Name: Journal of the County Kildare Archaeological Society (vol. 2)
Author: County Kildare :County Kildare Archaeological Society

First Documented Mention of Carbury Castle in 1234

Carbury · townland · Kildare · 1234

A royal mandate dated 26 September 1234 to Hugh de Lacy, Earl of Ulster, ordering the surrender of the Castle of Cabry (Carbury) provides the first documentary record of the castle, disproving the claim that it was built by the Birminghams.

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contest, the soldiery, urged forward in a crowd by the Barons, closed upon the Earl with lances, halberds, and axes, and, having hewn off the feet of his wounded but still spirited steed, at length succeeded in bringing his rider to the ground, where through the joinings of his armour a long knife was plunged to the haft in his back.”1 “This occurred on the first of April, 1234 ; and a few days after, he died of his wounds at Kilkenan” (Kilkenny).2 “Henry III. expressed deep grief at his death, denied that he had authorised the warrant against him, invested his brother Gilbert as Earl Marshal of England, with all the privileges enjoyed by his predecessors in that high office,” 3 and ordered Maurice FitzGerald, the Justiciary, to restore to Gilbert all his brother’s lands and castles in Ireland. He also sent, on September 26th, 1234, a “ mandate to Hugh de Lacy, Earl of Ulster, to give the messenger of Gilbert, Earl of Pembroke, seisin of the Castle of Cabry (sic) in his custody, owing to the war between the King and llichard, Earl of Pembroke.”4
This is the first mention of the castle that I can find on record, and completely disposes of the assertion that the castle was built by the Birminghams, or that they came into possession of the place on the removal of Meiler Fitz Henry. Gilbert, Earl Marshal, died in 1241 ; and his estates and titles passed to his brother Walter, who died in 1245.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 70

Great Connell Priory spared from initial 1537 suppression

Great Connell · street · Kildare · 1537

The Act of Parliament in 1537 which confiscated the Abbeys of the Pale did not touch Great Connell, because Bishop Wellesley, still Prior, used his influence to ward off the suppression.

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In 1519 Walter Wellesley was Prior, and at this time the King endeavoured unsuccessfully to have him promoted to the See of Limerick ; in the following year the Earl of Surrey recommended him for the See of Cork ; but the appointment did not take place. In 1529 he was promoted to the Bishopric of Kildare, still retaining by dispensation his Priory, which he continued to hold up to the period of his death. He was for some time Master of the Rolls. The Act of Parliament in 1537, which confiscated the Abbeys of the Pale, did not touch Connell ; Bishop Wellesley, still Prior, by his influence warded off the blow. Later on he wrote from Conall to the Duke of Norfolk, on the 15th May, 1539, by the hearer, Canon Nimeas of Conall, begging for the protection of his monastery, which he now hears is to be suppressed after all. He goes on to say that
GREAT CONNELL ABBEY, CO. KILDARE.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun

Great plague and famine strikes Priory of Great Connell

Great Connell · street · Kildare · 1447

The Annals of the Four Masters record that in 1447 a great plague raged, killing the Prior of Ballyboggan, the Prior of Great Connell, and many others in Meath, Leinster, and Munster; this plague followed a terrible famine in the previous spring.

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“In the summer and autumn of this year there raged a great Plague, of which the Prior of Ballyboggan (Co. Meath), the Prior of Connala (i.e. Great Connell), and a great number of others in Meath, Leinster, and Munster, died.”
This Plague, according to Duald Mac Firbis, followed a terrible famine which took place in the previous spring.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 210

Grey Abbey friars and titular Bishop remove Kildare cathedral treasures in 1641

Kildare · town · Kildare · 1641

During the rebellion of 1641, the ornaments of Kildare cathedral and its books, valued at ten pounds, along with the chapter chest containing all evidences and rescripts, were taken away by Rosse MacGeoghegan, titular Bishop of Kildare, his Vicar-General Dempsey, priest William Borey, and the friars of the Grey Abbey there. These books and deeds were never recovered.

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1642 a. i). Archdeacon Golborne and Mr. Lightborne deposed that, “in the rehellion of 1641, the ornaments of the cathedral of Kildare and the hooks belonging to the same, value ten pounds, also the chapter chest containing all the evidences and rescripts of the chapter, were in December, 1641, taken away by Rosse MacGeoghegan, titular Bishop of Kildare, Dempsey, his Vicar-General, William Borey, priest, and the friars of the Grey Abbey there.’'
It does not seem that these books and chapter-deeds were ever recovered.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 165

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Kildare town, you are near the ground where, in December 1641, during the rebellion, the cathedral was stripped of its ornaments and books, valued at ten pounds. Rosse MacGeoghegan, titular Bishop of Kildare, his Vicar-General Dempsey, priest William Borey, and the friars of the Grey Abbey there also took the chapter chest containing all the evidences and rescripts of the chapter. Those books and deeds were never recovered.

Kilcullen preyed by Danes, 1,000 captives taken

Kilcullen · town · Kildare · 982

In 982 the monastery of Kilcullen (Kilcolyn) was raided by the Danes who carried off 1,000 captives, likely connected to Godfrey's movement from Dublin to Ossory.

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a.d. 982. “ Kilcolyn was preyed by the Danes, who led
1,000 captives from thence (‘Annals of Clonmacnois,). This was probably when Godfrey was on his way from Dublin to Ossory, where the Limerick foreigners, to whom he was hostile, were assembled.” (See “ Wars of the Gaill,” p. 274.)

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 297

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Kilcullen, it's worth knowing this was once a monastery town. In 982 the Danes preyed Kilcolyn and led 1,000 captives from here. This was probably when Godfrey was moving from Dublin to Ossory, where the Limerick foreigners, to whom he was hostile, were assembled.

Kildare town left in ruins and uninhabited in 1600

Kildare · town · Kildare · 1600–1615

In 1600 AD, the town of Kildare suffered so severely that all the houses were left in ruins and without a single inhabitant, and the Cathedral shared in this wreck, being described as wholly ruinous in the 1615 Rural Visitation Book.

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1600 a.d. The town of Kildare suffered so severely that all the houses were in ruins and without a single inhabitant. That the Cathedral shared in the general wreck is shown, firstly, in the Rural Visitation Book of 1615, in which it is stated, “ The church of Kildare diocese, situated in the town of Kildare, is now wholly ruinous,” and again in the Report of Dr. Pils worth, Bishop of Kildare, “ The roof of the body of the said church is altogether ruinous, being pulled down in the late wars. The parishioners of the same are so poor that they are unable to repair the same, unless his excellent majesty vouchsafe, of his wonted goodness, to grant some extraordinary help and furtherance thereto.”
1641 a.d. The cathedral suffered severely having had its steeple beaten down by a cannonade.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 164

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Kildare, you are entering a town that was left in total ruin by 1600. Every house stood empty, without a single inhabitant. The cathedral shared the same fate. The 1615 Rural Visitation Book states, "The church of Kildare diocese, situated in the town of Kildare, is now wholly ruinous." Bishop Pils worth reported that the roof of the church was altogether ruinous, having been pulled down in the late wars. He wrote that the parishioners were so poor they could not repair it unless his excellent majesty granted some extraordinary help.

King William's warrant issued at camp near Carlow, 1690

Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1690

The warrant appointing Sir T. Atkins bears the autograph of William III and a red wax seal, and was given at the king's camp near Carlow on 1st August 1690, during the Williamite war.

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autograph “ William It.,” and bears marks of a red wax seal (about the size of a florin), being the only one sealed. It was “given at our camp, near Carlow, 1st August, 1690, in the second year of our reign.” It is countersigned “Robert Southwell,” and endorsed “The King’s Warrant.” It is addressed to the Commissioners of the Great Seal.
1693, 1701. — M. and F. Annesley. — They were cadets of the house of the Barons Mountnorris and Viscounts Valentia. In the 17th century John Annesley, 2nd son of the 1st Viscount, was seated at Ballyshannon, Co. K.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 182

Leixlip manor forfeited after Silken Thomas rebellion, 1536

Leixlip · town · Kildare · 1534–1536

The manor, castle, and lands of Leixlip, granted to the 8th Earl of Kildare, reverted to the Crown by an Act of 1536 after the rebellion of the 10th Earl of Kildare, 'the silken Thomas', in which Sir James FitzGerald of Leixlip was implicated.

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“Whereas, King Henry VII, of most famous memory, Father to our Sovereign Lord the King that now is, in consideration of a marriage had betwixt Gerald FitzGerald, then (8th) Earl of Kildare, and Dame Elizabeth Saint John, by his letters patent, did give and grant unto the said Earl and Dame Elizabeth, and the heirs male of their bodies lawfully to be begotten, the Manor and Lordship of Leixlip, with the appurtenances, situate within the County of Kildare, in this the King’s land of Ireland ; by force of which grant the Earl and his wife were thereof seized accordingly. After the Earl died (3rd Sept., 1513), and the aforesaid Elizabeth survived, and was seized and died seized (28th June, 1516) of the aforesaid manor and lordship in her demesne as of fee tail. After whose death the same descended to one Henry FitzGerald, son and heir to the said Elizabeth, by the said Earl begotten ; by force whereof the said Henry was thereof seized ; after whose death (2nd July, 1516) the said manor and lordship descended to one Thomas FitzGerald, as brother and heir male to the said Henry ; by force whereof the said Thomas was thereof seized in his demesne as of fee tail by the gift aforesaid, after whose death (in 1530) the said manor and lordship descended to one James FitzGerald, as brother and heir male to the said Thomas, by the gift aforesaid, by virtue whereof the said James was and is thereof seized in his demesne as of fee tail by the gift aforesaid. Forasmuch as the manor and lordship of Leixlip with the appurtenances, was before the said gift of the King’s antient inheritance, and for that the blood of the Geraldines is corrupted towards the Crown of England : Be it established and enacted by the authority of this present Parliament, that the said gift, grant, and the letters patent thereupon, and everything therein contained, from the first day of this session of this present Parliament, be revoked, repealed, annulled, and deemed void in law ; and that our sovereign Lord, King Henry VIII, by the grace of God King of England and of France, and Lord of Ireland, shall, from this first day of the session of this present Parliament, have and enjoy the same manor and lordship, to him, his heirs and successors, in the right of the Crown of England for ever. The said letters patent, or anything contained in the same, or any other Act or Acts had, made, or done , to the contrary thereof notwithstanding ; saving to every person and persons, their heirs and successors, other than the said Sir James, his heirs and successors, and such person and persons as claim to any other uses, all such right, title, interest, possession, leases, rents, offices, or other profits, which they had at the said first day of the session of this present Parliament, or at atry time before, in as large and ample manner as if this Act had never been had or made.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 271

As the companion tells it

You are coming through Leixlip, in Kildare. This town was once the seat of a FitzGerald manor that an Act of Parliament in 1536 tore from the family and gave back to the Crown. The story begins with King Henry the Seventh, who granted the manor and lordship of Leixlip to Gerald FitzGerald, the 8th Earl of Kildare, and Dame Elizabeth Saint John, in consideration of a marriage between them. The grant was to the Earl, his wife, and the heirs male of their bodies. Gerald FitzGerald died on the 3rd of September, 1513. Elizabeth survived him, holding the manor, and died on the 28th of June, 1516, still seized of it. The manor then descended to Henry FitzGerald, son and heir of Elizabeth by the Earl. Henry died on the 2nd of July, 1516, four days after his mother, and the manor passed to Thomas FitzGerald, as brother and heir male to Henry. Thomas held it until his death in 1530, when it descended to James FitzGerald, his brother and heir male. The Act of 1536 declared that the manor of Leixlip had been the King's ancient inheritance before the grant, and that the blood of the Geraldines was corrupted towards the Crown of England. This was the consequence of the rebellion of Silken Thomas, the 10th Earl of Kildare, in which Sir James FitzGerald of Leixlip was implicated. Parliament revoked the grant, the letters patent, and everything contained in them, from the first day of that session. The manor and lordship of Leixlip returned to King Henry the Eighth, to him, his heirs and successors, in the right of the Crown of England, for ever.

Local Tradition of Lord Alen's Failed Attempt to Uproot the Longstone

Punchestown · townland · Kildare

There is a local tradition that a Lord Alen, after undermining the east Punchestown longstone to a considerable depth, unsuccessfully tried to drag it down using a team of seventeen oxen.

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Now, what are these longstones, as they are generally called, and why are they found on positions both suited for determined defence and actually defended by raths ? They are all of practically similar dimensions, in similar upright positions, and of ponderous weight. They must extend a long way down into the ground in order to retain their positions. There is a local tradition that a Lord Alen, after undermining the east stone to a considerable depth, unsuccessfully endeavoured to drag it down by yoking to it a team of seventeen oxen.
Lastly, why are they all of granite, a stone foreign to the neighbourhood, and not, as I understand, to be found nearer than the Ballyknocken quarries in Co. Wicklow ?

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 218

Sir John Sherlock, knight of Little Lath, governor of Naas

Naas · town · Kildare · 1646–1652

In 1646 Sir John Sherlock, knight of Little Lath, served as an officer under King Charles I. and was governor of Naas under Lord Ormond. His 1652 will laments the devastation of the county and the disloyalty of his half-brothers who sided with the Irish rebellion.

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We have already mentioned that the Sherlocks were located at Little Lath, in the county Kildare, in the year 1556. In 1646, Sir John Sherlock, knight of Little Lath, was, like many of his relatives, an officer in the service of King Charles I., and was governor of Naas under Lord Ormond. In his will, dated 1652, he gives a vivid picture of the discords and unhappiness of the times he lived in. He says — “In regard to the trouble of these times, and the general devastation of this county, my whole estate is likely, in all probability, to be of small benefit to me or to my wife, during our natural lives, and it hath pleased God (the wise disposer of all things) to bereave of my children and posterity of my own lovns; and those that are my brothers by my father (a second mother) are utterly incapable to inherit, in respect of their wicked adhering to the Irish, in the horrid rebellion of this nation.” Sir John Sherlock was buried at St. Michan’s, Dublin. His stepbrother Philip, who married Elizabeth, daughter of the Light Honourable Sir John Eustace, knight, of Harristown, had his property sequestered as a Papist, and was among the few proprietors who were restored in 1662 by the Court of Claims. He was buried at Bodenstown. Several of his sons followed the fortunes of King James II., and among them Christopher, the eldest, who forfeited Little Lath, Derry, and Bodenstown in 1706, which townlands were bought back by Lichard Sherlock, and united with Sherlockstown in 1741.
So that the representation of both branches of the Kildare Sherlocks now devolves on the present proprietor of Sherlockstown. The Sherlocks of Laban, King’s County, are lineal descendants of the Little Lath family.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 39

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Naas, this was a town governed in 1646 by Sir John Sherlock, knight of Little Lath, an officer in the service of King Charles I under Lord Ormond. The Sherlock family had been at Little Lath in Kildare since 1556. Sir John's will, dated 1652, gives a vivid picture of the times. He wrote of "the general devastation of this county" and said his whole estate was likely to be of small benefit to him or his wife during their natural lives. He lamented that God had bereaved him of his children and posterity, and that his half-brothers were "utterly incapable to inherit, in respect of their wicked adhering to the Irish, in the horrid rebellion of this nation." Sir John was buried at Saint Michan's in Dublin. His stepbrother Philip married Elizabeth, daughter of Sir John Eustace of Harristown, had his property sequestered as a Papist, and was among the few proprietors restored in 1662 by the Court of Claims. Philip was buried at Bodenstown. Several of his sons followed the fortunes of King James II, among them Christopher, the eldest, who forfeited Little Lath, Derry, and Bodenstown in 1706. Those townlands were bought back by Richard Sherlock and united with Sherlockstown in 1741. The representation of both branches of the Kildare Sherlocks now devolves on the present proprietor of Sherlockstown, and the Sherlocks of Laban in King's County are lineal descendants of the Little Lath family.

Sir Richard Edgecomb receives oaths of allegiance at Thomas Court

Thomas Court · street · Dublin · 1489

In 1489 Sir Richard Edgecomb was sent to Ireland to receive oaths of allegiance from the lords of the Pale, which he accomplished with difficulty on 21 July in the King's Chamber of St. Thomas' Abbey, commonly called Thomas Court, then the Lord Deputy's residence.

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In June, 1478, the invasion of England was decided on, and on the 6th of the month the impostor’s fate was decided by the battle of Stoke in Nottinghamshire, in which he was taken prisoner ; the Earl of Lincoln, Lord Lovell, and Sir Thomas FitzGerald of Lackagh, Lord Chancellor of Ireland, and the Earl’s brother, being among the slain. The Earl and the other lords of the Pale, acknowledging their crime, implored the King’s pardon, which was granted, and not only that, but the Earl was actually retained in office owing to his great influence over the Irish Chiefs. In the following year Sir Richard Edgecomb was sent over to Ireland by the King to receive the oaths of allegiance from the lords of the Pale. This, he with some difficulty and delay accomplished on the 21st of July in “the Kings’ Chamber” of St. Thomas’ Abbey, commonly called Thomas Court, the Lord Deputy’s residence.
Under the year 1488, the “ Annals of the Four Masters” notify the destruction of the Castle of Balrath, Co. Westmeath, belonging to the sons of Murtagh MacGeoghegan, by a plundering army under the Earl, who brought ordnance to bear against it. This is the first allusion to the use of cannon in the Annals. About this time, too, a present of six hand-guns was sent to the Earl from Germany, and as this weapon was all but unknown in Ireland, the sentries over the Earl’s residence at Thomas Court armed with them caused much astonishment to the passers-by.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 81

As the companion tells it

Along this street once stood St. Thomas' Abbey, known as Thomas Court, the Lord Deputy's residence. In 1489 the King sent Sir Richard Edgecomb to Ireland to receive oaths of allegiance from the lords of the Pale, after the Earl of Kildare and other lords had acknowledged their part in the rebellion that ended at the battle of Stoke. Edgecomb managed it, but only with difficulty and delay, finally taking their oaths on 21 July in what the record calls "the Kings' Chamber." A few years earlier, a present of six hand-guns had arrived from Germany for the Earl, a weapon all but unknown in Ireland. The sentries guarding his residence here at Thomas Court carried them, and passers-by stopped and stared.

Sir William Birmingham dies at Dunfierth, buried in family mortuary chapel

Dunfierth · townland · Kildare · 1548

Sir William Birmingham, Baron of Carbury, died at Dunfierth in 1548 and was buried in the Mortuary Chapel of his family there, where his recumbent effigy may still be seen.

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As Edward died without issue the lands granted by patent reverted to the Crown. Elizabeth granted Castle Carbery to Sir Henry Colley in 1562. Sir William Birmingham, Baron of Carbury, was buried in the Mortuary Chapel of his family at Dunfierth, where his recumbent effigy may still be seen. The chapel and the tombstone have been fully described by Lord Walter FitzGerald in the “ Journal of the Society for the Preservation of Memorials of the dead in Ireland ” (1895), and I must refer you to it for further details.
The other members of the family do not appear to have been so loyal as William. We find Elizabeth writing thus to the Council in 1599 : “ What will be the answer of the traitor (O’Neill) for the last treason of the bridge where Esmond’s company was defeated, and what reason will he yield for usurping so unjustly in the time of the cessation to place Bermingham in the county of Kildare?” 3 When the last of the Barons passed away, the Manor of Dunfierth devolved on Walter Birmingham, of Meilerstown, nephew of Baron William, and the Birminghams continued for many years to hold a high position in the county. In 1608, “the Jurors of our Lord the King,” in the Barony of Carbury, were all Birminghams : — John Birmingham, of Dunport (Dunfierth), Richard of Muclane (Mucklands), Piers of Gavisker (Garrisker), Thomas of Longwood, Richard of Russelswood.4

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 76

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here at Dunfierth, Sir William Birmingham, Baron of Carbury, died in 1548. He was buried in the Mortuary Chapel of his family, where his recumbent effigy may still be seen. The chapel and the tombstone were fully described by Lord Walter FitzGerald in 1895 in the Journal of the Society for the Preservation of Memorials of the Dead in Ireland. Edward died without issue and the lands granted by patent reverted to the Crown. Elizabeth granted Castle Carbery to Sir Henry Colley in 1562. The other members of the family do not appear to have been so loyal as William. Elizabeth wrote to the Council in 1599 asking what would be the answer of the traitor O'Neill for the last treason of the bridge where Esmond's company was defeated, and what reason he would yield for usurping so unjustly in the time of the cessation to place Birmingham in the county of Kildare. When the last of the Barons passed away, the manor devolved on Walter Birmingham of Meilerstown, nephew of Baron William. The Birminghams continued for many years to hold a high position in the county. In 1608, the jurors of the King in the Barony of Carbury were all Birminghams: John of Dunport, Richard of Muclane, Piers of Gavisker, Thomas of Longwood, and Richard of Russelswood.

St. Brigid's Falcon at Kildare Tower

Kildare · town · Kildare

A falcon that frequented Kildare from St. Brigid's time and perched atop the lofty tower was known as St. Brigid's bird. It was tame enough that a peasant killed it with a stick while it was eating prey.

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to set a plough — of the falcon, which from St. Brigid’s time used to frequent this place, and perch on the top of the lofty tower, and was called St. Brigid’s bird. It was killed by a peasant with a stick as it was eating a bird which it had seized, and being so tame it did not take flight at the man’s approach. The references to Kildare will be found in chapters xxxvii to xxxix of the 2nd Distinction, at pp. 120 to 124 of volume v, Dy mock’s edition.
The Town of Kildare.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 203

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Kildare, there's an old story of a falcon linked to St. Brigid. From her time, the bird used to frequent this place and perch on top of a lofty tower. People called it St. Brigid's bird. It was tame enough that a peasant killed it with a stick while it was eating a bird it had seized, because it did not take flight at the man's approach.

The exact boundary line of the English Pale described

Dalkey · townland · Dublin · 1515

State Papers from the reign of Henry VIII (1515) set down the exact limits of the English Pale, tracing a line through named towns from Dundalk through Ardee, Kells, Clane, Naas, Kilcullen Bridge, Rathmore, Rathcoole, Tallaght, to Dalkey.

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outside were said to be “ inter Hibernicos,” dwelling among the Irish. About a century later, and only then, the name of “ Pale ” was given to it. In the “ State Papers/’ relating to the beginning of the reign of Henry VIII., under the date 1515, we find it limited to four counties, viz. : Dublin, Kildare, Meath, and Uriel, now Louth. It is sometimes said to contain five counties; but then we must remember that it was only in the 34th of Henry VIII., i.e.y in 1543, Meath was divided into East Meath, which we now call Meath, and Westmeath, and that both were included within the Pale. Its exact limits are set down there : “ The English Pale doth stretche and extend from the town of Dundalk to the town of Derver (4 miles N.W. of Castle Bellingham), to the town of Ardee, always on the left side leaving the march on the right side, and so to the town of Sydan (4 miles S. W. of Nobber), to the town of Kenlis (Kells), to the town of Dengle (Dangan), to Kileocke, to the town of Clane, to the town of Naas, to the bridge of Kilcullen, to the town of Ballimore (Eustace), and so backward to the town of Ramore (Rathmore), and to the town of Rathcoule, to the town of Tallaght, and to the town of Dalkey, leaving always the marche on the right hand from the saide Dundalk, following the said course to the said town of Dalkye.” From this enumeration it is clear that considerable districts of these four counties were not included in the Pale. Within this territory, and only within it, did the justices and judges hold assize, and the sheriff enforce English law. These may be considered the limits of the Pale in a general way ; but at times it seems to have extended further ; thus we read in the Records for the 37th of Edward III. (1364) : “ To such a height had the power of the Kavanaghs and others arisen that the more distant districts of the Pale were then relinquished and the rest retained, for the barrier from Carlow to Dublin was ordered to be removed.” It was a common saying all this time that “ they dwelt beyond the law that dwelt west of the Barrow.” The Kavanaghs were paid an annual rent called “ black rent,” to protect the King’s subjects when crossing the Barrow at Leighlin Bridge. So too the O’Neills, O’Connors, and others received a sort of tribute from the Crown or from the English settled on the borders of the Pale, and the practise seems to have lasted till the 24th of Henry VIII. (1533), when it was forbidden by Act of Parliament to pay such tax further to the Irish. Yet, even in 1599, the Irish Council complained to Elizabeth that the English subjects still paid most oppressive black rents.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 42

The Napier Family at Celbridge Hall (Oakly Park), Known as the 'Eagle's Nest'

Celbridge · town · Kildare · 1785

In 1785 Colonel and Lady Sarah Napier took up residence at Celbridge Hall (Oakly Park); all their sons except Sir Charles were born there, with baptismal entries recorded in the parish register. The house became known locally as the 'Eagle's Nest' due to the Napier boys' hooked noses or high spirits.

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For thirty-three years after his death, we cannot say what teuant may have occupied the house. But in 1785 there came to live at Oakly Park, or Celbridge Hall as it was then called, a family the memory of whose deeds sheds a glory on the village of Celbridge. In that year Colonel and Lady Sarah Napier took up their residence at Celbridge Hall, and all their sons were born there except Sir Charles. I11 the Baptismal Register there are entries made of the baptism of five of his children. Lady Sarah Napier before her marriage was Lady Sarah Lennox, seventh daughter of the second Duke of Richmond (who was grandson of Charles II.), by Sarah, eldest daughter of Lord Cadogan. Lady Sarah Napier, who was a celebrated beauty, and to whom King George III. had offered his hand and heart, had three sisters — one Caroline, married to the first Lord Holland, and mother of Charles James Fox ; another, Emily, married to the Duke of Leinster, and mother of Lord Edward Fitz Gerald ; while a third, Louisa, was married to Colonel Conolly of Castletown. When the Napiers lived at Celbridge Hall, the house soon became known in the neighbourhood by the name of the “ Eagle’s Nest.” It was so called either because of the hooked noses possessed by the Napier boys, or because of their high spirits.2 In the Life of Sir William
1 Some years ago a dispute arose as to whether the Bishop of Meath should be termed “ Most Rev.” as being the bishop of the see next in dignity to the two archbishoprics, or “ Right Rev” as an ordinary bishop. On the Celbridge Communion Vessels the inscription is “ Right Rev.” In a Paper recently read before the Royal Irish Academy, Canon Olden has called attention to the fact that two of the patens, presented by Archbishop Price, are made to fit as chalice covers when reversed. ( The Paten of Gourdon illustrated fom the Book of Armagh, by Rev. T. Olden, Feb. 1896.)

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 138

Tradition of the Black Pig's Glen and the Curragh

Curragh · townland · Kildare

An ancient rampart called the Great Wall of Ulidia, known locally as the Dane's Cast or the Glen of the Black Pig, formed the boundary between Ulidia and Oriel; the name is linked by tradition to a schoolmaster from Drogheda who used magic to turn his scholars into pigs, connected to the ancient Black Pig's track across the Curragh.

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“ The tradition about ‘ Gleann na muice duibhe ’ (i.e., ‘ the Glen of the Black Pig’) is the wildest I ever heard. A schoolmaster lived in Drogheda a long time ago, who used to work the magic art, and so turn his scholars into pigs. One
1 Vide, Parts 1 and 2 of vol. iii, by the Rev. H. W. Lett.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 265

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here runs the track of the Black Pig, Gleann na muice duibhe. The tradition is, in the source's words, "the wildest I ever heard." A schoolmaster in Drogheda, long ago, worked the magic art and turned his scholars into pigs. The tale is linked to an ancient rampart, the Dane's Cast, that marked the old boundary between Ulidia and Oriel.

Amlaff plunders Cill-Cuilinn, 936

Kilcullen · town · Kildare · 936

Amlaff, son of Godfrey, came to Dublin again and plundered Cill-Cuilinn, carrying off a thousand prisoners, following his defeat at Brumby by Athelstan.

Read the passage

a.d. 936. “ Amlalf, son of Godfrey, came to Dublin again,
and plundered Cill-Cuilinn, and carried off ten hundred prisoners from thence.” AmlafFs return to Dublin after his defeat by Athelstan and Edmund, his brother, at Brumby, is celebrated in the following lines in the “ Anglo-Saxon Chronicle ”

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 297

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Kilcullen, this is the place the annals call Cill-Cuilinn. In 936, Amlaff, son of Godfrey, came to Dublin again and plundered Cill-Cuilinn, carrying off a thousand prisoners. His return followed his defeat at Brumby by Athelstan and Edmund, his brother.

Battle of Leinstermen and Munstermen at Ardscull

Ardscull · townland · Kildare · 111–119

The Book of Lecan records Ardscull as the site of a battle between the Leinstermen and the Munstermen during the reign of Felimy Beachtmar, King of Ireland from AD 111 to 119.

Read the passage

“ Ardscull = Aid and Sool, meaning ‘ the Hill of Shouts/ It is mentioned in the Book of Lecan as the site of a battle between the Leinstermen and the Munstermen in the reign of Felimy Beachtmar (i.e. ‘the Law-maker,’ King of Ireland from a.d. Ill to 119).”
The Moat (as it will be called in future) rises to a height of 55 feet above the ground level, and is artificial. It consists of a steep high central mound, with a rampart round the top, and an opening on the west side (which may he of modern make), while a trench inside a rampart encircles the base. The Moat is now covered with trees, which were planted early in this century. The public road from Athy to Fontstown and Skerries runs round about two-thirds of its base. It lay in the district of Omurethi, belonging to the O’Toole sept ; and though it must from its strength have been a stronghold of great importance, yet, strange to say, the name is not mentioned in “ The Annals of the Four Masters,” nor does it appear in ail} of the old Irish histories until after the coming of the Normans into Ireland in the latter end of the twelfth century.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 125

Brother Michael of Kildare, satirical poet

Kildare · town · Kildare · 1308

Brother Michael, surnamed of Kildare, a monk of the Franciscan monastery who lived about 1308, wrote a satirical poem against the secular clergy, part of which survives in facsimile, and a work on the building of the walls of New Ross.

Read the passage

A famous monk of this monastery was Brother Michael, surnamed of Kildare, who lived about 1308. I cannot give you any details about him, for neither Ware, in his “ Writers,” nor O’Reilly makes mention of him. We have two works of his extant, a satirical poem against the secular clergy, a small part of which is given in facsimile in Mr. Gilbert’s “ Facsimiles of Irish National MSS.” The original is in the British Museum.
Another work of his is “ De Factura Novae Villae de Ross Ponte,” or the Welding of New Ross, the object being to preserve the town and its contents from “ the greedy snatching of the Irish enemies.” Holinshed tells how this building was

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 205

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Kildare, this was home to a Franciscan monk known as Brother Michael, surnamed of Kildare, who lived about 1308. He wrote a satirical poem against the secular clergy, part of which survives in facsimile, with the original held in the British Museum. He also wrote a work on the building of the walls of New Ross, to preserve the town from what he called the greedy snatching of the Irish enemies.

David O'Bugey, learned Carmelite monk of Kildare

Kildare · town · Kildare · 1320

David O'Bugey, a monk of the Carmelite Convent at Kildare, became eminent for learning at Oxford and Treves, was Provincial of his Order, held chapters at Ardee and Dublin, and died at an advanced age at Kildare where he was buried in the monastery.

Read the passage

He was Provincial of liis Order, and held chapters of the Order at Ardee and Dublin. He was a philosopher, rhetorician, and divine, and the most learned in all that country in both civil and canon law, and as such was by many called the lamp, the mirror, and the ornament of all the Irish nation. So Bale out of John Bloxam’s * Epistles.’ And Stanihurst, in his ‘Description of Ireland,’ says ‘that the nobility and states in causes of weight would have recourse to him as to an oracle ; that he was in philosophy an Aristotle, in eloquence a Tully, in divinity an Augustin, and in canon law a Panormitan. He wrote (1) ‘ Sermones ad Clerum,’ (2) ‘ Epistolas 12 ad diversos,’ (3) ‘ Propositiones disputates,’ (4) ‘ Lectiones Trarrenses,’ (5) ‘ Begulas quasdam Juris,’ (6) ‘ Intra Gerardum Bonomensem,’ and (7) ‘ Commentarios in Biblia Sacra.’ He lived in 1320, and afterwards died at a very advanced age at Kildare, in the monastery of his Order, and was buried there.”
Ralph Kelly later, Archbishop of Cashel from 1345 to 13G1, learned in Kildare a knowledge of the Latin tongue, and profited in it so well that he was sent to Pope Clement VI as advocate of his whole Order. At the dissolution of the monastery the house was sold for <£1. It included then a church and belfry, a dormitory, hall, and two chambers, a messuage, a garden, and a close of one acre.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 205

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Kildare, this town was home to David O'Bugey, a Carmelite monk who became one of the most learned men in Ireland. He was Provincial of his Order and held chapters at Ardee and Dublin. He was a philosopher, rhetorician, and divine, and the most learned in all that country in both civil and canon law. Bale, drawing on John Bloxam's Epistles, called him the lamp, the mirror, and the ornament of all the Irish nation. Stanihurst, in his Description of Ireland, said the nobility and states in causes of weight would have recourse to him as to an oracle, that he was in philosophy an Aristotle, in eloquence a Tully, in divinity an Augustin, and in canon law a Panormitan. He lived in 1320 and afterwards died at a very advanced age at Kildare, in the monastery of his Order, and was buried there. He wrote Sermones ad Clerum, Epistolas ad diversos, Propositiones disputates, Lectiones Trarrenses, Regulas quasdam Juris, Intra Gerardum Bonomensem, and Commentarios in Biblia Sacra. At the dissolution of the monastery the house was sold for 1 pound. It included then a church and belfry, a dormitory, hall, and two chambers, a messuage, a garden, and a close of one acre.

Demolition of Great Connell Ruins for Newbridge Barracks

Droichead Nua (Newbridge) · town · Kildare · 1800–1830

At the beginning of the century, nearly all the remains of Great Connell described by Cooper were thrown down and the materials used to build the military barracks at Newbridge; at the same time the Castle of the Sarsfields at Rosbery was also demolished.

Read the passage

The late Most Rev. Dr. Comerford, in his “ Dioceses of Kildare and Leighlin ” (from which I have made several extracts in this Paper), at the end of his account of Great Connell, mentions that nearly all the remains described by Austin Cooper were thrown down at the beginning of the century, and the materials used in the erection of the military barracks at Newbridge, and at the same time the Castle of the Sarsfields at Rosbery, in this parish, was also demolished.
Some distance away to the south-east of the ruins is a Holy Well dedicated to St. Augustine, which name it probably derives from the great doctor and Bishop of Hippo, to whom the fathers who occupied this monastery trace their origin. In former times this well was resorted to for cures — a practice to a certain extent still existing. I have been told that some forty or fifty years ago the proprietor of Connellmore, to prevent the people from using this well, built a wall round it ; thereupon, right beside the kitchen fire in his house, a flow of water sprang up,

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 215

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Newbridge, you are travelling through a town built in part from older stones. At the beginning of the 1800s, nearly all the remains of Great Connell, described by Austin Cooper, were thrown down, and the materials were used to build the military barracks here. At the same time the Castle of the Sarsfields at Rosbery was also demolished. A holy well dedicated to St. Augustine lies some distance to the south-east of the old ruins, probably taking its name from the great Bishop of Hippo, to whom the fathers of the monastery traced their origin. The well was resorted to for cures, a practice still continuing to some degree. Forty or fifty years ago the proprietor of Connellmore built a wall round the well to stop people using it. Thereupon, right beside his kitchen fire, a flow of water sprang up in his house.

Destruction of the Lady Chapel window at Castledermot Franciscan Abbey

Castledermot · town · Kildare · 1840–1850

Contrary to a published claim that the great window of the Lady Chapel at the Franciscan Abbey, Castledermot, was maliciously destroyed in 1799, a local elderly resident recalled it being pulled down about fifty years earlier by a man named Billy Grimes, who feared his grazing cattle were endangered by its unsafe condition.

Read the passage

The Franciscan Abbey, Castledermot. — Opposite to page 374, vol. i., of the Journal, is an illustration of the great window of the Lady Chapel as it used to be, below which it is stated that it was maliciously destroyed in 1799 ; this is a mistake, as an old man named Mick Slavin, a tailor, still living in Castledermot, remembers its being pulled down by a man named Billy Grimes some fifty years ago. Billy Grimes had the grazing at the abbey, and said his cattle were in danger from the unsafe condition of the window, to the upper portion of which he fastened a rope, and so pulled this fine window to the ground, an act which caused great indignation in the town at the time. Mick Slavin remembers seeing glass in some of the tracery of the window.
On the next page (375) an epitaph in verse is quoted as being on a stone formerly belonging to this abbey, and given in Grose’s “ Antiquities of Ireland.” This is an error, as Grose writes of it as being at the Gray Abbey of Kildare {vide p. 83 of vol. ii.).

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 146

Detailed 18th-century survey of the Ardscull earthwork

Ardscull · townland · Kildare · 1783–1789

William Beaufort's account, illustrated in Camden's Britannia (1789 edition), describes the Moat of Ardscull as a fine 'Dun' with detailed measurements of its mote, rath, parapet, rampart, entrance and watchtower. Excavations revealed a firehearth with Kilkenny coal and burnt wood beneath one chamber.

Read the passage

H, consisting of two apartments, of which that marked 1 is 14 ft. by 10 ; No, 2 is 30 ft. by 23 ; No. 3 is 14 ft. by 20. In that marked 2 about six years since Mr. Beaufort discovered, near two feet beneath the surface, a firehearth, consisting of four large stones, one for the hearth, one at the back, and one at each side ; they were neatly hammered, but not chiselled, and on the hearth were found some pieces of coal we now denominate Kilkenny coal, and also pieces of wood burnt. There could also be traced the foundations of other buildings which have since been dug up to make room for a crop of potatoes.
L is an irregular apartment, 50 ft. by 15.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 128

Earl of Desmond's army burns Meiler Birmingham's corn near Carbury

Carbury · townland · Kildare · 1421

A 1421 patent roll records that Richard Nugent, Baron of Delvin, brought James Earl of Desmond with 5000 men into the district of Carbury, where they burned and destroyed the standing corn of Meiler Birmingham and remained thirteen days protecting the people.

Read the passage

But the war of the Birminghams and O’Connors against the English still went on. A patent Foil of the year 1421 recites that Fichard Nugent, Baron of Delvin, and others of the Co. Meath, “ considering the ruin and final destruction of the Co. Meath, wrought by O’Connor of Ophaly and Meiler Birmingham, brought James Earl of Desmond from Munster with a great multitude of horse and foot, to the number of 5000, into the said district of Carbury , where they burned and destroyed the standing corn of the said Meiler, and remained thirteen days in the said county of Meath for the protection of the whole people.”5
In the meantime some of the Birminghams seem to have been bought over by the English. There is a grant of the year 1424 in which the “ king in consideration of the service rendered by William, son of John Birmingham, in the wars against the rebels and marauders, called Bermynghames, gives him four messuages, and 80 acres of arable land, 8 acres of meadow, and 20 of pasture, and 20 of wood, in Feynoldstown, alias, Paynescastell, hard by the Castle of Carbury in the Co. Kildare. To be held from the king at Soccage, to the value of 5m. per annum, by him and the heirs male of his body. . . . But if he die without heirs male, they are then to revert to John Bermynham, brother of the said William and to his heirs male.”6

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 74

Earl of Kildare dies at Kildare

Kildare · town · Kildare

Garrett More, Earl of Kildare, was moved through Athy to Kildare where, after lingering a few days, he died on 3 September before his body was taken to Dublin for burial.

Read the passage

stages he was moved to Athy and thence to Kildare, where, after lingering for a few days more, he died on the 3rd of September. His body was taken to Dublin, and on the 16th of October buried with great pomp before the high altar of St. Mary’s Chapel which he had himself built in 1503, in the choir of Christ Church. The interior of this chapel was richly ornamented with the Earl’s arms within the Garter, and those of his wife, with the arms of many of his predecessors and successors, but they were all defaced by William Moreton, Bishop of Kildare and Dean of Christ Church, when he repaired the church between the years 1677 and 1705. The site of St. Mary’s Chapel is now occupied by buildings connected with the Cathedral.
The Earl’s character is thus described by Stanihurst : — “Kildare was open and plaine, hardlie able to rule himselfe when he were moved to anger, not so sharpe as short, being easily dispPased and sooner appeased. Being in a rage with certeine of his servants for faults they committed, one of his horsemen offered Master Boice (a gentleman that reteined to him) an Irish hobbie, on condition that he would plucke an haire from the Earle his beard. Boice taking the proffer at rebound, stept to the Earle (with whose good nature he was thoroughlie acquainted) parching in the heat of his choler, and said : f So it is, and if it like your lordship, one of your horsemen promised me a choice horse if I snip one haire from your beard.’ ‘ Well,’ quoth the Earle, ‘ I agree thereto, but if thou plucke anie more than one, I promise thee to bring my fist from thine eare.’ ”

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 91

As the companion tells it

As the road brings you through Kildare town, this is where Garrett More, Earl of Kildare, was brought after being moved through Athy. He lingered here for a few days and died on 3 September. His body was taken to Dublin, and on 16 October buried with great pomp before the high altar of St. Mary's Chapel in the choir of Christ Church, a chapel he had himself built in 1503. The chapel's interior was richly ornamented with the Earl's arms within the Garter and those of his wife, along with the arms of many of his predecessors and successors, but all were defaced by William Moreton, Bishop of Kildare and Dean of Christ Church, when he repaired the church between 1677 and 1705. The site of St. Mary's Chapel is now occupied by buildings connected with the Cathedral. Stanihurst described the Earl as "open and plaine, hardlie able to rule himselfe when he were moved to anger, not so sharpe as short, being easily displeased and sooner appeased." There is a story that, while the Earl was in a rage with certain servants, one of his horsemen offered Master Boice, a gentleman who served him, an Irish hobby horse on condition that he pluck a single hair from the Earl's beard. Boice stepped up to the Earl and told him of the offer. The Earl replied, "I agree thereto, but if thou plucke anie more than one, I promise thee to bring my fist from thine eare."

Earl of Limerick leaves Ireland after Treaty of Limerick

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1691

After the Treaty of Limerick was signed in October 1691, the Earl of Limerick (a Dongan) and his French wife Euphemia left Ireland for France, forfeiting their great estates including Castletown.

Read the passage

Sir William Talbot, Bart., of Carton,1 which he had on lease from the 14th Earl of Kildare, then living in Maynootli Castle. Sir John’s will was proved in 1663. His eldest son, Sir Walter, was one of the Confederate Catholics of Kilkenny, but, dying without issue, his brother Sir William became the 4th baronet. On the 14th of February, 1661, Sir William Dongan was created Viscount Dongan of Clane, and on the 2nd January, 1685, Earl of Limerick.2 The Dongans were Jacobites, and at the Battle of the Boyne, in 1690, the Earl of Limerick fought, as well as his only son, Walter, who was killed in the battle. After the treaty of Limerick, signed in October, 1691, the Earl and his wife, Euphemia (a French lady), left Ireland and retired to France, thereby forfeiting his great estates. His death took place in 1698, when his brother, Colonel Thomas Dongan, succeeded to the Earldom, which became extinct on his death, on the 14th of December, 1715.
The successors of the Dongan family, about the end of the seventeenth century, were the Conollys.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 258

As the companion tells it

You're coming through Limerick now, the city that gave its name to the treaty signed here in October 1691. The Earl of Limerick was a Dongan, a Jacobite family. He'd been made Earl of Limerick in January 1685, and the year before the treaty he fought at the Battle of the Boyne alongside his only son, Walter, who was killed in the fighting. After the treaty was signed, the Earl and his wife Euphemia, a French lady, left Ireland for France. By going, he forfeited his great estates, including Castletown. He died in 1698. His brother, Colonel Thomas Dongan, succeeded to the earldom, which ended entirely when Thomas died on the 14th of December 1715. About the end of the 1600s, the Conollys took over from the Dongans as the successors to the family's lands.

English of Meath repelled by Birminghams at Carbury with heavy losses

Carbury · townland · Kildare · 1329

After the murder of Lord Louth, Sir Simon Greneville led the English of Meath into Carbury, but were driven back by the Birminghams, leaving seventy-six men dead on the field.

Read the passage

After the murder of Lord Louth, the English of Meath, under Sir Simon Greneville, marched into Carbury, but were driven back by the Birminghams, and left seventy-six men dead on the field.2 The published Bolls give evidence of the tumult that raged around Carbury.
In 1312 there is a grant of £6 16,9. to David Le Mazener, Yicar of Kildare, which sum he had paid to John Fitz Thomas “ for his expenses in crushing the malice of the felons of Carbury.”3 In 1325, among others appointed custodians of the peace in Co. Kildare was “ Bichard de Bermingham of Ballycoghlan for the district of Carbury.”4 In 1326 we have a grant of £10 to Simon de Greneville, to help him to repair the Castle of Carmecanestown in the march of Carbury, recently besieged, taken, and burned by the king’s felons5 of the said march.”

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 74

Eustace family created Baron of Kilcullen and Viscount Baltinglass

Kilcullen · town · Kildare · 1541–1549

In 1541 Sir Thomas Eustace was created Baron of Kilcullen and the following year Viscount Baltinglass, dying without surviving male issue in 1549.

Read the passage

In 1541 Sir Thomas Eustace, nephew of Sir Roland Eustace, Baron of Portlester, was created Baron of Kilcullen, and in the following year Viscount Baltinglass ; he died, without surviving male issue, in 1549.
According to an Inquisition held in Naas in July, 1581, it was found that James Eustace, Viscount Baltinglass, lately attainted for high treason, was in possession of an ancient walled enclosure containing buildings called the old Manor House of Kilcullen.1

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 300

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Kilcullen in Kildare, Sir Thomas Eustace, nephew of Sir Roland Eustace, Baron of Portlester, was made Baron of Kilcullen in 1541 and Viscount Baltinglass the next year. He died without surviving male issue in 1549. An inquisition at Naas in July 1581 found that James Eustace, Viscount Baltinglass, attainted for high treason, possessed an ancient walled enclosure called the old Manor House of Kilcullen.

Founding of Crouched Friary and castles at Athy and Rheban

Athy · town · Kildare · 1199–1216

Richard de St. Michael, created Baron of Rheban, founded the Crouched Friary in Athy during the reign of King John and built the two castles of Woodstock and Rheban on the west bank of the Barrow to defend the fords.

Read the passage

From William Marshall, lord palatine of Leinster, Rheban and its neighbourhood were granted in fee to Richard de St. Michael, created Baron of Rheban, who, during the reign of King John, founded the Crouched Friary in Athy, and built the two castles of Woodstock and Rheban, which are both 011 the west bank of the Barrow,2 three English miles apart. Both of them were for the defence of the fords at those places, and the one at Rheban probably took the place of the Rath mentioned above, which must have been erected for the defence of the ford in ancient times. Since the arrival of the Normans in Ireland, castles were erected at all the principal fords on the borders or marches of the “ English land,” or Pale, as it was afterwards called, so as to prevent “ the Irish enemie ” from making hostile incursions among the new settlers.
Rohesia, daughter of the above Richard de St. Michael, married Thomas Fitz Gerald, Baron of Offaly, whose death took place in 1260. Her marriage portion was the Manors of Woodstock and Athy, which still belong to their descendants. They were the parents of John, afterwards first Earl of Kildare, who was so miraculously saved from being burnt to death, on one occasion when Woodstock Castle caught fire, by a tame monkey, whicli became and still is the family crest owing to that event.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 112

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Athy, you are in a town whose medieval foundations were laid during the reign of King John. William Marshall, lord palatine of Leinster, granted Rheban and its neighbourhood to Richard de St. Michael, who was created Baron of Rheban. Richard founded the Crouched Friary in Athy and built two castles, Woodstock and Rheban, on the west bank of the Barrow, three English miles apart, both to defend the fords. Rheban Castle likely replaced an ancient rath built for the same purpose. Since the Normans arrived in Ireland, castles went up at principal fords on the marches of the English land, or Pale as it was later called, to stop the Irish enemy from raiding among the new settlers. Richard's daughter Rohesia married Thomas Fitz Gerald, Baron of Offaly, who died in 1260. Her marriage portion was the manors of Woodstock and Athy, which still belong to their descendants. They were parents of John, afterwards first Earl of Kildare. On one occasion Woodstock Castle caught fire and John was miraculously saved from being burnt to death by a tame monkey, which became and still is the family crest owing to that event.

Isserninus established at Aghade after mission through Carlow

Aghade · townland · Carlow

Isserninus was driven ashore in southeastern Wexford, followed the Slaney, converted people near Clonmore in Carlow, and was finally established with his converts at Aghade by St. Patrick.

Read the passage

It is probable that Isserninus was driven ashore on the southeastern coast of Wexford, and he seems to have followed the course of the River Slaney till he reached the south of Magh Fea. “Thereafter he went to his province, a small tribe in Cliu, named Catrige.” This district lies on the northern slopes of Mount Leinster. He then passed on to Toicuile and other places near Clonmore, in the County of Carlow, where he made many converts ; and here he was joined by St. Patrick, who finally established him and his converts, the sons of Cathbad, at Aghade, or
See “Tripartite Life of St. Patrick,” p. 343 (Rolls Series).

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 295

King John's Room tradition at Leixlip Castle

Leixlip · town · Kildare · 1200

The oldest portion of Leixlip Castle is supposed to have been built by the de Hereford family at the end of the twelfth century, and one room is traditionally called 'King John's room' from the belief that the monarch occupied it during his short stay in Ireland.

Read the passage

The date of the erection of Leixlip Castle is not recorded, but the oldest portion is supposed to have been erected by the de Hereford family at the end of the twelfth century. There is one room in it called “ King John’s room,” from the tradition that that monarch occupied it occasionally during his short stay in Ireland.
The eastern end of the Castle front is flanked by a square tower, and the western end by a circular one, in both of which, for the sake of modern comfort, the old narrow loopholes and arrow-slits have been replaced by large windows.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 277

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Leixlip, the oldest part of Leixlip Castle is thought to have been built by the de Hereford family at the end of the 12th century. One room in it is still called King John's room, from the tradition that the monarch occupied it during his short stay in Ireland. The castle front is flanked by a square tower at the eastern end and a circular one at the western end. In both towers the old narrow loopholes and arrow-slits have been replaced by large windows, for the sake of modern comfort.

Kistvaen with large skeleton exposed at Rathmore in 1894

Rathmore · townland · Kildare · 1894

After heavy rains in the summer of 1894, the south face of Rathmore rath slipped, exposing a stone-lined chamber (kistvaen) containing a large skeleton, seen first by local farmer Mr. Sargeant, lying with its feet to the east some 20 feet below the rath's surface.

Read the passage

The most interesting discovery, however, as yet made came to light by the slipping of the upper part of the south face of the rath. This occurred after heavy rains during the summer of 1894. A chamber lined, roofed, and floored with naturally flat-shaped green limestone was exposed. I11 this chamber rested a large skeleton. I did not see the chamber till the autumn of that year. Some of the bones were still there. This cist, or kistvaen, measured 18 inches in width and 18 inches in depth, and was over 5 feet long. Mr. Sargeant, a farmer who grazes his cattle on the rath, saw the skeleton when first exposed. He told me the skull was sunk into the gravel under the stone that formed the end of the kistvaen. The skeleton lay with its feet to the east. The floor of the kistvaen was exactly 20 feet below the present grass-grown surface of the rath, and is nearly in the centre of the exposed gravel face. I may mention that the stones lining the kistvaen had been made more suitable to their purpose by rough chipping. I could
Drumboe, Upper and Lower, in Co. Donegal.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 78

Shooting of a Rawson at Punchestown in 1798

Punchestown · townland · Kildare · 1798

Local tradition holds that a Rawson living at Punchestown was shot at, but not killed, in 1798 at the spot where the gate leading onto the race-course now stands.

Read the passage

A Rawson appears to have lived there as late as 1798, according to local tradition ; for I am informed that at that time one Rawson was shot at, but not killed, at the spot where the gate leading on to the race-course now stands.
The sites of the old fishponds are still visible, and seem to indicate that it was at one time in the possession of some religious order.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 217

Timolin church, nunnery and castle history, and 1798 plate

Timolin · townland · Kildare · 1798

Lord Walter FitzGerald described the history of the Timolin district, embracing a church, nunnery and castle, only the church remaining in fragmentary form. The church plate bore an inscription recording it had been recovered from rebels in 1798.

Read the passage

Lord Walter FitzGerald then read a Paper dealing with the history of the whole immediate district, embracing the Church, Nunnery, and Castle, all except the former being now non-existent, and of the church only those portions of the walls remaining which are embodied in the present comparatively modern structure. After an inspection of the church plate (which bore an inscription recording that it had been recovered from the rebels in 1798), a move was made for Moone Abbey, a mile and a half distant, where the Society was received by Mrs. Carroll, in the absence of Mr. F. M. Carroll.
Here much of interest was found grouped in a limited area, including the fine Celtic Cross, recently restored by the Society; the ruins of an old abbey, with several curious monuments ; the fine Tower of the old Castle in a good state of preservation ; and

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 231

Ardscull Moat believed to be home of the fairies

Ardscull · townland · Kildare

The Moat of Ardscull is still believed by old people to be the abode of the 'little gentry' or good people, as they propitiatingly call the fairies, setting the scene for local folk tales.

Read the passage

The Moat of Ardscull is still believed by the old people to be the abode of the little gentry, or good people, as they propitiatingly call the fairies. One story I lately heard in connexion with it was to this effect : — Long ago there dwelt in the

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 129

Auxilius placed over church of Killashee

Killashee · townland · Kildare · 438

Auxilius, consecrated with St. Patrick, followed him to Ireland in 438 and was placed over the church of Killashee, where remains of an old church and round tower can still be seen.

Read the passage

Auxilius, who with his companion Isserninus was consecrated with St. Patrick, followed the Apostle to Ireland in the year 438, and was placed by him over the church of Killashee (Cell Auxille) in the County of Kildare, where the remains of an old church and of a round tower attached to it may still be seen.
Isserninus, afterwards Bishop of Kilcullen, was first with the Apostle at Auxerre and Ivrea, and came into Ireland in 438. At first he appears to have objected to the mission to Ireland, and would have chosen to be sent to any other country rather than this, as the story is told in the additions to Tirechan’s Collections in “ The Book of Armagh 3’

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 295

Ballytore, early home of Edmund Burke

Ballitore · town · Kildare

On the drive to Timolin, the picturesque village of Ballytore was noted as the early home of the statesman Edmund Burke.

Read the passage

On the way, the picturesque village of Ballytore, the early home of Edmund Burke, might be noticed in the valley beneath the road.
At Timolin, Sir Arthur Vicars, Ulster, read a Paper by Mr. A. Hartshorne, f.s.a., on the curious Recumbent Effigy, dating from about the year 1180, and one of the earliest of its kind in Ireland.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 231

As the companion tells it

This is the village of Ballitore in Kildare, lying in the valley beneath the road. A book from the County Kildare Archaeological Society calls it a picturesque village and notes it as the early home of the statesman Edmund Burke.

Battle of Confey near Leixlip against the Danes

Confey · townland · Kildare · 915

Ugaire, father of Tuathal, was slain at the battle of Confey near Leixlip in 915, fought against the Danes under their chief Sitric, grandson of Imar.

Read the passage

The seventh in descent from Murchadh Mor was Tuathal ; his father Ugaire was slain at the battle of Confey, near Leixlip, in 915, fought against the Danes under the leadership of their chief, Sitric, grandson of Imar. Frequent mention is
1 This district included the whole of the County Wexford, the barony of Shillelagh, in the County Wicklowr, and the northern extremity of the County Carlow.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 105

Castle of Carbury dismantled by Birminghams and O'Connors

Carbury · townland · Kildare · 1447

The Castle of Carbury was dismantled, presumably by the Birminghams and their allies the O'Connors, prompting the aged Earl of Shrewsbury to rebuild it as Viceroy to defend Meath estates.

Read the passage

About this time the Castle of Carbury was dismantled, no doubt by the Birminghams and their allies, the O’Connors. For when the great John Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury, wellknown to readers of Shakespeare as the “ scourge of France ” “ and terror of the French,” who met Joan of Arc in single combat,2 was in the 73rd year of his age appointed Viceroy of Ireland, he brought over a company of English troops, and rebuilt the Castle of Carbury to defend his estates in the county of Meath against the Birminghams and O’Connors.3
In 1466, Teigue O’Connor of Offaly defeated the Earl of Desmond, then Deputy Governor of Ireland, and imprisoned him in the Castle of Carbury, together with several of the English nobles and ecclesiastics.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 75

Conolly Monument in Tea-lane Churchyard, Celbridge

Celbridge · town · Kildare · 1729–1752

Catherine Conyngham erected a magnificent monument over William Conolly's vault in the old churchyard of Kildrought, Celbridge, locally known as the Tea-lane churchyard. The monument features life-size marble figures of the couple and a long Latin inscription praising Conolly's public service.

Read the passage

His wife, who survived him for twenty-three years, erected a magnificent monument over his vault in the old churchyard of Kildrought, which is situated at the southern end of the town of Celbridge, and is locally known as “ the Tea-lane churchyard.”
This monument is of great size, and consists of a handsome pediment supported on four pillars. Under it, on the base, recline two life-size figures in the costume of the period ; they represent William Conolly and Catherine Conyngham ; the sculpturing is almost entirely in white marble. In the front of the pediment is a coat of arms — the Conolly impaled with the Conyngham, viz. : —

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 259

Deer Park of Maynooth Castle recognizance of 1585

Maynooth · town · Kildare · 1585

An earlier mention of the Deer Park of Maynooth Castle than previously recorded was found in a 1581-86 Council Book, recording recognizances against several men for killing deer in the park, dated 22nd June 1585.

Read the passage

“ Recognizances of John Hillan of Straff an in the County Kildare, yeoman ; George King of Clontarf in the county of Dublin, Gentn ; Nicholas Lee of Straffan, yeoman ; and Robert Caddell of Dublin, merchant, in £20 each, that they do from henceforth continue to be of honest and good behaviour, and do not henceforth kill, or consent to the killing of, any more of the Dcare of Manoth Parke,” etc.
This is dated the 22nd of June, 1585.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 185

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Maynooth, there was a deer park attached to the castle here. On 22 June 1585 four men were bound over in recognizances of 20 pounds each, John Hillan and Nicholas Lee of Straffan, George King of Clontarf, and Robert Caddell of Dublin. They had to promise to be of honest behaviour and not to kill, or consent to the killing of, any more of the deer of Maynooth Park.

Edward FitzGerald imprisoned for treason

Celbridge · town · Kildare · 1535

Edward FitzGerald, son and heir of Sir John FitzGerald of Castletown, was imprisoned and indicted for high treason for his part in the Silken Thomas rebellion, and was later put to death.

Read the passage

“Edward FitzGerald, son and heire to Sir John FitzGerald, and brother by the mother to that arrant traitor John Burnell of Ballygriffen [in the Co. Dublin], is in prison, indicted for high treason.” [For which he was put to death.]
1 Vide Exchequer Inquisition of the Co. Kildare, No. 3, of Henry VIII, in the Record Office.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 249

Finds within the levelled rath: bones, bill-hook, and black barley chamber

Ardscull · townland · Kildare

When levelling the rampart of the square rath near Ardscull, Christy Hickey found animal bones, a horse's and cow's skull, an iron bill-hook, and an unflagged chamber full of black barley and ashes, from which he drew twenty-seven cartloads to use as manure.

Read the passage

to him or his have resulted. It was formerly covered with thorn hushes ; under one in particular on the south side of the rath it was rumoured that a big lump of money was buried, but no one would dare dig for it. However, a few years ago a big wind blew down the bush, and Christy then attacked the place with a fack ; but after digging to a depth of three feet he failed to find the treasure, and so desisted. When levelling the rampart he came across a large number of animal bones and teeth, a horse’s and a cow’s skull, as well as a sort of iron bill-hook, about a foot in length, with teeth, and a socket for the insertion of the handle. In the north-eastern corner of the rampart he came across an unflagged chamber, full of black barley and ashes, of which he drew away twenty-seven cartloads, and used it as manure. Just outside this find, in the trench, in one place was a very soft dry spot, down which his shovel went as if through water ; the length of the shovel and his arm did not reach the bottom. He did not examine it further.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun

Fragments of the Wellesley Monument at Great Connell Gateway

Great Connell · street · Kildare

Portions of the shattered tomb of Bishop Wellesley are built into the entrance gateway of Great Connell burial-ground, including panels depicting the Crucifixion, the Ecce Homo, and saints including St. Patrick and St. John.

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The length of the slab is 6 feet 3 inches, and the breadth 3 feet 2 inches ; the material is limestone. Its present position is on the left-hand side of the entrance gate to the burialground ; other portions of the tomb are also built over and on the other side of the gateway. The panel over the gate represents the Crucifixion, with the Virgin Mary on our Lord’s right, and St. John on the left. Another large panel contains the “ Ecce Homo ; ” our Lord, clothed in the purple robe and crown of thorns, is shown seated, bound hand and foot, with a hammer, pincers, and rope near him. Below the “Ecce Homo ” a double panel is built into the wall, measuring 274- inches in height ; it contains two niches of different shapes, both elaborately ornamented with birds and floral devices. In one niche is a Bishop, and at his feet a toad and a snake, representing St. Patrick ; in the other is a saint, holding in both hands a chalice, representing St. John.
Small portions of other panels are built here and there into the gateway on the inside and outside, and another piece is serving as a headstone to a modern grave half-way down the burial-ground ; while in the neighbouring burial-ground, called “ the Reliceen,”* 1 built into a low wall, are two portions of panels, probably belonging to this tomb, as one bears a shield with the Bishop’s arms (described above), and the other represents a saint with a battle-axe in his right hand, and a long carpenter’s saw in his left, the usual emblems of the brothers St. Simon and St. Jude.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 213

Francis Leigh of Rathbride attainted and lands forfeited

Rathbride · townland · Kildare · 1691–1692

Francis Leigh of Rathbride was attainted of high treason in 1691 for supporting James II, and an inquisition held at Naas found he had been in possession of the town and lands of Rathbride, along with numerous other holdings, all forfeited to the Crown.

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Thus disappeared from this mortal scene the second grandson of the Interpreter, and we now return to his elder brother. As has been said, their father, John Leigh, son and heir of the Interpreter, died in France during the Protectorate of Cromwell. He died intestate; and years afterwards, on the 5tli May, 1680, administration was granted to his eldest son Francis. Francis had been living all along at Rathbride, and had married as early as 1662. His wife was Judith, daughter of Henry Spenser, and the issue of the marriage were four sons and one daughter. Robert died unmarried in 1724; John, of Dublin, died in 1700; Arthur, of Friarstown, died unmarried in 1706; Francis became heir to his uncle Robert, of Co Wexford, as has been said; Judith died unmarried in 1700. During Cromwell’s time Francis Leigh seems to have escaped embroiling himself in the troubles of the period, and even to have held an important office under the Crown, being appointed Escheator-General of Leinster by letters patent, dated 22nd July, 1663. He was also, during some of these years, M.P. for Kildare. Thus his life sped on till the Williamite wars broke out, when, taking up the cause of James II, he was attainted of high treason in 1691, and all his lands were forfeited to the Crown. By an inquisition, held at Naas on the 2nd of May, 1692, it was found that Francis Leigh was attainted of high treason on the 20th of April, 1691, at which time he was in possession of the town and lands of Rathbride — 744 acres in the barony of Offaly, of Morristownbiller, Little Morristown, and Ballycrotan, alias Croatenstowne ; 265 acres in the barony of Connell ; of Tacknaven, 313 acres ;

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 246

Grant of Baltinglass Abbey to Sir Henry Harrington in 1588

Baltinglass · town · Wicklow · 1588

In 1588 the Cistercian Abbey of Baltinglass, with all its possessions, was granted to Sir Henry Harrington to hold forever at an annual rent, later passing by marriage to Thomas Roper, who was created Viscount Baltinglass.

Read the passage

On page 127 of vol. i. of our Journal there is a mistake which I beg leave to correct here. It is there stated that in Dr. Arthur’s “ Dee Book ” there is mention of a Lady Baltinglass, who, I tli ought, might he the wife of the Lord Baltinglass. When I wrote that, I was not aware that this statement referred to a person in no way connected with the Eustace family. I have since found that the title of Baltinglass was revived in favour of a certain Thomas Boper, who was Constable of Castlemaine, Co. Kerry, from 1605 to 1637, and established an English “plantation” at Crookhaven, Co. Cork. His connection with Baltinglass arose in this way. In 1588 a grant was made to Sir Henry Harrington, knight, of the Cistercian Abbey of Baltinglass, with all its possessions, to hold in capite for ever at an annual rent of £11 19.s., Irish money. Thomas B,oper married xlnn, daughter of Sir Henry Harrington, and had a grant conferred to him of the monastery and lordship of Baltinglass by Charles I. in 1626, “ in regard of the many acceptable services done unto his father and the late Queen Elizabeth.” In the following year he was made a Baronet, and Baron of Bantry, and Viscount Baltinglass. He died in •1637, and was succeded by his son Thomas. Thomas’ name is frequently mentioned in the Journals of the House of Lords. He bore the Sword of State at the opening of the first Parliament held in the reign of Charles II., in 1661. He died in 1665, and was succeeded by Carey Boper, 3rd Viscount Baltinglass, who died in 1676. The title became extinct then.
The title was again revived in 1685 by James II. in favour of the famous Bichard Talbot, who, in that year, was created Baron of Talbot’s Court, Viscount Baltinglass, and Earl of Tirconnell, and, in 1689, Duke of Tirconnell.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun

As the companion tells it

As you come through Baltinglass in County Wicklow, you are passing through a place whose Cistercian Abbey was transformed in 1588. In that year, a grant was made to Sir Henry Harrington, knight, of the Cistercian Abbey of Baltinglass, with all its possessions, to hold forever at an annual rent of 11 pounds and 19 shillings, Irish money. The abbey and its lands passed from there through marriage. Thomas Roper married Ann, daughter of Sir Henry Harrington, and had the monastery and lordship of Baltinglass conferred on him by Charles the First in 1626, "in regard of the many acceptable services done unto his father and the late Queen Elizabeth." In the following year he was made a Baronet, Baron of Bantry, and Viscount Baltinglass. He was also Constable of Castlemaine in County Kerry from 1605 to 1637, and he established an English plantation at Crookhaven in County Cork. He died in 1637 and was succeeded by his son Thomas. Thomas bore the Sword of State at the opening of the first Parliament held in the reign of Charles the Second, in 1661. He died in 1665, and was succeeded by Carey Roper, 3rd Viscount Baltinglass, who died in 1676. The title became extinct then. It was revived again in 1685 by James the Second in favour of Richard Talbot, who was created Baron of Talbot's Court, Viscount Baltinglass, and Earl of Tirconnell, and in 1689 Duke of Tirconnell.

Great Connell Priory wasted by the Irish enemy

Great Connell · street · Kildare · 1458

An enrolment of 1458 describes the Priory of Great Connell as entirely wasted by the Irish enemy, and grants to the Prior the rectory and towns of Morristown and Ladytown.

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I11 1458 an enrolment of the thirty- sixth year of Henry Vi’s reign describes this Priory as entirely wasted by the Irish enemy, and grants to the Prior the rectory and towns of Morristown and Ladytown.
I11 1476 this Priory was in a decree styled “one of the principal keys of the County of Kildare ; ” and it sets forth that several grants of the late Abbot to various of the Irishry had impoverished the Priory. “These,” it goes on to say, “considering the good, true heart of Esmond, the new Prior,” are accordingly made void, with the proviso that that act was not to prejudice any man of the English nation.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 210

Inquisition finds James Eustace possessed old Manor House of Kilcullen

Kilcullen · town · Kildare · 1581

An Inquisition held at Naas in July 1581 found that James Eustace, Viscount Baltinglass, attainted for high treason, had possessed the ancient walled Manor House of Kilcullen.

Read the passage

According to an Inquisition held in Naas in July, 1581, it was found that James Eustace, Viscount Baltinglass, lately attainted for high treason, was in possession of an ancient walled enclosure containing buildings called the old Manor House of Kilcullen.1
In 1606 a grant was made to William Eustace, Esq., of Castlemartin, of a yearly Fair to be held on St. Barnabas’s Day and the day following.2 St. Barnabas’s Day falls on the 11th of June, which is also the Festival of St. Eoghan MacTail, Bishop of Kilcullen.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 300

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Kilcullen, an old manor house once stood here inside a walled enclosure. An inquisition held at Naas in July 1581 found that James Eustace, Viscount Baltinglass, lately attainted for high treason, had been in possession of it. Later, in 1606, a grant was made to William Eustace of Castlemartin for a yearly fair on Saint Barnabas's Day, the 11th of June, which is also the festival of Saint Eoghan MacTail, Bishop of Kilcullen.

Kildare Castle as refuge for persecuted priests

Kildare · town · Kildare · 1600–1650

In the early seventeenth century Kildare Castle was a place of refuge for priests fleeing persecution, who always found protection there from the Countess of Kildare, Elizabeth, wife of Gerald, fourteenth Earl of Kildare.

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It may have been built by William de Yesci. It was handed over to John FitzThomas, with the lands about it, by John Wogan, the Justiciary, in 1316. In 1310 William de Wellesley was Constable. In the early part of the seventeenth century it was a place of refuge for priests fleeing from persecution. They always found protection there from the Countess of Kildare, Elizabeth, daughter of Lord Delvin, wife of Gerald, fourteenth Earl of Kildare. In the war of 1641 it was taken by the Confederates and Parliamentarians; and in February, 1650, when Colonel Hewson was ordered to march from Dublin and join him before Kilkenny, he took Kildare on his way. He writes to the Speaker of the Parliament of England from Ballysonan, 3rd of March, 1650 : “ After I had surprised the strong
298 KILDARE: ITS HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 204

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Kildare town, you're near a castle that in the early 1600s sheltered priests fleeing persecution. They always found protection there from the Countess of Kildare, Elizabeth, daughter of Lord Delvin and wife of Gerald, the fourteenth Earl of Kildare. In the war of 1641 the castle was taken by the Confederates and Parliamentarians. Then in February 1650, Colonel Hewson was ordered to march from Dublin and join the forces before Kilkenny, and he took Kildare on his way. He wrote to the Speaker of the Parliament of England from Ballysonan on the 3rd of March 1650, saying,

Laurence educated at Glendalough monastery

Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow

After his release from hostage, Laurence was sent to the bishop of Glendalough for instruction, where he later took the religious habit and became a monk.

Read the passage

For two years the young boy dwelt at Brittas, treated with great cruelty by Dermot. He was only restored to his father at the end of that time, who, learning the miserable condition of his son, seized on twelve of Dermot’s kinsmen and threatened to put them to death unless his son was returned to him unharmed. He was then sent to the bishop of Glendalough, to be instructed. There, after a time, he took the religious habit, and became a monk.
In 1157, in his thirtieth year, on the death of the Abbot Gilla-da-Naomh, Laurence was chosen to take his place. On the death of Gregory, Archbishop of Dublin, four years later, Laurence, whose holiness and prudence had already become well known, was chosen unanimously to succeed him. He was consecrated in Christ Church in 1162, by Gilla MacDe, better known as Gelasius the Primate, and the following year he introduced into the Church the Canons of St. Victor, called Aroasians, from Aroase. He became a member of their community, observing most strictly all that the rule prescribed.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 107

Manor of Castletown described in Chancery Inquisition detail

Carton Demesne · townland · Kildare · 1587

A County Kildare Chancery Inquisition describes the Manor of Castletown as consisting of a castle, courtyard, mill with pond and race, ten farm buildings, 230 acres and a fish-weir on the Anna-Liffey, along with lands in Kilmacredock and the now-vanished townland of Coole-McThomas, later absorbed into Carton demesne.

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2 At this time, according to a County Kildare Chancery Inquisition, the Manor of Castletown consisted of one castle, one courtyard (aula), a mill with its pond and mill-race, ten messuages (or farm buildings), 230 acres, and a fish-weir on the Anna-liffey in Castletown of Kildroght ; two messuages and 160 acres in Kilmacredock ; 60 acres called Aylmer’s farm, and 200 acres called the Earl of Kildare’s farm in Kildroght, a parcell of land in Coole-McThomas (which is a townland not now in existence, as it is included in the park in Carton demesne), and the Moortown, all of which form the Manor of Castletown of Kildroght aforesaid.
370

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 257

Old parliamentarians' hotel beside Ballagh Bridge

Monasterevin · town · Kildare · 1700–1800

An old man named Whelan, who died aged 98, was told by his father that up to thirty members of the old Irish Houses of Commons and Lords would stop at a hotel beside Ballagh Bridge while travelling to or from Parliamentary sessions.

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If Monasterevan had not a better name of its own it might with justice he called the town of bridges as there are twenty-six of them within a quarter mile radius. The oldest and most interesting of those is Ballagh, or Pass Bridge, very narrow, with recesses on one side to enable pedestrians to evade vehicular traffic. It spans the river Barrow where the Earl of Essex crossed in 1599, in his march northwards, after escaping destruction by the O’Moores in the Pass of Plumes. Tradition says that, for the assistance rendered him by the inhabitants on that occasion, he granted them a “right of way” of ten yards in width along either bank for a considerable distance, presumably for the purpose of fishing. Here also Cromwell’s army crossed before battering down the fine old castle of Lea, the principal stronghold of Silken Thomas. Some of Cromwell’s admirers here had the bridge photographed, under the erroneous impression that it was built by him, when there was question of its removal for the Barrow drainage. An old man named Whelan, who lived close by, and who died a few years ago aged 98, was told by his father that he, the latter, often saw as many as thirty members of the old Irish Houses of Commons and Lords stop at a Hotel beside the bridge, all riding on their way to or from a Parliamentary Session. They travelled together for obvious reasons. The hotel was kept by an ancestor of the late Dr. Dudley White, city coroner. On one side of this bridge lies the townland of Coolnafera (the men’s corner ; it may also mean the “grassy corner”) ornamented with the inevitable cock-pit. Here the natives assembled for athletic exercises, &c. In the bog close by were found some years ago a quantity of butter and a long earthenware jar, full of fluid, whicli to the disgust of the finders, was as tasteless as the bog-water. All trace of the jar has been lost as the discoverers have long since emigrated.
Passing up the Black river, formed by the confluence of the Slate, Figile, and Cushina, we meet the fine old dun of

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 101

As the companion tells it

Coming through Monasterevin, a hotel once stood beside Ballagh Bridge. An old man named Whelan, who lived close by and died aged 98, was told by his father that he often saw as many as thirty members of the old Irish Houses of Commons and Lords stop at that hotel, all riding on their way to or from a parliamentary session. They travelled together for obvious reasons. The hotel was kept by an ancestor of the late Dr. Dudley White, city coroner. Monasterevin had twenty-six bridges within a quarter mile, and Ballagh, or Pass Bridge, was the oldest and most interesting. Very narrow, with recesses on one side for pedestrians to evade vehicular traffic. It spans the river Barrow where the Earl of Essex crossed in 1599, marching north after escaping destruction by the O'Moores in the Pass of Plumes. Tradition says that for the assistance the inhabitants gave him, Essex granted them a right of way of ten yards in width along either bank, presumably for fishing. Cromwell's army crossed here too, before battering down the fine old castle of Lea, stronghold of Silken Thomas. Some of Cromwell's admirers later had the bridge photographed under the erroneous impression that he built it, when there was question of its removal for the Barrow drainage. On one side of the bridge lies the townland of Coolnafera, meaning the men's corner, though it may also mean the grassy corner. It had a cock-pit where the natives assembled for athletic exercises. In the bog close by were found some years ago a quantity of butter and a long earthenware jar, full of fluid, which to the disgust of the finders was as tasteless as the bog-water. All trace of the jar has been lost as the discoverers have long since emigrated.

Ruins of the Old Church at Tee-Lane Burnt in 1798

Celbridge · town · Kildare · 1798

Close to Oakly Park, in an enclosed graveyard, stand the ruins of the old church burnt in 1798; part of these ruins have been roofed in to make burial places for the Maunsell and Conolly families.

Read the passage

Close to Oakly Park, in an enclosed graveyard, stand the ruins of the old church burnt in the year 1798. Part of these ruins have been roofed in to make burial-places for the Maunsell and Conolly families. In the Conolly vault is to be found a large and handsome marble monument of the Bight Hon. William Conolly, Speaker of the Irish House of Commons, and his wife. It represents the Speaker reclining in his robes, and his wife bending over him. There is on it a long Latin inscription, stating that it was erected to his memory by Catherine Conyngham his wife. And in front of it is a beautiful piece of iron grill- work. An effort was made some years ago to have it removed from its present position, and placed in the parish church. But nothing came of it. I have reason to believe that the present owner of Castletown is anxious that this statue of his ancestor — so influential, so patriotic, and so good an
1 There is some dispute about the house in which this Academy was held. I was led to believe that it was in Ivildrought House, next the Court H< >use. But the Rev. 1VI . Hogan, a former Roman Catholic curate in Celbridge, informs me that it is also said to have been held in a house in the village which has a date over it, or in a house lower down in the village which stands in a place known as the Brewery Yard. Father Hogan, who has very kindly placed his notes at my disposal for the purpose of this Paper, states that in a book entitled u A Short View of the History of the Christian Church from its first Establishment to the Present Century,” by Rev. Joseph Reeve, published in 1809, he found a list of subscribers to the book,, many of whom gave as their address “ Celbridge Academy.”

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 138

Sir Nicholas Whyte granted Manor of Leixlip

Leixlip · town · Kildare · 1569–1570

In 1569 Sir Nicholas Whyte, Master of the Rolls, was granted the lands of St. Catherine's, and the following year obtained the Manor of Leixlip, two castles, a water-mill, salmon-weir and fishing places called the Salmon Leap. The family held Leixlip until the early eighteenth century.

Read the passage

Sir Nicholas Whyte, Knt., was the son of James Whyte, of King’s Meadows, in the County Waterford. He was in 1564 Recorder of Waterford ; in 1569 he was appointed Seneschal of the County of Wexford and Constable of the Castle of Wexford ; and in 1572 he was made Master of the Rolls — an office which he held till his death on the 20th March, 1593. In 1569 he was granted the lands of St. Catherine’s, on the opposite bank of the Liffey, in the County Dublin, and in the following year he obtained a grant of the Manor of Leixlip, two castles, a water-mill, a salmon-weir, two fishing-places, called the Salmon Leap, on the river Analiffey, Priortown Meade, and other demesne lands of the manor, 6d. rent for licence to have a right of way from Confey to Leixlip, the right of pasture on the great common of Moncronock, and rents out of several townlands, to hold for ever in capite by the service of a fortieth part of a knight’s fee, at a rent of ^36 13s. 4d. Irish (or 1227 10s. sterling).
Sir Nicholas’s son and heir was Andrew Whyte, who married, according to a Funeral Entry, Margaret, daughter of Patrick Finglass, son of Thomas, “ sonne to the Chief Baron ; ” after Andrew's death, on the 31st July, 1599, she re-married with John Finglass, of Westpalstown, County Dublin. Strange to say, Andrew Whyte, in his will, which is dated the 30th Oct., 1596, names as one of the overseers to it “ his father-in-law, Richarde Neuterfilde, of Corballies, Esquier,” and yet the will was proved on the 10th August, 1599, by his widow “Margaret ffinglas, als. Whit.”

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 273

As the companion tells it

Coming through Leixlip now. Back in 1570, Sir Nicholas Whyte was granted the manor here, with its two castles, a water-mill, a salmon-weir, and two fishing-places on the river Analiffey known as the Salmon Leap. He had already received the lands of St. Catherine's the year before, on the opposite bank of the Liffey in County Dublin. Whyte was a man on the rise. He had been Recorder of Waterford in 1564, then Seneschal of County Wexford and Constable of the Castle of Wexford in 1569. Two years after the Leixlip grant, in 1572, he was made Master of the Rolls, an office he held until his death on the 20th of March, 1593. The grant carried a rent of 36 pounds, 13 shillings, and 4 pence Irish, with rights of pasture on the great common of Moncronock and a licence for a right of way from Confey to Leixlip. His son and heir, Andrew Whyte, married Margaret, daughter of Patrick Finglass. Andrew died on the 31st of July, 1599, and his will, dated the 30th of October, 1596, names as one of its overseers his father-in-law, Richarde Neuterfilde, of Corballies. Margaret proved the will on the 10th of August, 1599, and later remarried with John Finglass, of Westpalstown, County Dublin.

Sir William Birmingham granted Baron of Carbury and Ballyboggan Priory lands

Ballyboggan · townland · Galway · 1542

In 1542 Henry VIII granted Sir William Birmingham the title Baron of Carbury along with the site of the late priory of Ballyboggan and the abbey of Clonard with adjacent messuages, a title also already conferred by the Irish Deputy.

Read the passage

In 1542 Henry VIII. granted to Sir William Birmingham and the heirs male of his body the title of Baron of Carbury, with a grant of the site of the late priory of Ballyboggan and the late abbey of Clonard, with all the messuages adjacent.3 But this title had already been conferred on him by the Irish Deputy, and by his summons to the celebrated Parliament held in Dublin in the previous year.4
Sir William went to that Parliament as Baron of Carbury, assisted with the other magnates at solemn High Mass on Corpus Christi Day, rode in the procession to the Parliament House, and voted, with the others for the abolition of the Papal jurisdiction within these realms, and for the transfer of that jurisdiction to King Henry VIII.5 There were great rejoicings in Dublin on this occasion. Bonfires and illuminations blazed through the city ; wine was freely distributed to the people, and a general amnesty granted by the King gave freedom to all persons confined in gaol.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 76

The Castle of Kildrought described as thatched Irish-style hall

Celbridge · town · Kildare · 1582

A Fiant of 1582 describes the Castle of Kildrought's precinct of three acres, including a hall built after the Irish or country manner and covered with straw, leased to Henry Warren.

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2 Fiant No. 4181 of Elizabeth states that a lease in 1582 was granted to Henry Warren, of Ballybritten, gent., of the Castle (the precinct containing three acres, and including a hall built after the Irish or country manner, covered with straw) and lands of Castleton. of Kildroght, Sir Morish litz Thomas’s farm, parcel of the Manor of Kildroght, possessions of David Sutton attainted. To hold for forty years, at a rent of £17 6s. 8cL, maintaining one English horseman. I11 consideration of him and his father Humphry. Henry Warren’s lease to commence on the expiration of Eacly Burne’s lease, which was for thirty years, and commenced in 1582 ; that he should not alien any portion, except to Englishmen, and that he shall not charge coyne or livery, or other unlawful impositions.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 256

Carbury men wound and imprison royal officials during peace mission

Carbury · townland · Kildare · 1374

A 1374 grant records payment to Edward Berle for service alongside Thomas Burley in restoring peace in Meath, during which he was wounded and imprisoned by 'the men of Carbury'.

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In 1374 a grant of 40m. was given to “ Edward Berle for his laudable service in the reformation of the peace in Meath in company of Friar Tlios. Burley, late Chancellor of Ireland, where he was taken wounded and imprisoned by the men of Carbury.”3 Another grant gives to Bichard Crenys & Nicholas Waff re 20 m., “ because of their exertions in company of Thos. Burley . . . then, for the good of the peace in Carbury, where by the Birminghams, enemies and rebels, they were taken wounded and detained in prison until they paid a fine of 10 m., 1 hauberk, and 1 palet worth 5m.”4
Eobert Tyrrell, the Baron of Castleknock, we are told, had to “ pay a ransom both in pence and in horses and armour to to the value of £100.”5

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 74

Castle ordered built at Windgates in 1472 to defend the Pale

Windgates · townland · Kildare · 1472

In a parliament held at Naas in 1472, a castle was ordered to be built at Windgates in county Kildare, with a levy of £10 raised in the county for the purpose, as part of the Pale's defensive network.

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border line there were castles and “ fenced houses,” the constable of each of which should be an Englishman, for an Irishman “ would by nature discover the secrets of the English.” So we find an Act passed in the seventh year of Henry YI. (1429), ordering several castles to be built, as in county Louth, “ that county being destroyed by default of castles and towers.” In a parliament held at Naas in 1472, a castle was ordered to be built at Windgates, county Kildare, and a levy of £10 was ordered to be made in the county for the purpose ; at the request of the Abbot of Baltinglas the same permission was given to Rowland Eustace, Lord Portlester, to build a castle at Balablaght, county Kildare ; and so forth. Round each of these castles there was a bawn (bodun, a cow enclosure) into which the cattle were driven at the approach of the Irish on their raids.
But this was not all. It was desirable that all intercourse, so far as was possible, should be prevented between the English settlers and their Irish neighbours. “ Lord,” says Spenser, “ how quickly doth that country alter men’s natures ! ” and the same writer — remember he wrote at the end of Elizabeth’s reign — in his “ Yiew of the State of Ireland,” which in the form of a colloquy between Eudoxus and Irenseus, makes Eudoxus ask : “ What ! are not they that were once English, English still ? ” and Irenseus answers. “ No, for some of them are degenerated and grown mere Irish, yea, and more malicions to the English,

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 44

Conolly's bequest for poor children's education at Celbridge

Celbridge · town · Kildare · 1729

William Conolly's will directed that a building be erected near Celbridge for the maintenance and education of poor children, endowed with large revenues from lands at Rathfarnham, Co. Dublin, for training in linen manufacture or husbandry.

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country without forgetting his duty to his king, and served his king without forgetting what was due to his country. Firm, resolute, just, wise, formed by nature for the life of a statesman, his administration of affairs was crowned with success to the great advantage of the Commonwealth. He made a modest though splendid use of the great riches he had honestly acquired, distinguished as he was alike for the courtesy, integrity, and munificence of his disposition. Kind-hearted towards all men, he was loyal to his friends, whom he bound to himself in great numbers, and retained their friendship when once he had gained it. Wishing to do good even after his death, he gave directions by his will that a building should be erected on tne adjacent lands for the maintenance and education of the children of the poor, and he endowed it for ever with large revenues.1 Having lived long enough to satisfy the claims of nature and his fame, he died on the 29th of October, in the year of our Lord 1729, in the sixty-seventh year of his age.
“ Catherine, of the Conyngham family, has erected this monument to her most worthy husband.”

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 260

Funeral of Deborah Marsh at Leixlip Church, 1697

Leixlip · town · Kildare · 1697

In March 1697 Leixlip Church was the scene of the funeral and interment of Deborah Marsh, widow of Archdeacon William Williams and sister of Archbishop Narcissus Marsh, founder of Marsh's Library in Dublin.

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In the month of March, 1697, Leixlip Church was the scene of the funeral and interment of Deborah Marsh, widow of William Williams, a Scholar of Trinity College, Dublin, and Archdeacon of Cashel from 1692 till his death in the following year. She was a sister of the celebrated Dr. Narcissus Marsh, d.d., who was born at Hannington, in Wiltshire, on the 20th December, 1638 ; in 1682 he became Bishop of Leighlin and Ferns; in 1690, Archbishop of Cashel; in 1694, Archbishop of Dublin ; and in 1702, Archbishop of Armagh. He died on the 2nd of November, 1 7 1 B, and was buried in St. Patrick’s churchyard, Dublin, close to the building containing the public Library which he founded and endowed, and which at the present time exists, and is known as Marsh’s Library. The following incised inscription is copied from a slab lying in the middle of the floor near the chancel rails of Leixlip Church : —

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 276

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Leixlip, the church here holds a quiet story from March 1697. Deborah Marsh was laid to rest in this church, the widow of William Williams, a Scholar of Trinity College Dublin and Archdeacon of Cashel from 1692 until his death the following year. She was a sister of the celebrated Dr Narcissus Marsh, who was born at Hannington in Wiltshire on the 20th of December 1638, became Bishop of Leighlin and Ferns in 1682, Archbishop of Cashel in 1690, and Archbishop of Dublin in 1694. He later became Archbishop of Armagh in 1702 and was buried in St Patrick's churchyard in Dublin, close to the public library he founded and endowed, still known today as Marsh's Library. An incised inscription lies on a slab near the chancel rails inside this church.

Journal of the County Kildare Archaeological Society (vol. 2)

The stories, best first

First Documented Mention of Carbury Castle in 1234

Great Connell Priory spared from initial 1537 suppression

Great plague and famine strikes Priory of Great Connell

Grey Abbey friars and titular Bishop remove Kildare cathedral treasures in 1641

Kilcullen preyed by Danes, 1,000 captives taken

Kildare town left in ruins and uninhabited in 1600

King William's warrant issued at camp near Carlow, 1690

Leixlip manor forfeited after Silken Thomas rebellion, 1536

Local Tradition of Lord Alen's Failed Attempt to Uproot the Longstone

Sir John Sherlock, knight of Little Lath, governor of Naas

Sir Richard Edgecomb receives oaths of allegiance at Thomas Court

Sir William Birmingham dies at Dunfierth, buried in family mortuary chapel

St. Brigid's Falcon at Kildare Tower

The exact boundary line of the English Pale described

The Napier Family at Celbridge Hall (Oakly Park), Known as the 'Eagle's Nest'

Tradition of the Black Pig's Glen and the Curragh

Amlaff plunders Cill-Cuilinn, 936

Battle of Leinstermen and Munstermen at Ardscull

Brother Michael of Kildare, satirical poet

David O'Bugey, learned Carmelite monk of Kildare

Demolition of Great Connell Ruins for Newbridge Barracks

Destruction of the Lady Chapel window at Castledermot Franciscan Abbey

Detailed 18th-century survey of the Ardscull earthwork

Earl of Desmond's army burns Meiler Birmingham's corn near Carbury

Earl of Kildare dies at Kildare

Earl of Limerick leaves Ireland after Treaty of Limerick

English of Meath repelled by Birminghams at Carbury with heavy losses

Eustace family created Baron of Kilcullen and Viscount Baltinglass

Founding of Crouched Friary and castles at Athy and Rheban

Isserninus established at Aghade after mission through Carlow

King John's Room tradition at Leixlip Castle

Kistvaen with large skeleton exposed at Rathmore in 1894

Shooting of a Rawson at Punchestown in 1798

Timolin church, nunnery and castle history, and 1798 plate

Ardscull Moat believed to be home of the fairies

Auxilius placed over church of Killashee

Ballytore, early home of Edmund Burke

Battle of Confey near Leixlip against the Danes

Castle of Carbury dismantled by Birminghams and O'Connors

Conolly Monument in Tea-lane Churchyard, Celbridge

Deer Park of Maynooth Castle recognizance of 1585

Edward FitzGerald imprisoned for treason

Finds within the levelled rath: bones, bill-hook, and black barley chamber

Fragments of the Wellesley Monument at Great Connell Gateway

Francis Leigh of Rathbride attainted and lands forfeited

Grant of Baltinglass Abbey to Sir Henry Harrington in 1588

Great Connell Priory wasted by the Irish enemy

Inquisition finds James Eustace possessed old Manor House of Kilcullen

Kildare Castle as refuge for persecuted priests

Laurence educated at Glendalough monastery

Manor of Castletown described in Chancery Inquisition detail

Old parliamentarians' hotel beside Ballagh Bridge

Ruins of the Old Church at Tee-Lane Burnt in 1798

Sir Nicholas Whyte granted Manor of Leixlip

Sir William Birmingham granted Baron of Carbury and Ballyboggan Priory lands

The Castle of Kildrought described as thatched Irish-style hall

Carbury men wound and imprison royal officials during peace mission

Castle ordered built at Windgates in 1472 to defend the Pale

Conolly's bequest for poor children's education at Celbridge

Funeral of Deborah Marsh at Leixlip Church, 1697