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

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

1. 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

   Along here, building was still going on around 1800 at Dominick Street, Newtown-Smith, and Meyrick Square, in the east and west suburbs. Soon after the turn of the century the principal part of the town walls was pulled down, and extensive stores and timberyards were laid out on their ruins. Everything within the walls came to be called the old town. The old fortifications were fought over in the courts of law, claimed by the representatives of Alderman Eyre, who obtained a lease from the corporation in 1670 and had it renewed on 19 May 1712, and also by the Board of Ordnance in right of the crown.

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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 the Franciscan cemetery here in Galway, a carved stone lies near the O'Connor tomb. It bears the arms of the goldsmiths' corporation, instruments of the Crucifixion, and an antique ship. Around its margin runs a Latin prayer for the souls of Walter Marcachan and Margaret Davin, his wife, and their parents, who had the stone made. The date is 1579.

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

   As you pass through Galway, you are in a town that once opened its gates to outsiders on certain terms. An order declared that all foreigners, strangers, aliens, and other Protestants who were merchants, traders, artisans, seamen, or skilled in any craft or trade, and who were already living in Galway or who came with the intent to reside and dwell there, could be admitted as freemen of the town. They had to make a reasonable request and pay twenty shillings by way of fine to the chief magistrate and common council, or others authorized to admit freemen. Once admitted, they could also join any guild, brotherhood, society, or fellowship of any trade, craft, or mystery within the town. They and their families would hold all the privileges of trading, working, buying, and selling as fully as any freeman of Galway could. These rights lasted for as long as they and their families remained living in the town, and no longer. The same order also tightened the town's governance, holding that no person outside the common council could vote in the election of mayor, sheriffs, recorder, town clerk, or other officers, and that nothing relating to the town's affairs would be debated in the general assembly until it had first passed through the common council. Anyone who broke this rule would be disfranchised by the mayor and common council.

8. 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

9. 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.

   Read the passage

   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

   As you come through Galway, you are in a city whose trading power was set down in law in 1544. That year, letters patent granted the mayor, bailiffs, burgesses and commonalty of Galway extensive liberties. All loading and unloading of goods was to take place at the town of Galway itself, and nowhere else in the port or bay. The charter freed the burgesses and their heirs from toll, lastage, passage, portage, murage, pavage, poundage, and all other customs throughout the king's kingdoms. Wines brought to the quay were exempt from prisage, because that fee had never been paid there. Foreign and native merchants importing or exporting at Galway would pay only the customs that had been customary in times past. The burgesses could load and transport merchandise wherever they pleased, woollen and linen alone excepted. Each future mayor was to take his oath before the man who had held the office before him, or before two others who had borne it. The charter also granted Galway the same liberties, jurisdictions, privileges and franchises as the town of Drogheda enjoyed.

10. 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

    As you travel through Galway, a royal charter once granted the town's mayor and recorder the power to act as keepers of the peace and justices of gaol delivery. By letters patent, their jurisdiction covered the town, its franchises, liberties, and suburbs, extending by sea, by land, and by fresh waters. They could pursue robberies, felonies, spoils, and depredations to any country, island, or arm of the sea, and recover distresses and restitution without hindrance from the crown's lieutenants, sheriffs, or other officers. The charter declared that every mayor and recorder, for the time being, should be keepers and justices of the peace, to deliver the gaol and try felonies and misdemeanours committed within the town and its surroundings.

11. 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.

    Read the passage

    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.

12. 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.

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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.

    Read the passage

    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

16. 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.

    Read the passage

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

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 147

    As the companion tells it

    Along here at Wood-quay is where the fuel trade from Lough Corrib came ashore. Turf was brought down the lake and landed at this quay, then taken up in kishes, which were baskets, and wheeled into the town through the Abbey gate. That gate let nothing but turf and water enter, and it stayed open until 9 at night in winter and 10 in summer, so the trade could carry on. Private brewers and distillers were the ones who drew turf and water home after dark. The two gates towards the west led to the quay as well, and all custom-house business there ceased in the evening when the revenue officers retired. The Abbey gate was one of four entrances into the town. William's gate was the grand entrance, where all carriages and inland merchants' goods came through for exportation or market. Goods arriving after the gates were locked were always examined at the gate, in case ammunition or arms were concealed, and would stay outside for the night where the carriers and horses had to set up anyway.

17. 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.

    Read the passage

    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.

18. 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.

    Read the passage

    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.

19. 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.

    Read the passage

    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.

20. 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.

    Read the passage

    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.

21. 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.

22. 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.

    Read the passage

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

    20

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 23

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, 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.

23. 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.

    Read the passage

    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

24. 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.

    Read the passage

    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.

25. 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.

    Read the passage

    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.

26. 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.

    Read the passage

    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.

27. 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.

    Read the passage

    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.

28. 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.

    Read the passage

    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 the west suburbs where, after hostilities had ceased, the governor moved prisoners held in the town for better security. In April following, the mayor received orders from the king in council to put out of the court of aldermen and common council such Protestants and disaffected men as appeared to him to be such, and to send their names to Dublin. Commissioners then arrived to view the state of the town. They directed several repairs to the walls and a fortification to be built round Barachalla. On the 3rd and 11th of July, 800 pounds were ordered to be levied on the inhabitants for these works. The community of St. Francis supplied stone and other materials, and the rest of that year and part of the next were spent completing them. The decisive day was drawing near. On the 12th of July, 1691, the armies of the two contending monarchs met on the plains of Aughrim, and the noise of their cannon could be heard at the gates of Galway. That night the news of the result was known in the town, and several fugitives fled there for shelter. The alarm was extreme, and preparations were made for defence, though many were so panic-struck they would have surrendered almost on any terms. Lord Dillon, the governor, the French lieutenant general D'Ussone, and other officers of rank held a council of war. The town was strong and well stored with provisions, but deficient in men and arms, which had been drawn away to supply other needs. The garrison consisted of seven regiments of foot with a few troops of horse, neither full nor well armed. Their great dependence was on the promises of Balldearg O'Donnell.

29. 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.

    Read the passage

    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.

30. 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.

    Read the passage

    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.

31. 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.

    Read the passage

    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

    As you come through Galway, you're passing through a town that once won the right to tax nearly everything bought and sold here. A royal grant gave the provost, bailiffs, and commonality of Galway authority to collect customs and tolls on all saleable goods arriving by land or water. The rates ran to a penny a pound for ginger, two pence for saffron, a farthing for pepper, and on through cloth, hides, wax, iron, wine, malt, wheat, butter, and herrings. The money was meant to pay for enclosing the town with a stone wall and paving its streets.

32. 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.

    Read the passage

    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

33. 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.

    Read the passage

    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.

34. 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.

    Read the passage

    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.

35. 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.

    Read the passage

    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.

36. 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.

    Read the passage

    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.

37. 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.

    Read the passage

    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

38. 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.

    Read the passage

    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

    As you pass through Galway, you are in a town whose corporate status was restored in 1671. After charters were forfeited during the Irish rebellion, Charles II issued letters on the 16th of August, 1671, authorising new charters for Irish towns. The mayor, sheriffs, burgesses and commonality of Galway petitioned the Earl of Essex, the lord lieutenant, for a new charter to re-incorporate the town and county of Galway in perpetuity. They asked to be incorporated as one body corporate and politic, with such lands, tenements, franchises, liberties and privileges as the Earl of Essex should think fit, for the encouragement of trade and the advantage of the Crown's service there.

39. 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.

    Read the passage

    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.

40. 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.

    Read the passage

    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.

41. 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.

    Read the passage

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

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 271

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are in a town whose charter once promised safe and secure conduct to all foreign merchants coming to trade. They could come and return freely with their ships, boats, goods and merchandise, without hindrance from any officers or ministers. The charter's words granted them protection from claim, molestation or grievance. The same charter made the mayor of Galway the admiral, with authority over the port, bay, town, liberties and suburbs, and over the islands of Aran and the waters between them and Galway. That power extended by sea, by land and by fresh waters, and the mayor had full jurisdiction to inquire, hear and determine all things belonging to the office of admiral across those places. So Galway's trade was protected, and its mayor held naval authority over a wide reach of coast and water. The town was open to foreign merchants, and its chief officer governed the sea approaches as well as the streets.

42. 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.

    Read the passage

    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

    As you travel through Galway, you're passing through a city that saw a major turning point in 1691. On July 21, 1691, articles of surrender were agreed upon by Lieutenant-General Godert de Ginkel, commander of William and Mary's forces in Ireland, and the constable and governor of Galway. These capitulations were later confirmed at Westminster on February 17 of the following year, when King William and Queen Mary formally ratified them, as recorded in the rolls of chancery.

43. 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.

    Read the passage

    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.

44. 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.

    Read the passage

    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.

45. 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.

    Read the passage

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

    20

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 23

    As the companion tells it

    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.

46. 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.

    Read the passage

    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

47. 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.

    Read the passage

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

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

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 254

48. 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.

    Read the passage

    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

    Along here on Middle Street in Galway, the Augustinian friars settled into a large commodious house about the middle of the 1700s. Their old monastery had a troubled history before that. When the monastery was suppressed, the friars first moved to a house within the town and lived there for years. The old church was turned into a store for soldiers in 1602 when St. Augustine's fort was built. The fort was demolished in 1643 and the monastery was handed back to the friars, who repaired it. But in 1652 the corporation had it pulled down, fearing it could be fortified against the town. Not a vestige of the old church remained after that. The friars endured years of persecution along with the other orders. Then, about the mid-eighteenth century, they came to this street, took a large commodious house, and erected a handsome chapel. That building was later enlarged and improved, and its central situation made it convenient for the inhabitants of the town.

49. 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.

    Read the passage

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

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

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 254

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about 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.

50. 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.

    Read the passage

    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.

51. Church erected in Kilcommon parish

    Kilcommon · townland · Mayo

    A church was recently erected in Kilcommon, one of the out-parishes of the Galway wardenship. However, none of the other out-parishes—Ballinacourty, Clare-Galway, Moycullen, Oranmore, Rahoon, or Shruel—had a church, glebe-house, or glebeland.

    Read the passage

    Soon after the restoration of the church, archbishop Vesey petitioned parliament that the archiepiscopal see might be removed from Tuam to Galway; a change which, after some consideration, was accordingly resolved upon by a committeeofthe entire house, who further recommended that a cathedral and dwelling should be provided for his grace; that £2,000 should be raised to defray the expense, by a tax on the town and liberties, £500 whereof were to be appropriated for the purpose of repairing, building and beautifying the church. A bill, pursuant to these resolutions, was prepared, which, on 6th September, 1697, was referred to a committee; but, a petition against it having been in the meantime presented by the corporation, the bill was consequently rejected. This measure of doctor Vesey would, if successful, have been of considerable benefit both to the town and the see; and although the advantages which would attend such change are obvious, yet the subject has never since been revived by any of his successors. What further remains concerning the affairs of the church since that period will occupy but very few words. In 1 726 an organ was erected, which cost the corporation £130. In 1734 the reverend Samuel Simcockes was elected warden in place of Henry Hart, deceased. The income of the wardenship was then estimated at £500 yearly, but it is now considerably more. The present possessions consist of the vicarage of the town, with the rectories and vicarages of Ballinacourty, Clare-Galway, Kik common, Moycullen, Oranmore, Rahoon and Shruel. A church has been lately erected in Kilcommon; but there is neither church, glebe-house nor glebeland in any of the other out-parishes. The reverend James Daly, the present warden, is resident in the town, and has cure of souls of all these parishes. The duty is performed by him and two resident vicars. They are elected annually under the charter. The latter receive a stipend of £75 a year each, and are said to rank as king's chaplains. The warden has been always entitled to the tithes and emoluments of the parish of St. Nicholas,

    G G

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 205

52. Clanfirgail territory and O'Halloran lordship

    Galway · city · Galway

    The territory of Clonferg or Clanfirgail, meaning the land of the merchants, lay on the east side of Lough Corrib and consisted of 24 villages including Galway, Clare, and Roscam. It was the lordship or dominion of the O'Hallorans until after the arrival of Henry II.

    Read the passage

    8 The chief of Muintir Murchada, with the consent of Cathal, king of Connaught, made a present of the town of Lismacuan, in Clonferg, to the abbot and convent of Knockmoy. — Ogyg. — Clonferg, or Clanfirgail, lay on the east side of Loughorbsen, or Corrib ; it consisted of 24 villages, in which Galway, Clare and Roscam, are now situate, and was the lordship or dominion of the O'Hallorans, until after the arrival of Henry II.

    9 Such catastrophes as that related on this occasion, were, if true, anciently very common, and were frequently assigned, by vague tradition, as giving names to celebrated places, which were adopted bj ignorant or indolent chroniclers without further examination — thus, in the annals of Dublin, we are told, that the City took the name of Auliana, from the daughter of Alpinus, who was drowned in the Liffey ; that it was changed by Ptolemy into Eblana, and afterwards corrupted into Dublana. that she might be held in remembrance !

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 10

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you're in what was once Clanfirgail territory, the land of the merchants, on the east side of Lough Corrib. It held 24 villages, including Galway itself, Clare, and Roscam. This was the lordship of the O'Hallorans, and remained so until after the arrival of Henry II.

53. Coleman family and the castle of Menlo

    near Menlo · street · Galway

    Edmond Coleman is recorded as an early inhabitant of Galway, and one of the Blake family is said to have acquired the ancient castle and estate of Menlo from him. The Coleman family is noted at an early period in the town's history.

    Read the passage

    these families, the principal were, Barrett,^ Bermingham, Bur\e, Butlers Crean, Fallon, Lambert, Nolan,^ Port, Quin and Tully. The Coleman familylf is also recorded, at an early period; and particular mention is made of Edmond Coleman, from whom one of the Blake family, is said to have acquired the ancient castle and estate of Menlo. The name of Craddock occurs early in the fifteenth century, the Moores,18 Beggs, Sempers^ and Tierneys, were also old natives of Galway; and many of the descendants of these different families, still reside in the town and its vicinity.

    Having thus far treated of the names and origin of the former inhabitants of Galway, their manners and character next claim attention; and of these, the reader Will be presented with the most satisfactory testimonies. Respectably' descended, the citizens always preserved a due respect for their own dignity; and from the earliest period, ranked with the first orders of the community. Learning and science, were received and cherished, within the town, during periods, wherein the rest of^the kingdom, with very few exceptions, was immersed in the most profound ignorance; and, in the reign of Elizabeth, we find the accomplished and celebrated Sir Henry Sidney, (who was then Lord Deputy of the kingdom, and who often visited Galway,) declaring,20 that for urbanity and elegance of manners, the inhabitants equalled those of the most refined community; and, that like the people of Marseilles, in France, they contracted no stain from their rude and unpolished neighbours.2! — Sir William Pelham, Lord Justice of Ireland, who arrived in Galway, in 1579, states, that, "the townsmen and wemmen,

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 25

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Menlo, there's a castle and estate with a story that goes back to the early days of Galway. Edmond Coleman is recorded as one of the early inhabitants of the town, and it's said that one of the Blake family acquired the ancient castle and estate of Menlo from him. The Colemans were noted at an early period in the town's history, among families like the Barretts, the Berminghams, the Nolans, and many others whose descendants still live in and around Galway.

54. Conmacne Cuile Tolad, lordship of O'Talcarain in Mayo

    Kilmaine · town · Mayo

    Conmacne Cuile Tolad, now the barony of Kilmain in County Mayo, was the lordship of O'Talcarain. It was one of several Conmacne districts in ancient Connaught.

    Read the passage

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

    The following morceau proves that

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 36

55. Custom-house quay in Galway neglected and unsafe

    Galway · city · Galway

    The petition reported that the custom-house quay in Galway was shamefully neglected and so far gone to ruin that it was unsafe for any vessel above thirty tons to load or unload there, while the corporation continued to levy duties.

    Read the passage

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

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 151

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are in a town whose custom-house quay was once declared most shamefully neglected and so far gone to ruin that it was unsafe for any vessel above 30 tons to load or unload there. The corporation kept levying charter duties all the same, along with an extra charge on every vessel, which pushed the price of goods up nearly 3 per cent and left the merchants unable to sell on equal terms with other trading towns. A petition laid out the wider damage: toll-gatherers practised extortions at the gates and markets, the fishery was going to decay under corporation taxes, and able young fishermen were leaving for foreign countries to seek bread. The corporation had converted its large revenue to private benefit, and its only public edifice was a small ground cellar under the military infirmary, from which infection was continually apprehended. On 17 February 1762, a committee report confirming these grievances was adopted by the entire house, which found that the trade of the town, formerly very considerable, had greatly declined.

56. East and west citadels built at Galway

    Galway · city · Galway

    To secure the town after its surrender, the east and west citadels were built and several new outworks added to the fortifications of Galway.

    Read the passage

    In the mean time the state was not inattentive to the security of the town. The east and west citadels were built, and several new outworks added

    22 The Annals relate, that their avarice went so far as to break open the tombs, and root the dead bodies out of their graves, in hopes of finding riches interred with them ; and that when disappointed, they left the carcases uncovered, so that they were often found mangled and eaten by the dogs. — Annals.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 110

    As the companion tells it

    As the road passes through Galway, you are in a town the state once worked to secure after its surrender. The east and west citadels were built, and several new outworks were added to the fortifications.

57. Exchange or Tholsel on Shop Street

    Shop Street · street · Galway · 1641

    The Exchange or Tholsel stood at the extremity of Shop Street near St. Nicholas' Church. Its foundation was laid during the civil wars of 1641, but the building was interrupted by the troubles and not completed until a later date.

    Read the passage

    This edifice stands at the extremity of Shop-street, near St. Nicholas' church. The foundation was laid and the building proceeded on during the civil wars of 1641i (Vide p. 1'09, note, where it is inadvertently stated to have been finished 1 704), but was interrupted by the troubles, and may

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 241

    As the companion tells it

    Along here near St. Nicholas' Church stood the Exchange, or Tholsel. Its foundation was laid during the civil wars of 1641, but the troubles interrupted the building and it was not finished until a later date.

58. Ffrench families settle in Galway in two waves

    Galway · city · Galway · 1425–1603

    Two Ffrench families settled in Galway at different periods: the first with Walter French around 1425 in the reign of Henry VI, and the second with Henry Begg Ffrench during the reign of Elizabeth. Since then they ranked among the most considerable families in the province.

    Read the passage

    County of Wexford;^6 from whence, in process of time, they gradually spread throughout the other parts of the kingdom. Two families of the name settled at different periods in Galway, the first, with Walter French, in the reign of Hen. VI. about the year 1425, and the other, with Henry Begg Ffrench, in the reign of Elizabeth; since which time, they have ranked amongst the most considerable in the Province. The family of Castle Ffrench, near Ahascragh, in the County of Galway, was raised to the dignity of the Peerage, in the year 1798. The Right Honorable Charles Baron Ffrench, of Castle Ffrench is the present Lord. The other branches of this respectable name, are those of Ballinahalla, now of Beagh, Carrorea, Elmhill, Ffrenchgrove, Monivea, Portearn, Rahasane and Tyrone in the County of Galway, Ballykeneave and Culliane in the County of Mayo, and Foxborough, Frenchpark, Port, Rocksavage and Snipehill, in the County of Roscommon. 36a

    Arms. Ermine, a chevron, sable. Cresf. A Dolphin, embowed, upon rocks, proper. 3" Motto. One heart, one mind.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 20

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are moving through a city where two branches of the Ffrench family put down roots centuries apart. The first came with Walter French around 1425, during the reign of Henry the Sixth. The second arrived with Henry Begg Ffrench under Elizabeth. From that time on, the source says they ranked amongst the most considerable in the Province. A later branch, the Castle Ffrench family near Ahascragh, was raised to the peerage in 1798. Their motto was one heart, one mind.

59. Fishing regulations and river pollution in Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1586–1590

    Galway's by-laws from 1586 to 1590 prohibited taking eels from April 15 to the following spring and banned the taking of red salmon. To prevent the destruction of fish, the laws also forbade putting limed hides or flax into the river.

    Read the passage

    That ne free of fishe( viz. of yles (eels) be taken by ne way whatsoever, begyn the 15th of- Aprille to the springe following the same ; and also that no red salmon be taken, nor crue of samon as in the statute in that behalfe is provided, Act-na-howly allways excepted, for that we found it so by antiquitie ; and fearinge the distraction of the fish, to prevent the same, that no lymed hid3 or flax be suffered to be put into the ryver.

    That all artifficers, craftsmen and comon labourers, do take more than they should for ther hiere, bothe by the yeare, quarter, monethe and daye, far over thassise set ibuvne by the corporation.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 171

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are near the river where fishing by-laws from 1586 to 1590 laid down strict rules. No eels could be taken from April 15th to the following spring, and no red salmon or salmon crue were allowed either, though one old practice called Act-na-howly was kept by antiquity. Lime hides and flax were also forbidden from being put into the river, to prevent what the record calls the distraction of the fish. The same by-laws told artisans, craftsmen and common labourers not to take more than their set hire by the year, quarter, month or day.

60. Fort and castle on Mutton Island

    Mutton Island · townland · Galway · 1691

    The governor recommended building a fort and repairing the castle on Mutton Island to secure shipping in the bay. £1,000 was granted, the castle was fortified, and ten pieces of cannon were provided.

    Read the passage

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

    history op galway.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 134

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here on Mutton Island, a fort was built and a castle repaired in 1691, after the English conquest of Galway. The governor stated that without these works the shipping could not be secure in the bay, so one thousand pounds were granted for the purpose. The castle was fortified and the fort was provided with ten pieces of cannon. A company of soldiers was then stationed on the island. This was part of a wider effort after the army departed for Limerick. Batteries and works raised by both the English and Irish forces around the town were levelled, but the fort on the hill beyond the south-east corner of the wall was repaired, and fortified works were thrown up at the east gate, thenceforth called William's gate, and at the west end of the bridge. A company was also sent to Arran, and the fort there was likewise repaired. The island and castle of Bophin, the latter built by Oliver Cromwell and then commanded by Colonel Timothy O'Riordan, had surrendered by capitulation and were also kept in a state of defence, being considered a place of great importance, particularly during a war with France, whose privateers could easily shelter in the harbour had the fort been demolished.