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. Surrender of the fort at Mutton Island

   Mutton Island · townland · Galway · 1652

   As part of the articles of capitulation for the town of Galway in April 1652, the fort in Mutton-island and the new castle at Tirellan were to be surrendered by noon on the day following the signing. This marked the transfer of key strategic defensive positions to the parliamentary forces.

   Read the passage

   mitting it. The lord president, Coote, was to procure them to be ratified and confirmed, within twenty days by the commissioners, and also to be secured by an act of parliament. Sir Valentine Blake, Sir Oliver Ffrench. John Blake, esq. and Dominick Blake, were to be delivered as hostages; and, finally, the new castle at Tirellan and the fort in Mutton-island were to be surrendered by twelve o'clock at noon on the day following. 19 These were the conditions upon which the town of Galway surrendered to the parliamentary forces, and which will for ever remain an indelible memorial of the perseverance and bravery of its inhabitants, who, after a siege of nine months, during which they suffered every human privation, at length succeeded in obtaining such articles as, if honorably observed, would have had no other effect on the town than that of transferring its allegiance to the then ruling power; but how flagitiously they were afterwards, infringed in every particular, will appear in the sequel.

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 108

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere close to Mutton Island, a fort stood here that changed hands in 1652. When the town of Galway surrendered to the parliamentary forces under Lord President Coote after a nine-month siege, the articles of capitulation required that this fort and the new castle at Tirellan be given up by twelve o'clock at noon on the day following the signing. Hostages were also delivered as part of the terms, including Sir Valentine Blake, Sir Oliver Ffrench, John Blake, and Dominick Blake. Coote was to have the articles ratified and confirmed within 20 days by the commissioners and secured by an act of parliament. The townspeople had endured, in the source's words, every human privation during the siege. The articles, if honorously observed, would have had no other effect than transferring the town's allegiance to the ruling power, but they were afterwards infringed in every particular.

2. Wardenship of Galway united to see of Tuam, 1684

   Galway · city · Galway · 1684

   King Charles II, by letters dated 30 August 1684 from Windsor, directed the Duke of Ormond to pass letters patent for the perpetual union of the wardenship of Galway to the see of Tuam, while securing the quarta pars to the vicars of the respective parishes. Archbishop John Vesey had orchestrated the arrangement but the clergy were disappointed in the expected restitution of the quarta pars.

   Read the passage

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

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 203

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Galway, the city carries a church story from 1684. Under Cromwell, Catholics here were banished and the rights of the Protestant warden and vicars wholly disregarded. Soldiers turned the chapels and aisles into stables and destroyed almost all the ancient monuments, so that at the Restoration the church stood entirely dilapidated. Doctor James Vaughan was appointed warden for life by patent dated 23 March 1663. During his long incumbency nothing remarkable occurred until 1682, when the diocesan clergy of Tuam laid claim to the quarta pars, the quarter episcopals, and petitioned the lord lieutenant and council. Archbishop John Vesey prevailed on his clergy to drop their petition. He undertook to obtain from government a grant in commendam of the wardenship of Galway after Vaughan's death, upon which the quarta pars was to be restored. Vaughan being considerably advanced in years, that event soon followed. King Charles II, by letters under the privy signet dated from Windsor the 30th of August 1684, recited that the wardenship was void and in his majesty's gift and disposal jure pleno. He directed the Duke of Ormond to pass letters patent for its perpetual union to the see of Tuam, securing the quarta pars to the vicars of the respective parishes and their successors forever, they paying the archbishop a proportional increase of proxy for such addition. The grant took place, but the clergy were disappointed in the expected restitution. The archbishop induced them into a new treaty and procured their consent that he should enjoy the quarta pars during his incumbency, which continued for thirty-four years after. Although he was often elected warden of Galway.

3. Willoughby seizes inn near the Bull gate in Galway

   Galway · city · Galway

   Without cause, Governor Willoughby seized a large inn near the great gate called the Bull, kept by English innkeepers, and placed a garrison there which considerably annoyed the inhabitants of Galway, contrary to the town's punctual performance of the articles of submission.

   Read the passage

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

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 95

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Galway, you are moving through a town that once kept its articles of submission punctually, only to have Governor Willoughby, without any cause, seize a large inn near the great gate called the Bull, kept by English innkeepers, and place a garrison there. This considerably annoyed the inhabitants. His soldiers hindered all recourse to the town and robbed those who attempted access. He also sent a garrison to Castle-Gare, stationed another near St. Dominick's abbey at the west, and placed disorderly sentinels at every gate, who abused those going out, attempted to take them prisoners to the fort, and exercise martial law upon them. They killed and robbed poor people coming to market, burned their fishing-boats, and would not suffer them to go out. When the inhabitants ventured to remonstrate, he threatened to discharge his ordnance into the town. Captain Ashley, who lay in the harbour with the ship Resolution, was equally outrageous. He plundered the sea-coast all round the bay, pillaged Sir Richard Blake's house at Ardfry, carried away goods and cattle, and seized a boat belonging to Richard Morris, an old tenant of Lord Clanricarde's, coming to discharge his rent. No satisfaction could be obtained for any of these doings. The earl of Clanricarde had hoped that respectable men like Sir Richard Blake, Sir Roebuck Lynch, Patrick D'Arcy, Richard Martin, and Patrick Kirwan would preserve peace, but all his measures were frustrated by Willoughby and Ashley.

4. Willoughby's pinnace seizes merchant ship in Galway Bay

   near Galway Bay · bay · Clare

   After Willoughby's departure from Galway, a pinnace he left behind in the bay captured a merchantman belonging to the town, valued at nearly six thousand pounds. The seizure deepened the suffering of the townspeople who sought peace and professed loyalty to the king.

   Read the passage

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

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 98

5. Captain Hurdis paves and cleanses Claddagh village

   Claddagh · electoral division · Galway · 1808

   Around 1808, Captain Hurdis of the royal navy persuaded Claddagh fishermen to fund paving and cleansing around their houses from their weekly pay. Since then, contagious disorders that previously prevailed in the large irregular village were greatly reduced.

   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

   Up ahead you pass through Claddagh, a village whose name means the seashore in Irish. It was the first place settlers made their home in this quarter, built close to the bay for fishing. By 1812 it held 468 thatched cabins housing 500 families, 1,050 men and 1,286 women, and by 1820 the population was thought to exceed 3,000 souls. For a long time the streets stood out for their filth, even though the inside of the houses was neat and orderly. Contagious sickness went with that. Around 1808 Captain Hurdis of the royal navy, then commanding the sea fencibles of this district, persuaded the fishermen to put aside a small part of their weekly pay for paving and cleansing the ground around their homes. Since then many of the disorders that thrived in large irregular villages have fallen away.

6. Agent Blake's disputed tithes of Kiltullagh

   Kiltullagh · townland · Galway

   Richard Blake Fitz-John, the agent employed to obtain the royal grant for Galway's college, demanded three-fourths of the tithes of Kiltullagh from the warden and vicars after two years' labour. The dispute was submitted to the archbishop of Tuam and others, who awarded the tithes to Blake during his life.

   Read the passage

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

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 197

7. Augustinian friary demolished by corporation

   Galway · city · Galway · 1652

   In 1652 the Augustinian friary in Galway was again surrendered to the corporation, who caused it to be pulled down lest it should be fortified against the town. No vestige of the church remains, though the cemetery is still extensive.

   Read the passage

   On the suppression of the monastery, the friars removed to a large house within the town, in which they resided for many years after. The church, however, remained standing, and, on the building of St. Augustine's fort, in 1602, it was converted into a store for the use of the soldiery. When this fort was demolished, in 1643, the monastery was spared and delivered up to the friars, by whom it was repaired; but in 1652 was again surrendered to the corporation, 29 who caused it to be pulled down, lest it should be fortified against the town. Since that time it has been entirely abandoned, and not a vestige of the church now remains. The cemetery is extensive, and though there are several modern gravestones, it does not, for very obvious reasons, contain any monument of antiquity. 30 The friars, like their contemporaries of the other orders, experienced for many years all the rigours of State persecution, 31 About the middle of the last century., they removed to a large commodious house in Middle-street, where they erected a handsome chapel. This building has been recently enlarged and improved, and, from its central situation, is particularly convenient for the inhabitants of the town.

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 221

   As the companion tells it

   As you come through Galway, this is where an Augustinian friary once stood. The friary had a long and troubled history. When the monastery was first suppressed, the friars moved to a large house within the town and lived there for many years. The church itself remained standing. In 1602, when St. Augustine's fort was built, the church was turned into a store for the soldiers. That fort was demolished in 1643, and the monastery was spared and given back to the friars, who repaired it. But in 1652 it was surrendered again to the corporation, who had it pulled down, lest it should be fortified against the town. Since then it has been entirely abandoned, and not a vestige of the church remains. The cemetery is still extensive, with several modern gravestones, but it holds no monument of antiquity. The friars went on to face years of State persecution, and about the middle of the last century they moved to a commodious house in Middle Street, where they erected a handsome chapel.

8. Bequest for release of poor debtors in Galway gaol

   Galway · city · Galway · 1633

   In 1633, a sheriff of Galway bequeathed ten pounds yearly in perpetuity to release poor prisoners confined for debt in the town's gaol, providing ongoing relief for impoverished inmates.

   Read the passage

   5. This sheriff bequeathed £10 yearly, for ever, to release poor prisoners confined for debt in the goal of the town.

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

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 176

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Galway, this is a town with an old charitable tradition. In 1633, a sheriff of Galway left ten pounds every year, in perpetuity, to release poor prisoners confined for debt in the town gaol. The same man, who lived at Dungorie in the county of Galway, was a popular figure chosen as alderman and mayor in his absence, without his knowledge, and at first refused the offices. He accepted them, in the source's words, "at the instance of the corporation and of many honourable persons, to the great content of all the inhabitants of this town." He also left 800 pounds to build a chapel in St. Francis' abbey and another in St. Nicholas' church, and left legacies to all the convents and abbeys in Connaught.

9. Boyle inquisition finds king's title without scruple

   Boyle · town · Roscommon · 1635

   The first inquiry into the king's title was held at Boyle in Roscommon on 10th July, where the jury found the king's title without scruple. This servile example set the pattern for subsequent inquisitions in Sligo and Mayo.

   Read the passage

   the first inquiry was held at Boyle, in Roscommon, on 10th July following, when the jury found the king's title without scruple. This servile example was followed in Sligo, where the trial was held on 20th of the same month, and in Mayo, where it took place at Ballinrobe, on the 31st;31 but when they came to Galway their progress was stopped, and this arbitrary measure met with the most determined and effectual opposition from the gentlemen of the county, whose independent spirit, strict adherence to trutfi and justice, and conscientious discharge of their duty, on this occasion, deserve to be for ever commemorated. The trial came on at Portumna castle, where, notwithstanding the presence of the local deputy himself, who sat on the bench, and the many specious arguments made use of by council, to induce the jury to find the king's title, they unanimously found against it. His lordship, violently enraged at this decision, immediately put the sheriff Mr. Martin __-arcy, of the family of Kiltolla, and the jury under arrest, had them brought close prisoners to Dublin, and there tried before himself in the castle chamber. " We bethought ourselves," says he, " of a course to vindicate his majesty's honor and justice, not only against the persons of the jurors, but against the sheriff, for returning so insufficient, indeed we conceived so packed, a jury, and therefore we fine the sheriff in 10001. to his majesty, the jurors in 40001. each, and to be imprisoned until the fines should be paid, and until they should acknowledge their offence in court upon their knees. "32 — The jurors petitioned to be discharged, but were refused, execpt upon condition of their making a public acknowledgment that they committed not only an error in judgment but even actual perjury in their verdict, terms which they disdainfully rejected. The sheriff died in prison, owing to severe treatment, 33 and the jury were most cruelly used, until, after suffering all the rigors of confinement, their fines were reduced, and themselves released, at the solicitation of the earl of Qanricarde.34

   Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 90

10. Charles II proclaimed in Galway after king's execution

    Galway · city · Galway · 1649

    News of Charles I's violent death reached Galway and was received with sorrow. Charles II was immediately proclaimed with great solemnity, and the mayor later received a letter from the king praising the city's loyalty.

    Read the passage

    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.

    " Charles R.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 103

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are in a city that stayed loyal to the crown after Charles I was executed in 1649. News of the king's violent death reached the town and was received with every manifestation of sorrow. Charles II was immediately proclaimed here with great solemnity. The mayor, Walter Blake, had earlier been knighted by the marquis of Ormonde, whom Galway had backed with 5000 pounds. The mayor later received a letter from Charles II praising the city's loyalty.

11. Claddagh fishing fleet expansion after 1790

    Claddagh · electoral division · Galway · 1790

    Before 1790, the Claddagh fishing boats in Galway Bay were small and rarely ventured far from shore. After 1790, the fishermen began building larger vessels, enabling them to travel further along the coast to places like Limerick, Westport, and Sligo.

    Read the passage

    Previously to 1790, the Claddagh fishing boats wero little more than half the size of those used at present. This small craft seldom ventured beyond the Isles of Aran, or more than half an hour's sail from land, but generally, coasted along the shores of Conamara, and, on the first appearance of a smart breeze or sudden change of weather, immediately ran for shelter into the next creek or harbour. From that period, however, the fishermen began to build theii' boats of larger dimensions; the ordinary size of the common sailing boats at present is from 8 to 10 tons, and some of the largest from 12 to 14. A boat of this description generally costs from £40 to £50 exclusive of nets and fishing implements, and of these, it is said, there are now about 250 belonging to the village, besides a great number of smaller boats impelled by oars. In the former the fishermen frequently go round to Limerick, and even more to the southward, laden with fish, and also towards Westport and Sligo on the west ; and the dexterity and intre pidity with which this hardy race meeiand brave the boisterous element, in which they mostly live, is often surprising. When

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 236

    As the companion tells it

    Up here around Claddagh in Galway, the fishing fleet tells a story of change. Before 1790, the Claddagh fishing boats were little more than half the size of those used later. This small craft seldom ventured beyond the Isles of Aran, or more than half an hour's sail from land. They generally coasted along the shores of Conamara, and on the first appearance of a smart breeze or sudden change of weather, immediately ran for shelter into the next creek or harbour. After 1790, the fishermen began to build their boats of larger dimensions. The ordinary size of the common sailing boats came to be from 8 to 10 tons, and some of the largest from 12 to 14. A boat of this description generally cost from 40 to 50 pounds, exclusive of nets and fishing implements. There were said to be about 250 belonging to the village, besides a great number of smaller boats impelled by oars. In the larger boats the fishermen frequently went round to Limerick, and even more to the southward, laden with fish, and also towards Westport and Sligo on the west.

12. County Court House built on Franciscan Abbey site

    Newtownsmith · street · Galway · 1812–1815

    The County Court House, superior to most provincial seats of justice in Ireland, was erected at Newtown-Smith on the site of the ancient Franciscan abbey. It was commenced in 1812 and opened on 1 April 1815 for the reception of the going judges of assize, who praised the gentlemen of the county for the building.

    Read the passage

    This fine building, which is superior to most provincial seats of justice in Ireland, stands at Newtown-Smith, on the site of the ancient and venerable abbey of the Franciscans, which, by the charter of Charles II., "is to be and remain part of the county of Galway for ever." It was commenced in 1812, and on 1st April, 1815, was opened for the reception of the then going judges of assize, justices Fletcher and Osborne, who pronounced a handsome and well-merited eulogium on the gentlemen of the county, for so unequivocal and splendid a testimonial of their high respect for the laws, and of their anxiety for the due and orderly administration of public justice. Besides two spacious and well-appointed courts for transacting the civil and criminal business, with grand and petty -jury rooms adjoining, there are several commodious offices and apartments for the high sheriff, treasurer, clerk of the peace, and other law officers. The splendid and accurate map and survey of the county, together with the several baronial maps made by order of the grand jury, are preserved here. The lofty portico, entrance, and extensive hall of this fine structure, will immediately attract attention. It is altogether an edifice highly creditable to the county, and considerably ornamental to the town.

    5. — Town Gaol.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 243

    As the companion tells it

    Along here stands the County Court House, built on the site of the ancient Franciscan abbey at Newtown-Smith. The old abbey, by the charter of Charles II, was to remain part of the county of Galway for ever. Construction began in 1812, and the building opened on 1 April 1815, when the going judges of assize, justices Fletcher and Osborne, praised the gentlemen of the county for so splendid a testimonial of their respect for the laws and their anxiety for the due and orderly administration of public justice. It was considered superior to most provincial seats of justice in Ireland, with two spacious courts for civil and criminal business, grand and petty jury rooms, and offices for the high sheriff, treasurer, clerk of the peace, and other law officers. The county's splendid map and survey, with the baronial maps made by order of the grand jury, were preserved here. The lofty portico and extensive hall would catch any traveller's eye. Altogether it was an edifice highly creditable to the county and ornamental to the town.

13. Cromwellian land survey of County of the Town of Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1657

    A survey registered in 1657 details forfeited lands in the County of the Town of Galway assigned to English settlers under a parliamentary act of 1656. It lists named castles and land parcels at Terrilau, Castlegare, Ballindoola, Coolkyne, Poulgare, Corveagh, Corrowgarrue, Gortachally, Killeen, Boorbeg and Roscam, with valuations of profitable and unprofitable acreage.

    Read the passage

    the parliament, begun and holden at Westminster, the 17th September, 1656, ordered that the lord deputy and council of Ireland should set out to said trustees, out of the forfeited lands in the province of Connaught and county of Clare, and the forfeited houses in the citty of Galloway and liberties thereof, so much, as at the rate of six years' purchase, should amount to that sum.

    A Particular or Survey of the Lands set out in pursuance of said Additional Act,

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 283

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, this is the city whose forfeited houses and lands were surveyed in 1657. A parliamentary act passed at Westminster on the 17th of September 1656 ordered the lord deputy and council of Ireland to set out forfeited lands in Connaught and county of Clare to trustees. The survey that followed listed castles and parcels at places such as Roscam, Ballindoola and Coolkyne, with valuations of profitable and unprofitable acreage, all assigned to English settlers.

14. Decayed wall from Abbey-gate to Lyons tower, Galway

    Galway · city · Galway

    The old town wall from the condemned barrack to Abbey-gate and along to Lyons tower was very decayed and weak, with the river running in a shallow channel alongside. There were no flankers or towers in all that space, but several holes used for running goods had been closed by the governor.

    Read the passage

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

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 144

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are near the line of the old town wall that ran from the condemned barrack to Abbey-gate and along to Lyons tower. It was a very decayed and weak old wall, with the river running alongside it in a shallow channel as far as Abbey-gate. There were no flankers or towers in all that space, but there were several holes kept open for the convenience of running goods, which the governor had closed up. From Sanders-lane to Lyons tower there had once been a rampart fourteen feet broad, in the memory of several persons then living, but no trace of it remained. It had been thrown into gardens at the back of Lombard-street, and nothing was left but the walls, which were scarce broad enough for a single person to walk upon. The dilapidated state of the walls was attributed to breaches made at different times by unregistered Papist merchants, who by express laws had been prohibited from living within the town or liberties, the more effectually to run goods and to carry on the smuggling trade. But it was also said that if the money arising from the tolls and customs were applied to their repair, they would be kept in a respectable and good state of defence.

15. Drumcliffe, Sligo as possible site of Nagnata

    near Drumcliff · population centre · Sligo

    One writer suggested that Nagnata might have been located at Cnoc na tcagh, or Druimcliffe, in County Sligo. Though then only a desolated village, it was said in former ages to have been a large town.

    Read the passage

    It now remains to ascertain the situation of Nagnata, then the principal city on the western coast of Ireland; and, although satisfactory proofs and convincing arguments shall be produced, which will fully demonstrate it to have been the original town of Gal way, still, from the order and distances, as laid down by Ptolemy, it might, with every appearance of probability, be concluded, that Nagnata was situated more to the north, and somewhere in the direction of the present town or county of Sligo. But, as the writings of this author abound with errors and mistakes, many arising from incorrectness of information, and, perhaps, many more from carelessness of tran scribers, no dependance ought to be, or indeed is, placed on them by the learned; and particularly as to the situations of many of the places which he has mentioned. A writer, referred to in the last paragraph, who endeavoured a good deal, but often upon erroneous principles, to reconcile those differences, 6 places Nagnata in the present barony of Carbery and county of Sligo; and, to support this allocation, he alleges that the name is derived from Nagaetaegh. or the habitation on the sea; but he seems to have forgotten that this would equally well apply to any other situation on the coast, as to that which was selected by him for the purpose of establishing his hypothesis. He then adds, that it was called by the old Irish, Slioght gae, ox the race on the sea, but for this he does not give, nor, in truth, could he give, any authority; and he finally supposes, that it might be Cnoc na tcagh, or Druimcliffe, in the county of Sligo, which, though at present only a desolated village, is said, in former ages, to have been a large town. Ware, however, declares, that he was not able to discover the smallest trace of a city, so called, in all that tract of country; and though he thinks, with every appearance of truth, that Ptolemy might have misplaced this city a little, he does not mention where he supposed it might have been situated. Baxter, whose authority is most respectable, judges Galway to have been the place,7 and says that the name means, in Irish, Cuan na

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 39

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up along the road near Drumcliff in County Sligo. This place has been put forward as one possible site of Nagnata, which one writer called the principal city on the western coast of Ireland. The question of where Nagnata stood comes from Ptolemy, whose writings list places and distances along the coast, though his work is said to abound with errors, many from incorrect information and many more from careless copyists, so that little dependence is placed on him by the learned. One writer tried to reconcile the differences in Ptolemy's account. He placed Nagnata in the present barony of Carbery in County Sligo. To support this he said the name came from Nagaetaegh, meaning the habitation on the sea, though it was pointed out that this would apply equally to any other situation on the coast. He then said the old Irish called it Slioght gae, the race on the sea, but gave no authority for this, and none could be given. He finally supposed that it might have been Cnoc na tcagh, or Druimcliffe, in the county of Sligo, which, though at present only a desolated village, is said in former ages to have been a large town. Ware, however, declared he was not able to discover the smallest trace of a city so called in all that tract of country. He thought Ptolemy might have misplaced this city a little, but did not say where he supposed it might have been. Baxter, whose authority is called most respectable, judged Galway to have been the place, and said the name means, in Irish, Cuan na. . . .

16. Founding families settle in Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1270–1300

    Around the late thirteenth century, several prominent Anglo-Norman families—Blake, Bodkin, Ffont, Joyes, Lynch, Martin, and Sherrett—settled in Galway and laid the foundation of the town's subsequent prosperity. Their arrival augmented the number of inhabitants and added to the town's wealth and trade following the completion of its fortifications.

    Read the passage

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

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

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 46

    As the companion tells it

    As you travel through Galway, you are moving through a town whose fortunes turned in the late 1200s. Before its walls went up, Galway was already the chief trading place in Connaught, but it was little more than a sizable village in extent. Once the fortifications were completed, it became a regularly fortified town, offering security that drew new settlers and trade. Around 1270 to 1300, several Anglo-Norman families arrived and put down roots here, the Blakes, Bodkins, Ffonts, Joyes, Lynches, Martins, and Sherretts. They are the families described as having principally laid the foundation of the town's subsequent prosperity. The walls facing the sea were built to prevent any descent from the western parts of Munster and Connaught, while the tower beyond the great gate guarded against incursions from the interior, particularly by way of Lough Corrib. Work on the walls continued at intervals through the following century, until the town was entirely enclosed, and after the fortifications were in place the foreign trade of Galway improved considerably.

17. Franciscan abbey as burial place after the Reformation

    Galway · city · Galway

    After the Reformation, Catholic families abandoned the vaults of St. Nicholas's Church and resorted to the Franciscan abbey for burials, where ancient monuments are consequently more numerous. The church cemetery is said to be used only by members of the established religion.

    Read the passage

    which those belonging to the Eyre family are the most conspicuous. There are several spacious vaults in various parts of the church; but they are seldom opened, having been almost entirely abandoned, at the time of the Reformation, by the Catholic families, who resorted to the abbey of the Franciscans, where the ancient monuments are consequently more numerous; and though the cemetery attached to the church is extensive, it is said that none, even still, are interred in it but members of the established religion.

    The ancient college-house, or former residence of the warden and vicars, is a spacious edifice, situate within fifty feet of the western extremity of the church. Some remains of antique sculpture are yet to be seen here, with the entrance of a subterranean passage (long since closed up) which led to the high altar in the choir. This house is now divided into several tenements, occupied by various families, who hold under the established warden; and with it this section shall be closed, in order to proceed to the consideration of the other religious establishments in the town.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 207

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Galway, you pass near St. Nicholas's Church, where several spacious vaults lie in various parts of the building. The most conspicuous belong to the Eyre family. Those vaults are seldom opened now. At the time of the Reformation, the Catholic families abandoned them almost entirely and turned instead to the abbey of the Franciscans for their burials. Because of that, the ancient monuments at the Franciscan abbey are more numerous than those at the church. The cemetery attached to St. Nicholas's is extensive, but it is said that none are interred in it even still but members of the established religion. Within fifty feet of the western end of the church stands the ancient college-house, the former residence of the warden and vicars. It is a spacious edifice. Some remains of antique sculpture can still be seen there, along with the entrance of a subterranean passage, long since closed up, which once led to the high altar in the choir. That house is now divided into several tenements, occupied by various families who hold under the established warden.

18. Galway by-laws condemn town's food and drink quality

    Galway · city · Galway · 1602

    By-laws from around 1602 document that aquavite sold in Galway was considered poisonous, bread was poorly made and overpriced, and victualling houses were dirty and ill-equipped. Cooked meat sold by butchers was described as not worth eating, and hogs were being fed in the market place despite ancient statutes forbidding it.

    Read the passage

    Ther is no good bread made to be soulde, neither well made nor well backte, ne yett good cheape, as the markett goes, but rather by half and half to deceave the people : for tho reformation whereof we fynd, that men and women of good skill in making and bakinge of bread be thereto appointed accordinge, and as the (rates of the markett will be sett down by thofficers, so as yt be penny, halfpenny farthing, always to be founde.

    That no victillinge-house, seller, or shoppe, where any victaille, wyne, or aquavite is, bo not in any honest sorte keapte cleane, wherein their is neither sittinge-place, clothe, dish( or any other service, which have great nede of reformation.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 173

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you're in a town that once worried over what its people ate and drank. In 1602 the by-laws here complained there was "no good bread made to be soulde, neither well made nor well backte," and that sellers were deceiving the public on price. The victualling houses were no better, kept with no sitting place, cloth, or dish, and in great need of reform. The town's butchers were cooking meat deemed not worth eating.

19. Galway corporation lands granted to Mrs. Elizabeth Hamilton

    Galway · city · Galway

    The corporation lands of Galway, along with the charter and market duties, were granted to Mrs. Elizabeth Hamilton. The earl of Essex, as lord lieutenant, opposed the grant and described the decayed state of the town.

    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

    You are coming through Galway, where the corporation lands, the charter, and the market duties were granted to Mrs. Elizabeth Hamilton after a long struggle over who had the right to live in the town. When Charles II was restored, many of the new settlers disappeared, and the old natives and former inhabitants came back. The king sent letters to the lords justices to restore them to their freedom and their estates. But animosities broke out between the old natives and the new settlers who remained. The lords justices showed prejudice against the old natives, opposed their claims, and shut them out of corporate privileges until they were finally expelled the town. It was then that the corporation lands, with the charter and the market duties, were granted to Mrs. Elizabeth Hamilton. The earl of Essex, as lord lieutenant, opposed the grant and described the decayed state of the town. Colonel Theodore Russell purchased the charter and the market duties and was elected mayor. The king granted a new charter containing many ample privileges, but the population had considerably diminished and the houses were falling to ruin. Many of the old natives gave security and were permitted to return, but were soon obliged to depart again owing to the clamors and discontent of some members of the corporation. An address was made to the king on his escape from the Rye-house conspiracy. James II came to the throne, and the Catholic inhabitants returned to the town and were made free of the corporation. Catholic clergy were established, and a new charter was granted. Then troubles began. The fortifications were repaired. Resolutions were made to adhere to King James. Protestant inhabitants were removed out of the town. The Battle of Aughrim was fought, the town was besieged, and it surrendered on articles. Fortifications were then built to secure the conquest of the town and the islands.

20. Galway corporation restricts trade with other Irish towns, 1542

    Galway · city · Galway · 1542

    The corporation of Galway enacted a bye-law in 1542 forbidding inhabitants from buying or selling with merchants of Limerick, Cork, Waterford, Dublin, or other towns unless those merchants came to Galway in ships as strangers. Violators faced forfeiture of goods and a fine of twenty pounds.

    Read the passage

    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

    Galway was one of the great trading towns of Ireland, and its wealth was considerable. The corporation had been granted liberties and privileges comparable to those enjoyed by Drogheda, and all manner of goods could be exported except woollen and linen. That overflowing prosperity led the town to lay down regulations contrary to the established laws of the land. In 1542 the corporation enacted a bye-law ordering that no person of the town shall buy or sell with any merchants of Limerick, Cork, Waterford, Dublin, or other towns or cities 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 ships, on pain of forfeiting the goods and 20 pounds. The law had teeth. In 1548 a Dublin merchant named Thomas Fitz-Simon imported a parcel of cloth into the town, paid the accustomed legal duties, and still had his goods seized under this regulation 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 the rule, saying none except inhabitants were allowed to sell wares within the town except in gross, and that custom should be paid according to the ancient form, used time out of mind, and confirmed by their charters.

21. Galway non-tribes deputation to Archbishop of Tuam

    Tuam · town · Galway

    A deputation of the non-tribes from Galway waited on Archbishop Egan of Tuam, offering to surrender the collegiate rights of the Galway church. Though the archbishop initially declined the proposal, he was said to have secretly favoured their proceedings and promoted their cause at Rome.

    Read the passage

    Several other meetings were afterwards held, and the irritable feelings and declarations on both sides were very violent. A deputation of the non-tribes waited on the archbishop of Tuam, doctor Egan, offering to surrender the collegiate rights. This prelate, though he at first declined the proposal, afterwards, it is said, secretly favoured the proceedings, and promoted their cause at Rome with all his influence.

    11 This decree was of the following tenor: — D. D. Cardinales, etc., censuerunt. manutenedos esse in possessione juris praesentandi ad dictum wardianatum et yicarias, suriorem, praepositum seu major em, ballivos et pares ejusdem civitatis, juxta expressum tenorum supradictarum literarum apostolicarum Innocentii P. P. VIII. et juxta morem hactenus servari soHtxun ; atque hinc propterea Rev. D. Joannem Joyes confirmandum esse in munere, quo fungitur, wardiani: usque ad fin em triennii a die suae electionis computandi, quo elapso commitatur R. P. D. Gerardo Teahan, Episcopo Kenriensi, tamquam delegato ab apostolica S. Sede, ut se opportuno tempore conferat Galviam, cum novus wardianus erit praesentandus vel praesens confirmandus, juxta solitum morem, et praesit conventui, qui ad hunc effectum haberi solet abiis, qui in possessione sunt juris praesentandi. dissidia tollat, etc., ad wardianatum autem, ac vicarias praedictas eminentissimi D. D. decre-

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 213

22. Galway salmon weirs leased and increasing in value

    Galway · city · Galway · 1754–1800

    From 1754 the Galway salmon weirs were leased at £130 yearly, rising to £200 by 1776 and 1790, and producing upwards of £500 a year after 1800 due to legal decisions favouring the proprietors. The salmon was of the best quality, mostly consumed locally, and preserved alive in a dedicated house.

    Read the passage

    In 1754 the weirs were leased for 20 years at £130 a year. In 1776 and 1790 they brought £200 yearly, but at the latter period they were worth considerably more; since 1800 they frequently produced upwards of £500 a year, having increased in value in consequence of some recent legal decisions in favour of the proprietors. 20

    The quantity of salmon taken yearly is very considerable, and it is esteemed of the best quality. Very little is exported, almost the entire being consumed in the town and the adjacent counties. The fish are sometimes taken by nets out of the weirs and in great quantities preserved alive in a house set apart for that purpose, by which means it can be always had fresh and of any size. The average price for some years past is about a shilling a pound, but it fluctuates according to the scarcity or abundance

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 234

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are in a town where salmon weirs were a valuable asset. In 1754 the weirs were leased for 20 years at 130 pounds a year, and by 1776 and 1790 they brought 200 pounds yearly. After 1800 they sometimes produced upwards of 500 pounds a year, having increased in value due to legal decisions in favour of the proprietors. The salmon was esteemed of the best quality, and very little was exported, almost the entire being consumed in the town and the adjacent counties. The fish were sometimes taken by nets out of the weirs and preserved alive in a house set apart for that purpose, so it could always be had fresh and of any size. The average price was about a shilling a pound, fluctuating with scarcity or abundance.

23. Galway solicits new charter from Richard III excluding Clanrickard

    Galway · city · Galway · 1484

    About 1484, the inhabitants of Galway solicited Richard III for a new charter, praying for liberty to elect a mayor and bailiffs, that no person should enter the town without licence, and that Mac William of Clanrickard and his heirs be for ever deprived of all rule and authority within the town.

    Read the passage

    About the same time, the inhabitants also solicited Richard III. for a new charter, praying that they might be at liberty to elect thenceforth, for ever, a mayor and bailiffs; that no person whomsoever, not even excepting the King's lieutenant and chancellor, (who alone were then privileged,) should enter the town without a licence; and particularly that the lord Mac William, of Clanrickard, and his heirs, should be for ever deprived of all rule and authority within the town. A new charter was accordingly granted, dated at Westminster, the 15th of December, 1484, whereby the

    18 Such appears to have been the statement of the inhabitants of Galway ; but, if the accounts of the accused Irish could now be obtained, it is more than probable that they would be found materially different from those charges of their adversaries. No fact is better authenticated than that, for many centuries anterior and subsequent to this period, the native Irish continued to enact laws in their own districts, to prevent any intercourse whatever with the English settlers ; whose "rapacity and want of principle," says the historian, "were so notorious, that

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 62

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are in a town that once sought to shut its own masters out. About 1484, the inhabitants asked Richard the Third for a new charter. They wanted to elect their own mayor and bailiffs, and they wanted no one to enter the town without a licence, not even the King's lieutenant or chancellor. Above all they prayed that Mac William of Clanrickard and his heirs be for ever deprived of all rule and authority within the town. A new charter was granted, dated at Westminster the 15th of December 1484. The historian notes that if the accused Irish could give their own account, it would likely differ greatly from these charges. He says the native Irish had for centuries enacted laws to prevent any intercourse with the English settlers, whose "rapacity and want of principle" were so notorious. So this charter was one side of an old dispute over who held power in Galway.

24. Galway town fortifications expanded 1643–1650

    Galway · city · Galway · 1643–1650

    Between 1643 and 1650, the corporation of Galway undertook extensive fortification works around the town, including ramparts, bulwarks, and flankers at landmarks such as Lyons-tower, the east gate, and Kirwan's-tower. Twelve heavy cannon were purchased from France and mounted on the walls, making Galway the most considerable fortified town in the kingdom for defence.

    Read the passage

    and, accordingly, before the end of the year 1643, finished the east and south-east rampart, beginning at the great bulwark of the east gate, and extending from thence round to the little bridge which led to St. Augustine's abbey, together with the wall commencing at the works erected in the mayoralty of William Martin, and leading from thence, in a south-east direction, to the point of Cean-na-hhalla, at the quay. For some years after this period several considerable additions were made to the fortifications In 1645 the strong bulwark about Lyons-tower was built as well to protect the abbey of St. Francis as to guard the little gate. The flanker about the new tower, and also that adjoining Lyons-tower, with the wall and ramparts, were completed in 1647, under the superintendence of the mayor and Walter Joes, for the defence of the town walls, and of the shipping in the pool. These works were soon afterwards furnished with twelve heavy pieces of cannon, consisting of four brass and four iron of twelve, and four iron of eighteen pound ball, which were purchased in France by the directions of the corporation, and brought over by Francis D'Arcy. The gates were all repaired, and the new flanker outside the east gate was built in 1649. The following year the rampart and bastions, from thence to Kirwan's-tower, were completed, which finished the line of fortifications round the town, and rendered it, particularly for defence, the most considerable in the kingdom.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 100

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are moving through the lines of a town the corporation turned into the most considerable fortified place in the kingdom. Before the end of 1643 they finished the east and south-east rampart, running from the great bulwark of the east gate round to the little bridge by St. Augustine's abbey, with another wall leading to the quay. In 1645 they built a strong bulwark around Lyons-tower, shielding the abbey of St. Francis and guarding the little gate. By 1647, the flankers near the new tower and Lyons-tower, with the wall and ramparts, were completed under the mayor and Walter Joes, to defend the town walls and the shipping in the pool. Twelve heavy cannon were then purchased in France on the corporation's directions and brought over by Francis D'Arcy: four brass and four iron firing twelve-pound shot, and four iron firing eighteen. The gates were all repaired in 1649, a new flanker went up outside the east gate, and in 1650 the rampart and bastions from there to Kirwan's-tower were finished, closing the line of fortifications right round the town.

25. Galway trade collapsed under charter duties, 1742–1762

    Galway · city · Galway · 1742–1762

    From 1734 to 1738 Galway's Catholic merchants had fourteen or fifteen ships at sea despite legal disqualifications, but by 1762 only three or four vessels remained. Excessive charter duties and unauthorised exactions by the corporation drove merchants to abandon the town, destroying its remaining commerce.

    Read the passage

    animosities, however, still subsisted between them : the latter were supported by law, enjoyed the favour and protection of government, and, exclusively composing the members and officers of the corporation, possessed all the municipal power, which, in many cases, they exercised rather severely against their more numerous, though less favoured town's-men.4 Whatever portion of its former trade remained in the place was chiefly confined to the Catholic merchants; but they were so oppressed by excessive charter-duties and. other unauthorised exactions of the corporation, that they, by degrees, abandoned the town, and this trifling remnant of its former commercial greatness gradually declined :6 thus affording another proof of the fatal tendency of those proscribing laws, which so long prevented, and whose surviving effects even still, in several instances, operate against the prosperity of Ireland.

    Upon the happy accession of his present majesty to the throne of these realms, (a circumstance which will be ever gratefully remembered and commemorated with joy by the Catholics of Ireland, as the termination of their heavy political sufferings, and the cause of their now enjoying many of the privileges of our invaluable constitution,) the people of Galway, encouraged by that auspicious event, and also by the increasing liberality of the times, ventured to petition parliament against the partial and illegal proceedings (as they termed them) of the corporation. 6 Their statement, which was entitled, "The petition of the merchants and inhabitants of the town of

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 149

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, the city carries the marks of a trade that collapsed under its own corporation. In the 1730s Galway's Catholic merchants still had 14 or 15 ships at sea, holding on despite the laws that disqualified them from commerce. But the corporation, composed entirely of the legally favoured group, exercised its power severely against them. They imposed excessive charter duties and other unauthorised exactions on the Catholic merchants, who carried whatever portion of the town's former trade still survived. By 1762 only 3 or 4 vessels remained. The merchants abandoned the town by degrees, and the last remnant of Galway's commercial greatness gradually declined. The author calls this another proof of the fatal tendency of those proscribing laws, whose surviving effects still operated against the prosperity of Ireland. After the accession of George the Third, the Catholics of Galway petitioned parliament against what they called the partial and illegal proceedings of the corporation, encouraged by the increasing liberality of the times. The town never fully recovered what those years of exaction took away.

26. Hospital of St Bridget founded in Galway east suburbs

    Galway · city · Galway · 1543

    The hospital of St. Bridget was founded in the east suburbs of Galway for the poor of the town. Each burgess was obliged in turn to send a maid servant to collect alms every Sabbath day for its support, a custom long afterwards observed. The institution was completed in 1543, just as the sweating sickness broke out.

    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

    Coming up through Galway, you are near the east suburbs where the hospital of St. Bridget once stood. It 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. That custom was long afterwards observed. The hospital was completed in 1543, just as the sweating sickness broke out and raged with great violence, destroying multitudes of the natives, and particularly the tradesmen of the town. The timing meant the institution was there when it was needed most. A few years before its founding, in 1537, Leonard, Lord Grey, the lord deputy of Ireland, had arrived in Galway on the 11th of July with an army, having departed Dublin on the 17th of June. He had received instructions from the king to oblige the Irish, by indenture, to acknowledge his supremacy and renounce the Pope. The corporation treated him and his soldiers gratis for seven days. The mayor and aldermen took the oath of supremacy and renounced the authority of the Pope, following the example of Limerick. 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, and the other half applied for repairing the walls and providing for its security. The south quay, or new-tower gate, was built, and the walls were repaired and provided with guns.

27. Legend of Gallimh's drowning and Galway's name

    Galway · city · Galway

    According to O'Clery's life of Hugh Ruadh O'Donnell, Galway took its name from the river in which Gallimh, daughter of Breasail, was drowned. An old map of Galway corroborates this tradition, depicting a great rock in the river near where a woman named Galva was drowned.

    Read the passage

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

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 9

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Galway, the story of how this city got its name is a matter of dispute. The old tradition among the Irish was that all foreigners were called Galls, and many believed Galway took its name from a foreign colony said to have settled here early on. Before the arrival of Henry the Second, the story goes, Galway was just a small fishing village, under the protection of an Irish fortress, and it was called Ballinshruane, the town of the little streams. When winter floods were high, the water flowed through the ground where the town now stands and formed it into small islands. The hamlet sat on one of those islands, where the church of Saint Nicholas was afterwards built. When the English settlers came, the native Irish called them Clan-na-Gall, the foreign clan, and from then on the place was named Ballinagall, or Gallibh, the foreigners' town. These traditions may sound convincing, but written authority tells a different tale. In the life of Hugh Ruadh O'Donnell, hereditary prince of Tyrconnell, written by Cucoigcriche O'Clery, one of the Four Masters, after relating the sacrilegious burning of the convent of Saint Brigid near Galway in 1599 by that chieftain, the writer adds that the city took its name from the river in which was drowned Gallimh, the daughter of Breasail. This account receives support from the old map of Galway, which states that a woman named Galva was drowned near a great rock in the river, and that from this circumstance the town originally took its name.

28. Lord Deputy Falkland's visit and charity in Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1625

    In 1625, Lord Deputy Falkland visited Galway, knighting local men and granting £300 towards building a college and £500 to portion and apprentice several orphan children of the town. He also directed a fort to be built on the lands of Ballymanagh and repaired the town's gates.

    Read the passage

    But, passing over this and other idle and worthless tales of tradition, for more useful and authentic information, it appears that the town, county of the town, and county of Galway, were, in 1616, at the instance of the earl of Clanrickard, erected into a separte jurisdiction, entirely independent of the presidency of the province — a circumstance which afterwards proved of the utmost consequence towards preserving the peace and tranquillity of this part of the kingdom. Upon his resignation of the presidency, his lordship was appointed governor or lieutenant of the town and county, and of the inahbitants there resident, as fully as he had enjoyed and exercised the same as lord president cf the province. 28 The lord deputy, Falkland, came to Galway in 1625, and was most honorably received. His lordship knighted Sir Richard Blake Fitz-Robert, and Sir Henry Lynch, bart. and munificently bestowed 3001. towards building a college, and 5001. to portion and apprentice several orphan children of the town. He particularly attended to the state of the fortifications, and directed a fort to be built on the lands of Ballymanagh, beyond the west bridge, the foundation of which was laid, and a good part of the walls built in 1625; and, at the same time, all the gates of the town were repaired at the expense of the corporation.

    The appointment of the earl of Clanrickard to the government of the

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 88

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are in a town that once received a lord deputy with real ceremony. In 1625, Lord Deputy Falkland came to Galway and was, as the record puts it, "most honorably received." He knighted Sir Richard Blake Fitz-Robert and Sir Henry Lynch, and gave £300 toward building a college and £500 to portion and apprentice several orphan children of the town. He also saw to the town's defences, ordering a fort built on the lands of Ballymanagh, beyond the west bridge, where the foundation was laid and much of the walls went up that same year. The corporation paid to repair all the town's gates at the same time.

29. Lord Deputy Strafford visits Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1634

    In 1634 Sir Thomas Wentworth, afterwards earl of Strafford, visited Galway as lord deputy of Ireland. His entry was splendid, he stayed at Sir Richard Blake's mansion, and he knighted the mayor Sir Dominick Brown before departing for Dublin.

    Read the passage

    Sir Thomas Wentworth, (afterwards earl of Strafford,) lord deputy of Ireland, visited the town in 1634 : his entry was splendid, and his reception equally correspondent. During his stay he resided in the mansion house of Sir Richard Blake, for whose polite attention he made the most grateful acknowledgments. He conferred the honor of knighthood on Sir Dominick Brown, the mayor; and, having expressed much satisfaction at the highly finished state and opulent appearance of the town, his lordship departed for Dublin.

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

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 89

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Galway, this is a city with a story from 1634. Sir Thomas Wentworth, afterwards Earl of Strafford, visited the town as Lord Deputy of Ireland. His entry was splendid, and his reception equally correspondent. During his stay he resided in the mansion house of Sir Richard Blake, for whose polite attention he made the most grateful acknowledgments. He conferred the honour of knighthood on Sir Dominick Brown, the mayor. Having expressed much satisfaction at the highly finished state and opulent appearance of the town, his lordship departed for Dublin. For the first fifteen years of the reign of Charles the First, a time of profound peace in Ireland, there are but few particulars related of the town. But during the turbulent remainder of the life of that unhappy monarch, Galway took a leading part in the political transactions of the times, invariably manifesting the greatest zeal, loyalty and affection in his cause. The only occurrence worthy of remark during that earlier period, beyond the visit already described, is the celebrated tyrannical proceeding of Lord Strafford against the sheriff and jury of the county of Galway. This able but despotic ruler formed the unjust and impolitic design of subverting the title to every estate in Connaught, by showing that the province, notwithstanding all prior grants to individuals, was entirely vested in the crown and still at its disposal. He caused separate commissions to issue on the 15th of June 1635, directed to certain commissioners, who were to inquire by the oaths of a jury what estate, right or title the king or any of his progenitors had to every county in the province.

30. Luig meann conquers Clare and Thomond from Conacians

    Kilcolgan · townland · Galway · 360

    In 360, Luig meann (Lamh dearg), king of Leath mogha, defeated the Conacians in several sanguinary engagements, killing their chiefs and laying waste their territories with fire and sword. He deprived them of Clare and Thomond, extending from the bay of Kilcolgan near Galway to Limerick, and from Lough Derg to Loop Head at the mouth of the Shannon.

    Read the passage

    In the year 360. Luig meann, otherwise Lamh dearg, or the bloody handed, king of Leath mogha, after being harassed by the Conacians, who made frequent attempts to add the district, forming the present county of Clare, to their territory, defeated them in several sanguinary engagements, killed several of their chiefs, and, laying waste their territories with fire and sword, deprived them of Clare and Thomond, extending from the bay of Kilcolgan. near Galway, to Limerick, and from Loch-Dearg to Leim Cuchullin, or Cuchullin's Leap, now called Loophead, otherwise Cape leane, at the mouth of the

    Shannon. To this extensive tract of country it seems he had a prior right, as it lay within the limits traced out from Galway to Dublin between Con and Eogan. He converted the whole into Fearon cliombh, or Sword land, for the maintenance of his knights, in order to secure his country against the Conacians. In an endeavour to recover this back, in the year 550. Guarra, king of Connaught, was defeated with dreadful slaughter.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 41

    As the companion tells it

    Near here, in the year 360, a king called Luig meann, known as Lamh dearg, the bloody handed, king of Leath mogha, fought the Conacians who had been harassing him and trying to add Clare to their territory. He defeated them in several sanguinary engagements, killed several of their chiefs, and laid waste their territories with fire and sword. He stripped them of Clare and Thomond, a tract extending from the bay of Kilcolgan near Galway to Limerick, and from Lough Derg to Loop Head at the mouth of the Shannon. He had a prior right to this land, as it lay within limits traced from Galway to Dublin between Con and Eogan. He converted the whole into what he called Fearon cliombh, or Sword land, for the maintenance of his knights, to secure his country against the Conacians. Later, in 550, Guarra, king of Connaught, tried to take it back and was defeated with dreadful slaughter.

31. Mathew Quin's dispute with Galway corporation over market duties

    Galway · city · Galway · 1672–1685

    Mathew Quin, an old native of Galway, contested the corporation over small duties on slaughtered cattle and exported goods originally granted to his uncle Andrew Lynch. These duties were confirmed to Quin by patent in 1672 for 99 years, but the corporation obstructed him, leading to chancery proceedings and eventual compromise.

    Read the passage

    signment of his dwelling-house, which was converted into a tholsel.) These duties having become forfeited, and vested in the crown, were confirmed to Mathew Quih, "in consideration of his loyalty and sufferings," by patent dated 19th February, 1672, for 99 years; and although, as he stated, they were never granted to the corpo ration, yet they obstructed him m the receipt of them. He was therefore obliged to appeal to chancery, and accordingly obtained a decree on the first of June, 1675. to quit him in the possession. — Orig. Decree, Rolls Off.— In 1680, the corporation complained to the chancellor, that Quin, not content with his ^atent, had, by exacting beyond it, agumented to 3001. yearly, what, in 1641. was farmed for 181. and prayed relief. — Corporation Book B. — The affair was afterwards compromised between them. In 1685, the duties of the markets and the ingate and outgate customs were set for one year for 2101.— Id. C.

    1 Corporation Book, B.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 123

    As the companion tells it

    Galway was the scene of a long dispute over market duties between the corporation and Mathew Quin, an old native of the town. Duties on slaughtered cattle and exported goods, originally granted to his uncle Andrew Lynch, had become forfeited to the crown, but were confirmed to Quin by patent in 1672 for 99 years, in consideration of his loyalty and sufferings. The corporation obstructed him, so he went to chancery and obtained a decree in 1675 to secure his possession. Then in 1680 the corporation complained that Quin was exacting beyond his patent, raising what had been farmed for 18 pounds in 1641 to 300 pounds yearly. The affair was eventually compromised, and in 1685 the market duties and ingate and outgate customs were set for one year at 210 pounds.

32. McWilliam of Clanrickarde excluded from rule in Galway

    Galway · city · Galway

    The charter ordains that neither the lord McWilliam, lord of Clanrickarde, nor his heirs should have any rule or power within the town of Galway without the licence and assent of the mayor, bailiffs and commonalty. Full authority to govern the town is vested in the municipal officers.

    Read the passage

    specified in the said letters patent, of the 18th day of November, to the aforesaid provost, bailiffs and commonalty as aforesaid, made, from saleable articles coming to the said town of Galway by land or by water, or passing from the same by themselves or their ministers, to be deputed in "this behalf, from time to time, may take, receive, levy, have and retain freely, quietly, well and peaceably, for ever, without the impediment or contradiction of him, the said king, his heirs or ministers whomsoever. Provided always, that the monies arising therefrom should be expended on the murage and pavage of the said town, and not otherwise, as aforesaid. And further, for the greater security and safeguard of the town of Galway aforesaid, the same late king willed and ordained, and by the same letters patent gave and granted licence unto the sovereign, provost, bailiffs and commonalty of our saotl town of Galway, that they might yearly, for ever, of their common assent, elect one mayor and two bailiffs within the said town of Galway, as is accustomed to be done in the town of Bristol, well and laudably to rule and govern the said town of Galway, and the laws and good customs therein, anciently used and approved of, to maintain and administer in all things as was becoming : and also, for the greater security and safeguard of the said town of Galway, he willed and ordained, that no person, of what estate, degree or condition soever he should be, should thenceforth, in a.n"y wise, enter the said town of Galway, unless by the licence, assent and superintendence of the said mayor, bailiffs and commonalty of the said town. Further, of his more abundant grace, and for the greater security and safeguard of the said town of Galway, he willed and ordained, and for himself and his heirs, as much as in him lay, granted that, thenceforth, neither the lord McWilliam, lord of Clanrickarde, nor his heirs, should have any rule or power within the said town of Galway, therein to act, receive, exact, ordain or dispose of any thing by land or by water, as he the said lord and his predecessors were anciently accustomed to receive and exact, without the special licence and by the assent and superintendence of the mayor, bailiffs and commonalty of the said town of Galway, to whom he gave, granted and attributed full power and authority to rule and govern the said town well and laudably in all

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 268

    As the companion tells it

    As you travel through Galway, you are passing through a town whose old charter drew a hard line around who could rule inside it. By letters patent dated the 18th of November, a late king granted the provost, bailiffs and commonalty of Galway the right to take and levy duties on saleable goods coming to the town by land or by water, or passing from it. The money from those duties was to be spent on the murage and pavage of the town, and nothing else. For the greater security and safeguard of Galway, the king willed and ordained that the sovereign, provost, bailiffs and commonalty might yearly, for ever, by their common assent, elect one mayor and two bailiffs within the town, as was accustomed to be done in the town of Bristol, to rule and govern Galway and to maintain and administer its ancient laws and good customs. The king further ordained that no person, of what estate, degree or condition soever, should enter the town without the licence, assent and superintendence of the mayor, bailiffs and commonalty. And then, of his more abundant grace, for the greater security of the town, he willed and ordained that neither the lord McWilliam, lord of Clanrickarde, nor his heirs, should have any rule or power within Galway, to act, receive, exact, ordain or dispose of anything by land or by water, as he and his predecessors were anciently accustomed to receive and exact, without the special licence and the assent and superintendence of the mayor, bailiffs and commonalty. Full power and authority to rule and govern the town well and laudably was given to those officers.

33. Munster invasion and burning of Dunmore

    Dunmore · townland · Galway · 1133

    Following the attack on Galway, the king of Munster marched into Connaught in 1133, burning fortresses including Dunmore and Dunmogh-dhairne, and laying waste to surrounding areas.

    Read the passage

    Munster himself marched at the head of an army into Connaught, laid waste the places called Ruadhbheitheach and Bealatha; slew Cathal O'Conor, the Righdamhna, or heir apparent to the throne of Connaught, and Giolla na naomh O'Floinn, a chieftain of great power : atfer which, he burned the fortresses of Dunmogh-dhairne and Dunmore, and all the other places of strength in the country. Turlough O'Brien, king of Munster, again, in the year 1149, invaded Connaught, and took and destroyed the town and castle of Galway. These ravages appear to have been soon afterwards repaired, for in 1154, the ships of "Galway Dune'' and of Conmacnamara, were sent upon an expedition to the northern parts of the

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 42

34. Origins of kelp manufacture near Galway, c.1700

    near Connemara · locality · Galway · 1700–1776

    Kelp manufacture commenced in the neighbourhood of Galway about 1700, with Andrew French and his grandfather being the first to export it from the town. By 1776 about 3,000 tons were annually exported, and kelp was principally manufactured in Connemara and brought to the town by sea.

    Read the passage

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

    fallen into disrepute.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 232

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead the road takes you through Connemara, where kelp was once burned and shipped to Galway by the boatload. The trade began around 1700, and Andrew French and his grandfather were the first to export it from the town. By 1776 about 3,000 tons were sent out every year. French told a committee of the House of Commons in 1762 that a single boat might carry 5 to 12 tons and make 15 to 20 trips a year from the burning sites to the quay. Kelp then sold at 25 to 35 shillings a ton, up from 14 to 21 shillings about 50 years before. Later, fraud crept in. Producers mixed the kelp with sand, stones, and other grit to pad the weight, which damaged the linen trade that depended on it. Inspectors were appointed, but the adulteration continued, and Connemara kelp fell into disrepute.

35. Partholanus division boundary at Clarinbridge near Galway

    Clarinbridge · town · Galway

    In the legendary first division of Ireland by Partholanus, the territory assigned to his son Fearon extended from the Island of Barymore in Munster to Athcliath na mearuidhe, now Clarinbridge near Galway. This places Clarinbridge as an ancient boundary marker in one of the earliest recorded partitions of the island.

    Read the passage

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

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

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 35

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Clarinbridge here in Galway. The old annals say the western coast of Ireland was peopled as early as any other part of the island, and that the district now comprehending the town of Galway and its vicinity was one of the first positions chosen for habitation by the original settlers. Galway, or the place on or near which it stands, was frequently made a chief point of division in the most ancient and celebrated partitions of Ireland. The reason given is that it lay almost due west of Dublin, so a line drawn from one to the other would nearly divide the kingdom into two equal parts. The first division of Ireland is attributed to Partholanus, a Scythian, who is said to have effected a settlement here some centuries after the flood, and to have divided the kingdom into four equal parts among his four sons. Fearon, the third son, received the territory extending from a place in Munster, afterwards called the Island of Barymore, to Athcliath na mearuidhe, now Clarinbridge, near Galway. So this town marks the boundary of Fearon's share. From here to Oileachneid in the north was assigned to the fourth son, Feargna. The second, the Firbolgian partition, is stated to have taken place in the year 2500 before the common era, when Ireland was divided into five provinces. Connaught fell to Geanann, one of their five principal commanders, and extended from Limerick to the bay of Donegal, including the place where Galway stands.

36. Quay Bastion of Galway rendered useless

    Galway · city · Galway

    The quay bastion, which covered the bridge and was the only place for defending the town from an attack from the west, had been rendered useless by encroachments and buildings. Beyond it was another bastion called the Quay Canton with a tolerable platform.

    Read the passage

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

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 144

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up now is Galway, and there is a story in its walls. The quay bastion here was the one place from which an enemy in the port might be annoyed with ordnance. It covered the bridge, and it was the only place for defending the town in case of an attack from the west. But it had been rendered useless. Encroachments and buildings had been erected on it, so it could no longer serve its purpose. Beyond it stood another bastion called the Quay Canton, and its platform was still tolerable. From the quay bastion to the end of the curtain, behind the county gaol, the wall was good. At the extremity there was room to erect a small battery, which might cover the west gate and defend the town if attacked from that quarter. That gate was the only entrance from Iar-Connaught, the highlands of the country, inhabited by a people whom it would be prudent to guard against. It was also the most likely place in this part of Ireland for an enemy to make a descent. From thence to the bridge the town wall broke off, and that space was closed by mills, tan-yards and dwelling-houses. The river ran by in a sharp current, and there were several windows and doors opening to the water, through which people had admittance to town when the gates were locked. The governor, on seeing some passing that way, had them stopped up. The dilapidated state of the walls was attributed to breaches made at different times by unregistered Papist merchants, who had been prohibited by express laws from living within the town or liberties, the more effectually to run goods and carry on the smuggling trade.

37. Report on popish schools in Galway, 1731

    Galway · city · Galway · 1731

    As part of the 1731 visitation, the mayor investigated Catholic schools. Gregory French was alleged to keep a Latin school; eight other named individuals were returned as popish schoolmasters teaching reading, writing, and arithmetic.

    Read the passage

    36. That part of the report which related to "popish" schools, f stated that the mayor, on the information of Mr. Garnett, master of the free school, gave him his warrant against one Gregory French whom he alleged to be a popish school-master, and to keep a Latin school ; and that having called upon Mr. Garnett to know what he had done under the warrant, he

    said that French had dropped his school • and being further examined, he declared he knew of no other Latin school, and that he could give no account of any other, or of any English or writing schools, except that some of his scholars went out of school daily to learn to write, but could not tell from whom. He referred the mayor, however, to a licensed school-master, who returned the names of Lally Bermingham, Thomas Adams, Nicholas Cox, William Caseberry, Thomas Burke, George Foster, Denis Creaghane and Bryan Hynes, popish school-masters and teachers of reading, writing and arithmetic. Com. Jour Vol. III. p. 170.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 141

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, this city carries a story from 1731, when a report looked into what it called popish schools. The mayor, acting on information from a man named Garnett, the master of the free school, gave Garnett his warrant against one Gregory French, whom he alleged to be a popish schoolmaster keeping a Latin school. When the mayor called on Garnett to know what he had done under the warrant, Garnett said that French had dropped his school. Pressed further, Garnett declared he knew of no other Latin school and could give no account of any English or writing schools, except that some of his own scholars went out of school daily to learn to write, though he could not tell from whom. He referred the mayor, however, to a licensed schoolmaster, and that man returned eight names: Lally Bermingham, Thomas Adams, Nicholas Cox, William Caseberry, Thomas Burke, George Foster, Denis Creaghane, and Bryan Hynes. They were listed as popish schoolmasters and teachers of reading, writing, and arithmetic.

38. Richard III charter grants Galway self-governance and excludes Clanrickard

    Galway · city · Galway · 1484

    A new charter dated at Westminster, 15 December 1484, confirmed all former grants to Galway, renewed tolls and customs for murage and pavage, granted yearly election of a mayor and two bailiffs, and ordained that neither Mac William of Clanrickard nor his heirs should have any rule or power within the town.

    Read the passage

    king confirmed all former grants, and renewed the powers to levy the tolls and customs, which he directed should be applied towards the murage and pavage of the town : he also granted licence that they might, yearly, for ever, choose one mayor and two bailiffs, and ordained that no person whomsoever should enter the town without licence; and particularly ordained and granted, that from thenceforth neither the lord Mac William, of Clanrickard, nor his heirs, should have any rule or power whatsoever within the town, either to act, exact, ordain or dispose of any thing therein, by land or by water, as he and his predecessors were anciently accustomed to do, without the special license and by the consent and superintendence of the mayor, bailiffs and corporation, to whom he granted plenary power and authority to rule and govern the town. 20 The first mayor and bailiffs were accordingly elected under this charter, on the 1st August, 1485, and were sworn into office on the 29th September following, which practice has ontinued without intermission to the present day.

    The bull was soon after received from Rome, and a meeting of the inhabitants was immediately convened in the town-house, where it was publicly read, in the hearing of all the people, on the 3d and 6th days of November, 1485. By this instrument, which is dated the 8th of February, 1484, the pope confirmed and approved of the erection of the church of St. Nicholas into a collegiate, to be governed by a warden and eight vicars, who should be moral, well bred and virtuous men, and who were to follow the English rite and custom, in celebrating the mysteries of religion; and he also granted the right of presentation of the warden and vicars to the chief magistrate or mayor, bailiffs and equals {pares) of the town for ever. 21

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 63

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Galway, you are entering a town that won the right to govern itself in 1484. A charter dated at Westminster on 15 December 1484, under Richard III, confirmed all former grants to the town and renewed the powers to levy tolls and customs, directed towards the murage and pavage of the town. The king granted licence that the town might yearly, for ever, choose one mayor and two bailiffs. He ordained that no person should enter the town without licence. And he ordained that neither the lord Mac William of Clanrickard nor his heirs should have any rule or power whatsoever within the town, either to act, exact, ordain or dispose of anything therein, by land or by water, as he and his predecessors were anciently accustomed to do. That power now belonged to the mayor, bailiffs and corporation, who were granted plenary power and authority to rule and govern the town. The first mayor and bailiffs were elected under this charter on 1 August 1485 and sworn into office on 29 September 1485, a practice that continued without intermission to the present day. Soon after, a bull was received from Rome. A meeting of inhabitants was convened in the town-house, where it was publicly read on 3 and 6 November 1485. This instrument, dated 8 February 1484, confirmed the erection of the church of St. Nicholas into a collegiate, governed by a warden and eight vicars, who were to be moral, well bred and virtuous men, following the English rite and custom in celebrating the mysteries of religion. The right of presentation of the warden and vicars was granted to the chief magistrate or mayor, bailiffs and equals of the town for ever.

39. Royal mint established in Galway under Germyn Lynch

    Galway · city · Galway · 1461

    In 1461, King Edward IV granted letters patent constituting Germyn Lynch as warden and master worker of monies within Dublin Castle, Trim Castle, and also within the town of Galway, giving him full power to make all coins during his lifetime. The patent was confirmed by an act of the Irish parliament, with impressions, inscriptions, weight and value of coins in silver, brass and copper specified.

    Read the passage

    Were any further proof requisite to indicate the consequence of the town at this period, that of the establishment of a mint, for the coinage of the king's monies, in a part of the kingdom so distant from the seat of government, would be sufficient. In the year 1461, King Edward IV. by letters patent, dated at Westminster, on the 6th of August, constituted Germyn Lynch wardeyn and maister worker of our monies and coignes within oure castle' of Dyvelin (Dublin), in our land of Ireland, and within the castle of Trim; and also, we have granted and gyve full power and auctorite to the said Germyn, and to his depute, or deputees, duryng his said lyf, to make all oure monies and coignes, and to do all things that shall nede or long thereto, within the town of Galway, within oure said land of Ireland." This patent was confirmed by an act of the succeeding Irish parliament, 13 in which the impressions, inscriptions, weight and value, of the several coins, in silver, brass and copper, were particularly specified. Not long afterwards it was ordered, that English money should advance a fourth part more in value in Ireland, than it was current for in England; viz. that nine pence English should pass for a shilling in Ireland, a shilling for sixteen pence, &C.14 which was the first time that any difference was made in the value of money between the two countries. 1-5 Mr. Simon says, that he never met with any of the coins, struck in Galway, under the foregoing patent. 16

    12 Corporation Book. Liber A.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 59

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, this is a town that once held the right to strike the king's own coin. In 1461, King Edward IV granted letters patent appointing Germyn Lynch as wardeyn and maister worker of his monies within Dublin Castle, Trim Castle, and the town of Galway. The patent was confirmed by an act of the Irish parliament, which specified the impressions, inscriptions, weight, and value of coins in silver, brass, and copper. Soon after, it was ordered that English money should be worth a fourth part more in Ireland than in England, nine pence English passing for a shilling in Ireland, the first time any such difference was made between the two countries. No coins struck in Galway under this patent have ever been found.

40. Spanish invasion scare and fortification of Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1718–1719

    In 1718, on rumour of a Spanish invasion, the governor Lord St. George received dispatches from Dublin. Major-General Wynne arrived in March 1719, reviewed the fortifications, and put Galway into a state of defence.

    Read the passage

    pleased te signify that major-general Wynne should be sent to Galway to command the forces quartered there for the defence of the town in case of an invasion." The general accordingly took the command on the 27th of March, 1719; and, having reviewed the fortifications, and put the town into a state of defence, he transmitted a full account of the condition and state of the entire to government, by whom several other repairs and improvements were directed. No attempt having been made by the enemy, as was apprehended, the strict military regulations then established in the garrison were by degrees laid aside. In the year 1725, a new commission of array issued, and the deficiencies of officers and men in the town militia were filled up. The inhabitants from thence enjoyed an interval of peace until the year 1 73 1 , when they endured the most severe penal visitation which had taken place for many years before, but which was also the last of the kind ever since experienced. On the 6th of November, in that year, an order was made by the house of lords, that Walter Taylor, esq. then mayor of the town, should return an account of all the mass-houses in the town, and which of them had been built since 1st Geo. I. and what number of priests officiated in each, and also an account of all private mass-houses and popish chapels, and all commonly reputed nunneries and friaries, and what number of friars and nuns were in each, and what popish schools were within the town. The mayor accordingly issued his warrants to the sheriffs, requiring them to apprehend and commit all popish archbishops, bishops, jesuits friars, and all other popish eccelesiastical persons whom they should find within the town and county thereof; and likewise to suppress all monasteries, friaries, nunneries, and other popish fraternities and societies. Upon return of their proceedings to the house, their lordships, "could not omit observing, that the insolence of the Papists throughout the nation is very great. "35 A particular detail of this visitation will be found in the accounts of the different religious foundations of the town, which are contained in another part of this volume. 36 From the proceedings and resolutions of the house of lords, it would appear as if all its fancied apprehensions of danger from the Catholics had arisen from this part of the kingdom, and particularly from Galway, to which its attention was principally directed. But these instances of persecution, which, for some time past, had been much more

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 141

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are in a city that braced for a Spanish invasion in 1718. Word reached the governor, Lord St. George, by dispatch from Dublin, and in March 1719 Major-General Wynne arrived to take command of the forces quartered here. He reviewed the fortifications, put the town into a state of defence, and sent a full account of its condition to the government, which then directed several further repairs and improvements. No enemy attempt ever came, and the strict military regulations that had been established in the garrison were by degrees laid aside.

41. Story's description of Galway's topography and layout

    Galway · city · Galway · 1691–1693

    An English army officer named Story described Galway as seated at the foot of a narrow ridge, with Galway Bay to the south, a large river from Lough Corrib to the west, and a low bog to the north through which a river ran underground and reappeared at an old castle near Oranmore.

    Read the passage

    built by reason of the richness of the inhabitants : the houses within the walls are generally very strong, and streets narrow. There lived a great many rich merchants in it of late, by reason of the conveniency of its situation for trade with Spain or Fiance, but most of them are Irish. The town is seated at the foot of a narrow ridge of land, having Galway bay on the south and south-east, a large river coming from lough-Corbe on the west, and towards the north there lies a low bog, through the midst of which runs a narrow but deep river, proceeding from the great one that slides

    15 The following description of the town at this period was given by Story author of the "Wars of Ireland" who was himself attached to the English army at the time and present at the siege: — "The town of Galway is, no doubt, one of the most ancient in Ireland ; and yet I do not find many remarkable things of it formerly, it being always rather a place of trade than action of another nature. It was first governed by a provost, then soverign and bayliffs, then a mayor and bayliffs, now by a mayor and sheriffs. It was most of it burnt in the year 1500, .but soon re-

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 128

    As the companion tells it

    As the road takes you through Galway, an English army officer named Story described this town around 1691 as one of the most ancient in Ireland. He was attached to the English army and present at the siege. Story wrote that the town sat "at the foot of a narrow ridge of land," with Galway Bay to the south and south-east, a large river from Lough Corrib to the west, and a low bog to the north through which a narrow but deep river ran. The houses within the walls were generally very strong and the streets narrow. Many rich merchants lived here because of the convenience of its situation for trade with Spain or France, though most of them were Irish. Story noted it was "always rather a place of trade than action of another nature." It was first governed by a provost, then sovereign and bailiffs, then a mayor and bailiffs, and by his time by a mayor and sheriffs. Most of the town was burnt in 1500 but soon rebuilt.

42. Surviving nuns return to Market Street, Galway (1686)

    Market Street · street · Galway · 1686

    Following the political change of 1686, the few nuns who survived exile returned to Galway and settled in a large house in Market Street. Their successors continued to reside there, apart from a few temporary removals, ever since.

    Read the passage

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

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 223

    As the companion tells it

    Along here, in 1686, a small group of nuns returned to Galway after years of exile. They had been forced to disperse after the surrender of the town in 1652, retreating to foreign parts where these persecuted women suffered through a long and comfortless exile. The few who survived came back on the change of political circumstances and settled in a large house on this street. Their successors have continued there ever since, apart from a few temporary removals.

43. The Galway Act restricts civic rights of Catholics

    Galway · city · Galway · 1717

    An elaborate local enactment known as the Galway Act regulated the town by imposing religious tests for office and jury service. It served as a lasting memorial of the restrictive penal laws enacted against the Catholics of Ireland.

    Read the passage

    pleasures, in and throughout the county of the town and liberties thereof, with the same power as any other justice of peace, by charter or otherwise. That all and every person and persons, professing him or themselves of any trade, mystery or handicraft, that should come to inhabit, dwell or reside in the town, in order to follow their respective trades, should and were thereby declared to be free of the town and corporation of Galway, and also of that company or corporation to which their respective trades belonged, without paying anything for such freedom, and should continue freemen as long as he or they should inhabit or dwell in the town, and no longer, and should be exempted and freed from all corporation taxes and fines for not serving as beadle, for the space of seven years next after his or their coming to inhabit in the town; provided that no person or persons were to have the benefit of their freedoms, as aforesaid, unless he or they had been professed Protestants for seven years, or upwards, next before his or their demanding their freedoms pursuant to the act, and should also take the usual oaths of freeman, and the oath of allegiance, supremacy and abjuration, and make and subscribe the declaration, commonly called the declaration against transubstantiation, before the mayor of the town, who was thereby empowered and required to administer the same : and finally reciting, that since his majesty's happy accession to the crown, and particularly during the late rebellion in Great Britain, divers unqualified persons, and some of them of known or suspected disaffection to his majesty's government, had been elected sheriffs within the town of Galway, and, upon pretence of such their election, had all of them been admitted into and sworn of the common council, notwithstanding they had not been approved of by the chief governor and council of the kingdom to be sheriffs; and that all such elections, without such approbation, were utterly null and void; and that divers other unqualified and disaffected persons had been admitted into the common council since the 1st August, 1714. It was, for the further security of the town, finally enacted, that the election and admission of all and every person and persons who had been so admitted and s>worn since that day, except such as had been approved of, sworn and served as sheriffs of the tov/n. should be, and were thereby declared null and void to all intents and purposes. 31 — Such were the provisions of this elaborate and local enactment, (now known by the name of the "Galway Act,") by which the town was for some time after regulated, but which the increasing liberality of succeeding times has rendered of little other use, at the present day, than to become a subject of historical narration, and to remain a lasting memorial of the liberal feelings by which this and similar laws were enacted against the Catholics of Ireland.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 139

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are in a city that was once regulated by a local enactment known as the Galway Act, passed in 1717. The act declared that tradespeople coming to live and work in the town would be free of the corporation and exempt from certain taxes for seven years, but only if they had been professed Protestants for seven years or more. They also had to take the oaths of allegiance, supremacy and abjuration, and subscribe the declaration against transubstantiation before the mayor. The act further nullified the election of sheriffs who had been admitted to the common council without approval of the chief governor and council, and voided all admissions to the common council made since the 1st of August 1714 by persons described as unqualified and disaffected. The source calls this elaborate enactment a lasting memorial of the feelings by which such laws were enacted against the Catholics of Ireland.

44. Warden Kirwan's death and religious reforms at collegiate chapel

    Galway · city · Galway · 1791

    Warden Kirwan instituted Sunday vespers, evening lectures, and prayers in the collegiate chapel in Galway, and established a valuable charity school. He died on 7 August 1791 amidst the tears of the community, after which the Catholics of Galway moved to reorganize their ancient corporation.

    Read the passage

    prin»iples of religion and morality. Since the establishment of this valuable institution to the present time, thousands have by its means been rescued from the paths of idleness and vice, and become useful members of society. Warden Kirwan also instituted Sunday vespers and evening lecture and prayers in the collegiate chapel; and, after many other laudable regulations, this exemplary man departed this life, amidst the tears of the community, on the 7th of August, 1 791 .

    At this time the situation of the Catholics of Ireland was very different from what it had been at any former period since the reign of James II. The day of persecution had now passed away, and this meritorious, though long suffering, body at length found themselves under the protection of the laws, and in the enjoyment of the public and undisturbed exercise of their religion. Immediately on the decease of warden Kirwan, the principal Catholics of Galway, composed entirely of the ancient names and families, assembled for the purpose of new-modelling the ancient Catholic corporation;? after which they proceeded to the election of a warden in the room of their late venerable pastor. On this occasion there were two candidates for the wardenship, the reverend Patrick Kirwan and the reverend John Joyes, nephew of the former warden of that name, and, after a severe contest, the latter was chosen by a large majority. 8 During these proceedings, the old disputes between the "tribes" and "non-tribes," which had lain dormant for upwards of half a century, were revived with considerable animosity. 9

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 211

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Galway, you are passing through a city with a story rooted in its collegiate chapel. Warden Kirwan was the man who instituted Sunday vespers, evening lectures, and prayers in that chapel. He also established a charity school, and by its means thousands were rescued from idleness and vice and became useful members of society. This exemplary man died on the 7th of August 1791, amidst the tears of the community. At that time, the situation of the Catholics of Ireland had changed. The day of persecution had passed away, and they found themselves under the protection of the laws and in the enjoyment of the public and undisturbed exercise of their religion. Immediately on the decease of Warden Kirwan, the principal Catholics of Galway, composed entirely of the ancient names and families, assembled to new-model the ancient Catholic corporation. They then proceeded to elect a warden in place of their late venerable pastor. There were two candidates, the reverend Patrick Kirwan and the reverend John Joyes, nephew of the former warden of that name. After a severe contest, John Joyes was chosen by a large majority. During these proceedings, the old disputes between the "tribes" and "non-tribes," which had lain dormant for upwards of half a century, were revived with considerable animosity.

45. Conamara sunfish and basking shark fishery

    near Connemara · locality · Galway

    The sunfish or basking-shark fishery on the western coast of Ireland, running from March to June, is the next most important after herring. Almost every farmer in Conamara residing near the shore annually employs one or two boats, but for want of proper harpooning methods the fishery is not as productive as it could be. The oil of a single fish may be worth from 20s. to 30s. sterling.

    Read the passage

    Next to the herring fishery, that of the sun-fish or basking-shark (with which the western coast of Ireland abounds), beginning in March and ending in June, is the most important, and, if cultivated with sufficient industry and skill, would prove highly valuable. This fish is of the cartilaginous class, and affords a considerable quantity of oil, which is much sought after and is little inferior in quality to that of the whale itself. The oil of a single fish may be worth from 20s. to 30s. sterling. But, notwithstanding almost every farmer in Conamara residing contiguous to the shore, annually employs one or tv/o boats, yet for want of the true method of spearing or harpooning, etc., this fishery is not at all so productive as it would certainly be if properly prosecuted. The cod and turbot fishery also

    arrayed in short white jackets, with rite, is evident to anyone acquainted with

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 239

    As the companion tells it

    As you travel through Connemara, you're passing the shore of an old fishery for the sun-fish, or basking shark, that the western coast of Ireland abounds in. Next to herring, it was the most important fishery here, running from March to June. The oil of a single fish could be worth from 20 shillings to 30 shillings sterling, and was little inferior in quality to whale oil. Almost every farmer in Conamara living near the shore would put one or two boats to it each year, but for want of the true method of harpooning, it never reached its full value.

46. Lord Deputy Russell received in Galway, 1595

    Galway · city · Galway · 1595

    Lord Deputy Russell arrived in Galway in 1595 and was received with great rejoicings, staying only a short time. During his visit complaints were made about the rigor and exactions of Sir Richard Bingham, the governor, who was afterwards removed.

    Read the passage

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

    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

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 83

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are in a city that was fortifying itself around this time, with the point at the quay turned into a fortification and furnished with great guns. In 1595 the lord deputy Russell arrived here and was received with great rejoicings, though he stayed only a short time. His purpose seems to have been to inquire into the state of the town and province. During his visit complaints were made about the rigor and exactions of Sir Richard Bingham, the governor, and Bingham was afterwards removed. Soon after Russell's departure the northern Irish, led by Hugh Ruadh O'Donnell, having destroyed the castle of Enniskillen, pushed into Connaught and were joined by Tibbot Mac Walter Kittagh Bourke, upon whom they conferred the title of Mac William, along with other confederates. They began hostilities in January 1596 and 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. They were repulsed in an attack on the castle, which was bravely defended, and failed to scale the battlements, but they took the wall-towers and made prisoners of the inhabitants guarding them. They set fire to the town, and with the exception of the castle, the abbey, and the church, which alone were spared, it was reduced to ashes.

47. Warehouse chapel in Middle Street

    Middle Street · street · Galway

    A warehouse in Middle Street, belonging to merchant Anthony Bodkin, was converted into a popish chapel five or six years prior. Patrick Bermingham, titular warden, and other friars officiated there.

    Read the passage

    4 "They (the sheriffs) also gave me an account of a reputed popish chapel in Middle-street aforesaid, in which chapel there is an altar, a canopy, and some forms ; and informed me that one Gregory French and Robert Skerrett, two popish priests, usually officiated therein ; and another popish chapel in the same street, in a warehouse belonging to Anthony Bodkin, merchant, with some forms, and that one Patrick Bermingham, titular warden, and some other priests or friars, whose names I could not learn, officiate therein, and which said warehouse was converted into a chapel five or six years ago ; and that one Patrick Skerrett, a registered popish priest, a very old man, officiates and says mass (as they heard) in his chambers in Sk inner 's-street ; and that one Patrick Hoobane, an old registered priest, officiates and says mass in the parish of Rahoon, in the west suburbs of Galway ; and that one Gregory French (but whether he is a priest or friar cannot learn) is said to officiate in the house

    264

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 209

    As the companion tells it

    Along here on Middle Street, a warehouse belonging to the merchant Anthony Bodkin was converted into a chapel about five or six years before the report. The sheriffs gave an account of it, noting some forms inside. Patrick Bermingham, described as titular warden, and some other priests or friars whose names were not learned officiated there. There was another chapel in the same street as well, where the priests Gregory French and Robert Skerrett usually officiated. The report also mentions Patrick Skerrett, a registered popish priest and a very old man, saying mass in his chambers in Skinner's Street, and Patrick Hoobane, an old registered priest, officiating in the parish of Rahoon in the west suburbs of Galway.

48. Bishop Roland Linche alienated Clonfert church lands

    Clonfert (Butson) · townland · Galway · 1602–1606

    Roland Linche, a native of Galway, was appointed bishop of Clonfert in 1602 and was charged with defrauding his successors by alienating church property. In 1606 he leased the entire lands of the bishoprick, twenty-eight denominations, to Robert Blake for ninety-nine years at £5 per annum.

    Read the passage

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

    7 Th_e_ archbishop, by his letters, dated on the feast of the Conception, 1487, united the rectory and vicarage of the parochial church of Furanmore (Oranmore) and the vicarage of Meary, both in the diocese of Anaghdown, to the collegiate church, reserving annually out of Furanmore twenty-one ounces of silver money, ,and out of Meary seven ounces. By letters dated 12th April, 1488, he united the vicarage of the parish church of St. Mary of Rathuna (Rahoon), being

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 193

49. Catholic secret parish division of Galway after capitulation

    Galway · city · Galway · 1691

    After the 1691 capitulation, the Catholic corporation of Galway secretly assembled and divided the town and suburbs into distinct parishes, including the Quay-quarter, Tower-quarter, Gate-quarter, and East-suburbs, as well as parts of Oranmore, Rahoon, and Claregalway. This division continued with little alteration to the present day.

    Read the passage

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

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 208

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are in a town whose Catholic parish map was drawn in secret in 1691. After the surrender that year, John Bodkin Fitz-Andrew, the Catholic warden, handed the church over to the established clergy. The chapels and altars Catholics had only lately repaired were immediately broken down, and the interior was refitted for Protestant worship. The articles of capitulation did promise that Roman Catholic clergy and laity would be protected in the private exercise of their religion. On that basis, the Catholic corporation met secretly, with the warden and chapter, and divided the town and its suburbs into distinct parishes. That division has continued with very little alteration to the present day. Warden Bodkin was succeeded by the Reverend Edmund Lynch. Persecution against Catholics was raging during his wardenship, and the scattered remnants of collegiate property were gathered and quietly sent to France. There the goods were sold and the money placed at interest. The fund grew through donations and bequests, and was used to buy an income in Paris, remitted each year to Galway to support the warden and vicars. Sacred utensils and church plate valued at over £500 were also carried to France and lodged in the Irish college at Paris, where they stayed until the French Revolution, when they were seized and confiscated. Lynch was succeeded as warden by Patrick Skerrett.

50. Clanricarde provisions fort via Oranmore Castle

    Oranmore · town · Galway

    The earl of Clanricarde dispatched about 140 carriages of wheat, malt, and other necessaries to his castle of Oranmore, from where they were safely conveyed to the fort by water. He arrived at Oranmore on 2 April with some 700 foot and 200 horse.

    Read the passage

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

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 94

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Oranmore, this was where the earl of Clanricarde staged a relief effort for the besieged fort at Galway. The town had declared its intention to invest the fort, blocking every passage to starve it into submission, and Captain Willoughby burned the east suburbs on the 13th of March to deny the besiegers shelter. Clanricarde's first thought was provisions. He sent about 140 carriages of wheat, malt, and other necessaries to his castle here at Oranmore, and from there they were safely conveyed to the fort by water. He then raised what forces he could muster in the country, some 700 foot and near 200 horse, and on the 2nd of April arrived at Oranmore himself. Finding the two narrow land passages to the fort occupied by the enemy's cannon, he judged a direct attack dangerous, since his horse, his principal strength, would be useless in the craggy ground. Instead he resolved to cut off the besiegers' supplies. He placed garrisons in his castles of Oranmore, Clare-Galway, and Tirellan, and scoured the plains with his horse, hindering all resort to the market. The effects were soon felt, and meetings were held to propose terms of pacification.

51. Dominick Lynch's benefactions to Galway collegiate church

    Galway · city · Galway · 1486–1508

    Dominick Lynch Fitz-John, mayor of Galway in 1486, made additions to the collegiate church and built part of the college-house for the wardens and vicars. In his 1508 will, he bequeathed legacies and directed his son to finish the new work and build an altar to St. James.

    Read the passage

    The inhabitant of Gal vay, having thus succeeded, to the fullest extent of their wishes, in getting rid of an exterior, and establishing a domestic, nomination of the clergy, now began to direct their thoughts towards the endowment of the college and the improvement of the church. Dominick Lynch Fitz-John, one of the most opulent merchants of the town, who was mayor in 1486, and chiefly instrumental in promoting the original institution, was one of its principal benefactors. He made several additions to the church, and built a part of the college-house, or residence for the wardens and vicars, to whom in his will he also bequeathed several legacies. 4 The union of exterior additional parishes, to extend the jurisdiction and increase the revenues of the college, was next attended to. On the 7th of August, 1486, William Joyes, archbishop of Tuam, and a native of the town, 5 confirmed by his deed all the former grants and privileges of the collegiate church, warden and vicars;^ and he soon after united to the church the

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 193

    As the companion tells it

    As you travel through Galway, the collegiate church carries the mark of Dominick Lynch Fitz-John, one of the town's most opulent merchants. The inhabitants of Galway, having succeeded in establishing a domestic nomination of the clergy, turned their thoughts towards the endowment of the college and the improvement of the church. Dominick Lynch Fitz-John, who was mayor in 1486 and chiefly instrumental in promoting the original institution, became one of its principal benefactors. He made several additions to the church and built part of the college-house, the residence for the wardens and vicars. In his will of 1508, he bequeathed several legacies to the wardens and vicars, and directed his son to finish the new work and build an altar to St. James. On the 7th of August 1486, William Joyes, archbishop of Tuam and a native of the town, confirmed by his deed all the former grants and privileges of the collegiate church, warden and vicars, and soon after united additional parishes to the church to extend its jurisdiction and increase its revenues.

52. Murtagh O'Flahertie slain at Moycullen Castle

    Moycullen · town · Galway

    Moriertagh (Murtagh) O'Flahertie was killed in the castle of Moycullen by the sept of Edmund O'Flahertie, together with four of his sons. His grandfather Hug Oge, then O'Flahertie, was seized by the murderers and detained without food or drink until he died by famine at Moycullen.

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    heads of the family, and on 3d July, 1585, the lord deputy, at the instance of Rory O'Flahertie, issued a commission to examine into the causes of these feuds. Upon this occasion it appeared, that the territory of Gnobegg, or Knockbegg, was the ancient inheritance of Gilleduff O'Flahertie, who died seized thereof in his demesne as of fee, and, that he and his sons lived at the Moyculle, and were the O'Flaherties, and governors or chiefs of all the country ; and had services and duties out of every part of Gnobegg ; that he had an elder brother, that had no part or portion of Gnobegg, but had his portion, Gnomore ; that Gnobegg contained the towns of Moycullen, (the chief town in the same,) Clonduff or Cloy duff, Balle Mo. Gellevey, Theowre, Killehahine, Curraghduff, Cossowon or Oosshoone, Barna or Barney, Forbough, Spiddell, Coylrowny or Kylle-Rowe, Moyseragh or Moyaskrogh, Bocarna, Chayry, or Ogharry, Tollokihan or Tulkihan, Ballyquirke, Balleifculgoyrie or Hulgurney, Curcullen or Curculen, Leytermillanie or Letermylany, and Gaerinana, the island of Innyshe Mc. Fryan or Innishe McAtrire, with the lands in or of Connomara, Airdbeara, Ballinlenry or Baliinbury, Balle Ihry or Bade Iwile, and Rynvylehoway or Rynvyleohway : that the said Gnobegg was meared and bounded, from Srawan Icarwan or Srwan-Igravan, north, to Galway, south, saving the libertieis, and so along the river of Alley or Donkelly, west, to Galway, east : that Hugh More McGilleduff was son and heir to the said Mc. Killeduffe, and his best son, and was possessed of all Gnobegg ; and left Hughe Oge O'Flahertie, his son and heir, who died, seized of the said premises : he left them to his son and heir, Moriertagh or Murtagh O'Flahertie ; who left the said Rory, his only son and heir, by his wife, Evelyn ny Kirevan : that said Moriertagh was slain, in the castle of Moycullen. by the sept of Edmund O'Flahertie, viz. Bryan and Donell Crona, and the sept of Moriertagh Reogh, together with four of his sons, and that the said Hug Oge, then O'Flahertie, grandfather to the said Rory, was taken by the murderers ; and with them detained with-

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 42

53. Richard II grants Galway charter to elect a sovereign

    Galway · city · Galway · 1396

    Due to ongoing attacks from enemies and rebels, the burgesses of Galway maintained men for defence at their own expense. Richard II granted letters patent on 26 January 1396, allowing them to annually elect a sovereign and enjoy the same liberties as Drogheda.

    Read the passage

    were received, saved, comforted and relieved), lay exposed on all sides as well to Irish enemies as English rebels, so that the burgesses of the said town and others dwelling therein, and coming thereunto, dare not, without great conduct, come to the said town either by land or by water, or go out of the same to traffic and transact other necessary business, and that the said burgesses, for the safe custody of the said town against the malice of the said enemies and rebels, had continually, day and night, maintained and supported in the said town, divers men for defence, at their own proper charges, i3 the manifest impoverishment of their estate, in aid of the relief and encouragement of the town aforesaid, and in order that merchants and others might be the more induced and encouraged to dwell and inhabit in the said town, for the better resistance of the malice of the said enemies and rebels; by hi3 letters patent, dated at Dublin, the twenty-sixth day of January, in the nineteenth year of his reign, of his special grace, granted and gave licence, for himself and his heirs, as much as in him lay, to the provost and co-burgesses of the said town of Galway, that they and their heirs and successors, co-burgesses therein, might thenceforth, annually, for ever, from year to year, of their common assent, elect among themselves one sovereign of the said town, and that the said sovereign, when he should be by them so elected, that is to say, after the first election of such sovereign, before the said provost of the said town, and every year afterwards before the sovereign of the said town, in the year last preceding, should take a corporal oath, well and faithfully to rule and govern the town aforesaid, and to maintain the laws of the said late king, and the good customs of the said town, used and approved of, and all other things whatsoever concerning the office of such sovereign, in any such borough, rightly for the good government and benefit of the said town, to do and execute : and moreover, he granted, for himself and his heirs, to the said co-burgesses and their heirs and successors, burgesses there, that no merchant or other person whatsoever, whether foreign or native, of what state or condition soever he should be, who should not be continually resident in the said town, and sworn as a co-burgess of the same, to support and sustain, from time to time, all burthens in the

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 265

    As the companion tells it

    Galway, on the road ahead of you, was a town that lay exposed on all sides to Irish enemies and English rebels. The burgesses who lived there dared not come and go by land or water without great conduct. They could not safely go out to traffic or transact their necessary business. For the safe custody of the town against the malice of those enemies and rebels, the burgesses had continually, day and night, maintained divers men for defence, at their own proper charges, to the manifest impoverishment of their estate. They did this in aid of the relief and encouragement of the town, and so that merchants and others might be the more induced to dwell and inhabit there, for the better resistance of the malice of the said enemies and rebels. King Richard the Second, by his letters patent dated at Dublin, the twenty-sixth day of January, in the nineteenth year of his reign, granted and gave licence to the provost and co-burgesses of the town of Galway. They and their heirs and successors might thenceforth, annually, for ever, from year to year, of their common assent, elect among themselves one sovereign of the town. The sovereign, when elected, was to take a corporal oath, well and faithfully to rule and govern the town, to maintain the laws of the king and the good customs of the town used and approved of. The king also granted that no merchant or other person, foreign or native, of whatever state or condition, who was not continually resident in the town and sworn as a co-burgess to support and sustain all burthens, should enjoy those liberties.

54. 1731 penal visitation against Galway Catholics

    Galway · city · Galway · 1731

    The House of Lords ordered Galway mayor Walter Taylor to report all mass-houses, priests, nunneries, friaries, and popish schools in the town. Sheriffs were directed to apprehend Catholic clergy and suppress religious houses.

    Read the passage

    pleased te signify that major-general Wynne should be sent to Galway to command the forces quartered there for the defence of the town in case of an invasion." The general accordingly took the command on the 27th of March, 1719; and, having reviewed the fortifications, and put the town into a state of defence, he transmitted a full account of the condition and state of the entire to government, by whom several other repairs and improvements were directed. No attempt having been made by the enemy, as was apprehended, the strict military regulations then established in the garrison were by degrees laid aside. In the year 1725, a new commission of array issued, and the deficiencies of officers and men in the town militia were filled up. The inhabitants from thence enjoyed an interval of peace until the year 1 73 1 , when they endured the most severe penal visitation which had taken place for many years before, but which was also the last of the kind ever since experienced. On the 6th of November, in that year, an order was made by the house of lords, that Walter Taylor, esq. then mayor of the town, should return an account of all the mass-houses in the town, and which of them had been built since 1st Geo. I. and what number of priests officiated in each, and also an account of all private mass-houses and popish chapels, and all commonly reputed nunneries and friaries, and what number of friars and nuns were in each, and what popish schools were within the town. The mayor accordingly issued his warrants to the sheriffs, requiring them to apprehend and commit all popish archbishops, bishops, jesuits friars, and all other popish eccelesiastical persons whom they should find within the town and county thereof; and likewise to suppress all monasteries, friaries, nunneries, and other popish fraternities and societies. Upon return of their proceedings to the house, their lordships, "could not omit observing, that the insolence of the Papists throughout the nation is very great. "35 A particular detail of this visitation will be found in the accounts of the different religious foundations of the town, which are contained in another part of this volume. 36 From the proceedings and resolutions of the house of lords, it would appear as if all its fancied apprehensions of danger from the Catholics had arisen from this part of the kingdom, and particularly from Galway, to which its attention was principally directed. But these instances of persecution, which, for some time past, had been much more

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 141

    As the companion tells it

    As the road carries you through Galway, this is a town that knew a harsh season in 1731. For some years before, the place had been a garrison on alert. Major-General Wynne arrived in March 1719 to command the forces quartered here, reviewed the fortifications, and put the town into a state of defence against a feared invasion that never came. The strict military rule in the garrison faded by degrees. In 1725, a new commission of array filled the gaps in the town militia. From then the inhabitants had an interval of peace. That peace broke in 1731, in what the record calls the most severe penal visitation in many years, and the last of its kind ever after. On the 6th of November that year, the House of Lords ordered Walter Taylor, mayor of the town, to return an account of all the mass-houses in the town, and which of them had been built since the first year of George the First, and what number of priests officiated in each. He was to account for all private mass-houses and popish chapels, all commonly reputed nunneries and friaries, how many friars and nuns were in each, and what popish schools were within the town. The mayor issued his warrants to the sheriffs, requiring them to apprehend and commit all popish archbishops, bishops, Jesuits, friars, and all other popish ecclesiastical persons found within the town and county. They were likewise to suppress all monasteries, friaries, nunneries, and other popish fraternities and societies. When the sheriffs returned their proceedings, the lords stated they could not omit observing, in the words of the source, that the insolence of the Papists throughout the nation is very great. The Lords seemed to think their danger from Catholics arose from this part of the kingdom, and from Galway in particular, to which their attention was principally directed.

55. Annaghkeen and the origin of the name Ulick, first Mac William Eighter

    Annaghkeen · townland · Galway

    Sir William or Ulick, called Ulicus de Anaghkeen, was the first Mac William Eighter. His son Rickard gave rise to the name Clanrickard, whose descendants founded several branches of this powerful and widely extended family.

    Read the passage

    of Blake and Athy; and, in the commotions occasioned by them, several of the later were slain. The church of Saint John of Jerusalem, which belonged to the knights templars, and stood contiguous to the chapel of Saint Nicholas, was suppressed in 1324. In the same year Sir William Leigh de Burgh died, and was interred in the abbey of Saint Francis, founded by himself. He left seven sons; the eldest of whom, Sir William or Ulick, 30 called Ulicus de Anaghkeen, was the first Mac William Eighter. He had a son named Rickard (from whom the name Clan-Rickard originated), whose three sons, Sir William or Ulick, (the progenitor qf the earls of Clanricarde,) Thomas and John, 31 were founders of several branches of this powerful and widely extended family.

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

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 51

56. Archbishop Burke breaks open Galway church doors, 1648

    Galway · city · Galway · 1648

    In 1648, Archbishop John Burke of Tuam, after his dispute with the nuncio, caused the church doors in Galway to be broken open. He was obliged the following day to sign a declaration that he did not intend to interfere with the liberties of the college.

    Read the passage

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

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 202

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Galway now, where in 1648 Archbishop John Burke of Tuam had the church doors broken open. The roots of the trouble went back to a dispute over a parish vacancy in Clare. The warden, Walter Lynch, presented a priest, but the archbishop refused to admit him unless he met four conditions. First, the archbishop should approve of him. Second, he should be obedient to the provincial and diocesan synods and statutes. Third, he should give no contradiction to the archbishop's visitation, correction, procuration, and so on. Fourth, he should give under his hand to be obedient to the archbishop's sentence touching the controversy between them. These disagreements bred violent personal animosities between the contending ecclesiastics, and they proceeded to excommunication on both sides. At length they agreed to submit to the final determination of the bishops of Elphin and Clonfert, the vicar apostolic of Kilmacduagh, Sir Lucas Dillon, one of the supreme council, and Richard Martin, mayor of the town, who finally succeeded in composing their differences. The warden and vicars soon after obtained a grant from the corporation of three parts in eight of the tithes within the town, to recompense them for profits expended since the troubles in repairing the church and college-house, and paying 40 pounds yearly to one of their body for preaching every Sunday. The clergy and inhabitants were always careful of their collegiate rights and privileges, particularly against any infringement by the see of Tuam. That feeling was forcibly evinced in 1648, when John Burke, after his dispute with the nuncio, caused the church doors to be broken open. He was obliged the following day to sign a declaration, in the source's words, "that, by so doing, he did not intend to interfere with the liberties of the college."

57. Athenry destroyed by Mac-an-Earlas, 1575

    Athenry · town · Galway · 1575

    New works and improvements commenced at Athenry under Sir Henry Sidney's government were destroyed by the Mac-an-Earlas in 1575. The place remained almost deserted until 1584 when former inhabitants petitioned for support to rebuild.

    Read the passage

    with walls from an early period : the castle and abbey were built by the Birmingham family, and there are still considerable remains of the entire. During the government of Sir Henry Sidney, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth,' several new works and improvements were commenced ; but they were destroyed by the Mac-an-Earlas in 1575, and the place remained almost deserted until the year 1584, when Robert Fowle, John Brown, and otbers of the former inhabitants, petitioned the queen's council in England for such encouragement as would enable them to bring over English artisans and tradesmen to settle in the town, to rebuild and improve it, and also to support sufficient force for its future protection. This petition, together with observations on each article by the privy council of Ireland, to whom it was referred, were of the following tenor :

    The humble petition of Robert Fowle John Brown, Gent, with dyvers other associates answered and allowed.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 83

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Athenry, this was a place with walls from an early period. The castle and abbey were built by the Birmingham family, and considerable remains still stand. During the government of Sir Henry Sidney, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, new works and improvements were commenced here. But they were destroyed by the Mac-an-Earlas in 1575, and the place remained almost deserted until 1584. In that year, Robert Fowle, John Brown, and others of the former inhabitants petitioned the queen's council in England for encouragement to bring over English artisans and tradesmen to settle in the town, to rebuild and improve it, and to support sufficient force for its future protection. The petition was referred to the privy council of Ireland, with observations on each article. It was, in the words of the record,

58. Augustine Kirwan founded charity school for poor boys

    Galway · city · Galway · 1783–1791

    Warden Augustine Kirwan established a subscription fund and founded a school for the instruction and clothing of indigent boys in Galway. He died in 1791 and a marble monument was erected to his memory in the parish chapel.

    Read the passage

    Warden Bermingham died in 1 747, universally regretted. He was succeeded by the reverend Hyacinth Bodkin, a pious and learned divine, who survived but a short time, having died in the year 1749. On his death the reverend Marcus Kir wan, of Dalgan, was elected; but this gentleman having given some dissatisfaction to the lay-patrons, the reverend Anthony Blake, of Dunmacreena (who was afterwards titular archbishop of Armagh and Catholic primate of Ireland), was elected in his place : and this, it is said, was the only instance in which any of the wardens had been dispossessed since the Reformation. Doctor Blake erected the parish chapel in Middle-street about 1752, and was succeeded in 1755 by Francis Kirwan, who filled the chair with honour to himself and benefit to the town until his death, which happened in June, 1770; when the reverend John Joyes, of Oxford, in the county of Mayo, was elected. This gentleman continued warden until February, 1783, when he departed this life, leaving behind him the reputation of a good and pious pastor, always zealous in the cause of religion, and particularly so in the reproval of public vice and immorality. He was succeeded by the reverend Augustine Kirwan,6 a divine possessed of every virtue which adorns the clerical character, and whose piety, meekness, and unceasing benevolence will be long remembered. Amongst many other praiseworthy acts, he established a subscription fund, and founded a school for the instruction and clothing of indigent boys, in which numerous poor children are still carefully taught the rudiments of education and the

    cedi solitas Suffragan eis Episcopis, dispensandi in gradibus prohibitis, turn affinitatis, quoties tales casus occurrent.

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 210

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Galway now. In the 1700s this town had a line of wardens governing the parish, and one of them left something lasting. Warden John Joyes died in February 1783, remembered as a good and pious pastor, zealous in the cause of religion, and particularly in the reproval of public vice and immorality. He was succeeded by the reverend Augustine Kirwan, a divine possessed of every virtue which adorns the clerical character, and whose piety, meekness, and unceasing benevolence will be long remembered. Amongst many other praiseworthy acts, he established a subscription fund, and founded a school for the instruction and clothing of indigent boys, in which numerous poor children are still carefully taught the rudiments of education. Kirwan died in 1791, and a marble monument was erected to his memory in the parish chapel. The chapel itself had been built in Middle Street around 1752 by Doctor Blake, who had served as warden before Kirwan's predecessor. Before Blake, the wardens had gone uninterrupted since the Reformation, until Marcus Kirwan of Dalgan was elected and then displaced, the only warden ever dispossessed. Blake went on to become titular archbishop of Armagh and Catholic primate of Ireland.

59. Burial fees and privileges at St. Nicholas's Church and dissolved monasteries

    Galway · city · Galway

    Under Edward VI's grant, the wardens retained possession of the burial grounds of the dissolved monasteries of St. Francis, St. Dominick and St. Augustine in Galway, farming them out to undertakers with set charges for interment. The Lynches, D'Arcys, Brownes and Frenches had privilege of burial in St. Nicholas's Church, with the Kirwan family's claim disputed.

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    Warden's ground adjoining . 0 13 4 Bodv of the abbey . ..068 Without the precincts . , 0 2 8| For any interment in the church of St. Nicholas, usually applied to the use of the parish . . 10 0 0 It is said that the following families only have privilege of burial in the church, viz. : the Lynches, D'Arcys, Brownes and Frenches : according to some the Kirwan family is also entitled ; but, according to others, their claim has been always disputed.

    16 The following was the mandate which issued to the" mayor on this occasion : — -

    Internet Archive historyoftowncouhard, Chapter 198

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, St. Nicholas's Church holds an old burial story. Under Edward the Sixth's grant, the wardens kept the burial grounds of the dissolved monasteries of St. Francis, St. Dominick and St. Augustine, farming them out with set charges for interment. Only the Lynches, the D'Arcys, the Brownes and the Frenches had the privilege of burial inside the church itself. The Kirwan family claimed the same right, but others say their claim was always disputed.

60. Catholic inhabitants readmitted to Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1708–1711

    In April 1708, Colonel John Eyre, Governor of Galway, received government directions to allow the Catholic inhabitants of Galway to return to their dwellings and resume markets, as fears of a Pretender invasion had passed. A detachment had also been sent to the islands of Arran. The Catholics remained undisturbed until March 1711, when the mayor was ordered to secure Catholic priests in the town.

    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, you are moving through a city where Catholic fortunes shifted sharply. In April 1708, Colonel John Eyre, the Governor of Galway, received government directions to admit the Catholic inhabitants to return to their dwellings and continue in the town as formerly, and to allow the markets to be kept and held there as before. All apprehensions of an invasion from the Pretender were quite over. A strong detachment had been sent to the islands of Arran as well. From that point the Catholics remained undisturbed until the 22nd of March 1711, when the mayor, in a despatch from the secretary of state concerning French prisoners then in his custody, was ordered to cause the Catholic priests in Galway to be secured. The mayor received thanks for his good services regarding the Catholic clergy, along with an assurance that the government was extremely well pleased with his zeal and management, and expressing their hopes that he would continue his endeavours to, in their words, "banish the priests, those enemies to our constitution, out of that town." Each succeeding mayor then exerted himself to surpass his predecessors in persecuting these, as the book calls them, defenceless objects of political wrath. Obstacles sometimes occurred. In 1714, Robert Blakeney, then mayor, informed the secretary of state that one 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, but could not be tried for want of a Protestant jury of freeholders. The legislature soon after removed obstructions of that nature, keeping what the book describes as a vigilant eye upon this town, as containing the most considerable and respectable Catholic community of any other then in the kingdom.