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

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

1. Galway officials fined for parliamentary non-compliance

   Galway · city · Galway · 1435–1450

   Between the 1430s and 1450, Galway's chief magistrate, constable, sovereign and provost were repeatedly fined for failing to attend parliament and for not returning the king's writs. Fines included 100s for non-attendance at council, £10 for not returning a writ to the Dublin parliament, and £40 for not returning a writ to the Drogheda parliament of 1450.

   Read the passage

   8th year of the king's reign, they neither attended by themselves nor by proxy, nor returned the king's writ to them at that time directed. The same roll contains an entry of another fine of £10 against them, because they did not return the king's writ to the parliament held at Dublin, on Friday next after the feast of the Holy Trinity, in the 9th year of the king; and in another record (Rot. Pat. 28 Hen. VI.) the sovereign and provost of the town are fined £40 for not returning the king's writ to them, directed to the Parliament, held at Drogheda on Tuesday next after the feast of St. Mark, 1450. — Of the names of the members comprising the several parliaments of Ireland before the year 1559 there is no account extant; but, from that period to the present, the following is a correct list of the successive representatives of the town of Galway :

   1559. Jonoke Lynce, of Galway. Peter Lynce, of same.

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 190

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Galway, this is a town whose officials once refused to answer to parliament. In the 8th year of the king's reign, they neither attended by themselves nor by proxy, nor returned the king's writ directed to them. The same roll records another fine of £10 against them, because they did not return the king's writ to the parliament held at Dublin, on Friday next after the feast of the Holy Trinity, in the 9th year of the king. A later record shows the sovereign and provost of the town fined £40 for not returning the king's writ directed to them for the Parliament held at Drogheda on Tuesday next after the feast of St. Mark, 1450. Of the names of the members comprising the several parliaments of Ireland before the year 1559 there is no account extant. From that period onward, the representatives of the town of Galway are recorded, beginning in 1559 with Jonoke Lynce and Peter Lynce, both of Galway.

2. Galway's commercial prosperity and subsequent decline

   Galway · city · Galway

   Galway was regarded as the most distinguished town in Ireland for wealth and trade, built on centuries of well-regulated commerce and the enterprising spirit of its inhabitants. The surrounding country remained immersed in poverty while the town prospered through distant trade with France, Spain and England.

   Read the passage

   Before entering into a detail of the momentous transactions which immediately follow, it may not be uninteresting to the reader to dwell a little on the state of the town at this period. By the preceding facts, gleaned, with much labor, from the generally imperfect materials which, at this distance, have been spared by the hand of time, it appears that the town of Galway was esteemed the most distinguished of any in the kingdom for wealth and trade, and that it ranked amongst the most considerable for strength and population. The causes which gradually led to the extraordinary change, from its original state of comparative insignificance, appear to have been its well regulated and increasing commerce for the three preceding centuries; its advantageouo situation; but, above all, the enterprizing spirit and tried integrity of its inhabitants, which appeared on many occasions, and which are satisfactorily testified by various records. The extent of its commerce, and that at very remote periods of time, has been proved by indubitable authority; and its excellent situation needs only inspection to be convinced of the advantages which must have been derived from it. The town, though early incorporated and governed principally by its merchants, was surrounded by a poor country, and persecuted natives, (with whom "the settlers," as they were called, were in a continual state of hostility,) and could consequently derive but few materials for export, or means of industry, from its local situation. The inhabitants, therefore, were obliged to have recourse to distant parts of the kingdom: and by bcoming, in fact, the home-importers of the produce of France. Spain and England, and by exchanging the commodities of one country for those of another, the town gradually arrived to its present state of prosperity, while the country in its neighbourhood was immersed in poverty, wretchedness and vice. This opulence, however, was now at its height; henceforth it continued to decline, and gradually sunk almost to nothing, in v/hich condition it continues at the present day. The reader will not be here detained by an investigation of the causes of this decay; it will be reserved for another place, in order to proceed without further interruption to the following chapter.

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 92

   As the companion tells it

   The road is bringing you through Galway, a city that was once the most distinguished town in the kingdom for wealth and trade. At its height, Galway ranked among the most considerable towns for strength and population, and its prosperity was built over the three preceding centuries of well-regulated and increasing commerce, an advantageous situation, and above all the enterprising spirit and tried integrity of its inhabitants, which appeared on many occasions and are testified by various records. The extent of its commerce at very remote periods has been proved by indubitable authority, and its excellent situation needs only inspection to be convinced of the advantages derived from it. The town was early incorporated and governed principally by its merchants, but it stood surrounded by a poor country and persecuted natives, with whom the settlers, as they were called, were in a continual state of hostility. It could consequently derive but few materials for export or means of industry from its local situation. The inhabitants were therefore obliged to have recourse to distant parts of the kingdom, and by becoming the home-importers of the produce of France, Spain and England, and by exchanging the commodities of one country for those of another, the town gradually arrived at its prosperity, while the country in its neighbourhood was immersed in poverty, wretchedness and vice. This opulence, however, was now at its height. Henceforth it continued to decline, and gradually sunk almost to nothing, in which condition it continues at the present day.

3. Galway steeple to be raised and bells recast

   Galway · city · Galway · 1683

   In 1683 the corporation ordered that the cost of recasting the old bells, adding two new bells, and raising the steeple of Galway town be defrayed from public corporation revenue. Council members were also fined for leaving meetings without the mayor's permission.

   Read the passage

   That any of the council who shall depart without taking leave from Mr. Mayor shall forfeit a cobb. Also that the charge of new casting the old bells and two new bells, and raising the steeple of this town, be defrayed out of the public revenue of thfc corporation.

   c c

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 180

   As the companion tells it

   Galway, in 1683, the corporation ordered that the old bells be recast and two new bells added, and the town steeple raised, all paid for from public corporation revenue. That same year, council members were fined a cobb for leaving meetings without the mayor's permission.

4. Galway town wall building restrictions

   Galway · city · Galway · 1521

   A 1521 Galway by-law prohibited building straw or thatch houses within fourteen feet of the town walls for fear of fire, requiring slate roofs instead. Specific structures mentioned include the great gate, the new tower, the little gates, and the stone houses of Martin Lynch, John Lynch, and John Cayre.

   Read the passage

   That no man shall build, make, or repayre any strawe or tache house for feare of fyre, no nigher the towno walles then fourteen feet unless they be covered with sklatts, and that to be the heads of the stretts, as to say, the both sids of the great gato and bo'.h skis of tho new towre and both skis of the littell gates, except both the great stone housses, as Martin and John Lynch is housses and also as John Cayre ys huusse to bo excepted, vf they cover the same with sklatts.

   1522.

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 165

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Galway, the town walls here carry an old fire precaution. In 1521 a by-law forbade anyone from building or repairing a straw or thatch house within fourteen feet of the walls unless it was covered with slate. The rule named the heads of the streets, both sides of the great gate, the new tower, and the little gates. The great stone houses of Martin Lynch, John Lynch, and John Cayre were exempted, provided they too were roofed with slate.

5. Galway town walls repaired and south quay gate built

   Galway · city · Galway · 1537–1538

   Following a recommendation by Finglas, chief baron of the Exchequer, Galway was put into a state of defence. The south quay, or new-tower gate, was built, the walls were repaired and provided with guns. Lord Grey brought the artillery by vessel and made the town pay £34 for carriage, which later became an article of impeachment against him.

   Read the passage

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

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 72

   As the companion tells it

   Up ahead, the road brings you through Galway, where the town walls were repaired and a new gate built in 1537 and 1538. Leonard, Lord Grey, the lord deputy of Ireland, departed Dublin on the 17th of June 1537 with an army, under instructions from the king to oblige the Irish, by indenture, to acknowledge his supremacy and renounce the Pope. He arrived in Galway on the 11th of July. The corporation treated him and his soldiers gratis for seven days. The mayor and aldermen, following the example of Limerick, took the oath of supremacy and renounced the authority of the Pope. While his lordship remained in town, O'Flaherty, O'Madden and Mac Yeoris, or Bermingham, came in and made their submissions. But when the king received an account of what had taken place, he wrote to the lord deputy that their oaths, submissions and indentures were not worth a farthing, since they did not give hostages. About the same time, Finglas, chief baron of the Exchequer, recommended that half the fee-farm of Galway should be paid to the lord deputy for the time being, and the other half applied for repairing the walls and providing for its security. The town was accordingly put into a state of defence. The south quay, or new-tower gate, was built, and the walls were repaired and provided with guns. Having brought the artillery in a small vessel to Galway, Lord Grey made the town pay 34 pounds for the carriage. That circumstance gave rise to one of the articles of impeachment against him.

6. Great fire devastates Galway, 1473

   Galway · city · Galway · 1473

   On Friday, 2 June 1473, a terrible conflagration recorded in the Annals of Connaught and the Four Masters nearly destroyed Galway and caused incalculable damage to the inhabitants. The industrious and opulent community quickly repaired the damage and materially improved the town, which soon ranked among the most considerable places in the kingdom.

   Read the passage

   The annals of Connaught, and those of the four masters, record a terrible conflagration which took place in Galway, on Friday, the 2d day of June, 1473; by which the town was nearly destroyed, and incalculable damage sustained by the inhabitants. , This heavy misfortune was, however, soon overcome by the exertions of an industrious and already opulent community. During the long reign of Henry VI. and that of his successor, Edw. IV. several families settled in the town, among whom those of Deane, Fjont, Ffrench, Morris, Butler, Fallon, Nolan, Port, Come or Quin, and Fully, are particularly noticed. At the period to which our narrative is now arrived, it was esteemed one of the most populous towns in Ireland : trade kept pace with the increase of population, and a spirit of industry pervaded the minds of the people; but their energies were now more particularly called forth, by the melancholy accident which had just taken place, and the damages occasioned by the fire were not only quickly repaired, but the town itself was materially improved, and soon after took its rank amongst the most considerable places in the kingdom. The relation of its affairs having been thus far continued through periods of which almost every local record and monument has been long and irrecoverably iost, an era now approaches, from which the memory of its transactions was better preserved; and, consequently, the future helps, for the elucidation of its history, will be found much more abundant and satisfactory, as in the following chapter.

   17 Rot. Pat. 4 Edw. IV. p. 11. m. 29. Tur. Lnnd.

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 60

   As the companion tells it

   As you travel through Galway, the city holds a story of fire and recovery. On Friday, 2 June 1473, a terrible conflagration recorded in the Annals of Connaught and the Four Masters nearly destroyed the town and caused incalculable damage to the inhabitants. The community was industrious and already opulent, and they quickly repaired the damage, even materially improving the town. During the reigns of Henry VI and Edward IV, families such as the Deane, Ffrench, Morris, Butler, Fallon, Nolan, and Quin had settled there, and Galway was esteemed one of the most populous towns in Ireland, with trade keeping pace with its growing population. After the fire, the town soon took its rank among the most considerable places in the kingdom.

7. Henry VIII grants Lynch family nets and mill on Galway river

   Galway · city · Galway · 1521

   In 1521, Henry VIII granted licence to Jenet Lynch and Anthony Lynch to have three nets on the river of Galway between the bridge and the sea, and to build a water-mill and public oven. One net was near a great rock called Carrig-a-phreaghane, later covered over when the pier-head was built.

   Read the passage

   ary to the Franciscan friars. — King 312. —On the 13th Nov., 1521, Henry VIII. granted licence to Jenet Lynch, widow, and Anthony Lynch, merchant, to have three nets upon the river of Gal way, between the bridge and the sea, one near the great rock (this rock was aftewards called Carrig-a-phreaghane, or the Crow'srock, and was covered over when the pierhead was built) ; another near Panrise and the third near Porter's-place, to take salmon and other fish as was customary, and to build one water-mill upon the said water wherever they should think proper ; and also to build a public oven in the said town, to bake bread as well for strangers as for the inhabitants, to hold during the king's pleasure, at the yearly rent of 10s — Fiant 25 Hen. VIII.— They afterwards petitioned the king, stating that they had, at great labour and expense, made up the said three nets, and erected the watermill and public oven ; whereupon by a further grant, in the 24th year of his reign, the entire was granted to them and their heirs, by the service of 13s. 4d. yearly. Henceforth the Lynch family gradually acquired the principal part of the fishings of the river which continued in their possession for a considerable period. — Others of the inhabitants, however, sometimes obtaittied similar grants. On Oct. 2, 1532, licence was granted to Richard Martin "to have three places upon the river, between the bridge and the sea, for three nets to take salmon and other fish, at 6s. _8d. yearly. Thomas Martin had a similar licence to have five places for six nets. — In 1536, Marcus Lynch Fitz-Stephen had a similar licence; and on the 26th Sept., 1538, Roger Challoner, one of the ushers ol the king's chamber, had a grant of the water-mill,, called Martyn's mill, and the fishings of the river (except the three places demised to Thomas Martyn) escheated to the crown, for forty years, at 20s. yearly.— Rot. Pat. 30 Hen. VIII.

   The resident families of Lynch and D'Arcy afterwards became possessed of the fishery, which they enjoyed until 1652. By an adjudication of Cromwell's commis-

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 234

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Galway, the river you cross was once the centre of a fishing trade granted by royal licence. On the 13th of November 1521, Henry VIII gave Jenet Lynch, a widow, and Anthony Lynch, a merchant, permission to set three nets on the river between the bridge and the sea. One net was placed near a great rock called Carrig-a-phreaghane, the Crow's rock, which was later covered over when the pier-head was built. The other two went near Panrise and near Porter's-place, to take salmon and other fish as was customary. The same licence allowed them to build one water-mill on the river wherever they thought proper, and a public oven in the town to bake bread for strangers and inhabitants alike, at a yearly rent of 10 shillings. They afterwards petitioned the king, saying they had gone to great labour and expense making the nets and erecting the mill and oven. In the 24th year of Henry's reign, the whole was granted to them and their heirs for 13 shillings and 4 pence yearly. The Lynch family gradually acquired the principal part of the fishings on the river, which stayed in their hands for a considerable period. Other townspeople sometimes obtained similar grants. In 1532 Richard Martin was licensed for three nets at 6 shillings and 8 pence a year. Thomas Martin had a licence for six nets in five places. In 1536 Marcus Lynch Fitz-Stephen had one too, and in 1538 Roger Challoner, an usher of the king's chamber, was granted the water-mill and the fishings for forty years. The resident families of Lynch and D'Arcy held the fishery until 1652.

8. Inscription over Galway's west gate against the O'Flaherties

   Galway · city · Galway

   A singular inscription formerly visible over the west gate of Galway read 'From the ferocious O'Flaherties, Good Lord deliver us,' reflecting the town's defensive posture toward the neighbouring native Irish sept.

   Read the passage

   14 In their proper places, throughout this work, will be found several curious rules and bye laws of the old corporation, prohibiting all intercourse with the native Irish. In 1518, they ordered that none of the inhabitants should admit any_ of the Burkes. M 'Williams, Kellys or any other sept into their houses. "That neither 0, ne Mae, shoulde strutte ne swagger, throughe the streetes of Gallway ;" and the following singular inscription, was formerly to be seen over the west gate ; "From the ferocious O'Flaherties "Good Lord deliver us."

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 24

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Galway, you are in a town that once kept its gates barred against its own neighbours. In 1518 the corporation ordered that no inhabitant should admit any of the Burkes, McWilliams, Kellys, or any other sept into their houses. Over the west gate there was an inscription that read, "From the ferocious O'Flaherties, Good Lord deliver us." The old records put it plainly: neither O' nor Mac should strut or swagger through the streets of Galway.

9. Ireton's threatening letter from Clarecastle

   near Clarecastle · population centre · Clare · 1651

   General Henry Ireton wrote to Thomas Preston from Clarecastle on 7 November 1651, threatening that if his summons was suppressed, someone's head would pay for the resulting trouble when the parliamentary forces reached Galway.

   Read the passage

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

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 106

10. Irish Forces Land on Aran Islands

    near Aran Islands · island or archipelago · Galway · 1650–1651

    In December 1650, routed Irish forces landed 700 men on the Aran Islands using boats from Iar-Connacht and Inishbofin. They were subsequently attacked by parliamentary forces shipped from Galway Bay in January 1651.

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

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 259

11. Jacobite Robert Martin of Dangan could raise 800 men near Galway

    near Dangan · street · Galway

    A Jacobite who escaped from battle was seen in the neighbourhood of Galway at the house of his kinsman Robert Martin of Dangan. It was stated that Martin could bring at least eight hundred men to the gates of the town within twenty-four hours, men described as absolutely devoted to him.

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    Jacobite, he escaped from that battle, was also seen in the neighbourhood, and at the house of his kinsman, Robert Martin, of Dangan, who, it was stated, 1 'could 4 in twenty-four hours bring at least eight hundred men to the gates of the town, as absolutely devoted to him as the Camerons to Lochiel."— Orig. MS.

    3. In the year 1762, it was stated in the house of commons, on the part of the corporation, that Galway was mostly inhabited by Papists, and that the population of the town and liberties amounted to fourteen thousand souls, of which scarcely three hundred and fifty were Protestants.— Com. Jour. Vol. VIII.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 148

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Dangan, near Galway, a Jacobite who had escaped from battle was seen at the house of his kinsman Robert Martin of Dangan. It was stated that Martin could, in 24 hours, bring at least 800 men to the gates of the town, men described as "absolutely devoted to him" as the Camerons were to Lochiel.

12. John Lynch left Galway on surrender to parliament army

    Galway · city · Galway · 1652

    On the surrender of Galway to the parliament army in 1652, John Lynch, archdeacon of Tuam, went to France where he published several learned works defending Ireland against its detractors.

    Read the passage

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

    3. RODERICK 0' FLAHERTY. This learned Irish antiquary was born about the year 1630, at Park, near Galway, part of the ancient inheritance of

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 255

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are in a city that surrendered to the parliament army in 1652. On that surrender, John Lynch, who had become archdeacon of Tuam, left for France. He had been active in Galway before that. He approved the violent measures of the warden, Walter Lynch. In 1647, he opposed the nuncio Rinuncini, who was then in the city. In France, Lynch published several learned works under feigned names. Under the name Eudoxius Alithinologus, he brought out the Alithinologia, a response to an invective full of lies and calumnies against Irish bishops and nobles, exhibited to the Congregation de Propaganda Fide in 1659 and published in 1664. He followed it with a supplement in 1667. But the work by which he principally acquired fame was published under the name Gratianus Lucius and is called Cambrensis Eversus. In this work the errors and falsehoods of Gerald Barry, or Cambrensis, concerning Ireland, are detected and ably refuted. He also wrote a life of the Reverend Francis Kerovan in 1669, and became himself titular bishop of Kilhila before his death. A biographer states he was traditionally informed that the author was a man of the greatest benevolence, amiable manners, and virtuous dispositions, and that the whole course of his life was distinguished by a prominent and unaltered feature — the love of humanity and his country.

13. Legal dispute over Galway old fortifications

    Galway · city · Galway · 1670–1800

    The old fortifications of Galway were contested in the courts of law, claimed both by the representatives of alderman Eyre (who obtained a lease from the corporation in 1670) and by the Board of Ordnance on behalf of the Crown. The Board granted a lease of the walls and fosse to James Skerrett in 1792, but the question remained legally undetermined, deterring building on those lands.

    Read the passage

    19 The old fortifications of Galway have been recently contended for in the courts of law, as often as they formerly were at the mouth of the cannon. They are claimed on one hand by the representatives of alderman Eyre, who, in 1670, (Vide note," page 145 ante.) obtained a leas© from the corporation^ which was afterwards renewed on 19th May, 1712, and on the other by his majesty's board of ordnance^ in right of the crown. This board accordingly, on 9th July, 1792, gran-

    ted a lease of the town walls and surrounding fosse, sixty-three feet wide, to James Skerrett for one hundred years, at 201. yearly rent, under which several thousand pounds have been, since 1800, expended in valuable improvements. But although the question has been often legally discussed, it still remains undetermined — a circumstance which has. in some degree, proved injurious to the town by deterring individuals from erecting buildings on those extensive concerns.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 158

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, the old town walls and fosse were once fought over in the courts as fiercely as they were once fought over with cannon. The representatives of alderman Eyre claimed them under a lease from the corporation obtained in 1670 and renewed on the 19th of May 1712. The Board of Ordnance claimed the same walls and fosse in right of the Crown, and on the 9th of July 1792 granted a lease of them to James Skerrett for 100 years at 20 pounds yearly rent, the fosse being 63 feet wide. Several thousand pounds were spent on improvements after 1800, but the legal question between the two claims was never settled. That uncertainty kept people from building on those lands, which hurt the town.

14. Lord Forbes fleet arrives in Galway Bay

    near Galway Bay · bay · Clare · 1642

    On 7 August 1642, a squadron of seventeen ships under Lord Forbes sailed into Galway Bay and anchored in the road, causing considerable agitation in the town. Boats were observed passing between the ships and the fort.

    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

15. Massacre at Shrule during the Irish rebellion

    Shrule · townland · Galway · 1641

    At the commencement of the Irish rebellion in 1641, a massacre occurred at Shrule. Following this event, the town of Galway revolted and laid siege to the local fort before submitting to the Earl of Clanricarde.

    Read the passage

    Opulence of Galway at the commencement of the Irish rebellion, 23rd October, 1641 — Report of Sir Francis Willoughby, governor of St. Augustine's fort, near Galway, on that event — The care of the earl of Clanricarde to secure the peace of the country — Loyal resolutions of the town — Disputes with the fort — Massacre at Shruel — Revolt of the town, and siege of the fort — The fort relieved, and the town submits to the earl of Clanricarde — Violent proceedings of the governor of the fort — He bombards the town — Lord Forbes arrives with a fleet in the bay — Besieges the town — His barbarous conduct — The fort besieged, taken and demolished — The town declares in favor of the Irish, and against the parliament — Perists in loyalty to the king — Several fortifications built — Tumults in the town, occasioned by the pope's nuncio on the question of the cessation — Compelled at length to proclaim it — The nuncio departs from Galway — The town advances money to the state — Grateful acknowledgments of Charles II. — Dreadful plague in the town — Marquis of Ormond takes shipping in Galway, and leaves the kingdom— Negociations with the duke of Lorrain — His ambassador arrives in Galway — The town besieged by the parliamentary forces under Sir Charles Coote— Its strenuous defence and final surrender — The plague rages — Cruel proceedings against the inhabitants — Licentiousness of

    CONTENTS. xiii

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 6

16. Mayor reports on Augustinian friary in Back Street, 1731

    Back Street · street · Cork · 1731

    In 1731 the mayor of Galway reported that sheriffs searched the reputed friary in Back Street, called the Augustinian friary, finding a chapel with forms but no altar or pictures, and seven chambers with nine beds, though no friars were discovered.

    Read the passage

    31 In 1731 the mayor reported that the sheriffs "searched the reputed friairy in Back-street, called the Augustinian friary, wherein there was a chapel, with forms, but the altar and pictures taken down ; and within which said reputed friary there are seven chambers and nine beds, wherein they apprehend the friars used to lie, but could not find or discover any of the said friars ; which said house, they believe, was converted to a friary many years ago, and before the reign of king Gecn-ge I." — Com. Jour,

    HISTORY OF GAL WAY.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard

17. Mutton Island fortified to encourage shipping at Galway

    Mutton Island · townland · Galway · 1702

    In 1702, Lieutenant-Colonel Nicholson was provided lodgings at the corporation's expense for his services in fortifying Mutton Island, which was expected to encourage shipping to resort to the port of Galway.

    Read the passage

    For the services of lieutenant-colonel Nicholson in fortifying Mutton Island, "which will encourage shipping to resort to this port," he was provided with lodgings at the expense of the corporation.

    1705.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 183

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Mutton Island, efforts were made in 1702 to fortify the island, which was expected to encourage shipping to resort to the port of Galway. Lieutenant-Colonel Nicholson carried out the work, and for his services he was provided with lodgings at the expense of the corporation.

18. Non-tribes form rival Catholic corporation at the Tholsel, Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1791

    After the death of Warden Kirwan in 1791, the non-tribe inhabitants of Galway, excluded from voting in warden elections by the ancient tribal families, assembled at the tholsel and formed their own rival Catholic corporation. They elected their own officers including Walter Burke as mayor.

    Read the passage

    [Signed by the mayor, recorder, bailiffs or sheriffs, town-clerk, and some of the most respectable peers (pares, or equals, supposed to mean freemen or common council-men), for the time being, of the Catholic corporation.] 10. Immediately after the decease of warden Kirwan in 1791, the non-tribes, pursuant to public advertisement, assembled at the tholsel and formed a Catholic corporation of their own. Walter Burke was nominated mayor, James Murke (recorder, Walter Flaherty and Robert Power sheriffs, and John E. Burke townclerk. They then gave notice that they would, on 10th September, 1791, in the parish chapel, proceed to the election of a warden in place of the deceased ; on which day, being denied admittance there, they proceeded to the Augustinian chapel, and the revered Denis Mannion, one of the vicars, was elected warden, and the (reverend Andrew Kenny, vicar in his place ; but these gentlemen, not considering the proceedings valid without the sanction of the holy see, declined the honours thus conferred on them. The non-

    268

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 212

    As the companion tells it

    Galway, back in 1791, the old tribal families still held the votes for warden elections, and the rest were shut out. When Warden Kirwan died that year, the non-tribe inhabitants assembled at the tholsel and formed their own Catholic corporation. They nominated Walter Burke as mayor, James Murke as recorder, Walter Flaherty and Robert Power as sheriffs, and John E. Burke as town clerk. They announced they would elect a new warden on 10 September 1791 in the parish chapel, but they were denied admittance. So they moved to the Augustinian chapel, where Reverend Denis Mannion was elected warden and Reverend Andrew Kenny vicar in his place. Those two declined the honours, not considering the proceedings valid without the sanction of the holy see.

19. Nuncio Rinuccini departs from Galway after forced surrender

    Galway · city · Galway · 1648–1649

    Galway was forced to surrender and put under articles to proclaim a cessation, pay money, and renounce the papal nuncio. Finding his measures frustrated, the nuncio took shipping at Galway on 23 February and departed the kingdom.

    Read the passage

    forced, about the 4th of September following to surrender. They were then put under articles to proclaim the cessation, pay a considerable sum of money, and renounce the nuncio, who, thus finding all his measures frustrated, took shipping at Galway, on the 23d of February following, and departed from the kingdom.

    The English and Irish armies being now united, under the command of the marquis of Ormonde, Galway advanced him five thousand pounds^ on the security of the customs of the town, in aid of his intended campaign against the parliamentary forces. Upon this occasion his lordship knighted Walter Blake, the mayor. The melancholy news of the king's violent death soon after reached the town, and was received with every manifestation of sorrow. His successor, Charles II. was immediately proclaimed with the greatest solemnity. The mayor had afterwards the satisfaction of receiving the following letter from his majesty.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 103

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are in a city that was forced to surrender around the 4th of September 1648 and put under articles to proclaim a cessation, pay a considerable sum of money, and renounce the papal nuncio. Finding all his measures frustrated, the nuncio took shipping at Galway on 23 February 1649 and departed the kingdom. The English and Irish armies then united under the marquis of Ormonde, and Galway advanced him 5000 pounds on the security of the town's customs to aid his campaign against parliamentary forces. Ormonde knighted Walter Blake, the mayor, on that occasion. The melancholy news of the king's violent death soon reached the town and was received with every manifestation of sorrow. Charles II was immediately proclaimed with the greatest solemnity, and the mayor afterwards received a letter from his majesty.

20. Oath of Supremacy refused at Galway Tholsel

    Galway · city · Galway · 1631

    In September 1631, Sir Thomas Rotheram entered the tholsel of Galway and produced a privy council letter ordering magistrates to take the oath of supremacy. The mayor and sheriffs elect declined to take the oath and were replaced by other officers.

    Read the passage

    4. On 1st August, Oliver Martin was chosen mayor, and Andrew Browne Fitz- Oliver and Edward French Fit-Patrick, sheriffs ; but Sir Thomas Rotheram having, on 12th September following, come into the thostle, and produced a letter from the privy council, ordering that the magistrates should take the oath of supremacy, the mayor and sheriffs elect requested until the 27th for consideration, upon which they declined to take the oath

    and the officers above named were accordingly chosen. It was then ordered that .the mayor should have the former stipend of £100 a year for his salary.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 176

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, the old tholsel was where a tense standoff happened in 1631. Oliver Martin had been chosen mayor, with Andrew Browne Fitz-Oliver and Edward French Fitz-Patrick as sheriffs. On 12 September, Sir Thomas Rotheram arrived with a privy council letter ordering the magistrates to take the oath of supremacy. They asked for time, then refused the oath outright, and new officers were chosen in their place. The mayor's salary was set at 100 pounds a year.

21. Origin of the 'Tribes of Galway' designation

    Galway · city · Galway

    The term 'Tribes of Galway' was originally coined by Cromwell's forces as a term of reproach against the townspeople for their loyalty to one another during times of persecution. The families later adopted the expression as a mark of distinction from their oppressors.

    Read the passage

    The new colonies, here alluded to, consisted of several families, whose descendants, are known to this day, under the general appellation of the . tribes of Galway," an expression, first invented by Cromwell's forces, as a term of reproach against the natives of the town, for their singular friendship and attachment to each other during the time of their unparalleled troubles and persecutions, but which, the latter afterwards adopted, as an honorable mark of distinction between themselves and those cruel

    13 Several of these names are still to be pointed out their former consequence, found here, viz. Athy, Ffarty, Ffrihin. Particular mention is made of Thomas Killery, Kerwick, (if. as supposed, it bo Ap-en-Rise. and his wife, Eleanor, before the same as Kirwan,) and "White; but the year 1280. Stephen Penrise was the remainder are long since extinct. provost of the town in 1313, he was after-

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 13

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are in the city that gave us the phrase the Tribes of Galway. It was Cromwell's forces who first used the expression, as a term of reproach against the townspeople for their friendship and attachment to each other during times of persecution. The families later adopted it as an honourable mark of distinction between themselves and those who had used it to mock them.

22. Patrick Darcy interred at Kilconnel, County Galway

    Kilconnell · parish · Galway · 1668

    After serving on the supreme council of the confederate Catholics at Kilkenny in 1647, Patrick Darcy died in Dublin in 1668. He was buried at Kilconnel in County Galway.

    Read the passage

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

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

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 255

23. Presentation Convent at former Charter School

    Galway · city · Galway · 1819

    In 1819 the Presentation sisters moved into the former charter school in the west suburbs of Galway, held on a 60-year lease at £80 annual rent. The building was thoroughly repaired and fitted with convenient schoolrooms, and was esteemed one of the best foundations of its kind in the kingdom. Thirty female orphan children were dieted, lodged, clothed and educated there, with upwards of 300 day scholars also instructed.

    Read the passage

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

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 225

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, on the west side of the town, there is a building that was once a charter school and is now the Presentation Convent. The Presentation sisters came to Galway on the 27th of October 1815, under the patronage of the Very Reverend Warden Ffrench. They began their work in a house in Kirwan's-lane that November, then moved to a larger house at Meyrick-square the following March. In 1819 they took up this former charter school, holding it on a lease of 60 years at £80 annual rent. The whole building was thoroughly repaired and fitted with convenient schoolrooms. It stands surrounded by a high wall, and was esteemed one of the best foundations of its kind in the kingdom. Each lady, on admission to the order, pays £500 toward the general fund, which with annual sermons and occasional donations is considered enough to support the establishment. At present, thirty female orphan children are dieted, lodged, clothed and educated there. Upwards of 300 female day scholars are also instructed, in useful needlework, reading, writing, the common rules of arithmetic, and the principles of religion. The author notes it is a subject of regret that the ladies of other convents had not adopted this humane plan, by which hundreds might have been rescued from idleness and vice.

24. Priest James French detained without trial in Galway gaol

    Galway · city · Galway · 1714

    In 1714, Robert Blakeney, mayor of Galway, informed the secretary of state that James French, a Catholic clergyman, had been held in gaol for high treason after returning from transportation, but could not be tried for want of a Protestant jury of freeholders. The legislature intervened to remove such obstructions, keeping close watch on Galway as it contained the most considerable Catholic community in the kingdom.

    Read the passage

    strong detachment was also sent to the islands of Arran; but on the 15th of April following, colonel John Eyre, the Governor, received directions from government "to admit the popish inhabitants of Galway to return to their dwellings, and to continue in the town, as formerly, and to suffer the markets to be kept and held there, as before tthe late directions were given to the contrary, all apprehensions of any invasion from the Pretender being quite over. "24 From thence they remained undisturbed until the 22nd of March, 1711, when the mayor, in a despatch from the secretary of state, concerning some French prisoners then in his custody, was ordered "to cause the popish priests in Galway to be secured;" and in a subsequent despatch to set those prisoners at liberty, he received their excellencies thanks for his good services in respect of the popish clergy, accompanied by an assurance that they were extremely well pleased with his zeal and management therein, and expressing their hopes that he would continue his "endeavours to banish the priests, those enemies to our constitution, out of that town, and cause those you have apprehended to be prosecuted at law with the utmost rigor." That these denunciations were not unattendd to, may be safely concluded : each succeeding mayor, as his best recommendation to the notice of government, exerted himself to surpass his predecessors in persecuting these defenceless objects of political wrath. Obstacles, however, sometimes occurred to defeat or delay those relentless proceedings. An instance of this nature took place in the year 1714; when Robert Blakeney, who was thn mayor, informed the secretary of state, "that one James French, a regular popish clergyman, had lain in gaol a long time, committed for high treason for returning from beyond seas after being transported, but that he could not be tried for want of a Protestant jury of freeholders." Obstructions of this nature, however, were soon after removed by the interference of the legislature,, which appears to have constantly kept a vigilant eye upon this town, as containing the most considerable and respectable Catholic community of any other then in the kingdom.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 136

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, this city drew the legislature's watchful eye in the early 1700s. It held the most considerable and respectable Catholic community in the kingdom, and the authorities knew it. On the 15th of April, Colonel John Eyre, the Governor, received directions from government to admit the Catholic inhabitants of Galway to return to their dwellings and continue in the town as formerly, all apprehensions of any invasion from the Pretender being quite over. From thence they remained undisturbed until the 22nd of March, 1711, when the mayor, in a despatch from the secretary of state, was ordered to cause the Catholic priests in Galway to be secured. He received their excellencies' thanks for his good services, and an assurance that they were well pleased with his zeal, expressing their hopes that he would continue his endeavours to banish the priests out of that town, and cause those apprehended to be prosecuted at law with the utmost rigor. Each succeeding mayor exerted himself to surpass his predecessors in persecuting these defenceless objects of political wrath. Obstacles sometimes occurred. In 1714, Robert Blakeney, then mayor, informed the secretary of state that James French, a regular Catholic clergyman, had lain in gaol a long time, committed for high treason for returning from beyond seas after being transported. He could not be tried for want of a Protestant jury of freeholders. The legislature soon removed obstructions of this nature, keeping a vigilant eye on Galway as containing the most considerable Catholic community in the kingdom.

25. Queen Elizabeth grants Annaghdown Priory to Galway clergy

    Annaghdown · townland · Galway · 1578

    In 1578, Queen Elizabeth granted the dissolved monastery or priory of Annaghdown in County Galway to the warden and vicars of Galway. This was done to support the newly established clergy after the Catholic clergy had alienated much of the college's possessions.

    Read the passage

    Upon the accession of queen Elizabeth, and the consequent alteration in religion, the Catholic clergy of the town foresaw that a change was not far distant, and they accordingly alienated and granted, in perpetuity, to their friends and 'kindred, the greatest part of the possessions of the college, 18 insomuch that, when it was afterwards seized into the queen's hands, and transferred to the reformed clergy, they were found considerably reduced. The same apprehensions of change also prevented the wardens and vicars from paying the necessary attention to the exterior parishes, in consequence of which they were gradually usurped by the diocesan rectors. 19 The church being at length surrendered to the established clergy, whatever remained unalienated of its former possessions were also delivered up; but, being found totally inadequate to their support, it became necessary for government to interfere, and uphold this infant foundation of the newly established faith by augmenting its means : accordingly, by letters patent, dated 20th September, 1578, the queen, inconsideration that " the warden and vicars, and their successors, should continue together, and entertain a godly and learned preacher amongst them, from time to time, at their own charges," granted unto them the late dissolved monastery or priory of Annaghdov/n,20 in the county of Galway, with all its temporal and spiritual

    17 In this reign the right to the rectory and his pure and sincere devotion, inor parsonage of the town became a sub- clined their hearts to grant his petition." ject of legal contention. It formerly be- — Orig. Pet.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 199

26. Recorder sworn without oath of supremacy, 1687

    Galway · city · Galway · 1687

    When Sir Henry Lynch was appointed baron of the exchequer, his successor as recorder of Galway petitioned Lord Tyrconnell to be dispensed from taking the oath of supremacy. The dispensation was granted and the new recorder was sworn in on 18 May 1687.

    Read the passage

    12 Sir Henry Lynch was this year appointed one of the baa-ons of the exchequer ; and his successor (who at his request, was nominated recorder) petitioned lord Tyrconnell that he might be dispensed with from taking the oath of supremacy, which was accordingly granted. He was sworn into office on the 18th May, 1687.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 189

    As the companion tells it

    In Galway here, 1687 was a turning point for the town's legal offices. Sir Henry Lynch was appointed a baron of the exchequer, and his successor as recorder petitioned Lord Tyrconnell to be spared the oath of supremacy. The dispensation was granted, and the new recorder was sworn in on 18 May 1687.

27. Remains of Sir Peter French tomb recovered at Galway abbey

    Galway · city · Galway · 1779

    Around 1779, part of the under-works of the destroyed marble tomb of Sir Peter French was dug up at the Franciscan abbey in Galway and, by order of Father Anthony Carroll, placed in the wall of the sacristy and near the lower entrance to the chapel, where sculptured figures of St. Patrick, St. Nicholas, and other saints could still be seen.

    Read the passage

    19 Part of the under-works of this monument were dug up about the year 1779, and, fry order of father Anthony Carroll, placed in the wall of the sacristy and near the lower entrance to the chapel. In the latter are sculptured figures of St. Patrick and St. Nicholas, the patron of the town, with the family arms of Brown and the crest of French, beneath which are engraved the names "Peter French" and Mary Browne. The other parte exhibit the Crucifixion, but the cross and body defaced ; the two Marys, the twelve apostles, saint Clara, saint Anthony of Padua, saint Francis of Assisium. and others. These remains are much injured by time, but, even still, may enable the

    spectator to form an idea of the magnificence of this once stately mauseoleum.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 217

    As the companion tells it

    Over in Galway, at the Franciscan abbey, you can still find remains of what was once a stately marble tomb for Sir Peter French. Around 1779, part of the under-works of the destroyed monument was dug up and, by order of Father Anthony Carroll, placed in the wall of the sacristy and near the lower entrance to the chapel. There you can see sculptured figures of St. Patrick and St. Nicholas, the patron of the town, with the family arms of Brown and the crest of French beneath the engraved names "Peter French" and "Mary Browne." Other fragments show the Crucifixion, though the cross and body are defaced, along with the two Marys, the twelve apostles, St. Clara, St. Anthony of Padua, St. Francis of Assisi and others. The remains are much injured by time, but even still give an idea of the tomb's former magnificence.

28. Roderick O'Flaherty's burial place near Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1718

    Roderick O'Flaherty, author of the historical work "Ogygia," died in 1718 at the age of 89. He is buried in a field near the house in which he was born, near Galway.

    Read the passage

    his family. He applied himself with astonishing perseverance to the study of the history and antiquities of his native country, and in 1684 published his great work, entitled " Ogygia : seu Rerum Hibernicarum Chronologia ; ex vetustis membranis fldeliter inter se collatis eruta, atque e sacris et prophanis Uteris primarum orbis gentium tarn genealogicis, sufllaminata prsesidiis. Londini, 1685, 4to," which he dedicated to the Duke of York, afterwards James II. This learned and excellent writer, to whose laborious researches we are indebted for the most accurate chronology of this country that ever appeared, died on the 8th of April, 1718, aged 89 years. He .lies buried in a field near the house in which he was born.

    In the year 1775 Charles O'Connor, esq., published, with notes, "Ogygia vindicated against the Objections of Sir George Mackenzie, a posthumous work, by Roderick O'Flaherty, etc."— This tract was published from the original, in the author's hand-writing. Several other manuscript remains of this excellent antiquary, particularly his "Ogygia Christiana," or "Annals of the Christian Ages to the Dissolution of the Irish Monarchy" are said to be still preserved by his descendants near Galway.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 256

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are near the burial place of Roderick O'Flaherty, one of Ireland's most painstaking antiquaries. He lies in a field near the house where he was born, just outside the city. He applied himself with astonishing perseverance to the history and antiquities of his native country, and in 1684 published his great work, Ogygia, a chronology of Ireland drawn from ancient manuscripts. He dedicated it to the Duke of York, who became James II. The book's Latin title runs: "Ogygia: seu Rerum Hibernicarum Chronologia," printed in London in 1685. He died on the 8th of April 1718, aged 89 years. After his death, Charles O'Connor published a posthumous work called Ogygia Vindicated against the Objections of Sir George Mackenzie in 1775, taken from the original in O'Flaherty's own handwriting. Several other manuscript remains, including his Ogygia Christiana, or Annals of the Christian Ages to the Dissolution of the Irish Monarchy, are said to be still preserved by his descendants near Galway.

29. Sir Walter Blake of Menlo petitions King William

    near Menlo · street · Galway · 1691

    Sir Walter Blake of Menlo, second colonel in the Earl of Clanricarde's regiment during the siege of Galway, petitioned King William, stating he was the first Roman Catholic in Ireland to receive the king's commission after submitting to the government. He served on the frontiers until disbanded and sought consideration for his father-in-law Mr. John Kirwan concerning forfeited wool-bonds.

    Read the passage

    17 Some time after the restoration of peace in the kingdom, Sir Walter Blake, of Menlo, bart. petitioned king William, stating, that during the siege of Galway, he was second colonel in the earl of Clanricarde's regiment, then garrisoned in the town; that on the surrender he submitted himself to his majesty's government, and received a commission for raising a regiment of foot in his service ; that he was the first Roman Catholic in Ireland that received his majesty's commission, for Limerick was not at the time reduced, and most of the garrison of Galway (according to the provision in the articles of capitulation) went thither, except himself n-ul some others, who were afterwards officers in his regiment ; that until the surrender of Limerick he was stationed oh the frontiers, between bis majesty's

    quarters and the Irish, where he and his men behaved themselves with great care and fidelity j that he continued in. his majesty's service until disbanded ; and that he had been at great expense arid trouble in raising the regiment, but never received or sought for any recompense, although it was the expectation of his majesty's favour that induced him to quit the service ) 9 was engaged in, his fortune in Ireland being but small. The object of his petition was, that the king would be pleased to direct the lord justices to consider petitioner's services in favour of his father-in-law, Mr. John Kirwan, concerning some forfeited wool-bonds; Mr. Kirwan "being a man who deserved well, and performed many services to his majestie*s subjects in their calamities." — Orig.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 132

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Menlo, Sir Walter Blake lived and petitioned King William after the siege of Galway in 1691. During the siege he was second colonel in the Earl of Clanricarde's regiment, garrisoned in the town. On the surrender he submitted to the king's government and received a commission to raise a regiment of foot, making him the first Roman Catholic in Ireland to receive the king's commission. Limerick had not yet been reduced, and most of the Galway garrison went there under the articles of capitulation, except Blake and some others who became officers in his regiment. He was stationed on the frontiers between the king's quarters and the Irish until the surrender of Limerick, where he and his men behaved with great care and fidelity. He continued in service until disbanded, having spent much raising the regiment but never seeking recompense, his fortune in Ireland being small. The petition asked the king to direct the lord justices to favour his father-in-law, Mr. John Kirwan, concerning some forfeited wool-bonds. Kirwan was, in Blake's words, "a man who deserved well, and performed many services to his majesty's subjects in their calamities."

30. Spanish Armada vessel wrecked in Galway Bay

    near Galway Bay · bay · Clare

    A vessel from the Spanish Armada was wrecked in Galway Bay. The lord deputy, Sir William Fitzwilliams, subsequently arrived in Galway and put several of the surviving Spaniards to death.

    Read the passage

    Wardenship of Galway instituted by the archbishop of Tuam, and confirmed by pope Innocent VIII. — Charter of Richard III. — Remarkable instance of inflexible justice — Fortifications built — Great fire in the town — Battle of Kjioq- Tuadh — Hospital built, and several improvements made — Disputes between Galway and Limerick — Pcrisage of wines claimed — Orders of Henry VIII. to the habitants — The lord deputy, Grey, honorably received in the town, and several Irish chiefs come in and submit — Sir William de Burgh created earl of Clanricarde, and deprived of all power in Galway — Charter of Henry VIII. — Mercantile by-laws — Charters of Edward VI. — The earl of Sussex, chief governor, arrives in Galway, and is splendidly received — Sir Henry Sidney, his successor, arrives in town — Insurrection of Mac-an-Earlas — Their defeat — Charter of Elizabeth — The lord justice, Sir William Pelham, arrives in town, and confirms the charter — Sir John Perrot, lord deputy, conies to Galway — Prisage of wines in the town, established by the Earl of Ormond — One of the vessels of the Spanish armada wrecked in the bay — The lord deputy, Sir William Fitzwilliams, arrives in town, and put several of the Spaniards to death — Sir William Russell, lord deputy, arrives, and investigates the state of the town and province — The town besieged by Hugh Ruadh O'Donnel — Licentiousness of the inhabitants of the country — The chief governor, lord Mountjoy, visits the town — St. Augustine's fort built — Charter of James I. — The town erected into a separate jurisdiction — The lord deputy, viscount Falkland, arrives in Galway—His munificence — Fort of Ballymanagh built — Several fortifications erected — Splendid entry into Galway, and reception of viscount Wentworth, lord deputy — His oppressive proceedings against a jury of the county — Concluding observations ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 71

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 5

31. Spanish manners observed among Galway people

    Galway · city · Galway

    A gentleman who had resided in Spain noted a striking coincidence between the manners of Galway's middle ranks and those of the Spanish. This was attributed to the long-continued intercourse between Galway and the Spanish nation.

    Read the passage

    A gentleman well acquainted with Galway And who had for many years resided in Spain, frequently mentioned to the author that he thought he perceived, in many instances, a striking coincidence between the manners of the people, particularly those of the middle rank, in both places. It is rather remarkable that somewhat a similar observation was made many years ago of the inhabitants of Limerick, to the author of the Philosophical Survey of the South of Ireland. — (Vide p. 228). — Among the lower orders

    13 A Spaniard of ancient descent, and particularly a Castilian, thinks himself the most important being in nature ; but, according to one/ of our popular writers, "ridiculous as this pride is, it is productive of the most exalted qualities : it inspires the nation with generous, humane and virtuous sentiments ; it being seldom found that a Spanish nobleman, gentleman, or even trader, is guilty of a mean action."

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 252

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, people once noticed something odd about the town's manners. A gentleman who had lived in Spain for many years told the author he perceived a striking coincidence between the manners of the middle rank in both places. The same sort of observation was made years ago about the people of Limerick.

32. Suburbs beyond Galway's north-west gate burned

    Galway · city · Galway · 1691

    During skirmishes as the English approached Galway, the Irish troops burned all the suburbs beyond the north-west gate of the town after approaching by the river.

    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

    As you pass through Galway, you are moving through a city that in the summer of 1691 became the scene of a siege. On the morning of 19 July, an English army of more than 14,000 men, mostly infantry, marched from Athenry toward Galway. Another 3,000 horse and dragoons stayed behind at Athenry under Scravenmore and Ruvigny. The troops came in two columns, each with a rear guard of 100 men, and each regiment led by a captain, an ensign, and 50 firelocks. They met no resistance until the town came into view. Then skirmishing broke out between the English advanced posts and parties of French and Irish forces. The Irish set fire to the castle of Tirellan so the enemy could not use it against the town, and they held the outworks of that castle until repeated attacks by a superior force drove them off. After that, they approached the town by the river and burned all the suburbs beyond the north-west gate. Several English were killed in these encounters. The Irish troops then entered the town amid loud acclamations, and the besieged showed every intention of resisting hard. Ginckle, not expecting such immediate and determined opposition, drew part of the army up as close as he safely could and summoned the garrison to surrender. He offered them the benefit of the lords justices' recent declaration if they yielded without further trouble. The governor answered that Monsieur D'Uesone, himself, and the rest of the officers were resolved to defend the place to the last. While the messenger was still in the town, the soldiery fired several shots from the cannon on the walls. This was later complained of as contrary to the rules of war, though it appeared the men had not known about the communication. The rest of the day was spent fixing the army's positions round the town, and the cannonading from the walls went on, but with little effect, because the besiegers had chosen favourable ground.

33. Town-hall agreement on rules for warden and vicars in Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1497

    A general meeting of both the corporation and the clergy took place in 1497 in the Galway Town-hall to resolve disputes over governance of the college. They agreed on rules including that the warden and vicars should live together continually, and that the mayor and council should control and punish the wardens and vicars and have the election of the warden yearly.

    Read the passage

    8 The warden and clea'gy, finding themselves firmly established, and free from any ecclesiastical control, except that- of Rome, at length resolved to dispute the power of the corporation to intermeddle with their affairs after the necessary business of election was over. The latter insisting on this right, the clergy appealed against their interference to the archbishop of Tuam, and several differences arose, which, had they not been speedily terminated, might have proved fatal to the college. A general meeting, however, of both parties took place in 1497, in the Town-hall, when the following rules and (regulations were mutually agreed upon, viz. : — " In the honouringe of Almighty God and the furtherance of his divine service, the mayor and counsaill being assembled together, with Sir Henry Brenegan, warden, and the rest of the colledge of this town, it was concented

    and agreed — 1. That the warden and vicares shall daily saye or singe in the quere the tyes or houres, as tercio, sexto and nono — 2. That they shall live together continually. — 3. That no preste nor vicar be found out of their chambers or colledgebouse without lawful business at nighttime— 4. That four boiec should be assisteing and helpinge to singe daily at the quere, especially at Mary-mass, at the exof the vicars and collegde — 5. That the major and counsaill shall henceforth control, correct and punishe the wardens and vicars, without any complaint to be made by them or any of them to bishope or archbishope, save only to the mayor and counsaill - 6. That the mayor and counsaill shall have the election of the warden yearly, and all prests and clerkes, or any man else to serve in the church or colledge."— Corp. Book A.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 194

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are in a city where a serious dispute over who governed the college nearly came undone in the 1490s. The warden and clergy, free from any ecclesiastical control except that of Rome, began to dispute the corporation's right to intermeddle in their affairs once elections were over. The corporation insisted on keeping that right, the clergy appealed to the archbishop of Tuam, and several differences arose that could have proved fatal to the college. In 1497 a general meeting of both parties took place in the Town-hall, with Sir Henry Brenegan as warden, and they agreed on a set of rules. The warden and vicars were to daily say or sing the hours in the choir and to live together continually. No priest or vicar was to be found out of their chambers or college house at nighttime without lawful business. Four boys were to assist and help sing daily at the choir, especially at Mary-mass, at the expense of the vicars and college. The mayor and council would henceforth control, correct and punish the wardens and vicars, with no complaint to be made to bishop or archbishop, save only to the mayor and council. The mayor and council would also have the yearly election of the warden, and of all priests and clerks serving in the church or college.

34. Viking destruction of ancient Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 835

    In 835, Viking adventurers under the command of Turgesius ravaged the province of Connaught, causing widespread carnage and destroying the ancient town of Galway.

    Read the passage

    fire and sword, burned and massacred all before them, without distinction. In the year 835, an army of these adventurers, under the command of their sanguinary leader Turgesius, over-run and ravaged the province of Connaught, 1° committing, in their progress, the most dreadful carnage, and, in the general wreck and destruction which then took place, the ancient town of Galway was destroyed. That this insatiable enemy did not spare a place so well adapted for commerce, or afterwards settle there, according to the policy adopted at Waterford, Limerick, and other parts of the kingdom, appears extraordinary, unless that they might, perhaps, have considered its situation as too remote, for purposes of internal traffic or conquest.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 42

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are moving through ground that saw destruction in the year 835. An army of Viking adventurers under their leader Turgesius over-ran and ravaged the province of Connaught, committing dreadful carnage as they went. In the general wreck, the ancient town of Galway was destroyed. The source says they moved with fire and sword, burned and massacred all before them, without distinction. Yet they did not settle here afterward, as they did at Waterford and Limerick, perhaps judging the situation too remote for internal traffic or conquest.

35. William de Burgo put to death at Athenkip on the Shannon, 1270

    Athenry · town · Galway · 1270

    William, second son of Walter de Burgo, was called William de Athenkip from a place of that name on the Shannon, where Hugh O'Conor put him to death while he was a hostage in the year 1270.

    Read the passage

    20a William, his second son, was called William de Athenkip, from a place of that name on the Shannon, where he was put to death by Hugh O'Conor, while his hostage, in the year 1270.

    21 On the roll of the pipe, 51 Hen. III. Gillepatrick Mac Karly was fined 50s. on obtaining his pardon for burning the town of Galvy, and for the death of ITavid Bree ; and several other instances of a

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 46

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Athenry, in 1270, Hugh O'Conor put William de Burgo to death. William was the second son of Walter de Burgo, and he was called William de Athenkip, from a place of that name on the Shannon. He died while he was O'Conor's hostage.

36. Williamite Garrison on Aran Islands

    near Aran Islands · island or archipelago · Galway · 1691

    Following the surrender of Galway to King William's forces in 1691, a garrison was sent to the Aran Islands. A barracks was constructed on the islands to house soldiers who were stationed there for many years.

    Read the passage

    The parlimentary forces, on taking possession of the fortifications, found seven large pieces of cannon, a considerable quantity of arms and ammunition ; they also seized a French shallop of twenty eight oars, and several large boats. The fort was soon after newly repaired, and a strong garrison stationed in it. In the mean time, Sir Robert Lynch, the former proprietor of the islands, was declared a forfeiting traitor. His right was assigned to Erasmus Smith, esq., one of the most considerable of the London adventurers in Ireland ; and the interest of this gentleman having been purchased by Richard, earl of Arran, his title was afterwards confirmed by the act of settlement. On the surrender of Galway to king William's forces, in 1691, a garrison was sent to Arran, and a barrack was built, in which soldiers were stationed for many years. After several revolutions, the inheritance of the islands became vested in the Digby family, in whose possession they now remain.

    The author regrets that he cannot here introduce a description of the natural productions and stupendous scenery of these interesting islands, the singular cus-

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 259

37. Willoughby's soldiers pillage Ardfry and kill country people

    Ardfry · townland · Galway

    Willoughby's soldiers made two sallies from the fort into the Galway countryside, killing a dozen innocent men, women, and children in the first, and pillaging Sir Richard Blake's remaining stock at Ardfry in the second. These raids exposed the fort's true allegiance to Parliament.

    Read the passage

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

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 98

38. Assembly room in Middle Street, Galway

    Middle Street · street · Galway

    The assembly room in Middle Street, Galway, was noted for frequently displaying an assemblage of native beauty, elegance, and fashion. A French traveller observed that public assemblies were held daily at a moderate price.

    Read the passage

    The theatre is situate in Kirwan's-lane, which is one of the most confined and inconvenient parts of the town. The house is small, but the scenery is esteemed elegant; and, from the taste and attention of Mr. Macartney, the accommodations are as complete as the nature and size of the building will permit. The most celebrated performers, viz., Barry, Mossop, Kemble, Cooke, Siddons, Walstein and O'Neill, have occasionally visited these boards. The facetious Smithson had long been a favorite; and the exertions of Mr. Clarke to contribute to the rational entertainment of the public are deserving of every success. A new theatre, however, in an open and central situation, appears necessary. The assembly-room in Middle-street frequently displays an assemblage of native beauty, elegance and fashion, which would grace the drawing-rooms of a court. 18 These, with occasional concerts and incidental public exhibitions, are the only

    17 The author here oegs leave most respectfully to point the attention of the heads of the corporation to this reprehensible practice, and to a few other matters, which, if heretofore attended to, might have been productive of much public advantage.—The first is the providing a fire-engine, the want of which, m this populous town, has been long and severely felt. It is a well-known melancholy fact that a conflagration here is seldom extinguished for want of proper assistance, until the ill-fated building which it seizes is completely reduced to a heap of rums. —Another most desirable and necessary improvement would be the introduction of water-pipes through the principal streets, or the erection of three or four public fountains, which could be done at no very considerable expense.— The process of

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 253

    As the companion tells it

    On this street in Galway stood the assembly room, a place that often gathered what one writer called an assemblage of native beauty, elegance and fashion, which would grace the drawing-rooms of a court. The same passage tells us that these assemblies, along with occasional concerts and incidental public exhibitions, were the chief public amusements available. The writer had more to say about entertainment in the town. The theatre sat in Kirwan's-lane, one of the most confined and inconvenient parts of the town. The house was small, but the scenery was esteemed elegant, and through the taste and attention of a Mr. Macartney the accommodations were as complete as the nature and size of the building would permit. The most celebrated performers had occasionally visited these boards: Barry, Mossop, Kemble, Cooke, Siddons, Walstein and O'Neill. The facetious Smithson had long been a favourite, and the exertions of a Mr. Clarke to contribute to the rational entertainment of the public were deserving of every success. The writer called for a new theatre in an open and central situation, and also urged the heads of the corporation to address other matters: the town had no fire-engine, and a conflagration was seldom extinguished until the building it seized was reduced to a heap of ruins. He further asked for water-pipes through the principal streets, or three or four public fountains.

39. Crown reservation ends Burke authority in Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1543

    In 1543 the crown reserved all cockets, pensions, profits and exactions within the town of Galway to itself, excluding William Burke and his heirs from any claims within the town forever. This ended the authority of the Burke family in Galway, whom Hardiman describes as the town's principal founders and protectors for over two centuries.

    Read the passage

    Greenwich,. 1st July, 1543, the cockets of Galway, to which he was theretofore entitled, and all pensions, profits and exactions within the town, were reserved to the crown, in lieu of which he was granted an annual sum of 301. sterling, payable out of the treasury, and the third part of the firstfruits, and the abbey of Via Nova or Clonfert. The following is the reservation : — Excepting always, and reserving unto us, our heirs and successors, all that portion, custom, profit or pension of the cockets, and all and singular pensions, exactions, profits and commodities whatsoever, which the aforesaid William pretends or claims to have and receive from our town of Galway, in our kingdom of Ireland aforesaid, so as that neither he, the said William, nor his heirs, shall henceforth have or claim any thing whatsoever within the said town, but that they shall be totally excluded therefrom for ever. "33 Thus ended the authority of this ancient and powerful family in Galway, of which they were originally the principal founders and protectors, and afterwards governed with almost absolute control, for upwards of two centuries.

    This exemption was followed by a new charter from the crown, granted by Henry VIII. on 3d July, 1545, whereby he confirmed all former charters, and added several very considerable privileges. The limits of the port were described from the islands of Arran to the town; the corporation was

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 73

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are in a town where the Burke family once held near absolute control for over two centuries. They were its principal founders and protectors. That ended on the first of July 1543, when the crown at Greenwich reserved to itself all cockets, pensions, profits and exactions within the town. William Burke was excluded from any claim within Galway forever. The crown granted him an annual sum of 301 pounds sterling from the treasury, the third part of the first fruits, and the abbey of Via Nova or Clonfert. The reservation declared that neither William nor his heirs should henceforth have or claim anything whatsoever within the town, but be totally excluded therefrom forever. Two years later, on the third of July 1545, Henry VIII granted a new charter confirming all former charters and adding considerable privileges. The limits of the port were described from the islands of Arran to the town.

40. Election of Warden Ffrench sparks division in Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1812–1813

    After the death of Doctor Bodkin in 1812, Edmund Ffrench of the Dominican order was elected warden of Galway, causing fresh troubles. The other vicars protested, the chapter declared the proceedings invalid, and the matter was appealed to the Pope, who confirmed the election on 18 June 1813.

    Read the passage

    of an orphan asylum, for the maintenance, clothing and education of destitute female children. The lay-patrons having soon after resolved not to elect any of the then vicars (who were mostly of non-tribe families) to succeed him as warden, he, at their desire, procured a dispensation from Rome to render eligible three regulars of the town, viz., the reverend John Fallon and the reverend Charles and Edmund Ffrench, two brothers, all of the Dominican order. 13 The latter gentleman was accordingly chosen vicar, and afterwards, on the death of doctor Bodkin, in 1812, was elected to the dignity of warden, a circumstance which occasioned fresh troubles in the town. The other vicars loudly protested against this election, charging die lay-patrons with partiality and injustice. A disunion was accordingly the consequence; the chapter declared the proceedings invalid, refused to confer institution on the newly-elected warden, and finally appealed to the pope, complaining against the innovation of a regular intruding on a secular chapter. Many of the most respectable inhabitants also murmured at these proceedings, the effects of which are not yet entirely over. The election, however, was afterwards, on the 18th June, 1813, confirmed by the pope; and the piety, zeal, and exertions of warden Ffrench, since his accession to the wardenship, justly entitle him to the respect and esteem in which he is so generally held. To his anxiety for the promotion of religious education, and the improvement of public morals, the town is principally indebted for the establishment of that valuable institution, the presentation convent; and the superb collegiate chapel, now erecting, which may be said to have been hitherto raised by his single exertions, will long remain a splendid monument of his zeal for the interests of religion. 14

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 215

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Galway now, where a quarrel over the wardenship divided the town in 1812. After the death of Doctor Bodkin that year, Edmund Ffrench of the Dominican order was elected warden. He had earlier been chosen as vicar after the lay-patrons resolved not to elect any of the then vicars, who were mostly of non-tribe families. At the patrons' desire, a dispensation was procured from Rome to make three regulars of the town eligible: the reverend John Fallon, and the reverend Charles and Edmund Ffrench, two brothers, all of the Dominican order. Edmund Ffrench's election as warden occasioned fresh troubles. The other vicars loudly protested, charging the lay-patrons with partiality and injustice. The chapter declared the proceedings invalid, refused to confer institution on the newly-elected warden, and appealed to the pope, complaining against the innovation of a regular intruding on a secular chapter. Many of the most respectable inhabitants also murmured at these proceedings. The election was confirmed by the pope on 18 June 1813. The record credits Warden Ffrench's piety and zeal, saying the town is principally indebted to him for the establishment of the presentation convent, and that the superb collegiate chapel, then erecting, raised by his single exertions, would long remain a splendid monument of his zeal for religion.

41. Galway authorises capture of town's adversaries by land or sea

    Galway · city · Galway · 1548

    A 1548 by-law of Galway provided that any gentleman who apprehended persons spoiling and robbing the town's provisions and merchandise, by land or sea, should send them to Galway for trial. If condemned to death by a quest, the mayor and officers were to execute them immediately, under penalty of £20.

    Read the passage

    That if any gentleman, by easte or weste, apprehend any the town's advarsaries, who doth spoil and robe the comenc of the same of their provision and merchandiz, by land or sea, and sending that naughty person into this town to answer for such faults and crymes, that immediately there shall a queste pass on him, and if the queste condemn him to death, the mayor and officers shall forthwith put him to execution, under penalty of 201.

    1549.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 168

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Galway now. Back in 1548 the town passed a by-law ordering that any gentleman who captured people spoiling and robbing its provisions and merchandise, by land or sea, should send them here for trial. If a quest condemned them to death, the mayor and officers had to carry out the execution straight away, on pain of a 20 pound penalty.

42. Galway destroyed by Danes, ravaged by Momonians, revived 1170

    Galway · city · Galway

    Galway was destroyed by the Danes, rebuilt by the Conacians, and subsequently ravaged by the Momonians. The town was burned and again revived in 1170, demonstrating its repeated cycles of destruction and recovery.

    Read the passage

    Early History and Antiquities of Ireland disputed — Intemperate feelings of writers on the subject — Come but little within the scope of this work — The ancient town of Galway made a chief point of division in the various partitions of Ireland — In that by Heber and Heremon — By Eogan More and Con-Cead-Chathach in the second century — War between these princes, for an equal dividend of the revenues of Dublin and Galway — The latter then a place of note — Destruction of Irish records — Accounts of Ireland by Tacitus and Ptolemy — Those of the latter doubted — Opinions of Camden, Ware, Baxter and others — That Galway Was the Nagnata of Ptolemy — Its origin uncertain — Destruction of the ToWn by the Danes — Rebuilt by the Conacians — Ravaged by the Momonians — Burned, and again revived in 1 1 70.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 34

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming through Galway now, a city with a long and hard history. It was already a place of note in the second century, when Eogan More and Con-Cead-Chathach fought a war over an equal share of its revenues along with Dublin's. Some scholars thought Galway was the Nagnata recorded by Ptolemy, though its origin is uncertain. The town was destroyed by the Danes, rebuilt by the Conacians, and then ravaged by the Momonians. It was burned, and again revived in 1170. Each time it fell, it came back.

43. Non-tribes denied chapel access, elect warden at Augustinian chapel

    Galway · city · Galway · 1791

    On 10 September 1791, the rival non-tribe corporation was denied admittance to the parish chapel in Galway to hold their warden election. They proceeded instead to the Augustinian chapel, where Reverend Denis Mannion was elected warden, though he and others declined the honours as lacking papal sanction.

    Read the passage

    [Signed by the mayor, recorder, bailiffs or sheriffs, town-clerk, and some of the most respectable peers (pares, or equals, supposed to mean freemen or common council-men), for the time being, of the Catholic corporation.] 10. Immediately after the decease of warden Kirwan in 1791, the non-tribes, pursuant to public advertisement, assembled at the tholsel and formed a Catholic corporation of their own. Walter Burke was nominated mayor, James Murke (recorder, Walter Flaherty and Robert Power sheriffs, and John E. Burke townclerk. They then gave notice that they would, on 10th September, 1791, in the parish chapel, proceed to the election of a warden in place of the deceased ; on which day, being denied admittance there, they proceeded to the Augustinian chapel, and the revered Denis Mannion, one of the vicars, was elected warden, and the (reverend Andrew Kenny, vicar in his place ; but these gentlemen, not considering the proceedings valid without the sanction of the holy see, declined the honours thus conferred on them. The non-

    268

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 212

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are near where a bitter dispute over church authority played out in 1791. After warden Kirwan died that year, the non-tribes assembled at the tholsel and formed their own Catholic corporation, naming Walter Burke as mayor, James Murke as recorder, Walter Flaherty and Robert Power as sheriffs, and John E. Burke as town clerk. They gave notice that on the 10th of September, 1791, they would hold their warden election in the parish chapel. On that day they were denied admittance there, so they proceeded instead to the Augustinian chapel, where the reverend Denis Mannion, one of the vicars, was elected warden, and the reverend Andrew Kenny was elected vicar in his place. Both men declined the honours, not considering the proceedings valid without the sanction of the holy see.

44. O'Donnell destroys castle of Enniskillen

    near Enniskillen · town · Fermanagh · 1595–1596

    Hugh Ruadh O'Donnell and the northern Irish destroyed the castle of Enniskillen before penetrating into Connaught, where they were joined by Tibbot M'Walter Kittagh Bourke and other confederates.

    Read the passage

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

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

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 83

45. Political procession through Galway to Meyrick-square

    Eyre Square · street · Galway

    A grand political procession celebrating an electoral victory marched through the principal streets of Galway, featuring guilds with banners, a military band, and some four hundred freemen decorated with oak and laurel. It ended at Meyrick-square with upwards of twenty thousand people assembled and no accidents reported.

    Read the passage

    The procession, thus arranged, proceeded, amidst the most triumphant plaudits of the populace, through the principal streets of the town, greeting, in their progress, the several families favourable to their cause, and ended at Meyrick-square. The greatest unanimity prevailed, and, although upwards of twenty thousand people were assembled, not a single accident occurred. The town was brilliantly illuminated in the evening, and every possible demonstration of joy was evinced on the occasion.

    THE

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 161

    As the companion tells it

    Along here, a grand political procession marched through the principal streets of Galway, celebrating an electoral victory. Guilds carried banners, a military band played, and some 400 freemen wore oak and laurel. It ended at Meyrick-square, where upwards of 20,000 people assembled. Not a single accident occurred. The town was brilliantly illuminated that evening, and every possible demonstration of joy was shown.

46. Roscommon Castle repaired and destroyed

    Roscommon · town · Roscommon

    Roscommon Castle was repaired and strengthened by Robert D'Ufford at considerable expense during his first term as lord justice. It was later prostrated by the son of Fedhlim O'Conor, who waged war against the king, leading to his outlawry.

    Read the passage

    conquest of Connaught by William de Burgo. That a cetrain Irishman of the name of Feylym O'Conoghur, who stiled himself king of Connaught. held those lands from Henry III. for 500 marks yearly. That the said Feylym during his life kept the king's peace, and faithfully paid his rent ; but that after his death his son arose and became a traitor, and destroyed the king's liege English subjects in those parts ; and waged war against the king that now is, and prostrated his castles of Roscommon and Raudon, (which castle of Roscommon Robert D'Ufford, when first he was appointed lord justice, had repaired and strengthened at considerable expense,) in consequence of which he was outlawed, and died the king's enemy — so tha£ from the death of Feylym O'Conohur, to the time that said Robert D'Ufford was again appointed lord justice, the king received litle or nothing out of the said lands, except one cantred called O'Many. which he granted to Robert de la Rokele in fee farm. That Robert D'Ufford, at his second coming, by means of a considerable army and at great expense, again repaired the castle of R oscommon ; and demised two cantreds and a half, part of said lands, to to one O'Conoghur ; and that other lords justices had afterwards granted the same to several of the O'Conoghurs, who rarely paid any rents thereout. That the lands would be worth 250 marks yearly, if the Irish were driven from those parts ; but this, they say, cannot be done without great power and expense, (far exceeding the value of the land,) as O'Conoghur is one of the five captains of Ireland. And they finally say that the king, without any prejudice or injurv to himself, or any other, might grant the same to the said Earl, or any other Englisman ; but that it would be more for the interest of the king, and of

    H

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 50

47. Warden Bermingham elected to pacify tribes and non-tribes

    Galway · city · Galway

    Reverend Patrick Bermingham of the Barbersfort family was elected warden of Galway, the only non-tribe member chosen in a century, to pacify the 'non-tribes' who complained the ancient families had usurped the right of election. He was arrested by the mayor for alleged non-conformity with penal laws but released when he had complied.

    Read the passage

    A short time previous to this event the reverend Patrick Bermingham, of the family of Barbersfort, in the county of Galway, a clergy man of profound learning and considerable talent, was elected warden, and was the only person not of the Galway names and families, already enumerated, who had been elected to that dignity for the preceding century. He, it is said, was chosen by the "tribes," or ancient families of the town, to pacify the natives, or inhabitants of other names, since called "non-tribes," who about that time began to complain that the former had wrongfully usurped to themselves the right of election and presentation of the clergy. Doctor Bermingham, soon after his election, was arrested by the mayor and thrown into prison on a charge of not having conformed to the regulations prescribed by law for popish priests; but, it appearing that he had regularly complied with those rules, he was released by order of government. During his incumbency the old disputes between the Archbishop of Tuam and the collegiate clergy, as to the jurisdiction of the former over the warden and vicars, were again revived, and proceedings were at length instituted in Rome between doctor Bernard O'Gara, the then archbishop, and the clergy and people of the town. On this occasion a commission issued; and Cornelius O Keefe, titular bishop of Limerick, was delegated to proceed to Galway, and there to examine into the grounds of these differences. A compromise at length took place between both parties, and certain articles were agreed to, by which it was conceded, on the part of the clergy and people of Galway, that the archbishop of Tuam, for the time being, should have a right of triennial visitation in capite et membris; and also that appeals might be made, in secunda instaniia, from the sentence of the warden to the archiepiscopal see. On the part of the latter it was granted that the right of election belonged to the lay-patrons; and, amongst other articles, which are subjoined, 5 it was agreed that the warden

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 210

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, the old rivalries of this town are worth hearing about. In the century before Reverend Patrick Bermingham of the Barbersfort family was elected warden of Galway, no one outside the ancient families, the so-called tribes, had held that office. He was chosen, it is said, to pacify the non-tribes, the inhabitants of other names, who had begun to complain that the tribes had wrongfully usurped the right of electing and presenting the clergy. Soon after his election he was arrested by the mayor and thrown into prison on a charge of not having conformed to the regulations prescribed by law for popish priests. But it appeared he had regularly complied with those rules, and he was released by order of government. During his incumbency the old disputes between the Archbishop of Tuam and the collegiate clergy over jurisdiction were revived. Proceedings were instituted in Rome between Archbishop Bernard O'Gara and the clergy and people of the town. Cornelius O'Keeffe, titular bishop of Limerick, was delegated to examine into the differences in Galway. A compromise was reached. The clergy and people conceded that the Archbishop of Tuam should have a right of triennial visitation, and that appeals could be made from the sentence of the warden to the archiepiscopal see. The archbishop granted that the right of election belonged to the lay patrons.

48. Secretary of state rebukes Galway mayor over friars landing

    Galway · city · Galway · 1701

    In October 1701, Francis Gwyn, secretary of state, wrote to the mayor of Galway expressing the lord lieutenant's displeasure that two friars had landed at Galway from a French ship without being reported, contrary to law. The mayor was ordered to account for whether the friars had been seized and held in custody.

    Read the passage

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

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 209

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are in a city where, in October 1701, the mayor received a sharp letter from Francis Gwyn, the secretary of state in London. Gwyn wrote on behalf of the lord lieutenant, who had learned that two friars had landed at Galway from a French ship and that two post-days had passed with no report from the mayor. The lord lieutenant was, in Gwyn's words, "not well pleased with your remissness." The mayor was ordered to send an account of whether the friars had been seized according to act of parliament and were in custody, and to report whatever else had been done in the matter. The letter is dated the 25th of October 1701, in the reign of William the Third, when the laws against Catholic clergy were severe. The trouble did not end there. After the accession of Queen Anne's successor, the grand jury of the county of Galway, at assizes held in the town on the 29th of March 1715, reported that great numbers of popish priests and friars had come into the kingdom within the previous four years. They said friars had settled in several places across the county: Kilconnell and another spot near Portumna, Ross near Headford, Loughrea, and sites near the abbeys of Athenry and Kinelehan. The grand jury complained that those who had been active in suppressing friaries had been discouraged in the closing years of the previous reign.

49. 1818 Galway election and triumphal procession

    Galway · city · Galway · 1818

    In the 1818 election, Valentine Blake was re-elected by a considerable majority over Mr. Prendergast, Daly's nominee. The triumphal procession of the victorious candidate through Galway was described as the most splendid ever witnessed in that part of Ireland, with public dinners given to celebrate.

    Read the passage

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

    22 The following account of this pro- corporation assembled at Newtown-Smith,

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 160

    As the companion tells it

    As the road brings you through Galway, this is a town that saw one of its most celebrated political victories in 1818. The story began a few years earlier. After the dissolution of parliament in 1812, Valentine Blake of Menlo offered himself as the popular candidate for the town. Mr. Ponsonby, the late member, was put in nomination again, and after a severe contest was declared duly elected. A petition was then presented against his return. After proceedings before a committee of the house of commons, his election was pronounced void, and Blake was declared duly elected. This caused great rejoicing in the town, but the committee also determined the right of election to be in the freeholders and freemen, and the question of non-residence remained undecided. To settle this point, proceedings were instituted in the king's bench. In the meantime Blake and the Independents kept up their efforts. When parliament was dissolved again in 1818, a new election was held. Blake, whose conduct in the senate and attention to the interests of the town met with the warmest approbation of his constituents, was declared duly elected by a considerable majority over Mr. Prendergast, the friend and nominee of Mr. Daly. This second victory, by which the independent cause seemed finally and firmly established, caused universal joy. Public dinners were given to mark the event, and the triumphal procession of the victorious and popular candidate through the town was the most splendid ever witnessed in this part of Ireland.

50. Ballinasloe cattle fairs and Garbally patent

    Ballinasloe · town · Galway · 1757

    The great cattle fairs of Ballinasloe, said to be the most extensive in the British Isles, were originally established due to their contiguity to Galway's provision trade. A patent for holding two fairs annually was granted to Richard Trench of Garbally on 8 June 1757, though the fairs had subsisted from a much earlier period.

    Read the passage

    12 The great cattle fairs of Ballinasloe (by far the most extensive in these islands) were, it is said, originally established at that place from its contiguity to Galway. These famous marts have subsisted from a very early period, although no patent for holding thorn appears on record before 8th June, 1757, when Richard Trench, esq., of Garbally, obtained a patent for holding two fairs, on 15 th May and 18th July, in every year. Once, however, established, thev have ever since continued, although the cause of their origin, viz., the provision trade of Galway, has long since ceased.

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

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 232

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Ballinasloe, this is the town of the great cattle fairs, said to be by far the most extensive in these islands. They were originally established at this place from its contiguity to Galway, and the provision trade of Galway was the cause of their origin. These famous marts subsisted from a very early period, although no patent for holding them appears on record before 8 June 1757, when Richard Trench of Garbally obtained a patent for holding two fairs, on 15 May and 18 July, in every year. Once established, they have ever since continued, although the provision trade of Galway has long since ceased. The manufacture of kelp commenced in the neighbourhood of Galway about the year 1700. Andrew French and his grandfather were the first that exported it from the town. In 1762 the former stated before a committee of the House of Commons that the usual load of a boat was from 5 to 10 or 12 tons, and that he had known one boat to make from 15 to 20 trips yearly from the place where the kelp was burned to the quay. He also stated that kelp was then worth from 25 shillings to 35 shillings per ton, but that about 50 years before it was worth only from 14 shillings to 21 shillings per ton. In 1776 about 3,000 tons were annually exported. After this period several gross frauds were practised in making this article by mixing it with sand, stones, and other grit matter, to the manifest injury, as was complained, of the linen trade of the kingdom. Inspectors were accordingly appointed, but even this precaution was found insufficient to prevent its adulteration.

51. Browne family settlements in Mayo

    Westport · town · Mayo · 1558–1603

    Several distinguished Browne houses in Mayo—Westport, the Neale, Brownestown, Brownehall, Breafy, and Turin Castle—were founded by progenitors of English descent who settled there during the reign of Queen Elizabeth. These families were not connected in origin to the Brownes of Galway.

    Read the passage

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

    30 The Crest on the map, two eagle's heads, addorsed..

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 16

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Westport in Mayo, you are traveling among settlements tied to the Browne family. Several distinguished Browne houses—Westport, the Neale, Brownestown, Brownehall, Breafy, and Turin Castle—were founded by progenitors of English descent who settled here during the reign of Queen Elizabeth, from 1558 to 1603. Despite elaborate genealogies claiming a connection reaching back to 1169, these Mayo Brownes were, in the words of the source, "no way connected in their origin" with the older Brownes of Galway.

52. Carmelite friars oppose papal nuncio Rinuccini, 1647

    Galway · city · Galway · 1647

    In 1647 the Carmelite friars of Galway opposed the pope's nuncio Rinuccini, and his treatment of them formed one of the principal articles of accusation brought against him by the supreme council.

    Read the passage

    This triary is said to have been founded here by the De Burgo family; but upon what authority it is attributed to them, or at what period it was erected, are not mentioned. In 1647 the friars opposed the pope's nuncio, Rinuncini, and his treatment of them on the occasion formed one of '"he principal articles of accusation brought against him by the supreme council.

    The Augustinian convent of Galway ranks next to that of Dublin ; and, from its thus taking precedence of all the other convents of the order in Ireland, some are inclined to infer that it must have been founded earlier than the 16th century — an inference which would be undeniable if these foundations ranked according to time.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 222

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are near where the Carmelite friary was said to be founded by the De Burgo family, though the authority for that claim and the date are not recorded. In 1647 the friars here opposed the pope's nuncio, Rinuccini. His treatment of them became one of the principal articles of accusation brought against him by the supreme council.

53. Catholics return to Galway under James II

    Galway · city · Galway · 1685

    On the accession of James II, Catholic inhabitants returned to Galway and were made free of the corporation. Catholic clergy were established in the town and a new charter was granted.

    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, you are travelling through a town that changed hands more than once. Under Charles the Second, many of the new settlers departed and the old natives came back. The king sent letters to the lords justices to restore them to their freedom and estates. But animosities rose between the old inhabitants and the new settlers. 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. The corporation lands, with the charter and market duties, were granted to Mrs. Elizabeth Hamilton. The earl of Essex, lord lieutenant, opposed the grant and gave a description of 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. Still, the population was considerably diminished and the houses were falling to ruin. Many of the old natives gave security and were permitted to return, but they were soon obliged to depart owing to the clamors and discontent of some members of the corporation. Then James the Second came to the throne. The Catholic inhabitants returned to the town and were made free of the corporation. Catholic clergy were established in the town and a new charter was granted. Troubles began, and the fortifications of the town were repaired. Resolutions were made to adhere to James and his government, and Protestant inhabitants were removed out of the town.

54. Claddagh fishing village: ancient colony near Galway

    Claddagh · electoral division · Galway · 1812–1820

    The Claddagh, meaning 'seashore', is an ancient fishing village a quarter mile west of Galway with 468 thatched houses and over 3,000 souls by 1820. Tradition holds it was the first residence of settlers in the area, chosen for its convenience for fishing.

    Read the passage

    Situation and Extent. The Claddagh (an Irish word which signifies the seashore) is a village situate on the estate of Ma*. Whaley, near the strand, about a quarter of a mile to the west of Galway. It is irregularly built, but very extensive, and intersected into several streets. The number of houses or cabins, which are all thatched, was returned, in 1812, _at 468, inhabited by 500 families, consisting of 1.050 males and 1,286 females, but the population is now (1820) considerably greater being supposed to exceed 3,000 souls. It i« a very ancient village, and, according to tradition, was the first residence of the settlers in this quarter ; a circumstance not very unlikely, from its contiguity to the bay and consequent convenience for the purpose of fishing, which appears to have been their original occupation. Previously to 1808, the streets and exterior of this large village were as remarkable for want of cleanliness as the interior of most of the houses was for neatness and regularity. About that time captain Hurdis, of the royal navy, then commanding the sea fencibles of this district, persuaded the fishermen to appropriate a small portion of their weekly pay for the purpose of paving and cleansing about their houses and since that time it has been observed that they have got rid of many of those contagious disorders which generally prevail in large irregular villages.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 235

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Claddagh, you are travelling an ancient fishing village on the strand west of Galway. The name comes from the Irish for seashore. It stands on the estate of a Mrs. Whaley, about a quarter mile west of Galway, and though irregularly built it is very extensive, intersected into several streets. In 1812 there were 468 thatched houses or cabins, inhabited by 500 families, consisting of 1,050 males and 1,286 females. By 1820 the population is considerably greater, supposed to exceed 3,000 souls. Tradition holds that the Claddagh was the first residence of the settlers in this quarter, a circumstance not unlikely given its contiguity to the bay and consequent convenience for fishing, which appears to have been their original occupation. Before 1808 the streets and exterior of this large village were as remarkable for want of cleanliness as the interior of most of the houses was for neatness and regularity. About that time Captain Hurdis of the royal navy, then commanding the sea fencibles of this district, persuaded the fishermen to appropriate a small portion of their weekly pay for paving and cleansing about their houses. Since then it has been observed that they have got rid of many of those contagious disorders which generally prevail in large irregular villages.

55. Clergymen of Galway granted six months after surrender

    Galway · city · Galway · 1651–1652

    The treaty stipulates that clergymen then in Galway may remain for six months after the conclusion of the treaty and receive passes to go beyond the seas, provided they act nothing prejudicial to the state of England. Their names must be made known to the lord president before the surrender of the town.

    Read the passage

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

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

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 276

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are in a city where, in 1651, a treaty set the terms of surrender. One clause dealt with the clergymen still inside the town. They were granted liberty to remain for six months after the treaty's conclusion, and could receive effective passes for themselves and their goods to go beyond the seas, whenever they wished within that time. The condition was that during those six months they act nothing prejudicial to the state of England. Their names had to be made known to the lord president before the surrender of the town. The wider treaty offered indemnity for all past offences, criminal and capital, committed since the 23rd of October 1641, in the prosecution of the war. Four men were excepted: Brian Roe Mahon More, Stephen Lynch, Dominick Kirwan, and Walter Martin, who had their hands immediately in the killing of Captain Clark's men. Anyone else later found by good proof to have taken part in the murder of English or Protestant people before the corporation first entered into acts of hostility on the 19th of March 1641 was also excluded. Those who submitted to the government of the parliament of the commonwealth of England could live at their homes or with their friends and have protection of their persons, goods, and estates, on the same terms as other inhabitants of the county of like condition. But the benefit of that protection did not extend to clergymen beyond the six months.

56. Commission meets at St. Francis's Abbey, Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1637

    On 5th April 1637, commissioners met at St. Francis's Abbey in Galway to again attempt to find the king's title to the county, after the earlier jury's defiance. The new county jury, terrified by the punishment of the former jurors, was induced to find for the crown.

    Read the passage

    The lord deputy, still determined to carry his point, again caused two further commissions to issue; the one, to find the king's title to the county; and the other, to the county of the town of Galway. The commissioners met at St, Francis's abbey, on the 5th of April, 1637, when the present county jury, terrified at the example made of the former, was induced to

    31 The inquisitions taken on this occasion, and afterwards in 1637, remain of record in the Rolls Office, Dublin. They are very voluminous, and contain amongst other things, the names of all the lands, and principal proprietors in the several counties, at the time.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 90

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, this is where the lord deputy made another push for the crown. On the 5th of April 1637, commissioners met at St. Francis's Abbey to find the king's title to the county. The county jury, terrified at the example made of the former jurors, was induced to find for the crown.

57. Construction and destruction of Galway Castle

    Galway · city · Galway · 1124–1132

    A strong castle was built at Galway in 1124, but it was besieged, taken, and destroyed in 1132 by Cormac McCarthy, who killed the garrison and levelled the fortification known as Dune-bun na Gaillve.

    Read the passage

    Soon after the power of the Danes was completely ruined at the famous battle of Clontarf, the Irish applied themselves, with assiduity, to remedy the disorders ocacsioned by those invaders; and the people of Connaught. v/ell knowing the great advantages to be derived from the place where the ancient town of Galway was situate, accordingly commenced improving, or rather reviving, the town, which was then reduced to the state of a miserable village, consisting of a few straggling huts, inhabited by fishermen and their families, some of whose names are given in a former page. In the year 1 124, a strong castle was built, and the town was put into a state of defence and security. H i he erection of this castle, and the consequent increase and improvement of the town, were viewed with jealousy and suspicion by the people of Munster; between whom, and those of Connaught, there long subsisted a considerable degree of provincial competition and animosity : and, with destructive policy, it was determined to destroy the place, before it should become more formidable. In pursuance of this determination, Connor, the reigning king of Munster, in the year 1132, dispatched a body of troops, by sea, under the command of Cormac McCarthy; who, landing, besieged and took the castle of Galway, then known by the name of Dune=bun na Gaillve, or the fortification at the mouth of Galway; and, having put the entire garrison to the sword, levelled and destroyed the castle and town, and soon after defeated and slew Connor O'Flaherty, Lord of lar Connaught. 12 In the following year the king of

    10 Keating and Ware.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 42

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are passing through a place whose fortunes turned sharply in the space of eight years. After the power of the Danes was ruined at the battle of Clontarf, the people of Connaught set about reviving the ancient town of Galway, which had fallen to a miserable village of straggling huts lived in by fishermen and their families. In 1124 a strong castle was built here, and the town was put into a state of defence and security. The erection of this castle, and the increase and improvement of the town that followed, were viewed with jealousy and suspicion by the people of Munster. Between them and the people of Connaught there had long subsisted a considerable degree of provincial competition and animosity. With destructive policy, it was determined to destroy the place before it should become more formidable. In 1132, Connor, the reigning king of Munster, dispatched a body of troops by sea under the command of Cormac McCarthy. He landed, besieged and took the castle of Galway, then known by the name of Dune-bun na Gaillve, or the fortification at the mouth of Galway. Having put the entire garrison to the sword, he levelled and destroyed the castle and town, and soon after defeated and slew Connor O'Flaherty, Lord of Iar Connaught.

58. Cromwell's commissioners adjudicate Lynch fishery losses

    Galway · city · Galway · 1656–1657

    In 1656, Cromwell's commissioners found that the Lynch family had been seized of the fishery and other properties in Galway, and they obtained compensation in the county of Clare for their losses. In 1657, the fishings were let to Paule Dodd for the interest of the state.

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    sioners, dated 19th Nov., 1656, it was found that the former family had been so seized, but that for this and other properties lost by them in Galway, they obtained compensation in the county of Clare.— On 28th April, 1657, the salmon and all other fishings of the river were let to Paule Dodd for one year for the interest of the state, except two parts out of three, formerly belonging to alderman James Darcy, which Dodd claimed in fee simple. — On 27th July, 1663, Sir George Preston, amongst other things, obtained a grant of all the salmon fishery, pike, eel, and other fishings of and in the river of Galway. This grant was afterwards confirmed by patent, dated 25th April, 1669. and. was further recognised and secured by the act of settlement. This patentee had two daughters, one of whom married Mr. John Eyre, of Eyrecourt, who, in her right, became entitled to the fishery ; and in 1710 their son disposed of his interest to Mr. Edward Eyre, of Galway, in whose family it has ever since continued.

    20 It was for a long time a matter of dispute whether those deriving under the patent possessed.an exclusive right, or, in Jaw phrase, whether the river was a several fishery, in which only the owner had a right to fish, cr a common fishery, in which the public indiscriminately might exercise such a right. The former title was never acknowledged, and the question having at length become a subject of legal investigation, a several fishery was effectually established. There was also, from time immemorial, a gap in the river called the main gap, through which small boats sometimes, though with difficulty, passed up and down from the lake to the sea : this particular gap was always kept open from February to August (being the fishing half year) when all the others were shut : the proprietors, finding that this diminished the value of the weirs, caused it to be closed : this also became a subject of legal contention, but it was finally determined that the gap should be, and it has ever since accordingly been kept, open.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 234

    As the companion tells it

    Galway is the city you are passing through. In November 1656, Cromwell's commissioners found that the Lynch family had been seized of the fishery and other properties here, and for what they lost in Galway they obtained compensation in the county of Clare. On the 28th of April 1657, the salmon and all other fishings of the river were let to Paule Dodd for one year, for the interest of the state, except two parts out of three formerly belonging to alderman James Darcy, which Dodd claimed in fee simple. On the 27th of July 1663, Sir George Preston obtained a grant of all the salmon fishery, pike, eel, and other fishings of the river of Galway. This was confirmed by patent on the 25th of April 1669, and further secured by the act of settlement. Preston had two daughters. One married Mr. John Eyre of Eyrecourt, who in her right became entitled to the fishery. In 1710 their son disposed of his interest to Mr. Edward Eyre of Galway, in whose family it has continued. For a long time it was disputed whether those holding under the patent had an exclusive right, in law, whether the river was a several fishery, where only the owner could fish, or a common fishery, where the public could fish freely. The former title was never acknowledged, and the question became a legal matter. A several fishery was established. There was also, from time immemorial, a gap in the river called the main gap, through which small boats sometimes passed with difficulty from the lake to the sea. This gap was always kept open from February to August, the fishing half year, when all others were shut. The proprietors, finding it diminished the value of the weirs, had it closed. That too became a legal contention, but it was finally determined that the gap should be kept open, and it has been.

59. De Burgo family as original builders of Galway

    Galway · city · Galway

    In arguments against the exclusive claims of the fourteen 'tribe' families, it was objected that Galway had originally belonged to the old family of De Burgo, who principally built the town and were chiefly responsible for its early growth and improvement. Some of the fourteen families, such as the Darcys and Brownes, were said not to have been resident when the collegiate church was established.

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    serted, the founders of Galway, the town had, in fact? originally belonged to the old family of De Burgo, by whom it was principally built, and to whom it was chieliy indebted for its original increase and improvement. That intervals of many years had elapsed between the different periods of settlement in the town of these several names and families, who were almost entirely the descendants of Anglo- Norman adventurers in Ireland ; and that, in particular, some of the had never been resident, or even heard of. in the town when the collegiate church was established, viz.: the Darcy's, Brownes. etc., although they were now ranked amongst the families to whom it was pretended the exclusive privilege of electing its clergy, etc. had been granted. That this right had been at first acquired by all (universorum) , and not a part of the inhabitants of the' town, who afterwards unanimously petitioned the pope to confirm their ecquisition, which was accordingly done, under the general denomination of mayor, bailiffs and equals, meaning all the citizens, common council-men and free-men of the town. That the bull made no mention of these fourteen families, or of any family, tribe, or name, or any other desscription of persons whatver; but, on the contrary, the various letters of the holy see concerning the collegiate church testified against any such exclusive claim ; and even the last of these, in 1733, particularly recognised the right of the inhabitants in general, under the name of "Clerus populusque Galvie," "the clergy and people of Galway." That for nearly two centuries next after the institution, as appeared by the original corporation books of the town, the patronage was exercised by the mayor, sheriffs and freemen, or burgesses, as a privilege annexed to their corporate body, to which every inhabitant was eligible, and never was pretended to as a (right inherent in any particular class of the citizens. That the fourteen confederated families had, therefore, after the political extinc*-on of the old Catholic corporation, monopolized these privileges, and that afterwards to give a colour to their usurpation, they formed themselves

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 214

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you're in a town whose earliest foundations belong to the old family of De Burgo. They principally built it, and the town was chiefly indebted to them for its original increase and improvement. Later arguments arose over whether the fourteen families called the tribes of Galway had an exclusive right to elect clergy for the collegiate church. It was objected that the De Burgos were the true founders, and that some of those fourteen families, including the Darcys and the Brownes, were not even resident or heard of in the town when the church was established. The right to choose clergy had first belonged to all the inhabitants, who petitioned the pope to confirm it. The papal bull made no mention of fourteen families or any tribe or name. As late as 1733, the holy see recognised the right of the inhabitants generally, under the name of the clergy and people of Galway. For nearly two centuries after the church's institution, the patronage was exercised by the mayor, sheriffs and freemen as a corporate privilege to which every inhabitant was eligible. The fourteen confederated families only took hold of these privileges after the old Catholic corporation was extinguished, and then formed themselves into an exclusive class to give colour to their claim.

60. Dublin merchant's cloth seized in Galway under bye-law, 1548

    Galway · city · Galway · 1548

    Thomas Fitz-Simon, a Dublin merchant, imported cloth into Galway in 1548 and paid the accustomed legal duties, but the goods were found forfeited under the corporation's restrictive bye-law and seized by customers John Lynch and Edward Lynch. The importer's only remedy was to complain to the chancellor of Ireland.

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    freed from several excessive tolls within all the king s dominions; and it was particularly granted that no person should pay any prisage for wines imported into the town, " because prisage had not theretofore been accustomed to be paid there, "34 nor any customs whatsoever for any other goods imported, save such as of old were accustomed to be paid. All manner of goods and merchandizes were allowed to be exported, except woollen and linen goods : all such liberties and privileges as were enjoyed by the town of Drogheda were fully granted and confirmed, saving however, to the king and his heirs, all emoluments to him and his ancestors, lords of the town-35 issuing thereout, and also the customs of the cocket; and also saving to the portreve and burgesses of Athenry, and their successors, all such privileges as they were accustomed to have in times past, in the town and port thereof. 36 The flourishing state of commerce in Galway is fully evidenced by this charter; and at this period, and for upwards of a century afterwards, it was considered one of the first emporiums for trade, not only in Ireland, but, with very few exceptions, in the British islands. Its overflowing wealth and prosperity led the town to adopt measures and lay down certain regulations which proved contrary to the established laws of the land. Thus, a bye-law was enacted by the corporation in 1542, whereby it was "ordered, that no person of this town shall buy or sell with any merchants of Lymbricke, Corcke, Watterford, Dublin, or other towns or citties for any goods, or cause same to be transported by land or sea, unless they come to this town as other strangers and merchants, in shipps, on pain of forfeiting the goods and 201." This byelaw being in force, one Thomas Fitz-Simon, a Dublin merchant, in the year 1548, imported a parcel of cloth into the town, which, after paying the accustomed legal duties, was found to be forfeited under this corporate regulation, and was accordingly seized by John Lynch and Edward Lynch, then customers of the town. The importer's only remedy was by complaint to the chancellor of Ireland, the sole resource in those times for many cases, which, at present, can be redressed by the common law. The corporation, in their defence, represented that none, except the inhabitants, were allowed to sell any wares within the town, except in gross; and that even for such wares sold in gross custom should be paid according to the ancient form, " used tyme of minde," and confirmed by their charters. They also stated that the usage of the town was, that if any inhabitant should retail or sell the merchandize or ware of any stranger, colouring to be his own, by fraud and deceit, intending thereby to save the custom to the stranger.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 74

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are in a town that was one of the great trading emporiums of Ireland, and for upwards of a century afterwards, with very few exceptions, in the British islands. Its overflowing wealth led the corporation to lay down regulations that proved contrary to the established laws of the land. In 1542 the corporation enacted a bye-law ordering that no person of the town should buy or sell with any merchants of Limerick, Cork, Waterford, Dublin, or other towns, unless those merchants came to Galway in ships as other strangers and merchants, on pain of forfeiting the goods and 20 pounds. In 1548 Thomas Fitz-Simon, a Dublin merchant, imported a parcel of cloth into the town and paid the accustomed legal duties, but his goods were found forfeited under this corporate regulation and seized by John Lynch and Edward Lynch, then customers of the town. His only remedy was to complain to the chancellor of Ireland, the sole resource in those times for many cases that at present can be redressed by the common law. The corporation defended itself by representing that none except inhabitants were allowed to sell any wares within the town, except in gross, and that custom should be paid according to the ancient form, as they said, used tyme of minde, confirmed by their charters.