Name: The History, Topography and Antiquities of the County and City of Waterford
Author: Richard Hopkins Ryland

Wreck of the Sea-Horse transport in Tramore Bay

Tramore · town · Waterford · 1816

In January 1816 the Sea-Horse transport carrying the 2nd battalion of the 59th foot was driven into Tramore bay by a tempest and wrecked in full view of onlookers on shore, who could do nothing to save them; 292 men and 71 women and children perished, with only 30 men surviving.

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the vessel neared the shore, those on board were distinctly seen, awaiting in agony the dreadful catastrophe. Husbands and wives, parents and children, (there were many women and infants in the ship,) were plainly observed in some few instances encouraging each other, but for the most part clinging to the timbers, or folding their arms round those they loved, that they might die together. Their anticipations were but too well founded : the vessel struck and went to pieces, when two hundred and ninety- two men, and seventy-one women and children, perished in sight of the assembled thousands. All that courage and the most devoted gallantry could do, was attempted to save them ; and there are some splendid instances of successful exertion, in which the preservers nearly shared the fate from which they had rescued others. The calamity was almost general : only thirty men were preserved. A few days after the shipwreck, nearly sixty corpses, some of them the remains of women and children, were carried on the country cars from the coast to the burying-ground, at two miles distance. The wretched survivors accompanied the melancholy procession, and witnessed their companions and relatives deposited in one vast grave. A handsome mausoleum was ordered to be placed over their remains : the work is now finished, but the expense of it being still unpaid, it has not yet been erected. The following inscription is on the stone : r
250 t()po(;rapmy and AXTiQi'i'irKs.

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla

As the companion tells it

Tramore is the town where, in January 1816, the Sea-Horse transport, carrying the 2nd battalion of the 59th foot, was driven into the bay by a tempest and wrecked. As the vessel neared the shore, those on board were distinctly seen, "awaiting in agony the dreadful catastrophe." Husbands and wives, parents and children, were plainly observed. There were many women and infants in the ship. In some few instances they were encouraging each other, but for the most part they were clinging to the timbers, or "folding their arms round those they loved, that they might die together." The vessel struck and went to pieces. 292 men and 71 women and children perished in sight of the assembled thousands. All that courage and devoted gallantry could do was attempted to save them, but only 30 men were preserved. There are splendid instances of successful exertion, in which the preservers nearly shared the fate from which they had rescued others. A few days after the shipwreck, nearly 60 corpses, some of them the remains of women and children, were carried on country cars from the coast to the burying-ground, two miles distant. The survivors accompanied the melancholy procession and witnessed their companions and relatives deposited in one vast grave. A handsome mausoleum was ordered over their remains. The work was finished, but the expense unpaid, so it had not yet been erected.

1643 Attack on Lismore: Burning of the Town and Massacre of Tenants

Lismore · townland · Waterford · 1643

In May 1643, 200 rebels entered Lismore before dawn in revenge for the burning of Clogheen, burning most of the thatched houses and cabins in the town up to the castle gate. They burnt the alms-houses, killed two almsmen and about sixty Irish tenants including men, women and children, and took several prisoners.

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*' 1643, May 28. This Sunday morning about two o'clock, 200 rebels, with a party of horse, (in revenge that my son Francis, with the forces of Lismore, had, the Friday evening before, taken, plundered, and burned the town of Clogheen, and brought Luke Everard and another of that name, with one Mr.Englys, the freeholder of Rochestown, prisoners home with him,) for want of good works, they secretly, before it was day, entered the town of Lismore, burnt most of the thatched houses and cabbins in the town, to the outgate of my castle. Took Brian Cavenagh the portrieve, Garrett Fitz Eustace Roch, my servant John O'Donovan, and two soldiers away with them prisoners: burnt my alms-houses, killed Moricc Roche and old Pollard, being two of my almsmen, and about sixty of my Irish tenants, men, women, and childrcMi, and hurt many more, as Peter Baker and his wife.
340 TOrOGItAPIIY AM) ANTTQUITFES.

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 146

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Lismore, on the 28th of May 1643, about two o'clock on a Sunday morning, two hundred rebels with a party of horse entered the town secretly before day. They came in revenge. The Friday evening before, the lord's son Francis, with the forces of Lismore, had taken, plundered and burned the town of Clogheen, and brought Luke Everard and another of that name, with Mr Englys, the freeholder of Rochestown, back as prisoners. The rebels burned most of the thatched houses and cabins up to the outgate of the lord's castle. They took Brian Cavenagh the portrieve, Garrett Fitz Eustace Roch, the lord's servant John O'Donovan, and two soldiers away as prisoners. They burned the alms-houses, killed Moricc Roche and old Pollard, two almsmen, and about sixty Irish tenants, men, women and children, and hurt many more, among them Peter Baker and his wife.

Execution of Bishop Atherton, 1640

Waterford · city · Waterford · 1640

Bishop Atherton of Waterford was executed on 5 December 1640 on a pretended crime based on the testimony of a single discredited witness, who later confessed the falsehood of his accusation at his own execution.

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The bishop, during all the time of his most exemplary preparation for death, and even at the moment of his e.vecution, is stated to have absolutely denied the fact ; and the fellow who swore against him, when he came to be executed himself some time after, confessed at the gallows the falsehood of his accusation : — but even this strong evidence was of no avail — the bishop was executed on the 5thof December, 1640.
From this period until the arrival of Cromwell, the great rebellion and the circumstances preceding it, entirely engross the local as well as the general history of Ireland. These important events, the exciting causes of the insurrection, and its unfortunate results, are unsuitable to the present sketch; they demand the serious and dispassionate investigation of the historian, and do not admit of a hasty or superficial notice. Suffice it to observe, that the county and city of Waterford shared in the crimes and miseries of this unfortunate period, and whatever be the cause in

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 32

As the companion tells it

Waterford, a city the road passes through, carries a story from December 1640. Bishop Atherton was executed on a pretended crime. The case rested on a single discredited witness. During all the time of his preparation for death, which was called exemplary, the bishop absolutely denied the fact. Even at the moment of his execution, he denied it. He was executed on 5 December 1640. The fellow who had sworn against him was himself executed some time after. At the gallows, he confessed the falsehood of his accusation. But even this strong evidence was of no avail. The bishop was already dead. From that period until the arrival of Cromwell, the city shared in the crimes and miseries of that unfortunate period.

Strancally Castle's dungeon-murder legend of the Desmonds

Strancally · townland · Waterford

The Lords of Desmond at Strancally Castle allegedly invited wealthy neighbours to festivities, then carried them through a rocky passage into a dungeon to perish, casting their corpses into the river through an opening, seizing their fortunes, until an escaped victim informed government and the castle was demolished by gunpowder.

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In this neighbourhood, perhaps as being the boundary of the county, there were many fortified castles and houses of defence, chiefly the property of the Earls of Desmond. Amongst these, the castle of Strancally holds a distinguished rank, as well on account of its extent and picturesque appearance, as in consequence of the traditional tales recorded of it. The castle of Strancally is situated on a high rock on the bank of the Blackwater, which is here of considerable breadth. The castle enjoyed a bold and commanding situation, was fortified, and in every respect a place of strength. From the foundation on which it stood, an extensive subterranean cave, with a passage communicating with the river, was cut through the solid rock, and thus provided, the worthy Lords of Desmond were no contemptible^ imitators of the ancient giants. It was the custom of these gentle lords to invite their wealthy and distinguished neighbours to partake of the festivities of Strancally ; and having thus gotten them into their power, the victims were carried through the rocky passage into the dungeon, where they were suffered to perish, and from thence, through an opening which is still visible, their corpses were cast into the river : thus disposed of, their fortunes

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 155

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here stood Strancally Castle, on a high rock above the Blackwater, where the river runs broad. It was a fortified place, built for strength and commanding the country around it. The Earls of Desmond held it, and many other castles in this part of the country besides. Beneath the castle, a passage was cut through solid rock, leading down to an opening by the river. The lords of Desmond put it to dark use. Their custom was to invite wealthy and distinguished neighbours to the castle's festivities. Once the guests were in their power, they were carried through that rocky passage into a dungeon and left to perish. Their corpses were cast out through the opening into the river below. That opening is still visible. Their fortunes were seized. The tale says one victim escaped, informed the government, and the castle was blown apart with gunpowder. What remains now is the rock, the river, and the story.

Mass burial of Sea-Horse victims

Drumcannon · townland · Waterford · 1816–1824

A few days after the shipwreck, nearly sixty corpses of victims, including women and children, were carried by cart from the coast to a burying-ground two miles away and deposited in one vast grave; a planned mausoleum remained unbuilt due to unpaid expenses.

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the vessel neared the shore, those on board were distinctly seen, awaiting in agony the dreadful catastrophe. Husbands and wives, parents and children, (there were many women and infants in the ship,) were plainly observed in some few instances encouraging each other, but for the most part clinging to the timbers, or folding their arms round those they loved, that they might die together. Their anticipations were but too well founded : the vessel struck and went to pieces, when two hundred and ninety- two men, and seventy-one women and children, perished in sight of the assembled thousands. All that courage and the most devoted gallantry could do, was attempted to save them ; and there are some splendid instances of successful exertion, in which the preservers nearly shared the fate from which they had rescued others. The calamity was almost general : only thirty men were preserved. A few days after the shipwreck, nearly sixty corpses, some of them the remains of women and children, were carried on the country cars from the coast to the burying-ground, at two miles distance. The wretched survivors accompanied the melancholy procession, and witnessed their companions and relatives deposited in one vast grave. A handsome mausoleum was ordered to be placed over their remains : the work is now finished, but the expense of it being still unpaid, it has not yet been erected. The following inscription is on the stone : r
250 t()po(;rapmy and AXTiQi'i'irKs.

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 105

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here is a burying-ground where nearly sixty corpses from the Sea-Horse were laid in one vast grave. When the vessel neared the shore, those on board were plainly seen awaiting the catastrophe. Husbands and wives, parents and children, many women and infants among them, clung to the timbers or folded their arms round those they loved, that they might die together. The vessel struck and went to pieces. 292 men and 71 women and children perished in sight of assembled thousands. All that courage and devoted gallantry could do was attempted. There were splendid instances of successful rescue, in which the preservers nearly shared the fate from which they had saved others. Only 30 men were preserved. A few days after the shipwreck, nearly 60 corpses, some the remains of women and children, were carried on country cars from the coast to the burying-ground, two miles distant. The survivors accompanied the melancholy procession and witnessed their companions and relatives deposited in one vast grave. A handsome mausoleum was ordered to be placed over their remains. The work was finished, but the expense unpaid, so it had not yet been erected.

Massacre at Drogheda by Cromwell's forces

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1649

Drogheda was the first town taken by Cromwell's forces, stormed and its inhabitants massacred in cold blood.

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The parliament of England having unanimously resolved to send a powerful force to repress the disturbances of this country, Cromwell thought it not unworthy of his talents to engage in the conduct of the war, and, after considerable preparation, embarked with an army of 8000 foot and 4000 horse, and landed at Dublin on the 1 5th of August, 1649. The early part of his career was distinguished by vigour and cruelty, qualities which made a deep impression upon his enemies, and gave facility to his subsequent attempts. The terror of his name advanced before him, and so intimidated his opponents, that they were with difficulty persuaded to make preparations for defence. Ormond endeavoured to arouse them to a sense of duty, and offered to send troops to defend the garrison-towns ; but Waterford peremptorily refused to receive any assistance, or to obey the orders of the royalist party. The town of Drogheda, the first of Cromwell's conquests, was taken by storm, and the inhabitants massacred in cold blood : Wexford shared the same fate, and from thence a detachment, under General Ireton,
70 HISTORICAL SKETCH.

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 33

As the companion tells it

Coming up on Drogheda now, in County Louth. In 1649, the parliament of England resolved to send a powerful force to repress the disturbances in Ireland. Cromwell himself took command. He embarked with an army of 8000 foot and 4000 horse, and landed at Dublin on the 15th of August. His early campaign was marked by vigour and cruelty, qualities that made a deep impression on his enemies and gave facility to his subsequent attempts. The terror of his name advanced before him, intimidating his opponents so much that they were with difficulty persuaded to make preparations for defence. Ormond endeavoured to arouse them and offered to send troops to defend the garrison-towns, but Waterford peremptorily refused any assistance. Drogheda was the first of Cromwell's conquests. The town was taken by storm, and the inhabitants massacred in cold blood. Wexford shared the same fate after.

Reginald's Tower, the oldest castle in Ireland

Reginald's Tower · man-made feature · Waterford · 1003–1819

Reginald's Tower, a circular castle built by Reginald the Dane in 1003, is the oldest castle in Ireland; it later served as a fortress for Strongbow, a mint under Edward IV, and was re-edified in 1819 for the Police Establishment.

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accounts, Waterford occupied a triangular space, having fortified castles at the angles. There is only one of these castles, a circular building, perfectly plain in its appearance, which still exists in good preservation : it is called Reginald's Tower, from the name of its founder, by whom it was erected in 1003. In some ancient documents, this place is called Dondory, Reynold's Tower, and the Ring Tower ; the last is a corruption of the original name. Reginald's Tower, of which a print is annexed, is the oldest castle in Ireland.
The history of this remnant of antiquity is thus briefly summed up, on a tablet recently affixed over the entrance.

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 50

As the companion tells it

Built by Reginald the Dane in 1003, Reginald's Tower is a circular castle, plain in appearance, and the oldest castle in Ireland. Waterford once held a triangular space with fortified castles at its angles. This is the only one that survives, still in good preservation. Ancient documents also call it Dondory, Reynold's Tower, and the Ring Tower. It later served as a fortress for Strongbow, and as a mint under Edward IV. In 1819 it was re-edified for the Police Establishment.

Siege of Dunhill Castle

Dunhill · townland · Waterford · 1649

Cromwell besieged the magnificent castle of Dunhill, seated on an insulated and lofty rock, defended by its noble female owner, said to be the Countess of Donlsle, who sustained the siege with courage.

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Having totally exterminated one branch of the family of Le Poer, Cromwell, leaving his main body to advance by the most easy road, proceeded with his dragoons to the residences of the other members, and having arrived at Curraghmore, prepared to commence the work of blood. A circumstantial account is handed down amongst the followers of the family, of the means employed to soothe the bad passions of the invader : the courage and beauty, and ingenuity of a daughter of the noble owner are still enthusiastically recounted : it will be sufficient, however, to state, that the Lord of Curraghmore preserved his property and his life by an allowable, because an enforced, submission to the savage conqueror, who was under the necessity of retiring without being able to satisfy his rapacious followers. Disappointed of his prey, Cromwell hurried across the country to Donlsle, and perceiving that resistance was intended, he waited the approach of a reinforcement of foot soldiers, together with a part of his artillery, and resolutely prepared to besiege the place. The magnificent castle of Donlsle, still distinguished for its peculiar and romantic situation, seated on an insulated and lofty rock, seemed to defy the threats of its assailants. The noble owner was a female — confident in support of her rights, and sustained in the midst of danger.

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 35

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Dunhill, in 1649, Cromwell came hunting the members of the Le Poer family. Having already exterminated one branch, he turned his dragoons toward the other residences. At Curraghmore, the lord there submitted to him, saving his property and his life by what the record calls an enforced submission to the savage conqueror. Cromwell retired from Curraghmore unable to satisfy his followers, disappointed of his prey. He hurried across the country to Dunhill Castle. Seeing that resistance was intended, he waited for a reinforcement of foot soldiers and part of his artillery before beginning the siege. The castle sat on an insulated and lofty rock, a magnificent and romantic situation that seemed to defy its assailants. The noble owner was a woman, said to be the Countess of Donlsle. She was confident in support of her rights and sustained in the midst of danger. She defended the place with courage against Cromwell and the forces he brought against it.

Legend of the Gunner's Buttermilk at Dunhill

Dunhill · townland · Waterford · 1649

According to tradition, the gallant defence of Dunhill castle was led by a gunner who, after being offered only buttermilk as refreshment following a successful repulse of Cromwell's forces, in anger signalled the retreating enemy and surrendered the castle.

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to retreat: he had already drawn off' a part of his forces, and allowed some repose to the anxiety of the garrison. The countess had retired to rest without attending sufficiently to the wants and comforts of the heroic gunner, who, " the fight being done, breathless and faint," sent to request that suitable refreshment might be prepared for him : a drink of buttermilk was the unrpmantic return for his exertions, which so irritated his gallant spirit that he made signals to the retiring enemy, and, on their re-appearance, surrendered the castle !
Whether Cromwell acquired possession in the manner popularly reported, it is now difficult to determine; but there are indubitable proofs of his remorseless hand in the ruins of the castle and the adjoining church, one-half of which has been carried away by the explosion of gunpowder. — The winter season being now far advanced, Cromwell returned to his army, and proceeded, on the 2d of December, to the village of Kilmacthomas. The river here was so greatly swollen by the land floods, that the entire following day was consumed in transporting the foot soldiers : this circumstance retarded the advance of the army, which was able to march only a few miles, and was quartered for the night in several small villages. On the morning of the 4th of December, Cromwell proceeded with his usual rapidity, rifling every place of consequence as he moved

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 36

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Dunhill, in 1649, the castle held against Cromwell's forces. The gunner had fought hard, and the enemy had begun to retreat. He had already drawn off part of his forces, and some repose came to the anxious garrison. The countess had retired to rest without attending sufficiently to the wants and comforts of the heroic gunner. The fight being done, breathless and faint, he sent to request that suitable refreshment might be prepared for him. A drink of buttermilk was the unromantic return for his exertions, which so irritated his gallant spirit that he made signals to the retiring enemy. On their reappearance, he surrendered the castle. Whether Cromwell acquired possession in the manner popularly reported is difficult to determine. But there are indubitable proofs of his remorseless hand in the ruins of the castle and the adjoining church, half of which has been carried away by the explosion of gunpowder. The winter season being far advanced, Cromwell returned to his army and proceeded on the 2nd of December to the village of Kilmacthomas. The river was so swollen by land floods that the entire following day was consumed in transporting the foot soldiers. This retarded the army's advance, which marched only a few miles and quartered in several small villages. On the morning of the 4th of December, Cromwell proceeded with his usual rapidity, rifling every place of consequence as he moved.

Dr. White threatens to level Waterford with salt

Waterford · city · Waterford · 1603

When Waterford's citizens shut their gates against Mountjoy, Dr. White threatened to cut King John's charter to pieces and to level the city and strew it with salt if the citizens persisted in resisting; the citizens then submitted.

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spirit of rebellion immediately appeared, the gates were shut against him, and the citizens pleaded that, by a charter of King John, they were exempted from quartering soldiers. While the parties were thus engaged, two ecclesiastics. Dr. White and a young Dominican friar, came into the camp ; they were habited in the dresses of their order. Dr. White wearing a black gown and cornered cap, and the friar wearing a white woollen frock. When they entered the lord deputy's tent. Dr. White commenced a violent religious controversy, " all of which," we are told, " his lordship did most learnedly confute." He then severely reprehended the conduct of the citizens ; threatened to draw King James's sword and cut the charter of King John to pieces ; and declared his intention, if they persisted in their obstinacy, to level their city and strew it with salt. His menaces were effectual; the citizens immediately submitted, and received the lord deputy and his army within the walls : they afterwards took the oath of allegiance, renounced all foreign jurisdiction, and to prevent any future disturbance, a garrison was stationed in the city. Overt acts of disaffection were thus checked, but the exciting causes still continued, and manifested themselves on every occasion where they were not opposed by the fears or hopes of the people.
The discontent, which heretofore shewed itself in riots and partial insurrections, was now ripen-

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 30

As the companion tells it

Waterford, in 1603, was a city that dared its own ruler. When Mountjoy approached, the citizens shut their gates against him. They pleaded a charter of King John, claiming exemption from quartering soldiers. While the parties argued, two ecclesiastics came into the camp, Dr. White and a young Dominican friar, both habited in the dresses of their order. Dr. White wore a black gown and cornered cap, the friar a white woollen frock. When they entered the lord deputy's tent, Dr. White commenced a violent religious controversy, and we are told that his lordship did most learnedly confute it. He then severely reprehended the citizens' conduct. He threatened to draw King James's sword and cut the charter of King John to pieces. He declared his intention, if they persisted in their obstinacy, to level their city and strew it with salt. His menaces were effectual. The citizens immediately submitted and received the lord deputy and his army within the walls. They afterwards took the oath of allegiance and renounced all foreign jurisdiction. A garrison was stationed in the city to prevent any future disturbance. Overt acts of disaffection were thus checked, but the exciting causes still continued, and manifested themselves on every occasion where they were not opposed by the fears or hopes of the people.

General Blakeney's Mountain Retreat and Burial

near Comeragh Mountains · mountain or mountain range · Waterford

General Blakeney, an eccentric recluse, built a dwelling on the Comeragh mountains and lived there in solitude with a single servant for many years. He was buried near his residence, according to his own wish, with his dog and gun.

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General Blakeney is represented as an intelligent and well informed man ; and it is, therefore, the more unaccountable, that no reason should have been assigned for his singular retirement. He continued on the mountain until his death, and, according to his own wish, was buried near his residence, with his dog and gun.
Passing from the south to the north division of this barony, the contrast is truly singular. In the former, all is sterility and desolation ; a rude, naked, and uncultivated soil, without trees or improvements of any kind : in the latter, the face of the country and even the climate appear more favourable, and in some places there is a richness and a magnificence of scenery which is rarely surpassed. Of course the former observations do not apply to the parts of the southern division which are fortunate in enjoying the residences of wealthy individuals, around whose seats nature

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 118

As the companion tells it

The Comeragh Mountains are where General Blakeney took his retirement. He is described as an intelligent and well informed man, which makes it all the more unaccountable that no reason was ever assigned for his singular retirement. He continued on the mountain until his death, and according to his own wish was buried near his residence, with his dog and gun. Passing from the southern to the northern division of this barony, the contrast is singular. In the south, all is sterility and desolation, a rude, naked, and uncultivated soil, without trees or improvements of any kind. In the north, the face of the country and even the climate appear more favourable, and in some places there is a richness and a magnificence of scenery which is rarely surpassed.

Henry Eeles buried with horse and dog atop Knockmealdown

Knockmealdown · townland · Waterford · 1771

The scientist Henry Eeles, who wrote on the identity of electricity and lightning in his Letters from Lismore (1771), was buried according to his own wishes on the summit of Knockmealdown, along with his horse and dog.

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the height of which is about 2,700 feet, the ascent appears most easy on the western side ; the northern face is nearly perpendicular : half way up the mountain, a slate quarry has been opened. From the summit the view is magnificent, extending in every direction as far as the eye can reach. To the north, the Rock of Cashel and the cathedral are distinctly visible : to the south, the ocean, the harbours of Dungarvan and Youghal, and a great extent of sea-coast may also be observed. About the middle of the last century, there were red deer on this mountain, but they have been long since driven away. The plant called London-pride grows here. The summit of this mountain is remarkable as being the burial-place of the ingenious Henry Eeles, who published many papers on electricity. In his principal work, which appeared in the form of Letters from Lismore, and was printed in Dublin in 1771, he claims the credit of discovering the identity of electricity and lightning. According to his own directions, Henry Eeles was buried on the highest part of Knockmeledown, with his horse and dog.
Lismore, once a celebrated city, became afterwards a neglected and miserable village, consisting of a few hovels, and without any trace of its former magnificence, except what might be gathered from the ruins of the castle and tlu' church. It continued in this state lor many

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 151

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here rises Knockmealdown, a mountain of about 2,700 feet. The summit is remarkable as the burial place of Henry Eeles, who published many papers on electricity. His principal work appeared as Letters from Lismore, printed in Dublin in 1771, in which he claims the credit of discovering the identity of electricity and lightning. According to his own directions, he was buried on the highest part of the mountain, with his horse and dog. The ascent is easiest on the western side. The northern face is nearly perpendicular. Halfway up, a slate quarry was once opened. From the summit the view is magnificent, extending in every direction as far as the eye can reach. To the north, the Rock of Cashel and its cathedral are distinctly visible. To the south, the ocean, the harbours of Dungarvan and Youghal, and a great extent of sea-coast may be observed. About the middle of the last century there were red deer on this mountain, but they have long since been driven away. The plant called London-pride grows here.

Herald's threat and mayor's defiant reply at Waterford

Waterford · city · Waterford · 1487

A herald sent by the Earl of Kildare threatened the mayor and citizens of Waterford with hanging at their doors if they did not proclaim the false king. The mayor defiantly replied he would meet the false king thirty miles from Waterford to give him an overthrow.

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splendour, sent a herald, in his coat of arms, to deliver another communication to the citizens- As he was about to land, the mayor forbad him, and desired him to convey his message from the boat. The herald then, in the name of the Earl, commanded the mayor and citizens, under pain of hanging at their doors, to proclaim the king, and to accept him as their rightful prince. The mayor desired the herald to tell those who sent him, that they should not be troubled to come and hang him at his door; but (God willing) he would, with the citizens, encounter the false king and his adherents, thirty miles from Waterford, where he meant to give them an overthrow, to their dishonour and infamy. The valiant mayor, and the few who opposed the insurrection, were prepared for the encounter, their courage " screwed to the sticking-place"; but the affair terminated here. After a few idle threats against the citizens, whose possessions and franchises were declared forfeited, the new king found himself unable to support his army : he was compelled to change the scene of his adventures, and passing over into England, was met by King Henry, by whom he was taken prisoner, and his forces completely overthrown. — In return for the loyalty of the citizens, the king granted them a new charter, and sent them the following gracious letter: —
26 HISTORICAL SKETCH.

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 11

As the companion tells it

In 1487, Waterford stood firm against a false king. The Earl of Kildare sent a herald in his coat of arms to deliver a message to the citizens. The mayor forbade him to land and told him to speak from the boat. The herald, in the name of the Earl, commanded the mayor and citizens to proclaim the king and accept him as their rightful prince, under pain of hanging at their doors. The mayor told the herald to say to those who sent him that they need not trouble themselves to come and hang him at his door. God willing, he said, he and the citizens would encounter the false king and his adherents thirty miles from the city, where he meant to give them an overthrow, to their dishonour and infamy. The valiant mayor and the few who opposed the insurrection were prepared for the encounter, their courage, in the words of the source, "screwed to the sticking-place." But the affair terminated there. After idle threats against the citizens, whose possessions and franchises were declared forfeited, the new king found himself unable to support his army. He was compelled to pass over into England, where King Henry met him, took him prisoner, and completely overthrew his forces. In return for the loyalty of the citizens, the king granted them a new charter and sent them a gracious letter.

Plot to massacre yeomanry officers at Sargent's public-house

Waterford · city · Waterford · 1798

Sargent, a publican in Waterford where officers of the yeomanry corps used to sup, conspired to secure their arms at a farewell supper and let in a party of rebels to kill them.

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The conspiracy was first discovered by a person who happened to be in a public-house at Johnstown, where, through a thin partition, he overheard a number of conspirators conferring in the next room on the plot which was to be carried into execution on the eruption of the rebellion. The principal persons concerned were, Bohan, a baker, (leader;) Sargent, a publican; a person of the name of Quinn; and Carey, a stone-cutter. Sargent, who kept a public-house in Waterford, where the officers of the yeomanry corps used to sup, had conspired to put them to death. With this object, he signified his intention of giving a farewell supper, which would have afforded him an opportunity of securing their arms, and he was then to let in a party of rebels to complete the remainder of the deed. — The case of Quinn was rather remarkable. He had formerly been in the Artillery, and was now a servant to the Dean of Waterford, (Butson,) and in the greatest confidence of his master, insomuch that he was entrusted with the care of one of the cannon to defend the bridge at Waterford. He was in the habit of holding nightly meetings with the disaffected in the extensive vaults adjoining the deanery, where each communicated such information as had come to his knowledge in the course of the day. Sargent and Quinn were both apprehended, and found guilty of conspiracy; but, througli the intercession of friends, they were
102 HISTORICAL SKETCH.

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 47

As the companion tells it

In 1798, Waterford was the setting for a conspiracy to murder yeomanry officers. The plot was first discovered by a man who happened to be in a public-house at Johnstown, where through a thin partition he overheard conspirators conferring in the next room on a plan to be carried into execution on the eruption of the rebellion. The principal persons concerned were Bohan, a baker and their leader, Sargent, a publican, a man named Quinn, and Carey, a stone-cutter. Sargent kept a public-house in Waterford where the officers of the yeomanry corps used to sup, and he had conspired to put them to death. He signified his intention of giving a farewell supper, which would have given him the opportunity of securing their arms. He was then to let in a party of rebels to complete the remainder of the deed. Quinn's case was remarkable. He had formerly been in the Artillery and was now a servant to the Dean of Waterford, Butson, in the greatest confidence of his master. He was entrusted with the care of one of the cannon to defend the bridge at Waterford. He held nightly meetings with the disaffected in the extensive vaults adjoining the deanery, where each communicated information gathered in the course of the day. Sargent and Quinn were both apprehended and found guilty of conspiracy, but through the intercession of friends they were spared.

St. Declan's Stone penance ritual at Ardmore

Ardmore · town · Waterford

On the beach at Ardmore lies St. Declan's Stone, a large rock resting on two others; on 24th July, the saint's festival, people do penance on bare knees around the stone and creep beneath it seeking cures for rheumatic pain.

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which time he founded an abbey and was made Bishop of Ardmore ; he lived to a great age ; and his successor, St. Ultan, was alive in the year 550. A stone, a holy well, and a dormitory in the churchyard still bear the name of St. Declan. " St. Declan's stone" is on the beach; it is a large rock, resting on two others which elevate it a little above the ground. On the 24th of July, the festival of the saint, numbers of the lowest class do penance on their bare knees around the stone, and some, with great pain and difficulty, creep under it, in expectation of thereby curing or preventing, what it is much more likely to create, rheumatic affections of the back. In the churchyard is the " dormitory of St. Declan," a small low building, held in great veneration by the people in the neighbourhood, who frequently visit it in order to procure some of the earth, which is supposed to cover the relics of the saint. This edifice, which is extremely plain in appearance, was repaired and roofed about a century ago, at the expense of Bishop Milles. " St. Declan's Well" is near the ruins of the church, at some little distance from the village.
The principal object of interest at Ardmore is the round tower, that opprobrium of antiquaries about which so many conflicting opinions have been advanced, and concerning which nothing has been satisfactorily proved, except the almost total ignorance which exists touching the origin and object of these buildings. The arguments of

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 140

As the companion tells it

Ardmore takes its name from St. Declan, who founded an abbey here and was made bishop. He lived to a great age, and his successor, St. Ultan, was alive in the year 550. A stone, a holy well, and a dormitory in the churchyard all still bear his name. The stone itself lies on the beach. It is a large rock, resting on two others, which raise it a little above the ground. On the 24th of July, the festival of the saint, great numbers of people do penance on their bare knees around the stone. Some of them, with great pain and difficulty, creep underneath it, in the belief that doing so will cure or prevent rheumatic pains of the back. The writer of the account drily notes that the crawling is more likely to create such pains than to cure them. In the churchyard stands the dormitory of St. Declan, a small, low building, plain in appearance, held in great veneration by the people of the neighbourhood. They visit it to take away some of the earth, which is believed to cover the saint's relics. The building was repaired and roofed about a century ago, at the expense of Bishop Milles. St. Declan's Well is near the ruins of the church, a little distance from the village.

Ruined church and coroneted tombstone at Donlsle

Dunhill · townland · Waterford

Near the castle, the ruined church of Donlsle shows signs of violent destruction, with a coroneted sandstone statue found while digging among the ruins. An uninscribed tombstone decorated with a coronet is believed to be the tomb of a Countess who perished when Cromwell took the castle.

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A very ancient tombstone has also been discovered in the burying-ground ; it is without any inscription, and simply decorated with a coronet. It is supposed to have been the tomb of the Countess, who perished when the castle was taken by Cromwell.
A considerable range of high land extends from the sea, through the parishes of Donlsle and Reisk. The rock is mostly pudding-stone and clay-slate, and occasionally large masses of jasper : some of the specimens are very beautiful. Along the coast the rocks are rich in minerals : lead and copper have been found at Annstown and Bon-

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 111

As the companion tells it

Close to Dunhill, there's a ruined church and an old burying-ground. A tombstone was found there, plain, with no inscription, decorated only with a coronet cut into the stone. It's thought to be the tomb of the Countess who perished when Cromwell took the castle. The church itself bears the marks of violent destruction. A coroneted sandstone statue was also found while digging among the ruins.

1651 Surrender to Ireton and Cromwellian Plunder of Cathedral

Waterford · city · Waterford · 1651

When Waterford was surrendered to General Ireton in 1651, depositions record that Cromwell's forces plundered the Cathedral's brazen ornaments, tombs, the great standing pelican, brazen eagle, candlesticks and the great brass font.

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authority, was particularly reprobated; they pursued the Church with the most unrelenting hatred, and plundered or spoiled whatever came within their reach. In a parchment roll of depositions, taken before Commissioners in Dublin, a variety of articles are enumerated, said to have been taken from the Cathedral in the year 1651, when the city was surrendered to General Ireton. Amongst the property which appears to have been most regretted, are the brazen ornaments of the tombs, grave stones and altars ; the great standing pelican to support the Bible, the brazen eagle, two great standing candlesticks above man's height, and the great font of brass, to be ascended unto by three degrees, or stairs of massy brass, together with sundry gold and silver gilt vessels, the forms of which are minutely described.
The members of the Cathedral were loud and persevering in their complaints, as well as in seeking redress and the restoration of their rights; and there are numberless documents which show that their claims met with the most prompt and anxious attention from the government of the restored monarch. Commissioners were appointed to investigate the several claims, and on their reports the Sheriffs of the Counties were directed, by an order of the Lords spiritual and temporal in Parliament assembled, to restore to the Church all such possessions and lands as she was actually

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 62

As the companion tells it

Waterford, a city the road passes through or near. In 1651, Waterford was surrendered to General Ireton. A parchment roll of depositions, taken before Commissioners in Dublin, records what Cromwell's forces took from the Cathedral. They pursued the Church with what the source calls the most unrelenting hatred, and plundered or spoiled whatever came within their reach. Among the articles enumerated are the brazen ornaments of the tombs, gravestones and altars. The great standing pelican that supported the Bible. The brazen eagle. Two great standing candlesticks above man's height. The great font of brass, ascended by three stairs of massy brass. And sundry gold and silver gilt vessels, their forms minutely described in the record. The members of the Cathedral were loud and persevering in their complaints, seeking redress and the restoration of their rights. Documents show their claims met with prompt and anxious attention from the government of the restored monarch. Commissioners were appointed to investigate. On their reports, the Sheriffs of the Counties were directed, by an order of the Lords spiritual and temporal in Parliament assembled, to restore to the Church all such possessions and lands as she was actually.

Cannon on Reginald's Tower sinks enemy ship

Reginald's Tower · man-made feature · Waterford · 1497

During the 1497 siege, cannon planted on Reginald's Tower fired for many days and eventually breached the side of one of the besieging ships, killing the entire crew, helping to secure the citizens' victory.

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To prevent the junction of these two divisions, the ponds of Kilbarry were kept full, the besieged having raised a large mound of earth to stop the course of the river, which flows from Kilbarry into the Suir. The necessary preparations being completed, the siege was vigorously commenced and carried on, for eleven days, with great zeal and activity. In the many skirmishes and sorties which took place, the citizens were generally victorious, and routed or captured their opponents. In the field, the citizens covered themselves with glory ; but it is to be regretted that after the fight, their valiant hearts had no touch of pity ; on one occasion when, after a successful sortie in which they committed great slaughter, they returned to the city with a numerous band of prisoners, they carried them to the market-place, chopped ofl" their heads, and fastened them on stakes, as trophies of their victory. Their valour and the dread of their cruelty could no longer be resisted ; the besieged became the assailants ; the enemy were repulsed in every direction, and what served to ensure the victory of the citizens, the cannon planted on Reginald's Tower, after many days hard firing, beat in the side of one of the ships, wlien the entire crew perished. The enemy.
32 HISTORICAL SKETCH.

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 14

As the companion tells it

Reginald's Tower stands in Waterford, by the river Suir. In 1497, the city was under siege. The besieged kept the ponds of Kilbarry full and raised a great mound of earth to stop the river that flows from Kilbarry into the Suir, preventing two enemy divisions from joining. The siege was carried on for eleven days, with great zeal and activity. In the many skirmishes and sorties that took place, the citizens were generally victorious, routing or capturing their opponents. But after one successful sortie in which they committed great slaughter, they returned to the city with a numerous band of prisoners, carried them to the market-place, chopped off their heads, and fastened them on stakes as trophies of their victory. What served to ensure the victory of the citizens was the cannon planted on Reginald's Tower. After many days of hard firing, it beat in the side of one of the ships, and the entire crew perished. The enemy could no longer resist.

Conspiracy overheard in a Johnstown public-house

near Johnstown · street · Waterford · 1798

The rebellion conspiracy in Waterford city was first discovered by a person who overheard conspirators plotting through a thin partition in a public-house at Johnstown.

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The conspiracy was first discovered by a person who happened to be in a public-house at Johnstown, where, through a thin partition, he overheard a number of conspirators conferring in the next room on the plot which was to be carried into execution on the eruption of the rebellion. The principal persons concerned were, Bohan, a baker, (leader;) Sargent, a publican; a person of the name of Quinn; and Carey, a stone-cutter. Sargent, who kept a public-house in Waterford, where the officers of the yeomanry corps used to sup, had conspired to put them to death. With this object, he signified his intention of giving a farewell supper, which would have afforded him an opportunity of securing their arms, and he was then to let in a party of rebels to complete the remainder of the deed. — The case of Quinn was rather remarkable. He had formerly been in the Artillery, and was now a servant to the Dean of Waterford, (Butson,) and in the greatest confidence of his master, insomuch that he was entrusted with the care of one of the cannon to defend the bridge at Waterford. He was in the habit of holding nightly meetings with the disaffected in the extensive vaults adjoining the deanery, where each communicated such information as had come to his knowledge in the course of the day. Sargent and Quinn were both apprehended, and found guilty of conspiracy; but, througli the intercession of friends, they were
102 HISTORICAL SKETCH.

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 47

As the companion tells it

Somewhere about Johnstown, in 1798, the rebellion conspiracy in Waterford was first discovered. A man happened to be in a public-house here, and through a thin partition he overheard a number of conspirators conferring in the next room on the plot to be carried into execution on the eruption of the rebellion. The principal persons concerned were Bohan, a baker and their leader; Sargent, a publican; a person named Quinn; and Carey, a stone-cutter. Sargent kept a public-house in Waterford where the officers of the yeomanry corps used to sup, and he had conspired to put them to death. He signified his intention of giving a farewell supper, which would have afforded him the opportunity of securing their arms, and then he was to let in a party of rebels to complete the remainder of the deed. Quinn's case was remarkable. He had formerly been in the Artillery and was now a servant to the Dean of Waterford, Butson, in the greatest confidence of his master, so much that he was entrusted with the care of one of the cannon to defend the bridge at Waterford. He held nightly meetings with the disaffected in the extensive vaults adjoining the deanery, where each communicated such information as had come to his knowledge in the course of the day. Sargent and Quinn were both apprehended and found guilty of conspiracy, but through the intercession of friends they were — and there the record breaks off.

Cromwell lands at Dublin and begins Irish campaign, 1649

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1649

Cromwell embarked with an army of 8000 foot and 4000 horse and landed at Dublin on 15 August 1649, beginning a campaign marked by vigour and cruelty that terrified his opponents.

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The parliament of England having unanimously resolved to send a powerful force to repress the disturbances of this country, Cromwell thought it not unworthy of his talents to engage in the conduct of the war, and, after considerable preparation, embarked with an army of 8000 foot and 4000 horse, and landed at Dublin on the 1 5th of August, 1649. The early part of his career was distinguished by vigour and cruelty, qualities which made a deep impression upon his enemies, and gave facility to his subsequent attempts. The terror of his name advanced before him, and so intimidated his opponents, that they were with difficulty persuaded to make preparations for defence. Ormond endeavoured to arouse them to a sense of duty, and offered to send troops to defend the garrison-towns ; but Waterford peremptorily refused to receive any assistance, or to obey the orders of the royalist party. The town of Drogheda, the first of Cromwell's conquests, was taken by storm, and the inhabitants massacred in cold blood : Wexford shared the same fate, and from thence a detachment, under General Ireton,
70 HISTORICAL SKETCH.

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 33

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is Dublin, the city where Cromwell began his Irish campaign. The parliament of England had resolved to send a powerful force to repress the disturbances in this country, and Cromwell took command himself. He landed here on 15 August 1649 with an army of 8000 foot and 4000 horse. His early progress was marked by vigour and cruelty, qualities that made a deep impression on his enemies and eased his subsequent attempts. The terror of his name went before him, intimidating his opponents so much they were barely persuaded to prepare defences. Ormond tried to rally them and offered troops for the garrison-towns, but Waterford flatly refused any assistance or royalist orders. Drogheda was the first of Cromwell's conquests, taken by storm with its inhabitants massacred in cold blood. Wexford met the same fate, and from there a detachment under General Ireton went on.

Cromwell's crossing of the Mahon at Kilmacthomas, 1649

Kilmacthomas · town · Waterford · 1649

In 1649, after raising the siege of Waterford, Cromwell passed through Kilmacthomas on his way to Dungarvan; the river Mahon had risen so high that it took an entire day to send his foot soldiers across.

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Kilmacthomas, situated on the road leading from Waterford to Dungarvan and Cork, is built on a steep and dangerous hill, at the foot of which flows the river Mahon. It would appear that this little river was formerly subject to greater floods than have been observed here for many years. In 1649, Cromwell having raised the siege of Waterford, and passing through Kihnacthomas on his way to Dungarvan, the Mahon had risen to such a height, that an entire day was consumed in sending the foot across the river. There is now a handsome stone bridge here. At this place was an ancient castle, which belonged to the Le Poer family, in whose descendants the principal property in the neighbourhood is still vested.
On the sea coast, at the distance of six miles from Kilmacthomas, is the village of Stradbally, consisting of one long and irregularly built street.

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 128

As the companion tells it

Kilmacthomas sits on the road from Waterford to Dungarvan, built on a steep hill with the river Mahon flowing at its foot. This little river was formerly subject to greater floods than have been seen here for many years. In 1649, Cromwell had raised the siege of Waterford and was passing through here on his way to Dungarvan. The Mahon had risen to such a height that an entire day was consumed in sending the foot soldiers across the river. There was an ancient castle here belonging to the Le Poer family, in whose descendants the principal property in the neighbourhood is still vested.

Henry II lands at Waterford

Waterford · city · Waterford · 1171

Henry II landed at Waterford with an army in October 1171, having been preceded by Strongbow's conquest of the city. He entered as sovereign rather than conqueror, the city offering little resistance.

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Henry II. with an army consisting of 500 knights, and about 4000 soldiers, landed at Waterford on the 18th of October, 1171. The city had been previously subdued by Richard De Clare, Earl of Pembroke, usually called Strongbow, and offered little resistance to the royal invader. It is said, that an Ostman Lord endeavoured to impede the disembarkation, and for this purpose drew chains across the harbour ; but the obstacle was speedily overcome, and Henry entered Waterford, not as a conqueror, but as the rightful sovereign of the country.
Strongbow had been united in marriage to Eva, daughter of the King of Leinster; their marriage was celebrated here in the preceding year, and served to confirm the acquisitions, which this warlike nobleman had previously made. But these conquests could be retained no longer; they had already excited the jealousy of the monarch, and it was now necessary to surrender them into his hands. Upon the arrival of the sovereign within the walls of his newly acquired city, Waterford was formally surrendered to him by the Earl of Pembroke, who was contented to retain his other possessions, as a vassal and subject.

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 4

As the companion tells it

The road brings you near Waterford, a city with an old claim on Irish history. In October 1171, Henry the Second landed here with an army of 500 knights and about 4000 soldiers. The city had already been taken by Richard de Clare, Earl of Pembroke, the man called Strongbow, and it offered little resistance to the king. It is said that an Ostman lord tried to stop the landing by drawing chains across the harbour, but the obstacle was quickly overcome. Henry entered Waterford not as a conqueror but, in the words of the record, as the rightful sovereign of the country. The year before, Strongbow had married Eva, daughter of the King of Leinster, and that marriage had been celebrated here. It confirmed the lands Strongbow had already won. But those conquests had excited the jealousy of the monarch, and they could be kept no longer. When the king arrived within the walls, Waterford was formally surrendered to him by the Earl of Pembroke, who was content to keep his other possessions as a vassal and subject.

Leprosy tradition linked to salmon and cider of Lismore

Lismore · townland · Waterford · 1200–1216

Tradition held that the king's sons, while staying at Lismore, fed so heavily on the fine salmon and cider of that place that eruptions supposed to be leprosy broke out on their bodies, prompting the founding of the Leper Hospital.

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tributed to the following circumstance: — Theking's sons, during the time they remained at Lismore, were so feasted with the fine salmon and cider of that place, that they lived almost entirely on them, which caused eruptions to break out on their bodies, supposed to be the leprosy; of which the king being informed founded the Hospital for persons labouring under leperous complaints, and granted a charter of incorporation by the name of the Master, Brethren, and Sisters of the Leper House of St. Stephen's, in the city of Waterford. He also granted the Corporation a Seal, which the master of the hospital holds, and with which he seals the leases of the lands, &c. of the hospital, which leases he is empowered to make, with the consent of the brethren and sisters of the hospital.
The King endowed the hospital with the Leper House, and several other holdings in St. Stephen's parish, and with the oblations, obventions, offerings, &c. of the said parish. Also with lands at Poleberry, without John's-gate, (which gate was formerly considered the boundary of the hospital,) and also the lands of Leperstown, in the barony of Gaultier.

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 83

As the companion tells it

Close to Lismore, a tradition explains the founding of the Leper Hospital. The king's sons were staying here, and while they remained, they feasted so freely on the fine salmon and cider of this place that they lived almost entirely on them. Eruptions broke out on their bodies, and these were supposed to be leprosy. The king, being informed of this, founded a hospital for persons labouring under leperous complaints. He granted a charter of incorporation, under the name of the Master, Brethren, and Sisters of the Leper House of St. Stephen's, in the city of Waterford. He also granted the Corporation a seal, which the master of the hospital holds, and with which he seals the leases of the lands of the hospital. The master is empowered to make those leases, with the consent of the brethren and sisters. The king endowed the hospital with the Leper House and several other holdings in St. Stephen's parish, and with the oblations, obventions, and offerings of that parish. He also gave lands at Poleberry, without John's gate, which gate was formerly considered the boundary of the hospital, and the lands of Leperstown, in the barony of Gaultier.

Lismore as Seat of Learning and Birthplace of Notable Men

Lismore · townland · Waterford

Lismore was formerly one of the most flourishing cities in Ireland, a seat of science and learning, and the birthplace of Congreve, Boyle, and Henry Eeles. It is believed to be the school from which Alfred derived his renowned knowledge.

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ing cities in Ireland, the seat of science and learning-, the birth-place of Congreve, Boyle, and the ingenious Henry Eeles, and the school from which, it is believed, Alfred derived the knowledge which has since immortalized his name. In the year 636 Lismore was a bishop's see, and had a famous school of philosophy established by St. Carthagh, who, in the holy days of Easter, was driven out of Rathenin in the county of Westmeath, and took sanctuary here. An old writer thus describes this place: " Lessmor is a famous and holy city, half of which is an asylum, into which no woman dares enter ; but it is full of cells and holy monasteries ; and religious men in great numbers abide there : and thither holy men flock together from all parts of Ireland ; and not only from Ireland, but also from England and Britain, being desirous to remove from thence to Christ." The school of Lismore continued in high repute for many years, and was visited by '* prodigious numbers both from the neighbouring and remote countries." Many of the bishops of this see were men remarkable for religious austerity, as well as for learning and sanctity, and it was through their influence that the rigid discipline of the monastic orders was observed. The rules of the abbey of regular canons founded by St. Carthagh were particularly severe. When any of the monks returned from a mission, it was the custom to kneel down before the abbot, and in that humble posture relate the events which had occurred : all

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 144

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here was once one of the most flourishing cities in Ireland, a seat of science and learning. Lismore was the birthplace of Congreve, Boyle, and the ingenious Henry Eeles, and it is believed to be the school from which Alfred derived the knowledge that has since immortalized his name. In the year 636, this was a bishop's see, and had a famous school of philosophy established by Saint Carthagh. Saint Carthagh, in the holy days of Easter, was driven out of Rathenin in the county of Westmeath, and took sanctuary here. An old writer described this place in these words: "Lessmor is a famous and holy city, half of which is an asylum, into which no woman dares enter; but it is full of cells and holy monasteries; and religious men in great numbers abide there: and thither holy men flock together from all parts of Ireland; and not only from Ireland, but also from England and Britain, being desirous to remove from thence to Christ." The school continued in high repute for many years, and was visited by prodigious numbers both from the neighbouring and remote countries. Many of the bishops of this see were men remarkable for religious austerity, as well as for learning and sanctity, and it was through their influence that the rigid discipline of the monastic orders was observed. The rules of the abbey of regular canons founded by Saint Carthagh were particularly severe. When any of the monks returned from a mission, it was the custom to kneel down before the abbot, and in that humble posture relate the events which had occurred.

Whipping of a Right Boy at Carrick-on-Suir

Carrick-on-Suir · town · Tipperary

A member of the Right Boys, an agrarian secret society, was condemned to be whipped at Carrick-on-Suir; no one would carry out the sentence despite a reward, forcing the sheriff of Waterford to perform the punishment himself before an enraged mob.

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gents called " Right Boys," who resembled them in every respect, except in the title which they assumed. They bound themselves by oath to assist each other, and so strictly did they adhere to this obligation, that one of them being condemned to be whipped at Carrick-on-Suir, the then sheriff of Waterford could not procure a person to execute the sentence of the law, though he offered a large sum of money for that purpose ; but was actually obliged to perform the duty himself in the presence of an enraged mob.
A circumstance occurred in the year 1767, which it may be proper to notice, as showing the good feeling which was beginning to subsist between the Roman Catholics of Ireland and the royal family of England. On the 20th of December of this year, prayers were publicly read in the Roman Catholic chapels of Waterford, and in the other chapels throughout Ireland, for King George III. and all the royal family, being the first time the royal family of England had been prayed for in this public manner by the Roman Catholics of Ireland since the Revolution.

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 42

As the companion tells it

Carrick-on-Suir is a town the road passes through or near. There is a story here from the time of the Right Boys. They were an agrarian secret society who called themselves by that name. They bound themselves by oath to assist each other. They adhered to this obligation so strictly that when one of them was condemned to be whipped at Carrick-on-Suir, the then sheriff of Waterford could not procure a person to execute the sentence of the law. He offered a large sum of money for that purpose, and still no one would do it. He was actually obliged to perform the duty himself, in the presence of an enraged mob. That is what the oath meant to them. No reward would tempt anyone among them to raise a hand against their own. The sheriff had to do the work with his own hands while the crowd watched and raged.

Fortifications and siege defences of Donlsle Castle

Dunhill · townland · Waterford

The castle of Donlsle was defended by a strong wall, deep fosse, portcullis gate, and a trap-door over the entrance passage from which defenders poured stones and boiling water on attackers. The castle suffered from gunpowder assault, though its square tower remains remarkably intact.

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court-yard of about fifty yards square: the mason work of the wall can still be traced through its whole course. After entering the court-yard, the passage to the castle was ascended by a steep flight of stone steps, which led to a gate defended by a portcullis; the arch of the gate, and the groove of the portcullis, being still discernible. You then enter into a small court-yard, which appears to have contained several out-offices belonging to the castle, and turning to the left hand into a still smaller inclosure, of about twelve feet square, the door of the castle is at length seen. All the various approaches already mentioned are carefully defended by loop-holes and embrasures ; and on entering the castle itself, the usual square trap-door is observed over the passage, which gave the last opportunity of defence to the besieged, and from which, in the obstinacy of despair, they poured down on the assailants large stones, boiling water, or any other means of annoyance which the danger might suggest. The walls of the castle are still perfectly upright, not having yielded in the least to the encroachments of time : the castle, however, evidently suffered considerably from the violence of man, having been subjected to the force of gunpowder; but the square tower which crowns the summit, and which now can only be ascended by a ladder, the stairs having been designedly destroyed, is as perfect as if erected witliin these few years. The
2G2 Toroc.iiAPiiY and antiquities.

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 111

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Dunhill, the castle of Donlsle stands with its walls still perfectly upright, having yielded nothing to time. What it did yield to was gunpowder, the clear mark of human violence on the stonework. The defences were layered and deliberate. You came first into a court-yard about fifty yards square, its wall still traceable through its whole course. From there a steep flight of stone steps led up to a gate defended by a portcullis. The arch of that gate and the groove the portcullis ran in are still discernible. Past the gate lay a small court-yard that held several out-offices belonging to the castle. Turning left brought you into a still smaller enclosure, about twelve feet square, and only then did the door of the castle itself come into view. Every one of these approaches was carefully defended by loop-holes and embrasures. And inside the castle, over the entrance passage, there was the usual square trap-door, the last chance for the besieged. From it, in what the source calls the obstinacy of despair, they poured down on the assailants large stones and boiling water, or anything else the danger suggested. The square tower that crowns the summit is as perfect as if erected within these few years. Its stairs were designedly destroyed, so it can now be climbed only by a ladder.

Siege of Waterford and the flooding of Kilbarry ponds

Kilbarry · townland · Waterford · 1497

During the 1497 siege, to prevent the junction of enemy land and sea forces near Lumbard's marsh, the besieged citizens kept the ponds of Kilbarry full and raised a large mound of earth to stop the river flowing from Kilbarry into the Suir.

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To prevent the junction of these two divisions, the ponds of Kilbarry were kept full, the besieged having raised a large mound of earth to stop the course of the river, which flows from Kilbarry into the Suir. The necessary preparations being completed, the siege was vigorously commenced and carried on, for eleven days, with great zeal and activity. In the many skirmishes and sorties which took place, the citizens were generally victorious, and routed or captured their opponents. In the field, the citizens covered themselves with glory ; but it is to be regretted that after the fight, their valiant hearts had no touch of pity ; on one occasion when, after a successful sortie in which they committed great slaughter, they returned to the city with a numerous band of prisoners, they carried them to the market-place, chopped ofl" their heads, and fastened them on stakes, as trophies of their victory. Their valour and the dread of their cruelty could no longer be resisted ; the besieged became the assailants ; the enemy were repulsed in every direction, and what served to ensure the victory of the citizens, the cannon planted on Reginald's Tower, after many days hard firing, beat in the side of one of the ships, wlien the entire crew perished. The enemy.
32 HISTORICAL SKETCH.

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 14

As the companion tells it

Something near here was part of a siege in 1497. The citizens of Waterford were surrounded, and enemy land and sea forces were trying to join together. To stop them meeting, the besieged kept the ponds of Kilbarry full of water, and they raised a large mound of earth to block the river that flows from Kilbarry into the Suir. With those preparations done, the siege began in earnest and lasted eleven days. In the many skirmishes and sorties, the citizens were generally victorious, routing or capturing their opponents. They covered themselves with glory in the field. But after the fighting, their hearts had no pity. On one occasion, after a successful sortie where they committed great slaughter, they brought a numerous band of prisoners back to the city, carried them to the market-place, chopped off their heads, and fastened them on stakes as trophies. Their valour and the dread of their cruelty could no longer be resisted. The besieged became the assailants. The enemy were repulsed in every direction. And what ensured the citizens' victory was the cannon planted on Reginald's Tower, which after many days of hard firing beat in the side of one of the ships, and the entire crew perished.

Aylward family of Faithlegg spared by Cromwell

Faithlegg · street · Waterford · 1649

The Aylward family, settled at the castle and estate of Faithlegg near Passage, were known to Cromwell from London; though Roman Catholic and hostile to parliamentary forces, Cromwell sought to secure John Aylward in his property by asking him to conceal his faith.

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A family, named Ay 1 ward, whose ancestors had been brought over by King John, was settled in the castle and estate of Fatlock, a beautifully situated place in the neighbourhood of Passage. The proprietor at that time, John Aylward, had been known to Cromwell in London, who now, in remembrance of former friendship, sought to secure him in his property. Cromwell was aware that his friend was a Roman Catholic, and that he was hostile to the parliamentary forces, and he had resolved that such should be dispossessed ; — but, in this particular instance, he relaxed from his usual severity, and required, what to him appeared easy of attainment, that Aylward should conceal his faith, and appear to unite in principle with himself The inducements were almost irresistible— there was some little balancing between religion and property; but, at length, partly by the advice of his wife, the better cause

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 34

As the companion tells it

A castle and estate, Faithlegg, near Passage. A family named Aylward had been settled there, their ancestors brought over by King John. The proprietor at the time was John Aylward, who had been known to Cromwell in London. Cromwell now, in remembrance of former friendship, sought to secure him in his property. He was aware that his friend was a Roman Catholic, and that he was hostile to the parliamentary forces, and he had resolved that such should be dispossessed. But in this particular instance he relaxed from his usual severity, and required, what to him appeared easy of attainment, that Aylward should conceal his faith, and appear to unite in principle with himself. The inducements were almost irresistible. There was some little balancing between religion and property, but at length, partly by the advice of his wife, the better cause

Blacksmith 'Bold Heart' celebrates the Battle of the Boyne in Waterford

Waterford · city · Waterford

A Waterford blacksmith celebrated the anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne with great enthusiasm, firing a makeshift gun barrel and decorating himself with orange lilies, earning the mob's nickname 'Bold Heart'.

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A curious circumstance connected with the celebration of the battle of the Boyne, occurred in the city of Waterford. A miserable man, a blacksmith, who had probably heard from his parents the principal events of the day, made it a point to celebrate the anniversary with the utmost enthusiasm. The day was ushered in by innumerable explosions from a rusty piece of iron twisted into the shape of a gun barrel. Orange lilies in merciless profusion, tied up with what was intended to represent purple ribands, decorated the scene, when the officiating minister, who concealed his sooty dress beneath a white under-garment, received the congratulations of his friends!
From the eccentricity of his manner, the mob honoured him with the title of Bold Heart, under which name he defied the world. In general, the silly parade was beneath the notice of the people;

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 45

As the companion tells it

In Waterford, a blacksmith made it his business to celebrate the anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne with the utmost enthusiasm. He had probably heard the principal events of that day from his parents. He ushered the morning in with innumerable explosions from a rusty piece of iron twisted into the shape of a gun barrel. Orange lilies in merciless profusion, tied with what was meant to represent purple ribands, decorated the scene. The blacksmith, concealing his sooty dress beneath a white under-garment, received the congratulations of his friends. From the eccentricity of his manner, the mob gave him the title of Bold Heart, and under that name he defied the world. In general, the silly parade was beneath the notice of the people.

Castle of Donlsle overlooking a ravine

Dunhill · townland · Waterford · 1346

The ruined castle of Donlsle (Donhill), an ancient seat of the Le Poer family, stands on a rock nearly detached from a range of hills above a ravine, with a square tower of great elevation crossed by an antique bridge below. The Le Poer family, ancestors of the Marquis of Waterford, held distinguished rank in the county from at least 1346.

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Having descended from the main road, through a i)lantation of -flourishing trees, the castle, a square tower of great elevation, is seen, overhanging a river, here crossed by an antique bridge. In ancient times, it was the property of the family of Le Poer, from whom the present Marquis of Waterford is descended. So far back as 1346, this family held a distinguished rank in this county : in that year John Le Poer, and others of the same name, gave security to the Lord Justice Birmingham, at Waterford, for themselves and all others of their name in the counties of Waterford and Tipperary, for their peaceable behaviour to the king and his ministers.
The castle of Donlsle might be considered inaccessible on two sides ; and where it was liable to be approached, its defences appear to have possessed a considerable degree of artificial strength.

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 110

As the companion tells it

Close to Dunhill, the ruined castle of Donlsle stands on a rock nearly detached from a range of hills above a ravine. A square tower of great elevation, it overhangs a river crossed by an antique bridge. In ancient times it was the property of the Le Poer family, from whom the present Marquis of Waterford is descended. As far back as 1346, this family held a distinguished rank in the county. In that year John Le Poer and others of the same name gave security to the Lord Justice Birmingham, at Waterford, for themselves and all others of their name in the counties of Waterford and Tipperary, for their peaceable behaviour to the king and his ministers. The castle might be considered inaccessible on two sides, and where it was liable to be approached, its defences possessed a considerable degree of artificial strength.

Fatal food riot in Waterford, 1744

Waterford · city · Waterford · 1744

A riotous meeting of the mob occurred in Waterford in 1744 during the mayoralty of Beverley Usher, occasioned by scarcity of provisions; the military were called out and several lives were lost.

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In 1732 there was a tumultuous assemblage in Waterford, the object of which was to prevent the exportation of corn. There was another riotous meeting of the mob in Waterford in 1744, when Mr. Beverley Usher was mayor: the military were called out, and several lives were lost. — Both these riots were occasioned by a scarcity of provisions. Some years afterwards corn was in abundance ; but, as happened on a recent occasion when England extended a fostering hand to her brothers in Ireland, the inhabitants of Waterford and other towns were literally starving in the midst of plenty.
Such being the state of Waterford, at the periods alluded to, it was not to be expected that the people would remain totally passive spectators of the numerous illegal assemblies which were forming around them.

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 41

As the companion tells it

As you pass through or near Waterford, this city was the scene of desperate unrest in 1744. A riotous meeting of the mob broke out while Beverley Usher was mayor, driven by a scarcity of provisions. The military were called out, and several lives were lost. It was not the first such rising here. In 1732, there had been a tumultuous assemblage aimed at preventing the exportation of corn. Both riots were caused by scarcity. Some years later, corn was abundant, yet the inhabitants of Waterford and other towns were, in the words of the source, literally starving in the midst of plenty. Given the state of the city, the people were not expected to remain passive spectators of the illegal assemblies forming around them.

Leper Hospital of St Stephen's founded by King John

Waterford · city · Waterford · 1200–1216

The Leper Hospital in Waterford was founded by King John in the early thirteenth century, incorporated as the Master, Brethren, and Sisters of the Leper House of St. Stephen's, and endowed with lands including at Poleberry and Leperstown.

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tributed to the following circumstance: — Theking's sons, during the time they remained at Lismore, were so feasted with the fine salmon and cider of that place, that they lived almost entirely on them, which caused eruptions to break out on their bodies, supposed to be the leprosy; of which the king being informed founded the Hospital for persons labouring under leperous complaints, and granted a charter of incorporation by the name of the Master, Brethren, and Sisters of the Leper House of St. Stephen's, in the city of Waterford. He also granted the Corporation a Seal, which the master of the hospital holds, and with which he seals the leases of the lands, &c. of the hospital, which leases he is empowered to make, with the consent of the brethren and sisters of the hospital.
The King endowed the hospital with the Leper House, and several other holdings in St. Stephen's parish, and with the oblations, obventions, offerings, &c. of the said parish. Also with lands at Poleberry, without John's-gate, (which gate was formerly considered the boundary of the hospital,) and also the lands of Leperstown, in the barony of Gaultier.

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 83

As the companion tells it

As the road takes you through Waterford, there is a story about a hospital founded by King John. The king's sons had been staying at Lismore, where they lived almost entirely on the fine salmon and cider of that place. Eruptions broke out on their bodies, supposed to be the leprosy. When the king was informed, he founded a hospital for persons labouring under leperous complaints. He granted a charter of incorporation by the name of the Master, Brethren, and Sisters of the Leper House of St Stephen's, in the city of Waterford. He also granted the corporation a seal, with which the master seals the leases of the lands of the hospital. The master is empowered to make those leases with the consent of the brethren and sisters. The king endowed the hospital with the Leper House and several other holdings in St Stephen's parish, and with the oblations, obventions, and offerings of the said parish. He also granted lands at Poleberry, without John's-gate, which gate was formerly considered the boundary of the hospital, and the lands of Leperstown, in the barony of Gaultier.

Mayor John Butler defies Earl of Kildare's demand

Waterford · city · Waterford · 1487

The Earl of Kildare demanded that Waterford's mayor, John Butler, proclaim Lambert Simnel as king and assist him with forces. The mayor refused, calling those who crowned the impostor rebels to the rightful king of England.

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When the factious Irish, under the influence of the Earl of Kildare, had acknowledged the claims of the impostor, and admitted the evidence of his birth, their next step was to endeavour to compel the inhabitants of other towns to unite with them in the revolt. The citizens of Waterford were peremptorily required to proclaim the new king, and, by a letter transmitted to John Butler, then mayor, were commanded to receive and assist him with all the forces of the city. The conduct of the mayor was eminently dignified, and marked with the most minute attention to the best precedents of civic etiquette: he answered, that he would send a written reply by a messenger of his own, and afterwards informed the Earl of Kildare that the citizens of Waterford considered all those rebels to the rightful king of England, who proclaimed and crowned the impostor Lambert. — The Earl, not admiring the answer of the mayor, commanded that his messenger should be hanged; and not wishing to be outdone in dignity or

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 10

As the companion tells it

The city of Waterford stood firm in 1487 against a demand that would have drawn it into rebellion. The Earl of Kildare, having acknowledged the impostor Lambert Simnel as king, turned to compelling other towns to join the revolt. The citizens of Waterford were peremptorily required to proclaim this new king, and a letter sent to John Butler, then mayor, commanded him to receive and assist Simnel with all the forces of the city. Butler's reply was careful and deliberate. He told the Earl he would send a written answer by a messenger of his own choosing. When that reply came, it was blunt. The citizens of Waterford, he wrote, considered all those who proclaimed and crowned the impostor Lambert to be rebels to the rightful king of England. The Earl did not admire the mayor's answer. He commanded that his messenger should be hanged, and not wishing to be outdone in dignity or in resolve, he pressed the matter further against the city that had dared to refuse him.

Mining history of Bonmahon under Lord Ranelagh and Mr. Wyse

Bunmahon · population centre · Waterford · 1745–1811

In 1745 a company rented the Bonmahon mines from Lord Ranelagh for thirty-one years, producing copper and lead ore, but mismanagement led to abandonment; Mr. Wyse later worked the mines with three hundred men, and in 1811 Lord Ormond attempted renewal at considerable expense.

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observations are offered, with the hope of arousing public attention to the subject. It appears from a manuscript of the Bishop of Clogher, in the college library, that valuable mines were known to be in this neighbourhood, at a very early period: the situation of Knockdry and Powers-country, in which places, silver and lead were said to be found, cannot now be exactly ascertained ; but it seems probable that the latter place was somewhere near Bonmahon or Annstown, where the representative of the family of Power formerly resided. The mines of Bonmahon, under which denomination are included the mines in the vicinity, produce copper, lead and silver ; veins have already been opened in many places, and worked to a considerable extent. In the year 1745, a company rented these mines from Lord Ranelagh, for a term of thirty-one years, under an agreement to render to his Lordship one eighth part of all the ore obtained. The works were carried on for eight or ten years with great spirit and tolerable success; but a want of union among the members of the company, injudicious arrangements, and, above all, unfaithful managers, checked the progress of the undertaking and it was at length abandoned. One hundred and thirty tons of copper and thirty-five tons of lead ore, are mentioned in an old document as having been raised in a few months.
Mr. Wysc subsequently worked these mines

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 116

As the companion tells it

Bunmahon is a place where copper, lead and silver once came out of the ground. A manuscript of the Bishop of Clogher, kept in the college library, records that valuable mines were known in this neighbourhood at a very early period. The old places called Knockdry and Powers-country, where silver and lead were said to be found, cannot now be exactly located, though Powers-country was probably somewhere near Bonmahon, where the Power family formerly resided. In 1745 a company rented these mines from Lord Ranelagh for 31 years, agreeing to give his Lordship 1/8 of all the ore obtained. The works went on for 8 or 10 years with great spirit and tolerable success. But a want of union among the members, injudicious arrangements, and unfaithful managers checked the undertaking, and it was at length abandoned. An old document mentions 130 tons of copper and 35 tons of lead ore raised in a few months. Mr. Wyse subsequently worked these mines, employing 300 men. In 1811 Lord Ormond attempted renewal at considerable expense.

Ormond's Defence Near Waterford City

Waterford · city · Waterford · 1649

The Marquis of Ormond, refused entry into Waterford by suspicious citizens, positioned his fifty horse to cover the retreat of the governor's foot soldiers being pursued by Cromwell's dragoons.

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for their support; and understanding that an attack on Passage was meditated, he waited to know the result. On the governor's troops leaving the city, Cromwell dispatched a strong force to attack them, and their danger being immediately perceived, Ormond requested permission to bring over a body of horse to their assistance ; but the citizens refused the offer, and preferred leaving the soldiers to their fate. Thus repulsed, the gallant marquis advanced at the head of his fifty horse and met the governor's foot soldiers in full retreat, closely followed by Cromwell's dragoons. He posted himself in an advantageous position, and by his courage and a judicious arrangement of his force, checked the farther advance of the enemy, and covered the retreat into the town. The necessity of retaking Passage, and the importance attached to it by the enemy, being thus evident, the Marquis of Ormond proposed to transport his troops over the river, and undertook to quarter them in huts under the walls, that they might not be burdensome to the city : this proposal was also rejected, and it was even in agitation to seize his person and treat his followers as enemies. Irritated at their obstinacy and ingratitude, the marquis withdrew his army, leaving the citizens to protect themselves. Thus left to their own resources, and vigorously assailed by the impatient Cromwell, the courage of the citizens was now beginning to yield ; they declared, that unless they received a reinforce-
HISTORICAL SKETCH. /O

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 35

As the companion tells it

In 1649, Waterford found itself caught between its own suspicions and Cromwell's army. The Marquis of Ormond understood that an attack on Passage was meditated, and he waited to know the result. When the governor's troops left the city, Cromwell dispatched a strong force to attack them. Their danger was immediately perceived, and Ormond requested permission to bring over a body of horse to their assistance. The citizens refused the offer and preferred leaving the soldiers to their fate. Thus repulsed, the gallant marquis advanced at the head of his fifty horse and met the governor's foot soldiers in full retreat, closely followed by Cromwell's dragoons. He posted himself in an advantageous position, and by his courage and a judicious arrangement of his force, checked the farther advance of the enemy and covered the retreat into the town. The necessity of retaking Passage being evident, Ormond proposed to transport his troops over the river and quarter them in huts under the walls, that they might not be burdensome to the city. This proposal was also rejected, and it was even in agitation to seize his person and treat his followers as enemies. Irritated at their obstinacy and ingratitude, the marquis withdrew his army, leaving the citizens to protect themselves. Thus left to their own resources and vigorously assailed by the impatient Cromwell, the courage of the citizens was beginning to yield.

Rian Bo Padriuc: St Patrick's Cow trench legend

Tourin · townland · Waterford

A large double trench called Rian Bo Padriuc, or the trench of St Patrick's Cow, runs from Knockmealdown through the Deer Park of Lismore, across the Blackwater near Tourin, to Ardmore, with traditions disputing whether it was made by the cow searching for her stolen calf or fleeing thieves.

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Amongst the traditional wonders of this part of the county, it may not be amiss to mention, without demanding a too implicit credence to the minuter circumstances connected with the narrative, two remarkable works of which the traces are still discernible. The first is a large double trench, called, in Irish, Rian Bo Padriuc, or the trench of St. Patrick's Cow. This road or trench commences eastward of Knockmeledown, passes through the Deer Park of Lismore, and, crossing the Blackwater near Tourin, where the remains of laborious workmanship may still be seen, proceeds in a direct line to Ardmore. — There is an unfortunate discrepancy in the traditions concerning this curious trench ; some asserting that it was the work of St. Patrick's cow, on her way to Ardmore, in search of her calf which had been stolen, while others are more inclined to believe that the cow had been carried
356 TOPOGUAPIIV AND ANTIQUITIES.

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 154

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Tourin, there is a large double trench the old Irish called Rian Bo Padriuc, the trench of St Patrick's Cow. It begins east of Knockmealdown, runs through the Deer Park of Lismore, and crosses the Blackwater near here, where the remains of all that laborious workmanship can still be seen. From there it runs in a direct line to Ardmore. People have never agreed on what the trench means. One tradition says St Patrick's cow made this great furrow herself on her way to Ardmore, searching for her calf that had been stolen. Others lean toward a different story, that the cow had been carried off by thieves, and that this trench is the mark of her flight. The writer of the old account does not ask you to believe every detail, only notes that the traces were still there to be seen.

St. Carthagh Founds the Bishop's See and School at Lismore

Lismore · townland · Waterford · 636

In 636 Lismore became a bishop's see with a famous school of philosophy established by St. Carthagh, who had been driven out of Rathenin in Westmeath and took sanctuary at Lismore. An old writer describes it as a holy city full of cells and monasteries visited by religious men from Ireland, England and Britain.

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ing cities in Ireland, the seat of science and learning-, the birth-place of Congreve, Boyle, and the ingenious Henry Eeles, and the school from which, it is believed, Alfred derived the knowledge which has since immortalized his name. In the year 636 Lismore was a bishop's see, and had a famous school of philosophy established by St. Carthagh, who, in the holy days of Easter, was driven out of Rathenin in the county of Westmeath, and took sanctuary here. An old writer thus describes this place: " Lessmor is a famous and holy city, half of which is an asylum, into which no woman dares enter ; but it is full of cells and holy monasteries ; and religious men in great numbers abide there : and thither holy men flock together from all parts of Ireland ; and not only from Ireland, but also from England and Britain, being desirous to remove from thence to Christ." The school of Lismore continued in high repute for many years, and was visited by '* prodigious numbers both from the neighbouring and remote countries." Many of the bishops of this see were men remarkable for religious austerity, as well as for learning and sanctity, and it was through their influence that the rigid discipline of the monastic orders was observed. The rules of the abbey of regular canons founded by St. Carthagh were particularly severe. When any of the monks returned from a mission, it was the custom to kneel down before the abbot, and in that humble posture relate the events which had occurred : all

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 144

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, in the year 636, Lismore became a bishop's see, and St. Carthagh established a famous school of philosophy. Carthagh had been driven out of Rathenin in Westmeath during the holy days of Easter, and he took sanctuary here at Lismore. An old writer described this place as a famous and holy city. Half of it was an asylum into which no woman dared enter. It was full of cells and holy monasteries, and religious men lived there in great numbers. Holy men came from all parts of Ireland, and not only from Ireland but from England and Britain, desiring to remove from thence to Christ. The school continued in high repute for many years and was visited by prodigious numbers from neighbouring and remote countries. Many of the bishops of this see were men remarkable for religious austerity, learning, and sanctity. Through their influence the rigid discipline of the monastic orders was observed. The rules of the abbey of regular canons founded by St. Carthagh were particularly severe. When any of the monks returned from a mission, it was their custom to kneel down before the abbot and in that humble posture relate the events which had occurred.

The famous Waterford rug and the Paris Garden bear-baiting anecdote

Waterford · city · Waterford

Waterford was renowned for producing the finest rug (woolen cloth) in Ireland, illustrated by an anecdote of a man wearing a Waterford rug in London being mistaken for a bear by mastiffs at Paris Garden.

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cheerfull in the interteinment of strangers, hartie one to another, nothing given to factions. They loue no idle benchwhistlers nor lurkish faitors : for yoong and old are wholie addicted to thriuing, the men commonlie to traffike, the women to spinning and carding. As they distill the best aqua vitee, so they spin the choicest rug in Ireland."
It would be presumptuous to institute a comparison between the citizens of the present and of ancient times ; it may however be remarked, that if the moderns have degenerated, they are happy in having pure and exalted models to lead them back into the path of honour. The aqua vitae remains in abundance, but the choice rug is gone ; whether its loss should be regretted, we may learn from the following anecdote, related by the same ancient author: — "A freend of mine being of late demurrant in London, and the weather by reason of a hard hoare frost being somewhat nipping, repaired to Paris garden, clad in one of these Waterford rugs. The mastifs had no sooner espied him, but deeming he had beene a beare, would faine haue baited him. And were it not that the dogs were partlie muzzled, and partlie chained, he doubted not, but that he should haue beene well tugd in this Irish rug ; whereupon he solemnlie vowed never to see beare baiting in anic such w(^ed."

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 23

As the companion tells it

Waterford was a city known for its cloth. The people here were said to be cheerful with strangers and honest with one another, given to no factions. The men commonly took to trade, the women to spinning and carding. They distilled the best aqua vitae in Ireland, and they spun the choicest rug. That rug was a woolen cloth, coarse and thick, and it made Waterford famous. The aqua vitae remains in abundance, but the choice rug is gone. What it was worth can be judged from a story told by an old writer of this city. A friend of his, lately staying in London, found the weather sharp with a hard hoar frost and went to Paris Garden clad in one of these Waterford rugs. The mastiffs had no sooner seen him but, deeming he had been a bear, would have baited him. The dogs were partly muzzled and partly chained, or he doubted not he should have been well tugged in this Irish rug. He solemnly vowed never to see bear-baiting in any such weed again. So the cloth that made Waterford's name was thick enough to fool a mastiff.

The Sixteenth-Century Castle on Little Island

Little Island · townland · Waterford · 1500–1599

A square battlemented castle on Little Island, believed built in the sixteenth century, was designed for defence with a projecting window over the door and an aperture for pouring molten lead and boiling oil upon attackers; a carved human face and defaced escutcheon remain in its walls.

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farm-house is attached: the natural beauties of the place are heightened by an improved and thickly-planted neighbourhood. The castle, a square building, with lofty battlements, evidently intended as a place of strength, is still in tolerable preservation : it is supposed to have been erected in the sixteenth century, and was for many years occupied by the proprietors of the adjacent lands. The external appearance of this building denotes the unsettled state of the times when it was first inhabited. The principal, and indeed the only entrance, a small gothic door-way, is defended by a projecting window, which commands the approach, and is, at the same time, protected by a sloping battlement against remote assailants: there is an aperture in the stone-work, through which molten lead, boiling oil, and the various warlike missiles of the time were wont to be cast upon the heads of the hapless invaders. A human face rudely cut in stone, and an almost defaced escutcheon, are inserted in the wall at a few feet from the door-frame. Narrow windows and loop holes, at regular distances, afford a faint light to a flight of stone steps, which, winding through the massy walls, conduct to the summit of the building; from this place the view is singularly grand and extensive. This castle has, at different times, been fitted up as a place of residence, and it is said to be the intention of the present proprietor of the soil, John Fitzgerald, Es(|. to reptiir
<i2

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 98

As the companion tells it

Close to Little Island, somewhere around here, there stands a square castle with lofty battlements, built for strength and still in tolerable preservation. It is supposed to have been erected in the sixteenth century, and for many years the proprietors of the adjacent lands occupied it. The building's outward face speaks of unsettled times. Its only entrance is a small gothic doorway, defended by a projecting window that commands the approach, and at the same time protected by a sloping battlement against distant attackers. In the stonework there is an aperture through which molten lead, boiling oil, and the warlike missiles of the time were cast down upon the heads of invaders. A human face rudely cut in stone, and an almost defaced escutcheon, are set into the wall a few feet from the door-frame. Narrow windows and loopholes, at regular distances, give faint light to a flight of stone steps winding through the massive walls up to the summit, where the view is singularly grand and extensive. The castle has at different times been fitted up as a place of residence, and it is said that the present proprietor of the soil, John Fitzgerald, intends to repair it.

Ardmore founded as episcopal see by St. Declan

Ardmore · town · Waterford · 402–550

The parish of Ardmore was anciently an episcopal see established in the fifth century by St. Declan, friend and companion of St. Patrick, who returned from Rome around 402 to found an abbey and become Bishop of Ardmore.

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which time he founded an abbey and was made Bishop of Ardmore ; he lived to a great age ; and his successor, St. Ultan, was alive in the year 550. A stone, a holy well, and a dormitory in the churchyard still bear the name of St. Declan. " St. Declan's stone" is on the beach; it is a large rock, resting on two others which elevate it a little above the ground. On the 24th of July, the festival of the saint, numbers of the lowest class do penance on their bare knees around the stone, and some, with great pain and difficulty, creep under it, in expectation of thereby curing or preventing, what it is much more likely to create, rheumatic affections of the back. In the churchyard is the " dormitory of St. Declan," a small low building, held in great veneration by the people in the neighbourhood, who frequently visit it in order to procure some of the earth, which is supposed to cover the relics of the saint. This edifice, which is extremely plain in appearance, was repaired and roofed about a century ago, at the expense of Bishop Milles. " St. Declan's Well" is near the ruins of the church, at some little distance from the village.
The principal object of interest at Ardmore is the round tower, that opprobrium of antiquaries about which so many conflicting opinions have been advanced, and concerning which nothing has been satisfactorily proved, except the almost total ignorance which exists touching the origin and object of these buildings. The arguments of

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 140

As the companion tells it

The town of Ardmore was an episcopal see in the fifth century, founded by St. Declan, who returned from Rome around 402 to establish an abbey and become Bishop of Ardmore. He was a friend and companion of St. Patrick. He lived to a great age, and his successor, St. Ultan, was alive in the year 550. A stone, a holy well, and a dormitory in the churchyard still bear Declan's name. St. Declan's stone is on the beach, a large rock resting on two others that lift it a little above the ground. On the 24th of July, the festival of the saint, people do penance on their bare knees around the stone. Some, with great pain and difficulty, creep under it, expecting to cure or prevent, in the words of the source, "what it is much more likely to create, rheumatic affections of the back." In the churchyard stands the dormitory of St. Declan, a small low building held in great veneration by the people of the neighbourhood, who visit it to collect some of the earth supposed to cover the relics of the saint. The building is extremely plain. It was repaired and roofed about a century ago at the expense of Bishop Milles. St. Declan's Well is near the ruins of the church, at some distance from the village. The principal object of interest is the round tower, about which so many conflicting opinions have been advanced and nothing has been satisfactorily proved, except the almost total ignorance concerning the origin and object of these buildings.

Construction of the Great Pier and Breakwater at Dunmore

Dunmore East · town · Waterford

A massive mole and breakwater were built at Dunmore, extending 800 feet into the sea to shelter mail packets from violent waves driven by south and west winds; the work was largely accomplished underwater using diving bells operated by untaught local peasants who became skilled engineers.

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Under the superintendence of skilful engineers, the workmen (untaught peasants) soon learned to move vast rocks with admirable dexterity: few

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 100

As the companion tells it

Dunmore East is where a great pier and breakwater were built, extending 800 feet into the sea to shelter mail packets from violent waves driven by south and west winds. Much of the work was done underwater with diving bells. Under skilful engineers, untaught peasants learned to move vast rocks with admirable dexterity.

Cromwell's Siege of Waterford Raised

Waterford · city · Waterford · 1649

Disheartened by illness among his troops and the difficulties of a winter campaign, Cromwell was forced to raise the siege of Waterford and retreat toward Munster towns that had already surrendered.

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At this critical moment Ormond proposed to pass some of his troops across the river and attack the rear of the retreating enemy, but the obstinacy of the citizens returned with their hopes of safety, and they refused to supply boats or to admit his soldiers into the city, until the favourable opportunity was lost. Being thus obliged to raise the siege of Waterford, Cromwell resolved to direct his course to the towns of Munster which had revolted to the English parliament, and which now offered a secure asylum to his harassed and distempered forces.
His route lay through the extreme length of the county of Waterford, and, as on former occasions, his progress was distinctly marked by confiscation and blood. About the latter end of

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 35

As the companion tells it

Waterford, in 1649, was a city Cromwell could not take. Ormond had a plan to turn the tide. He proposed passing some of his troops across the river to attack the rear of the retreating enemy. But the citizens, their hopes of safety restored, grew obstinate. They refused to supply boats or to admit Ormond's soldiers into the city, and the favourable opportunity slipped away. Cromwell, obliged to raise the siege, turned instead toward the towns of Munster that had revolted to the English parliament. Those towns now offered a secure asylum to his harassed and distempered forces. His route lay through the extreme length of the county of Waterford, and as before, his progress was marked by confiscation and blood.

Franciscan Friary of Carrickbeg Founded 1336

Carrickbeg · townland · Waterford · 1336

In Carrickbeg, formerly Carrick-mac-Griffin, the ruins survive of a monastery for Minorites founded in 1336 by James, Earl of Ormond. The friary's church and steeple remain, the steeple in almost perfect preservation.

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In Carrickbeg, formerly called Carrick-mac-Griffin, and Little Carig, being part of the suburbs of the town of Carrick on Suir, are the ruins of a monastery for Minorites founded in the year 1336, by James, Earl of Ormond.
The list of the inmates of this building is only worthy of notice as containing the name of John Clyn, author of a celebrated chronicle yet extant. Friar John Clyn was translated from the Franciscan Friary of Kilkenny to this monastery, of which he was appointed the first warden : he died of the plague, in 1349.

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 122

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here are the ruins of a monastery for Minorites, founded in 1336 by James, Earl of Ormond. The place was once called Carrick-mac-Griffin, or Little Carig, part of the suburbs of Carrick on Suir. The church and steeple still stand, the steeple almost perfectly preserved. What is most worth noting is a name among the inmates. Friar John Clyn was brought here from the Franciscan Friary of Kilkenny and made the first warden of this house. He was the author of a celebrated chronicle that survives still. He died of the plague in 1349.

Hammermen extort quarterage from Catholic tradesmen

Waterford · city · Waterford · 1704

Protestant tradesmen of Waterford, known as Hammermen, paraded through the city during Assizes demanding payment of quarterage from Roman Catholic shopkeepers. Refusal was punished by nailing up the doors and windows of the offender's house.

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During the Assizes, the company of Hammermen paraded through every part of the town, demanding the payment of quarterage from Roman Catholic shopkeepers; and in case of refusal, they signified their displeasure by nailing up the doors and windows of the house belonging to the party so refusing. The following is a copy of a receipt given by the master of the company, as a discharge for one of their illegal demands.
" Memorandum. — It was covenanted by the major part of the company, and likewise entered in the books, that Mr. Paule Keaton should be exempted from paying quarteridge for two years from the date underwritten, he paying forty shillings, which sum he has paid, as witness my hand this 15 day of June, 1704.

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 41

As the companion tells it

Waterford, in 1704. During the Assizes, the Protestant tradesmen called Hammermen paraded through every part of the city demanding payment of quarterage from Roman Catholic shopkeepers. If a shopkeeper refused, they nailed up the doors and windows of his house. One receipt survives from the master of the company. It records that Mr. Paule Keaton was exempted from paying quarterage for two years, he paying forty shillings, which sum he had paid. The receipt is dated the 15th day of June, 1704. So the demand was illegal, but the paperwork was kept neat.

Heralds mistreated in Waterford proclaiming the 1646 cessation

Waterford · city · Waterford · 1646

Heralds sent from Dublin to proclaim the 1646 cessation of hostilities were treated with indignity by the citizens of Waterford, unable even to find the mayor's house until a boy was bribed to show them, and left after ten fruitless days.

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This measure was violently opposed by the citizens of Waterford, who imagined that the interests of their religion would be compromised by their adoption of the treaty. The heralds sent from Dublin to proclaim the peace, were treated with every indignity : they were unable to discover the mayor's house, until they prevailed on a little boy, by a bribe of sixpence, to shew it to them, and after a fruitless delay of ten days, they were obliged to retire from Waterford without accomplishing their errand.
The violent commotions which at this time agitated England, had produced, or rather called into action, the extraordinary talents of Oliver

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 32

As the companion tells it

In 1646, a cessation of hostilities was sent from Dublin to be proclaimed here in Waterford. The citizens opposed it violently, believing the treaty would compromise the interests of their religion. The heralds who carried the proclamation were treated with every indignity. They could not even find the mayor's house until they bribed a little boy with sixpence to show it to them. After ten fruitless days they left Waterford without accomplishing their errand.

Landing of the O'Driscolls and Powers at Tramore

Tramore · town · Waterford

The O'Driscolls and Powers, hereditary enemies of the city, landed at Tramore before advancing to be met in battle by the mayor and citizens of Waterford.

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colls and Powers. The latter, hereditary enemies of Waterford, having landed at Tramorc, the mayor and citizens advanced, in warlike manner, to give them battle. The contending parties met at Ballymacdane, when the invaders were entirely overthrown, 160 of them slain, and many of them taken prisoners. Among the captives were 0-Hedriscoll-Oge and six of his sons, who, with three of their gallics, were carried in triumph into Waterford. It is, probably, in memory of this victory, that three gallies are quartered in the arms of the city.
In the statutes of Edward IV. there are many curious enactments, illustrative of the manners and opinions of the times, which assist in filling up the chasms occasioned by the scantiness of our historical records. The ministers and nobles were strictly prohibited leaving the country; it was even doubted whether they might go coastwise from one part of the kingdom to another ; and though the latter restriction was abolished by a subsequent statute, yet we may perceive with what anxiety the evils of non-residence were guarded against.

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 9

As the companion tells it

Tramore is where the O'Driscolls and Powers came ashore. They were hereditary enemies of Waterford. Having landed, the mayor and citizens advanced in warlike manner to give them battle. The contending parties met at Ballymacdane, and the invaders were entirely overthrown. 160 of them were slain, and many taken prisoner. Among the captives were O'Hedriscoll-Oge and six of his sons, who, with three of their galleys, were carried in triumph into Waterford. It is probably in memory of this victory that three galleys are quartered in the arms of the city. The statutes of Edward IV contain many curious enactments illustrative of the manners and opinions of the times. Ministers and nobles were strictly prohibited from leaving the country. It was even doubted whether they might go coastwise from one part of the kingdom to another. Though that restriction was abolished by a subsequent statute, it shows how anxiously the evils of non-residence were guarded against.

Lismore Cathedral Spared from Fire during 1173 Plundering

Lismore · townland · Waterford · 1173

In 1173, when Raymond and Earl Richard wasted and plundered the Decies, the plunderers extorted a large sum of money from the prelate to prevent the cathedral from being burned, though shortly after an accidental fire consumed Lismore.

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tion to preserve the church; and particularly in the year 1173, when Raymond and Earl Richard wasted and plundered the Decies, the plunderers extorted a large sum of money from the prelate who then governed the see, to prevent the cathedral from being burned. However, shortly after, an accidental fire wholly consumed Lismore, and involved almost all the churches in the ruin.
The cathedral was again repaired, and plundered, at various times ; and, at length, in the rebellion of Munster, was almost totally demolished by Edmund Fitzgibbon, called the White Knight, in which state it continued until it was re-edified in 1633, at the expense of the Earl of Cork. The cathedral of Lismore was originally constructed in the Saxon style; the windows were narrow, terminated with circular arches, each surmounted with a small window in shape like a circle. These round windows were also over the entrance, and at the extremities of the transepts. This style of architecture, which was generally used in our very ancient buildings, and which is, of itself, strongly indicative of antiquity, has, with singularly bad taste, been replaced by the florid Gothic, which, though beautiful, does not harmonize with the general appearance of the place. The alterations and repairs which were commenced about ten years since, have as yet only advanced to the completion of one transept and the exterior entrance, giving a most incou-

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 145

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here stands what was once Lismore Cathedral. In 1173, Raymond and Earl Richard wasted and plundered the Decies. The plunderers extorted a large sum of money from the prelate who then governed the see, to prevent the cathedral from being burned. The payment was made, but it bought little. Shortly after, an accidental fire wholly consumed Lismore, and involved almost all the churches in the ruin. The cathedral was repaired again, and plundered again, at various times. At length, in the rebellion of Munster, it was almost totally demolished by Edmund Fitzgibbon, called the White Knight. In that state it continued until it was re-edified in 1633, at the expense of the Earl of Cork. The cathedral was originally built in the Saxon style. The windows were narrow, finished with circular arches, each topped by a small round window. Round windows also sat over the entrance and at the ends of the transepts. That old Saxon style has since been replaced by florid Gothic, which the record calls beautiful but says does not harmonize with the general appearance of the place.

Ostman Lord's Chain Across the Suir at Henry II's Landing

Waterford · city · Waterford · 1170–1172

When Henry II prepared to land his forces at Waterford, the only opposition came from an Ostman lord who attempted to block his disembarkation by stretching a chain across the river.

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When Henry II. was preparing to land his forces, the only opposition he experienced was from an Ostman Lord, who vainly attempted to impede the disembarkation by drawing a chain across the river. — Passing the bounds of the city and following the course of the Suir, as it descends towards the sea, the first object which deserves attention is the Little Island — a portion of land which appears to have been originally connected with the county of Kilkenny, and afterwards insulated by the waters of the Suir partially effecting a shorter course.
This conjecture is strengthened by the discovery of a large tree, which, with its root and branches, was found at the depth of some feet beneath the bed of the river at this place.

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 97

As the companion tells it

At Waterford, in the years around 1170, Henry the Second was preparing to land his forces. The only opposition he met came from an Ostman lord, who tried to stop the disembarkation by drawing a chain across the river. It was a vain attempt. The king's men came ashore regardless, and Waterford fell under English rule.

Perkin Warbeck lands at Cork and marches on Waterford

Passage East · townland · Waterford · 1497

In 1497 Perkin Warbeck and Maurice Earl of Desmond, with an army of 2400 men, landed at Cork and advanced on Waterford, preparing on 23 July to besiege the western division of the city while a fleet of eleven ships arrived at Passage.

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In the year 1497, it was again the good fortune of the citizens of Waterford to manifest their loyalty to the king ; for which, among other honours, they received the following motto — " Intacta manet Waterfordia." On this occasion, they communicated to his majesty the intelligence of the arrival of Perkin Warbeck at Cork, and assured him of their loyalty and affection. An opportunity was now afforded them to prove the sincerity of their professions and the extent of their devotion, for immediately on his landing, the whole strength of the rebel force was directed against Waterford. Perkin Warbeck and Maurice Earl of Desmond, with an army of 2400 men, advanced to the city, and on the 23d of July prepared to invest it: this force was intended to assault the western division, while a fleet of eleven ships, which arrived at Passage, was ordered to

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 13

As the companion tells it

Close to Passage East, a fleet of eleven ships once arrived in the summer of 1497. The citizens of Waterford had written to the king to tell him that Perkin Warbeck had landed at Cork, and they assured him of their loyalty. They were about to be tested. Warbeck and Maurice, Earl of Desmond, came against the city with 2400 men. On the 23rd of July they prepared to invest it. Part of this force was meant to assault the western division of Waterford, while the fleet of eleven ships that arrived at Passage was ordered to support the attack from the water. The citizens held firm, and for this loyalty, among other honours, they received the motto, "Intacta manet Waterfordia." Waterford stayed untouched.

Quinn's nightly rebel meetings in the deanery vaults

Waterford · city · Waterford · 1798

Quinn, servant to the Dean of Waterford and entrusted with defending the bridge cannon, held nightly meetings with the disaffected in the extensive vaults adjoining the deanery, sharing intelligence gathered during the day.

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The conspiracy was first discovered by a person who happened to be in a public-house at Johnstown, where, through a thin partition, he overheard a number of conspirators conferring in the next room on the plot which was to be carried into execution on the eruption of the rebellion. The principal persons concerned were, Bohan, a baker, (leader;) Sargent, a publican; a person of the name of Quinn; and Carey, a stone-cutter. Sargent, who kept a public-house in Waterford, where the officers of the yeomanry corps used to sup, had conspired to put them to death. With this object, he signified his intention of giving a farewell supper, which would have afforded him an opportunity of securing their arms, and he was then to let in a party of rebels to complete the remainder of the deed. — The case of Quinn was rather remarkable. He had formerly been in the Artillery, and was now a servant to the Dean of Waterford, (Butson,) and in the greatest confidence of his master, insomuch that he was entrusted with the care of one of the cannon to defend the bridge at Waterford. He was in the habit of holding nightly meetings with the disaffected in the extensive vaults adjoining the deanery, where each communicated such information as had come to his knowledge in the course of the day. Sargent and Quinn were both apprehended, and found guilty of conspiracy; but, througli the intercession of friends, they were
102 HISTORICAL SKETCH.

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 47

As the companion tells it

Waterford in 1798 had a conspiracy running beneath its polite surface, quite literally. A man named Quinn, once in the Artillery, was a servant to the Dean of Waterford, a man called Butson. Quinn enjoyed his master's greatest confidence, so much so that he was entrusted with the care of one of the cannon stationed to defend the bridge at Waterford. Yet each night, Quinn held meetings with the disaffected in the extensive vaults adjoining the deanery. There, each person communicated whatever information had come to his knowledge during the course of the day. The whole plot came to light when a man in a public-house at Johnstown overheard conspirators talking through a thin partition. The principal persons concerned were Bohan, a baker and their leader, Sargent, a publican, Quinn, and Carey, a stone-cutter. Sargent kept a public-house in Waterford where the officers of the yeomanry corps used to sup. He had conspired to put them to death, planning a farewell supper that would let him secure their arms and then let in a party of rebels to complete the deed. Sargent and Quinn were both apprehended and found guilty of conspiracy, but through the intercession of friends, they were spared.

Raleigh granted vast estates near Lismore

Lismore · townland · Waterford · 1580

In 1580 Sir Walter Raleigh, then a captain, acted as Commissioner of Munster and resided near Lismore, having received crown grants of 42,000 acres including the barony and castle of Inchiquin and other lands.

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and was the source of the many gallant actions and hair-breadth escapes, which are so abundantly recorded of him. In the summer of 1580, he acted as a Commissioner of Munster, and resided principally in the neighbourhood of Lismore, where he had, shortly before, received from the crown grants of 42,000 acres of land at a rent of 100 marks sterling a year.
The lands comprized in the warrant were these : " the barony, castle, and lands of Inchiquin, in Imokilly; the castle and lands of Strancally, Ballynatra, Killnatora, and the lands lying on the rivers Broadwater and Bride, late David Mac Shean Roche's and others, with the decayed town of Tallow ; and the castle and lands of Lisfinny, Mogilla, Killacarow and Shean : and if these were not sufficient, the deficiency was to be made up, out of the castle and lands of Mocollop,the castle and lands of Temple Michael, the lands of Patrick Condon, next adjoining unto the Shean, and of the lands called Ahavena, alias Whitesland." It was directed that these lands should be near to the town of Youghall, where Raleigh afterwards fixed his residence : the house in which he lived still remains, and was for many years preserved in the same state in which it was left by its illustrious occupant. There are recorded of this extraordinary man, numberless brave and adventurous exploits, bearing a strong resemblance to the fictions of romance, yet perfectly according with the ideas which history and the delineation

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 27

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, in the summer of 1580, Sir Walter Raleigh acted as Commissioner of Munster and resided principally near Lismore. He had shortly before received from the crown grants of 42,000 acres of land, at a rent of 100 marks sterling a year. He was then a captain, and already the source of many gallant actions and hair-breadth escapes, abundantly recorded of him. The lands comprised in the warrant were these. The barony, castle, and lands of Inchiquin, in Imokilly. The castle and lands of Strancally, Ballynatra, Killnatora, and the lands lying on the rivers Broadwater and Bride, late David Mac Shean Roche's and others, with the decayed town of Tallow. The castle and lands of Lisfinny, Mogilla, Killacarow and Shean. And if these were not sufficient, the deficiency was to be made up out of the castle and lands of Mocollop, the castle and lands of Temple Michael, the lands of Patrick Condon next adjoining unto the Shean, and the lands called Ahavena, alias Whitesland. It was directed that these lands should be near to the town of Youghall, where Raleigh afterwards fixed his residence. The house in which he lived still remains, and was for many years preserved in the same state in which it was left by its illustrious occupant.

Soldiers buried in the sand near Tramore

Tramore · town · Waterford · 1816

A considerable number of soldiers from the Sea-Horse wreck were interred in the sand a hundred yards from the sea; a planned monument over their remains was never built.

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A considerable number of soldiers were interred in the sand, at the distance of a hundred yards from the sea : it was in agitation to erect a monument over their remains, but this has not been accomplished.
The bay of Tramore, justly described in charts as " notorious for shipwrecks," has at length engaged the attention of scientific and practical men ; and through them, of the public bodies, whose duty it is to improve the navigation of our coasts.

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 107

As the companion tells it

Near Tramore, soldiers from the Sea-Horse wreck were buried in the sand in 1816, a hundred yards from the sea. A considerable number of them lie there. There was a plan to raise a monument over their remains, but it was never built. The bay of Tramore was described in charts as "notorious for shipwrecks."

Surrender of Waterford to General Ireton

Waterford · city · Waterford · 1650

After a siege begun in June 1650, General Ireton summoned Waterford's garrison to capitulate on 25th July, and the city was surrendered by General Preston on 10th August 1650 under terms preserving the citizens' persons and property.

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entrusted to General Ireton. Early in June of this year, Waterford was again besieged. On the approach of General Ireton, on whom the chief command devolved after the departure of Cromwell, Preston, the governor of the city, sent to inform the Lord Lieutenant that if supplies were not immediately forwarded to him, he should be compelled to surrender. The siege was not of long continuance ; the garrison were soon reduced to the greatest distress, and must have readily yielded, had they been attacked with vigour, but General Ireton did not summon them to capitulate until the 25th of July, and, after a treaty protracted for a considerable time, the city was surrendered to him by General Preston on the 10th of August, 1650.
The terms granted to the citizens were favourable; their persons and private property were preserved. The violence of the parliamentary army was chiefly directed against the churches, works of art, and remnants of antiquity; even the tombs of the dead were plundered or mutilated by their savage hands, and in cases where they could not plunder, they were contented to destroy. The city of Waterford was, from this period until the year 1C5G, governed by commissioners appointed by Oliver Cromwell: the accustomed mode of government by mayor and sheriffs was abolished, and in its place was substituted the mere pleasure of the creatures of the

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 38

As the companion tells it

Waterford stands as a city the road passes through, and in June of 1650 it was besieged once more. Command had fallen to General Ireton after Cromwell's departure, and as Ireton approached, Preston, the governor of the city, sent word to the Lord Lieutenant that unless supplies were immediately forwarded, he would be compelled to surrender. The garrison was soon reduced to the greatest distress and must have readily yielded had they been attacked with vigour, but Ireton did not summon them to capitulate until the 25th of July. After a treaty protracted for a considerable time, the city was surrendered to him by General Preston on the 10th of August, 1650. The terms granted to the citizens were favourable. Their persons and private property were preserved. The violence of the parliamentary army was chiefly directed against the churches, works of art, and remnants of antiquity. Even the tombs of the dead were plundered or mutilated by their savage hands, and where they could not plunder, they were content to destroy. From this period the city was governed by commissioners appointed by Oliver Cromwell. The accustomed government by mayor and sheriffs was abolished, replaced by the mere pleasure of his creatures.

Trial of Caravats and Shanavests at Clonmel, 1811

Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1811

A special commission trial at Clonmel in 1811 examined the origins and rivalry of the Caravat and Shanavest agrarian factions active in Tipperary and Waterford, including the hanging of Hanly for burning a house over a land dispute.

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Q. Why were they called Caravats? — A. A man of the name of Hanly was hanged : he was prosecuted by the Shanavests, and Pauddeen Car said he would not leave the place of execution till he saw the caravat about the fellow's neck : and from that time they were called Caravats.
Q. For what offence was Hanly hanged? — A. For burning the house of a man who had taken land over his neighbour's head.

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 48

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Clonmel, this was where a special commission sat in 1811 looking into the Caravat and Shanavest factions. At the trial, a man named Hanly was hanged for burning the house of someone who had taken land over his neighbour's head. He was prosecuted by the Shanavests, and Paudkeen Car said he would not leave the place of execution till he saw the caravat about the fellow's neck, and from that they were called Caravats.

Wexford shares Drogheda's fate under Cromwell

Wexford · town · Wexford · 1649

Wexford suffered the same massacre as Drogheda during Cromwell's campaign, after which a detachment under General Ireton was sent against Duncannon fort.

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The parliament of England having unanimously resolved to send a powerful force to repress the disturbances of this country, Cromwell thought it not unworthy of his talents to engage in the conduct of the war, and, after considerable preparation, embarked with an army of 8000 foot and 4000 horse, and landed at Dublin on the 1 5th of August, 1649. The early part of his career was distinguished by vigour and cruelty, qualities which made a deep impression upon his enemies, and gave facility to his subsequent attempts. The terror of his name advanced before him, and so intimidated his opponents, that they were with difficulty persuaded to make preparations for defence. Ormond endeavoured to arouse them to a sense of duty, and offered to send troops to defend the garrison-towns ; but Waterford peremptorily refused to receive any assistance, or to obey the orders of the royalist party. The town of Drogheda, the first of Cromwell's conquests, was taken by storm, and the inhabitants massacred in cold blood : Wexford shared the same fate, and from thence a detachment, under General Ireton,
70 HISTORICAL SKETCH.

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 33

As the companion tells it

Coming up near Wexford now, a town that met the same end as Drogheda in 1649. That August, the English parliament voted to send a powerful force to repress the disturbances in this country. Cromwell decided it was not beneath his talents to lead the war himself. He landed at Dublin on the 15th of August with 8000 foot and 4000 horse. His early campaign was marked by vigour and cruelty, qualities that made a deep impression on his enemies and made his later attempts easier. The terror of his name went before him, intimidating his opponents so thoroughly they could scarcely be persuaded to prepare for defence. Ormond tried to rouse them and offered to send troops to defend the garrison-towns, but Waterford flatly refused any assistance or orders from the royalist party. Drogheda fell first, taken by storm, its inhabitants massacred in cold blood. Wexford shared the same fate. From here, a detachment under General Ireton was then sent against Duncannon fort.

Ardmore church ruins with Saxon arch and carved figures

Ardmore · town · Waterford

The church built near the Ardmore round tower is largely decayed, but retains a fine Saxon arch dividing chancel from nave and well-carved free-stone figures on the exterior walls depicting scenes from the Old Testament.

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The church was a magnificent building-, highly decorated with carved work, and still exhibits in its ruins evident traces of former splendour. A fine Saxon arch, which divided the chancel from the nave, still remains, and denotes the order of the architecture as well as the antiquity of the building. On the exterior of the walls, there are some well carved figures cut in free-stone, which, with a good imagination and some knowledge of the ancient scriptures, may be made to exhibit an epitome of the history of the Old Testament. — Very accurate representations of these figures are annexed.
The ruins of another church are to be seen on the projecting headland, which forms the western termination of the bay. This beautifully situated building, which combines a romantic site with other interesting associations, is in a most ruinous condition, having few traces of ornament or peculiar architecture to illustrate its early history. It is one of those structures which the common people love, probably because it has nothing to recommend it to strangers, and because its very worthlessness has preserved it entirely to themselves : it is remote from any public road or thoroughfare, and seldom visited except by those whom a secret instinct attaches to the place. Still, though fallen and in ruins, this temple is not deserted by the class of persons for whose use it was originally intended : a few fragments of broken arches give note of former magnificence.

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 142

As the companion tells it

At Ardmore, in County Waterford, there stands a church that was once a magnificent building, highly decorated with carved work. It is largely decayed now, but it still carries evident traces of former splendour. A fine Saxon arch remains, dividing the chancel from the nave, and it tells you both the order of the architecture and the antiquity of the building. On the exterior of the walls, there are well-carved figures cut in free-stone. With a good imagination and some knowledge of the ancient scriptures, these figures may be made to show an epitome of the history of the Old Testament. There are ruins of another church to be seen on the projecting headland that forms the western termination of the bay. This building combines a romantic site with other interesting associations, yet it is in a most ruinous condition. It has few traces of ornament or peculiar architecture to illustrate its early history. It is one of those structures the common people love, probably because it has nothing to recommend it to strangers, and because its very worthlessness has preserved it entirely to themselves. It is remote from any public road or thoroughfare, and seldom visited except by those whom a secret instinct attaches to the place. Still, though fallen and in ruins, this temple is not deserted by the class of persons for whose use it was originally intended. A few fragments of broken arches give note of former magnificence.

Edmund Rice's Roman Catholic schools in Waterford

Waterford · city · Waterford

Edmund Rice, having acquired an independent fortune, devoted his wealth to erecting and endowing schools for the education of poor Roman Catholic children in Waterford, benefiting nearly nine hundred boys taught gratuitously by devoted teachers.

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In the schools established by Edmund Rice, Esq. for the education of poor Roman Catholic children, we have a splendid instance of the most exalted generosity. This gentleman having, at an early period of life, acquired an independent fortune by commercial pursuits, withdrew himself from public engagements ; and being strongly impressed with the necessity of giving to the lower orders a religious education, he devoted his time, his talents, and his fortune, to erect and endow schools for their use. Amongst a distressed and unemployed population, whose religious opinions militate against the system of education offered them by their protestant brethren, these scliools have been of incalculable benefit : they have already impressed upon the lower classes a character which hitlierto was unknown to them ; and in the number of intelligent and respectable tradesmen, clerks and servants, which they have
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Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 78

As the companion tells it

Waterford was where Edmund Rice put his fortune to work. He made his money in commerce, retired early from public life, and devoted himself to what he saw as a necessity, giving poor Roman Catholic children a religious education. He gave his time, his talents, and his fortune to erect and endow schools for their use. Among a distressed and unemployed population, whose religious opinions militated against the education offered by their Protestant brethren, these schools were of incalculable benefit. They gave the lower classes a character previously unknown to them, and produced intelligent and respectable tradesmen, clerks, and servants. Nearly 900 boys were taught there, gratuitously, by devoted teachers. It was, in the words of the source, a splendid instance of the most exalted generosity.

Richard II's second landing and Waterford's poverty, 1399

Waterford · city · Waterford · 1399

Richard II landed again at Waterford on 13 May 1399 and spent six days receiving homage; the citizens at this time were noted to be mean and slovenly, exhibiting poverty and wretchedness in their appearance and dwellings.

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King Richard again visited Ireland in the year 1399. He embarked at Bristol, and landed at Waterford on the 13th of May. The monarch was welcomed with every demonstration of joy, and spent six days in receiving the deceitful homage of his people. At this time, the citizens were mean and slovenly in their appearance, and exhibited in this respect, as well as in their dwellings, a degree of poverty and wretchedness which we should not have expected to find in so considerable a city.* But Waterford was not singular in this respect. We find even at a later period a remarkable instance of the poverty of larger cities. It was agreed in council, that, as the hall of the Castle of Dublin, and the windows thereof were ruinous, and that there was in the
* In " King Richard II.'s last voyage to Ireland," a strong instance is given of the wretchedness of the city at that time. " To unland our haggage," the writer remarks (page 50) " they waded up to the waste in ooze. "

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 8

As the companion tells it

Waterford was where King Richard came again in 1399. He had crossed from Bristol and landed on the 13th of May. They welcomed him with every sign of joy, and he spent six days receiving what the record calls the deceitful homage of his people. The citizens at that time were mean and slovenly in their appearance, and showed in themselves and their dwellings a degree of poverty and wretchedness that the writer says he would not have expected in so considerable a city. But Waterford was not alone in this. Even at a later period there is a remarkable instance of the poverty of larger cities. It was agreed in council that the hall of the Castle of Dublin and the windows thereof were ruinous, and that there was in the

Robber's superstitious ritual at Kilbarrymeaden's holy ground

Kilbarrymeaden · townland · Waterford

A notorious robber was said to wash his horse's hoofs and legs in the first water he met whenever passing through the sacred lands of Kilbarrymeaden, fearing his haunts would be discovered as punishment for the sacrilege of carrying away holy clay.

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The parish of Kilbarrymeaden derives its name from a church which was built here by St. Baramedan. The Irish word cill, pronounced kill, signifies a church, abbey or place set apart for religious purposes. The land which belonged to this church has long been highly venerated by the common people, who attribute to it many surprizing qualities. It is said that a notorious robber, whenever he passed through this place, used to wash his horse's hoofs and legs in the first water which he chanced to meet, lest his haunts should be discovered in consequence of his being guilty of sacrilege, in carrying away a portion of the holy clay. There is a "well here, sacred to St. Baramedan, frequently resorted to by pilgrims, who ascribe many virtues to its waters. Murina, a sister of this Saint, and equally esteemed for piety, also resided in this parish. A church, the ruins of which are still discernible, built by her near the sea, gives to the place the name of Kilmurrin. An image of this saint, rudely carved out of a rock, may be seen in a cave near Dunbrattin : the place is often resorted to by the neighbouring people.
A recent discovery of limestone at Tankardstown, near the sea coast, promises great advantages to the neighbouring country.

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 115

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here is Kilbarrymeaden, a place that takes its name from a church built by Saint Baramedan. The Irish word cill means a church, or a place set apart for religious purposes. The land that belonged to this church has long been highly venerated by the common people, who attribute to it many surprising qualities. It is said that a notorious robber, whenever he passed through this place, used to wash his horse's hoofs and legs in the first water which he chanced to meet, lest his haunts should be discovered, in consequence of his being guilty of sacrilege, in carrying away a portion of the holy clay. There is a well here, sacred to Saint Baramedan, frequently resorted to by pilgrims, who ascribe many virtues to its waters. Murina, a sister of this saint, and equally esteemed for piety, also resided in this parish. A church built by her near the sea, the ruins of which are still discernible, gives to the place the name of Kilmurrin. An image of this saint, rudely carved out of a rock, may be seen in a cave near Dunbrattin, and the place is often resorted to by the neighbouring people.

Bishop Nathaniel Foy founds Blue School bequest for Waterford

Waterford · city · Waterford · 1707

Bishop Nathaniel Foy, who died in 1707, bequeathed funds for the improvement of the episcopal house at Waterford and for apprenticing protestant children of the city. His will ultimately established a charity school for the gratuitous education of fifty protestant children.

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bed is that founded by Bishop Foy, and called the Boijs' Blue School. This noble foundation was the gift of an individual, of whom a brief memoir is subjoined. Nathaniel Foy was born in the city of York, and educated in Trinity College, Dublin, of which university he was elected a fellow. He was next appointed minister of the parish of St. Bridgid, in Dublin, where he first distinguished himself as an able theologian. After the success of King William, he was promoted to the see of Waterford and Lismore, where he continued until his death, which took place on the first of January, 1707. He bequeathed £5 to his kinsman, Thomas France, for preaching his funeral sermon, with this singular condition, that he should speak nothing of his person, good or ill; and he directed that the charge of his funeral should on no account exceed thirty pounds. He left £20 to the poor of the city of Waterford ; to the Blue-coat Hospital in Dublin, £10; and £7 to the churchwardens of the parish of St. Bridgid, to be disposed of in charitable uses.
He mentions that he had expended £800 in the improvement of the episcopal house at Waterford, and he bequeathed, that whatever should be got out of that sum from his successor should go to the mayor and corporation of Waterford, to be laid out on good security, the yearly profits to be employed in apprenticing out protestant children

Internet Archive historytopograph00ryla, Chapter 75

As the companion tells it

Waterford holds a charity that began with a bishop's will. Nathaniel Foy was born in the city of York and educated at Trinity College Dublin, where he was elected a fellow. He became minister of St. Brigid's parish in Dublin, where he first distinguished himself as an able theologian. After the success of King William he was promoted to the see of Waterford and Lismore, and he remained there until his death on the 1st of January, 1707. His bequests were careful and particular. He left £5 to his kinsman Thomas France for preaching his funeral sermon, on the condition that France should speak nothing of his person, good or ill. He directed that the charge of his funeral should on no account exceed thirty pounds. He left £20 to the poor of the city of Waterford, £10 to the Blue-coat Hospital in Dublin, and £7 to the churchwardens of St. Brigid's parish for charitable uses. He noted that he had expended £800 in the improvement of the episcopal house at Waterford, and directed that whatever should be recovered from his successor out of that sum should go to the mayor and corporation of Waterford, to be laid out on good security, the yearly profits to be employed in apprenticing protestant children. From this foundation came the Boys' Blue School, which provided gratuitous education for fifty protestant children of the city.

The History, Topography and Antiquities of the County and City of Waterford

The stories, best first

Wreck of the Sea-Horse transport in Tramore Bay

1643 Attack on Lismore: Burning of the Town and Massacre of Tenants

Execution of Bishop Atherton, 1640

Strancally Castle's dungeon-murder legend of the Desmonds

Mass burial of Sea-Horse victims

Massacre at Drogheda by Cromwell's forces

Reginald's Tower, the oldest castle in Ireland

Siege of Dunhill Castle

Legend of the Gunner's Buttermilk at Dunhill

Dr. White threatens to level Waterford with salt

General Blakeney's Mountain Retreat and Burial

Henry Eeles buried with horse and dog atop Knockmealdown

Herald's threat and mayor's defiant reply at Waterford

Plot to massacre yeomanry officers at Sargent's public-house

St. Declan's Stone penance ritual at Ardmore

Ruined church and coroneted tombstone at Donlsle

1651 Surrender to Ireton and Cromwellian Plunder of Cathedral

Cannon on Reginald's Tower sinks enemy ship

Conspiracy overheard in a Johnstown public-house

Cromwell lands at Dublin and begins Irish campaign, 1649

Cromwell's crossing of the Mahon at Kilmacthomas, 1649

Henry II lands at Waterford

Leprosy tradition linked to salmon and cider of Lismore

Lismore as Seat of Learning and Birthplace of Notable Men

Whipping of a Right Boy at Carrick-on-Suir

Fortifications and siege defences of Donlsle Castle

Siege of Waterford and the flooding of Kilbarry ponds

Aylward family of Faithlegg spared by Cromwell

Blacksmith 'Bold Heart' celebrates the Battle of the Boyne in Waterford

Castle of Donlsle overlooking a ravine

Fatal food riot in Waterford, 1744

Leper Hospital of St Stephen's founded by King John

Mayor John Butler defies Earl of Kildare's demand

Mining history of Bonmahon under Lord Ranelagh and Mr. Wyse

Ormond's Defence Near Waterford City

Rian Bo Padriuc: St Patrick's Cow trench legend

St. Carthagh Founds the Bishop's See and School at Lismore

The famous Waterford rug and the Paris Garden bear-baiting anecdote

The Sixteenth-Century Castle on Little Island

Ardmore founded as episcopal see by St. Declan

Construction of the Great Pier and Breakwater at Dunmore

Cromwell's Siege of Waterford Raised

Franciscan Friary of Carrickbeg Founded 1336

Hammermen extort quarterage from Catholic tradesmen

Heralds mistreated in Waterford proclaiming the 1646 cessation

Landing of the O'Driscolls and Powers at Tramore

Lismore Cathedral Spared from Fire during 1173 Plundering

Ostman Lord's Chain Across the Suir at Henry II's Landing

Perkin Warbeck lands at Cork and marches on Waterford

Quinn's nightly rebel meetings in the deanery vaults

Raleigh granted vast estates near Lismore

Soldiers buried in the sand near Tramore

Surrender of Waterford to General Ireton

Trial of Caravats and Shanavests at Clonmel, 1811

Wexford shares Drogheda's fate under Cromwell

Ardmore church ruins with Saxon arch and carved figures

Edmund Rice's Roman Catholic schools in Waterford

Richard II's second landing and Waterford's poverty, 1399

Robber's superstitious ritual at Kilbarrymeaden's holy ground

Bishop Nathaniel Foy founds Blue School bequest for Waterford