The history of the town and county of the town of Galway, from the earliest period to the present time (vol. n/a)

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. Popish chapel in Middle Street, Galway

   Middle Street · street · Galway

   A reputed popish chapel in Middle Street contained an altar, canopy, and forms where priests Gregory French and Robert Skerrett usually officiated. This was reported during a period of enforcing laws against Catholics.

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   4 "They (the sheriffs) also gave me an account of a reputed popish chapel in Middle-street aforesaid, in which chapel there is an altar, a canopy, and some forms ; and informed me that one Gregory French and Robert Skerrett, two popish priests, usually officiated therein ; and another popish chapel in the same street, in a warehouse belonging to Anthony Bodkin, merchant, with some forms, and that one Patrick Bermingham, titular warden, and some other priests or friars, whose names I could not learn, officiate therein, and which said warehouse was converted into a chapel five or six years ago ; and that one Patrick Skerrett, a registered popish priest, a very old man, officiates and says mass (as they heard) in his chambers in Sk inner 's-street ; and that one Patrick Hoobane, an old registered priest, officiates and says mass in the parish of Rahoon, in the west suburbs of Galway ; and that one Gregory French (but whether he is a priest or friar cannot learn) is said to officiate in the house

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   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 209

   As the companion tells it

   In Middle Street, Galway, there was a reputed popish chapel. It held an altar, a canopy, and some forms. The sheriffs reported that two popish priests, Gregory French and Robert Skerrett, usually officiated there. A second chapel stood in the same street, inside a warehouse belonging to Anthony Bodkin, a merchant. That warehouse had been converted into a chapel 5 or 6 years before the report. Patrick Bermingham, called the titular warden, officiated there along with other priests or friars whose names went unrecorded. The sheriffs also spoke of Patrick Skerrett, a registered popish priest and a very old man, who said mass in his chambers in Skinner's Street. Patrick Hoobane, another old registered priest, officiated and said mass in the parish of Rahoon, in the west suburbs of Galway. Gregory French was said to officiate in a house, though the sheriffs could not learn whether he was a priest or a friar.

2. Protestant freeholders required for jury service in Galway

   Galway · city · Galway · 1717

   An act mandated that from December 1717, sheriffs in Galway could summon only Protestant freeholders with forty shillings a year to serve on grand or petty juries. This reflected the penal laws restricting Catholic participation in civic duties.

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   both houses on the 5th and 9th of December2^ following, and enacted, that from and after the 25th of December, 1717, it should be lawful for the sheriffs of the town to issue their summons to any Protestant freeholder having forty shillings a year in the county of Galway, to attend or serve on any grand or petty jury, for the trial of issues depending in the said county of the town, in any plea of the crown, whether capital or not; and that such freeholders should be and were thereby required to serve upon any such jury, and such verdict as should be given should be as effectual and valid as if the issue had been tried by the freeholders of the town; and that it should be lawful for said sheriffs, on every venire facias, distringas, habeas corpora, writ or precept directed to them, to summon a competent number of the freeholders of the said county of Galway, being Protestants, to attend on every grand inquest and trial, in any plea of the crown, at the assizes, or any commission of Oyer and Terminer or gaol delivered there to be had, or at any trial at bar in his majesty's court of king's bench, Dublin, in any plea of the crown in such manner as they might have done to the freeholders of the county of the town, under such pains, penalties and forfeitures, and in the same manner and form, and with the like benefit of challenges, as if they were freeholders within the county of the town, and that all fines and issues imposed on them should be estreatd into the exchequer : and further, afte reciting that it would be a great encouragement to the Prohabitants io conanue, ana to other Proies s to

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 138

   As the companion tells it

   Coming through Galway now. In 1717, this town became the subject of a parliamentary act. Both houses passed it on the 5th and 9th of December that year, and it took effect from the 25th of December, 1717. The act gave the sheriffs of the town power to issue summonses to any Protestant freeholder with forty shillings a year in the county of Galway, to attend or serve on any grand or petty jury. These juries were for the trial of issues in the county of the town, in any plea of the crown, whether capital or not. Such freeholders were required to serve, and any verdict they gave would be as valid as if the issue had been tried by the freeholders of the town itself. The sheriffs could, on every writ or precept directed to them, summon a competent number of Protestant freeholders from the county of Galway to attend every grand inquest and trial. This covered pleas of the crown at the assizes, any commission of Oyer and Terminer, gaol delivery, or any trial at bar in the King's Bench in Dublin. These county freeholders served under the same pains, penalties and forfeitures as town freeholders, and with the same benefit of challenges. All fines imposed on them were to be estreated into the exchequer. The act went further, reciting that it would be a great encouragement to the Protestant inhabitants to continue, and to other Protestants to settle.

3. 1460 Galway bye-law restricts trade and bans land sales to Irishmen

   Galway · city · Galway · 1460

   In 1460, under sovereign William Dubh Lynche, the corporation enacted that no merchant or shipman should transport unfreemen's goods overseas on penalty of forfeiture, with fines divided between town walls, church repairs, and officers. A second enactment forbade selling land or tenement within Galway to any Irishman without licence from the council.

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   several useful mercantile laws were accordingly, from time to time, devised and established. Amongst these, however, some are to be found of a different tendency; and particularly in the year 1460, during the magistracy of William Dubh Lynche, then sovereign of the town, it was enacted by the corporation, "that ne merchant, ne maryner, ne shipman, should unlade, ne transport over the seas, unfremens goods, but only fremens, upon paine to lesse the said goods or the just value thereof, and to forfayte 100 shillings; which goods, forfayte, to be divided into three parts, one part to be to the reparations and building of the town walls and works, the second part to the reparations of the church, and the third part to the officers, for the time being." This bye-law, which was evidently intended to support the monopoly of the corporation, however it might serve to benefit that body, and tend to enrich a few individuals, does not seem to have been calculated to advance the general interests of trade : nor could the following enactment, which was framed in the same year, add to the strength or increase the population of the town, viz. That no dweller should set or sell land or tenement, within the same town of Galway, to no Irishman, without licence from the council for the time being, on payn of forfaiting said lands and tenements, and one hundredth shillings to be divided as above written. "12 These bye-laws, however, were confirmed in several years after, by Pierse Lynche, the first mayor of the town.

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 59

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Galway, you are in a town that in 1460 drew tight lines around who could trade and who could own land. Under William Dubh Lynche, then sovereign of the town, the corporation enacted that no merchant, mariner, or shipman should carry foreigners' goods, only freemen's, on pain of forfeiting the goods and 100 shillings. The forfeited goods were split three ways: one part for repairing and building the town walls, one for the church, and one for the officers. That same year the corporation ruled that no dweller should sell land or tenement to any Irishman without licence from the council, again on pain of forfeiture and 100 shillings divided as before. The book calls the first bye-law a support for the corporation's monopoly, one that enriched a few but did not advance the general interests of trade, and notes that the land-sale restriction could hardly add to the strength or population of the town. These bye-laws were confirmed in later years by Pierse Lynche, the first mayor of Galway.

4. Aghnenure Castle surprised by young O'Flaherty

   Aughnanure · townland · Galway · 1641

   Young Morough-na-ciuoh O'Flaherty treacherously surprised Lord Clanricarde's castle of Aghnenure in Iar-Connaught, increasing consternation in Galway during the 1641 rebellion.

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   Ulick, the fifth earl of Clanricarde, governor, for life, of the town and county of Galway, having fortunately returned to Ireland in the summer of 1641, was then at his castle of Portumna.37 As soon as he heard of the troubles, he took every precaution for the security of the county. On the 28th October he dispatched messengers to Galway, to Sir Richard Blake, with an account of the breaking out of the rebellion, and directions that the town should be most strict and vigilant in its watch and guards. This information was immediately communicated to the mayor and council : arms and ammunition, with which they were but badly provided, were supplied : orders were issued to strengthen the town gates where they were weak and defective, and the guards and watches were doubled. On the 6th of November his lordship arrived; he remained two days, during which time he put the town and fort in the best possible posture of defence, augmented the two companies of the latter to two hundred men, and directed the mayor and corporation to furnish it with provisions, with which it was but indifferently stored; and, to provide for his own company in Loughrea, he took out of the store-house one hundred firelocks and as manj pikes; but more than half of these, upon trial, was found unserviceable The consternation of the town was considerably increased by the archbishop of Tuam deserting his castle, and flying for refuge to the fort, and the subsequent treacherous surprisal of lord Clanricarde's castle of Aghnenure, in Iar-Connaught, by young Morough-na-ciuoh O'Flaherty On the 11th, a general assembly was convened in the tholsel; and it was. amongst other things, unanimously resolved : "that to the last man the said town of Galway would lose their blood and lives in his majesty's service, in the defence, and for the safety of the said fort and town." The fort was furnished with one hundred pecks of wheat, fifty pounds worth of timber and other necessaries, all which were to be paid for upon the restoration of tranquility in the kingdom.

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 94

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here stands Aghnenure Castle, and in 1641 it was taken by surprise. Ulick, the fifth earl of Clanricarde, was governor for life of the town and county of Galway. He had returned to Ireland that summer and was at his castle of Portumna when the troubles began. On the 28th of October he sent messengers to Galway, to Sir Richard Blake, with word of the rebellion breaking out and directions that the town be strict and vigilant in its watch and guards. The mayor and council were told at once. Arms and ammunition were supplied, though they were badly provided. The town gates were strengthened where they were weak and defective, and the guards and watches were doubled. On the 6th of November, Clanricarde arrived in Galway himself. He stayed two days. He put the town and fort in the best possible posture of defence. He brought the two companies of the fort up to 200 men. He directed the mayor and corporation to furnish it with provisions, which it lacked. For his own company in Loughrea he took 100 firelocks and as many pikes from the store-house, but more than half of these were found unserviceable upon trial. The consternation in Galway grew. The archbishop of Tuam deserted his castle and fled for refuge to the fort. Then came the treacherous surprisal of Lord Clanricarde's castle of Aghnenure, in Iar-Connaught, by young Morough-na-ciuoh O'Flaherty. On the 11th of November a general assembly was convened in the tholsel. It was resolved, amongst other things, that to the last man the town of Galway would lose their blood and lives in his majesty's service, in the defence and for the safety of the fort and town. The fort was furnished with 100 pecks of wheat and 50 pounds worth of timber and other necessaries, all to be paid for upon the restoration of tranquility in the kingdom.

5. Ancient college-house with subterranean passage

   Galway · city · Galway

   The former residence of the warden and vicars of St. Nicholas's Church stands within fifty feet of the church's western end. It retains remains of antique sculpture and the entrance to a subterranean passage, long closed, that led to the high altar in the choir.

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   The ancient college-house, or former residence of the warden and vicars, is a spacious edifice, situate within fifty feet of the western extremity of the church. Some remains of antique sculpture are yet to be seen here, with the entrance of a subterranean passage (long since closed up) which led to the high altar in the choir. This house is now divided into several tenements, occupied by various families, who hold under the established warden; and with it this section shall be closed, in order to proceed to the consideration of the other religious establishments in the town.

   Three sons and two daughters their children.

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 207

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Galway, near the western end of St. Nicholas's Church, there stands the ancient college-house, the former residence of the warden and vicars. It was a spacious building, and you can still see remains of antique sculpture on it. There's also the entrance to a subterranean passage, long since closed up, which once led to the high altar in the choir. These days the house is divided into several tenements, lived in by families who hold under the established warden.

6. Barna estate butter prized in Galway market

   near Barna · street · Galway

   Small farmers in the west liberties and along the sea coast supplied Galway with milk and butter. Butter produced on the estate of Barna was peculiarly sweet and well-flavoured and always commanded a good sale in the market, priced at eight to sixteen pence per pound.

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   The small farmers in the vicinity of the town, but particularly those in the west liberties, and for some miles along the sea coast, principally supply the town with milk and butter. The latter is in general sweet and well-flavoured, but that produced on the estate of Barna is peculiarly so, and always commands a good sale in the market. The price averages from eight pence to sixteen pence per pound, which seldom contains less than twenty ounces : indeed, in almost every instance it is found to contain considerably more. There can be no doubt but that the butter trade, if properly encouraged, would flourish here. Some exertions are now making on the subject, which it is hoped may prove successful. 5

   5. — Vegetable Market.

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 249

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere about Barna, this was a place known for its butter. Small farmers in the west liberties and along the sea coast supplied Galway with milk and butter, but the butter produced on the estate of Barna was peculiarly sweet and well-flavoured, and always commanded a good sale in the market. It sold for eight to sixteen pence per pound, and a pound seldom contained less than twenty ounces, often considerably more.

7. Canon of Annaghdown claims Ballinclaer rectory (1502)

   Annaghdown · townland · Galway · 1502

   Richard de Burgo, canon of Annaghdown, petitioned the pope in 1502 claiming the right to the rectory of Ballinclaer, despite it having been united to the collegiate church at its original institution. A commission directed to Florence O'Cannovan investigated and decided against de Burgo's claim.

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   sons of iniquity " who had in any manner invaded the rights of the collegiate church, or usurped any of its possessions; and if they should not restore what they had taken, and desist for the future, then to pronounce against them the sentence of excommunication. This strong remedy seems to have had the desired effect, for it does not appear that any opposition was given to the college for several years after, with the single exception of its determined opponent, Richard de Burgo, the canon of Annaghdown, who, in 1502, petitioned the pope, claiming the right to the rectory of Ballinclaer, though it had been united to the collegiate church at the time of its original institution. A commission accordingly issued, directed to Florence O'Cannovan, to inquire concerning this alleged claim, who, after investigating the matter, decided against it. For some years after this decision the college enjoyed a respite from external opposition, which John Bermingham, warden in 1514, and Henry Brangan, warden in 1557,9 were successful in preventing, until the archbishop of Tuam united the vicarages of the parish churches of Kinlash an and Srower to the wardenship, when two of the diocesan clergy, Meiler and Thomas Mac Shonyn, having laid claim to those livings, obtained letters from Rome allowing their claim, under which they received all the fruits, rents and profits of the vicarages. The warden and vicars, on their part, charged them with having obtained these letters surreptitiously, without stating the union which had been made; and having brought the question before the archbishop, he made his decree on 9th January, 1526, annulling the adverse claim, and confirming the previous union. This dispute was succeeded by another concerning the rectory and vicarage of Roscam, which had been shortly before united by the archbishop, but was claimed by Edmund de Burgo, archdeacon of Enachdune. On the petition of John O'Dermode, then warden, to cardinal Wolsey, a commission issued to the dean of Kilfenora to investigate this claim and determine between the parties, who, by his decree, dated the 5th of August, 1529, confirmed the title of the college; and thus terminated all further litigation concerning its exterior possessions. 10

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 195

   As the companion tells it

   Close to Annaghdown, a dispute over church rights played out in the year 1502. The collegiate church had earlier taken strong action against anyone who invaded its rights or seized its possessions. Those who refused to restore what they had taken faced excommunication. This remedy seemed to work, and for several years no serious opposition troubled the college, with one determined exception. Richard de Burgo, canon of Annaghdown, petitioned the pope in 1502, claiming the right to the rectory of Ballinclaer. The problem was that Ballinclaer had been united to the collegiate church at the time of its original institution, so de Burgo was challenging a long-standing union. A commission was issued, directed to Florence O'Cannovan, to inquire into the alleged claim. O'Cannovan investigated the matter and decided against de Burgo. After this decision, the college enjoyed a respite from external opposition for some years. The reprieve did not last forever. Later wardens, John Bermingham in 1514 and Henry Brangan in 1557, were each able to prevent further challenges. But further disputes did arise in time, over the vicarages of Kinlashan and Srower, and then over the rectory and vicarage of Roscam, claimed by Edmund de Burgo, archdeacon of Enachdune. Those later conflicts were settled by decree, the last of them in 1529, confirming the college's title and ending all further litigation concerning its exterior possessions.

8. Castles of Tirellan, Oranmore and Clare-Galway taken

   Oranmore · town · Galway · 1651

   During the investment of Galway, the castles of Tirellan, Oranmore and Clare-Galway were captured by parliamentary forces. On 12 August 1651 the enemy pitched their camp between Lough-a-thalia and Suckeen within a few hundred yards of the town walls.

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   Whilst this hollow negociation was going forward, the parliamentary forces proceeded with rapid strides towards the conquest of the kingdom Preston, the gallant Irish commander, betrayed and gradually defeated in every other quarter, finally threw himself with a few troops into Galway, where he was intrusted with the chief command, and honored with the title of governor. The town was soon after invested by Sir Charles Coote and commissarj'-general Reynolds and was quickly reduced to a state of blockade. The castles of 1 irellan, Oranmore and Clare-Galway were taken; and on the 12th of August, 1651, the enemy pitched their camp between Lough-a-thalia and Suckeen, within a few hundred yards of the walls. Limerick having surrendered on the 27th of October, a council of war was held by Ireton, to determine whether he should immediatey march with his army towards Galway. The general himself and several officers were for this measure; but others complaining of the ill condition of their men, through sickness and severe service, and the near approach of winter, it was resolved that, for the present, they should summon the town to accept the conditions originally tendered to Limerick. Accordingly, on the morning of the 9th of November, dispatches arrived from the lord deputy for the governor, (inclosing letters also to the mayor and inhabitants,) in which, after some pointed reflections, he informs him that if he shall freely communicate the proposals to the town s-people, and be himself, "waving the frivolous impertinencies of a soldier's honor or humor rather,'' inclined to capitulate, he might then expect to participate in the benefit of the conditions; but that if he smothered or suppressed them, he might be sure that his head would pay for the trouble or mischief that should follow. 16

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 105

   As the companion tells it

   You are coming through Oranmore now, a town in County Galway. In 1651 this was one of three castles seized by parliamentary forces as they closed in on Galway. The Irish commander Preston had fallen back into Galway with a few troops and was entrusted with the chief command there. Sir Charles Coote and commissary-general Reynolds invested the town and quickly reduced it to a state of blockade. The castles of Tirellan, Oranmore and Clare-Galway were all taken. On the 12th of August 1651 the enemy pitched their camp between Lough-a-thalia and Suckeen, within a few hundred yards of the walls. After Limerick surrendered on the 27th of October, Ireton held a council of war to decide whether to march on Galway. Some officers argued their men were worn down by sickness and severe service and that winter was near, so it was resolved instead to summon the town to accept the conditions originally tendered to Limerick. On the morning of the 9th of November, dispatches arrived from the lord deputy for the governor. He told him that if he freely communicated the proposals to the town's people and was himself, "waving the frivolous impertinencies of a soldier's honor or humor rather," inclined to capitulate, he might share in the benefit of those conditions. But if he suppressed them, his head would pay for the trouble that followed.

9. Charter of James II establishes Galway as a free borough

   Galway · city · Galway

   King James II issued a new charter for Galway, ordaining it to be a free borough and a separate county. The charter established a corporation with a mayor, recorder, aldermen, sheriffs, and burgesses, and authorized a court of record to be held in the town.

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   The king, after stating that the town was ancient and populous, ordained that it should forever be and remain a free borough and a separate county. — The corporation to consist of one mayor, one recorder, twenty-six aldermen, two sheriffs, sixty free burgesses and one chamberlain. — John Kirwan, esq. to "be the modern mayor. — Garret Moore, esq. Sir Walte' Blake, hart. Roebuck Lynch, Robert Blake, Dominick Brown; James D'Arcy, Oliver Martyn, Francis Blake, Nicholas French, senior, Henry Blake, Robert French, Andrew Blake, Martin Kirwan, iritz-Patrick. Walter Blake esquires; Geo. Stanton, Ambrose Lynch, Stephen Dean, Thomas Deane, Robert Kirwan, Peter Kirwan Fitz-Francis, merchants ; James Browne Fitz-Edward. William Hill Jonthan Perry, Thomas Rivette, Thomas Simcockes and John Gerry, to be the modern twenty-six aldermen during their respective lives. — James Browne and Marcus Kirwan, modern sheriffs. — Denis Daly, esq. one of the justices of tfh common pleas; Sir Henry Lynch, bart. one of the barons of the exchequer ; Peter Martin, esq. one of the justices of the common pleas; Gerald Dillon, esq. prime serjeant. Francis Plowclen, John Browne, Charles Daly, George French, George Browne, Anthony Bodkin, Nicholas Lynch Fitz-Marcus, Arthur French, Peter Blake Fitz-Richard. Nicholas French junior, Richard Blake, Oliver Browne, Francis Foster, Patrick Lynch Fitz-R.obert, Jos. Lynch, Marcus Blake Fitz-Walter, Andrew French, Arthur Lynch Fitz-Roebuck, Nicholas Lynch Fitz-Roebuck, John Blake Fitz-Valentine, Roebuck French, Patrick French Fitz-Roebuck, esquires, James Ryan, M.D., Thomas Martin, M.D. Mark Browne Fitz- Walter, John Martin Fitz-Richard. Dominick Lynch, Fitz-John, Laurence Deane, Thomas Blake Fitz-John, Richard Lynch, senior, Dominick Ffrench Frtz-Patrick, Thomas Lynch Fitz-Peter, Gregory Nolan, Francis Blake Fitz- Andrew, Edmond Skerrett Fitz-Dominick, Patrick Blake Fitz- Andrew, Peter Blake Fitz- Nicholas, Stephen Lynch Fitz-Nicholas More, Richard Lynch, junior, Jasper French Fitz-Robert, Patrick D'Arcy, Oliver D'Arcy, Martin D'Arcy Fitz-

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 125

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Galway, this city carries an old royal mark. King James the Second issued a charter for the town, stating that it was ancient and populous, and ordaining that it should forever be and remain a free borough and a separate county. The charter established a corporation of one mayor, one recorder, 26 aldermen, two sheriffs, 60 free burgesses, and one chamberlain. John Kirwan was named the modern mayor. The 26 aldermen were named for life, among them Garret Moore, Sir Walter Blake, Roebuck Lynch, Robert Blake, Dominick Brown, James Darcy, Oliver Martyn, Francis Blake, Nicholas French senior, Henry Blake, Robert French, Andrew Blake, Martin Kirwan, and a long list of merchants and esquires including George Stanton, Ambrose Lynch, Stephen Dean, Thomas Deane, Robert Kirwan, and Peter Kirwan. James Browne and Marcus Kirwan were named the modern sheriffs. The charter then named 60 free burgesses, beginning with Denis Daly, one of the justices of the common pleas, and Sir Henry Lynch, one of the barons of the exchequer. Peter Martin, another justice of the common pleas, was named, along with Gerald Dillon, the prime serjeant. The list of burgesses ran on through dozens of names, French, Blake, Browne, Lynch, Darcy, Skerrett, Nolan, and many others, each a figure of the town James the Second chose to bind into this new corporation.

10. Clanricarde at Portumna Castle on outbreak of 1641 rebellion

    Portumna · town · Galway · 1641

    Ulick, the fifth earl of Clanricarde, governor for life of the town and county of Galway, returned to Ireland in the summer of 1641 and was at his castle of Portumna when news of the rebellion broke. He immediately dispatched messengers to Galway with an account of the outbreak and directions for vigilance.

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    Ulick, the fifth earl of Clanricarde, governor, for life, of the town and county of Galway, having fortunately returned to Ireland in the summer of 1641, was then at his castle of Portumna.37 As soon as he heard of the troubles, he took every precaution for the security of the county. On the 28th October he dispatched messengers to Galway, to Sir Richard Blake, with an account of the breaking out of the rebellion, and directions that the town should be most strict and vigilant in its watch and guards. This information was immediately communicated to the mayor and council : arms and ammunition, with which they were but badly provided, were supplied : orders were issued to strengthen the town gates where they were weak and defective, and the guards and watches were doubled. On the 6th of November his lordship arrived; he remained two days, during which time he put the town and fort in the best possible posture of defence, augmented the two companies of the latter to two hundred men, and directed the mayor and corporation to furnish it with provisions, with which it was but indifferently stored; and, to provide for his own company in Loughrea, he took out of the store-house one hundred firelocks and as manj pikes; but more than half of these, upon trial, was found unserviceable The consternation of the town was considerably increased by the archbishop of Tuam deserting his castle, and flying for refuge to the fort, and the subsequent treacherous surprisal of lord Clanricarde's castle of Aghnenure, in Iar-Connaught, by young Morough-na-ciuoh O'Flaherty On the 11th, a general assembly was convened in the tholsel; and it was. amongst other things, unanimously resolved : "that to the last man the said town of Galway would lose their blood and lives in his majesty's service, in the defence, and for the safety of the said fort and town." The fort was furnished with one hundred pecks of wheat, fifty pounds worth of timber and other necessaries, all which were to be paid for upon the restoration of tranquility in the kingdom.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 94

    As the companion tells it

    Portumna is the town where Ulick, the fifth earl of Clanricarde, found himself when the trouble began. He was governor for life of the town and county of Galway, and had returned to Ireland in the summer of 1641. He was at his castle here when word came of the rebellion breaking out. He lost no time. On the 28th of October he dispatched messengers to Galway, to Sir Richard Blake, carrying an account of the outbreak and directions that the town should be most strict and vigilant in its watch and guards. The news went straight to the mayor and council. They were badly provided with arms and ammunition, but what could be found was supplied. Orders went out to strengthen the town gates where they were weak and defective, and the guards and watches were doubled. On the 6th of November his lordship arrived in Galway himself and stayed two days. He put the town and fort in the best possible posture of defence, bringing the fort's two companies up to 200 men. He directed the mayor and corporation to furnish it with provisions, though it was but indifferently stored. For his own company in Loughrea he took from the store-house 100 firelocks and as many pikes, but more than half of these, on trial, were found unserviceable. Fear in the town grew when the archbishop of Tuam deserted his castle and fled to the fort for refuge, and when young Morrough-na-ciuoh O'Flaherty treacherously surprised Clanricarde's castle of Aghnenure in Iar-Connaught. On the 11th, a general assembly gathered in the tholsel and resolved, to the last man, that the town of Galway would lose their blood and lives in his majesty's service, in defence of the fort and town. The fort was furnished with 100 pecks of wheat and 50 pounds worth of timber and other necessaries, all to be paid for upon the restoration of tranquility in the kingdom.

11. Connemara coast sun-fish fishery in spring

    near Connemara · locality · Galway · 1776

    On the coast of Connemara, from 10 April to 10 May, a sun-fish fishery was conducted by herring-boats, with each fish valued at about £5. Forty to fifty boats were employed in this seasonal fishery according to Dr. Young's 1776 tour.

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    According to Dr. Young (whose information is generajly correct) there were in 1776 from "200 to 250 boats belonging to the town, 40 or 50 of which were employed in the spring fishery for cod, hake, mackrel, etc. These boats are from 4 to 6 tons, some 9 ; they cost in building £20 a boat, and the nets and tackle about £15. The nets are of hemp tanned with bark ; there are 5 to 6 men to a boat ; they fish by shares dividing into sixty ; they have had this fishing time immemorial. The plenty of fish decreased these 15 years. A middling night's take is 5,000 fish; all they get is sold unto the country, and the demand is so far from being answered that many cargoes are brought in from the north. The fish sell at Is. 4d. to 2s. 2d. a hundred." — The Doctor further adds — " On the coast of Conomarra there is, from the 10th of April to the 10th of May, a fishery of sun-fish which is done by the herring-boats; one fish is reckoned worth £5; 40 or 50 boats employed on this."- — ■ Young's Tour.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 234

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Connemara, there is a stretch of coast that in 1776 saw a striking spring fishery. Dr. Young recorded that from 10 April to 10 May, boats went out after what he called sun-fish. The herring-boats were used for it, 40 or 50 of them employed in that short season. A single fish was reckoned worth about £5. The same boats belonged to a larger fleet. Dr. Young put the total at 200 to 250 boats belonging to the town. Most fished in the spring for cod, hake and mackerel. The boats were small, from 4 to 6 tons, some as much as 9. Each cost about £20 to build, and the nets and tackle another £15. The nets were hemp, tanned with bark. Five or 6 men manned each boat, and they divided their catch into sixty shares. They had held this fishing, Young wrote, from time immemorial. Fish had grown scarcer over the previous 15 years. A middling night's take was still 5,000 fish, and all of it sold into the country. Demand so far outstripped supply that cargoes were brought in from the north. Fish sold at 1 shilling and 4 pence to 2 shillings and 2 pence a hundred.

12. Disputes over vicarages of Moycullen, Kilcolman, Kilronan and others

    Moycullen · town · Galway · 1496

    In 1496 the warden and vicars of St. Nicholas petitioned Pope Alexander VI, reporting that Maurice O'Flaherty claimed the vicarage of Moycullen, Roderick O'Kennewayn and Owen O'Flaherty claimed Kylcommyn and Kilrowan, and Richard de Burgo and others claimed Furanmore and Meary, despite the parishes being canonically united to the collegiate church.

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    The warden and vicars were not, however, permitted to enjoy their newly acquired possessions in peace, but were continually harassed by the surrounding diocesan clergy, who invariably contested the right of union of the several parishes, and gave the new incumbents every possible opposition. At length, in 1496, they were obliged to petition pope Alexander VI., stating that, although the several parishes were canonically united to the church of St. Nicholas, yet that Maurice O'Flaherty, clerke, laid claim to the vicarage of the parish church of Moycullen; that Roderick O'Kennewayn and Owen O'Flaherty claimed the vicarages of Kylcommyn and Kilrowan; and that Richard de Bur go and others claimed the rectories and vicarages of Furanmore and Meary; and they humbly prayed relief from his holiness. A bull accordingly issued to the bishop of Clonfert and David de Burgo, canon of the cathedral church of Clonfert, giving them full power to hear and determine between the parties- These commissioners met on the 17th of December, 1 497 , in the parish church of Ballynpatrick, in the diocese of Clonfert, and, after a solemn investigation, pronounced judgment of intrusion against the persons complained of, and others. These decisions, however decisive as they were in favour of the warden and vicars, did not entirely suppress their opponents, and they were again obliged to have recourse to the holy see. Another bull accordingly issued, dated the 7th of the Ides of January, 1501, directed to the archbishop of 1 uam and others, empowering them to admonish " all those

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 194

    As the companion tells it

    Moycullen was a parish whose vicarage was fiercely contested. In 1496 the warden and vicars of St. Nicholas petitioned Pope Alexander VI, stating that the several parishes had been canonically united to their church, yet surrounding diocesan clergy refused to accept it and gave the new incumbents every possible opposition. Maurice O'Flaherty, a clerk, laid claim to the vicarage of this parish. Roderick O'Kennewayn and Owen O'Flaherty claimed the vicarages of Kilcolman and Kilronan. Richard de Burgo and others claimed the rectories and vicarages of Furanmore and Meary. The warden and vicars humbly prayed the pope for relief. A bull was issued to the bishop of Clonfert and David de Burgo, a canon of the cathedral church of Clonfert, giving them full power to hear and determine between the parties. They met in the parish church of Ballynpatrick, in the diocese of Clonfert, and after a solemn investigation pronounced judgment of intrusion against the persons complained of and others. But these decisions, however decisive in favour of the warden and vicars, did not entirely suppress their opponents. They were again obliged to have recourse to the holy see. Another bull was issued, dated the 7th of the Ides of January, 1501, directed to the archbishop of Tuam and others, empowering them to admonish all those who continued to resist.

13. Etymology and early commerce of Galway

    Galway · city · Galway

    The name Galway derives from the Gael or merchants who inhabited the district, and the town was distinguished for trade from an early period. In ancient documents the name appears as 'Galvy' down to 1400, with the modern form 'Galway' first occurring around 1440. The town's excellent bay and harbour reinforced its commercial character.

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    of Galway both derived their name from the territory in which they were situate, and that the district itself was originally denominated from the Gael, or merchants, by whom it was inhabited; to strengthen this conclusion, might be adduced the authorities of Tacitus and Ptolemy; add to which, that in the annals of Roscommon, already mentioned, the name of the river Galiva is nearly similar in orthography, and entirely so in pronunciation, to Gailibh, pronounced Gallive, and throughout the most ancient documents, wherein the name of the town appears, down to the year 1400, it is invariably written Galvy, in which, the transposition of the two final letters, is the only derivation from the Irish, in process of time the word Gal -iva, was altered into Gal-via, the literal translation of which, Gal-way, first occurs about the year 1440, and from that time, it has remained uniform and unchanged, by any variation to the present day.

    Having thus far dwelt upon the etymology and orthography of the name of Galway, it is now time to conclude a disquisition which has already become tedious, leaving the reader fully at liberty to form or retain his own opinion on the subject. What has been collected, however, appears strongly to support the position, that the town of Galway and the district in which it is situate, were, from an early period, distinguished for trade and commerce, a circumstance from which they derive their name; and, when in addition to these, the excellent situation of the place, its local advantages, and many capabilities for foreign commerce, and inland traffick and navigation, 10 its noble bay, the finest perhaps in the kingdom, and the natural security of its harbour, shall be taken into consideration, power fully corroborative reasons will be found in favour of the same conclusion.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 11

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Galway, the name itself carries the story of the place. The town and the district both took their name from the territory they sat in, and that territory was named for the Gael, or merchants, who lived there. The authorities of Tacitus and Ptolemy can be brought in to support this. In the annals of Roscommon, the river name Galiva is nearly the same in spelling, and entirely the same in pronunciation, as Gailibh, pronounced Gallive. Down to the year 1400, in the most ancient documents where the name of the town appears, it is invariably written Galvy, the transposition of the two final letters being the only derivation from the Irish. In time the word Gal-iva was altered into Gal-via, the literal translation of which, Gal-way, first occurs about the year 1440, and from that time it has remained uniform and unchanged to the present day. The town and the district were, from an early period, distinguished for trade and commerce, and it is from this that they derive their name. The excellent situation of the place, its local advantages, its many capabilities for foreign commerce and inland traffic and navigation, its noble bay, perhaps the finest in the kingdom, and the natural security of its harbour, all powerfully support the same conclusion.

14. Fort at Ballymanagh erected and later entrusted to Blake

    Ballymanagh · townland · Galway · 1625–1641

    A fort was founded on the lands of Ballymanagh around 1625 for the king's use, with a good part of its walls erected. It remained in royal custody under John Turner until 1641, when it was entrusted to Sir Richard Blake by the lords justices and council.

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    on part of those lands, and continued in his possession until 1643. when it was surrendered by captain Willou^h^- to John Bourke and others, commanding the Irish forces, by whom it was demolished by order of the supreme council. Who received the issues and profits since, the jury could not find ; but before the fort was erected, Nicholas D'Arcv. deceased, was the reputed proprietor of the premises, and since the surrender there were several possessors, but under what i1^ they could not find, and sav the rands contain, by estimation, twelve acres. That upon the lands .of Ballymanagh, the foundation of a fort, arid a good part of the walls thereof, were laid and erected for his majesty's use, ^out the year 1625, which continued in his possession, and in the custody of John Turner,, deceased, until 1641. when it was entrusted to the charge of Sir Richard Blake, knight, by tlv lords justices and council; it contains, by estimation, one acre, but they cannot find any known proprietor thereof except his majesty. That the lands of xnuttonisland, containing by estimation, three acres, were made use of in common by the inhabitants ol Galway and the liberties thereof. — Grig. Inq. Rolls Office.

    150

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 118

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Ballymanagh, a fort was begun around 1625, its foundation and a good part of its walls laid and erected for the king's use. Before the fort was built, Nicholas D'Arcy, now deceased, was the reputed proprietor of the premises. The lands themselves ran to about twelve acres, while the fort occupied one acre by estimation. The fort stayed in the king's possession and in the custody of John Turner, also deceased, until 1641. In that year it was entrusted to the charge of Sir Richard Blake, knight, by the lords justices and council. No known proprietor could be found for the fort other than his majesty. After the surrender in 1643, when Captain Willoughby gave up a holding on part of those lands to John Bourke and others commanding the Irish forces, it was demolished by order of the supreme council. Several possessors followed, though the jury could not say under what title.

15. Galway as centre of De Burgh power in Connaught

    Galway · city · Galway

    Following the defeat of the Irish near Athenry, the De Burghs made Galway the chief point where their power centred and where the principal heads of the family resided. The town's trade, buildings, and inhabitants rapidly increased as a result.

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    This signal defeat of the Irish, which effectually established the dominion of the English settlers in Connaught, was followed by a short interval of peace, the happiest effects of which were experiencd by the town of Galway. The victorious De Burgos, who had now no enemy able to contend against them, ruled the entire province from the Shannon to the sea : they made Galway the chief point wherein all their power centred, and in which the principal heads of the family resided; in consequence of which, its trade, buildings and inhabitants, continued rapidly to increase. The church of Saint Nicholas was founded in 1320, and many other useful improvements were made; but the peace of the town was, about that time, disturbed by some deadly disputes which arose between the rival families

    his faithful subjects in those parts, if they were granted to the Earl : because he holds all his lands in Connaught and Ulster, and has a great power of English and Irish contiguous, by which he could more effectually keep down the natives." — Rot. Placit. B. T. & Exempl. in Offic. Rotulor.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 51

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are moving through what became the seat of De Burgh power across Connaught. After a signal defeat of the Irish near Athenry, the English settlers' dominion in the province was firmly established, and a short interval of peace followed. The victorious De Burgos had no enemy left able to contend against them, and they ruled the entire province from the Shannon to the sea. They chose Galway as the chief point where all their power centred, and the principal heads of the family took up residence here. In consequence, the town's trade, its buildings, and its inhabitants all continued rapidly to increase. The church of Saint Nicholas was founded in 1320, and many other useful improvements were made around the same time. But the peace of the town was not to last. About that period, deadly disputes arose between rival families and disturbed the quiet that had briefly settled on the place.

16. Galway church united to the parish of Clare Galway

    Claregalway · town · Galway · 1484

    Archbishop Donatus O'Murray, elected to Tuam in 1458, erected the church of St. Nicholas in Galway into a collegiate of exempt jurisdiction by letters dated 28 September 1484, in consideration of an ample equivalent bestowed by the inhabitants. He united to it the parish church of St. James of Balenclaer, now known as Clare Galway.

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    The town of Galway originally belonged to the diocess of Enachdune, an ancient bishoprick, united in 1324 to the archiepiscopal see of Tuam.2 Since this union the church of St. Nicholas was governed by vicars, instituted by that see, who were commonly of Irish extraction, and, of course, entirely different from their hnglish parishioners, as well in their principles as in their manners and common habits of life. In this state, discontents and jealousies between the clergy and their flock were inevitable. The latter constantly complained that their Irish pastors were generally prejudiced against them, as being of English origin, and that they invariably countenanced and abetted their own friends and kindred of the Irish race, by whom the town was on all sides surrounded, and with whom the townspeople were in a state of continual hostility. The affairs of religion being thus circumstanced within the town, Donatus O' Murray, who was elected archbishop of Tuam in 1458, at length interfered, and, in consideration, as is said, of an ample equivalent bestowed by the inhabitants, and annexed to the see, he of his own authority erected the church of St. Nicholas into a collegiate of exempt jurisdiction, by letters under his seal, dated the 28th September, 1484,3 and to it united the parish church of St. James of Balenclaer (now Clare Galway)- This act having obtained the sanction of pope Innocent VIII. by bull, dated the six'da of the Ides of February

    presents St. Nicholas with his mitre, crozier, etc. At his right appear kneeling, the three virgins whom he rescued from the danger of prostitution ; and on a taVe at his left, the three purses of money wiili wh"«?h he performed that signal act of charity, his seal is coeval with the wr.cdenship.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 192

    As the companion tells it

    Claregalway is a town the road passes through. In 1484 it became tied to a change in Galway's religious life that had been building for decades. Galway had belonged to the diocese of Enachdune, an ancient bishopric united to the archiepiscopal see of Tuam in 1324. After that union, the church of St. Nicholas in Galway was governed by vicars instituted by Tuam. These vicars were commonly of Irish extraction, entirely different from their English parishioners in principles, manners, and habits. Discontents and jealousies between clergy and flock were inevitable. The townspeople complained that their Irish pastors were prejudiced against them for being of English origin, and that the clergy countenanced and abetted their own friends and kindred of the Irish race, by whom the town was surrounded on all sides. The townspeople and those surrounding Irish were in continual hostility. The affairs of religion being thus circumstanced, Donatus O'Murray, elected archbishop of Tuam in 1458, at length interfered. In consideration, as is said, of an ample equivalent bestowed by the inhabitants and annexed to the see, he of his own authority erected the church of St. Nicholas into a collegiate of exempt jurisdiction, by letters under his seal dated the 28th of September 1484, and to it he united the parish church of St. James of Balenclaer, now known as Claregalway. This act obtained the sanction of Pope Innocent the 8th by bull, dated the sixth of the Ides of February.

17. Galway corporation alienated lands and fell under single family

    Galway · city · Galway

    By this period the Galway corporation's landed possessions had been alienated away, and its members were reduced to a few resident Protestants, mostly tradesmen and shopkeepers without wealth or consequence. The corporation subsequently sank beneath the influence of a single family headed by an individual of high rank and talents.

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    Circumstanced as, from the preceding accounts, it appears the corporation of Galway was at this period, its landed possessions alienated away, and its members composed of a few resident Protestants, principally tradesmen and shopkeepers, the greater part of whom, according to their own shewing, were without wealth, weight or consequence, (for although there were several respectable non-resident members, they do not appear to have interfered in the affairs of the corporation,) its sinking, as it soon afterwards did, beneath the influence of a single family, headed by an individual of high rank and talents, was inevitable. Since the revolution, the several leading families of Eyre, Shaw, Staunton and Fitzpatrick, successively commanded the representation, and directed the affairs of the town; but the interest of the first generally prevailed. The descendants of judge Daly (who was so conspicuous at that period) afterwards became members of the corporation; and, at the commencement of the present reign, James Daly, of Carrov/nskelly, his grandson, was the first on the list of the common council of the town.8 This gentleman, who was one of the earliest

    8. On 1st January, 1764, the common council was composed of the following members, viz.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 153

    As the companion tells it

    As the road carries you through Galway, there is a story in how this place lost its old civic independence. By this period the corporation of Galway had seen its landed possessions alienated away. Its members were few, resident Protestants, mostly tradesmen and shopkeepers who, by their own account, were without wealth, weight, or consequence. There were respectable non-resident members, but they do not appear to have interfered in the corporation's affairs. So it sank beneath the influence of a single family, headed by an individual of high rank and talents. Since the revolution, the leading families of Eyre, Shaw, Staunton, and Fitzpatrick had successively commanded the representation and directed the affairs of the town, but the interest of the first generally prevailed. Then the descendants of Judge Daly, who was conspicuous at that period, became members of the corporation. At the commencement of the present reign, James Daly of Carrownskelly, his grandson, stood first on the list of the common council of the town.

18. Galway described as impoverished and situated in marshes

    Galway · city · Galway · 1396

    Richard II issued letters patent noting that Galway was situated in marshes and surrounded by enemies and rebels, both English and Irish. The town was impoverished by their daily attacks and required aid for its safety.

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    And whereas also, the aforesaid lord Richard the Second, late king of England, on the 18th day of November, in the nineteenth year of his reign, by other his letters patent in aid of the said town of Galway (which was situated in the marshes between divers his enemies and rebels, as well English as Irish, and by their daily attacks was very much impoverished), as well for the safety of his

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 265

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, in 1396 King Richard II issued letters patent describing this town as situated in the marshes, surrounded by enemies and rebels, both English and Irish. He noted that their daily attacks had left the place very much impoverished, and aid was needed for its safety.

19. Galway identified as Ptolemy's Nagnata

    Galway · city · Galway

    Some learned writers, including Baxter, identified the ancient town of Galway as the illustrious city of Nagnata mentioned by Ptolemy on the western coast of Ireland. The name was said to derive from the Irish 'Cuan na guactie', meaning port of the small islands.

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    But our native historians having passed over, in silence, the several places mentioned by Ptolemy, the truth of his relation came at length to be doubted, and the existence of the cities and people, described by him, was called in question : this caused many writers, amongst whom Camden. Ware, Baxter and Harris are the chief, to exert much ingenuity to reconcile his accounts respecting the country in general, and to settle the situation of the several places which he has mentioned; yet, after all their learned conjectures, the situations of many of these places still remain undetermined The geographer having described the northern coast of Ireland, proceeds to the western, where he mentions a people called the Auterii, and a city as then existing, to which he gives the term "illustrious," and calls by the name of Nagnata, an illustrious city. That this was the ancient town of Galway, according to the judgment and decision of some of the learned writers just mentioned, there can be no doubt, although others, at the same time, hold a contrary opinion, and think that the Auterii were the people then inhabiting the district of Galway, which, according to them, was their principal city. In order, however, to afford the reader an opportunity of forming his own judgment between these conflicting opinions, it may not be unimportant or uninteresting to lay before him what has been said, by those different writers, on the subject.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 38

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are travelling through a place some learned writers identified as the illustrious city of Nagnata, mentioned by Ptolemy on the western coast of Ireland. The story begins with the fact that our native historians passed over in silence the several places Ptolemy described. Because of that silence, the truth of his relation came to be doubted, and the existence of the cities and people he described was called in question. This caused many writers to exert much ingenuity to reconcile his accounts and settle the situation of the places he mentioned. Among them, Camden, Ware, Baxter and Harris are the chief. Yet after all their learned conjectures, the situations of many of these places still remain undetermined. Ptolemy, having described the northern coast of Ireland, proceeded to the western coast. There he mentions a people called the Auterii, and a city as then existing, to which he gives the term illustrious, and calls by the name of Nagnata. That this was the ancient town of Galway, according to the judgment and decision of some of those learned writers, there can be no doubt. Others at the same time hold a contrary opinion, and think the Auterii were the people then inhabiting the district of Galway, which according to them was their principal city.

20. Galway merchants' wine vaults at Athboy

    Athboy · town · Meath

    Galway merchants, who supplied much of Ireland with wine, maintained vaults and stores at Athboy in County Meath for the convenience of supplying Dublin, Drogheda, and surrounding towns. The ruins of these storehouses were said to still remain at the time of writing.

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    26 They further relate, that previously to the reign of Henry VII. and long subsequent to the period mentioned above, the merchants of Galway furnished almost the entire kingdom with wine ; and that for the convenience of supplying Dublin, Drogheda, and other circumjacent towns, they had vaults and stores at Athboy, in the county of Meath, the ruins of which it is added, remain there to this day.

    27 Recital of Decree, Rolls Off. Dublin.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 71

    As the companion tells it

    The town of Athboy once held wine vaults belonging to the merchants of Galway. Before the reign of Henry VII and for long after, those merchants furnished almost the entire kingdom with wine. For the convenience of supplying Dublin, Drogheda, and other nearby towns, they kept vaults and stores in Athboy, in the county of Meath. The ruins of those storehouses were said to remain there to this day.

21. Galway prohibits land trade with other Irish cities

    Galway · city · Galway · 1542

    A 1542 Galway by-law forbade inhabitants from buying or selling goods with merchants of Limerick, Cork, Waterford, or Dublin unless those merchants came to Galway in ships as other strangers did, under penalty of forfeiting goods and £20.

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    That no person of this town shall buy or sell with any merchaunts of Lymbriekc, Corcke, Watterford, Dublin, or other towns on- citties, for any goods, or cause same to be transported by land or sea, unless they come to this town as other strangers and merchants in ships, on payn of forfeiting the goods and 201.

    11. This mayor, entering the bay after a long voyage, likewise fired a jrun near the little castle of Mutton-island which was long afterwards observed by his posterity.— Id.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 167

    As the companion tells it

    In 1542, the city of Galway passed a by-law that shut its land trade with other Irish cities. No inhabitant could buy or sell goods with merchants of Limerick, Cork, Waterford, Dublin, or any other town or city. Those merchants had to come in ships, as other strangers did. Anyone who broke the rule forfeited the goods and £20.

22. Galway town defences strengthened against rebellion

    Galway · city · Galway · 1641

    On receiving word of the rebellion from Clanricarde, the mayor and council of Galway supplied arms and ammunition, strengthened the weak town gates, and doubled the guards and watches. Clanricarde arrived on 6 November and put the town and fort in the best possible posture of defence.

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    Ulick, the fifth earl of Clanricarde, governor, for life, of the town and county of Galway, having fortunately returned to Ireland in the summer of 1641, was then at his castle of Portumna.37 As soon as he heard of the troubles, he took every precaution for the security of the county. On the 28th October he dispatched messengers to Galway, to Sir Richard Blake, with an account of the breaking out of the rebellion, and directions that the town should be most strict and vigilant in its watch and guards. This information was immediately communicated to the mayor and council : arms and ammunition, with which they were but badly provided, were supplied : orders were issued to strengthen the town gates where they were weak and defective, and the guards and watches were doubled. On the 6th of November his lordship arrived; he remained two days, during which time he put the town and fort in the best possible posture of defence, augmented the two companies of the latter to two hundred men, and directed the mayor and corporation to furnish it with provisions, with which it was but indifferently stored; and, to provide for his own company in Loughrea, he took out of the store-house one hundred firelocks and as manj pikes; but more than half of these, upon trial, was found unserviceable The consternation of the town was considerably increased by the archbishop of Tuam deserting his castle, and flying for refuge to the fort, and the subsequent treacherous surprisal of lord Clanricarde's castle of Aghnenure, in Iar-Connaught, by young Morough-na-ciuoh O'Flaherty On the 11th, a general assembly was convened in the tholsel; and it was. amongst other things, unanimously resolved : "that to the last man the said town of Galway would lose their blood and lives in his majesty's service, in the defence, and for the safety of the said fort and town." The fort was furnished with one hundred pecks of wheat, fifty pounds worth of timber and other necessaries, all which were to be paid for upon the restoration of tranquility in the kingdom.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 94

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Galway, this is a town that braced itself for rebellion in 1641. Ulick, the fifth earl of Clanricarde and governor for life of the town and county, heard of the troubles while at his castle of Portumna and on the 28th of October sent messengers to Sir Richard Blake with word that the rebellion had broken out and orders that the town be strict and vigilant in its watch and guards. The mayor and council moved at once. They supplied arms and ammunition, though they were badly provided, strengthened the town gates where they were weak and defective, and doubled the guards and watches. Clanricarde arrived on the 6th of November and stayed two days, putting the town and fort in the best possible posture of defence. He brought the fort's two companies up to 200 men and directed the mayor and corporation to furnish it with provisions, though these were indifferently stored. For his own company in Loughrea he took 100 firelocks and as many pikes from the store-house, but more than half proved unserviceable. Fear grew when the archbishop of Tuam deserted his castle and fled to the fort for refuge, and when young Morough-na-ciuoh O'Flaherty treacherously surprised Clanricarde's castle of Aghnenure in Iar-Connaught. On the 11th a general assembly met in the tholsel and resolved, in their own words, that to the last man the town of Galway would lose their blood and lives in his majesty's service, in the defence and for the safety of the said fort and town. The fort was then furnished with 100 pecks of wheat and 50 pounds worth of timber and other necessaries, all to be paid for upon the restoration of tranquility in the kingdom.

23. Galway town walls demolished and built over

    Galway · city · Galway · 1800

    Soon after the commencement of the nineteenth century, the principal part of Galway's town walls was prostrated, and extensive stores and timber-yards were erected on their ruins. The area within the walls came to be called the old town, to distinguish it from new suburban developments.

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    Soon after the commencement of the present century the principal part of the town walls was prostrated, and several extensive stores and timberyards were erected and laid out on their ruins. 19 The buildings in the east and west suburbs, at Dominick-street, Newtown-Smith and Meyrick-square, were still carried on, and all within the walls got the name of the old town

    19 The old fortifications of Galway have been recently contended for in the courts of law, as often as they formerly were at the mouth of the cannon. They are claimed on one hand by the representatives of alderman Eyre, who, in 1670, (Vide note," page 145 ante.) obtained a leas© from the corporation^ which was afterwards renewed on 19th May, 1712, and on the other by his majesty's board of ordnance^ in right of the crown. This board accordingly, on 9th July, 1792, gran-

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 158

    As the companion tells it

    Galway town walls once stood around the old core of the city. Soon after 1800 the principal part of those walls was pulled down, and extensive stores and timber-yards were built on their ruins. Everything inside the walls came to be called the old town, set apart from the new building going up in the east and west suburbs at Dominick Street, Newtown-Smith, and Meyrick Square. The old fortifications had their own afterlife in the courts, where representatives of Alderman Eyre, who had obtained a lease from the corporation in 1670 and renewed it on 19 May 1712, fought the Board of Ordnance over who owned the remains.

24. Galway yeomanry share defeat at Castlebar, 1798

    Castlebar · town · Mayo · 1798

    The Galway town yeomanry joined forces with General Hutchinson's troops and shared in the defeat at Castlebar during the 1798 campaign against the French at Killala.

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    suburbs. The year 1794 was rendered remarkable for the arrival of the Home-ward bound East India fleet. This noble squadron riding at anchor in the bay, and combining with the surrounding scenery, presented a grand and most picturesque appearance, and reminded many old persons, then living, of what they had heard in their youth, concerning the former trade and concourse of shipping to the town. 17 During the troubles which afterwards disturbed the kingdom, the inhabitants of Galway were conspicuous for their peacable demeanour and unshaken loyalty; not an individual suffered for rebellious proceedings; and to their credit be it recorded, that, though their principles were devoted to the constitution of the country," they were free from the vile spirit of political and religious prejudice so prevalent in other parts of the kingdom. The readiness with which the ranks of the militia and the yeomanry corps of volunteers were filled up, afforded convincing proof of the principles of the Catholic inhabitants of Galway. 18 On the landing of the French at Killala, in August, 1798, the gallant and humane general (afterwards lord) Hutchinson commanded in the town; and being, at the time, entirely destitute of resources to enable him to march against the enemy, the merchants, in the space of an hour, made up a sum of fifteen hundred guineas, which they presented him, and by which he was enabled to join general Lake, v/ith the troops under his command to meet the enemy. The town yeomanry also joined their forces, and had their share of the disgraceful defeat at Castlebar. During their absence the town was left without military protection, and the Catholic clergy were indefatigable in their exertions to preserve the public peace. On this occasion, one of the regulars of St. Augustine presented a novel spectacle — a friar standing sentinel on the west bridge, to prevent the entrance of disaffected persons to a place where, within the memory of many then living, he would himself have been doomed to transportation or death for daring to appear or return : thus affording a striking example of the mutability of

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 157

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up now, Castlebar in Mayo. In August 1798 the French landed at Killala, and General Hutchinson, a gallant and humane man who later became Lord Hutchinson, commanded in Galway town. He had no resources to march against the enemy. The merchants of Galway made up fifteen hundred guineas in the space of an hour and presented the sum to him, and by that means he was enabled to join General Lake with the troops under his command to meet the enemy. The Galway town yeomanry joined their forces too, and they had their share of the defeat at Castlebar. The defeat was called disgraceful. During the yeomanry's absence Galway was left without military protection, and the Catholic clergy were indefatigable in their exertions to preserve the public peace. A friar of St. Augustine stood sentinel on the west bridge to prevent the entrance of disaffected persons. The book calls it a novel spectacle, and a striking example of the mutability of things. Galway's inhabitants during the troubles had been conspicuous for peaceable demeanour and unshaken loyalty. Not an individual suffered for rebellious proceedings. The book records that they were free from the vile spirit of political and religious prejudice so prevalent in other parts of the kingdom. The ranks of the militia and the yeomanry corps of volunteers were filled up readily.

25. Gun-firing tradition in Galway haven

    Galway · city · Galway · 1529–1629

    Mayor Richard Gare Lynch, departing on a voyage in 1529, fired a gun in the haven in honour of the town. His voyage proving prosperous, the practice was considered ominous and was continued for over a century by his descendants and all the Lynches.

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    10. This mayor, departing on a voyage, fired a gun in the haven in honour of the town. His voyage proving prosperous, the circumstance was esteemed ominous, and

    was accordingly practised for upwards of a century afterwards by his descendants, and by all the sept of the Lynches. — Annals.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 166

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, there is an old tradition tied to its haven. In 1529, Mayor Richard Gare Lynch fired a gun in the haven in honour of the town as he departed on a voyage. His voyage proved prosperous, and the act was thought ominous, so his descendants and all the Lynches kept the practice for over a century afterwards.

26. Inquisition at Athenry records O'Hargadon lands

    Athenry · town · Galway · 1607

    An inquisition taken at Athenry on 11 September 1607 found that Donogh Reagh O'Hargadon or Hartigan was seized in fee of several lands in the county of Galway. During the civil wars his offspring were deprived of the whole and reduced to indigence.

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    English power prevailed in the province : amongst others, the extensive tract of Bally-Hargadon, near Loughrea, (now the estate of the right hon. Denis Bowes Daly ;) lands of the same name in the parish of Ballycalla, barony of Kilmain, and county of Mayo, and the ruins of an old castle, in the parish of Kilmainmore, same barony and county , still perpetuate the name of their former proprietors. By inquisition, on record, taken at Athenry, 11th Sept. 1607, it was found that Donogh Reagh O'Hargadon or Hartigan, from whom the author of this work is descended, was seized in fee of several lands in the county of Galway. During the civil wars, his offspring (some of whom adopted the sirname Hardiman) were deprived of the whole, and many of them were reduced to indigence, or, to use the expression contained in the memoirs of the late Chas. 0' Conor concerning the ancient Irish famlies, "they melted into peasants before his face." The writer of this, however, even still possesses a small hereditary property in Mayo ; and he hopes that after treating of so many other names and families throughout this volume, the indulgent reader will excuse these few words concerning his own,

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 179

    As the companion tells it

    Athenry is a town with an old legal record in its history. On the 11th of September 1607, an inquisition was taken here, and it found that Donogh Reagh O'Hargadon, also called Hartigan, was seized in fee of several lands in the county of Galway. His name carried on in the landscape: Bally-Hargadon near Loughrea, lands in the parish of Ballycalla in the barony of Kilmain and county of Mayo, and the ruins of an old castle in the parish of Kilmainmore. During the civil wars, his offspring lost the whole of it. Some adopted the surname Hardiman. Many were reduced to indigence, or as the memoirs of Charles O'Conor said of such ancient Irish families, "they melted into peasants before his face." The author of the book this comes from was himself descended from Donogh Reagh, and even when he wrote, still held a small hereditary property in Mayo.

27. Irish reinforcements blocked across Galway Bay from Clare

    near Galway Bay · bay · Clare · 1691

    Irish commanders attempted to throw reinforcements across Galway Bay from County Clare but were prevented by Captain Morgan's party. A skirmish ensued with three or four Irish killed and eight taken prisoner.

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    While these preparations were making for the siege, the town was equally active in preparing for defence. The French began to repair the fortified works on the hill; the town's-people were employed on the fort, near the south-east corner of the wall; several strong works were thrown up to defend the east gate, and all the cabins and hedges round the suburbs were levelled. Within the walls eight guns were planted on the upper citadel; near it was a platform of six, and eight or ten more were raised at the south-east corner. Upon the turret, which stood towards the middle of the long curtain that extended next the bay, there were two, and on the side next the river five more, which, with those planted towards the west and north, made about fifty pieces of canon. Many of these, however, were old and ill-mounted; some of the best guns belonging to the town having been shortly before taken away for other urgent services, and several fine brass pieces lay dismountd and useless in the streets. Although there was a considerable store of provisions, a great quantity of meal, salt, and other additional supplies, was brought from the shipping in the bay. Before the movement of the army towards the town commenced, a party of horse, commanded by the famous colonel Lutterel, attempting to approach and assist the town, was met by a body of cavalry posted at Kilcolgan. and forced to retire. The Irish commanders also attempted to throw in reinforcements across the bay from the county of Clare; but upon the appearance of captain Morgan, with a party under his command, they were prevented, after a skrimish in which three or four of their men were killed and eight taken prisoners. These disappointments, however, did not dishearten the town but rather stimulated all its exertions, and every preparation was made to defend it to the last extremity. I5

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 128

    As the companion tells it

    Galway Bay, in 1691, was the route the Irish commanders chose when they tried to throw reinforcements across from County Clare to the town of Galway, which was preparing for siege. The town was busy on every side. The French repaired the fortified works on the hill. The townspeople were employed on the fort near the south-east corner of the wall. Strong works were thrown up to defend the east gate, and the cabins and hedges round the suburbs were levelled. Within the walls, eight guns stood on the upper citadel, with a platform of six nearby, and eight or ten more at the south-east corner. Two guns sat on the turret toward the middle of the long curtain next the bay, five more on the side next the river, and with those toward the west and north, the town held about fifty pieces of cannon. Many were old and ill-mounted, some of the best having been taken away for other urgent services, and several fine brass pieces lay dismounted and useless in the streets. Before the army moved toward the town, a party of horse under the famous Colonel Lutterel, attempting to approach and assist, was met by cavalry posted at Kilcolgan and forced to retire. Then the Irish commanders attempted to throw their reinforcements across the bay from Clare. Captain Morgan appeared with a party under his command and prevented them, after a skirmish in which three or four of the Irish were killed and eight taken prisoner. These disappointments did not dishearten the town but rather stimulated all its exertions, and every preparation was made to defend it to the last extremity.

28. Kirwan charitable fund for distressed Galway families

    Galway · city · Galway · 1791

    In 1791, Mr. Kirwan, a London gentleman of Galway descent, vested a considerable sum in trustees to be distributed annually on Christmas Eve among distressed individuals of the Galway families. The donation was invested in an estate near the town, expected to produce about £100 a year.

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    appear that the bequest has been ever fulfilled. Members of this respectable family have been frequently benefactors of the poor. In August, 1740, the widow, Jane Eyre, purchased from the corporation the sum of £12 annually for ever, "for the use of the Protestant poor of the parish of St. Nicholas;" and on the 3rd of July, 1754, the same benevolent lady made a similar purchase for the same laudable purpose. 40 In the year 1791, Mr. Kirwan, a London gentleman, descended from one of the Galway families, vested a considerable sum in trustees, and directed the interest to be divided on Christmas-eve annually for ever among distressed individuals of the Galway names, giving always the preference to his own poor relations. This donation has been judiciously applied to the purchase of an estate near the town, which will shortly produce about £100 a year, and the distribution of this sum will prove a considerable relief to many respectable, though reduced, families of the town.

    7. — Mendicants' Workhouse, or General Asylum.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 247

    As the companion tells it

    As you travel through Galway, this city was the focus of a charitable bequest in 1791. Mr. Kirwan, a London gentleman descended from one of the Galway families, vested a considerable sum in trustees and directed the interest to be divided on Christmas Eve annually for ever among distressed individuals of the Galway names, always giving preference to his own poor relations. The donation was put toward the purchase of an estate near the town, expected to produce about £100 a year. The distribution of that sum would prove a considerable relief to many respectable, though reduced, families of the town. Members of this family had been frequent benefactors of the poor before then. In 1740 the widow Jane Eyre purchased from the corporation £12 annually for ever, for the use of the Protestant poor of the parish of St. Nicholas, and in 1754 she made a similar purchase for the same purpose.

29. Main gap of the Galway river kept open after legal dispute

    Galway · city · Galway

    A gap in the river of Galway called the main gap allowed small boats to pass between the lake and the sea. Proprietors closed it to protect weir value, but legal contention determined it should remain open.

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    20 It was for a long time a matter of dispute whether those deriving under the patent possessed.an exclusive right, or, in Jaw phrase, whether the river was a several fishery, in which only the owner had a right to fish, cr a common fishery, in which the public indiscriminately might exercise such a right. The former title was never acknowledged, and the question having at length become a subject of legal investigation, a several fishery was effectually established. There was also, from time immemorial, a gap in the river called the main gap, through which small boats sometimes, though with difficulty, passed up and down from the lake to the sea : this particular gap was always kept open from February to August (being the fishing half year) when all the others were shut : the proprietors, finding that this diminished the value of the weirs, caused it to be closed : this also became a subject of legal contention, but it was finally determined that the gap should be, and it has ever since accordingly been kept, open.

    302

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 234

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, the river here holds an old story about who owns the water. For a long time there was dispute whether the river was a several fishery, where only the owner had the right to fish, or a common fishery, where the public could fish freely. A several fishery was eventually established by legal investigation. But there was also, from time immemorial, a gap in the river called the main gap, through which small boats sometimes passed, with difficulty, up and down from the lake to the sea. This gap was always kept open from February to August, the fishing half year, when all the others were shut. The proprietors found that this diminished the value of the weirs and caused it to be closed. That too became a subject of legal contention, but it was finally determined that the gap should remain open, and it has been kept open ever since.

30. Medieval customs and commerce at Galway (1303-1307)

    Galway · city · Galway · 1303–1307

    In the early fourteenth century, Galway's growing commercial importance was reflected in the collection of new customs and duties on wine, wool, and leather. These revenues were farmed out to local figures such as Richard le Blake, Thomas Dolfyn, and Crucheus Hubert.

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    maintaining a suitable maritime force for the purpose. 26 The commercial duties also, which in these times were payable in the town, sufficiently evince its increasing consequence. In the year 1303, the revenue called the new customs (being an impost of three pence in the pound, due from merchant strangers only, for all commodities imported or exported,) was first granted to the crown, and in the same year these customs at Galway were farmed out to Richard le Blake, for one year, for 321. In 1306 Thomas Sage and Simon Long were appointed collectors of the same duties, and also of the custom of two shillings for every hogshead of wine imported; and in 1307 they were granted for one year to Thomas Dolfyn, on the security of Edmund Husee, Philip Purcell, Richard le Blake, and William Seman. In October of the same year, the great customs of the town, viz. those payable on wool, sheepskins, or woolfells, and leather exported, were granted to Crucheus Hubert; and the new customs were, at the same time, farmed to Crucheus Delpas, for the sum of 241.27 These extracts, of which many more could be produced, sufficiently point out the extent and gradual increase of the commerce of Galway at this period. It was not, however, entirely uninterrupted, but had to contend against many difficulties and disadvantages, occasioned by those animosities which always subsisted between the English settlers and the original inhabitants of the country. About the time last alluded to, violent contentions broke out between the Lords of the Pale and the native Irish, and particularly between the Earl of Ulster, O'Brien, and the Geraldines in Thomond; by which the trade of the town was so much impeded, that Andrew Gerrard, a Florentine merchant, who was keeper of the customs in 1310, had a

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 49

    As the companion tells it

    As you travel through Galway, you are passing through a town whose commercial rise was already clear in the early fourteenth century. In 1303 the new customs were first granted to the crown, and at Galway they were farmed out to Richard le Blake for one year for 321. In 1306 Thomas Sage and Simon Long were appointed collectors of the new customs and also of a duty of two shillings for every hogshead of wine imported. The following year those duties were granted for one year to Thomas Dolfyn, on the security of Edmund Husee, Philip Purcell, Richard le Blake, and William Seman. In October 1307 the great customs on wool, sheepskins, and leather exported were granted to Crucheus Hubert, and the new customs were farmed to Crucheus Delpas for 241. These revenues show the gradual increase of Galway's trade. It was not entirely uninterrupted. Trade had to contend with difficulties caused by animosities between the English settlers and the original inhabitants. About this time violent contentions broke out between the Lords of the Pale and the native Irish, particularly between the Earl of Ulster, O'Brien, and the Geraldines in Thomond, by which the town's trade was so much impeded that Andrew Gerrard, a Florentine merchant who was keeper of the customs in 1310, had his position affected.

31. Meyrick Square laid out for public recreation

    Galway · city · Galway · 1630

    In 1630 a square plot of ground at the green outside Galway's east gate was set apart for public amusement and recreation. It was enclosed with wooden rails and planted with ash trees, many of which survived into living memory.

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    The improvement 01 the town and environs still continued to occupy the attention of the corporation. In 1630, the square plot, at the green, outside the east gate, (since called Meyrick-square,) was set apart for the purpose of public amusement and recreation : it was inclosed with wooden rails, and handsomely planted round with ash trees, many of which were standing within the memory of persons yet living. The highway within the liberties, along Castle-Gar, was soon after completed : the new works at Barachalla and about the great gate, which were left unfinished in the mayoralty of Sir Valentine Blake, were likewise resumed and perfected. In the interior of the town, the main street, from the great gate to the cross, was paved, and several other valuable improvements were made, 30 which at length rendered the town one of the most perfect in the kingdom, possessing every convenience which could tend to promote the health or increase the comforts of the inhabitants.

    Sir Thomas Wentworth, (afterwards earl of Strafford,) lord deputy of Ireland, visited the town in 1634 : his entry was splendid, and his reception equally correspondent. During his stay he resided in the mansion house of Sir Richard Blake, for whose polite attention he made the most grateful acknowledgments. He conferred the honor of knighthood on Sir Dominick Brown, the mayor; and, having expressed much satisfaction at the highly finished state and opulent appearance of the town, his lordship departed for Dublin.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 89

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are moving through a town that in 1630 was being shaped into something the corporation called one of the most perfect in the kingdom. That year, a square plot of ground at the green outside the east gate was set apart for public amusement and recreation. It was enclosed with wooden rails and planted round with ash trees, many of which were still standing within living memory. The square came to be known as Meyrick Square. Around the same time, the highway along Castle-Gar was completed, paving was laid on the main street from the great gate to the cross, and unfinished works at Barachalla and the great gate were resumed. By 1634, Lord Deputy Sir Thomas Wentworth, later Earl of Strafford, visited and was given a splendid entry. He stayed at the mansion of Sir Richard Blake, knighted the mayor Sir Dominick Brown, and expressed satisfaction at the town's finished state before departing for Dublin.

32. New town gaol built on Nuns' Island, Galway

    Nun's Island · island or archipelago · Galway · 1802–1810

    In 1802 the corporation ordered the old town gaol and guard-house pulled down to widen a street whose blockage inconvenienced inhabitants. The new town gaol was founded in 1807 south of the county gaol then erecting on Nuns' Island, and prisoners were transferred there from the old prison on 27 December 1810.

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    nearly blocked up one of the principal openings of the town, which greatly inconvenienced the inhabitants. These circumstances having been represented to the corporation, it was ordered in council, on 21st June, 1802, "that for the purpose of widening the street, the present town gaol and the old guard-house be pulled down." Some matters, however, interfered, v/hich delayed the immediate execution of this order. 26 The foundation of the new town gaol was at length laid in 1807, towards the south of the new county gaol erecting on the Nuns-island. The building was rapidly carried on; and on the 27th of December, 1810, the prisoners were removed into it from the old prison, which was soon after demolished.

    This prison is situate in front of a branch of the river, in an open and healthy situation, and commands a spacious enlivening prospect of the surrounding suburbs. 27 It is three stories in height; which with the lofty gate ^and adjoining wings, give the entire an extensive appearance. 28 A few chambers of the basement story of the south wing are occupied by the keeper and his family. The debtors are lodged in a handsome suit of apartments, extending along the entire front of the building. In this division every possible indulgence, consistent with their personal security, is extended to the prisoners. Throughout the entire prison the same regulations and discipline are observed as in the county gaol; and every measure is adopted which judicious rules can provide, or the benevolence of a humane keeper extend, to render the tedious hours of confinement as light as possible to the unfortunate inmates.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 244

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass Nun's Island in Galway, that ground holds the story of the town gaol. In 1802 the corporation ordered the old gaol and the old guard-house pulled down, because they nearly blocked one of the principal openings of the town, which greatly inconvenienced the inhabitants. The order was made on 21 June 1802, but some matters interfered and delayed the immediate execution. The foundation of the new town gaol was laid in 1807, towards the south of the new county gaol then erecting on the island. The building was rapidly carried on, and on 27 December 1810 the prisoners were removed into it from the old prison, which was soon after demolished. The new prison stands in front of a branch of the river, in an open and healthy situation, commanding a spacious prospect of the surrounding suburbs. It is three stories in height, and with the lofty gate and adjoining wings the whole has an extensive appearance. A few chambers of the basement story of the south wing are occupied by the keeper and his family. The debtors are lodged in a handsome suite of apartments extending along the entire front of the building. Every possible indulgence, consistent with their personal security, is extended to the prisoners, and the same regulations and discipline are observed as in the county gaol.

33. Nicholas Lynch Restores the Rosary in Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1627

    Nicholas Lynch, elected provincial of Ireland in 1627, was remarkable for his piety. He restored the devotion of the rosary in Galway and was a zealous propagator of it throughout the kingdom.

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    Nicholas Lynch, elected provincial of Ireland in 1627, and confirmed by the general chapter of the order in Rome in 1645, was remarkable for his piety. He restored the devotion of the rosary in Galway, and was a most zoalous propagator of it throughout the kingdom!' -

    Dominick Lynze (Lynch) lived for many years with great reputation in Spain. . He was appointed synodical judge in Seville ; was gradually promoted to ail the honors of that university, became first lecturer in arts and philosophy, master of the students, secondary professor of- divinity, and was finally elected principal regent of the college of St. Thomas in that city, which he governed with universal approbation until his death in 1697. He was so highly esteemed in Spain that Nicholas Antonio, with much honour, ranked him among the writers of that country. TEfis great work, entitled "Summa Philosophiae," etc., was printed at Paris, 4 vols., quarto, 1666, 1686. — Harris.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 220

    As the companion tells it

    Galway, 1627. Nicholas Lynch was elected provincial of Ireland that year, and confirmed by the general chapter of the order in Rome in 1645. He was remarkable for his piety. He restored the devotion of the rosary in Galway and was a zealous propagator of it throughout the kingdom. The same record tells of Dominick Lynch, who lived for many years with great reputation in Spain. He was appointed synodical judge in Seville, and was gradually promoted to all the honors of that university. He became first lecturer in arts and philosophy, master of the students, secondary professor of divinity, and was finally elected principal regent of the college of St. Thomas in that city. He governed it with universal approbation until his death in 1697. Nicholas Antonio ranked him among the writers of Spain. His great work, Summa Philosophiae, was printed at Paris, 4 volumes, quarto, 1666 and 1686.

34. Peter Lynch erects Chapel of St. Katherine in Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1494

    Peter Lynch, burgess, erected a chapel and altar of St. Katherine the Virgin in the church of Galway. By his will dated 9 February 1494, he devised his principal stone tenement in Galway for the perpetual sustenance of a priest to celebrate mass for the souls of himself, his wife Ellen Blake, and the faithful departed.

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    Contributed a large sum towards finishing the college-house. Peter Lynch, burgess, erected in the church the chapel and altar of St. Katherine the Virgin; and by his will, dated „9i:h February, 1494, devised " his principal stone tenement in Galway, and ten acres of arable land in Athenry for ever, for the perpetual sustenance of one good and proper priest, who who should daily celebrate mass therein for the souls of himself, Ellen Blake, his wife, their ancestors, friends, and all the faithful departed." — Several similar instances of individual benevolence and devotion occur about this period, by which the possessions of the church were considerably augmented. 8

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 194

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are in a city where Peter Lynch, a burgess, once erected a chapel and altar of St. Katherine the Virgin in the church. By his will, dated 9 February 1494, he devised his principal stone tenement in Galway and ten acres of arable land in Athenry, in his words, for the perpetual sustenance of one good and proper priest, who should daily celebrate mass therein for the souls of himself, Ellen Blake, his wife, their ancestors, friends, and all the faithful departed. Several similar acts of individual benevolence around this period considerably augmented the possessions of the church.

35. Prise wines legal decree at the port of Galway

    Galway · city · Galway

    A legal contest over the payment of prise wines between the Earl of Ormonde and Galway concluded with a decree in the earl's favour. The court ordered the sheriff of County Galway and the mayor and bailiffs of Galway to assist the earl, noting the port's remote location and fear of forceable resistance.

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    the justices of the same, the sheriff of the county of Galway. and the mayor and bailiffs of Galway, for the time being, should be enjoined to> assist the earl in taking the same.— Thus ended this memorable contest, which was then considered of so much importance, but which at present serves only to shew the extensive commerce carried on in Galway at the above period. Before concluding, it may not be uninteresting to notice the opinion of the court on the operation of the act of the 27th of Edward III. which the detion with merchant strangers : it was. "that the same being but in England, could not be effectual in Ireland;" and thus it appears, that what Molyneux so ably proved a century after, was at this time the known and established law of the land. — Orig. Decree, Rolls Office.

    M

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 82

    As the companion tells it

    Galway was once the site of a memorable legal contest over prise wines, a contest between the Earl of Ormonde and the town itself. The decree that ended it came down in the earl's favour. The court ordered the sheriff of County Galway and the mayor and bailiffs of Galway to assist the earl in taking the wines. The court also weighed the act of the 27th of Edward 3, which governed dealings with merchant strangers. Its opinion was, in the words of the source, that the same being but in England could not be effectual in Ireland. What Molyneux so ably proved a century after was, at this time, the known and established law of the land. The contest was thought important then. Now it serves only to show the extensive commerce carried on in Galway at that period.

36. Proposed opening of Galway's east gate during treaty negotiations

    Galway · city · Galway

    As part of proposed peace conditions brokered through Lord Clanricarde, the town offered to open the east gate of Galway and allow free traffic, on condition that fort residents swore loyalty to the king. The treaty ultimately failed due to Willoughby's insincerity.

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    The disputes between the town and fort still continued unabated. The gates remained closed, and all intercours was stopped. Willoughby, having seized some of the inhabitants, caused William Lynch, a freeman, to be executed on board one of the ships in the harbour, and kept one Geoffry Lynch under sentence of death in the fort; while the town forces, on the other side, killed several of his soldiers. Both parties at length appealed to the earl of Clanricarde. Willoughby offered to sign such propositions, for the safety of the town and accommodation of all matters, as they should require; and they accordingly proposed to throw open the east gate, and allow free traffic, on condition that he and all others, resident in the fort, should take an oath to be true and faithful to the king, and admit none to the fort, or under its protection, or within the reach of their cannon, that adhered, to the parliament of England, in opposition to the king; that they should not molest the town, or any member thereof, by sea or land; that they should restore all prisoners, goods and chatties taken since the last pacification, and particularly the ship seized by the pinnace, or its value : and towards the conclusion of these conditions and proposals, which were presented to lord Clanricarde by Sir Richard Blake and Patrick D'Arcy, they humbly intreat his lordship to take the present consideration of this town into his serious consideration, and beseech him not to forget his ancestors love to it, and their hereditary and never interrupted zeal and propension to love, honour and serve him and his family; and, after a sad contemplation of their representations unto him, that he may please to take that resolution thereupon that may be suitable to his favour, piety, honour and justice, and that he may be sure this town, in all fortunes, will continue the affection, obedience and respect it owes him." — Notwithstanding all their endeavours, this tr.eaty ended in nothing, owing to the insincerity and delays of

    124

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 98

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are on ground where the town once fought its own fort. The gates were shut and all intercourse stopped. Willoughby, holding the fort, seized some of the inhabitants. He had William Lynch, a freeman, executed on board one of the ships in the harbour, and he kept one Geoffry Lynch under sentence of death in the fort. The town forces, on the other side, killed several of Willoughby's soldiers. Both parties appealed to the earl of Clanricarde. Willoughby offered to sign such propositions for the safety of the town and the accommodation of all matters as they should require. They accordingly proposed to throw open the east gate and allow free traffic, on condition that he and all others resident in the fort should take an oath to be true and faithful to the king, and admit none to the fort, or under its protection, or within the reach of their cannon, that adhered to the parliament of England in opposition to the king. They should not molest the town or any member of it by sea or land. They should restore all prisoners, goods and chattels taken since the last pacification, and particularly the ship seized by the pinnace, or its value. These conditions were presented to Lord Clanricarde by Sir Richard Blake and Patrick D'Arcy. They humbly entreated his lordship to take the present condition of this town into his serious consideration, and beseeched him not to forget his ancestors' love to it, and their hereditary zeal to serve him and his family. They asked that he take such resolution as may be suitable to his favour, piety, honour and justice. Notwithstanding all their endeavours, this treaty ended in nothing, owing to the insincerity and delays of Willoughby.

37. Reform movement against Daly's control of Galway corporation

    Galway · city · Galway

    Inhabitants of Galway organized against the influence of Mr. James Daly, who controlled the corporation through non-resident freemen. Public meetings were held and the right to nominate representatives, appoint officers, and dispose of places of trust was freely canvassed.

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    Although, from the preceding view of former events in Gal way, it is manifest that the cause of its present decayed state was very different from that assigned by these gentlemen, yet their discourses had all, and perhaps the only effect which the speakers intended. The subject became, for the first time, a matter of discussion amongst all ranks; it was kept alive by occasional appeals from the press : public meetings were held, and speeches delivered, in which the right to nominate representatives without the concurrence of the people, to rule the corporation, appoint its officers, and dispose of all places of trust and emolument in the town, were freely canvassed. The source of this control was traced to the influence maintained by means of non-resident freemen, (of whom the corporation had been for many years principally composed,) to counteract which, the inhabitants were called upon to register their freeholds. Subscriptions were then entered into, and every preparation was made to contest the approaching election after the then ensuing dissolution of parliament.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 159

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, this is the city where inhabitants once organized against Mr. James Daly's control of the corporation. He maintained his influence through non-resident freemen, who for many years made up the bulk of the corporation's membership. The question of who had the right to nominate representatives, appoint officers, and dispose of places of trust and emolument in the town became, for the first time, a matter of discussion amongst all ranks. Public meetings were held and speeches delivered, and the subject was kept alive by occasional appeals from the press. The inhabitants were then called upon to register their freeholds to counteract that influence. Subscriptions were entered into and every preparation was made to contest the approaching election after the then ensuing dissolution of parliament.

38. Settlement of Delvin Feadha and O'Flaherty dispossession

    Moycullen · town · Galway

    Descendants of Luig Dealbhaodh, son of Cos, king of North Munster, settled in Delvin Feadha in Tirdaloch, west of Galway, which was anciently divided into Gnomore and Gnobeag, now composing the barony of Moycullen. The O'Conrys were anciently chiefs of Gnobeag until partly dispossessed and made tributaries by the O'Flahertys.

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    About this period some of the descends ants of Luig Dealbhaodh, son of Cos, king of North Munster, settled in the territory of Delvin Feadha. in Tirdaloch, to the west of Galway. It was anciently divided into two districts called Gnomore and Gnobeag, which now compose the whole barony of Moycullin. The O'Conrys were anciently chiefs of Gnobeag, until they were partly dispossessed, and partly made tributaries by the O'Flahertys. — Collect

    About the year 432 St. Patrick founded a church on the banks of Loch Sealga, near Galway, which was afterwards distinguished by the name of Domhnachmore. or the great church. — Ogyg.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 41

    As the companion tells it

    The road takes you through Moycullen, in Galway. Long ago this was Delvin Feadha, in the territory of Tirdaloch, west of Galway. Descendants of Luig Dealbhaodh, son of Cos, king of North Munster, settled here. The land was anciently divided into two districts, Gnomore and Gnobeag, which now make up the whole barony of Moycullen. The O'Conrys were anciently chiefs of Gnobeag, until the O'Flahertys came. They partly dispossessed the O'Conrys, and partly made them pay tribute. So a family that had ruled this ground was brought low, and another took its place.

39. Trade disruptions from conflicts between the Pale and native Irish

    Galway · city · Galway · 1310

    Around 1310, trade in Galway was heavily impeded due to violent conflicts between the Lords of the Pale and native Irish chieftains. The disputes involved the Earl of Ulster, O'Brien, and the Geraldines in Thomond, affecting the town's mercantile operations.

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    maintaining a suitable maritime force for the purpose. 26 The commercial duties also, which in these times were payable in the town, sufficiently evince its increasing consequence. In the year 1303, the revenue called the new customs (being an impost of three pence in the pound, due from merchant strangers only, for all commodities imported or exported,) was first granted to the crown, and in the same year these customs at Galway were farmed out to Richard le Blake, for one year, for 321. In 1306 Thomas Sage and Simon Long were appointed collectors of the same duties, and also of the custom of two shillings for every hogshead of wine imported; and in 1307 they were granted for one year to Thomas Dolfyn, on the security of Edmund Husee, Philip Purcell, Richard le Blake, and William Seman. In October of the same year, the great customs of the town, viz. those payable on wool, sheepskins, or woolfells, and leather exported, were granted to Crucheus Hubert; and the new customs were, at the same time, farmed to Crucheus Delpas, for the sum of 241.27 These extracts, of which many more could be produced, sufficiently point out the extent and gradual increase of the commerce of Galway at this period. It was not, however, entirely uninterrupted, but had to contend against many difficulties and disadvantages, occasioned by those animosities which always subsisted between the English settlers and the original inhabitants of the country. About the time last alluded to, violent contentions broke out between the Lords of the Pale and the native Irish, and particularly between the Earl of Ulster, O'Brien, and the Geraldines in Thomond; by which the trade of the town was so much impeded, that Andrew Gerrard, a Florentine merchant, who was keeper of the customs in 1310, had a

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 49

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Galway, a city the road passes through. Around the year 1310, this was a town whose commerce had been growing steadily. The new customs, an impost of three pence in the pound, due from merchant strangers only on all commodities imported or exported, were first granted to the crown in 1303. That same year, the customs at Galway were farmed out to Richard le Blake for one year, for 321. In 1306, Thomas Sage and Simon Long were appointed collectors of those duties and also of the custom of two shillings for every hogshead of wine imported. In 1307, the customs were granted for one year to Thomas Dolfyn, on the security of Edmund Husee, Philip Purcell, Richard le Blake, and William Seman. In October of that year, the great customs of the town, those payable on wool, sheepskins or woolfells, and leather exported, were granted to Crucheus Hubert. At the same time, the new customs were farmed to Crucheus Delpas for the sum of 241. These figures point to the extent and gradual increase of Galway's commerce in this period. But that trade was not entirely uninterrupted. It had to contend against difficulties occasioned by the animosities that always subsisted between the English settlers and the original inhabitants. About this time, violent contentions broke out between the Lords of the Pale and the native Irish, and particularly between the Earl of Ulster, O'Brien, and the Geraldines in Thomond. By these conflicts, the trade of the town was so much impeded that Andrew Gerrard, a Florentine merchant who was keeper of the customs in 1310, had a record that the passage ends there, cut off before it tells what came of him.

40. Tuam-Galway jurisdiction compromise confirmed by papal bull

    Galway · city · Galway

    Disputes between the Archbishop of Tuam and Galway's collegiate clergy over jurisdiction were settled by a compromise granting the archbishop triennial visitation rights and appeal authority, while lay-patrons retained the right of election. The agreement was confirmed by Pope Clement XII in 1733.

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    A short time previous to this event the reverend Patrick Bermingham, of the family of Barbersfort, in the county of Galway, a clergy man of profound learning and considerable talent, was elected warden, and was the only person not of the Galway names and families, already enumerated, who had been elected to that dignity for the preceding century. He, it is said, was chosen by the "tribes," or ancient families of the town, to pacify the natives, or inhabitants of other names, since called "non-tribes," who about that time began to complain that the former had wrongfully usurped to themselves the right of election and presentation of the clergy. Doctor Bermingham, soon after his election, was arrested by the mayor and thrown into prison on a charge of not having conformed to the regulations prescribed by law for popish priests; but, it appearing that he had regularly complied with those rules, he was released by order of government. During his incumbency the old disputes between the Archbishop of Tuam and the collegiate clergy, as to the jurisdiction of the former over the warden and vicars, were again revived, and proceedings were at length instituted in Rome between doctor Bernard O'Gara, the then archbishop, and the clergy and people of the town. On this occasion a commission issued; and Cornelius O Keefe, titular bishop of Limerick, was delegated to proceed to Galway, and there to examine into the grounds of these differences. A compromise at length took place between both parties, and certain articles were agreed to, by which it was conceded, on the part of the clergy and people of Galway, that the archbishop of Tuam, for the time being, should have a right of triennial visitation in capite et membris; and also that appeals might be made, in secunda instaniia, from the sentence of the warden to the archiepiscopal see. On the part of the latter it was granted that the right of election belonged to the lay-patrons; and, amongst other articles, which are subjoined, 5 it was agreed that the warden

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 210

    As the companion tells it

    Galway was the town at the centre of a long church dispute settled by papal authority in 1733. The trouble began with the election of a warden, Patrick Bermingham of Barbersfort in the county of Galway, a clergyman of profound learning and considerable talent. He was the only person not of the Galway names and families who had been elected to that dignity for the preceding century. The tribes, or ancient families of the town, chose him to pacify the non-tribes, inhabitants of other names who had begun to complain that the tribes had wrongfully usurped the right of election and presentation of the clergy. Soon after his election, Bermingham was arrested by the mayor and thrown into prison, charged with not having conformed to the regulations prescribed by law for popish priests. It appeared that he had regularly complied with those rules, and he was released by order of government. During his incumbency the old disputes between the Archbishop of Tuam and the collegiate clergy over jurisdiction were revived. Proceedings were instituted in Rome between Archbishop Bernard O'Gara and the clergy and people of the town. A commission issued, and Cornelius O'Keefe, titular bishop of Limerick, was delegated to proceed to Galway and examine the grounds of these differences. A compromise took place. The clergy and people of Galway conceded that the Archbishop of Tuam should have a right of triennial visitation, and that appeals might be made from the sentence of the warden to the archiepiscopal see. On the part of the archbishop it was granted that the right of election belonged to the lay-patrons. The agreement was confirmed by Pope Clement XII in 1733.

41. Valentine Bodkin elected warden of Galway, 1805

    Galway · city · Galway · 1805

    On the death of Warden Joyes in 1805, who had gradually reconciled dissensions within Galway, the Reverend Valentine Bodkin was elected warden of the town. During his incumbency he promoted the establishment of religious institutions.

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    The dissensions already detailed having excited the attention of the then titular archbishop of Tuam, they suggested to that able and vigilant prelate a project never until then thought of, and, consequently, at the time totally unexpected : this was nothing less than the total abolition of the collegiate rights and the annexation of the wardenship to the archiepiscopal see, to accomplish which every exertion was made at Rome; but, through the successful endeavours and advocacy of the reverend Valentine Bodkin, agent of the lay-patrons, and afterwards of the town, this bold and unprecedented attempt of the archbishop was frustrated. In the meantime, the amiable and conciliatory demeanour of warden Joyes by degrees reconciled matters within the town; and the angry feelings of jealousy and discontent, which had proceeded to considerable lengths amongst several of the inhabitants, gradually subsided. On the decease of this worthy man, in 1805, the reverend Valentine Bodkin, before alluded to, was elected warden. 12 During his incumbency he promoted the establishment

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 214

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you're in a town with a history of religious conflict and manoeuvring. In the years before 1805, dissensions among the inhabitants drew the attention of the titular archbishop of Tuam, who tried to abolish the collegiate rights and annex the wardenship to his own see, pushing hard at Rome to accomplish it. The Reverend Valentine Bodkin, acting as agent of the lay-patrons, successfully frustrated that attempt. Warden Joyes, a conciliatory figure, had by degrees calmed the angry feelings within the town. When Joyes died in 1805, Bodkin was elected warden in his place. During his incumbency he promoted the establishment of religious institutions.

42. 1396 charter describes Galway as exposed and besieged

    Galway · city · Galway · 1396

    A second royal charter dated 26 January 1396 incorporated Galway and described the town as the key of the king's land in Ireland, yet daily encompassed by Irish enemies and English rebels so that burgesses dared not come or go without guard. The burgesses continually maintained men at arms at their own charges, to the impoverishment of their estate.

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    Previously to this grant the town was a corporation, by what the law terms prescription, and was governed by magistrates appointed by the family of De Bur go, or by those deriving under them. But provision being now made for perpetual defence and security, it was deemed necessary, for its greater encouragement and future preservation, to establish a corporate body, by royal grant, and to bestow upon it such privileges and immunities as other chartered towns in Ireland enjoyed. The king accordingly granted a second charter, dated 26th January, 1396, the recitals of which give rather a melancholy description of the then exposed and defenceless state of the town; but it is such an account, however, as reflects considerable credit on its inhabitants. It states that the town was the key of those parts of the king's land in Ireland, in which all his faithful and liege people, as well strangers and others resorting thereto, were received, protected, comforted and relieved; but that it was then daily encompassed on all sides, as well by Irish enemies as English rebels, so that the burgesses and others, residing in and resorting to the same, dared not, without a considerable guard, either by land or water, come to the town, or go out of it, for the purpose of traffic and transacting their necessary business : and that the burgesses, for the safe custody of the town against the malice of the said enemies and rebels, continually, day and night, provided and maintained divers men at arms, at their own charges, to the evident impoverishment of their estate. The king, therefore, towards the relief and encouragement of the town, and that merchants and others might be more induced and encouraged to reside and dwell in it, for the better resisting the said enemies and rebels, granted and gave license to the provost and burgesses, their heirs and successors for ever, yearly to elect amongst themselves a sovereign; and he also granted that no merchants or other persons whomsoever, stranger or native, of whatever state or condition he might be, who should not be continually resident in the town, and sworn a burgess, should buy or sell any merchandize or victuals within the town, except by wholesale or in gross : and further granted, that they might thenceforth for ever enjoy all the privileges used and enjoyed by the town of Drogheda; saving to the

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 57

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you're in a town whose charter tells a story of siege and survival. A royal charter dated 26 January 1396 established Galway as a corporate body, granting the provost and burgesses the right to elect a sovereign each year. Before this second charter, the town had already been a corporation by prescription, governed by magistrates appointed by the De Burgo family. The charter's recitals describe Galway as "the key of those parts of the king's land in Ireland," where faithful subjects and strangers alike were received, protected, comforted, and relieved. But the same document says the town was "daily encompassed on all sides, as well by Irish enemies as English rebels." Burgesses and others could not come or go by land or water without a considerable guard, whether for traffic or necessary business. To keep the town safe, they maintained men-at-arms continually, day and night, at their own charges, to what the charter calls "the evident impoverishment of their estate." The king granted these privileges to relieve and encourage the town, so merchants and others might be more induced to dwell in it and better resist the surrounding enemies. Only those sworn as burgesses and continually resident could buy or sell merchandise or victuals within the town, except by wholesale. Galway was also granted all the privileges used and enjoyed by the town of Drogheda.

43. 1464 charter for walling, paving and controlling entry to Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1464

    A charter of 28 August 1464 confirmed all preceding charters and regranted the right to levy tolls and customs, specifically to be expended on walling and paving the town. The King ordained that no person, except the lieutenant and chancellor of Ireland, should enter the town without licence of the sovereign and commonalty, an effective step to remove De Burgo control.

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    This grant was followed by a charter, dated 28th August, 1464, whereoy the King, for the better enabling the town more strongly to resist his enemies and rebels, confirmed all the preceding charters, regranted the right to levy the tolls and customs, but to be expended about walling and paving, and not otherwise; and, for the greater security and safeguard of the town, he ordained, that no person, of whatsoever estate, degree or condition he should be, (the lieutenant and chancellor of Ireland wholly excepted,) should in any wise enter the town, unless by the licence, assent and superintendence of the sovereign, provost, bailiffs, burgesses and commonalty for the time being. 17 This prohibition was the first effectual step taken to get rid of the control and interference of the De Burgos within the town, which was soon afterwards effected.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 60

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, this city took a decisive step in shaping itself on 28 August 1464. A charter from the King confirmed all previous charters and regranted the right to levy tolls and customs, but the money had to go toward walling and paving the town and nothing else. For greater security, the King ordained that no person, of any estate or degree, could enter the town without the licence of the sovereign and commonalty, with only the lieutenant and chancellor of Ireland excepted. This prohibition was the first effectual step taken to rid Galway of the control and interference of the De Burgos within the town, which was soon afterwards accomplished.

44. 1731 mayor's report on Dominican Friary visitation

    Galway · city · Galway · 1731

    During the 1731 visitation, the mayor reported searching the Dominican friary in the west suburbs of Galway, finding a large chapel with gallery, forms, and a defaced altar-piece, ten chambers and eight beds believed to be used by friars, though none were found. The friary was noted as very old with some recent repairs.

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    24 On this occasion the mayor reported "that they also searched the friary in the west suburbs, called the Dominican friary, wherein is £? large chapel, with gallery, some forms, and an altar-piece, defaced ; in which said (reputed friary there are

    ten chambers and eight beds, wherein, they believe, the friars belonging to the said friary usually lay, but could find none of them. That it is a very old friary, but some repairs lately made in it,"

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 219

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are near the site of the old Dominican friary in the west suburbs. In 1731 the mayor searched it and found ten chambers and eight beds, believed to be where the friars slept, but none of them were there. The friary was very old, with some repairs lately made in it.

45. Aran Islands garrison included in surrender terms

    near Aran Islands · island or archipelago · Galway · 1652

    The soldiers of the garrison of the Isles of Aran, in pay, are included among those to be set at liberty without ransom under the articles of surrender agreed between the town of Galway and the parliamentary forces.

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    VI. It is concluded and agreed upon, by and between the said parties, that the mayor, sheriffs, burgesses and commonalty of the said towne, and their successors, shall have and enjoy all liberties, customs, priviledges and immunities granted to them.' by charter, and shall hereafter be governed by their charter, priviledges and fundamental laws of England, as in times of peace, until the parliament, or their ministers appointed to that purpose, shall confirm© , renew, alter or inlarge the same, and that they shal1 have full liberty to trade att home and abroade as other English subjects have ; and that all prisoners, being natives or inhabitants of the said towne, and soldiers of the garrison of Galway and Isles 01 Aran, in pay, shall be sett at liberty without ransome : and if it shall happen, after this agreement, that any person or persons included in these articles, or any shipp, goods or merchandize belonging to them, or any of them, be taken by sea or land, coming to the said town, or going from it, they shall be sett at liberty, and their goods and merchandizes shall be restored to them as aforesaid, provided they act nothing prejudicial to the state; and that all things belonging to any person or persons, franchised by them, or any of them, shall remain to the disposal of the owner, except such shipps as, by any former articles, are agreed upon to the contrary, and that the disbursements of those who canted the houses of absentees shall be secured unto them for the time past, only so far as law and the custome and priviledges of the towne charter will justifie the same.

    VII. It is concluded and agreed upon, by and between the said parties, that in case of breach of these articles, or any of them, the same shall not be deemed or construed, but the act of such person or persons as shall be found to be actors thereof, and they only to be proceeded

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 277

    As the companion tells it

    The Aran Islands sit in the sea off Galway. In 1652, the town of Galway agreed articles of surrender with the parliamentary forces, and the soldiers of the garrison on these islands were included in the terms. The articles granted the mayor, sheriffs, burgesses and commonalty of Galway their liberties, customs, privileges and immunities under charter. They were to be governed by their charter and the fundamental laws of England as in times of peace, until the parliament should confirm, renew, alter or enlarge the same, and they were to have full liberty to trade at home and abroad as other English subjects had. All prisoners who were natives or inhabitants of the town, and, in the words of the articles, "soldiers of the garrison of Galway and Isles of Aran, in pay," were to be set at liberty without ransom. If any person included in these articles, or any ship, goods or merchandise belonging to them, were taken by sea or land coming to the town or going from it, they would be set at liberty and their goods restored, provided they acted nothing prejudicial to the state. All things belonging to persons franchised by them would remain to the disposal of the owner, except ships agreed otherwise under former articles. The disbursements of those who had taken the houses of absentees would be secured for the time past, only so far as law and the customs and privileges of the town charter would justify. A further article provided that in case of breach of these articles, the breach would be deemed the act of the persons found to be actors of it, and they only would be proceeded against.

46. Archbishop of Tuam interred at Galway friary with monument

    Galway · city · Galway · 1513

    In May 1513, Maurice de Portu, alias O'Fehealy, Archbishop of Tuam, was interred in the Franciscan friary in Galway on the south side of the choir. His humble monument was still shown there at the time of writing.

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    16 1381. In this year pope Urban empowered the guardian of this friary to excommunicate every person within the province of Connaught who should adhftTe to the anti-pope. Clement VII. — Ai'emande —1460, Jan. 26th, died ' William, ^on of Meyk'r the great, who bequeathed to this convent half a marc yearly, to be paid on the feast of St. Brigid. — Lib. Obit, King, p 312 — 1494. the friars of this house obtained a licence from pope Alexander VI. lo am; ex to the friary the Chapel of Our Lalv, then adjoining one of the gates of th.j town. — Allemande.— 1494, April P'Jtli, died Edward Philibyn, who built the dormitoiy of this monastery. — Ware MS. Vol. 34.— 1502, March 13th, died Thady Walter <Ie Burgh head of his sept. — King, p !'I2. —1503. Sept. 30th died Walter de Burgh, the son of John.— Id.— 1509, July 7th, died Richard Walter de Burgh. — Id.- — 1513, Feb. 23rd. Edmund de Burgh, the son of Rickard, and head of his sept, was treacherously murdered by his nepnews — Id. — In the month of May this year, Maurice de Portu, alias O'Fehealy, archbishop of Tuam, was interred in this friary, on the south side of the choir. The humble monument under which he lies is yet shewn here. — Id. and Lib. Obit. — 1520,

    William de Burgh granted to this house the fishery of the river of Galway. — King p. 312.— 1521. Sept. 29th. died the lord Edmund de Burgh, son of William and grandson of Edmund. The friars of this house received great emoluments by his funeral obsequies. — Lib. Obit. — 1523, March 25th, died Andrew Lynche Fitz- Stephen, who bequeathed a perpetual anniversary to the monastery. — Id. — 1534, Oct 27th, died Ulick Burgh, the son of Edmund and grandson of Richard — Id. — 1536, April 28th, died Thomas O'Mullaghy, archbishop of Tuam. He was interred in the same sepulchre with his predecessor, Maurice. — King, p. 312. and Ware Bps. — Provincial chapters of the Fraciscan order were held in the years 1470, 1522, and 1562.— Vide Monast. Hib. p. 286-7.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 217

    As the companion tells it

    Galway holds the Franciscan friary where, in May 1513, Maurice de Portu, also known as O'Fehealy, Archbishop of Tuam, was buried on the south side of the choir. The humble monument under which he lies was still shown there in later years. He was not the only archbishop of Tuam to rest in that place. In 1536, Thomas O'Mullaghy, also Archbishop of Tuam, was interred in the same sepulchre as his predecessor Maurice. In 1502, Thady Walter de Burgh, head of his sept, died. In 1503, Walter de Burgh, son of John, died. In 1509, Richard Walter de Burgh died. In 1513, Edmund de Burgh, son of Rickard and head of his sept, was treacherously murdered by his nephews. In 1521, the lord Edmund de Burgh, son of William and grandson of Edmund, died, and the friars received great emoluments from his funeral obsequies. In 1534, Ulick Burgh, son of Edmund and grandson of Richard, died. The friary's history reaches further back. In 1381, Pope Urban empowered the guardian of the friary to excommunicate every person in the province of Connaught who adhered to the anti-pope Clement VII. In 1460, William, son of Meyler the Great, bequeathed half a marc yearly to the convent, to be paid on the feast of Saint Brigid. In 1494, the friars obtained a licence from Pope Alexander VI to annex the Chapel of Our Lady, then adjoining one of the town gates. That same year, Edward Philibyn, who built the dormitory of the monastery, died. In 1520, William de Burgh granted the fishery of the river of Galway to the house. In 1523, Andrew Lynche Fitz-Stephen bequeathed a perpetual anniversary to the monastery. Provincial chapters of the Franciscan order were held there in 1470, 1522, and 1562.

47. Barrett family holdings in baronies of Erris and Tirawley

    Erris · barony · Mayo · 1607–1628

    The Barrett sept was numerous and opulent in Connacht, chiefly in the baronies of Erris and Tirawley in County Mayo. Members of the family held considerable possessions including castles at Duncroghane, Dowlagh, and Rathrogin, all lost in the subsequent civil wars.

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    15 As far back as our national records extend, the sept of the Barrets was numerous and opulent, in Oonnaught ; and chiefly in the baronies of Errus and Tyrawley. in the County of Mayo. They frequently occur in various ancient documents during the reign of Henry III. and for centuries after that period, and were the most powerful of the numerous clans in that district, viz. the Bourkes. Linnots, Clanpadins, Cusacks, Carownes, Clandonnells, and others. — In 1607 died Pierce Barrett of Ballesekery, the son of Pierce, whose ancestor. Mc. Padin, was seized of considerable possessions. — Richard Boy Barrett, died in 1622, seized of Aghedowne and Akehill. in Errus. — Edmond Barrett, died in 1623, seized of the castle of Duncroaghane and Dowlagh; and Edward Dorough Barrett, died in 1628, seized of Rathrogin, &c. — Inq.— The civil wars. Avhich afterwards ensued, deprived tins sept of all their extensive property.

    16 This family was, formerly, of the first rank and opulence, and is still wealthy and respectable. Thomas Nolan of the castle and town of Ballinrobe, Esq. who died 18th June, 1628, was possessed of most extensive landed possessions : to which his son Gregory succeeded, and out of which his widow Agnes Martin had dower. — Inq. — This property was confiscated, in the civil war of 1641, but a considerable part still reains in the families of

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 25

    As the companion tells it

    This is the barony of Erris, in County Mayo. The Barrett sept was numerous and opulent in Connacht, and chiefly in this barony and the neighbouring one of Tirawley. They appear in ancient documents going back to the reign of Henry the Third, and for centuries after, and were the most powerful of the clans in this district, the Bourkes, the Linnots, the Clanpadins, the Cusacks, the Carownes, the Clandonnells, and others. In 1607 Pierce Barrett of Ballesekery died. He was the son of Pierce, whose ancestor McPadin was seized of considerable possessions. Richard Boy Barrett died in 1622, seized of Aghedowne and Akehill, in Erris. Edmond Barrett died in 1623, seized of the castle of Duncroghane and Dowlagh. Edward Dorough Barrett died in 1628, seized of Rathrogin and other lands. The civil wars which afterwards ensued deprived this sept of all their extensive property. Every castle, every possession, gone. The family had been of the first rank and opulence, but the wars took everything they held.

48. Battle of Aughrim nearly averted by Daly's pacification measures

    Aughrim · parish · Galway · 1691

    The dedication letter notes that Denis Daly, counsellor to James II, suggested measures that could have pacified the kingdom and perhaps prevented the Battle of Aughrim, but was frustrated by the prevailing party.

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    The measures now in progress, under your sanction, to improve the town of Galway and promote the convenience of its inhabitants, afford me much additional pleasure in dedicating to you a Work, undertaken with the hope of benefiting that ancient and respectable town, with whose prosperity your interest is so intimately connected. Independently of this consideration, there were others which would have equally induced me to come to the same determination. I felt that I should have to address the descendant of a family to which Galway had been indebted for emancipation from the long-borne thraldom of former corporation influence, — an individual who, with conscious pride, could look back on a line of ancestry, many of them eminently conspicuous in the history of their country. Whose venerable forefather, Denis Daly, Esq. (the counsellor and steadfast friend of the ill-fated James II.) suggested those measures which would have led to the general pacification of this part of the kingdom, and, perhaps, have prevented the sanguinary battle of Aughrim, unless frustrated by the prevalence of that party which led Ireland into danger, and then abandoned her to her fate. Whose paternal grandfather, James Daly, Esq. first overturned corporation tyranny in Galway, and declined the dignity of the Peerage to remain the vigilant parliamentary guardian of the people's rights, the champion of toleration, and the firm and early advocate of the Catholics of Ireland. Whose distinguished father, the Right Honorable Denis Daly, (a name with which

    DPr v 0-1*2 Hz i

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 1

    As the companion tells it

    You are passing through the parish of Aughrim in Galway. In 1691 this was the ground where a bloody battle was fought, a battle that one man tried to prevent. His name was Denis Daly, and he served as counsellor and steadfast friend to James the Second. Daly suggested measures that, according to a later writer, would have led to the general pacification of this part of the kingdom, and perhaps have prevented the sanguinary battle of Aughrim. But he was frustrated by the prevalence of that party which led Ireland into danger, and then abandoned her to her fate. The words are from a dedication letter in a history of Galway, addressed to a descendant of the Daly family. That letter traces a line of ancestry. Daly's son, James Daly, first overturned corporation tyranny in Galway, and declined the dignity of the Peerage to remain the vigilant parliamentary guardian of the people's rights, the champion of toleration, and the firm and early advocate of the Catholics of Ireland. The letter also speaks of another Denis Daly, a distinguished father whose name carried weight. But it is the first Denis Daly who belongs to this place. He stood beside a king who had already lost much, and he saw a way to spare the country a battle. The party around him would not let that way be taken.

49. Burial of Patrick D'Arcy at Kilconnell

    Kilconnell · parish · Galway · 1688

    Patrick D'Arcy died in Dublin in 1688 and was interred at Kilconnell in County Galway, leaving an only son James born in 1633 who married Frances Trushot of Brittany.

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    Patrick Darcy of Kiltolla in the County of Galway, Esq. the seventh son of James (Riveagh) Darcy, was born in 1598, and was educated in the profession of the law, he was an active member of the parliament assembled at Dublin, in 1640, and published, "an argument delivered by Patrick Darcy, Esq. by express order of the House of Commons, in the parliament of Ireland, 9th of June, 1641," he died at Dublin in 1688, and was interred at Kilconneu, in the County of Galway, leaving issue by Elizabeth, one of the four daughters of Sir Peter French, an only son James, born in 1633, who married Frances Trushot. daugter to a gentleman of Brittany, and captain of a ship of war

    14

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 17

    As the companion tells it

    The parish of Kilconnell is where Patrick Darcy was laid to rest in 1688. He was born in 1598, the seventh son of James Riveagh Darcy of Kiltolla in County Galway. He trained in the law and sat as an active member of the parliament assembled at Dublin in 1640. He published an argument delivered by express order of the House of Commons, in the parliament of Ireland, on the 9th of June, 1641. He died in Dublin and his body was brought back for burial. He married Elizabeth, one of the four daughters of Sir Peter French, and left an only son, James, born in 1633. James married Frances Trushot, daughter of a gentleman of Brittany and captain of a ship of war.

50. Burial of Sir William Leigh de Burgh in Abbey of Saint Francis, Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1324

    Sir William Leigh de Burgh died in 1324 and was interred in the abbey of Saint Francis in Galway, which he had founded himself. He left seven sons, the eldest of whom became the first Mac William Eighter.

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    of Blake and Athy; and, in the commotions occasioned by them, several of the later were slain. The church of Saint John of Jerusalem, which belonged to the knights templars, and stood contiguous to the chapel of Saint Nicholas, was suppressed in 1324. In the same year Sir William Leigh de Burgh died, and was interred in the abbey of Saint Francis, founded by himself. He left seven sons; the eldest of whom, Sir William or Ulick, 30 called Ulicus de Anaghkeen, was the first Mac William Eighter. He had a son named Rickard (from whom the name Clan-Rickard originated), whose three sons, Sir William or Ulick, (the progenitor qf the earls of Clanricarde,) Thomas and John, 31 were founders of several branches of this powerful and widely extended family.

    William, the third Earl of Ulster, survived his grandfather Richard but seven years. He was basely assassinated by his own attendants, at his castle of Carrickfergus in 1333, leaving an only daughter, Elizabeth, to inherit his vast possessions. 32 This circumstance occasioned a revolution, memor-

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 51

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are near the ground where the Abbey of Saint Francis once stood. It was here that Sir William Leigh de Burgh was laid to rest in 1324. He had founded the abbey himself, and he was interred within it in the same year that the church of Saint John of Jerusalem, which belonged to the Knights Templars and stood contiguous to the chapel of Saint Nicholas, was suppressed. He left seven sons. The eldest, Sir William or Ulick, called Ulicus de Anaghkeen, became the first Mac William Eighter. He had a son named Rickard, and from that name Clan-Rickard originated. Rickard had three sons: Sir William or Ulick, the progenitor of the earls of Clanricarde, Thomas, and John. They were founders of several branches of this powerful and widely extended family. The story does not end there. William, the third Earl of Ulster, survived his grandfather Richard but seven years. He was basely assassinated by his own attendants at his castle of Carrickfergus in 1333, leaving an only daughter, Elizabeth, to inherit his vast possessions. That circumstance occasioned a revolution.

51. Charter grants port of Galway and bay to the corporation

    Galway · city · Galway · 1678

    The charter confirmed to the Galway corporation extensive liberties, franchises, and judicial powers. It granted the port of Galway and the bay entering between the Aran Islands, stipulating that all vessels must load and discharge at the town. Tolls and duties were granted for maintaining walls, gates, bridges, and public works at a yearly rent to the king.

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    The several charters of Richard the TI. Henry VIII. Queen Elizabeth, and James I were inspected, and all and singular, the liberties, franchises, uses and customs, in every one of them specified and confirmed in all other letters patent of any other kings of England to them granted were fully confirmed to the Corporation The port of Galway, and the bay or arm of the sea. which enters between the isles ol Arran, and from thence close to the town, were granted, and also that all vessels and boats which should enter the port should be loaded and discharged at the town. Several tolls and duties were granted for the maintenance and support of the town and county of the town, and for the repair of the wTalls, gates and bridges, and for pavage and other public work, at the yearly rent of 311. 19s. 3d to be paid to the king and his successors, saving all and every jurisdiction .f privileges belonging to the high admiral of the king, his heirs and successors. Power granted to the mayor, sheriffs, free burgesses and commonalty, and their successors, or the greater part of them, to admit and make freemen of the town and county of the town taking the usual oaths of a freeman and allegiance before the mayor. Power also given to the chief governor of the king, his heirs and successors, at his pleasure, by ©rder of the privv council, from time to time, to remove from the offices of mayor, recorder, aldermen, sheriffs, free burgesses, or

    160 HISTORY OF GALWAY.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 126

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, this is the town whose port and bay were granted to its corporation by charter in 1678. The charter inspected and confirmed the earlier charters of Richard II, Henry VIII, Queen Elizabeth, and James I, confirming all liberties, franchises, uses and customs specified in them, along with all other letters patent granted by any other kings of England. The port and the bay or arm of the sea that enters between the Aran Islands and from thence close to the town were granted to the corporation. The charter stipulated that all vessels and boats entering the port should be loaded and discharged at the town. Several tolls and duties were granted for the maintenance and support of the town and county of the town, and for the repair of the walls, gates and bridges, and for pavage and other public work, at a yearly rent of 311 pounds, 19 shillings and 3 pence to be paid to the king and his successors. This saved all jurisdiction and privileges belonging to the high admiral of the king. Power was granted to the mayor, sheriffs, free burgesses and commonalty to admit and make freemen of the town and county of the town, taking the usual oaths of a freeman and allegiance before the mayor. Power was also given to the chief governor of the king, his heirs and successors, at his pleasure, by order of the privy council, to remove from the offices of mayor, recorder, aldermen, sheriffs, or free burgesses.

52. Church of Saint Nicholas founded in Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1320

    The church of Saint Nicholas was founded in Galway in 1320 during a period of peace and growth under the De Burghs. It was part of a broader expansion of the town's trade, buildings, and inhabitants.

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    This signal defeat of the Irish, which effectually established the dominion of the English settlers in Connaught, was followed by a short interval of peace, the happiest effects of which were experiencd by the town of Galway. The victorious De Burgos, who had now no enemy able to contend against them, ruled the entire province from the Shannon to the sea : they made Galway the chief point wherein all their power centred, and in which the principal heads of the family resided; in consequence of which, its trade, buildings and inhabitants, continued rapidly to increase. The church of Saint Nicholas was founded in 1320, and many other useful improvements were made; but the peace of the town was, about that time, disturbed by some deadly disputes which arose between the rival families

    his faithful subjects in those parts, if they were granted to the Earl : because he holds all his lands in Connaught and Ulster, and has a great power of English and Irish contiguous, by which he could more effectually keep down the natives." — Rot. Placit. B. T. & Exempl. in Offic. Rotulor.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 51

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, the Church of Saint Nicholas dates from 1320, a time when the town was growing fast. The De Burgos had routed the Irish and ruled the whole province, from the Shannon to the sea. With no enemy left to fight them, they made Galway the centre of their power, and the principal heads of the family lived there. Because of that, its trade, its buildings, and its people all kept increasing. The church of Saint Nicholas was founded in 1320, and many other useful improvements were made at the same time. But the peace did not last. About that same period, deadly disputes broke out between rival families in the town and unsettled it. There is also a record from the rolls concerning the Earl, who held all his lands in Connaught and Ulster and had great power of English and Irish contiguous, by which he could more effectually keep down the natives, as it says in the source.

53. Confederate forces post troops at Claregalway and Athenry

    Claregalway · town · Galway · 1643

    Colonel Burke invested the fort at Galway with upwards of a thousand men and posted bodies of troops at Clare-Galway and Athenry to prevent any relief movement by Lord Clanricarde. The town undertook to defray expenses and supply forces drawn from the country and County Mayo.

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    - At this crisis colonel John Burke arrived in Galway, where he was joyfuly received, having been some time before appointed lieutenant-general of Connaught by the general assembly of Catholics which met at Kilkenny on the 24th of October, 1642. Colonel Burke was born in the county of Mayo : he was a man of great prudence and discretion, a brave experienced soldier, (having served upwards of thirty years in the service of Spain,) and high in the confidence of the town and country. He at first endeavoured to keep a fair correspondence with the fort; offered to open the gates; have the benefit of markets and free intercourse between it and the town, provided they contained themselves within bounds, were obedient to the directions of lord Clanricarde, desisted from spoiling, burning or plundering the country, killing or taking the town's-men prisoners, or relieving or aiding the puritans that daily come in ships unto them, and who were the king's declared enemies. These amicable propositions being all rejected by Willoughby, and the castle of Clare-Galway having, on the 28th of February. 1643, through the contrivance of Jonakin Lynch, the earl of Clanricarde's tenant there, the carelessness of the warders, and the management of a Franciscan friar, been surprised by captain Thomas Burke, of Anbally, the acquisition of a place of such strength and importance at once determined their future proceedings. Colonel Burke declared against the fort, and called upon the several gentlemen of the country to levy forces for the purpose of besieging it. Accordingly, in April, 1643, Francis and John Bermingham, son and grand-son of lord Athenry, Sir Ulick Burke, Hubert Burke of Dunamon, Redmond, Richard and Thomas Burke of Kilcornan. Derrymacloghny and Anbally, the three Tiege Kellys of Gallagh, Aughrim and Mullaghmore, Sir Valentine Blake, Sir Roebuck Lynch, and other principal gentlemen of the county, took up arms, and marched with considerable strength towards Galway. Colonel Burke put himself at their head, and about the latter end of that month began to inclose the fort at a distance, and fortify some passages towards the sea, to hinder any relief from that quarter. He invested it with upwards of a thousand men, and posted a body of troops at Clare-Galway and Athenry, to prevent any movement which might be attempted by lord Clanricarde. Provisions becoming scarce in the fort, captain Willoughby, who, on his part, was not inactive, dispatched a party of fifty men to make booty in Iar-Connaught : they were discovered

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 98

    As the companion tells it

    The road takes you through or near Claregalway, where in 1643 a castle stood that changed the course of a siege. Colonel John Burke had arrived in Galway, appointed lieutenant-general of Connaught by the Catholic general assembly at Kilkenny in October 1642. Born in Mayo, he had served upwards of thirty years in Spain and was a man of great prudence and discretion. He tried first to keep peace with the fort under Captain Willoughby, offering to open the gates and allow markets and free intercourse, provided the garrison obeyed Lord Clanricarde, stopped plundering the country, killed no townsmen, and aided no puritans arriving by ship. Willoughby rejected every proposition. Then on the 28th of February 1643 the castle of Clare-Galway was surprised by Captain Thomas Burke of Anbally, through the contrivance of Jonakin Lynch, the earl of Clanricarde's tenant there, the carelessness of the warders, and the management of a Franciscan friar. The loss of a place of such strength decided their course. Colonel Burke declared against the fort and called on the gentlemen of the country to levy forces. In April 1643, Francis and John Bermingham, son and grandson of Lord Athenry, Sir Ulick Burke, Hubert Burke of Dunamon, the three Tiege Kellys of Gallagh, Aughrim and Mullaghmore, Sir Valentine Blake, Sir Roebuck Lynch and other principal gentlemen took up arms and marched toward Galway. Burke put himself at their head and about the end of April began to enclose the fort at a distance and fortify passages toward the sea to hinder relief from that quarter. He invested it with upwards of a thousand men and posted a body of troops at Clare-Galway and Athenry to prevent any movement which might be attempted by Lord Clanricarde.

54. Death and burial of Earl Richard de Bermingham at Athassel Priory

    Relickmurry and Athassel · parish · Tipperary · 1326

    Richard de Bermingham, Earl and powerful nobleman, died on 28 June 1326 in the priory of Athassel, which had been founded in 1200 by his ancestor William Fitz-Andelm. He was succeeded by his grandson William, the third Earl.

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    soon after liberated ; but not, however, until he was previously obliged to swear, that neither he, his friends, nor followers, would do any mischief to the citizens, in revenge for his imprisonment — a singular condition, which indicates as well the weakness of the t]jen government, as the great influence of this powerful Earl. He died on 28th June. 1326, in the priory of Athassal, (founded in 1200 by his ancestor Will iam Fitz-Andelm, ) and was succeeded by his grandson William, the third Earl, who was the son of John, who died in Galway in 1313.

    29 This nobleman was the fourth baron in descent from William de Bermingham, who accompanied Strongbow to Ireland. He was one of the principal conquerors of Connaught, and was called by the Irish Risdeard-na-geath, i.e., Richard of the battles, from the many engagements by him fought, and won from tlie natives, viz. the battle of Togher. the battle of Finlo and the battle of Athenry, in which the king of Connaught, O'Kelly king of Maneach, and most of the nobility of Connaught and Munster. (called in those days petty kings of the territories thev possessed.) were slain. — - 1 Vol, MSS. Pedigrees, Office of Arms.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 51

    As the companion tells it

    The road runs near the parish of Relickmurry and Athassel. Richard de Bermingham, a powerful Earl, had once been imprisoned and was liberated only after swearing that neither he, his friends, nor followers would do any mischief to the citizens in revenge for his imprisonment — a condition that shows both the weakness of the government and his great influence. He died on the 28th of June, 1326, in the priory of Athassel, which had been founded in 1200 by his ancestor William Fitz-Andelm. He was succeeded by his grandson William, the third Earl, son of John, who had died in Galway in 1313. This Richard was the fourth baron in descent from William de Birmingham, who came to Ireland with Strongbow. He was one of the principal conquerors of Connaught. The Irish called him Risdeard-na-geath, Richard of the battles, for the many engagements he fought and won. He fought the battle of Togher, the battle of Finlo, and the battle of Athenry, where the king of Connaught, O'Kelly king of Maneach, and most of the nobility of Connaught and Munster were slain.

55. Dome of the Galway Exchange taken down

    Galway · city · Galway · 1800–1820

    A handsome hexagonal dome or cupola formerly rose from the centre of the Tholsel roof, commanding a fine prospect of the town and bay, and was frequently the scene of festive meetings. Doubts having arisen as to its safety, it was taken down since the commencement of the present century.

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    be seen in an unfinished state on the old map, at the S.E. corner of the church. Thus it remained until the beginning of the reign of queen Anne, when it was rebuilt in its present form, and was at that time esteemed highly ornamental to the town. 23 It might even still be considered so. if placed in any other situation; but projecting as it does into a street already too narrow, which is thereby rendered more inconvenient, it would be a matter of public benefit if this building were entirely taken down; a handsome range of shops might be erected in its place, and another tholsel erected in a more suitable situation. However, as it stands, it is not undeserving of attention. It is a lofty edifice, of what may be called two stories in height, supported by eight extensive arches, six in front and one at each end, rising from lofty square pillars of hewn marble. The under compartment, which is upwards of ninety feet long, and twenty-eight broad, being covered over and flagged, and the inner wall lined with seats, is much frequented by the inhabitants as a place for walking and conversation. A large door in the centre leads by a flight of stairs to the upper compartment, which is exclusively appropriated to judicial purposes and public meetings. The town-hall is fitted up with a bench, jury-boxes, seats and accommodation for the gentlemen of the law, and a dock for prisoners, etc. Here the judges hold the assizes for the town, and the mayor and recorder transact their civil and criminal business. The town records are kept in a small room on the right of the passage ascending. The grand jury-room, which fronts the street, is spacious and convenient. On the right of the entrance to the hall a small flight of steps leads to the petty jury-room, and a gallery which commands a view of the bar and bench. Hence a narrow stairs led to a handsome and lofty dome or cupola, which formerly sprung from the centre of the roof, but doubts having arisen as to the safety of this dome, it was taken down since the commencement of the present century. 24 Similar apprehensions are now entertained for the flooring of the town-hall, and particularly when crowds assemble during the assizes meetings; the judges are sometimes obliged to prohibit the indiscriminate entrance of the populace. Although it has been pronounced sufficiently secure, yet doubts of this kind, when once excited, can seldom

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 242

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, there used to be a handsome hexagonal dome rising from the centre of the Tholsel roof. It commanded a fine prospect of the town and bay, and people gathered there for festive meetings. But doubts arose as to its safety, and it was taken down since the commencement of the present century. The Tholsel itself still stands, though it projects into a street already too narrow. It is a lofty building of two stories, supported by eight arches rising from square pillars of hewn marble. The under compartment is upwards of 90 feet long and 28 broad, covered and flagged, lined with seats, and much frequented by the inhabitants as a place for walking and conversation. A flight of stairs leads to the upper storey, where the judges hold the assizes for the town, and the mayor and recorder transact their civil and criminal business. The town-hall has a bench, jury-boxes, a dock for prisoners, and a gallery commanding a view of the bar and bench. It was from there that a narrow stairs led up to the dome that is now gone. Similar fears are now raised about the flooring of the hall itself, particularly when crowds assemble during the assizes. The judges are sometimes obliged to prohibit the indiscriminate entrance of the populace.

56. First general procession at St. Nicholas's Church after reconciliation

    Galway · city · Galway

    On the 10th of August, the first general procession took place after the reconciliation of St. Nicholas's Church in Galway was made. The mendicant orders processed in a specified order: Carmelites first, then Augustinian Eremites, Franciscans, and Dominicans.

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    24 On the loth of August following "the first general procession took place after the reconcilation of St. Nicholas his church was made; and in the procession, among the mendicants, this order was observed : first went the Carmelites, then the Eremites of St. Augustine, then the Franciscans, then the Dominicans, with a salvo jure of the Franciscans and Augustinians." — Lib. A.

    The magnificence of the church before the Reformation (which was partially revived at this period, may be estimated from the number of chapels and altars which it contained, and in almost the entire of which divine service was often celebrated at the same time — 1. the highaltar of St. Nicholas, in the choir — 2. the altar of Jesus Christ, in the chapel of Christ, judging at the right of the entrance to the choir — 3. the altar of St. Michael, in the chapel of the Guardian Angels, between that of Christ and chapel of St. Mary Major— 4. the altar of St. Mary Major, in the ancient chapel of the Lynches — 5. the altar of the Blessed Mary, in the new and great' chapel of the Blessed Mary, on the south wing of the

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 202

    As the companion tells it

    In Galway, on the 10th of August, the first general procession took place after the reconciliation of St. Nicholas's Church. The mendicant orders processed in a set order: the Carmelites first, then the Augustinian Eremites, the Franciscans, and the Dominicans. The magnificence of the church before the Reformation, which was partially revived at this period, could be estimated from the number of chapels and altars it contained. Divine service was often celebrated in almost all of them at the same time. There was the high altar of St. Nicholas in the choir, the altar of Jesus Christ in the chapel of Christ, the altar of St. Michael in the chapel of the Guardian Angels, the altar of St. Mary Major in the ancient chapel of the Lynches, and the altar of the Blessed Mary in the new and great chapel of the Blessed Mary on the south wing.

57. Fort Hill, Galway, ruins of former fort

    Fort Hill · street · Cork · 1747

    Eyre reported that Fort Hill, where a fort had formerly been erected, retained nothing but the ruins of a guard-house by 1747. He warned that if an enemy with artillery possessed the hill, the town of Galway would not be tenable.

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    In the year 1 747, Stratford Eyre was appointed governor of the town and port, and vice-admiral of the province. This gentleman, soon after his appointment, made several returns to government of the state and condition of the town, together with the port, harbour, and surrounding fortifications. From these documents, which contain many local particulars long since forgotten, it appears, that the fortifications were then entirely out of repair, and in a ruinous condition. In one return he stated that the gates were all decayed, and particularly that the gate at the parade quay had entirely fallen to the ground. From the royal battery to the quay bastion, a distance of twelve hundred and eighty feet, there were several breachs in the parapets, which rendered it dangerous and unsafe to post sentinels on tnat part of the walls. Between the west gate and Lyons tower, a distance of 1240ft., several holes were broke through, and cross walls were raised as high as the parapets, to inclose and shut in several back yards, the better to conceal prohibitive goods. From the Lyons tower to the royal nine-gun battery, at William's gate, there was a breach quite to the ground, in length one hundred and fifty-five feet; and there was no passage whatever for drawing artillery to the north bastion, or any communication or way for the relief, but by stepping across the embrasures over William's gate. The walls in many places were bulged and might be easily scaled; the platforms were broke up and sunk, and the embrasures filled up and covered with dire and weeds. The walls of the castle and citadel barracks were very much out of repair, and in some places it was not safe for a sentinel to stand on them, and the citadel bastion (which was the only part of the town the then small garrison could hope to maintain or defend, if attacked by an enemy without, or an insurrection within,) was quite unserviceable. In this state the smallest privateer might sail into the harbour and insult the garrison with impunity, and no assistance could be given from the town to any ship, if attacked in the bay. It was then recommended that the most effectual means to protect and secure the harbour would be to re_erect the battery formerly on Mutton-island, for which there were sufficient cannon to spare in the town, and to rebuild the small barrack which stood there for half a company of soldiers. By another return, dated the 23rd October, 1747, it appears that no part of the Lyons tower was then remaining but the walls, though, if repaired, Tt would be of essential service in defending the town; that the nine-gun battery and the south bastion were in a defenceless state; and that it would be absolutely necessary for the defence of the town that they should be repaired, as they were the only works pointing to Fort-hill (where the fort had been formerly erected, of which nothing then remained but the ruins of a guard-house,) against which, if possessed by an enemy with artillery, the town would not be tenable. From the royal battery to the quay bastion, along the curtain, there were several breaches (wide enough to receive hogsheads,) made by smugglers who inhabited the adjacent houses; and on this curtain

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 143

58. French ambassador arrives in Galway Bay with offers of aid

    near Galway Bay · bay · Clare · 1651

    Stephen de Henin, Abbe of St. Catherine and ambassador from the Duke of Lorrain, arrived in the bay of Galway in the latter end of February with offers of assistance and relief for the nation. The Marquis of Clanricarde repaired to meet him.

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    In the latter end of February, Stephen de Henin, abbe of St. Catherine, and ambassador from the duke of Lorrain, arrived in the bay of Galway, with offers of assistance and relief for the nation. The marquis of Clanricarde, as soon as he was apprised of his coming, repaired to

    14 The following curious description is taken verbatim from a manuscript written at this period. — " The ensuing things brought no good success to the town, but rather ambition, discord and discredit ; viz. knights, lawyers and bomery-masters : knights brought pride, lawyers intricacy and licentiousness, where all matters formerly were tried and determined by two honest burgesses or friends ; and bomerymasters brought discredit in the highest

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 104

    As the companion tells it

    Galway Bay in February 1651. Stephen de Henin, abbe of St. Catherine and ambassador from the Duke of Lorrain, arrived in the bay with offers of assistance and relief for the nation. The Marquis of Clanricarde, as soon as he was apprised of his coming, repaired to meet him.

59. Galway chartered as a separate county (1610)

    Galway · city · Galway · 1610

    By charter dated 18th December 1610, the town of Galway and all lands within two miles of it were erected into a separate and distinct county, modelled on Drogheda. This confirmed all former corporate privileges and separated the town from the county of Galway.

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    when they again petitioned, but with no better success than before, as appears by the king's letter, dated at Westminster, the 3d of March, in that year, and afterwards recited in the charter. Not discouraged at this disappointment, they immediately again renewed their solicitations, not only for a renewal and confirmation of all former privileges, but also that the town and liberties might be erected into a separate and distinct county; sheriffs appointed in place of bailiffs; and, in consideration of the great increase of mercantile transactions, that a guild of merchants of the staple might be incorporated. — Geoffry Lynch Fitz-Dominick and Patrick French Fitz-Robert were deputed to present this petition to the king in person; and, through the interference and interest of Rickard, then earl of Clanrickard, (who shortly before was appointed first lord president of Connaught, 26) their application proved successful. Accordingly, letters, signed by the privy council of England with the royal assent, were transmitted to the lord lieutenant of Ireland; in pursuance of which, by charter, dated 18th December, 1610, all the former privileges of the corporation were fully confirmed : and as the town of Drogheda was one entire county by itself, incorporate in fact and name, distinct and separate from the counties of Louth, Meath, and all other counties, so it was given and granted that the town of Galway, and at! castles, messuages, rivers, rivulets, lands, tenements and other hereditaments whatsover, lying and being within the space of two miles of every part of the said town, in a straight line, should, from thenceforth, for ever be one entire county of itself, distinct and separate from the county of Galway, 27 to be named and called the county of the

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 86

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you're travelling through a town that fought hard to stand on its own. The merchants here had already petitioned the king once and failed, but they tried again, sending Geoffry Lynch Fitz-Dominick and Patrick French Fitz-Robert to present the case in person. Rickard, earl of Clanrickard, who had just been appointed first lord president of Connaught, lent his influence, and the application succeeded. By charter dated 18th December 1610, every former privilege of the corporation was fully confirmed. The model was Drogheda, which was one entire county in itself, separate from Louth, Meath and all other counties. In the same way, Galway and all lands within two miles of it, in a straight line, became one entire county of itself, distinct and separate from the county of Galway. The charter named it the county of the town of Galway, and it was to remain so forever.

60. Galway charter restored with corporate privileges under Charles II

    Galway · city · Galway · 1677

    The king confirmed to the corporation of Galway all manors, houses, lands, liberties, and franchises possessed by their predecessors on 22 October 1641, including the right to hold weekly courts. The town was principally indebted to the Earl of Essex for this extension of privileges, but commerce continued to decline as the former population had been replaced by men of military background.

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    kingdom, or the "new" rules. That they should forever thereafter hold a weekly court on every Tuesday and Friday, before the Mayor and Recorder or their deputies, of all pleas and actions upon the case, trespass, &c. arising within the town and county of the town, and cause the defendants to be attached by their goods and chattels, or their bodies to be arrested and imprisoned. The king then confirmed unto them and their successors, for ever, all manors, messuages, houses, countries, lands, &c. possessed by their predecessors on the 22nd October, 1641, and all liberties, franchises, powers, authorities, &c. before that time granted unto them by any royal grants or charters, or enjoyed by any other right or title whatsoever, saving to Elizabeth Hamilton her rights in and to any lands formerly belonging to the corporation, and to Theodore Russell his right to the charter, market and petty duties and customs lately assigned by her; and it was specially ordained that the corporation should not demand or levy any of those customs, until he, his assigns or agents, should receive out of the same the sum of 2,5001. which he disbursed, and be also paid 3001. over and above, "as a reasonable compensation for the great pains and trouble undergone on behalf and for the good of the corporation : ' ' after which they were to revert to the mayor, sheriffs, free burgesses and commonalty for ever. 39

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 123

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are in a city whose charter was restored under Charles the Second in 1677. The king confirmed to the corporation all manors, houses, lands, liberties and franchises their predecessors had possessed on the 22nd of October 1641, including the right to hold weekly courts every Tuesday and Friday before the Mayor and Recorder. The town was principally indebted to the Earl of Essex for this extension of privileges. Yet commerce continued to decline, as the former population had been replaced by men of military background. The charter also saved the rights of Elizabeth Hamilton to certain lands formerly belonging to the corporation, and those of Theodore Russell to the charter, market and petty duties and customs. Russell was to receive 2,500 pounds he had disbursed, plus 300 pounds as, in the source's words, "a reasonable compensation for the great pains and trouble undergone on behalf and for the good of the corporation," before those customs reverted to the mayor, sheriffs, free burgesses and commonalty for ever.