winter months, when cattle are housed." The committee also recommended the abolition of the custom of deducting lib. from the weight of every firkin of butter.

   At the commencement of this century the export of butter from the port was very considerable, amounting in 1800 to upwards of £200,000. 150,000 casks of butter left the quay in 1832-1833, but this fell in 1838 to 50,000 ; and according to evidence given before a Committee of the House of Commons,

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 119

   As the companion tells it

   Sligo was a butter town. In 1884 a memorial was presented to the Sligo Corporation about how the butter market was conducted, and the Corporation appointed a committee of inquiry. The committee recommended that during the winter months a kit or small firkin should be used instead of the large one then so general. They observed, in their report, that the sooner butter can be sold, the better the quality will be, and that this was specially the case with butter made during the winter months, when cattle are housed. The committee also recommended abolishing the custom of deducting one pound from the weight of every firkin of butter. The trade had once been vast. The export of butter from the port amounted in 1800 to upwards of 200,000 pounds. 150,000 casks of butter left the quay in 1832 and 1833, but this fell in 1838 to 50,000.

6. Sligo Cathedral consecration and description

   Sligo · town · Sligo · 1874–1877

   The Roman Catholic Cathedral in Sligo was consecrated on 25 July 1874 in the presence of Cardinal Cullen and numerous bishops. The building, in a combination of Norman and Byzantine style, measures 227 feet long and 115 feet across the transept, and cost upwards of £50,000.

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   The Cathedral (fig. 25) was erected by the Roman Catholics of Sligo, who had long felt that a large building for purposes of public worship was a desideratum. On Sunday, 25th July, 1874, it was consecrated in presence of Cardinal CuUen and most of the Roman Catholic Bishops of Ireland, as also some from England and America, together with n, number of clergy of lower degree.

   The chief entrance door is under the tower, and on each side of the tower of the Cathedral are two turrets, througli which run circular stone staircases. By this means entrance can be obtained to the galleries. These galleries are within the arches, and open on the nave in a series of half circles, producing a very good effect. The style of the building is a kind of combination of the Norman and Byzantine. The tower rises in the front-centre of the main gable. The principal entrance is within a noble arch, from which the tower rises, and it is surmounted by a series of alto-relievo figures in carved stone. The extreme length of the sacred edifice is 227 feet ; the width across the transept is 115 feet ; the nave is 33 feet wide, and the aisles 17 feet each. The height of the ceiling from the rich encaustic tile pavement is 62 feet. The aisles are divided from the nave by bays of bold arches sustained on finely-chiselled columns of black limestone, as also are the transepts and sidechapels. The galleries — or to give them their architectural term, the triforium — extend over each aisle, and 18 pillars on each side run up from ground floor to roof, those pillars dividing the nave from the aisle.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 64

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Sligo, the Roman Catholic Cathedral stands as the result of a community that had long felt the need for a large building for public worship. It was consecrated on Sunday, 25 July 1874, in the presence of Cardinal Cullen and most of the Roman Catholic bishops of Ireland, along with some from England and America, together with a number of clergy of lower degree. The style of the building is a combination of Norman and Byzantine. The tower rises in the front centre of the main gable, and the chief entrance door sits beneath it. On each side of the tower are two turrets, through which circular stone staircases run, giving access to the galleries. These galleries are within the arches and open on the nave in a series of half circles. The principal entrance is within a noble arch, from which the tower rises, and it is surmounted by a series of alto-relievo figures in carved stone. The extreme length of the building is 227 feet, and the width across the transept is 115 feet. The nave is 33 feet wide and the aisles 17 feet each. The height of the ceiling from the rich encaustic tile pavement is 62 feet. The aisles are divided from the nave by bays of bold arches sustained on finely chiselled columns of black limestone, as are the transepts and side chapels. The galleries, or to give them their architectural term, the triforium, extend over each aisle, and 18 pillars on each side run up from the ground floor to the roof, dividing the nave from the aisle.

7. Sligo Corporation purchases markets and fair-green from Wynne, 1881

   Sligo · town · Sligo · 1881

   In 1881 the Town Council resolved to purchase Mr. Wynne's interest in the corn and butter markets, tolls, customs, rent, and fair-green. A deputation then visited Ulster towns to study market management before implementing improvements.

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   In 1881 the Town Council resolved to purchase Mr. Wynne's interest in the corn and butter markets, tolls, customs, and rent, and all buildings in connexion with them, together with the fair-green and tlie pig-market, &c. When the Corporation liad complete control of the markets, &c., they set to work energetically in the way of improvement. A deputation, including the Borough Engineer (Mr. Cochrane) of the Town Council, visited various towns in Ulster, i.e. Strabane, Derry, Coleraine, Armagh, and Newry, to inspect the management, after which they made a report which was in many respects valuable for the afterregulation of the market. The concluding paragraph may be given : —

   " While on the subject we may remark that in no town visited did we observe the same abundant supply of street fountains as in Sligo, whilst the quality of the Kilsellagh water was quite equal, if not superior, to any we met with. "\Ve consider the management of the markets, and all other matters connected with the town of Newry, exceptionally good, leaving nothing to be desired, and are of opinion that the Sligo Corporation cannot do better than take it as their model and follow as nearly as possible on the same lines."

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 118

   As the companion tells it

   Sligo, in 1881, saw its Town Council resolve to purchase Mr. Wynne's interest in the corn and butter markets, the tolls, the customs, the rent, and all the buildings connected with them, together with the fair-green and the pig-market. Once the Corporation had complete control of the markets, they set to work energetically in the way of improvement. A deputation of the Town Council, including the Borough Engineer, Mr. Cochrane, visited various towns in Ulster to inspect the management of markets there. They went to Strabane, Derry, Coleraine, Armagh, and Newry, and afterwards made a report that was in many respects valuable for the after-regulation of the market. In that report they remarked that in no town visited did they observe the same abundant supply of street fountains as in Sligo, whilst the quality of the Kilsellagh water was quite equal, if not superior, to any they met with. They considered the management of the markets and all other matters connected with the town of Newry exceptionally good, leaving nothing to be desired, and were of opinion that the Sligo Corporation could not do better than take it as their model.

8. Sligo Harbour improvements and proposed deepening, 1844–1890s

   Sligo · town · Sligo · 1844–1890

   In 1844, nearly £1000 was raised—mostly within County Sligo—to improve the harbour, following Mr. St. Leger's survey and suggestions. By the late 1880s, further deepening from the Blennick to the deep-water berths was contemplated at an estimated cost of £13,000 to allow large vessels to discharge at the quays.

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   Commencing at Cartrou Point, tiie old channel was variable in depth, and circuitous, being deflected from the north by the *' Corrigen Shoal ; " the other parts of the channel were subject to constant changes. The Lower Bank, Middle Flat, and Southern Channel had materially altered between the date of the Survey made by Mr. Nimmo in 1822, and that by Mr. St. Leger in 1844, so that where there had been a depth of five feet at low springs, there was in 1844 a bank nearly three feet high, and the configuration of the banks had also considerably changed. In the year 1844, nearly £1000 was given by various gentlemen to improve the harbour ; of this sum, nearly £800 was subscribed within the county. Mr. St. Leger's suggestions were adopted with some modifications, and resulted in the excavation of the present channel, which it is now in contemplation to deepen from the Blennick to the deep-water berths, owing to the urgent necessity of enabling large foreign steamers and sailing vessels to discharge at the quays instead of at Eosses Point. The estimated cost of the work is about £13,000, but the expenditure might be undertaken with financial safety, for the trade of the port is steadily increasing. The augmentation in revenue from the year 1864 to 1889 has amounted to about 60 per cent., and during the last three years there has been a surplus revenue —after providing for all ordinary expenditure — of upwards of £1000 per annum.' To meet this large outlay, it is proposed to increase the dues upon vessels from foreign parts, and for this there is ample margin, as Sligo is one of the cheapest ports in the United Kingdom, so far as tonnage dues are concerned ; consequently tliere seems very little doubt that before long steamers and ships will

   ' For a table of the trade of the port, &c., see Appendi-x. H. Q2

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 114

   As the companion tells it

   Coming up now is Sligo town, and the story here is about its harbour and the long effort to make it fit for larger ships. The old channel began at Cartrou Point and was variable in depth, winding and circuitous, pushed off course by the Corrigen Shoal. The Lower Bank, Middle Flat, and Southern Channel all shifted between Mr. Nimmo's survey of 1822 and Mr. St. Leger's survey of 1844. Where there had been 5 feet of water at low springs, there was by 1844 a bank nearly 3 feet high. In 1844, nearly £1000 was given by various gentlemen to improve the harbour, and nearly £800 of that came from within the county. St. Leger's suggestions were adopted with some modifications, and the result was the excavation of the present channel. Now there is contemplation of deepening that channel from the Blennick to the deep-water berths, at an estimated cost of about £13,000. The purpose is to let large foreign steamers and sailing vessels discharge at the quays instead of at Rosses Point. The trade of the port makes the spending seem safe. Revenue rose about 60 per cent between 1864 and 1889. In the last three years there has been a surplus, after all ordinary expenditure, of over £1000 a year. To fund the work, it is proposed to raise dues on vessels from foreign parts. There is room for that, for Sligo is one of the cheapest ports in the United Kingdom so far as tonnage dues go.

9. Sligo Provost's power to appoint a deputy

   Sligo · town · Sligo · 1715

   In 1715, William Ormsby, the Provost of Sligo, was returned as a Knight of the Shire. He exercised his power to appoint a deputy, nominating John Booth to act for him, allowing Booth to receive the rents, fines, and quarterages due to the Provost as compensation.

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   A Provost had power to absent himself from his bailiwick, appointing, however, a deputy, who should, of course, be a freeman and burgess. An example occurred, in 1715, when William Ormsby, Provost, was returned as a Knight of the Shire. He thereupon nominated John Booth to act for him as deputy, in consideration of which he allowed him " to receive for his pains and trouble therein all rents due and payable to the Provost of the Corporation, and also all fines, quarterages,

   Soden, Deputy Provost; 1785-1818, Thomas Soden; in the latter year Rev. William Chambers Armstrong, vice Soden, deceased; 1819, "William Faussett; 1820, Rev. W. C. Armstrong ; 1821, William Faussett ; 1822, Rev. W. C. Armstrong, whilst Wm. Faussett and J. Ormsby were alternately appointed until 1842, the latter being the last Provost of Sligo.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 49

   As the companion tells it

   Coming through Sligo now. Back in 1715, the Provost here, William Ormsby, was returned as a Knight of the Shire. A Provost had the power to appoint a deputy to act in his absence, and Ormsby nominated John Booth for the role. As compensation for his trouble, Booth was allowed, in the source's words, to receive all rents due and payable to the Provost of the Corporation, and also all fines and quarterages.

10. The Commons — 20 acres of Corporation land in Sligo

    Sligo · town · Sligo

    Until 1842 the only Corporation property was about 20 acres called 'The Commons' and a plot formerly used as a cattle pound. Revenue from these lands did not exceed £100 per annum and was applied by the Patron to payment of the Provost.

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    Until 1842, tlie only property belonging to the Corporation was about 20 acres of land, called " The Commons," together with a plot of ground, formerly used as a pound for cattle, but now built upon ; and the revenue of these lands, which did not amount to £100 per annum, was applied by the Patron of the borough to the payment of the Provost. Commonages near towns and villages were by no means unusual, and the Irish name, pronounced cutteen, by which they were designated, has (according to Dr. Joyce) bequeathed its name to Ardcotten — the hill of the commonage — near the village of Ballysadare, and in its plural form to Cutteanta, in the parish of Dromard.

    In olden times " The Commons " appear to have been set to a member of the Corporation, generally on a lease of 41 years ; in 1744, when the Messrs. De Butt were pressed for their rent, they pleaded, as a set-off, a sum of £60 which was to have been paid to them, in the year 1719, in three equal instalments, and numerous instances occur in which the land was set to members of the Corporation ; in later times it appears to have been disposed of by public cant; in 1855 the Town Council resolved to procure the outside value for the lands, and The Sliijo C//anipion newspaper of tliat year thus comments on the subject : —

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 48

    As the companion tells it

    Sligo town holds an old piece of ground called The Commons. Until 1842, about 20 acres of land under that name, together with a plot formerly used as a pound for cattle but now built upon, were the only property belonging to the Corporation. The revenue from these lands did not amount to £100 per annum, and it was applied by the Patron of the borough to the payment of the Provost. Commonages near towns and villages were by no means unusual. The Irish name for them, pronounced cutteen, has bequeathed its name to Ardcotten, the hill of the commonage, near the village of Ballysadare, and in its plural form to Cutteanta, in the parish of Dromard. In olden times The Commons appear to have been set to a member of the Corporation, generally on a lease of 41 years. In 1744, when the Messrs. De Butt were pressed for their rent, they pleaded as a set-off a sum of £60 which was to have been paid to them in the year 1719 in three equal instalments. Numerous instances occur in which the land was set to members of the Corporation. In later times it appears to have been disposed of by public cant. In 1855 the Town Council resolved to procure the outside value for the lands.

11. Toll charges on goods entering Sligo borough

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1833

    According to evidence before the Commission in 1833, everything brought into Sligo for sale paid toll, even cabbage plants, gooseberries, nails, hats, and brooms. At the election hustings, electors were reminded of the burdensome tolls.

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    ^According to the evidence given before the Commission in 1833, everything brought in for sale paid toll, even to cabbage plants, gooseberries, nails, hats, and brogues.

    2 History, it is said, repeats itself ; for the present representatives of the County are strangers to the locality, have no personal interest therein, and but for the facilities of railway travelling would be equally ignorant whether Sligo should rank as a mere fishing-village or a thriving commercial town.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 25

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Sligo now. In 1833, evidence before the Commission showed that everything brought into the town for sale paid toll, even cabbage plants, gooseberries, nails, hats, and brogues.

12. 1711 Sligo Corporation market regulations

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1711

    In 1711, the Sligo Corporation passed its earliest resolution to regulate markets and standardize the sale of turf, hay, and straw. They ordered the provision of turf-barrels containing sixty-four gallons, Winchester measure, according to ancient custom.

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    ^'^ Borough of Sligo, the 17th of April, 1711. — We, the Provost and Free Burgesses of the aforesaid Borough, being assembled and met together in Common Council, do appoint and order that for the certainty, justice, honesty, and benefit of all and every of Her Majesty's subjects, as well residing in the Borough, as all other Her Majesty's subjects, frequenting the markets of the said Borough, that shall have occasion to buy or sell any turf, bay, or straw, that two turf -barrels shall be made and provided, at or before the 24th of June next after this date hereof, at the cost and expense of the inhabitants of the said Borough, each barrel to contain sixty -four gallons, Winchester-measure, according to the ancient custom of the said Borough. And that every slide-car load of straw, brought to be sold in the said Borough, shall weigh two hun-

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 117

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, this town has an old market story from 1711. On the 17th of April that year, the Provost and Free Burgesses of the borough gathered in common council and passed their earliest resolution to bring order to the markets here. They acted, as they put it, for the certainty, justice, honesty, and benefit of Her Majesty's subjects. They ordered that two turf-barrels be made and provided at the cost of the inhabitants, each one to contain 64 gallons, Winchester measure, according to the ancient custom of the borough. The barrels had to be ready by the 24th of June. They also ruled that every slide-car load of straw brought to sell in the borough should weigh two hundred.

13. Ancient three-legged oak chair observed in Drumcliff by Petrie

    near Drumcliff · parish · Sligo · 1829

    The antiquary Petrie observed an ancient oak three-legged arm chair in the village of Drumcliff in 1829, an expansion of the primitive three-legged stool into an easy arm chair. The relic was later used as firing during a severe winter by its owner, who regarded it as useless.

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    The creepy, or three-legged stool, evidently the most primitive and ancient form of seat, still retains its appropriate place in the mud cabin. The accompanying illustration (fig. 48) represents an ancient oak chair, seen in the village of Drumcliff by the antiquary Petrie in the year 1829. It is an expansion of the three-legged stool into the easy arm chair, retaining the simplicity of the former together with much of the convenience of the latter ; it was steady and well adapted to its requirements. This relic of antiquity was afterwards used as firing during a severe winter, its owner regarding it as a useless and antiquated piece of furniture.

    Fig. 48.— Ancient Three-legged Arm Chair. Fig. 49.— Four-handled Madder.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 175

    As the companion tells it

    Around Drumcliff parish here in Sligo, the antiquary Petrie came across something worth noting in 1829. He saw an ancient oak three-legged arm chair in the village, essentially a primitive three-legged stool expanded into an easy chair, steady and well suited to its purpose. It kept the simplicity of the old stool while adding the comfort of armrests. Sadly, that was not enough to save it. During a severe winter its owner burned it for fuel, seeing it only as a useless and antiquated piece of furniture.

14. Andrew Maiben founds Independent congregation in Sligo, c.1773

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1773–1780

    Andrew Maiben, a Scottish linen merchant, settled in Sligo around 1773–1780 and commenced a regular Sabbath-day service after disagreeing with the local Presbyterian minister's doctrines. Together with convert Albert Blest, he began the Independent Congregation in Sligo.

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    The Congkegational or Independent Church is mentioned during the time of the Commonwealth, when it is alleged that a Puritan or Independent Minister resided for some years in Sligo, and preached in St. John's Church, but was " silenced upon the Restoration in 1660." His following must have either dispersed or been merged in the Irish Church, for the sect remained without visible existence till the year 1773 or 1780, when Andrew Maiben (a Scotch merchant engaged in the linen trade) settled in Sligo, and commenced a regular " Sabbath-day" service. Maiben was a Presbyterian, but on account of the then minister of his denomination holding and preaching doctrines of which he did not approve, he (Maiben) commenced a daily prayer meeting. Through this means a young man named Albert Blest was converted, and became an earnest supporter of and worker with Mr. Maiben, and these two alternately addressed the meeting. Thus was commenced the Independent Congregation in Sligo, although neither of its founders held the views which are generally associated with the name Independent.

    L

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 70

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, this is where Andrew Maiben, a Scottish linen merchant, settled around 1773 or 1780 and started the Independent Congregation. An Independent minister had preached in St. John's Church during the Commonwealth, but was silenced on the Restoration in 1660, and the sect vanished until Maiben arrived. He was a Presbyterian, but the local minister held doctrines he could not accept, so Maiben began a daily prayer meeting. Through that meeting a young man named Albert Blest was converted and became an earnest worker alongside Maiben. The two alternately addressed the gathering, and from that the Independent Congregation in Sligo began, though neither founder held the views generally associated with the name Independent.

15. Beggar's Benison stone at Ballysadare bridge

    Ballysadare · townland · Sligo · 1779

    Beranger, touring County Sligo circa 1779, recorded a stone on Ballysadare bridge where a beggar habitually sat and bestowed a blessing on those who gave alms. The blessing became a famous toast known as 'The Beggar's Benison,' giving rise to a social society offshoot in the county.

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    Beranger, when on his tour through the county Sligo, circa 1779, makes mention of a curious incident in these words : — " On the bridge (of Ballysadare) we were shown a stone on which a beggar used to sit constantly, who on receiving alms used to bestow on the giver a blessing which is become a famous toast under the name of ' The Beggar's Benison,' " being the expression of a wish that neither in person or purse should the individual fail. Thus it would seem that the

    408 HISTORY or SLIGO.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 206

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, on the bridge at Ballysadare, there used to be a stone where a beggar sat. When travellers gave him alms he would bless them, wishing that neither in person nor purse should they fail. Beranger recorded the custom on his tour through County Sligo in 1779, and the blessing became a famous toast known as The Beggar's Benison, later linked to a Scottish society.

16. Bianconi starts Longford–Sligo car service, 1832

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1832

    In 1832 Bianconi commenced running a car from Longford to Sligo in connection with the canal boat, establishing one of his earliest vehicular services into Sligo. This marked the beginning of his growing influence over transport in the region.

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    In 1849, Mr. Biauconi purchased up the interests of the other proprietors, and became sole possessor of the vehicular traffic to Sligo. In 1832 he had commenced running a car from Longford to Sligo, in connexion with the canal boat. In 1852 he put cars on the Strabane, Enniskillen, and Westport lines from Sligo, with branch-cars to several small towns in the north and west. In March, 1867, Mr. John Walsh, of Sligo, purchased from him "The Sligo and Enniskillen," " The Sligo and Ballyshannon," " The Sligo and Westport," " The Ballina

    p

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 105

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, this is where Bianconi began shaping local travel. In 1832 he started running a car from Longford to Sligo, connecting with the canal boat, one of his earliest vehicular services into the town. By 1849 he had bought out the other proprietors and became sole possessor of the vehicular traffic to Sligo. In 1852 he expanded, putting cars on the Strabane, Enniskillen, and Westport lines from Sligo, with branch-cars to several small towns in the north and west.

17. Bounty on seed potatoes imported to Sligo port, 1822

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1822

    In May 1822 a bounty of 10 shillings per ton was paid on the importation of seed potatoes into Sligo port, as the ground remained unplanted for want of seed. County gentry convened a meeting at the close of the month.

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    A meeting was held in the City of London for the purpose of raising subscriptions for the relief of distress in Ireland. It would appear that the distressed districts were equal in extent to one-half of the superficial contents of the Kingdom ; Sligo was in the scheduled area, and was credited with a population of 127,000. The difference between this famine and the subsequent visitation of 1845 to 1848 was, that although the potato crop failed, the grain was generally good. The food distress in the County became very apparent in the commencement of May ; in the middle of the month a bounty of 10s. per ton was paid on the importation of seed potatoes into the port ; and at the close of the month a meeting of the County gentry was convened

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 32

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, this was a town gripped by food distress in 1822. Sligo lay in a scheduled area covering half the kingdom, with a population of 127,000. Unlike the later famine of 1845 to 1848, the potato crop failed but grain was generally good. By early May the distress was plain, and the ground sat unplanted for want of seed. In the middle of the month a bounty of 10 shillings per ton was paid on seed potatoes imported into the port. At the close of May the county gentry convened a meeting. A subscription had already been raised in the City of London for relief of distress in Ireland.

18. Cholera dread lingers in Sligo town, 1834

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1834

    Writer Inglis observed that nowhere in Ireland did cholera rage with such deadly violence as in Sligo. When he visited in 1834, he found the town still in great dread of its reappearance, with a few cases having appeared at Ballina and neighbouring villages.

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    "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."

    After the disappearance of cholera, a virulent kind of fever prevailed in Sligo, and was almost as fatal as the former; in February, 1837, there was an outbreak of influenza, and in April, 1842, fever was prevalent throughout the county.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 39

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you are in a town that suffered cholera worse than anywhere else in Ireland. The writer Inglis visited in 1834 and found the people still in great dread of its return, as a few cases had appeared at Ballina and neighbouring villages. After the cholera passed, a virulent fever followed and was almost as fatal. Influenza broke out in February 1837, and fever was prevalent across the county in April 1842.

19. Collooney to Claremorris railway under construction 1891

    Collooney · townland · Sligo · 1891

    A railway line from Collooney to Claremorris was put under construction with Government relief funds, guaranteed by the Grand Jury at Spring Assizes 1891. The line passes through Tubbercurry, Curry, and Bellahy, with junctions near Collooney at Carricknagat and the Collooney station.

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    This line of railway, thanks to the facilities given by Government for the relief of distress, is now actually in course of construction. The Grand Jury at the Spring Assizes (1891) gave a guarantee of l^d, in the £1 on the county at large, and a baronial guarantee from the barony of Leyny of 5d. in the £1 towards payment of the interest of the capital, the Government advancing the remainder of the funds needful for completion of the line. The railway commences at Collooney, and passes through Tubbercurry, Curry, and Bellahy. It has two junctions near Collooney with the existing line, viz. one with the Midland Great Western Railway, near Carricknagat, and another with the Sligo, Leitrim, and Northern Counties Railway at the Collooney station.

    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

    Somewhere around here, a railway line from Collooney to Claremorris was under construction in 1891. Thanks to facilities given by Government for the relief of distress, the line was now actually in course of construction. The Grand Jury at the Spring Assizes in 1891 gave a guarantee of 1d in the pound on the county at large, and a baronial guarantee from the barony of Leyny of 5d in the pound towards payment of the interest of the capital. The Government advanced the remainder of the funds needful for completion of the line. The railway commences at Collooney and passes through Tubbercurry, Curry, and Bellahy. It has two junctions near Collooney with the existing line, one with the Midland Great Western Railway near Carricknagat, and another with the Sligo, Leitrim, and Northern Counties Railway at the Collooney station. 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. It was not until the 31st of October 1831 that the first steam-packet left the quay of Sligo. The quays and both sides of the river were lined by a dense crowd, who cheered 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.

20. Contraband tobacco seized in Sligo streets, 1836

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1836

    In June 1836, smuggled tobacco was seized from a successfully landed cargo near Sligo. A week later, three half bales were found in a cart in the streets of Sligo, representing the lingering remnants of the contraband trade after the major 1828 bust.

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    A very daring and successful smuggler was captain of a very fast cutter, which had been repeatedly chased, but had always escaped with ease. In 1828 he stole in, under cover of the darkness, and dropped anchor off the " Tower Beacon" which occupied the site of the present Blackrock Light-house. The strange cutter was soon observed by the coast-guard at Rauglily, and the alarm by signal immediately given. All the stations in Sligo Bay promptly answered and attended tlie summons. A vigilant search was immediately commenced which terminated in the illicit traffickers being surprised. They had prepared a cave, in which, however, they had not time to deposit the cargo, and two of the men engaged in concealing the goods were made prisoners ; 222 half bales of tobacco (about six tons weiglit) were secured, and the two boats belonging to the cutter were seized. This was the death-knell of smuggling, and it is doubtful if an attempt was ever again made to run a large cargo into Sligo, although a small contraband traffic lingered on for a few years. In June, 1836, some half bales of smuggled tobacco were seized — part of a cargo which had been successfully lauded — and a week later, three half bales were seized in a cart in the streets of Sligo.

    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

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 169

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you are travelling streets where smuggled tobacco was once seized outright. Back in 1828, the authorities caught a fast cutter anchored off the Tower Beacon, near where Blackrock Lighthouse now stands. The coast-guard at Rauglily raised the alarm, every station in Sligo Bay responded, and the smugglers were caught before they could hide their goods in a cave they had prepared. Over 200 half bales of tobacco, about six tons, were secured along with two boats, and two men were taken prisoner. That was said to be the death-knell of large-scale smuggling in Sligo. But small contraband traffic lingered on. In June 1836, part of a cargo that had been successfully landed was seized, and a week later three half bales of tobacco were found in a cart right in the streets of this town. So the trade never fully died, even after the great crackdown eight years before.

21. County Club and Constitutional Club in Sligo

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1879–1881

    The County Club was started in 1879 in Wine-street, Sligo. The Constitutional Club, founded in December 1881 in Stephen-street, numbered about 160 members with well-furnished rooms, telegraph service, and a billiard-room.

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    The County Club, in Wine-street, was started in 1879 ; and the Constitutional Club, in Stephen-street, whicb was founded December, 1881, now numbers about 160 members ; the numerous rooms are well-furnished, and the attractions of a daily service of telegrams and a large billiard-room help annually to augment the membersbip.

    The GrAS Company was established in 1840. In the year 1839 Mr. James Colquhoun, c.e. (formerly of Sheffield), visited Sligo for the purpose of erecting gas-works and lighting the town. With that object he obtained premises in Wine-street, but not being able to procure funds for completing the works he called several public meetings of the inhabitants of Sligo during the years 1839 and 1840 to take into consideration a proposal for forming a Company to carry out and complete the lighting of the town, the capital stock to be £600, divided into £10 shares. The preliminaries were arranged, and the trust deed was signed on May 29th, 1840. The first committee of manage-

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 91

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, two clubs once stood on its streets. The County Club began in 1879 on Wine Street. The Constitutional Club followed in December 1881 on Stephen Street, and it grew to about 160 members. Its rooms were well furnished, and it offered a daily telegraph service along with a large billiard room, attractions that helped its membership grow each year.

22. Daily penny post established to Sligo hinterland 1832

    Ballymote · town · Sligo · 1832

    In 1832 a daily penny post was established from Sligo to Ballymote, Tubbercurry, Coolaney, Skreen, and Cliffoney. This expanded postal communication across the county.

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    The first Sligo postmaster whose name is known was Adam Guthrie, who held the position for thirty years, and was succeeded in 1823 by Mr. Clarke, then by Thomas Hudson, and M. T. Phillips. Mr. Wynne appears to have had the appointment of the postmaster. In 1832 a daily penny post was established to Ballymote, Tubbercurry, Coolaney, Skreen, and Cliffoney.

    On January 25th, 1858, the Postmaster- Greneral was petitioned to have the Sligo mail conveyed between Mullingar and Longford by rail, instead of by car. He granted the request, and it continued to be so carried till the completion of the line at the close of 1862. Then, and long subsequently, the postal arrangements seem to have been very defective. In June, 1882, the Postmaster-General was petitioned in regard to the serious delay in delivery of the letters from England and elsewhere, whilst again, December 22nd, 1884, his attention was drawn to the requirements of Sligo in relation to an accelerated mail service to and from Dublin. This was granted, and the " Limited Mail " to Dublin commenced to run on October 12th, 1885, the time occupied being only four hours. The journey from London to Sligo can be now accomplished in little over fifteen hours, including an hour's break in Dublin. The Government subsidy for this train amounts to about £12,000 per annum.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 108

    As the companion tells it

    Ballymote is a town the road passes through, and in 1832 it became part of a wider postal network across Sligo. That year, a daily penny post was established from Sligo to Ballymote, Tubbercurry, Coolaney, Skreen, and Cliffoney. Before that, the post in Sligo had been in the hands of a series of postmasters. The first whose name is known was Adam Guthrie, who held the position for thirty years. He was succeeded in 1823 by Mr. Clarke, then by Thomas Hudson, and M. T. Phillips. A Mr. Wynne appears to have had the appointment of the postmaster. The penny post to Ballymote and those neighbouring places expanded postal communication across the county. In the years that followed, the postal arrangements in Sligo seem to have been very defective. Petitions went to the Postmaster-General more than once, asking for faster delivery and a rail service between Mullingar and Longford instead of by car. That request was granted in January 1858, and the mail went by rail until the line was completed at the close of 1862.

23. Drainage of Hazlewood demesne by Mr. Wynne

    Hazelwood · street · Galway

    A great part of the demesne of Hazlewood had been very wet, but Mr. Wynne effectually drained it by breaking up the substratum termed 'lack' and cutting off springs at the sides of hills.

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    A great part of the demesne of Hazlewood had been very wet, but Mr. Wynne effectually drained it, not only by breaking and uniting with the rest of the soil the substratum termed lack, but also by cutting off springs at the side of hills, &c.

    An " Irish Waste and Land Improvement Society " was formed in 1836, under the presidency of the Earl of Devon, and a traveller, in 1844, describes their estate in Sligo— being one of four which they possessed — as situated at Gleneask, on the south-east slope of the Slieve Gampli Mountains. It consisted principally of a wide glen or valley, extending from Lough Talt on the west to Lough Eask on the east, a stretch of about seven English miles, with a breadth varying from four miles at the south-west end, to a narrow point, where the mountain terminates on the eastern extremity of Lough Eask. The whole valley, as well as the lower slopes of the mountain available for tillage, are almost without exception pure peat bog. This includes about 3500 acres, and the remaining 2269 acres are mountain pasture, admirably adapted to the rearing and feeding of " mountainy " cattle. The model farm consisted of sixteen statute acres, where upon a piece of pure bog, only two years reclaimed, turnips, mangolds, rape, vetches, and potatoes flourished. The allotments were marked out by main drains and neat green sod-banks, surmounted by trimmed furze-hedges. The small white tenements faced the road ; the houses were good, each having two rooms. They were built of stone, thatched and glazed, and cost the society about £20 each. Prizes of £2 wei'e given annually for every acre of reclaimed land, as well as annual prizes for drainage, for the best green crops and cattle, for cleanliness, &c. Unfortunately the depression of 1846-50 appears to have compelled the society to sell this property.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 148

    As the companion tells it

    Mr. Wynne drained much of the demesne of Hazlewood, which had been very wet. He did it not only by breaking and uniting with the rest of the soil the substratum termed lack, but also by cutting off springs at the side of hills. An Irish Waste and Land Improvement Society was formed in 1836, under the presidency of the Earl of Devon. A traveller in 1844 described their estate in Sligo, one of four they possessed, as situated at Gleneask, on the south-east slope of the Slieve Gampli Mountains. It consisted principally of a wide glen or valley, extending from Lough Talt on the west to Lough Eask on the east, a stretch of about 7 English miles, with a breadth varying from 4 miles at the south-west end to a narrow point where the mountain terminates on the eastern extremity of Lough Eask. The whole valley, as well as the lower slopes of the mountain available for tillage, are almost without exception pure peat bog. This includes about 3500 acres, and the remaining 2269 acres are mountain pasture, admirably adapted to the rearing and feeding of mountainy cattle. The model farm consisted of 16 statute acres, where upon a piece of pure bog, only 2 years reclaimed, turnips, mangolds, rape, vetches, and potatoes flourished. The allotments were marked out by main drains and neat green sod-banks, surmounted by trimmed furze-hedges. The small white tenements faced the road; the houses were good, each having 2 rooms. They were built of stone, thatched and glazed, and cost the society about 20 pounds each. Prizes of 2 pounds were given annually for every acre of reclaimed land, as well as annual prizes for drainage, for the best green crops and cattle, for cleanliness. Unfortunately the depression of 1846 to 1850 appears to have compelled the society to sell this property.

24. Enlargement of Sligo Asylum

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1874

    In 1874, the asylum near Sligo was enlarged by the addition of two wings at a cost of £14,000. This increased the accommodation from 250 to 470 beds due to the rise in the number of registered lunatics.

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    After the first passing of the Acts regarding lunacy, most cases of insanity occurring in the counties of Sligo and Leitrim that required special treatment, were sent to Ballinasloe, where there was then a central asylum for the province of Connaught ; in consequence, however, of its over-crowded condition, an order in Council was made, on the 17th April, 1847, constituting the counties of Sligo and Leitrim a " Lunatic District" (within the meaning of the Act), and ordering the erection near the town of Sligo of an asylum to accommodate 250 inmates. On the 7th November, 1847, amidst a large concourse of people, the foundation-stone was laid. A bottle was sealed up containing The Sligo Journal and The Champion newspapers, together with a slip of parchment descriptive of the particulars of the day's ceremony, together with a specimen of each copper and silver coin of the realm. The bottle was then placed in a hollow cut in the stone, which was covered with a zinc plate. The amount of the contract was nearly £30,000, the architect being Mr. William Deane Butler, and the contractor Mr. James Caldwell. In the year 1874, owing to the increase in the number of registered lunatics, the asylum was enlarged by the addition of two wings, at a cost of £14,000, which increased the accommodation from 250 to 470 beds.

    It is alleged that year by year the percentage of insane is on the increase, that the number of those bereft of reason is augmenting with greater rapidity than it ought ; but this may be fairly accounted for by improved registration, as also by a diminished death-rate amongst the insane owing to better treatment ; likewise to the fact that many are now placed in restraint who, in former times, would have been left at large ; the increase of insanity is therefore greater in appearance than in reality.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 78

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, near this town stands an asylum whose story runs back to the 1840s. Before it was built, people from Sligo and Leitrim needing special treatment were sent to Ballinasloe, where the central asylum for the province of Connaught had grown badly overcrowded. An order in Council on the 17th of April 1847 constituted Sligo and Leitrim as a lunatic district and ordered an asylum built near the town to hold 250 inmates. The foundation stone was laid on the 7th of November that year before a large crowd. A sealed bottle was placed in a hollow in the stone, containing copies of The Sligo Journal and The Champion newspapers, a parchment slip describing the ceremony, and a specimen of every copper and silver coin of the realm, covered with a zinc plate. The contract was nearly £30,000. William Deane Butler was the architect and James Caldwell the contractor. In 1874, the number of registered lunatics had risen enough that two wings were added at a cost of £14,000, increasing capacity from 250 to 470 beds. It was alleged that year by year insanity was increasing faster than it ought, but this could be accounted for by improved registration, a diminished death rate among the insane owing to better treatment, and the fact that many were now placed in restraint who in former times would have been left at large. The increase was therefore greater in appearance than in reality.

25. French dead and deserter shot at Collooney

    Collooney · townland · Sligo · 1798

    General Lake marched from Tubbercurry to Collooney, where he found a number of French killed and wounded under the care of a French surgeon. A deserter from the Longford Regiment was recognised by the advance guard and shot at Collooney.

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    In pursuit of the French, General Lake arrived at Bellahy, where he was informed that they had passed on, more than fourteen hours before. About seven o'clock that evening he reached Tubbercurry, where he encamped, and remained some hours. He was there joined by Colonel Crawford. General Lake marched from Tubbercurry to Collooney, heard there of the action, and found a number of French killed,

    1 The Dublin Evening Post, 28th October, 1798, contains an address from the High SherifE and Grand Jury of the Countj' Sligo, complimenting all concerned in the action at Collooney on their conduct on that occasion.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 11

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Collooney, in 1798, General Lake marched from Tubbercurry, where he had encamped about seven o'clock and been joined by Colonel Crawford. He found a number of French killed and wounded, under the care of a French surgeon. A deserter from the Longford Regiment was recognised by the advance guard and shot at Collooney.

26. Giant's grave covering-stone in Carrickglass

    Carrickglass · townland · Sligo

    In the townland of Carrickglass, west of Highwood, a massive tabular block of limestone weighing about 70 tons forms the covering-stone of an ancient structure referred to as a giant's grave.

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    Between Tubbercurry and Oloonacool large boulders of mica schist are plentiful, increasing in number as the hills are approached. Their position and size force us to believe that ice was the only adequate transporting agent. Some limestone blocks may also be mentioned that rest on the Upper Limestone at Ilighwood, north of Lough Arrow. These are interesting from their shape and size. One styled the " Eglone," a rectangular column, weighing some 70 tons, stands 18 feet high, to which were originally united two adjacent masses of rock, till split off by weathering. Another is a rocking-stone. More than a mile to the west, in the townland of Carrickglass, a tabular block (about 70 tons), that has peat and heather growing on the top, forms the covering-stone of a so-called " giant's grave."

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 134

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here in Carrickglass sits a tabular block of limestone weighing about 70 tons, with peat and heather growing on its top. It forms the covering-stone of a so-called giant's grave. The stone lies west of Highwood, north of Lough Arrow, on the Upper Limestone. Near Highwood stands another limestone block known as the Eglone, a rectangular column also weighing some 70 tons and rising 18 feet high. It was originally united with two adjacent masses of rock, since split off by weathering. A rocking-stone stands there as well. The boulders across this country between Tubbercurry and Oloonacool grow more numerous as you approach the hills, and their size and position force us to believe that ice was the only adequate transporting agent.

27. Gideon Ouseley settled in Ballymote, 1797

    Ballymote · town · Sligo · 1797

    In 1797 Gideon Ouseley settled in Ballymote and delivered many outdoor addresses there. His evangelistic work in the Irish tongue had previously drawn large crowds in Sligo.

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    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.

    In 1802 the old building in Sligo proving insufficient for the congregation, a new and more commodious one was erected in Linenhall-street. Later on, this was superseded by the present church, situated in Wine-street, and which was opened for Divine service on Sunday, 3rd June, 1832.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 71

    As the companion tells it

    Ballymote is the town where Gideon Ouseley, called Ireland's most successful evangelist, settled in 1797. He opened a school in the little chapel in Bridge Street, and it was largely attended. He and other ministers preached in the open air, more especially on market days. They addressed the people in their native Irish tongue, and crowds gathered around, listening eagerly and respectfully. Ouseley delivered many outdoor addresses in the town. His evangelistic work in the Irish tongue had already drawn large crowds in Sligo. By 1802 the old building in Sligo was insufficient for the congregation, and a new one was erected in Linenhall Street. That was later superseded by a church in Wine Street, opened for Divine service on Sunday, 3rd June, 1832.

28. Gore-Booth and Tottenham revive Gleniff barytes mine

    Gleniff · townland · Sligo · 1888–1889

    After discontinuation from 1875 to 1888, the barytes mine at Gleniff was taken up by Sir Henry Gore-Booth and Mr. George Tottenham in 1888, reviving the workings that had processed ore at the Bunduff river mill and shipped from Mullaghmore.

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

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 125

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in the limestone between Gleniff and Glencar, deposits of barytes run through the rock. A vein towards Glencar, ranging from six feet down to a foot or less, can be traced on the surface almost to the cliff. A Mr. Williams first worked it in 1858, on top of the mountain. He had the ore carried on donkeys' backs round the spur of the cliff to Gleniff, then carted to Mullaghmore and shipped raw to Liverpool. He could not come to terms with the owners of the mineral rights, and gave it up, having done little more than scratch the surface. In 1870 Mr. Folliott Barton took up the lode, beginning at the top of the cliff in Gleniff, on Sir Robert Gore-Booth's property. The ore came down the mountain in small buckets, each carrying two stone, hooked onto an endless wire-rope and moved by the weight of the full buckets round inclined drums. The vertical drop from the mouth of the workings to the lower platform was about 1000 feet. From there the ore went to a wash-trough a couple of miles down the glen, and then to a small water-mill near the mouth of the Bunduff river, where it was ground by the wet process used in making china, bleached with sulphuric acid, and packed in barrels or bags for shipment from Mullaghmore. The mine lay idle from 1875 to 1888. In that year Sir Henry Gore-Booth and Mr. George Tottenham took it up again.

29. Hunt-races at Tullyhill, Lough Gill, and Hazlewood

    Tullyhill · townland · Westmeath · 1800–1886

    When Sir Robert Gore-Booth kept the Sligo hounds, annual hunt-races were held near Tullyhill, and later on the shores of Lough Gill near Hazlewood. In 1886, racing was revived on the old Bomore course.

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    When the late Sir Robert Grore - Booth kept the Sligo hounds, the annual hunt-races were held near Tullyhill, and afterwards on the shores of Lough Gill, near Hazlewood ; finally, in 1886, the ancient glories of the old Bomore course were revived.

    In 1821 yacht-racing seems first to have been regularly established. In that year a cup was presented by the ladies of the county to the racing community of Lough Gill. At the regatta held on September 27th of that year. Captain William Rochfort, R. N. (who was judge), stated that as the boat-race was intended for amusement, as well as to try the rate of sailing under equal canvas, he strongly recommended plain sails — " flying kites or fancy sails rendering it extremely dangerous in a squally lake." Captain Rochfort's suggestion was adopted

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 196

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, when Sir Robert Gore-Booth kept the Sligo hounds, annual hunt-races were held. Afterwards they moved to the shores of Lough Gill, near Hazlewood. Finally, in 1886, the old Bomore course was revived. Yacht-racing was first regularly established in 1821. That year the ladies of the county presented a cup to the racing community of Lough Gill. At the regatta on September 27, Captain William Rochfort of the Royal Navy, who was judge, said that as the boat-race was intended for amusement as well as to try the rate of sailing under equal canvas, he recommended plain sails. He warned that flying kites or fancy sails made it extremely dangerous on a squally lake. His suggestion was adopted.

30. Hy Brazil vision off the Sligo coast, 1885

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1885

    The enchanted phantom island of Hy Brazil was reportedly seen off the Sligo coast in 1885. Local tradition held that this vision foreboded national trouble.

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    The enchanted Island of Hy Brazil ^ was seen off the coast in the year 1885 ; this vision forebodes — so it is alleged — national trouble.

    It was much remarked in 1688 that William III. was enabled to reach Torbay, and to disembark unmolested, whilst James's Admiral was incapacitated from sailing by the same wind. Hence, winds favourable to their cause were called by the people of England " Protestant winds."

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 194

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you are near a coast where people once saw the enchanted phantom island of Hy Brazil in 1885. Local tradition held that such a vision forebodes national trouble.

31. Inglis observes superior appearance of Sligo population

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1833

    In 1833, traveller Inglis was struck by the superiority in appearance of the Sligo population compared to neighbouring western counties. He saw hardly any rags or tatters, nearly all were shod, and the amount of clean linen displayed surprised him.

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    Inglis, an observant traveller, was greatly struck by the superiority in appearance of the Sligo population over that of the neighbouring western counties. He says that (in 1833) he saw hardly any rags or tatters as elsewhere ; nearly all were shod, and the amount of clean linen displayed surprised him.

    In the last century a Dispensary in the town of Sligo was entirely supported by voluntary contributions, supplemented by collections at charity sermons preached in all Houses of Public Worship. Though by 3rd Geo. IV., c. 21 (1823), grand juries were empowered to present sums equal to private subscriptions

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 172

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, it is worth knowing that in 1833 a traveller named Inglis was greatly struck by how well the people here looked compared with neighbouring western counties. He saw hardly any rags or tatters, nearly everyone was shod, and the amount of clean linen on display genuinely surprised him.

32. Irish Parliament grant for whale fishery off Sligo coast

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1780–1800

    Toward the close of the eighteenth century the Irish Parliament gave a grant to promote whale fishing, but it was soon discontinued. Spermaceti and bottle-nose whales frequented the Sligo littoral, following herring shoals into the bays.

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    Toward the close of the last century, a grant was given by the Irish Parliament for the purpose of promoting the whale fisher}^ but it was discontinued shortly afterwards. The spermaceti whale occasionally frequents this littoral ; the bottleuose whale appears in shoals, and follows the herrings and other migratory fish into the bays and inlets of the coast, " one of the signs of fish " (as fishermen express it) is tlie appearance of these whales. The basking-shark or true sun-fish varies in length from thirty to forty feet, and in the summer months they were formerly numerous off the Sligo coast. The value of the spermaceti whale at the commencement of the century was very great, that of the basking-shark, £45 ; foreign competition, however, has now reduced that amount considerably. In the year 1884, two of the latter species, each nearly thirty feet in length, were captured, and their combined value did not exceed £30. The ordinary sun-fish is not uncommon, and seals are very frequently seen on the coast. The Sligo coast fishery extends from Ballina Bridge to MuUaghmore. In 1850, it employed 575 registered vessels, with 3263 men and boys ; in 1853 the number of vessels had decreased to 216, and the crews to 1269, whilst in 1888, in the whole extent of coast from Ballina bridge to Donegal Abbey (or twenty miles in excess of the former limits) there were but 209 boats with 889 men.

    At Inniscrone the fishermen use nets, lines, lobster-pots, and trawl-nets ; and nearly every description of fish is taken. At Pollacheeny, Derkmore, &c., cod, pollock, haddock, whiting, herrings, mackerel, plaice, &c., are taken.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 128

    As the companion tells it

    Sligo, the town the road passes through, sits on a coast where whales once followed the herring shoals into the bays. Toward the close of the eighteenth century, the Irish Parliament gave a grant to promote whale fishing here, but it was discontinued shortly afterwards. The spermaceti whale occasionally frequented this littoral, and the bottle-nose whale appeared in shoals, following the herrings and other migratory fish into the bays and inlets. Fishermen called the appearance of these whales one of the signs of fish. The basking-shark, or true sun-fish, ranged from 30 to 40 feet in length, and in the summer months they were formerly numerous off the Sligo coast. The value of the spermaceti whale at the commencement of the century was very great, and that of the basking-shark was £45, though foreign competition later reduced that amount considerably. In 1884, two basking-sharks, each nearly 30 feet long, were captured, and their combined value did not exceed £30. The ordinary sun-fish was not uncommon, and seals were frequently seen on the coast. The Sligo coast fishery extended from Ballina Bridge to Mullaghmore. In 1850 it employed 575 registered vessels with 3263 men and boys. By 1853 the vessels had decreased to 216 and the crews to 1269. In 1888, across the whole extent from Ballina Bridge to Donegal Abbey, there were but 209 boats with 889 men.

33. Iron bridge over the Moy on Tubbercurry-Sessue road

    Tobercurry · town · Sligo · 1880–1881

    During the relief works of 1880-1881, the only iron bridge in County Sligo was erected over the river Moy on the new road from Tubbercurry to Sessue. It has a 40-foot clear span, uses about 17 tons of iron, and cost approximately £550 with abutments.

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    In August, 1877, the bridges of Cabragh and Enniscrone were destroyed by a sudden flood, and rebuilt at a cost of £550 ; the bridge over the Easky river has been rebuilt at an expense of £700, and a new bridge over the river Owenbeg — near the village of Billa — was erected at a cost of £500. There is only one iron bridge at present in the county ; during the relief-works of 1880-1881 it was erected over the river Moy, on the new road from Tubbercurry to Sessue. It is 40 ft. clear span, and is composed of two lattice girders, supporting a floor of iron arched-plates covered with asphalt, and surfaced with gravel. There are about 17 tons of iron in it, and with the abutments the total cost was about £550.

    203

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 101

    As the companion tells it

    Near Tobercurry, the road crosses the river Moy by the only iron bridge in County Sligo. During the relief works of 1880 to 1881, it was erected on the new road from Tubbercurry to Sessue. It has a 40-foot clear span, built of two lattice girders supporting a floor of iron arched plates covered with asphalt and surfaced with gravel. There are about 17 tons of iron in it, and with the abutments the total cost was about £550. Other bridges in the county had been rebuilt after a sudden flood in August 1877 destroyed the bridges of Cabragh and Enniscrone, at a cost of £550. The bridge over the Easky river was rebuilt at £700, and a new bridge over the river Owenbeg, near the village of Billa, was erected at £500.

34. Large Steamers Discharging at Rosses Point

    Rosses Point · town · Sligo · 1890

    Large steamers of over 3000 tons were observed discharging their cargoes at Rosses Point, situated five miles from Sligo town. This reflected the steady progression of maritime trade and the direct importation of maize during the late 19th century.

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    It was gradually perceived that larger vessels could be worked more economically than small ones, but required more water to float them, and this brought about the formation of the new channel or cut from Bath Lodge to the Ballast Quay, by means of which vessels of a larger tonnage were enabled to reach the Quay. During the past twenty years, large steamers of steadily-increasing dimensions have replaced the sailing vessels of former days, and this remark applies more particularly to the grain trade between Sligo and foreign parts. The importation of maize, whicli is the largest item — 43,000 tons having been imported direct during the year 1890 — is almost entirely effected by large steamers, whilst twenty years ago the bulk of the trade was carried on by sailing-vessels of about 800 tons. Now, it is not uncommon to see steamers of upwards of 3000 tons discharging at Rosses Point. At present, the only trade in which large sailing-vessels are engaged is in the importation of flour from California and Oregon, where it is not possible to employ steamers to advantage.

    It is clear that Sligo is at considerable disadvantage by her merchants having to discharge their larger cargoes five miles from the town, incurring thereby a heavy loss in exj)enses of lighter-

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 116

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up near Rosses Point, a coastal spot in County Sligo. In 1890, this was where the big ships came, large steamers of over 3000 tons discharging their cargoes at the Point, five miles from Sligo town itself. The grain trade had shifted from sailing vessels of about 800 tons to these steadily larger steamers over the preceding twenty years, and 43,000 tons of maize were imported direct in that single year. Sligo's merchants were at a considerable disadvantage, having to unload their larger cargoes here, five miles from the town, and incurring heavy lighterage expenses as a result.

35. Old Fever Hospital on green headland west of Victoria approach

    Sligo · town · Sligo

    In the last century the Fever Hospital stood in a completely isolated position on the green headland westward of the present Victoria approach to Sligo town. It remained there for a lengthened period until a new edifice replaced it.

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    The Fever Hospital was, in the last century, situated in a then completely isolated position on the green headland westward of the present Victoria approach to the town. Here it remained for a lengthened period until the new edifice, now in use, was erected. It bears over the door the inscription : — Erected at the joint expense of the County and Edward Synge Cooper, Esq., M.P., 1822. On the 29th May of that year it was announced that the new Fever Hospital had been occupied, and contained no less than thirty-eight patients, and from the distress of the poor, the fever cases were daily increasing. Just before the outbreak of the cholera — ten years subsequently — it was almost empty of patients, as demonstrated by the returns of the sick which were published weekly in the columns of the local newspaper. This hospital was not long ago in a very dilapidated condition ; the doors and window- sashes needed repair, and the accommodation for the fever- stricken was totally inadequate, according to modern and humane ideas. This state of affairs is said to have arisen from the almost periodical opposition made to the presentments at sessions for support of the institution — by magistrates living in distant parts of the county, who were of opinion that a central hospital was not required. The oldest records of the hospital have disappeared, so that a complete list of physicians is at present not procurable. The medical men in charge of the Fever Hospital since 1822, were Drs. Irwin, Coyne, Knott, Homan, Lynn, and Murray.

    The Lunatic Asylum is a noble structure in the Eliza-

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 77

    As the companion tells it

    As the road brings you near Sligo, there stood in the last century a Fever Hospital in a completely isolated position on the green headland westward of what is now the Victoria approach to the town. It remained there for a lengthened period until a new edifice was erected. Over its door the new hospital bore the inscription that it was erected at the joint expense of the County and Edward Synge Cooper, Esq., M.P., in 1822. On the 29th of May of that year it was announced that the new Fever Hospital had been occupied and contained no less than 38 patients, and from the distress of the poor the fever cases were daily increasing. Ten years later, just before the outbreak of the cholera, it was almost empty of patients, as shown by the returns of the sick published weekly in the local newspaper. The hospital was not long ago in a very dilapidated condition. The doors and window sashes needed repair, and the accommodation for the fever-stricken was totally inadequate according to modern and humane ideas. This state of affairs is said to have arisen from the almost periodical opposition made at sessions to the presentments for support of the institution, by magistrates living in distant parts of the county who were of the opinion that a central hospital was not required. The oldest records of the hospital have disappeared, so a complete list of physicians is not procurable. The medical men in charge since 1822 were Drs. Irwin, Coyne, Knott, Homan, Lynn, and Murray.

36. Pavement repairs and householders' duty, Sligo 1769

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1769

    In 1769 the sum of £77 was laid out in repairing and making good the pavement in the streets of Sligo, and it was ordered that all householders should at their own expense keep in repair the pavement in front of their residences to the centre of the street.

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    In 1769 the sum of £77 was laid out in repaii-iug and making good the pavement in the streets, and it was ordered that from that date all householders should at their own expense keep in repair the pavement in front of their residences to the centre of the street.

    From about the year 1770 the vestry of St. Jolm's had charge of the streets, as also the roads in the union, and in each parish " overseers " of the roads were regularly appointed. In 1775 it is recited that "pursuant to an Act made, 5 Greo. III. c. 14, sec. 35, empowering vestries to repair the streets of corporate towns by assessments, it is ordered by this vestry that the sum of seventy pounds sterling be applotted and levied off the inhabitants of the town of Sligo, to be applied towards paving and gravelling," &c. It appears that in 1780 the townspeople considered themselves over-rated, as the vestry ordered that, for the future, the borough should pay in the proportion of but one-ninth of the union. From this date the paving and flagging of the streets seem to have been regularly repaired. After the Town and Harbour Commissioners assumed charge, matters do not appear to have been as well managed by them as by the vestry, for the Lo)i(/oii(/crri/ Sciiftjicl of November, 1836, states that a tourist who visited Sligo thought " that the bogs had been literally carried off the mountains into the streets, and had

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 103

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you are on streets that have been repaired and disputed for over 250 years. In 1769 the sum of 77 pounds was laid out to repair and make good the pavement, and every householder was ordered to maintain at their own expense the pavement in front of their residence right out to the centre of the street. From about 1770 the vestry of St. John's took charge of the streets and the roads in the union, appointing overseers in each parish. In 1775, under an Act of George III empowering vestries to repair streets of corporate towns by assessments, 70 pounds was levied off the inhabitants for paving and gravelling. By 1780 the townspeople thought themselves over-rated, and the borough's share was reduced to one-ninth of the union. After the Town and Harbour Commissioners took over, management seems to have slipped. The Londonerry Sentinel of November 1836 reported a tourist's view that the bogs had been literally carried off the mountains into the streets.

37. Protestants hide in caves, mountains and boats to escape rebels

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1798

    Some Protestants on the coast put out to sea in boats to avoid rebel excesses, others fled to the mountains and hid in caves, whilst others lay concealed in the cornfields.

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    Some Protestants on the coast put out to sea in boats in order to avoid the excesses of the rebels; some fled to the mountains and hid in caves, whilst others lay in the cornfields and were

    ^ The strange career of Henry Crofton, an ancestor of the Sligo family of that name, may be of interest : " Henry Crofton was attainted by William III,, and fled to Spain, where he joined some order of the Roman Catholic Church. His attainder being subsequently reversed, he returned to Ireland, professed to be a Protestant, so very decided a Protestant indeed that he wrote a controversial book styled the ' Key to Popery,' Becoming dissatisfied, however, he returned to Spain, and to his former creed, but again relapsed, and finally in Spain was burned as a heretic.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 12

    As the companion tells it

    Through Sligo, in 1798, Protestants on the coast put out to sea in boats to avoid rebel excesses. Others fled to the mountains and hid in caves, while some lay concealed in the cornfields. The records here also carry the story of Henry Crofton, of the Sligo family of that name. He was attainted by William III and fled to Spain, where he joined an order of the Roman Catholic Church. His attainder was later reversed, and he returned to Ireland professing to be a Protestant, so decided that he wrote a controversial book called 'Key to Popery.' He then returned to Spain and to his former creed, but relapsed, and was finally burned as a heretic in Spain.

38. Roadside inn sign at Ballinafad

    Ballinafad · townland · Sligo · 1700–1800

    A roadside inn in the village of Ballinafad, at the foot of the Curlew Mountains, displayed a rhyming sign-board inviting travellers to stop for a drink before climbing the hill. It illustrates the character of old roadside hospitality on the mountain route.

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    When carriages or wheeled vehicles came to be more generally employed, the road to Boyle over the mountains was found to be too steep, and the road from Sligo to Ballydrihed by Cloverhill was made. It would seem to have passed thence through Bally sadare, Colloouey, and Knockbeg old village ; by Heathfield and Earlsfield to Ballymote ; from this it most likely took the old direction by Battlefield over the Curlews to Boyle. Sign-boards bearing peculiar inscriptions invited the wayfarer within the precincts of roadside inns ; one of these, situated in the village of Ballinafad, at the foot of the Curlew Mountains, bore the invitation : —

    ** Friends, slip in and take a gill, 'Twill serve to help j-ou up the hill."

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 99

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Ballinafad, there was once a roadside inn at the foot of the Curlew Mountains. In the 1700s, carriages and wheeled vehicles became more common, and travellers found the road to Boyle over the mountains too steep. A newer route ran from Sligo through Ballysadare, Collooney, Knockbeg, Heathfield, Earlsfield, and Ballymote, then took the old direction by Battlefield over the Curlews. Along these roads, sign-boards with peculiar inscriptions invited wayfarers into roadside inns. The inn at Ballinafad bore one such invitation on its board, calling travellers in for a drink before they faced the climb over the hills.

39. Scenic description of Glencar Lake and valley

    Glencar · electoral division · Sligo

    Glencar Lake, situated between Sligo and Leitrim, is surrounded by steep mountains including Benbulbin and the Castlegal range. The valley is described as a cheerful, joyous glen, well cultivated and thickly studded with cottages.

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    Glencar Lake, situated between the counties of Sligo and Leitrim, is surrounded by mountains. The lake, nearly two miles in length, fills the lower part of the valley, and adds considerably to its attractions ; but even if there were no lake it could still lay claim to almost peerless beauty. The mountains rise up on each side so steeply, that they seem, except in a few places, altogether inaccessible. To the north lies the Beubulben, and to the south the Castlegal range, with its gray limestone cliffs resembling ancient weather-beaten fortifications and its slopes in part clotlied with plantations of fir.

    The waterfalls at Glencar are objects of interest, especially the one known as Sruth-an-ail-an-ard (the stream against the height), or the " Waterflight," so called from its being sometimes blown upwards. Tliis is seen to most advantage after heavy rain with a stiff breeze from the south, the wind getting underneath at the point where the water falls over the edge of the cliff, so as to form a column leaning more or less back towards the hills, or breaking into spray over the grass above. With less wind, a smaller stream looks like ascending smoke.'

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 137

    As the companion tells it

    This is the country around Glencar, where the lake lies between Sligo and Leitrim, nearly two miles long, filling the lower part of the valley. The mountains rise on each side so steeply that they seem altogether inaccessible, except in a few places. Benbulbin stands to the north. To the south lies the Castlegal range, its gray limestone cliffs like ancient weather-beaten fortifications, its slopes partly covered with fir plantations. The waterfalls here are worth watching, especially the one known as Sruth-an-ail-an-ard, the stream against the height, or the Waterflight. It earns that name because the water is sometimes blown upwards. You see it best after heavy rain with a stiff breeze from the south. The wind gets underneath at the point where the water falls over the edge of the cliff, and pushes it into a column leaning back towards the hills, or breaks it into spray over the grass above. With less wind, the smaller stream looks like ascending smoke.

40. Sligo butter market weighmaster appointed, 1787

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1787

    In September 1787 James Soden was appointed public weighmaster of butter and all other commodities sold in the Sligo Corporation. The office later expanded to include inspection of the town, port, and markets.

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    The first mention made of the butter-market occurs in the books of the Corporation on the 29th September, 1787, when James Soden was appointed " public weighraaster of butter, and all other commodities exposed for sale in the Corporation."

    The weighmaster had permission to appoint a deputy. In 1812 the Irish Butter Act vested in the Corporation the patronage of the appointment to the joint offices of " weiglimaster" and " taster of butter." Just prior to the remodelling of the Corporation, in 1842, that body appointed the Hight Hon. John Wynne to the office, which was then of considerable emolument, as it included the office of public weighmaster, inspector of the town, port, and markets of Sligo, also the weighing of grain, and all other commodities. Mr. Wynne held the office until his death.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 119

    As the companion tells it

    Sligo town had its first butter market recorded in the Corporation books on the 29th of September, 1787, when James Soden was appointed public weighmaster of butter and all other commodities exposed for sale in the Corporation. The weighmaster had permission to appoint a deputy. In 1812 the Irish Butter Act vested in the Corporation the patronage of the joint offices of weighmaster and taster of butter. Just before the remodelling of the Corporation in 1842, that body appointed the Right Honourable John Wynne to the office, which was then of considerable emolument. It included the office of public weighmaster, inspector of the town, port, and markets of Sligo, also the weighing of grain and all other commodities. Mr Wynne held the office until his death.

41. Sligo Model School completed, 1862

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1862–1888

    A Model School in Sligo, petitioned for by the Town Council, was completed in 1862 at a cost of about £7000. The Italian-style building of limestone with Mountcharles sandstone dressings had 296 boys on the roll by the end of 1888.

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    Several applications had been from time to time made for the establishment of a " Model School " in Sligo. The Town Council petitioned the Commissioners of National Education on the subject, and finally their request was granted. The building, which consists of a central block and two wings, was not completed until 1862. It is of Italian character ; the windows are circular-headed, and deeply recessed, with moulded jambs. The mason work is of limestone, and the dressings are of Mount-Charles sandstone. The edifice cost about £7000. At the close of the year 1888 the number of boys on the roll of the school was 163 Church of Ireland, 34 Presbyterians, 83 of other denominations, and 16 Roman Catholics, forming a total of 296. The average daily attendance was 158.

    The National School system has, to a great extent, spread education of a primary description amongst the lower classes.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 211

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, the town's Model School stands as a landmark from the 1860s. The Town Council petitioned the Commissioners of National Education for it, and the building was completed in 1862 at a cost of about £7,000. It's an Italian-style structure of limestone with Mountcharles sandstone dressings, a central block with two wings and circular-headed windows. By the close of 1888, 296 boys were on the roll: 163 Church of Ireland, 34 Presbyterians, 83 of other denominations, and 16 Roman Catholics. The average daily attendance was 158.

42. St. John's Union vestry administered Sligo streets and lighting, c.1766-1800

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1766–1800

    From approximately 1766 to 1800, the vestry of St. John's Union levied rates, licensed beggars, appointed watchmen, undertook street lighting, and levied money for payment of the Militia in Sligo. The duties of the Provost and free Burgesses were principally the election of two members of Parliament for the Borough.

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    For all practical purposes the two grants of James I. remained in force, and were the Charters of the Corporation. By an Act passed in the reign of George II. (3 Gr. II. c. 21) the Corporation became conservators of the port, and maintained a Ballast Office for improving it ; but the Act of 5 George III. c. 14, s. 35 empowered vestries to repair the streets of corporate towns, and undertake flagging, paving, &c. Subsequently in Sligo the vestry — namely that of St. John's Union — levied the rates, licensed beggars, appointed watchmen, undertook the lighting (or not lighting, as was sometimes the case) of the streets, levied money for payment of the Militia, and in point of fact, from circa 17G6 up to 1800, tlie duties of the Provost and free Burgesses of the town appear —as a perusal of their minutes demonstrates — to have been principally the election of two members of Parliament for the Borougli.

    The statute of 40 George III. c. 99 (1800) is the first local Act, and it vested the powers conferred in the following commissioners : —

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 47

    As the companion tells it

    As you travel through Sligo, you're passing through a town once governed by the vestry of St. John's Union. Between 1766 and 1800, that vestry levied rates, licensed beggars, appointed watchmen, and undertook the lighting of the streets, though as the record notes, sometimes they chose not lighting. They also levied money for payment of the Militia. The principal duty of the Provost and free Burgesses during those years was the election of two members of Parliament for the Borough.

43. St. Laurence's Industrial School, Sligo

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1871–1888

    An Industrial School was opened in 1871 under the Sisters of Mercy in Sligo. When the Cathedral was completed, the old parish church and grounds were handed over to the orphans; in 1888 the school had 152 inmates.

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    When their new Convent was completed the sisters opened public schools on September 24th, 1849, and from that date the several works undertaken began to develop gradually. One wing of the new building was devoted to a Training School for teachers, an orphanage, and a class in training for domestic service. In 1871 an Industrial School was opened, and the Cathedral being then completed, the old parish church and grounds were handed over to be appropriated to the orphans. St. Laurence's Industrial School, under the Act (31 Vict. c. 25), had, in 1888, 152 inmates; the total cost of maintenance and management was £2439 8s. 7d., together with £285 15s. 2d. for rent and interest. The actual industrial profit was £367 14s. \d., the net cost per head being £15 10s. 2d. In 1876 a handsome chapel was added to the west end of the Convent building. In 1880 the Sisters removed the extern schools to more spacious premises on the opposite side of the road. In the same year they built a bakery for the purpose of training their intern pupils and servants to that useful branch of domestic economy. A sewing school for extern girls was also set on foot. They are here taught various kinds of plain and fancy needlework, &c. In 1884 a large new public laundry was built on the Convent premises. In 1888 the accommodation being found insufficient, large new schools were erected. In 1890 the charge of the Albert-road Male Inf ant- School was handed over to the Sisters. The " Kindergarten System " has been adopted of late in the Infant-Schools, and is found attractive to the little children. Over 800 pupils now attend the extern schools, and 200 interns of all classes are under the constant care of the Sisters.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 65

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, the Sisters of Mercy opened an Industrial School here in 1871. When the Cathedral was completed, the old parish church and its grounds were handed over to the orphans. A handsome chapel was added to the convent building in 1876, and by 1888 the school had 152 inmates.

44. Unlit coast from Sligo to Eagle Island, 1876

    Easky · town · Sligo · 1876

    In 1876 the Grand Jury represented to the Government that the coast for many miles west from Sligo to Eagle Island in Erris was totally unlit, and many casualties had occurred. Kinnasharragh, a low dangerous shoal near Easky, was suggested as a suitable site for lighting this part of the coast.

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    The entire of this littoral — with the exception of the entrance to the port of Sligo — is unlighted ; in 1876 the Grand Jury represented to the Government — but in vain — that the coast for many miles west from Sligo, all the way to Eagle Island in Erris, was totally unlit, and many casualties had actually occurred from this cause. It was suggested that the point of Kinnasharragh — a low, dangerous shoal near Easky — appeared a site suitable in all respects for the lighting of this part of the coast.

    A glance at the chart of the Harbour of Sligo shows that, in geological, or perhaps even in later times, there had been an island, or group of islands, between Aughris Head and Paughly.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 110

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Easky, you're near a stretch of coast that in 1876 was completely dark for many miles west, all the way from Sligo to Eagle Island in Erris. The Grand Jury told the Government that many casualties had occurred because the coast was totally unlit, but nothing came of it. Kinnasharragh, a low dangerous shoal near here, was put forward as a suitable place to put a light, but the suggestion came to nothing.

45. John Walsh purchases Bianconi's Sligo-area lines, 1867

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1867

    In March 1867 Mr. John Walsh of Sligo purchased from Bianconi the Sligo and Enniskillen, Sligo and Ballyshannon, Sligo and Westport, and several other coach lines, taking over the regional vehicular network. Some branches were considerably extended shortly after the change in ownership.

    Read the passage

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    In 1849, Mr. Biauconi purchased up the interests of the other proprietors, and became sole possessor of the vehicular traffic to Sligo. In 1832 he had commenced running a car from Longford to Sligo, in connexion with the canal boat. In 1852 he put cars on the Strabane, Enniskillen, and Westport lines from Sligo, with branch-cars to several small towns in the north and west. In March, 1867, Mr. John Walsh, of Sligo, purchased from him "The Sligo and Enniskillen," " The Sligo and Ballyshannon," " The Sligo and Westport," " The Ballina

    p

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 105

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you are on the ground where a regional coach network once ran. In 1832 Bianconi began running a car from Longford to Sligo, linking with the canal boat. By 1849 he owned all the vehicular traffic into the town, and in 1852 he put cars on the Strabane, Enniskillen, and Westport lines. In March 1867 a local man, John Walsh of Sligo, bought from Bianconi the Sligo and Enniskillen, the Sligo and Ballyshannon, the Sligo and Westport, and the Ballina lines, along with branches to several small towns.

46. Lake encamps at Ballintogher before French surrender

    Ballintogher · town · Sligo · 1798

    On the night of 7 September 1798, General Lake encamped at Ballintogher, situated between Dromahair and Collooney. The following day the surrender of the French at Ballinamuck ended the actual warfare of the 1798 campaign in the west.

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    Numbers of dead or dying men were found along the road, having been killed by the corps of light dragoons, who formed the reconnoitering party ; and the French had been so hard pressed in the pursuit that, about a mile from Collooney, they left on the road two pieces of cannon, and threw five more into the river at Drumahaire. On the night of the 7th of September, General Lake encamped at Ballintogher, between Drumahaire and Collooney, and on the 8th the surrender of the French at Ballynamuck^ ended the actual warfare.

    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."

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 11

    As the companion tells it

    This is Ballintogher, in Sligo, a place the road passes through. In 1798 it stood between Dromahair and Collooney, and on the night of 7 September, General Lake encamped here. The days before had been brutal. Numbers of dead or dying men were found along the road, killed by the corps of light dragoons who formed the reconnoitering party. The French had been pressed so hard in the pursuit that about a mile from Collooney they left two pieces of cannon on the road and threw five more into the river at Drumahaire. On the following day, the 8th, the surrender of the French at Ballinamuck ended the actual warfare of the 1798 campaign in the west. In Collooney, General Lake received curious particulars about the French troops. Their officers declared they had been grossly deceived. They had expected to be joined by the whole power of the country, an organized and disciplined army who only required to be put in motion to ensure success. Instead, they found a barbarous undisciplined mob, the refuse of the country, unfit for action and incapable of order, ferocious towards their allies and discordant amongst themselves.

47. Wesleyan Methodist chapel opened in Ballymote, 1829

    Ballymote · town · Sligo · 1829

    A Wesleyan Methodist chapel was opened in Ballymote in 1829 on a plot of ground given free of charge by Lord Kirkwall. This marked the establishment of Methodist worship in the town.

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    In 1829 a Wesleyan Methodist chapel was opened in Ballymote, the plot of ground being given free of charge by Lord Kirkwall. The Methodist chapel in Collooney was built and opened for service in 1861. It stands upon a small plot that formerly belonged to the Crown, but being sold by public auction was purchased by the Methodist body.

    The Christian Brethren are represented in Sligo. They have purchased the old " Union Chapel " in *' Backlane," and it is now designated "The Hall." This sect has numbered amongst its adherents some able men — notably, John Darby ; hence, they are sometimes styled " Darbyites." Most of the leaders of this movement have been Irish. Their numbers are not known, and the Census figures may be misleading ; but their total in this county is probably under one hundred. They do not take part in political elections or in municipal matters.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 72

    As the companion tells it

    The town of Ballymote saw a Wesleyan Methodist chapel opened in 1829. Lord Kirkwall gave the plot of ground free of charge, and that gift made the chapel possible. It was the establishment of Methodist worship in the town. The same record notes that a Methodist chapel in Collooney was built and opened for service in 1861, on a small plot that had belonged to the Crown. When that plot was sold by public auction, the Methodist body purchased it. The Christian Brethren are also noted in Sligo. They bought the old Union Chapel in Back-lane, now called The Hall. Among their adherents was John Darby, and they are sometimes called Darbyites. Most of the leaders of this movement have been Irish. Their total in the county is probably under one hundred. They do not take part in political elections or in municipal matters.

48. Yeomanry occupy Ballina on march to recapture Killala

    Ballina · townland · Mayo · 1798

    On the morning of 23 September 1798, Ballina was occupied by Captain O'Hara's, Captain Wynne's, and Captain Crofton's yeomanry corps as part of General Trench's force, which then assisted in the recapture of Killala.

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    The next morning', i.e. the 2'3rd September, Balllna was occupied by Captain O'Hara's, Captain Wynne's, and Captain Crofton's corps of yeomanry, which formed portion of the force under command of Major General Trench ; these, together with the two Tireragh corps, assisted in the recapture of Killala. Towards the close of the year (October 27) four French frigates and a man-of-war made their appearance off the Sligo Coast. This news was brouglit in by the Fox cutter, which escaped under a heavy fire distinctly heard in the streets of Sligo, and the excitement " put a stop to all trade for this market day. Colonel Gough, commanding the garrison, ordered the troops to be in readiness to march at a moment's notice." These vessels were probably connected with the abortive descent of Napper Tandy on the Rosses in Donegal.

    The following were the committee of Sligo magistrates appointed by Government to inquire into losses sustained owing to the excesses of the insurgents, and to decide on the claims of each applicant : — Arthur Irwin, W. Harloe Phibbs, E,ev. Messrs. Duke, Cullen, and West.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 13

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, on the morning of 23 September 1798, Ballina was occupied by three corps of yeomanry under Captain O'Hara, Captain Wynne, and Captain Crofton. They formed part of the force under Major General Trench, and together with two Tireragh corps, they assisted in the recapture of Killala.

49. Methodist chapel built in Collooney on former Crown land, 1861

    Collooney · townland · Sligo · 1861

    The Methodist chapel in Collooney was built and opened for service in 1861. It stood on a small plot formerly belonging to the Crown, which had been sold by public auction and purchased by the Methodist body.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    In 1829 a Wesleyan Methodist chapel was opened in Ballymote, the plot of ground being given free of charge by Lord Kirkwall. The Methodist chapel in Collooney was built and opened for service in 1861. It stands upon a small plot that formerly belonged to the Crown, but being sold by public auction was purchased by the Methodist body.

    The Christian Brethren are represented in Sligo. They have purchased the old " Union Chapel " in *' Backlane," and it is now designated "The Hall." This sect has numbered amongst its adherents some able men — notably, John Darby ; hence, they are sometimes styled " Darbyites." Most of the leaders of this movement have been Irish. Their numbers are not known, and the Census figures may be misleading ; but their total in this county is probably under one hundred. They do not take part in political elections or in municipal matters.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 72

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, a Methodist chapel was built and opened for service in 1861. It stands on a small plot that formerly belonged to the Crown. The land had been sold by public auction, and the Methodist body purchased it. That is what the record tells us: a chapel, a plot, a year, and a purchase. The rest is quiet.

50. 1662 survey: Town Hall site was Castle-quarter and New Fort

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1662

    A survey of Sligo taken in 1662 describes the site on which the Town Hall now stands as 'The Castle-quarter, now the New Fort beginning at the bridge, south side,' indicating a former castle and fortification occupied the location.

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    In the survey of the town taken in the year 1662, the site on which the Town Hall now stands is described as "The Castlequarter, now the New Fort beginning at the bridge, south side

    \To face page 152.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 73

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, the Town Hall marks a site with older roots. A 1662 survey of the town calls it 'The Castle-quarter, now the New Fort beginning at the bridge, south side.' So a castle and then a fort once stood here, before the hall we see today.

51. 1822 Sligo election petition against Earl of Kingston

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1822

    The Earl of Kingston, elder brother of the Hon. Henry King, took a very active part in the 1822 Sligo county election. A petition was presented to the House of Commons by a Sligo elector complaining of a breach of privilege and praying for an inquiry; a separate bribery petition was also presented but not proceeded with.

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    In consequence of the Earl of Kingston, elder brother of the Hon. Henry King, having taken a very active part in this election of 1822, a petition was presented to the House of Commons by an elector of Sligo, complaining of a breach of privilege, and praying for an inquiiy ; a petition alleging bribery was also presented, but was not proceeded with.

    The following epigram on the statement " that the honesty and sense of the County of Sligo " was represented by its members, was composed and circulated in 1829, before the election of the following year : —

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 20

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Sligo town, this was the setting for a contested county election in 1822. The Earl of Kingston, elder brother of the Hon. Henry King, took a very active part in it. A Sligo elector then petitioned the House of Commons, complaining of a breach of privilege and praying for an inquiry. A separate petition alleging bribery was also presented, but was not proceeded with. In 1829, an epigram was composed and circulated questioning the statement that "the honesty and sense of the County of Sligo" was represented by its members, ahead of the following year's election.

52. 1869 Borough Improvement Bill removes Corporation control of Sligo Port

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1842–1869

    The Borough Improvement Bill of 1869 ended the Sligo Corporation's control over the Port and limited the jurisdiction of the Harbour Commissioners. This reversed the 1842 Municipal Act arrangement which had given Corporation members ex officio seats alongside the Town and Harbour Commissioners, raising total membership to forty-eight.

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    In 1869, b}^ the passing of the " Borough Improvement Bill," the Corporation ceased to have any control over the Port, and the jurisdiction of the Commissioners became limited

    ' Gabbard is a barge ; another curious designation is also to be found in some documents, i. e. a pickard, or small ship.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 115

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, this is a town where the Corporation once ran the port. That lasted from the 1842 Municipal Act until 1869, when the Borough Improvement Bill ended Corporation control of the port and limited the Harbour Commissioners' jurisdiction.

53. Agricultural and Commercial Bank branch in Sligo, 1832–1840

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1832–1840

    The Agricultural and Commercial Bank opened a branch in Sligo about 1832. In November 1836 a determined run was made on it; the branch closed, re-opened in January 1837, and finally ceased business on 19th June 1840.

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    The Agricultural and Commercial Bank opened a branch in the town about the year 1832. In November, 1836, there was a determined run made on it ; tlie branch closed a few days after, was re-opened in January, 1837, and on 19th June, 1840, it finally ceased to transact business.

    The National Bank also opened a branch in Sligo. In November, 1840, there was a run on it which was defeated, but shortly afterwards the branch was withdrawn.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 89

    As the companion tells it

    Sligo had its share of banking trouble in these years. The Agricultural and Commercial Bank opened a branch here around 1832. In November 1836 a determined run was made on it. The branch closed a few days later, reopened in January 1837, and on 19 June 1840 it finally ceased to transact business. The National Bank also opened a branch in Sligo, and in November 1840 there was a run on it too. That run was defeated, but shortly afterwards the branch was withdrawn.

54. Agricultural revolution in Corran barony

    Corran · barony · Sligo · 1776

    By 1776, a revolution in agriculture had taken place, turning what had been continuous sheep-walks into fields of barley and oats. Tillage had invaded and spread over the grass lands of the barony.

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    In 1776 the flocks of sheep in the county were few in number, a revolution in agriculture having taken place ; the baronies of Corran and Tireragh, which had been, continuous sheepwalks a quarter of a century previously, were then yellow with fields of waving barley and oats ; for tillage had invaded and spread over the grass lands. Sheep were, however, kept in smaller numbers, and were principally of the native Irish kind, except a few flocks which belonged to some of the gentry, who had taken great pains to improve the breed.

    Swine were at all times kept, and had increased annually in number ; in 1777 the farmers commenced the export of saltpork, hams, and bacon. The hogs of Irish breed — very tall, long, and narrow-loined — were kept sometimes to the age of two years, being fed and fattened on potatoes.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 143

    As the companion tells it

    The road passes through Corran, where by 1776 a revolution had taken place in agriculture. This barony, with Tireragh, had been continuous sheep-walks a quarter of a century before. Then it was yellow with fields of waving barley and oats. Tillage had invaded and spread over the grass lands. The flocks of sheep in the county were few in number. Those kept were principally of the native Irish kind, except a few flocks belonging to some of the gentry, who had taken great pains to improve the breed. Swine were kept at all times and had increased annually in number. In 1777 the farmers commenced the export of salt-pork, hams, and bacon. The hogs of Irish breed were very tall, long, and narrow-loined, kept sometimes to the age of two years, being fed and fattened on potatoes.

55. Agricultural revolution in Tireragh barony

    Tireragh · barony · Sligo · 1776

    By 1776, a revolution in agriculture had taken place, turning what had been continuous sheep-walks into fields of barley and oats. Tillage had invaded and spread over the grass lands of the barony.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    In 1776 the flocks of sheep in the county were few in number, a revolution in agriculture having taken place ; the baronies of Corran and Tireragh, which had been, continuous sheepwalks a quarter of a century previously, were then yellow with fields of waving barley and oats ; for tillage had invaded and spread over the grass lands. Sheep were, however, kept in smaller numbers, and were principally of the native Irish kind, except a few flocks which belonged to some of the gentry, who had taken great pains to improve the breed.

    Swine were at all times kept, and had increased annually in number ; in 1777 the farmers commenced the export of saltpork, hams, and bacon. The hogs of Irish breed — very tall, long, and narrow-loined — were kept sometimes to the age of two years, being fed and fattened on potatoes.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 143

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Tireragh, it is hard to picture it as open sheep country, but a quarter of a century before 1776, that is exactly what it was — continuous sheep-walks, with hardly a plough in sight. Then came what the record calls a revolution in agriculture. By 1776 the barony was yellow with fields of barley and oats. Tillage had invaded and spread over the grass lands. The flocks were few now, mostly the native Irish kind of sheep, apart from a few belonging to some of the gentry, who had taken great pains to improve the breed. Swine were kept at all times and had increased every year. The hogs of Irish breed were very tall, long, and narrow-loined, sometimes kept to the age of two years, fed and fattened on potatoes. In 1777 the farmers commenced the export of salt pork, hams, and bacon.

56. Bank of Ireland building on Stephen Street, Sligo

    Sligo · town · Sligo

    The newly-erected Bank of Ireland and agent's residence stand on the site of old premises in Stephen Street, Sligo. The classical building features Ionic columns of polished Aberdeen granite and limestone ashlar from Ballysadare, designed by architects Millar & Symes.

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    The newly-erected Bank and agent's residence stand on the site of the old premises in Stephen-street. The building is classic in design, having Ionic columns and pilasters of polished Aberdeen granite for the two porches, supporting Mount-Charles sandstone frieze, cornice, and balustrade. The dressing to all the upper floor windows, also tlie moulded quoins, and cantaliver eave-course for roof, are of chiselled sandstone, the moulding being of a bold, decided character. The regular face (ashlar work) is of chiselled limestone from Ballysadare. Little or no carving has been introduced except for caps to columns and pilasters.

    The agent has a commodious residence, quite separate from the banking department. Messrs. Millar & Symes (Architects to the Bank of Ireland) were the designers of the building.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 90

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo on Stephen Street, the Bank of Ireland building stands on the site of old premises. It's a classical design by Millar and Symes, the Bank of Ireland's architects, with Ionic columns and pilasters of polished Aberdeen granite on the two porches. The stonework tells its own story: limestone ashlar from Ballysadare, sandstone from Mount Charles for the frieze and cornice, bold moulded quoins and a cantilevered eave course. Little carving was introduced beyond the column caps. The bank agent has a commodious residence there too, kept quite separate from the banking department.

57. Bellarush bridge near Lough Arrow — among oldest in County Sligo

    Bellarush · townland · Sligo

    Bellarush bridge, near the north end of Lough Arrow, is one of the oldest standing bridges in County Sligo, its narrow arches and masonry style suggesting great age though no building date is known.

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    The oldest bridges now standing in the County are those of Bellarush, near the north end of Lough Arrow, and Drumcliff. No date can be assigned for the building of either, but from their narrow arches and style of masonry, they must have been long in existence. Possibly the bridge at Battlefield, on the old road leading from Ballymote to Boyle, was built about the same time, as well as Ardcree bridge, near Annaghmore.

    The present modern bridge at Ballysadare is much higher up the stream than its predecessor ; for the remains of an old bridge — perhaps that erected in 1360 or in 1586 — was discovered when workmen were sinking the foundations for the eel-house, which is situated just over the last fall made by the river before mingling its waters with the tide.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 100

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Bellarush, one of the oldest bridges still standing in County Sligo crosses near the north end of Lough Arrow. No date can be given for when it was built. The narrow arches and the style of the masonry are what tell you it has been there a long time. Drumcliff bridge is the other one of similar age, and like Bellarush, it carries no building date. The old masonry points to a bridge that has stood for centuries without anyone recording when the stones were first laid.

58. Bianconi becomes sole proprietor of Sligo vehicular traffic, 1849

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1849

    In 1849 Bianconi purchased the interests of all other proprietors and became the sole possessor of vehicular traffic to Sligo, consolidating his dominance over the region's road transport.

    Read the passage

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    In 1849, Mr. Biauconi purchased up the interests of the other proprietors, and became sole possessor of the vehicular traffic to Sligo. In 1832 he had commenced running a car from Longford to Sligo, in connexion with the canal boat. In 1852 he put cars on the Strabane, Enniskillen, and Westport lines from Sligo, with branch-cars to several small towns in the north and west. In March, 1867, Mr. John Walsh, of Sligo, purchased from him "The Sligo and Enniskillen," " The Sligo and Ballyshannon," " The Sligo and Westport," " The Ballina

    p

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 105

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you are on roads once dominated by Bianconi. He started running a car from Longford to Sligo in 1832, connecting with the canal boat. Then in 1849 he bought out every other proprietor and became sole possessor of all vehicular traffic to the town. By 1852 he had cars running from Sligo to Strabane, Enniskillen and Westport, with branch-cars to smaller towns across the north and west. In March 1867, John Walsh of Sligo purchased the Sligo and Enniskillen, Sligo and Ballyshannon, Sligo and Westport, and Ballina lines from him.

59. Bianconi expands car network from Sligo, 1852

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1852

    In 1852 Bianconi placed cars on the Strabane, Enniskillen, and Westport lines from Sligo, with branch-cars to several small towns in the north and west, greatly expanding the regional transport network centred on Sligo.

    Read the passage

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    In 1849, Mr. Biauconi purchased up the interests of the other proprietors, and became sole possessor of the vehicular traffic to Sligo. In 1832 he had commenced running a car from Longford to Sligo, in connexion with the canal boat. In 1852 he put cars on the Strabane, Enniskillen, and Westport lines from Sligo, with branch-cars to several small towns in the north and west. In March, 1867, Mr. John Walsh, of Sligo, purchased from him "The Sligo and Enniskillen," " The Sligo and Ballyshannon," " The Sligo and Westport," " The Ballina

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    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 105

    As the companion tells it

    Sligo was the hub of Bianconi's car network. By 1849 he had bought out the other proprietors and become sole possessor of vehicular traffic to the town. He started in 1832, running a car from Longford to Sligo in connection with the canal boat. In 1852 he put cars on the Strabane, Enniskillen, and Westport lines from Sligo, with branch-cars to several small towns in the north and west. In March 1867 John Walsh of Sligo bought routes from him, including "The Sligo and Enniskillen," "The Sligo and Ballyshannon," and "The Sligo and Westport."

60. Carbery Cavalry entertained at Hazelwood

    Hazelwood · street · Galway · 1797

    On 18th July 1797, the Carbery Cavalry yeomanry troop was entertained at an elegant dinner at Hazelwood by their commanding officer, Captain Owen Wynne. The event was reported in the Sligo Journal as an example of the expense entailed in commanding a yeomanry corps.

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    1 The command of a corps of yeomanry appears to have entailed some considerable expense, if the following extract from llie Sligo Journal be an example of the usual custom of the day: "On Tuesday last (18th July, 1797), the troop of Carber)' Cavalry were most elegantly entertained at dinner by their esteemed commander at Hazelwood."

    14 HISTORY OF SLIGO.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 6

    As the companion tells it

    This is Hazelwood. On Tuesday, the 18th of July, 1797, the troop of Carbery Cavalry were, in the words of the Sligo Journal, "most elegantly entertained at dinner by their esteemed commander," Captain Owen Wynne. The command of a yeomanry corps, the paper noted, entailed considerable expense.