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

Each story keeps the passage it was read from. Open one to read the passage as the book has it, and, where the companion has written its own telling, that too.

1. Galway town incorporation and abbey jurisdiction

   Galway · city · Galway

   The town of Galway was incorporated as mayor, sheriffs, free burgesses and commonalty, with Ulick Lynch as first mayor. The site of the abbey of Saint Francis and Saint Augustine's fort was excluded from the town's county and remained in the county of Galway for holding assize sessions.

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   town of Galway : that the site and precincts of the abbey of Saint Francis and Saint Augustine's fort, and the lands belonging to the fort, should be reserved and excluded from the county of the town of Galwa^y, and be and remain within the county of Galway; that the judges of assize and gaol delivery might hold their sessions in said abbey, and the sheriffs of the county of Galway their county courts there. The mayor, bailiffs, burgesses and commonalty, were incorporated by the name of mayor, sheriffs, free burgesses and commonalty of the town. A guild of merchants of the staple, consisting of one mayor, two constables, and such number of merchants as they should think most expedient, was incorporated. Ulick Lynch was appointed the first mayor, and Walter Martin and Peter Lynch the first constables. The corporation was empowered to have and use several ensigns and ornaments for the honor and dignity of the town; and the mayor, for the time being, to have a sword borne before him, as a mark of the very great eminence of the office of mayor of the town, and of the authority thereto belonging.

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 87

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Galway, you're in a town that was incorporated as mayor, sheriffs, free burgesses and commonalty. Ulick Lynch was appointed the first mayor, with Walter Martin and Peter Lynch as first constables of a guild of merchants of the staple. The corporation was empowered to use several ensigns and ornaments for the honor of the town, and the mayor was to have a sword borne before him as a mark of the great eminence of the office. But one piece of ground here did not fall under the town's jurisdiction. The site and precincts of the abbey of Saint Francis and Saint Augustine's fort, and the lands belonging to the fort, were reserved and excluded from the county of the town of Galway. They remained within the county of Galway, so that the judges of assize and gaol delivery could hold their sessions in the abbey, and the sheriffs of the county of Galway could hold their county courts there.

2. Galway townsmen refusing to sign, 1652

   Galway · city · Galway · 1652

   A list of Galway townsmen who refused to sign, and others absent, was returned by Sir Charles Coote to the commissioners of the Commonwealth for the affairs of Ireland on 26 November 1652. The lists comprise numerous members of the tribal families of Galway including Lynch, Blake, Bodkin, Kirwan, Browne, Ffrench, Martin, D'Arcy, Joyce, Deane, and Skerret.

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   An accompt of the foregoing names of each person was (returned into the commissioners of the commonwealth for the affairs of Ireland, the 26th Novem1 er, 1652, by Sir Charles Coote.

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 280

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Galway, you are in a city where, in 1652, Sir Charles Coote returned a list of townsmen to the commissioners of the Commonwealth for the affairs of Ireland. The names read like a roll call of the old tribal families of the town, Lynch, Blake, Bodkin, Kirwan, Browne, French, Martin, Darcy, Joyce, Deane, and Skerret among them.

3. Sanctuary for debtors in Galway abbays

   Galway · city · Galway · 1537

   A 1537 Galway by-law prohibited sending food or drink to anyone keeping sanctuary in the abbays east or west of the town, who avoided coming into Galway to pay their debts. This reveals the use of ecclesiastical sanctuary by debtors near Galway.

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   That no person, under a penalty of 20s. shall send any meate or drinke to any that keepeth sanctuary in the abbays, easte or weste, fearing to come into the town to pay their debts.

   1538.

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 167

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Galway, you're near where abbays once gave sanctuary to people hiding from their debts. In 1537 the town passed a by-law forbidding anyone, under a penalty of 20 shillings, from sending food or drink to those sheltering in the abbays east or west, who feared coming into town to pay what they owed.

4. War between de Burgo and de Clare in Thomond

   Thomond · street · Dublin

   A war between Richard de Burgo and Richard de Clare in Thomond caused the customs revenue of Galway to decline, as trade was disrupted by the conflict. The king subsequently granted a regrant of the customs at a reduced rate of fifty marks yearly.

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   considerable abatement : "for that it appears that the customs in Galvy were worth less in that year than theretofore, by reason of the war lately raised and carried on between Rishard de Bufgo and Richard de Clare in Tothemond," in the year following he had a regrant of the customs, paying yearly into the Exchequer fifty marks, for so long as he should thenceforth hold the same. These impediments, however, appear to have been but temporary; they were generally of short duration, and were finally overcome by the perseverance and industry' of the inhabitants. The improvement of the town was also a constant object of their attention, and in the year 1312 they added considerably to its strength, by the addition of the great gate and the adjoining works, which were erected under the superintendence of Nicholas Lynch, surnamed the "Black Marshall."

   In 1315, Ireland was invaded by Edward Bruce. Richard Earl of Ulster, joined by Fedhlim O'Conor, then the chief of his name, marched against him, 2^ but was defeated. On their return, Roderic O'Conor, who in the

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 50

   As the companion tells it

   Along here in Thomond, a war was fought between Richard de Burgo and Richard de Clare. It disrupted trade so badly that the customs revenue of Galway fell. The record says the customs there "were worth less in that year than theretofore, by reason of the war lately raised and carried on between Richard de Burgo and Richard de Clare in Thomond." The king then regranted the customs at a reduced yearly rate of fifty marks. These troubles were temporary, overcome by the perseverance and industry of the inhabitants, who in 1312 strengthened the town by adding a great gate and adjoining works under the superintendence of Nicholas Lynch, called the "Black Marshall."

5. Claddagh devotion to St. Nicholas and Dominican convent

   Claddagh · electoral division · Galway

   The Claddagh community were almost entirely Roman Catholic and held St. Nicholas in utmost veneration as protector of their profession, celebrating his festival with strict observance. Their proximity to the adjoining Dominican convent attached them to their locality, and they had been liberal benefactors to that foundation from the earliest period.

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   They are all Roman Catholics, with the exception of one or two Protestant families who settled amongst them during the last century. St. Nicholas, their patron saint, they hold in the utmost veneration, as the protector of their profession, and celebrate his festival withthe strictest observance.. The contiguity^ of their village to the adjoining Dominican convent is one, and not the last, of the causes which attach them to their local situation. To

   this foundation they have been from the earliest period very liberal benefactors.

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 240

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Claddagh, near Galway, you are in a community that was almost entirely Roman Catholic. They held St. Nicholas in the utmost veneration as the protector of their profession and celebrated his festival with the strictest observance. Their closeness to the adjoining Dominican convent was one of the chief causes that attached them to this place, and from the earliest period they were very liberal benefactors to that foundation.

6. King's staple established in Galway, 1375

   Galway · city · Galway · 1375

   In 1375, Galway was deemed important enough to have the king's staple established for the sale of wool, sheepskins, and leather. Previously only Cork and Drogheda held this privilege, and merchants from Connaught risked shipwreck sailing to Cork to pay customs.

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   the charter, and the subsequent encouragements which were given to trade, were so great, that even so early as 1375, the town was esteemed of sufficient importance to have the king s staple established in it, for the sale of wool, sheepskins or woolfells, and leather. Before this time the staple for the sale of these commodities was confined to two places in Ireland, viz. Cork and Drogheda; a circumstance which was found, by experience, to have been attended with most serious evils, exposing to continual danger the lives of those who were obliged to sail from other parts of the kingdom to pay their duties at these ports, and which, being frequently evaded, occasioned considerable loss to the public revenue. In order, therefore, to obviate these inconveniencies, and also, as the charter expresses it, "for the relief of the burgesses and merchants of the town of Galvy, and that they and the other merchants of Connaught might no longer incur the dangers of shipwrecks, and other losses as they had theretofore suffered, by going towards the city of Cork to pay their customs," the staple was extended to Galway.38

   The revenues of Ireland were so reduced at this period, that the king (Edw. III.) found it necessary to send an agent (Sir Nicholas Dagworth,) from England, to ascertain and report the real causes of these distresses. One of the consequences of his mission appears to have been the removal of the staple so lately established in Galway, for the charter was soon after revoked by letters patent under the great seal of England; and by writ of ■the lord justice of Ireland, dated 13th May 1377,39 the sovereign, provost.

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 54

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Galway, this was a town important enough in 1375 to receive the king's staple for the sale of wool, sheepskins, and leather. Before that, only Cork and Drogheda held that privilege in Ireland, and merchants from Connaught had to sail to Cork to pay their customs, risking shipwreck on the way. The charter was granted, in its own words, "for the relief of the burgesses and merchants of the town of Galvy, and that they and the other merchants of Connaught might no longer incur the dangers of shipwrecks." But the staple did not last long. The revenues of Ireland were so reduced that King Edward III sent Sir Nicholas Dagworth from England to investigate the causes. One consequence of his mission was the removal of the staple from Galway. The charter was revoked by letters patent under the great seal of England, and by writ of the lord justice of Ireland, dated 13th May 1377, the sovereign and provost were ordered to carry out the removal.

7. Order restricting public debate in the Tholsell of Galway

   Galway · city · Galway

   A directive ordered that no matters relating to the affairs of Galway could be proposed or debated in the Tholsell, or general assembly, until they had first been passed by the common council of the town. This was part of a broader move to avoid tumults and disorders during popular elections.

   Read the passage

   person, who shall not be of the common councill of the said towne, shall att any tyme hereafter have any vote in the eelction of any mayor, sheriffes, recorder, towne-clerke, or other officers, in the said towne of Gallway ; and that noe matter or thing, in any wise relatenig to the affaires of the said towne, shalbe hereafter propounded or debated in the Tholsell, 01 generall assembly of the said towne, untill the same shall have first passed the common councill of the said towne ; and that the persons offending against this rule shall be disfranchised by the mayor and common councill of the said otwne ; any law, usuage or custome of the said towne to the contrary in any wise wotwithstanding. AND FURTHER we will and ordeyne, and the said mayor, sheriffs, burgesses and commonaltie, for themselves and theire successors, doe acco.1!- ingly covenant and grant to and with ti:;, our heires and successors, that all foreigners, strangers and aliens, as well as other protestants, who are or shalbe merchants, traders, artizans, artificers, seamen, or otherwise skilled and exercised in any mystery, craft, or trade, in the working or making any manufacture, or in the art of naviagtion, who are at present resideing and inhabitting within the said towne of Gallway, or who shall at any tyme hereafter come into the said towne of Gallway, with intent and resolution there to inhabit, reside and dwell, shall, upon his or theire reasonable suite or request made, and upon payment down of twenty shillings, by way of fine, unto the chiefe magistrate or magistrates and common councill, or other persons authorized to admit and make freemen of the said town of Gallway, bee admitted a freeman of our said towne of Gallway ; and if he or they shall desire it of all or any guild, brotherhood, society or fellowship, of any trade, craft or misterie within the same, during his or theire residence for the most parte,, and his and theire familyes constant inhabiting within our said towne of Gallway, and noe longer, and shall have, exercise and enjoy all priviledges and immunities of trading, working, buying and selling, in as large and ample manner as any freeman of the said towne of Gallway might have exei-- cised and enjoyed by virtue of his or their freedome ; and that every such person or persons who shall be admitted to be free, as aforesaid, shall from henceforth be

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 297

   As the companion tells it

   Passing through Galway, you are in a town once governed by an order that kept public debate behind closed doors. No one who was not a member of the common council could vote in the election of mayor, sheriffs, recorder, town clerk, or other officers, and no matter relating to the affairs of the town could be proposed or debated in the Tholsell, the general assembly, until it had first passed the common council. Anyone who broke this rule would be disfranchised by the mayor and common council, despite any law, usage, or custom to the contrary. This was part of a broader effort to avoid tumults and disorders during popular elections. The same order also opened a door for outsiders: foreigners, strangers, aliens, and other Protestants who were merchants, traders, artisans, seamen, or skilled in any craft, whether already living in Galway or coming with intent to reside, could be admitted as freemen upon paying twenty shillings, and would then enjoy all the privileges of trading, buying, and selling as any freeman might, for as long as they and their families remained living in the town.

8. St Nicholas's hospital and poor house in Galway

   Galway · city · Galway

   St Nicholas's hospital, also called the poor house, was located in Galway. It served as a charitable institution for the city's poor alongside the other civic buildings.

   Read the passage

   great tree, y. St. Nicholas's hospital or poor house, z. The market and college cross. ,<fe. An old pidseon house, in the south part of the citv.

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 31

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Galway, you are near St Nicholas's hospital, also called the poor house. The record lists it among the civic buildings of the city, a charitable institution for the poor.

9. Charter grants admiralty rights over Galway and Aran Islands

   Galway · city · Galway

   A royal charter grants the mayor of Galway full admiralty jurisdiction over the town, its liberties and franchises, and the islands of Arren and waters between the islands and Galway. This grants the mayor authority over maritime affairs, wrecks, and forfeitures in these areas.

   Read the passage

   of peace, to all and singular foreign merchants, from time to time coming and willing to come to the said town, for the purpose of merchandizing,* and with merchandize, safe and secure conduct and protection to come to the town aforesaid, and return from the same, safely and securely, with their ships, boats, goods and merchandize, freely and quietly, without the impediment, hindrance, claim, molestation or grievance of us, our heirs or successors, or of any lieutenants, deputies, justices or other officers or ministers of us, ours heirs or successors, whomsoever. And further, of our own more atundant grace, and of our certain knowledge and metre motion, we have given and granted, and by these, our present letters patent, for us, our heirs and successors, as much as in us lieth, we do give and grant to the aforesaid mayor, bailiffs, burgesses and commonalty of our said town, and their successors for ever, that the said mayor of our said town, who now is, during the time he shall be mayor of the said town, shall be the admiral of us, our heirs and successors, within the town aforesaid, and the liberties and franchises of the same, and within and over the islands of Arren, and from the said islands to Galway aforesaid, on each side of the water there, as well by sea as by land and fresh waters, and that all and singular other mayors of our town aforesaid, for the time being mayors of the said town, so long as they shall be mayors of the same, shall be the admirals of us, our heirs and successors, and every of them, for the time he shall be mayor of the said town, as long as he shall be mayor of the same, shall be the admiral of us, our heirs and successors, within the port, bay, town, liberties, franchises and suburbs of Galway aforesaid, and within and over the islands of Arren, and from the said islands to Galway aforesaid on each side of the water there, as well by sea as by land and fresh waters ; and that the aforesaid mayor, who now is, and every other mayor for the time being, in the said town, shall have full power, authority and jurisdiction, from time to time, to inquire, hear, determine, do, exercise and execute all and singular things appertaining and belonging to the office and jurisdiction of admiral within the port, bay, town, liberties franchises, suburbs, islands and places aforesaid, as well by sea as by land and fresh waters afore-

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 271

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Galway, you're in a town whose mayor once held royal authority over the sea. A charter granted the mayor full admiralty jurisdiction over the town, its liberties and franchises, and over the islands of Arren and all the waters between the islands and Galway, by sea, by land, and by fresh water. Every mayor, for as long as he held office, was made admiral, with power to hear and determine all matters appertaining to that office across the port, bay, town, suburbs, and islands. The charter also promised safe conduct and protection to all foreign merchants coming to trade, so they could arrive and depart freely with their ships, goods, and merchandise without hindrance or molestation. So Galway's mayor was not just a civic figure. He commanded the waters from here to the Aran Islands, with authority over wrecks, forfeitures, and every maritime matter in between.

10. Claddagh fish exempted from Galway market tolls

    Claddagh · electoral division · Galway

    Under a new schedule of customs for Galway, fish caught by the Claddagh community and sold in the public fish-market was explicitly exempted from all customs, tolls, or duties. This exemption applied both at the town gates and within the market itself.

    Read the passage

    All the aforesaid duties and gateage are agreed to be given in lieu for, and so long as no charter duties shall be demanded by the corporation on goods imported into said town, or exported fro.n it, and no longer, it being the intent to ease and improve the trade of said town, for the mutual advantage of both town and country, to establish peace and harmony in said town, as also to declare that no goods imported or exported by sea to or from Galway, and which shall pay the king's duties, shall be chargeable with any ingate customs, tolls or duties, (fish as aforesaid only excepted;) neither are any provisions coming into or going out of said town, for the private use of any resident in said town, to pay any gateage, custom, toll or duty ; neither shall there be any gateage, custom, toll or duty paid for any turf, milk, eggs, poultry, fresh butter in rolls or prints, hay or straw; nor shall any fish coming from the Claddagh, to be sold in the

    xlvi APPENDIX.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 305

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming through Claddagh, the old fishing quarter by Galway. Under a new schedule of customs for the town, fish caught by the Claddagh community and sold in the public fish-market was exempted from all customs, tolls, or duties, both at the town gates and within the market itself. The same schedule eased trade broadly: goods imported or exported by sea that paid the king's duties were not chargeable with ingate customs, and provisions for private use paid no gateage. Turf, milk, eggs, poultry, fresh butter, hay, and straw were also toll-free. The stated intent was to ease and improve the trade of the town for the mutual advantage of both town and country, and to establish peace and harmony. The passage notes these duties and gateage stood in lieu of charter duties, and only so long as no charter duties were demanded by the corporation on imported or exported goods. The exemption for Claddagh fish was carved out as the sole exception to the broader rule.

11. Cromwellian property confiscation across Galway streets

    Galway · city · Galway · 1640–1657

    A survey lists Galway houses with their Irish Catholic proprietors in 1640 and English Protestant replacements in 1657, along with annual values. The properties are situated in Flood Street, Key Street, Middle Street, Little Gate Street, the south side of High Street, and adjoining lanes, collectively valued at £1518 18s. per annum.

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    Memorandum, that all the above mentioned premises are scituate, lying, and being, in Flud-street, Key-street, Midlestreet, Little Gate-street, south side of High-street, and the lanes and parts

    thereunto adjoyning, in the towne of Gallway aforesaid, amounting in the whole to £1518 18s. per annum, at six years purchase, satisfies the sum of £9110 8s.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 290

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you move through streets that changed hands in the 1650s. A survey lists houses on Flood Street, Key Street, Middle Street, Little Gate Street, the south side of High Street and adjoining lanes, valued together at £1518 18s. per annum. Irish Catholic proprietors recorded in 1640 were replaced by English Protestant owners by 1657.

12. Deserted rectories united to Galway college

    near Rahoon · street · Galway

    The memorial listed numerous deserted rectories and vicarages—including Rahoon, Moycullen, Foranmore, Roscam, Clare, Kilcolgan, Maree and Skryne—sought to be united to the collegiate church of St. Nicholas for the augmentation of divine worship and support of the warden and vicars.

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    13 This memorial stated the foundation of the collegiate church and its confirmation, as the custom then was, by the Roman bishop, and humbly prayed that it might be confirmed in its original state, with a warden and twelve vicars : that it should be governed by the mayor and co-burgesses, with exemption from the diocesan or any other ordinary jurisdiction : that they, as theretofore, in the k ng's name, might, out of the vicars, elect one warden every year, and the vicars at their presentation to be elected by the warden and co-vicars, and to be corrected, punished and removed, according to their merits and demerits, by the mayo'i-, bailiffs and co-burgesses: that, for the augmentation of divine worshp, and the more ample support of the warden and vicars, the rectory of the collegiate church, occupied under what right they knew not, by the monks and abbot of Collis Victories, might be united to the college, with a perpetual union and confirmation of all the benefices, rights and appurtenances which ought to belong to it, particularly the vicarage and episcopal fourths, calle.l the bishop's quarter, the deserted rectories and vicarages of Rah eo n, Moycujlen, Foranmore and Roseau!, the small vicarages of Clare, Kilcomen, Meairy and Skryne, and all their

    other lands ; and, finally, that the chuFch of St. Nicholas should be changed into a collegiate by the royal authority, to be from thenceforth for ever after called the King's College of Galway. They further stated, that the sept of the O'Flaherties and other Irishry claimed a right to bury their dead in the church, under pretence whereof they often tumuituously entered the town, endangering the lives of the inhabitants, and destroying the place : ihey, the.erore, also prayed his majesty to grant them, for this purpose, the churches and burial places outside the Avails, belonging to the dissolved monasteries of St. Francis, St. Dominick axd St. Augustine.' — Orig. Transcript.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 197

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Rahoon there stood a rectory that had fallen deserted. A memorial was put forward seeking to unite this and other vacant livings, including Moycullen, Foranmore, Roscam, Clare, Kilcolgan, Maree and Skryne, to the collegiate church of St. Nicholas in Galway. The purpose was, in the words of the record, for the augmentation of divine worship and the more ample support of the warden and vicars. The memorial asked that the church of St. Nicholas be changed into a collegiate by royal authority, to be called the King's College of Galway, governed by the mayor and co-burgesses with a warden and twelve vicars. It also noted that the sept of the O'Flaherties and other Irishry claimed a right to bury their dead in the church, and under that pretence often tumultuously entered the town, endangering the lives of the inhabitants and destroying the place. So the memorial further prayed for the churches and burial places outside the walls, belonging to the dissolved monasteries of St. Francis, St. Dominick and St. Augustine, to be granted for that purpose. What you pass near here was one of the small livings caught up in that old petition.

13. Friars licensed to annex Chapel of Our Lady at Galway gate

    Galway · city · Galway · 1494

    In 1494, the friars of the Franciscan house in Galway obtained a licence from Pope Alexander VI to annex to their friary the Chapel of Our Lady, which then adjoined one of the gates of the town.

    Read the passage

    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

    As you pass through Galway, you are near the site of the old Franciscan friary. In 1494 the friars of this house obtained a licence from Pope Alexander the Sixth to annex to their friary the Chapel of Our Lady, which then adjoined one of the gates of the town. The same year, April the fourteenth, Edward Philibyn died. He had built the dormitory of this monastery. The friary also drew gifts and legacies across the years. William, son of Meyler the Great, bequeathed half a marc yearly to the convent in 1460, to be paid on the feast of Saint Brigid. In 1520 William de Burgh granted the house the fishery of the river of Galway. Several members of the de Burgh family were buried here, and two archbishops of Tuam, Maurice de Portu and Thomas O'Mullaghy, were interred in the same sepulchre on the south side of the choir.

14. Galway charter: murage, pavage and mayoral election confirmed

    Galway · city · Galway

    Letters patent confirm that tolls on goods coming to Galway by land or water should be spent on the murage and pavage of the town. The king grants licence for the yearly election of a mayor and two bailiffs, modelled on Bristol, to rule and govern Galway.

    Read the passage

    specified in the said letters patent, of the 18th day of November, to the aforesaid provost, bailiffs and commonalty as aforesaid, made, from saleable articles coming to the said town of Galway by land or by water, or passing from the same by themselves or their ministers, to be deputed in "this behalf, from time to time, may take, receive, levy, have and retain freely, quietly, well and peaceably, for ever, without the impediment or contradiction of him, the said king, his heirs or ministers whomsoever. Provided always, that the monies arising therefrom should be expended on the murage and pavage of the said town, and not otherwise, as aforesaid. And further, for the greater security and safeguard of the town of Galway aforesaid, the same late king willed and ordained, and by the same letters patent gave and granted licence unto the sovereign, provost, bailiffs and commonalty of our saotl town of Galway, that they might yearly, for ever, of their common assent, elect one mayor and two bailiffs within the said town of Galway, as is accustomed to be done in the town of Bristol, well and laudably to rule and govern the said town of Galway, and the laws and good customs therein, anciently used and approved of, to maintain and administer in all things as was becoming : and also, for the greater security and safeguard of the said town of Galway, he willed and ordained, that no person, of what estate, degree or condition soever he should be, should thenceforth, in a.n"y wise, enter the said town of Galway, unless by the licence, assent and superintendence of the said mayor, bailiffs and commonalty of the said town. Further, of his more abundant grace, and for the greater security and safeguard of the said town of Galway, he willed and ordained, and for himself and his heirs, as much as in him lay, granted that, thenceforth, neither the lord McWilliam, lord of Clanrickarde, nor his heirs, should have any rule or power within the said town of Galway, therein to act, receive, exact, ordain or dispose of any thing by land or by water, as he the said lord and his predecessors were anciently accustomed to receive and exact, without the special licence and by the assent and superintendence of the mayor, bailiffs and commonalty of the said town of Galway, to whom he gave, granted and attributed full power and authority to rule and govern the said town well and laudably in all

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 268

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are in a town whose walls and paved streets were once paid for by tolls on every saleable good arriving by land or water. Letters patent of the 18th of November confirmed that those monies were to be spent on the murage and pavage of the town, and nothing else. The same grant gave the people of Galway licence to elect, each year, one mayor and two bailiffs, following the custom of Bristol, to rule and govern the town and uphold its ancient laws and good customs. No person of any estate or degree could enter the town without the licence and assent of the mayor, bailiffs and commonalty. And the lord McWilliam, lord of Clanrickarde, and his heirs, were stripped of all rule and power within Galway, unable to act, receive, exact, ordain or dispose of anything there without special licence and the assent of the town's mayor and bailiffs. The town was to govern itself, and keep its own gates.

15. Highway and fortification works at Castle-Gar and Barachalla

    near Castlegar · street · Galway · 1630–1635

    Soon after 1630 the highway along Castle-Gar within the liberties of Galway was completed, and unfinished works at Barachalla and the great gate, begun under Sir Valentine Blake's mayoralty, were resumed and perfected. The main street from the great gate to the cross was also paved.

    Read the passage

    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

    Somewhere about Castlegar, the highway within the liberties of Galway was completed soon after 1630. The road ran along Castle-Gar, and at the same time the unfinished works at Barachalla and around the great gate were taken up again and finished. These had been begun under the mayoralty of Sir Valentine Blake but left incomplete. The main street from the great gate to the cross was also paved around this period. Together with other improvements, these works made Galway, in the words of the source, one of the most perfect towns in the kingdom, with every convenience to promote the health or increase the comforts of the inhabitants. When Sir Thomas Wentworth, lord deputy of Ireland, visited in 1634, he expressed much satisfaction at the highly finished state and opulent appearance of the town.

16. Holy wells in Galway's suburbs

    Galway · city · Galway

    Several other holy wells in the vicinity of Galway included St. Bride's in the east suburbs, St. Bridget's at the end of the Earl's-lane near the custom-house, St. Anne's about half a mile west of the town near the strand, and another near the sea-shore. Miracles were attributed to each.

    Read the passage

    ate at a considerable distance to the S.E. of the monastery, on the shore of the inlet of the sea called Logh-a-thalia. These springs are resorted to at stated times (but particularly on the 28th of August, being the festival of the 6aint), and certain devotions are performed around them and it is asserted that the water has effected several cures, particularly that of restoring sight to the blind. Besides these, there are several other holy wells in the vicinity of Galway, viz. : St. Bride's in the east suburbs — St. Bridget's, at the end of the EarPs-lane, within a few paces of the present custom-house — St. Anne's, about half-a-mile towards the west of the town, near the strand — and another farther on in the same direction, near the sea-shore ; to each of which miracles have been also attributed.

    Ware finds fault with Crusenius for calling this convent "Calviensis" ; but for which, says Allemande. he was not to blame, having taken it from the registers of the order. The latter writer adds that neither of them mentions the time of the founding, nor the founder's name ; Dut states that he himself had heard it was founded by the Birminghams in the 13th century. It is very probable that he tins' took this for some other foundation,

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 221

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are moving through ground that was once ringed with holy wells. Springs on the shore of the inlet called Logh-a-thalia, to the southeast of the monastery, drew people on the 28th of August for the saint's festival, and the water was said to have cured the blind. Beyond those, the suburbs held several more: St. Bride's in the east, St. Bridget's at the end of Earl's-lane near the custom-house, St. Anne's to the west near the strand, and another farther on by the sea-shore. Miracles were attributed to each of them.

17. Opening of the Mercantile Coffee Room in Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1792

    The Mercantile Coffee Room was opened in Galway around 1792 by a subscription of the local gentry, merchants, and shopkeepers. It later branched into two reading-rooms that received London, Dublin, and local papers.

    Read the passage

    Was opened about the year 1792, by subscription. The original list of members was chiefly composed of the gentry, merchants, and respectable

    10 Walter Lambert, esq., of Cregaclare, order of St. Augustine; doctors Henry

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 250

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, this was where the Mercantile Coffee Room opened around 1792, set up by subscription among the local gentry, merchants, and respectable shopkeepers. It later split into two reading-rooms, taking in papers from London, Dublin, and the locality.

18. Parliamentary committee report confirms Galway corporation abuses

    Galway · city · Galway · 1762

    On 17 February 1762, a committee made its report on the Galway corporation's exactions, submitting resolutions that were afterwards confirmed by the entire House, confirming that the trade of the town had greatly declined and the corporation's exactions were oppressive and unwarranted.

    Read the passage

    buildings in good order and repair, but that these objects had ceased, for that government, for many years past, had been at the whole expense of repairing the walls; and the petitioners were obliged to pave the streets at their own expense : that the custom-house quay was most shamefully neglected, and so far gone to ruin as to render it unsafe for any vessel above thirty tons burden to load or unload there : that the corporation had, notwithstanding, all along levied the charter duties, which, with an additional unwarranted charge upon every vessel coming to the town, enhanced the price of goods and merchandise, imported and exported, nearly three per cent, to the very great detriment of the merchants, who were thereby rendered incapable of selling their goods upon equal terms with the other trading towns in the kingdom : that, for many years past, great extortions were practised by the toll-gatherers at the gates and markets of the town : that the fishery of Galway was capable of being made the most considerable in the kingdom, and, if properly followed and encouraged, would bring wealth to the town, and be the means of rearing a great number of able seamen for his majesty's service; but being so burdened with corporation taxes and perquisites, it was going to ruin and decay, and a great number of able young fishermen were obliged to go to foreign countries to seek for bread, at a lime when they might enrich themselves and their families at home, and be useful members of the community, had thy met with reasonable encouragement : that the country butchers were prevented, by the exactions of the corporation from supplying the town with meat : that the applotment of the public taxes and vestry money, by the corporation, was partial and unequal, and had become grievous and burdensome : that the billeting of his majesty's troops had been partially, illegally and oppressively executed : that the members of the corporation converted its large revenue to their private benefit : that the only public edifice kept by them was what they called the markethouse, though it was no more than a small ground cellar under the military infirmary, from which infection was continually apprehended : that in consequence of these and many other vexatious measures, practised in the administration of the affairs of the town, many families had removed from it, others were prevented from settling, and the gentlemen and farmers of the adjacent counties were discouraged from supplying the markets; in consequence of which, a general complaint had prevailed for a series of years past in the town and country, and the necessaries of life were considerably enhanced, to the great destruction of trade, the diminution of the inhabitants, and impoverishment of the town. — Such were the measures pursued by the corporation of Galway, since the revolution, and such the pernicious consequences which attended their proceedings; all which, after minute investigation before a committee, were pronounced, by the unanimous voice of the legislature, to be true. On the 17th February, 1762, the committee made their report, and submitted their resolutions, which were afterwards confirmed by the entire house, viz. "that the trade of the town, which was formerly very considerable, had greatly declined for some years past : that the several detailed exactions of the corporation were oppressive, unwarranted, inju-

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 151

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Galway, a city with a troubled 18th-century history. In 1762 a parliamentary committee reported on the Galway corporation, and the entire House confirmed its findings. The trade of the town, once considerable, had greatly declined. The corporation levied charter duties and extra charges on every vessel, raising the price of imported and exported goods by nearly 3 percent, leaving Galway's merchants unable to compete with other trading towns. Toll-gatherers at the gates and markets practised great extortions. The fishery, capable of being the most considerable in the kingdom, was burdened with taxes and perquisites and going to ruin, forcing able young fishermen abroad. Country butchers were stopped from supplying the town with meat. The corporation converted its large revenue to private benefit. The only public edifice they kept was a small ground cellar under the military infirmary, where infection was continually feared. Families had left the town, others were prevented from settling, and the gentlemen and farmers of the surrounding counties were discouraged from supplying the markets. On 17 February 1762 the committee made its report, and the House confirmed that the corporation's exactions were oppressive and unwarranted.

19. St. Augustine's fort near Galway repaired and fortified

    Galway · city · Galway · 1636–1641

    St. Augustine's fort near Galway was thoroughly repaired at considerable expense in 1636 and rendered one of the most complete fortifications in the kingdom. Sir Francis Willoughby served as its governor on the eve of the 1641 rebellion.

    Read the passage

    Sir Francis Willoughby, who was then governor of St. Augustine's fort, near Galway, (which had been thoroughly reparied at considerable expense, in 1636, and rendered one of the most complete fortifications in the kingdom,) in the month of October, 1641, departed for Dublin, leaving the fort, with two companies, under the command of his son, captain Anthony Willoughby. He arrived there on the night of the 22d, and stated, in council, that neither at Galway, nor all the way from thence, did he obs^ve

    0

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 93

20. Strongbow and De Burgo land near Waterford

    Waterford · city · Waterford · 1171

    In 1171, Richard Earl Strongbow landed near Waterford accompanied by William Fitz-Andelm de Burgo, a principal leader in the invading army. After the invaders' success, De Burgo was appointed chief governor of Ireland, becoming the ancestor of the powerful Clanricarde family.

    Read the passage

    In the year 1171, Richard Earl Strongbow landed near Waterrora, accompanied by William Fitz-Andelm de Burgo, a principal leader in the army, who, after the success of the invaders, was appointed to the chief

    48

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 43

21. Tenement granted to Thomas Porte, mariner, in Galway (1549)

    Galway · city · Galway · 1549

    On 19 December 1549, the warden and vicars granted a tenement to mariner Thomas Porte and his heirs forever, situated between the houses of John O'Fmaghdi and Nicholas Bollan and bounded by the king's street and the town wall, at a yearly rent of 6s. 8d. and two capons. This continued the practice of alienating collegiate property despite prohibitions.

    Read the passage

    that wherein John Moilyn dwelt on the west, the town wall on the south, and the king's-way on the north, paying yearly 13s. 4d. and two capons, with their feathers, to the warden and vicars, and 6s. 8d. to the monastery of the friars minors of the town. — Orig. Deed. Even after the prohibition the same practice continued. On. the 19th December, 1549, they granted unto Thomas Porte, mariner, and his heirs for ever, the tenement which lay between the houses of John O'Fmaghdi and Nicholas Bollan on the west and north, and the king's street and the town wall on the east and south, at the yearly rent of 6s. 8d. and two capons. — Signed, Patrick Blake, warden, Patrick Kyrwan, Thomas Frynch, Edmund Flaherty, John Talman and John Brangan, vicars. — Id. — This bylaw was revived in 1607, under the penalty of " expulsion of the transgressor out of the college-house and church as an unprofitable member and also forfeiting 201."— Corp Book A.

    248

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 196

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, this is a city where in 1549 the warden and vicars granted a tenement to Thomas Porte, a mariner, and his heirs forever. The property sat between the houses of John O'Fmaghdi and Nicholas Bollan, bounded by the king's street and the town wall, at a yearly rent of 6 shillings and 8 pence and two capons. Patrick Blake, the warden, signed the grant along with vicars Patrick Kyrwan, Thomas Frynch, Edmund Flaherty, John Talman, and John Brangan. This continued a practice of alienating collegiate property even after it had been prohibited. A bylaw against the practice was revived in 1607, threatening expulsion from the college-house and church as an unprofitable member and a forfeiture of 201.

22. Town and Castle of Galway burnt, 1247

    Galway · city · Galway · 1247

    According to the Annals, the town and castle of Galway were burnt in the year 1247, reflecting the turbulent and destructive conditions of the period.

    Read the passage

    19 Richard de Burgo appears to have been a man of eminent military talents, he was the greatest, most persevering, and, finally, triumphant, enemy of the ancient race of O'Conor, whose power in Connaught he effectually destroyed, and as firmly established his own. and that of his descendants. He built the castle of Loughrea in 1236, and going to France, to meet the king of England, he died on the voyage in 1243, leaving Walter, the first Earl of Ulster, his heir and successor. A.D. 1247 the Town and Castle of Galway were burnt. — Annals.

    20 On a great roll of the pipe of the 46th year of Hen. III. A.D. 1262, discovered, by the author, in the Exchequer in Dublin, there appear the following entries of the arrears then due by those rival chieftains out of this devoted province.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 46

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are moving through a place that suffered destruction in 1247, when both the town and the castle were burnt. The Annals record only that bare fact. The burning came in a time of struggle between Richard de Burgo, who had built the castle of Loughrea in 1236 and established his family's power in Connaught at the expense of the O'Conors, and the native rulers he had displaced. Richard de Burgo himself had died on a voyage to France in 1243, leaving Walter as his heir. What exactly caused the fire here in 1247 the record does not say.

23. 1676 Royal Charter establishes County of the Town of Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1676

    In 1676, the corporation of Galway successfully petitioned King Charles II for a new charter. This charter made the town of Galway and the land within two miles of it a distinct county, separate from the wider County Galway, and established its civic governance, officers, and privileges.

    Read the passage

    and the rest of the corporation, in the year 1676, petitioned for a new charter, " for the encouragement of trade and his majesty's service in the town;" and that the great disbursements of Colonel Russell, " to redeem them from their lost condition, should be provided for, and further compensation made for his great pains and favour therein shewed unto them. This application was favourably received by the lord lieutenant; and accordingly the king, by charter, dated the 14th of August, 1676, ordained and granted that the town of Gal way should, at all times, for ever thereafter, be one entire and free borough of itself, to be known by the name of the town and borough of Galway;" and that the town, and all within two miles of it, in a direct line, should thenceforth be a county of itself, corporate and separate from the county of Galway, and be known by the name of the " county of the town of Galway;'' provided always that judges of gaol delivery, justices of peace, sheriffs and other officers of the county at large, should have free ingress and regress, to hold their sessions, &c. in the town. That the corporation should consist of one mayor, two sheriffs, free burgesses and commonalty, to be called and known by the name of the " mayor, sheriffs, free burgesses and commonalty of the town and county of the town of Galway;" by which name they might purchase lands and goods, demise lands, and do all other things corporate, plead and be impleaded, and return members to parliament. The modern mayor, sheriffs, recorder and town clerk, were appointed, and their successors for ever thereafter, to be elective, and to hold for one year. That the mayor might appoint a deputy in case of sickness or absence, and that the usual oaths should be taken. That he and the recorder, and their deputies should be justices of the peace for the county of Galway; and directions were given for the election of Mayor, in case of death in office. That the sheriffs should be elective and all writs, bills, &c. for execution within the town, should be directed to them. That no other sheriff should enter the town to execute his office, except as before excepted. The names of the corporate officers to be presented, and the warden nominated pursuant to the " new " rules. That no officer should be capable of exercising his office until he should take the prescribed oaths; and, on refusal, his election to be void, unless dispensed with by government. That all officers should be chosen by the mayor, sheriffs and common council; and that no freeman should vote, if not of the council. That no matter should be proposed in the tholsel until first passed in council. — Regulations were then laid down as to the admission of foreigners, artisans, &c. to their freedom. A guild of merchants of the staple was appointed : also that the mayor sheriffs, free burgesses and commonalty might have and use such several vestments, ensigns and ornaments, " for the honour and dignity of the town," as had been used before the 23rd day of October, 1641; and that the mayor should have a sword borne before him, " for the greater eminence of the mayoralty, or office of mayor." That they should have a tholsel wherein to assemble, and have full power and authority to make bye-laws, and punish for the breach of them, provided such bye-laws and punishment should be reasonable, and not repugnant to the laws of the

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 122

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are in a place that became its own county by royal command. In 1676 the corporation petitioned King Charles the Second for a new charter, citing "the encouragement of trade and his majesty's service in the town," and noting the great sums Colonel Russell had spent to redeem them from what they called their "lost condition." The king granted the charter on the 14th of August, 1676, ordaining that the town of Galway and everything within two miles of it, in a direct line, would thenceforth be a county of itself, corporate and separate from the wider county of Galway. The charter set up a corporation of one mayor, two sheriffs, free burgesses and commonalty, who could purchase lands, plead in courts, and return members to parliament. The mayor and recorder served as justices of the peace, the mayor could appoint a deputy in case of sickness or absence, and all officers were to be elected yearly. No outside sheriff could enter the town to execute his office, and no freeman could vote unless he sat on the council. The mayor was granted a sword to be borne before him, "for the greater eminence of the mayoralty," and the corporation could use the vestments and ensigns they had held before the 23rd of October, 1641. They were given a tholsel for assembly and full power to make bye-laws, provided these were reasonable and not contrary to the laws of the realm.

24. Accidental fire consumes part of Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1500

    In 1500, an accidental fire consumed a great part of Galway. The inhabitants soon repaired their losses and later beautified the town with several superb structures.

    Read the passage

    The corporate regulations already detailed infused new spirit and vigour among the inhabitants. Several useful and considerable works were now undertaken by the corporation; and, in the mayoralty of Andrew Lynch Fitz-Stephen, in 1498, the important communication from Lough-athalia to Poulavorline, which would have opened an easy passage from Lough-corrib to the sea, (and which is still so desirable,) was commenced, but never completed. The remains of this useful, but neglected, work are yet visible, and are distinguishd by the name of " Lynch' s Folly." In the same year the curfew-bell was introduced, and a considerable part of the fortifications from the shoemaker s-tower to the quay was bulit. These improvements were for a while impeded by an accidental fire which took place in 1500, and consumed a great part of the town. The inhabitants, however, soon repaired these losses, and afterwards, from time to time, beautified the town with several most superb structures, many of which remain entire to this day; bearing dates and inscriptions which generally contain the names of their founders, and denote the particular periods of their erection..

    The town had hitherto, for a considerable time, enjoyed the blessings of peace, except the predatory attempts of the Irish may be deemed exceptions; but William de Burgo, O'Brien of Thomond, M'Namara, O'Carroll and other chieftains, having in 1504 risen in arms, they suddenly invested and took possession of the town. Gearld, earl of Kildare, the lord deputy, assisted by O'Neal O'Donnell and others, marched against them with a considerable force : both armies met at the hill of Knoc-tuadh, about seven miles N.W. of Galway; and although the Irish army is stated to have been the most numerous that had asembled since the arrival of the English, it was routed with dreadful slaughter; Mac William and the other leaders were taken prisoners, and the towns of Galway and Athenry surrendered. 23

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 69

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are moving through a town that has seen its share of destruction and renewal. In the years before 1500, the corporation had brought new spirit to the inhabitants, and several useful works were undertaken. Under the mayoralty of Andrew Lynch Fitz-Stephen in 1498, an important waterway from Lough-a-thalia to Poulavorline was begun, meant to open easy passage from Lough-corrib to the sea. It was never completed, and its remains are still visible, known as Lynch's Folly. That same year the curfew-bell was introduced, and a considerable part of the fortifications from the shoemaker's tower to the quay was built. These improvements were halted when an accidental fire took place in 1500 and consumed a great part of the town. The loss was severe, but the inhabitants soon repaired the damage. Over time they beautified the town with several most superb structures, many of which still stand, bearing dates and inscriptions that name their founders and mark when they were built. The peace the town had long enjoyed, broken only by the predatory attempts of the Irish, was interrupted again in 1504. William de Burgo, O'Brien of Thomond, M'Namara, O'Carroll and other chieftains rose in arms and suddenly invested and took possession of the town. Gerald, earl of Kildare, the lord deputy, assisted by O'Neal, O'Donnell and others, marched against them. Both armies met at the hill of Knock-tuadh, about seven miles northwest of Galway. The Irish army was said to be the most numerous assembled since the arrival of the English, but it was routed with dreadful slaughter. Mac William and the other leaders were taken prisoners, and the towns of Galway and Athenry surrendered.

25. Admiralty jurisdiction extended over the Aran Islands

    near Aran Islands · island or archipelago · Galway

    The mayor of Galway is granted admiralty jurisdiction over the islands of Arren (Aran Islands) and the waters between the islands and Galway. This includes the power to inquire, hear, and determine all things appertaining to the office of admiral in these areas.

    Read the passage

    of peace, to all and singular foreign merchants, from time to time coming and willing to come to the said town, for the purpose of merchandizing,* and with merchandize, safe and secure conduct and protection to come to the town aforesaid, and return from the same, safely and securely, with their ships, boats, goods and merchandize, freely and quietly, without the impediment, hindrance, claim, molestation or grievance of us, our heirs or successors, or of any lieutenants, deputies, justices or other officers or ministers of us, ours heirs or successors, whomsoever. And further, of our own more atundant grace, and of our certain knowledge and metre motion, we have given and granted, and by these, our present letters patent, for us, our heirs and successors, as much as in us lieth, we do give and grant to the aforesaid mayor, bailiffs, burgesses and commonalty of our said town, and their successors for ever, that the said mayor of our said town, who now is, during the time he shall be mayor of the said town, shall be the admiral of us, our heirs and successors, within the town aforesaid, and the liberties and franchises of the same, and within and over the islands of Arren, and from the said islands to Galway aforesaid, on each side of the water there, as well by sea as by land and fresh waters, and that all and singular other mayors of our town aforesaid, for the time being mayors of the said town, so long as they shall be mayors of the same, shall be the admirals of us, our heirs and successors, and every of them, for the time he shall be mayor of the said town, as long as he shall be mayor of the same, shall be the admiral of us, our heirs and successors, within the port, bay, town, liberties, franchises and suburbs of Galway aforesaid, and within and over the islands of Arren, and from the said islands to Galway aforesaid on each side of the water there, as well by sea as by land and fresh waters ; and that the aforesaid mayor, who now is, and every other mayor for the time being, in the said town, shall have full power, authority and jurisdiction, from time to time, to inquire, hear, determine, do, exercise and execute all and singular things appertaining and belonging to the office and jurisdiction of admiral within the port, bay, town, liberties franchises, suburbs, islands and places aforesaid, as well by sea as by land and fresh waters afore-

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 271

26. Athenry merchants retain privileges in Galway port

    Athenry · town · Galway · 1544

    The charter preserves the existing liberties, franchises and privileges that the provost and burgesses of Athenry had long enjoyed in the town and port of Galway. Despite the new grants to Galway's own burgesses, Athenry's commercial rights there were explicitly protected.

    Read the passage

    quietly, and after the same manner as the said mayor, sheriffs, burgesses and commonalty of our town of Dirogheda have used and enjoyed the same, without the hindrance, disturbance, molestation, impediment or grievance of us, our heirs or successors, or of the lieutenant deputy of our kingdom of Ireland aforesaid, the justices, sheriffs, escheators, coroners, seneschals, bailiffs or other ministers or officers of us, our heirs or successors whomsoever, or any other whomsoever: saving to us and our heirs, the rents, feefarms, serviecs, americaments, issues and other profits, to us and our ancestors, lords of the town aforesaid, out of the said town and the courts of the same issuing, belonging or appertaining, as we and our ancestors, lords of the town aforesaid, freely and quietly had, or of right ought and were accustomed to receive the same : saving also to us, our heirs and successors, the customs of every last of hides in the port of said town, -which is called the cocket, as we have or of right ought to have received the same ; saving also to the provost and burgesses of the town of Athenry and their successors, in our said town of Galway, and the port of the same, all and singular such liberties, franchises and privileges, as the provost and burgesses of Athenry aforesaid, or any of them, were or was accustomed or used to have in times past in our said town of Galway, and in the port of the same; these our present letters patent, nor any thing in them contained and specified, in any wise notwithstanding : Although express mention of the true yearly or any other value, or of the certainty of the premises, or any of them, or of other gifts or grants by us, or of any of our progenitors or predecessors, to the aforesaid mayor, bailiffs, burgesses and commonalty of the town of Galway aforesaid, or any of them heretofore made, in these presents, is not made, or any statute, act, ordinance, provision or restriction to the contrary thereof made, published, ordained or provided, or any other matter, cause or thing whatsoever in any wise notwithstanding. In witness whereof we have caused these our letters to be made patent. Witness myself at Westminster, the 3d day of July, in the 36th year of our reign.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 269

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Athenry, you are in a place whose commercial standing mattered enough to be written into royal charter. In 1544, a grant confirmed new liberties for the burgesses of Galway in their own town and port. But the same charter explicitly saved the rights of Athenry's provost and burgesses. It declared that they and their successors would keep all liberties, franchises and privileges they had long held in the town and port of Galway. The new grants to Galway did not override what Athenry's merchants were accustomed to have there in times past. The charter was sealed at Westminster on the 3rd of July, in the 36th year of the reign. It reserved to the Crown the rents, the customs on hides in Galway's port, and other profits, but the commercial privileges of Athenry's people in Galway were protected. So even as Galway received its own civic powers, Athenry's long-standing access to that trade was not stripped away.

27. Bleach mill and green on Nun's Island

    Nun's Island · island or archipelago · Galway

    A bleach mill and green existed on Nun's Island, but the linen manufacture does not appear to have been a favourite branch of industry in Galway. A linen hall formerly erected in the west suburbs had long since gone to decay.

    Read the passage

    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

    As you pass through Nun's Island in Galway, there was once a bleach mill and green here, though the linen trade never really took hold. The river from Lough Corrib powered a great many mills in Galway, with a constant supply of water even in the driest season. There were twenty-three mills kept continually at work, along with six oat-mills, two malt-mills, and three fulling-mills. Upwards of 12,000 tons of wheat were ground and dressed each year, some supplying the neighbouring counties and the rest sent by canal boat to Dublin. The bleach mill and green on this island were part of that busy industrial landscape, but linen manufacture does not appear to have been a favourite branch of industry in the town. A linen hall, formerly erected in the west suburbs, had long since gone to decay. So while the river drove flour and malt and paper and porter, the linen trade here quietly faded.

28. By-laws protecting Galway meadows and pastures near Castle-gar

    Galway · city · Galway · 1591–1596

    Galway's municipal by-laws forbade cutting turf or digging meadows and pastures within the town's franchise, specifically from Oossuckin to the crag of Castle-gar by Pollmorydine and around the salt-water lake. Highways were also not to be hedged or manured to encroach on the common way, under penalty of forfeiture and 20 shillings.

    Read the passage

    That none shall neither cutt truffs or digge the meadowes and pasture of this towne, either by easte or weaste, especiallie Oossuckin to the cragge of Oastle-gare by Pollmorydine, and all aboute the salt-water loagh, and in like manner in the meadowes and pasture of the weaste, within our fraunchis, in no place and in any wise; that the heigh weys be neither hedged or manurede to incroache the comon way( on payne of fort'aictor for every theas defaults, not onlie all the labour and manuraunce, but also xxs. toties quoties.

    That no sea-men or sea-man, or, as I would say, fisher-men or nisher-man, do take in hande either the plowgbe, spade, or teithe, that would barr them from fyshinge, bothe to serve themselves and the comon wealthe with fyshe, in consideration whereof that the said fisshers and their wiffs and famylie be reasonable served before others with all necessarie sustenunc and foode of provition as cometh to the market, whereby they mought be the bettre hable to erne their said livinges that wayj and have the better hope.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 172

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Castlegar, the town's by-laws from 1591 to 1596 forbade anyone from cutting turves or digging in the meadows and pastures, especially from Oossuckin to the crag of Castlegar by Pollmorydine, and all around the salt-water loch, within the town's franchise. The same rules ordered that the highways be neither hedged nor manured to encroach on the common way. Anyone caught breaking these rules lost all their labour and paid twenty shillings each time. A second by-law from those years told seamen and fishermen not to take up the plough, spade, or mattock, since that would bar them from fishing, which served both themselves and the common wealth. In return, the fishers and their wives and families were to be reasonably served before others with all necessary food and provision that came to market, so they might be better able to earn their living that way.

29. Castle of Bophin preserved in defence

    near Inishbofin · parish · Galway · 1691

    The island and castle of Bophin (Inishbofin), the latter built by Oliver Cromwell and commanded by Colonel Timothy O'Riordan, surrendered by capitulation and were preserved in a state of defence due to the island's strategic importance.

    Read the passage

    To secure the conquest of Galway after the departure of the army for Limerick, all the batteries and other works about the town, raised both by the English and Irish forces, were levelled; but the fort formerly commenced on the hill beyond the south-east corner of the wall was repaired, and some fortified works were thrown up at the east gate, (thenceforth, in honour of his majesty, called William's gate,\ and at the west end of the bridge. The governor also recommended that a fort should be built, and the castle repaired on Mutton-island, without which, he stated, that the shipping could not be secure in the bay. This was accordingly ordered, and one thousand pounds were granted for the purpose. The castle was fortified, and the fort provided with ten pieces of cannon : a company of soldiers was then stationed on the island, another was sent to Arran, and the fort there was likewise repaired. The island and castle of Bophin (the latter built by Oliver Cromwell, and then commanded by colonel Timothy O'Riordan,) having surrendered by capitulation, were also preserved in a state of defence, this island being considered a place of great importance, and particularly so during a war with France, whose privateers could easily shelter in the harbour had the fort been demolished. — Thus, in the district of Galway, as in all other parts of the kingdom, every necessary precaution was taken to secure the fruits of the sanguinary and disastrous war which had just terminated, and which established a free constitution and a system of laws calculated to secure the peace and advance the prosperity of the country, if their beneficial effects had not been destroyed by the bigoted persecutions which afterwards took place, and which will for ever remain an indelible disgrace to the times immediately succeeding this period.

    history op galway.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 134

30. Castle of Cregg built by Kirwan, last defensive castle in the region

    Cregg · townland · Galway · 1648

    Clement Kirwan built the Castle of Cregg in 1648. It was described as the last edifice of its kind erected for the purpose of defence in that part of Ireland.

    Read the passage

    The latter, who was the great grand father of the late Richard Kirwan, Esq. built, in 1648, the Castle of Cregg, in the County of Galway : which was the last edifice of that description, erected for the purpose of defence, in this part of Ireland.

    5 Some members of this family use the motto, "God's' providence is our inheritance."

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 23

31. Catholics repossess Galway church and celebrate mass (1643)

    Galway · city · Galway · 1643

    In 1643 the Catholics of Galway took possession of the church and on 18 June solemnly celebrated mass there, with a sermon preached by Father John Kegan of the Society of Jesus. This followed a long discontinuance of Catholic worship in the church.

    Read the passage

    In 1643 the Catholics possessed themselves of the church, and, on the 18th of June, " mass was solemnly sung therein, and a sermon preached by father John Kegan, of the society of Jesus, after a discontinuance thereof

    254

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 201

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, this city was the scene of a moment in 1643 when Catholics took possession of the church. On 18 June, "mass was solemnly sung therein, and a sermon preached by father John Kegan, of the society of Jesus," after a long discontinuance of Catholic worship there.

32. Claregalway vicarage united to St. Nicholas, Galway

    Claregalway · town · Galway · 1484

    The vicarage of the parish church of Saint James of Balenclear (Claregalway), in the diocese of Annaghdown, was permanently united and annexed to the collegiate church of St. Nicholas in Galway for the sustenance of the warden and eight priests, with the vicar's consent.

    Read the passage

    and their ancestors always used; they bsing much disquieted therein, and sometimes robbed of their goods, and killed by those unlearned men, and also that they were obliged to sustain many other damages and inconveniences, both in person and substance, from them, and feared to suffer more for the future, if not speedily succoured. This matter being providently considered, the said Donatus, at the humble request of the said parishioners, has constituted and erected, by his proper authority, the aforesaid church of Saint Nicholas into a collegiate, and therein a college of one warden and eight priests, and for their support he hath applied the fruits, rents and incomes of the said vicarage, and the half quarter which the incumbents of the said church of Saint Nicholas had been, for a long time, accustomed to have from our beloved children, the abbot and convent of the monastery of Knockmoy, of the Cistercian order, and diocese of Tuam ; he has also appropriated to the capitular table of the said church of Saint Nicholas, other goods, rents, lands, tythes, rights and services then expressed by him the said archbishop, and by some of said parishioners bestowed, providentally considering that the said premises were scarcely sufficient to support, decently, four of the said priests. — It was his will, that whatever any of the said parishioners might chance to bestow for the future, should belong in full right to the said church of Saint Nicholas ; and he has likewise so united, annexed and incorporated for ever to the said church of Saint Nicholas, the vicarage of the parish church of Saint James of Balenclear (Clare-Galway) , of the said diocese of Annaghdown, by consent of the vicar thereof, for the sustenance of the warden and eight priests aforesaid, in the said church of Saint Nicholas ; and by the same

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 261

33. Conmacne of Dunmore, ancient estate of O'Siodhlain

    Dunmore · townland · Galway

    Conmacne of Dunmore, in the present county of Galway, was the ancient estate of the O'Siodhlain family. This was one of several districts in Connaught that anciently bore the name Conmacne.

    Read the passage

    4 It is erroneously asserted, that the government, thus formed, was called Conmaethne,, an error which arose from the circumstance of that being anciently the name of several districts in Connaught. Thus Conmacne of Dunmore, in the present county of Galway, was the ancient estate of O'Siodhlan. Conmacne Cuiletola, now the barony of Kilmain, in the county of Mayo, was the lordship of O'Talcarain ; and Conmacnemara, in the County of Galway. was the country of O'Cad'hla, i.e. O'Keily. It is now the barony of Ballinahinch, or the district of the Islands. — O'Brien.

    The following morceau proves that

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 36

34. Deane family settled in Galway from Bristol

    Galway · city · Galway · 1422–1461

    William Allen, also called Den or Deane, came to Galway from Bristol during the reign of Henry VI and was later elected Provost. Members of this family were among the first Mayors and Chief Magistrates of the town.

    Read the passage

    The first of this name, that settled in Galway, is said to have been William Allen, or Den, who came hither from Bristol in the reign of Henry VI. and was afterwards elected Provost. Members of this family, were amongst the first Mayors and Chief Magistrates of the Town. 33

    Arms. Azure, three wings, two and one, argent. Crest. A demi lion rampant, azure. Motto. Arte vel marte.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 18

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, this is where William Allen, also called Den or Deane, settled after coming from Bristol during the reign of Henry VI. He was later elected Provost, and members of his family were among the first Mayors and Chief Magistrates of the town.

35. Erris identified as ancient Ibh-Errus

    Erris · barony · Mayo

    Beauford placed the Auterii people in the county of Mayo, identifying them as the ancient inhabitants of the Irish Ibh-Errus, which corresponds to the present barony of Errus (Erris) in that county.

    Read the passage

    comprehending the county of Mayo, and says, they were evidently the ancient inhabitants of the Irish Ibh-Errus, the present barony of Errus in that country. By this he seems to have abandoned his former conjectures, leaving the opinion of Ware uncontroverted; who, with a great deal of probability, thinks that the town of Athenry, commonly called in Irish Ath-an-righ, or Aitanri, was the city or capital of the Auterii : and, independently of any coincidence of name, which, however, is very remarkable, the situation and antiquity of Athenry very much favour the opinion. From hence, therefore, it may be safely concluded, that the city of the Auterii, mentioned by Ptolemy, was not the ancient town of Gal way.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard

36. First recorder of Galway elected under Elizabeth's charter, 1595

    Galway · city · Galway · 1595

    The corporation of Galway was first empowered by the charter of Elizabeth to elect recorders. Dominick Martin, elected in 1595, was the first to hold the office.

    Read the passage

    The corporation was first empowered by the Charter of Elizabeth to elect recorders. The first elected was Dominick Martin, 1595. They are chosen and sworn annually with the mayors and sheriffs.

    1505.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 189

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, this is the city whose corporation was first empowered by the Charter of Elizabeth to elect recorders. The first man chosen was Dominick Martin, in 1595. Recorders were then sworn in annually alongside the mayors and sheriffs.

37. First regular troops quartered in Galway

    Galway · city · Galway

    The lord justice left a company of soldiers under Captain Casey in Galway, hiring a house for their accommodation since no barrack existed. These were the first regular troops ever quartered in the town.

    Read the passage

    for their accommodation, the rent of which was paid by the queen. These were the first regular troops ever quartered in Galway. 12

    Sir John Perrot, lord deputy of Ireland, visited the town in 1584. This able and excellent man, who "was renowned for valour and justice, and noted especially for a humane and equitable attention to the ancient natives, "13 soon after his arrival divided Connaught into five counties, to which he gave the names of Galway, Sligo, Mayo, Roscommon and Leitrim, and added Thomond by the name of Clare;14 he appointed a sheriff in each, and established Sir Richard Bingham, knight, in the presidency of the entire. While in Galway, he observed many disorderly practices, the reformation of which he strongly recommended to the mayor and corporation. An inquiry was accordingly instituted, and several matters were presented for correction and improvement, upon the oaths of a jury of the most respectable citizens. An abstract of the proceedings on this occasion is given in another part of this volume; it will be found curious, and may enable the reader to form an idea of several manners and customs which, in these times, were prevalent in Galway, but which are long since obsolete and forgotten.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 80

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you're in a town where no barrack stood when the lord justice first left a company of regular soldiers here under Captain Casey. A house had to be hired for their accommodation, and the rent was paid by the queen. These were the first regular troops ever quartered in Galway. Later, in 1584, Sir John Perrot, lord deputy of Ireland, visited the town. He was, as the record says, "renowned for valour and justice, and noted especially for a humane and equitable attention to the ancient natives." He divided Connaught into five counties, gave them the names of Galway, Sligo, Mayo, Roscommon and Leitrim, and added Thomond by the name of Clare. He appointed a sheriff in each and established Sir Richard Bingham in the presidency of the whole. While in Galway he observed many disorderly practices and pressed the mayor and corporation to reform them. An inquiry followed, and a jury of respectable citizens presented several matters for correction, giving a picture of manners and customs long since obsolete.

38. Fishings of the river of Galway granted to Lynch family

    Galway · city · Galway · 1509–1547

    An inquisition found that Henry VIII exercised his royal right by granting, through letters patent, the fishings of the river of Galway to Janet and Stephen Lynch, who enjoyed them thereafter.

    Read the passage

    reciting; that the earldoms of March and Ulster and the lordships of Trim and Connaught were annexed to the crown, and that several records, rolls and inquisitions relating to them, were taken out of the treasury of Trim and embezzled, it was enacted that should be lawful for the knig, Henry VII. to enter into all the said lands and lordships. That upon his death Henry VIII. his son. was seized in right of his crown, of the thirty cantreds. They then found that Henry VIII. exercised his right by granting, by letters patent, to Janet and Stephen Lynch, the fishings of the river of Galway, which were then enjoyed thereunder. Thev found his charter to the town, his death ; Edward VI. his suc-

    cessor, his charter^ erecting the church into a collegiate ; his death, and Elizabeth, his successor, her charter", and the grant from her to the corporation, dated 11th September, in the twentieth year of tier reign ; her death, and James I. her successor, his charter and death; and Charles I. his successor, who ffiey found was, on the day of the taking of said inquisition, seized in fee, in right of his crown, of the said thirty cantreds, and of and in the said entire province or dominion of Connaught: and they found that the county of the town of Galway contained, by estimation, thirty-two quarters of free and chargeable land. — Grig. Inq. Rolls Office.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 92

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, the river here carries an old legal history. An inquisition found that the earldoms of March and Ulster and the lordships of Trim and Connaught had been annexed to the crown, and that records and inquisitions relating to them had been taken from the treasury of Trim and embezzled. It was enacted that Henry VII could enter into all those lands and lordships. Upon his death, Henry VIII was seized, in right of his crown, of the thirty cantreds. He exercised that right by granting, through letters patent, the fishings of the river of Galway to Janet and Stephen Lynch. They enjoyed the fishings under that grant thereafter. The inquisition went on to find Henry VIII's charter to the town, then Edward VI as his successor, who erected the church into a collegiate. After him came Elizabeth, with her own charter and a grant to the corporation dated the 11th of September in the twentieth year of her reign. Then James I, and finally Charles I, who on the day of the inquisition was seized in fee, in right of his crown, of the thirty cantreds and the entire province of Connaught. The county of the town of Galway was found to contain, by estimation, thirty-two quarters of free and chargeable land.

39. Franciscan monastery and abbey founded on Aran, 1485

    Innismore · street · Dublin · 1485

    In 1485, a monastery for Franciscans was built in the great island of Arran. A famous abbey of regular canons was also founded there, adding to the island's long ecclesiastical heritage.

    Read the passage

    By the ancient records of Galway it appears that from a remote period the sept of Mac Tiege O'Brien, lords df these islands, were on terms of alliance and friendship with the inhabitants of the town.— Vide ante, pp. 52, 207.— This, however, did not save them from being plundered and burned by Sir John D'Arcy, lord justice, who sailed round the western coast of Ireland in the year 1334 with a fleet of fifty-six sail.- — Clynne's Annals. — In 1485 a monastery for Franciscans was built in the great island ; in which there was also founded a famous abbey of regular canons. In the sixteenth century the O'Briens were expelled from these islands by the O'Flaherties of Iar- Connaught ; information of which outrage having been sent to queen Elizabeth, a commission issued, under which it was found that they belonged to her majesty in right of her crown. She, accordingly, by letters patent dated 13th January, 1587 (instead of restoring them to the and his heirs, on condition that Tie should retain constantly on the islands twenty foot-soldiers of the English nation. — Rot. Pat. 31 Eliz. — On this occasion the cor-

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 258

    As the companion tells it

    Along here on Innismore, in 1485, a monastery for Franciscans was built on the great island of Aran, and a famous abbey of regular canons was founded there too. The islands had long belonged to the sept of Mac Tiege O'Brien, lords of the islands, who held them from a remote period. In the sixteenth century the O'Briens were expelled from these islands by the O'Flaherties of Iar-Connaught. Word of that ouster reached Queen Elizabeth, who found the islands belonged to her in right of her crown, and by letters patent dated 13th January 1587 she granted them on condition that twenty foot-soldiers of the English nation be kept constantly on the islands.

40. Friars supply materials for Barrachalla fortifications

    Galway · city · Galway · 1690

    In 1690, the Franciscan friars of Galway supplied lime and other materials for building the fortifications round Barrachalla, as recorded in the Corporation Book.

    Read the passage

    In 1690 the friars supplied lime and other materials for building the fortifications round Barachalla. — Corp. Book. — In the same year Allemande describes the church of this monastery as "a very large and noble structure, then almost entire, and serving for a court of judicature."

    276

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 217

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, in 1690 the Franciscan friars here supplied lime and other materials for building the fortifications round Barrachalla. That same year, a man named Allemande described the friary's church as a very large and noble structure, then almost entire, and serving for a court of judicature.

41. Galway as refuge for proscribed clergy under penal laws

    Galway · city · Galway

    Galway was one of the principal places in Ireland that afforded refuge to proscribed ecclesiastics until the mitigation of the penal laws. The regular clergy, deprived of wealth and influence and subjected to persecution, were noted for their piety, charity, and innocence of any crime.

    Read the passage

    immediately preceding the sixteenth century, must be aware that the state of the regular clergy was then very different from what it is at the present day. The change of religion in these countries shook the monastic foundations to their centre; and since that great event they have silently undergone a reformation which the powers of the Vatican, however otherwise formidable, were never able to accomplish. When deprived of their wealth and influence, and doomed to undergo the severity of persecution, their lives exhibited at once all the virtues of primitive Christianity. In Ireland, where a parallel to their sufferings can only be found in the early history of the church, no crime, immoral or irreligious, could ever be imputed to this extensive body of men; on the contrary, their very persecutors often bore testimony to the innocence and sanctity of their lives. All this can here be asserted with confidence, as Galway had been, until the mitigation of the penal laws took place, one of the principal places which afforded refuge to these proscribed ecclesiastics. When, therefore, the quiet and peaceable demeanour of their lives, the laudable example which their piety and morals continually afford, their constant and regular attendance to the duties of religion, and their unceasing acts of charity and benevolence, shall be considered, even the prejudiced themselves cannot but pronounce them most praiseworthy and deserving members of society.

    On another on which there is carved a full-length figure of St. Clare :

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 218

    As the companion tells it

    As you travel through Galway, you are passing through a city that was one of the principal refuges in Ireland for proscribed ecclesiastics, right up until the penal laws were mitigated. After the change of religion shook the monastic foundations, the regular clergy were stripped of their wealth and influence and left to face persecution. Yet their persecutors themselves often bore testimony to the innocence and sanctity of their lives. No crime, immoral or irreligious, could ever be imputed to this body of men. Deprived of everything, they exhibited what the source calls "all the virtues of primitive Christianity" — constant attendance to the duties of religion, unceasing acts of charity and benevolence, and a quiet, peaceable demeanour. A parallel to their sufferings, the record says, could only be found in the early history of the church itself.

42. Galway Bay debated as Ptolemy's Ausoba

    near Galway Bay · bay · Clare

    It was generally agreed that Galway Bay was the Ausoba of Ptolemy, though scholars disagreed: Camden and Baxter proposed Lough Corrib, Richard of Cirencester suggested Clew Bay in Mayo, and Ware identified it as the river Galvia. Beauford argued it was the bay of Galway, derived from the Irish 'Abhsidhe.'

    Read the passage

    It has been generally agreed that this bay was the Ausoba of Ptolemy. Camden and Baxter are however of opinion that Lough Corrib was the p|ace. Ware thinks it the river Galvia which takes its rise out of that lough, and washing the town, falls into the bay.H Richard of Cirencester makes it Clew Bay in the County of Mayo, but Beauford, with more accuracy, thinks it the bay of Galway, which, he says, was the Abhsidhe or Abhansidhe^ of the Irish, and as such, it has been almost universally taken. The writer, last mentioned, states, that the word signifies Oesiuarium, derived from the Irish, Auscobha, a projection of water, and although this might very properly have been classed amongst the other visionary derivatives of the same author, yet it remained uncontroverted, until Vallancey advanced another conjecture, and apparently discovered the significance of this obscure word. In his essay on the primitive inhabitants of Great Britain and Ireland, he says "commerce, with the Irish and Arabs, was esteemed honourable, and hence, in both countries, the adjective, asob, noble, was prefixed to the word implying commerce, to signify a merchant. — A sob Gaelibh, the merchants of Galway, and hence Ptolemy names the bay of Galway sinus asobus." Were this far fetched though ingenious supposition correct, it would add considerable weight to the preceding conclusions, concerning the former name and commerce of Galway; but being equally fanciful with the other, it must be abandoned, as one of the etymological reveries of the veteran antiquary, in his endeavours to give an oriental cast to the antiquities of Ireland; nor shall the reader be longer detained on the elucidation of a subject more difficult than important, at the present day, and which shall therefore be consigned to the conjectural inquiries of some abler etymologist.

    Of the inhabitants of Galway, previous to the invasion of Pienry II., there are no accounts remaining, except by tradition, but some time after that event took place, the town appears to have been inhabited by a number of families, who were principally occupied on the fishings of the

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 12

43. Galway Bay herring fishery seasons

    near Galway Bay · bay · Clare

    The herring fishery, the most valuable on the Galway coast, sets in twice yearly, first in harvest and again in winter. In recent years the herrings appear much later than formerly, with the winter fishery now commencing at the end of February or beginning of March instead of early November, yet the vast shoals annually taken are astonishing.

    Read the passage

    The herring fishery, which is the most valuable on the coast, sets in twice every year, first in harvest and afterwards in winter. For some years past the herrings, from some unknown cause, make their appearance much later than formerly : the winter fishery, which usually began early in Nov-

    lagc. They generally intermarry witii each other at an early age ; and St. Patrick's day, the May and September fairs, but particularly midsummer eve, are the usual seasons for forming these alliances. During these periodical festivities the young man generally singles out the objo'.t of his choice. A marriage is commonly preceded by an elopement ; but no disappointment or dishonourable advantage arising from that circumstance has ever been known amongst them. A reconciliation between the young couple and their respective friends generally takes place the morning after the elopement ; the clergyman's part of the ceremony is then performed, and the nuptials are solemnised with a boisterous kind of merriment usual only on these occasions. A cabin is soon provided for the new-married pair, who now, in their turn, commence housekeepers. The parents, if in good circumstances, contrive to supply the price of a hoat (or at least a share in one) for the husband, and this,, with a few articles of furniture, commonly constitute the entire of their worldly possessions. The women are generally prolific, and the fine, healthy children always to be seen in great numbers at the Claddagh are seldom excelled even in more opulent communities. Although the women are handsome, infidelity is a crime never heard of, and jealousy is equally unknown. Indeed, in every instance the relative duties are here piously fulfilled; and, in particular, the care and respect with which they treat

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 238

44. Galway corporation seeks to enlarge liberties four miles

    Galway · city · Galway · 1687

    In 1687 the corporation resolved to seek enlargement of their liberties by four miles—to Clare Bridge, southward to Oranmore, westward to Forbagh by the sea, and to Clydagh towards the lough. They also sought restoration of pre-1641 charter privileges including the election of warden.

    Read the passage

    That the charter be forthwith taken out, and that it is the sense of the council that their liberties be enlarged four myle, to say, to Clare Bridge, and so proportionably to the southward as far as Oranmore, and in the west as far as Forbagh to the sea side, and as far as Clydagh towards the lough, and that the old priviledges in the former charters before 1641 be obtained ; that is, the election of warden and the mayor to be vice-admiral within the precnicts of the port, and he and the recorder to be justices throughout the province.

    1688.13

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 181

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, the town that surrounds you was, in 1687, the subject of an ambitious claim by its corporation. The council resolved that their liberties should be enlarged by four miles: to Clare Bridge, southward as far as Oranmore, westward to Forbagh by the sea, and to Clydagh towards the lough. They also sought the restoration of old privileges held before 1641, including the election of warden, the mayor to serve as vice-admiral within the port, and both he and the recorder to act as justices throughout the province.

45. Galway's gates and their commercial functions

    Galway · city · Galway

    Galway had multiple gates serving different functions: the west gates led to the quay and custom-house, the Abbey gate admitted turf and water, and William's gate was the grand entrance for carriages and inland merchants' goods. All goods were examined at the gates to prevent arms or ammunition being concealed.

    Read the passage

    (which were large enough for any horse or cow to pass through,) being open until nine at night in winter and ten in summer, trade could not be interrupted in that quarter. The two gates towards the west led to the quay; and as all custom-house business ceased in the evening, when the revenue officers retired, it could inconvenience none but smugglers, or recruits for foreign service, (and many of each frequented the town,) to keep these gates any longer open. The two other entrances were at the Abbey and William's gate. Through the first nothing but turf and water entered, and private brewers and distillers only would draw home either after night-fall. Fuel was brought down Lough-corrib and landed at the Wood-quay, where it was taken up in kishes, and wheeled into the town. Through William's gate, being the grand entrance, all carriages and inland merchants goods were brought for exportation or market; but the inns and stables being in the east suburbs, and no accommodation in the town, it could be no detriment to trade, that goods, which arrived after the gates were locked, (and which, according to a constant prudential practice, were always examined at the gate, lest ammunition or arms were concealed,) should remain for one night where the carriers and horses which brought them should unavoidably set up. Moreover, carriages could not so effectually be inspected in the dark; and as there were no other but popish merchants in the town, (though they were forbidden by express laws from inhabiting therein, and had been formerly every man turned out,) the caution of examining chests and casks consigned to them appeared evidently reasonable and prudent. As to conveniences for life destined for market, the same reason held good. Besides, in all well-regulated markets, till the bell rung at a certain hour, nothing was suffered to be sold; therefore market-folk had no business in town till the morning of the market day; for, should they be permitted to come in over night, they would be surrounded by forestallers and regrators, who would purchase their commodities, and retail them next day at an extravagant price.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 147

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are entering a town once governed by its gates. The two west gates led to the quay and the custom-house, and stayed open until nine at night in winter and ten in summer, long enough for legitimate trade but a check on smugglers and recruits for foreign service, both of whom frequented the town. Through the Abbey gate came nothing but turf and water, fuel brought down Lough Corrib and landed at the Wood-quay before being wheeled in for the private brewers and distillers. William's gate was the grand entrance, where all carriages and inland merchants' goods came for market or export. Every chest and cask was examined at the gate, lest arms or ammunition were concealed, a precaution the town considered prudent since its merchants were described in the record as "popish" and had been forbidden by express laws from inhabiting the town. Goods arriving after the gates were locked simply stayed the night with the carriers and horses at the east suburbs, where the inns and stables stood, and nothing could be sold in the market until the bell rang at a set hour in the morning.

46. Galway trade restriction ordinance

    Galway · city · Galway

    A municipal ordinance prohibited merchants and servants within Galway or its suburbs from carrying merchandise or victuals into the surrounding countryside within a twenty-mile radius, except to designated market towns. The intent was to compel country inhabitants to come into Galway itself to trade.

    Read the passage

    Item, that no marchant man, or any other mail, or man's servant or servants, within our towne of Galleway, or suburbs of the same, goe with no manner of merchandize nor victuals in the country, within 20 miles compas of oure said towne, saev onlye to oure markett townes, but suffer thinhabitants of the country to

    84

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 71

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, here is an old trade rule. A municipal ordinance forbade any merchant or servant within Galway or its suburbs from carrying merchandise or victuals into the surrounding countryside within a 20-mile compass, save only to designated market towns. The aim was to force country inhabitants to come into Galway itself to trade.

47. Grant of tithes to warden and vicars of Galway

    Galway · city · Galway

    The warden and vicars obtained a grant from the corporation of three parts in eight of the tithes within the town of Galway, to recompense them for profits expended in repairing the church and college-house and for paying a Sunday preacher. This reinforced the collegiate rights and privileges of the Galway clergy.

    Read the passage

    ever since the suppression. "24 About this time a vacancy having occurred in the parish of Clare, the archbishop of Tuam refused to admit a priest presented by Walter Lynch, the warden, except on these conditions: 1st, that the archbishop should approve of him; 2nd, that he should be obedient to the provincial and diocesan synods and statutes; 3rd, that he should give no contradiction to the archbishop's visitation, correction, procuration, etc.; 4th, that he should give under his hand to be obedient to his lordship's sentence touching the controversy between them. These disagreements occasioned violent personal animosities between the contending ecclesiastics, who proceeded to excommunication on both sides. They at length agreed to submit to the fianl determination of the bishops of Elphin and Clonfer", the vicar apostolic of Kilmacduagh, Sir Lucas Dillon, knt., one of the supreme council, and Richard Martin, esq., mayor of the town, who finally succeeded in composing their differences. 25 The warden and vicars soon after obtained a grant from the corporation of three parts in eight of the tithes, both great and small, within the town, to ' recompense them for the profits of their livings, expended since the troubles in repairing the church and college-house, and paying £40 yearly to one of their body for preaching every Sunday in the church.'' — Of their collegiate rights and privileges the clergy and inhabitants were always specially careful, but they were particularly so against any infringement of the see of Tuam. This feeling was forcibly evinced in 1648. when John Burke, the then archbishop, after his dispute with the nuncio (vide page 125), caused the church doors to be broken oper ; he was obliged on the following day to sign a declaration "that, by so doing, he did not intend to interfere with the liberties of Jis »ollege." — The important changes, which soon afterwards took place, gave a respite to these clerical contentions; they were, however, resumed after

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 202

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are in a town where the clergy once fought hard to hold their ground. A vacancy arose in the parish of Clare, and Walter Lynch, the warden, presented a priest, but the archbishop of Tuam refused to admit him unless the priest submitted to the archbishop's approval, obedience to synods, and acceptance of his authority in visitation and correction. The two sides excommunicated each other before agreeing to submit their dispute to the bishops of Elphin and Clonfert, the vicar apostolic of Kilmacduagh, Sir Lucas Dillon of the supreme council, and Richard Martin, the mayor, who settled the matter. Soon after, the warden and vicars obtained a grant from the corporation of three parts in eight of the tithes, both great and small, within the town. The grant was to recompense them for profits of their livings already spent repairing the church and college-house, and for paying £40 yearly to one of their number for preaching every Sunday. The clergy and inhabitants of Galway were always protective of their collegiate rights, especially against any infringement by the see of Tuam. In 1648, Archbishop John Burke, after a dispute with the nuncio, had the church doors broken open. The next day he was forced to sign a declaration that by doing so he did not intend to interfere with the liberties of the college.

48. Holy wells near Galway's Augustinian friary

    Lough Atalia · electoral division · Galway

    Several holy wells existed near the Augustinian friary south of Galway, including St. Augustine's Well, a well dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, and one to St. John the Baptist, all on the shore of Lough Atalia. Devotions were performed around them, particularly on 28 August, and miraculous cures were attributed to the water.

    Read the passage

    V. Lubin mentions that there was in this convent a spring called St. Augustine's Well, the water whereof wrought miraculous cures ; but in this he was mistaken, for the well known by that name (with two others, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin and St. John th» Baptist) is situ-

    J J

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 221

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Lough Atalia, you are near the site of several holy wells once tied to Galway's Augustinian friary. St. Augustine's Well stood here, with two others dedicated to the Blessed Virgin and St. John the Baptist, all on the shore. People gathered for devotions on 28 August, and the water was said to have miraculous cures.

49. Jane Eyre's charitable bequest for bread to the poor

    Galway · city · Galway · 1760

    Jane Eyre, widow of Edward Eyre of Galway, gave £300 to the Corporation of Galway to provide bread to 36 poor people every Sunday in perpetuity. Her monument in the choir praises her piety, prudence, and bounty to the poor.

    Read the passage

    The Sum of £300 was given by the Widow Jane Eyre, to the Corporation of Galway, for the yearly Sum of £24, to

    be distributed in Bread to 36 poor Objects, on every Sunday, for ever.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 207

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, this city holds an old bequest from 1760. The widow Jane Eyre gave £300 to the Corporation of Galway, the yearly sum of £24 to be distributed in bread to 36 poor people every Sunday, for ever.

50. Lease of tenement in Fisher's-lane, Galway (1514)

    Galway · city · Galway · 1514

    In 1514, warden John Bermingham and the vicars leased a tenement and garden in Fisher's-lane to merchant John Fernandol, bounded by Nicholas Calf's tenement, John Moilyn's dwelling, the town wall, and the king's-way. The yearly rent was 13s. 4d. and two capons to the warden and vicars, plus 6s. 8d. to the Franciscan friars.

    Read the passage

    12 In the year 1546, it was ordered in council, that the warden and vicars should not set any lands, tithes or other revenues of the college, for more than one year. — Corp. Book A.i — Before this regulation they alienated several portions of the collegiate property for long terms. On 8th April, 1514, John Bermingham, then warden, together with the vicars, leased unto John Fernando1, merchant, a tenement and garden looking towards the altar of St. Katherine in the church, and situate in the Fisher's-lane, between the tenement of Nicholas Calf on the east,

    that wherein John Moilyn dwelt on the west, the town wall on the south, and the king's-way on the north, paying yearly 13s. 4d. and two capons, with their feathers, to the warden and vicars, and 6s. 8d. to the monastery of the friars minors of the town. — Orig. Deed. Even after the prohibition the same practice continued. On. the 19th December, 1549, they granted unto Thomas Porte, mariner, and his heirs for ever, the tenement which lay between the houses of John O'Fmaghdi and Nicholas Bollan on the west and north, and the king's street and the town wall on the east and south, at the yearly rent of 6s. 8d. and two capons. — Signed, Patrick Blake, warden, Patrick Kyrwan, Thomas Frynch, Edmund Flaherty, John Talman and John Brangan, vicars. — Id. — This bylaw was revived in 1607, under the penalty of " expulsion of the transgressor out of the college-house and church as an unprofitable member and also forfeiting 201."— Corp Book A.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 196

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, the old town records hold a lease from the 8th of April, 1514. Warden John Bermingham and the vicars leased a tenement and garden in Fisher's-lane to a merchant named John Fernandol. The property looked towards the altar of St. Katherine in the church and sat between the tenement of Nicholas Calf, the dwelling of John Moilyn, the town wall, and the king's-way. The yearly rent was 13 shillings and 4 pence, plus two capons with their feathers, paid to the warden and vicars, and another 6 shillings and 8 pence to the friars minors of the town. Before 1546 the warden and vicars alienated several portions of collegiate property for long terms like this, until it was ordered in council that they set no lands or revenues for more than one year. The practice continued even after, and the bylaw was revived in 1607 under penalty of expulsion and a fine.

51. Lynch family mansion occupied square now site of shamble barrack

    Galway · city · Galway

    The Lynch family's mansion-house occupied an extensive square in Galway, on which the lower citadel or shamble barrack stood at the time of writing. The Lynches were one of the most ancient and leading families in Galway until the mid-seventeenth century.

    Read the passage

    they claim descent from Charlemagne, the youngest son of the Emperor of that name. That Sir Hugo de Lynch, a general under William the Conqueror, came to England with that monarch, in Whose estimation he stood very high, and from whom he received considerable favours. That the first of the name, who came to Ireland, was Andrew de Lynch, to whom Henry II. gave large possessions, in the vicinity of Castleknock near Dublin. That his youngest son, John Lynch, who wfljs married to the daughter of William de Mareschall, was the first of the name who settled, about the year 1261, in Galway, and that from him all the Galway Lynches are descended. They also state, that the Lynches obtained their armorial bearings from the following circumstance, one of their name and family, being governor of Lintz, (long before the invasion of England by the Conqueror,) defended that city with unexampled fortitude, against a powerful enemy ; and thoiugh from the uncommon length of the siege, all their provisions were consumed, and the garrison reduced to the miserable extremity of subsisting on the common herbage of the fields, he was finally victorious. His prince, among other rewards of his valor, presented him with the trefoil on a field azure, for his arms, and the Lynx, the sharpest sighted of all animals, for his crest, the former, in allusion to the extremity to which he was ' driven for subsistence during the siege, and the latter, to his foresight and vigilance, and, as a testimonal of his fidelity, he also received the motto, semper fjdelis, which arms, crest and motto, are borne by the Lynch family to this day. Their mansion-house occupied the extensive square on which the present lower citadel or shamble barrack stands.

    20

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 23

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are moving through ground that once belonged to one of its most ancient families. The Lynches claimed descent from Charlemagne, and Sir Hugo de Lynch came to England with William the Conqueror, standing high in that monarch's estimation. The first of the name to reach Ireland was Andrew de Lynch, who received large possessions from Henry the Second near Castleknock outside Dublin. His youngest son John Lynch, married to the daughter of William de Mareschall, settled in Galway about 1261, and from him all the Galway Lynches are descended. They were one of the leading families here until the mid-seventeenth century. Their mansion-house occupied an extensive square in the town, on which the lower citadel or shamble barrack now stands. The family arms come from a story told long before the Conqueror's invasion. A Lynch was governor of Lintz and defended that city against a powerful enemy. The siege lasted so long that all provisions were consumed and the garrison subsisted on the common herbage of the fields, yet he was finally victorious. His prince presented him with the trefoil on a field of azure, in allusion to the herbs eaten during the siege, and the lynx, the sharpest sighted of all animals, for his crest, marking his foresight and vigilance. He also received the motto "semper fidelis" as a testimonial of his fidelity. Those arms, crest and motto are borne by the Lynch family to this day.

52. Named public sites in Galway paved at corporation expense

    Galway · city · Galway · 1712–1762

    Witness Andrew French proved that various named sites in Galway—including William's gate, the main guard, the town gaol, the county court-house and gaol, the quay, the bridge, and the tholsel—had been paved at the expense of the corporation, though little else of the charter revenue was applied to public use.

    Read the passage

    tween 2 and 5,0001. for charter duties and perquisities to the corporation : (whereout its witnesses could not prove that any had been expended for the purposes directed by the charters, except that a sum had been, about the year 1731, applied to repair part of the walls and build a guardhouse : that 51. a year were given for mending the locks of the town gates : that the main guard-house and officers room were kept in repair ; that 141. were expended in 1757, to repair the quays ; and that the pavements between the two east gates, before William's gate guard, the main guard, the town gaol, and county court-house and gaol, the whole quay, the bridge, the tholsel, for half the breadth of the street, and the centre, of the square in the parade, had been and were then paved at the expense of the corporation.) He also proved that out of every one thousand deal boards imported, the mayor, without any authority, exacted 10 as a perquisite, besides the charter duties, the water bailiffs ten, and the warden 3, (which last originated in Catholic times, to make coffins for the poor, and which he believed the then warden . never applied to that use;) and that out of every cargo of salt, six bushels went to he mayor, six to the sheriffs, three to the recorder, six to the water bailiffs, and six to the warden, which were worth fronii Is. to Is. 6d. a bushel ; and that 4d. a ton was taken for kelp, which was then the principal export of the town. It was also proved that every counry butcher was obliged to give, yearly, two stone of tallow to the mayor, and two more to the sheriffs : that the 12d. house-hold loaf weighed eleven pounds : that 7d. was exacted for every boat load of turf, containing from twenty to forty statute klsh, then worth about 9d. each ; that every fishing-boat (about one hundred and sixty) belonging to the town was compelled to pay 6d. yearly for entering; also two hundred herrings annually to the mayor, the same to the sheriffs, and a like-number to the water bailiffs, besides two hundred more for liberty to dry their nets on the shore, which were exacted by the owner of the SQ.il. Several other instances of illegal exaction were also adduced, for which the reader is referred to the Commons Journals, Vol. VII. Appendix.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 150

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are on ground that a witness named Andrew French once proved had been paved at the corporation's expense. He testified that the pavements between the two east gates, before William's gate guard, the main guard, the town gaol, and the county court-house and gaol, the whole quay, the bridge, the tholsel, and the centre of the square in the parade had all been paved by the corporation. Beyond that, though, he could show little else of the charter revenue spent for public purpose. Around 1731 a sum went to repair part of the walls and build a guardhouse, and 5 pounds a year were given for mending the locks of the town gates. In 1757, 14 pounds were spent to repair the quays. French also proved that the mayor took 10 deal boards from every thousand imported, the water bailiffs 10, and the warden 3, a perquisite that began in Catholic times to make coffins for the poor but which he believed the warden no longer applied to that use. From every cargo of salt, the mayor took 6 bushels, the sheriffs 6, the recorder 3, the water bailiffs 6, and the warden 6. Every country butcher was obliged to give 2 stone of tallow yearly to the mayor and 2 more to the sheriffs. About 160 fishing boats paid 6 pence a year for entering, and gave 200 herrings each to the mayor, the sheriffs, and the water bailiffs, with 200 more for liberty to dry their nets on the shore. Several other illegal exactions were recorded in the Commons Journals.

53. Newcastle opposite the ruined castle of Terrilan

    near Newcastle · street · Galway

    Newcastle, the property of Robert Persse, was situated near the river opposite the ruined castle of Terrilan. Terrilan was once the noble residence of the earls of Clanricarde.

    Read the passage

    There are several fine seats in the vicinity of Galway. Of these the principal are : — Ardfry, the beautiful seat of the right honorable lord Wallscourt, situate near the new harbour, to which vessels resort from the road of Galway in tempestuous weather and ride in perfect safety; Tyrone House, the seat of Arthur Ffrench St. George, esq., which commands a charming prospect of the bay of Galway and the islands of Arran; Renvile, the seat of Philip Lynch Athy, esq.; Oranmore Castle, the residence of Walter Blake, esq.; Frenchfort, the seat of Michael Blake, esq.; Merlin Park, the fine seat of Charles Blake, esq., adjacent to the ruined castle of Doughisky; Well Park, the seat of Mr. Macnamara; Merview, the seat of Mr. Joyce; Menlo Castle, the ancient residence of the Blake family; Dangan, the former seat of the Martin family (this was universally acknowledged to be one of the most delightful residences in the kingdom, but it has of late years been suffered to go considerably to decay); Newcastle, the property of Robert Perssc, esq., conveniently situated near the river, opposite the ruined castle of Terrilan, the once noble residence of the earls of Clanricarde; Rahoon, the seat of James Bodkin, esq.; West Lodge, the seat of our late venerable and respected recorder, James O'Hara, esq.; Barna, the highly improved and elegant seat of Marcus Blake Lynch, esq., which for situation and beauty of prospect stands unrivalled.

    Galway gives the title of viscount to the noble family of Moncton.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 254

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Newcastle, Robert Persse had his property, conveniently situated near the river. Opposite it stands the ruined castle of Terrilan, once the noble residence of the earls of Clanricarde.

54. New families settle in Galway during 15th century

    Galway · city · Galway · 1422–1483

    During the reigns of Henry VI and Edward IV, several families including Deane, Ffont, Ffrench, Morris, Butler, Fallon, Nolan, Port, and others settled in Galway. By this period the town was esteemed one of the most populous in Ireland, with trade keeping pace with population increase and a spirit of industry pervading the people.

    Read the passage

    The annals of Connaught, and those of the four masters, record a terrible conflagration which took place in Galway, on Friday, the 2d day of June, 1473; by which the town was nearly destroyed, and incalculable damage sustained by the inhabitants. , This heavy misfortune was, however, soon overcome by the exertions of an industrious and already opulent community. During the long reign of Henry VI. and that of his successor, Edw. IV. several families settled in the town, among whom those of Deane, Fjont, Ffrench, Morris, Butler, Fallon, Nolan, Port, Come or Quin, and Fully, are particularly noticed. At the period to which our narrative is now arrived, it was esteemed one of the most populous towns in Ireland : trade kept pace with the increase of population, and a spirit of industry pervaded the minds of the people; but their energies were now more particularly called forth, by the melancholy accident which had just taken place, and the damages occasioned by the fire were not only quickly repaired, but the town itself was materially improved, and soon after took its rank amongst the most considerable places in the kingdom. The relation of its affairs having been thus far continued through periods of which almost every local record and monument has been long and irrecoverably iost, an era now approaches, from which the memory of its transactions was better preserved; and, consequently, the future helps, for the elucidation of its history, will be found much more abundant and satisfactory, as in the following chapter.

    17 Rot. Pat. 4 Edw. IV. p. 11. m. 29. Tur. Lnnd.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 60

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are in a town that by the 1400s was esteemed one of the most populous in Ireland. Trade kept pace with the growing population, and a spirit of industry ran through the people. During the long reign of Henry VI and that of his successor Edward IV, several families settled here, among them Deane, Ffont, Ffrench, Morris, Butler, Fallon, Nolan, Port, Come or Quin, and Fully. A terrible fire on Friday the 2nd of June 1473 nearly destroyed the town and brought incalculable damage to the inhabitants. But this industrious and already opulent community soon overcame the misfortune. The damages were not only quickly repaired, but the town itself was materially improved, and soon after took its rank among the most considerable places in the kingdom. After this era, the memory of its transactions was better preserved, and the records become more abundant and satisfactory.

55. Old corporation book kept at Merlin Park, near Galway

    near Merlin Park · street · Galway

    Charles Blake of Merlin Park, near Galway, provided the author with an old corporation book containing many curious entries concerning the town of Galway over a period of nearly one hundred and seventy years.

    Read the passage

    To few only of the living does the author lie under any obligation; but to those few he is largely indebted. The zeal and persevering industry with which his highly respected and valuable friend, Edmund Costello, esq. assisted in obtaining information, particularly concerning the modern state of Galway, can never be forgotten. John Lynch Alexander, esq. with the kind disposition which always marks his character, obligingly communicated several curious documents concerning the ecclesiastical history of the town. From his lamented friend, the late William Nash, esq. of the Rolls Office, Dublin whose goodness of heart was only equalled by the extent of his knowledge, the author received much valuable information. The friendship of William Shaw Mason, esq. (to whom Ireland is much indebted for the measures taken to preserve its ancient legal records, and for the first pervasive effort to develope the actual state of the country,) has also aided his researches. To Charles Blake, esq. of Merlin Park, near Galway, he is obliged for the use of the old corporation book, before alluded to, which contains many curious entries concerning the town for a period of nearly one hundred and seventy years. To the Provost, Vice Provost, and Senior Fellows of Trinity College, he returns his sincere thanks for the condescending attention which he has experienced from that learned body; and to the Reverend Doctors Nash and Wilson he is particularly indebted. To those friends, also, who kindly wished to provide against the heavy expenses attending this work, by promoting a subscription, he is likewise thankful; and, though he declined their offers, he feels grateful for the motives which dictated them. Finally, the author begs leave here to repeat, what he once before expressd at a most rspectable meeting in Galway, "that he had voluntarily undertaken the task, without any other view than a hope that it might tend to the honor, and perhaps to the benefit, of their native town; and that, if his work should not possess sufficient \ merit to support itself, it would, and ought to fall into oblivion; but if otherwise, he entertained no doubt of its favourable reception by a discerning public."

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 3

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Merlin Park, Charles Blake kept an old corporation book that ended up in the pages of a history of Galway. The author of that history, writing in the early 1800s, said Blake lent him the book, which held many curious entries concerning the town over a period of nearly 170 years. Blake was one of several friends the author thanked. Edmund Costello helped with information on the modern state of Galway. John Lynch Alexander shared curious documents on the town's ecclesiastical history. William Nash of the Rolls Office in Dublin supplied valuable information before his death. William Shaw Mason, who worked to preserve Ireland's ancient legal records, also aided the research. The author told a meeting in Galway that he had undertaken the work voluntarily, with no aim other than the honour and perhaps the benefit of their native town, and that if it lacked merit it would fall into oblivion.

56. O'Nolan of Loughboy tomb in Franciscan cemetery

    Galway · city · Galway · 1394

    A tomb of the ancient O'Nolan family of Loughboy, situated in the centre of the Franciscan churchyard in Galway, was first erected in 1394 and later rebuilt and ornamented by Michael O'Nolan, a merchant of Galway and representative of the family.

    Read the passage

    The tomb of the ancient family of 0' Nolan, of Loughboy, is situate in the centre of the churchyard and bears the following inscription: — "This tomb was first erected in the year of Our Lord 1394, by the O'Nolans of Loughboy, and is now re-built and ornamented by Michael O'Nolan. merchant. Galway, one of the representatives of said family."

    2.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 218

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, there's a tomb in the Franciscan churchyard belonging to the O'Nolan family of Loughboy. It was first erected in 1394 by the O'Nolans of Loughboy, and later rebuilt and ornamented by Michael O'Nolan, a merchant of Galway and one of the family's representatives.

57. Ornamental case for king's sword in St Nicholas's Church, Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1699

    Mayor Thomas Andrews (1699) bestowed an ornamental case to preserve the king's sword in St Nicholas's Church in Galway, marking a civic and religious association with royal authority.

    Read the passage

    17. This mayor bestowed an ornamental case to preserve the king's sword in St. Nicholas's church.

    18. This Mayor bestowed £200 of hia salary towards building the Exchange.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 183

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, St Nicholas's Church holds a piece from 1699. Mayor Thomas Andrews gave an ornamental case to preserve the king's sword there, tying civic authority to the crown. He also put 200 pounds of his own salary toward building the Exchange.

58. Port of Galway and bay between the Aran Islands granted

    near Aran Islands · island or archipelago · Galway

    Henry VIII grants the port of Galway and the bay or arm of the sea which enters between the islands of Arren and flows to the town of Galway to the mayor, bailiffs, burgesses and commonalty. All ships and boats entering the port fall under this grant.

    Read the passage

    And we (Henry VIII) also considering the premises, and towards the aid, relief said, that merchants and others may be the more induced and encouraged to reand comfort of our town of Galway aforeside and inhabit in the said town, for the better resisting the malice of all enemies and rebels whomsoever, ard especially of those parts ; of our special grace, all and singular the letters patents above irecited, and all and singular the matters in them contained, ratifying and approving, we do for us, our heirs and successors, as much as in us lieth, accept, approve and ratify the same, and to the now mayor, bailiffs, burgesses and commonalty of our said town of Galway, their heirs and successors, by the tenoir of these presents, we do give, grant and confirm : and also we have pardoned, remitted and released, and by these presents do pardon, remit and release, unto them and every of them, all and all manner of actions and demands, and all which can or may appertain to us, against them the said mayor, bailiffs, burgesses and commonalty, or any of them, their or any of their heirs or successors, by reason of the premises, or any of them : and further, for the greater security of the said now mayor, bailiffs, burgesses and commonalty of our said town of Galway, their heirs and successors aforesaid, we do, of our more abundant grace, and of our certain knowledge and mere motion, give and grant unto the said mayor, bailiffs, burgesses and commonalty, their heirs and successors, aft and singular the liberties, franchises, customs, usages, commodities, profits, matters, tolls, and all other things whatsoever, in the aforesaid several letters patents of the kings aforesaid, and every of them, specified and contained, without any resumption, forfeiture, or destroying of the letters patents aforesaid, or any of them, or of the aforesaid liberties, franchises, privileges, customs, usages, commodities, profits, things tollable, and all other things whatsoever, or any of them notwithstanding. We have likewise granted, and by these presents do give and grant unto the said mayor, bailiffs, burgesses and commonalty, our port of Galway aforesaid, and the bay or arm of the sea which enters between the islands of Arren, and from thence runs or flows to our town of Galway aforesaid, and that all ships and boats which enter the port,

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 268

59. Roderick O'Flaherty born at Park near Galway

    Park · townland · Galway · 1630

    Roderick O'Flaherty, the learned Irish antiquary, was born around 1630 at Park, near Galway. This was part of the ancient inheritance of the O'Flaherty family.

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    3. RODERICK 0' FLAHERTY. This learned Irish antiquary was born about the year 1630, at Park, near Galway, part of the ancient inheritance of

    A

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 255

60. Stephen Browne settles at Brownstown near Loughrea

    Brownstown · street · Meath

    Stephen Browne, son of Sir David Browne who died in 1303, settled at Killpatrick near Dublin. A branch of the family later moved to Brownstown near Loughrea, and from there branched to Athenry and Galway.

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    Philippus de Browne, is said to have come to Ireland in 1 170, and, in 1 1 72, was appointed Governor of Wexford. In 1 1 78 he went to England, and soon after returned with 60 armed knights, and was a leader at the siege of Limerick. 28 He had three sons, William, who settled in the territory of Clanmorris, in the County of Kerry, and Wa'ter, who settled in the County of Galway, where his posterity still remain, the destination of the third son is not mentioned. Another account states, that "Sir David Browne, who was cotemporary with Richard de Burgo, the Red Earl of Ulster, that he died in 1303, and had a son, named Stephen, who settled at Killpatricke, near Dublin, from whence, after a time a branch of that house settled at Brownstown, near Loughrea, and thence branched forth to Athenry and Galway. "29 The principal families of the name at present in the province, are those of Ardskea, Gloves, Kilskeagh, Mounthazle, Moyne, Rockville and Tuam, in the County of Galway, and, Ballyhowly and Castlemagarret, in the County of Mayo.

    Arms. Or. an eagle displayed, with two heads, sable. Crest. An eagle's head, erased. 30. Motto. Fortiter et fideliter.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 16