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

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.

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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

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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

As the companion tells it

This is Kilmaine in Mayo. In older times it was called Conmacne Cuile Tolad, and it was the lordship of O'Talcarain. The name Conmacne belonged to several districts across ancient Connaught. Conmacne of Dunmore, in what is now County Galway, was the old estate of O'Siodhlan. Conmacnemara, also in Galway, was the country of O'Cad'hla, or O'Keily, and is now the barony of Ballinahinch, the district of the Islands. So Kilmaine here was one of those Conmacne lands, held by the O'Talcarain.

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.

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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

Galway was once a considerable trading town, but by the middle of the 1700s its trade had greatly declined. A petition laid the blame squarely on the corporation. The custom-house quay was 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 had been at the whole expense of repairing the town walls, and the petitioners were obliged to pave the streets at their own expense. Despite the quay's decay, the corporation continued levying the charter duties, and added an unwarranted charge upon every vessel coming to the town. This raised the price of goods imported and exported by nearly 3 per cent, to the great detriment of the merchants, who could not sell their goods on equal terms with other trading towns in the kingdom. Great extortions were practised by the toll-gatherers at the gates and markets. The fishery of Galway was capable of being made the most considerable in the kingdom, and would have brought wealth and reared able seamen for his majesty's service. But burdened with corporation taxes and perquisites, it was going to ruin, and able young fishermen were obliged to go to foreign countries to seek for bread. Country butchers were prevented by corporation exactions from supplying the town with meat. The only public edifice the corporation kept was what they called the market-house, though it was no more than a small ground cellar under the military infirmary, from which infection was continually apprehended. On the 17th of February 1762, a committee made their report, and the entire house confirmed its resolutions: that the corporation's several exactions were oppressive and unwarranted.

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.

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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.

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.

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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

Begun in 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 that year, but the troubles interrupted the work. It was not completed until a later date.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

Fortifications levelled and repaired in Galway

Galway · city · Galway · 1691

After the army's departure for Limerick, batteries and works around Galway were levelled to secure the conquest. However, a fort on the hill beyond the south-east corner of the wall was repaired.

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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

As you pass through Galway in 1691, the fortifications around this town had just been reshaped. After the army departed for Limerick, all the batteries and works raised by both the English and Irish forces 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 in honour of his majesty, and at the west end of the bridge. The governor recommended that a fort be built and the castle repaired on Mutton Island, stating that without them the shipping could not be secure in the bay. 1,000 pounds were granted for the purpose. The castle was fortified and the fort provided with 10 pieces of cannon. A company of soldiers was 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 was 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.

Friars reported settled near Portumna

Portumna · town · Galway · 1711–1715

The 1715 Galway grand jury reported that friars had settled at a place near Portumna, part of a pattern of friar settlements across the county during the preceding four years.

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

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 209

As the companion tells it

Portumna connects to a report about friars who settled nearby in the years after 1711. In October 1701, Francis Gwyn, then secretary of state, wrote to the mayor of Galway. He said the lord lieutenant had received information that two friars had lately landed at Galway out of a French ship, and that two post-days had since passed without any account being sent. Gwyn wrote that the lord lieutenant was not well pleased with the mayor's remissness, and expected him to forthwith send up an account of whether those two friars had been seized according to act of parliament and were in custody. The laws against friars and priests were severe during the reign of Queen Anne. After her successor's accession, the grand jury of the county of Galway, at assizes commenced on the 29th of March 1715, represented to the lords justices that great numbers of popish priests and friars and other ecclesiastics of the Romish persuasion had come into the kingdom within the last four years. They reported that the friars had settled themselves in several places: Kilconnell, another place near Portumna, Toimona near the abbey of Kinelehan, Ross near Headford, Loughrea in the abbey of Milick, and Kilneschael near the abbey of Athenry. The grand jury noted that great discouragement had been given, in the close of the last reign, by the men then in power, to such as were active in suppressing all friaries.

Galway marble quarries and declining export

Galway · city · Galway

Several cargoes of fine marble were exported from extensive quarries near Galway in recent years, but this branch of trade was also on the decline. The quarries are noted as a significant local resource, though the trade had not sustained its early promise.

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to about 2,500 tons, which is supposed to be occasioned by its inferiority to the Scottish kelp in foreign markets. Of late years several cargoes of fine marble have been exported from the extensive quarries near the town; but this branch of trade seems also on the decline. I5 The principal imports are American flaxseed and timber, Swedish and Norway plank and deals, Petersburgh hemp and tallow, Swedish and English iron, steel, coals, etc. Messrs. John and James Burke, John Moore, Messrs. Denis and Hugh Clarke, Messrs. Martin and Fitzgerald, James Costello and Anthony Lynch arfe at present the only merchants who carry on whatever little trade frequents this port. Although the quays and harbour are neglected, a convenient custom-house was built in 1807; it is a plain building, not veiy extensive, but at the same time fully sufficient for all the business transacted in it. The overplus duties, after defraying the expenses of the port establishment, add but very little to the national revenue, notwithstanding the praiseworthy exertions of the Hon. William le Poer Trench, brother of the Earl of Clancarty, and late collector of Galway, to promote the commercial interest of the town.
3. — Corn Trade, Mills, Linen Manufacture, Breweries, etc.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 232

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, there were extensive marble quarries near the town that once sent out several cargoes of fine marble. But this trade, like others here, was on the decline. The port itself had been struggling. The quays and harbour were neglected, though a custom-house was built in 1807, a plain building sufficient for the business done. The merchants still carrying on whatever little trade frequented the port included John and James Burke, John Moore, Denis and Hugh Clarke, Martin and Fitzgerald, James Costello and Anthony Lynch. The principal imports were American flaxseed and timber, Swedish and Norwegian plank and deals, Petersburg hemp and tallow, Swedish and English iron, steel, and coals. Despite the praiseworthy exertions of the Hon. William le Poer Trench, brother of the Earl of Clancarty and late collector of Galway, to promote the commercial interest of the town, the surplus duties after port expenses added very little to the national revenue.

Papal confirmation of union of Skryne and Moycullen parishes

Moycullen · town · Galway · 1492

The wardens and vicars petitioned the pope after certain persons questioned the union of the parishes of Skryne and Moycullen, whose vicarages yielded not more than fourteen marks annually. By a bull dated 1492, the pope confirmed the union.

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parishes of Furanmore, Moycullyne and Skryne.7 Notwithstanding these unions, the wardens and vicars were soon after obliged to petition the pope, complaining that certain persons had questioned the union of Skryne and Moygcullyne, although they had obtained possession of the vicarages, the yearly fruits, rents and profits whereof did not annually exceed fourteen marks, and they humbly prayed that his holiness would be, therefore, pleased to confirm the union; which by bull dated the 4th of the Nones of June, 1492, the pope accordingly approved of and confirmed. About the same time, Richard de Burgo, clerk of the diocese of Annaghdown, having obtained letters from the holy see respecting the rectory and vicarage of Furanmore and the vicarage of Meary, for the creation of a new canonry, and the erection of one of them into a prebend, the archbishop, by his letters, dated from Galway, 12th of November, 1492, expressly prohibited the judges, named in such apostolical letters, from proceeding in any manner in such erection. By these and similar means the possessions of the collegiate church were gradually extended and protected, until the wardens, at length, found themselves at the head of an extent of territory and population not inferior to some dioceses in the kingdom.
While the possessions of the college were thus rapidly increasing, the inhabitants of the town were not inattentive to their favourite building, the church. James Lynch Fitz-Stephen (who was mayor in 1493, and who had condemned and executed his only son for a rash and cruel murder, see p. 70), made many valuable additions to the church, and, in particular, presented the beautifully stained glass with which the eastern windows were adorned. John Lynch Fitz-Edmund, who was mayor the year following,

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 193

As the companion tells it

Moycullen is a town the road passes through in Galway. In 1492, a papal bull confirmed the union of the parishes of Skryne and Moycullen. The wardens and vicars had already obtained possession of the vicarages, but certain persons had questioned whether the union was lawful. The yearly rents and profits of those vicarages did not exceed fourteen marks, and so the wardens and vicars petitioned the pope, praying that he confirm the union. By a bull dated the 4th of the Nones of June, 1492, the pope approved and confirmed it. About the same time, Richard de Burgo, a clerk of the diocese of Annaghdown, obtained letters from the holy see concerning the rectory and vicarage of Furanmore and the vicarage of Meary, seeking the creation of a new canonry and the erection of one of them into a prebend. The archbishop, by his own letters dated from Galway on the 12th of November, 1492, expressly prohibited the judges named in those apostolical letters from proceeding in any manner with such an erection. By these and similar means, the possessions of the collegiate church were gradually extended and protected, until the wardens found themselves at the head of an extent of territory and population not inferior to some dioceses in the kingdom.

Repeal of penal law restricting Papists in Limerick and Galway

Galway · city · Galway · 1782

In 1782, the law subjecting Papists to penalties for taking any house or dwelling in Limerick or Galway or their suburbs was finally repealed by an act for the further relief of his majesty's subjects professing the Popish religion. Until then, Catholics in Galway had been doomed to penal inflictions for their religious tenets.

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12. It was not until the year 1782 that the law which subjected Papists to certain penalties, who took any house, or came to dwell in Limerick or Galway, or their suburbs, was repealed by the act then passed, "for the further relief of his majesty's subjects of this kingdom professing the Popish religion." — Stat. 21, 22, Geo. III.
13. These resolutions were of the following import : —

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 155

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, this is a city where, until 1782, Catholics faced penalties simply for taking a house or dwelling here or in Limerick. That year, an act was passed, "for the further relief of his majesty's subjects of this kingdom professing the Popish religion," finally repealing the law. Until then, Catholics in Galway were doomed to penal inflictions for their faith.

Richard de Burgo appointed keeper of Roscommon, Raudon and Athlone castles

Roscommon · town · Roscommon · 1309

By royal patent dated 16th August 1309, Richard de Burgo was appointed keeper of the castles of Roscommon, Raudon, and Athlone, together with all their lands and tenements, for life. This followed a grant remitting his yearly rent of 500 marks for his Connaught lands.

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The grant was accordingly made ; and by patent, dated 16th Aug. 3 Edw. II. (1309), reciting, that Richard de Burgo held all his lands and possessions in Connaught for 500 marks yearly, and other tenures the king, in consideration of his good and faithful services to Edw. I. remitted the said yearly rent, and granted that all his lands should thenceforth be held by the other tenures or services due and accustomed thereout : and by patent dated the same day, he was appointed keeper of the castles of Roscommon, Raudon and Athlone, together with all the lands and tenements belongin^ to the same, during his life. — Idem.
Notwithstanding all these services and rewards, it appears that the Earl of Ulster, soon after the invasion of Bruce, was put under arrest, and . imprisoned in the cnstle of Dublin, on suspicion of having invited over that leader. He was

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 51

As the companion tells it

Roscommon was a place whose castle mattered. In 1309, by a royal patent dated the 16th of August, Richard de Burgo was appointed keeper of the castles of Roscommon, Raudon, and Athlone, together with all the lands and tenements belonging to them, for life. The same patent recalled that he held all his lands and possessions in Connaught for 500 marks yearly, and that the king, in consideration of his good and faithful services to Edward the First, remitted that yearly rent. His lands would thenceforth be held by the other tenures or services due and accustomed thereout. Yet despite these services and rewards, the record notes that the Earl of Ulster, soon after the invasion of Bruce, was put under arrest and imprisoned in the castle of Dublin, on suspicion of having invited over that leader.

Turin Castle Browne settlement

Tooreen · townland · Mayo · 1558–1603

Turin Castle in Mayo was among the noble houses of the Browne family established during Elizabeth's reign, by progenitors of English descent unconnected to the Galway Brownes.

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settled near Galway, and married Bevann ny Flahertie, daughter of Morough O'Flahertie, of West Connaught, "from whom is descended Sir Dominick Browne, whose issue now inherit a considerable estate, in and about Galway and in the County of Mayo."— Then follows, "the true lineal descent, with an exact account of the genealogy of Sir Mathew Browne's ancestors, with all the intermarriages, since the first of the family came to Ireland, in 1169, all which was rescued from oblivion, by the Rev. Father in God, by Divine1 Providence, John Browne. Bishop of Ferns, and sent by him to Sir Patrick Linegar, to he inserted in his books of antiquity, amongst the rest of the nobility of Ireland." Notwithstanding all this parade, it is certain that the account given of John, the second son of Sir Mathew Browne, is incorrect. The many noble and distinguished houses of the name in Mayo, viz. Westport, the Neale, Brownestown, Brownehall, Breafy, and Turin-Castle, whose1 progenitors settled there in tin1 reign of Queen Elizabeth) are of English descent, and no way connected in. their origin, with the Brownes of Galway.
30 The Crest on the map, two eagle's heads, addorsed..

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 16

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here is Turin Castle, one of several noble houses of the Browne name in Mayo. During the reign of Queen Elizabeth, progenitors of English descent settled in this part of the country and established themselves among the distinguished houses of the region. Westport, the Neale, Brownestown, Brownehall, Breafy, and Turin Castle are all named among them. The book is clear on one point: these Mayo Brownes were of English descent and in no way connected in their origin to the Brownes of Galway. The Galway branch of the family had settled near Galway and married into the O'Flahertie line. Bevanny Flahertie, daughter of Morough O'Flahertie of West Connaught, was among them, and from that line came Sir Dominick Browne, whose issue held considerable estate in and about Galway and in Mayo. A genealogy of the Galway Brownes was compiled by John Browne, Bishop of Ferns, and sent to Sir Patrick Linegar for his books of antiquity. But the account given of John, the second son of Sir Mathew Browne, was incorrect.

Aran Islands inhabitants' estate conditions under Galway surrender

near Aran Islands · island or archipelago · Galway · 1652

The parliamentary commissioners refused to grant the governor, soldiers, and inhabitants of the Aran Islands any better conditions regarding their real estates than those granted to Galway freemen for lands in the country, tying the islands' fate to the broader surrender terms.

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VI. We cannot consent that the governor, soldiers and inhabitants of the isles of Arran, should have any other conditions, as to their reall estates, than such as are granted to the freemen of Gallway for the lands lying in the country.
VII. Wee doe consente that the exceptions of those that had a hand in the

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 278

As the companion tells it

In 1652 the parliamentary commissioners refused to give the governor, soldiers, and inhabitants of the Aran Islands any better terms for their real estates than those granted to the freemen of Galway for their lands in the country. The islands' fate was tied to Galway's surrender.

Athenry summoned to medieval parliament

Athenry · town · Galway · 1377–1394

Similar parliamentary summonses to those issued to Galway were also directed to the provost and bailiffs of Athenry during the late 14th century, indicating Athenry's civic status and obligation to send representatives to the Irish parliament.

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The most ancient summonses to the parliament of Ireland extant, are directed to the barons and members by name. In the year 1310, Richard de Burgo was summoned for Connaught. — Rot. Claus. 3 Edw. II. — In subsequent records of that and the succeeding reign, other members of the Same family were summoned for the, ''County of Connaught." — Id. 46 and 48 Edw. III. — After this period, writs were directed to the sheriffs of counties and magistrates of cities and towns. It does not appear that Galway returned any members to the memorable Irish parliament convened at Westminster in 1376; but, on the 22nd January, the year following, the provost and bailiffs were summoned to appear at a parliament to be held at Trisdeldermot, on Monday next after the feast of embers; and they were afterwards fined £100 for not attending. — Rot. Claus. 1 Rich, II. — A like summons issued, dated 11th September, 1380. — Id. de ann. 4. — another 29th April, 1382, and one in 1394. — Id. de Ann. 5 and 18. — Similar summonses at the same time issued to the provost and bailiffs of Athenry. In the great roll of the Pipe, 14 Hen. VI. in Berm. Tower, the chief magistrate and constable of Galway were fined 100s. because, at the council of the lord and king, on Friday next after the feast of St. Nicholas and bishop, in the
237

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 190

As the companion tells it

The town of Athenry had a civic standing that brought duties as well as privileges. The most ancient summonses to the parliament of Ireland were directed to barons and members by name. In 1310, Richard de Burgo was summoned for Connaught. In subsequent records, other members of the same family were summoned for the County of Connaught. After this period, writs were directed to the sheriffs of counties and magistrates of cities and towns. It does not appear that Galway returned any members to the memorable Irish parliament convened at Westminster in 1376. But on the 22nd of January, the year following, the provost and bailiffs of Galway were summoned to appear at a parliament to be held at Trisdeldermot, on Monday next after the feast of embers. They were afterwards fined 100 pounds for not attending. A like summons issued, dated the 11th of September, 1380. Another on the 29th of April, 1382, and one in 1394. Similar summonses at the same time issued to the provost and bailiffs of Athenry. So this town, like Galway, was expected to send its representatives to the Irish parliament, and answer for its civic obligations.

Charter establishing elective offices in Galway

Galway · city · Galway · 1676–1678

A royal charter for Galway town appoints a mayor, recorder, sheriffs, town clerk, and free burgesses, requiring oaths of supremacy and allegiance. It declares the offices of mayor, recorder, sheriff, and town clerk to be 'for ever hereafter elective' and names the Tholsell as a place for administering oaths and assembling.

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John Clarke and Richard Browne, whome wee have by these presents constituted sheriffs of the said towne and county of the towne of Gallway, and theire successors, and the said Jerome Russell, whome wee have constituted towne-clerke of our towne of Gallway, and his successors ; and the said Sir Oliver St. George, Sir James Cuffe, Sir Thomas Newcomen, Vere Essex Cromwell, Richard Coote, Sir Henry Waddington, Charles Holcroft, John Eyre, Edward Eyre, John May art, William Hamilton, George Hull, and George Leesone, whome wee have made present freo burgesses of the said towne, as alsoe theire successors in the place and places of free burgesses, att all tymes to come, before they be admitted to execute theire respective offices, places, or imployments ; and likewise all and every such person and persons as shall be of the common councill of the said towne and burrough, as alsoe theire successors in the place of common councill-men, at all tymes to come, before they be admitted into theire respective offices, places, or imployments, shall, severally and respectively, take as well the severall oathes before particularly mentioned, as alsoe the oathes herefore usually taken, for the due execution of theire severall offices, places, or imployments ; the said severall oathes to be administered by the mayor and recorder, or by the mayor and two of the burgesses of the said towne and county of the towne of Gallway, for the tyme being, whome wee doe by these presents authorize and require to administer the same, in the Tholsell, or any other convenient place within the said towne. AND it is our further will and pleasure, that the said office and offices of mayor, recorder, sheriffe and towne-clerke, of the said towne and county of the towne of Gallway, be for ever hereafter elective.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 294

As the companion tells it

Galway is the town this charter concerns, issued between 1676 and 1678. It names the men the crown appointed and sets out how the town's government shall work. John Clarke and Richard Browne were constituted sheriffs of the town and county of the town of Galway. Jerome Russell was constituted town clerk. The charter also made free burgesses of Sir Oliver St. George, Sir James Cuffe, Sir Thomas Newcomen, Vere Essex Cromwell, Richard Coote, Sir Henry Waddington, Charles Holcroft, John Eyre, Edward Eyre, John Mayart, William Hamilton, George Hull, and George Leesone. Before any of these men, or their successors, could be admitted to execute their offices, they had to take the several oaths of supremacy and allegiance, and also the oaths usually taken for the due execution of their offices. The same requirement fell on every person who would serve on the common council, and on their successors. The oaths were to be administered by the mayor and recorder, or by the mayor and two of the burgesses for the time being. This was to be done in the Tholsell, or any other convenient place within the town. The charter then declared that the offices of mayor, recorder, sheriff, and town clerk of Galway should be, in its own words, 'for ever hereafter elective.'

Drogheda cited as model for Galway's franchises

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1544

The charter grants Galway the same liberties, jurisdictions, privileges, franchises and customs as the mayor, sheriffs, burgesses and commonalty of Drogheda enjoyed on both sides of the water in Ireland. Drogheda is used as the benchmark for the municipal freedoms bestowed upon Galway.

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

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 269

As the companion tells it

This is Drogheda, a town whose name carried legal weight far beyond its own streets. In 1544 a charter set out the freedoms of Galway, and it named this place as the measure of them. The charter said the burgesses and commonalty of Galway were to be eased of toll, lastage, passage, portage, murage, pavage, poundage, and all other customs and usages throughout the king's kingdoms and power. Every mayor elected for the future was to take the oath accustomed to that office, before the person who had last borne it, or before two others who had previously held it. No one importing wines to the quay or port of Galway was to pay prisage, because prisage had not hitherto been accustomed to be paid there. No merchant, foreign or native, importing, unloading, exporting or loading merchandizes or wares at Galway was to pay any customs, poundage or tolls except only such as were accustomed to be paid there in times past. The mayor, bailiffs, burgesses and commonalty could load and transport whithersoever they pleased all manner of merchandizes and wares, woollen and linen only excepted, any statute or ordinance to the contrary notwithstanding. Then came the benchmark. The charter granted to Galway all and singular such liberties, usages, jurisdictions, privileges, franchises and customs, and cognizance of pleas, as the mayor, sheriffs, burgesses and commonalty of Drogheda, on both sides of the water in the kingdom of Ireland, had or reasonably used and enjoyed. What Galway received, Drogheda already possessed. This town stood as the pattern of municipal freedom against which another was measured.

Galway bye-law: prohibition on selling boats to Irishmen

Galway · city · Galway · 1516

In 1516, the Galway corporation enacted that no man of the town shall lend or sell galley, boat, or barque to an Irishman. This reflects the exclusionary trade practices of the walled town.

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That no man of the town shall lend or soil galley, botte or bairque, to an Irishman.
1517.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 164

As the companion tells it

As you travel through Galway, in 1517 its corporation decreed "that no man of the town shall lend or sell galley, boat, or barque, to an Irishman." It was an exclusionary trade practice of this walled town.

Galway town in neglect and decay

Galway · city · Galway

The author closes his narrative by describing Galway as having fallen from former prosperity and honour to a state of neglect and decay. He urges that promotion of foreign trade and home manufactories would make this neglected quarter of Ireland productive and beneficial.

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Having now fulfilled our intention of tracing, through a great variety of facts and documents, the history of this town, from its origin to the present time : having beheld it, as it were, in a state of infancy, protected by the fostering hand of the powerful fsmily of De Burgo; then, arrived at full maturity, and impatiently rejecting the rule of its former protectors; again, in a more advanced period, increasing in power, flourishing in wealth, and crowned with honour and prosperity; and, finally, through fatal reverses of affairs, languishing, as at the present period, in a state of neglect and decay; cur narrative shall here be closed; not however, without expressing a final hope, that whoever shall possess the confidence, may never forget the interest, of the town : that he or trey may direct the attention of the rulers of the Country to a place which, though now so reduced had been formerly so considerable; end which, if its foreign trade and home manufactories were at all promo' ed or encouraged, would prove of incalculable benefit to this neglected, unimproved, and consequently unproductive, quarter of Ireland The promote: of measures, such as these, by diffusing innumerable blessings amongst the community, and augmenting the resources and revenues of the country, would enjoy those exalted fee'ings which accumulated v.eal.h or elevation of rank cannot always bestow : he would, moreover, command the grateful suffrages of the present, and secure the lasting praises of future generations, and be deservedly ranked amongst the benefactors of mankind.
and a pull altogether," followed by three hundred of his profession.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 161

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, you are in a town the author describes as languishing in a state of neglect and decay. It was not always so. He traces its history from infancy, protected by the powerful De Burgo family, then to full maturity, when it impatiently rejected the rule of its former protectors. It went on to increase in power, flourish in wealth, and was crowned with honour and prosperity. Then came what he calls fatal reverses of affairs, leaving it reduced. The author closes his narrative with a hope that whoever holds confidence in the town will not forget its interest. He urges that if its foreign trade and home manufactories were promoted or encouraged, this neglected, unimproved, and consequently unproductive quarter of Ireland would prove of incalculable benefit to the country. He says such measures would diffuse innumerable blessings amongst the community and augment the resources and revenues of the country, and that whoever promoted them would secure the lasting praises of future generations and be deservedly ranked amongst the benefactors of mankind.

Loughrea and Galway: alternating assize venues

Loughrea · town · Galway · 1604–1680

From 1604, assizes for the county of Galway were held alternately in Galway and Loughrea. In 1680 the corporation petitioned that the assizes should be kept in the town of Galway and not removed to Loughrea.

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25 About this time Sir Arthur Chichester, the lord deputy, established a circuit for judges of assize in Connaught. They commenced in 1604 and, for many years after the assizes for the county of Galway were held alternately in Galway
and Loughrea. In 1680, the corporation petitioned the lord lieutenant and council, "that the assizes should be kept in the town of Galway, and to prevent the removing it to Loughrea." — Corp. Book, Lib. B. p. 109. — For a long time, before and after this period, the judges were entertained free of expense by the town, perhaps to induce them to hold the assize there. This was afterwards abridged to the payment of iheir logdihgs ; and on 21st September. 1771, it was ordered in common council, "that this corporation shall not for the future be at any expense for the judge's lodgings." — Corp. Book, y^h. I. — But this was repealed the 7th October following, and the expense, 101. yearly, has been ever since defrayed by the

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 85

As the companion tells it

Loughrea was one of two towns where Galway's assizes were held. From 1604 the courts alternated between Galway and here. In 1680 the corporation of Galway petitioned the lord lieutenant and council that “the assizes should be kept in the town of Galway, and to prevent the removing it to Loughrea.” For a long time, before and after, the judges were entertained free of expense by the town, perhaps to induce them to hold the assize there. This was afterwards abridged to the payment of their lodgings. On 21 September 1771 it was ordered in common council that “this corporation shall not for the future be at any expense for the judge's lodgings.” This was repealed on 7 October following, and the expense of 10 pounds yearly has been defrayed by the corporation ever since.

Cromwell's ships at the port of Ardfry

Ardfry · townland · Galway

Cromwell's ships pursued the king's subjects to the port of Ardfry, on the bay leading to that port. This records a military-naval episode during the Cromwellian conquest connected to Ardfry.

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39. The bay which leads to the rort o.
Ardfry.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 32

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here is what the old record calls 'the bay which leads to the port of Ardfry.' During the Cromwellian conquest, Cromwell's ships pursued the king's subjects to this port.

Carmelite Friary in Galway attributed to De Burgo family

Galway · city · Galway

The Carmelite Friary in Galway was said to have been founded by the De Burgo family, but neither the authority for this attribution nor the period of its erection was recorded.

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This triary is said to have been founded here by the De Burgo family; but upon what authority it is attributed to them, or at what period it was erected, are not mentioned. In 1647 the friars opposed the pope's nuncio, Rinuncini, and his treatment of them on the occasion formed one of '"he principal articles of accusation brought against him by the supreme council.
The Augustinian convent of Galway ranks next to that of Dublin ; and, from its thus taking precedence of all the other convents of the order in Ireland, some are inclined to infer that it must have been founded earlier than the 16th century — an inference which would be undeniable if these foundations ranked according to time.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 222

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, there was a Carmelite friary here said to have been founded by the De Burgo family. No one recorded what authority links the family to it, or when it was built. In 1647 the friars opposed the pope's nuncio Rinuccini, and his treatment of them formed one of the principal articles of accusation brought against him by the supreme council.

Charles II orders restoration of Galway inhabitants

Galway · city · Galway · 1660–1662

Charles II issued a royal order to reinstate the ancient inhabitants, freemen, and natives of Galway in their freedoms, privileges, houses, and estates, citing their loyalty in holding the town for nine months and the articles of surrender dated 5 April 1652.

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For inasmuch as the ancient inhabitants, freemen and natives of our
S

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, you're in a city whose people were restored by royal order around 1660. Charles II ordered that the ancient inhabitants, freemen, and natives of Galway be reinstated in their freedoms, privileges, houses, and estates. He cited their loyalty in holding the town for nine months and the articles of surrender dated 5 April 1652.

Charter establishes guild of merchants of the staple in Galway

Galway · city · Galway

A royal charter grants that within the county and town of Galway there shall be one guild of merchants of the staple, consisting of a mayor, two constables, and such merchants as the mayor and constables see fit. The charter also provides for admitting strangers as freemen of Galway upon taking the oath of allegiance and paying a fine of twenty shillings.

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a freeman or member of our said towne of Gallway, and of the brotherhood, society or fellowship of any trade, craft, or mistery where he or they shalbe denyed admission as aforesaid, and from thenceforth have, exercize and enjoy the libertie and priviledge of tradeing, working, buying or selling of any commodities whatsoever, in as large and ample manner as if he had been admitted a freeman of our said county of Gallway, a brother or member of such brotherhood, society or fellowship of any trade, craft or mistery within the same, takeing the usuall oathes of such freemen, brothers and members, which oathes any one justice of peace of our said county of Gallway is by these presents impowered to administer, and paying all such charges, as aforesaid ; any law, custome, charter or usage to the contrary in any wise notwithstanding. And in case any person or persons shall give any interruption or disturbance to any such stranger, being a merchant, trader, artificer, artizan, workeman, or seaman, as aforesaid, to the hindering of him in his trading, workeing, buying or selling, as aforesaid, contrary to the intent and meaning of these presents, all and every such person or persons soe offending shall, upon like complaint and proofe made of his or theire offence therein before our lieutenant, or other chiefe governor or governors, and councill, of our said kingdome of Ireland, for the tyme being, be by their order disfranchised, and from thenceforth, incapable, without theire lycence, of being made a freeman or member of our said towne of Gallway. AND FURTHER of our more abundant grace, certeyne knowledge and meere motion, by and with the advice and consent aforesaid, wee have given and granted, and by these presents, for us, our heires and successors, wee doe give and grant unto the said mayor, sheriffs, free burgesses and commonaltie of the sakle towme and county of the towne of Gallway, and theire successors for ever, that there be within the said county and towne and county of the towne of Gallway, and the franchises of the same, one guild of merchants of the staple, consisting of one mayor, two constables, and of such a number of merchants of the said towne as the said mayor and constables of the said guild of merchants of the staple, for the tyme being, shall think fitt; and, therefore, wee will, and by this

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 298

As the companion tells it

Galway was given a royal charter that changed how trade worked in the town. The charter established one guild of merchants of the staple within the county and town of Galway and its franchises. The guild was to consist of one mayor, two constables, and such a number of merchants of the town as the mayor and constables thought fit. The charter also opened Galway to outsiders. A stranger, being a merchant, trader, artificer, artisan, workman, or seaman, could be admitted as a freeman and member of the town. He would take the usual oaths of freemen, which any justice of the peace of the county of Galway was empowered to administer, and pay the charges required. Once admitted, he could trade, work, buy, or sell in as large and ample a manner as if he had been admitted a freeman of the county, "any law, custome, charter or usage to the contrary in any wise notwithstanding." If any person gave interruption or disturbance to such a stranger, hindering him in his trading, working, buying, or selling, contrary to the intent of the charter, that person would be disfranchised. The matter would go before the lieutenant or other chief governor or governors and council of the kingdom of Ireland, and upon complaint and proof of the offence, the offender would lose their franchise. Without licence, they could not again be made a freeman or member of the town of Galway. The charter was granted to the mayor, sheriffs, free burgesses, and commonalty of the town and county of the town of Galway, and to their successors forever.

Charter establishes new corporate body for Galway

Galway · city · Galway · 1678

A royal charter creates a new corporate and political body for the town and county of Galway, consisting of a mayor, two sheriffs, and free burgesses. The charter grants them perpetual succession, the right to hold lands, and the authority to elect two representatives to parliament in Ireland.

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and grant unto the said mayor, sheriffs, free burgesses and commonaltie of the said towne and county of our towne of Gallway, and their successors, that the mayor, sheriffs, free burgesses and commonaltie of our said towne and county of our towne of Gallway, and their successors for ever, shall and may have full power and authority to choose, send and returns, in as full and effectuall manner, to all intents and purposes, as formerly they did, or at any time heretofore have done, two discreete and fitt persons to serve and attend in every parliament hereafter to be held in our said kingdome of Ireland ; and that the said persons soe elected, sent and returned, shall have full power and authority to treate and consult upon such things and matters as shalbe to them there propounded or declared, and thereupon freely give their votes and sufferages, and to doe and execute all other things whatsoever, as fully and freely as any other burgesse of any ancient burrough in our said realme of Ireland, or in our said realme of England, in the parliament there, are wont to doe and execute. And to the intent that in tym© to come it may appeare that this new charter was granetd unto honest and discreete men, wee doe, by . these presents, make, nominate and constitute Theodoras Russell, esqre. to be the first and moderne mayor of the said towne and county of the towne of Gallway; to continue in the said office untill the feast of St. Michaell the archangell, which shalbe in the year of our Lord 1678 : and we doe likewise, by these presents, make, nominate and constitute John Clarke and Richard Browne to be the first and modern sheriffs of the said towne and county of the towne of Gallway ; to continue in the said office untill the feast of St. Michaell the archangell, which shall be in the year of our Lord God 1678 : and likewise wee doe, by these presents, make, nominate and constitute Sir Oliver St. George, baronet, Sir James Cuff and Sir Thomas Newcomen, knights, Vere Essex Cromwell, esqre. Richard Coote, esqre. Sir Henry Waddington, knight, Charles Holcroft, esqre. John Eyre, Edward Eyre, John Mayart, and William Hamilton, esqres. George Hull, gent, and George Lessone, esqre. and such others as the mayor and sheriffs and the major parte of the free burgesses, for the tym© being, shall choose to be th© first and moderne

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 293

As the companion tells it

Galway, in 1678, was given a new shape by royal charter. The crown created a corporate and political body for the town and county of the town of Galway, made up of a mayor, two sheriffs, free burgesses, and the commonalty. The charter granted them perpetual succession and the right to hold lands. It also gave them authority to choose, send, and return two discreet and fit persons to serve and attend in every parliament held in the kingdom of Ireland. Those elected would have power to treat and consult upon matters propounded to them, to give their votes and suffrages freely, and to execute all other things as fully as any burgess of any ancient borough in Ireland or England was wont to do. The charter named the first men to hold these offices. Theodoras Russell was made the first and modern mayor, to continue until the feast of St. Michael the Archangel in 1678. John Clarke and Richard Browne were made the first and modern sheriffs, likewise to serve until that feast day in 1678. The charter then named the first free burgesses: Sir Oliver St. George, baronet; Sir James Cuff and Sir Thomas Newcomen, knights; Vere Essex Cromwell; Richard Coote; Sir Henry Waddington, knight; Charles Holcroft; John Eyre; Edward Eyre; John Mayart; William Hamilton; George Hull; and George Lessone. Such others as the mayor, sheriffs, and the major part of the free burgesses should choose would complete the body.

Dominican friars regain and repair convent, early 18th century

Galway · city · Galway · 1700–1731

Despite enduring persecutions alongside other religious orders, the Dominican friars were enabled early in the eighteenth century to regain possession of their ancient convent in Galway, which they soon afterwards repaired. They also suffered during the visitation of 1731.

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

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 219

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, this is where the Dominican friars regained their ancient convent early in the 1700s, after years of persecution shared with other religious orders. They soon repaired it. The relief did not last; in 1731 they suffered again in a general visitation that touched the friars and their brethren alike.

Galway Bay fish market varieties

near Galway Bay · bay · Clare

A great quantity and variety of fish are taken in Galway Bay and sold daily in the public market during their proper seasons. The variety includes turbot of the largest and finest kind, cod, haddock, hake, whiting, ling, mullet, mackerel, bream, eel, lobsters, crabs, oysters, and many others, all at very reasonable prices.

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Notwithstanding these defects, a great quantity and variety of fish are taken in the bay; amongst which the following are to be had daily in the public market during their proper seasons, viz. : herrings in great quantities, turbot of the largest and finest kind, soal, plaice, cod, haddock, hake, whiting, ling, mullet, black and white pollock, mackrel, bream, eel, gurnet, and several other varieties, with abundance of lobsters, crabs, cray-fish, oysters, shrimps, cockles, muscles, etc., and at very reasonable prices.
3. — Herring Fishery.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 238

As the companion tells it

Out in Galway Bay, a great quantity and variety of fish are taken. The public market has them daily during their proper seasons. Herrings come in great quantities. There is turbot of the largest and finest kind, soal, plaice, cod, haddock, hake, whiting, ling, mullet, black and white pollock, mackerel, bream, eel and gurnet, with several other varieties. Lobsters, crabs, cray-fish, oysters, shrimps, cockles and mussels are in abundance, and all at very reasonable prices.

Galway corporation property leased to Edward Eyre, 1670

Galway · city · Galway · 1670

In 1670, Alderman Edward Eyre caused the corporation to grant a 99-year lease of principal corporation property adjoining Galway town, including areas around Barrachalla (the wood-key), Suckeen, the stone-gate, Fort-hill, and Port-hill, at a nominal rent of £3 yearly.

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" The void place opposite Barrachalla, alias the wood-key. along the river to Suckeen, and to the stone-gate and causeway about to the cabins on the south side, leaving a sufficient highway, not
exceeding, twenty foot, between it and the opposite cabins.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 119

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, you are moving through ground that Alderman Edward Eyre had the corporation lease to him in 1670 for 99 years at just £3 a year. The lease covered corporation property around Barrachalla, the wood-key, Suckeen, the stone-gate, Fort-hill and Port-hill.

Galway murage, paving and customs confirmed by royal charter

Galway · city · Galway

Royal letters patent granted the provost, bailiffs, burgesses and commonalty of Galway the right to levy customs and tolls on goods entering or leaving the town by land or water. The revenues were to be spent solely on the murage and paving of the town, and successive kings—Henry, Edward IV, and Richard III—ratified and confirmed these privileges for the town's defence against enemies and rebels.

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and four pence for sale, likewise not herein before contained, one penny: and, therefore, he commanded the aforesaid provost, bailiffs and commonalty of the said town of Galway, that they should cause and order the said customs and tolls, and every of them, from day to day, to be levied, collected received and had in the said town in manner aforesaid. Provided always, that the monies arising therefrom should be faithfully expended on the murage and paving of the said town, and not otherwise, as in the same letters is more fully contained.
Both which letters patents, and all grants in them contained, the lord Henry, the late king of England, our predecessor, by his letters patent, dated at Westminster, the 12th day of March, in the third year of his reign, accepted, approved, ratified, and to the aforesaid provost, bailiffs, burgesses and cjommonalty, by the tenor of the aforesaid letters, granted and confirmed ; as the aforesaid letters reasonably testify, and as the said provost, bailiffs burgesses and commonalty, have always reasonably used and enjoyed the liberties, franchises, jurisdictions, privileges, cognizances, tolls and customs aforesaid, and every of them, as in the said letters of confirmation is likewise more fully contained.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 267

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, you're moving through a town that won the right to tax goods coming and going by land or water. The provost, bailiffs, burgesses and commonalty were granted these customs and tolls, and every penny was to be spent on the walls and the paving, and not otherwise. King Henry confirmed the grants by letters patent dated at Westminster, the 12th day of March, in the third year of his reign. Later kings, Edward IV and Richard III, ratified and confirmed the same privileges, all for the town's defence against enemies and rebels. The provost and commonalty had always, as the record puts it, "reasonably used and enjoyed" these liberties, franchises, tolls and customs.

Galway town charter: election of mayor, recorder and officers

Galway · city · Galway

The charter of Galway town sets out the process by which free burgesses elect a mayor, recorder, and town clerk each year, with terms running from the feast of St. Michael the archangel. The mayor and recorder are also appointed justices of the peace for County Galway at large. Provisions are made for deputy appointments during sickness or absence.

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them respectively on the Holy Evangelists. AND our will and pleasure is, that the mayor and recorder of the said towne and county of the towne of Gallway, and their deputies, for the tyme being, respectively, shalbe justices of the peace for the county of Gallway att large, dureing theire continuance in their respective offices. AND FURTHER of our more abundant grace, certeyne knowledge and meere motion, by and with the advice and consent aforesaid, wee will, and by these present, for us, our heires and successors, doe give and grant unto the said mayor, sheriffs, free burgesses and commonaltie of the said towne and county of the said towne of Gallway, and theire successors, that when and so often as it shall happen that the mayor of the saide towne of Gallway, for the tyme being, shall dye, or the said office shall become voyd within the compasse of one yeare after he shall be elected, presented , approved and sworen, as aforesaid, that then, and in such case, it shall and may bee lawfull to and for the sheriffs, free burgesses and common councill of the said towne; and theire successors, within fifteen dayes after such death or vacancie, to choose some other fitt person, out of the number ■ of the free burgesses, to the office of mayor of the said towneffi and that such person, being soe elected and chosen, and takeing the severall oathes before mentioned, before the sheriffs, and any seven or more of the free burgesses of the said towne for the tyme being, whome wee doe hereby authorise and require to administer the same on the Holy Evangelists, shall and may execute the said office of mayor of the said towne and county of the towne of Gallway, untill the feast of St. Michaell the archangell next following such new election. AND FURTHER of our more abundant grace, certeyne knowledge and meere motion, by and with the advice and consent aforesaid, wee have given and granted, and by these presents, for us, our heires and successors, doe give and grant unto the said mayor, sheriffs, free burgesses and commonaltie of the said towne of Gallway, and theire successors for ever, thatt the said mayor, sheriffs and common-councill, and theire successors for ever, shall have full power and authority, from tyme to tyme, every year, at the feast of lammas, to choose and nominate two honest and discreete free burgesses of the said towne to be

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 295

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, the old town charter that governed this place laid out how its affairs were run. Each year the free burgesses elected a mayor, a recorder, and a town clerk, with their terms running from the feast of St. Michael the Archangel. The mayor and recorder also served as justices of the peace for County Galway at large. If the mayor died or left office within that year, the sheriffs, free burgesses, and common council had 15 days to choose a replacement from among the free burgesses, who would then serve until the next feast of St. Michael. At the feast of Lammas each year, the mayor, sheriffs, and common council nominated two honest and discreet free burgesses for office. The charter made provision for deputies to step in during sickness or absence, so the town's governance would not falter.

Galway town walls and defensive towers

Galway · city · Galway

The town of Galway was enclosed by walls joined to fourteen fortifications, bulwarks, and ramparts, as well as fourteen distinct towers. These defensive structures included Lyon's Tower (Tor-an-Leoin), Shoemaker's Tower, Penrice's Tower, Athy's Tower, and the great tower which contained the town clock.

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2 REFERENCE I. Besides the natural situation of the place there are fourteen fortifications, bulwarks or ramparts, about the walls, and joined to them.
1 . The outworks and north fosse, of the

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 30

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, the town was once enclosed by walls joined to fourteen fortifications, bulwarks, and ramparts, built around the natural situation of the place.

Garrison sent to Aran and fort repaired

near Aran Islands · island or archipelago · Galway · 1691

A company of soldiers was stationed on Mutton Island, while another was sent to the Aran Islands, where the fort there was likewise repaired.

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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

In 1691, after the fall of Galway, the army had departed for Limerick, and the new authorities moved to secure what they had won. All the batteries and works raised by both English and Irish forces around the town were levelled. But the fort begun on the hill beyond the south-east corner of the wall was repaired, and fortified works were thrown up at the east gate, which was then called William's gate in honour of the king, and at the west end of the bridge. The governor also wanted a fort built and a castle repaired on Mutton Island. He warned that without them the shipping could not be secure in the bay. The work was ordered, and 1,000 pounds were granted for it. The castle was fortified. The fort was given ten pieces of cannon. A company of soldiers was stationed on Mutton Island. Another company was sent to the Aran Islands, and the fort there was likewise repaired. The island and castle of Bophin also surrendered by capitulation and were kept in a state of defence. Bophin's castle had been built by Oliver Cromwell and was then commanded by Colonel Timothy O'Riordan. The island was thought a place of great importance, especially in a war with France, whose privateers could easily shelter in the harbour had the fort been demolished. All of this was done to secure the fruits of what the book calls the "sanguinary and disastrous war" that had just ended, a war that 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.

Grant of Ballintubber Monastery

Ballintober · townland · Mayo

The collegiate church of Galway obtained a grant of the monastery of Ballintubber in County Mayo. Around the same time, useful alterations and improvements were made to the church in Galway.

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possessions. They soon after obtained a similar grant of the monastery of Ballintubber, in the county of Mayo. In the same year several useful alterations were made in the church : the western windows were enlarged; and over one of them the date still remains engraven in stone. About the same time several other improvements were undertaken. 21 In the mayoralty of James Lynch Fitz-Ambrose, in 1590, a belfry was erected, and a chime of new bells provided, under the superintendence of the mayor, but at the expense of the inhabitants and corporation. 22
Henceforth, in order to avoid confusion, the affairs of the collegiate church shall be distinctly noticed under two separate heads; first, those relating

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 200

As the companion tells it

Close to Ballintober, the monastery of Ballintubber was granted to the collegiate church of Galway. The grant came to them as a possession, a similar one to others they had obtained. In the same year, useful alterations were made to the church in Galway. The western windows were enlarged, and over one of them the date was engraved in stone, where it still remained. Other improvements were undertaken about the same time. Then, in the mayoralty of James Lynch Fitz-Ambrose, in 1590, a belfry was erected and a chime of new bells provided. The mayor superintended the work, but the inhabitants and corporation of Galway bore the expense.

James Darcy vault in Franciscan cemetery

Galway · city · Galway · 1603–1728

A vault in the southwest corner of the Franciscan cemetery in Galway bears a Latin epitaph for James Darcy, a mayor of Galway who died in 1603, praising him as the glory of the city and a protector of the poor. The tomb was repaired by his descendants in 1728.

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This tomb was repaired by the descendants of James Darcy in the year of our Lord 1728. Pray for the dead.
5.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 218

As the companion tells it

In Galway, the Franciscan cemetery holds a vault for James Darcy, a mayor of the city who died in 1603. His Latin epitaph praises him as the glory of the city and a protector of the poor. His descendants repaired the tomb in 1728.

Lionel Duke of Clarence's claim to Galway manor

Galway · city · Galway · 1359–1361

Lionel, Duke of Clarence, claimed the usurped possessions of the De Burghos including Galway, in right of his wife Elizabeth, daughter of the Earl of Ulster. An inquisition post mortem after his death in 1359 confirmed the manor of Galway belonged to him.

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That so daring and successful an encroachment upon hereditary right should be permitted by the government, would appear unaccountable, were it not known to have been, at the time, too deeply embroiled with the native Irish : and perhaps, as the possessors were of English descent, it was the less inclined to proceed with rigour against them; and mig ht have also been influenced by an apprehension, similar to that which at first agitated the De Burgos, that, by marriage of the heirless, 33 the property might fall into more dangerous hands. This, however, was not the case, for she afterwards intermarried with Lionel, duke of Clarence, third son of Edw. III. who, in her right, became early of Ulster; and from her descended Edward, the fourth of that name, afterwards king of England.-'^ Lionel, in right of his wife, laid claim to the 'usurped possessions of the Du Burgos, and amongst the rest to Galway.;35 but his claims, however founded in justice and right, were unattended to, or ineffctual : either from the policy
33 By inquisition post mortem, taken in 1342, on the deah of her mother Matilda, Countess of Ulster, widow of the late Earl, the town of Galway, "Burgus Galvy, Conmacnamara cantred, and Loughrye maner,' were found to belong to her. — Inq. in Tur. Lond.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 53

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, you are in a city whose manor was once claimed by Lionel, Duke of Clarence, third son of Edward the Third. He married Elizabeth, daughter of the Earl of Ulster, and through her laid claim to the usurped possessions of the De Burghos, among them Galway itself. His claims, though founded in justice and right, went unattended or ineffectual, owing perhaps to the government being too deeply embroiled with the native Irish. An inquisition post mortem after his death confirmed the manor of Galway belonged to him.

Manors of Sligo, Corne, Lune and Carbry unproductive

Sligo · town · Sligo · 1333–1334

The earl held the manors of Sligagh, Corne, Lune and Carbry in Connaught, formerly worth 333l. 6s. 8d. yearly, but rendered entirely unproductive by war between English and Irish.

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

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Sligo, this was once earl's land. Around 1333, the earl held four manors here, Sligagh, Corne, Lune and Carbry, which together brought in 333 pounds, 6 shillings and 8 pence a year. That income had vanished entirely. War between the English and the Irish had laid the whole country waste. The inquisition that recorded this found the same ruin across Connaught. Lands burned and destroyed, court revenues collapsed from nearly 500 marks down to 100 pounds, tenants too poor to pay, and stretches of country so deep in Irish-held territory that no king's minister or Englishman could even approach them. The earl's daughter and heir, Elizabeth de Burgo, was about a year and a half old when all this was written down.

Merlin Park and the ruined castle of Doughisky

near Merlin Park · street · Galway

Merlin Park was the fine seat of Charles Blake, located adjacent to the ruined castle of Doughisky. This linked a contemporary country seat with a historical ruin in the vicinity of Galway.

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

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 254

As the companion tells it

Somewhere about Merlin Park stood the fine seat of Charles Blake, a country house listed among the principal seats in the vicinity of Galway. The record names it as adjacent to the ruined castle of Doughisky, linking a contemporary gentleman's residence with an older stronghold nearby. Beyond that connection, the source tells us little more about either the house or the ruin.

New bridge from court-house to gaol, 1818-1819

Galway · city · Galway · 1818–1819

The first stone of a new bridge leading from the county court-house to the gaol was laid on 29 June 1818 by the Hon. William Le Poer Trench, and the building was finished in October 1819. It was described as a light and handsome structure combining strength and beauty.

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On Monday, 29th June, 1818, the first stone of the new bridge leading from the county court-house to the gaol was laid by the Hon. William Le Poer Trench, and the building was entirely finished in October, 1819. It is a light and handsome structure, combining strength and beauty, and is no inconsiderable ornament to the town.
2. — Barracks.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 241

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, there is a bridge that leads from the old court-house to the gaol. Its first stone was laid on 29 June 1818 by the Hon. William Le Poer Trench, and it was finished in October 1819. A contemporary account called it a light and handsome structure, combining strength and beauty, and no inconsiderable ornament to the town.

Robert French of Monivea presented the anti-corporation petition

Monivea · town · Galway

The petition against the Galway corporation was presented by Robert French, esq. of Monivea, described as an active senator and one of the most opulent and respectable descendants of the ancient Galway families.

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Galway, and the gentlemen, freeholders and farmers of the county of Galway, in behalf of themselves and others, the inhabitants of the said town and county," was presented by Robert French, esq. of Monivea, an active senator, and one of the most opulent and respectable of the descendants of the ancient Galway families; and it informed the house, 7 "That the corporation had charters to levy off all goods, imported and exported, certain duties, which were granted for the particular purpose of paving the streets, repairing the walls, and keeping the custom-house quay and other public
and encouraging the tradesmen and artificers of the town to make necessary and useful improvements in the manufactories of their several callings1.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 150

As the companion tells it

Monivea, in Galway, was the seat of Robert French, a man the record calls an active senator and one of the most opulent and respectable descendants of the ancient Galway families. He presented a petition to the house on behalf of the gentlemen, freeholders, and farmers of the county of Galway, and the inhabitants of the town and county. The petition informed the house that the corporation held charters to levy duties off all goods imported and exported. Those duties were granted for particular purposes: paving the streets, repairing the walls, keeping the custom-house quay and other public works, and encouraging the tradesmen and artificers of the town to make necessary and useful improvements in the manufactories of their several callings.

Site of the Red Earl's castle in Galway

Galway · city · Galway

The ancient castle of Galway, known for centuries as the Red Earl's castle, stood in the part of the town called the Red Earl's lane, or Boaher an-Iarlagh, near the former county court-house. It had been long entirely demolished by the time of writing.

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17 As many readers may be curious to know the particular situation of this ancient edifice, it has been ascertained that it .stood in that part of the Town, called in the old map, the red Earl's lane, or Boaher an-Iarlagh, near the late
count-"- Court-house. For centuries after the above period it was known by the name of the red Earl's castle, but it has heen long since entirely demolished.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 45

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, there once stood a castle known for centuries as the Red Earl's castle, near the former county court-house. It stood in the part of town called the Red Earl's lane. It has been long since entirely demolished.

Union of Skreen vicarage to the Collegiate Church

Skreen · townland · Donegal · 1491

On the petition of the warden and vicars, the archbishop of Tuam united the vicarage of the parish church of Skreen to the collegiate church on 8 February 1491, following the free resignation of John de Burgo, perpetual vicar thereof.

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

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 193

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, the vicarage of the parish church of Skreen was united to the collegiate church. On the 8th of February 1491, on the petition of the warden and vicars, the archbishop of Tuam carried out the union. It followed the free resignation of John de Burgo, the perpetual vicar of Skreen. This came as part of a wider movement. Theobald de Burgo, called "chief of his nation," granted all his right of patronage to the 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. His deed recited apostolical letters from 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 Moycullen and Rahoon to the collegiate church. The letters directed that before the union the consent of the patron should be obtained. On the vigil of All Saints in the same year, Cornelius O'Hallurayn, perpetual vicar of Moycullen, resigned his living to the archbishop of Tuam, for the purpose of completing its union to the collegiate church. Then, on the 8th of February 1491, on the petition of the warden and vicars, the archbishop united the vicarage of Skreen, following the free resignation of John de Burgo, perpetual vicar thereof.

Valentine Blake builds chapel at Galway abbey choir

Galway · city · Galway · 1611

In 1611, Valentine Blake Fitz-Walter Fitz-Thomas, mayor of Galway, built a chapel on the south side of the choir of the Franciscan abbey, where he and his family were interred. The chapel was afterwards converted into a sacristy.

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1611. Valentine Blake Fitz- Walter Fitz-Thomas, who was mayor this year, built the chapel on the south side of the choir, wherein he and his family were interred. This chapel was afterwards converted into a sacristy.
1626. April 16th, died Murrough na more O'Flaherty, of Bunowen Castle, and by his directions in his last will, was interred amongst his ancestors in this abbey.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 217

As the companion tells it

Coming through Galway. In 1611, Valentine Blake Fitz-Walter Fitz-Thomas, who was mayor that year, built a chapel on the south side of the choir of the Franciscan abbey. He and his family were interred in it, and the chapel was afterwards converted into a sacristy.

William's Gate and bridge fortifications

Galway · city · Galway · 1691

Fortified works were constructed at the east gate of Galway, which was renamed William's Gate in honour of the king, and at the west end of the bridge.

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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

As you pass through Galway, you are moving past ground that saw major fortification in 1691. After the army left for Limerick, the governor levelled the old batteries around the town but ordered new fortified works thrown up at the east gate, which was renamed William's Gate in honour of the king, and at the west end of the bridge. Beyond the town itself, a fort was ordered on Mutton Island to secure shipping in the bay, with one thousand pounds granted for the purpose. The fort there was given ten pieces of cannon and a company of soldiers. Another company was sent to Arran, where the fort was also repaired. The castle on Bophin, built by Oliver Cromwell and then commanded by Colonel Timothy O'Riordan, had surrendered by capitulation and was kept in a state of defence, the island being considered a place of great importance, particularly during a war with France, whose privateers could shelter in the harbour had the fort been demolished. The book closes by noting that these precautions secured the fruits of a war it calls sanguinary and disastrous, though the beneficial effects were, in its words, destroyed by the bigoted persecutions which afterwards took place.

Ancient burial place at Cappanaveagh

near Cappanaveagh · street · Galway

The warden possessed land at Cappanaveagh, located towards the west of Galway. The site contained an ancient burial-place, although no one had been interred there for many years.

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31 These parishes are not contiguous. Their extent is computed to be 24 miles by 17. Ballinacourty lies in the barony of Dunkellyn, 6 miles S.S.E. from Galway, and is situate on the bay; Clare-Galway is distant 6J N.E., and is situate on the river Clare; Kilcommon, in the barony of Moycullen, is 12£ N.W., and is situate on Lough Corrib ; Moycullen, in the barony of the same name. 7 N.W. ; Oranmore, in the barony of Dunkellen, 4 S.E. ; Rahoon. in Moycullen, 3| S.W., situate on the bay; and Shruel, in the barony of Kilmain, county of Mayo, 3f miles N. from Headford. situate on the Black River. Besides the income arising from these livings, which is supposed to average about £1,000 yearly, the warden is also in possession of 11 acres of glebe at Boscam, where the ruins of an old abbey are still to be seen ; 17 acres at Royallen, both lying E. of the town; also of -^0 acres at Cappanaveagb, towards the W. (where there is an ancient burial-place, but none interred in it for many years) ; 5 acre.s about the church of Ross ; 10 acres at Kilcummin and the college-house in the town ; supposed to produce about
£254 yearly, over and above the fees for burial in the different cemeteries ; whereout deducting the £150 yearly for the two vicars and abatements on the tihes. it is calculated that the income of the wardenship now averages, as above, about £1.000 yearly.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 206

As the companion tells it

Somewhere about Cappanaveagh, west of Galway, there is an ancient burial-place. The warden held 20 acres of land here, and the old ground was still recognised as a burial site, though no one had been laid to rest there for many years. The burial fees from the various cemeteries formed part of the warden's income, which averaged about 1,000 pounds yearly across all his lands. This place had fallen quiet long before the records were written.

Aran Islands Lighthouse Opened

near Aran Islands · island or archipelago · Galway · 1818

A new lighthouse was built on the island of Arran, and a bright revolving light was first exhibited on the evening of 1 May 1818. The island is situated 16 miles from Hog's Head and 29 miles from Mutton Island near Galway.

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On the evening of the 1st May, 1818, a bright revolving light was exhibited from the new light-house, then lately built on the island of Arran. This island bears by compass, from Hog's-head, N. by W. i W. 16 miles ; from Guilin-head, S. \ W. about 8 miles ; from Blackhead, within the bay of Galway, W. by N. } N. 18 miles; and from Mutton-island, near the town, W. i N. distance 29 miles.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 260

As the companion tells it

The Aran Islands sit off the coast of Galway, sixteen miles from Hog's Head and twenty-nine miles from Mutton Island near the town. A new lighthouse was built there, and on the evening of 1 May 1818 a bright revolving light was exhibited for the first time. The light turned out over the water, marking the island for ships making their way along that coast.

Archbishop of Tuam confirms collegiate church grants

Tuam · town · Galway · 1486

On August 7, 1486, William Joyes, Archbishop of Tuam and a native of Galway, confirmed all former grants and privileges of the collegiate church, wardens, and vicars of Galway by his deed.

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The inhabitant of Gal vay, having thus succeeded, to the fullest extent of their wishes, in getting rid of an exterior, and establishing a domestic, nomination of the clergy, now began to direct their thoughts towards the endowment of the college and the improvement of the church. Dominick Lynch Fitz-John, one of the most opulent merchants of the town, who was mayor in 1486, and chiefly instrumental in promoting the original institution, was one of its principal benefactors. He made several additions to the church, and built a part of the college-house, or residence for the wardens and vicars, to whom in his will he also bequeathed several legacies. 4 The union of exterior additional parishes, to extend the jurisdiction and increase the revenues of the college, was next attended to. On the 7th of August, 1486, William Joyes, archbishop of Tuam, and a native of the town, 5 confirmed by his deed all the former grants and privileges of the collegiate church, warden and vicars;^ and he soon after united to the church the

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 193

As the companion tells it

Tuam sits along this road, a town with a church story that reaches back to 1486. In that year, the people of Galway had succeeded in establishing their own nomination of the clergy, and they turned their attention to endowing the college and improving the church. Dominick Lynch Fitz-John, one of the most opulent merchants of the town, was mayor in 1486. He had been chiefly instrumental in promoting the original institution, and he became one of its principal benefactors. He made several additions to the church and built part of the college-house, a residence for the wardens and vicars. In his will, he also bequeathed several legacies to them. The next matter was the union of additional parishes to extend the jurisdiction and increase the revenues of the college. On the 7th of August, 1486, William Joyes, Archbishop of Tuam and a native of the town, confirmed by his deed all the former grants and privileges of the collegiate church, wardens, and vicars. He soon after united to the church the

Commission of array and Protestant muster in Galway

Galway · city · Galway · 1715

Following the Scottish rebellion of 1715 in favour of the Pretender, a new commission of array for Galway was directed to Lord St. George, governor of the town, and others. A muster of all Protestants in the town and liberties able to bear arms was accordingly ordered.

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Although the establishment of the illustrious house of Hanover on the throne of these realms, by the accession of King George I. may be considered as the dawn of toleration, after the dark and tedious night of religious persecution, which, until then, overspread this unhappy land, yet that event at first caused but little mitigation in the severity of the penal laws which afflicted the Catholics of Ireland. Their operation was for some time afterwards even more severe, in consequnce of the Scottish rebellion of 1715, which was raised and carried on in favor of the Pretender. On this occasion, a new commission of array for Galway was directed to lord St. George, governor of the town, 25 and others. A muster of all the Protestants in the town and liberties, able to bear arms, was accordingly
24. Orig. MS. — 13th April, 1708.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 136

As the companion tells it

As you travel through Galway, this city felt the chill of 1715. The Scottish rebellion that year, raised in favour of the Pretender, made the penal laws against Catholics even more severe. A new commission of array was directed to Lord St. George, governor of the town, and others, and a muster of all Protestants in the town and liberties able to bear arms was ordered.

County of the town of Galway extent surveyed

Galway · city · Galway · 1625–1649

An inquisition under Charles I found the county of the town of Galway contained, by estimation, thirty-two quarters of free and chargeable land, as recorded in the Inquisition Rolls Office.

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

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 92

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, you are in what was once the county of the town of Galway. An inquisition under Charles I found that he held the entire province of Connaught, and that this county contained, by estimation, 32 quarters of free and chargeable land. The record traces a chain of charters from earlier monarchs, Elizabeth and James, each granting to the corporation, before Charles succeeded and was found seized of it all in right of his crown.

Friars retake Galway abbey church and make repairs

Galway · city · Galway · 1689

In 1689, the Franciscan friars took possession of the church in Galway and made several repairs and improvements, but were soon afterwards dispossessed. The corporation had ordered that the Capucins be received into the town 'in as ful and ample manner as their predecessors.'

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1689. The friars took possession of the church, in which they made several repairs and improvements, 21 but were soon after dispossessed.
1698. The several members of this and the other religious orders of the

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 217

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, that year 1689 matters here. The friars took possession of the church and made several repairs and improvements, but were soon after dispossessed. The corporation had ordered that the Capucins be received into the town in as full and ample manner as their predecessors.

Galway's early inhabitants lived by fishing before Henry II

Galway · city · Galway · 1171

Before the invasion of Henry II, no accounts of Galway's inhabitants remain except by tradition. After that event, the town was inhabited by a number of families who were principally occupied with fishing.

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Of the inhabitants of Galway, previous to the invasion of Pienry II., there are no accounts remaining, except by tradition, but some time after that event took place, the town appears to have been inhabited by a number of families, who were principally occupied on the fishings of the
11 O'Flaherty, after combating the assertions of Ptolemy as to the tribes summed up by him, says, that the river was never known by the name of Ausoba, or Ausona, but by the name of Gallimh, "from which," he adds. "Galway, a celebrated town, the capital of Connaught, situate at the mouth of it. has taken its name." — Ogyg.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 12

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, the story goes back to the years after Henry the Second's invasion. No records of the inhabitants survive from before that, only tradition. But some time after the invasion, a number of families lived here and were principally occupied in the fisheries of the area.

Letters patent grant Galway same privileges as Waterford and Drogheda

Galway · city · Galway · 1578

Queen Elizabeth I granted letters patent confirming that the town of Galway should enjoy the same franchises, liberties, and privileges as the city of Waterford and the town of Drogheda. The grant stipulated that all articles and clauses be interpreted favourably for the mayor, bailiffs, burgesses, and commonalty of Galway.

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issues, fines, (redemptions and other hereditaments and things whatsoever, within our town of Galway aforesaid, the franchises, liberties and suburbs of the same, as well by sea as by land and fresh waters, in as ample manner and form1, and as fully, freely and entirely as the said mayor, sheriffs and citizens of our said city of Waterford, within the said city of Waterford, the franchises, liberties and suburbs of the same, or as the said mayor, sheriffs and commonalty of our said town of Drogheda, or any of them, within the said town, the franchises, liberties and suburbs of the same, may or can, in any manner, do, receive, delive.r, administer, exercise and execute : — And further of our special grace, 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 of our town of Galway aforesaid, and their successors for ever, that all and singular the articles, clauses, sentences and grants in these letters patent, and in all and singular other letters patent, by us, or by any of our progenitors or predecessors, to the aforesaid mayor, bailiffs, burgesses and commonalty of our town of Galway aforesaid, or to their predecessors or any of them granted shall be • accepted, judged, understood, interpreted and construed in as bountiful and favorable a manner as may be and not otherwise, nor in any other manner, to the advantage and profit of the said mayor and bailiffs, burgesses and commonalty of our town of Galway aforesaid, against us, our heirs and successors, in all courts whatsoever of us, our heirs and successors, and before all judges, justices, barons of the Exchequer, and other- officers and ministers of us, our heirs and successors whomsoever ; although express mention of the true yearly value, or of the certainty of the premises of any of them, or of other gifts or grants by us, or by any of our progenitors aforesaid to the said mayor, bailiffs, burgesses and commonalty of our town of Galway aforesaid, or to any of them heretofore granted, is not made in these presents, or any statute, act, ordinance, provision, proclamation or restriction, to the contrary thereof made, published, ordained or provided; or any matter, cause or thing whatsoever, in any

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 275

As the companion tells it

As the road brings you near Galway, there is a document from 1578 that shaped the town's standing. Queen Elizabeth the First granted letters patent confirming that Galway should hold the same franchises, liberties, and privileges as the city of Waterford and the town of Drogheda. The grant covered everything within the town, its franchises, liberties, and suburbs, by sea, by land, and by fresh waters. The letters were addressed to the mayor, bailiffs, burgesses, and commonalty of Galway. They were to enjoy these rights as fully and freely as the mayors, sheriffs, and citizens of Waterford, or the mayor, sheriffs, and commonalty of Drogheda enjoyed theirs. The Queen declared this was of her special grace, certain knowledge, and mere motion. There was a further clause, and it mattered. Every article, clause, sentence, and grant in these letters, and in every earlier letters patent granted to Galway by the Queen or her predecessors, was to be accepted, judged, understood, interpreted, and construed in the most bountiful and favourable manner possible. Not otherwise, and not in any other manner. This favour extended to the advantage and profit of the mayor, bailiffs, burgesses, and commonalty of Galway, against the Queen, her heirs, and successors, in all courts whatsoever. Before all judges, justices, barons of the Exchequer, and other officers and ministers. The letters held even though no express mention was made of the true yearly value of the premises, or of other gifts granted before, and despite any statute, act, ordinance, provision, proclamation, or restriction to the contrary.

Lismacuan granted to Knockmoy Abbey

Knockmoy · townland · Clare

The chief of Muintir Murchada, with the consent of Cathal, king of Connaught, granted the town of Lismacuan in Clonferg to the abbot and convent of Knockmoy. This grant is recorded in O'Flaherty's Ogygia.

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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

Somewhere close to Knockmoy, the town of Lismacuan in Clonferg was granted to the abbot and convent of Knockmoy. The chief of Muintir Murchada made the grant, with the consent of Cathal, king of Connaught. The record of this comes from O'Flaherty's Ogygia.

Moore family of Bryes lands in Mayo

Dowra · townland · Cavan · 1625

John Moore of Bryes sold six cartrons of land in the town and fields of Dowra to Patrick Ffrench Fitz Oliver of Galway. The Moores of Bryes held extensive properties in County Mayo.

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18 The Moores of Bryes. whose properties were formerly so extensive in the County of Mayo, were of this family. On 24th March. 1625, John Moore, of Bryes, Esq. sold six cartrons of land, in the town and fields of Dowra. in that County, to Patrick Ffrench Fitz Oliver, of Galway, merchant. — Inq .
19 Edmond Semper of Athenry, Gent, died 8th May. 1625 ; he was seized of the lands of Monyscribe, Coldragh, Lissinas, Bealagare, &c. which descended to his son John Semper, and his widow Margaret Barry. — Id.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 25

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, in 1625, John Moore of Bryes sold six cartrons of land in the town and fields of Dowra to Patrick Ffrench Fitz Oliver, a merchant of Galway. The Moores of Bryes were a family whose properties were once extensive in County Mayo. The sale was made on the 24th of March that year. The land lay in the town and fields of Dowra, and it passed from a Mayo landholder to a Galway merchant.

Queen Elizabeth confirms Galway's civic charter and privileges

Galway · city · Galway · 1561

Queen Elizabeth granted and confirmed to the mayor, bailiffs, burgesses and commonalty of Galway all their prior privileges, franchises, liberties, jurisdictions and hereditaments. The charter also gave the corporation authority to elect annually a recorder, coroner, escheator, customer and other officers within the town and its franchises.

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in us lieth, we do give and grant to the aforesaid mayor, bailiffs, burgesses and commonalty, and their successors for ever, full power and authority to elect, make, constitute and create yearly, on the Monday next after the feast of Saint Michael the Archangel, in the guild-hall or tholsel of the said town, a recorder, coroner, escheator, customer, comptroller of customs, searcher, gauger, and all other officers and ministers whomsoever necessary and convenient within the said town, and the. franchises and liberties of the same; and that the said recorder, coroner, escheator, customer, comptroller of customs, searcher, gauger, and all other officers and ministers whomsoever, so by the aforesaid mayor, bailiffs, burgesses and commonalty, and their successors, from time to time, elected, made, constituted and created, and every of them, shall have full power and authority to do and exercise all and singular things which, to the offices and officers aforesaid and every of them, do or ought to appertain or belong, and to receive, have and levy, to their proper use, all and singular fees, regards, commodities and profits whatsoever to the officers aforesaid and every of them appertaining and belonging, as fully, freely and entirely and in as ample manner and form as any other recorder, coroner, escheator, customer, controller of customs, searcher, gauger, or any other such officers or ministers, or any of them, may or can do, exercise, have, receive, levy and enjoy, in any towns, cities, or other places within our said kingdom of Ireland : and that no other recorder, coroner, escheator, customer, comptroller of customs, searcher, gauger, or any other such officers or ministers of us, our heirs or successors, shall enter ' r in any wise intrude themselves to exercise or have said offices within the town aforesaid, the franchises and liberties thereof. And moreover, of our more ample grace, and of our certain knowledge and mere motion, we have given and granted, and by these, cur present letters patent, we do for us, our heirs and successors, as much as in us lieth, give and grant to the aforesaid mayor, bailiffs, burgesses and commonalty, and thear successors for ever, full power and authority to give and grant, with the licence of the deputy or governor of our said kingdom of Ireland, from time to time, in writing first obtained, as well in time of war as in time

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 270

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, you are in a city whose self-rule was set down on paper by Queen Elizabeth in 1561. She confirmed to the mayor, bailiffs, burgesses and commonalty of Galway all their prior privileges, franchises, liberties, jurisdictions and hereditaments. The charter also gave the corporation full power to elect its own officers each year, on the Monday after the feast of Saint Michael the Archangel, in the guild-hall or tholsel of the town. Those officers included a recorder, coroner, escheator, customer, comptroller of customs, searcher, and gauger, along with all other ministers necessary within the town and its franchises. No crown officers were to intrude themselves to exercise those offices in Galway. The charter granted these powers, as the record says, "of our more ample grace, and of our certain knowledge and mere motion." It also gave the corporation authority to grant licences, with the written permission of the deputy or governor of Ireland, in time of war as in time of peace.

Queen Elizabeth grants monastery lands to Galway corporation

Galway · city · Galway · 1570–1578

On 9 March 1570, Queen Elizabeth granted part of the possessions of the recently dissolved Franciscan monastery in Galway to the corporation and their successors, a grant renewed on 1 September 1578 for forty years.

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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.
1603. February 1 1th, James I. granted the entire possessions of this house to Sir George Carew, his heirs and assigns for ever.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 217

As the companion tells it

Passing through Galway, this city holds monastic history. On 9 March 1570, Queen Elizabeth granted part of the possessions of the recently dissolved Franciscan monastery to the corporation and their successors. That grant was renewed on 1 September 1578 for forty years. On 11 February 1603, James I granted the entire possessions to Sir George Carew and his heirs forever.

Quin family tomb in Galway

Galway · city · Galway · 1649–1762

The Quin family tomb in Galway was first erected in 1649 by James Quin, merchant, and his wife Eleanor Joyes. A descendant, also named James Quin, merchant, had it entirely repaired and ornamented in 1762.

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At a short distance from there lies the monument of the Quin family, and on it inscribed : — ' 'This tomb was first erected in the year 1649, by James Quin. of Galway, merchant, and Eleanor Joyes, his wife. In memory of whom, James Quin, of Galway, aforesaid, merchant, one of the descendants of said James, caused the same to be entirely repaired and ornamented, in the year 1762. Requiescant
in pace.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 218

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, the Quin family tomb lies somewhere in the city. It was first erected in 1649 by James Quin, a merchant, and his wife Eleanor Joyes. Over a century later, in 1762, a descendant, also named James Quin and also a merchant, had it entirely repaired and ornamented. The inscription ends with the words, "Requiescant in pace."

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

The stories, best first

Church erected in Kilcommon parish

Clanfirgail territory and O'Halloran lordship

Coleman family and the castle of Menlo

Conmacne Cuile Tolad, lordship of O'Talcarain in Mayo

Custom-house quay in Galway neglected and unsafe

East and west citadels built at Galway

Exchange or Tholsel on Shop Street

Ffrench families settle in Galway in two waves

Fishing regulations and river pollution in Galway

Fort and castle on Mutton Island

Fortifications levelled and repaired in Galway

Friars reported settled near Portumna

Galway marble quarries and declining export

Papal confirmation of union of Skryne and Moycullen parishes

Repeal of penal law restricting Papists in Limerick and Galway

Richard de Burgo appointed keeper of Roscommon, Raudon and Athlone castles

Turin Castle Browne settlement

Aran Islands inhabitants' estate conditions under Galway surrender

Athenry summoned to medieval parliament

Charter establishing elective offices in Galway

Drogheda cited as model for Galway's franchises

Galway bye-law: prohibition on selling boats to Irishmen

Galway town in neglect and decay

Loughrea and Galway: alternating assize venues

Cromwell's ships at the port of Ardfry

Carmelite Friary in Galway attributed to De Burgo family

Charles II orders restoration of Galway inhabitants

Charter establishes guild of merchants of the staple in Galway

Charter establishes new corporate body for Galway

Dominican friars regain and repair convent, early 18th century

Galway Bay fish market varieties

Galway corporation property leased to Edward Eyre, 1670

Galway murage, paving and customs confirmed by royal charter

Galway town charter: election of mayor, recorder and officers

Galway town walls and defensive towers

Garrison sent to Aran and fort repaired

Grant of Ballintubber Monastery

James Darcy vault in Franciscan cemetery

Lionel Duke of Clarence's claim to Galway manor

Manors of Sligo, Corne, Lune and Carbry unproductive

Merlin Park and the ruined castle of Doughisky

New bridge from court-house to gaol, 1818-1819

Robert French of Monivea presented the anti-corporation petition

Site of the Red Earl's castle in Galway

Union of Skreen vicarage to the Collegiate Church

Valentine Blake builds chapel at Galway abbey choir

William's Gate and bridge fortifications

Ancient burial place at Cappanaveagh

Aran Islands Lighthouse Opened

Archbishop of Tuam confirms collegiate church grants

Commission of array and Protestant muster in Galway

County of the town of Galway extent surveyed

Friars retake Galway abbey church and make repairs

Galway's early inhabitants lived by fishing before Henry II

Letters patent grant Galway same privileges as Waterford and Drogheda

Lismacuan granted to Knockmoy Abbey

Moore family of Bryes lands in Mayo

Queen Elizabeth confirms Galway's civic charter and privileges

Queen Elizabeth grants monastery lands to Galway corporation

Quin family tomb in Galway