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

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

1. 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.

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   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.

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   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.

2. 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.

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   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

   Galway was a town where the corporation took in between 2,000 and 5,000 pounds in charter duties and perquisites, yet witness Andrew French could not prove that much of it was spent for the purposes the charters directed. A sum went to repair part of the walls and build a guardhouse around 1731. Five pounds a year were given for mending the locks of the town gates. The main guard-house and officers room were kept in repair. Fourteen pounds were spent in 1757 to repair the quays. And 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, 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. French also proved that the mayor, without authority, exacted 10 deal boards out of every thousand imported, besides the charter duties. The water bailiffs took 10, and the warden took 3, a perquisite that originated in Catholic times to make coffins for the poor, though French believed the then warden never applied it to that use. Out of every cargo of salt, 6 bushels went to the mayor, 6 to the sheriffs, 3 to the recorder, 6 to the water bailiffs, and 6 to the warden. Fourpence a ton was taken for kelp, then the principal export of the town. Every country butcher was obliged to give yearly two stone of tallow to the mayor and two more to the sheriffs. Sevenpence was exacted for every boat load of turf. Every fishing boat, about 160 belonging to the town, paid 6d. yearly for entering, and 200 herrings each to the mayor, the sheriffs, and the water bailiffs, besides 200 more for liberty to dry their nets on the shore.

3. 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.

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   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.

4. 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.

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   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.

5. 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.

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   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.

6. 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.

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   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.

7. 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.

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   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.

8. 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.

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   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

   As the companion tells it

   The Aran Islands stand near the mouth of a bay that Henry VIII placed under the control of Galway's townspeople. In a grant from the king, he gave the port of Galway and what the document calls "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" to the mayor, bailiffs, burgesses and commonalty of that town, their heirs and successors. His reason was security and trade. He said merchants and others might be the more encouraged to reside and inhabit the town, for the better resisting of the malice of all enemies and rebels, and especially of those parts. The grant covered all ships and boats which entered the port. The king also ratified and approved all prior letters patents, accepting and confirming them. He pardoned, remitted and released to the mayor, bailiffs, burgesses and commonalty all actions and demands that could appertain to him against them, by reason of the premises. And further, of his more abundant grace and certain knowledge and mere motion, he gave and granted them all liberties, franchises, customs, usages, commodities, profits, tolls, and all other things whatsoever specified in the several letters patents of the kings before him. This was without any resumption, forfeiture, or destroying of those letters patents or the things tollable and all other things contained in them.

9. 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

   As the companion tells it

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

10. 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

    As the companion tells it

    This is Brownstown. The story of the Browne family at Brownstown begins with Sir David Browne, who was contemporary with Richard de Burgo, the Red Earl of Ulster. Sir David died in 1303. He had a son named Stephen, who settled at Killpatrick, near Dublin. After a time, a branch of that house settled at Brownstown, near Loughrea, and from there branched forth to Athenry and Galway. An earlier account traces the family further back, to Philippus de Browne, who came to Ireland and was appointed Governor of Wexford. He went to England and returned with 60 armed knights, and was a leader at the siege of Limerick. He had three sons: William, who settled in the territory of Clanmorris in the County of Kerry; Walter, who settled in the County of Galway, where his posterity still remain; and a third son whose destination is not mentioned. The principal families of the name 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.

11. Suburban building at Dominick Street, Newtown-Smith and Meyrick Square

    Dominick Street · street · Cork · 1800

    Building continued in the east and west suburbs of Galway, at Dominick-street, Newtown-Smith and Meyrick-square, while the area within the old walls became known as the old town. These new improvements expanded the town beyond its former fortifications.

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

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

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 158

    As the companion tells it

    This is a suburban street where building carried on in the early 1800s, at Dominick Street, Newtown-Smith and Meyrick Square, in the east and west suburbs of Galway. Soon after the start of the century the principal part of the town walls was prostrated, and several extensive stores and timberyards were erected and laid out on their ruins. All within the walls got the name of the old town. The old fortifications of Galway were claimed in the courts of law by the representatives of alderman Eyre, who in 1670 obtained a lease from the corporation, renewed on 19 May 1712. The board of ordnance claimed them in right of the crown, and on 9 July 1792 granted its position. These new improvements expanded the town beyond its former fortifications.

12. Tholsel east end raised at public expense in Galway, 1557

    Galway · city · Galway · 1557

    In 1557, the east end of the tholsel in Galway was raised at the public expense under the direction of the mayor, James Oge Lynch, reflecting the townspeople's continued ardour for improvement despite religious upheavals.

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    These revolutions in religion, however they might have effected the morals of the people, did not damp their ardor for improvement. In 1557, the east end of the tholsel was raised at the public expense, under the direction of the mayor, James Oge Lynch. The year following, which was towards the close of the reign of Queen Mary, the earl of Sussex, lord deputy, marched to Gal way, 39 where he was splendidly received, having been previously met in procession by the archbishop of Tuam, the bishops of Clonfert, Clonmacnoise, and the clergy, who all testified their allegiance

    37 2 Ed. VI. Decrees preserved in and the earl of Clanrickard, were Bound Rolls Office. in a bond for 12001. to appear before the

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 75

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, the old tholsel once stood here at the heart of the town. In 1557 the east end of it was raised at public expense under the direction of the mayor, James Oge Lynch. The townspeople kept up their ardour for improvement even through the religious upheavals of the time. The very next year, towards the close of Queen Mary's reign, the earl of Sussex, lord deputy, marched to Galway and was splendidly received, met in procession by the archbishop of Tuam and the bishops of Clonfert and Clonmacnoise along with the clergy.

13. Union of Moycullen and Rahoon parishes to the Collegiate Church

    Moycullen · town · Galway

    Theobald de Burgo, chief of his nation, granted his right of patronage over the rectories of Moycullen and Rahoon in Gnobeg to the collegiate church of St. Nicholas in free and perpetual alms. This followed apostolical letters from the Holy See directed to John de Burgo, canon of Annaghdown, concerning the union of these parish churches.

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    then vacant by the death of Donat-Y- Donaill, the last possessor thereof, and, on th© 8th of June following, Theobald de Burgo, " chief of his nation," by his deed (reciting apostolical letters of the holy see, directed, at the instance of the warden and priests, to John de Burgo, canon of Anaghdown, concerning the union of the parish churches of Moygcullyne (Moycullen) and Rathune (Rahoon) in Gnobeg, to the collegiate church, in which it was directed that before the union the consent of the patron should be obtained), granted all his right of patronage to those rectories to th© collegiate church in free and perpetual alms for ever, provided that the warden and vicars, and their successors, should continually pray for him, and for the souls of his predecessors and successors for ever. On the vigil of All Saints, in the same year, Cornelius O'Hallurayn, perpetual vicar of Moygcullyne, resigned his living to the archbishop of Tuam, for the purpose of completing its union to the collegiate church, and, on the 8th February, 1491, on the petition of the warden and vicars, the archbishop united to the collegiate the vicarage of the parish church of Skryne to his collation, then of full right belonging by the free resignation of Joha de Burgo, perpetual vicar thereof. — Orig. Deeds.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 193

    As the companion tells it

    Moycullen was once a parish whose churches were bound to Galway's collegiate church of Saint Nicholas. The story turns on Theobald de Burgo, called chief of his nation, who held the right of patronage over the rectories of Moycullen and Rahoon in Gnobeg. That right had become vacant by the death of Donat Y Donaill, the last possessor. Apostolical letters from the Holy See had been directed, at the instance of the warden and priests, to John de Burgo, canon of Annaghdown, concerning the union of these parish churches to the collegiate church. Those letters directed that before the union, the consent of the patron should be obtained. On the 8th of June, Theobald de Burgo granted all his right of patronage over those rectories to the collegiate church in free and perpetual alms for ever, on one condition: that the warden and vicars, and their successors, should continually pray for him, and for the souls of his predecessors and successors for ever. Then, on the vigil of All Saints in the same year, Cornelius O Hallurayn, perpetual vicar of Moycullen, resigned his living to the archbishop of Tuam, to complete its union to the collegiate church. On the 8th of February, 1491, the archbishop united the vicarage of the parish church of Skryne to the collegiate, following the free resignation of John de Burgo, perpetual vicar thereof.

14. Walter Marcachan carved stone in Franciscan cemetery

    Galway · city · Galway · 1579

    A curiously carved stone near the O'Connor tomb in the Franciscan cemetery in Galway bears the arms of the corporation of goldsmiths, instruments of the Crucifixion, and an antique ship. Its Latin inscription prays for the souls of Walter Marcachan and Margaret Davin, dated 1579.

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    A very curiously carved stone, which lies near the modern tomb of 0' Connor, contains the arms of the corporation of goldsmiths, and several instruments of torture used at the Crucifixion, and an antique ship, with the following words in raised letters round the margin : — ■

    Orate pro . animabus Walter id marcachau et Margarete ni Davin Uroris ejus, ac eoarundem parentum, Qui hunc Iapidem fieri fecerunt, quorum animabus propicietur Deus. Amen. Anno Dni 1579. Thomas Davin Felorcianideran.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 218

    As the companion tells it

    In Galway, in the Franciscan cemetery, a carved stone lies near the tomb of O'Connor. It bears the arms of the goldsmiths' corporation, instruments of the Crucifixion, and an antique ship. Raised letters round the margin pray for the souls of Walter Marcachan and Margaret Davin, his wife, and their parents, who had the stone made. The year given is 1579. The name Thomas Davin is cut beneath.

15. William le Petit granted barony of Macherydernan, except Dysart, 1185

    Dysart · townland · Westmeath · 1185

    William le Petit came to Ireland in 1185 with Sir Hugh de Lacy, who granted him the barony of Macherydernan in Westmeath by charter, excepting the Lough and Town of Dysart. His descendant Nicholas was ancestor to the Lynch family of Galway.

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    This is one of the most ancient, and, until the middle of the seventeenth century, was one of the most leading families in Galway. In the old volume of pedigrees, preserved in the Heralds office, it appears, that, "William le Petit, came to Ireland, in 1185, with Sir Hugh de Lacy, who granted him, by his charter, Macherithirnar, &c. 'now the barony of Macherydernan, in the County of Westmeath,) except the Logh and Town of Dysart; that they were palatine barons of Molingare, and that William le Petit, had a son, Nicholas, 6 who was ancestor to the famiiy of Lynch of Galway." William, (or according to other accounts,) John de Lynch, was the hrst

    one of his officers : who disposed of his interest to Sir John Kirwan , (a gentleman, who amassed a large fortune in the West Indies, and was Mayor of Galway, in the reign of James II.) from whom the preesnt respectable family is descended. The name of Mr. John Kirwan, of Castlehackett, will be long remembered in the annals of racing and horsemanship. He stands distinguished for preserving the best breed of racing cattle in the empire.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 23

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Dysart, in 1185, William le Petit came to Ireland with Sir Hugh de Lacy. De Lacy granted him, by charter, the barony of Macherydernan in County Westmeath, except the Lough and Town of Dysart. They were palatine barons of Molingare. William le Petit had a son, Nicholas, who was ancestor to the family of Lynch of Galway. The Lynch family was one of the most ancient in Galway, and until the middle of the seventeenth century, one of the most leading families there. The old volume of pedigrees, preserved in the Heralds office, records this descent. The passage goes on to name William, or according to other accounts, John de Lynch, as the first. One of his officers disposed of his interest to Sir John Kirwan, a gentleman who amassed a large fortune in the West Indies and was Mayor of Galway in the reign of James II. From him the present respectable family is descended. John Kirwan of Castlehackett would be long remembered in the annals of racing and horsemanship, distinguished for preserving the best breed of racing cattle in the empire.

16. Clonfert demesne lands worthless from tenant poverty

    Clonfert (Butson) · townland · Galway · 1333–1334

    The earl held 71 acres of demesne land of the see of Clonfert at a yearly rent of 37s. 6d., but the land was then worth nothing due to the poverty of the tenants.

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    lands in the burgages of Rathfarnan; 201. out of ten town lands at Tobberbride, 201. out of the cantreds of Sloeslow. but that the entire country was burned and destroyed by the Irish ; 56s. 8d. yearly out of one Theod in Arkagh, and 56s. 8d. out of one' Theod in Kerymeyng and Keryloghnayrn, all which were unproductive in consequence of the war aforesaid : 13s 6s. 8d. yearly rent arising out of the serjeantcy of Connaught, but now only 61. 3s. 4cl. on account of the war. and the poverty of the tenants of those parts. That the pleas and perquisites of the great court of Connaught were worth nearly 500 marks, but that no more could be received than 1001. for the cause aforesaid. That the Earl held his demesne, as of fee 71 acres of land of the see of Clonfert. at the yearly rent of 37s. 6d. but then worth nothing from the poverty of the tenants. That he also held, under the same services as all his other lands, the manors of Sligagh, Corne, Lune and Carbry, in Connaught, which had been worth 3331. 6s. -8d. yearly, but which were then unproductive on account of the war there between the English and Irish. That there is one church taxed to six marcs, and another at Owill taxed to the same, the advowson and presentation of both of which belong to the Earl and his heirs ; and another church at Archdrahyn. taxed to six marcs, the advowson and presentation of which belonged to the Earl, and the heirs of Richard de Clare, alternately. That there are divers other lands, as well in Conaught and Ulster as in other parts of Ireland, which are situated in the Irish parts, so that no person could come near the same, or receive any profit thereout; because the Irish, in those places, would not permit any of the king's ministers or amy Englishman there. It was finally found that Elizabeth de Burgo, aged one year and an half or thereabouts, was the daughter of the said Earl, and his next heir, — Inq. in eod.

    HISTORY OF 6ALWAY.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere near here, in 1333 or 1334, an inquisition was held into the lands and rights of the earl. The findings paint a bleak picture of a country worn down by war. Much of Connaught had been burned and destroyed by the Irish. Rents from places like Tobberbride, and from cantreds of Sloeslow, had become unproductive. The pleas and perquisites of the great court of Connaught, once worth nearly 500 marks, could yield no more than 100 pounds. The manors of Sligagh, Corne, Lune, and Carbry, which had been worth 333 pounds, 6 shillings, and 8 pence yearly, were then unproductive on account of the war between the English and the Irish. There were also lands in Connaught, Ulster, and elsewhere, situated so deep in Irish territory that no person could come near them or draw any profit, because the Irish would not permit any of the king's ministers or any Englishman there. Close to Clonfert, the earl held 71 acres of demesne land, of the see of Clonfert, at a yearly rent of 37 shillings and 6 pence. But that land was then worth nothing, from the poverty of the tenants. The inquisition finally found that Elizabeth de Burgo, aged one year and a half or thereabouts, was the earl's daughter and his next heir.

17. Admission of foreign merchants and Protestants as freemen of Galway

    Galway · city · Galway

    An order stipulated that foreign merchants, artisans, seamen, and other Protestants who came to reside and dwell in Galway could be admitted as freemen of the town. Upon reasonable request and payment of twenty shillings, they would gain the privileges of trading and working in the town.

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    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

    Galway, the city the road passes through, was once governed by a strict order about who held power and who could trade. The order stated that no person outside the common council could have any vote in the election of mayor, sheriffs, recorder, town-clerk, or other officers of the town. No matter relating to the affairs of Galway could be proposed or debated in the Tholsell or general assembly until it had first passed the common council. Anyone breaking this rule would be disfranchised by the mayor and common council, regardless of any law, usage, or custom of the town to the contrary. The same order went further. It decreed that all foreigners, strangers, and aliens, as well as other Protestants who were merchants, traders, artisans, artificers, seamen, or otherwise skilled in any mystery, craft, or trade, whether in manufacture or in the art of navigation, and who were already residing in Galway or who would come to Galway with intent to inhabit and dwell there, could be admitted as freemen. Upon reasonable request and payment of twenty shillings as a fine to the chief magistrate or magistrates and common council, or other persons authorized to admit freemen, they would gain that status. If they wished, they could also be admitted to any guild, brotherhood, society, or fellowship of any trade within the town, for as long as they and their families constantly inhabited Galway, and no longer. They would then have and enjoy all privileges and immunities of trading, working, buying, and selling in as large and ample a manner as any freeman of Galway might have exercised by virtue of his freedom.

18. Ballinrobe inquisition finds for the crown

    Ballinrobe · town · Mayo · 1635

    The inquisition was held at Ballinrobe in Mayo on 31st July, where the jury likewise found the king's title, continuing the pattern of compliant verdicts across Connacht.

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    the first inquiry was held at Boyle, in Roscommon, on 10th July following, when the jury found the king's title without scruple. This servile example was followed in Sligo, where the trial was held on 20th of the same month, and in Mayo, where it took place at Ballinrobe, on the 31st;31 but when they came to Galway their progress was stopped, and this arbitrary measure met with the most determined and effectual opposition from the gentlemen of the county, whose independent spirit, strict adherence to trutfi and justice, and conscientious discharge of their duty, on this occasion, deserve to be for ever commemorated. The trial came on at Portumna castle, where, notwithstanding the presence of the local deputy himself, who sat on the bench, and the many specious arguments made use of by council, to induce the jury to find the king's title, they unanimously found against it. His lordship, violently enraged at this decision, immediately put the sheriff Mr. Martin __-arcy, of the family of Kiltolla, and the jury under arrest, had them brought close prisoners to Dublin, and there tried before himself in the castle chamber. " We bethought ourselves," says he, " of a course to vindicate his majesty's honor and justice, not only against the persons of the jurors, but against the sheriff, for returning so insufficient, indeed we conceived so packed, a jury, and therefore we fine the sheriff in 10001. to his majesty, the jurors in 40001. each, and to be imprisoned until the fines should be paid, and until they should acknowledge their offence in court upon their knees. "32 — The jurors petitioned to be discharged, but were refused, execpt upon condition of their making a public acknowledgment that they committed not only an error in judgment but even actual perjury in their verdict, terms which they disdainfully rejected. The sheriff died in prison, owing to severe treatment, 33 and the jury were most cruelly used, until, after suffering all the rigors of confinement, their fines were reduced, and themselves released, at the solicitation of the earl of Qanricarde.34

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 90

    As the companion tells it

    This is Ballinrobe in Mayo. On the 31st of July 1635, an inquisition was held here, and the jury found the king's title. It was part of a wider sweep through Connacht that summer. The first inquiry had taken place at Boyle in Roscommon on the 10th of July, where the jury found the king's title without scruple. Sligo followed on the 20th, and then Mayo at Ballinrobe on the 31st. Each one compliant, each one finding for the crown. But when they came to Galway, the progress stopped. The trial came on at Portumna castle. The local deputy himself sat on the bench. Arguments were made to induce the jury to find the king's title, but they unanimously found against it. His lordship, enraged, put the sheriff, Mr. Martin D'Arcy of the family of Kiltolla, and the jury under arrest. They were brought close prisoners to Dublin and tried before him in the castle chamber. He said, "we fine the sheriff in 1000l. to his majesty, the jurors in 4000l. each, and to be imprisoned until the fines should be paid, and until they should acknowledge their offence in court upon their knees." The jurors petitioned to be discharged, but were refused, except upon condition of their making a public acknowledgment that they committed not only an error in judgment but even actual perjury in their verdict. They disdainfully rejected the terms. The sheriff died in prison owing to severe treatment, and the jury were most cruelly used, until after suffering all the rigors of confinement, their fines were reduced and they were released at the solicitation of the earl of Clanricarde.

19. Charter grants Galway port and trading privileges

    Galway · city · Galway · 1544

    Letters patent grant the mayor, bailiffs, burgesses and commonalty of Galway extensive trading liberties, exemption from various tolls and customs, and the right to load and transport merchandise freely. The charter specifies that loading and unloading shall occur only at the town of Galway, and that wines imported to the quay shall not pay prisage.

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    bay or arm aforesaid, loading and unloading at our town of Galway aforesaid, and no where else within the port, bay or arm aforesaid, nor in any land lying or being near the same, or in any water or rivulet running into the said bay or arm, or flowing from the same, and that the aforesaid burgesses and commonalty, and their heirs and successors for ever, be eased of the toll, lastage, passage, portage, murage, pavage, poundage, and all other customs and usages throughout all our kingdoms and power ; and that every mayor of said town to be elected for the future, shall effectually take and perform the oath accustomed to be taken in that office, before that person who hath been next before him in the office of mayor of the said town, or before two others who have before borne that office in the said town ; and that no person or persons, who shall, for the future, import wines in any ship or boat to the quay or port of Galway aforesaid, and there unload the said wines, shall pay prisage for such wines, because prisage has not hitherto been accustomed to be paid there : and that no merchant or merchants, foreign or native, who shall import into, or unload at the said town, or the port or quay of the said town, or export from, or load at the same, any merchandizes or wares, shall pay any customs, poundage or tolls, nor any other thing for the said wares or merchandizes, except only such customs, poundage or tolls, as were accustomed to be paid there in times past for such merchandizes or wares; and that the said mayor, bailiffs, burgesses and commonalty of said town, their heirs and successors, and every of them, shall and may load and transport whithersoever they shall please, all and all manner of merchandizes and wares, as well of the staple as otherwise, woollen and linen only excepted, any statute, act or ordinance to the contrary thereof made notwithstanding. We have moreover granted, and do, by these presents, give and grant to the aforesaid mayor, bailiffs and burgesses, and commonalty of our town of Galway aforesaid, their heirs and successors, and every of them, all and singular such liberties, usages, jurisdictions, privileges, franchises and customs, cognizance of pleas, as the mayor, sheriffs, burgesses and commonalty of our town of Drogheda, on both sides of the water, in our kingdom of Ireland aforesaid, have or had, or reasonably used and enjoyed, as freely and

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 269

    As the companion tells it

    Galway, in the year 1544, received a grant of trading liberties that shaped its life as a port. Letters patent from the crown gave the mayor, bailiffs, burgesses, and commonalty of the town extensive freedom to trade. All loading and unloading of goods was to take place at the town of Galway itself, and nowhere else within the port, bay, or arm, nor in any land near it, nor in any water or rivulet running into or from that bay. The burgesses and commonalty, and their heirs and successors for ever, were eased of toll, lastage, passage, portage, murage, pavage, poundage, and all other customs and usages throughout all the king's kingdoms and power. Every mayor elected in future was to take the oath accustomed to that office, before the person who had last held it, or before two others who had previously borne it. No person importing wines to the quay or port of Galway would pay prisage for those wines, because prisage had never been customarily paid there. No merchant, foreign or native, importing into or exporting from the town would pay any customs, poundage, or tolls beyond what had been paid there in times past. The mayor, bailiffs, burgesses, and commonalty could load and transport all manner of merchandise wherever they pleased, woollen and linen only excepted, any statute or ordinance to the contrary notwithstanding. The charter granted them all the liberties, jurisdictions, privileges, franchises, and customs that the mayor, sheriffs, burgesses, and commonalty of Drogheda, on both sides of the water, held or reasonably enjoyed.

20. Charter grants judicial powers to Mayor and Recorder of Galway

    Galway · city · Galway

    A royal charter grants the mayor and recorder of Galway the authority to act as keepers of the peace and justices of gaol delivery. Their jurisdiction covers the town, its franchises, liberties, and suburbs, extending by sea, land, and fresh waters.

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    warlike manner, or otherwise, as they and every of them shall think proper, to any country, island, arm of the sea, or place whatsoever, to prosecute, take, recover and vindicate robberies, felonies, spoils, depredations, injuries and crimes whatsoever made, offered or committed against them, or any of them ; and to have, recover, distrain, make and (receive recompence, distresses, restitution and evictions for such robberies, felonies, spoils, depredations, injuries and crimes against the said rebels, depredators and malefactors and every of them, without the hindrance, calumny, molestation, grievance, disquiet, suit, vexation, disturbance or impediment of us, our heirs or successors, lieutenants, deputies, justices, sheriffs, or other the officers or ministers of us, our heirs or successors whomsoever ; any statute, act, ordinance, restriction, law, use, prescription, proclamation, or any other matter, cause or thing whatsoever in any wise notwithstanding.— And further, of our more ample grace, and of our certain knowledge and mere motion, we have given and granted, and do, by these present letters patent, far us, our heirs and successors, as much as in us lieth, we do give and grant to the aforesaid mayor, bailiffs, burgesses and commonalty, and their successors for ever, that every mayor and every recorder of the town aforesaid, for the time being, during the time that they, or any of them, or their successors, shall be mayor or recorder of the town aforesaid, or that they or any of them shall bear and exercise the offices of mayor and recorder of the town aforesaid, that they and every of them shall be keepers and justices of the peace for us, our heirs and successors, and the justices of us, our heirs and successors, for the delivery of the gaol of us, our heirs and successors, from time to time, for ever, within the town aforesaid, +he franchises, liberties and suburbs of the same, as well by sea as by land and fresh waters, foir felonies and other misdemeanours committed within the said town, the suburbs, franchises and liberties thereof ; and we do for us, our heirs and successors, as much as in us lieth, make, constitute, create and ordain all and singular mayor and mayors, recorder and recorders of the town aforesaid, and every of them, for the time being, for ever, keepers and justices of the peace for us, our heirs and successors, and justices of us, our heirs

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 273

    As the companion tells it

    The road takes you past Galway, a town whose governance was shaped by royal charter. By letters patent, the crown granted to the mayor, bailiffs, burgesses, and commonalty of the town that every mayor and every recorder, for the time being, should be keepers and justices of the peace, and justices for the delivery of the gaol, within the town, its franchises, liberties, and suburbs, as well by sea as by land and fresh waters, for felonies and other misdemeanours committed there. This authority was granted to them and their successors for ever. The charter went further. It empowered them to pursue robberies, felonies, spoils, depredations, injuries, and crimes committed against them, to any country, island, arm of the sea, or place whatsoever, and to recover recompence, distresses, restitution, and evictions against the rebels, depredators, and malefactors responsible. All of this was to be done without the hindrance, molestation, grievance, disquiet, suit, vexation, disturbance, or impediment of the king, his heirs or successors, his lieutenants, deputies, justices, sheriffs, or any other officers or ministers whatsoever. Any statute, act, ordinance, restriction, law, use, prescription, proclamation, or any other matter or cause whatsoever was declared notwithstanding. The crown made, constituted, created, and ordained all and singular mayor and mayors, recorder and recorders of the town, and every of them, keepers and justices of the peace, for the time being, for ever.

21. Dominican Friary razed to prevent Cromwellian fortification, 1652

    Galway · city · Galway · 1652

    In 1652, the friars surrendered the church and monastery to the Galway corporation, which soon razed them to the ground to prevent Cromwell's forces from converting them into a fortification against the town. The corporation had agreed to rebuild at their own expense when peace returned, but this never happened.

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    1652. The church and monastery were surrendered by the friars to the corporation, and were soon after razed to the ground, to prevent them from being converted by Cromwell's forces into a fortification against the town. It was, however, previously agreed upon by the corporation that, on the return of peace, the whole should be rebuilt and restored to its former state at the expense of the inhabitants — an undertaking, says O'Heyn in his account of this circumstance, which they would certainly have fulfilled if the desired tranquillity had ever taken place; for, adds he, the citizens were very pious, and powerfully rich from the extensive maritime commerce with which Galway, beyond any other part of the kingdom, abounded.

    Henceforth the friars of this community suffered, in common with their brethren of the other orders, all the persecutions of the times. They were, however, enabled, early in the eighteenth century, to regain possession of their ancient convent, which they soon afterwards repaired. They also, with the rest, shared in the visitation of 1731. 24 From that period nothing

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 219

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, this is the city where a Dominican friary once stood until 1652. That year the friars surrendered the church and monastery to the Galway corporation, which soon razed them to the ground. The fear was that Cromwell's forces would convert the buildings into a fortification against the town. The corporation had agreed that when peace returned, the whole would be rebuilt and restored at the expense of the inhabitants. According to O'Heyn, who recorded the circumstance, they would certainly have fulfilled this promise if tranquillity had ever come, for the citizens were very pious and powerfully rich from the extensive maritime commerce in which Galway beyond any other part of the kingdom abounded. The friars went on to suffer the persecutions of the times along with their brethren of other orders. They managed to regain possession of their ancient convent early in the 1700s and soon repaired it. They also shared in the visitation of 1731, after which nothing further is recorded here.

22. End of Galway's separate jurisdiction

    Galway · city · Galway · 1656–1661

    The separate or 'cantoned government' of Galway, as Strafford called it, died with the earl of Clanricarde in 1656. In 1661 the town and county of Galway were united to the presidency of the province under lord Mountrath.

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    This separate jurisdiction, or, according to lord Strafford, "cantoned government," died with his lordship in 1656, and the town and cchinty were united to the presidency of the province, in 1661, under lord Mountrath.

    Presidents of Connaught. Upon the resignation of the earl of Clanrickard, in 1616, Sir Charles Wilmot, knight, viscount Wilmot of Athlone, was appointed president of the province during pleasure, by privy seal, dated Greenwich, 3d June, 1616, patent, Dublin, September 20th, 1616—14 Jac. I.— Out of the patent were excepted the government of the county of the town of Galway, and of the c«unty of Galway, so

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 89

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you're in a town that once had its own separate jurisdiction. Strafford called it a "cantoned government." That separate rule died with the earl of Clanricarde in 1656. Five years later, in 1661, the town and county of Galway were united to the presidency of the province under lord Mountrath.

23. Family sojourn at Dountis near Foxford before return to Galway

    Foxford · town · Mayo

    Descendants of a Galway family resided at Dountis near Foxford in County Mayo until 1688, when they returned to County Galway and purchased the castle and estate of Ballinduff.

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    Dountis near Foxford in the County of Mayo, where his descendants remained until 1688. when they returned to the County of Galway, and purchased from a Mr. Burke, the castle and estate of Ballinduff, where the family lias ever since continued. This castle is still in perfect preservation, and is delightfully situated, on the banks of Lough Corrib. The late Archbishop Skerrett of Tuam, was descended from this family.

    The estate of Poulnarohmy. about a mile west of Galway, in possession of the Skerrett family for centuries, was acquired by purchase, from one of the ancient Irish sept of the O'Hallorans, who were the original proprietors of the entire district.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 24

    As the companion tells it

    Foxford in County Mayo was once home to a branch of a Galway family. They lived at Dountis, near this town, and their descendants remained there until 1688. In that year they returned to County Galway and bought the castle and estate of Ballinduff from a Mr. Burke. That castle stands on the banks of Lough Corrib, still in perfect preservation. The late Archbishop Skerrett of Tuam was descended from this same family. The Skerretts also held the estate of Poulnarohmy, about a mile west of Galway, which they had acquired by purchase from one of the O'Hallorans, the ancient Irish sept who were the original proprietors of the entire district.

24. Fort built at Ballymanagh

    Ballymanagh · townland · Galway · 1625

    Lord Deputy Falkland directed a fort to be built on the lands of Ballymanagh, beyond the west bridge of Galway, in 1625. The foundation and part of the walls were built, and simultaneously the town gates were repaired by the corporation.

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    But, passing over this and other idle and worthless tales of tradition, for more useful and authentic information, it appears that the town, county of the town, and county of Galway, were, in 1616, at the instance of the earl of Clanrickard, erected into a separte jurisdiction, entirely independent of the presidency of the province — a circumstance which afterwards proved of the utmost consequence towards preserving the peace and tranquillity of this part of the kingdom. Upon his resignation of the presidency, his lordship was appointed governor or lieutenant of the town and county, and of the inahbitants there resident, as fully as he had enjoyed and exercised the same as lord president cf the province. 28 The lord deputy, Falkland, came to Galway in 1625, and was most honorably received. His lordship knighted Sir Richard Blake Fitz-Robert, and Sir Henry Lynch, bart. and munificently bestowed 3001. towards building a college, and 5001. to portion and apprentice several orphan children of the town. He particularly attended to the state of the fortifications, and directed a fort to be built on the lands of Ballymanagh, beyond the west bridge, the foundation of which was laid, and a good part of the walls built in 1625; and, at the same time, all the gates of the town were repaired at the expense of the corporation.

    The appointment of the earl of Clanrickard to the government of the

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 88

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, a fort was directed to be built on the lands of Ballymanagh, beyond the west bridge of Galway. Lord Deputy Falkland came to Galway in 1625 and was most honorably received. During his visit he knighted Sir Richard Blake Fitz-Robert and Sir Henry Lynch, a baronet. He munificently bestowed 300 pounds towards building a college and 500 pounds to portion and apprentice several orphan children of the town. He particularly attended to the state of the fortifications, and directed that this fort be built. The foundation was laid and a good part of the walls built in 1625. At the same time, all the gates of the town were repaired at the expense of the corporation. These events followed a significant change in jurisdiction. In 1616, at the instance of the earl of Clanrickard, the town, county of the town, and county of Galway were erected into a separate jurisdiction, entirely independent of the presidency of the province. This proved of the utmost consequence towards preserving the peace and tranquillity of this part of the kingdom. Upon his resignation of the presidency, his lordship was appointed governor or lieutenant of the town and county, and of the inhabitants there resident, as fully as he had enjoyed and exercised the same as lord president of the province.

25. Friars reported settled at Kilconnell

    Kilconnell · parish · Galway · 1711–1715

    The 1715 Galway grand jury reported that friars had settled themselves at Kilconnell among other places in the county, as part of a broader influx of popish priests and friars into the kingdom over the preceding four years.

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    3 These persecutions commenced in the reign of William III. On 25th October, 1701. Francis Gwyn, then secretary of state, wrote to the mayor of Galway as follows: — "Sir, my lord lieutenant having received information that two friars, lately landed at Galway out of a French ship, arrived in that port, and that two post-days have since passed without any account thereof being sent from you, his excellency has commanded me to let' you know he is not well pleased with your remissness in not advising him with the land ing of any person at your port, contrary to the laws of this kingdom, and expects you will forthwith send up an account to me, if those two friars have been seized, according to act of parliament, and are in custody, and also what else has been done in that matter." — Orig. Letter. — Every reader is already acquainted with the severity of those laws during the reign of queen Anne. Immediately after the accession of her successor, the grand jury of the county of Galway, at an assizes commenced in the town on the 29th of March. 1715, represented to the lords justices "that great numbers of popish priests and friars, and other ecclesiasticks of the Romish persuasion had come into the kingdom within the last four years ; that the friars settled themselves in the following places in the county, viz. : Kilconnell. and in another place near Portumna ; as also in Toir.ona. near the abbey of Kinelehan ; in Ross, near Headford ; in Loughrea, in the abbey of Milick ; and in Kilneschael. near the abbey of Athenry ; that the great discouragement given, in the close of the last reign, by the men then in power, to such as were active in suppressing all friaries, and put-

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 209

    As the companion tells it

    The road passes through or near the parish of Kilconnell, in County Galway. On the 29th of March 1715, the grand jury of County Galway met at assizes in the town of Galway and reported to the lords justices that great numbers of popish priests and friars and other ecclesiastics of the Romish persuasion had come into the kingdom within the last four years. The friars, they said, had settled themselves in several places across the county. Kilconnell was one. Others were a place near Portumna, Toirona near the abbey of Kinelehan, Ross near Headford, Loughrea in the abbey of Milick, and Kilneschael near the abbey of Athenry. These persecutions had commenced under William the Third. On the 25th of October 1701, Francis Gwyn, then secretary of state, wrote to the mayor of Galway. He said the lord lieutenant had received information that two friars had lately landed at Galway out of a French ship, and that two post-days had passed without any account being sent. Gwyn told the mayor the lord lieutenant was, in his words, "not well pleased with your remissness," and expected an account of whether those friars had been seized according to act of parliament and were in custody. The severity of the laws continued through the reign of Queen Anne, and the grand jury of 1715 also noted the great discouragement given, in the close of the last reign, by the men then in power, to those who had been active in suppressing friaries.

26. Fuel trade via Lough Corrib to Wood-quay in Galway

    Woodquay · street · Galway

    Turf fuel was brought down Lough Corrib and landed at Wood-quay in Galway, where it was taken up in kishes (baskets) and wheeled into the town through the Abbey gate. This was a routine part of Galway's commercial life tied to the lake and quay infrastructure.

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    (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

    This is Woodquay in Galway, the quay where turf fuel arrived from Lough Corrib. Fuel was brought down the lake and landed at Wood-quay, then taken up in kishes, which are baskets, and wheeled into the town through the Abbey gate. Through that gate, nothing but turf and water entered. Private brewers and distillers alone would draw home either after nightfall. The gates of the town were open until 9 at night in winter and 10 in summer. The two gates towards the west led to the quay, and all custom-house business ceased in the evening when the revenue officers retired. Keeping the gates open could inconvenience none but smugglers or recruits for foreign service, and many of each frequented the town. William's gate was the grand entrance, where all carriages and inland merchants' goods were brought for exportation or market. Goods that arrived after the gates were locked were always examined at the gate, lest ammunition or arms were concealed. 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 reasonable and prudent. Market folk had no business in town till the morning of the market day. If permitted to come in overnight, they would be surrounded by forestallers and regrators who would purchase their commodities and retail them the next day at an extravagant price.

27. Galway bay and harbour fishery praised as among best in kingdom

    Galway · city · Galway

    A parliamentary committee reported that illegal tolls and oppressive quartering of military on inhabitants by the corporation greatly discouraged the fishery of Galway bay and harbour, described as one of the best in the kingdom. The corporation was also accused of taking several illegal tolls detrimental to trade.

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    rious to trade, and contrary to law and charter : that they greatly discouraged the fishery of the bay and harbour, which was one of the best in the kingdom : that they took several illegal tolls, and partially and oppressively quartered the military on the inhabitants.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 152

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are near the bay and harbour whose fishery was once called one of the best in the kingdom. A parliamentary committee found that the corporation here took several illegal tolls contrary to law and charter, and oppressively quartered the military on the inhabitants, which greatly discouraged that fishery.

28. Galway sanitary by-laws: cattle, garbage and paving

    Galway · city · Galway · 1685–1686

    In 1685 Galway corporation banned cattle slaughter within the town, barred milch cows from entering, and imposed a 2s. 6d. fine for throwing garbage into the river. Inhabitants were also directed to pave before their own doors as the mayor and sheriffs should direct.

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    Ordered, that no cattle be hereafter slaughtered within this town, nor suffered to come into it; that no .milch cows be permitted in, and that 2s. 6d. fine be imposed on any one throwing garbage into the river. The next year it was ordered, that all meat blown in the shambles should be seised, and disposed of to the prisoners and poor. £15. were ordered alderman Revett for entertaining the judges of assize for six years past ; and every inhabitant was directed to pave before his door in such manner as the mayor and sheriffs should direct.

    1687.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 181

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, the town had its rules back in 1685. The corporation banned cattle slaughter within the town and barred milch cows from entering. Anyone caught throwing garbage into the river faced a fine of 2s. 6d. The next year, all meat blown in the shambles was to be seized and given to the prisoners and poor. Every inhabitant was directed to pave before his own door, in such manner as the mayor and sheriffs should direct. The corporation also ordered 15 pounds to Alderman Revett for entertaining the judges of assize for six years past.

29. Galway town militia return, 1740

    Galway · city · Galway · 1740

    A government-directed return of the Galway town militia in 1740 recorded three hundred effective Protestant inhabitants divided into five companies, with officers named for each. The list was submitted to the lords justices for approval.

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    severe than frequent, henceforth ceased, and, since this last and most violent gasp of expiring bigotry, the Catholic population of Gal way, with very few exceptions, have remained unmolested on account of their religion. In the year 1 740, a return was made, pursuant to the directions of government, of the state of the town militia. It then consisted of " three hundred effective Protestant inhabitants," divided into five companies, the particulars of which were laid before the lords justices, and a list of the officers was also submitted for their approbation. 37 There being no arms in the town, an order issued, in 1743, for one thousand muskets and bayonets for the town and county, of which two hundred and fifty were delivered to the militia by colonel Wynne, then governor of the town. A return of the ordnance in the garrison was soon after made, by which it appeared there were in the town ninety-three pieces of cannon, but that almost the entire were dismounted and unserviceable. 38 During the Scottish rebellion in 1745, the old prejudices against the Catholics were, for a while, revived; all persons entering or leaving the town underwent inspection; the gates (which formerly remained open until 10 o'clock at night) were closed every day at four in the afternoon, and the strictest military discipline was established in the garrison. These precautions, however, were laid aside soon after the

    37. First company.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 142

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, this was a garrison town with a militia the government kept close watch on. In 1740 a return was made of the town militia, which then consisted of three hundred effective Protestant inhabitants divided into five companies. A list of the officers was submitted to the lords justices for their approbation. There being no arms in the town, an order issued in 1743 for one thousand muskets and bayonets for the town and county, of which two hundred and fifty were delivered to the militia by Colonel Wynne, then governor of the town. A return of the ordnance in the garrison showed ninety-three pieces of cannon, but almost the entire were dismounted and unserviceable. During the Scottish rebellion in 1745, old prejudices against the Catholics were briefly revived. All persons entering or leaving the town underwent inspection, the gates were closed every day at four in the afternoon, and the strictest military discipline was established in the garrison. These precautions were laid aside soon after.

30. Great gate of Galway erected (1312)

    Galway · city · Galway · 1312

    In 1312 the town of Galway was strengthened by the addition of a great gate and adjoining works, erected under the superintendence of Nicholas Lynch, surnamed the 'Black Marshall.' This reflects the inhabitants' ongoing efforts to fortify and improve the town.

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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

    As you pass through Galway, you are in a town whose inhabitants worked steadily to strengthen and improve it. In 1312 they added considerably to its defences with a great gate and adjoining works, erected under the superintendence of Nicholas Lynch, surnamed the Black Marshall. This was part of a continuing effort, for the town had seen troubles before. A war between Richard de Burgh and Richard de Clare in Thomond had hurt the customs revenue, and there were other impediments, but the source says these were generally short and were overcome by the perseverance and industry of the inhabitants. The improvement of the town was a constant object of their attention. The great gate of 1312 stood as one result of that care. Three years later, in 1315, Edward Bruce invaded Ireland, and Richard, Earl of Ulster, joined by Fedhlim O'Conor, marched against him but was defeated. On their return, Roderic O'Conor, who was then chief of his name, enters the record as well.

31. John French builds chapel and chamber at Galway abbey

    Galway · city · Galway · 1538

    In 1538, John French, then mayor, erected a great chapel on the south side of the Franciscan abbey in Galway, and also a stone building on arches over the river west of the pinnacle, afterwards known as 'John French's Chamber.'

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    1538. John French, who was mayor in this year, erected the great chapel on the south side of the abbey, and also the stone building which stood on arches over the river, to the west of the pinnacle, afterwards called "John French's Chamber."

    1570. March 9th, Queen Elizabeth granted part of the possession of this monastery (then lately dissolved!?) to the corporation and their successors, which grant was renewed on 1st September, 1578, for forty years.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 217

    As the companion tells it

    As the road takes you through Galway, this is where John French served as mayor in 1538. He erected a great chapel on the south side of the Franciscan abbey, and a stone building on arches over the river west of the pinnacle, afterwards called "John French's Chamber." In 1570, Queen Elizabeth granted part of this monastery's possessions to the corporation, a grant renewed in 1578 for 40 years.

32. John Lynch first of the name to settle in Galway, c.1261

    Galway · city · Galway · 1261

    According to Lynch family tradition, John Lynch, married to the daughter of William de Mareschall, was the first of the name to settle in Galway around 1261. All the Galway Lynches claimed descent from him.

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    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, this is the city where John Lynch settled around 1261. He was the youngest son of Andrew de Lynch, who had come to Ireland under Henry the second and received large possessions near Castleknock outside Dublin. John married the daughter of William de Mareschall, and from him all the Galway Lynches descended. The family traced their line back through Sir Hugo de Lynch, a general under William the Conqueror, to Charlemagne himself. They bore arms of a trefoil on a field of azure, with a lynx as crest and the motto "semper fidelis" — earned when an ancestor, as governor of Lintz, held that city through a long siege until provisions were gone and the garrison survived on field herbage, yet still prevailed. The Lynch mansion stood on the square where the shamble barrack now stands.

33. Manor of Ardkyn in Aran under Elizabethan composition

    Inishmore · electoral division · Galway

    The composition with Queen Elizabeth stipulated that O'Flaherty's entire estate was to be held by knight's service as of the castle or manor of Ardkyn in the great island of Arren. This linked the O'Flaherty Connemara holdings to the Aran Islands under feudal tenure.

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    Eliz. he was to hold the entire by knights Ardkill, and several

    service, as of the castle or manor of others.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 42

    As the companion tells it

    Inishmore is part of what was once tied to the O'Flaherty holdings. Under Queen Elizabeth, he was to hold the entire estate by knight's service, as of the castle or manor of Ardkyn, in the great island of Arren. This placed the O'Flaherty Connemara lands under feudal tenure anchored here in Aran.

34. Murage charter for enclosing Galway with walls

    Galway · city · Galway · 1361

    In 1361 the Countess of Ulster obtained from the king a murage charter for Galway, granting customs on various commodities for five years to fund enclosing the town with walls. The charter lists the articles of trade prevalent in the area.

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    The De Burgos, for some time after their revolt, retained possession of Galway, but it soon afterwards returned to its allegiance. During the troubles which took place, its improvement appears not to have been unattended to. In the year 1342 the great west bridge was built, under the direction of Edmond Lynch Fitz-Thomas, who was commonly called Emon-a-Tuane, from the great quantity of foreign wines which he annually imported. The trade and revenues of the town, however, were considerably diminised, for on 3d December, 1346, a commission^ was issued by the treasurer of Ireland, to Walter Blake, for the custody of the great custom of Galway and elsewhere in Connaught, he paying into the Exchequer, for the entire, only 221. yearly; and the sheriff of Connaught was commanded that taking from him sufficient security, and the usual oaths that he would faithfully serve the king, he should deliver to him the letters patent : and John Lawless, son of John of Portraghery, late keeper of the customs, was ordered to deliver him the seal of office. This depression of trade was of short duration, for in the year 1361, soon after the accession of Edw. IV. the countess of Ulster applied to the king on behalf of the town, and obtained a murage charter for the purpose of effectually inclosing it with walls. The subjoined extract from this instrument will give the reader a view of the several articles of traffic and commerce, which in these times were prevalent in this part of Ireland. 37 The beneficial effects of

    36 Rot. Mem. 19 Edw. III.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 53

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are in a town that was already trading heavily in the 1300s. In 1342, Edmond Lynch Fitz-Thomas, known as Emon-a-Tuane for the great quantity of foreign wines he imported each year, built the great west bridge. Trade then fell off, and in 1346 Walter Blake was given custody of the customs of Galway and the rest of Connaught for just 221 yearly paid into the Exchequer. That depression did not last long. In 1361, soon after the accession of Edward the Fourth, the Countess of Ulster applied to the king on behalf of the town and obtained a murage charter, granting customs on various goods for five years to fund enclosing Galway with walls. The charter lists the articles of trade prevalent in this part of Ireland at the time, giving a view of what was bought and sold here.

35. Murage charter granted to Athenry, 1312

    Athenry · town · Galway · 1312

    A murage charter was granted to the bailiffs and good men of Athenry, dated 13 October 1312, authorizing them to collect money toward walling the town. The same roll contains a royal mandate to prevent war between Richard de Burgo and O'Brien of Thomond.

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

    23 de vino, sale, lana, pannis, coreis, pellibus omnium agn;orum et caprarum, piscibus, alecibus, et aliis diversis et minutis mercandisis.— Rot. Pip.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 46

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, a murage charter was granted to the bailiffs and good men of Athenry on the 13th of October, 1312. Murage was a liberty granted by the king for collecting money toward walling a town, so this charter authorized the collectors to levy those customs. On the same royal roll appears a mandate to prevent war between Richard de Burgo and O'Brien of Thomond, a reminder of how turbulent these times were. No trace of a similar charter for Galway itself could be found, despite diligent search among the few records remaining from these earlier periods.

36. Nicholas Blake's property in Athenry

    Athenry · town · Galway · 1620

    Nicholas Caddell, also known as Blake, a merchant of Galway, died in January 1620 holding several houses and lands in and around Athenry. His properties also included Kilturroge and Kiltullagh.

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    nvacro, died. Nicholas Caddell, alias Blake, of Galway, merchant, _ died in January, 1620, seized of Kilturroge, (mortgaged to David Bodkin,) Kiltullagh, and several houses and lands in and about Athenry. Walter Blake alias Caddell, of Ballymacroe. died in January, 1623; he vested his property in Thomas Lynch, M.D. Nichoals French and others as trustees, for the use of his son, John Blake alias Caddell.— Ing. Rolls Off.— This name has since fallen into .disuse in Galway ; but has been retained by the family of Cadel lstown, in the County of Meath.

    8

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 14

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, Nicholas Caddell, also known as Blake, a Galway merchant, held several houses and lands in and about Athenry. He died in January 1620, seized of Kilturroge, which was mortgaged to David Bodkin, Kiltullagh, and other property. Walter Blake, also known as Caddell, of Ballymacroe, died in January 1623 and vested his property in trustees for his son John. The Caddell name has since fallen into disuse in Galway, though it was retained by the Cadelstown family in County Meath.

37. Nuns visited but left unmolested in Galway (1731)

    Galway · city · Galway · 1731

    The Franciscan nuns in Galway were visited again in 1731 but were not molested. From that period onward, nothing particular occurred concerning the community, which continued to reside in the town.

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    In the meantime, the convents in Galway were converted into barracks; but when the storm subsided the nuns again ventured to come forth from their hiding-places, and at length succeeded in regaining possession of their former habitations. They were again visited in 1731, but have ever since remained unmolested; and nothing particular, except what will be found subjoined, has occurred concerning them from that period to the present time. 36

    The convent of the Franciscan nuns is under the guidance of an abbess, and those of the Dominicans and Augustinians under prioresses, chosen triennially, each of whom, for the time being, has the general superintendence of all affairs relating to the respective communities. The nunneries, which are large and roomy buildings, are situated in convenient parts of the town, and are the same wherein the nuns have resided for upwards of a century past. The funds of the three orders are considerable, and amply sufficient to supply them with every conveniency of life. They are gradually increased by the sums paid on the entrance of ladies into the religious state, usually about three or four hundred pounds each, and often considerably more. These sums are placed out at interest; and the expenses of the community being in general defrayed out of the growing interest, aided by the annual income arising from female boarders and other incidental resources, the principal sums are but seldom, and never except on extraordinary emergencies, resorted to. These ladies being also for the most part related to respectable Catholic families, often receive yearly allowances or annuities from their friends, which enable them to perform many private acts of charity and benevolence.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 223

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are in a town where convents were once turned into barracks and the Franciscan nuns had to go into hiding. When the trouble passed, they came back and regained their former homes. In 1731 they were visited again, but this time they were left unmolested, and from then on nothing particular occurred concerning the community. They continued to live in the town in large buildings, the same ones they had occupied for over a century. Each convent was guided by a superior chosen every three years. The Franciscans were under an abbess, while the Dominicans and Augustinians were under prioresses. The funds of the three orders were considerable. Ladies entering the religious state usually paid around 300 or 400 pounds, sometimes more, and these sums were placed at interest. The community's expenses were generally met from that growing interest, aided by income from female boarders and other sources. Many of these ladies came from respectable Catholic families who gave them yearly allowances, enabling them to perform acts of charity and benevolence.

38. Prisoners moved to Galway west suburbs

    Galway · city · Galway

    After the cessation of hostilities, prisoners held in Galway were removed by the governor to the west suburbs of the town for better security.

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    were afterwards removed, by the governor, to the west suburbs, for the better security of the town. 12 Jn April following the mayor received directions, by order of the king in council, " to put out of the court of aldermen and common council, such Protestants and disaffected men as should appear to him to be such, and to send their names presently to Dublin." Commissioners soon after arrived to view the state of the town, who directed several repairs to be made on the walls, and a fortification to be built round Barachalla. For these works 800/. were, on the 3d and I 1th of July, ordered to be levied on the inhabitants. The community of St. Francis supplied stone and other materials; and the remainder of that year and part of the next were consumed in their completion.

    The eventful day that was to decide the fate of the town was now drawing nigh. On the 12th of July, 1691, the hostile armies of the two contending monarchs met on the memorable plains of Aughrim, whence the noise of their cannon might be easily heard at its gates. It is not our intention to enter into a description of the sanguinary and decisive engagement which here took place : the awful news of its result was known that night in the town, whither several of the fugitives fled for shelter. The alarm of the inhabitants may be easily conceived to have been extreme, and every preparation was made for defence. Many, however, were so panic-struck, that they would have compromised for their safety by immediately surrendering almost on any terms. Lord Dillon, the governor, the French lieutenant general D'Ussone, and the other officers of rank in the town, immediately held a council of war. It appeared that the town, though strong and well stored with provisions, was deficient in men and arms, which were drawn away by degrees to supply other exigencies. The garrison consisted but of seven regiments of foot with a few troops of horse, and these neither full nor well armed; but their great dependance was on the promises of Balldearg O'Donnell, whom they

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 127

    As the companion tells it

    As the road takes you through Galway, you are passing through a town that once held prisoners within its walls. After the cessation of hostilities, those prisoners were moved by the governor to the west suburbs, for the better security of the town. On the 12th of April following, the mayor received directions by order of the king in council to put out of the court of aldermen and common council such Protestants and disaffected men as should appear to him to be such, and to send their names presently to Dublin. Commissioners soon after arrived to view the state of the town. They directed several repairs to be made on the walls, and a fortification to be built round Barachalla. For these works, 800 pounds were ordered on the 3rd and 11th of July to be levied on the inhabitants. The community of St. Francis supplied stone and other materials, and the remainder of that year and part of the next were consumed in their completion. The eventful day that was to decide the fate of the town was now drawing nigh. On the 12th of July, 1691, the hostile armies of the two contending monarchs met on the plains of Aughrim, whence the noise of their cannon might be easily heard at the gates of Galway. The awful news of its result was known that night in the town, whither several of the fugitives fled for shelter. The alarm of the inhabitants was extreme, and every preparation was made for defence. Many were so panic-struck that they would have compromised for their safety by immediately surrendering almost on any terms. Lord Dillon, the governor, the French lieutenant general D'Ussone, and the other officers of rank in the town, immediately held a council of war. The town, though strong and well stored with provisions, was deficient in men and arms, drawn away by degrees to supply other exigencies.

39. Public markets and trading spaces of Galway

    Galway · city · Galway

    Galway had seven principal markets including a fresh water fish market at the little gate corners, the Shambles, a cow market at Plud street, a horse market near the new strand gate, and a fish shambles in Fisher's lane.

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    Seven public places, or principal markets, of the city, m. The market for fresh water fish, before Blake's lane, called The little gate corners, n. The Shambles

    o. The Cow market or Plud street.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 31

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, the city once held seven principal markets. The fresh water fish market stood before Blake's lane, called the little gate corners. There was the Shambles, and a cow market at Plud street. A horse market sat near the new strand gate, and a fish shambles in Fisher's lane.

40. Restoration of Galway corporation's 1641 property rights

    Galway · city · Galway · 1641

    The charter restores all manors, houses, lands, and liberties to the Galway corporation that were lawfully held on 22 October 1641. This action reverses the losses or discontinuances of the corporation's rights and properties during the intervening period.

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    AND our further will and pleasure is, and wee doe by these presents, for us, our heires and successors, grant, restore, ratine and confirm to the aforesaid mayor, sheriffs, » free burgesses and commonaltie of the said towne and county of the towne of Gallway, and their successor s for ever, all the manners, messuages, houses, chantries, lands, tenements, wastes, waste grounds, commons, pastures, purprestures, reversions, rents, services and hereditaments whatsoever, which in and upon the two and twentyeth day of October, in the yeare of our Lord 1641, were lawfully held, possessed or enjoyed by the mayor, sheriffs, free burgesses and commonaltie of the said towne and county of the towne of Gallway in theire politique capacity, and alsoe all and all manner and such and the same

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 300

    As the companion tells it

    As you travel through Galway, you are passing through a city whose corporation once lost and then regained its rights. A charter restored to the mayor, sheriffs, free burgesses, and commonalty all the manors, houses, lands, and liberties they had lawfully held on 22 October 1641. The grant covered messuages, chantries, tenements, wastes, commons, pastures, rents, and hereditaments, confirming them to the corporation and their successors for ever. It reversed whatever losses or discontinuances of those rights and properties had come about in the years between.

41. Royal charter grants customs and tolls to Galway town

    Galway · city · Galway

    A royal grant authorized the provost, bailiffs, and commonality of Galway to collect customs and tolls on all saleable goods arriving by land or water, with specific rates for spices, cloth, hides, fish, livestock, and other commodities. The grant was intended to support the enclosing of the town with a stone wall and the paving of its streets.

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    faithful people of the said town, to be enclosed with a stone wall, as of the parts adjacent, and in aid of the paving of the said town, granted to his beloved the provost and bailiffs and commonalities of the town of Gal way , and their successors, that they might, by thembselves, or by those who should be by them thereto deputed, take for all saleable things coming to the said town, by land or by water, or passing from the same, the customs or tolls underwritten ; that is to say — For every pound of ginger for sale one penny, for every pound of saffron for sale two pence, for every pound of pepper for sale one farthing, for every pound of galingale for sale one penny, for every pound of cloves for sale one penny, for every pound of grains of paradise for sale one penny, for all other sorts of spices, of the value of twelve pence, for sale one farthing, for one hundred pounds of wax for sale six pence, for one hundred pounds of alum for sale three pence, for every hide tanned, fresh (green) or salted, and put or to be put into juice in the said town, and without, as far as the island which is called Eniskyreach, one halfpenny, for every pound of silk for «ale three pence, for every piece of legis fo.f sale four pence, for every piece of English cloth for sale three, pence, for every piece of Irish linen cloth, containing twelve yards, one halfpenny, for every hundred weight of iron for sale two pence, for every bundle of rods of iron for sale one penny, for every seme of sables for sale one penny, for one hundred stones of Spanish iron for sale four pence, for every fotmel of lead for sale one halfpenny, for one hundred pounds of scroff one penny, for all kinds of goods, of the value of twelve pence, for sale one farthing, for one thousand spike-nails for sale one penny, for every frail of batry for sale eight pence, for every large kettle or large dish for sale four pence, for every hundred of bartry for sale four pence, for every ton of wine for sale six pence, for every pipe of wine for sale three pence, for every crannock of common malt for sale one penny, for every crannock of best malt for sale two pence, for every crannock of wheat for sale two pence, for every seme of corn for sale one halfpenny, for every seme of butter for sale one penny, f&r every last of butter for sale one penny, for every stone of tallow for sale one halfpenny, for every mease (500) of herrings for sale one halfpenny, for

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 266

    As the companion tells it

    Galway was a town that needed walls and paved streets, and a royal grant gave it the means to build them. The charter authorized the provost, bailiffs, and commonality of the town to collect customs and tolls on all saleable goods arriving by land or water, or passing from the town. They could collect these themselves or through deputies appointed for the purpose. The tolls were set out item by item. A pound of ginger cost one penny. A pound of saffron, two pence. A pound of pepper, one farthing. Galingale, cloves, and grains of paradise each carried a penny a pound. Any other spices valued at twelve pence drew one farthing. A hundred pounds of wax brought six pence. A hundred pounds of alum brought three. Tanned, green, or salted hides, whether put into juice in the town or beyond it as far as the island called Eniskyreach, drew one halfpenny each. A pound of silk cost three pence. A piece of legis drew four pence. English cloth, three pence a piece. Irish linen cloth of twelve yards, one halfpenny. A hundredweight of iron, two pence. A bundle of iron rods, one penny. A seme of sables, one penny. A hundred stones of Spanish iron, four pence. Every fotmel of lead, one halfpenny. A thousand spike-nails, one penny. A frail of batry, eight pence. A large kettle or large dish, four pence. A ton of wine, six pence. A pipe of wine, three pence. A crannock of common malt, one penny, and of best malt, two pence. A crannock of wheat, two pence. A seme of corn, one halfpenny. A seme of butter, one penny. A last of butter, one penny. A stone of tallow, one halfpenny. A mease of herrings, five hundred, one halfpenny.

42. Sligo inquisition follows Boyle precedent

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1635

    The trial of title was held at Sligo on 20th July, following the servile example set at Boyle. The jury found the king's title there as well.

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    the first inquiry was held at Boyle, in Roscommon, on 10th July following, when the jury found the king's title without scruple. This servile example was followed in Sligo, where the trial was held on 20th of the same month, and in Mayo, where it took place at Ballinrobe, on the 31st;31 but when they came to Galway their progress was stopped, and this arbitrary measure met with the most determined and effectual opposition from the gentlemen of the county, whose independent spirit, strict adherence to trutfi and justice, and conscientious discharge of their duty, on this occasion, deserve to be for ever commemorated. The trial came on at Portumna castle, where, notwithstanding the presence of the local deputy himself, who sat on the bench, and the many specious arguments made use of by council, to induce the jury to find the king's title, they unanimously found against it. His lordship, violently enraged at this decision, immediately put the sheriff Mr. Martin __-arcy, of the family of Kiltolla, and the jury under arrest, had them brought close prisoners to Dublin, and there tried before himself in the castle chamber. " We bethought ourselves," says he, " of a course to vindicate his majesty's honor and justice, not only against the persons of the jurors, but against the sheriff, for returning so insufficient, indeed we conceived so packed, a jury, and therefore we fine the sheriff in 10001. to his majesty, the jurors in 40001. each, and to be imprisoned until the fines should be paid, and until they should acknowledge their offence in court upon their knees. "32 — The jurors petitioned to be discharged, but were refused, execpt upon condition of their making a public acknowledgment that they committed not only an error in judgment but even actual perjury in their verdict, terms which they disdainfully rejected. The sheriff died in prison, owing to severe treatment, 33 and the jury were most cruelly used, until, after suffering all the rigors of confinement, their fines were reduced, and themselves released, at the solicitation of the earl of Qanricarde.34

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 90

43. Corpus Christi procession stations in Galway streets

    Galway · city · Galway

    Seven stations of monuments or altars were solemnly built by the clergy in the streets of Galway for the Corpus Christi procession. These were erected by the Franciscans, Capuchins, Augustinians, Dominicans, Carmelites, Jesuits, and the priests of St Nicholas's College.

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    Seven places and stations of monuments, or altars, solemnly built by the_ clergy, in the streets, for the solemnity and procession of corpus christi.

    e. By the Franciscans.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 31

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, the streets once held seven stations of monuments or altars, solemnly built by the clergy for the Corpus Christi procession. The Franciscans, Capuchins, Augustinians, Dominicans, Carmelites, Jesuits, and the priests of St Nicholas's College each erected one.

44. Earl of Sussex received in Galway by clergy procession

    Galway · city · Galway · 1558

    Towards the close of Queen Mary's reign, the earl of Sussex, lord deputy, marched to Galway where he was splendidly received. He had been previously met in procession by the archbishop of Tuam, the bishops of Clonfert and Clonmacnoise, and the clergy, who all testified their allegiance.

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    These revolutions in religion, however they might have effected the morals of the people, did not damp their ardor for improvement. In 1557, the east end of the tholsel was raised at the public expense, under the direction of the mayor, James Oge Lynch. The year following, which was towards the close of the reign of Queen Mary, the earl of Sussex, lord deputy, marched to Gal way, 39 where he was splendidly received, having been previously met in procession by the archbishop of Tuam, the bishops of Clonfert, Clonmacnoise, and the clergy, who all testified their allegiance

    37 2 Ed. VI. Decrees preserved in and the earl of Clanrickard, were Bound Rolls Office. in a bond for 12001. to appear before the

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 75

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, this is a city with a moment worth knowing from 1558. Towards the close of Queen Mary's reign, the earl of Sussex, who was lord deputy, marched to Galway and was splendidly received. The archbishop of Tuam, the bishops of Clonfert and Clonmacnoise, and the clergy all met him in procession and testified their allegiance.

45. East tower gate and town clock built

    Galway · city · Galway · 1637

    In 1637 the east tower gate of Galway was built and a town clock erected, both at the expense of the corporation.

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    30 In 1637. the east tower gate was built, and the town cleck erected at the expense of the corporation. On 10th May, 1639. it was ordered in council, "that, at the comonm charge of this corporation, all grants and gifts, under their common seal, of the shops near or at the market thereof, shall be bought ; the same, and all the places of the said market that side, as far as the stonewall there, which extends itself to the way into our parish church of Saint Nicholas, be pulled down,

    and soe all the same to be reduced into a strong sufficient stone house, covered with slate, and to be under-propped with good stone pillars, whereby way thro' it shall be to the said church, as formerly it hath been and the upper parts to be made a fair common-hall or towlsel, with convenient chambers for the common counsill and towne clerke, for the safe keeping of all the towne records and writings. — Corporation Book, Lib. A. — This building was finished in 1704.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 89

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, this city was marking itself with new civic works in the 1600s. In 1637 the east tower gate was built and a town clock erected, both at the expense of the corporation. Two years later, on 10th May 1639, the council ordered that all grants and gifts of the shops near the market, made under the common seal, should be bought back at the common charge. Everything from the market as far as the stone wall extending to the way into the parish church of Saint Nicholas was to be pulled down and replaced with a strong stone house, covered with slate, under-propped with stone pillars, leaving a way through to the church as before. The upper parts were to be a fair common hall or tholsel, with convenient chambers for the common council and the town clerk, for the safe keeping of all the town records. This building was finished in 1704.

46. Franciscan Abbey of St Francis in Galway

    Galway · city · Galway

    The Abbey of St Francis, of the Friars Minors, stood in Galway with its churchyard, dormitory, and refectory. The friars had gardens and a wood strand or quay for bringing supplies by water.

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    The abbey of St. Francis, or of the Friars' minors.

    The abbey church yard.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 33

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, this was the site of the Abbey of St Francis, belonging to the Friars Minor. It had its churchyard, dormitory and refectory, with gardens and a wood strand where supplies came in by water.

47. Annaghdown diocese and the rectory of Furanmore

    Annaghdown · townland · Galway · 1492

    Richard de Burgo, clerk of the diocese of Annaghdown, obtained papal letters concerning the rectory and vicarage of Furanmore and the vicarage of Meary to create a new canonry. The archbishop of Tuam prohibited the judges from proceeding, writing from Galway in November 1492.

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    parishes of Furanmore, Moycullyne and Skryne.7 Notwithstanding these unions, the wardens and vicars were soon after obliged to petition the pope, complaining that certain persons had questioned the union of Skryne and Moygcullyne, although they had obtained possession of the vicarages, the yearly fruits, rents and profits whereof did not annually exceed fourteen marks, and they humbly prayed that his holiness would be, therefore, pleased to confirm the union; which by bull dated the 4th of the Nones of June, 1492, the pope accordingly approved of and confirmed. About the same time, Richard de Burgo, clerk of the diocese of Annaghdown, having obtained letters from the holy see respecting the rectory and vicarage of Furanmore and the vicarage of Meary, for the creation of a new canonry, and the erection of one of them into a prebend, the archbishop, by his letters, dated from Galway, 12th of November, 1492, expressly prohibited the judges, named in such apostolical letters, from proceeding in any manner in such erection. By these and similar means the possessions of the collegiate church were gradually extended and protected, until the wardens, at length, found themselves at the head of an extent of territory and population not inferior to some dioceses in the kingdom.

    While the possessions of the college were thus rapidly increasing, the inhabitants of the town were not inattentive to their favourite building, the church. James Lynch Fitz-Stephen (who was mayor in 1493, and who had condemned and executed his only son for a rash and cruel murder, see p. 70), made many valuable additions to the church, and, in particular, presented the beautifully stained glass with which the eastern windows were adorned. John Lynch Fitz-Edmund, who was mayor the year following,

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 193

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in the diocese of Annaghdown, a clerk named Richard de Burgo tried to build something new into the church in 1492. He was a clerk of this diocese, and he had obtained letters from the holy see respecting the rectory and vicarage of Furanmore and the vicarage of Meary. His purpose was the creation of a new canonry, and the erection of one of those positions into a prebend. The archbishop stepped in to stop it. By his own letters, dated from Galway on the 12th of November 1492, the archbishop expressly prohibited the judges named in those apostolical letters from proceeding in any manner in such erection. Whatever Richard de Burgo had secured from Rome, the archbishop would not let it go forward. This was one episode in a long struggle over the possessions of the collegiate church. The wardens and vicars had been petitioning the pope to confirm unions of parishes, including Skryne and Moygcullyne, whose yearly rents and profits did not exceed fourteen marks. A bull dated the 4th of the Nones of June 1492 confirmed that union. By these and similar means, the possessions of the collegiate church were gradually extended and protected, until the wardens found themselves at the head of an extent of territory and population not inferior to some dioceses in the kingdom.

48. Charles II grants new charter to Galway corporation

    Galway · city · Galway · 1671

    Following the forfeiture of corporate charters during the Irish rebellion, Charles II issued letters in August 1671 authorising new charters for deserving Irish towns. The mayor, sheriffs, burgesses and commonality of Galway petitioned the Earl of Essex for a new charter to re-incorporate the town and county of Galway in perpetuity.

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    AND WHEREAS the mayor, sheriffs, burgesses and commonalities, of our said town and county of our town of Gallway, taking notice of our princely grace and favor intended to our citys and townes corporate in our realme of Ireland, by our said letters of the 16th day of August, in the three and twentyeth yeare of our reygne, have humbly petitioned our right trusty and right well beloved cousin and counsellor, Arthur, earle of Essex, our lieutenantgenerall and generall-governor of our said kingdome of Ireland, that wee would be graciously pleased to grant unto them a new charter, and thereby incorporate them and theire successors to be one body corporate and politique within our said towne and county of our towne of Gallway, in succession, for ever ; and to have and enjoy such lands, tenements and hereditaments, royalties, franchises, liberties and priviledges, as our said lieutenant-generall and generall-governor of our said kingdome of Ireland should think fitt for the encouragement of trade and the advantage of our service there ; and have alsoe since made it their humble and earnest desire, that wee would be graciously pleased to make some provision, in our said new charter, for securing the

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 291

    As the companion tells it

    This is Galway, a city whose corporate charter was restored in 1671. During the Irish rebellion, corporate charters across Ireland had been forfeited. In August 1671, in the twenty-third year of his reign, Charles II issued letters authorising new charters for cities and towns corporate in his realm of Ireland. The mayor, sheriffs, burgesses and commonality of Galway took notice of the king's intended grace and favour. They petitioned Arthur, Earl of Essex, the lieutenant-general and general-governor of the kingdom of Ireland, asking that a new charter be granted. By it they and their successors would be incorporated as one body corporate and politic within the town and county of the town of Galway, in succession, for ever. They sought lands, tenements and hereditaments, royalties, franchises, liberties and privileges, such as the Earl of Essex should think fit for the encouragement of trade and the advantage of the king's service there. They had also since made it their humble and earnest desire that the king would be pleased to make some provision in the new charter for securing the

49. Limerick merchants win freedom of trade at Galway, 1377

    Galway · city · Galway · 1377

    David Botiller of Limerick complained that Galway and Athenry officials exacted heavy customs from Limerick merchants despite their charter liberties guaranteeing freedom from customs. The lord justice ordered Galway and Athenry to desist, opening free trade for Limerick merchants in Galway's port.

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    A few pages back, the readers was presented with a comparative view of the customs paid in Limerick and Galway, for several years previous to 1 300; which proved the great superiority of the trade of Galway. This superiority was preserved for several centuries by our merchants, and was a continual source of jealousy to their southern neighbours. In the year 1377, David Botiller, one of the citizens of Limerick, complained to the lord justice against the provosts and bailiffs of Galway and Athenry, stating, that notwithstanding, amongst other charter liberties granted to that city, it was particularly provided that the citizens and their successors should, for ever, be free of all customs for their goods and merchandizes in any place either in England or Ireland, where they should bring them for sale; yet those magistrates, from time to time, exacted divers heavy customs from him and his merchants, who frequently came with goods and merchandize for sale to the said towns. They were commanded by letters of the lord justice, dated at Tristiedermot, 18th May, 1377,1 to desist, under heavy" penalties, from making those exactions in the future; and thus was thrown open to the inhabitants of Limerick a freedom of trade in the port of Galway, which those of the latter were not entitled to in that city. The mercantile jealousies, above alluded to, occasioned several contentions between those rival communities, which, in another place, there will be occasion to mention.

    About this time Thomas Alwyne was seneschal and receiver of the town: he was succeeded, on 4th July, 1385, by Thomas O'Casy, who, in addition to those offices, was also appointed receiver of all the king s lordships in Connaught; was invested with power to hold the king's courts, appoint officers and sub-receivers, levy the king's rents and the issues of his lordships, constitute portrieves and other officers, and receive their oaths; superintend and collect all the fishings and other profits, and set them to

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 55

    As the companion tells it

    Galway had a trade that outshone Limerick's for centuries, and that bred jealousy between the two. In 1377, David Botiller, a citizen of Limerick, complained to the lord justice that the provosts and bailiffs of Galway and Athenry were exacting heavy customs from him and his merchants, even though Limerick's charter liberties granted its citizens freedom from all customs on goods sold anywhere in England or Ireland. The lord justice wrote from Tristiedermot on 18 May 1377, ordering those magistrates to desist under heavy penalties. That opened the port of Galway to Limerick's traders, a freedom Galway's own merchants did not enjoy in return. The rivalry between the two towns sparked further contentions in the years that followed.

50. Royal charter granting judicial liberties and a gaol to Galway

    Galway · city · Galway

    The royal charter granted the mayor, bailiffs, and commonalty of Galway the exclusive right to maintain their own gaol and prison within the town and its suburbs, barring external sheriffs or officers from exercising jurisdiction there. Galway was also granted all the same liberties, franchises, and privileges as the cities of Waterford and Drogheda.

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    And, moreover, of our special grace, and of our certain knowledge and mere 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, and to their successors for ever, that no sheriff, escheator, or other officers or ministers of us, our heirs or successors, or any of them, except the bailiffs and other officers of the said town, shall in any wise enter the said town, the franchises, liberties or suburbs thereof, to do or exercise their office in any manner whatsoever, nor shall they or any of them intermeddle or intrude in any manner within the said town, the franchises, liberties and suburbs of the same : —-and that the aforesaid mayor, bailiffs, burgesses and commonalty, and their successors for ever, shall and may have and hold a gaol and prison within the said town, the franchises, liberties and suburbs thereof, wheresoever they shall think expedient; and that they may and can,

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 274

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are in a town that once won the right to run its own courts and keep its own prison. A royal charter granted the mayor, bailiffs, and commonalty of Galway exclusive authority to hold a gaol and prison within the town and its suburbs. No outside sheriff, escheator, or other officer could enter to exercise their office there. The charter's words declared that no such minister shall in any wise enter the said town, the franchises, liberties or suburbs thereof. Galway was also granted all the same liberties, franchises, and privileges as the cities of Waterford and Drogheda. The townspeople could hold their prison wheresoever they thought expedient, giving them full control over justice within their own walls.

51. Safe conduct granted to foreign merchants trading in Galway

    Galway · city · Galway

    The charter grants safe and secure conduct and protection to all foreign merchants coming to Galway to trade. They are permitted to come and return freely with their ships and goods without hindrance from any officers or ministers.

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    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

    Galway was a town built on trade, and its charter made that promise plain. Foreign merchants coming to Galway to trade were granted safe and secure conduct and protection. They could come to the town and return from it safely, with their ships, boats, goods, and merchandise, freely and quietly, without impediment, hindrance, claim, molestation, or grievance from any lieutenants, deputies, justices, or other officers or ministers. The grant was made by letters patent, given as a matter of grace and certain knowledge. The charter names the mayor, bailiffs, burgesses, and commonalty of the town as the body in whose favour this was done, for them and their successors forever. The mayor who held office at the time, and every mayor after him for as long as he served, was made admiral. That authority ran within the town, its liberties and franchises and suburbs, within the port and bay, and over the islands of Aran, and from those islands to Galway, on each side of the water, by sea, by land, and by fresh waters. The mayor had full power and jurisdiction to inquire, hear, determine, and execute all things belonging to the office of admiral across that stretch. So the same man who governed the town governed its waters, and the merchants who sailed in under that protection traded under his authority. The charter tied the safety of foreign trade to the office of the mayor himself.

52. Surrender articles of Galway agreed by Ginkel and the town governor

    Galway · city · Galway · 1691

    Articles of surrender for the town of Galway were agreed upon by Lieutenant-General Godert de Ginkel and the constable and governor of Galway. These capitulations were subsequently exemplified and confirmed by King William and Queen Mary.

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    Gulielmus et Maria Dei gratia, Anglie, Scoeie, Francie et Hibernie, Rex et Regina, fidei defensores, &c. Omnibus ad quos prsesentes litere nostre pervenerint, salutem. Inspeximus irrotulamentum quarumdam literarum patentium, de connrmatione gerenda, et apud Westmonasterium 17 die Februarii ultimo preterito, in curia cancellaria nostra, irrotulata ac ibidem recorda remanente in hec verba. — William and Mary, by the grace of God, &c. To all whom these presents shad come, greeting. — WHEREAS certain articles, bearing date the one and twentyeth day of July last past, were made and agreed upon by our trusty and well beloved Godert, baron de Ginckel, lieutenant-general and commander in mief of our forces in our kingdom of Ireland, and the constable and governor of our town of Galway, in our said kingdom, whereby our said general promises that we should ratine these capitulations within the space of three months from the date hereof, or sooner, the tenor of

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 302

    As the companion tells it

    In 1691, articles of surrender for Galway were made on the 21st of July. They were agreed upon by Godert de Ginkel, lieutenant-general and commander in chief of the forces in Ireland, and the constable and governor of the town of Galway. Ginkel promised that William and Mary would ratify these capitulations within three months, or sooner. And they did. On the 17th of February, in the court of chancery at Westminster, William and Mary confirmed the articles by letters patent. The record begins in Latin, "Gulielmus et Maria Dei gratia" — William and Mary, by the grace of God. The king and queen, defenders of the faith, addressed all whom the letters would reach. They inspected the enrolment of the confirmation, recorded and remaining on record at Westminster, and gave their greeting. The capitulations that ended Galway's resistance stood confirmed under royal authority.

53. Union of Oranmore rectory to collegiate church

    Oranmore · town · Galway · 1487

    In 1487, the archbishop united the rectory and vicarage of the parochial church of Furanmore (Oranmore) in the diocese of Annaghdown to the collegiate church, reserving twenty-one ounces of silver annually.

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    7 Th_e_ archbishop, by his letters, dated on the feast of the Conception, 1487, united the rectory and vicarage of the parochial church of Furanmore (Oranmore) and the vicarage of Meary, both in the diocese of Anaghdown, to the collegiate church, reserving annually out of Furanmore twenty-one ounces of silver money, ,and out of Meary seven ounces. By letters dated 12th April, 1488, he united the vicarage of the parish church of St. Mary of Rathuna (Rahoon), being

    then vacant by the death of Donat-Y- Donaill, the last possessor thereof, and, on th© 8th of June following, Theobald de Burgo, " chief of his nation," by his deed (reciting apostolical letters of the holy see, directed, at the instance of the warden and priests, to John de Burgo, canon of Anaghdown, concerning the union of the parish churches of Moygcullyne (Moycullen) and Rathune (Rahoon) in Gnobeg, to the collegiate church, in which it was directed that before the union the consent of the patron should be obtained), granted all his right of patronage to those rectories to th© collegiate church in free and perpetual alms for ever, provided that the warden and vicars, and their successors, should continually pray for him, and for the souls of his predecessors and successors for ever. On the vigil of All Saints, in the same year, Cornelius O'Hallurayn, perpetual vicar of Moygcullyne, resigned his living to the archbishop of Tuam, for the purpose of completing its union to the collegiate church, and, on the 8th February, 1491, on the petition of the warden and vicars, the archbishop united to the collegiate the vicarage of the parish church of Skryne to his collation, then of full right belonging by the free resignation of Joha de Burgo, perpetual vicar thereof. — Orig. Deeds.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 193

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Oranmore, a town in Galway with a church story going back to 1487. In that year the archbishop, by his letters dated the feast of the Conception, united the rectory and vicarage of the parochial church of Furanmore, as Oranmore was then called, to the collegiate church. The diocese was Annaghdown. He reserved twenty-one ounces of silver annually out of Furanmore, and also united the vicarage of Meary in the same diocese, reserving seven ounces from it. The following year brought more unions. On the 12th of April 1488, the archbishop united the vicarage of the parish church of St. Mary of Rathuna, now Rahoon, which had become vacant by the death of Donat Y Donaill, its last possessor. Then on the 8th of June, Theobald de Burgo, described as chief of his nation, granted all his right of patronage over the rectories of Moycullen and Rahoon to the collegiate church in free and perpetual alms. The deed recited apostolical letters from the holy see directed to John de Burgo, canon of Annaghdown, concerning the union of those parish churches in Gnobeg. The condition was that the warden and vicars and their successors should continually pray for him and for the souls of his predecessors and successors. On the vigil of All Saints that same year, Cornelius O Hallurayn, perpetual vicar of Moycullen, resigned his living to the archbishop of Tuam to complete its union. On the 8th of February 1491, the archbishop united the vicarage of the parish church of Skryne to the collegiate church, following the free resignation of John de Burgo as perpetual vicar.

54. Ancient black marble baptismal font in Galway church

    Galway · city · Galway

    A very ancient circular baptismal font of black marble, resting on an antique sculptured base and ornamented with Gothic work, is preserved in the church. Among its trefoil decorations the figure of an Irish wolf-dog is engraved; it sits nearly opposite the south porch.

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    A very ancient circular baptismal font of black marble is siill preserved in tho church. It rests on an antique sculptured base, and is ornamented with Gothic work, trefoils, etc., amongst which the figure ot an Irish wolf-dog appears engraved. It is placed nearly opposite the south porc'.i.

    34 On the north of French's aisle a small passage leads to two modern additions to the church, which have been called, but without any apparent reason, Browne and Patrick's Aisles. The former is 24 feet long and 13 feet 6 inches broad ; and the latter (also called Eyre's A'sU* from some members of that family which lie interred in it) is of the same length, but only 11 feet 9 inches broad. Th j

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 206

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, there is a church keeping a very ancient circular baptismal font of black marble. It rests on a sculptured base and carries Gothic ornament and trefoils. Among those carvings the figure of an Irish wolf-dog is engraved. The font sits nearly opposite the south porch.

55. Andrew de Lynch received large possessions at Castleknock from Henry II

    Castleknock · townland · Dublin

    According to family tradition, Andrew de Lynch was the first of the name to come to Ireland, receiving large possessions from Henry II in the vicinity of Castleknock near Dublin. His son John Lynch later settled in Galway around 1261.

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    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

    Somewhere close to Castleknock, Henry II gave large possessions to Andrew de Lynch, the first of the name to come to Ireland. The Lynches claimed descent from Charlemagne, youngest son of the Emperor of that name, and said that Sir Hugo de Lynch, a general under William the Conqueror, came to England with that monarch and stood very high in his estimation. Andrew's youngest son, John Lynch, married the daughter of William de Mareschall and was the first of the name to settle in Galway, about the year 1261, and from him all the Galway Lynches are descended. The family also told of how they obtained their arms. One of their name, governor of Lintz long before the invasion of England by the Conqueror, defended that city with unexampled fortitude against a powerful enemy. The siege went on 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 azure, for his arms, and the Lynx, the sharpest sighted of all animals, for his crest. The trefoil alluded to the extremity of the siege, the Lynx to his foresight and vigilance. He also received the motto semper fidelis, and these arms, crest and motto are borne by the Lynch family to this day.

56. Aran Islands as remnants of ancient bay barrier

    near Aran Islands · island or archipelago · Galway

    The three Aran Islands are described as the towering remnants of a chain or barrier that once separated the ancient lake from the ocean, too high to be overflown when the Atlantic burst through. Their position relative to the mainland gave rise to this tradition.

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    the bay, leaving the three islands of Arran, the towering remnants of the chain or barrier, which were too high to be overflown by the billows. The position of these islands, with relation to the main land, as it favours, seems also to have given rise to this idea. O' Flaherty says that in his time, a lough in a neighbouring inlet of the sea, was called Lough Lurgan, but how far the entire circumstance is deserving of credit, is left, without any comment, to the judgment of the reader.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 12

    As the companion tells it

    The three Aran Islands stand as the towering remnants of a chain or barrier, too high to be overflown by the billows. Their position relative to the mainland gave rise to this idea. O'Flaherty says that in his time, a lough in a neighbouring inlet of the sea was called Lough Lurgan. How far the entire circumstance deserves credit is left, without comment, to your judgment.

57. Ardfry House and the new harbour near Galway

    Ardfry · townland · Galway

    Ardfry was the beautiful seat of Lord Wallscourt, situated near a new harbour. Vessels from the road of Galway resorted to this harbour during tempestuous weather to ride in perfect safety.

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    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 close to Ardfry stood one of the finest seats in the vicinity of Galway. This was Ardfry itself, the beautiful seat of the Right Honourable Lord Wallscourt, situated near a new harbour. That harbour had a practical purpose. When the weather turned tempestuous, vessels from the road of Galway resorted to it and rode in perfect safety. It was one of several fine houses around Galway. Tyrone House, the seat of Arthur Ffrench St. George, commanded a charming prospect of the bay of Galway and the islands of Arran. Renvile was the seat of Philip Lynch Athy. Oranmore Castle was the residence of Walter Blake. Frenchfort was the seat of Michael Blake. Merlin Park, the fine seat of Charles Blake, sat adjacent to the ruined castle of Doughisky. Well Park belonged to Mr. Macnamara. Merview was the seat of Mr. Joyce. Menlo Castle was the ancient residence of the Blake family. Dangan, the former seat of the Martin family, was universally acknowledged to be one of the most delightful residences in the kingdom, but it had of late years been suffered to go considerably to decay. Newcastle, the property of Robert Persse, stood conveniently near the river, opposite the ruined castle of Terrilan, the once noble residence of the earls of Clanricarde. Rahoon was the seat of James Bodkin. West Lodge was the seat of the late venerable and respected recorder, James O'Hara. Barna, the highly improved and elegant seat of Marcus Blake Lynch, stood unrivalled for situation and beauty of prospect.

58. Augustinian friars relocate to Middle Street, Galway

    Middle Street · street · Galway · 1740–1760

    About the mid-eighteenth century, the Augustinian friars of Galway removed to a large commodious house in Middle Street, where they erected a handsome chapel. The building was later enlarged and improved and served the inhabitants of the town.

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    On the suppression of the monastery, the friars removed to a large house within the town, in which they resided for many years after. The church, however, remained standing, and, on the building of St. Augustine's fort, in 1602, it was converted into a store for the use of the soldiery. When this fort was demolished, in 1643, the monastery was spared and delivered up to the friars, by whom it was repaired; but in 1652 was again surrendered to the corporation, 29 who caused it to be pulled down, lest it should be fortified against the town. Since that time it has been entirely abandoned, and not a vestige of the church now remains. The cemetery is extensive, and though there are several modern gravestones, it does not, for very obvious reasons, contain any monument of antiquity. 30 The friars, like their contemporaries of the other orders, experienced for many years all the rigours of State persecution, 31 About the middle of the last century., they removed to a large commodious house in Middle-street, where they erected a handsome chapel. This building has been recently enlarged and improved, and, from its central situation, is particularly convenient for the inhabitants of the town.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 221

    As the companion tells it

    About the middle of the eighteenth century, the Augustinian friars of Galway removed to a large commodious house in Middle Street, where they erected a handsome chapel. This building has been recently enlarged and improved, and from its central situation is particularly convenient for the inhabitants of the town. Their earlier history was troubled. On the suppression of the monastery, the friars had removed to a large house within the town, in which they resided for many years. The church remained standing, and on the building of St. Augustine's fort in 1602, it was converted into a store for the soldiery. When this fort was demolished in 1643, the monastery was spared and delivered up to the friars, who repaired it. But in 1652 it was again surrendered to the corporation, who caused it to be pulled down, lest it should be fortified against the town. Since that time it has been entirely abandoned, and not a vestige of the church remains. The cemetery is extensive, with several modern gravestones, though it contains no monument of antiquity. The friars experienced for many years all the rigours of State persecution.

59. Barna, the elegant seat of Marcus Blake Lynch

    near Barna · street · Galway

    Barna was the highly improved and elegant seat of Marcus Blake Lynch. For situation and beauty of prospect, it was considered unrivalled among the country seats near Galway.

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    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 Barna stood the seat of Marcus Blake Lynch, described in its day as a highly improved and elegant house. The book says that for situation and beauty of prospect it stood unrivalled among the country seats near Galway. It was counted alongside Ardfry, Tyrone House, Renvile, and others as one of the principal fine seats in the vicinity of the town.

60. Berkeley's troops march from Galway to Kinsale

    Galway · city · Galway

    Sir Francis Berkeley commanded 1000 foot and 50 horse in Galway, from whence he marched to Munster to oppose the Spaniards who landed at Kinsale. The following April only 200 foot remained to guard Galway and Athlone.

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    12 Sir Francis 'Berkely had 1000 foot and 50 horse in the town, from whence he marched to Munster to oppose the Spaniards, who landed at Kinsale, on the 23d of September in that year. — Pacat Hib. — In April following, there were but 200 foot left to guard Galway and Athlone. — Morvson, Vol. II.

    13 Leland, Vol. III. p. 293.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 80

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, this is where Sir Francis Berkeley had 1000 foot and 50 horse, and from here he marched to Munster to oppose the Spaniards who landed at Kinsale on the 23rd of September that year. The following April only 200 foot were left to guard Galway and Athlone.