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

Galway Town Gaol and Howard's visit

Galway · city · Galway · 1578–1788

From an early period Galway had a public prison; the original was a small apartment under the tholsel, later replaced by a prison near the Main Guard. The philanthropist Mr. Howard visited this prison in April 1788 and described it as having no court, no water, with 7 debtors and 12 felons, and a gaoler's salary of £20.

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From a very early period the arm of justice was strengthened by the aid of a public prison in Galway. The charter of Elizabeth, in 1578, granted full power to the corporation to have for ever a gaol within the town, and a keeper of the same, 25 and to commit to and imprison therein prisoners for whatever cause or crime they should be taken, attached or arrested. The original prison was a small apartment under the tholsel; but vice keeping equal pace with the progress of population, a more spacious prison in process of time became necessary. Accordingly, a situation near the centre of the town, at a place afterwards called the main guard, was chosen for its site; and in its construction, like that of all other old prisons, more attention was paid to the security of the inmates than to their health or convenience. The celebrated philantrophist, Mr. Howard, visited this prison in April, 1788, and described it as follows: — "Galway city and county goal, in a close part of the city, has no court, no water. Gaoler's salary, £20. Debtors 7. Felons, etc., 12." — In this state it remained for many years after, until it became totally inadequate to answer the ends of public justice. In addition to its being ill-constructed, inconvenient, and the accommodations of the most wretched description, it
25 By letters patent dated 16tli March, life. — Rot. Pat. 2 Jac. 1. — This appoint- 1603, Cormocke Mc Dermot and Henry rnent appears somewhat inconsistent with his son were appointed keepers of the the previous grant to the corporation, gaol of Galway during their lives, in re- contained in the charter of queen Elizaversion, aftetr the death of John Wiliams, beth. — Vide Appendix, Number III. who then held same for the term of his

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 243

As the companion tells it

As the road brings you through Galway, this is a town with a long history of keeping prisoners. Back in 1578, the charter of Elizabeth granted the corporation full power to have a gaol within the town, and a keeper of the same, and to commit to and imprison therein prisoners for whatever cause or crime they should be taken, attached or arrested. The original prison was a small apartment under the tholsel. But as the population grew, a more spacious prison became necessary. A situation near the centre of the town, at a place afterwards called the Main Guard, was chosen for its site. Like all old prisons, more attention was paid to the security of the inmates than to their health or convenience. The celebrated philanthropist Mr. Howard visited this prison in April 1788. He described it in his own words: Galway city and county goal, in a close part of the city, has no court, no water. Gaoler's salary, 20 pounds. Debtors 7. Felons, etc., 12. It remained in this state for many years after, until it became totally inadequate to answer the ends of public justice. It was ill-constructed, inconvenient, and the accommodations were of the most wretched description.

Ginckle marches to Athenry and views Galway Bay

Athenry · town · Galway · 1691

In July 1691, General Ginckle marched towards Athenry and encamped on the surrounding plains before advancing three miles nearer Galway to a rising ground from which he could see the shipping in the bay. He received intelligence from a Mr. Shaw, an escaped merchant of Galway, about the garrison's strength and stores.

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hourly expected from Iar-Connaught with the troops under his command. 13 Though thus circumstanced, it was unanimously resolved to defend the town. General Ginckle, the English commander, having judged it necessary to reduce Galway before he should proceed to Limerick, after a few days delay to refresh his troops, marched on the 17th July towards Athenry. and encamped on the surrounding plains. On the same day he advanced, with a party, three miles nearer Galway, to a rising ground, from whence he could see the shipping in the bay. On his return to the camp he found a Mr. Shaw, a merchant of the town, (who, with a few other Protestants, had that morning escaped,) from whom he received a full account how matters stood within. This information was the more astisf actory , as it differed entirely from what he had previously received from others, that the garrison consisted of five thousand men, and those well armed; that the stores were considerable, and the town almost impregnable; that Sarsfield, with the whole of the Irish horse, was upon his march with a resolution to raise the seige; and that Ballderg's party was above six thousand strong : all which led him to apprehend that he would have more trouble with Galway than he expected, and that the seige would be protracted to the ensuing winter; a circumstance which, above all others, he was most anxious to avoid.
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-

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 128

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, in July 1691, General Ginckle marched towards Athenry and encamped on the surrounding plains. On the 17th of July he advanced with a party three miles nearer Galway to a rising ground, from which he could see the shipping in the bay. On his return to camp he found a Mr. Shaw, a merchant of Galway, who had escaped that morning along with a few other Protestants. From Shaw he received a full account of how matters stood within Galway. The information differed entirely from what Ginckle had previously been told. Shaw reported that the garrison consisted of 5000 men, well armed, that the stores were considerable, and that the town was almost impregnable. He also said that Sarsfield, with the whole of the Irish horse, was on his march with a resolution to raise the siege, and that Ballderg's party was above 6000 strong. All of this led Ginckle to fear he would have more trouble with Galway than expected, and that the siege might be protracted into the winter, a circumstance he was most anxious to avoid.

Governor closes Galway town gates early, sparking conflict

Galway · city · Galway

The governor of Galway closed the town gates at four in the afternoon, leaving only wickets open, which the townspeople resented as an unprecedented inconvenience. The mayor, sheriffs, and corporation members petitioned him to restore the ancient custom of keeping gates open until eight and wickets until ten, but he refused, citing security concerns and accusing the mayor and sheriffs of receiving presents from Catholics.

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in the town, often involved him in unpleasant contentions with the inhabitants. Amongst other alterations which he made after his appointment, that of closing the gates at the early hour of four in the afternoon, leaving the wickets only open until evening, was considered particularly annoying. This practice the town's-people resented as a general inconvenience, never resorted to except in cases of public apprehension or danger, and that, when no such had existed, so strict a regulation became totally unnecessary. Accordingly the mayor, sheriffs, deputy recorder and other members of the corporation, waited on the governor, with a memorial, signed by themselves and several others of the Protestant and many of the Catholic inhabitants, requesting that he would permit the gates to remain open until eight o'clock in the evening, and the wickets until ten, according to ancient custom. Upon his declining to comply with the requisition, a memorial was presented to the lord lieutenant, in his answer to which, the governor adduced many reasons to justify his refusal. He assured his excellency, that this complaint against him had its rise, not from any real inconvenience or detriment, but from party prejudice; and stated that he was possessed of proofs to shew that the mayor and sheriffs had received presents from the Papists, to "nose'' and insult him, and to represent him as distressing the inhabitants, and putting them under difficulties injurious to the trade and commerce of the town.1 As to closing the gates at an early hour, the greatest possible necessity existed for such a measure. The town lay at an extreme point; there was no travelling by land beyond it, and it was not a thoroughfare. The entrance for all land traffic was at the east gate; and beyond the west gate lay lar-Connaught, a country inaccessible to wheel carriages, and inhabited by Papists, who supplied the markets with such necessaries only as were brought in on back-loads : the wickets, therefore.
being six friaries and nunneries, two tants, and the children of such, had been

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 146

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, the town gates that once stood here were the subject of a bitter dispute. The governor of the town ordered the gates shut at four in the afternoon, leaving only the wickets open, a restriction the townspeople found galling. They told him it was unprecedented except in times of danger, and that no such danger existed. The mayor, the sheriffs, and members of the corporation, along with Protestant and Catholic inhabitants, signed a memorial asking him to restore the ancient custom of keeping the gates open until eight and the wickets until ten. He refused. The matter went to the lord lieutenant, and the governor defended himself by saying the complaint came from party prejudice, not real inconvenience. He claimed to have proof that the mayor and sheriffs had received presents from Catholics, in the source's words, to "nose" and insult him. As for the early closing, he said there was the greatest necessity. Galway lay at an extreme point. There was no travelling by land beyond it, and it was no thoroughfare. All land traffic entered at the east gate. Beyond the west gate lay Iar Connacht, a country he called inaccessible to wheel carriages, inhabited by Papists who supplied the markets only with what they could carry in on their backs.

Lord Deputy Grey confiscates church ornaments at Galway

Galway · city · Galway · 1538–1540

Lord Deputy Grey arrived in Galway and seized and confiscated the ornaments of the church. Sir William Brabazon's account of confiscated jewels, ornaments, crosses and images recorded only forty-five shillings as the price of articles seized at Galway, suggesting either a trifling confiscation or considerable embezzlement.

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made some very considerable additions to it, and, amongst others, erected the spacious wing extending from the north pinnacle to the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament. Soon after this, the first symptom of reformation appeared in the town. Lord deputy Grey having arrived, he seized and confiscated the ornaments of the church; and Sir William Brabazon, vicetreasurer of Ireland, in his " Account of Jewels, Ornaments, Crosses and Images Confiscated,'" returns " forty-five shillings, being the price of such articles seized at Galway, received from Leonard, late deputy of the King." This inadequate return would induce a supposition either that the confiscation in Galway was trifling, or that the embezzlement, with which the illfated deputy was afterwards charged, was considerable. However that may be, no farther inconvenience was sustained by the town on account of religion during the remainder of the reign of Henry VIII. In 1542, Christopher Bodkin, archbishop of Tuam.U at the request of the mayor and burgesses, in a provincial synod then held in the town, confirmed to the college all the benefices which it had justly and quietly possessed, and all other benefices which it theretofore held and which were afterwards occupied by any others, wi'ch all their rights and appurtenances : and here the force of native partiality in this archbishop, and his predecessor, William Joyes (who were both natives of the town), is remarkable, they being the only prelates who had confirmed the privileges of the collegiate church from the time of its original institution. 12
The alarming changes daily making in the affairs of religion, and the indiscriminate seizure of all ecclesiastical properly during the latter years of Henry VIII. had, for some time, rendered the clergy and people of Galway apprehensive for the safety of their collegiate church and property, and more particularly when they saw the three monastic foundations of the town dissolved, and their possessions seized into the king's hands. After long deliberation, therefore, they determined to yield to the pressure of the times,

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 196

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, you are moving through a place where the first symptom of the Reformation arrived in the late 1530s. Lord Deputy Grey came to the town and seized and confiscated the ornaments of the church. Sir William Brabazon, vice treasurer of Ireland, kept an account titled the account of jewels, ornaments, crosses and images confiscated. In it he returned forty-five shillings as the price of such articles seized at Galway, received from Leonard, late deputy of the King. That figure is strikingly small. It would lead you to suppose either that the confiscation in Galway was trifling, or that the embezzlement with which the ill-fated deputy was afterwards charged was considerable. However that may be, the town sustained no further inconvenience on account of religion during the remainder of the reign of Henry VIII. In 1542, Christopher Bodkin, archbishop of Tuam, at the request of the mayor and burgesses, held a provincial synod in the town and confirmed to the college all the benefices it had justly and quietly possessed. He and his predecessor William Joyes were both natives of the town, and they were the only prelates who had confirmed the privileges of the collegiate church from the time of its original institution. The alarming changes in the affairs of religion, and the indiscriminate seizure of all ecclesiastical property during the latter years of Henry VIII, had for some time rendered the clergy and people of Galway apprehensive for the safety of their collegiate church and property. They saw the three monastic foundations of the town dissolved and their possessions seized into the king's hands. After long deliberation they determined to yield to the pressure of the times.

Massacre at Renville village near Galway

Rinville East · townland · Galway · 1642

Soldiers from the fort pillaged the village of Renville near Galway and murdered six people, including Geoffrey Fitz-Thibot, aged about 70, and his elderly wife who was in a burning fever, both killed in their beds. Lord Clanmorris seized and hanged soldiers in reprisal.

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4 Lord Clanmorris, unable to obtain redress for this outrage, revolted from lord Cianricairde, and withdrew his troops from his majesty's service. He also vowed revenge ajgaimst the fort ; and having soon after surprised a party of its men pillaging the village of Renville, near Galway, (where they murdered six people ; among whom Geoftry Fitz-Thibot, aged
about 70 years, and his wife, who was also old, and in a burning fever, were killed in their beds,) he seized two or three of the soldiers, and had them immediately hanged, as a reparation for the death of his men. Upon this his lordship rushed into those ruinous measures which afterwards ended so fatally.- — Carte.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 96

Mendicant families infest Galway streets

Galway · city · Galway

Galway was plagued by native beggars and seasonal crowds of mendicants, with entire families driven from their homes by want or disease pouring into the town. A workhouse or general asylum was proposed to address the recurring evil of poverty-driven mendicancy.

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Independently of the native or resident beggars, with whom the town is always plentifully stocked, crowds of miserable medicants infest the streets at ceitain periods of the year, but particularly during the summer and baihin(; seasons. Entire families, driven from their houses by want or disease, pour in from all quarters of the country; and the extreme wretchedness which these poor creatures generally exhibit is truly afflicting. Several measures have been, from time to time, proposed to remedy this evil; and, amongst others, a workhouse or general asylum has been recommended. That an establishment of this kind would have the effect of clearing the streets for a time is very certain, but is not equally so that it would prevent a recurrence of the evil; for as long as the principal cause, viz., the poverty of the peasantry continues, so long numbers of mendicant poor many reasonably be expected, 1
VII.— PUBLIC MARKETS.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 247

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, the streets here were once, and for long, thick with beggars. Beyond the native poor always resident in the town, crowds of miserable mendicants infested the streets at certain seasons, especially summer, whole families driven from their homes by want or disease pouring in from all quarters of the country. The wretchedness they exhibited was, in the words of one writer, truly afflicting. A workhouse or general asylum was proposed to clear the streets, but it was uncertain whether it would prevent the evil recurring, since so long as the poverty of the peasantry continued, numbers of mendicant poor might reasonably be expected.

Missioner Peter French returned to Galway and died 1693

Galway · city · Galway · 1693

The Reverend Peter French, a native of Galway who served for over thirty years as a celebrated missioner among the Indians of Mexico, returned to his native town and died there in 1693. He had compiled a catechism in the Mexican tongue and converted multitudes from idolatry.

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40 In his time the reverend Peter French, a native of Galway, who, for upwards of thirty years, was a celebrated missioner among the Indians of Mexico, returned, to his native town. This apostolical character compiled a catechism or exposition of the Christian faith in the Mexican tongue, and converted multitudes from idolatry. He died in Galway in 1693.
1 Of this fund the warden received about £40 and each of, the vicars about £25 annually, until the French Revolution, when it was confiscated, with all the other church property in that country.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 208

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, you're in the town where Peter French came home to die in 1693. He was a native of this place who spent upwards of thirty years as a missioner among the Indians of Mexico. He compiled a catechism in the Mexican tongue and, as the old record calls him, "this apostolical character" converted multitudes from idolatry. After all those years abroad, he returned to his native town and died there.

Order to banish Catholic inhabitants from Galway

Galway · city · Galway · 1655

On 23 July 1655, the Lord Deputy and Council ordered all Catholic recusants claiming houses or real estate in or near Galway to remove themselves and their families before 1 November, with promised compensation. If they refused, officers and soldiers were required to remove them. Colonels Lawrence and Richardson were deputed to value the houses.

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This measure was only the prelude to others more serious : it was next determined to banish all the native inhabitants out of the town, and to supply their place with an English colony. An order was accordingly made by the lord deputy and council, on the 23d of July, 1655, that all persons who claimed or had any right to any houses or other real estate, within or contiguous to the town, being popish recusants, should remove themselves and their families thereout before the ! st of November then ensuing, being paid, pursuant to the articles, their full value; and, in case they should refuse or neglect to do so, the officers and soldiers were required to remove them. 25 Before the time limited for compliance with this ordinance had expired, another was issued more immediate in its operation; for " the state taking into consideration the extraordinary strength of the
_ 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.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 111

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, you are moving through a city that in 1655 was emptied of its own people. On 23 July that year, the Lord Deputy and Council ordered all Catholic recusants who claimed houses or real estate in or near the town to remove themselves and their families before 1 November, with the promise of full compensation. If they refused, officers and soldiers were required to remove them. The measure was meant to clear the way for an English colony to take their place. The source notes that the plan was only the prelude to others more serious. One tradition recorded in the book concerns a single native of Galway who changed his principles and joined the enemy. His friends denied him all communication, and he is said to have died of a broken heart, from remorse and shame for his apostasy.

Parliamentary camp between Lough-a-thalia and Suckeen

Lough Atalia · electoral division · Galway · 1651

On 12 August 1651 the parliamentary forces pitched their camp between Lough-a-thalia and Suckeen, within a few hundred yards of Galway's walls, tightening the blockade around the town.

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Whilst this hollow negociation was going forward, the parliamentary forces proceeded with rapid strides towards the conquest of the kingdom Preston, the gallant Irish commander, betrayed and gradually defeated in every other quarter, finally threw himself with a few troops into Galway, where he was intrusted with the chief command, and honored with the title of governor. The town was soon after invested by Sir Charles Coote and commissarj'-general Reynolds and was quickly reduced to a state of blockade. The castles of 1 irellan, Oranmore and Clare-Galway were taken; and on the 12th of August, 1651, the enemy pitched their camp between Lough-a-thalia and Suckeen, within a few hundred yards of the walls. Limerick having surrendered on the 27th of October, a council of war was held by Ireton, to determine whether he should immediatey march with his army towards Galway. The general himself and several officers were for this measure; but others complaining of the ill condition of their men, through sickness and severe service, and the near approach of winter, it was resolved that, for the present, they should summon the town to accept the conditions originally tendered to Limerick. Accordingly, on the morning of the 9th of November, dispatches arrived from the lord deputy for the governor, (inclosing letters also to the mayor and inhabitants,) in which, after some pointed reflections, he informs him that if he shall freely communicate the proposals to the town s-people, and be himself, "waving the frivolous impertinencies of a soldier's honor or humor rather,'' inclined to capitulate, he might then expect to participate in the benefit of the conditions; but that if he smothered or suppressed them, he might be sure that his head would pay for the trouble or mischief that should follow. 16

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 105

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Lough Atalia, you are near where the parliamentary army made its closing grip on Galway. On 12 August 1651 their forces pitched camp between Lough-a-thalia and Suckeen, within a few hundred yards of the town walls. The Irish commander Preston had thrown himself into Galway with a few troops and been entrusted with the chief command as governor. Sir Charles Coote and commissary-general Reynolds had already invested the town and taken the castles of Tirellan, Oranmore, and Clare-Galway, reducing Galway to blockade. After Limerick surrendered on 27 October, Ireton held a council of war on whether to march his army to Galway. Some officers argued their men were worn by sickness and hard service and winter was near, so it was resolved instead to summon the town to accept the conditions originally tendered to Limerick. On the morning of 9 November, dispatches arrived from the lord deputy for the governor, enclosing letters to the mayor and inhabitants. He told Preston that if he freely shared the proposals and was, "waving the frivolous impertinencies of a soldier's honor or humor rather," inclined to capitulate, he might share in the benefit of those conditions. But if he suppressed them, his head would pay for the mischief that followed.

Petition to parliament against Galway corporation

Galway · city · Galway · 1717

On September 13, 1717, Protestant aldermen and freemen petitioned parliament against John Staunton and Mayor Robert Coates, alleging they illegally supported Catholic interests in Galway and harbored popish priests contrary to law.

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aldermen, common council men, freemen, commonalty and Protestant inhabitants," on the 13th September, 1717, petitioned parliament, complaining of the illegal and oppressive practices and arbitrary proceedings of John Staunton, esq. one of the representatives of the town, and of Robert Coates, the then mayor, stating that, for several years past, a design had been formed and carried on by the magistrates and governing part of the corporation, to support a popish and discourage the Protestant interest within the town; in pursuance of which design, nunneries and other places of refuge and shelter for regular and secular priests, friars, and other offenders against the several laws in force in the kingdom, had been suffered, connived at, and encouraged within the town and county of the town of Galway, contrary to law : that, in further pursuance of the said evil design great numbers of Papists, by the notorious neglect of the magistrates,, had been and were then permitted to inhabit in the town, contrary to law; whereby, and by reason of several other discouragements to the Protestant interest there, and of such Protestants as then did or would reside therein, a sufficient number of Protestant freeholders could not be found in the county of the town of Galway, to try offenders against the several acts then in force against Papists, whereby great numbers of popish priests, friars, and dignitaries of the church of Rome, frequently landed from foreign part, contrary to law, within the town and liberties, and, through the connivance of the justices of the peace, were sheltered from justice, and found protection therein, and from thence found opportunities to disperse themselves into all other parts of the kingdom : that, by the charters of Galway, the mayor and recorder for the time being, and, in their absence, their respective deputies, were the only justices of the peace within the county of the town, who had ben principal instruments in obstructing the execution of the laws against popery, and had confederated with many persons popishly affected within the town, and with divers others enemies to the Protestant interest who were foreignrs to the town rendered, to form a common council to carry on their evil designs, by illegally excluding certain common council men (who had been duly elected, admitted and sworn) from acting or voting therein; and, having thereby procured to themselves a majority, had, for several years past, arbitrarily and illegally admitted into the same divers persons disaffected to his majesty and the Protestant interest; by means whereof, and other evil practices, the security of the town and garrison was greatly endangered, the residence of Protestants therein discouraged, prevented, and rendered unsafe, justice obstructed, many criminals protected contrary to law, and great grievances and mischiefs occasioned to the Protestant interest thereof; for all which they prayed relief. The house having ordered that the matter of this petition should be heard at their bar, council accordingly appeared, and witnesses were examined on the part of the accused; but it was unanimously resolved, "that the petitioners have fully proved the allegations of the petition." Robert Shaw, esq. the other member for the town, then brought in a bill "for the better regulating the town of Galway and for die strengthening fehe Protestant interest therein," which passed

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 137

As the companion tells it

Coming up through Galway now. In 1717, this town was the scene of a bitter struggle laid before parliament. On the 13th of September that year, the aldermen, common council men, freemen and Protestant inhabitants petitioned, complaining of the illegal and oppressive practices of John Staunton, one of the representatives of the town, and Robert Coates, the then mayor. They stated that for several years past, the magistrates and governing part of the corporation had formed a design to support a popish and discourage the Protestant interest within the town. They said nunneries and other places of refuge for regular and secular priests, friars, and other offenders against the laws in force had been suffered, connived at, and encouraged within the town and county of the town of Galway, contrary to law. Great numbers of Papists, through the notorious neglect of the magistrates, had been permitted to inhabit the town contrary to law, so that a sufficient number of Protestant freeholders could not be found to try offenders against the acts then in force against Papists. Popish priests, friars, and dignitaries of the church of Rome frequently landed from foreign parts within the town and liberties, and through the connivance of the justices of the peace were sheltered from justice. The petitioners said the mayor and recorder, the only justices of the peace within the county of the town, had been principal instruments in obstructing the laws against popery and had illegally excluded certain duly elected common council men from acting or voting. Parliament heard the matter at its bar, examined witnesses, and unanimously resolved that the petitioners had fully proved their allegations. Robert Shaw, the other member for the town, then brought in a bill for the better regulating of Galway and for strengthening the Protestant interest therein, which passed.

Red Earl De Burgo's old castle in Galway

Galway · city · Galway

The old castle of Richard De Burgo, the Red Earl, was one of the fourteen remarkable edifices of Galway. It represented the Anglo-Norman lordship over the city.

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Fourteen remarkable edifices, castles or mansion houses, of the nobility, gentry and citizens of Galway. Q. The old castle of the most illustrious Lord, Richard De Burgo, the red Earl.
R. Athv's castle, in the north part of the city.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 31

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, this was one of its fourteen remarkable edifices. The old castle of Richard De Burgo, the Red Earl, stood in the north part of the city, marking the Anglo-Norman lordship over Galway.

Richard Martin's bequests to St. Francis' Abbey and St. Nicholas' Church

Galway · city · Galway · 1642

Richard Martin Fitz-Oliver, mayor of Galway in 1642 and a resident of Dungorie, Co. Galway, bequeathed £800 to build a chapel in St. Francis' Abbey and another in St. Nicholas' Church. He also left legacies to all convents and abbeys in Connacht.

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6. This mayor (who resided at Dungorie, in the county of Galway) appears to have been a popular and favourite character in those times. He was chosen alderman and mayor of this town in his absence, without his knowledge, and at first refused the offices ; but afterwards accepted them, "at the instance of the corporation and of many honourable persons, to the great content of all the inhabitants of this town."— Lib. A. He bequeathed £800 to build a chapel in St. Francis' abbey, and another in St. Nicholas' church ; and left legacies to all the convents and abbies in Connaught. — lb.
222

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 176

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, you are near places shaped by Richard Martin Fitz-Oliver, mayor of the town in 1642. He lived at Dungorie in the county of Galway, and the townsfolk chose him alderman and mayor while he was away, without his knowledge. He refused at first, then accepted, as the book says, "at the instance of the corporation and of many honourable persons, to the great content of all the inhabitants of this town." He bequeathed 800 pounds to build a chapel in St. Francis' Abbey and another in St. Nicholas' Church, and he left legacies to all the convents and abbeys in Connacht.

Roderic O'Conor's failed siege of Dublin

Dublin · city · Dublin

After Henry II's departure from Ireland, Roderic O'Conor, king of Connaught and monarch of Ireland, crossed the Shannon with a considerable army and marched on Dublin. Due to dissensions among his troops, he was defeated and forced to retreat and sue for peace.

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government of Ireland.1^. Henry II. soon afterwards arrived with an army of 4000 men, and having received the submission of some of the petty princes of Leinster and Munster, and of several of the bishops and clergy, he returned to England- Immediately on his departure, the princes and chieftains who had so recently submitted to his authority, as if on reflection they felt ashamed of the pusillanimity with which they bowed their necks to the yoke of servitude, revolted and commenced hostilities. Roderic O'Conor, king of Connaught and monarch of Ireland, who tamely permitted the encroachments of the English, now, when it was too late, roused from his lethargy, crossed the Shannon with a considerable army, and proceeded towards Dublin, which he invested : but in consequence of the unhappy dissensions which prevailed among his troops, and which, amongst the Irish, were at all times the cause of their ruin, he was defeated, obliged to retreat, and sue for peace. He accordingly dispatched deputies to England, who met the king at Windsor, and there a peace was most solemnly concluded between the two monarchs. Roderic consented to do homage, and pay tribute to the king of England; whereupon he was to hold his kingdom of Connaught, with the title of king, under him. Rex sub eo, and that in as ample a manner as he had done before the coming of the English. Our historians are unanimous in declaring that there never was any treaty more scrupulously adhered to than this by Roderic, while few were ever more flagrantly violated than it afterwards was, by Henry.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 44

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Dublin, this is the city Roderic O'Conor once tried and failed to take. Henry the Second had come to Ireland with an army of 4000 men. He received the submission of some of the petty princes of Leinster and Munster, and of several of the bishops and clergy, and then he returned to England. The moment he left, the princes and chieftains who had submitted to him revolted and started hostilities. Roderic O'Conor, king of Connaught and monarch of Ireland, had tamely permitted the encroachments of the English. Now, when it was too late, he roused himself. He crossed the Shannon with a considerable army and marched on Dublin, which he invested. But dissensions broke out among his troops, and among the Irish such dissensions were at all times the cause of their ruin. He was defeated, forced to retreat, and forced to sue for peace. He sent deputies to England, who met the king at Windsor, and there a peace was solemnly concluded between the two monarchs. Roderic agreed to do homage and pay tribute to the king of England, and in return he was to hold his kingdom of Connaught with the title of king, under him, in as ample a manner as he had done before the coming of the English. Our historians say there was never a treaty more scrupulously adhered to than this one by Roderic, while few were ever more flagrantly violated than it was afterwards by Henry.

St. Augustine's Fort, Galway: governor appointed

Galway · city · Galway · 1603–1636

Sir Thomas Rotheram was appointed governor of St. Augustine's fort near Galway on 28th May 1603 by royal patent, tasked with punishing evil subjects and defending loyal ones. He governed the fort for thirty-three years and was elected mayor of Galway in 1612, the only non-native to hold that office for over 170 years.

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The fort being at length finished, Sir Thomas Rotheram, knight, was appointed governor, on 28th May, 1603. His patent recites that the king, as well for the punishment and reformation of his evil subjects, as for the defence of his good and loyal ones residing in the town of Galway, and St. Augustine's fort, near adjoining, thought it very necessary that some meet person should be appointed commander of the said fort, and of all such companies thereof, horse and foot, as were then, or should thereafter be sent to reside there; and, having conceived a good opinion of his valor, wisdom, and provident circumspection for the managing of causes of like effect and moment, appointed him commander of said foot and forces, with the rule and government of all persons residing in or repairing to the bounds and circuits of his said command, as well within liberties as without, of the town and harbour of Gal way. 22 Sir Thomas appears to have merited the high encomium contained in his patent : he governed the fort with unimpeachable conduct for a period of thirty-three years, 23 and was elected mayor of Galway in 1612, being the only instance in which that office was filled by any except a native of the town, or of its ancient names and families, for upwards of one hundred and seventy years.
Immediately after the accession of James, the corporation petitioned for a confirmation and extension of their privileges, which the king answered by letter under his own hand, to the earl of Devonshire, lord lieutenant, dated 20th December, 1603, stating that, " Although for some respects we thinke not fitt to enlarge any further liberties to them, than formerly they have had, yet wee are pleased that they shall have a confirmacon and renuinge of such privileges and liberties as by any former charters they doe hold. "24 — This answer not being so favourable as was expected, they declined for the present suing out the charter, expecting a more seasonable opportunity;25 which accordingly was supposed to have offered in 1608,

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 85

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, the story of St. Augustine's Fort sits near the town. The fort was at length finished, and on the 28th of May 1603, Sir Thomas Rotheram was appointed governor by royal patent. The patent recited that the king, as well for the punishment and reformation of his evil subjects as for the defence of his good and loyal ones residing in the town of Galway and St. Augustine's fort near adjoining, thought it very necessary that some meet person should be appointed commander. The king had conceived a good opinion of Rotheram's valour, wisdom, and provident circumspection, and appointed him commander of said foot and forces, with the rule and government of all persons residing in or repairing to the bounds and circuits of his command, as well within liberties as without, of the town and harbour of Galway. He governed the fort with unimpeachable conduct for 33 years, and was elected mayor of Galway in 1612, the only instance in which that office was filled by any except a native of the town or of its ancient names and families for upwards of 170 years. Immediately after the accession of James, the corporation petitioned for a confirmation and extension of their privileges. The king answered by letter under his own hand to the earl of Devonshire, lord lieutenant, dated 20th December 1603, stating that although for some respects he thought not fit to enlarge any further liberties to them than formerly they had had, yet he was pleased they should have a confirmation and renewing of such privileges as by any former charters they did hold. This answer not being so favourable as expected, they declined suing out the charter, expecting a more seasonable opportunity, which was supposed to have offered in 1608.

Submission and arrest of Mac-an-Earlas at St. Nicholas

Galway · city · Galway · 1577

The Mac-an-Earlas submitted to the Lord Deputy while he attended divine service at the church of St. Nicholas in Galway. Despite their supplication and promises, they were immediately arrested and sent as prisoners to Dublin.

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The remainder of the country was still destroyed by the ravages of the Mac-an-Earlas, who obstinately stood out, and against whom infinite complaints were made to the lord deputy. They, either dreading his power, or wishing to dissemble for the present, as their subsequent conduct proved, voluntarily came to Galway, and, while the lord dejputy was attending divine service in the church of St. Nicholas, on the sabbath day, they entered before him, and, kneeling down in a suppliant posture, confessed their faults, submitted, and humbly craved pardon, promising amendment for the future, and that they would never more revolt from their allegiance to her majesty, or disobey her laws. They were, however, immediately put under arrest, and sent close prisoners to Dublin; but by the advice of the privy council, after receiving many sharp reprehensions, and some trifling punishment, they were soon after liberated, and the lord deputy having remained three weeks in Galway, departed for Dublin, where he arrived on the 13th of April, 1577.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 77

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, you are in the city where, in 1577, the Mac-an-Earlas came to make their submission. They had been ravaging the country and stood out stubbornly against the crown, but they came voluntarily to Galway while the Lord Deputy was attending divine service in the church of St. Nicholas on the sabbath day. They entered before him, knelt down in a suppliant posture, confessed their faults, and humbly craved pardon, promising amendment and that they would never more revolt from their allegiance to her majesty or disobey her laws. Despite all this, they were immediately put under arrest and sent as close prisoners to Dublin. After receiving many sharp reprehensions and some trifling punishment, the privy council advised that they be liberated, which they soon were. The Lord Deputy remained three weeks in Galway, then departed for Dublin, where he arrived on the 13th of April 1577.

Surrender of St. Augustine's fort, Galway, 1643

Galway · city · Galway · 1643

Captain Willoughby, denied satisfactory terms by Lord Clanricarde, surrendered St. Augustine's fort at Galway to the Confederate forces under Lieutenant-general John Burke on 20 June 1643. The articles allowed the garrison to depart with arms, colours flying, and granted liberty to friends in Oranmore and Kilcolgan to accompany them.

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Rear-admiral Brooke, in the ship Providence, arrived in the bay in the beginning of June, with provisions and arms for the fort; but the batteries on the points of Rinmore and Rintinane hindered him from approaching. He endeavoured in the night to throw in supplies, but his long boats, being met by those of the town, were forces to retire. Captain Willoughby, being thus disappointed of succour, desired permission from colonel Burlce to deliver the fort to lord Clanricarde; but this, in the moment of success, he refused to agree to, on any other terms than that his lordship should take the oath of union or association, and not dispose of the place without the consent of the several persons under-named. 6 These terms the earl, with that consistency and loyalty which always marked his proceedings and character, totally rejected. Willoughby was then forced to treat for a surrender to the confederates. Articles having been accordingly agreed upon and signed,? he surrendered that important fortress on the 20th of
6 The titular arch bishop of Tuam. lieutenant-general lord Mayo, colonel Bermingham, colonel Burke, lieutenantcolonel O'Flaherty, serjeant-major O'Shaughnessy, serjeant-major Burke, Richard Burke Fitz-John, Thomas Burke of Anbally, John Bermingham, Hubert Burke, captain Teige Kelly of Aughrim, captain Teige Kelly of Gallagh, captain Teige Kelly Fitz-William, captain Murrogh na-mart O'Flaherty, captain Anthony Brabazon captain TJlick Oarragh Burke, captain Ulick Burke of Castlehacket, captain Jonack M'Thomas, captain Edmond O'Flaherty, captain John Madden, captain John Browne, captain John Garvy, captain William Burke Fitz-John, captain William Burke of Cloghan, captain Walter Fitz-Morris, and captain Richard Betagh. — Clanricarde' s Memoirs.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 98

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, this is where St. Augustine's fort stood, and where it was surrendered in 1643. In early June that year, Rear-admiral Brooke arrived in the bay in the ship Providence, carrying provisions and arms for the fort. Batteries on the points of Rinmore and Rintinane kept him from approaching. He tried at night to throw in supplies, but his long boats were met by the town's boats and forced to retire. Captain Willoughby, thus disappointed of succour, asked Colonel Burke for permission to deliver the fort to Lord Clanricarde. Burke refused, in what he considered the moment of success, unless Clanricarde took the oath of union or association and agreed not to dispose of the place without the consent of several named persons, among them the titular archbishop of Tuam, Lord Mayo, and others. Clanricarde rejected these terms entirely, with the consistency and loyalty that marked his character. Willoughby was then forced to treat for surrender to the confederates. Articles were agreed and signed. He surrendered the fortress on the 20th of June 1643 to the Confederate forces under Lieutenant-general John Burke. The articles allowed the garrison to depart with arms, colours flying, and granted liberty to friends in Oranmore and Kilcolgan to accompany them.

Volunteers of Galway first in Ireland to resolve against English goods

Galway · city · Galway · 1778

In 1778, the flame of patriotism reached Galway, and the volunteers of Galway formed a military association noted for respectability of rank and purity of intention. Galway was the first town in Ireland to enter into resolutions against the importation or consumption of English goods until national grievances were redressed.

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During the continuance of these disputes, the improvement of the town was forgotten; the walls, gates and fortifications, which were left without repair, presented a most ruinous appearance, and trade was entirely neglected. Though thus circumstanced, the inKabitants had, however, the solitary consolation of being no longer doomed to penal inflictions for their religious tenets. In the year 1778, the first great legislative interference took place in their favour. 12 The flame of patriotism, which soon after spread over the kingdom, shone round this district with peculiar brightness. All that was great, good and respectable of its community, ranged themselves in the lists of the patriots, and the volunteers of Galway presented a military association, which, for respectability of rank, extent of property, or purity of intention, has seldom been equalled. The town soon became conspicuous in the national struggle for independence, and was the first in Ireland that entered into resolutions against the importation or consumption of English goods until the grievances of the nation should be redressed, 13
Eyre proposed Nathaniel Cook; Ignatius Blake., of Ardfry, proposed Denis Daly; fifty-one voted for the latter and sixtyfour for the former t whereupon he was declared duly elected, "because Mr. Daly was not an inhabitant of Galway, and did not spend seven days in the whole within that town, since 1st August, 1770;" but having, notwithstanding, been approA^ed of as above, it was resolved, by the late mayor and his friends, that the other " should hold over until another were properly appointed, and that he should be idemnified for so doing." — Lib. I. — They persisted in this determination for some years afterwards, but were finally obliged to yield.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 155

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, you are in a town that in 1778 stood at the forefront of a national movement. The flame of patriotism spread across Ireland that year, and here it shone with peculiar brightness. The volunteers of Galway formed a military association noted for respectability of rank, extent of property, and purity of intention, seldom equalled. Galway became conspicuous in the struggle for independence, and was the first town in Ireland to enter into resolutions against the importation or consumption of English goods until the grievances of the nation should be redressed. Before that year the town had been in decline. Its walls, gates, and fortifications had been left without repair and presented a ruinous appearance, and trade was entirely neglected. The inhabitants had at least the consolation of no longer facing penal inflictions for their religious tenets, and in 1778 the first great legislative interference took place in their favour.

Warden Lynch excommunicates Galway officials over military articles

Galway · city · Galway · 1642

On 8 May 1642, four military articles were enacted in the town hall (courthouse) of Galway, including the securing of ammunition and the potential demolition of works and bulwarks. Walter Lynch, warden of Galway, along with other clergy, judged the articles to be against the Catholic faith and excommunicated those who voted for them unless they rescinded the articles within three days.

Read the passage

We, therefor, Walter Lynch priest, doctor, of divinitie and of the lawes, prothonotarie apostolick, deane of Tuame, and warden of Gallway, fulfilling our dutie to God and to our flock, to avoid all scandels__ and dangers that have or may ensue hereafter, of or from such acts and articles, voted as formerly, in the name of Jesus Christ, and by vertue of the authoritie wee have from him, and from the pastors of the Catholick Roman church, doe, by this our present sentence, excommunicate and anathematize, majori excommunicatione, ipso facto, nulla alia, expectata sententia, aut declaratione sententise, all such persons as vo'ted for the said articles, if, at or before the expiration of three dayes next ensueing the date hereof, they will not vote to the contrarie in the said toulshill-house, and thereby rase, abolish and recall the, said articles or acts made against all honestje, prudence and conscience. Wee likewise pray, authorise and require you all, the fathers, seculors and regulars in this town, to publish and intimate to your auditors, in your several chappies, this our sentence and decree, and to see and procure it to be observed and obeyed ns far forth as you may. Dated this nynth of May, 1642, in our present place of habitation. — Orig. MS.
Walter Lynch, warden.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 94

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, you are in a city where church and town government clashed in 1642. On the 8th of May that year, four military articles were enacted in the town hall, covering matters such as securing ammunition and the possible demolition of works and bulwarks. Walter Lynch, warden of Galway, priest and doctor of divinity and law, saw these articles as a danger to the Catholic faith. The next day, the 9th of May, he issued a formal sentence of excommunication against all who had voted for them. They had three days to reverse their vote in the same town hall and, in his words, raze, abolish and recall the articles, or the excommunication stood. He ordered the clergy of the town, secular and regular, to publish the sentence in their several chapels and to see it obeyed. The conflict here was direct: the town's officials had made a military decision, and the warden of Galway answered it with the heaviest spiritual penalty he had.

Willoughby burns Galway's east suburbs

Galway · city · Galway

Captain Willoughby, learning that Iar-Connaught forces planned to quarter in the east suburbs of Galway, set fire to all the houses in that direction. The inhabitants within the town watched the entire suburb burn to the ground.

Read the passage

In the mean time the town declared its intention to invest the fort, and made every preparation for the purpose, by raising a battery, and blocking up all the passages to it, in order to reduce it by famine. They were joined by some country gentlemen, and about thirteen or fourteen hundred men from Iar-Connaught, and daily expected considerable assistance from Mayo : but, on the 1 3th of March, captain Willoughby having received intelligence that a large body of the Iar-Connaught forc»s would, on that night, quarter in the east suburbs, he immediately set fire to all the houses in that direction, and the people within the town were vexed and mortified at beholding the entire in flames and burned to the ground. The earl of Clanricarde, whose first object was to supply the fort with provisions, dispatched about one hundred and forty carriages of wheat, malt, and several other necessaries, to his castle of Oranmore, from whence they were safely conveyed to the fort by water. He then raised what forces he could muster in the country, to the number of seven hundred foot, and near two hundred horse, and on the 2d of April arrived at Oranmore; where, finding that the two only land passages to the fort, which were narrow, were occupied by the enemy's cannon, it was judged dangerous to attack the besiegers, particularly as they were entrenched in a craggy place, where his horse, which was his principal strength, could be of no service. He thereupon resolved to distress them by cutting off their supplies of provisions, of which they were already scarce; and with this view he placed strong garrisons in his castles of Oranmore, Clare-Galway, and Tirellan; the last of which was situate upon a neck of land commanding the river of Galway, and was committed to the charge of lieutenant Dermot O'Daly, a brave officer, 40 who, with three companies and thirty musketeers, performed most essential services. The rest of his troops he quartered up and down the barony of Clare, upon the tenants and estates of the townsmen and their friends, and with his horse scoured the plains, hindering all resort to the market, or any supply of provisions. The effects of these prompt and vigorous measures were soon felt, and produced discontents among the people within, and their auxiliaries without. The higher classes of the inhabitants were not favourable to the violent proceedings which had taken place, and the remainder dreaded their consequences and result. Meetings were accordingly held, and it was at length resolved to propose terms of adjustment and pacification.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 94

1812 Galway parliamentary election: Blake of Menlo contests seat

Galway · city · Galway · 1812

After the dissolution of parliament in 1812, Valentine Blake of Menlo was prevailed upon to stand as the popular candidate for Galway against Mr. Ponsonby. After a severe contest and a petition, Ponsonby's election was declared void and Blake was declared duly elected, causing great rejoicing in the town.

Read the passage

The long wished for dissolution of parliament having at length taken place in 1812, Mr. Valentine Blake, of Menlo, was prevailed upon to offer himself as the popular candidate for the town : Mr. Ponsonby, the late member, was again put in nomination, and, after a severe contest, was declared duly elected. A petition was then presented against his return, and, after several proceedings before a committee of the house of commons, his election was pronounced void, and Mr. Blake was declared duly elcted. This success occasioned the greatest rejoicings in the town; but the committee having also determined the right of election to be in the freeholders and freemen, the great question of non-residence still remained undecided. To determine this important point, on which the entire business now depended, proceedings were instituted in the king's bench. In the meantime the exertions of Mr. Blake and the Independents were uninterrupted, and their endeavours were again crowned with success. On the election which took place after the dissolution of parliament in 1818, that gentleman (whose conduct in the senate and attention to the interests of the town met with the warmest approbation of his constituents,) was declared duly elected by a considerable majority over Mr. Prendergast, the friend and nominee o f Mr. Daly. This second victory, by which the independent cause seemed to be finally and firmly established, caused universal joy. Public dinners were given to signalize the event, and the triumphal procession of the victorious and popular candidate through the town was the most splendid ever before witnessed in this part of Ireland. 22 These feelings, however, were soon
22 The following account of this pro- corporation assembled at Newtown-Smith,

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 160

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, the city carries the story of a bitter election fight back in 1812. When parliament was dissolved that year, Valentine Blake of Menlo was urged to stand as the popular candidate for the town against Mr Ponsonby, who had been the member before. It was a severe contest. Ponsonby was declared elected, but a petition was brought against his return, and after proceedings before a committee of the House of Commons, his election was pronounced void and Blake was declared duly elected. The success caused the greatest rejoicings in the town. The committee also determined that the right of election lay with the freeholders and freemen, but the question of non-residence remained undecided, and proceedings were instituted in the King's Bench to settle it. Blake and the Independents kept up their efforts, and in the election of 1818 he was declared duly elected again, by a considerable majority over Mr Prendergast, the nominee of Mr Daly. Public dinners were given, and the triumphal procession of the popular candidate through the town was called the most splendid ever witnessed in this part of Ireland.

Freeman-only shop by-law targets Catholics in Galway

Galway · city · Galway · 1696

A 1696 by-law prohibited anyone but a freeman from keeping an open shop in Galway or its liberties. Since no Roman Catholics were freemen, this effectively excluded them from trade; the petition against it failed and it contributed to the town's decline.

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That no person but a freeman keep open shop in Galway or the liberties thereof, or sell or expose to sale any wares thereby except on market days, and paying quarterly.16
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.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 182

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, this city carries a mark from 1696. That year, a by-law ordered that no person but a freeman could keep an open shop in the town or its liberties, or sell or expose any wares for sale, except on market days and paying quarterly. Since no Roman Catholics were freemen, the rule effectively shut them out of trade. A petition against it failed, and the by-law contributed to the town's decline. The same year also brought a strange invasion to these shores. Flying pests, believed to have come from Normandy or Brittany in France, had been progressing with the westerly wind. The year before, about forty or fifty horse-loads of them were found lying dead along the shores of the bay for miles westward, drowned when a contrary wind blew them into the sea.

Ancient families of Galway ordered unfit to live in town

Galway · city · Galway · 1679–1680

A 1679 by-law ordered that several named persons, principally the ancient families of Galway, were not fit to live in the town or be useful to the garrison. Non-freemen were also forbidden to trade by retail, on pain of having their goods seized and sold.

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Ordered that several persons in the order named (principally the ancient families of Galway) are not fit to live in the towne, or men useful to the garrison.
That notice be given forthwith to all persons that are not free of the corporation, that they do not presume to trade by retail within the town, ithre in shops or houses, or their goods shall be seised and sold. — The next year, alderman Robert Mathews, for abuse given by him to the mayor, was suspended from council ; and it was ordered, "that such persons as have borne offices in this corporation (masters of companies excepted) shall, every Sunday, in the forenoon, attend the king's sword to church in their gowns ; every person neglecting, to pay half a cobb each time, and upon refusal to be expelled the council, and that no person do presume to sit in the mayor's first seat without his gown.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 180

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, this city carries a sharp order from 1679. A by-law declared that several named persons, principally the ancient families of the town, were "not fit to live in the towne, or men useful to the garrison." Non-freemen were forbidden to trade by retail in shops or houses, on pain of having their goods seized and sold. The next year, alderman Robert Mathews was suspended from council for abuse given to the mayor, and it was ordered that persons who had held offices in the corporation, masters of companies excepted, must every Sunday attend the king's sword to church in their gowns, on penalty of half a cobb each time and expulsion upon refusal.

Black petition against Catholics signed in Galway, 1761

Galway · city · Galway · 1761

The Reverend Edmund Ffrench, who served as mayor of Galway in 1774, was among those who signed the intolerant 'black petition' against Catholics in 1761. This reflected the climate of persecution in Galway within living memory of the 1816 chapel foundation.

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13 The first of these three gentlemen, though a "non-tribe" by name, sprung from an ancient Galway family, one of whom was Catholic warden in 1620. The two latter, besides being descended from one of the fourteen families, were also recommended by a circumstance rather singular in its nature: Their father, the reverend Edmund Ffrench, had been for many years warden of the established church ; he also served the office of mayor in 1774; and his name appears signed, amongst others, to the intolerant "black petition" against the Catholics in 1761. Both his sons, however, when very young, became converts to the Catholic faith, and
afterwards friars of the Franciscan order. The youngest having been elected, as above, in the place of doctor Bodkin, thus became Catholic warden in the same town in which his father had been for so many years Pirotestant warden : and that he may long so continue, with honour to himself and benefit to the community, is the sincere wish of the author.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 215

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, you are in a city with a harsh chapter in its past. In 1761, a document known as the "black petition" was signed here, an intolerant petition against Catholics. Among the signers was the Reverend Edmund Ffrench, who served as warden of the established church for many years and later became mayor of Galway in 1774. Yet the story took an unexpected turn. Both of his sons, while very young, converted to the Catholic faith and became Franciscan friars. The youngest was elected Catholic warden in Galway itself, the same town where his father had long held the Protestant wardenship. So within one family, within living memory, the tide turned from persecution to conversion, from the black petition to a son holding the very office the petition sought to suppress.

Catholic clergy ordered to depart Galway, 1674

Galway · city · Galway · 1674

In 1674, Gregory Constable, mayor of Galway, informed the privy council that several Catholic clergy in the town were willing to transport themselves to France but could not afford the freight. The council ordered that the persons should transport themselves at their own peril and directed the mayor to see them transported accordingly.

Read the passage

26 Even during the comparatively milder reign of Charles II. the Catholic clergy were severely persecuted. Of this an instance shall be given from an original document now before us : — In 1674. Gregory Constable, then mayor of Galway, informed the privy council that several of the popish clergy in the town, commanded by the late proclamation to depart the kingdom, were willing, in conformity thereto, to transport themselves in a ship then in the harbour, bound for France, but that one Lynch, the master or owner, would not undertake their freight under 40s. for each, which they pretended they were not able to raise, therefore the mayor prayed their excellencies directions. On consideration of the matter, it was resolved by the board, on 18th May, "that it was not fitting that his majesty should be at the expense of that or any other sum on that account" ; and they ordered "that it should be signified to the mayor that the said persons at their perils should transport them-
selves ; and that the mayor is to do his duty in seeing them transported accordingly." Jo. Davys Orig MS.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 203

As the companion tells it

Coming up through Galway now. In 1674, under Charles II, the Catholic clergy here were ordered to leave the kingdom. Gregory Constable, then mayor of Galway, wrote to the privy council saying several of the clergy were willing to sail for France, as the proclamation required. A ship sat in the harbour ready, but its master, a man called Lynch, would not carry them for less than 40 shillings each. The clergy said they could not raise the money, and the mayor asked the council what to do. The council met on the 18th of May and decided it was not fitting for his majesty to bear the cost. They ordered that the mayor should be told the persons must transport themselves at their own peril, and that he was to do his duty in seeing them transported accordingly.

Col. Grace defeated near Galway

Galway · city · Galway

Colonel Richard Grace of Moyelly Castle, King's County, defended a pass near Galway with 3,000 men but was defeated in a sanguinary engagement by Colonel Ingoldsby. This defeat led to the speedy reduction of the entire province.

Read the passage

9. Shortly after this period, colonel Rd. Grace, of Moyelly Castle, in the King's County, (one of the bravest officers of his time, and also one of the most steadfast adherents of the ungrateful Stuart family), while defending an important pass in the neighbourhood of Galway, at the head of 3000 men, was defeated in a sanguinary engagement by colonel Ingoldsby. — This defeat was follewed by the speedy reduction of the entire province.
On the 25th October, 1654, the mayor and sheriffs were removed by order of the government, and those immediately succeeding were appointed. — Vide p. 136.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 178

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, there is a story from the 1650s. Colonel Richard Grace of Moyelly Castle in King's County, described as one of the bravest officers of his time and a steadfast adherent of the Stuart family, defended an important pass in this neighbourhood with 3,000 men. He was defeated in a sanguinary engagement by Colonel Ingoldsby, and this defeat was followed by the speedy reduction of the entire province. On the 25th of October 1654, the mayor and sheriffs were removed by order of the government, with their successors appointed immediately after.

Colonel John Burke arrives in Galway as Confederate commander

Galway · city · Galway · 1642–1643

Colonel John Burke, a Mayo-born veteran of thirty years' service in Spain, arrived in Galway where he was joyfully received. He had been appointed lieutenant-general of Connaught by the Catholic general assembly at Kilkenny in October 1642, and initially sought peaceful terms with the fort.

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- 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

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, this is where Colonel John Burke arrived in 1642 to take command as lieutenant-general of Connaught, appointed by the Catholic general assembly at Kilkenny on the 24th of October that year. Born in Mayo, he had served upwards of thirty years in Spain, and was a man of "great prudence and discretion." Galway received him joyfully. At first he sought peace with the fort, offering to open the gates and allow free markets, provided the garrison stayed within bounds, obeyed Lord Clanricarde, and stopped plundering the country or aiding the puritans arriving by ship. Willoughby, commanding the fort, rejected every proposal. After the castle of Clare-Galway was surprised on the 28th of February, 1643, through the management of a Franciscan friar and the carelessness of its warders, Burke changed course entirely. He declared against the fort and called on the county's gentlemen to levy forces. In April 1643, men like the Berminghams of Athenry, Sir Ulick Burke, Hubert Burke of Dunamon, the three Tiege Kellys, Sir Valentine Blake, and Sir Roebuck Lynch took up arms and marched toward Galway. Burke put himself at their head with upwards of a thousand men, investing the fort and posting troops at Clare-Galway and Athenry to prevent any movement by Lord Clanricarde. Provisions grew scarce in the fort, and Willoughby sent a party of fifty men to raid Iar-Connaught.

Daly family dominance of Galway mayoralty after Blake controversy

Galway · city · Galway

A petition concerning the admission of Patrick Blake as mayor of Galway fell through, and the entire opposition was attributed to that circumstance. Thereafter, only members of the Daly family served as mayors of Galway.

Read the passage

corporation.' — Petitioners, therefore, prayed to be heard by council and that they should be approved of, and the others disallowed.— Orig. MS. — This petition, however, fell to the ground ; and the entire opposition being attributed to the circumstance of originally admitting Patrick Blake to be sworn mayor, none but members of the name and family of Daly have been mayors of Galway since the year after this period.
8 1779, May 31st,' the Galway Volunteers were embodied, and the following

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 188

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, the city carries an old political legacy. A petition about Patrick Blake being sworn in as mayor fell to the ground, and the whole opposition was blamed on that very admission. From the year after that point on, only members of the name and family of Daly served as mayors of Galway.

Death of Kirwan's Catholic brother in Galway

Galway · city · Galway · 1787–1805

Walter Blake Kirwan's conversion to the established church in 1787 caused unbounded regret among his relations. His brother, an exemplary Catholic clergyman in Galway, is said to have died of grief occasioned by the conversion.

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Galway in 1754, and vets educated in the Jesuits' College at St. Omer's. At the age of 17 he went to the island of St. Croix, in the West Indies, where he remained six years. On his return to Europe he was sent by his maternal uncle (doctor Anthony Blake, titular primate of Ireland) to the university of Lovain, where he received priest's orders, and was promoted to the chair of natural and moral philosophy. In 1778, he was appointed chaplain to the Neapolitan ambassador of the British court; and in the gay circles of London it is said that he first formed the idea of embracing the Protestant religion. After some years he returned to Ireland, and, in 1787, conformed to the established church. This event proved a source of unbounded regret to his numerous and respectable friends and relations. His brother, an exemplary Catholic clergyman in Galway, is said to have died of grief, originally occasioned by the circumstance ; but his uncle the archbishop bore it more philosophically. When the latter was informed that his nephew had changed his religion, "Tut, man," replied the old prelate, "he had no religion to change;" but this may be reasonably attributed to resentment. It could not be denied, however, that the new convert brought z considerable accession of talent to the church which -he had chosen. His fame soon blazed forth with a lustre unprecedented in the annals of pulpit eloquence, and his powerful talents were always made subservient to the saored cause of charity. Though the powers of human persuasion were never more successfully employed, the worldly rewards of the preacher were comparacively mean and trifling. In 1798 he was appointed prebend of Howth and rector of the parish of St. Nicholas Without, in Dublin ; and his highest ecclesiastical promotion was the moderate deanery of Killala, to which he was preferred in the year 1800. He died on 27th October, 1805, near Dublin, leaving a wife and four children very ill provided for, until his late majesty was pleased to grant his widow a pension of £300 a year. A volume of the dean's sermons, published in London in 1814, for the benefit of his family, does not appear to have added much to his fame.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 256

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, you are travelling a city touched by a family sorrow that goes back to 1787. Walter Blake Kirwan, educated at the Jesuits' College at St. Omer's and ordained a priest at the university of Louvain, conformed to the established church in that year. His conversion proved a source of unbounded regret to his numerous and respectable friends and relations. His brother, an exemplary Catholic clergyman here in Galway, is said to have died of grief originally occasioned by the circumstance. Their uncle, the titular primate of Ireland, bore it more philosophically. When told his nephew had changed his religion, the old prelate replied, "Tut, man, he had no religion to change," though this may be reasonably attributed to resentment. The new convert brought a considerable accession of talent to the church he had chosen. His fame blazed forth with a lustre unprecedented in the annals of pulpit eloquence, yet the worldly rewards were mean and trifling. He was appointed prebend of Howth and rector of St. Nicholas Without in Dublin in 1798, and preferred to the deanery of Killala in 1800. He died on 27th October 1805 near Dublin, leaving a wife and four children very ill provided for, until the king granted his widow a pension of 300 pounds a year.

Dominican nuns re-establish community in Galway, 1686

Galway · city · Galway · 1686–1688

Julia Nolan and Maria Lynch returned to Galway in 1686 by direction of John Browne, provincial of the order in Ireland. Nolan was instituted prioress and Lynch sub-prioress. A house was provided for them in the town, and the community increased and was effectually re-established within two years.

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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

Coming through Galway now, a city where Dominican nuns were driven out and fought their way back. The townspeople founded a nunnery here in 1644 with consent of the general and provincial chapter, and Father Gregory French, who later died in exile in Italy, was the first superior. When Cromwell's forces took the town in 1652, the nuns fled to Spain with their vicar, Father Gregory O'Ferrall. Only two survived: Julia Nolan and Maria Lynch. They came back in 1686 by direction of John Browne, provincial of the order in Ireland. Nolan was instituted prioress, Lynch sub-prioress. A house was provided in the town, the community grew, and before two years passed it was effectually re-established.

Freedom of Galway corporation presented to Walter Burgh

Galway · city · Galway · 1779

In 1779 the Galway corporation ordered that the freedom of the corporation be presented in a gold box to Walter Burgh, praising his judicial and legislative service. The address lamented the political councils that extorted his resignation from crown office.

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Ordered, that the freedom of this corporation be presented, in a gold box, to the right honourable Walter Burgh, accompanied with the following address: — "We, the mayor, etc. fully sensible of the great ability and diligence manifested by you in a judicial character amongst us, and of the virtue and firmness exerted in your legislative capacity, beg leave, as a small mark of our gratitude, to offer you the freedom of this ancient and once nourishing town — a distinction which your spirited endeavours have so eminenly contribued to recover. We must, at the same time, in common with the irest of Ireland, lament the prevalence of those councils which extorted a resignation from that servant of the crown, in whom the people implicitly confided, and whose wisdom adopted the only remaining mode of averting the ruin of this country."
corporation.' — Petitioners, therefore, prayed to be heard by council and that they should be approved of, and the others disallowed.— Orig. MS. — This petition, however, fell to the ground ; and the entire opposition being attributed to the circumstance of originally admitting Patrick Blake to be sworn mayor, none but members of the name and family of Daly have been mayors of Galway since the year after this period.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 188

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, this is a city that in 1779 honoured Walter Burgh in a striking way. The Galway corporation ordered that the freedom of the corporation be presented to him in a gold box, with an address praising his ability and diligence in a judicial character among them, and the virtue and firmness he showed in his legislative capacity. They called the freedom of their ancient town a small mark of gratitude, and said his spirited endeavours had eminently contributed to recover that distinction. At the same time they lamented, as they put it, the prevalence of those councils which extorted a resignation from that servant of the crown, in whom the people implicitly confided, and whose wisdom adopted the only remaining mode of averting the ruin of this country. A petition around this matter fell to the ground, and the opposition was attributed to the original admitting of Patrick Blake to be sworn mayor. After that, only members of the name and family of Daly have been mayors of Galway.

Galway by-laws target usury and disorder, 1580

Galway · city · Galway · 1580

In 1580, Galway's corporation passed by-laws prohibiting excessive interest-taking by money-lenders, fining inhabitants 20s for harbouring bawdry or harlots, and requiring that taxes be paid only according to ability. The articles reflected concerns about greed, disorder, and fairness in the town.

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Many and sundry gredy, detestable and inordinate gains of living of interests or cambies, after the rate of a peck of wheat or a good hyd for the marke, by the yeare has been taken up by such as lent mo ney, ordred that none be hereafter taken by such as are authorised by her majesty's laws.
Any inhabitant contorting, lodging or mayntayning in his house or otherwise, any bawdry or harlotts, shall forfeit every time 20s.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 170

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, this was a town that tried to curb its own greed and disorder in 1580. The corporation passed by-laws against money-lenders taking "detestable and inordinate gains" of interest, sometimes at the rate of a peck of wheat or a hide per year. Any inhabitant caught lodging or harbouring bawdry or harlots would forfeit 20 shillings each time.

Galway council's cessation proposal rejected by Ludlow

Galway · city · Galway · 1652

After Ludlow's rejection of Clanricarde's proposals, the great council within Galway proposed a cessation of arms and a licence for commissioners to travel to the English parliament. Ludlow rejected these as unreasonable, declaring that those guilty of massacre should not be permitted to capitulate.

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18 An extract from Ludlow's dispatches to Sir Richard Blake, in answer to those propositions, will fully develope the views of the parliamentary leaders, and justify the fears then entertained of their intentions.— "You reiterate the former application from the earl of Clanricarde for the settlement of this nation ; differing only in this, that he would have capitulated on the place : you propose to repair to repaire to England, apprehending^ the former denyall to proceed from want of power here, whereas the chiefe grounds were the unreasonableness of the proposition, that such (who are guilty of a bloody and cruell massacre at least engaged in the witholding of them from justice who are soe, whom the righteous hand of God hath prosecuted from field to field, from city to city, even to the gates of Galway,) should be admitted to capitulate about the settlement of this nation with the par-
liament of England, (their lawfull magistrate,) whom God hath not only permitted to be raised to their present height, as you terme it, but by his owne outstretched arme and glorious presence hath enabled to become a terrour to evil doers, and an encouragement to them that doe well ; and this capitulation to be before they have either owned their guilt, or delivered up those Achans to -justice, for whos« iniquity the land mournes. Indeed if once the Lord would truly humble you under Ids omnipotent hand, for your raising and fomenting this unnatural quarrell between two nations of late linked in love, allyed in blood, and not different in laws, (as yourselves confesse,) and would incline you timely and readily to submit to their authority, (as the greatest part of th« nation have alreday done^I should then hope that deliverances were^drawing nigh. As touching the cessation you propose for avoydinge the further effusion of christian

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 106

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, this city holds a story from 1652. After Ludlow had already rejected the Earl of Clanricarde's proposals, the great council within Galway proposed a cessation of arms and sought licence for commissioners to travel to the English parliament. Sir Richard Blake received Ludlow's answer. Ludlow wrote that the council was reiterating Clanricarde's former application for the settlement of the nation. The only difference was that Clanricarde would have capitulated on the place, while they proposed to repair to England, fearing the earlier denial came from a want of power. Ludlow called the proposition unreasonable. He said that those guilty of a bloody and cruel massacre, or engaged in withholding from justice those who are, should not be admitted to capitulate about the settlement of the nation with the parliament of England, whom he called their lawful magistrate. He wrote that the righteous hand of God had prosecuted them "from field to field, from city to city, even to the gates of Galway." He said God had enabled parliament to become a terror to evil doers and an encouragement to them that do well. He said this capitulation was to come before they had owned their guilt or delivered up those he called Achans to justice, for whose iniquity the land mourns. He told them that if the Lord would truly humble them for raising and fomenting this unnatural quarrel between two nations lately linked in love, allied in blood, and not different in laws, and if they would submit to parliament's authority as the greatest part of the nation had already done, he would hope that deliverances were drawing nigh. As for the cessation they proposed for avoiding the further effusion of Christian blood, his dispatch breaks off there.

Galway fined £100 for non-attendance at parliament

Galway · city · Galway · 1377

In 1377, the provost and bailiffs of Galway were summoned to appear at a parliament to be held at Trisdeldermot but failed to attend. They were subsequently fined £100 for their non-attendance, as recorded in the Close Rolls of Richard II.

Read the passage

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

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 190

As the companion tells it

As the road brings you through Galway, this city carries an old parliamentary story. The most ancient summonses to the parliament of Ireland that survive were directed to barons and members by name. In 1310, Richard de Burgo was summoned for Connaught. In subsequent records of that reign and the next, other members of the same family were summoned for the County of Connaught. After that period, writs were directed to the sheriffs of counties and the magistrates of cities and towns. It does not appear that the town returned any members to the memorable Irish parliament convened at Westminster in 1376. But on the 22nd of January, the year following, the provost and bailiffs were summoned to appear at a parliament to be held at Trisdeldermot, on Monday next after the feast of embers. They were afterwards fined £100 for not attending. A like summons issued, dated the 11th of September 1380, another the 29th of April 1382, and one in 1394. Similar summonses at the same time issued to the provost and bailiffs of Athenry. In the great roll of the Pipe, in the 14th year of Henry VI, the chief magistrate and constable of the town were fined 100 shillings because, at the council of the lord and king, on Friday next after the feast of Saint Nicholas and bishop.

Galway population and growing poverty, 1812 census

Galway · city · Galway · 1812

The 1812 census return for Galway town and liberties recorded only 24,484 inhabitants, though enumerators were accused of gross neglect. The population was generally estimated at about 40,000, including a vast number of daily increasing poor without trade, manufactures, or adequate employment.

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to distinguish it from these new improvements. The return of the inhabitants of the town and liberties, under the census act of 1812, amounted only to twenty- four thousand four hundred and eighty-four; But those to whom the enumeration was entrusted were, according to their own subsequent accusations of each other, guilty of gross neglect and omission in the execution of that duty. The general and most probable opinion is, that the population amounts at present to about forty thousand, 20 which comprehends a vast number of daily increasing poor, without trade, manufactures, or adequate employment. The consideration of this growing evil, combined with other local wants and inconveniences, at length induced many of the inhabitants to attribute the entire to neglect and inattention to the interests of the town, by its parliamentary representatives; and it was finally concluded, that if it had been represented by members acquainted with its situation or solicitous for its welfare, these increasing evils would have been prevented, and many measures might have been adopted for its benefit. While these feelings were yet alive in the minds of the principal inhabitants, it happened, rather opportunely, that a vacancy occurred in the representation of the town. The sheriffs, without anticipating any resistance, proceeded, according to the usual formality of election, to return the Hon. Frederick Ponsonby, the nominee of Mr. Daly, but they were warmly opposed by colonel Richard Martin, John French Madden2! and Richard Maunsell, esqrs. who formally rotested against the illegality of the proceeding, as being held without due notice. Their objections, however, were over-ruled, and the member was declared duly returned. These gentlemen then took the opportunity of addressing the town's-people, who had assembled merely from curiosity : they informed them, that the repetition of what they had that day witnessed had occasioned all the wretchedness of poverty, all the immorality and vice, by which they were on every side surrounded : that, although they appeared unconscious to the fact, this was the real and sole cause of all their distress : hence it was, that their prisons were crowded with debtors and malefactors, their quays left without shipping, their store-houses empty, their poor without employment; and, in fine, that the town itself had be-

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 158

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, the city you are entering was the subject of a census in 1812. The return counted 24,484 inhabitants across the town and its liberties. But the enumerators were accused by each other of gross neglect and omission. The general opinion was that the true population stood closer to 40,000. That figure included a vast and daily increasing number of poor, people without trade, without manufactures, without adequate employment. This growing poverty, combined with other local wants and inconveniences, led many inhabitants to blame their parliamentary representatives for neglecting the town's interests. They concluded that members acquainted with the town's situation could have prevented these evils and adopted measures for its benefit. While those feelings were still alive, a vacancy occurred in the town's representation. The sheriffs, expecting no resistance, returned the Hon. Frederick Ponsonby, the nominee of Mr. Daly. Colonel Richard Martin, John French Madden, and Richard Maunsell formally protested the proceeding as illegal, held without due notice. Their objections were over-ruled, and the member was declared duly returned. Those gentlemen then addressed the townspeople, who had gathered from curiosity. They told them that the repetition of what they had witnessed that day had caused all the wretchedness of poverty and all the immorality and vice surrounding them. This, they said, was the sole cause of their distress. It was why their prisons were crowded with debtors and malefactors, their quays without shipping, their storehouses empty, their poor without employment.

Galway's English colony and commercial rise

Galway · city · Galway

Galway rose from comparative insignificance to a high degree of national consideration, becoming a port whose mercantile greatness was superior to any in the British dominions except London. The town described itself as an ancient colony of English planted among a people then considered 'English enemies.'

Read the passage

direction, so amply abounds,) gradually rose from a state of comparative insignificance to a high degree of national consideration, and that the town, however extraordinary it may now appear, arrived to a pitch of mercantile greatness superior, with the single exception of London, to any other port in the British dominions. f Even to an English reader, the progress of so flourishing a colony of his own nation, or, as described by itself, "an ancient colonic of English, planted in this nook of the country," among a people then considered as "English enemies," may not be altogether unacceptable. To the politician and philosopher it may be useful to detail the various circumstances which led to the decline of a town formerly so celebrated. At the present crisis, also, when so many of his majesty's subjects are endeavoring, by constitutional means, to become emanicpated from those penal inflictions under which they have so long and so patiently labored, the following pages will demonstrate, by many examples, that the principles of Catholics are not incompatible with the strictest observance of loyalty to nionarchs of a different persuasion. They will also shew that no diversity of religious opinion, or even severity of treatment under the most rigid enforcement of the penal laws, could ever weaken the allegiance of the Catholics of Ireland as subjects, or influence their demeanour as peaceable citizens. Several most honorable proofs will likewise be found of their most unalterable attachment to the Protestant monarchs of Great Britain, and their representative rulers in his country — For these, and other reasons., the author has ventured to hope that his labors ma}' not be altogether useless, and even that they may be attended with results superior to those of satisfying mere antiquarian research, or gratifying the impulse of fruitless curiosity.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 2

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, you are in a town that rose from comparative insignificance to a high degree of national consideration. Its mercantile greatness grew superior to any port in the British dominions, with the single exception of London. The town described itself as an ancient colony of English, planted in this nook of the country, among a people then considered as English enemies. The author notes that tracing the various circumstances which led to the decline of a town formerly so celebrated may be useful to the politician and philosopher. He also writes at a time when many of his majesty's subjects are endeavoring by constitutional means to become emancipated from penal inflictions under which they have long and patiently labored. His pages will demonstrate by many examples that the principles of Catholics are not incompatible with the strictest observance of loyalty to monarchs of a different persuasion. He says no diversity of religious opinion, or even severity of treatment under the most rigid enforcement of the penal laws, could ever weaken the allegiance of the Catholics of Ireland as subjects, or influence their demeanour as peaceable citizens. Several proofs will likewise be found of their most unalterable attachment to the Protestant monarchs of Great Britain and their representative rulers in this country.

Galway siege preparations and fortifications

Galway · city · Galway · 1691

The town of Galway prepared defences against an approaching English siege. French forces repaired fortified works on the hill, townspeople worked on the fort near the south-east corner of the wall, and about fifty cannon were mounted at various positions along the walls and citadel.

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While these preparations were making for the siege, the town was equally active in preparing for defence. The French began to repair the fortified works on the hill; the town's-people were employed on the fort, near the south-east corner of the wall; several strong works were thrown up to defend the east gate, and all the cabins and hedges round the suburbs were levelled. Within the walls eight guns were planted on the upper citadel; near it was a platform of six, and eight or ten more were raised at the south-east corner. Upon the turret, which stood towards the middle of the long curtain that extended next the bay, there were two, and on the side next the river five more, which, with those planted towards the west and north, made about fifty pieces of canon. Many of these, however, were old and ill-mounted; some of the best guns belonging to the town having been shortly before taken away for other urgent services, and several fine brass pieces lay dismountd and useless in the streets. Although there was a considerable store of provisions, a great quantity of meal, salt, and other additional supplies, was brought from the shipping in the bay. Before the movement of the army towards the town commenced, a party of horse, commanded by the famous colonel Lutterel, attempting to approach and assist the town, was met by a body of cavalry posted at Kilcolgan. and forced to retire. The Irish commanders also attempted to throw in reinforcements across the bay from the county of Clare; but upon the appearance of captain Morgan, with a party under his command, they were prevented, after a skrimish in which three or four of their men were killed and eight taken prisoners. These disappointments, however, did not dishearten the town but rather stimulated all its exertions, and every preparation was made to defend it to the last extremity. I5

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 128

As the companion tells it

As you come through Galway, the city you pass through was the scene of a desperate defence in 1691. The town was preparing for a siege, and everyone was put to work. The French repaired the fortified works on the hill. The townspeople were employed on the fort near the south-east corner of the wall. Strong works were thrown up to defend the east gate, and all the cabins and hedges round the suburbs were levelled to clear the ground. Within the walls, eight guns were planted on the upper citadel. Near it was a platform of six, and eight or ten more were raised at the south-east corner. On the turret that stood towards the middle of the long curtain next the bay, there were two. On the side next the river, five more. With those planted towards the west and north, it made about fifty pieces of cannon. Many of these were old and ill-mounted. Some of the best guns belonging to the town had been taken away shortly before for other urgent services, and several fine brass pieces lay dismounted and useless in the streets. There was a considerable store of provisions, but a great quantity of meal, salt, and other supplies was brought from the shipping in the bay. Before the army moved toward the town, Colonel Lutterel led a party of horse trying to approach and assist, but was met by cavalry posted at Kilcolgan and forced to retire. The Irish commanders tried to throw in reinforcements across the bay from the county of Clare, but Captain Morgan appeared with his party and prevented them, after a skirmish in which three or four men were killed and eight taken prisoner. These disappointments did not dishearten the town. They stimulated its exertions, and every preparation was made to defend it to the last extremity.

Galway townspeople submit to Sir William De Burgh in revolt

Galway · city · Galway · 1388–1390

In November 1388, Henry Blake and the burgesses and commonalty of Galway rang the common bell, paid fealty to Sir William De Burgh — the king's enemy — and delivered him all the keys of the town gates. Blake was later indicted for high treason and pleaded a pardon at Ballinrobe in 1390.

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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

John Howard inspects Galway county gaol

Galway · city · Galway · 1788

In 1788, prison reformer Mr. Howard visited the Galway county gaol near the river. He noted that criminals were kept in two long rooms with dirt floors and no fire-place, and that felons received a sixpenny loaf every other day, which they often sold to buy potatoes.

Read the passage

In 1 788 Mr. Howard visited this prison, of which he gave the following account : — " Galway county gaol is near the river; there is a new court, but no pump; the criminals are in two long rooms with dirt floors and no fire-place; the debtors have small rooms above stairs. Allowance to felons, a sixpenny loaf of household bread every other day, (weight three pound, twelve ounces,) which they often sell for four-pence halfpenny to buy potatoes. Gaoler's salary 20/. 1788, April I. Debtors 4. Felons, etc., 14."
In 1791 and 1792, presentments passed for erecting a more spacious prison, and, after the necessary arrangements were made, an act of parliament was obtained in April, 1802, " for building a new gaol for the county of Galway, and for purchasing land sufficient for the same, and for other purposes relating thereto. "32 The building was soon after commenced, and continued without intermission until the entire was completed, at an enormous expense. The prisoners were removed into it from the old

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 245

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, you are near where the old county gaol stood by the river, inspected in 1788 by the prison reformer John Howard. He found the criminals kept in two long rooms with dirt floors and no fire-place, while the debtors had small rooms upstairs. The felons received a sixpenny loaf of household bread every other day, weighing three pounds and twelve ounces, which Howard noted they often sold for fourpence halfpenny to buy potatoes. On the first of April that year there were 4 debtors and 14 felons inside. The gaoler's salary was 20 pounds. Presentments for a more spacious prison passed in 1791 and 1792, and an act of parliament was obtained in April 1802 for building a new county gaol. Construction began soon after and continued without interruption until the entire building was completed, at what the record calls an enormous expense. The prisoners were then removed from the old gaol into the new one.

Mayor Lynch and Spanish trade with Galway, 1493

Galway · city · Galway · 1493

In 1493, a member of the principal Lynch family of Galway was elected mayor, at a time when regular and friendly commercial intercourse existed between Galway and several parts of Spain. The mayor himself voyaged to Cadiz and was hospitably received by a wealthy Spanish merchant named Gomez, whose son accompanied him back to Ireland.

Read the passage

principal inhabitants of Galway, was elected mayor in ,1493; at which time a regular and friendly intercourse subsisted between the town and several parts of Spain. This mayor, who from his youth had been distinguished for public spirit, had, from commercial motives, on all occasions encouraged an intercourse that proved so lucrative as well as to his town's-men as to the Spaniards; and in order the more firmly to establish the connexion between them, he himself went on a voyage to Spain, and was received, when at Cadiz, at the house of a rich and respectable merchant, of the name of Gomez, with the utmost hospitality, and with every mark of esteem suitable to his high reputation and to the liberality of his entertainer. Upon his departure for his own country, out of a wish to make some grateful return for the numerous civilities he had received from the Spaniard, he requested of him, as a particular favor, to allow his son, a youth of nineteen, to accompany him to Ireland, promising to take parental care of him during his stay, and to provide for his being safely restored to his friends whenever he desired to return. Young Gomez, who was the pride of his parents and relations, was rejoiced at this agreeable opportunity of seeing the world; and the merchant's request was gratefully complied with by his father. They embarked accordingly, and, after an easy passage? arrived in the bay of Galway. Lynch introduced the young stranger to his

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 64

As the companion tells it

Coming through Galway now. In 1493, a member of the principal Lynch family was elected mayor of this town, at a time when a regular and friendly intercourse subsisted between Galway and several parts of Spain. This mayor had from his youth been distinguished for public spirit, and from commercial motives he had on all occasions encouraged an intercourse that proved as lucrative to his townsmen as to the Spaniards. In order to establish the connection between them more firmly, he himself went on a voyage to Spain. When at Cadiz he was received at the house of a rich and respectable merchant named Gomez, with the utmost hospitality, and with every mark of esteem suitable to his high reputation and to the liberality of his entertainer. Upon his departure for his own country, out of a wish to make some grateful return for the numerous civilities he had received from the Spaniard, he requested of him as a particular favor to allow his son, a youth of 19, to accompany him to Ireland. He promised to take parental care of him during his stay and to provide for his being safely restored to his friends whenever he desired to return. Young Gomez, who was the pride of his parents and relations, was rejoiced at this opportunity of seeing the world. His father gratefully complied. They embarked, and after an easy passage arrived in the bay of Galway. Lynch introduced the young stranger to his townsmen.

Plans for Catholic rising against troops at Headford, Loughrea and Gort

Headford · town · Galway

Fears were raised that disaffected Catholics in Galway might attempt to seize the garrison and that their friends would simultaneously rise upon troops quartered at Headford, Loughrea, and Gort, making them masters of the whole country. A safe retreat into the highlands of Iar-Connaught and Joyce Country was also contemplated.

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

Protestant and Catholic coalition in Galway volunteering

Galway · city · Galway · 1791

During the era of volunteering, wealthy Protestants and Catholics in Galway united, delivering a final blow to religious prejudices in that part of Ireland. This coalition led to the formation of the Amicable Literary Society in 1791.

Read the passage

The great coalition of all that was wealthy and respectable, both Protestant and Catholic, during the memorable era of volunteering, gave a final blow to the expiring religious prejudices in this part of Ireland : from that period the gentlemen of the town and county forgot all party distinctions, and have ever since cordially united in promoting every measure connected with the public welfare. On the 16th of November, 1791, the Amicable Literary Society was formed in Galway by some of the most respectable individuals of both persuasions, 10 for the purpose of acquiring and disseminating useful information on the important subjects of agriculture, commerce, science, &c. The members are numerous, and the mode of election renders them select and respectable. The funds are ample. The Society possesses a good library, and, with the English and Irish papers, receives several periodical publications. All religious and political disquisitions are rigidly prohibited; and if the Society has not entirely adhered to the objects of its original institution, yet it has not wholly departed from them. A noble superstructure might, however, be raised on this foundation.
4.— The Mercantile Coffee Room

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 250

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, you are travelling through a place where, during the era of volunteering, the wealthy and respectable of both Protestant and Catholic persuasions came together. The book calls it a coalition that gave a final blow to the expiring religious prejudices in this part of Ireland, after which the gentlemen of the town and county forgot all party distinctions and cordially united in promoting every measure connected with the public welfare. On the 16th of November, 1791, this spirit produced the Amicable Literary Society, formed by some of the most respectable individuals of both persuasions. Its purpose was to acquire and disseminate useful information on agriculture, commerce, and science. The society possessed a good library and received English and Irish papers along with several periodical publications. All religious and political disquisitions were rigidly prohibited within it.

Return of Catholic natives and clergy to Galway

Galway · city · Galway · 1687

During 1687, multitudes of former natives and their families returned to Galway, regaining their properties and freedom. The Catholic clergy also returned and reclaimed their places of worship, while Protestant inhabitants were forced to submit to the change.

Read the passage

During the year 1687, multitudes of the former natives and their families flocked to the town, and were restored to their properties and freedom. The Catholic clergy also returned, and reclaimed their respective places of worship, to the inexpressable mortification and grief of the Protestant inhabitants, who were quietly obliged to submit to this extraordinary change ©f affairs, without even daring to remonstrate against the encroachments which were daily making upon their rights. In the beginning of the year, Nagle, the king s attorney-general, issued a Quo-warranto against the corporation, upon which they entered into a resolution either to plead or surrender the charter, as the recorder, Sir Henry Lynch- should consider most
8 Letter to Lord Dartmouth, 4th Sept. L686.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 124

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, you are travelling through a city that saw a remarkable reversal in 1687. That year, multitudes of former natives and their families flocked back to the town and were restored to their properties and freedom. The Catholic clergy returned as well and reclaimed their places of worship. The Protestant inhabitants were, as the source puts it, "quietly obliged to submit to this extraordinary change of affairs," without even daring to remonstrate against what they saw as encroachments on their rights. Early in the same year, the king's attorney-general, Nagle, issued a quo-warranto against the corporation, who resolved to either plead or surrender the charter, depending on what the recorder, Sir Henry Lynch, considered best.

Sir John D'Arcy burns and plunders Aran, 1334

near Aran Islands · island or archipelago · Galway · 1334

In 1334, Sir John D'Arcy, lord justice, sailed round the western coast of Ireland with a fleet of fifty-six sail and plundered and burned the islands of Arran. This occurred despite the long-standing alliance between the Mac Tiege O'Brien lords of the islands and the inhabitants of Galway town.

Read the passage

By the ancient records of Galway it appears that from a remote period the sept of Mac Tiege O'Brien, lords df these islands, were on terms of alliance and friendship with the inhabitants of the town.— Vide ante, pp. 52, 207.— This, however, did not save them from being plundered and burned by Sir John D'Arcy, lord justice, who sailed round the western coast of Ireland in the year 1334 with a fleet of fifty-six sail.- — Clynne's Annals. — In 1485 a monastery for Franciscans was built in the great island ; in which there was also founded a famous abbey of regular canons. In the sixteenth century the O'Briens were expelled from these islands by the O'Flaherties of Iar- Connaught ; information of which outrage having been sent to queen Elizabeth, a commission issued, under which it was found that they belonged to her majesty in right of her crown. She, accordingly, by letters patent dated 13th January, 1587 (instead of restoring them to the and his heirs, on condition that Tie should retain constantly on the islands twenty foot-soldiers of the English nation. — Rot. Pat. 31 Eliz. — On this occasion the cor-

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 258

Surrender and demolition of Galway fort

Galway · city · Galway · 1643

On 20 June 1643, Captain Willoughby surrendered the fort of Galway and also the castle of Oranmore to the Confederates without Lord Clanricarde's consent. The fort was soon demolished by order of the supreme council, and Galway celebrated with public prayers and thanksgivings.

Read the passage

Rear-admiral Brooke, in the ship Providence, arrived in the bay in the beginning of June, with provisions and arms for the fort; but the batteries on the points of Rinmore and Rintinane hindered him from approaching. He endeavoured in the night to throw in supplies, but his long boats, being met by those of the town, were forces to retire. Captain Willoughby, being thus disappointed of succour, desired permission from colonel Burlce to deliver the fort to lord Clanricarde; but this, in the moment of success, he refused to agree to, on any other terms than that his lordship should take the oath of union or association, and not dispose of the place without the consent of the several persons under-named. 6 These terms the earl, with that consistency and loyalty which always marked his proceedings and character, totally rejected. Willoughby was then forced to treat for a surrender to the confederates. Articles having been accordingly agreed upon and signed,? he surrendered that important fortress on the 20th of
6 The titular arch bishop of Tuam. lieutenant-general lord Mayo, colonel Bermingham, colonel Burke, lieutenantcolonel O'Flaherty, serjeant-major O'Shaughnessy, serjeant-major Burke, Richard Burke Fitz-John, Thomas Burke of Anbally, John Bermingham, Hubert Burke, captain Teige Kelly of Aughrim, captain Teige Kelly of Gallagh, captain Teige Kelly Fitz-William, captain Murrogh na-mart O'Flaherty, captain Anthony Brabazon captain TJlick Oarragh Burke, captain Ulick Burke of Castlehacket, captain Jonack M'Thomas, captain Edmond O'Flaherty, captain John Madden, captain John Browne, captain John Garvy, captain William Burke Fitz-John, captain William Burke of Cloghan, captain Walter Fitz-Morris, and captain Richard Betagh. — Clanricarde' s Memoirs.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, you're on ground that saw a turning point in 1643. Rear-admiral Brooke arrived in the bay in early June aboard the Providence, carrying provisions and arms for the fort, but batteries on the points of Rinmore and Rintinane kept him from approaching. He tried slipping supplies in by night, but his long boats were met by the town's boats and forced to retire. Captain Willoughby, cut off from succour, asked Colonel Burke for permission to deliver the fort to Lord Clanricarde. Burke refused, in the moment of success, unless the earl took the oath of union or association and agreed not to dispose of the place without the consent of a long list of named persons, from the titular archbishop of Tuam through lords, colonels, and captains of the Burkes, O'Flahertys, Berminghams, and others. Clanricarde, with what the record calls "that consistency and loyalty which always marked his proceedings and character," totally rejected these terms. Willoughby was then forced to treat for a surrender to the Confederates. On 20 June 1643 he surrendered the fortress and the castle of Oranmore, without Lord Clanricarde's consent. The supreme council ordered the fort demolished, and Galway marked the event with public prayers and thanksgivings.

Sweating sickness devastates Galway, 1543

Galway · city · Galway · 1543

In 1543 the sweating sickness broke out in Galway and raged with great violence, destroying multitudes of the natives and particularly the tradesmen of the town. The epidemic struck just as the hospital of St. Bridget was completed.

Read the passage

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

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 72

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, this is the town where, in 1543, the sweating sickness broke out and raged with great violence, destroying multitudes of the natives and particularly the tradesmen of the town. The epidemic struck just as the hospital of St. Bridget, in the east suburbs, was completed. That hospital had been founded for the poor of the town, and each burgess was obliged, in his turn, to send a maid servant to collect alms every sabbath day for its support, a custom long afterwards observed. So the charitable institution was ready when the sickness came. The years before had been unsettled. Leonard, lord Grey, the lord deputy of Ireland, departed Dublin on the 17th of June, 1537, with an army, arriving in Galway on the 11th of July. The corporation treated him and his soldiers gratis for seven days. The mayor and aldermen took the oath of supremacy and renounced the authority of the Pope. O'Flaherty, O'Madden, and Mac Yeoris, or Bermingham, came in and made their submissions. But the king wrote to the lord deputy that their oaths, submissions, and indentures were, in his words, "not worth a farthing," since they did not give hostages. About the same time, Finglas, chief baron of the Exchequer, recommended that half the fee-farm of Galway should be paid to the lord deputy, and the other half applied for repairing the walls. The town was put into a state of defence. The south quay, or new-tower gate, was built, and the walls were repaired and provided with guns. Grey had brought the artillery in a small vessel to Galway and made the town pay 34 pounds for the carriage, which later became one of the articles of impeachment against him.

Walter de Burgo dies in Galway Castle, 1271

Galway · city · Galway · 1271

After Hugh O'Conor defeated Walter de Burgo in battle, Walter did not long survive; he died in the castle of Galway in 1271, leaving Richard, the Red Earl of Ulster, as his heir and successor.

Read the passage

died, leaving his son Hugh to succeed him. The latter on his accession, having asserted and supported his claim to the royal name and dignity, Walter de Burgo levied a body of forces, and marched against him. Hugh, on his side, made every preparation to meet the foe, and a battle took place, in which he was completely victorious. De Burgo did not long survive this defeat; he died in the castle of Galway, in 1271; leaving Richard, commonly called the Red Earl of Ulster, his heir and successor. 20a Hugh himself was afterwards slain, with 2000 men, by M'Dermott of Moylurg, who was another rival; and thenceforth, until the total destruction of the house of O'Conor in 1316, Connaught exhibited a horrid scene of blood and confusion.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 46

As the companion tells it

Coming up through Galway now. Back in 1271, this is where Walter de Burgo met his end. He had marched against Hugh O'Conor, who had asserted his claim to the royal name and dignity, but Hugh met him in battle and was completely victorious. De Burgo did not long survive that defeat. He died here in the castle of Galway, leaving Richard, commonly called the Red Earl of Ulster, as his heir and successor. Hugh himself was afterwards slain, with 2000 men, by M'Dermott of Moylurg, another rival, and from then until the total destruction of the house of O'Conor in 1316, Connaught was a scene of blood and confusion.

Conmacnemara, territory of O'Flaherty in west Connaught

near Connemara · locality · Galway

Conmacnemara, meaning the Chief Tribe on the great Sea, comprised the western coasts of County Galway. It was also called Conmacne-ira, Iar-Connaught, and Hy-Fiachrach. Its chiefs were the O'Flahertys, and it contained the present baronies of Moycullen and Ballinahinch.

Read the passage

fancy is not entirely confined to the regions of poetry.— Conmacnemara, or the Chief Tribe on the great Sea, comprehended the western coasts of the present county of Galway. It was also called Conmacne-ira, or the Chief Tribe of the West, and |ar-Connaugbt, that is, West Connaught ; likewise Hy lai'tagh, or the Western Country, the chiefs of which are denominated Hy Flaherty or O'Flaherty, that is, the Chief of the Nobles of the Western Country, and contained the present baronies of Moycullen and Ballinahinch.— Beauford.
5 Vide O'Halloran's History of Ireland, Vol II. p. 238. Eid. Dub. 1803.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 36

As the companion tells it

You are passing through Connemara, the old territory the records call Conmacnemara, meaning the Chief Tribe on the great Sea. It covered the western coasts of County Galway, and was known too as Iar-Connaught and Hy-Fiachrach, the Western Country. Its chiefs were the O'Flahertys, the Chief of the Nobles of the Western Country. It contained the present baronies of Moycullen and Ballinahinch.

1625 homicide recorded in Franciscan abbey records, Galway

Galway · city · Galway · 1625

Archbishop King's collections, held by the Dublin Society, contain a Latin entry from the records of the Franciscan abbey in Galway describing a horrific multiple murder committed on 20 August 1625, when a man named Johannes killed his uncle's wife, son, and a twelve-year-old boy with an axe and cast their bodies into the abbey garden.

Read the passage

Archbishop King's collections, in possession of the Dublin Society, vol. I. p. 313, contain the following entry of a horrid murder committed in Galway, apparently taken from the records of the Franciscan abbey there : — " Horrendum homicidium accidit hi villa Galwey, 20°. aug. ubit quidani fur, Johannes, media nocte. occidit avunculi sui, Gulielmi reogh pistoris, uxorem et filium et nepotem, puerulum 12 annorum, cum securi, quos u hortum nostrum, qui contiguus fuit, projecit. A°. 1625." — It has been suggested to the author, that the monument said to have been erected in 1624, to perpetuate Lynch's crime and punishment, (vide the miscellaneous plate.) possiblv related to the latter circumstance, which, though entered under the year 1625, m.ieht have occurred the year preceding. This, however, is mere supposition. — Few transactions of so old a date stand better authenticated than that concerning young Lynch ; for, independently of the general voice of tradition, it appears recorded in several ancient manuscripts, many of which have passed through the hands of the author.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 64

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, the records of the old Franciscan abbey here hold a grim entry from 1625. On the 20th of August that year, a man named Johannes took an axe in the middle of the night and killed his uncle Gulielmi Reogh's wife, son, and a boy of twelve, then cast their bodies into the abbey garden. The uncle was a baker. The entry survives in Archbishop King's collections, held by the Dublin Society. Someone later suggested that a monument put up in 1624 might have been connected to this crime, but that is only supposition. The author of the source notes that few events of such great age are better authenticated, as the story appears in several ancient manuscripts beyond this one record.

Andrew Kirwan and the Penal Laws in Galway

Galway · city · Galway · 1736

Andrew Kirwan, a Dominican friar in Galway, was summoned to testify against his friends under the penal laws, which would have deprived them of their properties. To avoid this cruel dilemma, he went into voluntary exile and died abroad in 1736.

Read the passage

■ Andrew Kirwan, anothsr pious Dominican, after many zealous exertions in the cause of religion in Galway; was summoned to- discover against some of his friends, whereby, under the penal laws, they would have been deprived of their properties. To avoid this cruel dilemma he went into voluntai-y exile and died abroad, in the year 1736.
Edmund de Burgo (Burke) , a Dominican friar began his studies in the convent of Galway, which he finished in Spain. He afterwards (1706) became principal regent of "the Irish school of his order in Louvain. He died in Rome about 1738. Fcr a list of his numerous writings _ see Harris, and also the learned and ingenious historian of this order, John O'Heyn. who was also a Dominican friar and, as. Harris thinks, a native of Galway.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 220

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, you are in a city where the penal laws once put a Dominican friar named Andrew Kirwan to a cruel test. He was summoned to give evidence against his own friends, testimony that would have stripped them of their properties. Rather than betray them, he chose voluntary exile and died abroad in 1736. A man of conscience who would not be made the instrument of his friends' ruin.

Archbishop of Tuam attempts to annex Galway wardenship

Galway · city · Galway

The titular archbishop of Tuam devised a project to abolish the collegiate rights of Galway and annex the wardenship to the archiepiscopal see, making every exertion at Rome to accomplish this. The attempt was frustrated through the advocacy of Reverend Valentine Bodkin, agent of the lay-patrons and of the town.

Read the passage

The dissensions already detailed having excited the attention of the then titular archbishop of Tuam, they suggested to that able and vigilant prelate a project never until then thought of, and, consequently, at the time totally unexpected : this was nothing less than the total abolition of the collegiate rights and the annexation of the wardenship to the archiepiscopal see, to accomplish which every exertion was made at Rome; but, through the successful endeavours and advocacy of the reverend Valentine Bodkin, agent of the lay-patrons, and afterwards of the town, this bold and unprecedented attempt of the archbishop was frustrated. In the meantime, the amiable and conciliatory demeanour of warden Joyes by degrees reconciled matters within the town; and the angry feelings of jealousy and discontent, which had proceeded to considerable lengths amongst several of the inhabitants, gradually subsided. On the decease of this worthy man, in 1805, the reverend Valentine Bodkin, before alluded to, was elected warden. 12 During his incumbency he promoted the establishment

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 214

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, this city was once the focus of a bold attempt at ecclesiastical takeover. The titular archbishop of Tuam, alerted by local dissensions, devised a project nobody had thought of before: to abolish the collegiate rights of Galway altogether and annex the wardenship to his own archiepiscopal see. He made every exertion at Rome to accomplish it. The plan was frustrated through the advocacy of Reverend Valentine Bodkin, agent of the lay-patrons and of the town. In the meantime, Warden Joyes, by his amiable and conciliatory demeanour, gradually reconciled matters within the town, and the angry feelings of jealousy and discontent that had grown among several inhabitants slowly subsided. On the death of this worthy man in 1805, Reverend Valentine Bodkin was elected warden. During his incumbency he promoted the establishment of further institutions in the town.

Bath establishment becomes Presentation convent

Galway · city · Galway · 1798–1814

A bath establishment in Galway closed in 1798 and was converted into an artillery barrack. After 1814 it became a convent for Presentation nuns, transitioning from a Protestant-founded edifice to a Catholic religious residence.

Read the passage

towels. The house in good repair, but wanted white-washing. This is a good situation for a bath." — From this period the establishment gradually declined, and it was finally closed in the year 1798. At that time the house was changed into an artillery barrack. It remained so occupied until 1814, soon after which it was converted into a convent for nuns of the presentation order : and thus, by a curious vicissitude, an edifice, erected a very short time before the commencement of the reign of Geo. III. for the purpose of promoting the Protestant religion in this country, became, before the close of the same reign, the residence of an order whose professed object is the very reverse, viz., that of extending and preserving the Catholic faith in Ireland.
4. — Charity School. This excellent charity was founded about the year 1 790 by the late venerable warden Kirwan for the education of indigent boys, who are carefully instructed in reading, writing, arithmetic, and the principles of religion. It is chiefly supported by annual subscriptions and charity sermons; and the trustees have been latterly enabled to afford daily instruction to one hundred and fifty children, of whom one hundred are annually clothed, and twelve apprenticed to useful trades. The entire is conducted (under the patronage of the R.C. warden and vicars) by a president, vice-president, treasurer and secretary, to v/hose benevolent superintendence the town is indebted for many industrious tradesmen, who have been educated and apprenticed by this institution. 39

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 247

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, there is a building here with a strange history. A bath establishment on this site gradually declined and finally closed in 1798. At that point the house was changed into an artillery barrack, and it stayed that way until 1814. Soon after, it was converted into a convent for nuns of the Presentation order. The source calls this a curious vicissitude. The edifice had been erected a very short time before the commencement of the reign of George the Third for the purpose of promoting the Protestant religion in this country. Before the close of the same reign, it had become the residence of an order whose professed object was the very reverse, that of extending and preserving the Catholic faith in Ireland. A bath house, then a barrack, then a convent, all within a single reign.

Batteries at Rinmore and Rintinane block naval relief

Rinmore · townland · Galway · 1643

Rear-admiral Brooke arrived in Galway Bay with provisions and arms for the fort, but Confederate batteries on the points of Rinmore and Rintinane prevented his approach. His attempt to supply the fort by long boats at night was repulsed by the town's boats.

Read the passage

Rear-admiral Brooke, in the ship Providence, arrived in the bay in the beginning of June, with provisions and arms for the fort; but the batteries on the points of Rinmore and Rintinane hindered him from approaching. He endeavoured in the night to throw in supplies, but his long boats, being met by those of the town, were forces to retire. Captain Willoughby, being thus disappointed of succour, desired permission from colonel Burlce to deliver the fort to lord Clanricarde; but this, in the moment of success, he refused to agree to, on any other terms than that his lordship should take the oath of union or association, and not dispose of the place without the consent of the several persons under-named. 6 These terms the earl, with that consistency and loyalty which always marked his proceedings and character, totally rejected. Willoughby was then forced to treat for a surrender to the confederates. Articles having been accordingly agreed upon and signed,? he surrendered that important fortress on the 20th of
6 The titular arch bishop of Tuam. lieutenant-general lord Mayo, colonel Bermingham, colonel Burke, lieutenantcolonel O'Flaherty, serjeant-major O'Shaughnessy, serjeant-major Burke, Richard Burke Fitz-John, Thomas Burke of Anbally, John Bermingham, Hubert Burke, captain Teige Kelly of Aughrim, captain Teige Kelly of Gallagh, captain Teige Kelly Fitz-William, captain Murrogh na-mart O'Flaherty, captain Anthony Brabazon captain TJlick Oarragh Burke, captain Ulick Burke of Castlehacket, captain Jonack M'Thomas, captain Edmond O'Flaherty, captain John Madden, captain John Browne, captain John Garvy, captain William Burke Fitz-John, captain William Burke of Cloghan, captain Walter Fitz-Morris, and captain Richard Betagh. — Clanricarde' s Memoirs.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 98

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Rinmore, on these points overlooking Galway Bay, Confederate batteries stood in 1643, blocking the sea. Rear-admiral Brooke arrived in the ship Providence in the beginning of June, carrying provisions and arms for the fort. But the batteries on the points of Rinmore and Rintinane hindered him from approaching. He tried in the night to throw in supplies by long boats, but the town's boats met his and forced them to retire. Captain Willoughby, thus disappointed of succour, asked Colonel Burke for permission to deliver the fort to Lord Clanricarde. Burke refused, in the moment of success. He would agree only on condition that Lord Clanricarde take the oath of union or association, and not dispose of the place without the consent of several named persons, among them the titular archbishop of Tuam, Lord Mayo, Colonel Bermingham, Colonel Burke, and others. Lord Clanricarde, with the consistency and loyalty that always marked his character, totally rejected these terms. Willoughby was then forced to treat for a surrender to the Confederates. Articles were agreed upon and signed, and he surrendered that important fortress on the 20th of June.

Captain Constable's taunt from Galway fort rampart

Galway · city · Galway

Captain Constable, commander of a ship assisting the fort at Galway, stood on the rampart facing the town and loudly taunted the townsmen on the walls, declaring they would soon have a new king. This openly signaled the fort's defection to Parliament.

Read the passage

Willoughby. Even while it was depending, his soldiers made two sallies into the country; killing, in the first, by their own confession, a dozen of poor innocent people, men, women and children; and, in the other, pillaging all the remains of Sir Richard Blake's stock at Ardfry. But what most of all evinced the real principles and intentions of the inhabitants of the fort, was the conduct of captain Constable, commander of one of the ships that came to assist it. This man, standing on the rampart of the fort next the town, called with a loud voice twice over to the townsmen on the walls, ' A new king, you rogues and traitors; your king is run away; you shall have a new king shortly, you rogues." From all these and other circumstances, it was at length concluded that the fort was no longer in his majesty's obedience, but entirely at the disposal of the parliament.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 98

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, you are near the old fort whose defection changed the town's fortunes. Captain Constable commanded one of the ships that came to assist the fort. He stood on the rampart facing the town and called out twice to the townsmen on the walls,

Castlehacket estate and Cahermorris castle inquisition

Castlehacket · townland · Galway · 1584–1686

An inquisition of 1584 recorded that Ulic Mac Redmond Mac Moyler died in 1571 seized of the castles of Castlehackett and Cahire-Morris, but that the Hackett sept claimed Castlehackett with two adjoining quarters of land. John Kirwan, the only Catholic mayor of Galway after 1654, became the first proprietor of his name on the Castlehackett estate.

Read the passage

12. This mayor (the only Catholic that filled the office since 1654) was the first proprietor of his name, of the ancient estate of Castle-Hackett, which originally belonged to the Hacketj, family. — Vide page 16, note. — By inquisition taken 29th Jan. 1584, it was' found, "that Ulic Mac Redmond Mac Moyler died on the 22nd Sept. 1571, seized, of the castles of Castle- Hackett and Cahire-Morris ; but that Mc. Hackett, the chief of his name, and others of the sept of the Hacketts, claim the aforesaid castle of Castle-Hackett, with the two quarters of land adjoining." — Rem. Off. — This ancient sept was also driven to Mayo after 1641, and is now nearly extinct.
13. In the summer of 1688, a vast swarm of insects, of the Scarabeus or beetle kind, appeared on the S.W. coast of Galway, not far from the town : they were brought by a S.W. wind, and proceeded towards Headford, where, and in the adjacent country,

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 181

Catholic clergy elect warden and vicars under James II charter

Galway · city · Galway · 1688–1689

On the accession of James II, the Catholic clergy assembled in Galway and the corporation received a new charter granting power to elect a warden and eight vicars. Father Henry Browne was chosen warden and seven vicars were elected in August 1688, leading to a dispute with Archbishop Vesey over church and college possessions.

Read the passage

On the accession of James II. the Catholic clergy again assembled in the town, 29 and on the 29th March, 1688, the then corporation informed archbishop Vesey that his majesty had been pleased to grant them a charter containing, amongst other privileges, a power to elect a warden and eight vicars, and granting the rights and revenues belonging to the wardenship and college, and others in his grace's possession, which they requested he would forthwith ordei to be delivered to them, except the church and cemetery, during the pleasure of government. 30 On the 1st of August following, they proceeded, under the charter, to the election of the clergy, when father Henry Browne was chosen warden for that year; and fathers Henry Joice, Michael Lynch, James Fallon, John Bodkin. Jerome Martyn, Nicholas Nolan and Thomas Lynch were elected vicars. Doctor Vesey having resisted the claims of the corporation, they immediately resolved that all acts which gave or allowed him any right, title, interest or possession in and to the wardenship, by any way of election, reception, allowance, or otherwise, should be annulled and vacated. His grace having also retained the church, the newly-elected warden and vicars, in July, 1689, petitioned the king for leave to take possession of it, together with the college-house,

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 204

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, you are in the city where the Catholic clergy gathered on the accession of James II. On the 29th of March 1688, the corporation informed Archbishop Vesey that the king had granted them a charter allowing the election of a warden and eight vicars, and granting rights and revenues belonging to the wardenship and college, which they asked him to deliver up, except the church and cemetery. On the 1st of August, Father Henry Browne was chosen warden, and Fathers Henry Joice, Michael Lynch, James Fallon, John Bodkin, Jerome Martyn, Nicholas Nolan and Thomas Lynch were elected vicars. Archbishop Vesey resisted the claims, and the corporation resolved that all acts giving him any right to the wardenship should be annulled. He also retained the church, and in July 1689, the new warden and vicars petitioned the king for leave to take possession of it together with the college house.

Catholics admitted to Galway corporation

Galway · city · Galway · 1686

In June 1686, directions were given to admit Roman Catholic merchants in Galway to the freedom of the corporation without the oath of supremacy. By the end of the year, 160 Catholics were sworn in and obtained a complete ascendency in the corporation.

Read the passage

Galway once more revived, and they ventured more freely to approach the town. The king soon after having directed the earl of Clarendon, the lord lieutenant, to provide for the admission of Catholics to the freedom of corporations, colonel Russell, the mayor, on the 25th of June, 1686, received directions from his lordship to admit to their freedom such of the Roman Catholic merchants and dealers as should desire it, without tendering the oath of supremacy, or any other oaths except those of allegiance and of freemen, at the same time nominating nineteen of the principal persons to be immediately admitted free, and sworn of the common council. This communication was received with dismay. The council assembled; and, after some debate, the mayor was requested to communicate their readiness to admit these, and all other the natives and inhabitants of the town, to their freedom; but as, by the rules of the corporation, they were bound and sworn to maintain the ancient customs, one of which was, that the common council should be elected only on the Monday after Michaelmas day, they should be obliged to postpone that part of his directions until then; but that, on the 2nd of July following, those to be admitted free would be proposed in tholsel. In answer to this, the lord Lieutenant observed, that in extraordinary cases they were not bound to any particular day to admit members of the council, and peremptorily directed immediate obedience to his former orders. ^ Accordingly, in the beginning of July, one hundred and sixty Catholics, of the ancient names and natives, were sworn, and before the end of the year several others were admitted, by which time they obtained a complete ascendency in the corporation. 6

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 124

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, you are moving through a town that saw a striking shift of power in 1686. In June of that year, the lord lieutenant, the earl of Clarendon, directed Colonel Russell, the mayor, to admit Roman Catholic merchants and dealers to the freedom of the corporation without tendering the oath of supremacy, only the oaths of allegiance and of freemen. He also nominated nineteen principal persons to be sworn of the common council. The council received this with dismay. They replied that they were willing to admit the natives and inhabitants to their freedom, but said corporation rules bound them to elect common council only on the Monday after Michaelmas, so they would postpone that part until then and propose those to be admitted free on the 2nd of July. Clarendon answered that in extraordinary cases they were not bound to any particular day, and peremptorily directed immediate obedience. Accordingly, in the beginning of July, 160 Catholics of the ancient names and natives were sworn in, and before the end of the year several more were admitted, by which time they had obtained a complete ascendency in the corporation.

Claddagh women's dress and the ribbon custom

Claddagh · electoral division · Galway

Among the Claddagh community, women who could not speak English were not allowed to wear ribbons in their caps, a custom prevalent throughout the west of Ireland. This distinction allowed strangers to identify English-speaking women at fairs and markets.

Read the passage

trimmed with fine a-ibbon, a rich calico or stuff gown, with the red flannel bodygown, however, occasionally worn over it, and a silk handkerchief on the head. The dress of the young women differs but little from that of their mothers, except with the addition of a fine muslin or cambric cap, trimmed with the richest lace. They have been seldom known to wear ribbons in their head-dress here, though esteemed such indispensable ornaments in other places. The cause of this omission is rather curious : In the west of Ireland it is a custom, rather general amongst the lower orders, that females who cannot speak English are not allowed to wear ribbons in their caps. Hence a stranger, on entering a fair or market town, may, in general, by this mark, distinguish those women who can speak English from those who cannot. Amongst the Claddagh community this distinction seems to have been scrupulously adhered to
Religion.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 240

As the companion tells it

As you pass through the Claddagh electoral division near Galway, there's a custom recorded here that sets this community apart. Young women wore fine muslin or cambric caps trimmed with the richest lace, but seldom ribbons in their head-dress, though ribbons were thought indispensable elsewhere. The reason is a curious one. Throughout the west of Ireland it was a general custom among the lower orders that females who could not speak English were not allowed to wear ribbons in their caps. So a stranger at a fair or market could distinguish women who spoke English from those who did not, simply by that mark. Among the Claddagh community this distinction seems to have been scrupulously adhered to.

Confederate Catholic Assembly at Kilkenny

Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1647

Sir Richard Blake served as speaker or chairman of the assembly of the confederate catholics of Ireland at Kilkenny in 1647. He was the progenitor of the family of Ardfry.

Read the passage

was sheriff of Connaught, Vicecomes ConacicB, 32 and 33 Edw. I, 23 he was also sheriff in 1306, and in 7 Edw. II. the king's writ issued, for arrearages of his account. — Rot. Mem. — The arms of this family were first borne by him and descended to his posterity. The family of Ardfry, descended from Sir Richard Blake, who was speaker or chairman, of the assembly of the confederate catholics of Ireland, at Kilkenny, in 1647, was raised to the dignity of the peerage, in the year 1800, in the person of Joseph Henry Blake, Esq. who was then created Lord Baron of Wallscourt, in the kingdom of Ireland. This widely extended name is, at present, divided into the opulent and respectable families of Ardfry, Ballyglunin, Belmont, Castlegrove, Corbally, Forbough, Fi enchfort, Hollypark, Killeencastle, Mace, Menlo, Merlinpark, Moorfield, Orancastle, Rahara or Annbally, Renville, (formerly of Lehinch, in Mayo,) Tully, Waterdale and Windfield, in the County of Galway; and Ballinafad, Brookhill, Garracloone, Milltown and Towerhill, in the County of Mayo.
Arms. Argent, a fret, gules. Crest. A cat passant, gardant, proper. Motto. Virtus sola NobiHtat.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 15

Connemara kelp adulteration and disrepute

near Connemara · locality · Galway · 1808

After the 1770s, gross frauds were discovered in Connemara kelp production, involving mixing the product with sand, stones, and other grit matter, causing injury to the linen trade of the kingdom. Inspectors were appointed but proved insufficient, and Connemara kelp fell into disrepute, with prices dropping from £13 per ton in 1808 to seldom exceeding £4.

Read the passage

13 The manufacture of kelp commenced in the neighbourhood of Galway about the year 1700, and the late Andrew French and his grandfather were the first that exported it from the town. In 1762 the former gentleman stated before a committee of the house of commons that the usual load of a boat was from five to ten or twelve tons ; and that he had known one boat to make from fifteen to twenty trips yearly from the place where the kelp was burned to the quay. He also stated that kelp was then worth from 25s. to 35s. per ton ; but that about 50 years before it was worth only from 14s. to 21s. per ton. —Com. Jour.— In 1776. about 3,000 tons were annually exported.- — Young's Tour. — After this period it was found that several gross frauds were practised in making this article by mixing it with sand, stones and other grit matter, to the manifest injury, as was complained, of the linen trade of the kingdom. Inspectors were accordingly appointed ; but even this precaution was found insufficient to prevent its adulteration, in consequenco of which th<3 Cnnnemara kelp has of late years
fallen into disrepute.

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 232

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Connemara in Galway, you are travelling through country where kelp was once a steady trade. The manufacture of it began near Galway about 1700, and Andrew French and his grandfather were the first to export it from the town. By 1776 some 3,000 tons were shipped out yearly. The price had risen over the decades, from 14 shillings to 21 shillings a ton in the early days, to between 25 and 35 shillings by the 1760s. Then the frauds began. People making the kelp mixed it with sand, stones and other grit matter. It was said to be doing manifest injury to the linen trade of the kingdom. Inspectors were appointed to watch over the production, but even that was not enough to stop the adulteration. Connemara kelp fell into disrepute. The price in 1808 stood at 13 pounds a ton, but seldom exceeded 4 pounds after the damage was done. A trade that had built up over a century was broken by what was put into it.

Court martial executions in Galway for horse theft

Galway · city · Galway · 1691

About the 25th of August, countrymen were tried by court martial in Galway for stealing dragoon horses; three were found guilty and executed. The governor informed General Ginckle that a priest was present at their meeting but was not condemned, as executing a priest would have made 'a mighty noise,' and used the occasion to disarm the Catholics of the town.

Read the passage

20. He charged them with "growing insolent, expecting Sarsfield and O'Donnell'.s men to join." — Id. — About the 25th of August, some countrymen were tried in the town, by court martial, for stealing dragoon horses, for which three were found guilty, and accordingly executed. On this occasion the governor informed general Ginckle, that "there was a priest at their meeting, but they did not condemn him, because the excuting a priest would have made a mighty noise at the time. I took this occasion to disarm the Papists of the town, and shall do the same to the country as soon as the commission of array arrives, and that the justices of the peace come into the country."— Same collection.
V

Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 133

As the companion tells it

In Galway, around the 25th of August 1691, some countrymen were tried by court martial for stealing dragoon horses. Three were found guilty and executed. The governor told General Ginckle that a priest was at their meeting but was not condemned, because executing a priest would have made "a mighty noise." He used the occasion to disarm the Catholics of the town, and said he would do the same to the country once the commission of array arrived and the justices of the peace came into the country. He also charged the people with growing insolent, expecting Sarsfield and O'Donnell's men to join.

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

The stories, best first

Galway Town Gaol and Howard's visit

Ginckle marches to Athenry and views Galway Bay

Governor closes Galway town gates early, sparking conflict

Lord Deputy Grey confiscates church ornaments at Galway

Massacre at Renville village near Galway

Mendicant families infest Galway streets

Missioner Peter French returned to Galway and died 1693

Order to banish Catholic inhabitants from Galway

Parliamentary camp between Lough-a-thalia and Suckeen

Petition to parliament against Galway corporation

Red Earl De Burgo's old castle in Galway

Richard Martin's bequests to St. Francis' Abbey and St. Nicholas' Church

Roderic O'Conor's failed siege of Dublin

St. Augustine's Fort, Galway: governor appointed

Submission and arrest of Mac-an-Earlas at St. Nicholas

Surrender of St. Augustine's fort, Galway, 1643

Volunteers of Galway first in Ireland to resolve against English goods

Warden Lynch excommunicates Galway officials over military articles

Willoughby burns Galway's east suburbs

1812 Galway parliamentary election: Blake of Menlo contests seat

Freeman-only shop by-law targets Catholics in Galway

Ancient families of Galway ordered unfit to live in town

Black petition against Catholics signed in Galway, 1761

Catholic clergy ordered to depart Galway, 1674

Col. Grace defeated near Galway

Colonel John Burke arrives in Galway as Confederate commander

Daly family dominance of Galway mayoralty after Blake controversy

Death of Kirwan's Catholic brother in Galway

Dominican nuns re-establish community in Galway, 1686

Freedom of Galway corporation presented to Walter Burgh

Galway by-laws target usury and disorder, 1580

Galway council's cessation proposal rejected by Ludlow

Galway fined £100 for non-attendance at parliament

Galway population and growing poverty, 1812 census

Galway's English colony and commercial rise

Galway siege preparations and fortifications

Galway townspeople submit to Sir William De Burgh in revolt

John Howard inspects Galway county gaol

Mayor Lynch and Spanish trade with Galway, 1493

Plans for Catholic rising against troops at Headford, Loughrea and Gort

Protestant and Catholic coalition in Galway volunteering

Return of Catholic natives and clergy to Galway

Sir John D'Arcy burns and plunders Aran, 1334

Surrender and demolition of Galway fort

Sweating sickness devastates Galway, 1543

Walter de Burgo dies in Galway Castle, 1271

Conmacnemara, territory of O'Flaherty in west Connaught

1625 homicide recorded in Franciscan abbey records, Galway

Andrew Kirwan and the Penal Laws in Galway

Archbishop of Tuam attempts to annex Galway wardenship

Bath establishment becomes Presentation convent

Batteries at Rinmore and Rintinane block naval relief

Captain Constable's taunt from Galway fort rampart

Castlehacket estate and Cahermorris castle inquisition

Catholic clergy elect warden and vicars under James II charter

Catholics admitted to Galway corporation

Claddagh women's dress and the ribbon custom

Confederate Catholic Assembly at Kilkenny

Connemara kelp adulteration and disrepute

Court martial executions in Galway for horse theft