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

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

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 travel through Connemara in Galway, this coastline once hosted a remarkable spring fishery. In 1776, according to Dr. Young's tour, from 10 April to 10 May, herring-boats pursued sun-fish along this coast, each fish reckoned worth about £5. Forty or fifty boats worked this seasonal fishery. These were part of a larger fleet of 200 to 250 boats belonging to the town of Galway, vessels of 4 to 6 tons, some 9, costing £20 to build with nets and tackle at about £15. Five to 6 men crewed each boat, fishing by shares divided into sixty. The nets were hemp tanned with bark. They had fished here since time immemorial, though the plenty of fish had decreased over the preceding 15 years. A middling night's take was 5,000 fish, all sold to the country, yet demand so far outstripped supply that cargoes were still brought in from the north.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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 you pass through Galway, the story of its old corporation is one of decline. By this period the corporation had lost its landed possessions, and its members were just a few resident Protestants, mostly tradesmen and shopkeepers who, by their own account, had no wealth or consequence. Several respectable non-resident members existed but never involved themselves in the corporation's affairs. Its fall beneath the influence of a single family, headed by a person of high rank and talents, was, in the words of the source, inevitable. Since the revolution, the leading families of Eyre, Shaw, Staunton, and Fitzpatrick had each in turn commanded the representation and directed the town's affairs, but the Eyre interest generally prevailed. The descendants of Judge Daly, a conspicuous figure of that period, also became members of the corporation. At the commencement of the present reign, his grandson James Daly of Carrownskelly stood first on the list of the common council of the town, as of the 1st of January, 1764.

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.

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.

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

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

As you pass through Galway, you're in a city that once guarded its trade fiercely. In 1542, the town passed a by-law forbidding any inhabitant from buying or selling goods with merchants of Limerick, Cork, Waterford, or Dublin. The only exception was if those merchants came to Galway in ships, as other strangers did. Anyone who broke the rule faced losing the goods and paying a fine of £20.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

As you pass through Athenry, this is where an inquisition was held on the 11th of September 1607. It found that Donogh Reagh O'Hargadon, or Hartigan, was seized in fee of several lands in the county of Galway. The author of this work says he is descended from that man. The extensive tract called Bally-Hargadon, near Loughrea, and lands of the same name in the parish of Ballycalla, in the barony of Kilmain and county of Mayo, along with the ruins of an old castle in the parish of Kilmainmore, still carry the name of their former proprietors. During the civil wars, the offspring of Donogh Reagh were deprived of the whole. Many were reduced to indigence. Some of them adopted the surname Hardiman. To use the words from the memoirs of the late Charles O'Conor concerning the ancient Irish families, "they melted into peasants before his face." The writer notes he still possesses a small hereditary property in Mayo.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

As you pass through Galway, this is the city where Nicholas Lynch restored the devotion of the rosary. He was elected provincial of Ireland in 1627, confirmed by the general chapter of the order in Rome in 1645, and was remarkable for his piety. He was a most zealous propagator of the rosary throughout the kingdom. Another Lynch, Dominick, lived for many years in Spain with great reputation. He served as synodical judge in Seville, rose through every honor of that university, and became principal regent of the college of St. Thomas there, governing it with universal approbation until his death in 1697. His great work, "Summa Philosophiae," was printed at Paris in 4 volumes, quarto, in 1666 and 1686. He was so highly esteemed in Spain that Nicholas Antonio ranked him among the writers of that country.

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.

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 between the Earl of Ormonde and the town. The court decreed in the earl's favour and ordered the sheriff of County Galway and the mayor and bailiffs of Galway to assist him in taking the wines. The contest, considered important at the time, showed the extensive commerce carried on in Galway during that period. The court also ruled on the act of the 27th of Edward III, declaring that the same, being but in England, could not be effectual in Ireland.

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.

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.

Read the passage

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.

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.

Read the passage

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

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.

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

As you come through Galway, this city was the scene of a long-running dispute over who controlled its churches. For most of the previous century, only men from the old Galway families, the so-called tribes, had held the office of warden. Then Patrick Bermingham of Barbersfort was elected warden, chosen by the tribes to calm the other townspeople, the non-tribes, who complained that the tribes had wrongfully taken the right of electing clergy for themselves. Bermingham was arrested by the mayor and thrown into prison for allegedly not complying with regulations for Catholic priests, but it was shown he had followed the rules, and he was released by order of government. During his time as warden, the old quarrel between the Archbishop of Tuam and the collegiate clergy about the archbishop's authority over the warden and vicars broke out again. Archbishop Bernard O'Gara and the clergy and people of Galway took their case to Rome. Cornelius O'Keeffe, titular bishop of Limerick, was sent to Galway to examine the matter. A compromise was reached. The archbishop of Tuam was granted a right of triennial visitation, and appeals could be made from the warden's sentence to the archbishop's see. In return, it was conceded that the right of election belonged to the lay-patrons. Pope Clement XII confirmed the agreement in 1733.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Coming through Galway now. The Franciscan friary here holds the story of an archbishop of Tuam, buried in May 1513. His name was Maurice de Portu, also called O'Fehealy. He was laid to rest on the south side of the choir, under what the record calls a humble monument. That monument was still being shown to visitors in later years. The friary had a long connection with the archbishops of Tuam. In 1536, Thomas O'Mullaghy, also archbishop of Tuam, died on April 28th and was interred in the same sepulchre as his predecessor Maurice. So two archbishops of Tuam shared one resting place in this Galway friary. The years around Maurice's burial were busy ones for the house. In February 1513, Edmund de Burgh, son of Rickard and head of his sept, was treacherously murdered by his own nephews. The friary saw its share of the de Burgh family too. Thady Walter de Burgh died in 1502. Walter de Burgh, son of John, died in 1503. Richard Walter de Burgh died in 1509. 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. William de Burgh granted the friary the fishery of the river of Galway in 1520. Before Maurice's time, Edward Philibyn, who died in 1494, had built the dormitory of this monastery. The friars had obtained a licence from Pope Alexander VI to annex the Chapel of Our Lady, then adjoining one of the gates of the town. The house was woven into the life of Galway, and Maurice de Portu's humble monument was part of that fabric.

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

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
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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.

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

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.

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.

Read the passage

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

As you pass through Galway, this is the city where the first general procession at St. Nicholas's Church took place on the 10th of August, after the church's reconciliation. The mendicant orders processed in a set order: the Carmelites came first, then the Augustinian Eremites, followed by the Franciscans, and last the Dominicans. The church itself had been magnificent before the Reformation, with several chapels and altars where divine service was often celebrated at the same time. Among them were the high altar of St. Nicholas in the choir, the altar of Jesus Christ, the altar of St. Michael in the chapel of the Guardian Angels, and the altar of St. Mary Major in the ancient chapel of the Lynches.

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

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

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.

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.

Galway corporation addresses King George II from the Tholsel

Galway · city · Galway · 1752

The mayor and corporation of Galway adopted a loyal address congratulating King George II on his safe return to his British dominions. The address was sealed and dated at the Tholsel in Galway on 14 December 1752.

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Ordered, thai the following address be presented to his majesty, Geo. II. to congratulate him on his safe return to his British dominions: — "We, the mayor, etc. of this ancient and loyal corporation, beg leave, with humble and joyful hearts, to congratulate your majesty on your safe and happy return to your British dominions, which we consider as the greatest blessing to all your subjects; and beg leave to assure your majesty, that none of them are more truly sensible of the happiness we enjoy under your majesty's mild and wise administration, or more ardently wish a long continuance of it ; and we will lay hold of every occasion of testifying the most unfeigned and zealous loyalty and affection to your majesty's person and government. — Dated and given under our common-seal, at the Tholsel in Galway, the 14th day of December, 1752."
3 This mayor died in office, and John Eyre was elected in his plane.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 186

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, the old Tholsel here was where the mayor and corporation sealed a loyal address to King George the Second on the 14th of December 1752. They congratulated him on his safe return to his British dominions, calling it the greatest blessing to all his subjects. In their own words, they declared themselves an ancient and loyal corporation, and pledged zealous loyalty and affection to his person and government.

Galway resolves on vigorous resistance

Galway · city · Galway · 1651

Following the death of Ireton, the desponding inhabitants of Galway experienced a momentary gleam of hope and resolved to mount the most vigorous resistance against the parliamentary forces.

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in the bay, and went to France. Before any further negociation could take place, Ireton died in Limerick, of the plague, on the 29th of November, and was succeeded in command by lieutenant-general Ludlow. On the death of this "gloomy republican," a monetary gleam of hope passed over the desponding minds of the inhabitants of Galway, and they again determined on the most vigorous resistance. About the beginning of December Coote again proposed the conditions offered to Limerick, but they declined the treaty. Hostilities warmly commenced, and continued with various success on both sides, until some reverses experienced by the town changed

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 106

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is Galway city. In 1651, after Ireton died of the plague in Limerick on the 29th of November, the people of Galway saw what the book calls a momentary gleam of hope. They had been desponding, but now they resolved on the most vigorous resistance against the parliamentary forces. Ireton was succeeded in command by Lieutenant-General Ludlow, a man the source calls a gloomy republican. About the beginning of December, Coote again proposed the same conditions that had been offered to Limerick, but the people of Galway declined the treaty. Hostilities began and continued with varied success on both sides.

Galway's poor living conditions and lack of trade

Galway · city · Galway

Galway town was described as being almost proverbial for uncleanliness and inconvenience, lacking trade, manufactories, or business of any description. These conditions were cited by reformers as evidence of mismanagement by the corporation and its parliamentary representative.

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come almost proverbial for uncleanliness and inconvenience, without either trade, manufactories, or business of any description. They further stated, that all those evils were perpetuated to elevate an individual who was unacquainted with the town and its interests, and a stranger to the inhabitants, and that, consequently, they were virtually unrepresented in the great council of the empire; and they finally concluded by reminding their auditory of the necessity of adopting some speedy and effectual measures to prevent the future recurrence of similar proceedings.
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, the town was once described as almost proverbial for uncleanliness and inconvenience, without trade, manufactories, or business of any description. Reformers stated that all those evils were perpetuated to elevate an individual who was unacquainted with the town and its interests, a stranger to the inhabitants. They said the town was virtually unrepresented in the great council of the empire, and they called for speedy and effectual measures to prevent the future recurrence of similar proceedings. The discourses had their effect. 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 this, the inhabitants were called upon to register their freeholds. Subscriptions were entered into, and every preparation was made to contest the approaching election after the then ensuing dissolution of parliament.

Galway surrenders and fortifications built

Galway · city · Galway · 1691

After the Battle of Aughrim, Galway was besieged and surrendered on articles. New fortifications were built to secure the conquest of the town and the islands, and the treatment of Roman Catholics followed.

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On the Restoration of Charles II. many of the new settlers disappear, and the old natives and former inhabitants return — Letters of the king to the lords justices, to restore them to their freedom and estates — Animosities and disputes between them and the new settlers — An instance of one of these contentions — Prejudice of the lords justices against the old natives — Opposition given to their claims — Excluded from corporate privileges, and finally expelled the town — New rules established — The corporation lands, with the charter and market duties, granted to Mrs. Elizabeth Hamilton — The earl of Essex, lord lieutenant, opposes the grant — His description of the decayed state of the town — Colonel Theodore Russell purchases the charter and market duties, and is elected mayor — The king grants a new charter, containing many ample privileges — Population of the town considerably diminished, and the houses falling to ruin — Many of the old natives give security and are permitted to return to the town — They are soon after obliged to depart, owing to the clamors and discontent of some members of the corporation — Address to the king, on his escape from the Rye-house conspiracy — Accession of James II. to the throne — The Catholic inhabitants return to the town, and made free of the corporation — Catholic clergy established in the town — New charter granted — Troubles begin, and the fortifications of the town repaired — Resolutions to adhere to km§ fames and his government — Protestant inhabitants removed out of the town — Battle of Aughrim — Siege of the town — It surrenders on articles — Treatment of the Roman Catholics — Fortifications built, to secure the conquest of the town and the islands.
QN the restoration of Charles II. such of the new settlers in Galway as were distinguished for the violence of their principles, or their hatred

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 115

As the companion tells it

Coming up now is Galway. After the Battle of Aughrim in 1691, the town was besieged and surrendered on articles. Fortifications were then built to secure the conquest of the town and the islands. The years before were troubled ones. When Charles II was restored, old natives who had been driven out returned to their freedoms and estates, only to face disputes with new settlers and prejudice from the lords justices. They were excluded from corporate privileges and finally expelled the town. The corporation lands, charter, and market duties were granted to Mrs. Elizabeth Hamilton, though the earl of Essex, the lord lieutenant, opposed the grant and described the town as decayed, its population diminished and houses falling to ruin. Colonel Theodore Russell purchased the charter and market duties and was elected mayor. When James II came to the throne, Catholic inhabitants returned and were made free of the corporation, Catholic clergy were established, and a new charter was granted. Troubles began, the fortifications were repaired, and Protestant inhabitants were removed out of the town. Then came Aughrim, the siege, and the surrender. After it, the treatment of the Roman Catholics and the building of fortifications to hold the town and the islands marked the end of the old order here.

Gillepatrick Mac Karly fined for burning Galway

Galway · city · Galway · 1266–1267

On the roll of the pipe for 51 Henry III, Gillepatrick Mac Karly was fined 50s. for obtaining a pardon for burning the town of Galway and for the death of David Bree, with several similar instances occurring in these turbulent times.

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21 On the roll of the pipe, 51 Hen. III. Gillepatrick Mac Karly was fined 50s. on obtaining his pardon for burning the town of Galvy, and for the death of ITavid Bree ; and several other instances of a
similar kind are found to have occurred in these turbulent and unhappy times. ■ 22 Murage was a liberty granted by the king, for collecting money towards walling a town. Anno 3 Edw. I. chap. 3. A murage charter, therefore, must, about Hi is time, have been granted to Galway . to authorize the collectors to levy the above customs ; but, after the most diligent search, no trace of it could be discovered among the few records of these earlier periods at present remaining. In our search, however, was found a murage charter granted to the baliffs and good men of Athenrv, dated 13 Oct. 1312.— Hot. Pat. 4 Edw. II.— On the same roll there appears a royal mandate, to prevent war between Richard de Burgo and O'Brien of Thomond.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 46

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, the town carries an old stain. In the pipe roll for the 51st year of Henry the Third, covering 1266 to 1267, Gillepatrick Mac Karly was fined 50 shillings for obtaining a pardon for burning the town of Galway and for the death of David Bree. The record notes several similar instances from these turbulent and unhappy times. The crown was granting murage charters around this period, allowing money to be collected toward walling towns, and Galway likely needed such defences.

Henry VIII grants new charter to Galway, 1545

Galway · city · Galway · 1545

Henry VIII granted a new charter to Galway on 3 July 1545, confirming all former charters and adding considerable privileges. The port limits were defined as running from the Aran Islands to the town, formally establishing the corporation's maritime jurisdiction.

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This exemption was followed by a new charter from the crown, granted by Henry VIII. on 3d July, 1545, whereby he confirmed all former charters, and added several very considerable privileges. The limits of the port were described from the islands of Arran to the town; the corporation was
petition further stated, that articles were executed on their intermarriage, by which the manor and castle of Kylcolgan were settled on her during her natural life, and that the earl had entered into several other covenants, none of which he carried into execution : that at the time of their marriage she "was a woman of great substance," and that she was entitled unto, and claimed the third part of all his real and personal property : that notwithstanding his grace's order to the lord deputy and counsel of Ireland to take cognizance of their complaint, they could obtain no final order from them, save that they ordered that the petitioners "should have a chain of gold, with a crosse hanging therea-u of fourteen ounces, value at 361. 10s. sterling; and also a cuppe, called a nutte, with a cover of silver, gilte, of sixty-eight ounces, valued at 171. sterling, and another standing cuppe of silver, with a cover, double gilte, of forty-three ounces, valued at 101. 16s. 4d. sterling, in part of 100 marks, received with her in marriage ; and of 50 marks bequeathed unto her. and of 251. 13s. belonging to the children begotten by her first husbaond, which she delivered the said erle' ; wherefore they moste humbly beseechte your most noble grace, for the love of God. to regarde and ponder the said cause, that it may be called to examination before your grace."

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 73

As the companion tells it

As you come through Galway, this is the city that received a new charter from the crown in 1545. Henry VIII granted it on the 3rd of July that year. By it he confirmed all the former charters the town had been given, and he added several considerable privileges. The limits of the port were described as running from the islands of Arran to the town, which set out the corporation's reach over the waters around it.

Irish-language grave-stones in St. Nicholas's Church

Galway · city · Galway · 1577–1580

Black marble grave-stones in the church bear Irish names and dates from 1577 and 1580, including On Morford and Moriertha O'Tiernagh with their wives. These inscriptions are among the traces of antiquity found throughout the building.

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tHe traces of antiquity throughout the church are less numerous than might be expected from the date of the building, there are, notwithstanding, a few handsome monuments and some inscriptions, which shall be noticed in order. In this aisle, on a black marble grave-stone, the following Irish names are legible: — "Wilielmus D'Muiln and Margaret U. Diguane"; on another, " Here lieth the Body of On Mor — ford, Shumaiker, and his wife, Juaninia Chlinge — who — 1577"; and on another, curiously engraved, "Hir lieth the Bodi of On Moriertha O'Tiernagh, and his wife, Kate Rirnanigonohid, and his brother, Teige Og — An' Dni 1580 "35 Passing from the north to the south transept, Joyce's marble altar, placed in an arched recess, forming a curved square of 9 feet 10 inches, deserves notice. This recess was converted into a commodious pew some years since by the O'Hara family, to the memory of some of whom a handsome monument has been here erected.
On entering the south or Lynche's aisle, the polished marble altar and window of exquisite beauty, built by the founder of this extensive wing, and which now form its principal ornaments, will immediately attract attention. On both sides of this curious altar there are raised tombs, highly sculptured, belonging to various branches of this ancient family : one of these is the tomb of Nicholas Lynch Fitz-Stephen, by whom this aisle and the adjoining tower were erected. 36 A small marble tablet, inserted on one side of the altar, contains the following inscription commemorating one of his descendants :

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 207

As the companion tells it

As the road takes you through Galway, St. Nicholas's Church holds black marble grave-stones with Irish names still legible. One reads 'Here lieth the Body of On Morford, Shumaiker, and his wife, Juaninia Chlinge, 1577.' Another, curiously engraved, bears 'Here lieth the Body of On Moriertha O'Tiernagh, and his wife, Kate Rirnani-gonohid, and his brother, Teige Og, 1580.' A third stone carries the names Wilielmus D'Muiln and Margaret U. Diguane. These inscriptions are among the traces of antiquity throughout the church, fewer than might be expected from the age of the building. Joyce's marble altar stands in an arched recess in the south transept, a curved square of 9 feet 10 inches. The south aisle, known as Lynche's, has a polished marble altar of exquisite beauty, built by the founder of that wing. On both sides of it are raised tombs, highly sculptured, belonging to various branches of the ancient Lynche family. One is the tomb of Nicholas Lynch Fitz-Stephen, who erected that aisle and the adjoining tower.

Joyce's distillery at Newtownsmith

Newtownsmith · street · Galway

An extensive distillery at Newtownsmith in Galway, owned by Mr. Joyce, produced superior spirits for many years under the superintendence of Mr. Finn. The Galway excise establishment was said to produce proportionally more to public revenue than the duties of the port.

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but ai present there are twenty-three, which are kept continually at work. 16 each possessing, even in the driest season, a constant supply of water from Lough Corrib. The fall and rapidity of the river render it in this respect peculiarly advantageous; and the facility of internal conveyance by the lake to so many points of the country might, with very little exertion, be made incalculably beneficial to the town. The quantity of wheat ground and dressed is very considerable; it is calculated to amount annually to upwards of 12,000 tons, part of which supplies the adjacent counties, and the remainder is generally sent by the canal boats to Dublin. Besides these, there are six oat-mills, two malt-mills, and three fulling-mills, which are constantly employed. There are also a bleach mill and green on the Nuns' Island, but the linen manufacture does not appear to have been a favourite branch of industry; and, therefore, a linen hall, formerly erected in the west suburbs, has long since gone to decay. 1? There is, in the same quarter, an extensive paper-mill, erected about 1785, and now conducted by Mr. Reuben Hughes : here different sorts of paper are manufactured, with which the Dublin markets are sometimes supplied. A public brewery, on an extensive scale, has been for some years past established at Newcastle, near the town, the property of Mr. Persse, of Roxboro', and another at Madeira Island, beyond the west bridge. The porter made here, but particularly in the former, has been much esteemed, and had for some time a good deal superseded the use of ardent spirits among the lower orders. This, however, interfered but little with Mr. Joyce's extensive distillery at Newtown Smith, in which superior spirits have, for many years past, been distilled under the superintendence of Mr. Finn. — The excise establishment of Galway, it is supposed, produces proportionably more to the public revenue than the duties of the port.
4. — Chamber of Commerce. Several of our most respectable merchants and traders have lately asso-

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 233

As the companion tells it

Along this street in Newtownsmith, Galway, stood Mr. Joyce's extensive distillery, where superior spirits were distilled for many years under the superintendence of Mr. Finn. It held its ground even as brewing grew in the area. A public brewery on an extensive scale had been established at Newcastle, near the town, the property of Mr. Persse of Roxboro, and another at Madeira Island, beyond the west bridge. The porter made there, particularly at the former, had been much esteemed, and had for some time superseded the use of ardent spirits among the lower orders. This, however, interfered but little with Joyce's distillery here at Newtownsmith. The waters of Lough Corrib fed the mills and works all around Galway, with twenty-three mills kept continually at work, each possessing, even in the driest season, a constant supply of water. The fall and rapidity of the river rendered it peculiarly advantageous. The quantity of wheat ground and dressed annually amounted to upwards of 12,000 tons, part of which supplied the adjacent counties, and the remainder was generally sent by the canal boats to Dublin. There were six oat-mills, two malt-mills, and three fulling-mills constantly employed, and a bleach mill and green on the Nuns' Island. The excise establishment of Galway, it was supposed, produced proportionably more to the public revenue than the duties of the port.

Mayor dispossessed by military amid double return

Galway · city · Galway · 1748

In 1748 a double return was made to the privy council for mayor of Galway. The last mayor held over until he was dispossessed by the military, and the approved mayor was sworn in by his father, a justice of the peace for the county.

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2 This year a double return was made to the privy council for mayor, and they approved of the above, who was sworn, by his father, a justice of the oeace for the county. The last mayor held over until he was dispossessed by the military.
232

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 185

As the companion tells it

Galway city here. In 1748 a double return was made to the privy council for mayor of Galway. The last mayor held on until the military dispossessed him, and the approved mayor was sworn in by his own father, a justice of the peace for the county.

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

The stories, best first

Clanricarde at Portumna Castle on outbreak of 1641 rebellion

Connemara coast sun-fish fishery in spring

Disputes over vicarages of Moycullen, Kilcolman, Kilronan and others

Etymology and early commerce of Galway

Fort at Ballymanagh erected and later entrusted to Blake

Galway as centre of De Burgh power in Connaught

Galway church united to the parish of Clare Galway

Galway corporation alienated lands and fell under single family

Galway described as impoverished and situated in marshes

Galway identified as Ptolemy's Nagnata

Galway merchants' wine vaults at Athboy

Galway prohibits land trade with other Irish cities

Galway town defences strengthened against rebellion

Galway town walls demolished and built over

Galway yeomanry share defeat at Castlebar, 1798

Gun-firing tradition in Galway haven

Inquisition at Athenry records O'Hargadon lands

Irish reinforcements blocked across Galway Bay from Clare

Kirwan charitable fund for distressed Galway families

Main gap of the Galway river kept open after legal dispute

Medieval customs and commerce at Galway (1303-1307)

Meyrick Square laid out for public recreation

New town gaol built on Nuns' Island, Galway

Nicholas Lynch Restores the Rosary in Galway

Peter Lynch erects Chapel of St. Katherine in Galway

Prise wines legal decree at the port of Galway

Proposed opening of Galway's east gate during treaty negotiations

Reform movement against Daly's control of Galway corporation

Settlement of Delvin Feadha and O'Flaherty dispossession

Trade disruptions from conflicts between the Pale and native Irish

Tuam-Galway jurisdiction compromise confirmed by papal bull

Valentine Bodkin elected warden of Galway, 1805

1396 charter describes Galway as exposed and besieged

1464 charter for walling, paving and controlling entry to Galway

1731 mayor's report on Dominican Friary visitation

Aran Islands garrison included in surrender terms

Archbishop of Tuam interred at Galway friary with monument

Barrett family holdings in baronies of Erris and Tirawley

Battle of Aughrim nearly averted by Daly's pacification measures

Burial of Patrick D'Arcy at Kilconnell

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

Charter grants port of Galway and bay to the corporation

Church of Saint Nicholas founded in Galway

Confederate forces post troops at Claregalway and Athenry

Death and burial of Earl Richard de Bermingham at Athassel Priory

Dome of the Galway Exchange taken down

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

Fort Hill, Galway, ruins of former fort

French ambassador arrives in Galway Bay with offers of aid

Galway chartered as a separate county (1610)

Galway charter restored with corporate privileges under Charles II

Galway corporation addresses King George II from the Tholsel

Galway resolves on vigorous resistance

Galway's poor living conditions and lack of trade

Galway surrenders and fortifications built

Gillepatrick Mac Karly fined for burning Galway

Henry VIII grants new charter to Galway, 1545

Irish-language grave-stones in St. Nicholas's Church

Joyce's distillery at Newtownsmith

Mayor dispossessed by military amid double return