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

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

1. Destructive fire in east suburbs of Galway

   Galway · city · Galway · 1619

   On 1 May 1619, a destructive fire broke out in the east suburbs of Galway when a musket shot fired by youths during May Day diversions landed on the thatch of a house. The fire raged so violently it threatened the entire town with destruction.

   Read the passage

   About this time a company, formed of the principal merchants, for the purpose of providing more spacious and convenient accommodations for the increase of shipping and commerce, commenced several new improvements along the quays and harbour, and by fort-hill and the fosse which surrounded the town wall : but, though they were bound to complete these undertakings within a limited time, the works gradually declined, and were never brought to perfection. It is probable, however, that they were at first suspended in consequence of a destructive fire that broke out in the east suburbs on the 1st of May, 1619, occasioned by a musket shot unin tentionally fired by some young men, amidst diversions usual on that day, which fell on the thatch of a house, and spreading, raged so violently, that it threatened the entire town with destruction. Trad ition informs us that, shortly prior to this period, a Dutch colony, consisting of forty families, induced by the situation of Galway, proposed to emigrate from Holland and settle in or near the town; that they offered the corporation a sum which would be equivalent to 35,0001. at the present day, for the unfinisVed works above alluded to, and the adjacent ground, on which they were to erect,

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 88

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Galway, you are near the east suburbs where a destructive fire broke out on 1 May 1619. It started when some young men were out enjoying May Day diversions and one fired a musket shot that landed on the thatch of a house. The fire spread and raged so violently it threatened the entire town with destruction. Around this same time, a company of principal merchants had begun improvements along the quays and harbour and by fort-hill and the fosse surrounding the town wall, aiming to provide better accommodations for growing shipping and commerce. Though bound to finish within a limited time, the works gradually declined and were never completed, possibly suspended because of the fire. Tradition also holds that shortly before this, a Dutch colony of 40 families, drawn by Galway's situation, proposed to emigrate from Holland and settle in or near the town, offering the corporation a sum equivalent to 35,000 pounds for the unfinished works and the adjacent ground.

2. Devil's Battery and Galway town fortifications

   Galway · city · Galway

   A projecting flanker called 'the Devil's Battery' on the Galway town walls was recommended for repair and mounting with three guns to defend the curtain. The quay bastion, the only position from which an enemy in the port could be annoyed with ordnance, had been rendered useless by encroachments and buildings erected on it.

   Read the passage

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

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 144

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Galway, the old town walls had a projecting flanker the records call the Devil's Battery. Two such flankers could have been repaired cheaply, and if three guns were mounted on the Devil's Battery, they would have been essentially serviceable in defending the curtain wall. The quay bastion was the one position from which an enemy in the port could be annoyed with ordnance. It also covered the bridge and was the only place for defending the town against an attack from the west. But encroachments and buildings erected on it had rendered it useless. Beyond it stood another bastion called the Quay Canton, its platform still tolerable, and from the quay bastion to the end of the curtain behind the county gaol the wall was good. At that extremity there was room to erect a small battery covering the west gate, the only entrance from Iar-Connaught, the highlands inhabited by a people it was thought prudent to guard against. From there to the bridge the wall broke off, the gap closed by mills, tan-yards and dwelling-houses. The river ran sharp, and doors and windows opened to the water, letting people in when gates were locked, until the governor had them stopped. A draw-bridge once stood at the west, with a guard-room over the gateway repaired for a corporal and six men. From Abbey-gate to Lyons tower the old wall was decayed and weak, with no flankers or towers, and a rampart that once ran fourteen feet broad had been thrown into gardens behind Lombard-street. Two powder magazines, one in Lombard-street and one in the Citadel, were the loftiest buildings around, visible a mile off, and not bomb-proof. The walls' ruin was blamed on breaches made by unregistered Papist merchants to run goods and carry on smuggling, though applying toll and customs money to repair would have kept them respectable.

3. Earl of Ormond's 1584 prisage claim against Galway

   Galway · city · Galway · 1584

   In 1584, the Earl of Ormond filed a bill in the Irish Chancery against the corporation of Galway, claiming hereditary rights to prise wines in the port. Galway's representatives—including Anthony Lynche, John Skerritt, and Domynick Martin—defended the town's long-standing exemption from prisage, citing charters from Henry VIII and Richard II.

   Read the passage

   15 In the year 1584, the earl of Ormond exhibited his hill in the Chancery of Ireland against the mayor, bailiffs, burgesses and commons of Gal way, setting forth that King Edward III. was seized of all the premises of all the ports and havens of Ireland ; that is to say, of every ship or barque of the lading of nine tuns, and from nine to twenty-one tun, and of twenty tuns and above, two tuns of the choice of all the wines. That being so seized, he by letters patent, granted said premises to James Butler, then earl of Ormonde, from whom -the right thereto descended to the complainant. That this grant was confirmed by letters patent of Philip and Mary, but that the mayor, bailiffs, burgesses and commons of the town of Gal way, in the province of Connaught, not onlj^ always gave impediment in 1 aking said prise wines, but also wrongfully received and converted to their own use the value of 50001. of the prise wines grown there due, without any colour of right, but pretending prescription. ■ — The defendants, by Anthony Lynche, Nicholas Lvnche. John Skerritt, Domynick Martin, Marcus Lynche and Edmonde Frenche made answer; wherein, amongst other things, they stated, that neither the plaintiff, nor .my of his ancestors, since the said grant of Edward III. was seized of any prisage in the port of Galway, and that they, and all others bringing and discharging wines therein were free and discharged of, and from the same. As evidence hereof they adduced an acquittal, bv the privy council of England in the tiin^ of Henry VIII. and also the charter of that monarch dated at Westminster, the 3d of July, in the 36th of his reign, that no person thereafter bringing wines in any ship or boat to the key or port of Galway. and there discharging thf same should pay prisage. They further stated, that in the reign of Edward 1. a composition was entered into between the king and merchant strangers, whereb" he, his heirs and successors were to receive two shillings encrease of custom, out of every tun of wine, besides divers other encrease of customs upon sundry other sorts of merchandize: in consideration of which, the said king granted that all merchant strangers, repairing to every port of his dominions, should be free and discharged of any payment of prise wine, which encrease of customs were ever since paid accordingly, and said merchants strangers freed and discharged of prisage. — To this the earl replied, amongst other things, that the said com-

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 81

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Galway, you are in a city that once fought a legal battle over who controlled the wine trade at its port. In 1584 the Earl of Ormond filed a bill in the Irish Chancery against the mayor, bailiffs, burgesses and commons of Galway, claiming hereditary rights to prise wines there. He traced his title to a grant by Edward the Third to James Butler, Earl of Ormonde, confirmed later by letters patent of Philip and Mary. He alleged that Galway had obstructed the taking of prise wines and had wrongfully converted 5000 pounds worth of what was due, pretending prescription. The town's representatives, Anthony Lynche, Nicholas Lynche, John Skerritt, Domynick Martin, Marcus Lynche and Edmonde Frenche, answered that neither the earl nor any of his ancestors had been seized of any prisage in the port of Galway. They produced an acquittal by the privy council of England in the time of Henry the Eighth, and a charter from that monarch dated at Westminster, the 3rd of July, in the 36th year of his reign, stating that no person bringing wines to the key or port of Galway should pay prisage. They went further back still, to the reign of Edward the First, when a composition between the king and merchant strangers fixed increased customs on every tun of wine in exchange for freedom from prise wine. The earl replied, but the record breaks off there, leaving the outcome unheard.

4. English army marches from Athenry to Galway

   Athenry · town · Galway · 1691

   On the morning of 19 July, English forces of over fourteen thousand men marched from Athenry for Galway, leaving three thousand horse and dragoons at Athenry under Lieutenant-General Scravenmore and Major-General Ruvigny to secure passes and observe Irish movements.

   Read the passage

   On the morning of the 19th July, the English forces, consisting of upwards of fourteen thousand men, chiefly infantry, marched from Athenry for Galway. The remainder of the army, consisting of three thousand horse and dragoons, was left there under the command of lieutenant-general Scravenmore and major-general Ruvigny, as well for the convenience of forage, and securing the passes for the cannon intended to be sent for to Athlone, (should the siege prove tedious,) as for observing the motion of the Irish forces. The troops advanced in two columns, with a rearguard of one hundred men to each wing, commanded by a lieutenantcolonel, and each regiment preceded by a captain, ensign, and fifty firelocks. They met with no opposition in their approach, until they arrived within view of the town, when some skirmishes took place between the advanced posts and parties of the French and Irish forces. The latter set fire to the castle of Tirellan, to prevent the enemy making any use of it against the town, and retained the possession of the outworks of the castle, until they were driven from them by the repeated attacks of a superior force; after which they approached the town by the river, and burned all the suburbs beyond the north-west gate. In these rencontres several of the English were killed. The Irish troops then entered the town amid loud acclamations, and the besieged manifested every intention of making the most vigorous resistance. Ginckle not expecting such immediate and determined opposition, as soon as a part of the army was drawn up as near the town as he could approach with safety, judged it prudent to summon the garrison to surrender. He offered them the benefit of the lords justices' late declaration, if they yielded without giving him any further trouble or delay; but the governor made answer, "that Monsieur D'Uesone, as well as himself, and the rest of the officers, were resolved to defend the place to the last." While the messenger remained in town, the soldiery, impatient for action, discharged several shots from the cannon on the walls, which was afterwards complained of as unusual, and contrary to the rules of war, but it appeared the men were not aware of the communication. The remainder of the day was occupied in fixing the positions of the army round the town, during which the cannonading continued from the walls, though it was attended with but very little effect, in consequence of the favourable situation of the ground chosen by the besiegers- As soon as it was dark, the four regiments of colonel Tiffins. St. John, Monsieur Cambons and lord George Hamilton, with one Dutch and another Danish regiment of foot, and four squadrons of horse and dra-

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 129

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here, on the morning of 19 July 1691, an English army of over 14,000 men, chiefly infantry, set out from Athenry and marched for Galway. They left 3,000 horse and dragoons behind under Lieutenant-General Scravenmore and Major-General Ruvigny to secure the passes and watch for Irish movements. The troops advanced in two columns, each wing guarded by a rear guard of 100 men, and each regiment preceded by a captain, an ensign, and 50 firelocks. They met no opposition until they came within view of Galway, where French and Irish forces engaged their advance posts and set fire to the castle of Tirellan. The besieged made clear they would hold the town. The governor answered the summons to surrender by saying that Monsieur D'Uesone, himself, and the rest of the officers were resolved to defend the place to the last.

5. Expulsion of Irish Papists from Galway town and liberties

   Galway · city · Galway · 1659

   Following disputes among the corporation in Galway, an order was issued in August 1659 to apprehend Lord Clanricarde and other principal gentlemen of the county. Governor Colonel Thomas Sadlier was then ordered to remove all Irish Papists from the town and liberties of Galway.

   Read the passage

   The appalling scene of atrocities, hitherto opened to the view of the reader, is now drawing to a close. On the i5th of September, 1658, Richard Cromwell was proclaimed lord protector in Galway, with great rejoicings. The contemptible corporation of the day, having no more victims to persecute, began to quarrel amongst themselves; and their disputes became so violent that the government was obliged to interfere, and threatened to annul the charter, and abolish their privileges. On the 7th of August, 1659, an order issued to apprehend lord Clanricarde, Sir Richard Blake, and the other principal gentlemen of the county; and on the 22d, colonel Thomas Sadlier, the governor, was ordered to remove " all the Irish Papists " out of the town and liberties, and not permit them to return without licence from the commander of the forces. Other instances of persecution afterwards occurred, but they gradually decreased, both in number and severity; and some appearance of moderation and justice was finally introduced, and for a while established, by the restoration.

   27 See the Appendix. — This survey was 28 The schedules of these valuations,

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 114

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Galway, this is a city that saw a bitter expulsion in 1659. In September 1658 Richard Cromwell was proclaimed lord protector here, and the corporation, having what the source calls no more victims to persecute, turned to quarrelling among themselves until the government threatened to annul their charter. On the 7th of August 1659 an order issued to apprehend Lord Clanricarde, Sir Richard Blake, and the other principal gentlemen of the county. Then on the 22nd, Colonel Thomas Sadlier, the governor, was ordered to remove all the Irish Papists from the town and liberties of Galway, and not permit them to return without licence from the commander of the forces. Persecution gradually decreased after the restoration brought some appearance of moderation and justice.

6. Failed proposal to move archiepiscopal see from Tuam to Galway

   Galway · city · Galway · 1697

   Archbishop Vesey petitioned parliament to remove the archiepiscopal see from Tuam to Galway, proposing a tax of £2,000 on the town and liberties to fund a cathedral and dwelling. A committee resolved upon the change, but the corporation petitioned against it and the bill was rejected in September 1697.

   Read the passage

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

   G G

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 205

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Galway, this city was once nearly the seat of an archbishop. After the restoration of the church, Archbishop Vesey petitioned parliament to have the archiepiscopal see moved from Tuam to Galway. A committee of the entire house considered the matter and resolved upon the change. They recommended that a cathedral and dwelling be provided for his grace, and that £2,000 be raised to defray the expense through a tax on the town and liberties. Of that sum, £500 was to go toward repairing, building and beautifying the church. A bill was drawn up according to these resolutions. On the 6th of September, 1697, it was referred to a committee. But the corporation of Galway had already presented a petition against it, and the bill was rejected. Had Doctor Vesey succeeded, the change would have been of considerable benefit to both the town and the see. The advantages of such a move seem obvious, yet the subject has never been revived by any of his successors. The see remained at Tuam, and Galway kept its place without a cathedral fit for an archbishop.

7. Forbes burns O'Brien lands on Clare side of Galway Bay

   near Galway Bay · bay · Clare · 1642

   Lord Forbes landed a body of men on the county Clare side of Galway Bay and burned the houses and wasted the lands of Daniel and Turlogh O'Brien, the only two gentlemen in that country who adhered to their allegiance and had assisted the English.

   Read the passage

   Such was the situation of affairs about Gal way, on the 7th of August, 1642, when considerable agitation and suspence were occasioned in the town by the appearance of a squadron of seventeen ships, on the morning of that day, sailing into the bay. They came to anchor in the road, and boats were soon observed to pass and re-pass between them and the fort. This was the fleet of Alexander, lord Forbes, who was appointed by parliament, (without his majesty's concurrence,) lieutenant-general of the additional forces raised by the London adventurers, to waste the coasts of Ireland in a privateering way. His first exploit, after his arrival, sufficiently indicated his intentions, and put the town on its guard against him. He landed a body of men on the county Clare side of the bay, and burned the houses and wasted the lands of Daniel and Turlogh O'Brien, the only two gentlemen in

   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

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 96

8. Founding of Franciscan nunnery near St. Nicholas' Church (1511)

   Galway · city · Galway · 1511

   In 1511, Walter Lynch Fitz-Thomas, a former mayor of Galway, gave his daughter a dwelling-house near St. Nicholas' church in Galway. This house became known as the house of the poor nuns of the third order of St. Francis, establishing the Franciscan nunnery in the town.

   Read the passage

   The principal religious foundations for which Galway had been formerly so celebrated, and for which it is even still distinguished, may be traced to the piety of its ancient inhabitants. In 1511, Walter Lynch Fitz-Thomas (who was mayor of the town in 1504, and again in 1513}, bestowed on his daughter a dwelling-house near St. Nicholas' church, which was afterwards known as "the house of the poor nuns of the third order of St. Francis. "32 Nothing particular occurs concerning this community until 1649, when the nuns presented a memorial to the corporation, praying a grant of as much ground in Island'altenagh, at the west of the town, as would be sufficient for erecting a monastery and other necessary buildings. 33 Their request having been acceded to, they soon after erected a handsome monastery on

   32 In the genealogical account of tho furnish their wants, as in peaceful tymnes Dillon family in Lodge's Peerage of Ire- | they have intended; and that your poor land, it is stated that Ellen and Cecilia, 'petitioners doe suffer much by the ©xorthe eighth and ninth daughters of Theo* bitant rent they pay, and, notwithstandbald, first viscount of that name, and ing their due payment, are to be thrust nuns of the order of St. Clare, had estab- out of their dyelling next May, their lease lished the Franciscan order of nuns in being th en ended ; the premises con - Galway; but for this statement no author- sidered, and taken to your consideration ity whatsoever has been (nor, as is appre- the inconvenience of religious women who liended. could be), given. — Vide Lodge want habitation, the convenience of their Vol. IV., p. 184. residence in this place, the preferment of

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 223

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Galway, you are in a town long celebrated for its religious foundations, built on the piety of its ancient inhabitants. In 1511, Walter Lynch Fitz-Thomas, who had served as mayor in 1504 and again in 1513, gave his daughter a dwelling-house near St. Nicholas' church. It became known as the house of the poor nuns of the third order of St. Francis. Nothing particular is recorded about this community until 1649, when the nuns petitioned the corporation for ground in Island'altenagh, at the west of the town, enough to erect a monastery and other necessary buildings. Their request was granted, and they soon built a handsome monastery there.

9. Galway bans howling and shouting at burials

   Galway · city · Galway · 1625

   In 1625, Galway corporation ordered that no outrage, howling, or shoutings be made in or out of the streets at the burial of any deceased person, on pain of 5s. for each abuse. All corpses were to be carried to the grave in a sober, orderly fashion as observed in all good places.

   Read the passage

   That no outrage, howling, or shoutings, be made in or out of the streets of this towne, at the burial of any deceased person ; but that all such barbarous courses be given over, on payne of 5s. for each abuse; whereby all and every corpes here be carried to his grave in a sivell orderly fashione, according to the form in all good places observed.

   1628.

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 175

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Galway, you are in a town that once policed its funerals. In 1625 the corporation ordered that no outrage, howling, or shouting be made in or out of the streets at any burial, on pain of 5 shillings for each abuse. They wanted all corpses carried to the grave in a civil orderly fashion.

10. Galway corporation acts to halt Catholic depopulation after surrender

    Galway · city · Galway · 1693

    After the surrender of Galway, so many Catholic families departed that the corporation convened on 3 April 1693 to prevent near-depopulation. They ordered that no passes be granted to inhabitants and that coercive measures be taken against the licentiousness of the soldiery toward townspeople.

    Read the passage

    The treatment which the old natives and Catholic inhabitants of Galway experienced after the surrender, caused so many families to depart the town, that a general assembly of the corporation was convened on the third of April, 1693, for the purpose of devising means to prevent an evil of sc serious a tendency, and particularly one which, if preserved in, would nearly depopulate the town. They accordingly resolved that the mayor and recorder should take the subject into their immediate consideration, and ordered that no passes should thenceforth be granted to any of the inhabitants; and, particularly, that coercive measures should be taken to repress the licentiousness of the soldiery, and prevent their outrageous conduct towards the town s-people. Whatever local injuries and inconveniences they might thus endure, their rights, however, under the articles of capitulation, were publicly allowed during the reign of William 111. and in some instances acknowledged even by parliament. In the act, passed in the 7th year of that reign, for the better securing the government, by disarming Papists, it was provided, that any gentlemen of estate, belonging to the town and garrison on the day of their surrender, might carry the arms therein specified; and in a subsequent act, to hinder the reversal of attenders, all persons comprised in the articles were particularly excepted. In a little time, however, all restraint was laid aside; in the succeeding reign they were entirely infringed, and the rights of the inhabitants became totally disregarded.

    The accession of Queen Anne to the throne was proclaimed in Galway, on the 24th of March, 1701. Her majesty's commission of array soon after issued, under which 3 companies of foot, consisting of 250 men, were raised in the town and liberties. 21 Mutton-island was again fortified; the town gates were repaired, and the building of a new exchange was proceeded on.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 136

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, this is a city whose Catholic population nearly bled dry after the surrender. So many families left that the corporation held a general assembly on 3 April 1693 to stop what they feared would near-depopulate the town. The mayor and recorder were told to take the matter in hand. No more passes would be granted to any inhabitants to leave, and coercive measures were ordered against the soldiery, whose licentious conduct toward the townspeople had driven many out. For a time the rights guaranteed under the articles of capitulation were publicly allowed during the reign of William III, and in some cases acknowledged by parliament. An act in the 7th year of his reign, meant to disarm Papists, still let gentlemen of estate belonging to the town on the day of surrender carry specified arms. A later act excepted all persons comprised in the articles. But this restraint did not last. In the succeeding reign the rights were entirely infringed and the inhabitants' protections totally disregarded. When Queen Anne came to the throne, her accession was proclaimed in Galway on 24 March 1701, and 3 companies of foot totalling 250 men were raised in the town and liberties. Mutton Island was again fortified, the town gates repaired, and a new exchange begun.

11. Galway fortifications ruinous, 1747 survey

    Galway · city · Galway · 1747

    Governor Stratford Eyre's 1747 returns reported Galway's fortifications entirely out of repair. The gates were decayed, the parade quay gate had fallen to the ground, and breaches in the parapets from the royal battery to the quay bastion made it dangerous to post sentinels.

    Read the passage

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

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 143

12. Galway's origin as fishing village Ballinshruane

    Galway · city · Galway

    Tradition holds that before the arrival of Henry II, Galway was a small fishing village called Ballinshruane, meaning 'town of the little streams,' because winter floods divided the area into small islands. The primitive hamlet was situated on one of these islands, where the church of St. Nicholas was later built.

    Read the passage

    It is well known that amongst the ancient Irish, all foreigners were indiscriminately termed Galls,^ hence, arose, a supposition, that Galwaytook its name from a foreign colony alledged to have settled there at an early period. Tradition informs us, that previously to the arrival of Henry II, Galway was but an inconsiderable fishing village, under the protection of an Irish dune or fortress, and that it was then called Ballinshruane, or the town of the little streams; because, when the winter floods were high in the river, the water flowed through the present scite of the town, and formed it into small islands; in one of which, (where the church of St. Nicholas was afterwards built,) this primitive hamlet was situate. We are further informed, from the same source, that when the English settlers afterwards came hither, they were called by the native Irish Clan-na-Gall, the Foreign clan, sept-, or colony (an appellation, which however originating, their descendants still retain,) and that the place was from thenceforth named Ballinagall, or Gallibh, the Foreigners' town, or fortification. These traditionary relations, though to many they might appear probable and satisfactory, are not borne out, but seem rather controverted by written authority. In the life of Hugh Ruadh O'Donnell, hereditary prince of Tyrconnell, written by Cucoigcriche O'Clery, one of the four masters, after relating the sacrilegious burning of the convent of St. Brigid, near Galway, in 1599, by that chieftain, the writer adds, "that the city took its name from the river, in which was drowned Gallimh, the daughter of Breasail." ^Tl^jg derivation receives support from the old map of Galway, (of which a full description will be found in another part of this volume;) it is there stated, that a woman, named Galva, was drowned, near a great rock, in the river, (which is delineated on the map,) and that from this circumstance the town originally took its name.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 9

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, tradition says this city began as a small fishing village called Ballinshruane, meaning the town of the little streams. Before the arrival of Henry the Second, the settlement sat under the protection of an Irish fortress. When winter floods were high in the river, the water flowed through the present site of the town and formed it into small islands. The primitive hamlet stood on one of those islands, where the church of Saint Nicholas was afterwards built. When the English settlers came, the native Irish called them Clan-na-Gall, the foreign clan or colony, and from thenceforth the place was named Ballinagall or Gallibh, the foreigners' town or fortification. Their descendants still retain that appellation. These traditions, though probable to many, are not borne out by written authority. In the life of Hugh Ruadh O'Donnell, hereditary prince of Tyrconnell, written by Cucoigcriche O'Clery, one of the Four Masters, after relating the sacrilegious burning of the convent of Saint Brigid near Galway in 1599, the writer says the city took its name from the river, in which was drowned Gallimh, the daughter of Breasail. That derivation receives support from the old map of Galway, which states that a woman named Galva was drowned near a great rock in the river, and that from this circumstance the town originally took its name.

13. Galway walls and fortifications left in ruin during corporation feuds

    Galway · city · Galway · 1771–1778

    During the prolonged corporation disputes between the Daly and Blake factions, the improvement of Galway was neglected. The town's walls, gates, and fortifications were left without repair and presented a most ruinous appearance, and trade was entirely neglected.

    Read the passage

    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 whose walls and gates were left to fall apart while its leading families fought each other. Through the 1770s the Daly and Blake factions were locked in corporation disputes, and during that time the improvement of the town was forgotten. The walls, gates, and fortifications went without repair and took on what the record calls a most ruinous appearance, and trade was entirely neglected. The feud came to a head over a contested election. Ignatius Blake of Ardfry proposed Denis Daly, while the other side put forward Nathaniel Cook. Fifty-one voted for Daly and 64 for Cook, and Cook was declared duly elected, because Daly was not an inhabitant of Galway and had not spent 7 days in the town since 1 August 1770. Daly's supporters refused to accept this and insisted that Cook should hold over until another was properly appointed. They persisted in this for some years but were finally obliged to yield. There was one consolation for the townspeople during the decay. In 1778 the first great legislative interference took place in their favour, easing the penal burdens on their religious tenets. The flame of patriotism soon spread, and the volunteers of Galway formed a military association that, for respectability of rank, extent of property, and purity of intention, has seldom been equalled. Galway 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.

14. Hospital and fosse construction in Galway, 1505

    Galway · city · Galway · 1505

    In 1505, Mayor Stephen Lynch Fitz-Dominick founded a hospital on the high street of Galway for citizens reduced by misfortune. He also drew a deep fosse around the eastern walls, insulating the town, and was granted adjacent land by the corporation as a reward.

    Read the passage

    Peace being thus restored, the inhabitants again resumed their improvements. In- 1505 the streets were paved, and Stephen Lynch Fitz-Dominick, the mayor, founded an hospital, in the high street, for the relief of such of the respectable citizens as might happen to be reduced by sickness or other misfortunes : he then drew a deep fosse round the walls on the east, into which a branch of the river was turned that completely insulated the town; and for these public-spirited works the corporation rewarded him with a grant of a considerable portion of the adjacent land. In 1519 the town wall was extended one hunded and twenty feet westward of Michael's tower; part of the quay was also built at the joint expense of the town and government; and the "young men" entered into a military association, and instituted a company amongst themselves, with the approval and sanction of the corporation.

    During the greater part of the reign of Henry VIII. the town enjoyed undisturbed repose; trade flourished;24 several useful bye-laws were enacted for the well ordering of the corporation, and many were also made to prevent any intercourse with the native Irish. As these bye-laws and regulations generally exhibit a curious and correct picture of the customs and manners of the town, at the successive periods of their enactment, since the year 1484, many of them will be found in another part of this work.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 70

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are on ground that saw major change in 1505. That year the streets were paved, and Mayor Stephen Lynch Fitz-Dominick founded a hospital on the high street, for the relief of such citizens as might be reduced by sickness or other misfortunes. He then drew a deep fosse round the walls on the east, turning a branch of the river into it so that the town was completely insulated. For these public-spirited works the corporation rewarded him with a grant of a considerable portion of the adjacent land. A few years later, in 1519, the town wall was extended 120 feet westward of Michael's tower, and part of the quay was built at the joint expense of the town and government. The young men of Galway also entered into a military association and instituted a company amongst themselves, with the approval of the corporation. Through much of the reign of Henry VIII the town enjoyed undisturbed repose and trade flourished, while the corporation enacted useful bye-laws for its own well-ordering.

15. Ireton demands Galway's surrender, town replies defiantly

    Galway · city · Galway · 1651

    General Ireton wrote to the besieged town of Galway warning that, as the last town holding out, it could expect severe punishment. The town's leaders, led by Mayor Richard Kirwan, replied on 12 November 1651 refusing to be divided from their soldiers and demanding full terms before resolving.

    Read the passage

    you may have it, and to put the state of England, and us their servants, to the charge, hardship and labour of drawing before you to besiege you. when there is noe town but yours to protract the end of the war, you may well expect (since wee have nothing else considerable to do.) that we shall endeavour to the utmost to make you pay dearly for it in the issue, and more than others before you, by how much you alone doe with lesse reason or hopes (and more malignant obstinacy) lengthen out our charge and trouble, ancl make yourselves the single ancl more singular mark of justice. — Yours,

    H. Ireton."

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 106

    As the companion tells it

    Galway was the last town holding out when General Ireton surrounded it in 1651. He wrote to the besieged townspeople warning that, with no other town left to prolong the war, they could expect to pay dearly for their obstinacy. The town's leaders, led by Mayor Richard Kirwan, replied on 12 November 1651, refusing to be parted from their soldiers and demanding full terms before any settlement.

16. James I proclaimed in Galway (1603)

    Galway · city · Galway · 1603

    James I was proclaimed in Galway in April 1603. The Irish, supposing him a Catholic, hoped their ancient religion would no longer be proscribed, and principal cities and towns declared for open confession of faith, but the lord deputy suppressed this rising spirit.

    Read the passage

    James I. was proclaimed here in April, 1603. Upon the accession of this monarch, the Irish, supposing him a Catholic, entertained hopes that their ancient religion would be no longer proscribed, and accordingly the principal cities and towns of the kingdom immediatedly declared for the open and ur controlled confession of faith. The lord deputy made every exertion to suppress this rising spirit, and finally succeeded in putting it down. He issued particular orders to that effect to the magistrates of Galway, which were punctually attended to; and he was soon after informed by the mayor, " that howsoever he found no seditious inclination

    20 Moryson's Hist. Vol. II. p. 186.— In the same communication his lordship states the reasons for erecting these fortifications, and the great advantages which would result from them. " I doubt not," he says, "but these greater works will keep the towns (near which they

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 84

    As the companion tells it

    Galway is the city you are passing through. In April 1603 James I was proclaimed here. The Irish, supposing him a Catholic, hoped their ancient religion would no longer be proscribed, and the principal cities and towns declared for open confession of faith. The lord deputy made every exertion to suppress this rising spirit and finally put it down, issuing particular orders to the magistrates of Galway, which were punctually attended to.

17. McDonough the informer kidnapped at Saunder's-lane, Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1747

    At the end of Saunder's-lane in Galway, McDonough, an informer, was kidnapped by smugglers and conveyed out of the town. This location was identified as one of twenty posts where sentry-boxes of brick and stone were recommended to prevent smuggling breaches.

    Read the passage

    He afterwards recommended that 20 sentry-boxes of brick and stone should be built at the following posts, and stated them to be absolutely necessary for the security of the town, the protection of his majesy's revenues, and the preserva: tion of the walls from breaches, th'rough which smugglers were continually attempting to introduce run goods, viz. at William's gate — Abbey-gate — West-gate — Water-gate — Quay-gate — Custom-house — Quay-parade, at the foot of the stairs ascending the town wall, at Magennis's house where the town is open to the river since the bridge barrack was built — At the end of Saunder's-lane, where McDonough, the informer, was kidnapped by the smugglers, and conveyed out of the town — On the wall, back of Lombard-street barrack — At the powder magazine — On the wall at Lyons tower — On the wall over William's gate — On the bastion that points to .wke — Within the gate of the„bridge Lombard-street barrack — At the powder magazine — On the walls between the ninegun battery — and at the quay', bastion — Total 20. — Also, that a magazine should be erected for lodging the powder of the garrison, but none except the last appears to have been completed. — Orig. MS.

    40. In December. 1747, it was represented to government that the town of Galway was a post of very great consequence, and no garrison in Ireland required more the care and attention of a governor especially in tim« of war ; there

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 145

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are travelling a town that in December 1747 was represented to government as a post of very great consequence, where no garrison in Ireland required more the care and attention of a governor, especially in time of war. The town walls were under constant threat. Smugglers were continually attempting to introduce run goods through breaches in the walls, and a report later recommended that 20 sentry-boxes of brick and stone be built at posts around the town, stated to be absolutely necessary for the security of the town, the protection of his majesty's revenues, and the preservation of the walls from breaches. The posts named included William's gate, Abbey-gate, West-gate, Water-gate, Quay-gate, the Custom-house, Quay-parade, the foot of the stairs ascending the town wall, and Magennis's house where the town is open to the river since the bridge barrack was built. Among them was the end of Saunder's-lane, where McDonough, the informer, was kidnapped by the smugglers and conveyed out of the town. The list went on to the wall back of Lombard-street barrack, the powder magazine, the wall at Lyons tower, the wall over William's gate, the bastion, the gate of the bridge, the walls between the nine gun battery, and the quay bastion. Of all these recommendations, only the magazine for lodging the powder of the garrison appears to have been completed.

18. O'Briens of Tromra as Lords of Arran and protectors of Galway Bay

    near Aran Islands · island or archipelago · Galway · 1588

    The O'Briens of Tromra were the sovereign lords of the Aran Islands in Galway Bay and Tromra in County Clare until the reign of Queen Elizabeth. The corporation of Galway paid them tribute in wine in exchange for their protection of the bay and harbour against pirates and coast plunderers.

    Read the passage

    26 The O'Briens of Tromra, a territory in Thomond, which was part of the ancient patrimonial estate of the O'Briens of Arran (descendants of Bryan Boromhe) were sovereign Lords of the Isles of Arran in the bay of Galway, and of Tromra in the County of Clare, until the reign of Queen Elizabeth ; as appears by an address which the Mayor and Sheriffs of the City of Galway wrote in their favour to that Queen, wherein it is mentioned that the corporation of that city paid them an additional tribute of wine, in consideration of their protection and expenses in guarding the bay and harbour of Galway against pirates and coast plunderers. An authentic copy of that address is possessed by John O'Brien of Clontis, in the county of Limerick, esquire, who is now the worthy district chief of that princely family. — O'Brien Diet.

    It may not be uninteresting to annex a copy of the address here alluded to. It was signed on 30th March, 1588, by John Blake, the mayor, and Walter Martin and Anthony Kirn van , bailiffs, and countersigned by Anthony Dermot, notary, whereby they testify to Queen Elizabeth in favor of Murrough Mac Turlogh O'Brien, then living, that the Mac

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 49

19. O'Brien's wine tribute from Galway merchants

    Galway · city · Galway · 1277

    In 1277, Dermod More O'Brien, who resided at Tromra in Clare, received twelve tuns of wine yearly as tribute from Galway's merchants in exchange for protecting the harbour and trade from pirates and privateers. This arrangement illustrates the dependence of Galway's commerce on local Gaelic lords for maritime security.

    Read the passage

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

    24 In factura unius rogi, al calcem com- 25 The extent .of the commerce of Gal-

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, the trade of this port once relied on a Gaelic lord across the bay. In 1277 Dermod More O'Brien, who lived at Tromra in Clare, took twelve tuns of wine yearly from Galway's merchants. His price was protection of their harbour and shipping against pirates and privateers.

20. O'Flahertys expel O'Briens from Aran, sixteenth century

    near Aran Islands · island or archipelago · Galway · 1500–1587

    In the sixteenth century, the O'Briens were expelled from the islands of Arran by the O'Flaherties of Iar-Connaught. Information of this outrage was sent to Queen Elizabeth, who by letters patent dated 13 January 1587 granted the islands instead of restoring them to the O'Briens.

    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

21. Old natives expelled from Galway corporation

    Galway · city · Galway

    Despite the king's order to reinstate them, the old natives of Galway were excluded from corporate privileges and finally expelled the town. Though some gave security and were permitted to return, they were soon obliged to depart due to clamours and discontent from corporation members.

    Read the passage

    On the Restoration of Charles II. many of the new settlers disappear, and the old natives and former inhabitants return — Letters of the king to the lords justices, to restore them to their freedom and estates — Animosities and disputes between them and the new settlers — An instance of one of these contentions — Prejudice of the lords justices against the old natives — Opposition given to their claims — Excluded from corporate privileges, and finally expelled the town — New rules established — The corporation lands, with the charter and market duties, granted to Mrs. Elizabeth Hamilton — The earl of Essex, lord lieutenant, opposes the grant — His description of the decayed state of the town — Colonel Theodore Russell purchases the charter and market duties, and is elected mayor — The king grants a new charter, containing many ample privileges — Population of the town considerably diminished, and the houses falling to ruin — Many of the old natives give security and are permitted to return to the town — They are soon after obliged to depart, owing to the clamors and discontent of some members of the corporation — Address to the king, on his escape from the Rye-house conspiracy — Accession of James II. to the throne — The Catholic inhabitants return to the town, and made free of the corporation — Catholic clergy established in the town — New charter granted — Troubles begin, and the fortifications of the town repaired — Resolutions to adhere to km§ fames and his government — Protestant inhabitants removed out of the town — Battle of Aughrim — Siege of the town — It surrenders on articles — Treatment of the Roman Catholics — Fortifications built, to secure the conquest of the town and the islands.

    QN the restoration of Charles II. such of the new settlers in Galway as were distinguished for the violence of their principles, or their hatred

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 115

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, this is a town whose old natives were shut out and driven off, even after the king told the authorities to take them back. On the Restoration of Charles the Second, many of the new settlers who had taken hold of Galway disappeared, and the old natives and former inhabitants came home. The king sent letters to the lords justices, ordering them to restore these people to their freedom and their estates. But animosities broke out between the old natives and the new settlers, and the lords justices showed prejudice against the old natives and opposed their claims. The old natives were excluded from corporate privileges, and finally expelled the town. New rules were then established. The corporation lands, with the charter and market duties, were granted to Mrs. Elizabeth Hamilton. The earl of Essex, who was lord lieutenant, opposed the grant and described the decayed state of the town. Colonel Theodore Russell purchased the charter and market duties, and was elected mayor. The king granted a new charter containing many ample privileges, but the population of the town had considerably diminished, and the houses were falling to ruin. Many of the old natives gave security and were permitted to return to the town. They were soon after obliged to depart again, owing to the clamors and discontent of some members of the corporation.

22. Potato scarcity in Galway relieved by American flour

    Galway · city · Galway

    Potatoes were the most valuable vegetable to the Irish poor and were always available in the Galway market, brought from distant parts including Mayo and Clare. During dear seasons the unfeeling monopolizer was sometimes disappointed and the wants of the poor were relieved by seasonable supplies of flour from America.

    Read the passage

    Potatoes, the most valuable of all the vegetable kingdom to the Irish poor, are always to be had in the market in large quantities. They are generally brought in on cars and in baskets, often from distant parts of the country, and are sold by weight, at an average price of from two pence to two pence halfpenny per stone of 16 lbs. A large supply also arrives yearly from the counties of Mayo and Clare, by the lake and the sea. A scarcity of this useful vegetable seldom occurs; but when it does happen, it is attended with the most distressing circumstances. The iniquitous practice of regrating or forestalling is not unknown; but during some dear seasons the unfeeling monopolizer has been disappointed, and the wants of the poor have been relieved by seasonable supplies of flour from America. The improvements, however, daily making in agriculture throughout this part of the country renders scarcities of the kind less likely to occur hereafter.

    6. — Fuel.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 249

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are in a city where potatoes were once the most valuable vegetable to the Irish poor, always sold in the market at around two pence to two pence halfpenny per stone of 16 pounds. They came in on cars and in baskets, often from distant parts, with a large supply arriving yearly from Mayo and Clare by the lake and the sea. A scarcity of this useful vegetable seldom occurred, but when it did, it brought the most distressing circumstances. There was regrating and forestalling, and some dealers tried to monopolize the trade. During dear seasons, though, the monopolizer was sometimes disappointed, and the wants of the poor were relieved by seasonable supplies of flour from America. The book notes that improvements in agriculture were daily making such scarcities less likely to occur hereafter.

23. Protestant prisoners held in Galway, 1689

    Galway · city · Galway · 1689–1690

    In 1689 James Power, high sheriff of County Galway, captured a party of Protestant gentlemen including Sir Thomas Southwell and conveyed them to Galway for security. Contrary to later published accounts, they were comfortably lodged and many were at large on parole until exchanged after the Battle of the Boyne.

    Read the passage

    rative, Lodge, the author of the Peerage of Ireland, without sufficient investigation, introduced into his account of the Southwell peerage — Vol. VI. p. 20 — though he might easily have perceived that it was a statement worked up merely to excite the attention of government towards some of hose individuals, at a time when few would venture to contradict them. The truth however is, that this party was intercepted while passing through the country in a state of open hostility ; and that while they remained prisoners in Galway they experienced the mildest treatment : they were all comfortably lodged and carefully provided for in the town, and many of them were even at large on their parole of honour, until they were exchanged after the battle of the Boyne.

    t

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 127

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, this is the town where Protestant prisoners were held in 1689. James Power, high sheriff of County Galway, intercepted a party of Protestant gentlemen including Sir Thomas Southwell passing through the country and brought them here for security. Later accounts made their treatment sound harsh, but the truth is they were comfortably lodged and carefully provided for. Many were even at large on their parole of honour until they were exchanged after the Battle of the Boyne.

24. Royal College of Galway established at St. Nicholas's Church

    Galway · city · Galway · 1551

    Edward VI's charter of 29 April 1551 transformed the church of St. Nicholas in Galway into a collegiate institution called 'The Royal College of Galway,' with a warden and eight vicars as a body corporate. The mayor, bailiffs, burgesses and commonalty of Galway were empowered to elect and remove the warden and vicars annually.

    Read the passage

    and secure the safety of their religious establishment, by withdrawing their spiritual allegiance from the pope, and transferring it to the king. A petition to his majesty, expressive of this determination, was consequently prepared, but his death intervened before it could be presented. The appearance of affairs on the accession of Edward VI. not having lessened their apprehensions they persevered in their former resolution, and accordingly a memorial to the same effect (and particularly calculated to succeed in its object, by flattering the king's supremacy, and representing the livings as poor and deserted), 13 from the mayor, bailiffs, co-burgesses and commonalty, was presented to the lord deputy St. Leger by Richard Blake Fitz-John, the agent employed on the occasion. 14 The matter was referred by the deputy to the king and council; and, after two years' delay, the royal grant was obtained under the privy seal, and by authority of parliament, dated at Westminster the 29th April, 1551, whereby the king, as supreme head in all affairs of religion, changed the church of St. Nicholas into a collegiate, to be for ever after called " The Royal College of Galway "; and ordained Patrick Blake, merchant, one of the priests there, warden, and Patrick Kerewan, Thomas Frenche, Darby O'Hoysshyne, John Talman, Derby 0'R.owane, John Dermoyte, John O'Brangan and Edward O'Flartie, vicars choral : the college to consist of a warden and eight vicars, who were to be a body corporate, and have perpetual succession, possess a common seal, and enact by-laws for its good government. The mayor, bailiffs, burgesses, and commonalty, and their successors for ever, were empowered to elect a warden yearly, and to remove, deprive and depose him and the vicars, and others in their places to constitute; and to chastise, correct and

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 197

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Galway, this is the city where, in 1551, the church of St. Nicholas was transformed into a collegiate institution called the Royal College of Galway. The story begins with the people of Galway wanting to secure the safety of their religious establishment. They decided to withdraw their spiritual allegiance from the pope and transfer it to the king. A petition expressing this was prepared, but the king died before it could be presented. When Edward VI came to the throne, their apprehensions had not lessened. They persevered in their former resolution. The mayor, bailiffs, co-burgesses and commonalty prepared a memorial to the same effect, calculated to succeed by flattering the king's supremacy and representing the livings as poor and deserted. It was presented to the lord deputy St. Leger by Richard Blake Fitz-John, the agent employed on the occasion. The deputy referred the matter to the king and council. After two years' delay, the royal grant was obtained under the privy seal and by authority of parliament, dated at Westminster the 29th of April, 1551. The king, as supreme head in all affairs of religion, changed the church of St. Nicholas into a collegiate, to be for ever after called, in the words of the source, "The Royal College of Galway." He ordained Patrick Blake, merchant, one of the priests there, warden, and eight vicars choral: Patrick Kerewan, Thomas Frenche, Darby O'Hoysshyne, John Talman, Derby O'R.owane, John Dermoyte, John O'Brangan and Edward O'Flartie. The college consisted of a warden and eight vicars, who were to be a body corporate, with perpetual succession, a common seal, and the power to enact by-laws for its good government. The mayor, bailiffs, burgesses and commonalty, and their successors for ever, were empowered to elect a warden yearly, and to remove, deprive and depose him and the vicars.

25. Strafford's Connaught land title commissions

    Galway · city · Galway · 1635

    In 1635 Lord Strafford issued commissions to inquire by jury what estate the king had to every county in Connaught, aiming to subvert all private titles and show the province was vested in the crown. Leitrim surrendered without trial; Galway and other counties faced proceedings.

    Read the passage

    For the first fifteen years of the reign of Charles I. a time of profound peace in Ireland, there are but few particulars related of the town; but, during the turbulent remainder of the life of that unhappy monarch, it took a leading part in the political transactions of the times, invariably manifesting the greatest zeal, loyalty and affection in his cause. The only occurrence worthy of remark during the former period, in addition to those already detailed, is the celebrated tyrannical proceeding of lord Strafford against the sheriff and jury of the county of Galway. This able but despotic ruler having formed the unjust and impolitic design of subverting the title to every estate in Connaught, by shewing that the province, notwithstanding all prior grants to individuals, was entirely vested in the crown, and still at its disposal, caused separate commissions to issue on the 15th of June, 1635, directed to certain commissioners, who were to inquire, by the oaths of a jury, what estate*, right or title, the king, or any of his progenitors, had to every county in the province. Leitrim having surrendered without trial,

    30 In 1637. the east tower gate was built, and the town cleck erected at the expense of the corporation. On 10th May, 1639. it was ordered in council, "that, at the comonm charge of this corporation, all grants and gifts, under their common seal, of the shops near or at the market thereof, shall be bought ; the same, and all the places of the said market that side, as far as the stonewall there, which extends itself to the way into our parish church of Saint Nicholas, be pulled down,

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 89

    As the companion tells it

    Galway city, and in 1635 the shadow of Lord Strafford fell across it. For the first fifteen years of Charles the First's reign Ireland had been at peace, and little was recorded about the town. But Strafford, described as able but despotic, had formed the design of subverting the title to every estate in Connaught. His plan was to show that the whole province, in spite of all prior grants to individuals, was entirely vested in the crown and still at its disposal. On the 15th of June 1635 he caused separate commissions to issue, directed to certain commissioners. They were to inquire by the oaths of a jury what estate, right, or title the king or any of his progenitors had to every county in the province. Leitrim surrendered without trial. Galway and the other counties faced the proceedings. The book calls it a celebrated tyrannical proceeding against the sheriff and jury of the county of Galway. In the years that followed, the town took a leading part in the political transactions of the times, and the source says it invariably manifested the greatest zeal, loyalty, and affection in the king's cause. In 1637 the east tower gate was built and the town clock erected at the expense of the corporation. On the 10th of May 1639 it was ordered in council that all grants and gifts under the common seal of the shops near the market be bought at the common charge of the corporation, and that those shops and the places of the market be pulled down as far as the stone wall extending to the way into the parish church of Saint Nicholas.

26. Strange ships and fire at Galway, 1161 and 1170

    Galway · city · Galway · 1161–1170

    In 1161 strange ships were sighted in the harbour of Galway Dune, and the following day the town took fire. The Annals of Innisfallen record another conflagration at Galway in 1170, though they are otherwise silent about the town.

    Read the passage

    kingdom; and immediately after the following entry occurs in the annals of the town: 1161, strange ships were seen in the harbour of Galway Dune, and the following day the town took fire. The annals of Innisf alien mention another conflagration, in 1170,13 DUt are otherwise silent as to the town. It may, however, be concluded, that this disaster was speedily remedied; for although the combustible matter of which buildings were then almost universally composed, rendered them more liable to the dreadful catastrophe of fire than structures of a more modern date and form, they were, at the same time, much more easily put togthere or repaired, in

    out meat or drink, until he died by of which are now

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 42

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Galway now. Back in 1161, strange ships were seen in the harbour of Galway Dune, and the very next day the town took fire. Then the Annals of Innisfallen record another great fire here in 1170, though they say nothing else about the place. The buildings then were made of combustible materials that burned easily, but were also quickly repaired and rebuilt.

27. The Tholsel and Exchange of Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1702–1714

    The Tholsel, a lofty edifice supported by marble arches, served as both a mercantile exchange and a judicial hall where judges held assizes and the mayor transacted civil and criminal business. It was rebuilt in its present form at the beginning of Queen Anne's reign and was esteemed highly ornamental to the town, though its projection into a narrow street was deemed inconvenient.

    Read the passage

    The upper part of the present building was appropriated to meetings of a corporate and legal description, and the under part to those of a mercantile nature. During the rigor of the penal laws it is said that no Catholic durst enter here with his hat on, but should remain uncovered, as a mark of subjection to his Protestant townsmen, and there are old people still living who assert that a Catholic clergyman durst not at all enter the exchange. The times have, however, since changed ; and the present members of the corpora-

    tion are amongst the foremost in declaring for the general emancipation of their Catholic fellow-subjects.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 242

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead in Galway stands the Tholsel, the old exchange and court house rebuilt at the start of Queen Anne's reign. It rested on marble arches and held both the merchants' exchange below and the legal and corporate business above, where judges sat and the mayor handled civil and criminal cases. During the penal laws, no Catholic dared enter with his hat on, but had to stay uncovered as a mark of subjection to his Protestant townsfolk, and a Catholic clergyman dared not enter the exchange at all. The building was thought highly ornamental to the town, though its projection into a narrow street was judged inconvenient.

28. Three monastic foundations dissolved in Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1540–1547

    During the latter years of Henry VIII, the three monastic foundations of Galway were dissolved and their possessions seized into the king's hands. The clergy and people of Galway, alarmed at the indiscriminate seizure of ecclesiastical property, determined after long deliberation to yield to the pressure of the times.

    Read the passage

    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,

    11 Christopher Bodekine was consecrated bishop of Kilmaoduach at Marsedles, in France, 4th November^ 1533 or 1534. 13y the favor of Henry VIII. he was translated to the bishoprick of Tuam on the 15th of February, 1536, and, at the same time, held the see of Kilmacduach by dispensation. He died full >f days at Tuam, in 1572, in the thirty-sixth year after his translation, and his body was coiiiyeyed to Galway, and there interred.—Ware.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 196

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, this is where three monastic foundations were dissolved during the latter years of Henry the Eighth, and their possessions seized into the king's hands. The clergy and people of the town grew alarmed at what the source calls the indiscriminate seizure of all ecclesiastical property. After long deliberation they determined to yield to the pressure of the times.

29. Walter de Bermyngham complains of illegal salmon fishing

    Athenry · town · Galway · 1389

    In 1389, Walter de Bermyngham, lord of Athenry, complained that certain Irishry of the lower parts of Connaught had fished his waters for salmon against his will and sold them to merchants of Galway. The sheriff and bailiffs of Galway were commanded to imprison any buyers of such salmon.

    Read the passage

    water of Galvy, in Conact, was granted to Richard Parrys, burgess of Bristowe, for two years, at twenty marks yearly ; and Richard de Burgo, and Henry Blake, of Galvy, burgess, were commanded not to interfere in any manner from thenceforth with the said fishery. — Rot. Pat. 10 Rich. II. — After this it appears that Walter de Bermyngham, lord of Athenry, acquired some interest in this fishery, for in 1389 he made complaint to the lord justice and council "that certain Irishry of the lower parts of Connaught had fished the water of the said Walter in theso parts, where they were accustomed to take salmon against his will, and sell the same to the people and merchants of Galvy, to his great loss." — The sheriff of Connaught, and the bailiffs, provost, and commonalty of the town were accordingly commanded, under a penalty, not to buy any of said salmon for the future_ but to cause proclamation to be publicly made, that none should thenceforth be bought from those Irishry, and to ascertain who should be found to transgress in that respect, and them to imprison until due amends should be made to said Walter in the premises. — Rot Pat. 13 Rich. II.

    During the succeeding century the property of the river was sometimes in the De Burgoes' possession, and at other times it appears vested in the crown. In 1520, William de Burgh granted the fish-

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 234

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in 1389, Walter de Bermyngham, lord of Athenry, made a complaint to the lord justice and council. He said that certain Irishry of the lower parts of Connaught had fished his water in these parts, where they were accustomed to take salmon against his will, and sell the same to the people and merchants of Galway, to his great loss. Walter had acquired some interest in this fishery. Before that, the water of Galway in Connaught had been granted to Richard Parrys, a burgess of Bristol, for two years, at twenty marks yearly. Richard de Burgo and Henry Blake of Galway, a burgess, had been commanded not to interfere in any manner with that fishery. After Walter's complaint, the sheriff of Connaught and the bailiffs, provost, and commonalty of the town were commanded, under a penalty, not to buy any of the said salmon for the future. They were to cause proclamation to be publicly made that none should thenceforth be bought from those Irishry. They were to ascertain who should be found to transgress in that respect, and to imprison them until due amends should be made to Walter.

30. Warden arrested over college debts

    Galway · city · Galway · 1585

    In 1585, Sir Henry Burke, the warden of the college in Galway, was arrested and imprisoned by order of the Archbishop of Tuam for debts owed on small benefices. He petitioned for redress, noting the college was reduced to great poverty and the benefices were in a desert country.

    Read the passage

    nyes ; 40 acres in Owre and 20 in Chockayne. ail in the same country ; a ruinous chapel and 12 acres in Oran, and 6s. 8d. chief rent out of Lispidell, all the temporal possessions ; and the rectory of Ballincourty and Clanrickard, with a moiety of the tythes and other spiritual! profits in Ballinacouirty, Ballinclohy, Owrane and Creganna, belonging to the said rectory (the other moiety thereof belonging to the bishop of Tuam and the vicar that serveth the cure) ; the rectorie of Killcumin, in O'Flahertie's country, with all the tithes (those due to the vicar excepted) ; and the rectories of Oarigin and Lisduch, in the same being part of the spiritual possessions of the said late monastery, for fifty years, at the (rent of £6 lis. 4d. yearly."— Notwithstanding these grants, the affairs of the collegiate clergy continued on the decline. In 1585, Sir Henry Burke, the warden, was arrested by order of the archbishop of Tuam, and detained in prison, " for fifteen marks, due for small benefices. " He petitioned Sir Nicholas Malbie, chief commissioner of Connaught, stating that the benefices were waste, and in a desert country, that the college was reduced to great povertv and praying for redress ; otherwise " that they should be obliged to sell such livings as they then had for their sustenance, and also for the support of many poor children whom thev kept in the college."— Orig. MS.

    21 1585. February 25th, in the inquiry alluded to, page 91, the following particulars occur concerning the church : —

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 200

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, its college once held grants of lands and spiritual possessions across the country. There were forty acres in Owre and twenty in Chockayne, a ruinous chapel and twelve acres in Oran, and a chief rent out of Lispidell. There were rectories too, in Ballincourty and Clanrickard, in Killcumin in O'Flahertie's country, and in Oarigin and Lisduch. These were granted for fifty years at a yearly rent of six pounds thirteen shillings and fourpence. But the affairs of the collegiate clergy continued on the decline. In 1585, Sir Henry Burke, the warden, was arrested by order of the archbishop of Tuam and detained in prison, for fifteen marks due for small benefices. He petitioned Sir Nicholas Malbie, chief commissioner of Connaught, stating that the benefices were waste and in a desert country, and that the college was reduced to great poverty. He prayed for redress. Otherwise, he said, they would be obliged to sell such livings as they then had, for their sustenance, and also for the support of many poor children whom they kept in the college.

31. William de Burgo founds Athassel Abbey

    Relickmurry and Athassel · parish · Tipperary · 1200–1204

    William de Burgo, who had made Limerick the seat of his power and declared himself independent of the English crown, founded the famous abbey of Athassel in County Tipperary in the year 1200. He died in 1204 and was interred there.

    Read the passage

    have recourse to arms for his protection; and joining with Meiler Fitz- Henry, the Justiciary, they marched towards Limerick, where they soon forced that powerful chief to surrender and return to his allegiance. He appears to have remained quiet the remainder of his life. In the year 1200 he founded the famous abbey of Athassel in the county of Tipper ary; and having died in 1204, he was there interred, leaving Richard, Lord of Connaught, his heir and successor. It is observed by our historians, that the foregoing expedition of Cathal and the Justiciary, was the first instance in which an Englishman was ever seen at the head of the native troops of Ireland.

    The death of William Fitz-Andelm did not retrieve the affairs of Cathal, but rather opened upon him more dangerous foes; to avoid whom, he wisely determined to enter into a treaty with king John, and if possible to depend upon him for safety and protection. Accordingly in the year 1206. he surrendered two parts of Connaught, and agreed to pay one hundred marks yearly for the third part, which he was to hold in vassalage ;16 but notwithstanding this treaty, it appears that this proverbially perfidious English monarch, on 12th September, 1215, granted to Richard de Burgo, the entire of Connaught, which was stated to have been held by his father, at the yearly rent of three hundred marks. This grant was confirmed in 1218 by Henry III. who, for the fine of a thousand marks, granted "the whole kingdom of Connaught" to Richard de Burgo and his heirs; but in this concession it was provided that it should not take effect until after the death of Cathal, who still maintained some shadow of rule and dignity, which he preserved until 1223, when he died. Tirlough, his brother, succeeded, but he was soon after expelled by Geoffry de Maurisco, the Justiciary, and Hugh, a son of Cathal, was established; who, soon after endeavouring to render himself independant, was assassinated by order of Geoffry, and Tirlough was once more restored.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 45

32. Dutch colony proposal for Galway

    Galway · city · Galway

    Around 1619, a Dutch colony of forty families proposed to settle in or near Galway, offering a large sum to purchase unfinished works and adjacent ground to build houses and stores. The town's people rejected the offer out of mercantile jealousy, using an artifice about covering the ground with coins on their edges.

    Read the passage

    About this time a company, formed of the principal merchants, for the purpose of providing more spacious and convenient accommodations for the increase of shipping and commerce, commenced several new improvements along the quays and harbour, and by fort-hill and the fosse which surrounded the town wall : but, though they were bound to complete these undertakings within a limited time, the works gradually declined, and were never brought to perfection. It is probable, however, that they were at first suspended in consequence of a destructive fire that broke out in the east suburbs on the 1st of May, 1619, occasioned by a musket shot unin tentionally fired by some young men, amidst diversions usual on that day, which fell on the thatch of a house, and spreading, raged so violently, that it threatened the entire town with destruction. Trad ition informs us that, shortly prior to this period, a Dutch colony, consisting of forty families, induced by the situation of Galway, proposed to emigrate from Holland and settle in or near the town; that they offered the corporation a sum which would be equivalent to 35,0001. at the present day, for the unfinisVed works above alluded to, and the adjacent ground, on which they were to erect,

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 88

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, this is a town that once refused a fortune. Around 1619, a Dutch colony of 40 families, drawn by Galway's situation, proposed to leave Holland and settle in or near the town. They offered the corporation a sum equivalent to 35,000 pounds for unfinished works along the quays and harbour and the adjacent ground, where they meant to build houses and stores. The town's people rejected the offer out of mercantile jealousy, using an artifice about covering the ground with coins stood on their edges.

33. Galway among first settlements and ancient division point of Ireland

    Galway · city · Galway

    The district comprehending Galway and its vicinity was one of the first positions chosen for habitation by original settlers. Galway was frequently made a chief point of division in the most ancient partitions of Ireland, because a line from it to Dublin nearly bisected the kingdom.

    Read the passage

    That the western coast of Ireland was peopled as early as any other part of the Island, appears from all the annuals which purport to record the events of those distant times; and, that the particular district, now comprehending the town of Galway and its vicinity, was one of the first positions which was chosen for the purpose of habitation, by the original settlers, is incontestibly proved from the same sources of information. By them it also appears that Galway, or the place on or near which it is situate, was frequently made a chief point of division in the most ancient and celebrated partitions of Ireland; and for this supposed reason, that, as it lay almost due west of Dublin, a line drawn from one place to the other, would nearly divide the kingdom into two equal parts. The first division of Ireland is attributed to Partholanus, a Scythian, who is stated to have effected a settlement here, some centuries after the flood, and to have divided the kingdom into four equal parts, which he distributed amongst his four sons. Of these, Fearon, the third son, received the -territory extending from a place in Munster, afterwards called the Island of Barymore, to Athcliath na mearuidhe, now Clar ins-bridge, near Galway; and the district from thence to Oileachneid in the north, was assigned to the fourth son Feargna. The second, or Firbolgian partition of Ireland, is stated to have taken place A.M. 2500, when it was divided into five provinces, of which Connaught, (so called, according to Keating, from Con and Oict, the posterity of Con, a druid of the Tuatha de danans, who afterwards inhabited that part of the country,) fell to the share of Geanann, one of their five principal commanders; and extended from Lumneach, afterwards Limerick, including the place where Galway is situate, to Drobhaois, the present bay of Donegal.

    But passing over the disputed portions of our history, the more authentic accounts relate, that Heber and Heremon, the sons of Milesius,

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 35

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead, you are coming into Galway, a city whose district was one of the first positions chosen for habitation by the original settlers of Ireland. The annals that record those distant times show the western coast was peopled as early as any other part of the island. Galway was frequently made a chief point of division in the most ancient partitions of Ireland, for a simple reason: as it lay almost due west of Dublin, a line drawn from one place to the other would nearly divide the kingdom into two equal parts. The first division of Ireland is attributed to Partholanus, a Scythian, who settled here some centuries after the flood and divided the kingdom into four equal parts among his four sons. The third son, Fearon, received territory from a place in Munster later called the Island of Barymore, to Athcliath na mearuidhe, now Clar ins-bridge, near Galway. The fourth son, Feargna, received the district from there to Oileachneid in the north. The second partition, the Firbolgian, is stated to have taken place in the year 2500 AM, when Ireland was divided into five provinces. Connaught fell to the share of Geanann, one of their five principal commanders, and extended from Lumneach, afterwards Limerick, to Drobhaois, the present bay of Donegal, including the place where Galway is situate.

34. Galway warden election schism and Papal decree of 1792

    Galway · city · Galway

    A dispute over the exclusive right of the '13 tribes' to elect the warden and clergy of Galway's collegiate church caused a schism. The majority non-tribes elected their own pastor and appealed to Rome, leaving the town in spiritual anarchy until Pope Pius VI decreed in favour of the ancient lay-patron families on 17 June 1792.

    Read the passage

    under such terms, would accept of it, by admitting them free of the Catholic corporation. A few individuals, who had acceded for the purpose of conciliation, were accordingly admitted; but the proffered boon was indignantly rejected by the remainder, who formed the great majority of the inhabitants of the town. A schism from the newly elected warden was accordingly the consequence. The disappointed party, acting with more precipitancy than judgment, proceeded to the election of a pastor of their own. They finally appealed to Rome, claiming the privilege as a right, and not seeking it as a favour; and, in the meantime the town became a scene of spiritual anarchy and confusion. A counter petition was soon after transmitted, and the question was at length heard before the congregation De propaganda fide, who decided (with a reservation, however, of appeal), in favour of the ancient names and families, or lay-patrons, by a decree, which received the sanction of pope Pius VI. on the 17th June, 1792.11 Warden Joyes was soon after re-elected; and although this de-

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 213

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are in a town that once tore itself apart over who had the right to choose its clergy. The dispute turned on whether the ancient families, the lay-patrons, held an exclusive right to elect the warden of the collegiate church. A few outsiders were admitted for conciliation, but the great majority of the inhabitants rejected the offer and broke away, electing a pastor of their own. They appealed to Rome, claiming the privilege as a right rather than begging it as a favour, and meanwhile the town fell into what the record calls spiritual anarchy and confusion. A counter-petition went to Rome as well, and the Congregation de Propaganda Fide heard the case. They decided in favour of the ancient names and families, by a decree that received the sanction of Pope Pius VI on the 17th of June, 1792. Warden Joyes was soon after re-elected.

35. Surrender of Galway fortifications: Mutton Island fort and Tyrriland castle

    Mutton Island · townland · Galway · 1652

    As part of the articles for the surrender of Galway, hostages were declared and two fortified sites were to be handed over to the Lord President by noon the following day. These were the new castle opposite Tyrriland and the fort on Mutton Island.

    Read the passage

    IX. It is concluded and agreed upon, by and between the said parties, that Sir Valentine Blake, Sir Oliver Ffrench, John Blake, esq. and Dom. Blake, be this day declared as hostages, and the new castle over against Tyrriland, and the forte in Mutton-island, to be surrendered to-morrow, by twelve of the clock, to the lord president, or whom he shall appoint for the performance of the surrender. In witness whereof, the said parties, to these presents have enterchangeably set their hands, the day and year above written.

    Robert Lynch. Valentine Blake. Oliver Ffrench. Thomas Lynch. John Blake. Arthur Lynch. Dominick Blake.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 278

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up near here is Mutton Island, in Galway, where a fort once stood. In 1652, the articles for the surrender of Galway required Sir Valentine Blake, Sir Oliver French, John Blake, and Dominick Blake to be declared hostages that same day. The new castle opposite Tyrriland and the fort on Mutton Island were to be surrendered to the Lord President by noon the following day. Robert Lynch, Valentine Blake, Oliver French, Thomas Lynch, John Blake, Arthur Lynch, and Dominick Blake signed the agreement.

36. Collegiate property smuggled to France for clergy support

    Galway · city · Galway

    During Warden Lynch's tenure, the scattered remnants of Galway's collegiate property were collected and secretly sent to France, converted to money and placed at interest. The income was annually remitted to Galway to support the warden and vicars until the French Revolution.

    Read the passage

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

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 208

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are moving through a town whose Catholic clergy went to extraordinary lengths to keep themselves afloat after 1691. On the surrender of the town that year, the church was handed over to the established clergy by John Bodkin Fitz-Andrew, the Catholic warden, and the several chapels and altars that had just been repaired were immediately broken down. The articles of capitulation promised that Catholics could practise their religion privately and that the clergy would be protected in their persons and goods. The Catholic corporation secretly assembled and divided the town and suburbs into separate districts or parishes, a division that has continued with little alteration since. Warden Bodkin was succeeded by the Reverend Edmund Lynch, and with persecutions raging violently, the scattered remnants of the collegiate property were collected and privately transmitted to France. There they were converted into money and placed at interest, and within a few years the fund grew considerably through donations and bequests. It was applied to the purchase of an income in Paris, annually remitted to Galway and divided among the warden and vicars for their support. The sacred utensils and other church plate, valued at upwards of £500, were also conveyed to France and deposited in the Irish college at Paris, where they remained until the French Revolution, when they were seized and confiscated.

37. English army's earlier march to the Shannon thwarted

    Shannon · town · Clare · 1690

    In the winter preceding the siege of Galway, a party of the English army had marched as far as the Shannon on their way towards Galway to effect a planned surrender. The project failed when the French party gained the entire ascendancy in Galway town in the meantime.

    Read the passage

    siring tnat a party might be sent for him, who should seemingly force him from his habitation; a circumstance which he conceived would lead to a more speedy surrender of the town. It seems that this gentleman, whose distinguished worth and integrity had gained him the confidence and esteem of all parties, had, with the other principal gentlemen of the county, for several months previous to the battle of Aughrim, held a correspondence with the English government, for the submission and general pacification of this part of the kingdom; to effect which, he proposed, amongst other things, the surrender of Galway. He had measures preconcerted with a few of the principal inhabitants of the town for the purpose, who, clearly forseeing that resistance would be useless, had privately authorized the proposal, promising all their assistance to have the town delivered up, and that on stipulatd terms, much more advantageous than those subsequently obtained by capitulation. Matters being so arranged, a party of the English army had, in the preceding winter, marched as far as the Shannon, on their way towards Galway; but the French party having, in the mean time, gained the entire ascendency in the town, the project failed. On the present occasion, however, judge Daly conceived that the apparent forcible seizure of his person would induce those with whom he had formerly negociated, (and by whose assent he had made the undertaking to government,) to excite a party in the town who would insist on a surrender, to prevent the useless effusion of human blood : but in this he was also disappointed, for the French faction still prevailed; and though some of the magistrates and many of the townsmen were for surrendering, several of them were imprisoned for declaring their intentions. The defence of the town was therefore, as already mentioned, determined upon; and Ginckle, encouraged by the information of Shaw, at length resolved to besiege it.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 128

38. Galway bye-law: arms embargo against Irish

    Galway · city · Galway · 1517

    In 1517, Galway corporation prohibited selling munitions, weapons, powder, lead, or bow-making materials to any Irishman on pain of forfeiture and a hundred shillings fine. Fishing ships in the bay of Galway were also required to pay half tithes of their catch to the college.

    Read the passage

    That no person shall give ne sell to no Irish man munition, as hand povins, calivres, poulder, lead nor sail peter, nor yet longe boves, cross boves, cross-bove stringes, nor yoanio to make the same, nor no kind of weapon, on payn to forfayt the same and an hundred shillings.

    That every shippe, that comith a fishing within the bavin of Galwcy, shall pay half tethes to the colladge of all such fish as they shall take within the said bavin yf they take fire, watter and service within the said town or bavin. Also, that every tope man payo 40s. and every small man 20s. and 41b. of gounpoulder to the towne and corporation.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 164

    As the companion tells it

    As the road brings you through Galway, in 1517 the corporation here barred anyone from selling weapons or munitions to any Irishman. Hand guns, powder, lead, long bows, cross bows, bow strings and materials to make them were all forbidden, on pain of forfeiting the goods and a fine of 100 shillings. Fishing ships working the bay of Galway also had to pay half tithes of their catch to the college, if they took fire, water and service from the town or bay.

39. Nuns granted land on Illanalltenagh for monastery (1649)

    Nun's Island · island or archipelago · Galway · 1649

    In 1649, the Franciscan nuns petitioned the Galway corporation for ground in Island'altenagh, west of the town, to erect a monastery. The corporation granted their request, and they built a handsome monastery on that island in Lough Corrib.

    Read the passage

    The principal religious foundations for which Galway had been formerly so celebrated, and for which it is even still distinguished, may be traced to the piety of its ancient inhabitants. In 1511, Walter Lynch Fitz-Thomas (who was mayor of the town in 1504, and again in 1513}, bestowed on his daughter a dwelling-house near St. Nicholas' church, which was afterwards known as "the house of the poor nuns of the third order of St. Francis. "32 Nothing particular occurs concerning this community until 1649, when the nuns presented a memorial to the corporation, praying a grant of as much ground in Island'altenagh, at the west of the town, as would be sufficient for erecting a monastery and other necessary buildings. 33 Their request having been acceded to, they soon after erected a handsome monastery on

    32 In the genealogical account of tho furnish their wants, as in peaceful tymnes Dillon family in Lodge's Peerage of Ire- | they have intended; and that your poor land, it is stated that Ellen and Cecilia, 'petitioners doe suffer much by the ©xorthe eighth and ninth daughters of Theo* bitant rent they pay, and, notwithstandbald, first viscount of that name, and ing their due payment, are to be thrust nuns of the order of St. Clare, had estab- out of their dyelling next May, their lease lished the Franciscan order of nuns in being th en ended ; the premises con - Galway; but for this statement no author- sidered, and taken to your consideration ity whatsoever has been (nor, as is appre- the inconvenience of religious women who liended. could be), given. — Vide Lodge want habitation, the convenience of their Vol. IV., p. 184. residence in this place, the preferment of

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 223

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Nun's Island, in Lough Corrib at the west of the town. The Franciscan nuns had been in Galway since 1511, when Walter Lynch Fitz-Thomas, a former mayor, gave his daughter a house near St. Nicholas' church that became known as the house of the poor nuns of the third order of St. Francis. In 1649 the nuns petitioned the corporation for ground in Island'altenagh to build a monastery and other necessary buildings. The corporation granted their request, and they soon erected a handsome monastery on the island.

40. Relief ship Resolution arrives in Galway Bay

    near Galway Bay · bay · Clare

    Captain Ashley arrived in Galway Bay aboard the Resolution, a ship of thirty guns, bringing cannon, powder, biscuit and other provisions for the fort. Willoughby was with difficulty prevented by the earl from bombarding the town upon receiving this supply.

    Read the passage

    Valentine Blake and Theobald Burke for the county, presented certain propositions, many of which the earl would not at all hearken to. Several meetings were held; but before the terms could be finally adjusted, captain Ashley, in the Resolution, a ship of thirty guns, four hundred tons, and one Hundred and thirty men, arrived in the bay, having on board two pieces of cannon, forty barrels of powder, thirty thousand weight of biscuit and other provisions for the fort. On receiving this seasonable supply, Willoughby, whose enmity was inplacable, was, with difficulty, prevented by the earl from bombarding the town. The inhabitants in dismay sent Geoffry Browne, Richard Martin, esqrs. and others to his lordship, with new, and. as they supposed, more acceptable proposals, but he now refused to listen to anything less than an absolute submission. The terms which he dictated to them were, to dismiss their garrison, send away the army from the camp, and give hostages; lay down their arms, restore all the goods taken from the English, dismount all the ordnance pointed against the fort, and demolish the new bulwarks; to sell or issue out no powder, ammunition or arms, but by warrant from his lordship; to deliver all the powder and ammunition, which were then in the town, into the hands of special commissioners; and. finally, that no powder or arms should be admitted to land in the town, but be brought directly to the fort. These conditions were discussed at a public meeting of the corporation; and, although considerable clamour was raised in the town, and most violent opposition given by the clergy,! all

    1 The following singular manifesto, which was termed an excommunication, was issued hy the warden, and published by all the clergy, on this occasion:

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 94

41. Turf boats from Connemara supply fuel to Galway Ship-quay

    near Connemara · locality · Galway

    Few towns in Ireland were better supplied with fuel than Galway. Boats laden with turf arrived daily at the Ship-quay from Connemara, where turf was cut along the shore and sold to boats from Aran and County Clare at one shilling and one penny per ton, then brought round to Galway where it was worth about a guinea per four-ton boat-load.

    Read the passage

    Few towns in Ireland are better supplied with this necessary article than Galway. Boats laden with turf arrive daily at the Ship-quay from Connamara,6 and an immense quantity is annually brought down the lake to

    5 Mr. Dodd. weigh-master and qualifier shipped from the town last season equalled of butter in this port, has hitherto endea- that of the county of Carlow, which alvoured, but without much success, to pro- ways brings the highest price in the Lonmote this trade. This gentleman men- . don and Spanish markets, tions that the county of Clare produces! 6 This turf is cut along the Connamara abundance of excellent butter, which, shore, and sold on the spot to boats from could be brought across the bay to Gal- Arran and the county of Clare, at one wav with more facility and less expense! shilling and one penny per ton of the than to any other Irish market. He; boat: it is by them brought round to also states that the butter produced in the| Galway, where it is generally worth about county of Gralway, from the favorable I a guinea per four-ton boat-load. — Bog nature of the soil, cannot be exceeded m Reports, flavour and quality ; and that ' what was

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 249

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Connemara, you are travelling through the country that once kept Galway warm. Few towns in Ireland were better supplied with fuel. Boats laden with turf arrived daily at the Ship-quay in Galway from here, carrying what was cut along the Connemara shore. The turf was sold on the spot to boats from Aran and County Clare at one shilling and one penny per ton. Those boats brought it round to Galway, where a four-ton boat-load was worth about a guinea. So the peat cut from this shoreline travelled by water to feed the fires of the town, a steady trade recorded in the bog reports of the time.

42. West Bridge of Galway built 1342

    Galway · city · Galway · 1342–1558

    The West Bridge, also called Iar-Connaught, was built in 1342, over a century after Thomond Bridge at Limerick, and withstood the rapid river current for nearly five hundred years. A gate and tower were erected at the west end in 1558 by Thomas Martin, with a similar gate and tower later raised in the centre, all since demolished.

    Read the passage

    the west bridge, from its antiquity, now claims attention. This bridge, Iar-Connaught, was built in 1342, somewhat more than a century after Thomond-bridge at Limerick; and it has, like that venerable structure, withstood the current of an equally or perhaps more rapid river, for a period of nearly five hundred years. In 1558 a gate and tower were erected at the west end by Thomas Martin. — (Vide p. 89). A similar gate and tower were afterwards raised in the centre, which, with those that joined the town walls, may be seen in the engraving of the map of 1651, but these bulwarks have been all long since entirely demolished. About the beginning of the present century this bridge was thoroughly repaired on the north side, and, in the opinion of the architects, is now sufficiently strong to withstand for another long series of years the impetuous current which incessantly rushes through its arches.

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

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 241

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, the West Bridge, also called Iar-Connaught, was built in 1342, somewhat more than a century after Thomond Bridge at Limerick. Like that venerable structure, it has withstood the current of an equally or perhaps more rapid river for nearly five hundred years. In 1558 a gate and tower were erected at the west end by Thomas Martin. A similar gate and tower were afterwards raised in the centre, and these, with those that joined the town walls, could be seen on the map of 1651, but all these bulwarks have been long since entirely demolished. About the beginning of the nineteenth century the bridge was thoroughly repaired on the north side, and in the opinion of the architects, was sufficiently strong to withstand for another long series of years the impetuous current which incessantly rushes through its arches. On Monday, 29 June 1818, the first stone of a new bridge leading from the county court-house to the gaol was laid by the Hon. William Le Poer Trench, and the building was entirely finished in October 1819. It is a light and handsome structure, combining strength and beauty, and no inconsiderable ornament to the town.

43. 1585 reformation articles denounce Galway's idle youth

    Galway · city · Galway · 1585

    Articles presented on 25 February 1585 complained that young English tailors and their boys in Galway were vagrants using unlawful plays and lascivious expenses by day and night. They also prohibited gorgeous apparel, costly knit stockings, and long riffs for young men, and criticised tradesmen for exacting more than the assize allowed.

    Read the passage

    That the young English tailours and ther boys be varagraunts, the most in the towne usinge all unlawful pleis and lacivious expences bothe by day and night, yea and withall pleinge ye w e whose names partlie will hereafter insue.

    That non be suffered to use any kynde of unlawful games or plays to disceive and make the people ydle, and ahoun to erne ther lyving by good and lawful! means.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 170

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Galway. In February 1585, articles were presented complaining that young English tailors and their boys in the town were vagrants, most using all unlawful plays and lascivious expenses both by day and night. The articles demanded that none be suffered to use any kind of unlawful games or plays to deceive and make the people idle, and to earn their living by good and lawful means.

44. 1651 treaty pledges Galway and Limerick as loan security

    Galway · city · Galway · 1651

    In 1651 the Marquis of Clanricarde entered into a treaty with the Duke of Lorraine to obtain £20,000 for the King's service in Ireland, offering the City of Limerick and town of Galway as security. Commissioners were directed to describe to the Duke the value, strength, situation, and harbour conveniences of both places, prompting the creation of a map of Galway.

    Read the passage

    In the year 1651 the Marquis of Clanricarcle, then Lord Deputy of the kingdom, entered into a treaty with the Duke of Lorrain, to obtain twenty thousand pounds for the King's service in Ireland; for this sum, he agreed to give the City of Limerick and town of Galway as security; and directed his Commissioners, Lord Viscount Taaffe, Sir Nicholas Plunket and Geoffry Browne, Esquire, " particularly to describe unto the Duke, the value of the security, the strength and situation of the places and the goodness and conveniency of the harbours, &C."29 for this purpose, a map of the town was made, which, after the restoration, (when the antient inhabitants were restored, by the Crown, to their freedoms and estates,) was finished blazoned and described by the Rev. Henry Joyce, then warden; and afterwards elegantly engraved, at the expense of the Corporation, and dedicated to King Charles II.

    g« Tiambetfo MS. April, 1657,

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 26

    As the companion tells it

    You're passing through Galway now, a city that was pledged as security in 1651. That year, the Marquis of Clanricarde, then Lord Deputy, entered into a treaty with the Duke of Lorraine to obtain twenty thousand pounds for the King's service in Ireland. For this sum he agreed to give the City of Limerick and the town of Galway as security. He directed his commissioners, Lord Viscount Taaffe, Sir Nicholas Plunket and Geoffry Browne, to describe to the Duke the value of the security, the strength and situation of the places, and the goodness and convenience of the harbours. For this purpose a map of the town was made. After the Restoration, when the ancient inhabitants were restored by the Crown to their freedoms and estates, the map was finished, blazoned and described by the Rev. Henry Joyce, then warden. It was afterwards elegantly engraved at the expense of the Corporation and dedicated to King Charles II.

45. Ashley plunders Sir Richard Blake's house at Ardfry

    Ardfry · townland · Galway

    Captain Ashley of the ship Resolution landed his men and plundered the sea-coast all round the bay, pillaging Sir Richard Blake's house at Ardfry and carrying away his goods, cattle, and those of his tenants, in violation of the pacification terms.

    Read the passage

    Sir Richard Blake, Sir Roebuck Lynch, Patrick D'Arcy, Richard Martin, Patrick Kirwan, the Recorder, and several others of trie most respectable natives and inhabitants of Galway, had incessantly laboured, first to prevent, and afterwards to terminate, the commotions in^ne town. Many of them, being in danger of their lives from the fury of the rabble, were obliged to retire, but had now returned at the request of the earl of Clanricarde, who hoped by these means to preserve peace within the town, while he laboured for the security of the county. All his measures, however, were soon frustrated by the conduct of Willoughby and Ashley, the captain of the ship Resolution, that lay in the harbour. The latter, who, in disposition, much resembled Willoughby, was also extremely covetous, and a violent parliamentarian, and, either out of avarice or from principle, made it a point to violate the pacification. He first seized and pretended to make a prize of Franci* D'Arcy's ship, although she lay under the protection of the fort. He landed his men, and plundered the sea-coast all round the bay. pillaged Sir Richard Blake's house at Ardfry, and carried away his goods and cattle, and those of his tenants. Richard Morris, an old tenant of lord Clanricarde's in Iar-Connaught, coming in a boat to Galway with some goods to discharge his rent, had the entire seized by Ashley's men, and no satisfaction could be obtained for any of these doings. Captain Willoughby's conduct was equally outrageous; his soldiers endeavoured to hinder all recourse to the town, and those who atempted to have access to it were robbed by them. Although the town had punctually performed the articles agreed upon, yet the governor, without any cause, seized upon a large house or inn near the great gate, called the Bull, then kept by some English innkeepers, and in this he placed a garrison which considerably annoyed the inhabitants. He also sent a garrison to Castle-Gare, stationed another near St. Dominick's abbey at the west, and placed disorderly sentinels at every gate, who abused such as offered to go out, attempting to take them prisoners to the fort, and exercise martial law upon them, besides killing and robbing the poor people that came to market, burning their fishing-boats, and not suffering them to go out. When the inhabitants ventured to remonstrate with him on these proceedings, he threatened to discharge his ordnance into the town; and, not satisfied with the usual supplies from the country, he sallied forth in conjunction, with captain Ashley, and with parties of horse and foot indiscriminately burned and broke open houses, carried away

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 95

46. Bishop Teahan's 1794 commission to Galway opposed

    Galway · city · Galway · 1794

    In August 1794, Dr Teahan, Bishop of Kerry, came to Galway to promulgate a Papal commission following the 1792 decree, but the lay-patrons protested against it, calling it 'a fraudulent fabrication of interested persons' and arguing its promulgation would disturb the peace and harmony of the town.

    Read the passage

    In August, 1794, doctor Tealian repaired to Galway for the purposes mentioned in this decree, but the lay-patrons protested against the promulgation of his commission, "1. Because we consider the said commission to be a fraudulent fabrication of interested persons. — 2. Because we aire persuaded th;it its promulgation will disturb that peace and harmony which happily subsists in this town." — Orig. Protest.— This proceeding, however, was afterwards complained of by the non-tribes as an attempt to resist the spiritual authority of the pope.

    Tliu cc n<,'i «g;uon at Home, finding thai no appeal 1 ad been lodged under their decree, pronounced another on 11th May, 1 ':-;,•). to the following effect :— "EEmi panes consueruntremanendum esse in decisis ab hac S. C, etc., partes autem cum jura sua nondum protulerint, praefigendurn esse iidem peremptorium unius anni termidum ab hac die incipiendi a prae. dicta jura deducenda; et interim, per o. !u in provisionis, in Wardianum R. !» Joannem Joyes esse confirmandum, prout cofkmant in munere wardianatus, quo fungitur, ad beneplacitum ejusdem S. Congregation^ ac S. Sedis." — This decrep was afterwards confirmed by the pope ; and having been published on 28th July following by the warden and vicars in the parish chapel, the lay-patrons immediately protested against that part of it which declared that the warden was confirmed during the pleasure of the sacred congregation (the words "holy see" were omitted), and, on 1st August, (re-elected warden Joyes ; but the chapter refused to institute him, assigning as their reason "that the warden having been previously appointed by the holy see at will, they could not institute him, there being no

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 213

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you're in a town where a bitter church dispute came to a head in August 1794. Dr Teahan, Bishop of Kerry, arrived to promulgate a Papal commission following an earlier decree, but the lay-patrons would have none of it. They lodged a formal protest, declaring the commission to be, in their words, a fraudulent fabrication of interested persons. Their second objection was that its promulgation would disturb that peace and harmony which happily subsisted in this town. The non-tribes later complained that this protest was really an attempt to resist the spiritual authority of the pope. The matter did not end there. The congregation at Rome, finding no appeal had been lodged under their decree, pronounced another on the 11th of May, confirming the warden, Reverend John Joyes, in his office at the pleasure of the Sacred Congregation. This decree was confirmed by the pope and published on the 28th of July by the warden and vicars in the parish chapel. The lay-patrons immediately protested that part about the warden serving at Rome's pleasure, and on the 1st of August they re-elected Joyes themselves. But the chapter refused to institute him, saying that since he had already been appointed by the Holy See at will, they could not institute him, there being no vacancy to fill.

47. Castle near the west bridge converted to county gaol

    Galway · city · Galway · 1686

    In 1686, a strong castle near the west bridge in Galway, adjoining the town walls, was selected by the grand jury to serve as the county gaol. The castle originally belonged to the O'Hallorans and later passed to the Anglo-Norman Blake family, who forfeited it in 1641.

    Read the passage

    It appears by a record of the reign of Edward I. that in 1303, there was no public prison in Connaught; 29 but this defect was soon after remedied. On the division of the province into counties in 1585, the gaol of the newly created county of Galway was established in the central town of Loughrea. Here it continued until 1674, when it was reported to be " so old and ruinous," that the judges of assize recommended the grand jury to build a new gaol in the town of Galway, and in the mean time directed that the prisoners should be taken care of. They were accordingly brought to Galway and lodged in the town gaol, which was made use of by the county sheriffs until 1686,30 when a strong castle situate near the west bridge, and adjoining the town walls, 31 was selected by the grand jury to serve as a gaol for the county.

    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."

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 245

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Galway, the road passes near a castle by the west bridge, adjoining the town walls. In 1686, the grand jury selected this strong castle to serve as the county gaol. It had anciently belonged to the O'Halloran sept, and later passed to the Blake family, who forfeited it in 1641. A record from the reign of Edward the First shows that in 1303 there was no public prison in Connaught. When the province was divided into counties in 1585, the gaol for the county of Galway was set up in Loughrea. It stayed there until 1674, when it was reported, in the words of the source, "so old and ruinous." The judges of assize told the grand jury to build a new gaol in Galway, and the prisoners were brought to the town gaol there. County sheriffs used it until 1686, when the castle was chosen. In 1788, Mr. Howard visited the prison and gave an account. He said the county gaol was near the river, with a new court but no pump. The criminals were in two long rooms with dirt floors and no fireplace. Debtors had small rooms upstairs. Felons got a sixpenny loaf of household bread every other day, weighing three pounds twelve ounces, which they often sold for fourpence halfpenny to buy potatoes. The gaoler's salary was 20 pounds. On April 1, 1788, there were 4 debtors and 14 felons.

48. Clanricarde delivers Galway church to Catholic warden

    Galway · city · Galway · 1689–1691

    Lord Clanricarde, the governor, delivered possession of the church to the Catholic warden, who took down the pews and commenced repairs. After the surrender of Galway to General Ginckle in 1691, the church was restored to the established Protestant clergy and has remained in their possession since.

    Read the passage

    stating that the latter "was absolutely in ruin, and that the church was going fast to decay." This petition his majesty referred to the then judges of assize; but they not making any order on the subject, the warden again petitioned the king, stating "that, by the established law of the land, no Protestant minister or church-man had any right to the church or livings; that he was in the possession of the latter for the last two years; and that no divine service was then administered in the former, either by Protestant or Catholic," and praying "that he might be at liberty to make use of it." Before his majesty's answer could arrive, lord Clanricarde, the governor, anticipating that it would be favorable, delivered the possession of the church to the warden, who immediately took down all the pews, and commenced the necessary repairs. He enjoyed it, however, but for a short time; after the surrender of the town to General Ginckle, in 1691, it was again restored to the established clergy, and in their possession it has ever since remained.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 205

    As the companion tells it

    The city of Galway ahead. Between 1689 and 1691, its church changed hands. A Catholic warden petitioned the king, stating the church "was absolutely in ruin, and that the church was going fast to decay." The king referred the petition to the judges of assize, but they made no order. The warden petitioned again, stating that by the established law of the land, no Protestant minister or churchman had any right to the church or livings, that he had been in possession of the livings for the last two years, and that no divine service was administered there by Protestant or Catholic. He prayed to make use of it. Before the king's answer could arrive, Lord Clanricarde, the governor, anticipating it would be favorable, delivered possession of the church to the warden. The warden took down all the pews and commenced repairs. He enjoyed it only for a short time. After the surrender of the town to General Ginckle in 1691, it was again restored to the established clergy, and in their possession it has ever since remained.

49. Council of war in Galway after Aughrim

    Galway · city · Galway · 1691

    After news of the defeat at Aughrim reached Galway, Lord Dillon the governor, French lieutenant general D'Ussone, and senior officers held a council of war. The garrison of seven regiments of foot was undermanned and poorly armed.

    Read the passage

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

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

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 127

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Galway, you are passing through a town that in 1691 could hear the cannon of Aughrim from its own gates. On the 12th of July that year, the armies of the two contending monarchs met on the plains of Aughrim. That very night, the awful news of the defeat reached the town, and several fugitives fled there for shelter. The alarm of the inhabitants was extreme, and every preparation was made for defence. Many, however, were so panic-struck that they would have compromised for their safety by surrendering almost on any terms. Lord Dillon, the governor, the French lieutenant general D'Ussone, and the other officers of rank in the town immediately held a council of war. It appeared that the town, though strong and well stored with provisions, was deficient in men and arms, which had been drawn away by degrees to supply other exigencies. The garrison consisted but of seven regiments of foot with a few troops of horse, and these neither full nor well armed. Their great dependence was on the promises of Balldearg O'Donnell. Among the officers, Alexander Ffrench served as captain of the new tower quarter, nominating William Lynch Fitz-Andrew as his lieutenant and Thomas Ryan as ensign. Dominick Kirwan served as captain of the quay quarter, nominating Francis Lynch Fitz-William as lieutenant and Peter Heyne as ensign. James Lynch Fitz-Dominick was named lieutenant and Francis Kirwan ensign. All of these appointments were approved by the king.

50. Cromwellian governor of Galway and tobacco merchant Deane

    Galway · city · Galway · 1652

    After the surrender of Galway to Cromwell's forces, a Virginia-born colonel was appointed governor. He formed a partnership with a Galway tobacco merchant named Deane, and the business proved mutually profitable, building confidence between them.

    Read the passage

    33 The following anecdote, relating partly to a member of this family, is too remarkable to be passed over. — It was frequently related to many persons still living, by a respectable old gentleman of the name of French, who was born in Galway, in 1701, and lived to a very advanced age. — After the surrender of Galway, to the forces of Cromwell, a distinguished colonel in the army, (who was a native of Virginia, and whose name was conspicuous in the history of the times,) was appointed governor. — At that time, there dwelt in the town, a merchant, whose name was Deane, this man dealt extensively in the tobacco trade, and the circumstance soon attracted the attention and inquiry of the governor, who, having become acquainted with Deane. and with the nature and extent of his traffick, at length proposed to become a partner with him in the business; which, from his own connexions and influence in Virginia, he promised would turn out highly beneficial. The other readily embraced the offer, and the partnership proceeded with mutual advantage, and was attended with considerable profit. Reciprocal benefits begat confidence and friendship ; Deane was frequently invited to the governor's house, where, in the warmth of their private convivial moments, the latter was accustomed to exclaim, in an exulting manner,

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 18

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you're on ground that saw a curious partnership after Cromwell's forces took the town in 1652. A Virginia-born colonel was appointed governor, and he noticed a local merchant named Deane who dealt extensively in tobacco. The governor proposed they go into partnership, promising his own connections in Virginia would make it pay, and Deane readily agreed. The business turned a good profit for both men, and that mutual benefit bred confidence and friendship between them. Deane became a regular guest at the governor's house. An old Galway gentleman named French, born in 1701, used to relate this story to many people in the town.

51. Dispute over appointment to parish of Clare

    Clare · townland · Galway

    A vacancy in the parish of Clare led to a dispute between the Archbishop of Tuam and Walter Lynch, the warden, over conditions for admitting a presented priest. The disagreement escalated to mutual excommunications before being resolved by the bishops of Elphin and Clonfert, the vicar apostolic of Kilmacduagh, Sir Lucas Dillon, and Richard Martin, mayor of Galway.

    Read the passage

    ever since the suppression. "24 About this time a vacancy having occurred in the parish of Clare, the archbishop of Tuam refused to admit a priest presented by Walter Lynch, the warden, except on these conditions: 1st, that the archbishop should approve of him; 2nd, that he should be obedient to the provincial and diocesan synods and statutes; 3rd, that he should give no contradiction to the archbishop's visitation, correction, procuration, etc.; 4th, that he should give under his hand to be obedient to his lordship's sentence touching the controversy between them. These disagreements occasioned violent personal animosities between the contending ecclesiastics, who proceeded to excommunication on both sides. They at length agreed to submit to the fianl determination of the bishops of Elphin and Clonfer", the vicar apostolic of Kilmacduagh, Sir Lucas Dillon, knt., one of the supreme council, and Richard Martin, esq., mayor of the town, who finally succeeded in composing their differences. 25 The warden and vicars soon after obtained a grant from the corporation of three parts in eight of the tithes, both great and small, within the town, to ' recompense them for the profits of their livings, expended since the troubles in repairing the church and college-house, and paying £40 yearly to one of their body for preaching every Sunday in the church.'' — Of their collegiate rights and privileges the clergy and inhabitants were always specially careful, but they were particularly so against any infringement of the see of Tuam. This feeling was forcibly evinced in 1648. when John Burke, the then archbishop, after his dispute with the nuncio (vide page 125), caused the church doors to be broken oper ; he was obliged on the following day to sign a declaration "that, by so doing, he did not intend to interfere with the liberties of Jis »ollege." — The important changes, which soon afterwards took place, gave a respite to these clerical contentions; they were, however, resumed after

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 202

52. East India fleet anchors in Galway Bay, 1794

    near Galway Bay · bay · Clare · 1794

    In 1794 the home-ward bound East India fleet arrived and anchored in Galway Bay, presenting a grand and picturesque appearance that reminded old residents of the former trade and concourse of shipping to the town.

    Read the passage

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

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 157

53. First public Catholic chapel in Middle Street, Galway

    Middle Street · street · Galway · 1725

    Around 1725, the Catholic warden and vicars fitted up a chapel in a warehouse belonging to merchant Anthony Bodkin on Middle Street in Galway. This was the first time Catholic clergy publicly officiated in the town since its surrender.

    Read the passage

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

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

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 209

    As the companion tells it

    Along here on Middle Street, around 1725, the Catholic warden and vicars fitted up a chapel in a warehouse belonging to the merchant Anthony Bodkin. It was the first time they had publicly officiated in Galway since the surrender of the town. Before this, the persecutions against Catholics had continued unabated. Clergy were repeatedly arrested and imprisoned for attempting to perform their duties. They were often obliged to officiate in the dead of the night, and not infrequently had to steal disguised in women's apparel to visit the sick and dying. The severities gradually declined, and this chapel in Bodkin's warehouse marked that shift. The respite did not last. In 1731, a severe penal visitation fell upon the town once more.

54. Galway Bay's rich but neglected fishery

    near Galway Bay · bay · Clare · 1762–1776

    Evidence before the Irish House of Commons in 1762 described Galway Bay as having the best herring and cod fishery in the kingdom, with a cod-bank near Bophin. Despite abundance, the fishery was imperfectly cultivated with about 200 boats employed.

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    21 In 1762 it appeared in evidence before the Irish house of commons that "the fishery in the harbour and bay of Galway is remarkably good, that there is the best herring and cod fishery there in the kingdom, and a cod-bank near Bophin, about a night's do-aft from the shore. The bay of Galway on the outside of the Aran Isles is remarkable for sun-fish, which are there in plenty, and of such value, that if a boat be out for two months and takes one sunfish, the owners think themselves repaid. The fishermen of Galway supply the city of Limerick with sea-fish, and a great part of the inland county. In the fishing season about 200 boats are employed in the bay and harbour, of which about 160 belong to the town, and the rest to the county of Clare side of the harbour." — Com. Jour. Vol. VII. A.D. 1762.

    According to Dr. Young (whose information is generajly correct) there were in 1776 from "200 to 250 boats belonging to the town, 40 or 50 of which were employed in the spring fishery for cod, hake, mackrel, etc. These boats are from 4 to 6 tons, some 9 ; they cost in building £20 a boat, and the nets and tackle about £15. The nets are of hemp tanned with bark ; there are 5 to 6 men to a boat ; they fish by shares dividing into sixty ; they have had this fishing time immemorial. The plenty of fish decreased these 15 years. A middling night's take is 5,000 fish; all they get is sold unto the country, and the demand is so far from being answered that many cargoes are brought in from the north. The fish sell at Is. 4d. to 2s. 2d. a hundred." — The Doctor further adds — " On the coast of Conomarra there is, from the 10th of April to the 10th of May, a fishery of sun-fish which is done by the herring-boats; one fish is reckoned worth £5; 40 or 50 boats employed on this."- — ■ Young's Tour.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 234

55. Galway castle fortified after Norman invasion

    Galway · city · Galway · 1170

    Following the 1170 invasion, the castle of Galway was strongly fortified and the town put into a state of defence. The small community of fishermen and merchants was principally under the protection of the O'Flahertys, who held the castle and surrounding territory as feudal lords from the kings of Connaught.

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

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 45

    As the companion tells it

    As you travel through Galway, you are passing a town whose castle was strongly fortified after the Norman invasion of 1170. The town was put into a state of defence. It then consisted of a small community of fishermen and merchants, and was principally under the protection of the O'Flahertys, who held the castle and surrounding territory as feudal lords from the kings of Connaught. The castle became important to those contending for the sovereignty of Connaught. A governor had deposed Tirlough from the sovereignty and established Fedhlim O'Conor, a son of Cathal, who proved himself the bravest and most politic of Roderic's descendants. Fedhlim resolutely resisted De Burgo's claims on his territory. When De Burgo's great friend the Justiciary of England fell into disgrace, De Burgo was removed from the government, and Fedhlim augmented his power. But apprehensive that he could not long support himself by his own exertions, Fedhlim passed over to England, attended by the Lord Justice, and laid a long detail of his grievances against De Burgo before the monarch. Henry received his royal visitor in a manner worthy of his rank, and commanded the Lord Justice and nobility of Ireland to afford him every assistance and use all their efforts to establish him in his territory. Upon Fedhlim's return from England, Hugh O'Flaherty, chief of his name, declared in his favour, and in 1230 fortified himself in the castle of Galway. He was besieged on the east side of the river by Richard de Burgo, but being effectually relieved from the west by Hugh O'Conor, De Burgo, after several ineffectual endeavours to take the castle, was obliged to raise the siege.

56. Galway charter school described as unhealthy, 1788

    Galway · city · Galway · 1788

    Mr. Howard inspected the Galway charter school in 1788 and found twenty-two boys, one described as an idiot, generally unhealthy, possibly recovering from measles. The allowance for soap, candles and turf was only £14 a year with no other restoratives.

    Read the passage

    On 24th October, 1 747, an acre of ground at the east end of the green was granted by the corporation "to the Society for promoting English Protestant Schools in Ireland, for the purpose of erecting a charter school thereon, reserving the residue thereof for holding the fairs as usual;" and it was provided "that in case the Society should not build and endow the school within three years, the same should revert to the corporation." Some delay having taken place in erecting the school, it was ordered in council, on 28th December, 1749, that, in lieu of the ground, £5 a year should be given towards the support of the new-intended school. A handsome building was soon after erected in the west suburbs : but an institution of the kind was never destined to flourish in this part of the kingdom; it fulfilled none of the purposes for which it had been intended. On 1st April, 1788, Mr. Howard described the Galway charter-school as follows : — "Twenty-two boys, one an idiot : all had shoes and stockings; but in general they did not look healthy, which might be owing to their late recovery from the measles. Allowance for soap, candles and turf, only £14 a year. No

    other restoratives. From this short out- fort. That we view with great pleasure

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 246

    As the companion tells it

    As the road carries you through Galway, this was a town where a charter school was built but never flourished. The corporation granted an acre at the east end of the green to the Society for promoting English Protestant Schools in Ireland, reserving the rest for holding fairs as usual. If the Society did not build and endow the school within three years, the land would revert to the corporation. There was delay. On 28 December 1749, it was ordered in council that, in lieu of the ground, £5 a year should be given towards the support of the new-intended school. A handsome building went up soon after in the west suburbs, but the institution fulfilled none of the purposes for which it had been intended. On 1 April 1788, Mr. Howard described the Galway charter-school. Twenty-two boys, one an idiot. All had shoes and stockings, but in general they did not look healthy, which might be owing to their late recovery from the measles. Allowance for soap, candles and turf was only £14 a year. No other restoratives.

57. Galway citizens assent to qualified surrender terms

    Galway · city · Galway · 1652

    A group of Galway citizens, having been included in the capitulation for the town's surrender, formally signified their assent to the qualified and limited articles as amended by the parliamentary commissioners in Dublin on 11 April 1652.

    Read the passage

    Wee, whose names are hereunder written, being comprehended in the capitulations for the surrender of Gallway, doe hereby signify our assent unto, and approve of the qualifications and limitations made by the commissioners of the parliament of the commonwealth of England to the articles for surrender of Gallway, concluded upon the said capitulation, as the said qualifications and limitations are presented unto us by the annexed paper, bearing date at Dublin, the 11th day of April, 1652. And wee doe hereby signifie our acceptation of the said articles and conditions therein contained, as the same are qualified and limitted in the said annexed paper. In witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names.

    The following only signed.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 279

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, this is the city that surrendered to the parliament of the commonwealth of England in 1652. A group of citizens, having been included in the capitulations for the town's surrender, formally signified their assent to the amended articles. The qualifications and limitations were made by commissioners of parliament and presented in a paper bearing date at Dublin, 11 April 1652. The citizens declared their acceptation of the articles and conditions as qualified in that annexed paper, and subscribed their names in witness.

58. Galway citizens protest breakdown of justice (1600)

    Galway · city · Galway · 1600

    In August 1600, an assembly of Galway citizens complained that the corporation suffered daily losses for want of justice in the province, blaming obstinate country gentlemen and the mayor's practice of granting protection to wrongdoers who came into the town.

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    The disorderly state of the province, and the vice and licentiousness of the people, about this time, were most lamentable. In the year 1600, they were described in the following forcible terms in an assembly of the citizens of Galway, which was convened for the purpose of counteracting the effects of those evils' "August 1. This day informacon being made and moved in open courte, by certain of the brethern, of the ymminent loss generally all the corporation doe daily sustain for want of the administration of justice in the counties and shires of the province abroad, by means of the obstinacie, wilful disobedience, lyinge and deceit of the country gentlemen and inhabitants, that by no means there can no remedy be had against them for the recovery of anie debt due, muche less of any roberies or spoiles; neverthelesse, upon the repair of them to this town of Galway, are so dayly supported and upholden by the mayor and his associats, that noe justice can be ministered upon them; the mayor ordinarily granting to every of them, so comeing, his worde and protection to retourne safe without any molestation; the country inhabitants, voide of all charitie, litle regardinge their duty to God, thereby making against the goods of the poor merchants. In order to remedy these disorders, it was resolved that no such protection as that complained of should thenceforth be granted by the mayor, or any other authority, to any of the inhabitants of the country.

    At length arrived at the close of the sixteenth century, the reader now

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 83

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are in a city where, in August 1600, the citizens gathered in open court to protest the breakdown of justice across the province. The disorder and licentiousness of the people at this time were described as most lamentable. The citizens reported that the corporation suffered daily losses for want of the administration of justice in the counties and shires abroad. They blamed the obstinacy, wilful disobedience, lying and deceit of the country gentlemen and inhabitants, saying that by no means could any remedy be had against them for the recovery of any debt due, much less of any robberies or spoils. Yet when those same country people came into the town of Galway, they were daily supported and upheld by the mayor and his associates, so that no justice could be ministered upon them. The mayor ordinarily granted every one of them his word and protection to return safe without any molestation. The country inhabitants were described as void of all charity, little regarding their duty to God, thereby making against the goods of the poor merchants. To remedy these disorders, it was resolved that no such protection as that complained of should thenceforth be granted by the mayor, or any other authority, to any of the inhabitants of the country.

59. Galway inhabitants vote address favouring legislative union

    Galway · city · Galway · 1799

    In February 1799, the inhabitants of Galway voted an address supporting the legislative union between Ireland and Britain, arguing that a Protestant parliament and Catholic people produced religious dissension and civil discord. The earl of Clanricarde and the archbishop of Tuam were among the earliest and most successful advocates for the measure in County Galway.

    Read the passage

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

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 158

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, this is a city that in February 1799 voted an address supporting the legislative union between Ireland and Britain. The inhabitants argued that a Protestant parliament and a Catholic people produced religious dissension and civil discord, and that two legislatures in one empire produced legal prejudice and commercial rivalry. They held that the settlement of 1782, which gave the Irish parliament the right of independent legislation, was equally unsafe to exercise and not to exercise. To exercise it would endanger the unanimity of the empire, while declining to exercise it brought the Irish parliament the imputation of submission to the British legislature. That imputation, they said, begot contempt, that contempt discontent, and that discontent rebellion. For this radical defect they saw but one remedy, and that remedy was union. The promises made by Mr. Pitt and Lord Cornwallis to the Catholics of Ireland had secured many of the inhabitants in favour of the measure. The earl of Clanricarde and the archbishop of Tuam were among the earliest and most successful advocates for the union in the county of Galway. Yet Galway was, notwithstanding, the first part of Ireland to be proclaimed in a state of disturbance. Several persons openly asserted that the measure was unnecessary and that it was resorted to only to carry the question of union by military coercion. The people of Galway were disappointed in their reliance on ministerial promises, and were the question to be agitated again, many of them would think and act in a very different manner.

60. Galway mayor's demesne lands at Rinmore seized

    Rinmore · townland · Galway

    The mayor's demesne lands at Rinmore in the franchises of Galway were disposed of by the commissioners to the use of the garrison horse without paying any rent, depriving him of his chief subsistence contrary to the articles of surrender.

    Read the passage

    ' ' The said mayor doth further offer unto your honors, that his demesne lands in Rinmore, in the franchises of Gallway, were disposed of by the commissioners to the use of the horse of the garrison without answering any rent therefore, this yeare and a halfe back, being his chief subsistence, contrary to their articles, wherein hee desires your honors relief.

    " That petitioners being an ancient colonie of English, planted in this nook of the country, have been, by the crown of England, endowed with charters, grants and imunities, as also with the chartercustom of the said towne held by the said corporation without interruption, time beyond the memory of man, and to them expressly secured by their articles made upon the surrender of the said towne, yet the commissioners permit them not to enjoy samej they therefore pray your honors order for the quiet enjoyment thereof without molestation." — Council Book.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 110

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, at Rinmore in the franchises of Galway, the mayor's demesne lands were seized by the commissioners and given over to the use of the garrison horse, with no rent paid. This was his chief subsistence, taken from him for a year and a half back. He petitioned for relief, calling it a breach of the articles made upon the surrender of the town. The petitioners described themselves as an ancient colony of English planted in this nook of the country, endowed by the crown with charters, grants, and immunities held without interruption beyond the memory of man. Yet the commissioners, they said, would not permit them to enjoy these rights. They prayed for an order for quiet enjoyment without molestation. The record comes from the Council Book.