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

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

1. Galway tholsel jury finds for crown, county planted at double rate

   Galway · city · Galway · 1637

   On 6th April 1637, the jury of the county of the town of Galway met at the tholsel hall and found for the crown. As a result, the county was planted at a double rate and the natives lost one-half of their lands, while less refractory counties lost only one-fourth.

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   find for the crown, as did the jury of the county of the town the day after, in the tholsell hall. 35 Upon the return of these findings, the county was planted at a double rate, and the natives lost one-half of their lands, whereas the other less refractory counties lost but one-fourth. Thus terminated, through the influence of power, this illegal proceeding, for which, with other arbitrary measures resorted to in England, and during his government here, the ill-fated Strafford afterwards lost hi3 head; but its injurious effects, without benefiting the crown, were lasting and considerable. Irritated beyond measure at so glaring an act of injustice openly committed against them, after so many royal assurances in their favour, the gentlemen of the county loudly proclaimed their discontent, and fixed resolution to embrace- any opportunity which might offer to be revenged; and of the reality of their determination, the fatal events, which soon after took place, afforded melancholy proof. •

   35 The following extract from this memorable record will be found not undeserving of perusal. — The inquiry was held at the tholsel, on the 6th of April. 1637.

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 91

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Galway, you are moving through a city with a bitter chapter in its past. On the 6th of April 1637, the jury of the county of the town of Galway met in the tholsel hall and found for the crown. The result was severe. The county was planted at a double rate, and the natives lost one-half of their lands, while less refractory counties lost only one-fourth. The source calls it an illegal proceeding carried out through the influence of power. Strafford, who governed at the time, later lost his head for this and other arbitrary measures, but the damage here was lasting. The gentlemen of the county loudly proclaimed their discontent and resolved to embrace any opportunity for revenge. Fatal events soon followed, proof of how deep the anger ran.

2. Named individuals excepted from indemnity at Galway surrender

   Galway · city · Galway · 1641–1652

   The articles of surrender for Galway grant indemnity for all past offences committed since 23 October 1641, but explicitly except Brian Roe Mahon More, Stephen Lynch, Dominick Kirwan, and Walter Martin, who were implicated in the killing of Captain Clark's men. Others subsequently proven to have murdered English or Protestant people before the corporation entered into hostilities on 19 March 1641 are also excepted.

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   IV. It is concluded and agreed upon, by and between the said parties, that the clergymen now in Gallway shall have liberty to continue there six months after the conclusion of this treaty, and shall have effectuall passes (when they desire it within that time) for themselves, and the goods properly belonging to them, to go beyond seas, provided that during that time they act nothing prejudiciall to the state of England ; and likewise that the names of all such clergymen shall be made known to the lord president before the surrender of the said towne; and that all manner of persons, of what quality soever, according to the exposition of the second article , that have indemynity for all past offences, criminal and capitall, acts and offences done in the prosecucon of this warr, from the 23rd of October, 1641, untill the conclusion of this treaty (except Brian Roe Mahon More, Stephen Lynch, Dominick Kirwan and Walter Martin, who had their hands immediately in the effusion of the blood of captain Clark's men, and such other person or persons as shall be hereafter found by good proofs to have had their immediate hands in any particular murther of the English or pro-

   testant people, before the corporation entered into acts of hostility first) in this war, which was on the 19th of March, 1641, and all such persons (excepting before accepted) that for the future shall submit to the government of the parliament of the commonwealth of Eng, shall be admitted to doo and to live at their homes, or with their friends, and shall have protection, during their obedience to the said government, to their persons, goods and estates, on the same terms that the rest of the inhabitants of the county, of the same condition and qualifications with themselves, have, soe as the benefit of the protection last mentioned in the article shall not extend to clergymen further than six months, as before mentioned.

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 276

   As the companion tells it

   Up ahead is Galway, the city the road passes through. In the time of the wars that began in 1641, this town held out long enough to negotiate its own surrender, and the terms were written down. The articles granted indemnity for all past offences, criminal and capital, committed from the 23rd of October 1641 until the treaty was concluded. But not everyone was covered. Four men were named and excepted: Brian Roe Mahon More, Stephen Lynch, Dominick Kirwan, and Walter Martin. They were excepted because, as the articles put it, they had their hands immediately in the effusion of the blood of Captain Clark's men. The indemnity also failed to shield anyone who could later be proven, by good proofs, to have had their immediate hands in any particular murder of English or Protestant people before the corporation entered into acts of hostility. That date of first hostility was given as the 19th of March 1641. So the town bought peace, but left those men outside it. The articles also made provision for clergymen still in Galway. They could remain for six months after the treaty and would be given effective passes to go beyond seas with their goods, provided they acted nothing prejudicial to the state of England. Their names were to be made known to the lord president before the surrender of the town. Anyone who submitted to the government of the parliament of the commonwealth of England would be admitted to live at their homes or with their friends, with protection for their persons, goods, and estates, on the same terms as the rest of the inhabitants of the county.

3. Ormond prisage of wines dispute in Galway, 1526

   Galway · city · Galway · 1526

   In 1526 the Earl of Ormond demanded the prisage of wines from Galway, an impost never before paid there. The town resisted, the case went to the Star Chamber in England, and the decree favoured Galway, ruling no prisage was owed since none had ever been collected there.

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   The importation of this article formed, from a very early period, the most considerable feature in the foreign commerce of the town; and our annals assert that more wine was, for a considerable period of time, annually imported into Galway than into all the other parts of the kingdom. 26 As the Ormond family was entitled, by a grant from King Edw. III. to the prisage of all wines brought into Ireland, viz. one tun out of every nine, and two out of every twenty, the loss to them, in consequence of its retention in Galway, was very considerable. The earl made the demand in the year 1526, and the town resisted payment. His lordship then made complaint, before the lords of the Star Chamber in England; agents attended on the part of the town; the question was solemnly debated; and, after mature deliberation, it was decreed, that "Inasmuch as the earl could not prov® that either King Edward III. under whose grant he claimed, or any other before the grant, or himself, or any of his ancestors, received any prise wines of any stranger or denipen, by any prerogative, custom or other law in the town of Galway, so the town and corporation should p^y no prisage, custom or toll unto the King, or any other person, other than they have used to pay in times past. "27 This decision, which was so favorable to the town, caused great rejoicings amongst the inhabitants, but had a contrary effect on the people of Limerick, who, irrigated at the success of their rivals, dispatched private information to Henry VIII. that Galway had degenerated into the manners and customs of the Irish, with whom they corresponded, and to whom they afforded every assistance. This new attempt to injure the town also failed; for the King, depending on its well-known fidelity, was satisfied, without further inquiry, by sending over certain instructions, dated 28th April, 1536, 28 that tKe inhabitants should

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 71

   As the companion tells it

   Galway was a wine port, and a busy one. More wine came through here than into all the other parts of the kingdom, according to the town's own annals. The Ormond family held a grant from King Edward the Third giving them the prisage of all wines brought into Ireland, one tun out of every nine and two out of every twenty. In 1526 the earl demanded that prise from Galway. The town refused to pay. He took the complaint to the lords of the Star Chamber in England. Agents went over on the town's behalf, the question was solemnly debated, and after mature deliberation the decree went in Galway's favour. The ruling held that since the earl could not prove that Edward the Third, or any king before him, or the earl himself, or any of his ancestors, had ever received prise wines in Galway, the town should pay no prisage, custom, or toll other than they had paid in times past. The decision caused great rejoicing among the inhabitants. The people of Limerick were less pleased. Angry at the success of their rivals, they sent private information to Henry the Eighth that Galway had degenerated into the manners and customs of the Irish, with whom they corresponded and to whom they gave every assistance. That attempt to injure the town failed too. The King depended on Galway's well-known fidelity and was satisfied without further inquiry, sending over instructions dated the 28th of April, 1536, that the inhabitants should be left as they were.

4. Presentation Convent founded in Galway

   Kirwan's Lane · street · Kildare · 1815

   The Presentation order of religious women was established in Galway on 27 October 1815 under Warden Ffrench, with the principal object of educating poor female children. They began their work in a house in Kirwan's Lane in November 1815 before moving to larger premises. The foundation became one of the best-circumstanced of its kind in the kingdom.

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   This useful order of religious females, whose principal object is the education of poor female children, was established here on the 27th of October, 1815, under the patronage and protection of the very reverend Warden Ffrench. They commenced their christian avocations in a house in Kirwan's-lane, in November, 1815; but opened on a more extended scale in a large house at Meyrick-square, in March following. Here they continued until 1819, when they removed to a spacious, elegant and well-situated building (the former charter school , which they hold by lease for 60 years, at £80 annual rent), in the west suburbs of the town. The entire of this extensive concern has been thoroughly repaired and fitted up with convenient schoolrooms : it is surrounded by a high wall, and is esteemed one of the best circumstanced foundations of the kind in the kingdom. Each lady, on admission to this order, pays a sum of £500 towards the general fund, which is now considered sufficient, with the aid of annual sermons and occasional donations, to support this valuable establishment. From the charitable labours of these exemplary ladies many benefits have already accrued, and are thereafter likely to accrue, to society, by the moral, religious and usefully domestic education of so many of its most helpless and most generally neglected members. At present thirty female orphan children are dieted, lodged, clothed and educated; and upwards of three hundred female day scholars are instructed in useful needlework, reading, writing, the common rules of arithmetic, and the principles of religion. It is to many a subject of regret that the pious ladies of our other convents had not heretofore (if at all compatible with their rules) adopted, even on a limited scale, this humane plan. How many hundreds, by imbibing virtuous principles and acquiring ideas of industry, might, by their exertions, have been rescued from those courses of idleness and vice to which the poor unprotected female is, alas ! but too often liable. — For this valuable institution the memorable dying words of the celebrated Venetian for the liberties of his country cannot be too frequently repeated. 39

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 225

   As the companion tells it

   Along this street, the Presentation order of religious women began their work in November 1815. They had been established in Galway on the 27th of October that year, under the patronage and protection of the Very Reverend Warden Ffrench. Their principal object was the education of poor female children. They started here in Kirwan's Lane, in a house, before opening on a more extended scale in a large house at Meyrick Square in March of the following year. By 1819 they had removed again, this time to a spacious and well-situated building in the west suburbs of the town. It was the former charter school, held by lease for 60 years at 80 pounds annual rent. The whole place was thoroughly repaired and fitted up with convenient schoolrooms, surrounded by a high wall, and esteemed one of the best circumstanced foundations of its kind in the kingdom. Each lady, on admission to the order, paid a sum of 500 pounds towards the general fund. That, with annual sermons and occasional donations, was considered enough to support the establishment. At the time of the record, 30 female orphan children were dieted, lodged, clothed and educated there. Upwards of 300 female day scholars were instructed in useful needlework, reading, writing, the common rules of arithmetic, and the principles of religion.

5. Richard de Burgo takes Galway Castle, 1232

   Galway · city · Galway · 1232

   Richard de Burgo drove Fedhlim O'Conor from the province and took the town and castle of Galway in 1232, recognizing the place's great importance and building considerable additions to the castle. This established Galway as the principal residence of the De Burgos and the capital of the province.

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   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 city that became the capital of the province through a struggle between two men. In 1232, Richard de Burgo summoned all his forces and drove Fedhlim O'Conor from the province, taking the town and castle of Galway and establishing Hugh O'Conor in Fedhlim's place. Seeing the great importance of the place, Richard built several considerable additions to the castle that same year. Fedhlim regained his liberty and kingdom when Hugh died in 1233, and he laid siege to Galway, took the castle, and demolished all the new works. Richard de Burgo soon recovered the town, and thenceforth it became the principal residence of himself and his descendants, and finally the capital of the province. He fortified it against the incursions of the Irish and appointed a magistrate, called a provost or bailiff, who governed the inhabitants by established laws. Fedhlim O'Conor held on to a scanty remnant of the kingdom of his ancestors until 1265.

6. Williamite forces cross river at Menlo Castle

   near Menlo · street · Galway · 1691

   During the siege of Galway, Williamite forces under Lieutenant-General Mackay crossed the river near Menlo Castle, about two miles north of the town, using pre-constructed floats. A party of dragoons sent to oppose their landing was overpowered after a severe skirmish and forced to retreat.

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   goons, all commanded by lieutenant-general Mackay, crossed the river nearly opposite the castle of Menlo, about two miles north of the town. They were all safely over by break of day, and met with no opposition except from a party of dragoons sent to oppose their landing, which, being overpowered by superior numbers, was obliged, after a severe skirmish, to retreat. This formidable detachment (which was wafted over on floats previously constructed, but without success, to seize the only three ships that remained in the bay, and which sailed that night) occupied all the passes from Iar-Connaught, and put an end to any further hopes of succour from Balldearg O'Donnell. This disappointment was followed by another, resulting from the treachery of one Bourke, a captain in the Irish army, who deserted, before the English were many hours before the town, and informed general Ginckle that the fort towards the south-east was nearly finished; and, therefore, the sooner it was attacked, the easier it would be gained : he also added, that from its importance, as it commanded a great part of the wall on that side of the town, its loss would considerably dispirit the besieged.

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 130

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere about Menlo, in 1691, Williamite forces under Lieutenant-General Mackay crossed the river on floats they had built beforehand, nearly opposite the castle of Menlo, about two miles north of Galway. They were all safely over by break of day. A party of dragoons was sent to oppose their landing, but after a severe skirmish the dragoons were overpowered by superior numbers and forced to retreat. That same detachment had also tried, without success, to seize the three ships that remained in the bay, and those ships sailed that night. Once across, the Williamite forces occupied all the passes from Iar-Connaught and put an end to any further hopes of succour from Balldearg O'Donnell. The setback for the besieged did not end there. A captain in the Irish army named Bourke deserted and informed General Ginckle that the fort towards the south-east was nearly finished, so the sooner it was attacked the easier it would be gained. He added that its loss would considerably dispirit the besieged, since it commanded a great part of the wall on that side of the town.

7. Assassination of Earl of Ulster at Carrickfergus Castle

   near Carrickfergus · town · Antrim · 1333

   William, the third Earl of Ulster, was basely assassinated by his own attendants at his castle of Carrickfergus in 1333, leaving an only daughter, Elizabeth, to inherit his vast possessions. This event occasioned a major revolution.

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   William, the third Earl of Ulster, survived his grandfather Richard but seven years. He was basely assassinated by his own attendants, at his castle of Carrickfergus in 1333, leaving an only daughter, Elizabeth, to inherit his vast possessions. 32 This circumstance occasioned a revolution, memor-

   30 This christian name, which at first Slane Richard de Lyt, John le Boher and was peculiar to this family, but which was Henrv de Bermengham, Sheriffs of Conafterwards used by several others in the naught from 1292 to 1299, contained on province, originated according to the the great Boll of the Pipe No. 26, preauthor of Hibernia Dominicana as fol- served in Bermingham Tower, there occurs lows: "Eum" (i.e. Gulielmum de Anagh- the name Petrus de Galvy. All which cirkeen,) vocabant Hiberni "Uliog" nomine cumstances shew how cautiously asserscilicet composito ex vocalis "Uliam" et tibns, unsupported by authentic docu- "Oge;" significantibus Gulielmum juvenem ments, ought to be received.

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 51

8. Catholics expelled from Galway on rumour of Pretender's invasion, 1708

   Galway · city · Galway · 1708

   On the rumour of an intended invasion of Scotland by the Pretender in 1708, several gentlemen and merchants of Galway were imprisoned and the remaining Catholics turned out of the town. Mayor Richard Wall reported he had removed the market outside the walls and ordered that mass not be said in town.

   Read the passage

   Act to prevent the further growth of popery, after reciting that the peace and safety of the kingdom and the welfare of her majesty's Protestant subjects would much depend on the security of Limerick and Galway, and on their being in possession of Protestants, being considerable garrisons, it was enacted, that no person or persons that then were or should be Papists, or profess the popish religion, should or might, after the 24th day of March, 1703, take or purchase any house or tenement, or come to dwell or inhabit within the city of Limerick or the suburbs thereof, or within the town of Galway or the suburbs thereof; and that every person of the popish religon, then inhabiting within the! said city and town and suburbs of the same, should by that day, before the chief magistrate of the said respective city and town, become bound to her majesty, her heirs and successors, with two sufficient sureties, in a reasonable penal sum, to be ascertained by the chief magistrate, recorder and sheriffs of the said city and town respectively, or any two of them, with condition for his or her faithfully bearing themselves towards her majesty, her heirs or successors, or, in default of giving such security, that such persons should depart out of the said city, and town and suburbs aforesaid, on or before the 25th day of March, 1705.22 The Catholic inhabitants of the town accordingly entered into security pursuant to this act of parliament; but even this had little effect towards preserving them from future trouble and persecution. In the year 1708, on the rumour of an intended invasion of Scotland by the Pretender, several gentlemen and merchants of the town were imprisoned by order of government, and the remainder of the Catholics turned out of the town. Richard Wall, the mayor, in his despatch to the privy council, described his proceedings under this order as follows : — "I have, pursuant to order of last night's post, turned all the popish inhabitants out of the town and garrison, and have also committed several popish priests to the goal. I have also taken care to remove vhe market outside th walls, and hav given orders to prevent mass being said in town. "23 He also informed them, that the town militia consisted of about two hundred and fifty men fit for service, whom he represented as very inconsiderable, compared to the great number of popish inhabitants; and entirely unprovided with arms, which he requested would be furnished as soon as possible. The town was then put into a state of defence, and a

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 136

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Galway, you are moving through a town where Catholics were expelled in 1708 on a rumour. An act of parliament had already declared that the peace and safety of the kingdom depended on Limerick and Galway being in the possession of Protestants. No Papist could take or purchase a house or come to dwell in the town after the 24th of March 1703. Those already living there had to give security, bound to the queen with two sureties, for their faithful behaviour, or depart by the 25th of March 1705. The Catholic inhabitants did enter into security as the act required. It did not protect them. In 1708, on the rumour of an intended invasion of Scotland by the Pretender, several gentlemen and merchants of the town were imprisoned by order of government, and the remainder of the Catholics were turned out of the town. Richard Wall, the mayor, wrote to the privy council to describe what he had done. His words survive. He said he had turned all the popish inhabitants out of the town and garrison, and had committed several popish priests to the jail. He had removed the market outside the walls and had given orders to prevent mass being said in town. He also told the privy council that the town militia consisted of about 250 men fit for service, whom he called very inconsiderable compared to the great number of popish inhabitants, and entirely without arms, which he asked to be furnished as soon as possible. The town was then put into a state of defence.

9. Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas established in Galway

   Galway · city · Galway · 1484

   In 1484, Pope Innocent VIII confirmed the erection of the parish church of Saint Nicholas in Galway into a collegiate church, with one warden and eight priests. The archbishop of Tuam had acted because the townspeople, living within walls and following English customs, were disturbed by neighboring Irish who interfered with worship and robbed them.

   Read the passage

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

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 261

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Galway, you are in the city where, in 1484, the parish church of Saint Nicholas was made into a collegiate church. The people of Galway lived within walls and followed English customs, but they had long been troubled by the neighbouring Irish, who disturbed their worship, robbed them of their goods, killed some of them, and caused many other damages in person and substance. The townspeople feared worse to come if help did not come quickly. At their humble request, the archbishop Donatus of Tuam acted. By his own authority he erected the church of Saint Nicholas into a collegiate, with a college of one warden and eight priests. For their support he applied the fruits, rents and incomes of the vicarage, and the half quarter that the incumbents of Saint Nicholas had long received from the abbot and convent of the monastery of Knockmoy, of the Cistercian order, in the diocese of Tuam. He also appropriated to the church other goods, rents, lands, tythes, rights and services, some specified by him and some bestowed by the parishioners themselves, though he judged all this scarcely enough to support four of the priests decently. He declared that whatever any parishioner might give in future should belong in full right to the church. And with the vicar's consent, he united and annexed for ever the vicarage of the parish church of Saint James of Balenclear, Clare-Galway, in the diocese of Annaghdown, to sustain the warden and eight priests of Saint Nicholas.

10. Council members elected to evade Protestant settlement statute

    Galway · city · Galway · 1718

    Persons were elected to the common council in November and December to evade a statute meant to encourage Protestant inhabitants to dwell in Galway. The corporation ordered on June 30th that these persons be no longer members.

    Read the passage

    The several persons who, in November and December last, were elected members of the common council^ having been so elected manifestly with a design to evade the statute which on 25th of said month of Dec. was to be in force, and in order to perpetuate the government of this corporation in several gentlemen, and others, in the county of Galway, and elsewhere, who have no interest or concern in the town, oo* pay any scot, lot, or other contribution therein, by means whereof the Protestant inhabitants are greatly discouraged, and that part of the statute, whereby Protestants are encouraged to come and dwell in the town, will be frustrated, if no't prevented ; ordered, June 30th, that these persons be no longer members of the common council.

    30. May 12th.' — The neressity and ad- that, soon after the late happy revoluti in of vantage, to the town and corporation, of King William III. of glorious memory, his having a spacious entrance open and un- grandfather, alderman Thomas Simcockes, built before William' s-gate, leading to the was mayor of this town two years succeseast suburbs and to Boher-more, having- sively, as was also his father alderman Simbeen this day presented in council, alder- cockes, soon after the accession of his late man Edward Eyre (whose father, m 1670, majesty, King George I. when, for their obtained a lease of part of said ground, well-known loyalty and warm affection to with several other parcels,) declared that his illustrious house in the preceding crihe would agree to grant a piece of ground, tical times, both hie grandfather and containing about thirty perches, for that father were, at the same time, appointed purpose ; in consideration of which, the justices of the peace for this town, in the corporation (himself being mayor,) on the first commission that was ever granted, 19th of May following, extended the term pursuant to an act of Parliament theri of his lease to lives renewable for ever. — made for_strengthening the Protestant in-/ Corporation Book. tersts therein, and were honoured with

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 184

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Galway, a town with a political story from 1718. In November and December of the previous year, a number of persons were elected to the common council here. They were elected, as the record puts it, "manifestly with a design to evade the statute" that was to come into force on the 25th of December. That statute was meant to encourage Protestant inhabitants to come and dwell in Galway. The men elected to the council had no interest or concern in the town. They paid no scot, lot, or contribution. The purpose was to perpetuate the government of the corporation in the hands of gentlemen in the county of Galway and elsewhere, men with no stake in the place. By this means, the Protestant inhabitants were greatly discouraged, and the statute's aim of drawing Protestants to live in the town would be frustrated. On the 30th of June, the corporation ordered that these persons be no longer members of the common council. The wider background was an act of Parliament made for strengthening the Protestant interest in the town. Galway had also seen the Simcockes family serve as mayors, grandfather and father of Alderman Thomas Simcockes, two years successively, and they were appointed justices of the peace in the first commission granted under that act.

11. First publication of the Connaught Journal in Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1754

    The Connaught Journal, the first newspaper printed in the province of Connaught, was published in Galway on October 8, 1754, by Thomas Hutchison. It was issued twice a week to subscribers.

    Read the passage

    11 The Connaught Journal was the first newspaper printed in the province of Connaught. The first number was published in Galway on Tuesday, the 8th October, 1754, by Thomas Hutchison, i»nd it states that "this paper is the ficrst attempt of the kind in this part of Ireland." It was published "every Tuesday and Friday; price to subscribers in the town, 8s. 8d. per annum, and if sent to the country, lis. 41d. Advertisements of all kinds, not exceeding ten lines, inserted for 2s. 83d. per month." Previously to this period, a periodical work, entitled "The Galway Reviser," was conducted here by some literary gentlemen of the town ; but it does not appear to have continued for any time.

    In 1775, a newspaper entitled "The Galway Chronicle," was printed by a Mr. Connor; and, in 1791, the "Galway Evening Post" was published by Mr. B. Conway ; but both were of very short duration. In 1809, another newspaper, the "Galway Chronicle," was established by Mr. Richard Busteed, a young gentleman of

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 251

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, this is where the first newspaper in the province of Connaught was printed. The Connaught Journal was published on Tuesday the 8th of October 1754 by Thomas Hutchison, who declared it

12. Forbes occupies St. Mary's church and burns Galway villages

    Galway · city · Galway · 1642

    Lord Forbes landed his men on the west side of Galway, took possession of St. Mary's church, planted two pieces of ordnance against the town, and burned all the surrounding villages. Women and children were inhumanly killed by his men.

    Read the passage

    that country who adhered to their allegiance, invariably relieved the English, and assisted with their long Boats and provisions for the relief of the fort, when it was besieged. Lord Forbes declared openly against the late pacification, and required the town to receive a garrison of his men. A messenger arrived from him with a letter for the mayor, and the form of a submission which he insisted upon, by which they were to confess themselves to have been rebels, and humbly submitting to beg his majesty's intercession for them to the parliament of England, and to declare that they would admit such governors as the king and state should appoint, and until then put themselves under the protection of lord Forbes. This was followed by a proclamation of safe conduct to repair to his ship,5 but the townspeople were too wise to be caught in such a snare, and his lordship was a good deal mortified*to find that they refused all his proposals, and declined to receive his garrison, or to make the submission he required. On the contrary, insisting upon the pacification which they had made and observed, they applied to the earl of Clanricarde for protection. His lordship represented to Lord Forbes the fatal consequences that would attend a breach of the pacification and the commencement of hostilities against the town, by endangering the peace of the country, and making it the seat of war, which he would be totally unable either to prevent, or effectually oppose. But Forbes, stimulated by Willoughby and Ashley, and governed by the advice of the famous fanatic, Hugh Peters, whom he brought with him as his chaplain, and who was afterwards hung and quartered for his rebellious proceedings and the murder of the king, was entirely deaf to every remonstrance of reason or discretion. He landed his men on the west side of Galway, took possession of St. Mary's church, planted two pieces of ordnance against the town, and burned all the surrounding villages. In this extremity lord Clanricarde, and lord Ranelagh, president of Connaught, came to Tirrelan, to endeavour to pacify matters; and, even while there, they could perceive the country around on fire, and heard of several women and children inhumanly killed by his men. They exerted all their power and influence to put a stop to these proceedings, and to persuade lord Forbes to withdraw his forces, and leave the town and country in quiet; but even these entreaties would have proved ineffectual, had he not perceived what little effect his battery had upon the walls, and that his men were becoming troublesome for want of payment. At length, finding himself unable to take the town, or to execute his designs against it, he quit the bay on the 4th of September, and sailed for Limerick; after having, with brutal rage, d»faced

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 97

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, this is a city that in 1642 was caught in a stand-off between a naval lord and a town that refused to submit. Lord Forbes declared against the pacification and demanded the town receive his garrison. He sent a messenger with a letter for the mayor and a form of submission he insisted upon, by which the townspeople were to confess themselves to have been rebels and beg the king's intercession with the parliament of England. They were to declare they would admit such governors as the king and state should appoint, and until then put themselves under the protection of Lord Forbes. A proclamation of safe conduct followed to repair to his ship, but the townspeople refused all his proposals. They insisted on the pacification they had made and applied to the Earl of Clanricarde for protection. He represented to Forbes the fatal consequences of breaking the pacification and making the country the seat of war. But Forbes was stimulated by Willoughby and Ashley, and governed by the advice of his chaplain, the fanatic Hugh Peters, who was afterwards hung and quartered for his rebellious proceedings and the murder of the king. Forbes was deaf to every remonstrance. He landed his men on the west side of Galway, took possession of St. Mary's church, planted two pieces of ordnance against the town, and burned all the surrounding villages. Lord Clanricarde and Lord Ranelagh, president of Connaught, came to Tirrelan to pacify matters. Even while there they could see the country around on fire, and heard of women and children inhumanly killed by his men. They used all their power and influence to persuade Forbes to withdraw. He left the bay on the 4th of September and sailed for Limerick, having first defaced the place with brutal rage.

13. Fortification of Ardkyn on Inis Mór

    Innismore · street · Dublin · 1651–1652

    In 1651, the Marquis of Clanricarde fortified the Aran Islands as a refuge. The fort of Ardkyn on the great island (Inis Mór) was repaired and fitted with cannon, holding out against parliamentary forces for nearly a year after Galway's surrender.

    Read the passage

    On the decline of the royal authority in Ireland in 1651, the marquis of Clanricarde resolved to fortify these islands as' places of refuge in cases of extremity. Accordingly, two hundred musketeers, with officers and a gunner, under the command of Sir Robert Lynch, were sent thither. — Vide ante, pa. 127, note. — ■ The fort of Ardkyn, in the great island, was soon after repaired and furnished with cannon which enabled it to hold out against the parliamentary forces near a year after the surrender of Galway. In the beginning of December, 1650, the Irish, routed in every other quarter, landed seven hundred men here, by the help of boats, from Iar-Connaught and Innis-Bcphin ; but on the 9th of January following, 1300 foot, with a battering piece, were shipped in the bay of Galway to attack them, and, at the same time, 600 foot more marched from the town to Iar-Connaught, to be thence conveyed to their assistance if necessary. On the 15th the islands surrendered on the following "Articles concluded between major James Harrison and captain William Draper, on behalf of commissory-general Reynolds, commander in chief of the parliamentary forces in the isles of Arran, and captain John Blackwall and captain Brien Kelly, commissioners,, appointed by colonel Oliver Synnot, commander of the fort of Ardkyn, for the surrender of the said fort. — 1. It is concluded and agreed, that all the officers and soldiers, both belonging to sea and land, shall have quarters, as also all others, the clergymen, and all other persons within the fort. — 2. That they shall have six weeks for their transportation into Spain, or any other place in amity with the state of England ; and

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 259

    As the companion tells it

    Along this street, Innismore, there is a name that reaches back to the fort of Ardkyn on Inis Mór, the great island of Aran. In 1651, as royal authority in Ireland declined, the Marquis of Clanricarde resolved to fortify these islands as places of refuge in cases of extremity. He sent 200 musketeers, with officers and a gunner, under the command of Sir Robert Lynch, to hold them. The fort of Ardkyn was repaired and furnished with cannon, which enabled it to hold out against the parliamentary forces for near a year after the surrender of Galway. In the beginning of December 1650, the Irish, routed in every other quarter, landed 700 men here by boats from Iar-Connaught and Inisbofin. On the 9th of January following, 1300 foot with a battering piece were shipped in the bay of Galway to attack them. At the same time, 600 foot more marched from the town to Iar-Connaught, to be conveyed to their assistance if necessary. On the 15th the islands surrendered. Articles were concluded between Major James Harrison and Captain William Draper, on behalf of Commissary-General Reynolds, commander in chief of the parliamentary forces in the isles of Arran, and Captain John Blackwall and Captain Brien Kelly, commissioners appointed by Colonel Oliver Synnot, commander of the fort of Ardkyn. The terms granted quarters to all officers and soldiers, both sea and land, the clergymen, and all others within the fort, and gave them six weeks for transportation into Spain, or any other place in amity with the state of England.

14. Galway crowded with noble refugees during siege

    Galway · city · Galway · 1651

    The population of Galway swelled dramatically during the siege as multitudes of nobility, clergy, and persons of rank from across the kingdom flocked there as their last place of refuge. This increased population compounded the town's growing scarcity of provisions.

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    the face of affairs. Being in a state of strict blockade, and provisions beginning to grow scarce, about eighty of the inhabitants went privately out of the town, and seizing one hundred head of cattle, designed to drive them in, but being met on their return by a party of the enemy, upwards of sixty were killed, and the cattle retaken. This disappointment was followed by another much greater; for two vessels laden with corn, endeavouring to get into the harbour, were pursued by two parliamentary frigates, who took one, and forced the other on the rocks, near the islands of Arran, where she was lost.l^ These disasters were considerably heightened by the increased population of the town, which was crowded by multitudes of the nobility, clergy, and other persons of rank and interest in the kingdom, who flocked hither as their last place of refuge and safety. Meetings were frequently held to deliberate upon the state of affairs, at which the marquis of Clanricarde generally presided; and it was at length resolved, when too late, that proposals should be made for a general pacification and settlement of the kingdom. Accordingly dispatches to that effect were sent by the marquis to general Ludlow, on the 14th of February, requiring at the same time, a safe conduct for commissioners to carry on the treaty. To these proposals Ludlow, on the 24th, returned a vague and indefinite answer, merely informing him that the settlement of the nation belonged to the parliament, who he was assured would not capitulate with those who ought to be in submission, and stood in opposition to their authority; but "if the Lord inclined their hearts to submission, such moderate terms would be consented to, as men in their condition could reasonably expect." The submission here intimated may easily be conceived to have meant little less than an absolute surrender of their lives and liberties to the mercy of the besiegers. The great council (as they were still called) again assembled within the town, and resolved to propose a cessation of arms, and demand a licence for commissioners to repair to the parliament in England. These proposals having been also rejected, 18 the principal part of the nobility and

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 106

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are moving through a city that in 1651 was under strict blockade and packed with refugees. The town's own provisions were already running short when multitudes of nobility, clergy, and other persons of rank from across the kingdom flocked here as their last place of refuge, making the scarcity far worse. About 80 inhabitants slipped out privately and seized 100 head of cattle, hoping to drive them back in, but a party of the enemy met them on their return and killed upwards of 60, retaking the cattle. Then two vessels laden with corn tried to reach the harbour, but two parliamentary frigates pursued them, taking one ship and forcing the other onto the rocks near the islands of Arran, where she was lost. Meetings were held frequently to deliberate on the state of affairs, with the marquis of Clanricarde generally presiding. At length, when it was too late, they resolved to seek a general pacification. The marquis sent dispatches to General Ludlow on the 14th of February, requesting a safe conduct for commissioners. Ludlow returned a vague answer on the 24th, saying the settlement belonged to the parliament, who would not capitulate with those who stood in opposition to their authority, but "if the Lord inclined their hearts to submission, such moderate terms would be consented to, as men in their condition could reasonably expect." The great council assembled again and proposed a cessation of arms and a licence for commissioners to repair to the parliament in England, but these proposals were also rejected.

15. Galway town volunteers embodied, 1779

    Galway · city · Galway · 1779

    On 31 May 1779 the town volunteers of Galway were embodied, comprising about 400 well-disciplined troops in six battalion and two flank companies. Richard Martin of Dangan was elected their first colonel but was briefly deprived of command on a rumour before being reinstated.

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    an example which was generally followed throughout the kingdom. The town volunteers were embodied on the 31st of May, 1779, and amounted to about four hundred well disciplined troops, divided into six battalion and two flank companies. Richard Martin, esq. of Dangan, their first elected colonel, on a rumour of having supported the then administration, was deprived of the command!4; but that highly spirited descendant of the ancient natives of the town, having satisfactorily refuted the accusation, he was reinstated, and afterwards continued in that honourable station during the existence of the corps. They were several times reviewed, with the volunteers of the county, in Galway, Tuam, and Loughrea, by the earls of Clanricarde, and Altamont and the celebrated Henry Flood, successively reviewing generals; and, after preserving the public peace, obeying all the constitutional commands of government, and, at the same time, cooperating in the grand and successful objects of this immortal association, they peaceably laid down the arms which they had voluntarily taken up, and again resumed their station, with honour and applause, amongst their fellow-citizens in society.

    For some years after this period, nothing worthy of observation occurred. No commercial exertions were made, 15 nor were any improvements undertaken. A system of parliamentary electioneering seemed alone to have occupied the public mind; and, although the year 1783 and 1790 became memorable for contested elections both for the town and county, 16 very little appears to have been done to benefit either. The forlorn situation of Galway about this time may be ascertained from a well known melancholy fact, that, until the Catholic bill of 1793, grass frequently grew in many of its public streets I From that period, however, the inhabitants began to exert themselves : the limits of the town were soon extended beyond the walls, and several buildings were erected in the east and west

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 156

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are moving through a town whose volunteers were embodied on the 31st of May 1779. They amounted to about 400 well-disciplined troops, divided into six battalion and two flank companies. Richard Martin of Dangan was elected their first colonel, but a rumour that he had supported the then administration briefly cost him the command. He refuted the accusation satisfactorily and was reinstated, continuing in that honourable station for the life of the corps. The volunteers were reviewed several times in Galway, Tuam, and Loughrea alongside the county volunteers, by the earls of Clanricarde and Altamont and the celebrated Henry Flood as their reviewing generals. After preserving the public peace, obeying the constitutional commands of government, and co-operating in what the record calls the grand and successful objects of this immortal association, they peaceably laid down the arms they had voluntarily taken up and returned to their fellow-citizens. For some years after, little worthy of note occurred. No commercial exertions were made and no improvements undertaken, and until the Catholic bill of 1793, grass frequently grew in many of the public streets of Galway. From that period the inhabitants began to exert themselves, the town extended beyond its walls, and several buildings were erected in the east and west.

16. James II orders provision price controls in Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1690

    In 1690, James II required the mayor of Galway to convene a common council and fix provision rates between buyer and seller. Prices were set for iron, salt, beef, wine, brandy, beer and other goods, reflecting the town's expectation of an impending siege.

    Read the passage

    The clerk of the privy council having, by letter of the 15th April, signified that his majesty (James II.) required the mayor of Galway to call a common council, and agree upon such rates of provisions as they should judge reasonable between buyer and seller, the following were accordingly orderd, viz. — Iron to be sold to the retailer at 18s. the cwt. and by him for 22s. — salt at 15s. the barrel, according to the usual measure of the town, and to be retailed at 17s. 6d. being lfd. for each quart of heaped measure. — Flemish hops to be retailed at 2s. per lb. — stall-fed beef, the best not to exceed 2d. for the choice pieces, and l^d. by the quarter — ordinary beef not to exceed Id. per lb. — mutton Id. — veal and pork ljd. — bacon 3d. — cheese 2|d. — fresh butter 4d. — the best salt butter 3d. — soap 4d. — candles 4^d. — French wine to be sold to the retailer at £40 the tun, and the reta iler to sell it at 12d. the quart— brandy to be sold to the retailer at £50 the tun, the retailer to sell it at 15d. the quart—the best beer and ale to be sold at 2d. the quart — and small beer at ^d. — Lib C 15.

    1696.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 182

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, this is the city where, in 1690, James II required the mayor to call a common council and fix provision rates between buyer and seller. The council set prices for a long list of goods. Iron was to be sold to the retailer at 18 shillings the hundredweight, and retailed at 22. Salt was 15 shillings the barrel, retailed at 17 shillings and sixpence. Flemish hops retailed at 2 shillings per pound. The best stall-fed beef was not to exceed 2 pence for choice pieces, with ordinary beef at a penny a pound. Mutton was a penny, veal and pork a penny halfpenny, bacon 3 pence, cheese 2 pence, fresh butter 4 pence, the best salt butter 3 pence, and soap and candles 4 pence each. French wine went to the retailer at 40 pounds the tun, retailed at 12 pence the quart. Brandy was 50 pounds the tun to the retailer, 15 pence the quart to the buyer. The best beer and ale was 2 pence the quart, small beer a halfpenny. The whole list reflects the town's expectation of an impending siege.

17. James Lynch Fitz-Stephen erected choir of Dominican Friary

    Galway · city · Galway · 1493

    James Lynch Fitz-Stephen, mayor of Galway in 1493 and celebrated for executing his own son in the name of justice, erected the choir of the Dominican Friary. The convent was richly endowed by many individuals and became one of the most perfect religious foundations in the province.

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    The Dominican convent being thus established in Galway, was richly endowed by many individuals of the town, and several considerable additions were made to the monastery and church. James Lynch Fitz-Stephen, who was mayor in 1493, and who has been already celebrated for immolating his only son at the shrine of public justice, erected the choir. Various other improvements were gradually made, until, in course of time, this became one of the" most perfect religious foundations in the province.

    1570, March 9th, Queen Elizabeth granted to the corporation and their successors part of the possessions of this monastery, then lately dissolved.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 219

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, the Dominican Friary here carries a striking story. James Lynch Fitz-Stephen, mayor of Galway in 1493, erected the choir of this convent. He is the same man celebrated for executing his own son in the name of public justice. The convent was richly endowed by many individuals of the town, and with gradual improvements it became one of the most perfect religious foundations in the province. After the monastery was dissolved, Queen Elizabeth granted part of its possessions to the corporation on March 9th, 1570.

18. Locust invasion reaches Shannon and Galway Bay shores

    near Galway Bay · bay · Clare · 1695–1696

    Locusts invaded from France, damaging crops by devouring roots of corn and grass. By 1696 they reached the Shannon, and the previous year large quantities of dead locusts were found along the shores of Galway Bay for miles westward of the town.

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    ever they happened to strike, they left a slight mark behind. Their spawn they deposited near the surface of the ground, where it did considerable damage, by devouring the roots of the corn and grass. These formidable invaders were, however, easily killed ; smoke was their greatest enemy, and one wet day destroyed heaps of them. They proved good for the swine and poultry, and, according to some, were also used by the poorer sort of people. From the time of their first appearance they continued to proceed progressively with the westerly wind, and in 1696 they reached the Shannon ; but they were gradually destroyed. The year before, about forty or fifty horse-loads were found lying dead along the shores of the bay for miles westward of Galway. It was supposed that this new colony, coming from their native lands, Normandy or Brittany, in France, met with a contrary wind, which having blown them into the sea, they were drowned, and their bodies cast ashore.

    Since that time, however, nothing of the same kind has appeared. — See Boate and Molineux's Nat. History of Ireland.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 182

19. Lord Lieutenant Essex warns Galway grant will ruin the town

    Galway · city · Galway · 1674–1675

    The Earl of Essex, then Lord Lieutenant, warned the secretary in England that the grant of Galway's corporation property to Elizabeth Hamilton would be the ruin of the town. He described Galway as once a considerable place of trade and one of the principal strengths of the kingdom, furnishing all of Connaught with foreign commodities, but reported that merchants were now leaving the place.

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    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

    Coming up now through Galway itself. Back in the 1670s this was a place the Lord Lieutenant feared for. During the civil war, the townspeople had mortgaged almost all their corporation property, the lands and the charter and market duties, to raise money for the Duke of Ormond and the Marquis of Clanricarde for the king's service. After the Restoration those mortgagees were found to be forfeiting persons, and the property became vested in the king under the acts of settlement and explanation. On the 5th of December 1673 the king granted the entire lot to Elizabeth Hamilton, widow of James Hamilton, a groom of his bedchamber. The corporation fought back. Her agent, Mathew Quin, was thrown into prison, and every resistance was made against her in the town. She went to chancery, succeeded in establishing her claim, and laid the groundwork of the future decay and monopoly of the corporation. The Earl of Essex, then Lord Lieutenant, opposed the grant at first, but the king expressly signified his pleasure that it should take place, so he had to acquiesce. In a communication to the secretary in England he wrote:

20. Lynch's south porch at Galway church

    Galway · city · Galway · 1493

    The south porch of the church, admired for its groined ceiling and curious architecture, was built by James Lynch Fitz-Stephen, mayor of Galway in 1493, for the accommodation of the poor. Lynch is the same figure remembered for condemning his only son to death for murder.

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    32 There are three entrances to the church: — 1. the principal at the west front — 2. a small hut handsome arched gate-way leading to the north aisle — 3 the south porch, so much admired for its curious architecture. This last is a perfect square of llfeet 1 inch, iaid sustains the sexton's apartment, which is ascended hy a flight of steps. It appears well worthy the notice of all ncrsons that visit this church, being curiously groined, the ribs springing from the four corners, and uniting in the centre with uncommon heauty. It was built for the accommodation of the poor by Jame1; Lynch ¥itz- Stephen. mayor iri 149?. already cale luated for dooming his only son to death for perpetrating the horrid crime of minder, vide p. 73. There are eighteen principal windows in the church, viz. • 1 over and 2 beside the high altar, 2 in tlv north transept, 2 in the south. 4 in she north aisle, 3 in the south, 3 in the west front (the central one facing the nave) , and one in the old sacristy, or present vestry-room.

    33 4 few of these statues, elegantly sculptured in marble, were saved from the general wreck, and after a lapse of many years, were placed near the parish chapel, in Middle-street. They may be still seen in the south wall of the now collegiate chapel, all in perfect preservation, except the faces, which had been wantonly mutilated.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 206

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, there is a church with three entrances: the principal one at the west front, a small arched gateway leading to the north aisle, and the south porch. That porch was built in 1493 by James Lynch Fitz-Stephen, who was mayor of Galway that year. He built it for the accommodation of the poor. It is a perfect square, eleven feet and one inch across, and it carries the sexton's apartment above, reached by a flight of steps. The porch is much admired for its curious architecture. It is curiously groined, the ribs springing from the four corners and uniting in the centre with what the record calls uncommon beauty. James Lynch Fitz-Stephen is already remembered for another reason. He doomed his only son to death for the crime of murder. So the same man who built this porch for the poor also condemned his own son to die. The church itself has eighteen principal windows, spread across the high altar, the transepts, the aisles, the west front, and the old sacristy. A few marble statues were saved from the general wreck and placed near the parish chapel in Middle Street. They can still be seen in the south wall of the collegiate chapel, all in perfect preservation except the faces, which were wantonly mutilated.

21. Marcus Lynch Fitz-Thomas, Galway's only apostate

    Galway · city · Galway

    According to tradition, Marcus Lynch Fitz-Thomas was the only native of Galway who changed his religion and joined the Cromwellian side. His friends denied him all communication, and he is said to have died of a broken heart from remorse and shame for his apostasy.

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    _ 24 This individual, according to tradition, was the only native of Galway who changed his principles and religion, and joined the common enemy of both ; id consequence of which, all communication was denied him by his friends during his life, and he is said to have died of a broken heart, occasioned by remorse and shame for his apostacy.

    25 Council Book, A9. page 52.— On th« ISrh of October, colonel Richard Lawrence and Thomas Richardson, esq. were deputed to value the castles and houses. Their appointment was renewed on the 30th. and thev were directed to survey and appraise the houses in Galway ; and all proprietors that desired it, under their

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 111

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Galway now. Tradition says Marcus Lynch Fitz-Thomas was the only native of this town who changed his religion and joined the Cromwellian side. His friends cut off all communication with him, and he is said to have died of a broken heart, from remorse and shame for his apostasy.

22. Philippus de Browne appointed Governor of Wexford (1172)

    Wexford · town · Wexford · 1172

    Philippus de Browne came to Ireland around 1170 and was appointed Governor of Wexford in 1172. He later went to England and returned with armed knights for military action.

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

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

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 16

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Wexford, you are in a town that once had a governor named Philippus de Browne. He came to Ireland around 1170 and was appointed Governor of Wexford in 1172. He later went to England and returned with 60 armed knights, serving as a leader at the siege of Limerick. He had three sons. William settled in Clanmorris in County Kerry, and Walter settled in County Galway, where his descendants still remained at the time of writing. The fate of the third son is not recorded. A separate account speaks of Sir David Browne, a contemporary of Richard de Burgo, the Red Earl of Ulster, who died in 1303. His son Stephen settled at Killpatrick near Dublin, and from there a branch moved to Brownstown near Loughrea, then to Athenry and Galway. The principal families of the name at the time of writing were in Ardskea, Gloves, Kilskeagh, Mounthazle, Moyne, Rockville and Tuam in County Galway, and Ballyhowly and Castlemagarret in County Mayo. The family motto was Fortiter et fideliter.

23. Sidney marches army to Galway, establishes Fitton presidency

    Galway · city · Galway · 1569

    In 1569, Sir Henry Sidney, the lord deputy, marched to Galway with an army and established Sir Edward Fitton as the first president of Connaught. Fitton's cruel and sanguinary nature goaded previously peaceable inhabitants, particularly the sons of the earl of Clanrickard, into open rebellion.

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    In the following year Sir Henry Sidney, the lord deputy, marched to Galway with an army, and established Sir Edward Fitton, knight, in the presidency of Connaught.l For mora than half a century before this appointment, the province was peaceable, and exhibited no other infractions of the laws, than such as were perhaps inseparable from the then imperfect state of society; but this new provincial governor was no sooner fixed in his appointment, than matters began to change. Cruel and sanguinary in his nature, his wanton severities goaded those, who were hitherto peaceably inclined, into acts of open rebellion; and particularly the sons of the earl of Clanrickard, commonly called the M ac- an- E arias, and their numerous adherents, who were driven into those unhappy courses, which, after entailing so much mis»ry on the country, terminated in their own destruction. These troubles broke out with violence in 1572, and continued without intermission until 1575; when Sir Henry Sidney again visited the town, which was. in the interim, miserably harassed by the incursions of the incensed Irish under the Mac-an-Earlas. " When he arrived," says Stanihurst, " he found the town much decayed, and almost desolated; sundry of the good

    40 By letters patent, dated 13th Sep- Rot. Pat.— 1569, November 6, John Croftemher 1558, a grant was made to Thomas ton, customer and collector — Fiant. — and Martin and his heirs, "of one place of a 1570, June 12, Edward Adame, comptroller water-mill, or a parcel of land sufficient of the customs and subsidies of the port to bund one on, at the farther end of the of Galway — Id. — On 20th March, 1575, bridge from Galway and backwards from the office of searcher, gauger and curciit on the side nearest to the sea, at four tator, in and by the river and port of pence a year; provided that, within two Galway, and within all the creeks and years, he build a gate at the west end of lesser ports annexed thereto, was granted

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 76

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up now is Galway, the city itself. In 1569, Sir Henry Sidney, the lord deputy, marched here with an army, and established Sir Edward Fitton, a knight, in the presidency of Connaught. For more than half a century before this appointment, the province had been peaceable, and showed no other infractions of the laws than such as were perhaps inseparable from the then imperfect state of society. But this new provincial governor was no sooner fixed in his appointment than matters began to change. Cruel and sanguinary in his nature, his wanton severities goaded those who were hitherto peaceably inclined into acts of open rebellion. In particular, the sons of the earl of Clanrickard, commonly called the Mac-an-Earlas, and their numerous adherents, were driven into those unhappy courses which, after entailing so much misery on the country, terminated in their own destruction. These troubles broke out with violence in 1572, and continued without intermission until 1575, when Sir Henry Sidney again visited the town. In the interim, the town had been miserably harassed by the incursions of the incensed Irish under the Mac-an-Earlas. Stanihurst records that when Sidney arrived, he found the town much decayed, and almost desolated, with sundry of the good townspeople gone.

24. Sir George Leonard Staunton born in Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1700–1799

    Sir George Leonard Staunton, who later became attorney-general of Grenada and accompanied Lord Macartney on the famous embassy to China, was born in Galway early in the 18th century.

    Read the passage

    This gentleman was born in Galway early in the last century. He studied medicine at Montpelier, and settled ii! London, where he translated several of the medical essays of Dr. Stoa-ck, oi Vienna. About the year 1762 he went to Granada, where he acquired a considerable fortune, and having studied the law, became attorney-general of the island. He afterwards went to the East Indies as secretary to lord Macartney, in which capacity he displayed great abilities, particularly in the treaty with Tippoo Sultan, for which he received a pension from the India company, and was created a baronet. In 1792 he accompanied lord Macartney as secretary of legation on the famous embassy to China, of which he published a highly interesting account in two vols. 4to. Sir George died in London in 1801.

    5. WALTER BLAKE KIR WAN.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 256

    As the companion tells it

    Galway is the city you're passing through, and it's where Sir George Leonard Staunton was born early in the 1700s. He studied medicine at Montpelier and settled in London, where he translated medical essays by Dr. Stöck of Vienna. About 1762 he went to Grenada, made a considerable fortune, studied law, and became attorney-general of the island. He then went to the East Indies as secretary to Lord Macartney, where his abilities showed in the treaty with Tippoo Sultan, earning him a pension and a baronetcy. In 1792 he accompanied Macartney on the famous embassy to China and published a highly interesting account of it. He died in London in 1801.

25. St. Augustine's Fort governor appointed Mayor of Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1611–1612

    In 1612, no person eligible for the office of mayor in Galway would take the oath of supremacy. As a result, Sir Thomas Rotheram, governor of St. Augustine's fort, was appointed mayor. He had also been elected a freeman the previous year alongside the earl of Thomond and Roger O'Shaughnessy.

    Read the passage

    21. This year, no person eligible to the office of mayor could be found in town, who

    would take the oath of supremacy ; in consequence of which, Sir Thomas Rotheram, governor of St. Augustine's fort, was appointed.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 174

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Galway now. In 1611, no eligible person in town would take the oath of supremacy to serve as mayor, so Sir Thomas Rotheram, governor of St. Augustine's fort, was appointed to the office instead.

26. Tomb of founder Sir William de Burgh discovered (1779)

    Galway · city · Galway · 1779

    In June 1779 the tomb of Sir William de Burgh, founder of the Franciscan monastery in Galway, was discovered over four feet underground bearing his family arms and a carved broad sword. A Latin inscription in raised letters commemorated him as prince of his nation and founder of the monastery, dating his death to 1324.

    Read the passage

    1 779. June, the tomb of the founder, Sir William de Burgh, was discovered, upwards of four feet under ground, with his family arms and a long broad sword elegantly carved thereon. The following inscription appears in raised letters round the margin : — "Memoriae G°. Illmo0. Dno. Gull Oe Burgo suae nationis Principi et hujus monasterii Fundatori qui obiit 1324 —

    Posuit F.V.B.G. 1645, "22

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 218

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are near where, in June 1779, the tomb of Sir William de Burgh was found over four feet underground. He founded the Franciscan monastery here, and his tomb bore his family arms and a carved broad sword. A Latin inscription in raised letters called him prince of his nation and founder of the monastery, recording that he died in 1324.

27. Town walls of Galway commenced, c.1270

    Galway · city · Galway · 1270–1280

    To prevent frequent and destructive Irish incursions, the town of Galway was fortified and surrounded with walls beginning about 1270. Murage collectors accounted for customs on wine, salt, cloth and leather, spending the proceeds on masons, carpenters and workmen for the wall construction.

    Read the passage

    Amidst these troubles, the crowded town of Galway was sheltered under the powerful protection of the De Burgos. In the time of Walter and Richard, the first and second Earls of Ulster, it increased considerably in trade and population, owing principally to their presence, and consequent protection against Fedhlim O'Conor, his successors, and the surrounding Irish. It was, however, found necessary, in order effectually to prevent their incursions, which were frequent and destructive, 21 to fortify the town, and surround it with walls. This work was accordingly commenced about the year 1270; and there is still extant, on the great roll of the pipe, 6 Edw. I. — the account of Stephen Annery and Adam Albus, collectors of the murage of the town of Galvy, in Connaught, from the festival of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 56 Hen. III. until the same festival, 3 Edw. 1.22 in which they account for 291. 7s. 6d. received for customs of wine, salt, cloth, leather and divers other merchandize, 23 whereout they expended 291. 4s. 5d. in masons and carpenters wages, and expenses of workmen assisting them in the wood and stone work during that time. On the same roll, there also appears the account of Robert Bay on, collector of the murage of Galway, from the Sunday next after the festival of St. Martin, 6 Edw. I. until Tuesday on the morrow of St. Simon and Jude, 8 Edw. I. wherein he accounts for 271. 13s. ll%d.

    keeping the king's peace ; and Henry Mape was ordered to receive and securely keep the said hostage. — -Rot. Mem. 18 Edw. II. — Not long after, viz. 1331, John Morice, Escheator of Ireland, returned that "Tyrdelagh O'Conghyr, prince of the Irish in Connaught, and Cathyl, his brother, and other Irish, who are against the king's peace, forcibly occupy the lands of Richard de ICxon' in Connaught, so that nothing could be received out of the same.- — Rot. Pip. 52, B.T.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 46

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are moving through a town that began walling itself in about 1270. The crowded town was sheltered under the protection of the De Burgos. Under Walter and Richard, the first and second Earls of Ulster, Galway grew in trade and population, mainly because of their presence and the protection it gave against Fedhlim O'Conor, his successors, and the surrounding Irish. But the incursions were frequent and destructive, and the town found it necessary to fortify itself and surround it with walls. The work commenced about the year 1270. On the great roll of the pipe, in the sixth year of Edward the First, there is still the account of Stephen Annery and Adam Albus, collectors of the murage of the town of Galway in Connaught. They collected from the feast of the Annunciation in the fifty-sixth year of Henry the Third until the same feast in the third year of Edward the First. They accounted for 29 pounds, 7 shillings and 6 pence received in customs on wine, salt, cloth, leather and other merchandise. From that they spent 29 pounds, 4 shillings and 5 pence on masons and carpenters' wages, and the expenses of workmen assisting them in wood and stone work. On the same roll appears the account of Robert Bayon, collector of the murage of Galway, from the Sunday after the feast of St. Martin in the sixth year of Edward the First, until the Tuesday after St. Simon and Jude in the eighth year of Edward the First. He accounted for 27 pounds, 13 shillings and 11 pence.

28. William Lynch executed aboard ship in Galway Harbour

    Galway · city · Galway

    Willoughby seized inhabitants of Galway and executed William Lynch, a freeman, on board a ship in the harbour. He also held Geoffry Lynch under sentence of death in the fort, while town forces killed several of his soldiers in return.

    Read the passage

    The disputes between the town and fort still continued unabated. The gates remained closed, and all intercours was stopped. Willoughby, having seized some of the inhabitants, caused William Lynch, a freeman, to be executed on board one of the ships in the harbour, and kept one Geoffry Lynch under sentence of death in the fort; while the town forces, on the other side, killed several of his soldiers. Both parties at length appealed to the earl of Clanricarde. Willoughby offered to sign such propositions, for the safety of the town and accommodation of all matters, as they should require; and they accordingly proposed to throw open the east gate, and allow free traffic, on condition that he and all others, resident in the fort, should take an oath to be true and faithful to the king, and admit none to the fort, or under its protection, or within the reach of their cannon, that adhered, to the parliament of England, in opposition to the king; that they should not molest the town, or any member thereof, by sea or land; that they should restore all prisoners, goods and chatties taken since the last pacification, and particularly the ship seized by the pinnace, or its value : and towards the conclusion of these conditions and proposals, which were presented to lord Clanricarde by Sir Richard Blake and Patrick D'Arcy, they humbly intreat his lordship to take the present consideration of this town into his serious consideration, and beseech him not to forget his ancestors love to it, and their hereditary and never interrupted zeal and propension to love, honour and serve him and his family; and, after a sad contemplation of their representations unto him, that he may please to take that resolution thereupon that may be suitable to his favour, piety, honour and justice, and that he may be sure this town, in all fortunes, will continue the affection, obedience and respect it owes him." — Notwithstanding all their endeavours, this tr.eaty ended in nothing, owing to the insincerity and delays of

    124

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 98

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, the harbour here was the scene of a grim episode during the disputes between the town and the fort. The gates stood closed and all intercourse was stopped. Willoughby, commanding the fort, seized some of the inhabitants and had William Lynch, a freeman, executed on board one of the ships in the harbour. He kept another man, Geoffry Lynch, under sentence of death in the fort. The town forces struck back and killed several of Willoughby's soldiers. Both parties eventually appealed to the earl of Clanricarde. Willoughby offered to sign propositions for the town's safety, and the town's representatives set their conditions. They wanted the east gate thrown open and free traffic restored, on condition that everyone in the fort swear loyalty to the king and admit no adherents of the parliament of England. They demanded no molestation by sea or land, restoration of all prisoners, goods and chattels taken since the last pacification, and the return of a ship seized by the pinnace or its value. Sir Richard Blake and Patrick D'Arcy carried these proposals to Lord Clanricarde, asking him to remember his family's long love for the town. Despite all their efforts, the treaty ended in nothing, owing to the insincerity and delays of one side.

29. Ancient division of Ireland by a line from Galway to Dublin

    Galway · city · Galway

    An early partition of Ireland divided the kingdom into two halves by a boundary line drawn from Galway to Dublin through the long mountains called Eisgirriada. The northern half was called Leath Thuadh and the southern Leath Dheas. This established Galway as a key point in ancient territorial boundaries.

    Read the passage

    divided the kingdom into two parts; one of which was called Leath thuadh, or the northern, and the other, Leath dheas, or the southern half. This division was effected by a line or boundary, drawn from Galway to Dublin, through Eisgirriada, or the long mountains, which were fixed upon as the limits of both kingdoms. It is further related, that, in the reign of Eochaidh Feidhlioch, monarch of Ireland, Connaught, then the largest province in the kingdom, underwent a division into three equal parts, which that prince bestowed upon three favourite petty dynasts, Fiochach, Eochaidh- Allat and Tinne; the second of whom received the territory from Galway to Drobhaoi6, and the third of the district from Galway to Lumneach : that he then erected the ancient palace of Cruachan, or Rathcruachan, (situate near the present village of Ballintubber, between the town of Boyle and Elphin, in the county of Roscommon,) which from that time became the capital of Connaught, and, until long after the arrival of the English, for the space of near 1300 years, was the residence of its kings. 4 Some ruins of this once venerated place still remain, a rath, and a famous burying-place of the kings of Connaught, called by the natives Reilig-na-Riogh.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 36

    As the companion tells it

    Passing through Galway, you cross one end of an ancient line that once split all of Ireland in two. The kingdom was divided into Leath Thuadh, the northern half, and Leath Dheas, the southern half, by a boundary drawn from Galway to Dublin through the long mountains called Eisgirriada, which marked the limits of both kingdoms. Later, in the reign of Eochaidh Feidhlioch, monarch of Ireland, Connaught, then the largest province, was split into three equal parts and bestowed on three favourite petty dynasts, Fiochach, Eochaidh-Allat, and Tinne. Eochaidh-Allat received the territory from Galway to Drobhaoi, and Tinne the district from Galway to Lumneach. Eochaidh Feidhlioch then erected the ancient palace of Cruachan, or Rathcruachan, near the present village of Ballintubber, between Boyle and Elphin in county Roscommon. It became the capital of Connaught and the residence of its kings for near 1300 years, until long after the arrival of the English. Some ruins still remain, a rath and a famous burying-place of the kings of Connaught, called by the natives Reilig-na-Riogh.

30. Aran Islands described as galley base preying on English

    near Aran Islands · island or archipelago · Galway · 1388–1400

    A royal license of 1400 described the islands of Arran as lying full of galleys used to ensnare, capture and plunder English liege subjects. The islands had fallen into the hands of the common enemy following Sir William De Burgh's defection in 1388 and were targeted for recapture by the Bristol expedition.

    Read the passage

    one Sir William Burgh, Knight, by the assent and treason of certain traitors therein, the said tow~ was taken in war; and also the islands of Arons, which always lie full of gallies to ensnare, capture and plunder our liege English. To the ;nd and effect that if the aforesaid John, William, Edward, Philip and Nicholas, shall be able by force and armed power to obtain and take the town and islands aforesaid, they may have, hold and inhabit the same town and islands, taking to their own use and profit all and singular the property of the aforesaid rebel? and enemies of us, and all that which they shall be able so to obtain and take, the rights, rents, revenues, services and other monies whatsoever to our royal prerogative there pertaining, always saved unto us ; saving also the right of the son and heir of Roger de Mortimer, late Earl of March, deceased, being within age and in our wardship, and [the rights] of all other our liege subjects whomsoever. Westminster the 22nd of Mav, — By the King himself.— Rot. Pat. I. Hen. IV. 7. m.

    \

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 57

31. Articles of surrender for Galway and Aran garrisons

    Galway · city · Galway · 1652

    Articles of agreement provide terms for the surrender of the town of Galwy, including property rights, compensation for confiscated estates, and liberty for prisoners. Soldiers of the garrison of Galway and the Isles of Aran are to be set at liberty without ransom.

    Read the passage

    VI. It is concluded and agreed upon, by and between the said parties, that the mayor, sheriffs, burgesses and commonalty of the said towne, and their successors, shall have and enjoy all liberties, customs, priviledges and immunities granted to them.' by charter, and shall hereafter be governed by their charter, priviledges and fundamental laws of England, as in times of peace, until the parliament, or their ministers appointed to that purpose, shall confirm© , renew, alter or inlarge the same, and that they shal1 have full liberty to trade att home and abroade as other English subjects have ; and that all prisoners, being natives or inhabitants of the said towne, and soldiers of the garrison of Galway and Isles 01 Aran, in pay, shall be sett at liberty without ransome : and if it shall happen, after this agreement, that any person or persons included in these articles, or any shipp, goods or merchandize belonging to them, or any of them, be taken by sea or land, coming to the said town, or going from it, they shall be sett at liberty, and their goods and merchandizes shall be restored to them as aforesaid, provided they act nothing prejudicial to the state; and that all things belonging to any person or persons, franchised by them, or any of them, shall remain to the disposal of the owner, except such shipps as, by any former articles, are agreed upon to the contrary, and that the disbursements of those who canted the houses of absentees shall be secured unto them for the time past, only so far as law and the custome and priviledges of the towne charter will justifie the same.

    VII. It is concluded and agreed upon, by and between the said parties, that in case of breach of these articles, or any of them, the same shall not be deemed or construed, but the act of such person or persons as shall be found to be actors thereof, and they only to be proceeded

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 277

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, this is the town whose surrender was settled in 1652. The articles of agreement laid out what would happen to the people here, and to the soldiers on the Isles of Aran. The mayor, sheriffs, burgesses and commonalty of the town were to keep all liberties, customs, privileges and immunities granted to them by charter. They would be governed by their charter and the fundamental laws of England, as in times of peace, until parliament or its appointed ministers should confirm, renew, alter or enlarge the same. They were to have full liberty to trade at home and abroad, as other English subjects had. All prisoners who were natives or inhabitants of the town, and soldiers of the garrison of Galway and the Isles of Aran in pay, were to be set at liberty without ransom. If any person covered by these articles, or any ship, goods or merchandise belonging to them, were taken by sea or land coming to or going from the town, they would be set at liberty and their goods restored, provided they acted nothing prejudicial to the state. All things belonging to any franchised person would remain to the disposal of the owner, except ships already agreed otherwise in former articles. Those who had rented the houses of absentees would have their disbursements secured for time past, only so far as law and the custom of the town charter would justify. A further article held that if any of these terms were breached, the breach would be deemed the act only of those responsible, and they alone would be proceeded against.

32. Claddagh community customs, language, and social isolation

    Claddagh · electoral division · Galway

    The inhabitants of the Claddagh were described as an unlettered race who rarely spoke English and considered schooling a reproach. Women managed the household finances exclusively, controlled their husbands' earnings, and maintained notably clean dwellings. Strangers were never permitted to reside among them.

    Read the passage

    town's-people. It is said that they considered it a kind of reproach either to speak English or to send their children to school, and that a schoolmaster amongst them, would be considered a phenomenon ; but of late there are some exceptions to this rule. How far education would make these poor people happier in themselves or more useful members of society is. a matter of doubt, but it is certain that the trial has never been made, although a most respectable convent lies at the head of their village, to which they are liberal benefactors. This observation is not hero intended as any reflection on that reverend community ; perhaps their exertions have proved fruitless ; and it is well known that the habits of fishermen are nearly the same in all countries. Here they seem a happy, contented race, and, satisfied with their own society, seldom seek or are ambitious of that of others. Strangers, for whom they have an utter aversion, they never suffer to reside amongst them. The women possess unlimited control over their husbands, the produce of whose labours they exclusively manage, allowing the men little more money than suffices to keep their boats in repair ; but they have the policy, at the same time, to keep them plentifully supplied with their usual luxuries, whiskey, brandy and tobacco, of which they themselves also liberally partake. They are equally illiterate wiUi their husbands, and very seldom speak English, but are more shrewd and intelligent in 'their dealings. In their domestic concerns, the general appearance of cleanliness is deserving of particular praise ; the wooden ware with which every little dwelling is stored rivals in colour the whitest delft.

    Marriages.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 237

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is the Claddagh electoral division, on the edge of Galway. The people here were once described as an unlettered race who considered it a reproach to speak English or send their children to school, and a schoolmaster among them would have been called a phenomenon. They were happy and content in their own society and seldom sought that of others. Strangers they had an utter aversion to and never suffered to reside among them. The women held unlimited control over their husbands, managing all the earnings and allowing the men little more than enough to keep their boats in repair, though they kept them supplied with whiskey, brandy and tobacco. The women were as illiterate as the men and seldom spoke English, but were more shrewd and intelligent in their dealings. A convent lay at the head of their village, to which they were liberal benefactors, but education had never truly been tried among them. Their dwellings were praised for their cleanliness, the wooden ware in every house rivaling the whitest delft.

33. Denis Daly negotiates for surrender of Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1691

    Denis Daly of Craownekelly, a justice of the Court of Common Pleas and privy counsellor of James II, despatched a messenger to General Ginckle requesting a party be sent to seemingly force him from his habitation, believing this would hasten the town's surrender. He had previously corresponded with the English government for the submission and pacification of the region, with preconcerted measures among principal inhabitants of Galway.

    Read the passage

    At this juncture, Denis Daly, of Crraownekelly, in the county of Galway, esq. second justice of the court of common pleas, and one of the privy counsellors of James II. 14 despatched a messenger to general Ginckle, de-

    13 A persecuted people will grasp at the battle, were for retreating to the

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 128

    As the companion tells it

    Up toward Galway now. In 1691, Denis Daly of Craownekelly, justice of the Court of Common Pleas and privy counsellor of James II, dispatched a messenger to General Ginckle. He wanted a party sent to seemingly force him from his habitation, believing this would hasten the town's surrender. He had previously corresponded with the English government for the region's pacification.

34. Dominican nunnery founded in Galway, 1644

    Galway · city · Galway · 1644

    In 1644, with Catholic affairs flourishing, the inhabitants of Galway founded a nunnery for Dominican nuns with consent of the general and provincial chapter. Father Gregory French, a learned Dominican later banished from Ireland who died in exile in Italy, was appointed first superior. The foundation was confirmed by the Nuncio Rinuccini.

    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, you are near where the town's inhabitants founded a Dominican nunnery in 1644, a time when Catholic affairs in Ireland were flourishing. Father Gregory French, a learned Dominican who was later banished from Ireland and died in exile in Italy, was appointed the first superior. When Cromwell's forces took the town in 1652, the nuns and their vicar, Father Gregory O'Ferrall, fled to Spain. Only two survived, Julia Nolan and Maria Lynch. They returned to Galway in 1686, by direction of John Browne, provincial of the order in Ireland. Julia Nolan was instituted prioress and Maria Lynch sub-prioress, and with a house provided for them, the community grew and was effectually re-established within two years.

35. East India Fleet mistaken for French squadron off Galway coast, 1745

    Galway · city · Galway · 1745

    In September 1745, a homeward-bound East India Fleet of fourteen sail appeared off the coast of Galway and was mistakenly supposed to be the Ferrol squadron. The behaviour of Catholics and their clergy in Galway on this occasion was cited as evidence of disaffection, though the government ultimately concluded the Catholics had no inclination to cause disturbance.

    Read the passage

    restless, active, subtle and industrious agents and emissaries of Rome, trie popish ecclesiastics then in the town, might work on their devotees, (who were exceedingly numerous,) and precipitate them to attempt to seize upon the garrison. They might represent to them that the undertaking was feasible, as the possessors seemed to think themselves in perfect security : that the garrison, arms and ammunition they would thereby possess, would secure them from being dislodged for some months, in which time they would have succour from France : that the country being devoted to the same cause, they would be sufficiently supplied with provisions : that their friends would, at the same time, rise upon the several troops quartered at Headford, Loughrea and Gort, which would make them masters of the whole country : that their success would encourage other disaffected parts of the kingdom to rise; at least, that the government, mistrustful of their inclinations, would not venture to draw off troops from such parts, and could not, therefore, bring together a number sufficient to recover the town without a train of artillery, without which it would be impossible to drive them out : and that, supposing the worst, they might, in the end, make a safe retreat into the inaccessible highlands of Iar-Connaught and Joyce- Country, and there remain in perfect security, until an opportunity should offer to carry them off to France. Finally, to lay grounds for all these alarming conjectures, allusion was made to the insolent behaviour of the Papists and their clergy, at Galway, in September, 1745, upon the appearance, on the coast, of the homeward-bound East India Fleet, consisting of fourteen sail, whilst they were supposed to be the Ferrol squadron; which proved how ripe they were to lay hold of every occasion to attempt the subversion of the government. All these representations, however, forcible as they were, and so well calculated to arouse the attention and to excite the alarm of government, proved ineffectual. The rulers of the country were well aware that the Catholics had neither the power, nor yet the inclination, to give any disturbance; and that, according to the declaration of a distinguished senator in the house of commons, soon after that period, "not a man of them moved tongue, pen or sword," upon that or any other occasion, to give the slightest uneasiness to the government. They remained, therefore, unmolested in Galway, where they have ever since given continual proof of their steady loyalty and sincere affection, from principle, for the government of the country.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 148

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Galway, in September 1745 a homeward-bound East India Fleet of fourteen sail appeared off the coast. People supposed the ships were the Ferrol squadron. The behaviour of the Catholics and their clergy in the town on that occasion was later cited as evidence of disaffection. There were fears about what the popish ecclesiastics in the town might do. They were said to be restless, active, subtle and industrious agents of Rome who might work on their devotees, who were exceedingly numerous, and precipitate them to seize the garrison. The argument was that the garrison, arms and ammunition would secure them for months, during which they would have succour from France. The country, being devoted to the same cause, would supply provisions. Their friends would rise upon troops quartered at Headford, Loughrea and Gort, making them masters of the whole country. Their success would encourage other disaffected parts of the kingdom to rise. At worst, they could retreat into the inaccessible highlands of Iar-Connaught and Joyce-Country, and remain there until carried off to France. All these representations proved ineffectual. The rulers of the country were well aware that the Catholics had neither the power nor the inclination to give any disturbance. A distinguished senator declared in the house of commons that "not a man of them moved tongue, pen or sword" upon that or any other occasion. They remained unmolested in the town, where they have ever since given proof of their steady loyalty and sincere affection for the government.

36. Galway burgesses transfer fealty to Sir William De Burgh

    Galway · city · Galway · 1388

    In November 1388, the burgesses and commonalty of Galway rang the common bell and paid fealty to Sir William De Burgh, the king's enemy, handing over fishing weirs, mills, rents, and the keys of the town gates to resist the king's ministers. Henry Blake of Galway was later indicted for high treason for his role in these events.

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    Sir William De Burgh, who was the then Mac William Eighter, and consequently lord of Galway, having, after repeated provocations, revolted against the weak and vacillating government of the day, once more involved the town in those rebellious proceedings. Amongst the plea rolls preserved in Bermingham tower, 3 there is still extant the record of a pardon, pleaded by one Henry Blake against an indictment for high treason, for joining Sir William on that occasion. This process was held before Milo, bishop of Cloyne, and Thomas Hill, justices in the Connaught Districts, at the town of Robe, (now Ballinrobe,) on the Wednesday next after the festival of Saint Barnaby the Apostle, 1390, when it was presented, that Henry Blake of Galvy, with other burgesses of the town, and also all the commonalty, by common agreement, in Nov. 1388, rang the common bell, and paid the fealty, which they owed the king, unto William, son of Richard de Burgo. the king s enemy; who, in the name of dominion, received from them the said fealty, fishing weirs, fisheries, mills, rents, services, and all other emoluments in the said town belonging to the king : and that they aided the said William to resist the king and his ministers, and afterwards rang the common bell, and delivered to him all the keys of the gates of the town, to resist and prevent the entrance of the king and his ministers. Sir William De Burgh having afterwards submitted4 and obtained pardon, the town returned tof its allegiance, and peace and tranquillity were once more restored.

    From this period Galway continued gradually to increase. Its situation, trade, and rising population, soon attracted the attention of government; and it was at length resolved to give the town every encouragement, and render it a place of permanent defence and security. Accordingly on 8th Nov. 1396, a new and perpetual murage charter was granted to the inhabitants by Richard the Second.''5 The preamble to this grant states, that the king, as well in aid of the town of Galvy, (which is described as being

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 56

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are in a town that once threw its loyalty behind a rebel. In November 1388, the burgesses and the whole commonalty rang the common bell and paid the fealty they owed the king instead to Sir William De Burgh, described in the record as the king's enemy. He was Mac William Eighter and lord of Galway, and he had revolted against the government after what the source calls repeated provocations. In the name of dominion, he received from them their fealty, the fishing weirs, the fisheries, the mills, the rents, the services, and all other emoluments in the town belonging to the king. They aided him to resist the king and his ministers, rang the common bell again, and delivered to him all the keys of the gates of the town, to resist and prevent the entrance of the king and his ministers. Henry Blake of Galway was later indicted for high treason for joining Sir William on that occasion. His pardon was pleaded before Milo, bishop of Cloyne, and Thomas Hill, justices in the Connaught Districts, at Ballinrobe, on the Wednesday after the festival of Saint Barnaby the Apostle, 1390. Sir William afterwards submitted and obtained pardon, the town returned to its allegiance, and peace and tranquillity were restored.

37. Galway corporation expels recently admitted Irish as 'intruders'

    Galway · city · Galway · 1679–1680

    Within four months of the Irish families being readmitted to Galway, the corporation assembled and represented to the mayor that several intruders and unfreemen were daily intruding on their privileges by keeping open shop. The mayor was unable to resist this intolerant body, and many of the recently admitted people were again obliged to quit the town.

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    rankling hatred and jealousy of the members of the corporation; and four months had scarcely elapsed when they assembled, and, in a body, represented to th mayor, "that several intruders and un- freemen and others, who kept servants not fitly qualified, do daily intrude on our privileges, by thrusting themselves and their servants into our said corporation, and keep open shop, to the great indignitye of the laudable laws and customs of the same./'l However inclined the mayor might be, he was unable to resist this intolerant body; and consequently, many of the persecuted people, who had been so recently admitted, were again obliged to quit the town.2

    For the five succeeding years very little worthy of observation occurred in the town, with the exception of a loyal congratulatory address presented' in 1683, by the corporation to CharlesII. on the escape of his majesty, and the duke of York, from the Rye-house conspiracy ;3 and a memorial in the year, 1684, from the Catholic merchants and traders, (many of whom had, in the interim, been permitted to return,) to the lord lieutenant and council, for a reduction and settlement of the charter duties, whereupon a certain schedule was agreed to between them, and the corporation, under which these duties afterwards continued to be received. 4 On the accession of James II. to the throne, the hopes of the proscribed Catholic natives of

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 123

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are in a city where the Irish were let back in and then pushed out again in the space of months. Around 1679, barely four months after Irish families had been readmitted, the corporation assembled and told the mayor that several intruders and unfreemen were daily intruding on their privileges by keeping open shop. The mayor, however inclined he might be, could not resist this body, and many of the recently admitted people were again obliged to quit the town. For the next five years little of note happened here, save a loyal address in 1683 from the corporation to Charles the Second on his escape from the Rye-house conspiracy. The following year, 1684, Catholic merchants and traders, many of whom had been permitted to return in the meantime, sent a memorial to the lord lieutenant and council seeking a reduction of the charter duties. A schedule was agreed between them and the corporation, and those duties were received under it afterwards. On the accession of James the Second, the hopes of the proscribed Catholic natives of the town revived.

38. O'Donnell's forces repulsed at Fort-hill

    Galway · city · Galway

    O'Donnell assembled his forces on Fort-hill, also called the Abbey-hill, but Galway's great cannon drove them back. A sally from the great gate forced the enemy to flee, leaving killed and wounded behind before departing for Mayo, burning villages along the way.

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    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 near Fort-hill, once called the Abbey-hill, where O'Donnell brought his forces against the town. O'Donnell had sought provisions for his men, offering ready money, whatever was demanded. He threatened the town with immediate hostilities if refused. The mayor and council assembled and sent back not just refusal but reproach. They upbraided O'Donnell and his adherents for breaking their allegiance to their natural prince and for wantonly destroying the country and goods of her majesty's loyal subjects. They told him that unless he returned to his duty, reformed his evil courses, and made amends for all damages, they would give him no relief. As to his threats, they held them at defiance. Enraged, O'Donnell set fire to several houses about the borders of the lake. The wind was north-east, full against that side of the town, and the smoke hindered the inhabitants from perceiving the enemy until almost the entire 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 following day departed for the county of Mayo, burning every village in their way. Upwards of twenty belonging to the town were entirely destroyed.

39. Siege of Galway castle by Richard de Burgo, 1230

    Galway · city · Galway · 1230

    In 1230, Hugh O'Flaherty declared in favour of Fedhlim O'Conor and fortified himself in the castle of Galway. Richard de Burgo besieged him on the east side of the river, but Hugh O'Conor relieved him from the west, forcing De Burgo to raise the siege.

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    The new governor with a view of promoting his views, and advancing his interest in Connaught, stirred up the usual cause of dissension in this unhappy province. He deposed Tirlough from the sovereignty, and established Fedhlim O'Conor, another son of Cathal, who afterwards proved himself the bravest and most politic of Roderic's descendants, and the only one who for any time retained the appearance of power. This prince, after acquiring his independance, resolutely resisted De Burgo s claims on his territory, and fortunately for him, his adversary's great friend, the Justiciary of England, having, at the very time, fallen into disgrace, the former was removed from the government here; and the Irish prince profiting by the temporary embarrassment of his rival, considerably augmented his power. But still apprehensive that he could not long support himself in Connaught by his own exertions, he suddenly passed over to England, attended by the Lord Justice, and there laid a long detail of his grievances and complaints against De Burgo before the monarch. Henry received his royal visitor in a manner worthy of his rank and dignity, and seemed so fully persuaded of the justice of his cause, that he commanded the Lord Justice and nobility of Ireland to afford him every assistance, and use all their efforts to establish him in his territory- Abut this time the town and castle of Galway (which the reader was necessarily obliged so long to lose sight of,) became of importance to the parties contending for the sovereignty of Connaught. After the invasion, in 1 1 70, the castle was strongly fortified, and the town was put into a state of defence. 17 It then consisted of a small community, composed of a few families of fishermen and merchants; (many of whose names have been already given in the first chapter,) and was principally under the protection of the O'Flahertys, who held the castle and surrounding territory, as feudal lords from the kings of Connaught. Upon the return of Fedhlim from England, Hugh O'Flaherty, chief of his name, declared in his favour, and in 1230 fortified himself in the castle of Galway. 18 He was besieged on the east side of the river by Richard de Burgo, but being effectually relieved from the west by Hugh O'Conor, De Burgo, after several ineffectual endeavours to take the castle, was obliged to raise the siege. Irritated at

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 45

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Galway now. This city sits on the river, and in 1230 its castle became the centre of a struggle for the sovereignty of Connaught. The conflict had been building for some time. A new governor deposed Tirlough from the sovereignty and established Fedhlim O'Conor, another son of Cathal, who proved himself the bravest and most politic of Roderic's descendants, and the only one who for any time retained the appearance of power. Fedhlim resolutely resisted De Burgo's claims on his territory. His adversary's great friend, the Justiciary of England, fell into disgrace at the very time, and De Burgo was removed from the government. The Irish prince profited by the temporary embarrassment of his rival and considerably augmented his power. Still apprehensive that he could not long support himself in Connaught by his own exertions, Fedhlim suddenly passed over to England, attended by the Lord Justice, and laid a long detail of his grievances and complaints against De Burgo before the monarch. Henry received his royal visitor in a manner worthy of his rank and dignity, and seemed fully persuaded of the justice of his cause, commanding the Lord Justice and nobility of Ireland to afford him every assistance and use all their efforts to establish him in his territory. The town and castle of Galway became of importance to the parties contending for the sovereignty of Connaught. The town consisted of a small community of fishermen and merchants, under the protection of the O'Flahertys, who held the castle and surrounding territory as feudal lords from the kings of Connaught. Upon Fedhlim's return from England, Hugh O'Flaherty, chief of his name, declared in his favour, and in 1230 fortified himself in the castle of Galway. He was besieged on the east side of the river by Richard de Burgo, but being effectually relieved from the west by Hugh O'Conor, De Burgo, after several ineffectual endeavours to take the castle, was obliged to raise the siege.

40. Smuggling through breaches in Galway town walls

    Galway · city · Galway

    The dilapidated state of the Galway town walls was attributed to breaches made at different times by unregistered Papist merchants, who had been prohibited by law from living within the town or liberties, in order to more effectively run goods and carry on the smuggling trade.

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    there were two projecting flankers which might be repaired at a small expense; and if three guns were mounted on that called "the Devil's Battery," they would be essentially serviceable in defending the curtain. The quay bastion (from whence alone an enemy in the port might be annoyed with ordnance, and which also covered the bridge, and was the only place for defending the town in case of an attack from the west,) was rendered useless by encroachments and buildings erected on it. Beyond this there was another bastion called "the Quay Canton," of which the platform was tolerable; and from the quay bastion to the end of the curtain, behind the county gaol, the wall was good. At the extremity of this there was room to erect a small battery, which might be of great service in covering the west gate, and defending the town if attacked from that quarter, this being the only entrance from Iar-Connaught, (the highlands of the country,) which was inhabited by a people whom it would be prudent to guard against, and to have a watchful eye over, and which was the most likely place in this part of Ireland for an enemy to make a descent on. From thence to the bridge the town wall broke off, and that space was closed by mills, tan-yards and dwelling-houses. The river ran by in a sharp current, and there were several windows and doors which opened to the water, through which people had admittance to town when the gates were locked; but the governor, on seeing some passing that way, had them stopped up. At the west there was formerly a draw-bridge, and over the gateway a guard-room, which was repaired and fitted up for a corporal and six men. At the lower yard of the condemned barrack, adjoining the bridge, a battery might be erected, which would also secure the bridge. From thence to Abbey-gate, and along to Lyons tower, there was a very decayed and weak old wall, by which the river ran in a shallow channel as far as the Abbey-gate. There were no flankers or towers in all that space, but there were several holes open for the conveniency of running goods, which the governor had closed up. From Sander s-lane to Lyons tower there was a rampart fourteen feet broad, in the memory of several persons then living, but no trace thereof remained; it had been thrown into gardens at the back of Lombardstreet, and nothing was left but the walls, which were scarce broad enough for a single person to walk upon. There were two powder magazines, one in Lombard-street and one in the Citadel, both of which were very insecure, and unsafe places to keep powder in, being the loftiest of all the surrounding houses, and so remarkably conspicious that they might be distinguished from the other buildings at the distance of a mile from either side of the town, added to which they were not bomb-proof. The dilapidated state of the walls was attributed to "breaches made at different times by unregistered Papist merchants, (who, by express laws, had been prohibited from living within the town or liberties,) the more effectually to run goods and to carry on the smuggling trade;" but it was added, "that if the money arising from the tolls and customs were applied to their repair, they would be kept in a respectable and good state of defence." In order to prevent further encroachments on the w^lls or injury to the fortification?,

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 144

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, the old town walls tell a story of decay and smuggling. The walls were in poor repair. The quay bastion, the only place from which an enemy in the port might be annoyed with ordnance, and which also covered the bridge, had been rendered useless by encroachments and buildings erected on it. From the quay bastion to the end of the curtain, behind the county gaol, the wall was good, but beyond that it broke off. That space was closed by mills, tan-yards and dwelling-houses. The river ran by in a sharp current, and there were several windows and doors opening to the water, through which people had admittance to town when the gates were locked. The governor, on seeing some passing that way, had them stopped up. From thence to Abbey-gate, and along to Lyons tower, there was a very decayed and weak old wall, with no flankers or towers in all that space, but several holes open for the conveniency of running goods, which the governor had also closed up. From Sanders-lane to Lyons tower there had been a rampart fourteen feet broad, in the memory of several persons then living, but no trace remained. It had been thrown into gardens at the back of Lombard-street, and nothing was left but walls scarce broad enough for a single person to walk upon. The dilapidated state of the walls was attributed to, in the words of the source, "breaches made at different times by unregistered Papist merchants, who, by express laws, had been prohibited from living within the town or liberties, the more effectually to run goods and to carry on the smuggling trade."

41. Catholic clergy persecuted under penal laws in Galway

    Galway · city · Galway

    During the penal era, Catholic clergy in Galway were repeatedly arrested and imprisoned for attempting to perform their clerical duties. They were often forced to officiate at night and sometimes disguised themselves in women's clothing to visit the sick and dying.

    Read the passage

    Fitz-Michael,2 the persecutions against the Catholics continued unabated. 3 The Catholic corporation, or "lay-patrons,'' however, from time to time assembled and elected the wardens and vicars; but these persecuted persons were repeatedly arrested and imprisoned for attempting to perform their clerical duties, insomuch that they were often obliged to officiate in the dead of the night, and not unfrequently to steal, disguised in woman's apparel, to visit the sick and dying. These severities, however, gradually declined; and, about the years 1725, the warden and vicars fitted up a chapel in a warehouse belonging to Anthony Bodkin, merchant, situate in Middle-street, where they, for the first time since the surrender of the town, publicly officiated. In 1731, the severe penal visitation, already described (p. 174) took place, and the subjoined extract from the return made by the mayor on that occasion will give the reader some idea of the state of the Catholic clergy in the town at that period. 4

    2 This warden received holy orders in 1679 at Salamanca in Spain, from Peter Salazar, bishop of that place. Before his election to the wardenship, he officiated as pastor of the Gate-quarter and Eastsuburbs.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 209

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are in a city where Catholic clergy were repeatedly arrested and imprisoned during the penal era for attempting to perform their duties. They were often forced to officiate in the dead of night, and sometimes disguised themselves in women's apparel to visit the sick and dying. These severities gradually declined, and about the year 1725 the warden and vicars fitted up a chapel in a warehouse belonging to Anthony Bodkin, a merchant in Middle Street. There, for the first time since the surrender of the town, they publicly officiated. In 1731 another severe penal visitation struck the Catholic clergy of the town.

42. Catholic clergy shipped to Arran and Bophin islands

    Innismore · street · Dublin

    Upwards of fifty Catholic clergy were shipped to the islands of Arran and Bophin, allowed only two pence a day each for support, and nearly famished while awaiting transport to the West Indies. Churches and abbeys were converted into dragoon stables.

    Read the passage

    Henceforth the most violent acts of oppression and injustice openly took place without any control. The king's arms and every other emblem ot royalty were torn down; upwards of fifty of the Catholic clergy were shipped

    20 These proceedings, aided by the the wages of a common labourer, inde-

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard

    As the companion tells it

    Along here, upwards of 50 Catholic clergy were shipped to the islands of Arran and Bophin, allowed only 2 pence a day each for support, and nearly famished while awaiting transport to the West Indies. Churches and abbeys were converted into dragoon stables.

43. Cromwell-era Privy Council praises Galway's trade potential

    Galway · city · Galway · 1651–1660

    Henry Cromwell and the Privy Council of Ireland described Galway as among the most considerable towns in the three nations after London, citing its situation and commerce with Spain, the Straits, West Indies and other places. They noted its potential to encourage trade abroad and manufactures at home if well improved.

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    Such are the accounts given of Galway, upwards of 200 years ago, by visitors and strangers, who were eye witnesses of the state of the town, and described it as it appeared to them at the time; but the enthusiasm of the old inhabitants, when mentioning their native place, their ancient pride and boast, and the source and centre of all their wealth, happiness and connexions, was almost boundless; one of these, after giving a short descriptiorr-ef the town, bursts forth into the following exclamation : — and, as Jerusalem seemed to the Prophet Jeremiah, the princess among provinces, the beauty of Israel; so, thou, O Galway, dost to me appear, of most perfect beauty;27 nor will the reader be surprised at this, when he hears the following description of the town, given even at a subsequent period, by Henry Cromwell and the Privy Council of Ireland : " we may be bold to say, that for the situation thereof, voisinage 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 v/ell improved. "28 The increase, improvement and continual additions of strength to the town, by the erection of several strong bulwarks and fortifications, for nearly half the seventeenth century, and, particularly, during the civil wars of 1641, will be found described in their proper places. The reader is here presented with a complete and curious delineation of the place, as it appeared in its most perfect condition, after these improvements were made, formed under the following peculiar and interesting circumstances, and which will, for ever, remain an indelible memorial of the former flourishing state of this once considerable town.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 26

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you're in a place that once drew remarkable praise from the very people who had conquered it. In the 1650s, Henry Cromwell and the Privy Council of Ireland described Galway in striking terms. They said that for its situation and its commerce with Spain, the Straits, the West Indies and other places, no town or port in the three nations, London excepted, was more considerable. They added that, if well improved, it would encourage trade abroad and manufactures at home. This was not local boasting. It came from the administration that had taken the town after the wars of 1641, when Galway had spent nearly half the seventeenth century building strong bulwarks and fortifications. The old inhabitants had a pride that one of them expressed by comparing Galway to Jerusalem, calling it, in words from the source, the princess among provinces, the beauty of Israel. Even in its most flourishing state, Galway's trade reach was wide, stretching across the Atlantic and through the Mediterranean, and its rulers saw clearly what the town could become.

44. O'Donnell's forces encamp in Galway suburbs

    Galway · city · Galway · 1596

    After burning Athenry, O'Donnell's forces marched towards Galway and encamped in the suburbs on Sunday evening. A priest was sent to request wine and necessaries, promising no injury, but the town refused to open its gates at night by ancient custom.

    Read the passage

    proceedings they marched towards Galway, determined, if possible, to make it share the same fate; and, on the Sunday evening following, encamped in the suburbs. They immediately sent a priest to the gates, to request wine and other necessaries, promising to do no injury if they were relieved : he was answered from within, that it was the ancient and established custom of the town, never to open their gates at night; and with this reply he departed : but the following morning another messenger arrived with a letter from O'Donnell himself, •ntreating victuals

    land sundry la-borers and artyfiqers for thenhabiting of the decaied town of Athenry, and making of severall comodities within Connaught ; that they may have lycence, for thirty years, to transpose all souche comodities growing within that province, as hath not at eny time heretofore ben usually transported, so as the same be put into worke, and wyoght ; and that all others be restrained therein during the said terme, but souche as ether shalbe contributers to their first chardge, or by ther allowance teherunto admytted, in respect whearof, her majestie to have tehe twentieth parte for custome of that whiche shalbe so transported.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 83

    As the companion tells it

    As the road takes you through Galway, this is where O'Donnell's forces encamped in the suburbs, in 1596. They had burned Athenry and marched here, determined if possible to make Galway share the same fate. On the Sunday evening they set up camp and sent a priest to the gates, requesting wine and other necessaries, and promising to do no injury if they were relieved. The answer came from within: it was the ancient and established custom of the town never to open their gates at night. With that reply the priest departed. The following morning another messenger arrived with a letter from O'Donnell himself, entreating victuals. The letter also sought laborers and artificers for the inhabiting of the decayed town of Athenry, and for making of several commodities within Connaught. It asked for license, for 30 years, to transport all such commodities growing within that province as had not been usually transported before, with the 20th part going to her majesty for custom.

45. Anti-Catholic popery act targets Galway inhabitants, 1703

    Galway · city · Galway · 1703–1705

    The Act to prevent the further growth of popery recited that the security of Galway depended on its being in Protestant possession. It enacted that no Papist could purchase a house or dwell in Galway or its suburbs after 24 March 1703, and existing Catholic inhabitants had to give security or depart by 25 March 1705.

    Read the passage

    Act to prevent the further growth of popery, after reciting that the peace and safety of the kingdom and the welfare of her majesty's Protestant subjects would much depend on the security of Limerick and Galway, and on their being in possession of Protestants, being considerable garrisons, it was enacted, that no person or persons that then were or should be Papists, or profess the popish religion, should or might, after the 24th day of March, 1703, take or purchase any house or tenement, or come to dwell or inhabit within the city of Limerick or the suburbs thereof, or within the town of Galway or the suburbs thereof; and that every person of the popish religon, then inhabiting within the! said city and town and suburbs of the same, should by that day, before the chief magistrate of the said respective city and town, become bound to her majesty, her heirs and successors, with two sufficient sureties, in a reasonable penal sum, to be ascertained by the chief magistrate, recorder and sheriffs of the said city and town respectively, or any two of them, with condition for his or her faithfully bearing themselves towards her majesty, her heirs or successors, or, in default of giving such security, that such persons should depart out of the said city, and town and suburbs aforesaid, on or before the 25th day of March, 1705.22 The Catholic inhabitants of the town accordingly entered into security pursuant to this act of parliament; but even this had little effect towards preserving them from future trouble and persecution. In the year 1708, on the rumour of an intended invasion of Scotland by the Pretender, several gentlemen and merchants of the town were imprisoned by order of government, and the remainder of the Catholics turned out of the town. Richard Wall, the mayor, in his despatch to the privy council, described his proceedings under this order as follows : — "I have, pursuant to order of last night's post, turned all the popish inhabitants out of the town and garrison, and have also committed several popish priests to the goal. I have also taken care to remove vhe market outside th walls, and hav given orders to prevent mass being said in town. "23 He also informed them, that the town militia consisted of about two hundred and fifty men fit for service, whom he represented as very inconsiderable, compared to the great number of popish inhabitants; and entirely unprovided with arms, which he requested would be furnished as soon as possible. The town was then put into a state of defence, and a

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 136

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you're travelling through a city that in 1703 was targeted by an act to prevent the further growth of popery. The act recited that the peace and safety of the kingdom depended on Galway and Limerick being in Protestant possession, as they were considerable garrisons. No person professing the popish religion could, after 24 March 1703, purchase any house or come to dwell within the town of Galway or its suburbs. Every Catholic then living there had to appear before the chief magistrate and become bound to her majesty, with two sufficient sureties, in a penal sum set by the chief magistrate, recorder and sheriffs. In default of giving such security, they were to depart on or before 25 March 1705. The Catholic inhabitants accordingly entered into security, but this did little to preserve them from future trouble. In 1708, on the rumour of an intended invasion of Scotland by the Pretender, several gentlemen and merchants of the town were imprisoned by order of government, and the rest of the Catholics were turned out. Richard Wall, the mayor, wrote to the privy council that he had "turned all the popish inhabitants out of the town and garrison," committed several popish priests to the gaol, removed the market outside the walls, and given orders to prevent mass being said in town. He reported the town militia at about 250 men fit for service, inconsiderable compared to the great number of popish inhabitants, and entirely unprovided with arms, which he requested be furnished as soon as possible. The town was then put into a state of defence.

46. Augustinian Friary founded in Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1508

    Margaret Athy, wife of Stephen Lynch Fitz-Dominick Dubh, founded the Augustinian Friary on an eminence near the sea in the south suburbs of Galway in 1508, at the urging of friar Richard Nangle. The church and steeple were completed before her husband's return from Spain, surprising him upon arrival in the bay.

    Read the passage

    This friary was situate on an eminence near the sea, in the south suburbs of the town, and within a few hundred yards of the walls. It was founded, in 1508, by Margaret Athy, wife of Stephen Lynch Fitz-Dominick Dubh (who was many years mayor of the town), at the earnest solicitation of Richard Nangle, a friar of the same order, who afterwards became archbishop of Tuam.27 The position which was chosen commanded a fine prospect of the bay, the surrounding mountains, and the three distant islands of Aran; and the monastery itself, from its elevated situation (particularly when viewed from the bay), appeared to peculiar advantage.

    15! 7. July 17th. Richard Edmund de Burgo confirmed unto Richard Nangle, Sacre pagine projessori, of the order of hermits of St. Augustine, and to father Donot O'Maille, prior of the same convent of the new monastery of Galway, of the same order, and to their successors, in free and perpetual alms for ever, "his parish church of Roscam, in the diocess of Enaghdowne, with the cemetery on the west part of the wall of said church, a certain parcel of land near the same, called Tirnahalle, situate in breadth to the great stones in the west of Tirnahalle, and in length from the sea upwards to the wall near the wood, and also another large tract, commonly called Gortintagart, with liberty of pasture for eight cows and six horses, to pray for the souls of himself, his parents and successors. "28

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 221

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, this is where the Augustinian Friary once stood, on high ground near the sea in the south suburbs of the town, within a few hundred yards of the walls. Margaret Athy founded it in 1508. She was the wife of Stephen Lynch Fitz-Dominick Dubh, who served as mayor of the town for many years. She built it at the earnest solicitation of Richard Nangle, a friar of the Augustinian order, who afterwards became archbishop of Tuam. The position chosen for the friary commanded a fine prospect of the bay, the surrounding mountains, and the three distant islands of Aran. From its elevated situation, particularly when viewed from the bay, the monastery itself appeared to peculiar advantage. On July 17th, Richard Edmund de Burgo confirmed to Richard Nangle, professor of sacred page of the order of hermits of Saint Augustine, and to father Donot O'Maille, prior of the same convent of the new monastery of Galway, and to their successors, his parish church of Roscam in the diocess of Enaghdowne, with the cemetery on the west part of the wall of that church, a parcel of land near it called Tirnahalle, and another large tract called Gortintagart, with liberty of pasture for eight cows and six horses. This was given in free and perpetual alms for ever, to pray for the souls of himself, his parents, and his successors.

47. Carrowbeg estate confiscated under Cromwell

    Carrowbeg · townland · Galway

    The Carrowbeg family was deprived of most of its extensive possessions during Cromwell's time, with lands assigned to Lord Limerick, though they later reverted to the original inheritors by purchase. The Skerrett family related that the estate of Carrowbeg had formerly belonged to them before passing to the Bodkin family through marriage.

    Read the passage

    27 The family of Carrowbeg. descended from the principal of the name, was deprived, in the time of Cromwell, of the greatest part of its extensive possessions, which were assigned to Lord Limerick, but afterwards reverted back, by purchase, to the ancient inheritors. The Skerrett family relate that the estate of Carrowbeg, formerly belonged to them, but passed into that of Bodkin, through a. marriage with an heiress of their name.

    12

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 16

48. Castle of Claregalway surprised and captured

    Claregalway · town · Galway · 1643

    On 28 February 1643, the castle of Clare-Galway was captured through the contrivance of Jonakin Lynch, Clanricarde's tenant there, the carelessness of the warders, and the management of a Franciscan friar. Captain Thomas Burke of Anbally led the surprise attack, which determined the Confederate forces to besiege the fort at Galway.

    Read the passage

    - At this crisis colonel John Burke arrived in Galway, where he was joyfuly received, having been some time before appointed lieutenant-general of Connaught by the general assembly of Catholics which met at Kilkenny on the 24th of October, 1642. Colonel Burke was born in the county of Mayo : he was a man of great prudence and discretion, a brave experienced soldier, (having served upwards of thirty years in the service of Spain,) and high in the confidence of the town and country. He at first endeavoured to keep a fair correspondence with the fort; offered to open the gates; have the benefit of markets and free intercourse between it and the town, provided they contained themselves within bounds, were obedient to the directions of lord Clanricarde, desisted from spoiling, burning or plundering the country, killing or taking the town's-men prisoners, or relieving or aiding the puritans that daily come in ships unto them, and who were the king's declared enemies. These amicable propositions being all rejected by Willoughby, and the castle of Clare-Galway having, on the 28th of February. 1643, through the contrivance of Jonakin Lynch, the earl of Clanricarde's tenant there, the carelessness of the warders, and the management of a Franciscan friar, been surprised by captain Thomas Burke, of Anbally, the acquisition of a place of such strength and importance at once determined their future proceedings. Colonel Burke declared against the fort, and called upon the several gentlemen of the country to levy forces for the purpose of besieging it. Accordingly, in April, 1643, Francis and John Bermingham, son and grand-son of lord Athenry, Sir Ulick Burke, Hubert Burke of Dunamon, Redmond, Richard and Thomas Burke of Kilcornan. Derrymacloghny and Anbally, the three Tiege Kellys of Gallagh, Aughrim and Mullaghmore, Sir Valentine Blake, Sir Roebuck Lynch, and other principal gentlemen of the county, took up arms, and marched with considerable strength towards Galway. Colonel Burke put himself at their head, and about the latter end of that month began to inclose the fort at a distance, and fortify some passages towards the sea, to hinder any relief from that quarter. He invested it with upwards of a thousand men, and posted a body of troops at Clare-Galway and Athenry, to prevent any movement which might be attempted by lord Clanricarde. Provisions becoming scarce in the fort, captain Willoughby, who, on his part, was not inactive, dispatched a party of fifty men to make booty in Iar-Connaught : they were discovered

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 98

49. Claddagh funeral custom of carousing after burials

    Claddagh · electoral division · Galway

    A singular custom prevailed in Claddagh whereby friends and relatives of the deceased adjourned from the graveyard to a public-house to carouse in honour of the departed. The grief or friendship of each individual was estimated by the quantity of liquor consumed or money expended on the occasion.

    Read the passage

    Many instances of extreme longevity occur, and the generality of the inhabitants live to an advanced age in the enjoyment of uninterrupted good health. Upon the interment of their dead, a custom rather of a singular nature prevails. The friends and relatives of the deceased adjourn, generally from the grave-yard, to some public-house in "honour," as they call it, of the memoiry of their departed friends. Here they continue carousing the remainder of that day and night, and the gnef or friendship of each individual is generally estimated by the quantity of liquor winch he consumes, or the money which he expends on the occasion. Had this custom been known to the lato Genoral Vallancey, it is probable it might have afforded him an opportunity of tracing some affinity between our Claddagh friends and the Arabs, who, it is said, also rejoice on the death of their friends and relatives. How far this incident would have supported a hypothesis for the learned antiquary this is not the place to conjecture ; but it would be unjust to conclude this hasty sketch without testifying that, with all their faults, these individuals possess jnany good qualities, and that they are universally acknowledged to be useful and deserving members of society.

    308

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 240

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through the electoral division of Claddagh, by Galway, you are travelling through a place once known for a striking funeral custom. After a burial, friends and relatives of the dead would leave the graveyard and adjourn to a public house, in what they called honour of the departed. They would keep carousing for the rest of the day and night, and a person's grief or friendship was judged by the quantity of liquor they consumed or the money they spent on the occasion. One writer thought General Vallancey might have seen in this some affinity with the Arabs, who were said to rejoice at the death of their friends and relatives. The same record notes that many of the inhabitants lived to a great age in good health, and that despite their faults they were acknowledged as useful and deserving members of society.

50. Clanricarde's peace proposals rejected by Ludlow at Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1652

    The marquis of Clanricarde, presiding over meetings within besieged Galway, sent dispatches to General Ludlow on 14 February proposing a general pacification and requesting safe conduct for commissioners. Ludlow rejected the proposals, demanding unconditional submission and referencing past massacres.

    Read the passage

    the face of affairs. Being in a state of strict blockade, and provisions beginning to grow scarce, about eighty of the inhabitants went privately out of the town, and seizing one hundred head of cattle, designed to drive them in, but being met on their return by a party of the enemy, upwards of sixty were killed, and the cattle retaken. This disappointment was followed by another much greater; for two vessels laden with corn, endeavouring to get into the harbour, were pursued by two parliamentary frigates, who took one, and forced the other on the rocks, near the islands of Arran, where she was lost.l^ These disasters were considerably heightened by the increased population of the town, which was crowded by multitudes of the nobility, clergy, and other persons of rank and interest in the kingdom, who flocked hither as their last place of refuge and safety. Meetings were frequently held to deliberate upon the state of affairs, at which the marquis of Clanricarde generally presided; and it was at length resolved, when too late, that proposals should be made for a general pacification and settlement of the kingdom. Accordingly dispatches to that effect were sent by the marquis to general Ludlow, on the 14th of February, requiring at the same time, a safe conduct for commissioners to carry on the treaty. To these proposals Ludlow, on the 24th, returned a vague and indefinite answer, merely informing him that the settlement of the nation belonged to the parliament, who he was assured would not capitulate with those who ought to be in submission, and stood in opposition to their authority; but "if the Lord inclined their hearts to submission, such moderate terms would be consented to, as men in their condition could reasonably expect." The submission here intimated may easily be conceived to have meant little less than an absolute surrender of their lives and liberties to the mercy of the besiegers. The great council (as they were still called) again assembled within the town, and resolved to propose a cessation of arms, and demand a licence for commissioners to repair to the parliament in England. These proposals having been also rejected, 18 the principal part of the nobility and

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 106

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are near a city that in 1652 was under strict blockade, its provisions running scarce. The town had become a last refuge, crowded with nobility, clergy, and others of rank from across the kingdom. The marquis of Clanricarde presided over meetings held to deliberate the desperate state of affairs. About eighty inhabitants slipped out privately and seized a hundred head of cattle, hoping to drive them back in, but a party of the enemy met them on their return. Upwards of sixty were killed and the cattle retaken. Then two vessels laden with corn tried to enter the harbour, pursued by two parliamentary frigates. One was taken, the other forced onto the rocks near the islands of Arran and lost. It was resolved, the source says, when too late, that proposals should be made for a general pacification. On the 14th of February the marquis sent dispatches to General Ludlow, requesting safe conduct for commissioners to carry on the treaty. Ludlow replied on the 24th with a vague answer, saying the settlement of the nation belonged to the parliament, who would not capitulate with those who ought to be in submission. He wrote that if the Lord inclined their hearts to submission, moderate terms would be consented to, as men in their condition could reasonably expect. The submission meant, in effect, near absolute surrender of their lives and liberties. The great council assembled again within the town and resolved to propose a cessation of arms and demand a licence for commissioners to repair to the parliament in England. These proposals were also rejected.

51. Connemara poverty and kelp-versus-agriculture debate

    near Connemara · locality · Galway

    It was argued that Connemara's 4,000 tons of annual kelp consumed ~50,000 tons of seaweed that could instead manure 4,000 acres of land, yielding substantial rents and crops. The neglected population depended on fluctuating kelp prices and precarious crops, their wretchedness described as inconceivable on failure of harvest.

    Read the passage

    14 This depression of price, with many other reasons equally forcible, has induced many to conclude that it would be much more beneficial for the land-owners and inhabitants of Connemara in general to encourage the agriculture of this widely extended distiict in preference to the manufacture of the above fluctuaing, and now unproductive, article. Several ingenious calculations have been entered into on the subject. To make the 4,000 tons of kelp annually produced in Connemara, it has been supposed that 50,000 tons of seaweed are probably consumed, which might suffice (being found to form an excellent compost for producing potatoes, oats, barley and flax) , for manuring 4,000 acres of land. These lands, which now produce little or nothing, ' would, during a course of cropping, yield to the landlord from £2 to £3, and to the tenant from £12 to £20 per annum, and would afterwards be let in permanent pasture at from 5s. to 10s. an acre at least. The continuance of this system, even for a few years, would entirely alter the face of the country, and ameliorate the present miserable condition of the inhabitants ; the barren mountains would become fertile, and the neglected population would be no longer depending for existence on the_ fluctuating produce of their kelp, or their ill-managed and percarious crops, on the failure of which their wretchedness is inconceivable.

    Now, according to Mr. Nimmo's report, the expense of cutting the weed and burning the kelp (although generally done by the tenants and cottagers on the spot, who begin cutting in May, and employ on it all the time that can be spared from the

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 232

    As the companion tells it

    You're coming into Connemara now, and there's a story here about how people lived and what they argued over. Back then, Connemara produced about 4,000 tons of kelp a year, and the belief was that it took 50,000 tons of seaweed to make it. Some said that same seaweed, spread as compost, could manure 4,000 acres and grow potatoes, oats, barley and flax. The land as it stood produced little or nothing, but with proper cropping a landlord might see 2 to 3 pounds an acre and a tenant 12 to 20 pounds a year, before the ground was let as permanent pasture at 5 shillings to 10 shillings an acre. The people here depended on kelp prices that swung wildly and on what the source calls ill-managed and precarious crops. When the harvest failed, their wretchedness was, in the word of the book, inconceivable. Mr. Nimmo's report noted that tenants and cottagers cut the weed themselves, starting in May, working at it every spare moment they had.

52. County Galway first proclaimed in state of disturbance

    Galway · city · Galway · 1799

    Despite early and successful efforts in favour of the union by local elites, County Galway was the first part of Ireland to be proclaimed in a state of disturbance. Several persons openly asserted the measure was unnecessary and concluded it was resorted to for carrying the union by military coercion.

    Read the passage

    human opinion, and of the happy change that had taken place in the public mind during that period. The question of legislative union between the two countries soon after began to agitate the kingdom; and the promises made by Mr. Pitt and lord Cornwallis, to the Catholics of Ireland, secured many of the inhabitants of Galway in its favor. An address was accordingly voted by them in February, 1799, in which the necessity of that measure was maintained with remarkable energy of expression. In the constitution of the empire, as it at present stands," say they, "we discover the seeds^ of party animosity and national jealousy : A Protestant parliament and Catholic people ! hence religious dissension and civil discord : Two legislators in the same empire ! hence legal prejudices and commercial rivalry. By the settlement of 1782, the Irish parliament acquired the right of independent legislation — a right equally — unsafe to exercise and not to exercise. To exercise it would have been to endanger the unanimity, and thereby to hazard the division, of the empire; while, by declining to exercise the right, the Irish parliament brought upon itself the imputation of abject submission to the British legislature. This imputation begot contempt, that contempt discontent, and that discontent rebellion. For this radical defect in the polity of the empire we can see but one remedy, and that remedy is an union." Though the earliest and most succssful efforts were made in its favour by the earl of Clanricarde, the archbishop of Tuam, and others in the county of Galway, it was, notwithstanding, the first part of Ireland that was proclaimed to be in a state of disturbance; and as several persons openly asserted that such a measure was totally unnecessary at the time, they consequently concluded that it was resorted to for no other purpose than that of carrying the question of union by military coercion. However that may be, it is certain that the good people of Galway have been disappointed in their reliance on ministerial promises, and that, were the question to be agitated again, many of them would think and act in a very different manner on the occasion.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 158

    As the companion tells it

    As the road brings you through Galway, you are passing through a town with a political history that turns on the year 1799. The question of a legislative union between Ireland and Britain had begun to agitate the kingdom. Promises made by Mr. Pitt and Lord Cornwallis to the Catholics of Ireland secured many inhabitants of Galway in its favour. In February 1799 they voted an address maintaining the necessity of the union with remarkable energy. Their words laid out the problem plainly. In the constitution of the empire, they said, "we discover the seeds of party animosity and national jealousy." A Protestant parliament and Catholic people. Two legislators in the same empire. They argued that the settlement of 1782 gave the Irish parliament the right of independent legislation, a right equally unsafe to exercise and not to exercise. To exercise it would endanger the unanimity of the empire. To decline it brought the imputation of abject submission to the British legislature. "This imputation begot contempt, that contempt discontent, and that discontent rebellion." For this radical defect they saw but one remedy, and that remedy was union. The earl of Clanricarde, the archbishop of Tuam, and others in the county of Galway made the earliest and most successful efforts in favour of the measure. Yet despite all this, County Galway was the first part of Ireland to be proclaimed in a state of disturbance. Several persons openly asserted that the measure was totally unnecessary at the time. They concluded it was resorted to for no other purpose than carrying the question of union by military coercion. The good people of Galway were disappointed in their reliance on ministerial promises. Were the question to be agitated again, many would think and act in a very different manner.

53. Dispute over exclusive right to elect wardens of Galway

    Galway · city · Galway

    A dispute arose over whether the Catholic corporation, composed of descendants of the fourteen ancient families of Galway, had the exclusive right to elect and present wardens and vicars of the collegiate church of St. Nicholas, or whether all Catholic citizens of the town shared that privilege. The contest centred on the interpretation of the bull of Innocent VIII and centuries of claimed hereditary patronage.

    Read the passage

    The question to be decided was whether the Catholic corporation, composed of the descendants of the fourteen ancient names and families, were exclusively entitled, under the bull of Innocent VIII.. to the right of electing and presenting the wardens and vicars, or whether that privilege did not equally belong to all the Catholic citizens or inhabitants of the town without distinction ? The principal arguments adduced in this curious case by both parties were briefly as follow : — In support of the exclusive right it was contended that the ancestors of the fourteen families, who were emphatically stiled Anglo-Galvienses, or English families of Galway, were the original founders of the town and church ; that they had richly endowed the latter, and for valuable consideration (which it is said now constitutes the greatest part of the revenues of the Protestant archbishop of Tuam), acquired the domestic nomination of their clergy, whch they transmitted to their posterity ; every one of whom, it was asserted, had as legal a right to this privilege as any individual to his hereditary estate. That, although the original memorial to Innocent VIII. purported to have been that of all the parishioners, yet the pope, knowing the evils attendant on popular ejections, confined the right solely to the mayor, bailiffs and equals, or freemen and council of the town. That this ancient privilege was preserved and handed down through various persecutions, pure, inviolate and (until lately) uncontroverted, by means of the Catholic corporation ; and that it was aKsurd and unreasonable in the highest degree that "new men" and modern families, not members of that body, but who had come to reside in the town ages after its formation should intrude themselves, or claim a participation of those spiritual rights and privileges which had been ob-

    270

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 213

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, the city was once the stage for a curious dispute over who had the right to elect the wardens and vicars of the collegiate church of St. Nicholas. The question was whether that privilege belonged exclusively to the Catholic corporation, made up of descendants of the fourteen ancient families of the town, or whether all Catholic citizens shared it equally.

54. English language and shaving requirement for Galway freemen

    Galway · city · Galway · 1522

    A 1522 Galway by-law required that no man be made a freeman of the town unless he could speak English and shave his upper lip weekly, under penalty of 20 shillings. This reflected the town's determination to maintain English customs distinct from Irish practice.

    Read the passage

    That no man be made fre unless he can speke the English tongc and shave lus upper lipe weekly, sub poena 20s. 9.

    8. The native Irish (whose love of strict and impartial justice was celebrated even by their enemies) neither acknowledged nor obeyed any other than the Brehon laws, to the reign of James 1. Until tiien the English laws were in forco only with. n the Pale, which consisted of the counties of Dublin, Kildare, Meatii and Louth, and within the cities of Dublin, Cork, Waterford, Limerick, Galway, and a few other places.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 165

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, this is a town that drew a hard line between its customs and the Irish practice around it. In 1522, a Galway by-law declared that no man be made a freeman unless he could speak the English tongue and shave his upper lip weekly, under penalty of 20 shillings. The native Irish followed their own Brehon laws, and English law held force only within the Pale and in cities like this one. Galway kept itself apart.

55. Franciscan chapel rebuilt in Galway (1781)

    Galway · city · Galway · 1781

    In 1781 the Franciscan chapel in Galway was rebuilt from a small thatched edifice into a spacious place of worship 120 feet long and 30 feet broad, accommodating over two thousand people. It contained paintings of the Assumption, St. Joseph, St. Francis and others, with side altars and Stations of the Cross devotion.

    Read the passage

    1781. The chapel was rebuilt, before which it was a small thatched edifice, both narrow and inconvenient. Though at present its external appearance is plain, it presents within a spacious, convenient and handsome place of worship, 120 feet long and 30 feet broad, and is capable of accommodating upwards of two thousand people. The altar-piece represents the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin; on one side of it there are two paintings, one of St. Joseph and the Infant Jesus, and the other of St. Bonaventure; on the opposite side a St. Peter de Alcantara and an Ecce Homo. There are two side altars, on which mass is occasionally celebrated : over that on the right, from the lower entrance, the altar-piece is a St. Anthony of Padua, and over that on the left a good painting of St. Francis, the founder of the order. The devotion called the stations of the Holy Cross, which is confined solely to the Franciscans, is observed here. The friars reside in a large commodious house contiguous to the chapel; they occasionally preach, and daily celebrate the divine mysteries, and the accommodation and convenience of the public are attended to on all occasions.

    The cemetery attached to this house is extensive, and contains the burialplaces of some of the most considerable families in the province. The monuments are much more ancient than numerous, and the inscriptions generally contain little more than the names and obits of the deceased :

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 218

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, there's a Franciscan chapel here that was rebuilt in 1781. Before that it was a small thatched building, narrow and inconvenient. The new chapel is 120 feet long and 30 feet broad, and holds over 2,000 people. The altar-piece shows the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin, with paintings of St. Joseph and the Infant Jesus, St. Bonaventure, St. Peter de Alcantara, and an Ecce Homo on either side. Two side altars carry paintings of St. Anthony of Padua and St. Francis, the founder of the order. The devotion of the Stations of the Holy Cross, something confined to the Franciscans, is observed here. The friars live in a large house next to the chapel, preach occasionally, and celebrate Mass daily. The cemetery attached to the chapel is extensive and holds the burial places of some of the most considerable families in the province. The monuments are more ancient than numerous, and the inscriptions generally hold little more than the names and dates of death of the deceased.

56. Galway barracks and military quartering history

    Galway · city · Galway · 1579–1749

    Regular troops were first quartered in Galway in 1579, with a house hired for their reception at Queen Elizabeth's expense. Multiple barracks were built over the centuries, including the upper citadel barrack near William's Gate in 1734, the shamble barrack near the west bridge in 1749, and the Lombard Street barrack also in 1749, with billeting severely felt by Catholic inhabitants.

    Read the passage

    The first regular troops were quartered in Galway in 1579, and a house was hired for their reception, the rent of which was paid by queen Elizabeth. — [Vide p. 94). In 1603 the mayor lodged the soldiers, sent by the governor of the fort, "in some of the strongest castles of the city." After this period the military were quartered in the upper and lower citadels, and in 1715 they occupied the convents after the dispersion of the nuns. The oppressive practice of billetting was severely felt for many years, particularly by the Catholic inhabitants. At length the castle, or upper citadel barrack, near William's gate, was built in 1734, for three companies on the old regulation. This is a neat and convenient building, and lies in a retired and healthy situation. The shamble barrack was erected in 1 749, for ten companies, on the site of the lower citadel near the west bridge : it a handsome and regular structure, and is conveniently situated near the bridge and river. The Lombard-street barrack was also built in 1 749, for five companies, on Forfeited ground, in an open and airy situation. Besides these edifices, the old charter-school (now a convent) was converted into an artillery barrack in the year 1 798, and several private houses throughout the town were occasionally, during the late war, occupied by troops. It may here be added that the town has been generally esteemed "good quarters" by the military, and that very few instances of disagreement have occurred between them and the inhabitants.

    3. — Exchange or Tholsel.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 241

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are in a town with a long military history. Regular troops were first quartered here in 1579, when a house was hired for their reception, the rent paid by Queen Elizabeth. In 1603 the mayor lodged soldiers sent by the governor of the fort in some of the strongest castles of the city. After that the military were quartered in the upper and lower citadels, and in 1715 they occupied the convents after the dispersion of the nuns. The oppressive practice of billeting was severely felt for many years, particularly by the Catholic inhabitants. The upper citadel barrack, near William's Gate, was built in 1734 for three companies on the old regulation. The shamble barrack went up in 1749 for ten companies, on the site of the lower citadel near the west bridge. The Lombard Street barrack was also built in 1749, for five companies, on forfeited ground. The town has generally been esteemed "good quarters" by the military, and very few instances of disagreement have occurred between them and the inhabitants.

57. Galway convents converted to barracks, nuns regain possession

    Galway · city · Galway · 1712

    After the 1712 suppression, the convents in Galway were converted into barracks. When the persecution subsided, the nuns emerged from hiding and eventually regained possession of their former habitations in the town.

    Read the passage

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

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

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 223

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, the town holds the story of its convents, which were converted into barracks after the 1712 suppression. When the persecution subsided, the nuns came out of their hiding places and eventually regained possession of their former habitations. They were visited again in 1731, but have ever since remained unmolested. The convent of the Franciscan nuns is guided by an abbess, and those of the Dominicans and Augustinians by prioresses, each chosen every three years. The nunneries are large and roomy buildings in convenient parts of the town, the same ones where the nuns have resided for upwards of a century. The funds of the three orders are considerable, increased by sums paid when ladies enter the religious state, usually about 300 or 400 pounds each, and often more. These sums are placed out at interest, and the community expenses are generally covered by that growing interest, along with income from female boarders and other sources. The principal sums are seldom touched except in emergencies. Many of these ladies come from respectable Catholic families and receive yearly allowances from their friends, which enable them to perform private acts of charity.

58. Galway corporation declares loyalty to King Charles and condemns seditious book

    Galway · city · Galway · 1647

    In September 1647, the mayor, sheriffs, burgesses and commonalty of Galway assembled and published a formal declaration of abhorrence of Connor O'Mahony's seditious book advocating Irish separation from England. The declaration protested their faith and allegiance to King Charles and pledged to burn the book and its author if found.

    Read the passage

    all the vicissitudes of these unhappy times, the town steadily adhered to its original declaration of allegiance to the king, which it embraced every opportunity of publicy testifying. An offensive publication, intitled, Disputatio apologetica de jure regni, &c.'* was about this time written and published by Connor O'Mahony, an Irish jesuit, at Lisbon : its principal intention was to recommend the separation of Ireland from England, and to stimulate the descendants of the old Irish to choose a king of their own nation, and throw off the English yoke. This book was condemned by the supreme council at KilkennylO and ordered to be burned; but the mayor, sheriffs, burgesses and commonalty of Galway previously assembled on the subject, and published a declaration, expressing their abhorrence of these pernicious doctrines. This document, which contains a manifestation of their then principles, is, for its curious import and singularity of expression, laid before the reader. U About the same time the corporation

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 101

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you're in a town that stayed loyal to the crown through the troubles of 1647. That September, the mayor, sheriffs, burgesses and commonalty assembled to denounce a seditious book written by Connor O'Mahony, an Irish Jesuit, and published in Lisbon. His book urged the old Irish to choose their own king and separate from England. The supreme council at Kilkenny had already condemned it and ordered it burned. The corporation published a declaration of abhorrence and pledged to burn the book and its author if found.

59. Galway houses falling down, Irish inhabitants permitted to return

    Galway · city · Galway · 1679

    In 1679, the Duke of Ormond's agent reported to the Galway corporation that a great part of the houses of the town were falling down due to the removal of the market and Irish inhabitants. After much opposition, several ancient families who entered recognizance for their peaceable demeanour were permitted to return, and trade immediately began to revive.

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    For this ample extension of corporate privileges, the town was principally indebted to the earl of Essex, who evinced every inclination to promote its interest, and, if possible, to restore to its original state : but all exertions of this nature proved abortive, for, being deprived of its former respectable population, and possessed by a set of men their very opposite, both in principles and character, who were bred up to a military life, and mostly ignorant of any other pursuit, commerce entirely declined, and even the buildings, for want of inhabitants, were falling to the ground. This latter circumstance caused the agent of the duke of Ormond (his lordship having some time before obtained a grant of several forfeited houses in the town,) to represent, in the year 1679, to the corporation, "that by reason of the removal of the market and Irish inhabitants, a greate parte of the houses of the towne were falling down;" and he then inquired, "that such of the Irish of the said towne as should give security might be restored."40 This, after much opposition, was complied with only through necessity. Several of the ancient names and families having accordingly entered into recognizance for their peacable demeanour, were permitted to return, and the trade of the town immediately after began to revive. 40a This soon awakened the

    39 Enrolled 29 Cha. II. 2p.— Vide Appendix, No. VIII. for a copy of the charter carefully collated wiish the original.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 123

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are in a city that in 1679 was visibly crumbling. The Duke of Ormond's agent reported to the corporation that "by reason of the removal of the market and Irish inhabitants, a greate parte of the houses of the towne were falling down." The town had lost its former respectable population and was held by military men who knew little of commerce, so trade had entirely declined and buildings were collapsing for want of anyone to live in them. The agent asked whether such of the Irish as should give security might be restored. After much opposition, this was complied with only through necessity. Several of the ancient families entered into recognizance for their peaceable demeanour and were permitted to return. The trade of the town immediately began to revive. The Earl of Essex had earlier tried to restore Galway to its original state, but those efforts failed while the old population remained shut out and the houses kept falling.

60. Galway's walls and tower fortifications built

    Galway · city · Galway · 1270–1300

    After English settlers took possession of Galway, significant defensive works were undertaken, including walls towards the sea and a tower beyond the great gate. The tower was specifically designed to guard against incursions from the interior by way of Lough Corrib. These fortifications transformed Galway from a village-like settlement into a regularly fortified town.

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    Before the erection of these walls and works of defence, the town, though it was, even then, the principal mart and most distinguished place in Connaught, was little superior, either in extent or form, to a considerable modern village : but after these works and improvements were completed, it presented the appearance of a regularly fortified town; and, by thus insuring additional security and protection, in those turbulent times, to the lives and properties of the people, it continued gradually to increase. Several new settlers, from time to time, added to its wealth and trade, and considerably augmented the number of its inhabitants; but particularly about this period the families of Blake, Bodkin, Ffont, Joyes, Lynch. Martin and Slierrett, settled in the town, and principally laid the foundation of its subsequent prosperity. The walls erected towards the sea were intended to prevent any descent from the western parts of rVlunster and Connaught; and the tower, beyond the great gate, was erected as a defence against any incursions from the interior of the country, and particularly by Lough Corrib, which it seems to have been particularly designed to guard against. The building of the walls was continued at intervals during the succeeding century, at the termination of which the town was entirely inclosed.

    After these fortifications were erected, the foreign trade of Galway improved considerably. ^5 Dermod More O'Brien, grandson of Soan Tiege

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 46

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Galway now. Between 1270 and 1300, English settlers who had taken possession of the town built walls towards the sea and a tower beyond the great gate. Before these works, Galway was already the principal mart in Connaught but was little more than a considerable village in extent and form. The walls were meant to prevent any descent from the western parts of Munster and Connaught, while the tower guarded against incursions from the interior, particularly by way of Lough Corrib. Once completed, Galway took on the appearance of a regularly fortified town, and the added security in those turbulent times let it grow steadily. About this period the families of Blake, Bodkin, Ffont, Joyes, Lynch, Martin and Skerrett settled in the town and laid the foundation of its subsequent prosperity. Wall building continued at intervals through the following century, by the end of which the town was entirely enclosed. After these fortifications were erected, the foreign trade of Galway improved considerably.