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

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

1. Death of Douglas Savage and burial at Monasterevan

   Monasterevin · town · Kildare · 1661–1676

   Douglas Savage, daughter and heir of William Savage of Castle Rheban, married Arthur Loftus, 3rd Viscount Ely, but died without issue before 1676 and was interred in the family vault in the chancel of the church at Monasterevan.

   Read the passage

   In vol. viii., p. 249, of Archdail’s Lodge's Peerage , it is stated that Arthur Loftus, 3rd Viscount Ely, married to his first wife Douglas, daughter and heir to William Savage, of Castle Rheban, but had no issue by her, who died and was interred in his family vault in the chancel of the church at Monasterevan. Her death took place before 1676, as in that year Lord Ely married again.

   A view of Rheban Castle as it was before 1793 is given in the Antliologia Hibernica Magazine , vol. ii. ; this view is reproduced in No. 44 of the Dublin Saturday Magazine , vol. i., and also at p. 245, vol. iii., of the Dublin Penny Journal (1834).

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 118

   As the companion tells it

   Coming up through Monasterevan, where the church holds the family vault of the Loftus family. Douglas Savage, daughter and heir of William Savage of Castle Rheban, married Arthur Loftus, 3rd Viscount Ely, but had no children and died before 1676. She was buried in the chancel of the church here. That year, 1676, Lord Ely married again.

2. Denis Murphy's Early Education in Kanturk

   Kanturk · town · Cork · 1833–1848

   Denis Murphy, later a Jesuit priest and antiquarian, was born near Newmarket, Co. Cork, and received his earliest education at a dame's school in Kanturk before attending a classical school in the same town.

   Read the passage

   The Rev. Denis Murphy, S.J., was born at Newmarket, in the county of Cork, on the 12th of January, 1833. He acquired the first rudiments of his education at a dame’s school in Kanturk. Quickly learning all that was to be taught therein, he was placed at a classical school in the same town, where he acquired a sound elementary knowledge of Greek and Latin. From this school at Kanturk he proceeded to Clongowes, where he studied rhetoric with some distinction. He was gifted with an excellent memory, and early in life acquired a power of mastering the details of a subject.

   In October, 1848, he entered the Society of Jesus, making his noviciate at Toulouse. After the noviciate he spent three years in the study of philosophy, when, returning to Clongowes, he commenced the teaching of grammar and the humanities.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 64

3. Dispute over chapel patronage settled by Rome, 1224-5

   Kill · town · Kildare · 1224–1225

   William the Irishman bestowed patronage of a chapel subordinate to Kill's mother church on the Abbey of St Thomas, but after his death his brother Robert le Hyrais disputed the right; the dispute went to Rome and was settled by papal judges with a compromise.

   Read the passage

   Among other landowners near Kill was one who is variously called Willelrnus le Hyrais, Hireys, Hibernicus, Iberniensis, or William the Irishman. On the land which he held (probably from the Hereford family) there was a chapel. This was subordinate to the mother church of Kill ; and by deed witnessed by Milo de Rochfort, William, the vicar of Naas, and Walter, chaplain of Kill, and by his brother, Robertus le Hyrais, he bestowed the patronage of this chapel on the Abbey of St. Thomas, and endowed it with an acre of land adjacent, together with the right of pasture for the chaplain’s horses and cattle over all his lands. After his brother’s death, Robert le Hyrais, although he had been a witness of this deed of gift, disputed the right of the Abbey to the patronage. He was in orders, and had probably been his brother’s chaplain. The dispute was taken to Rome, and there settled by judges appointed by the Pope in 1224-5. It resulted in a compromise. Robert was directed to surrender all his claims to the chapel, and in return, the abbot and canons surrendered the cliaoel and belongings to him for his life, subject to a small payment thereout at Christmas. Robert was to discharge the duties of the chapel, and to pay all episcopal dues ; but to the mother church of Kill was reserved the right of baptizing all infants, and the right of burying all parishioners. The parishioners attending the chapel were also bound to attend the mother church, with the accustomed oblations, on the feasts of Easter, Pentecost, Christmas, and the feast of the mother church.

   I have often wondered who this William the Irishman was. Wrhy was he called so ? Was he really Irish P Or was he only called so because he had adopted the native way of living? If he was really Irish, how did he come to be living as a

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 123

   As the companion tells it

   Coming up through Kill now, a town in Kildare with a story that reached all the way to Rome. A landholder here, known as William the Irishman, gave the patronage of a chapel subordinate to Kill's mother church to the Abbey of St Thomas. His brother Robert le Hyrais witnessed the deed, but after William's death Robert disputed the abbey's claim. Robert was in holy orders and had probably been William's own chaplain. The case went to Rome, where judges appointed by the Pope settled it in 1224 to 1225 with a compromise. Robert had to surrender all claims to the chapel, but the abbot and canons gave him the chapel and its belongings for his lifetime, subject to a small payment at Christmas. Robert was to serve the chapel and pay all episcopal dues. Kill's mother church kept the right to baptize all infants and bury all parishioners, and those attending the chapel still had to come to the mother church with their offerings on Easter, Pentecost, Christmas, and the feast of the mother church. The record calls William by many names — le Hyrais, Hireys, Hibernicus, Iberniensis — and the writer wonders whether he was truly Irish or only called so for adopting the native way of living.

4. Dog trapped in fox earth at the Moat of Ardscull

   Ardscull · townland · Kildare

   A dog following a fox into its earth in the Moat of Ardscull remained trapped for four or five days, bored his way out emaciated at a distance from the entry point, suggesting hollow chambers within the mound.

   Read the passage

   I have a distinct recollection of a dog somewhat taller, but lighter, than an ordinary harrier, following a fox into his earth in the moat, where he remained four or five days, and eventually bored his way out, quite emaciated, at a considerable distance from the point of entry. He could be heard barking, biting roots, &c., and though his owner dug for him at various places, the poor animal had to extricate himself by his own exertions. I think it quite impossible for him to do so if the mound was all solid earth.

   In my opinion the most probable derivation of the name bears out Father (Shearman’s theory, as I think it comes from Ard seal (scaul), which is as near as possible to the pronunciation of the name as given by the old natives there over fifty years ago. This means the hill or height of the hero. Another possible derivation would be Ard scumhal (skool), the high precipice.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 187

5. Dr. Arthur Price's Residence at Oakly Park, Celbridge

   Celbridge · town · Kildare · 1705

   Dr. Arthur Price, one of the clergymen who proposed to Vanessa, lived in the house opposite The Abbey, now known as Oakly Park, then residence of Captain Mark Maunsell. He succeeded his father as Vicar of Celbridge in 1705.

   Read the passage

   One of these clergymen, Dr. Price, is intimately connected with Celbridge history: for he lived in the house opposite The Abbey, now known as Oakly Park, and at present the residence of Captain Mark Maunseil. His father, Samuel Price, was made Vicar of Straffan, and Prebendary of Kildare in 1672, and resigned the parish of Celbridge in 1705, when his son Arthur Price succeeded him. Arthur Price was a graduate of Trinity College, Dublin, and his first ecclesiastical appointment was the curacy of St. Werburgh’s, Dublin. His first promotion was to the Vicarage of Celbridge, and then ecclesiastical greatness was literally “thrust upon him.” He was made Vicar of Feighcullen, and Ballybraine; Prebendary of Donadea ; Rector of Louth, in Co. Armagh, and of Clonfeacle, in Kildare; Archdeacon and Canon of Kildare ; Dean of Ferns, and in 1724 (the year after Vanessa’s death), he was appointed Bishop

   1 The word “ Tee,” in Tee- lane, has, doubtless, no connexion with the beverage known as Tea. It is probably an old Celtic word. Miss Margaret Stokes identifies it, I believe, with a Celtic word “ tech ,” meaning “ church.” Hence “ Tee-lane ” is “ Church Lane.”

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 136

6. Effigy of a knight at Timolin Church

   Timolin · townland · Kildare · 1100–1300

   Lying under a yew-tree on the north side of Timolin Church is a twelfth-century or early thirteenth-century effigy of a knight, supposed to represent Robert De Valle, founder of the nunnery.

   Read the passage

   Lying under a yew-tree on the north side of Timolin Church is a twelfth-century or early thirteenth-century effigy of a knight, supposed to be Robert De Valle, founder of the nunnery.

   In 1537, to use the words of the Four Masters3 —

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 283

7. Founding of the Franciscan Convent (Grey Abbey) at Kildare

   Kildare · town · Kildare · 1260

   The Franciscan Convent, called at times the Grey Abbey, was founded in 1260 by William de Vesci and completed by Gerald Fitzmaurice, first Lord Offaley.

   Read the passage

   The Franciscan Convent, called at times the Grey Abbey, was founded in 1260 by William de Vesci. The building was completed by Gerald Fitzmaurice, first Lord Offaley.

   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.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 205

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Kildare town, you are near the site of the Franciscan Convent, sometimes called the Grey Abbey. William de Vesci founded it in 1260, and Gerald Fitzmaurice, first Lord Offaley, completed the building. A monk here called Brother Michael of Kildare lived around 1308. Two of his works survive, including a satirical poem against the secular clergy, the original of which is in the British Museum.

8. Government plans to rebuild towers at Kinnafad and Castlejordan

   Castlejordan · townland · Meath · 1540

   In 1540 the Council of Ireland proposed to build towers at Kynnafad and Castell Jourdan (prostrated by O'Connor in the war) and to rebuild Kishawanny and Ballynure, describing these as the only passages by which O'Connor could enter the English pale.

   Read the passage

   The frontiers of Carbury were still a cause of grave anxiety to the Government. In this same year the Council of Ireland writes to King Henry VIII. : — Having further aid of £200 from your Majesty, we intend to erect and build one tower at Kynnafad, another at Castell Jourdan, which in this war was prostrated by the said O’Connor, and to reedify Kyshevan (Kishawanny) and Ballanower (Ballynurej, being the frontiersof the said O’Connor and the only passages where he must enter within your pale, which places being so builded, shall not only be a preparation to banish the said O’Connor, if he be set to upon his next breach, but also be a stop to keep him and all the Irishmen behind him from invading your pale with any horsemen, as my Lord of Norfolk doth right well know.”2

   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

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 76

9. Holy well dedicated to St. Columbkill at Newtown near Leixlip

   Newtown · townland · Kildare · 1463

   On the townland called Newtown, between the town of Leixlip and the railway, there is a holy well dedicated to St. Columbkill, and the Church of St. Columb may formerly have stood near it.

   Read the passage

   1463. In this year it was enacted by Parliament that the Church of St. Columb, in this county, should be annexed to the Monastery of the Blessed Virgin near Leixlip ; no other mention has been found of this religious house.2 On the townland called Newtown, between the town of Leixlip and the railway, there is a holy well dedicated to St. Columbkill ; the Church of St. Columb may formerly have stood in its vicinity.

   By a Statute of Henry VII, passed in the year 1494, it was enacted that only Englishmen should be appointed to the office of Constable of the King’s Castles of Athlone, Carlingford, Carrickfergus, Dublin, Greencastle, Leixlip, Trim, and Wicklow.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 270

10. Isserninus placed temporarily over church at Kilcullen

    Kilcullen · town · Kildare

    St. Patrick placed Isserninus temporarily over the church at Kilcullen before he retired to die among his first converts at Aghade around 469.

    Read the passage

    Ath Fithot, having first temporarily placed him over the church at Kilcullen, in the County Kildare, as we read in the “ Tripartite Life of St. Patrick,” p. 187.

    “ Thereafter he went into Mag Liphi (the plain of the Liffey). He founded churches and cloisters therein, and he left Auxilius in Cell Usaili, and Isserninus and MaccTail in Celia Culind, and other saints.”

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 295

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kilcullen, this is where Saint Patrick temporarily placed Isserninus over the church before retiring to die at Aghade. The Tripartite Life of Saint Patrick says he went into the plain of the Liffey, founded churches and cloisters, and left Isserninus and MaccTail in Celia Culind, which is Kilcullen, along with other saints.

11. John FitzThomas, first Earl of Kildare, dies at Maynooth

    Maynooth · town · Kildare · 1316

    The Book of Hours records the death of John FitzThomas, created Earl of Kildare by Edward II, who died at Maynooth on 10 September 1316 and was buried in the Grey Abbey at Kildare.

    Read the passage

    3. Then comes the date of the death of “ Johannes filius Thome primus comes de Kild : et sepelitur in eccl. cathed : Daren, Sept. 10, 1316. This date agrees with that of the death of John FitzThomas, who was created Earl of Kildare by Edward II, and who died at Mavnooth, Sept. 10, 1316, and was buried in the Grey Abbey at Kildare.

    4. The next entry occurs on March 9, 1328: — “ Obitus Thome com. Kild. qui erat filius Jolis com Kild : dom. de Offaly et Justic. Hiber : idem Thome edificavit capell ba Mrie in monasterio mar in Kild : ubi sepel. et dom. Johan de burgo uxor ejus.” Here I find a difference of a month, for the date of Thomas, 2nd Earl of Kildare’s, death is given in “ The Earls of Kildare ” as 9th April. He was twice Lord Justice of Ireland. He added the Chapel of St. Mary to the Church of the Franciscans at Castledermot, and was buried before the altar of our Lady in the Grey Abbey of Kildare, where his wife, Lady Joan de Burgh, was also buried.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 292

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Maynooth, this is where John FitzThomas died on 10 September 1316. He had been created Earl of Kildare by Edward II, and his body was taken from here to the Grey Abbey at Kildare for burial. His son Thomas, the 2nd Earl, died on 9 March 1328, after serving twice as Lord Justice of Ireland. Thomas added the Chapel of St. Mary to the Franciscan church at Castledermot, and was buried before the altar of Our Lady in the same Grey Abbey of Kildare, where his wife, Lady Joan de Burgh, was also laid to rest.

12. John Lye acquires forfeited Keaton and Walshe lands near Clonaugh

    Ticknevin · townland · Kildare · 1591

    Following a royal grant promising him forfeited lands, John Lye acquired the attainted lands of the Keaton family at Ticknevin, Kilpatrick and Ballinakill, and of James Walshe at Kilmorebranagh near Clonaugh, with an old laneway still traceable connecting these properties.

    Read the passage

    In 1591, we hear of John Lye in a new role — that of Land Leaguer — complaining that the rent is too high. At this date the Queen again writes to the Lord Deputy and Council of Ireland. She refers to her letter of 1586, granting John Lye, “ our good and faithful subject, a lease for 60 years, without fine, of Rathbride, Morristownbiller, and Croatanstown,” and she says : — Lye complains that the rent charged for them is too high, so that he can’t live on them, much less defend them against evil disposed persons, which, he says, are in that part very numerous.”1 2 The Queen now, therefore, orders that these lands be resurveyed, so that the same may be reasonably rented ; and that he may reap the benefit she graciously means to him, in order to make up the full value of £50 sterling, such other lands that may come to the Crown by attainder, escheat, ontrusion, or concealment, whereof he shall give notice, are to be set to him and to his assigns for 60 years, without fine. This was a most important document for John Lye. He is the State servant, and he is promised all the forfeited lands of his unfortunate neighbours, of which he shall give notice. Mark the result. A few miles to the south of Clonaugh, and on the road to Rathbride, we find a whole colony of Ketons, or Keatings. Ticknevin belonged to Gerald FitzGerald Keaton, Kilpatrick to Gerald FitzEdmond Keton, and Ballinakill Bally brack to Edmund FitzMyler Keton, and Ballinakill to Thomas Keton. All these unfortunate people are attainted of high treason, and lose their lands, which at once slip quietly into the possession of John Lye.3 There is an old laneway, blotted out in many places, but still quite traceable, which passes Clonaugh, and goes its winding way south to Kilpatrick, Ticknevin, then via Lullymore, across the bog of Allen, and on to the open country towards Rathbride. Most likely this lane way was constructed by John Lye. Another windfall comes to John at this time also — Kilmorebranagh. It is only half a mile north-east from Clonaugh, and belonged to James Walshe, brother and heir to John FitzPhilip Walshe. This James Walshe was attainted of high treason, and Kilmorebranagh is enfeoffed to John Lye, of

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 98

13. Kitchen-midden layers and quartz found in Rathmore rath

    Rathmore · townland · Kildare

    Excavation of the exposed face of Rathmore rath revealed black strata of wood ash, broken deer horns and animal bones forming a kitchen-midden, along with pieces of white quartz likely brought from the Wicklow hills, associated with ancient burial practices.

    Read the passage

    I11 these lumps of clay or mud, and indeed lying loose amongst the fallen gravel, I found many pieces of white quartz, which gives out sparks when struck with a steel. This quartz does not, as a rule, occur in limestone gravel or sand formation, and must have been brought from the Wicklow hills close by.

    Mr. Wood-Martin, in his “Rude Stone Monuments of Ireland,” says : “ It is remarkable that fragments of quartz

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 79

14. Origin of the name Leixlip explained via Salt barony

    Leixlip · town · Kildare · 1657

    J. Salte may have derived his name from the Barony of Salt, which in turn derived its name from the Salmon Leap, giving rise to the name Leixlip (Lax's leap).

    Read the passage

    1657. — J. Salte. — He may have derived his name from the Barony, which in turn

    derived its from the Salmon leap = de saltu Salmonis , whence Lach’s-leap = Leixlip.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 181

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Leixlip, the name may go back to a Salmon Leap, written in old records as "de saltu Salmonis." A man called J. Salte in 1657 may have taken his own name from the Barony of Salt, which in turn came from that salmon leap. From Lach's leap comes the name Leixlip.

15. Precedence privilege of the Bishop of Kildare due to Tara

    Tara · parish · Meath

    A special privilege attaches to the church of Kildare: its bishop has precedence over all other Irish bishops except the Bishop of Meath, ranking first because Tara, seat of the Ardrigh, lay in his jurisdiction.

    Read the passage

    A special privilege attaches to the church of Kildare, viz., that the bishop has precedence of all the other bishops of Ireland except the Bishop of Meath ; he ranks first because Tara, the seat of the Ardrigh, was in his jurisdiction. I called the attention of our late lamented Vice-President to this ancient right, and he told me he was aware of it, and that in the Irish Ecclesiastical Directory of that year he had the diocese of Kildare inserted before that of any other diocese of the province of Dublin.

    De Burgo, author of “ Hibernia Dominicana,” a history of the Dominican Order in Ireland, says that in 1770 he saw the head of St. Brigid in a chapel dedicated to her in the Priory of St. John the Baptist at Lumear, three miles from Lisbon. The clergy of the church say the Office and Mass of the saint on the 1st of February each year, at which the members of a sodality erected in honour of St. Brigid assist. Cattle and sheep are brought at that same time to the church to be blessed. A stone set in the wall near the entrance to the church says that near it are buried the three Irish knights who brought there the head of the blessed St. Brigid, in memory of whom the sodality of the saint erected this monument in the month of January, 1283.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 199

16. Rebuilding of the White Castle of Athy

    Athy · town · Kildare · 1505–1507

    About this period the Earl rebuilt several castles to strengthen Crown possessions, including the White Castle of Athy along with Castledermot and Rathvilly.

    Read the passage

    About this period the Earl rebuilt several castles to strengthen the possessions of the Crown, and among others the White Castle of Athy, and those of Castledermot, and Rathvilly, the latter in the Co. Carlow.

    In the year 1507, the Earl wrote a remarkable letter from his Castle in Castledermot, to Florence, in which he makes inquiries as to the family of Gherardini (here, from whom his ancestor “ Dominus Otho,” the first of the family to reside in England, and great-grandfather to Maurice FitzGerald, the first of the Irish Geraldines, was sprung, close on five hundred years before. This letter is amongst the Gherardini papers, and was worded thus : —

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 88

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Athy now. Around 1505 the Earl rebuilt several castles to strengthen Crown possessions, and the White Castle of Athy was among them, along with those at Castledermot and Rathvilly in County Carlow. In 1507 he wrote a remarkable letter from his castle in Castledermot to Florence, asking about the Gherardini family, from whom his ancestor Dominus Otho, the first of the family to reside in England, had sprung close on five hundred years before. That letter is among the Gherardini papers.

17. Recumbent Effigy at Timolin, c.1180

    Timolin · townland · Kildare · 1180

    At Timolin, Sir Arthur Vicars read a paper describing a curious Recumbent Effigy dating from about 1180, considered one of the earliest of its kind in Ireland, and examined beside the monument itself.

    Read the passage

    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.

    This Paper, by one of the first authorities on Recumbent Effigies, read beside the monument itself, afforded great instruction and interest to those assembled.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 231

18. St. Kay's association with Donadea church

    Donadea · townland · Kildare · 400–500

    St. Kay was in all probability the founder and patron of the original church of Donadea in the barony of Ikeathy, the old name 'Domhnach Caoide' also meaning St. Kay's Church. His death occurred soon after the close of the 5th century.

    Read the passage

    This saint is venerated on the 12th of December; he has been identified by the late Father Shearman,1 formerly parish priest of Moone, with a St. Mokatoe, or Katan, who is said to liave been buried at the famous “ Oghamed ” burial-ground of Killeen-Cormac, near Colbinstown, in this county. Though the names Kay and Mokatoe or Katan appear at first sight to have no connection with one another, yet the transformation is easily explained. In the early Christian times it was a common practice by way of endearment to use certain prefixes and affixes to a saint’s name, such as -awn or -an, i.e. little ; -oge or -oc, i.e. young; Mo-, my. Thus “Kay” became “Katan” or “ Katoc,” and so to Mokatoe. Another instance of this kind of transformation in a saint’s name is that of St. Mogue, also known as St. Aidan, the patron saint of Co. Wexford; his original name was Aedli (pronounced Av), this became “endeared” to “ Ai-dan,” and “ Mo-ay- oge” or Mogue. St. Kay was the son of Matan, son of Braccan, son of Caelbuidh, who was for fifteen years king of Ulster, and for one year, A.i). 1357, king of Ireland, lie was one of the seven disciples whom St. Patrick left with St. Fiach at Sleaty, which is situated on the Barrow, in the Queen’s County, about seven miles to the south of Kilkea. The chief scene of St. Kay’s mission was at Inishbeg in the Wexford Haven, but he was in all probability the founder as well as patron of the original church of Donadea, in the barony of Ikeatby, in the north of the county Kildare, the old form of the name of which was “ Domhnach Caoide,” also meaning St. Kay’s Church ; his death took place soon after the close of the 5th century.

    After the Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland in 1169, this southern end of the Co. Kildare was granted by Strongbow to Walter de ltiddlesford, Baron of Bray, Co. Wicklow, as is mentioned in a contemporary French poem on the Conquest of Ireland, wherein it is stated that —

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 5

19. Sunday's Well at Richardstown named Toberreendowney

    Richardstown · townland · Kildare

    Among several wells in Kildare called Sunday's Well, one in the townland of Richardstown, parish of Kildangan, bears the Irish form of the name Toberreendowney, a contraction of Tober-righ-an-domhnaigh, meaning the Well of the King of Sunday.

    Read the passage

    Sunday’s Well. — In the county Kildare there are anyhow three wells, if not more, known as “ Sunday’s Well ” ; one of them is near the village of Clane, another near Haas, and the third is in the townland of Kichardstown, and parish of Kildangan. The last one mentioned is the only one which bears the Irish form of the name, viz. Toberreendowney ” which is a contraction for “ Tober-righ-an-domhnaigh,” meaning the Well of the King of Sunday ( i.e . God).1 Can any of our readers inform me on what day the Patterns were formerly held at these wells? Just over the mearin of the county Kildare, and in the county Carlow, is a Sunday’s Well at a place called Ivinneagh, which lies about four miles to the south-east of Castledermot; according to the Ordnance Survey letters the Pattern was held here on Whit Sunday,

    Piper’s Stones. — On the summit of Prewel hill, lb miles to the north of Colbinstown station, and in this county, encircled by a wide double entrenchment (now much levelled, and not marked on the six inch Ordnance Survey map) is a group of four large boulders, of which two are granite, another of white quartz, and the fourth of red “pudding-stone” ; they are known as the “Piper’s Stones,” though the people in the locality do not know why ; I would be glad to know if any one can explain the name, and relate the legend which must be attached to them, as other places in Ireland have also groups of stones bearing the same name; one, for instance, near Ballymore-Eustace, also in the county Kildare.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 103

20. The O'Kelly Slab in Cadamstown Churchyard

    Cadamstown · townland · Kildare

    Cadamstown, formerly called Bally-mac-Adam, has a churchyard with a slab bearing a Latin inscription and coat of arms, now built into the west end of the church ruins by the late Richard More-O'Ferrall after being dug up during construction of the More-O'Ferrall vault.

    Read the passage

    The slab in question is now built into the west end of the church ruins, on the inside. It was placed there by the late Richard More-O’Ferrall, after it had been dug up during the erection of the More-O’Ferrall vault. It measures 4 ft. in height, and 2 ft. 2 in. in breadth. An incised inscription in Latin occupies the upper portion of the slab ; then comes a coat of arms in low

    The first three lines on the O’Kelly Slab in Cadamstown Churchyard.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 305

21. The Race of the Black Pig road on the Curragh

    Curragh · townland · Kildare

    An ancient road called 'The Race of the Black Pig' crosses the western end of the Curragh, lying between the racecourse and Kildare, as shown on the six-inch Ordnance Survey map.

    Read the passage

    “ The Race of the Black Pig ” on the Curragh. — An ancient road of this name crosses the western end of the Curragh ; roughly speaking it lies between the racecourse and Kildare, and is so shown on the six inch Ordnance Survey map. What is the origin of the name ? — W. FitzG.

    1 Vide p. 452, Second Series, of Dr. Joyce’s “Irish Names of Places Explained.”

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 103

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, an ancient road called the Race of the Black Pig crosses the western end of the Curragh, roughly between the racecourse and Kildare. It is shown on the six-inch Ordnance Survey map. The name's origin is not known.

22. The Salmon Leap at Leixlip inspected

    Leixlip · town · Kildare · 1896

    On arrival at Leixlip the celebrated Salmon Leap was inspected by the Society; the recent rains had heightened the effect of the volume of water passing over the rocks.

    Read the passage

    On arrival at Leixlip the celebrated Salmon Leap was inspected. Owing to the recent rains the volume of water passing over the rocks heightened the effect.

    Some of those present then entered Leixlip Castle, which had been kindly thrown open for inspection by Mr. William Mooney. The interior is now fitted up as a modern residence ; hut the room in which King John is said to have slept is still pointed out, and is known as the “King’s room.” Notes on the Castle were read by Lord Frederick Fitz Gerald, after which Leixlip Parish Church was visited, and the many interesting monuments it contains, and the registers and church plate, attracted much attention.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 152

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Leixlip now. In 1896 the Archaeological Society came here and inspected the celebrated Salmon Leap, where recent rains had heightened the volume of water passing over the rocks. Some of the party then entered Leixlip Castle, opened for them by Mr. William Mooney. Inside, a room where King John is said to have slept was still pointed out, known as the "King's room." Lord Frederick Fitz Gerald read notes on the castle, and afterward the parish church was visited for its monuments, registers, and church plate.

23. Thomas Alen, Clerk of the Hanaper, at Kilteel

    Kilteel · parish · Kildare · 1534–1559

    Thomas Alen, Clerk of the Hanaper, held Kilheale (now called Kilteel) in County Kildare, and by his wife Mary Rawson became ancestor of the Alens of Bishop's Court.

    Read the passage

    About this period there was residing at Castletown a William Alen, brother to Sir John Alen, Chancellor of Ireland, who had acquired the recently dissolved Abbey of St. Wolstans, which lay on the opposite bank of the Liffey, and which he re-named “ Alen’s Court ; ” another of his brothers was Thomas Alen, Clerk of the Hanaper, of Kilheale (or Kilteel, as it is now called) in this county, who by his wife, Mary Rawson, was ancestor of the Alens of Bishop’s Court. These brothers were the first of their name in Ireland, and were descended from the Alens1 of Coteshall, in Norfolk. There is on record a letter from five of the Alen family (all of whom were bitter enemies of the Geraldines), which was addressed to their “ right worshipful brother, Mr. Thomas Alen, Warden of the College of Youghyll” (afterwards of Kilteel), which was “ written in all haste at Youghyll in Irland, the 17th of May, 1534, by your brethren” (and signed by), Richard Alen, John Alen (Master of the Rolls), Robert Alen, Jasper Alen, and Mellsher Alen.

    John Alen, Archbishop of Dublin, who was murdered on the 28th July, 1581, by two yeomen of Dublin — John Reeling and Nicholas Wafer — who were followers of the Silken Thomas, was a cousin of the above-named brothers, and a brother of Thomas Alen, of Rayleigh, in Essex.2

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 250

24. Timolin effigy's prick-spurs cited as evidence for Norman armour

    Timolin · townland · Kildare

    The Rev. J. F. M. French cited the Timolin effigy's pair of prick-spurs as important evidence that Norman knights invading Ireland wore prick-spurs in pairs, disproving claims that Norman spurs were worn singly.

    Read the passage

    “ I think,” he writes, “ the most important evidence we can obtain as to whether our Norman invaders wore the prick or rowelled spur is that supplied by a recumbent monumental effigy lately brought to notice in the churchyard of Timolin, in the County Kildare, by that Archaeological Society’s Journal.2 I think this Timolin effigy affords convincing proof that some, if not all, the Norman knights who invaded Ireland wore prickspurs, although in this, as in countless other instances, the two periods may have overlapped one another. The Timolin effigy does more for us than even this, for it disproves a statement wffiich I quote from a good authority, who says that ‘ the ancient equestrians wore the spur on one heel only. No instance appears to be known of Norman spurs occurring in pairs ; ’ and the reason Hume gives for this habit is, that the Norman knights felt quite satisfied that if one side of the horse went on, the other was sure to follow. Now, the Timolin figure shows a pair of prick-spurs, and that ought to provide a very conclusive denial to that assertion.”

    The Shield was kite-shaped ; it was slung over the back, or at the left hip when not required ; it was hung by a “ guige ” or belt, which passed over the right shoulder and under the left arm ; it was curved, and on it were painted the armorial bearings of the knight.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 290

25. Birminghams of Donadea and Carrick attainted in 1691

    Donadea · townland · Kildare · 1691

    The attainders of 1691, following the Jacobite wars in which the Birminghams fought for James II, list Piers Birmingham of Donadea, Andrew of Carrisborough, and Garret of Carrick in County Kildare as having lost their lands.

    Read the passage

    The attainders of 1691 present the names of Piers Birmingham of Donadea, Andrew of Carrisborongh, and Garret of Carrick, in the county Kildare.

    Of all these branches the Birminghams of Dunfierth seem to have been the most important, and the nearest in blood to William, Baron of Carbury.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 77

26. Castletown House visit and Conolly family history

    Castletown House · site · Kildare · 1896

    At Castletown, the Society was received by the Lord Chief Justice and Lady O'Brien, where Lord Walter FitzGerald read a paper on Castletown House and the Conolly family, followed by notes on the history of Celbridge by the Rev. C. Graham.

    Read the passage

    Some delay in making a start after luncheon somewhat shortened the time apportioned to the remaining places to be visited, and it was already late when the Society arrived at Castletown, where they were received by the Lord Chief Justice and Lady O’Brien. The Members and their friends having assembled in the hall, Lord Walter Fitz Grerald read an interesting Paper on Castletown House and the Conolly family, and the Pev. C. Graham followed with notes 011 the past history of Celbridge ; after which, by the kind permission of the Lord Chief Justice, the company were permitted to inspect the interior of the house.

    It was late when Donacomper Churchyard, which wcs the next place on the day’s programme to be visited, was

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 152

    As the companion tells it

    Right here is Castletown House. In 1896 the Kildare Archaeological Society arrived late, after a delayed luncheon, and were received by the Lord Chief Justice and Lady O'Brien. The members gathered in the hall, where Lord Walter FitzGerald read a paper on Castletown House and the Conolly family, and the Reverend C. Graham followed with notes on the history of Celbridge. After that, by the Lord Chief Justice's permission, the company was allowed to inspect the interior of the house.

27. Church of Kildare rebuilt by Queen Flanna in 868

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 868

    The Church of Kildare was rebuilt in 868 AD by Queen Flanna, wife of Aedth Finliath, King of Ireland.

    Read the passage

    868 a.d. The Church of Kildare was rebuilt by Queen Flanna, wife of Aedth Finliath, King of Ireland.

    962 a.d. Kildare rifled by the Gentiles, but O’Nerulo, through merciful pitie, tooke pitty on them, and redeemed all the

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 163

    As the companion tells it

    Passing through Kildare. The Church of Kildare was rebuilt in 868 by Queen Flanna, wife of Aedth Finliath, King of Ireland. In 962, the town was rifled by the Gentiles, but O'Nerulo took pity on them.

28. Church of St Mary and St Brigid at Kill dedicated by Anglo-Normans

    Kill · town · Kildare · 1177

    At Kill, where there was already a church dedicated to St Brigid, the Anglo-Norman settlers added to the old dedication, calling it the Church of St Mary and St Brigid, which became part of the possessions of the Abbey of St Thomas.

    Read the passage

    In very many cases the new proprietors did a very sen ible and right act. They built a little church for themselves and their followers ; and they either arranged with some monastery to supply the clerical duty, or they endowed it with income sufficient to keep a clergyman. Most of those townlands then became parishes, and the churches were parish churches. In other instances, where they found a native Irish church, they retained it, or perhaps rebuilt and endowed it. At Kill, where there was already a church dedicated to St. Brigid, they seem to have added to the old dedication, and called it the Churcli of St. Mary and St. Brigid ; and this church became part of the possessions of the Abbey of St. Thomas.

    In A.i). 1177, four years after the canonization of Thomas a Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, a church, dedicated to him, was founded in the western suburb of the city of Dublin, on behalf of Henry II. by William FitzAldelm, his representative in Ireland. The church wras under the care of the Augustinian Canons of the Order of St. Victor, and it became the centre of an establishment called the Abbey of St. Thomas the Martyr, near Dublin. Being of royal foundation its abbots were appointed subject to the approval of the king, and became members of his council in Ireland, peers of his parliament there, and administered justice in the court of the abbey. It soon became richly endowed, and had considerable possessions in the County Kildare. Its endowments at Kill originated thus : —

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 122

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kill, a church already stood here dedicated to St Brigid. The Anglo-Norman settlers kept the native Irish church and added St Mary to its dedication, calling it the Church of St Mary and St Brigid. This church became part of the possessions of the Abbey of St Thomas, which was founded in 1177, four years after the canonization of Thomas a Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury. The abbey was founded in the western suburb of Dublin on behalf of Henry II by William FitzAldelm, his representative in Ireland, and placed under the care of the Augustinian Canons of the Order of St Victor. Being of royal foundation, its abbots were appointed subject to the approval of the king, became members of his council in Ireland and peers of his parliament, and the abbey grew richly endowed with considerable possessions in County Kildare.

29. Detailed inventory of Alen's goods at Castletown and Kildrought mill

    Celbridge · town · Kildare · 1558

    The 1558 inventory of William Alen's goods lists debts owed for the rent of the manor of Kildroght and Castletown, the mill of Kildroght, and other local holdings, providing a rare glimpse of sixteenth-century estate economy.

    Read the passage

    Brasse potts, pannes, barnesse tryppets1 and kytchen stuffs valued at xxii li str. A Panne in gage2 for xls str. Artyllery and instruments to tlie plowe and husbandry estemed at vii li vis str. Cartes & carte whels with fcher necessaryes worth evi8 styrlynge A carpet and six quishens3 * worth lxvis viiid cubbordes and tables worth x li iiis iiiid ffowrmes and chayrs xxiii8 iiiid. The Beddys and beddynge cvis viiid styrlynge. A sylver cupe and fyve small sylver spones valued at iiii li str. hys apparell was bequethed to his sonne and frends. hys naperye, pewter, candelstycks bequethed to his wyffe. Dettes owynge by hym. ffyrst for the rent of the manor of Kyldroght &

    Castellton for the laste michelmas terme xviii li xv8 iiiid ffor the rent of Tyrells’ freholde in Kyi dr. . . .

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 253

30. Dissolution sale of the Carmelite house at Kildare

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 1539–1541

    At the dissolution of the Carmelite monastery in Kildare, the house was sold for £1, and included a church and belfry, a dormitory, hall, two chambers, a messuage, a garden, and a close of one acre.

    Read the passage

    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.

    There are certain figures here which are said to have been brought from the Grey Abbey, to preserve them.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 205

31. Eustace family castle and burial ground at Confey

    Confey · townland · Kildare · 1500–1650

    A branch of the Eustace family was seated at Confey from the sixteenth century, and a small portion of their castle still exists there near the Confey churchyard where they were buried, though no monument to them remains visible.

    Read the passage

    1 In the sixteenth century (and probably earlier still) a branch of the Eustace family was seated at Confey. A small portion of their castle still exists there, a field or two away from the Confey churchyard in which they buried, though no monument to them is now visible in it. James Eustace, of Confey, was outlawed about 1650 for rebellion ; he was the son of Nicholas Eustace, of Confey, who died about the year 1648, and who was married to(l) Margaret, daughter of John Sarsfield of Lucan ; (2) to Margaret Bath. This Nicholas was the son of John Eustace, of Confey (ob. 2nd July, 1598), by his wife, Mary, daughter of Richard Fagan, Alderman of Dublin ; who was the son of Nicholas Eustace, of Confey (ob. 10th Oct., 1581), by his wife, Maud, daughter of Thomas Luttrell ; who was the son of James Eustace (ob. v. p.), by his wife, Joan Peppard ; who was the son of John Eustace, of Confey (ob. 4th Feb., 1552), by his wife, Elizabeth, daughter of Christopher Chivers, of Macetown, County Meath ; who was the son of James Eustace, of Confey, who married Elizabeth FitzLeons. ( Vide the Co. Kildare Exchequer Inquisitions and Wills.)

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 269

32. Gerald the Great Earl buried near Kilcullen bridge

    Kilcullen · town · Kildare · 1513–1517

    Gerald FitzGerald, the Great Earl, 8th Earl of Kildare and Deputy of Ireland for thirty years, died and was buried in the Franciscan monastery next to the bridge of Kilcullen, though the Book of Hours date conflicts with other sources.

    Read the passage

    7. The next notice is of the Great Earl, Geroit More, 8th Earl of Kildare, son of the above : — “ Obitus Geraldi filii Thome, octavi Comitis de Kyld : et deput rcgis in Hib : per trigenta

    annos et sepel. in mon. fram ) , . rrn . , * 1 tt- i

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 292

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Kilcullen. Gerald FitzGerald, the Great Earl, 8th Earl of Kildare and Deputy of Ireland for thirty years, was buried in the Franciscan monastery by the bridge here. The date of his death is uncertain, as the Book of Hours conflicts with other sources.

33. Grant of Timolin nunnery site to Sir Henry Harrington

    Timolin · townland · Kildare · 1581–1612

    In 1581 Sir Henry Harrington was granted the site of the house of nuns of Tymolynbegge along with its mill and lands, holding it until his death in 1612 when his son Sir John Harrington succeeded him.

    Read the passage

    In 1581 Sir Henry Harrington, Knt, was granted the site of the house of nuns of Tymolynbegge, the mill there, the lands of Tymolynbegge, Old Orange, 40 acres of land in Inchmacudder (Inchaquire), called St. John’s Lands, and the customs of all the premises. Sir Henry died on the 1st of May, 1612, and was succeeded by his son and heir, Sir John Harrington, Knt.2 3

    In 1603, on the 23rd of May, a John Murphy, Surgeon, of Dublin, died. He at that time was in possession of the Castle, 10 messuages (or farmsteads), and 60 acres of land in Tymolin ; his heir was his nephew, John Seagerson (son of Thomas Seagerson, of Ashtown, by his wife Joan, sister of the abovementioned John Murphy).8

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 285

34. Hewetson charity school endowed at Clane

    Clane · town · Kildare · 1783

    A member of the Hewetson family who died in 1783 left the lands of Betaghstown to endow a charity school in Clane Parish, which was still existing at the time of writing.

    Read the passage

    Esq. (there buried), who was born at Settrington, in Yorkshire, and died on the 2nd February, 1658, aged 45. One of this family who died in 1783 left the lands of Betaghstown to endow a charity School in Clane Parish, still existing.

    1657. — J. Salte. — He may have derived his name from the Barony, which in turn

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 181

35. James Sherlock granted offices in the lordship of Wexford

    Wexford · town · Wexford · 1536–1539

    Under Henry VIII, James Sherlock was granted the offices of Treasurer, Receiver-General, and Bailiff of the lordship of Wexford. In 1539 he presented a survey of the county to Secretary Cromwell, noting the King's revenue there amounted to £220 yearly and complaining of misconduct by soldiers under the seneschal.

    Read the passage

    But to return to our State Papers ; we find in the Patent and Close Polls of Henry VIII. (28th, 29th, and 30th year), a grant of the offices of Treasurer, Beceiver- General, and Bailiff of the lordship of Wexford to James Sherlock, gentleman. This James Sherlock, in 1539, presented a survey of that county to Secretary “ Crum well,” for the use of the Government, and in a letter he shows that the King’s revenue

    FROM STATE PAPERS AND OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS. 39

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Wexford town, this was the lordship James Sherlock governed under Henry VIII. He held the offices of Treasurer, Receiver-General, and Bailiff, granted in the 28th, 29th and 30th years of the King's reign. In 1539 he sent Cromwell a survey of the county, noting the King's revenue from it.

36. MacTail succeeds Isserninus as ruler of Kilcullen monastery

    Kilcullen · town · Kildare

    MacTail, associated with Isserninus at Kilcullen, succeeded him in governing the monastery when Isserninus returned to Aghade, and is always styled MacTail of Cill-Cuilenn.

    Read the passage

    When St. Patrick placed Id, or Fith — i.e., Isserninus — over the church of Kilcullen, he associated MacTail with him. It appears that when Isserninus returned to Aghade, MacTail succeeded him in the government of the monastery, since he is always styled MacTail of Cill-Cuilenn. His name occurs in the list of Patrick’s household given in the “Tripartite Life,” p. 251 :

    “The smiths making the bells — namely, Macc-cecht and Cuana and Macc-tail.”

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 295

37. Manor of Castletown passes to the Dongan family

    Celbridge · town · Kildare · 1587–1592

    In 1587 Edward FitzGerald and Thomas FitzGerald of Lackagh enfeoffed the manor of Castletown, Kildrought, Kilmacredock and the water-mill to trustees for the use of John Dongan of Dublin, beginning the Dongan family's long ownership of Castletown.

    Read the passage

    That the said Edward FitzGerald and Thomas FitzGerald of Lackagh, on the 10th of November, 1587, enfeeoffed the premisses to Thomas Alen, of Alenscourt, gent., John Davies, of Lyons, and Edward Dongan, of Paynestown, for the use of John Dongan, of Dublin, gent., with remainder to his sons, Walter, William, and Edward, and their heirs.

    And that the said John Dongan made his will, and died on the 8th of August, 1 592, his son and heir Walter being then aged twelve years and nine months.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 257

38. Memento mori inscription at Moone Abbey, 1624

    Moone · townland · Kildare · 1624

    A slab at Moone Abbey, erected to the memory of Dermot Brine and More Cullon who died in 1624, carries an inscription urging prayer for their souls and reflecting on mortality, following the tradition of reminding the living of death.

    Read the passage

    FOR . WHOSE . SOVLES . PRAY . YEE . IN . CHARITIE : FOR . AS . YOV . ARE . SOE . HAVE . THEY . BEEN : AND . AS . THEY . ARE . YOV . SHALL . BE . SEENE.

    And in another instance, which occurs in the churchyard of Esker, near Lucan, in the County Dublin, on a headstone erected to the memory of Richard Jacob, of Raheen, in the County Kildare (who died on St. Patrick’s Day, 1738), and of Catherine Sherlock, his wife (who died on the 15th July, 1746), is inscribed : —

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 264

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Moone there is a slab put up in 1624 for Dermot Brine and More Cullon. It asks passers-by to pray for their souls in charity, and reminds the living of death with the words: "As you are, so have they been; and as they are, you shall be seen."

39. Moone Abbey Celtic Cross restored by the Society

    Moone · townland · Kildare · 1897

    The party visited Moone Abbey where the fine Celtic Cross, recently restored by the Society, was found alongside the ruins of an old abbey with curious monuments and the tower of the old castle.

    Read the passage

    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

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in Moone, a party in 1897 found much of interest grouped in a limited area. The fine Celtic Cross had been recently restored by the Society. Nearby stood the ruins of an old abbey with several curious monuments, and the fine tower of the old castle, in a good state of preservation.

40. Newtown Cross: A Longstone Reshaped in Modern Times

    Newtown · townland · Kildare · 1783–1837

    The Newtown Cross is identified as a longstone whose top was reshaped into a rough cross in modern times, shown as a longstone on 1783 maps and as a cross on the 1837 Ordnance Survey map.

    Read the passage

    What is known as the Newtown Cross is evidently also a longstone, of which the top has in modern times been shaped into a rough cross. It is much smaller in every way than the Punchestown longstones. It is shown on the 1783 maps as a longstone, and as a cross on the Ordnance Survey map of 1837.

    The longstone in the centre of Furness rath bears a great resemblance to the East Punchestown stone, stands 17 feet above ground, and is of the same breadth at 2 feet above ground level, but is in a vertical position.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 218

41. O'Connor burns the Birminghams' country

    Carbury · townland · Kildare · 1540

    In 1540 O'Connor, with horsemen, gallowglasses and kerne, burned the Birminghams' country while the Lord Chancellor and Treasurer were raising the county against the O'Tooles, Kavanaghs and O'Connors nearby.

    Read the passage

    The event is thus described by Brereton, writing from Dublin in that year : — “ O’Connor, with a great number of horsemen, gallowglasses, and kerne, burned the Bremyngham’s country.” The Lord Chancellor and the Treasurer were then in the county of Kildare raising the county against the O’Tooles, Kavanaghs, and O’Connors, “ and they then seeing

    State Papers, Henry YI II., vol. iii., p. 3.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 76

42. Origin of the Name Kilcock from St Coca

    Kilcock · town · Kildare

    Kilcock derives its name from St Coca (Cuaigh), a virgin saint of Cil Cuaigh in Cairbre na Ciardha, as recorded in the Martyrology of Donegal, showing that Kilcock was historically part of the territory of Carbury.

    Read the passage

    That this territory was much more extensive than the present barony of Carbury is evident from the “ Martyrology of Donegal,” which makes it extend eastward as far as Kilcock. St. Coca, from whom Kilcock derives its name, is thus calendared in that “ Martyrology,” on 8th January : — “ Cuaigh, virgin of Cil Cuaigh in Cairbre na Ciardha.” As this

    1 Book 11., p. 12, Dermod O’Connor’s translation.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 68

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kilcock, the town takes its name from St Coca, or Cuaigh. The Martyrology of Donegal calendars her on 8th January as "Cuaigh, virgin of Cil Cuaigh in Cairbre na Ciardha." That record places Kilcock within the old territory of Carbury, which stretched further east than the present barony.

43. Ostmen of Wexford transplanted to Rosslare and Ballymore

    Rosslare · town · Wexford

    After the surrender of Wexford to the Normans, the Ostmen of Wexford were placed under the seneschal of the liberties of Wexford, who transplanted them to the parishes of Roslare and Ballymore in Forth, manors attached to his office.

    Read the passage

    There are some curious particulars about this manor of Roslare to be found in the Southwell Papers. After the surrender of Wexford to the Normans, the Ostrnen of Wexford were placed under the care of the seneschal of the liberties of Wexford, and he seems to have transplanted them to the parishes of Roslare and Ballymore in Forth, which were manors attached to his office. In the Charter House at Westminster there is a curious document giving the result of an inquest held by Lord William de Valence, as to the rents, services, and customs of the foreign Eastmen of the counties of Wexford. It is worthy of observation that at that time they were not called Danes. These tenants of the manors of Roslare and Ballymore, under the Sherlocks, held as copyholders, a tenure common enough in England, but we believe unique in Ireland. Under this tenure, in Roslare, the tenant was obliged

    40

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 32

44. The Alen Family Grant of Punchestown Manor in 1685

    Punchestown · townland · Kildare · 1685

    Punchestown House or Castle, near the eastern Punchestown rath, was formerly the property of a Lord Alen, whose family received a grant in 1685 of the manor of Typer or Allenswood including Haynestown, Punchestown, Rathmore and Craddockstown.

    Read the passage

    Close to the eastern Punchestown rath are to be seen the ruins of what is now called Punchestown House or Castle, formerly the property of a Lord Alen, probably the then representative of the family of Alens, who in 1685 received from James II a grant of the manor of Typer, or Allenswood, which included Haynestown, Pouthestown (Punchestown), Rathmore, Craddockstown, &c. Most of these lands had been previously (in 1540), by Patent Roll, conveyed from Sir Thomas Rawson, Knight, Prior of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem, to the Alens, “ because/ * as was stated, “ the said preceptory was situated in the marshes near the Irish enemies, the Tholes, where resistance and defence are necessarily required.”

    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.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 217

45. The Knight's Effigy in Timolin Churchyard

    Timolin · townland · Kildare

    An early medieval knight's effigy stands under a yew tree on the north side of Timolin church, likely moved there when the church was rebuilt, and is one of two notable antiquarian objects in the churchyard.

    Read the passage

    Its present position is under a yew-tree on the north side of the church, whither it was probably removed when the church was rebuilt or restored.

    A description and an illustration of this effigy are given at page 132, vol. i, of The Journal. The former was written by Mr, A. Hartshorne, and the latter drawn by the Rev. William Fitz- Gerald. The date of the monument, judging by the details in the armour, is stated to be the end of the twelfth century, and,

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 288

46. Thomas of Hereford's endowment of hospital at Kill

    Kill · town · Kildare

    Thomas of Hereford endowed a hospital in the town of Kill with twelve acres of land, likely serving as a place of hospitality for travelers and dispensing relief to the neighbouring poor and infirm, similar to the old Irish betaghs.

    Read the passage

    Thomas also gave the canons of St. Thomas the right of pasturing their animals of all kinds along with his own, and the right of cutting wood in his forests for building, firing, and fencing. The same Thomas endowed a certain hospital in the town of Kill, with twelve acres of land. It is possible that this may not have been, strictly speaking, a hospital in the modern sense, but rather a place of hospitality for strangers and travellers, and for dispensing relief to the neighbouring poor and infirm people, something after the nature of the old Irish betaghs. In addition to other benefactions he gave to the Abbey the whole townland of Ballykerdeval,2 with all the meadow adjacent to it, which grant was afterwards confirmed by Eleanora, his daughter, and Milo de Rochfort, who had for his portion Kill and Kildrought.3

    A deed of another neighbouring landowner, Robert Arthur (of Arthurstown), witnessed by Hulianus and Walter, chaplains of Kill, gave the abbot and canons of f?t. Thomas eighteen acres of land in Shenebale (Old Town), near Kill. Another Anglo-norman settler in the neighbourhood of Kill was Ricardus de Lesse. He gave to the Abbey the church of

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 123

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through the town of Kill, there was a hospital here endowed by Thomas of Hereford with twelve acres of land. It may not have been a hospital in the modern sense, but rather a place of hospitality for strangers and travellers, dispensing relief to the neighbouring poor and infirm, something after the nature of the old Irish betaghs. Thomas also gave the canons of St. Thomas the right to pasture their animals with his own and to cut wood in his forests for building, firing, and fencing. His daughter Eleanora and Milo de Rochfort, who had Kill and Kildrought for his portion, later confirmed his grant of the townland of Ballykerdeval to the Abbey. A neighbouring landowner, Robert Arthur of Arthurstown, gave the abbot and canons eighteen acres in Shenebale, near Kill.

47. Tocher of Carbury, ancient causeway to Carbury Castle

    Carbury · townland · Kildare

    A tradition held that a passage or causeway through the bog of Knockeur, replaced by a county road in the early 19th century, had been known as the Tocher of Carbury and served as the approach from the north to the castle of Carbury.

    Read the passage

    Having now, I hope, given satisfactory evidence to identify the ford of the French Mill, and defined the boundary line of ancient Meath from Dublin to Clonard, let us see if we can identify the other missing landmark — the Tocher of Carbury. There is no road or place at present in the Barony of Carbury known by such a name ; but in the beginning of the present century there was such a causeway, called the Tocher of Carbury. Its site is now occupied by a well-constructed oounty road. This high road runs north from Carbury through a large tract of bog called the bog of Knockeur. It was constructed in the beginning of the present century ; but before its existence, there was always a passage or causeway over the bog, chiefly for foot people. It was evidently the approach from the north to the castle of Carbury, and the tradition is, that this passage or causeway through the bog of Knockeur was called the Tocher of Carbury. We have no choice but to take it as the tocher mentioned by Keating. This being so, we have now the boundary taking a new direction, and running south to the bog of Knockeur, which is immediately to the north

    6 2 SOUTHERN BOUNDARY OF THE KINGDOM OF MEATH

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun

48. Bishop Edmund Lane repairs cathedral and builds college in 1482

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 1482

    In 1482 AD, Dr. Edmund Lane, Bishop of Kildare, repaired and beautified the cathedral and built a college in which the Dean and Chapter should reside.

    Read the passage

    1482 a.d. Dr. Edmund Lane, Bishop of Kildare, repaired and beautified the cathedral ; he also built a college in which the Dean and Chapter should reside.

    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.”

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 164

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kildare, this town carries the mark of two very different moments. In 1482, Dr. Edmund Lane, Bishop of Kildare, repaired and beautified the cathedral here, and he also built a college where the Dean and Chapter should reside. Just over a century later, by 1600, the town had suffered so severely that every house stood in ruins without a single inhabitant. The cathedral shared in the wreck. The Rural Visitation Book of 1615 states, "The church of Kildare diocese, situated in the town of Kildare, is now wholly ruinous." Bishop Pilsworth reported that "the roof of the body of the said church is altogether ruinous, being pulled down in the late wars," and that the parishioners were too poor to repair it without extraordinary help from the king.

49. All jurors of Carbury barony were Birminghams in 1608

    Carbury · townland · Kildare · 1608

    In 1608 the Jurors of the King in the Barony of Carbury were all named Birminghams, drawn from Dunfierth, Mucklands, Garrisker, Longwood and Russelswood, showing the family's continued dominance in the area.

    Read the passage

    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

    During the reign of James I. and the early part of the reign of Charles I., Ireland was in a state of comparative tranquillity, and there were no wars or border forays in which the Birminghams could distinguish themselves. But when the trumpet sounded in 1641, they “knew the battle’s din afar, and joyed to hear it swell.” In the attainders of the following year we find prescribed : “ William Birmingham of Ballinamallough, John Birmingham of Ralieen (Rahin) and Muckland, Piers and Gerald Birmingham of Ballinakill, Luke of Parsonstown, and Gerald of Dunfierth, Clerk.”

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 76

50. Antiquities near Carnalway: Harristown Castle, St Michael's Church and Holy Well

    Harristown · townland · Kildare

    The Rev. W. Somerville-Large lists antiquarian sites near Carnalway including the remains of Harristown Castle, St Michael's Church ruins with a Holy Well and a cross-shaft inscribed to Eustace, Lord Portlester, located in Coghlanstown townland.

    Read the passage

    2. St. Michael’s (?) Church ruins and Holy Well, with the portion

    of the cross-shaft, inscribed, “ Eustace, Lord Portlester,” in the graveyard. They are situated on the townland of Coghlanstown (in the Inquisitions called Cotlandstown, alias Ballicutlane).

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun

51. Birminghams of Carbury raid O'Connor's cattle

    Carbury · townland · Kildare · 1333

    In 1333 the Birminghams of Carbury carried off a great prey of 2000 kine or more belonging to O'Connor, according to the Book of Howth.

    Read the passage

    In 1333, “ The Breminghams of Carbre did take a great prey of 2000 kine or more of O’Conogher.”6

    1 “ Book of Howth,” pp. 152-3. Mac Geoghegan’s “ History of Ireland,”

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 74

52. Blackhall Castle's Surviving West Wall

    Blackhall · townland · Kildare

    Blackhall Castle, formerly inhabited by a family named Behan, still has its west end standing some 30 feet high, with some care taken to preserve the remains, unlike most other ancient fortresses in the area which were demolished for farmhouse material.

    Read the passage

    Little remains of any of the above-mentioned castles ; but that little shows that they were solidly built of stone and mortar, with walls 3 to 4 feet thick, and well provided with loopholes. Blackball Castle, which was formerly inhabited, I hear, by a family named Behan, has its west end still standing some 30 feet high, and some care has evidently been taken to preserve what remains of it ; but most of the ancient fortresses appear to have been demolished, and their material used for building farmhouses.

    Close to the eastern Punchestown rath are to be seen the ruins of what is now called Punchestown House or Castle, formerly the property of a Lord Alen, probably the then representative of the family of Alens, who in 1685 received from James II a grant of the manor of Typer, or Allenswood, which included Haynestown, Pouthestown (Punchestown), Rathmore, Craddockstown, &c. Most of these lands had been previously (in 1540), by Patent Roll, conveyed from Sir Thomas Rawson, Knight, Prior of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem, to the Alens, “ because/ * as was stated, “ the said preceptory was situated in the marshes near the Irish enemies, the Tholes, where resistance and defence are necessarily required.”

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 217

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here stands the west wall of Blackhall Castle. A family named Behan once inhabited the castle. The west end is still standing, some 30 feet high, and some care has evidently been taken to preserve what remains of it. That makes it the exception in this area. Most of the ancient fortresses appear to have been demolished, and their material used for building farmhouses. What little remains of any of the old castles shows they were solidly built of stone and mortar, with walls 3 to 4 feet thick, and well provided with loopholes. Blackhall's surviving wall stands where the others fell, kept rather than pulled apart for farmhouse stone.

53. Bronze brooch found near Castledermot

    Castledermot · town · Kildare · 1860

    A Celtic bronze brooch was found near Castledermot in 1860 and is now kept at Kilkea Castle. The coils of spiral bands on it were, and still are, present since its discovery.

    Read the passage

    The coils of spiral bands were (and are still) on it when discovered.

    ( 270 )

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 184

54. Collapse of Killelan church ruins in hard winter of 1895

    Killelan · townland · Kildare · 1895

    During the hard February of 1895, a large portion of the church ruins of Killelan, near Moone, fell to the ground due to severe weather.

    Read the passage

    Two ancient structures in the southern end of the county have suffered severely from the weather during the last two winters. During the hard February of 1895 a large portion of the church ruins of Killelan, near Moone, fell to the ground; and during the wet season at the commencement of this year the eastern corner of Inch Castle, near Athy, collapsed, destroying the original entrance, with its internal “ murder-hole, : ” a large portion of the staircase built in the thickness of the wall, besides the chambers overhead.

    Sunday’s Well. — In the county Kildare there are anyhow three wells, if not more, known as “ Sunday’s Well ” ; one of them is near the village of Clane, another near Haas, and the third is in the townland of Kichardstown, and parish of Kildangan. The last one mentioned is the only one which bears the Irish form of the name, viz. Toberreendowney ” which is a contraction for “ Tober-righ-an-domhnaigh,” meaning the Well of the King of Sunday ( i.e . God).1 Can any of our readers inform me on what day the Patterns were formerly held at these wells? Just over the mearin of the county Kildare, and in the county Carlow, is a Sunday’s Well at a place called Ivinneagh, which lies about four miles to the south-east of Castledermot; according to the Ordnance Survey letters the Pattern was held here on Whit Sunday,

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 103

55. Conolly's cone-shaped tower near Leixlip

    Leixlip · town · Kildare · 1743

    On the road to Leixlip, the Society sighted a curious cone-shaped tower with an external circular staircase, built by the Conolly family in 1743.

    Read the passage

    The Society then proceeded through the demesne to the other gate-lodge, where the carriages were in waiting to take them on to Leixlip. On the way the river Liffey was crossed by the oldest bridge in this part of Ireland, still called New Bridge , although built in 1308 by John Decer, Mayor of Dublin, and the curious cone-shaped tower, with external circular staircase, built by the Conolly family in 1743, was sighted from the road.

    On arrival at Leixlip the celebrated Salmon Leap was inspected. Owing to the recent rains the volume of water passing over the rocks heightened the effect.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 152

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Leixlip, a curious cone-shaped tower stands near the road, with an external circular staircase climbing its outside. The Conolly family built it in 1743. The Society travelling this way in the Journal of the County Kildare Archaeological Society spotted it from the road as they headed into Leixlip, having just crossed the river Liffey by New Bridge. That bridge dates to 1308 and was built by John Decer, Mayor of Dublin. At Leixlip itself the celebrated Salmon Leap was inspected, the recent rains swelling the volume of water over the rocks.

56. Earl of Kildare's tomb erected in St Mary's Chapel, Christ Church Cathedral

    Christ Church Cathedral · ecclesiastical site · Dublin · 1503–1699

    Gerald, the 8th Earl of Kildare's tomb was erected in St Mary's Chapel of Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, about the year 1503, and was later destroyed around the end of the 17th century.

    Read the passage

    Erected in St. Mary’s Chapel, Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, about the year 1503 : destroyed about the end of the 17th century.

    Taken from “ Monumenta Eblanas,” a ms. volume of Sketches of Dublin Tombs, in Ulster’s Office.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 90

    As the companion tells it

    Right here at Christ Church Cathedral, in St Mary's Chapel, stood the tomb of Gerald, the 8th Earl of Kildare, erected about 1503. It was destroyed around the end of the 1600s. A sketch of it survives in a manuscript volume of Dublin tomb drawings kept in the Ulster's Office.

57. Earls of Kildare in possession of Castletown in the fourteenth century

    Castletown · street · Kildare · 1300–1399

    According to a 1828 published calendar of patent rolls, the Earls of Kildare (FitzGerald) were recorded as being in possession of Castletown in the fourteenth century.

    Read the passage

    The earliest mention of this place, so far as I have been able to discover, occurs in a work published in 1828, entitled “ Rotulorum Patentium et Clausorum Cancellariae Hiberniae Calendarium,” by which it appears that the Earls of Kildare were in possession here in the fourteenth century. The following extract is a translation from the contracted Latin : —

    “ The same Marquis [i.e , Robert de Yere, Earl of Bedford and Marquis of Dublin], at the request of Maurice fitzThomas [FitzGerald,

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 248

    As the companion tells it

    Along here at Castletown, the earliest known record of this place comes from a calendar of Irish patent rolls published in 1828. It shows the Earls of Kildare, the FitzGerald family, were in possession here in the 1300s. The record mentions a request from Maurice fitzThomas FitzGerald to Robert de Vere, Earl of Bedford and Marquis of Dublin.

58. John Hewetson's monument in Kildare Cathedral

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 1656–1658

    A monument in Kildare Cathedral commemorates John Hewetson, born in Settrington, Yorkshire, who died in 1658 aged 45 and was buried there; a descendant later endowed a charity school in Clane Parish.

    Read the passage

    1656. — John Hewetson. — In Kildare Cathedral is a monument to a John Ilewetson,

    Esq. (there buried), who was born at Settrington, in Yorkshire, and died on the 2nd February, 1658, aged 45. One of this family who died in 1783 left the lands of Betaghstown to endow a charity School in Clane Parish, still existing.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 181

    As the companion tells it

    In Kildare town, the cathedral holds a monument to John Hewetson, born at Settrington in Yorkshire, who died on the 2nd of February 1658, aged 45, and is buried there. A descendant who died in 1783 left the lands of Betaghstown to endow a charity school in Clane Parish, still existing.

59. Kildrought Church ruins and Maunsell vault

    Celbridge · town · Kildare

    The Conolly monument is now hidden in a plain windowless building near the ruins of Kildrought Church, whose tower is fitted up as a vault belonging to the Maunsell family of Oakley Park. A small portion of the east end of the church survives, including a round-headed three-light window.

    Read the passage

    Thomas Carter (as is recorded on the marble) was the sculptor of this fine piece of work ; at the present time this monument, which would be an ornament to any cathedral, is hid away in a plain windowless building close to the ruins of Kildrought Church, the tower portion of which is now fitted up as a vault, belonging to the Maunsell family of Oakley Park. A small portion of the east end of the church is still standing ; it contains the east window, which was round-headed and of three lights ; a small portion of the tracery in the upper portion is still in situ .

    William Conolly having no children, his heir was his nephew William Conolly, of Stratton Hall in Staffordshire, who married Lady Anne Wentworth, daughter of Thomas, 3rd Earl of Strafford ; on his death in 1754, he was succeeded at Castletown by his son the Right Honourable Thomas Conolly, a Privy Councillor in Ireland.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 260

60. Maurice FitzThomas, 4th Earl of Kildare, buried at Christ Church Dublin

    Christ Church Cathedral · ecclesiastical site · Dublin · 1390

    The Book of Hours records the death of Maurice FitzThomas, 4th Earl of Kildare, in August 1390, and his burial in the chancel of Holy Trinity, now Christ Church, Dublin.

    Read the passage

    5. In the next entry — “Obitus Maur : filii Thome quarti Comitis Kyldar qui obiit Aug., 1380, et sepel : in cancell Ste Trinitat Dublin,” the day of the month looks like loth, but as Maurice FitzThomas, 4th Earl of Kildare, died on 25th August, 1390, probably part of the figure has become effaced, and the “8” maybe in reality “ 9,” as the figures are very small, faint, and difficult to decipher. The place of burial is correct, being now Christ Church, Dublin.

    6. There is a long interval before the next entry of nearly eighty years, and then I come to — “ Annunc11 B. Marie obiit Thomas, filius Johannes Septe Comes Kildarie et Justce dm reg. hiber, 1477, sepultus est in monasterii Oms Sctl Dublin.” Thomas, the 7th Earl of Kildare, son of John, 6tli Earl, was Lord Justice of Ireland in 1467, and died 25th March (Lady Day), 1477, and was buried in the Monastery of All Hallows (or All Saints), Dublin.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 292

    As the companion tells it

    Right here at Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, the chancel holds the grave of Maurice FitzThomas, 4th Earl of Kildare. He died on the 25th of August 1390, and was buried here in the chancel of Holy Trinity, as Christ Church was then known. The Book of Hours records his death, though the entry is faint and hard to read, and the year was long misread as 1380 before scholars concluded it was 1390. Nearly 80 years passed before the next entry in that same record, when Thomas, the 7th Earl of Kildare, son of John the 6th Earl, died on the 25th of March 1477 and was buried in the Monastery of All Hallows in Dublin.