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

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

1. Insect swarm destroys Martin plantations at Dangan

   near Dangan · street · Galway · 1688

   The 1688 beetle swarm devoured all tree leaves and destroyed gardens throughout the countryside around Galway. Mr. Martin's beautiful plantations at Dangan were particularly devastated, and the insects entered houses, crawling about and falling into people's food.

   Read the passage

   they lay by thousands among the trees and hedges, hanging to the boughs in clusters, and sticking to the backs of one a no: her. like bees when they swarm. In this manner they continued quiet during the heat of the day ; but towards evening they simultaneously took wing, with a strange noise, resembling the distant beating of drums, and in such vast and incrediable numbers, as to darken the air for many miles round. In a short time they devoured all the leaves of the trees ; and the country, though it was then the middle of summer, was left as naked as if it had been the depth of winter. The grinding of the leaves in the mouths of this vast multitude made a sound similar to the sawing of timber. They destroyed all the gardens round the countiry, and particularly Mr. Martin's beautiful plantations at Dangan ; entered the houses, and, crawling about, fell into the food of the people j and where-

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 181

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere about Dangan, in 1688, a vast swarm of beetles devoured every leaf in the countryside around Galway. Mr. Martin's beautiful plantations were particularly devastated. The insects hung from the trees in clusters, quiet through the heat of the day, but towards evening they took wing together with a strange noise resembling "the distant beating of drums," in such numbers that they darkened the air for miles. In a short time they had eaten every leaf, and though it was the middle of summer the country was left as naked as if it had been the depth of winter. The grinding of the leaves in their mouths made a sound like the sawing of timber. They destroyed all the gardens round the country, entered the houses, and crawling about fell into the food of the people.

2. Irish language prevalence and educational neglect in Galway

   Galway · city · Galway

   The inhabitants of Galway and the surrounding country spoke the Irish language fluently and almost exclusively. The author criticises the political errors that denied the native poor instruction in their own tongue.

   Read the passage

   12 All ranks, from the highest to the lowest, with very few individual exceptions, speak their vernacular language, the Irish, fluently. The country people in the vicinity of the town almost exclusively use it : and such of them as understand English attempt it rather awkwardly, and with evident reluctance, in their intercourse with the townspeople. The policy or laws which suffered these poor people to remain so long in a state of ignorance, by denying them the benefit of instruction in their native tongue, can only be classed amongst those great political errors of which history furnishes so many examples. — Thousands sterling are annually subscribed to instruct Indians in the most distant climes, but not a single effectual effort has yet been made to enlighten the minds or ameliorate the condition of our native poor !

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 251

   As the companion tells it

   As you travel through Galway, you are passing through a place where, at the time this was written, all ranks of people spoke Irish fluently, from the highest to the lowest. The country people nearby used it almost exclusively, and those who understood English spoke it awkwardly and with evident reluctance. The author calls it a great political error that these poor people were left so long in ignorance, denied instruction in their own tongue. He notes that thousands of pounds were subscribed yearly to instruct Indians in distant climes, while not a single effectual effort had been made to enlighten the native poor at home.

3. James Fallon elected warden amid Tuam jurisdictional dispute (1620)

   Galway · city · Galway · 1620

   In 1620 the Catholic corporation of Galway elected James Fallon as warden. He sought confirmation from the Archbishop of Tuam's vicar to avoid scruples, but the town refused to submit a general petition, fearing it would diminish their ancient ecclesiastical privileges.

   Read the passage

   Edward VI., so those of the Catholic persuasion were uniformly elected under the bull of pope Innocent VIII. This instrument, it will be recollected, vested the power of election in the mayor and bailiffs, or equals of the town, for ever. On the change of religion, when the corporation become vested in the members of the Protestant faith, the Catholic inhabitants still continued annually to assemble (but in a private manner, to avoid persecution), and regularly elected their own mayor, bailiffs, sheriffs, and other corporate officers. These were, however, but merely nominal officers; and they appear to have been continued solely for the purpose of preserving the succession of the Catholic wardens and vicars. This anomalous proceeding was soon questioned by the Catholic archbishops of Tuam, who claimed a controlling power when the corporation was changed, and they denied the competency of the self-formed body, styling itself a Catholic corporation, to act under the pope's authority. The town's-people, however, who at all times were particularly jealous of any encroachment on their ecclesiastical rights, invariably resisted the interference of the see of Tuam, which afterwards occasioned several disputes between them, as will appear in the sequel. In the year 1620 James Fallon was elected warden by the Catholic corporation, upon which he wrote to the archbishop, " that, though I am well satisfied of the particular privileges granted to the town, and that the confirmation does belong to the body of the colledge, still, to avoid scruples, I thought it very convenient, in person, to ask confirmation from your grace's vicar, which he would not grant unless he. had a general petition from the town; but this they refused, for fear it would diminish in the least their privileges, and so go to the Protestant archbishop, and be lost." He then added : " The people of this town are so stedjast in the matter, that, /or all the clergy in Ireland, they would not lose one atom of their privileges." — The question terminated here for the present; but the warden and town's-people, to prevent similar claims for the future, procured in 1635 a confirmatory grant from the then pope, Urban VIII. This instrument, the then archbishop of Tuam asserted, was obtained surreptitiously, and immediately after, in 1637, he revived the claim, on the ground " that the wardenship was not exempt from the ordinary's visitation, or from paying him a synodicum." The warden, on the contrary, insisted " that his collegiate church was ecclesia insignis collegiata et exempta ah ordinaria jurisdictione " ; but to this the archbishop replied ' ' that he deceived himself by attributing to his own those privileges which he found to have been granted to collegiate churches, haheniis jurisdictionem episcopalem, Vel quasi episcopalem, of which his is not, ut patet legenti ejus privilegia, quce sunt restringenda et non amplianda." — These ecclesiastical disputes here ceased for awhile, but were renewed with greater warmth than ever after the restoration of the Catholic corporation in 1643.

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 201

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Galway, you are in a town with a long history of defending its ecclesiastical rights. Under a bull of Pope Innocent VIII, the power to elect wardens and vicars belonged to the mayor and bailiffs of the town. After the change of religion, Catholic inhabitants continued to elect their own officers privately, mainly to keep the succession of Catholic wardens alive. The archbishops of Tuam challenged this, denying that a self-formed Catholic corporation could act under papal authority. In 1620 the Catholic corporation elected James Fallon as warden. Fallon wrote to the archbishop saying he was satisfied the confirmation belonged to the body of the college, but to avoid scruples he asked the archbishop's vicar for confirmation. The vicar would not grant it without a general petition from the town. The townspeople refused, fearing it would diminish their ancient privileges and hand authority to the Protestant archbishop. Fallon reported that the people of this town were so steadfast in the matter that, for all the clergy in Ireland, they would not lose one atom of their privileges. The question rested there for a time, but the dispute between Galway and the see of Tuam flared again in 1637 and returned with greater heat after the Catholic corporation was restored in 1643.

4. James Lynch Fitz-Stephen's additions to Galway church

   Galway · city · Galway · 1493

   James Lynch Fitz-Stephen, mayor of Galway in 1493, made valuable additions to the collegiate church, notably presenting stained glass for the eastern windows. He is also remembered for condemning and executing his only son for murder.

   Read the passage

   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,

   was appointed in 1536 archbishop of Tuam by Hen. VIII. In. 1584 John Lynch Fitz- James was appointed bishop of Elphin by queen Elizabeth. He surrendered his see in 1611, but was charged with wasting its revenues : and it was zaid ' ' that he lived a .concealed, and died a public papist." He lies buried in St. Nicholas' church. On 24th May, 1532, Stephen Kerovan, of Galway, was translated from the bishoprick of Kilmacduach to_±hat of Clonfert ; and in 1602, Roland Linche, another native of Galway, was appointed his successor in Clonfert. This prelate was also charged with defrauding and injuring his successors, by alienating away the property of his church.. In 1606, he made a lease of the entire lands of the bishoprick, consisting of twenty -eight denominations, to Robert Blake, for ninety-nine years, at £5 per annum. — Vide Harris's Ware.

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 193

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Galway, you are in a city whose church still carries the mark of a man named James Lynch Fitz-Stephen. He was mayor here in 1493. In that year he made many valuable additions to the collegiate church, and in particular he presented the beautifully stained glass with which the eastern windows were adorned. He is also remembered for a darker act. He condemned and executed his only son for a rash and cruel murder. Other men of Galway followed him into prominence. John Lynch Fitz-Edmund, who was mayor the year after James, was appointed archbishop of Tuam in 1536 by Henry the Eighth. In 1584, John Lynch Fitz-James was appointed bishop of Elphin by Queen Elizabeth. He surrendered his see in 1611 but was charged with wasting its revenues, and it was said of him that he lived a concealed papist and died a public one. He lies buried in St Nicholas' church. On the 24th of May, 1532, Stephen Kerovan of Galway was translated from the bishopric of Kilmacduach to that of Clonfert. In 1602, Roland Linche, another native of Galway, was appointed his successor in Clonfert. This prelate was also charged with defrauding and injuring his successors by alienating away the property of his church. In 1606, he made a lease of the entire lands of the bishopric, consisting of 28 denominations, to Robert Blake, for 99 years, at 5 pounds per annum.

5. Lynch family dominance of Galway mayoralty, 1484–1654

   Galway · city · Galway · 1484–1654

   Dominick Lynch Fitz John procured the charter of Richard III in 1484, under which his brother Pierce was elected first Mayor of Galway. Thomas Lynch Fitz Ambrose was the last Catholic mayor in 1654, when the ancient inhabitants were dispossessed by Cromwell. Over 169 years, 84 members of the Lynch family served as mayors of Galway.

   Read the passage

   settler of the name in Galway, he was married to the daughter and sole heiress of William de Mareschall, and, it is stated, that the eldest branch of the family, was called Mareschall, until the male line became extinct. During the greatest part of the 15, 16 and 17th centuries, they possessed the principal authority within the town. Dominick Lynch Fitz John, commonly called Dominick dubh, in 1484 solicited and procured the charter of Richard III. under which he caused his brother, Pierce, to be elected first Mayor, and was himself the second. His son Stephen, at the same time, sued out and obtained the bull of Innocent VOL which established here that singular ecclesiastical jurisdiction, the wardenship. Thomas Lynch Fitz Ambrose, was the last catholic mayor in 1654, when the ancient inhabitants were dispossessed by Cromwell; and during a period of 169 years, 84 members of this family, were mayors of Galway. The eldest line of the Lynches, from which the younger branches sprung, was distinguished by the appelation of Cranmore, which means, the great tree or stock; and the house of Newcastle, descended from Emon-a-Tuane, who lived in 1342, claimed this distinction. The present lineal descendants of this family, are, the Count Lynch late Mayor of Bourdeaux, (who so eminently distinguished himself in the cause of the royal family of France, against Buonaparte,) and his relative, John Lynch Alexander, Esq. of Galway. The respectable families of Barna, Cartron, Clough, Drimcong, Lavally, Lydican, Moycullen, Rathglass, and Shannonbridge, in the County of Galway, Duras in the County of Clare, and Ballycurren, Castlecarra or Ball, Clogher and Partry in the County of Mayo, are now the principal of the name.

   Arms. Azure, a chevron, between three trefoils, slipped, or. Crest. A Lynx, passant, argent. Motto. Semper fidelis.

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 24

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Galway, you are passing through a city the Lynch family shaped for nearly two centuries. Through the greatest part of the 1400s, 1500s and 1600s, they held the principal authority in the town. It began with Dominick Lynch Fitz John, called Dominick dubh, who in 1484 solicited and procured the charter of Richard the Third. Under that charter he caused his brother Pierce to be elected first Mayor of Galway, and Dominick himself became the second. His son Stephen, at the same time, obtained the bull of Innocent the Eighth, which established a singular ecclesiastical jurisdiction in the town, the wardenship. The family's hold lasted until 1654, when Thomas Lynch Fitz Ambrose served as the last Catholic mayor. That was the year the ancient inhabitants were dispossessed by Cromwell. Over a period of 169 years, 84 members of the Lynch family were mayors of Galway. The eldest line of the Lynches was distinguished by the appellation Cranmore, meaning the great tree or stock. The house of Newcastle, descended from Emon-a-Tuane, who lived in 1342, claimed this distinction. The lineal descendants of the family included Count Lynch, late Mayor of Bourdeaux, who distinguished himself in the cause of the royal family of France against Buonaparte, and his relative John Lynch Alexander of Galway. The principal families of the name were settled at Barna, Cartron, Clough, Drimcong, Lavally, Lydican, Moycullen, Rathglass and Shannonbridge in the County of Galway, Duras in the County of Clare, and Ballycurreen, Castlecarra or Ball, Clogher and Partry in the County of Mayo.

6. Mass sung at Galway abbey for first time since suppression

   Galway · city · Galway · 1643

   On Sunday 25 June 1643, mass was solemnly sung in the Franciscan abbey in Galway for the first time since its suppression. A sermon was preached by Father Valentine Brown, guardian, and the tomb of the founder was repaired and beautified.

   Read the passage

   1643. June 25th (Sunday), mass was solemnly sung in this abbey for the

   16 1381. In this year pope Urban empowered the guardian of this friary to excommunicate every person within the province of Connaught who should adhftTe to the anti-pope. Clement VII. — Ai'emande —1460, Jan. 26th, died ' William, ^on of Meyk'r the great, who bequeathed to this convent half a marc yearly, to be paid on the feast of St. Brigid. — Lib. Obit, King, p 312 — 1494. the friars of this house obtained a licence from pope Alexander VI. lo am; ex to the friary the Chapel of Our Lalv, then adjoining one of the gates of th.j town. — Allemande.— 1494, April P'Jtli, died Edward Philibyn, who built the dormitoiy of this monastery. — Ware MS. Vol. 34.— 1502, March 13th, died Thady Walter <Ie Burgh head of his sept. — King, p !'I2. —1503. Sept. 30th died Walter de Burgh, the son of John.— Id.— 1509, July 7th, died Richard Walter de Burgh. — Id.- — 1513, Feb. 23rd. Edmund de Burgh, the son of Rickard, and head of his sept, was treacherously murdered by his nepnews — Id. — In the month of May this year, Maurice de Portu, alias O'Fehealy, archbishop of Tuam, was interred in this friary, on the south side of the choir. The humble monument under which he lies is yet shewn here. — Id. and Lib. Obit. — 1520,

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 217

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Galway, the road brings you past the site of the old Franciscan abbey. On Sunday the 25th of June 1643, mass was solemnly sung in that abbey for the first time since its suppression. Father Valentine Brown, the guardian of the friary, preached the sermon. The tomb of the founder was repaired and beautified for the occasion. The abbey had a long history before that day. In 1381, Pope Urban empowered the guardian of the friary to excommunicate every person within the province of Connaught who should adhere to the anti-pope Clement VII. In 1460, William, son of Meyler the great, died and bequeathed to the convent half a marc yearly, to be paid on the feast of St. Brigid. In 1494, the friars obtained a licence from Pope Alexander VI to annex to the friary the Chapel of Our Lady, then adjoining one of the gates of the town. That same year, Edward Phily died; he had built the dormitory of the monastery. In 1502, Thady Walter de Burgh, head of his sept, died. In 1503, Walter de Burgh, son of John, died. In 1509, Richard Walter de Burgh died. In 1513, Edmund de Burgh, son of Rickard and head of his sept, was treacherously murdered by his nephews. In May of that year, Maurice de Portu, alias O'Fehealy, archbishop of Tuam, was interred in the friary, on the south side of the choir. His humble monument was yet shown there.

7. Meat Market erected at William's-gate on citadel site

   Williamsgate Street · street · Galway · 1802

   In 1802 an extensive meat market was erected near William's-gate in Galway, partly on the site of the recently demolished upper citadel. Butcher's meat of every description was sold daily from shedded stalls, including sweet-flavoured mutton from the Aran Islands.

   Read the passage

   In the year 1802 an extensive meat market was erected near William'sgate,3 partly on the site of the upper citadel, which was shortly before demolished. A spacious entrance leads from the public street to this market, which is conveniently fitted up with shedded stalls, benches, &c, where butcher's meat of every description is daily exposed for sale. The filthy practice of blowing the meat, when hot, inflating it with the tainted breath of the operator, is becoming less frequent. Beef, mutton, pork, bacon, &c, are plentifully supplied from the adjoining counties, and a peculiarly sweet-flavoured mutton, from the islands of Arran, is frequently to be had. This mutton is small, seldom weighing more than from 10 to 14 lbs. a quarter, but the meat is delicious, full of gravy, and is much sought after by epicures. Lamb, kid and veal of superior quality always appear in their proper seasons. The liberties of the town afford an abundant supply of live poultry of all kinds. There is also plenty of game and wild fowl in the season.

   3. — Fish Market.

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 248

   As the companion tells it

   Along here, in 1802, an extensive meat market was erected near William's-gate, partly on the site of the upper citadel, which had been shortly before demolished. A spacious entrance led from the public street to the market, fitted up with shedded stalls and benches where butcher's meat of every description was daily exposed for sale. Beef, mutton, pork and bacon came plentifully from the adjoining counties. A peculiarly sweet-flavoured mutton from the islands of Arran was frequently to be had, small, seldom weighing more than 10 to 14 lbs a quarter, but delicious, full of gravy, and much sought after by epicures. Lamb, kid and veal of superior quality always appeared in their proper seasons, and the liberties of the town afforded an abundant supply of live poultry. There was also plenty of game and wild fowl in the season. The filthy practice of blowing the meat when hot, inflating it with the tainted breath of the operator, was becoming less frequent.

8. Nuns expelled from Galway and apprehended in Dublin (1712)

   Galway · city · Galway · 1712

   In April 1712, Mayor Edward Eyre was directed to suppress the nunneries in Galway, and the nuns were again expelled. Some were transferred to Dublin, but the lords justices issued orders for their apprehension, and a proclamation was issued against the priests involved.

   Read the passage

   During the persecution of 1698, all the convents in the town were, on the 1st of May, broken into by the military: the chapels were torn down, and every religious emblem was destroyed : the nuns were at the same time forced out, obliged to change their habits, and take refuge among their friends in the country; but when the heat of the persecution was over they re-assembled and returned to their former dwellings. Here they remained unmolested until the beginning of April, 1712, when Edward Eyre, the mayor, was directed "to suppress the nunneries. "35 The nuns were accordingly again turned out of the town, and were a second time obliged to have recourse to their friends. In this distressing situation doctor John Burke, the then provincial of the order of St. Francis in Ireland, obtained permission from doctor Edmund Byrne, titular archbishop of Dublin, to admit them into his diocess, hoping they would be less noticed there than in a place upon which the government kept so strict an eye as Galway. A few of these unhappy ladies were accordingly translated to Dublin; but they had scarcely reached that city when the lords justices received information of their arrival, and immediately issued orders for their apprehension, in consequence of which several of them were taken in the habit* of their order. A proclamation then issued, dated the 20th of September, 1712, "to apprehend the said John Burke, doctor Byrne and doctor Nary, popish priests, who presumed to exercise ecclesiastical jurisdiction, contrary to the lav/s of the kingdom"; and it was ordered "that all the laws in force against the papists should be strictly carried into execution." — Such were the fears and alarm caused by the arrival of a few weak women in

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 223

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Galway, you're in a city where nuns were twice driven from their homes. The first time was in 1698, when soldiers broke into the convents on the 1st of May, tore down the chapels, destroyed every religious emblem, and forced the nuns out to change their clothes and take shelter with friends in the country. When the pressure eased, the nuns came back and lived quietly in their old dwellings. That lasted until April 1712, when Mayor Edward Eyre was directed to suppress the nunneries, and the nuns were turned out again. A Franciscan provincial, Doctor John Burke, got permission from Doctor Edmund Byrne, titular archbishop of Dublin, to bring some of these women to Dublin, thinking they'd attract less notice there. But the lords justices learned of their arrival almost immediately and ordered their apprehension. Several were seized, still wearing the habit of their order. On the 20th of September 1712, a proclamation went out to apprehend Burke, Byrne, and a Doctor Nary as popish priests exercising ecclesiastical jurisdiction against the laws of the kingdom. All laws against papists were ordered strictly enforced, all because a few women had arrived in the city.

9. Patrick Blake of Drum elected mayor amid Galway corporation turmoil

   Galway · city · Galway · 1771

   Patrick Blake of Drum, descended from an ancient Galway family, was elected mayor in 1771 and immediately admitted resident inhabitants to corporate freedom while disfranchising non-resident freemen, weakening the Daly family's influence. Denis Daly hastened to town and appointed James Shee as deputy mayor, leading to further disfranchisements and appeals to the chancellor.

   Read the passage

   A new and unexpected corporate opponent, However, soon after appeared. Patrick Blake, esq. of Drum, who was descended from one of the ancient families of the town, and who appears, though ultimately worsted, to have been actuated by a wish for its general interest, gave considerable trouble. This gentleman was elected mayor in 1771, and the town soon after became a scene of tumult and confusion. One of his first acts of office was the admission of several resident inhabitants to the freedom of the corporation, by which his design to weaken the influence of the Daly family immediately became manifest. 9 He next disfranchised several non-resident freemen, "because," as the act of council expresses it, "they were elected in violation of the statute for the better regulating of the town of Galway, and strengthening the Protestant interest therein, and in order to perpetuate the government of the corporation in the power of several gentlemen and others of the county of Galway, and elsewhere, who have no interest or concern in the town of Galway, or who pay any scot, lot, or other contribution therein." — These proceedings immediately gave the alarm. Denis Daly, esq. then member for the county, hastened to town, and appointed James (afterwards Sir James) Shee to act as deputy mayor, who, having done so in opposition to those in office, was instantly disfranchised. A memorial was then laid before the chancellor, stating that his lordship was, by stat. 4th Geo. I. empowered to appoint four justices of the peace, who should reside in the town, but that this act was frustrated by the persons who then held the commission not being resident, and praying redress. 10 The following year, a double return of mayorll and

   Crosdaile Shaw. John Shaw.

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 154

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Galway, you're on the ground where a fierce political struggle unfolded in 1771. Patrick Blake of Drum, from one of the ancient families of the town, was elected mayor that year and immediately set about reshaping the corporation. He admitted several resident inhabitants to the freedom of the corporation, a move that made plain his design to weaken the influence of the Daly family. He then disfranchised several non-resident freemen, because, as the act of council put it, they were "elected in violation of the statute for the better regulating of the town of Galway, and strengthening the Protestant interest therein," and had been used to "perpetuate the government of the corporation in the power of several gentlemen and others of the county of Galway, and elsewhere, who have no interest or concern in the town." Denis Daly, then member for the county, hastened to town and appointed James Shee, afterwards Sir James Shee, to act as deputy mayor. Shee, having done so in opposition to those in office, was instantly disfranchised. A memorial was then laid before the chancellor, stating that by statute of the 4th of George the First, he was empowered to appoint four justices of the peace who should reside in the town, but that this was frustrated by the persons then holding the commission not being resident. The following year brought a double return of mayor.

10. Patrick Darcy born in Galway, politician and lawyer

    Galway · city · Galway · 1598–1641

    Patrick Darcy was born in Galway in 1598, son of mayor James Riveagh Darcy. He became a leading member of parliament in Dublin in 1640 and delivered a celebrated argument on Irish independence at Dublin Castle in 1641.

    Read the passage

    This gentleman was horn in Galway in 1598, and was the second son of James Riveagh Darcy, who was mayor in 1603. He was educated in the profession of the law, and became a leading member of the parliament assembled at Dublin in 1640, when the Catholics had a joint share with the Protestants in the legislation pf the kingdom. On 9th June, 1641, he delivered (by order of the house of commons) hb celebrated argument before a committee of the lords in the castle of Dublin, on questions touching the independence of Ireland, the illegality of appeals to England, the castle chamber proceedings, etc., propounded to tne judges. Printed 1643, 4to. He afterwards became one of the supreme council of the confederate Catholics of Ireland, assembled at Kilkenny, in 1647 ; and, after sharing in all the political vicissitudes of those eventful times, he died in Dublin in 1668, and was interred at Kilconnel, in the county of Galway. — Vide Harris's Ware, et ante, p. 11.

    The author of this work has in his possession, in manuscript, an able, but ineffectual, remonstrance, written by Mr. Darcy, against the partial proceedings towards the ancient inhabitants of the town and county of the town of Galway, fiter the Restoration.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 255

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, this is the city where Patrick Darcy was born in 1598, the second son of James Riveagh Darcy, who served as mayor in 1603. He was trained in the law and became a leading member of the parliament assembled at Dublin in 1640, when Catholics held a joint share with Protestants in the legislation of the kingdom. On 9 June 1641, by order of the house of commons, he delivered his celebrated argument before a committee of the lords in Dublin Castle, on questions touching the independence of Ireland and the illegality of appeals to England. It was printed in 1643. He afterwards became one of the supreme council of the confederate Catholics of Ireland assembled at Kilkenny in 1647, and after sharing in all the political vicissitudes of those eventful times, he died in Dublin in 1668 and was interred at Kilconnel in the county of Galway. The source also notes that Darcy wrote a remonstrance, preserved in manuscript, against partial proceedings towards the ancient inhabitants of Galway after the Restoration.

11. Preston flees Galway by ship

    Galway · city · Galway · 1651

    Dreading the consequences of a surrender for his own life, Thomas Preston took a ship from the bay of Galway and fled to France before further negotiations could occur.

    Read the passage

    Enraged at this threat, Preston, on the 12th, returned an angry answer defiance, telling Ireton that the ' heads of those with him were as unsettled on their shoulders as any he knew of within the town." The communication for the inhabitants was artfulyy contrived to create distrust of the garrison; but the example of Limerick operated more powerfully; they seemed inclined to yield, and accordingly desired to know the particulars of the conditions which he proposed. In the mean time, Preston, dreading the event of a surrender, by which his life would be endangered, took shipping

    mischief or danger nearer to their doores. This, if you shall fairly communicate as 'tis directed, and especially if you be found compliant to the substance and effect -of it (waving the frivolous impertinencys of a souldier's honor or humor rather,) you may partake in the benefit of such conditions as your quality renders you capable of. If you smother or suppress it, you may guess whose head shall pay for the trouble or mischief that shall follow, if God enable us to reach it, as 1 doubt not but he will, because he is, and we have eminently found him still to be, a righteous judge pleadinge to the quarrell of the innocent, and a severe avenger of their blood against those that spill it or lightly regard it, as well as a merciful father and faithful master to those that seek and serve him. — Sir, your servant. — Clare-castle, 7th November, 1651. — H. Ireton."

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 106

    As the companion tells it

    Galway sits here on the western coast, and in 1651 it was a town under siege, caught between the Parliamentarian forces under Ireton and a garrison commanded by Thomas Preston. Ireton had summoned the town to surrender, and Preston answered him on the 12th with angry defiance, telling him that the heads of those with him were as unsettled on their shoulders as any he knew of within the town. But the inhabitants, mindful of what had happened at Limerick, seemed inclined to yield and asked for the particulars of the conditions. Preston, dreading what a surrender would mean for his own life, took a ship from the bay of Galway and fled to France before any further negotiations could take place. Ireton's letter from Clare-castle, dated the 7th of November 1651, warned that if his terms were suppressed, someone's head would pay for the trouble that followed, and called God a righteous judge and severe avenger of innocent blood.

12. Protestant warden's son becomes Catholic warden in Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1774–1812

    The Reverend Edmund Ffrench had served for many years as Protestant warden of Galway and also as mayor in 1774. His youngest son converted to Catholicism, became a Franciscan friar, and was elected Catholic warden in the same town where his father had held the Protestant wardenship.

    Read the passage

    afterwards friars of the Franciscan order. The youngest having been elected, as above, in the place of doctor Bodkin, thus became Catholic warden in the same town in which his father had been for so many years Pirotestant warden : and that he may long so continue, with honour to himself and benefit to the community, is the sincere wish of the author.

    14 The foundation of the new collegiate chapel of St. Nicholas was laid on 1st July 1816 (being the old anniversary of the battle of the Boyne), by Hyacinth Daly, esq., mayor of the town. This memorable day presented a sight in Galway which forcibly evinced the increasing liberality of the times, and which was as grateful to every liberal, patriotic and enlightened mind as it was novel and unprecedented in the aimals of the country — the head of a Protestant corporation laying the foundation of a Catholic chapel, in a town where, within the memory of many persons yet living, a Catholic would be liable to prosecution for daring to avow the principles of his religion. The following account of this transaction is abstracted from the pubuc prints of the day : — "On the 1st of July, 1816, the first stone was laid in the foundation of a new parish chapel, on the site where the old ono

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 215

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are in a town where one family straddled the religious divide. The Reverend Edmund Ffrench served for many years as Protestant warden here and was mayor in 1774. His youngest son converted to Catholicism, became a Franciscan friar, and was elected Catholic warden in the same town, in the place of Doctor Bodkin. So the son held the Catholic wardenship in the very town where his father had long held the Protestant one. The author of the chronicle ends by saying it is his sincere wish that the son may long continue, with honour to himself and benefit to the community. Years later, on the 1st of July 1816, the old anniversary of the battle of the Boyne, Hyacinth Daly, the Protestant mayor of Galway, laid the foundation stone of the new collegiate chapel of St Nicholas. The chronicle calls it novel and unprecedented, the head of a Protestant corporation laying the foundation of a Catholic chapel in a town where, within living memory, a Catholic could be prosecuted for daring to avow the principles of his religion.

13. Robert Martin seeks restoration of his Galway mansion

    Galway · city · Galway · 1662

    After King Charles II's 1662 order to restore dispossessed natives to their properties, Robert Martin of Ross came to Galway to reclaim his mansion-house, then occupied by Edward Eyre, the recorder. Eyre refused possession and reportedly denied the king's authority, calling the royal order worth no more than eighteen pence, leading to a complaint before the lords justices and the House of Commons.

    Read the passage

    This gracious and equitable mark of the royal favor, however sincere and well intentioned the motives of the king might then have been, proved but but of little use to those for whom it was intended. Party feelings ran so high in the nation, that their claims were drowned amidst the general clamour of discontent : but the inveterate prejudices of the men in power against their religious principles operated more powerfully against them than any other cause. The king's declaration, also, as might reasonably have been expected, occasioned several animosities and disputes between the old natives, who reclaimed their properties, and such of the newcomers as remained in the town, and who, depending on the partiality a»d protection of the existing government, resolved to run all hazards rather than tamely surrender their newly-acquired possessions. In order to convey a general idea of the feelings by which those contending parties were then agitated, an occurrence which took place betwen two of the most respectable of the disputants is here selected as a specimen of the remainder. Robert Martin, of Ross, one of the natives of the town, having obtained an order from the king to be restored to the possession of his mansion-house in Galway, which was then in the occupation of Edward Eyre, the recorder, (and one of the members recently elected to represent the town in the new parliament,) he came to Galway to demand possession, which being refused, complaint was made to the lords justices that the occupant, Mr. Eyre, not only refused to obey the king's order, but also declared, " that he denied the king to be the only head or chief governor of the kingdom, and that he did not value his order at eighteen pence.'' Upon receiving this information, the lords justices directed the attorney-general to lay it before the commons : the accused member was immediately summoned; and he delivered in a written statement, totally denying the charge, and challenging

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 117

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are in a town where, in 1662, a bitter dispute over a house reached the floor of parliament. King Charles II had ordered that dispossessed natives be restored to their properties, but the order proved of little use to those for whom it was intended. Party feelings ran high, and the men in power held deep prejudices against the natives on account of their religious principles. The king's declaration stirred animosities between the old natives reclaiming their properties and the newcomers who had settled in the town, men who depended on the protection of the existing government and resolved to run all hazards rather than tamely surrender their newly acquired possessions. One case stands as a specimen of the rest. Robert Martin of Ross, a native of the town, obtained an order from the king to be restored to his mansion-house in Galway, then in the occupation of Edward Eyre, the recorder and one of the members recently elected to represent the town in the new parliament. Martin came to Galway to demand possession. Eyre refused. Complaint was made to the lords justices that Eyre not only refused to obey the king's order but declared that he denied the king to be the only head or chief governor of the kingdom, and that he did not value his order at eighteen pence. The lords justices directed the attorney-general to lay the matter before the commons. The accused member was summoned and delivered a written statement totally denying the charge.

14. Sacking of Athenry by Mac-an-Earlas

    Athenry · town · Galway · 1577

    The Mac-an-Earlas, in defiance of their recent submission, crossed the Shannon by night and marched on Athenry. They took and sacked the town, destroyed newly built houses, set the gates on fire, and broke down the queen's arms.

    Read the passage

    Two months had scarcely elapsed when he received information, by express, from the mayor of Galway, that the Mac-an-Earlas, notwithstanding their late pretended repentance and submission, were again in arms; that by the counsel and consent of the earl, their father, 6 they crossed the Shannon by night, threw off their English apparel, which they had agreed to wear, and put on the dress of the Irish; sent for all their friends to meet them, and bring the Scots whom they had solicited; and that, being assembled in considerable force, they marched towards Athenry which they took and sacked, destroyed the few houses which were lately built there, set the new gates on fire, dispersed the masons and labourers who were working, and broke down and defaced the queen's arms, and others there, made and ready to be set up. On receiving this intelligence, the lord deputy immediately set out from Dublin with an army, and in three days was in Connaught : the Mac-an-Earla s forces dispersed, and fled to the mountains. The old earl endeavoured to acquit himself, but no excuse would be accepted; his castles were taken possession of, and himself sent prisoner to Dublin, where he was kept in close confinement. The lord deputy then came to Galway, where having remained a few days, to secure and strengthen the town, afd encourage the inhabitants who wetfe in great

    6 If this charge against the earl was founded in truth, his subsequent conduct was very much altered for the better ; for, in his last will, now before us, dated at Galway, 4th August, 1582, the following passage occurs: — "Item, last of all, 1 leave my blessing with my sonnes, upon condition, that is, to serve true and cpiietly, without any molestation or trouble, the Quene af England and all her officers ; and he or they that will doe contranav, I leave my perpetual curs with him."

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 77

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Athenry, in 1577, the Mac-an-Earlas came back to war. They had made a submission not long before, but it was what the mayor of Galway called a pretended repentance. By the counsel and consent of the earl, their father, they crossed the Shannon by night. They threw off the English apparel they had agreed to wear and put on the dress of the Irish. They sent for all their friends and solicited the Scots to join them. Assembled in considerable force, they marched on Athenry. They took the town and sacked it. They destroyed the few houses that had been lately built there. They set the new gates on fire. They dispersed the masons and labourers who were working. They broke down and defaced the queen's arms, and others there that were made and ready to be set up. Word came by express to the lord deputy in Dublin. He set out at once with an army and in three days was in Connaught. The Mac-an-Earlas forces dispersed and fled to the mountains. The old earl endeavoured to acquit himself, but no excuse would be accepted. His castles were taken possession of, and he was sent prisoner to Dublin, kept in close confinement. The lord deputy then came to Galway and remained a few days to secure and strengthen the town.

15. Smugglers' breaches in Galway town walls

    Galway · city · Galway · 1747

    Between the west gate and Lyons tower, smugglers had broken holes through the town walls and raised cross walls as high as the parapets to enclose back yards, concealing prohibitive goods. Similar breaches wide enough for hogsheads were made along the curtain from the royal battery to the quay bastion.

    Read the passage

    In the year 1 747, Stratford Eyre was appointed governor of the town and port, and vice-admiral of the province. This gentleman, soon after his appointment, made several returns to government of the state and condition of the town, together with the port, harbour, and surrounding fortifications. From these documents, which contain many local particulars long since forgotten, it appears, that the fortifications were then entirely out of repair, and in a ruinous condition. In one return he stated that the gates were all decayed, and particularly that the gate at the parade quay had entirely fallen to the ground. From the royal battery to the quay bastion, a distance of twelve hundred and eighty feet, there were several breachs in the parapets, which rendered it dangerous and unsafe to post sentinels on tnat part of the walls. Between the west gate and Lyons tower, a distance of 1240ft., several holes were broke through, and cross walls were raised as high as the parapets, to inclose and shut in several back yards, the better to conceal prohibitive goods. From the Lyons tower to the royal nine-gun battery, at William's gate, there was a breach quite to the ground, in length one hundred and fifty-five feet; and there was no passage whatever for drawing artillery to the north bastion, or any communication or way for the relief, but by stepping across the embrasures over William's gate. The walls in many places were bulged and might be easily scaled; the platforms were broke up and sunk, and the embrasures filled up and covered with dire and weeds. The walls of the castle and citadel barracks were very much out of repair, and in some places it was not safe for a sentinel to stand on them, and the citadel bastion (which was the only part of the town the then small garrison could hope to maintain or defend, if attacked by an enemy without, or an insurrection within,) was quite unserviceable. In this state the smallest privateer might sail into the harbour and insult the garrison with impunity, and no assistance could be given from the town to any ship, if attacked in the bay. It was then recommended that the most effectual means to protect and secure the harbour would be to re_erect the battery formerly on Mutton-island, for which there were sufficient cannon to spare in the town, and to rebuild the small barrack which stood there for half a company of soldiers. By another return, dated the 23rd October, 1747, it appears that no part of the Lyons tower was then remaining but the walls, though, if repaired, Tt would be of essential service in defending the town; that the nine-gun battery and the south bastion were in a defenceless state; and that it would be absolutely necessary for the defence of the town that they should be repaired, as they were the only works pointing to Fort-hill (where the fort had been formerly erected, of which nothing then remained but the ruins of a guard-house,) against which, if possessed by an enemy with artillery, the town would not be tenable. From the royal battery to the quay bastion, along the curtain, there were several breaches (wide enough to receive hogsheads,) made by smugglers who inhabited the adjacent houses; and on this curtain

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 143

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, the town walls once told a story of decay and smuggling. In 1747, Stratford Eyre was appointed governor of the town and port, and vice-admiral of the province. Soon after, he made several returns to government on the state of the town, its port, harbour, and fortifications. They were entirely out of repair and in a ruinous condition. The gates were all decayed, and the gate at the parade quay had entirely fallen to the ground. Between the west gate and Lyons tower, a stretch of twelve hundred and forty feet, several holes had been broken through the walls. Cross walls were raised as high as the parapets to enclose and shut in back yards, the better to conceal prohibitive goods. From the royal battery to the quay bastion, twelve hundred and eighty feet, there were several breaches in the parapets, making it dangerous to post sentinels on that part of the walls. From Lyons tower to the royal nine-gun battery at William's gate, there was a breach right down to the ground, one hundred and fifty-five feet long. There was no passage for drawing artillery to the north bastion. The walls in many places were bulged and might be easily scaled. Platforms were broken up and sunk, embrasures filled with dirt and weeds. By another return dated the 23rd of October, 1747, no part of Lyons tower remained but the walls. Along the curtain from the royal battery to the quay bastion, there were several breaches wide enough to receive hogsheads, made by smugglers who inhabited the adjacent houses.

16. Smuggling through Galway town walls

    Galway · city · Galway · 1715–1725

    Heavy duties and scrutiny on merchants led many Galway residents into contraband trade. A detailed report lists numerous breaches, doors, and conduits in the town wall through which brandy and other goods were conveyed into the town by night.

    Read the passage

    Which it languished, was not altogether neglected. 32 The severe scrutiny however, to which the merchants were exposed, and the heavy duties imposed on their goods, induced many persons, in order to avoid the rigor of the officers and the exactions of the revenue, to enter into a contraband trade, which, notwithstanding the vigilance of the officers gradually increased, and the practice of "smuggling" for many years afterwards continued prevalent in the town. 33 Its open and regular commerce increased or diminished, as the penal laws were suspended or put in execution against the inhabitants. In some years after this period, when the vehemence of persecution began to subside, trade seemed on the increase, but it lasted only for a while : the spirit of the inhabitants was broken down by repeated aggressions and angry visitations under the penal laws : whatever remnant of trade and commerce had remained in the town gradually de* clined. Though some partial efforts were from time to time made to restore them, 34 all were ineffectual; and the present reduced state of the commerce of Galway affords a melancholy proof of the destructive policy of those laws, which- during the greater part of the last century, cramped the energies and impeded the prosperity of the country.

    On the rumour of an intended Spanish invasion of Ireland in the year 1718, lord St. George, the governor of the town, received dispatches from the secretary of state in Dublin, "that the king, having had advice that the Spaniards intended to make an attempt on some part or his dominions in Ireland, and that they were then transporting troops for the purpose, was

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 140

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, the old town walls once had doors and conduits punched through them for a reason that had nothing to do with defence. Between 1715 and 1725, heavy duties and severe scrutiny of merchants pushed many residents into contraband trade. A detailed report from the time lists the breaches in the wall through which brandy and other goods were conveyed into the town by night. The smuggling grew despite the vigilance of revenue officers, and stayed prevalent for years afterwards. The regular commerce of the town rose or fell depending on whether the penal laws were suspended or enforced. When persecution eased, trade briefly recovered, but the inhabitants' spirit was broken by what the source calls repeated aggressions and angry visitations. Whatever trade remained gradually declined, and the book calls the reduced state of Galway's commerce a melancholy proof of the destructive policy of those laws. In 1718, on rumour of a Spanish invasion of Ireland, Lord St. George, the governor of the town, received dispatches from the secretary of state in Dublin. The message said the king had advice that the Spaniards intended to make an attempt on some part of his dominions in Ireland, and that they were then transporting troops for the purpose.

17. Surrender of Oranmore castle

    Oranmore · town · Galway · 1643

    Along with the fort of Galway, the castle of Oranmore was surrendered to the Confederate forces on 20 June 1643, without the knowledge or consent of Lord Clanricarde. Three relief ships arrived the following day, making the timing fortunate for the Confederates.

    Read the passage

    Rear-admiral Brooke, in the ship Providence, arrived in the bay in the beginning of June, with provisions and arms for the fort; but the batteries on the points of Rinmore and Rintinane hindered him from approaching. He endeavoured in the night to throw in supplies, but his long boats, being met by those of the town, were forces to retire. Captain Willoughby, being thus disappointed of succour, desired permission from colonel Burlce to deliver the fort to lord Clanricarde; but this, in the moment of success, he refused to agree to, on any other terms than that his lordship should take the oath of union or association, and not dispose of the place without the consent of the several persons under-named. 6 These terms the earl, with that consistency and loyalty which always marked his proceedings and character, totally rejected. Willoughby was then forced to treat for a surrender to the confederates. Articles having been accordingly agreed upon and signed,? he surrendered that important fortress on the 20th of

    6 The titular arch bishop of Tuam. lieutenant-general lord Mayo, colonel Bermingham, colonel Burke, lieutenantcolonel O'Flaherty, serjeant-major O'Shaughnessy, serjeant-major Burke, Richard Burke Fitz-John, Thomas Burke of Anbally, John Bermingham, Hubert Burke, captain Teige Kelly of Aughrim, captain Teige Kelly of Gallagh, captain Teige Kelly Fitz-William, captain Murrogh na-mart O'Flaherty, captain Anthony Brabazon captain TJlick Oarragh Burke, captain Ulick Burke of Castlehacket, captain Jonack M'Thomas, captain Edmond O'Flaherty, captain John Madden, captain John Browne, captain John Garvy, captain William Burke Fitz-John, captain William Burke of Cloghan, captain Walter Fitz-Morris, and captain Richard Betagh. — Clanricarde' s Memoirs.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Oranmore now. In June 1643, the castle here, along with the fort of Galway, was surrendered to the Confederate forces on the 20th of that month. Rear-admiral Brooke had arrived in the bay aboard the Providence with provisions and arms, but batteries on the points of Rinmore and Rintinane kept him from getting through. His attempt to send supplies in long boats under cover of night was driven back by the town's own boats. Captain Willoughby, cut off from all help, asked to deliver the fort to Lord Clanricarde. Colonel Burke would only agree if Clanricarde took an oath of union and promised not to dispose of the place without the consent of a list of named persons. Clanricarde rejected the terms outright. Willoughby was then forced to treat for surrender to the Confederates. The articles were signed and the fortress given up. Three relief ships arrived the very next day, but the timing favoured the Confederates. All of this was done without the knowledge or consent of Lord Clanricarde.

18. Dominican nuns flee Galway to Spain on Cromwell's capture, 1652

    Galway · city · Galway · 1652

    When Cromwell's forces took Galway in 1652, the Dominican nuns and their vicar Father Gregory O'Ferrall went to Spain. Only two of the number, Julia Nolan and Maria Lynch, survived, and they returned to Galway in 1686 by direction of John Browne, provincial of the order in Ireland.

    Read the passage

    In 1644 the affairs of the Catholics of Ireland, and particularly those oi the Dominicans, were in a flourishing state; but there was no convent established for nuns of that order, until the inhabitants of Galway, by the consent of the general and provincial chapter, founded this nunnery. Father Gregory French, a learned and virtuous Dominican, who was afterwards banished from his native country and died in exile in Italy, was appointed the first superior. 37 When the town was taken by Cromwell's forces in 1652, the nuns, with their then vicar, father Gregory O'Ferrall, went to Spain. Two only of the number survived, namely, Julia Nolan and Maria Lynch, who returned to Galway in 1686, by direction of John Browne, provincial of the order in Ireland. On their arrival, the former was instituted prioress, and the latter sub-prioress; a house having been provided for them in the town, the community soon increased, and, before the end of two years, was effectually re-established.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 224

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, this city holds the story of a Dominican community uprooted by war. The nunnery here was founded in 1644 by the townspeople, with the consent of the general and provincial chapter. Father Gregory French, described as a learned and virtuous Dominican, was its first superior. He was later banished from Ireland and died in exile in Italy. When Cromwell's forces took the town in 1652, the nuns left with their vicar, Father Gregory O'Ferrall, and went to Spain. Only two of their number survived, Julia Nolan and Maria Lynch. In 1686 they returned to Galway on the direction of John Browne, provincial of the order in Ireland. Julia Nolan became prioress and Maria Lynch sub-prioress. A house was provided for them in the town, the community grew, and within two years it was re-established.

19. O'Donnell burns Galway's east suburbs

    Galway · city · Galway

    O'Donnell demanded supplies from Galway and was refused with reproach. In retaliation he set fire to houses about the borders of the lake, and the wind carried smoke against the town, allowing the east suburbs to be consumed before the inhabitants could respond.

    Read the passage

    and other necessaries for his men, for which he offered to pay, in ready money, whatever was demanded; but in case of refusal he threatened the town with immediate hostilities. The mayor and council assembled, and, after some deliberation, resolved upon returning an answer not only of refusal, but also of admonition and reproach. This answer they forthwith dispatched, upraiding O'Donnell. and the rest of his adherents, with breaking their allegiance to their natural prince, and wantonly destroying the country and goods of her majesty's loyal subjects; and finally gave them to understand, that unless they returned to their duty, reformed their evil courses, and made amends for all the damages they had occasioned, they neither could nor would afford them relief; and as to their threats, they held them at defiance. Enraged at this message, O'Donnell immediately set fire to several houses about the borders of the lake; and the wind happening to be in a north-east direction, full against that side of the town, the smoke hindered the inhabitants from perceiving the approach of the enemy, or preventing their design, until almost the entire of the east suburbs was in flames. He then assembled hia forces on Fort-hill, then called the Abbey-hill; but as soon as they approached the side next the town, the great cannon was brought to beai on them from the walls, and they quickly retreated. An armed party then sallied from the great gate, and, having gained the height of the hill, the enemy fled before them, leaving behind several killed and wounded. They encamped that night about three miles distant, and the day following departed for the county of Mayo, burning every village in their way; amongst which, upwards of twenty, belonging to the town, were entirely destroyed.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 83

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are moving through ground that O'Donnell put to the torch. He demanded supplies for his men and offered to pay in ready money, but threatened the town with immediate hostilities if refused. The mayor and council assembled and sent back not just a refusal but a reproach, upbraiding O'Donnell and his adherents for breaking their allegiance to their natural prince and destroying the country and goods of her majesty's loyal subjects. They told him that unless he reformed his evil courses and made amends, they would give him no relief, and they held his threats at defiance. Enraged at this message, O'Donnell set fire to several houses about the borders of the lake. The wind happened to be in a north-east direction, full against that side of the town, and the smoke hindered the inhabitants from perceiving the approach of the enemy until almost the entire of the east suburbs was in flames. He then assembled his forces on Fort-hill, then called the Abbey-hill, but as soon as they approached the side next the town, the great cannon was brought to bear on them from the walls and they quickly retreated. An armed party sallied from the great gate, gained the height of the hill, and the enemy fled, leaving behind several killed and wounded. They encamped that night about three miles distant, and the day following departed for the county of Mayo, burning every village in their way, upwards of twenty belonging to the town entirely destroyed.

20. Catholic altars broken down at St. Nicholas after 1691 surrender

    Galway · city · Galway · 1691

    After the surrender of Galway in 1691, the Collegiate Chapel of St. Nicholas was handed to the established clergy by Catholic warden John Bodkin Fitz-Andrew. The Catholic chapels and altars, recently repaired, were immediately broken down and the interior refitted for Protestant worship.

    Read the passage

    On the surrender of the town in 1691, the church was delivered up to the established clergy by John Bodkin Fitz-Andrew, who was then, and for many years after, Catholic warden. 38 The several chapels and altars, shortly before repaired and erected, were immediately broken down, and the interior was again fitted up for the administration of divine service according to the rites of the established religion. By the articles of capitulation it was stipulated that the Roman Catholic clergy and laity of Galway should be secured in the private exercise of their religion, and that the former should be also protected in the persons and goods. Upon that event the Catholic corporation secretly assembled and, with the concurrence of the warden and chapter, divided the town and suburbs into separa'^ districts or distinct parishes-^; which division has continued with very little alteration to the present day. Warden Bodkin was succeeded by the reverend Edmund Lynch^O; and the persecutions against the Catholics raging violently during his wardenship, the scattered remnants of the collegiate property were collected and privately transmitted to France. Here they were converted into money, which was placed at interest; and the fund having in a few years considerably increased by donations and bequests, was applied to the purchase of an income in Paris, which was annually remitted to Galway, and divided amongst the warden and vicars for their support.! The sacred utensils and other church plate, then valued to be worth upwards of £500, were also conveyed to France, and deposited in the Irish college at Paris, wehere they remained until the period of the French Revolution, when they were seized and confiscated. During the incumbency of warden Lynch, and also of his successor, Patrick Skerrett

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 208

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are in the city where, after the surrender in 1691, the Collegiate Chapel of St. Nicholas was handed to the established clergy. The Catholic warden, John Bodkin Fitz-Andrew, delivered it up. The chapels and altars, which had only recently been repaired and erected, were immediately broken down, and the interior was fitted for worship according to the rites of the established religion. The articles of capitulation had stipulated that the Roman Catholic clergy and laity of Galway should be secured in the private exercise of their religion, and the clergy protected in their persons and goods. On that event the Catholic corporation secretly assembled, with the concurrence of the warden and chapter, and divided the town and suburbs into distinct parishes. That division has continued with little alteration since. Warden Bodkin was succeeded by the Reverend Edmund Lynch, and persecutions against the Catholics raged violently during his wardenship. The scattered remnants of collegiate property were collected and privately transmitted to France, converted into money, and placed at interest. The fund increased through donations and bequests and was applied to the purchase of an income in Paris, annually remitted to Galway and divided among the warden and vicars. The sacred utensils and church plate, valued at upwards of 500 pounds, were also conveyed to France and deposited in the Irish college at Paris, where they remained until the French Revolution, when they were seized and confiscated. Lynch was succeeded by Patrick Skerrett.

21. Cromwell's soldiers take over Galway corporation

    Galway · city · Galway · 1654–1656

    Cromwell's soldiers and mechanics were indiscriminately made free of the Galway corporation, while the former respectable natives and gentry were expelled from the town and stripped of their possessions. The annals record this with marked contempt and indignation.

    Read the passage

    10. This mayor (according to the annals) was originally a carpenter ; and Mathews, one of the sheriffs, is stated to have been by trade a weaver; they also inform us, with marked feelings of contempt and indignation, 'that Cromwell's soldiers and mechanics," were at this period indiscrimately made free of the corporation ; while the former respectable natives and gentry were turned out of the town, and stript of all their possessions, which were seized upon by those rapacious invaders,- — • Annals,

    221

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 178

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, this is the city where, around 1654, Cromwell's soldiers and mechanics were indiscriminately made free of the corporation. The annals record that the mayor was originally a carpenter, and Mathews, one of the sheriffs, had been a weaver. The former respectable natives and gentry were turned out of the town and stripped of all their possessions, seized by those the annals call "rapacious invaders." The annals note all this with marked contempt and indignation.

22. Dispute over funeral precedency between Galway clergy

    Galway · city · Galway · 1685

    In 1685, disputes arose between the warden and vicars of St. Nicholas's church and the friars of the Franciscan abbey in Galway concerning the right of precedency to attend at funerals and the emoluments arising therefrom. The Congregation of the Cardinal's Interpreters of the Council of Trent decided on 15 November that the right belonged to the parish priest.

    Read the passage

    1685. Disputes arose between the warden and vicars of St. Nicholas's church and the friars of this abbey, concerning the right of precedency to attend at funerals, and the emoluments thence arising, 20 which being brought before the congregation of the cardinal's interpreters of the council of Trent, they, on the 15th Nov. this year, determined that "the right belonged to the parish priest."

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

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 217

    As the companion tells it

    Passing through Galway, there's a church dispute from 1685. The warden and vicars of St. Nicholas's church and the friars of the Franciscan abbey here were in dispute over the right of precedency at funerals and the emoluments arising therefrom. The Congregation of the Cardinal's Interpreters of the Council of Trent decided on 15 November that the right belonged to the parish priest. In 1689 the friars took possession of the church, made several repairs and improvements, but were soon after dispossessed.

23. Fish Market moved from bridge to quays under General Meyrick

    Galway · city · Galway · 1800

    Before 1800 the fish market was held at the east end of the Galway bridge, causing public annoyance with impeded passage and insupportable filth. General Meyrick induced principal inhabitants to subscribe for a new market on the quays near the river, which was soon erected and well supplied with fish of every description.

    Read the passage

    Previously to the year 1800 this market was held at the east end of the bridge, a circumstance which proved no inconsiderable annoyance to the public, the passage being frequently impeded, and the smell and filth often insupportable. At length General Meyrick, who then commanded this district, induced some of the principal inhabitants to enter into a subscription for the purpose of providing another fish market, and a convenient site on one of the quays, near the river, was chosen, where it was soon after erected. 4 This market contains several sheds, a pump, porter's lodge, &c, and no similar mart in the kingdom is better supplied with fish of every description. — For an enumeration of the different kinds to be had here, the reader is referred to the account of the fishery of the bay already given, section IV., 2.

    3 Before this year butchers' meat was exhibited for sale through the different streets of the tjjwn (but particularly about the lower citadel barrack, which, from that circumstance, got the name of the shamble barrack) . Military force became necessary to compel the butchers to abandon the old system, and confine themselves to the new shambles.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 248

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are near where the old fish market once caused no end of trouble. Before 1800 it sat at the east end of the bridge, and the passage was frequently impeded while the smell and filth were often insupportable. General Meyrick, who commanded this district, induced some of the principal inhabitants to subscribe for a new market, and a convenient site on one of the quays near the river was chosen. It was soon erected with several sheds, a pump, and a porter's lodge, and no similar mart in the kingdom was better supplied with fish of every description.

24. Galway corporation extinguished, Catholic officers deposed

    Galway · city · Galway · 1654

    On 25 October 1654, the Council of State ordered that Galway's mayor and chief officers be English Protestants. Thomas Lynch Fitz-Ambrose (mayor), John Blake (recorder), and sheriffs Richard Lynch and Anthony French Fitz-Peter were removed; Colonel Peter Stubbers became mayor, Robert Clarke recorder, and Paul Dodd and Marcus Lynch Fitz-Thomas sheriffs. English soldiers were made freemen and the old corporation members disfranchised.

    Read the passage

    to the east fortifications. It also appears that the very men who were hourly violating all the laws of religion and humanity, with their usual consistency of character, now considered it necessary to erect a meeting-house " for the service of God," the expenses of which they took care should be defrayed by applotment on the Catholic inhabitants. The auestion concerning the articles of surrender having been at length decided in England against them, contrary to the public faith, and to every law of nature and nations, the final destruction of the inhabitants was now determined upon. The first step taken was to extinguish the old corporation; and accordingly, upon a petition from the " English Protestant inhabitants " of the town, an order was made by the council of state, on the 25th of October, 1654, that the mayor and other chief officers should be " English and Protestants," and in case the then mayor or other chief officers were " Irish or Papists," that they should be removed. This order was immediately carried into execution; and Thomas Lynch Fitz- Ambrose, the mayor, John Blake, the recorder, and Richard Lynch and Anthony French Fitz-Peter, the sheriffs, were deposed; and, in their place, colonel Peter Stubbers, the governor, was appointed mayor, Robert Clarke recorder, and Paul Dodd and Marcus Lynch Fitz-Thomas24 sheriffs. The English soldiers were next made free, and the old members of the corporation finally disfranchised.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 111

    As the companion tells it

    Galway, the city you are passing through. In 1654, this was the scene of a final blow to its Catholic inhabitants. The articles of surrender had been decided in England against them, and the old corporation was the first thing to be extinguished. On 25 October 1654, the Council of State ordered that the mayor and chief officers should be English and Protestants, and that any who were Irish or Papists should be removed. Thomas Lynch Fitz-Ambrose, the mayor, John Blake, the recorder, and the sheriffs Richard Lynch and Anthony French Fitz-Peter were deposed. In their place, Colonel Peter Stubbers, the governor, became mayor, Robert Clarke became recorder, and Paul Dodd and Marcus Lynch Fitz-Thomas became sheriffs. The English soldiers were then made freemen, and the old members of the corporation were disfranchised. The men behind this also erected a meeting-house for the service of God, and took care that its expenses were paid by applotment on the Catholic inhabitants. The source calls the whole proceeding contrary to public faith and to every law of nature and nations.

25. Galway's early commerce with Roman empire and Spain

    Galway · city · Galway

    Tacitus, in his Life of Agricola, corroborated that Ireland held constant communication and traffic with the most formidable parts of the Roman empire, and consequently with Spain, to which Galway lies particularly convenient. This supports the claim that Galway was a place of considerable note in early times.

    Read the passage

    Should these relations of our domestic writers, and particularly that which alludes to the trade of Dublin and Galway, excite any doubt in the mind of the reader, it should be remembered that Tacitus, one of the most respectable authorities of all antiquity, in his Life of Agricola, relates, in corroboration of these accounts, that Ireland, at the very time, held constant communication and traffic with the most formidable parts of the Roman empire, and consequently with Spain, to which Galway lies particularly convenient. Considering, therefore, that these facts are nowhere respectably controverted, but stand on as firm a foundation of historical authority as, under all the circumstances, can reasonably be expected at the present day, it is manifest that Galway must have been, in those early times, a place of considerable note; and, if the reader reverts to what has been said in the preceding chapter, concerning the probable derivation of the name of the town, from the circumstance of its commerce, he will find, that the authenticity of these historical accounts not only receives great additional support, but that the conclusion which is here drawn from them may, with every degree of certainty, be pronounced accurate.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 37

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up now through Galway, a city with a reach back further than you might expect. If anyone doubted the early accounts of trade here, the writer of this history points to Tacitus, one of the most respectable authorities of all antiquity. In his Life of Agricola, Tacitus relates that Ireland, at that very time, held constant communication and traffic with the most formidable parts of the Roman empire, and consequently with Spain, to which Galway lies particularly convenient. These facts, the writer says, are nowhere respectably controverted. They stand on as firm a foundation of historical authority as can reasonably be expected. So it follows that Galway must have been, in those early times, a place of considerable note. The writer also refers back to what he said in a preceding chapter, concerning the probable derivation of the name of the town from the circumstance of its commerce. He says that the authenticity of these historical accounts receives great additional support from that, and that the conclusion drawn here may, with every degree of certainty, be pronounced accurate.

26. Galway submits to Earl of Clanricarde at the cross

    Galway · city · Galway

    After bombardment and negotiation, the mayor of Galway, attended by aldermen and burgesses in robes of office, met the Earl of Clanricarde at the cross dividing town and fort, made public submission, and delivered up the keys. The town was received into the king's protection, and hostages were sent from prominent Galway merchant families.

    Read the passage

    except the last were agreed to. But the camp before the fort becoming greatly distressed for provisions, and at length breaking up, the earl, on the 10th of May, took possession of their trenches, and poured thirty-three great shot from his heavy ordnance into the town, at the same time summoning them by a trumpet to surrender. The mayor desired time until the next day, when, after much debating, the submission was resolved upon, and signed. 2 On the following morning Geoffry Browne and John Blake, both lawyers, and Martin Skerrett and Peter D'Arcy, merchants, were sent as hostages and on the 13th the gates were thrown open. The mayor, attended by the aldermen and several of the burgesses, attired in their robes of office, awaited the coming of the earl at the cross which divided the town and fort, and there he made his public submission, and delivered up the keys. The "young men" laid down their arms, and his lordship received the town into his majesty s protection, until his further pleasure concerning them should be known.

    Thus, at a time pregnant with the greatest danger, was "one of the strongest and most important towns in the kingdom, inferior to none for its trade, riches, strength and situation, "3 reduced to obedience by the single exertion and influence of the earl of Clanricarde, unassisted by the state, and almost without bloodshed. The disaffected throghout the province were greatly disheartened at this signal success, which was the more fortunate, as one Francis D'Arcy, a merchant of the town, in a ship laden with corn, arms and ammunition, had only two or three days before put into a creek in lar-Connaught, and carried the entire to Galway. By this means, besides the stores of provisions, a most seasonable supply of ten

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 95

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are in a town that once stood as one of the strongest and most important in the kingdom, inferior to none for its trade, riches, strength and situation. In May of that year, the Earl of Clanricarde's camp before the fort grew distressed for provisions and broke up. On the 10th of May the earl seized their trenches and fired thirty-three great shot from his heavy ordnance into the town, while a trumpet summoned the people to surrender. The mayor asked for time until the next day, and after much debating the submission was resolved upon and signed. The following morning, Geoffry Browne and John Blake, both lawyers, and Martin Skerrett and Peter D'Arcy, merchants, were sent as hostages. On the 13th the gates were thrown open. The mayor, attended by the aldermen and several burgesses in their robes of office, met the earl at the cross which divided the town and the fort, and there made his public submission and delivered up the keys. The young men laid down their arms, and the earl received the town into the king's protection. The whole province was disheartened, for the town fell almost without bloodshed, unassisted by the state, through the single exertion of the earl. It was the more fortunate because a merchant of the town, Francis D'Arcy, had only two or three days before arrived in a ship laden with corn, arms and ammunition, carrying the entire cargo into Galway.

27. Lord Grey arrives in Galway with army, 1537

    Galway · city · Galway · 1537

    Lord Deputy Leonard Grey departed Dublin on 17 June 1537 with an army and arrived in Galway on 11 July. The corporation hosted him and his soldiers for seven days, and the mayor and aldermen took the oath of supremacy. O'Flaherty, O'Madden and Mac Yeoris came in and made their submissions, though the king later dismissed these as worthless without hostages.

    Read the passage

    Leonard, lord Grey, the lord deputy of Ireland, having, about this time, received instructions from) the king to oblige the Irish, by indenture, to acknowledge his supremacy, and renounce the Pope, 29 departed from Dublin on the 17th of June, 1537, with an army, for the purpose of enforcing obedience these orders, and on the I 1th of July arrived in Galway. The corporation treated him and his soldiers gratis for seven days; and the mayor and aldermen, according to Sir Richard Cox, in his history, following the example of Limerick, took the oath of supremacy, and renounced the authority of the Pope. While his lordship remained in town, O'Flaherty, O'Madden and Mac Yeoris, (or Bermingham), came in, and made their submissions; but when the king received an account of what had taken place, he wrote to the lord deputy, that 'their oaths, submissions and indentures were not worth a farthing, since they did not give hostages. "30 About the same time, Finglas, chief baron of the Exchequer, recommended that half the fee-farm of Galway should be paid to the lord deputy for the time being, and that the other half should be applied for repairing the walls, and providing for its security. The town was accordingly put into a state of defence; the south quay, or new-tower gate, was built, and the walls were repaired and provided with guns : which latter circumstance gave rise to one of the articles of impeachment against the unfortunate lord Grey; for, having brought the artillery in a small vesel to Galway, he made the town pay 341. for the carriage. 31 The hospital of St. Bridget, in the east suburbs, was founded for the poor of the town, and each burgess was obliged, in his turn, to send a maid servant to collect alms every sabbath day for its support; a custom which was long afterwards observed. This charitable institution was fortunately completed in the year 1543, when the sweating sickness broke out, and raged with great violence, destroying multitudes of the natives, and particularly the tradesmen of the town.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 72

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, this is the city where Lord Deputy Leonard Grey arrived on the 11th of July, 1537, with an army. He had left Dublin on the 17th of June under orders from the king to make the Irish acknowledge his supremacy and renounce the Pope. The corporation hosted him and his soldiers for seven days, and the mayor and aldermen took the oath of supremacy, following what Limerick had already done. O'Flaherty, O'Madden and Mac Yeoris came in and made their submissions too, but the king dismissed it all, writing to Grey that their oaths and indentures were not worth a farthing since they gave no hostages. Around the same time, the chief baron of the Exchequer, Finglas, recommended half the fee-farm of Galway go to the lord deputy and the rest toward repairing the walls. The town was put into a state of defence: the south quay gate was built, walls repaired and fitted with guns. Grey brought the artillery by small vessel and made the town pay for the carriage, which later became one of the articles of impeachment against him. A hospital of St. Bridget was founded in the east suburbs for the poor, with each burgess sending a maid servant to collect alms every sabbath. It was finished in 1543, just as the sweating sickness broke out and destroyed multitudes, particularly the tradesmen of the town.

28. Marquis of Ormonde sails from Galway Bay into exile

    near Galway Bay · bay · Clare · 1650

    The Marquis of Ormonde, having determined to leave the kingdom, arrived in Galway in December accompanied by Lord Inchiquin and other persons of distinction. They all sailed from Glaneinagh in the bay aboard the Elizabeth frigate and landed at Perose in Basse Bretagne.

    Read the passage

    The town was no sooner freed from this dreadful visitation, than it became involved in all the distracting politics of th« times. The marquis of Ormond, having determined upon leaving the kingdom, arrived here in the beginning of December, accompanied by lord Inchiquin, colonels Vaughan, Wogan, Warren, and about twenty other persons of distinction, all of whom sailed from Glaneinagh, in the bay, on board the Elizabeth, of Jersey, a small frigate of twenty-four guns, and, after a hard passage of three weeks, landed at Perose, in Basse Bretagne. At the same time, a large Dutch ship, called the Seven Stars, sailed from Kilcolgan, which arrived at another port in France. The marquis of Clanricarde. who succeeded as lord deputy, soon after arrived in town, and knighted the mayor, Sir Oliver Oge French; but he could not, however, prevail on the inhabitants to admit a garrison, or any number of troops, but what should be entirely under their own control.

    In the latter end of February, Stephen de Henin, abbe of St. Catherine, and ambassador from the duke of Lorrain, arrived in the bay of Galway, with offers of assistance and relief for the nation. The marquis of Clanricarde, as soon as he was apprised of his coming, repaired to

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 104

29. Monthly contribution imposed on Galway after surrender

    Galway · city · Galway

    A contribution of four hundred pounds monthly was imposed on Galway contrary to the articles of surrender, exacted with extreme severity. Soldiers threatened inhabitants with death and seized household goods and women's clothes, selling them in the marketplace.

    Read the passage

    With feelings of tha deepest emotion, the attention of the reader will now be turned towards the state of affairs within this devoted and unhappy though once prosperous and flourishing, town, whose inhabitants were the first in Ireland that took up arms in defence of their religion and king, and the last, either in Great Britain or Ireland, that laid them down. The surrender was followed by a famine throughout the country, by which multitudes perished. This was again succeeded by a plague, which carried off thousands both in the town and the surrounding districts; so that the severest vengeance of heaven seemed now to have been poured down on the heads of this devoted community. Many, driven to despair by the severities inflicted upon them, instead of avoiding the pestilence, sought refuge in death from their merciless persecutors. This dreadful visitation continued for two years, during which upwards of one-third of the population of the province was swept away, and those who survived were doomed to undergo sufferings to which even death itself was preferable. Col. Stubbers, who was appointed military governor of the town upon its surrender, under pretence of taking up vagrants and idle persons, made frequent nightly excursions, with armed troops, into the country, and seized upwards of a thousand people, often without discrimination of rank or condition, whom he transported to the West Indies, and there had sold as slaves. 20 But the town was the great scene of persecution. Immediately after the surrender, a contribution, amounting to four hundred pounds monthly, was imposed contrary to the articles, which terminated in the total ru'n of the inhabitants. This excessive charge was exacted with the utmost severity. An author who was then in the town relates, 21 that unless it was paid to the last farthing, at a certain hour, every Saturday, of which notice was given by beat of drum or sounding of trumpets, the soldiers rushed to the houses of the inhabitants, and, with their muskets pointed to the breasts of the inmates, threatened them with immediate death, unless paid whatever they thought proper to demand; and when, fsom the continual payments, the town s people were unable any longer to discharge it, such articles of household furniture as the soldiery could find, even to the clothes of the women, were seized, and sold in the marketplace for whatever they would bring; so that, according to this author, the return of Saturdav. being the period of payment and visitation, seemed to the inhabitants to realize the idea formed of the day of judgment, the sounding of the trumpets striking them with almost equal terror.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 109

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are in a city that after its surrender had a contribution of 400 pounds monthly imposed on it, contrary to the articles of surrender. The charge was exacted with the utmost severity. Payment was due every Saturday to the last farthing, announced by the beat of drum or sounding of trumpets. If it was not met, soldiers rushed into the houses of the inhabitants, pointed their muskets at the inmates' breasts, and threatened them with immediate death unless paid whatever they thought proper to demand. When the townspeople could no longer discharge it, household furniture was seized, even the clothes of the women, and sold in the marketplace for whatever they would bring. An author who was in the town at the time wrote that the return of Saturday, the period of payment and visitation, seemed to the inhabitants to realize the idea formed of the day of judgment, the sounding of the trumpets striking them with almost equal terror. This came after a famine and a plague that lasted two years and swept away upward of one-third of the province's population. The military governor, Colonel Stubbers, also seized upward of 1,000 people in nightly raids and transported them to the West Indies, where he had them sold as slaves.

30. Patrick D'Arcy of Kiltolla, parliamentarian

    Kiltullagh · townland · Galway · 1598–1688

    Patrick D'Arcy of Kiltolla, County Galway, born 1598, was an active member of the Dublin parliament of 1640 and published a noted argument delivered to the House of Commons in 1641. He died at Dublin in 1688 and was interred at Kilconnell in County Galway.

    Read the passage

    Patrick Darcy of Kiltolla in the County of Galway, Esq. the seventh son of James (Riveagh) Darcy, was born in 1598, and was educated in the profession of the law, he was an active member of the parliament assembled at Dublin, in 1640, and published, "an argument delivered by Patrick Darcy, Esq. by express order of the House of Commons, in the parliament of Ireland, 9th of June, 1641," he died at Dublin in 1688, and was interred at Kilconneu, in the County of Galway, leaving issue by Elizabeth, one of the four daughters of Sir Peter French, an only son James, born in 1633, who married Frances Trushot. daugter to a gentleman of Brittany, and captain of a ship of war

    14

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 17

31. Preston's defiant reply from Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1651

    Thomas Preston replied to Ireton from Galway on 12 November 1651, rejecting the summons as discourteous and boasting of the town's prior successful resistance against Lord Forbes, while defending the honour of the garrison.

    Read the passage

    "For general Ireton. " It would prove noe curtesie unto me your summoning me at such a distance, but rather a discurtecy, which had. in my opinion, rendered you guilty of a second error against the rules of warre. You may not think strange that the people of this towne should stand upon souldier's honor, and have skill to oppose an enemy, who have of themselves (without the assistance of others) long since stood out against the threats and attempts of the lord Forbes, who was general of a fleet when he besieged them, and forced him to retire without any loss to themselves. If my profession be unhappy, (as you terme it,) I cannot but admire you should follow Hi© same, which , if it hitherto hath proved to your content, may hereafter ■prove unhappy to you, according© to your own judgment of it : and if men of that profession shall be backward in venturing men's lives in a just cause, (such as I owne. being for my religion, king and country,) they shall hardly attain to the effecting of any great enterprize. But such as hazard men's lives without a just cause, will one day answer for their blood before God, the just judge, in which (when you reflect on your owne actions,) you will find yourself as guilty as others. Your letter to the mayor, aldermen and burgesses of this towne I delivered them, knowing their honest and gallant resolution to be such as they may not be drawn

    or tempted to any of the least distrust or jealousy of the souldiers amongst them, which you endeavour, by your letter, to fill their imaginations withall, Tor your owne ends and their utter ruine ; and, had I suppressed or smothered it, I cannot guess whose head here should be subject to pay for it ; for I hold that the heads of those with you are as unsettled on their shoulders as any I know "in this towne. — Sir. your servant. — Gallway, 12th Nov. 1651. — Thomas Preston, Taragh."

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 106

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, this is where Thomas Preston sent his defiant reply to General Ireton in November 1651. Ireton had summoned the town to surrender, and Preston answered him from here on the 12th of that month. Preston wrote that summoning him at such a distance was no courtesy but a discourtesy, and in his opinion rendered Ireton guilty of a second error against the rules of war. He said the people of this town had soldier's honour and skill to oppose an enemy, and he reminded Ireton that they had stood out on their own, without assistance, against the threats and attempts of Lord Forbes, who was general of a fleet when he besieged them, and forced him to retire without any loss to themselves. Preston said if his profession was unhappy, as Ireton called it, he could not but admire that Ireton should follow the same one. He said men backward in venturing lives in a just cause, such as he owned, being for his religion, king and country, would hardly achieve any great enterprise. But those who hazard men's lives without a just cause would one day answer for their blood before God, the just judge, and Ireton would find himself as guilty as others. He told Ireton he had delivered the letter to the mayor, aldermen and burgesses of the town, knowing their honest and gallant resolution, and that Ireton had tried to fill their imaginations with distrust for his own ends and their utter ruin. Preston said the heads of those with Ireton were as unsettled on their shoulders as any he knew in this town. He signed himself, "Sir, your servant," Thomas Preston.

32. Richard Kirwan, celebrated philosopher, born near Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1734

    Richard Kirwan, a celebrated philosopher and scientist whose work in chemistry and mineralogy earned him European renown, was born near Galway in 1734 to one of the town's most ancient families. He served as president of the Royal Irish Academy and inspector-general of his majesty's mines in Ireland.

    Read the passage

    This celebrated philosopher, whose talents and scientific discoveries have reflected so much honor on his native country, was born near Galway in the year 1734. He was descended from one of the most ancient and (respectable families of the town, and, being a younger brother, was originally intended for a profession. He was accordingly sent to St. Omer's to receive a suitable education ; but on the death of his elder brother he succeeded to the family estates ; and having thenceforth abandoned all professional ideas, he indulged his propensity by applying to those philosophical pursuits for which he was so singularly gifted. He studied science, and traced nature in her inmost irecesses, with that persevering industry in the investigation cf truth which always marks the true genius. For many years he stood almost alone in his scientific researches ; and if he did not bring the science of chemistry to perfection, he certainly led the way to many of its most important discoveries. It has been

    pointedly observed, as a reflection on Ireland, that the abilities of Mr. Kirwan were more appreciated, and that his reputation was greater in every country in Europe than in his own. He published several learned wo'-ks, viz. : Elements of Mineralogy, 2 vols. 8vo. London, 1784; Gealogical Essays, 8vo. London, 1799; Essays on the Analysis of Mineral Waters, 8vo. London, 1799 ; Logic, or an Essay on the Elements, Principles and different modes of reasoning, 2 vols. 8vo. London, 1807 ; Metaphysical Essays, containing the Principles and fundamental Objects of that Science. 8vo. London, 1809; An Essay on Phlogiston and the Constitution of Acids, 8vo ; An Essay on the Temperature of different Latitudes, 8vo., besides numerous tracts in the transactions of the different societies of which he was a member.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 257

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are near the birthplace of Richard Kirwan, born here in 1734 to one of the town's most ancient and respectable families. He was a younger brother and was originally intended for a profession, so he was sent to St. Omer's to receive a suitable education. But on the death of his elder brother he succeeded to the family estates, abandoned all professional ideas, and turned to the philosophical pursuits for which he was so singularly gifted. He studied science and traced nature in her inmost recesses with a persevering industry in the investigation of truth that always marks the true genius. For many years he stood almost alone in his scientific researches, and if he did not bring the science of chemistry to perfection, he certainly led the way to many of its most important discoveries. It has been pointedly observed, as a reflection on Ireland, that his abilities were more appreciated and his reputation greater in every country in Europe than in his own. He published several learned works: Elements of Mineralogy, London, 1784; Geological Essays, London, 1799; Essays on the Analysis of Mineral Waters, London, 1799; Logic, London, 1807; Metaphysical Essays, London, 1809; An Essay on Phlogiston and the Constitution of Acids; An Essay on the Temperature of different Latitudes, besides numerous tracts in the transactions of the different societies of which he was a member. He served as president of the Royal Irish Academy and inspector-general of his majesty's mines in Ireland.

33. Siege of Loughrea Castle by the Mac-an-Earlas

    Loughrea · town · Galway

    The Mac-an-Earlas, having hired 2,000 Scotch forces, laid siege to Loughrea Castle (Bailie Riogh), formerly belonging to their father the earl, then garrisoned by Thomas Le Strange and Captain Collier with 150 men. The besieged made valiant sallies killing 150 of the attackers and six captains, forcing the assailants to raise the siege.

    Read the passage

    The lord deputy was scarcely out of the province when these turbulent chieftains again rallied from the mountains, assembled their followers, and, having hired two thousand Scotch forces, laid siege to the castle of Bailie Riogh, or Loughrea, which lately belonged to the earl, their father, being one of the castles taken possession of a short time before, and then garrisoned by Thomas Le Strange and Captain Collier, with one hundred foot and fifty horse. The castle was strong, and the besieged behaved with great valour, they made different sallies, in which six of the principal captains of the besiegers were killed, together with one hundred and fifty of their men. Despairing of taking the castle, the assailants raised the siege, and directed their force against Mac William Oughter, who had never joined in their proceedings, and took several of his castles; but the lord deputy having arrived in the meantime, joined his forces, and the Mac-an- Earlas dispersed : the greatest part of their followers were destroyed, and they were never after able to raise force sufficient to disturb the peace of the country. — From the detail of these melancholy transactions, which entirely originated in the narrow and unconciliating policy of the. then Government of England towards its Irish subjects, there are few who would not be inclined not only to commiserate, but even to excuse and pardon, the infatuated resistance of the unfortunate Irish to that misguided government; and particularly so, when they beheld the heads of a noble and powerful family, of English race, forced, by the unrestrained atrocities of a petty provincial governor, into a rebellion, in which so large a portion of the kingdom was nearly destroyed. Happy would it have been for Ireland had the spirit of conciliation and peace, guided by justice and tempered with mercy, actuated its rulers for ages past : its history would not now abound with the manifold and gloomy descriptions of murder, treason and rebellion, which disgrace almost every page of it.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 77

34. Spaniards beheaded near St. Augustin's monastery, Galway

    Galway · city · Galway

    Fitz-Williams caused several Spaniards, delivered up by the town, to be beheaded near St. Augustin's monastery on the hill, provoking murmurs and lamentations among the townspeople before he departed for Dublin.

    Read the passage

    to whom they had given refuge, pay fines, and make amends for all spoils which they had taken. Fitz-Williams, while he remained in town, caused several of the Spaniards, delivered up on this occasion, to be beheaded near St. Augustin's monastery on the hill, amidst the murmurs and lamentations of the people ;1° and, having thus wreaked his vengeance on these unfortunate men, he departed for Dublin.

    About this time several considerable works were raised for the defence and security of the town. The point of Cean-na-bhalla, at the quay, was converted into a fortification, and furnished with great guns; and a part of the adjoining walls was built at the expense of the corporation. The lord deputy, Russell, arrived here in 1595, and was received with great rejoicings ;1 ' he remained but a short time. The object of his journey seems to have been to inquire into the state of the town and province; and during his stay several complaints were made of the rigor and exactions of Sir Richard Bingham, the governor, for which he was afterwards removed. IS

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 83

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are near St. Augustin's monastery on the hill, where a grim execution once took place. Fitz-Williams, while he remained in the town, caused several Spaniards who had been delivered up by the townspeople to be beheaded near the monastery. The people had given the Spaniards refuge, but were forced to hand them over, pay fines, and make amends for spoils they had taken. The executions were carried out amidst the murmurs and lamentations of the people of Galway. Having thus wreaked his vengeance on these unfortunate men, Fitz-Williams departed for Dublin. Around this same time, the point of Cean-na-bhalla at the quay was converted into a fortification and furnished with great guns, with part of the adjoining walls built at the expense of the corporation. Lord deputy Russell arrived in 1595, received with great rejoicings, and stayed only a short time to inquire into the state of the town and province.

35. Surrender of Fort Ardkyn

    Innismore · street · Dublin · 1652

    On 15 January 1652, Colonel Oliver Synnot surrendered the fort of Ardkyn on Inis Mór to parliamentary forces. The garrison was allowed to lay down their arms and was given six weeks to transport themselves to Spain or another friendly territory.

    Read the passage

    that hostages be given by colonel Synnot for the punctual performance of these articles. — 3. That colonel Synnot shall deliver up the fort, with all necessaries of war, by three o'clock this instant, 15th January, 1652, before which time all officers and soldiers belonging to the said foot shall march, with drums beating, to the church near Ardkyn, and there lay down their arms. — 4. That colonel Synnot and the captains, eight in number, shall have liberty to carry their swords; the other officers and soldiers to lay down their arms; that commissary Reynolds shall nominate four officers of the fort hostages.— 5. That colonel Synnot, with the rest of the officers and soldiers, and all other persons in the fort, shall, upon delivering their arms and delivering their hostages, be protected from the violence of the soldiers, and with the first conveniency be sent to the county of Galway ; there to remain in quarters for six weeks, in which time they are to be transported, as aforesaid : provided that no person whatsoever, belonging to the fort of Ardkyn, and found guilty of murder, be included or comprised in these articles, or have any benefit thereby." — Orig.MS.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 259

    As the companion tells it

    Along here is where the story of Fort Ardkyn belongs, on Inis Mór in 1652. On the 15th of January that year, Colonel Oliver Synnot surrendered the fort to parliamentary forces, agreeing to deliver it up with all necessaries of war by three o'clock that afternoon. The officers and soldiers were to march with drums beating to the church near Ardkyn and there lay down their arms. Colonel Synnot and eight captains were allowed to keep their swords, while commissary Reynolds nominated four officers of the fort as hostages to guarantee the terms. Once disarmed, the garrison was to be protected from violence and sent to quarters in the county of Galway for six weeks, during which time they were to be transported. Anyone belonging to the fort found guilty of murder was excluded from these articles and had no benefit from them.

36. Theodore Russell purchases Galway charter duties and serves eleven years as mayor

    Galway · city · Galway · 1674–1685

    To prevent utter ruin, the Galway corporation solicited Colonel Theodore Russell to negotiate with Elizabeth Hamilton. He purchased the charter, market, and petty duties from her in 1674 for £2,500 on condition of being elected mayor. He served eleven successive years while retaining exclusive receipt of those duties, amid frequent disputes and accusations of overcharging from other corporation members.

    Read the passage

    Such was the melancholy state to which this once opulent town was reduced in the hands of its new possessors. The corporation, however, to prevent their utter ruin, solicited Theodore Russell, esvq. a colortel in the army, who had amassed considerable wealth, and was then settled in the town, to enter into a negociation with Mrs. Hamilton on the subject. He accordingly, on condition of being elected mayor, and continued in that office, purchased from her, in the year 1674, the charter, market and petty duties for 2,5001.37 He was then elected, and served eleven years successively < during which time he continued in the exclusive receipt of those duties and customs;38 and, encouraged by the commiseration expressed by the lord lieutenant for the decayed and ruinous state of the town, he

    36 State Letters. January 23d, 1674-5.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 121

    As the companion tells it

    Passing through Galway, you come to a town that in 1674 struck a desperate bargain. The corporation, facing utter ruin, turned to Colonel Theodore Russell, a wealthy army officer settled there, to negotiate with Mrs. Hamilton. He purchased the charter, market, and petty duties from her for 2,500 pounds on condition of being elected mayor and kept in that office. He was elected, and served eleven successive years, continuing all the while in the exclusive receipt of those duties and customs. The lord lieutenant had expressed commiseration for the decayed and ruinous state of the town.

37. 1731 sheriffs search Dominican convent in Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1731

    In 1731 the town sheriffs visited and searched the Dominican convent in Galway. They reported seeing young gentlewomen and girls who alleged they lodged and boarded there, and found twenty-seven beds in eleven chambers, in some of which the young women lay and the reputed nuns in the rest before they dispersed.

    Read the passage

    should thenceforth be incorporated an& united in the same, and be subject to the provincial of Ireland, for the time being." In 1731. the town sheriffs visited this convent and stated "that they had searched the same, and saw some young gentlewomen and girls, who alleged they lodged and bgarded in the house ; that they found therein twenty-seven beds, in eleven chambers, in some of which the said young women and girls lay, and the said reputed nuns in the rest before they dispersed." — For more of this nunnery see De Burgo's Hibernia Dominicana, p. 349.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 224

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, this is where a Dominican convent stood that the town sheriffs searched in 1731. They reported seeing young gentlewomen and girls who said they lodged and boarded in the house. The sheriffs found 27 beds in 11 chambers, with the young women in some and the reputed nuns in the rest, before they dispersed.

38. Attack on the southeastern fort of Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1691

    On July 20th, 1691, Count Nassau and General Talmash led grenadiers and two regiments of foot to attack a nearly-finished fort southeast of Galway, guided by the deserter Captain Bourke. The English threw grenadoes into the fort, forcing the garrison to abandon it and retire towards the town.

    Read the passage

    The next morning, July 20th, count Nassau and general Talmash, with a party of grenadiers and two regiments of foot, were conducted, by Bourke, the safest and nearest direction to attack the fort, and the troops arrived almost at the foot of the works before they were discovered. This unexpected attack having caused considerable confusion 'within, the English pushed forward through some faint firings, and threw in their grenadoes, which obliged the soldiers to abandon the fort, and retire by a line of communication drawn between it and the town. In this action the English had only a lieutentant and five men killed, and but two lieutenants and eight men wounded. As soon as they entered the fort, a tremendous fire was opened on them from the walls, by which several were killed and wounded, particularly their principal engineer, who fell as he was giving orders to his men. In the meantime the west suburbs were set on fire, to prevent their being possessed by the troops that crossed the river, and the besieged still sh ewed in every quarter the most determined resolution of resistance. But at that moment the principal inhabitants, who before were inclined to surrender, waited on the governor, and, representing the impossibility of maintaining the town against such an army, made use of every argument to persuade him to enter into a treaty. Their councils at length prevailed, and at the hour of ten o'clock he ordered a parley to be beat, and despatched a letter to the English commander, requiring safe conduct for some persons to manage a capitulation. This welcome message was gladly received by the general; a satisfactory answer was immediately returned, and a cessation accordingly proclaimed on both sides. The town's-people and soldiers crowded in great numbers to the walls, and the English troops having approached near enough to hold conversation, several inquiries passed for their friends and acquaintance in each other's army. In the afternoon hostages were exchanged : those on the side of the English were lieutenant-colonel Purcell Coote ana the marquis de Rheda and those of the town lieutenant-colonels Lynch, Burke and Reilly. The articles not being agreed

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 130

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are near the ground where a fort once stood to the southeast, attacked in 1691 during the war. On the morning of July 20th, Count Nassau and General Talmash led grenadiers and two regiments of foot against this nearly-finished fort, guided by the deserter Captain Bourke. He brought them by the safest and nearest route, and they reached almost the foot of the works before anyone spotted them. The English pushed forward and threw their grenadoes into the fort, forcing the soldiers inside to abandon it and retire towards the town by a line of communication drawn between the fort and Galway. English losses were light at first: a lieutenant and 5 men killed, 2 lieutenants and 8 men wounded. But once inside the fort, a tremendous fire opened on them from the town walls, killing and wounding several, including their principal engineer, who fell while giving orders to his men. The west suburbs were set on fire to keep crossing troops from taking them. At that point the principal inhabitants, already inclined to surrender, pressed the governor to treat. By ten o'clock he ordered a parley and sent a letter to the English commander requesting safe conduct for negotiators. The general gladly received it, returned a satisfactory answer, and a ceasefire was proclaimed. Troops on both sides crowded the walls, calling across to friends in the other army. By the afternoon, hostages were exchanged: on the English side, Lieutenant-Colonel Purcell Coote and the Marquis de Rheda; for the town, Lieutenant-Colonels Lynch, Burke, and Reilly. The articles were still being negotiated.

39. Battle of Aughrim heard from Galway

    Aughrim · parish · Galway · 1691

    On 12 July 1691 the armies of William and James clashed at Aughrim. The cannon fire was audible at the gates of Galway, and fugitives from the battle fled to the town that night for shelter, causing great alarm among inhabitants.

    Read the passage

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

    who nominated James Lynch Fitz- Dominick lieutenant, and Francis Kirwan ensign. — Alexander Ffrench, captain of the new tower quarter, who nominated William Lynch Fitz-Andrew lieutenant, and Thomas Ryan ensign ; and Dominick Kirwan captain of the quay quarter, who nominated Francis Lynch hi tz- William lieutenant, and Peter Heyne ensign, all of whom were approved of by the king. — Id.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 127

    As the companion tells it

    The road is coming through the parish of Aughrim. This is where, on the 12th of July 1691, the armies of the two contending monarchs, William and James, met on these plains. The noise of their cannon could be heard at the gates of Galway itself. The book does not describe the battle, only what followed. That night the result was known in the town, and several of the fugitives fled there for shelter. The alarm of the inhabitants, it says, may be easily conceived to have been extreme, and every preparation was made for defence. Many were so panic-struck that they would have compromised for their safety by surrendering almost on any terms. Lord Dillon, the governor, the French lieutenant general D'Ussone, and the other officers of rank in the town, held a council of war. The town was strong and well stored with provisions, but deficient in men and arms, which had been drawn away by degrees to supply other exigencies. The garrison consisted of but seven regiments of foot with a few troops of horse, and these neither full nor well armed. Their great dependence was on the promises of Balldearg O'Donnell.

40. Claddagh marriage customs and community life

    Claddagh · electoral division · Galway

    The Claddagh fishing community intermarries at an early age, with marriages commonly preceded by elopement followed by reconciliation and solemnisation. The community is described as prolific, with fine healthy children, and infidelity and jealousy unknown amongst them. Parents supply newly married couples with a boat or share in one, constituting their entire worldly possessions.

    Read the passage

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

    their aged parents are deserving of the highest praise.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 238

    As the companion tells it

    You're passing through the Claddagh, the old fishing community of Galway. The people here traditionally married young, and the seasons for courting were St. Patrick's Day, the May and September fairs, and especially midsummer eve. A marriage was commonly preceded by an elopement, but no dishonour ever came of it. The morning after, the couple reconciled with their families, the clergyman performed the ceremony, and the wedding was celebrated with a boisterous kind of merriment. A cabin was soon provided for the new pair. If the parents were in good circumstances they would supply the price of a boat, or at least a share in one, and that with a few articles of furniture commonly constituted the entire of their worldly possessions. The women were prolific, and the fine healthy children always to be seen in great numbers at the Claddagh were seldom excelled even in more opulent communities. Though the women were handsome, infidelity was a crime never heard of, and jealousy was equally unknown. The care and respect with which they treated their aged parents was described as deserving of the highest praise.

41. Cromwellian proposal to plant Galway with English settlers

    Galway · city · Galway · 1656

    In 1656, an act was passed to use forfeited lands and houses in Galway to compensate inhabitants of Gloucester for losses sustained in 1642. Henry Cromwell proposed planting Galway with English settlers, noting that no Irish were permitted to live in the city or within three miles of it.

    Read the passage

    for the ascertaining and effectual setting out of lands and houses in Ireland, in consideration of losses sustained by Anthony Edwards and others, the well-affected inhabitants of the city of Gloucester," during the siege which that city sustained against the royal forces in 1642. The intentions of this act not being yet carried into execution, Henry Cromwell, the lord deputy, embraced this as a favorable opportunity for planting Galway with English settlers, to whom the forfeited lands and houses could be disposed of to the amount of 10,000/. being the compensation to be made to Gloucester. Having accordingly consulted the council in Dublin on the subject, he forwarded dispatches to England on the 7th of April, wherein, after stating that the public would suffer considerably, if some speedy and effectual course were not immediately taken for planting the town of Galway, he adds, " His highness hath too perfect an understanding of that place, as wee need not add much; howbeit we may be bold to say, that for the situation thereof, voisenage and commerce it hath with Spaine. the strayts, West Indies and other places, noe towne or port in the three nations (London excepted) was more considerable, nor, in all probability, would more encourage trade abroad or manufactures at home, than this, if well improved. It is a towne made very defensive both by art ar.d nature, and consists of many noble buildings, uniform, and most of them of marble, which that country hath plenty of; yet by reas jn of the late horrid rebellion and generall waste then and since made by the impoverisht English inhabiting there, many of the houses are become very ruinous; and inasmuch as there appears more encouragement for this new plantation than formerly (for that noe Irish are permitted to live in the citty, or within three miles thereof, the better to accommodate the inhabitants with conveniences, the place becomes better secured,) and merchants have more hopeful gain by trade, than when the interest of the towne was in the Irish and other Papists that lived there." It was then proposed that the town and lands about it, and other lands near Athlone, and at Ballinrobe, in Mayo, or such part as should be thought fit, should be sold to the corporation of Gloucester, by whom the town could be colonized; and he concluded by recapitulating the many advantages which would result from such an undertaking. The project was favorably received by Cromwell, and agreed to by the citizens of Gloucester, who sent over doctor Thomas Clarges, as their agent, to transact the business.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 113

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up now through Galway, the city on the west coast. In 1656, this place was the subject of a plan to strip it of its Irish population and fill it with English settlers. An act had been passed to use forfeited lands and houses in Ireland to compensate Anthony Edwards and others, the well-affected inhabitants of the city of Gloucester, for losses they sustained during the siege of Gloucester against the royal forces in 1642. The act had not yet been carried into execution, so Henry Cromwell, the lord deputy, saw a favorable opportunity to plant Galway with English settlers, to whom the forfeited lands and houses could be disposed of to the amount of 10,000 pounds, being the compensation owed to Gloucester. He consulted the council in Dublin and forwarded dispatches to England on the 7th of April. He wrote that the public would suffer considerably if some speedy course were not taken for planting the town of Galway. He said that for its situation and commerce with Spain, the Straits, West Indies and other places, no town or port in the three nations, London excepted, was more considerable. He called it a town made very defensive by art and nature, consisting of many noble buildings, uniform, and most of them of marble. But many of the houses had become ruinous because of the late rebellion and the waste made by the impoverished English inhabiting there. He noted that no Irish were permitted to live in the city or within three miles of it. It was then proposed that the town and lands about it, and other lands near Athlone and at Ballinrobe in Mayo, should be sold to the corporation of Gloucester. The project was favorably received by Cromwell and agreed to by the citizens of Gloucester, who sent over Doctor Thomas Clarges as their agent to transact the business.

42. Cromwellian soldiery damage Galway church

    Galway · city · Galway

    During the Cromwellian usurpation, Catholics in Galway were indiscriminately banished and the church was considerably injured by soldiers who converted the chapels and aisles into stables. The soldiery destroyed almost the entire of the ancient and venerable monuments, leaving the church in total dilapidation by the Restoration.

    Read the passage

    During the usurpation of Cromwell, the Catholics were indiscriminately banished, 26 and the rights of the Protestant warden and vicars were totally disregarded. The church was also considerably injured by the soldiery, who converted the chapels and aisles into stables, and destroyed almost the entire of the ancient and venerable monuments, insomuch that at the Restoration it was found entirely in a state of dilapidation, and in total want of repair. Doctor James Vaughan was appointed warden for life by patent dated 23rd March, 1663. During his incumbency, which continued many years, nothing particularly worthy of observation occurred until the year 1682, when the diocesan clergy of Tuam laid claim to the quarta pars, or quarter episcopals,^" for which they petitioned the lord lieutenant and council. This affair led to another which vitally concerned the rights of .^he college. John V esey, the then archbishop, having prevailed on his clergy to drop their petition, undertook to obtain from government a grant in commendam of the wardenship of Gal way after the death of Warden Vaughan, who was then considerably advanced in years, upon which the quarta pars was to be restored. That event having soon after taken place, king Charles II. accordingly, by letters under the privy signet, dated from Windsor the 30th of August, 1684, reciting that the wardenship was then void, and in his majesty's gift and disposal jure pleno, directed the duke of Ormond to pass letters patent for its perpetual union to the see of Tuam, securing, however, the quarta pars to the vicars of the respective parishes and their successors forever, they paying to the archbishop a proportional increase of proxy for such addition. The grant accordingly took place; but the clergy were disappointed in the expected restitution. The archbishop induced them to enter in^o a new treaty, and procured their consent that he should enjoy the quarta pars during his incumbency, which continued for thirty-four years after; and although he was often elected warden of Galway,

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 203

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, the churches here carry a harsh chapter from the Cromwellian era. During the usurpation of Cromwell, Catholics were indiscriminately banished, and the soldiery considerably injured the church, converting the chapels and aisles into stables. They destroyed almost the entire of the ancient and venerable monuments, so that at the Restoration the church was found entirely in a state of dilapidation and in total want of repair. Doctor James Vaughan was appointed warden for life by patent dated 23 March 1663, and his incumbency continued many years. In 1682 the diocesan clergy of Tuam laid claim to the quarta pars, or quarter episcopals, petitioning the lord lieutenant and council. John Vesey, the then archbishop, prevailed on his clergy to drop their petition and undertook to obtain a grant in commendam of the wardenship of Galway after the death of Warden Vaughan, upon which the quarta pars was to be restored. When Vaughan died, King Charles the Second, by letters under the privy signet dated from Windsor 30 August 1684, directed the duke of Ormond to pass letters patent for the wardenship's perpetual union to the see of Tuam, securing the quarta pars to the vicars and their successors forever. The grant took place, but the clergy were disappointed in the expected restitution. Archbishop Vesey induced them into a new treaty and enjoyed the quarta pars during his incumbency, which continued for 34 years after.

43. Desecration of graves at St. Mary's Church, Galway

    Galway · city · Galway

    Soldiers under Willoughby dug up graves in the ancient burial ground of St. Mary's Church in Galway, burning coffins and human bones. This barbarous act made Willoughby's memory detested and further inflamed the desperate townspeople.

    Read the passage

    St. Mary s church, dug up the graves in that ancient burial-place of the town, and burnt the coffins and bones of those that lay there interred; which barbarous conduct served but to make his memory destested, and exasperated the minds of a people already rendered almost desperate from the treatment which they received. Immediately after his departure, a pinnace, which he left behind him in the bay, took a merchantman belonging to the town, valued at naar six thousand pounds, and made her a prize. Thus were these ill-fated people doomed to suffer all the miseries of war, and to be treated as enemies or the worst of rebels, at a time when they were desirous of peace, and particularly zealous in the cause of the king, and in the public avowal of their loyalty and allegiance. That there were, at the same time, many discontented and disorderly persons in the town is certain. The young men and lower orders would not be governed by the magistrates : the influence and interference of the clergy, who, from the beginning, were advocates for violent measures, were considerable; and the failure and prevention of their trade and traffic, at home and abroad, (a great portion of which, between the ships in the bay and the neighbouring towns, was usurped with many advantages by Willougby;) all conspired gradually to lessen the influence of the earl of Clanricarde in the town, and to prepare for the courses which were afterwards adopted.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 98

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, St. Mary's Church stands in the old part of the city, and its burial ground holds a grim story. Soldiers under Willoughby dug up the graves in that ancient burial place of the town and burnt the coffins and bones of those that lay there interred. This barbarous conduct made his memory detested and exasperated the minds of a people already rendered almost desperate from the treatment they received. After his departure, a pinnace he left behind in the bay took a merchantman belonging to the town, valued at near 6000 pounds, and made her a prize. These ill-fated people were doomed to suffer all the miseries of war, treated as enemies or the worst of rebels, at a time when they were desirous of peace and zealous in the cause of the king. There were many discontented and disorderly persons in the town. The young men and lower orders would not be governed by the magistrates, and the clergy advocated violent measures. Their trade and traffic failed, much of it usurped by Willoughby, and all this conspired to lessen the influence of the earl of Clanricarde and prepare for what came after.

44. Fedhlim O'Conor retakes and demolishes Galway Castle works, 1233

    Galway · city · Galway · 1233

    After regaining his liberty in 1233, Fedhlim O'Conor laid siege to Galway, took the castle, and demolished all the new works Richard de Burgo had added. Richard de Burgo soon after recovered the town, which thenceforth became the principal residence of himself and his descendants.

    Read the passage

    the spirited resistance of Fedhlim and his adherents, he at length summoned all his forces, and in 1232, succeeded in driving that unfortunate prince from the province; and, continuing his success, he finally took his prisoner, and established Hugh O'Conor in his place. The town and castle of Galway on this occasion, fell into his hands, and having then discovered the great importance of the place, he, in the same year, built several considerable additions to the castle. Fedhlim, having immediately after, regained his liberty and kingdom, by the death of Hugh, which took place in 1233; laid siege to Galway, and having succeeded in taking the castle, he demolished all the new works : but his powerful antagonist, Richard de Bur go, soon after recovered the town, and thenceforth it became the principal residence of himself and his descendants, 19 and finally the capital of the province, which it still continues to be. He then fortified it against the incursions of the Irish, and appointed a magistrate, who was indiscriminately called a provost or bailiff, and who governed the inhabitants by established laws.

    Fedhlim O'Conor preserved his ideal title, and with it, a scanty remnant of the kingdom of his ancestors, until the year 1265,20 when he

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 46

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are in a town that was fought over and rebuilt more than once. In 1232 Richard de Burgo drove Fedhlim O'Conor from the province and took him prisoner, placing Hugh O'Conor in his stead. The town and castle of Galway fell into de Burgo's hands, and recognising the importance of the place, he built several considerable additions to the castle that same year. Hugh died in 1233, and Fedhlim regained his liberty and kingdom. He laid siege to Galway, took the castle, and demolished all the new works de Burgo had added. But his powerful antagonist soon recovered the town, and thenceforth it became the principal residence of de Burgo and his descendants, and finally the capital of the province. He fortified it against the incursions of the Irish and appointed a magistrate, called indiscriminately a provost or bailiff, who governed the inhabitants by established laws. Fedhlim O'Conor preserved his royal title and a scanty remnant of the kingdom of his ancestors until 1265.

45. Galway abbey buildings demolished except church used as courts

    Galway · city · Galway · 1657

    In 1657, all the buildings of the Franciscan abbey in Galway were demolished except the church, which was used as a court of justice. Allemande later described the church as 'a very large and noble structure, then almost entire, and serving for a court of judicature.'

    Read the passage

    1657. All the buildings of the abbey demolished, except the church, in which the courts of justice were held.

    1685. Disputes arose between the warden and vicars of St. Nicholas's church and the friars of this abbey, concerning the right of precedency to attend at funerals, and the emoluments thence arising, 20 which being brought before the congregation of the cardinal's interpreters of the council of Trent, they, on the 15th Nov. this year, determined that "the right belonged to the parish priest."

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 217

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, in 1657 the Franciscan abbey here had every one of its buildings demolished, except the church. The church itself survived because it was put to use as a court of justice. Allemande later called it a very large and noble structure, then almost entire, and serving for a court of judicature.

46. Galway corporation property mortgaged and granted to Elizabeth Hamilton

    Galway · city · Galway · 1641–1673

    During the civil war, the people of Galway mortgaged almost the entire corporation property—lands, charter duties, and market duties—to raise money for the Duke of Ormond and Marquis of Clanricarde for the king's service. After the Restoration, the mortgagees were found to be forfeiting persons, and by letters patent dated 5 December 1673, King Charles II granted the entire property to Elizabeth Hamilton, widow of James Hamilton, creating alarm in the town and laying the groundwork for the corporation's future decay.

    Read the passage

    sors in the corporation, who, he was well aware, became his friends merely from necessity, and would remain so only so long as it was consistent with their interest. Of this he now gave a striking instance. During the civil war, the town s-people mortgaged, at different times and to several persons, almost the entire of the corporation property, consisting of their lands, and the charter and market duties, 33 for several sums of money, which they handed over to the duke of Ormond and marquis of Clanricarde for the king's service. After the restoration the mortgagees were found to be forfeiting persons; and the premises having become vested in the king under, the acts of settlement and explanation, he accordingly, by letters patent, dated 5th December, 1673,34 granted the entire to Elizabeth Hamilton, widow of James Hamilton, esq. one of the grooms of his majesty's bed-chamber, and to her heirs. This unexpected exercise of a dormant right, which it was supposed was obsolete, and such as would never have been thought of, or at least revived, against the present corporation, created considerable alarm. Mrs. Hamilton's agent, Mathew Quin, for daring to assert her rights, though under pretence of having offered insult to the mayor, was thrown into prison, and every resistance was made against her in the town. She accordingly had recourse to chancery for redress, and, after some proceedings, which were defended by the mayor, 35 she succeeded in establishing her claim, and thus laid the groundwork of the future decay and monopoly of the corporation. The earl of Essex, then lord lieutenant, at first opposed this ruinous grant; but the king having expressly signified his pleasure that it should take place, his lordship was obliged to acquiesce. In a communication on the subject to the secretary in England, he states, " As to the affair of the town of Galway, between it and Mrs. Hamilton, &c, 1 cannot but tell you, that 1 apprehend this grant will be the ruin of that town. It was once a considerable place of trade, and one of the principal strengths of the kingdom : it furnished all the province of Connaught (it being the only frequented port there,) with foreign commodities; but now I hear the merchants are all leaving the

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 120

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are in a city that once mortgaged nearly all its corporate property during the civil war. The townspeople raised money by mortgaging their lands, charter duties, and market duties, handing the sums to the Duke of Ormond and the Marquis of Clanricarde for the king's service. After the Restoration, the mortgagees were found to be forfeiting persons, and the premises became vested in the Crown under the acts of settlement and explanation. On 5 December 1673, King Charles II granted the entire property by letters patent to Elizabeth Hamilton, widow of James Hamilton, a groom of the king's bed-chamber. This revived a dormant right everyone thought obsolete, and it created considerable alarm in the town. Her agent, Mathew Quin, was thrown into prison for asserting her rights, supposedly for insulting the mayor, and every resistance was made against her. She turned to chancery, and after proceedings defended by the mayor, she succeeded in establishing her claim. This laid the groundwork for the future decay and monopoly of the corporation. The Earl of Essex, then lord lieutenant, opposed the ruinous grant at first, but the king expressly signified his pleasure that it should take place, and Essex was obliged to acquiesce. He wrote to the secretary in England that he apprehended the grant would be the ruin of that town, which had once been a considerable place of trade and one of the principal strengths of the kingdom, furnishing all Connaught with foreign commodities as its only frequented port, but now the merchants were all leaving.

47. Galway merchants fund Hutchinson after French landing at Killala, 1798

    Galway · city · Galway · 1798

    On the landing of the French at Killala in August 1798, General Hutchinson commanded in Galway but lacked resources. The merchants of Galway raised 1,500 guineas in an hour, enabling him to join General Lake against the enemy.

    Read the passage

    suburbs. The year 1794 was rendered remarkable for the arrival of the Home-ward bound East India fleet. This noble squadron riding at anchor in the bay, and combining with the surrounding scenery, presented a grand and most picturesque appearance, and reminded many old persons, then living, of what they had heard in their youth, concerning the former trade and concourse of shipping to the town. 17 During the troubles which afterwards disturbed the kingdom, the inhabitants of Galway were conspicuous for their peacable demeanour and unshaken loyalty; not an individual suffered for rebellious proceedings; and to their credit be it recorded, that, though their principles were devoted to the constitution of the country," they were free from the vile spirit of political and religious prejudice so prevalent in other parts of the kingdom. The readiness with which the ranks of the militia and the yeomanry corps of volunteers were filled up, afforded convincing proof of the principles of the Catholic inhabitants of Galway. 18 On the landing of the French at Killala, in August, 1798, the gallant and humane general (afterwards lord) Hutchinson commanded in the town; and being, at the time, entirely destitute of resources to enable him to march against the enemy, the merchants, in the space of an hour, made up a sum of fifteen hundred guineas, which they presented him, and by which he was enabled to join general Lake, v/ith the troops under his command to meet the enemy. The town yeomanry also joined their forces, and had their share of the disgraceful defeat at Castlebar. During their absence the town was left without military protection, and the Catholic clergy were indefatigable in their exertions to preserve the public peace. On this occasion, one of the regulars of St. Augustine presented a novel spectacle — a friar standing sentinel on the west bridge, to prevent the entrance of disaffected persons to a place where, within the memory of many then living, he would himself have been doomed to transportation or death for daring to appear or return : thus affording a striking example of the mutability of

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 157

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, this is a town whose people stood out in the troubled years around 1798 for their peaceable demeanour and loyalty. Not an individual suffered for rebellious proceedings. The record says they were "free from the vile spirit of political and religious prejudice so prevalent in other parts of the kingdom." The Catholic inhabitants filled the ranks of the militia and the yeomanry readily. In August 1798, the French landed at Killala. The gallant and humane General Hutchinson, afterwards Lord Hutchinson, commanded in the town. He was entirely destitute of resources to march against the enemy. The merchants, in the space of an hour, made up fifteen hundred guineas and presented it to him. With that sum, he was enabled to join General Lake with the troops under his command to meet the enemy. The town yeomanry joined their forces too, and had their share of what the record calls the disgraceful defeat at Castlebar. During their absence, the town was left without military protection. The Catholic clergy were indefatigable in preserving the public peace. One of the regulars of St. Augustine presented a novel sight: a friar standing sentinel on the west bridge, preventing disaffected persons from entering a place where, within the memory of many then living, he would himself have been doomed to transportation or death for daring to appear.

48. Galway orders arrest of hostile septs found in town

    Galway · city · Galway · 1549

    In 1549, Galway enacted a by-law against several named septs—Clan Donze, Clan McConchouir, Clan Caleboy, the Hallorans, Slought-etaggard and Flareties—whose chiefs and followers daily committed injuries against the town's inhabitants. Any member of these septs found in Galway was to be arrested and held until restitution was made for all damages.

    Read the passage

    For sundry and divers injuries and wrongs that the septs of Clan Donze, Clan McConchouir, Clan Caleboy, the Hallorans, Slought-etaggard and Flareties, ther cheffe captayns, doth dayly to the inhabitants of this town, that when any of the said septs with their captayns be found in town, to be taken and rested until restitution be made for all hurts and damages as he or any of his sept doth to the inhabitants ; and that the mayor nor officers shall not license nor pardon none of the said septs to come within this town, without license of those to whom they commit the trespacis, or owinge debts.

    1550.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 168

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are in a town that in 1549 passed a by-law against six hostile septs. The septs of Clan Donze, Clan McConchouir, Clan Caleboy, the Hallorans, Slought-etaggard and the Flareties, along with their chiefs, were said to commit injuries daily against the inhabitants. Any member of these septs found in the town was to be arrested and held until restitution was made for all hurts and damages. The mayor and officers were forbidden to license or pardon any of these septs to come within the town, except by permission of those they had wronged or owed debts to.

49. Galway rebels seize English ship in the bay

    Galway · city · Galway · 1642

    On 19 March, Dominick Kirwan and armed young men disguised as boatsmen attacked an English ship in Galway bay, killed the master's mate and another crew member, and seized the vessel with its ordnance and powder. The town then closed its gates, took the church, disarmed English residents, and entered an oath of union.

    Read the passage

    These pleasing prospects were, however, but of short duration. There was a faction in the town, headed by the clergy, which dissembled for a while; but, on the departure of the earl, they openly avowed their intention of resistance, and, on the 19th of March, the flame burst out with more violence than ever. There lay an English ship in the bay, commanded by one Clarke, and her it was determined to seize. She had on board twelve pieces of ordnance, about a dozen muskets and seven or eight barrels of powder; and, whilst the master was in the fort, and several of his men employed in bringing ballast, Dominick Kirwan, some other merchants and young men, disguised as boatsmen, and armed with pistols and other

    38 In the interim, during his absence, in the county of Mayo, and who, being

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 94

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Galway, this is the city where rebellion broke out on the 19th of March 1642. An English ship lay in the bay, commanded by one Clarke, carrying twelve pieces of ordnance, about a dozen muskets, and seven or eight barrels of powder. While the master was away in the fort and some of his men were bringing ballast, Dominick Kirwan and other merchants and young men, disguised as boatsmen and armed with pistols, boarded the vessel. They killed the master's mate and another crew member and seized the ship. After that, the town closed its gates, took the church, disarmed the English residents, and entered an oath of union.

50. Ireton summons the citizens of Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1651

    Ireton sent a dispatch to the mayor, aldermen, and burgesses of Galway, warning them that their trading and supplies were restrained and urging them to submit to the state of England to avoid the miseries suffered by Limerick.

    Read the passage

    The dispatch for the citizens was as follows : " Gentlemen, I suppose you cannot but understand that (as God hath pleased to bless and dispose of our affaires) wee hav no place considerable in Ireland to intend nexo but your city, where, I believe, you must needs feele some restraint already both to your trading and supplys, and cannot but foresee more coming on, that will reduce you (by God's blessing continuing with us) to extremity ere long, though we should not at all deal with you in a more forceable way. And therefore, though I can expect little fruit of a formal summons at this distance and season, if j'ou be under the power of a mercenary souldiery, (who will perhaps pretend point of honour, not to yield before more extremity or immediate force at hand, but really intend their own interests, soe farr as to keepe themselves in a warm quarter and good pay, whilst they can,) though thereby (besides first milking of 3'ou dry) they bring you into as bad a condition at last as those in Limerick and other places have done the poore people that maintained them, and then, getting as good conditions as they can for themselves, to be gone, leaving you with your more weighty interests behinde to stande at the stake ; yett not knowing but your wisdome may have kept you soe fai masters of yourselves and your citty, as to be able to rid yourselves of such guests when you see cause, I thought fit hereby to offer you, as once I did to Limerick, last year, whilst they were their owne masters, that if you will yet open your gates, and submitt to the state of England, yon shall find more mercy and favours to all, save the original authors of the rebellion, the first engagers in command or council] therein, before the first general assembly, or such as sate therein, than

    HISTORY Of GAL WAY.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 106

    As the companion tells it

    As you travel through Galway, you are in the city Ireton summoned in 1651. He sent a dispatch to the mayor, aldermen, and burgesses, warning that their trading and supplies were already restrained and more hardship was coming. He told them he had offered the same choice to Limerick the year before, while they were still their own masters, and urged Galway to open their gates and submit to the state of England. Ireton warned that if a mercenary soldiery held the city, those soldiers might pretend honour was the reason to hold out, but really meant to keep themselves in good quarters and pay as long as they could. He said they would first milk the citizens dry, then bring them to as bad a condition as the poor people of Limerick and other places had suffered at the hands of those who maintained such soldiers. Then the soldiers would get the best conditions they could for themselves and leave, with the citizens' weightier interests left, as he put it, to stand at the stake. He promised that all would find mercy and favour, save the original authors of the rebellion and those who first engaged in command or council before the first general assembly, or those who sat in it.

51. Italian traveller marvels at Galway's variety and beauty, 1568

    Galway · city · Galway · 1568

    An Italian traveller, drawn by Galway's fame abroad, visited the town in 1568 and carefully noted its situation, buildings, and the manners of its inhabitants. While attending mass in a private house, he witnessed the blessed sacrament, boats on the river, a ship in full sail, a salmon speared, and hunters chasing a deer, declaring it the most varied and beautiful sight he had seen in all his European travels.

    Read the passage

    to the queen. The west gate and tower of defence, at the end of the bridge, were then built by Hhomas Martin;40 and, about the same time, several other public works and private buildings were erected. After these improvements we»e made, the annals relate, that an Italian traveller, induced by its fame in foreign parts, visited the town, and that he carefully remarked and noted its situation and extent, the style of its buildings, the manners and customs of the inhabitants, and every other particular worthy of attention. They further state, that being at mass in a private house, (its celebration in public having been in that year, 1568, first prohibited) he saw, at one view, the blessed sacrament in the hands of the priest, boats passing up and down the river, a ship entering the port in full sail, a salmon killed with a spear, and hunters and hounds pursuing a deer; upon which he observed, that although he had travelled the greatest part of Europe, he had never before witnessed a sight which combined so much variety and beauty. At that time the town was described by Campion, in his history, as a "proper neat city at the sea side."

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 76

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are in a place whose fame once reached foreign shores. In 1568, an Italian traveller, drawn by that fame, came to visit and noted everything — the town's situation, its buildings, the manners of its people. He was at mass in a private house, public celebration having been prohibited that year, and from where he stood he saw it all at once: the blessed sacrament in the priest's hands, boats moving up and down the river, a ship entering the port in full sail, a salmon killed with a spear, and hunters with hounds chasing a deer. He said that though he had travelled the greatest part of Europe, he had never seen a sight that combined so much variety and beauty. Campion, in his history, called it a 'proper neat city at the sea side.'

52. John Lynch taught school of humanity in Galway

    Galway · city · Galway

    John Lynch, a learned prelate born in Galway in the early seventeenth century, taught a school of humanity in his native town. In 1647 he opposed the nuncio Rinuccini who was then in Galway.

    Read the passage

    2. JOHN LYNCH. This virtuous and learned prelate was oorn in Galway early in the seventeenth century. He taught what was called a school of humanity in his native town. During the troubles of 1641 he dis-

    approved of the violent measures of the warden, Walter Lynch ; and, in 1647, opposed the nuncio, Rinuncini, who was then in Galway. He afterwards became archdeacon of Tuam, and, on the surrender of Galway to the parliament army in }fc52, he went to France, where publishe 1 under the name of " Eudoxius Alithia"- logus," " Alitbinologia, sive veredica responsio ad invectivam, mendaciis, fallaciis, calumniis et imposturis foetam, in plurimos antistites proceres, et omnis Ordnns Hibernos A.R.P.R.F.C. Congregationi de propaganda fide, A.D. 1659, exhibitam 1664, 4 to. — Supplementum alithinolo gise, quod partes invectivam in Hibernos cusse in alithinologia non oppugnata everfcit,'' 1667, 4to. But the work by which he principally acquired fame was published under the feigned name of Gravianus Lucius, and is entitled "Cambrensis Eversus, seu potius Historica fides, in rebus Hibernicis, Giraldo, Cambrensi abrogata. In quo, plerasque justi historici dotes desiderari plerosque nsevos inesse ostendit Gratianus Lucius Hibernus ; qui etiam aliquot res memorabiles Hibernicas veteris et novae memorise passim e re nata m < oyen inseruit. Impress. An. lQt"2, folio — in this work the errors and falsehoods of Gerald Barry, or Cambrensis, concerning Ireland, are detected and ably refuted. He wrote also " Pii Antistitis Icon, sive de vita et morta rev. D. Francisci Kerovani, Alladensis Episcopi, Mac lovii, 1669, 8vo," and became himself titular bishop of Kilhila before his death. A late biographer states he was traditionally informed that our author " was a man of the greatest benevolence, amiable manners, and virtuous dispositions, and that the whole course of his life was distinguished by a prominent and unaltered feature — the love of humanity and his country."

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 255

    As the companion tells it

    As the road brings you through Galway, this is the native town of John Lynch, a virtuous and learned prelate born here early in the seventeenth century. He taught what was called a school of humanity in this same town. During the troubles of 1641 he disapproved of the violent measures of the warden, Walter Lynch. In 1647 he opposed the nuncio Rinuccini, who was then present in the town. He afterwards became archdeacon of Tuam, and on the surrender of the town to the parliament army he went to France. There he published under the name of Eudoxius Alithialogus a Latin work in 1659, presented to the Congregation de propaganda fide, with a supplement following in 1667. But the work by which he principally acquired fame appeared under the feigned name of Gravianus Lucius. It is called “Cambrensis Eversus,” and in it the errors and falsehoods of Gerald Barry, or Cambrensis, concerning Ireland, are detected and ably refuted. He wrote also a life of Francis Kerovan, Bishop of Allada, published in 1669, and became himself titular bishop of Kilhila before his death. A late biographer states he was traditionally informed that the author was a man of the greatest benevolence, amiable manners, and virtuous dispositions, and that the whole course of his life was distinguished by a prominent and unaltered feature, the love of humanity and his country.

53. Limerick-Galway mercantile conflict, pre-1524

    Galway · city · Galway

    A mercantile dispute before 1524 led David Comyn of Limerick to seize Ambrose Lynch Fitz-James of Galway and hold him for ransom. Hostilities and depredations by sea and land followed between the two cities until a peace delegation was sent.

    Read the passage

    The city of Limerick, from an early period of our history, was jealous of the growing trade and prosperity of Galway, although the latter long retained its superiority. This jealousy was shown on many occasions, but broke out violently in consequence of a mercantile dispute, which happened some time previously to 1524, between David Comyn, a citizen of Limerick, and some merchants of Galway. Comyn complained that he could have no justice administered to him in Galway; and, waiting for an opportunity, he seized the person of Ambrose Lynch Fitz-James, one of the inhabitants of the town, and kept him close prisoner, until he was ransomed for a large sum of money. In consequence of this outrage, hostilities commenced between the city and the town, and great depredations were committed both by sea and land; until the people of Limerick, weary of the contest, dispatched two of their citizens, Christopher Arthur and Nicholas Arthur, to Galway, to conclude a peace; or, as the record of this transaction expresses it, "to pacyficat and put awaye all manner adversitye, rancour, and inconvenyens that have rysen or insurged between the city and town habitantes of the same." Upon their arrival, the mayor, bailiffs and commonalty assembled in the town house, and with one assent elected Walter and Anthony Lynch Fitz-Thomas, to conclude "a perpetual

    2t A.D. 1525, the King granted to Robert Cowley, of Dublin, merchant, the lastage of hides, commonly called the fees of the town of Galway ; being two shillings sterling money for every last (twelve dozen) of hides, in every ship within the port of Galway, and the bays and oreeks thereof, for a term of 30 years, thereto-

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 70

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Galway, the city the road passes through. Back before 1524, Galway's trade and prosperity had long outstripped Limerick's, and Limerick watched with jealousy. That jealousy turned violent over a mercantile dispute between David Comyn, a citizen of Limerick, and some merchants of Galway. Comyn claimed he could get no justice administered to him in Galway. So he waited for his chance and seized Ambrose Lynch Fitz-James, one of the town's inhabitants, and kept him close prisoner until he was ransomed for a large sum of money. That outrage set off hostilities between the two cities, with great depredations committed by sea and land. Eventually the people of Limerick grew weary of the contest and sent two of their own citizens, Christopher Arthur and Nicholas Arthur, to Galway to make peace. The record puts their purpose in its own words: to pacify and put away all manner of adversity, rancour, and inconveniences that had risen or insurgent between the city and town inhabitants of the same. When they arrived, the mayor, bailiffs, and commonalty gathered in the town house and with one assent elected Walter and Anthony Lynch Fitz-Thomas to conclude a perpetual peace.

54. Lower citadel barrack known as the shamble barrack

    Galway · city · Galway · 1802

    Before 1802 butchers' meat was exhibited for sale through the streets of Galway, particularly about the lower citadel barrack, which from that circumstance got the name of the shamble barrack. Military force became necessary to compel the butchers to abandon the old system and confine themselves to the new shambles.

    Read the passage

    3 Before this year butchers' meat was exhibited for sale through the different streets of the tjjwn (but particularly about the lower citadel barrack, which, from that circumstance, got the name of the shamble barrack) . Military force became necessary to compel the butchers to abandon the old system, and confine themselves to the new shambles.

    4 Over the entrance to the fish market the following inscription appears: — "This fish market was built by subscription, under the patronage of general Meyrick, who, during his residence here, acquired

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 248

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Galway now. Before 1802, butchers sold their meat straight off the streets here, especially around the lower citadel barrack, and that gave the place its name: the shamble barrack. It took military force to make the butchers give up the old way and move into the new shambles.

55. Margaret Joyes built bridges across Connaught province

    Galway · city · Galway

    Margaret Joyes, great-granddaughter of William Joyes, was surnamed Margaret na Drehide, Margaret of the Bridges, from the great number which she built. She was first married to a wealthy Spanish merchant and then to Oliver Oge Ffrench, Mayor of Galway in 1596.

    Read the passage

    Heaven was again propitious to another of this family ; Margaret Joyes, great grand daughter of the above named William, who was surnamed. Margaret na Drehide, Margaret of the Bridges, from the great number which she built. The story of this singular woman is still current amongst her descendants. They relate she was born of reduced but genteel parents and was first married to Domingo de Rona, a wealthy Spanish merchant, who traded to Galway, where, he fell in love with, and married her; and soon after departing for Spain, died there, leaving her mistress of an immense pro- Dcrty. Upon his decease, having no issue by him, she married Oliver Oge Ffrench. who was Mayor of Galway in 1596. So far the narrative is probable and consistent hut what follows will try the credulity of the reader. It relates that this lady, during the absence of her second husband, on a voyage, erected most part of the bridges of the Province of Connaught, at her own expense! and, that as she was one day sitting before the workmen, an eagle, flying over her head, let t<*v i?;.+,c be* 1 ,ri. a gold ring adorned

    with a brilliant stone, the nature of which no lapidary could ever discover^ It was preserved by her descendants, as a most valuable reliqiie. in 1661 (the date of the MS. from which this account is taken,) as a mark supposed to have been sent from Heaven, of its approbation of her good works and charily ! ! This fable though still piously believed, by some of this family, was humorously ridiculed by Latocnaye, an incredulous French traveller, who visited Galway about the end of the last century.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 21

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are travelling the city of Margaret of the Bridges. Margaret Joyes, great-granddaughter of William Joyes, earned the Irish name Margaret na Drehide, Margaret of the Bridges, from the great number she built. She was born of reduced but genteel parents, and first married Domingo de Rona, a wealthy Spanish merchant who traded to Galway, fell in love with her, and married her. He departed for Spain soon after and died there, leaving her with an immense property. Having no children by him, she married Oliver Oge Ffrench, who was Mayor of Galway in 1596. The story goes that during her second husband's absence on a voyage, she erected most of the bridges of the province of Connaught at her own expense. One day as she sat before the workmen, an eagle flying over her head let fall a gold ring adorned with a brilliant stone, the nature of which no lapidary could ever discover. Her descendants preserved it as a most valuable relic, in 1661, as a mark supposed to have been sent from Heaven of its approbation of her good works and charity. The story was still believed by some of the family, though a French traveller named Latocnaye, who visited Galway about the end of the last century, humorously ridiculed it.

56. O'Flaherty burial claims caused tumult in Galway

    Galway · city · Galway

    The memorial to the king stated that the sept of the O'Flaherties and other Irishry claimed a right to bury their dead in St. Nicholas's Church, and under that pretence often tumultuously entered the town, endangering the lives of the inhabitants and destroying the place. The town accordingly prayed for the churches and burial places outside the walls belonging to the dissolved monasteries of St. Francis, St. Dominick and St. Augustine.

    Read the passage

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

    14 This agent, after " two years extraordinary labor and attention " in this business, demanded from the warden and vicars, according to agreement, threefourths of the tithes of Kiltullagh ; which they resisted, asserting, that he undertook to obtain the grant for " ten marks, which they pa d him in good gold and cross groats." — They agreed to submit their differences to the archbishop of Tuam, the mayor o>f the town, and others, who, in the first place, ordered the parties to " be charitably inclined, and to pray for each other," and then awarded the tithes to Blake during his life. — Orig. MS,

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 197

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, the story here goes back to a time when the O'Flaherties and other Irishry claimed a right to bury their dead in St. Nicholas's Church. Under that pretence they often tumultuously entered the town, endangering the lives of the inhabitants and destroying the place. The town prayed the king to grant them instead the churches and burial places outside the walls, belonging to the dissolved monasteries of St. Francis, St. Dominick, and St. Augustine. An agent spent two years on this business and then demanded three fourths of the tithes of Kiltullagh from the warden and vicars. They resisted, asserting he undertook to obtain the grant for ten marks, which they paid him in gold and cross groats. The parties submitted their differences to the archbishop of Tuam, the mayor of the town, and others, who ordered them first to be charitably inclined and to pray for each other, then awarded the tithes to Blake during his life.

57. Roderic O'Conor takes refuge in Cong Abbey

    Cong · town · Mayo · 1186–1198

    Roderic O'Conor, last of the Irish monarchs, was dethroned by his rebellious sons and took refuge in the abbey of Cong in County Mayo, where he lived in retirement for the last twelve years of his life until his death. The abbey served as his asylum for the remainder of his life.

    Read the passage

    Soon after this grant was obtained, Hugo de Lacy, one of the boldest of the adventurers, entered Connaught for the purpose of plundering, but being resolutely opposed, he saved himself and his men by a precipitate flight. The province is described as being particulary disturbed in 1181, and these disturbances seem to have continued for the five succeeding years. In 1186, the rebellious sons of the unfortunate Roderic were the first to dethrone their unhappy father; they abstained, it is true, from the heinous crime of parricide, but they obliged him (perhaps to prevent it,) to fly and take refuge in the venerable abbey of Cong, in the present County of Mayo, where he found an asylum for the remainder of his life. Connor, one of his sons, placed himself on the throne, and soon signalized himself by routing, with great slaughter, John de Courcy, who, in 1 186, taking advantage of the existing broils, made an incursion into Connaught. Connor did not long enjoy his usurped dignity, he was killed by one of his brothers, who, in return was slain by his nephew, one of Connor's sons, whereupon Cathal, or Charles, surnamed Crovdearg, or the bloody handed, succeeded, and, soon after his succession, gained a victory over De Courcy, whom he defeated with the loss of 200 foot and 30 horse; in commemoration of which, he founded the abbey of Collis Victoria, now called Knockmoy in the County of Galway.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 45

58. Nuns dispersed after surrender of Galway (1652)

    Galway · city · Galway · 1652

    Soon after the surrender of Galway in 1652, the Franciscan nuns were forced to disperse and flee to foreign countries. These persecuted women suffered the miseries of a long and comfortless exile abroad.

    Read the passage

    that island, 34 but they enjoyed it only for a short period, for, soon after the surrender of the town, in 1652, they were obliged to disperse and retreat to foreign parts, where these persecuted and defenceless females suffered all the miseries of a long and comfortless exile. After a lapse of many year? they at length began to entertain hopes of once more revisiting their native land; and accordingly, on the change of political circumstances which took place in 1686, the few who survived returned to Galway, and settled in a large house in the Market-street, where, with the exception of a few temporary removals, their successors have ever since continued.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 223

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are in a city where Franciscan nuns were forced from their home after the surrender of 1652. They had to disperse and flee to foreign parts, where these persecuted women suffered all the miseries of a long and comfortless exile. After many years they began to hope of revisiting their native land. On the change of political circumstances in 1686, the few who survived returned to Galway and settled in a large house in Market Street, where their successors have ever since continued.

59. Attack and burning of Athenry, January 1596

    Athenry · town · Galway · 1596

    On 15 January 1596 O'Donnell's forces invested Athenry, burned the gates, and entered the town. Though repulsed at the castle, they seized the wall-towers, took prisoners, and set fire to the town, sparing only the castle, abbey, and church.

    Read the passage

    Soon after the departure of the lord deputy the northern Irish, led b> Hugh Ruadh O'Donnell, after destroying the castle of Enniskillen, penetrated into Connaught, and were joined by Tibbot M 'Walter Kittagh Bourke. (upon whom they conferred the title of Mac William,) and by several other powerful confederates. They commenced hostilities in January, 1596, and wasted, burned and destroyed almost the entire county of Galway. On the 15th of that month they invested Athenry, burned the gates, and entered the town; but being repulsed in an attack on the castle, which was bravely defended, and having failed in an attempt to scale the battlements, they took possession of all the wall-towers, and as many of the inhabitants as guarded them they made prisoners. They then set fire to the town, which, with the exception of the castle that resisted them, and the abbey and church, which alone were spared, was soon reduced to ashes. ^ After these

    16 Lynch, in Vita Kirovani, relates that, their dead bodies were carefully wrapt in fine linen by the towns-women, and committed to burial : he further mentions that only two of the Spaniards escaped deatb on this occasion ; that they were for a long time concealed in the town, and afterwards safely conveyed to Spain.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 83

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, on the 15th of January 1596, the northern Irish under Hugh Ruadh O'Donnell invested Athenry. They had come into Connaught after destroying the castle of Enniskillen, joined by Tibbot McWalter Kittagh Bourke, upon whom they conferred the title of Mac William, and by several other powerful confederates. They had already wasted, burned and destroyed almost the entire county of Galway. At Athenry they burned the gates and entered the town. They were repulsed in an attack on the castle, which was bravely defended, and failed in an attempt to scale the battlements. So they took possession of all the wall-towers, and made prisoners of as many of the inhabitants as guarded them. Then they set fire to the town. It was soon reduced to ashes, with the exception of the castle that resisted them, and the abbey and church, which alone were spared.

60. Cathal Crovdearg founds Knockmoy Abbey after victory

    Knockmoy · townland · Clare · 1186

    After defeating John de Courcy with the loss of 200 foot and 30 horse, Cathal Crovdearg O'Conor founded the abbey of Collis Victoria, now called Knockmoy, in County Galway, in commemoration of his victory. The battle took place around 1186 when de Courcy made an incursion into Connaught.

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    Soon after this grant was obtained, Hugo de Lacy, one of the boldest of the adventurers, entered Connaught for the purpose of plundering, but being resolutely opposed, he saved himself and his men by a precipitate flight. The province is described as being particulary disturbed in 1181, and these disturbances seem to have continued for the five succeeding years. In 1186, the rebellious sons of the unfortunate Roderic were the first to dethrone their unhappy father; they abstained, it is true, from the heinous crime of parricide, but they obliged him (perhaps to prevent it,) to fly and take refuge in the venerable abbey of Cong, in the present County of Mayo, where he found an asylum for the remainder of his life. Connor, one of his sons, placed himself on the throne, and soon signalized himself by routing, with great slaughter, John de Courcy, who, in 1 186, taking advantage of the existing broils, made an incursion into Connaught. Connor did not long enjoy his usurped dignity, he was killed by one of his brothers, who, in return was slain by his nephew, one of Connor's sons, whereupon Cathal, or Charles, surnamed Crovdearg, or the bloody handed, succeeded, and, soon after his succession, gained a victory over De Courcy, whom he defeated with the loss of 200 foot and 30 horse; in commemoration of which, he founded the abbey of Collis Victoria, now called Knockmoy in the County of Galway.

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