Name: Journal of the County Kildare Archaeological Society (vol. 5)
Author: County Kildare :County Kildare Archaeological Society

Origins of the town of Stradbally as a settlement

Stradbally · town · Laois · 1698–1700

When Grandfather Alexander Cosby died, the town of Stradbally was not even a village, having only two low stone houses about six feet high and a few mud and wattled cabins; the first two-storey house was built around 1698 by William Dod.

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in Ireland. He chose the latter, and so gave his commission to my Uncle Thomas and got a Majoraty in Brigadier Yeseys new regiment in Ireland. This was all he ever got for the great dangers he run by sea, seiges, long marches, and many engagements and battles, and many fategues of a hot scorching climate. At about the end of five months he left London and came over to Ireland to his new post and now by his long absence from his own home, and liveing in a manner as an exile in a parsimonious way, and by lands encreasing in value and leases falling and thereby his estate riteing, he was in considerable circumstances, and so resolved to repair and refit his mansion House of Stradbally, in order to bring home his familly and spend his days at home, and so the latter end of 1714, he began to improve Stradbally, he made ye avenue that is, planted the trees, he built the Bridges going to it, added the Drawingroom to the big house next to the Big parlour, he winscoted the second floor entirely, floored the garret, built the Back stairs to the big house, built and finished the road to the Big house, made the big stairs, winscoted and floored the little Parlour and finished in a plain way the second floor of the little house, built a Brew house, walled the garden at the N: E: end of the house, also the Partarre, he laid out the new kitchen garden and planted it all with the choicest fruits, and planted the orchard at the N: W: side of the garden, he did all this and a good dail more in about 18 months time, and in Aprill 1716 he came over to York to bring us over, and on the 30th of Aprill 1716, we left York and arrived in Dublin the 7th of May 1716 and at Stradbally the 13th. At this time my Fathers rent roll of the Ldsps of Stradbally and Timahoe was £1100 per annum and the debts on the estate were £3450 at 428. per cent per annum, yt was £276. per annum y1 he paid interest. The Church at Stradbally at this time was in a most dolefull ruinous condition and my father mostly at his own expense put it in a much better way than it was. When my Grandfather Alexander Cosby dyed the town of Stradbally was no town, no nor even a village, for there were (as before told) but two stone houses in it and those but about six feet high, and a few mud and wattled walled cabins. It was about the year 1698 that William Dod (who was my grandfathers Buttler) built the house that is two stories high on the south east corner of the Market House. In 1700 Mr. Israel Mitchell built the house which Mr. Higgins now (1737) lives in.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 58

As the companion tells it

Stradbally, the town the road passes through, had almost nothing to it once. When Alexander Cosby died, this place was no town, not even a village. There were two stone houses in it, and those only about six feet high, and a few mud and wattled cabins. That was the whole of it. The first sign of anything more came about 1698. William Dod, who had been Alexander Cosby's butler, built a house two stories high on the south east corner of the Market House. It was the first building here that rose above a single low storey. Two years later, in 1700, Israel Mitchell built another house, the one a man named Higgins was living in by 1737. So the town you pass through began with a butler's house and a neighbour's. Before that, the Cosby family had held the land, and the settlement was barely a cluster of rough shelters. The account that tells us this comes from a family journal, written by someone whose father came back to Stradbally years later, in 1714, and set about rebuilding the big house, planting the avenue, raising bridges, walling gardens, laying out a kitchen garden with the choicest fruits. But that was later. The very first stones of a proper town were laid by William Dod and Israel Mitchell, between 1698 and 1700, on ground that had held nothing but two low stone houses and a handful of mud cabins.

Owen Roe encamps near Clondalkin during Confederate wars

near Clondalkin · town · Dublin · 1641–1649

During the wars of the Confederation, Owen Roe O'Neill encamped in the neighbourhood of Clondalkin.

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The only other historical notes I have concerning Clondalkin are, that in the wars of the Confederation Owen Roe encamped in the neighbourhood ; and that after the Battle of the Boyne
The Doorway of the Round Tower, Clondalkin.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 7

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Clondalkin, there is a brief note from the Confederate wars of the 1640s. Owen Roe O'Neill encamped in this neighbourhood during those years of conflict. The record says only that, and nothing more of what happened here.

Pole Cosby's Perilous Journey Home to Stradbally

Stradbally · town · Laois · 1734

Pole Cosby recounts arriving in Dublin after a dangerous sea crossing, then travelling via Shrowland to Stradbally, arriving on 12 September 1734 to great joy of tenants and family. On the same day his cousin Betty Pole died of an imposthume in her stomach.

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called to us & told us the tide was too high which saved us all or we should infallably been lost as we were afterwards told. Saturday ye 31st of Aug1 we were obliged to stay at Bangor not only to recover our fategue but also because ye storm (which was very great) wo’d not let us cross the Ferry hut Sunday ye 1st of 7ber, with difficulty & danger we got over & got to Glangavenny yt night, the next day Monday ve 2nd of 7ber we got to Hollyhead and there was a Packet Boat ready, but ye wind was contrary so that the boat did not sail till Fryday the 6th of Septr, and ye wind not for ’em so that I was not for going in y1 boat, but before ye boat had got out one mile the wind turned one point fairer, & so I was set on to go, & so I was forced to consent & so made a smoak & so the Boat came too and off we went in a Bad little Boat, ye sea very high & indeed with great danger we got into ye Carteret Packet Boat, ye wind but very Bad for us & ye Boat very leaky so y1 they pumped at least one hour in 8 hours, but however it pleased God that (’tho it was so leaky a ship & so very high and bad a wind) & we landed safe in Dublin about 2 o’clock in the afternoon Saturday the 7th day of September. On Monday ye 9th of Septr. we went to Shrowland from Dublin, & on Thursday the 12th of Sept. 1734 we arrived at Stradbally to indeed our great joy. On this day the 12th of Septr. Coz. Betty Pole third daughter of my uncle Pole died of an imposthume in her stomach. We were not alone in our rejoy cing to come to Stradbally for our tenants labourors and poor were greatly rejoyced. My House and gardens ’tho I was absent but one year was much out of order, so y1 I had a good deal of work to do.
(To be continued .)

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 181

As the companion tells it

Stradbally is the town the road brings you through, and in 1734 it was the end of a hard journey home for Pole Cosby. He had been nearly lost at sea. At Bangor the storm was so great they could not cross, and someone called to tell them the tide was too high, which saved them all. On the first of September they crossed the ferry with difficulty and danger and reached Glangavenny that night. The next day they got to Holyhead, where a packet boat waited, but the wind was contrary and the boat did not sail until Friday the sixth of September. Cosby did not want to go in that boat. Before it had gone a mile the wind turned one point fairer, and he was pressed to go, so he consented. They transferred in a bad little boat with the sea very high, and got into the Carteret Packet Boat, which was very leaky. They pumped at least one hour in every eight. It pleased God they landed safe in Dublin about two o'clock on Saturday the seventh of September. On Monday the ninth they went to Shrowland from Dublin, and on Thursday the twelfth of September 1734 they arrived at Stradbally, to indeed their great joy. They were not alone in their rejoicing. The tenants, labourers and poor were greatly rejoiced too. But on that same day, cousin Betty Pole, third daughter of his uncle Pole, died of an imposthume in her stomach. His house and gardens, though he had been absent but one year, were much out of order, so he had a good deal of work to do.

Rejoicing of Tenants at Cosby's Return to Stradbally

Stradbally · town · Laois · 1734

Upon Pole Cosby's return to Stradbally after a year's absence, his tenants, labourers and the poor of the area were greatly rejoiced, though his house and gardens had fallen into disorder.

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called to us & told us the tide was too high which saved us all or we should infallably been lost as we were afterwards told. Saturday ye 31st of Aug1 we were obliged to stay at Bangor not only to recover our fategue but also because ye storm (which was very great) wo’d not let us cross the Ferry hut Sunday ye 1st of 7ber, with difficulty & danger we got over & got to Glangavenny yt night, the next day Monday ve 2nd of 7ber we got to Hollyhead and there was a Packet Boat ready, but ye wind was contrary so that the boat did not sail till Fryday the 6th of Septr, and ye wind not for ’em so that I was not for going in y1 boat, but before ye boat had got out one mile the wind turned one point fairer, & so I was set on to go, & so I was forced to consent & so made a smoak & so the Boat came too and off we went in a Bad little Boat, ye sea very high & indeed with great danger we got into ye Carteret Packet Boat, ye wind but very Bad for us & ye Boat very leaky so y1 they pumped at least one hour in 8 hours, but however it pleased God that (’tho it was so leaky a ship & so very high and bad a wind) & we landed safe in Dublin about 2 o’clock in the afternoon Saturday the 7th day of September. On Monday ye 9th of Septr. we went to Shrowland from Dublin, & on Thursday the 12th of Sept. 1734 we arrived at Stradbally to indeed our great joy. On this day the 12th of Septr. Coz. Betty Pole third daughter of my uncle Pole died of an imposthume in her stomach. We were not alone in our rejoy cing to come to Stradbally for our tenants labourors and poor were greatly rejoyced. My House and gardens ’tho I was absent but one year was much out of order, so y1 I had a good deal of work to do.
(To be continued .)

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 181

As the companion tells it

The town of Stradbally saw a homecoming in September 1734. Pole Cosby had been absent for a year, and on Thursday the 12th of September he arrived back to great joy. The journey had been long and dangerous. A great storm kept him at Bangor, and crossing the ferry on Sunday the 1st of September was done with difficulty and danger. He reached Glangavenny that night, then Holyhead the next day. A packet boat waited there, but contrary winds held it until Friday the 6th of September. Cosby was unwilling to go, but when the wind turned a point fairer he was pressed to consent. He boarded a bad little boat in a very high sea, transferring with great danger to the Carteret packet boat. The ship was leaky, the wind bad, and they pumped at least one hour in every eight. Yet they landed safe in Dublin about two o'clock on Saturday the 7th of September. On Monday the 9th he went to Shrowland, and on Thursday the 12th he arrived at Stradbally. He was not alone in his rejoicing. His tenants, labourers, and the poor were greatly rejoiced too. But the same day brought loss. Coz. Betty Pole, third daughter of his uncle Pole, died of an imposthume in her stomach. His house and gardens, though he had been absent but one year, were much out of order, so that he had a good deal of work to do.

Religious community tradition and rampart remains at Lullymore

Lullymore · parish · Kildare · 1700–1720

Local tradition holds that a religious community existed at Lullymore around the early eighteenth century, and the site also features remains of a deep rampart near the graveyard and a carved Latin cross built into the surrounding wall.

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Dr. Comerford, in his “ Collections,” tells us that— “ On the Island of Lullymore ... is the site of an old parochial church, of which the foundations are plainly discernible, in the midst of a burial-ground which is at present more circumscribed than formerly. A holy well is stated to have been here formerly, but it is no longer to be seen. On a large boulder a foot- print is distinctly marked, said to have been impressed on it by St. Patrick when passing that way. In the Taxation, temp. Henry VIII, Latyaghmore is set down as a Prebend of the Diocese of Kildare, and is valued at IBs. 4d. From local tradition it would appear that there was a religious community of some kind here, about the commencement of the eighteenth century.”1
The only other objects of interest at Lullymore are the remains of a deep rampart near the graveyard, and a raised Latin cross, indifferently carved on a stone built into the wall surrounding the same.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 139

As the companion tells it

Comerford, in his Collections, writes that within the parish of Lullymore are the foundations of an old parochial church, plainly discernible in a burial ground that is now smaller than it once was. A holy well was said to exist there formerly, but it can no longer be seen. On a large boulder a footprint is distinctly marked, said to have been impressed by Saint Patrick when passing that way. In the Taxation of the time of Henry 8, Latyaghmore is set down as a Prebend of the Diocese of Kildare, valued at 18 shillings and 4 pence. Local tradition holds that a religious community of some kind existed there around the commencement of the eighteenth century. The only other objects of note are the remains of a deep rampart near the graveyard, and a raised Latin cross, indifferently carved on a stone built into the wall surrounding it.

Removed Long Stone and slab-lined grave at Timolin

Timolin · townland · Kildare

An old man from Moone recalled a similar long stone that once stood on Mr. Bagenall's land in a field opposite MacEvoy's public-house in Timolin, removed years ago by a tenant named Miley. A slab-lined grave containing bones was discovered near its base at the same time.

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Standing in a field on Mr. Leonard’s farm at Simonstown West, and less than half a mile to the north-west of the church ruins of Killellan, is a Long Stone which has not previously been noticed in our Journal. Originally upright, it now stands at a sharp angle with the ground, and measures 8 feet along the upper side ; a large flake is broken away from the top ; in girth near the butt it measures 7 feet 2 inches. Like all our Long Stones, it consists of unhammered granite. An old man in the village of Moone, now aged seventy-six, named John Brochal, who brought this Long Stone to my notice, also informed me that a similar stone formerly stood “ on Mr. Bagenall’s land in a field forninst MacEvoy’s publichouse in Timolin,” but that it was removed many years ago by a
An ancient Wooden Vessel

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 298

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Timolin, there was once a long stone like others across Kildare. An old man named John Brochal, aged seventy-six, from the village of Moone, recalled it. He said a similar stone formerly stood on Mr. Bagenall's land, in a field opposite MacEvoy's public house in Timolin. A tenant named Miley removed it many years ago. When the stone was taken away, a slab-lined grave was discovered near its base, and bones were found inside it. Nothing of the stone remains now, and only the old man's memory kept its story.

Ruins of the Aldborough mansion at Belan

Belan · townland · Kildare · 1906

The Society assembled amid the ruins of the once fine eighteenth-century mansion of the Earls of Aldborough at Belan to hear an account of the vicissitudes of the place and the history of the Stratford family.

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In the ruins of the once fine eighteenth-century mansion of the Earls of Aldborough, the Society and its friends assembled in some force to hear an account read by Lord Walter Fitz- Gerald of the vicissitudes of the place, embracing some of the history of the Stratford family.
The final stage of the day’s excursion was Kilkea Castle, where the members of the Society and their visitors were received by the Ladies FitzGerald and Lord Walter FitzGerald, and most hospitably entertained. As Kilkea had on a previous occasion been visited by the Society, and as all that is known about the history of this ancient residence of the FitzGerald family — still happily in excellent preservation — has been recorded in the pages of The Journal, no Paper was read here, but Lord Walter FitzGerald was at hand to describe the castle and its many features of interest to any seeking information.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 146

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Belan stand the ruins of a once fine eighteenth-century mansion of the Earls of Aldborough. In 1906 the County Kildare Archaeological Society and its friends assembled in some force to hear an account read by Lord Walter FitzGerald. He spoke of the vicissitudes of the place and the history of the Stratford family. The final stage of that day's excursion was Kilkea Castle, where members and visitors were received by the Ladies FitzGerald and Lord Walter FitzGerald, and most hospitably entertained. Kilkea had been visited by the Society on a previous occasion, and all that is known about the history of that ancient residence of the FitzGerald family, still in excellent preservation, had already been recorded in the pages of the Journal. No paper was read there, but Lord Walter FitzGerald was at hand to describe the castle and its many features of interest to any seeking information.

Saggart attacked and destroyed, 1311

Saggart · town · Dublin · 1311

In 1311 Saggart was attacked and destroyed by the O'Tooles and O'Byrnes, part of the ongoing conflict on the frontier of the Pale.

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a.d. 1311, Saggart was attacked and destroyed by the O’Tooles and O’Byrnes.
In 1453,

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 48

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Saggart, this town was attacked and destroyed in 1311 by the O'Tooles and O'Byrnes. That is all the record gives us, a single line of destruction on the frontier of the Pale.

Schooling at Portarlington among French-speaking family

Portarlington · town · Laois

Pole Cosby and his two sisters were sent to school at Portarlington to learn French, lodging with a French family, Capt Frankfort's, where they became fluent enough to speak French as well as English.

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happened to be at the height of the Battle as she was reading, three drops of blood fell from her nose on the Book. She imagined it ominous and so set down ye hour and day, and by a letter soon after from my Father she found at that time he was in the greatest danger. My Father was then taken prisoner and was carryed to Dijon ye capital of Burgundy where he was for three years (note he was in Spain 2 years) and from there he got leave from ye Magistrates on his parole to make little tours to Switzerland Germany Paris and all over France. When my F. went to Spain in 1704 my mother went to live with my G-F. Pole who died as before mentioned July 1704 soon after she went to him. He left her £400 which she by Richd Segar of Red Castle Esq, her trustee, gave to William Hartpole of Shrule Esq in Queens County for ever, to lye dead for two years and then to receive £60 per annum during her life, but if she died within the first two years then the £400 was to be repaid. My mother was to have lived with her Fa1’ whilst my F. was abroad, but he dyed in a short time after my mother went to him, but my Uncle Pole who loved my mother dearly made her Wellcome to him during my F’s absence and she lived with him most all ye summers at Ballyfin, and all ye winters at his house in Queen Street Dublin, and he was very kind and affectionate during the whole five years that she lived with him. When my F? went to Spain my sister Sarah lived with Cos. Towers who kept her intirely, my sister Betty lived with her nurse, and I was kept with my nurse Eliz: Holdbrook at Ire near Ballyfin till I was six years old and then my father at Dijon wrote to my mother to have my two sisters and me put to Portarlington to School to learn french and accordingly we were lodged at one Capt Frankforts a frenchman’s whose whole family talked french and some of them co’d not speak any English so we three learned french naturally and when we left Portarlington we spoak it as well as English. My dear mother frequently and often came to see us every Summer yt is when she was in the country, Coz. Sulley Segar (after Coz. French) used to come and see us and sent for us to Red Castle where we went for a fortnight, it was after my mother went to England.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 55

As the companion tells it

Portarlington, a town in Laois, was where children were once sent to learn French. A father, held prisoner at Dijon, the capital of Burgundy, for three years, and before that two years in Spain, wrote from Dijon to have his three children put to school there to learn French. The father had gone to Spain in 1704. The mother went to live with her grandfather Pole, who died that July, soon after she arrived. Her own father also died shortly after. Her uncle Pole, who loved her dearly, then took her in. She lived with him through the summers at Ballyfin and the winters at his house in Queen Street Dublin, for five years. He was kind and affectionate throughout. The sister Sarah lived with Cousin Towers, who kept her entirely. The sister Betty lived with her nurse. The third child stayed with nurse Elizabeth Holdbrook at Ire near Ballyfin until age six. Then came the letter from Dijon. The three children were lodged at Captain Frankfort's, a Frenchman whose whole family talked French, and some of them could not speak any English. They learned French naturally, and when they left Portarlington they spoke it as well as English. Their mother came to see them frequently, every summer when she was in the country. Cousin Sulley Segar, later Cousin French, used to come and see them and sent for them to Red Castle for a fortnight, after the mother went to England.

Talbotstown Barony named for the Talbot family of Malahide

Talbotstown · electoral division · Wicklow · 1547–1605

The Baronies of Upper and Lower Talbotstown in County Wicklow, formed in 1605, took their name from the Talbot family of Malahide; Reginald Talbot of Belgard held lands there called Ballymaclede, later renamed Talbotteston, until dispossessed by Tirlagh mac Shane O'Toole of Castlesallagh in 1547.

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According to a County Dublin Exchequer Inquisition [No. 10 (43) of Edward VI] , taken in Dublin in January, 1552, it was found that Reginald Talbot, of Belgard, was seised in his domain, as of fee, of two carucates (or ploughlands), with their appurtenances, “ which in a Grant from King John, sometime King of England, are called Ballymaclede, but now are called Talbotteston,” and that he was dispossessed of the same by Tirlagh mac Shane O’Toole of Castlesallagh, who, in May 1547, was attainted for high treason.
The above-mentioned Grant from King John was enrolled in the year 1560; the following extracts from the Latin entry on the Chancery Roll are to this effect 1 : —

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 297

As the companion tells it

Talbotstown takes its name from the Talbot family of Malahide. The baronies of Upper and Lower Talbotstown in County Wicklow were formed in 1605. Before that, Reginald Talbot of Belgard held two carucates of land, called Ballymaclede in a grant from King John, but later called Talbotteston. In May 1547, Tirlagh mac Shane O'Toole of Castlesallagh dispossessed him of the land and was attainted for high treason. A County Dublin Exchequer Inquisition of Edward VI, taken in Dublin in January 1552, found that Talbot had been "seised in his domain, as of fee" of the land. The grant from King John was enrolled in 1560.

The fort at Stradbally taken and neglected by the Merediths

Stradbally · town · Laois · 1733–1737

Robert Meredith and his wife took a lease of 'the fort' at Stradbally in 1733 and lived there part of the summer, making improvements, but from March 1732 they neglected it after taking Shrowland, and by 1737 the buildings had fallen into ruin.

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Had for a long time it seems loved my sister, & about 9rl 1780 he made proposals for her, my Mother looked for a much higher fortune & was not fond of this match, but however ye friends she advised with thought best not to reject it & my sister herself did like it & grew fonder & fonder of it, so that onst when I found things did not answer to w1 they were at first given in at & wt we always took Coz. Merediths estate to be, I was for Breaking of ye match & did in a manner put an end to it, but my sister would not suffer it & so it went on Briskly, To be sure they came into all we asked, £350. p. an. jointure, £6000 for younger children & £500 p. an. present maintenance & £500 p. an. & somew1 more after his Fathers death, but it is a rising estate by Leases expiring & so when all things were settled they were marryed by the Rev. Mr. James Higgins on Thursday the 2nd of March 1730. As soon as Mr. Higgins had read prayers at 8 o’clock in the evening in my hall to all my whole family and company about 40 persons in all, Robert Meredith Esq. and Sarah Cosby stood forth & were marryed, his father & mother and sister Margaret were here at Stradbally where they were marryed, it was but a private marryage, no great doings on either side. They stay’d here about 10 or 14 days after they were marryed and then went to Shrowland & stayed there till his sister Margaret was marryed in Summer 1731 to Mr. Charles Burton 3rd son of Benjamin Burton of Burton Hall in county Carlow Esq. late Banker in Dublin. She had £1500 to her fortune more than his did at that time deserved as most people thought, but turned out afterwards very well for he (a wine merchant) was a clever managing man & is now (1737) a very rich. Brother & sis1' Meredith had a mind to take the fort from me with a design to live there y® greatest part of ye summer & I had a mind to have him a freeholder of ye Q.C. & so ye 2nd of Aprill 1733 I set him a lease of it for his life at £4. p. an. and they went & lived there ye greatest part of ye summer after they were married, i.e. 1731 and they built a roome joining the parlour boarded it & ceiled it & plastered it, new thatched all the houses & made some other improvements, but March 1732 they took Shrowland from Coz. Meredith & from that time intirely neglected the fort tho’ it was after this they took a lease of it & when I took it from them May 1737, just for want of thatching the stable was quite gone to ruin every Bit dropped down, as was ye kitchen and cellar & servants rooms and the dwellinghouse was in a woeful condition too. In 9r 1731 my sister went up to Dublin, I did chance to be in Dublin & they kept me in their house in Grafton Street which they hired for 6 months. 1731 Sarah her eldest daughter (was born) Richard

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 201

As the companion tells it

Stradbally is a town on your road. Robert and Sarah Meredith had a mind to take the fort here, with a design to live there the greatest part of the summer. On the 2nd of April 1733 a lease was set to him for his life at 4 pounds a year, and they lived there the greatest part of the summer after they were married, in 1731. They built a room joining the parlour, boarded it, ceiled it, plastered it. They newly thatched all the houses and made some other improvements. But in March 1732 they had taken Shrowland, and from that time entirely neglected the fort, though it was after this they took the lease of it. When the fort was taken back from them in May 1737, just for want of thatching the stable was, in the words of the record, "quite gone to ruin every Bit dropped down." The kitchen and cellar and servants' rooms were gone too, and the dwelling house was in a woeful condition. Robert and Sarah had married in this town on Thursday the 2nd of March 1730, in a private ceremony performed by the Reverend James Higgins. About 40 persons were present. His father and mother and his sister Margaret came for it. The couple stayed some 10 or 14 days, then went to Shrowland.

Triple-rampart raths near Punchestown racecourse

Punchestown · townland · Kildare

A large rath with three well-defined circumvallations stands on the furry-ground behind the public stand-house at Punchestown, and another similar triple-ramparted rath lies half a mile away near the Watch-House cross-roads road to Naas—an unusual feature since most raths have only two ramparts.

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On the furry-ground, at the back of the large public Standhouse, is a large rath with three well-defined cireumvallations ; another, with a like number of entrenchments, is situated by the side of the direct road, leading from the Watch-House crossroads to Naas, and half a mile from the former. It is not often that raths are found with three ramparts, as two is the usual number.
1 Sir Maurice Eustace must have married a second time, if his wife, Anne, died in 1685, and his daughter, Clotilda, was born in 1700, being aged ninety-two when she died in 1792.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 24

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Punchestown, a large rath with three well-defined circumvallations stands on the furry-ground behind the public stand-house. Another, with the same number of entrenchments, lies by the road from the Watch-House crossroads to Naas, half a mile from the first. It is not often that raths are found with three ramparts, as two is the usual number.

Turbary dispute at Gilltown (Inchebrisselan) near Kilcullen Bridge, 1302

Gilltown · townland · Kildare · 1302

In 1302 an Assize of Novel Disseisin heard a dispute over half an acre of turbary at Inchebrisselan (now Gilltown, near Kilcullen Bridge) between the Abbot of Baltinglass and tenants of Brannoxtown claiming common rights; the Abbot recovered seisin.

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1302. Assize of Novel disseisin. If Robert Breynok and Richard Breynok disseised Simon, Abbot of Balkinglas, of his freehold (half an acre of turbary) in Inchebrisselan (now Gilltown, near Kilcullen Bridge), Robert as tenant answers that he holds certain tenements in Breynokeston (now Brannoxtown) to which common in said turbary belongs, and that all who held those tenements before were accustomed to have common in said turbary. The Abbot says that neither Robert nor any of his predecessors ever were accustomed to have common in the said turbary. The Jurors say that common of turbary never used to belong to the said tenement. Therefore let the said Abbot recover seisin and his damages.
In 1314 Griffin was Abbot. He had permission from the Crown to confer with the O’Tooles and O’Byrnes regarding

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 249

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, in 1302, an Assize of Novel Disseisin heard a dispute over half an acre of turbary, which is peat-cutting land, at Inchebrisselan, the old name for this place. Robert Breynok and Richard Breynok had been accused of displacing Simon, the Abbot of Baltinglass, from his freehold. Robert answered that he held tenements in Brannoxtown, and that all previous holders of those tenements were accustomed to have common rights in the turbary. The Abbot denied that Robert or any of his predecessors ever had such rights. The jurors agreed with the Abbot, finding that common of turbary never belonged to the tenement. The Abbot recovered seisin and his damages.

Wood on Esker Estate Cut and Sold for £400 in 1731

Esker · townland · Galway · 1729–1731

A legal dispute arose over the estate of Esker and whether the author had the right to cut the wood growing there, following disputes over Colonel Freeman's leases. Two councillors ruled in his favour, and in summer 1731 he cut every stick of timber on the premises, selling it for nearly £400.

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premisses, so summer 1731 I cut every stick on the premisses and sold them, and believe I did not get a farthing less than <£400, this helped to Pay ye expenses that my father was at in Esker.
Will Freeman above mentioned dyed at Mr. Higgins of Draining 1730, or y® beginning of 1731, and Nathaniel his second brother died three or four years before him of Draining and Drinking and Col. Freeman died about Xmass 1731, so that Thomas his third son was his heir and was to Break all the leases of the Lordship of Timahoe, but he been poor and Needy (though a man y* lived constantly at the rate of some hundreds per annum) did not commence any suit against us, but came to a Bargain with Col. John Murray (who marryed his eldest sister Bethia Freeman) and by deed will or some instrum* made over all his right and title to the Lordship of Timahoe to sd Col. Murray and soon after on Sunday the day of June he dyed of drinking, a very disolute life, he was a mere Witty Battle headed profligated reprobated wretch of a fine Gentleman falsely so called, I must also here take notice that Bobert the Colonel’s Fourth son dyed two or three years before this of drinking and draining, he was a sad wicked profligate to. These composed a fine familly, there was not one of the Colonel’s children but wh* were sad worthless wretches. Mrs. Freeman alias Keiring was as bad as any of her children, she dyed about the year 1713 of drinking, and the Colonel after her death led an open dessolute life. Now Tom Freeman was dead Col. Murray talkt much of commencing his suit but it was most peoples opinions that he co?d not nor wo*d do nothing in it. So shall leave him here till I have given an account of other things.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Esker, there was a legal dispute over the estate and who had the right to cut the wood growing there, following disagreements over Colonel Freeman's leases. Two councillors ruled in the author's favour. In the summer of 1731 he cut every stick of timber on the premises and sold it, and believed he did not get less than £400. This helped pay the expenses his father had been at in Esker. Will Freeman died at Mr. Higgins of Draining in 1730 or the beginning of 1731. Nathaniel, his second brother, had died three or four years before him of draining and drinking. Colonel Freeman died about Christmas 1731, so Thomas, his third son, was his heir and was to break all the leases of the Lordship of Timahoe. But Thomas, though a man who lived at the rate of some hundreds per annum, was poor and needy, and did not commence any suit. Instead he came to a bargain with Colonel John Murray, who had married his eldest sister Bethia Freeman. By deed or some instrument he made over all his right and title to the Lordship of Timahoe to Colonel Murray. Soon after, on a Sunday in June, he died of drinking. The author calls him “a mere witty battle-headed profligated reprobated wretch of a fine gentleman falsely so called.” Robert, the Colonel's fourth son, had died two or three years before of drinking and draining. Mrs. Freeman, alias Keiring, was as bad as any of her children, and died about 1713 of drinking. The Colonel after her death led an open dissolute life. Now Tom Freeman was dead, Colonel Murray talked of commencing his suit, but most people's opinion was that he could not and would not do anything in it.

1560 Lease of Woodstock Castle to Ferragh mac Tirlagh

Woodstock Castle · castle · Kildare · 1560

On 29 September 1560, the Earl of Kildare granted a lease of Woodstock, Athy and associated lands to Ferragh mac Tirlagh of Athy, gentleman, requiring him to build two new storeys within the Castle of Woodstock using strong joists and oak planks within three years.

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“Bwylde and newe make wth in the Castell of Woodstoke aforsaid two loftes (? storeys) as lardge as the sercwyte and compace of the same Castell conteynethe the one ower the other wth stronge Geysteis (i.e. joists) and planks of oke wthin three yeres nexte after the date of these presents on his owyn propre costs and chardges.”
He also stipulates to keep in good repair all edifices and buildings attached to the Castle ; and agrees that the inhabitants and tenants of the said two Manors shall defray the expenses of the Earl’s horses and men “ when they lie or travel in those partes, as is done in other places.”

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 183

As the companion tells it

On 29 September 1560 the Earl of Kildare leased Woodstock Castle, Athy, and lands to Ferragh mac Tirlagh of Athy, gentleman. He was required to build within the Castle of Woodstock two storeys, as large as the compass of the same castle, the one over the other, with strong joists and planks of oak, within three years, on his own proper costs and charges. He was also to keep in good repair all edifices and buildings attached to the castle. The tenants of the two manors agreed to defray the expenses of the Earl's horses and men when they lie or travel in those parts, as was done in other places.

Bardic poem describes plundering of Kilmoney and Feighcullen

Kilmoney · townland · Cork · 1560–1579

The same poem recounts that Cill-muine (Kilmoney) was "put out of its form" and that spoil taken from Fiodh Cuilinn (Feighcullen) was beyond compare, describing O'Byrne's raid through the region.

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Grainsioch Unsird (Puncher’s Grange) was plundered by you. Cill-muine (Kilmoney) is put out of its form.
We heard a news which raised your fame,

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 109

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, a bardic poem tells of O'Byrne's raid through this region between 1560 and 1579. It says Cill-muine, Kilmoney, was put out of its form. The poem says Grainsioch Unsird, Puncher's Grange, was plundered, and reports, in its words, 'we heard a news which raised your fame.' Spoil taken from Fiodh Cuilinn, Feighcullen, was beyond compare.

Bulkeley Arms Chimney-piece at Old Bawn House

near Old Bawn · minor feature · Wexford

The Hall of Old Bawn House contains a large chimney-piece of moulded plaster painted to resemble oak, bearing the arms of Archbishop Bulkeley in its centre panel. This suggests the house was built either by the Archbishop or by his son, Archdeacon William Bulkeley.

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The Hall contains a chimney-piece, reaching to the ceiling, which at first sight one would suppose to be of carved oak, but a closer inspection shows that it is moulded plaster, painted ; the centre panel above contains the arms of Archbishop Bulkeley. This would point to the house having been built by the Archbishop, although Mr. Elrington Ball, in his History of the County Dublin, maintains that the house was built by the Archbishop’s son, Archdeacon William Bulkeley. It may have been that the Archdeacon put up his father’s arms as being the original purchaser of the property. The principal room to the left is now the only one in any state of repair. It was the dining-room, and is panelled throughout in oak-grained pine, with long panels — a style prevalent about the early part of the eighteenth century. The chief feature of interest in this room is the quaint, if not unique, plaster chimney-piece, in high relief, which bears the date 1685 — probably the year in which the house was built. Numbers of workmen are represented as busily engaged, with ladders, spades, trowels, hods, and other building implements, while some are carrying stones. It has been remarked that everyone holds a sword, spear, or dagger in one hand, while working with the other. This would suggest a reference to the 4th chapter of Neliemiah, and to represent the building of the walls of Jerusalem. It seems quite natural that Archbishop Bulkeley, or his son, the Archdeacon, should have chosen such a Scriptural subject to adorn the walls of the house.
I come now to what is really the finest feature of the house, and that is the staircase, which must have formed part of the original internal fittings of the house. It is the best specimen I know of in this country of a carved oak staircase in the Jacobean style. It rises in the form of a square, and has massive oak square balusters, with high newels and droppers. The whole has been actually painted in oak-grained paint, and many, no doubt, are ignorant of the fact that the staircase is all oak.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 153

As the companion tells it

Somewhere about Old Bawn, the hall of Old Bawn House holds a chimney-piece that reaches to the ceiling. At first sight you would take it for carved oak, but a closer look shows it is moulded plaster, painted to resemble oak. The centre panel above bears the arms of Archbishop Bulkeley. This would point to the house having been built by the Archbishop, though Mr. Elrington Ball, in his History of the County Dublin, maintains it was built by the Archbishop's son, Archdeacon William Bulkeley. It may be that the Archdeacon put up his father's arms, as the original purchaser of the property. The dining-room to the left is panelled throughout in oak-grained pine, with long panels, a style prevalent about the early part of the eighteenth century. Its chief feature is a plaster chimney-piece in high relief, bearing the date 1685, probably the year the house was built. Numbers of workmen are shown busily engaged, with ladders, spades, trowels, hods, and other building implements, while some carry stones. Every one of them holds a sword, spear, or dagger in one hand, while working with the other. This would suggest a reference to the 4th chapter of Nehemiah, and the building of the walls of Jerusalem. It seems quite natural that Archbishop Bulkeley, or his son the Archdeacon, should have chosen such a Scriptural subject to adorn the walls of the house. The staircase is the finest feature of all, carved oak in the Jacobean style, rising in the form of a square, with massive square balusters, high newels and droppers, the whole painted in oak-grained paint.

Father's move to Esker in 1728

Esker · townland · Galway · 1728

Pole Cosby's father left Stradbally on 8 October 1728 to live at Esker, taking with him mostly the best of what he owned at Stradbally, leaving Pole to manage the estate.

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summer till the latter end of September with my Father, only in August we went to Dublin for 14 days to pay a visit to my Mother in law Mrs. Bridges, we had not gone to winter in Dublin this winter only we had not sufficient furniture to live at Stradbally, for my (father?) left Stradbally ye 8th day of October, 1728 to live at Esker and left us w1 he did not want & that was mostly the best he had at Stradbally. When I had left my wife in Dublin I came home again that I might be at Stradbally when my Father quitted it, & I did stay by myself near 3 months to settle things as well as I could & to get some alterations and conveniencys made & then I w7ent to Dublin & stay about 5 weeks & we bought many things for our new house and bought a very handsome Chariot-berlin which cost us £84. 17. 9, and my wife & I left Dublin the 11th of Feb. 1728 and arrived at Stradbally & began housekeeping the 12 of Feb. 1728, all our neighbours came to see us and we went to see them and were happy. I forgot to tell that in Novr. 1728 I went to Athlone where I met Bro. Kenny, Bro. Browne and Cos Digby. We 4 coheirs met to get the estate surveyed and valued which we did in 10 days time. Brother Browne called on me at Stradbally and We went to Athlone in my chaise together, and brother Kenny came from Athlone in my chaise to Stradbally, and stayed with me some days, my Father entertained him at Esker, and he gave me a promise he wo’d as soon as he heard my wife and I w7ere come to Stradbally in the spring, he wo’d bring sister Kenny witli him which he did and left her here w7ith my wife while he and I went again to Athlone to get the estate devided which w7e got done in March 1728. My share which was drawn by lot was the following lands, viz. Milltowndodw7ell, Cornadrum, Killinwoolagh, the small third of Ballyglass in parish of Disart in the Barony of Athlone & County of Rosscommon, Gurtnahoughty in the parish and Barony of Killion & County of Gallaway, a fourth part of Ballykereen &c. in the county of W7estmeath, a fourth part of ye Rosses in ye county Mayo and the Globe tavern on Cork Hill Dublin, as soon as the lands were devided Brother Kenny & I returned to Stradbally and he stayed a good while w7ith us on condition we would go with him to Newfort, his seat in the county of Waxford, but w7e were hindered for 14 days.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 123

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, Esker, a father came to live in 1728. Pole Cosby's father left Stradbally on the 8th of October 1728 to live at Esker, taking with him mostly the best of what he had at Stradbally. Pole and his wife were left without sufficient furniture to live at Stradbally themselves. They had spent that summer with his father, and in August went to Dublin for 14 days to visit his mother-in-law, Mrs. Bridges. When the father left, Pole came home from Dublin to be at Stradbally for the departure. He stayed by himself for near 3 months, settling things and getting some alterations and conveniences made. Then he went to Dublin for about 5 weeks. They bought many things for their new house, and a very handsome chariot-berlin which cost £84.17.9. He and his wife left Dublin the 11th of February 1728, arrived at Stradbally, and began housekeeping the 12th of February 1728. All their neighbours came to see them, and they went to see them, and were happy. In November 1728, Pole went to Athlone and met Brother Kenny, Brother Browne, and Cousin Digby. The four coheirs met to get the estate surveyed and valued, which they did in 10 days. Brother Browne called at Stradbally and they went to Athlone in Pole's chaise. Brother Kenny came back from Athlone to Stradbally in the chaise and stayed. Pole's father entertained Kenny at Esker. Kenny promised to bring Sister Kenny in the spring, which he did, leaving her with Pole's wife while he and Pole went to Athlone to get the estate divided, which was done in March 1728.

James Wills of Irishtown near Clane accompanies son to Leyden

Irishtown · townland · Kildare · 1722

In July 1722, James Wills of Irishtown near Clane, County Kildare, a close friend of Pole Cosby's father, travelled to Leyden to settle his son Godfrey there, lodging him in the same house as Pole Cosby.

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hard & took all the pains I co’d to improve myself, my amusements & devertions were the same as last year, I laid out all the money I co’d in books, I bought in those two years but one suite of cloatlis, for I had not occation for more, wearing mv nightgown continually as the custom of the studients is there, I have been often for two or 8 months & have never wore anything but my nightgown, Walk over the town & 2 or 8 miles from the town in it, go to church (with my cloak over it) in it, the way we studients kept company with one an other was thus, we never went to a tavern in the town but used to invite each other to our rooms so that perhaps onst or twice a week I wo’d have 4 or 5 or 6 or 7 or 8 with me to smoak a pipe & drink a glass of wine & we wo’d have for supper some bread butter or cheese, a plate of apples, or some Rockt Beef, or some little thing y4 was not expensive & perhaps nine of us would not drink in an evenings sitting three bottles of wine & often not two, I never till 2 days before I left Leyden saw an English studient the least in liquor, & it was occationed at my paying my way. We allways was time for time at each others chambers & perhaps that way I would be 3 evenings in a week in company, we never went to each other till it struck 8 a clock & seldom stay'd longer than eleven, our conversation was not light and frothy, but mostly turned on some useful subject as of what we read, &c. these two first years I spent 45120 p. an. As I said I went constantly to the English church which was ye Established Church, that is Calvinist, alias Presbyterian, but when I received the Sacrement I went to Rotterdam (10 miles) to the Episcopal church there & would often even in winter go to church there in the morn’ & return in the afternoon, this was fatigueing for I used to set out at 4 in the morn’ and not get home to Leyden again till half an hour past 10 at night, this journey I took to Rotterdam on this occation not less than 4 times a year but sometimes I would then stay in Rotterdam for a night sometimes longer & mostly at Cos. Ned Stephen’s a marchant who was most vastly kind & obligeing. This year y4 is in July 1722 Mr. James Wills of Irishtown near Clain in ye county of Killdare (my fathers most intimate friend & afterwards that is after I was marryed my good friend nay ! I may justly say my Father) came to Leyden with his son Godfrey to settle him there & with much ado got him a lodging into the same house y4 I was in, & this was a great satisfaction to me for Godfrey Wills was agreeable and good humoured & after he came we used to be night about in each others chamber for an hour or two while we were at supper.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 65

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here is Irishtown, near Clane. In July 1722, a man from this place, James Wills, made the long journey to Leyden in Holland, bringing his son Godfrey to settle him there as a student. James Wills was the most intimate friend of Pole Cosby's father, and Cosby himself was already studying in Leyden. With much difficulty, Wills got his son lodged in the same house as Cosby, which Cosby called a great satisfaction to him, describing Godfrey as agreeable and good-humoured. After that, the two young men would spend an hour or two in each other's chamber most evenings over supper. Cosby later said James Wills became his own good friend, and he could justly call him his father.

Kennedy Family Vault at Rathcoole Churchyard

Rathcoole · town · Dublin · 1750–1898

A large vault belonging to the Kennedy family of Johnstown-Kennedy stands in Rathcoole churchyard. The family, of Celtic origin descended from the O'Kennedys of Ormond, settled at Johnstown in the mid-eighteenth century, though no monument marks the vault beyond names cut on a jamb.

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A Protestant church stands in the Rathcoole churchyard, and near it is a large vault belonging to the Kennedy family, of Johnstown-Kennedy in the County Dublin, a few miles east of Bishopscourt ; these Kennedys, now represented by Sir John Kennedy, Bart., are of Celtic origin, being sprung from the O’Kennedys, Chiefs of Ormond (now the baronies of Upper and Lower Ormond in the County Tipperary). Sir John’s ancestors settled at Johnstown about the middle of the eighteenth century. No monument to them exists, though the names of some members of the family, deposited in the vault, are cut on one of the jambs of the vault entrance.
On a table-tomb, at the east end of the churchyard, is the following inscription : —

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 76

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Rathcoole, the churchyard here holds a large vault belonging to the Kennedy family of Johnstown-Kennedy. They were of Celtic origin, descended from the O'Kennedys, chiefs of Ormond in County Tipperary, and settled at Johnstown about the middle of the eighteenth century. The family was represented in later years by Sir John Kennedy, a baronet. No monument marks the vault, but the names of some family members laid to rest there are cut on one of the jambs of the vault entrance.

Lost castle and burial place of the Eustace family

Tipper · parish · Kildare

No trace of the Eustace family's castle of Cradockstown remains, though a portion may survive within the present house. Their family burial place was Tipper Churchyard, though no monuments to them remain above ground.

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The pedigree here attached shows other members of this family as far as they can be ascertained. Not a trace of their castle of Cradockstown is now in existence, unless any portion is incorporated in the present house ; the family burial-place was the Tipper Churchyard, though no monuments to them are now above ground.
On the sills of two narrow windows in the stable-yard of Cradockstown House are cut in incised lettering:—

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 26

As the companion tells it

In the parish of Tipper, in Kildare, the Eustace family once had a castle at Cradockstown. Not a trace of it is now in existence, unless some portion is incorporated in the present house. Their burial place was Tipper Churchyard, though no monuments to them remain above ground. The family pedigree is all that attaches them to this ground now.

Prehistoric moat on Slievethoul

Slievethoul · townland · Dublin

In the hills near Saggart are abundant traces of pre-historic days, and on the ascent of Slievethoul a large moat may be seen, 76 feet in circumference and 10 feet high.

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Other owners of property here were the Hancocks, Sir Andrew Savage, and Sir Henry ffolliott, and at a later period Sir William Parsons, while the town contained two castles. At the time of the rebellion of 1641 Saggart was pillaged and burned by Sir Thomas Armstrong, who had with him a party of 200 horse. In the succeeding centuries there is little to record save that in 1682 Thomas Hen was given the right to hold three fairs yearly and a weekly market — a privilege retained in 1705 by John Hen, and in 1741 by Philip Hen. About this time the greater portion of the lands of Saggart passed into the possession of Hean Swift, and were bequeathed by him at his death in 1745 for the purpose of endowing St. Patrick’s Hospital for lunatics. The patent of incorporation of this institution bears date 8th August, 1746. The remains of his Castle are still to he seen in the village at a short distance to the south of the Swiftbrook Paper Mills. In the hills near Saggart are abundant traces of pre-historic days ; and if one makes the ascent of Slievethoul, a large moat may be seen, 76 feet in circumference and 10 feet high. To the west lies Lynch Park, where there are stone circles. Near the village are two pillar-stones, and at Baheen another, and at Crooksling, near Brittas, a rath. A very old saying in this locality is “ To go to Saggart to stack blackberries.” This arose from the fact that the plant which bears this fruit is found in large quantities near the neighbouring hills.
About a mile to the south-west of Saggart, high up on the

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 49

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Slievethoul, there is a large prehistoric moat. It measures 76 feet in circumference and stands 10 feet high, and it can be seen by anyone making the ascent of Slievethoul. The hills near Saggart hold abundant traces of prehistoric days, and this moat is one of them. To the west lies Lynch Park, where there are stone circles. Near the village are two pillar-stones, and at Baheen there is another. At Crooksling, near Brittas, there is a rath. There is a very old saying in this locality: "To go to Saggart to stack blackberries." This came about because the plant that bears this fruit is found in large quantities near the neighbouring hills. Saggart itself has a long history. At the time of the rebellion of 1641, Saggart was pillaged and burned by Sir Thomas Armstrong, who had with him a party of 200 horse. In 1682, Thomas Hen was given the right to hold three fairs yearly and a weekly market. That privilege was retained in 1705 by John Hen, and in 1741 by Philip Hen. About that time, the greater portion of the lands of Saggart passed into the possession of Hean Swift, who bequeathed them at his death in 1745 to endow St. Patrick's Hospital. The patent of incorporation bears the date 8th August, 1746. The remains of his castle can still be seen in the village, a short distance to the south of the Swiftbrook Paper Mills.

Repair and improvement of the Stradbally fort, 1727-1737

Stradbally · town · Laois · 1727–1737

Pole Cosby extensively repaired the ruinous fort at Stradbally after taking it from his brother Meredith in 1727, rebuilding the kitchen, dairy, cellar, stable, widening and deepening the fosse, adding a drawbridge, and planting yews and beech on the rampart.

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As before told I took ye fort from Bror Meredith May 1727, it was in a very Buinous condition so I set about repairing it, now built y® kitchen Dary, sellar and servants room, allmost new Hoofed ye dwelling house and New Thatched it, and built up part of ye walls yl were droped down, rebuilt ye stable, mended
434

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 280

As the companion tells it

Stradbally is a town the road passes through. In May 1727, Pole Cosby took the fort from his brother Meredith. It was ruinous. He built a kitchen, dairy, cellar, and servants' room, rethatched the dwelling house, rebuilt fallen walls and the stable, widened and deepened the fosse, added a drawbridge, and planted yews and beech on the rampart.

Robert Stratford buried at Baltinglass Abbey, tomb-slab rediscovered

Baltinglass · town · Wicklow · 1699

Robert Stratford, who purchased estates in Leinster, died in 1699 and was buried in the portion of Baltinglass Abbey converted into a Protestant Parish Church. When the old church was dismantled, his tomb-slab was discovered under the wooden flooring.

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Robert Stratford’s will is dated the 25th October, 1699. In it he mentions his brothers arid sisters, who are given here, as they are not named in the Peerages (under Aldborough) ; they were — John, Edward, William, and Francis, Abigaile Trotman, Grace Rushton, Elizabeth Harlowin, and (?) Katherine Gealand. Robert, who had purchased several estates in Leinster, died immediately after adding a codicil to his will, and was baried in that portion of Baltinglass Abbey which had been converted into a Protestant Parish Church. On the erection of the new church, the old one was dismantled, and under the wooden flooring was discovered Robert’s tomb-slab, which bears the following inscription : —

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 159

As the companion tells it

As you come through Baltinglass in Wicklow, the town has a link to Robert Stratford. He purchased several estates in Leinster and died in 1699, immediately after adding a codicil to his will dated the 25th of October that year. He was buried in the part of Baltinglass Abbey that had been converted into a Protestant parish church. When a new church was built and the old one dismantled, his tomb-slab was found under the wooden flooring.

Sent to the Latin school at Athy

Athy · town · Kildare · 1717–1718

In 1717 Pole Cosby was sent to Athy to study under Mr. John Garnet, who had just succeeded Mr. Isaac Dalton, who had kept the school there for over 40 years, lodging first with Dalton and then with Garnet.

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In 1716 when we came over from England my Father got one, the Rev. Mr. West, to live in the house to be my Tutor, and so I was in the house learning Latin from Mr. West till Witsontide 1717, and then my father finding me not improve, he sent me to one Mr. John Garnet who kept the Latin School in Athy, and was just then come to Athy, and succeeded Mr. Isaac Dalton who had kept school there for above 40 years. I lodged at said Mr. Daltons who used to examine and instruct me after school time. I lodged with him till 1718 when Mr. Garnet marryed and went to housekeeping, and then I went and lodged with him and continued with him while I stayed in Athy, the chief of my schoolfellows whilst I was here at schooll were Thomas Iveightin (Keating) son of Col. Tlios. K. of Narraghmore, Robert Pinsent now a Minister, Jn. Doyle now a minister, and schoolmaster of Athy, Emerson Peirce son of Col. H. P. of Seskin in ye county of Wicklow, Warner Westenra, Billy, Dick, and Ben
90

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 59

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Athy, this is where a boy named Pole Cosby was sent in 1717 to learn Latin. His father had tried a tutor at home first, a Rev. Mr. West, but found his son was not improving, so he sent him to the Latin school kept by Mr. John Garnet, who had just come to Athy and succeeded Mr. Isaac Dalton. Dalton had kept the school there for above 40 years, and Cosby lodged with him first, and Dalton would examine and instruct him after school hours. In 1718 Garnet married and went to housekeeping, and Cosby went to lodge with him instead. His schoolfellows here included Thomas Keating of Narraghmore, Robert Pinsent and John Doyle, both later ministers, Emerson Peirce from Wicklow, and the Westenra boys.

Sir James Carroll Buried in Ferns Cathedral

Ferns · townland · Wexford · 1639

Sir James Carroll of Ballykearny, County Wexford, died there on 6 October 1639 and was interred in the Cathedral Church of Ferns, County Wexford, despite having wished to be buried in Dublin.

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The said Sir James departed this mortal life at Ballykearny aforesaid the 6th of October 1639, and was interred in the Cathedral Church of Ferns in the County of Wexford.
In his (Prerogative) Will, dated the 2nd of October, 1639, Sir James had expressed the wish to be buried in St. Michael's Church, Dublin ; but dying in the County Wexford, this apparently changed matters. In the Will he mentions his brother, Richard Carroll, of Ballylegge, and also three daughters not named in the two authorities quoted above: they were — Jane, Sarah, and Amy.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 263

As the companion tells it

Close to Ferns, in the cathedral, Sir James Carroll of Ballykearny was buried. He died on the 6th of October 1639, at Ballykearny in County Wexford. Four days earlier, in his will, he had asked to be buried in St. Michael's Church, Dublin. Dying in Wexford apparently changed matters. In that will he named his brother Richard Carroll of Ballylegge, and three daughters: Jane, Sarah, and Amy.

Stratfords of Belan Buried in Baltinglass Abbey Graveyard

Baltinglass · town · Wicklow · 1700–1799

The Stratford family of Belan, County Kildare, were closely connected with Baltinglass in the eighteenth century, maintaining their family burial-place in the Abbey graveyard there.

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In the following century the Stratfords of Belan, County Kildare, were closely connected with Baltinglass ; their family burial-place being in the Abbey graveyard. In 1768 John Stratford, who was M.P. for Baltinglass in the reigns of the first two Georges, was created Baron of Baltinglass, and in 1776 Viscount Aldborough. In 1777 he was advanced to the dignities
1 Cry-Eustace, that is “the Eustace Country,” was the name of a district extending from Naas to Bally more-Eustace. Portlester is in the County Meath.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 264

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Baltinglass, the Abbey graveyard here holds the burial-place of the Stratford family of Belan, County Kildare. John Stratford served as M.P. for Baltinglass under the first two Georges, was created Baron of Baltinglass in 1768, and Viscount Aldborough in 1776.

The Athy Town-Hall Bell, cast 1682 for the parish church

Athy · town · Kildare · 1682

The bell now used over Athy Town-hall was originally cast in 1682 for the Protestant church of Athy, bearing an inscription naming Robert Sommerton and Anchor Willis; the parish register of that year lists Richard Cashin as minister.

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THIs BELL WAs MADE IN THE YEAHE 1682 FOR THE CHVIICH OF ATAY RoBERT soMMERToN AND ANCHoR WILLI5 CHIRH [sic] RW,D
The Athy Parish Register, in 1682, has Richard Cashin as, “ minister ” ; and, strange to say, his name only occurs once in it.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 37

As the companion tells it

Coming up through Athy now. The bell you can see over the town hall was cast in 1682, originally for the parish church here. Its inscription names Robert Sommerton and Anchor Willis as churchwardens. The parish register for that same year lists Richard Cashin as minister, and his name appears only once in it.

Warner Westenra, schoolfellow at Athy, joins Cosby at Leyden

Athy · town · Kildare · 1723

In April 1723, Warner Westenra, who had been Pole Cosby's schoolfellow at Athy, arrived at Leyden to study, and Cosby secured him lodging near his own room out of their long friendship.

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which I was extreamly ill for 6 weeks & took very many natious medicines by the prescription of Proffessour Bourhave & Proffessour Osterdick but they would not give me the Jesuits Bark. At the end of 6 weeks the ague left me hut I had severall returns of it but did not let it continue long for I used constantly after the first fit to take in 24 hours an ounce of bark. In Aprill 1728 Coz Warner Westenra came to study at Leyden, he had been my schoolfellow at Athy & I was extreamly intimate with him & as glad to see him. All the chambers in my lodgeing was full but got him a very good roome the very next door to me. Before he came I did resolve to take a tour this long Vacation (that began the 11th of June 1728) into Germany & he being an intire stranger & not acquainted with one in Leyden I thought it best he should go along with me, to which he did agree, & so set about preparing for our tour, we furnished ourselves with a couple of new suits of cloaths & everything else that was handsome, the two suits I bought, was one a peach colloured cloath lined with the same colloured shagreen & thickly & richly laced with a very rich silver lace, my other suit was a ciniment coloured Padasway lined with a chaingable scarlet Armesin silk, we had Clockt stockins, tyed & hag wigs & everything else suitable. We hired at Leyden a German servant to interpret for us, who was not to quit us till we returned to Leyden, & so ye 28tli day of June 1728 we set out to Utrecht & there we joyned and bought a wheeled chair to travel in & the 15th of June we entered into Germany. I shall not here say more than just mention the towns as we went to them because in my velom bound book is a very particular account of this Tour I made through Germany, on the 15th of June we went to Bentheim then to Lingen, to Delmenhorst, to Bremen, to Hambourg, then to Lunenbourg, to Tell, to Hannover, to Brunswick, to Wittenbourgh, to Magdebourg, to Potsdam, to Berlin, to Leipsick, to Steiten, to Dresden, to Prague, Pilsen, to Nurembourg, to Ratisbone, Landshut, to Munich, to Ausburg, to Ulm, Eslingen, to Hailbron, to Heidelberg, to Manheim, to Worms, to Darmsstat, to Frankfort, to Mayence, to Coblentz, to Bonn, to Colne, to Aix Le Chappele, to Mastricht, to Cleves, to Nimmeguen, to Utrecht, & on the 8th of Septi\ 1723 we arrived at Leyden safe & in good health (God be praised) without any one bad accidents befalling us throughout our whole tour save that y® ague saized me the night I lef Nuremberg & I had two fits at Ratisbonne, but took an ounce of Bark which cured me so that I had not a fit after till Spring 1731. This whole journey was most delightfully pleasant for everything did happen to our desire, our money held just out,

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 66

As the companion tells it

Coming through Athy now, in County Kildare. It was here that Warner Westenra and Pole Cosby were schoolfellows, growing close as boys. In April 1728, Westenra arrived at Leyden to study, and Cosby, who wrote that he was, as he put it, "extreamly intimate with him," was as glad to see him as you might expect. All the chambers in Cosby's lodging were full, but he got Westenra a very good room in the very next door. Since Westenra was an entire stranger to Leyden and knew no one there, Cosby thought it best that he come along on a tour into Germany that he had already resolved to take. Westenra agreed, and they furnished themselves with new suits of clothes, hired a German servant to interpret for them, and set out on the 28th of June 1728. They travelled through dozens of towns across Germany, from Bremen to Berlin to Prague to Munich and back, arriving at Leyden on the 8th of September in good health, with no bad accidents save a return of the ague that seized Cosby twice along the way.

1569 Lease of Woodstock and Athy to William Shiergold

Woodstock Castle · castle · Kildare · 1569–1590

On 20 March 1569, following Ferragh's lease, all the named manors, castles and lands including Woodstock and Athy were leased for 21 years to William Shiergold, servant to the Earl of Kildare, to be held on the same terms as his predecessor.

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Ferragh’s lease was for twenty-one years ; but for some reason or other he does not appear to have had the benefit of it for long, as on the 20th March, 1569, all the above-named manors, castles, and lands were leased for 21 years to William Slieregolde (or Shiergold), “ servant to the Earl of Kildare,” to be held in the same manner as “ fferryagh mcTurlough, Gentleman, had enjoyed the same.”1
During the Civil War of 1641, Woodstock and Athy were at one time in the hands of the Confederate Catholics, and at another in the hands of the Parliamentarians ; as they were situated so close to one another, the two Castles being only 95 perches apart, though on opposite banks of the Barrow, the fate of the one was the fate of the other.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 184

As the companion tells it

A castle by the river Barrow, Woodstock Castle stood with Athy Castle on the opposite bank, the two only 95 perches apart. On the 20th of March, 1569, all the manors, castles, and lands were leased for 21 years to William Shiergold, described as

Ancient Cross-inscribed Pillar-stone at Saggart

Saggart · town · Dublin

A granite pillar-stone standing about four feet above ground in the south-west corner of the older part of Saggart churchyard bears a carved ringed cross on one side, appearing very ancient with much of the cross below ground level.

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One other object in this churchyard is of interest ; it consists of a granite pillar-stone which stands about four feet above the ground, in the south-west corner of the older portion of the burial-
The Cross -inscribed Pillar-stone in the Saggart Churchyard.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 76

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Saggart, there is a granite pillar-stone in the churchyard that stands about 4 feet above the ground, in the south-west corner of the older part of the burial ground. It bears a carved ringed cross on one side, and much of the cross lies below ground level, giving it a very ancient look.

Ballymaddock and neighbouring lands leased to Weaver

Ballymaddock · townland · Laois

Alexander Cosby let the lands of Ballymaddock, Park, Grange, O'Connell, Rathmore, and Carrigine to John Weaver for a long term at £80 per annum, contrasted with the far higher rent of £680 in 1787 when the account was written.

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My grandfather Alexander Cosby let ye lands of Ballymaddock, Park, Grange, O’Connell, Rathmore, and Carrigine to old John Weaver for a long term at £80 per annum (note they are now (1787) let for £680 per annum) Weaver sold ye interest of his lease to one Basil and in the year July 1720 Basil sent one Ball over here to sell it, and my father bought it and gave Mr. Ball £4000. for the 85 years of the lease y* was unexpired, my father borrowed ye £4000 from Richard Fitzpatrick Lord Baron of Gowran, and it being in ye heigth of ye South Sea, money was very dear, and Lord Gowran would not let it go under £7 per cent per annum, and obliged my father to keep it for 7 years. By my fathers now borrowing this £4000, the debts on the estates were £7450, viz. to Lord Gowran £4000, to Alderman Page £1150, to Mr. Francis Leigh £400, to the Rev. Mr. Echlin £600, to Capt. Robert Pinsent £300, to Capt. John Walsh of Ballyboy in ye Kings County £1000. When my Grandfather Alex Cosby died (as mentioned before) the estate was not quite £900 per annum and the debts on the estate including my Uncles and Aunts portions were some w* more than £9000, which at £10 per cent, came to somewhat more than £900 per annum and the estate was not £900 per annum so that the interest was more than the income of the estate, it may be asked then w* had he to live on, why five of his brothers and two of his sisters not being of age they lived with him, and so he had the interest of their portions to maintain them and he shared with them.
The way he paid the debts was thus, my Grandfather died 1694 and ye Feb: following he marryed Miss Ann Owens daughter of Sir Andrew Owens of the City of Dublin and with her he got £1,500. which paid off so much, and then he had £150 per annum for himself, and then he owed £7,500. he marryed my mother 1699 and got with her £2,000. by which then he had

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 61

Brewer's description of Cradockstown before 1825

Cradockstown · townland · Meath

Brewer's 'Beauties of Ireland' describes Cradockstown, one mile from Naas, as the handsome seat of Mr. Carlisle, the ancient manor of the Eustace family, which on the death of Colonel Eustace passed to his sister and was later sold through the Caulfield and Latouche families.

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Brewer, in his “Beauties of Ireland,” vol. ii, p. 57, writing some time before 1825, says that : — “ Cradockstown, distant one mile from Naas, is the handsome seat of Mr. Carlisle. This is the ancient manor of the Eustace family ; and on the decease of Colonel Alexander [? recte William] Eustace, chief of the name, became the property of his sister.
“By John Caulfield, of Lemonstown, in this county [? Wicklow], Esq., the fee-simple of this manor was sold to Mr. Latouche, of Harristown, in whom it is still vested.”

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 26

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, Brewer's Beauties of Ireland, written before 1825, describes Cradockstown as the handsome seat of Mr. Carlisle. It was the ancient manor of the Eustace family, and on the death of Colonel Alexander Eustace, chief of the name, it passed to his sister. John Caulfield of Lemonstown later sold the fee-simple of the manor to Mr. Latouche of Harristown, in whom it was still vested when Brewer wrote.

Cammuck River flows through Clondalkin from Seaghane Mountain

near Clondalkin · town · Dublin

The little stream running through Clondalkin village, the Cammuck or Cammogue River, rises on Seaghane Mountain, joined by a stream from Butter Mountain, forming the Brittas River boundary between Dublin and Wicklow before flowing through Saggard, Corkagh, Baldonnell, Clondalkin and Drimnagh to join the Liffey at Kilmainham.

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Of the ancient walls of Clondalkin, I do not think any traces remain ; and the old holy well seems to have lost its repute. The little stream which runs through the village is the Cammuck or Cammogue River. According to Handcock1 it rises on the Seaghane Mountain, and is joined by another stream from the Butter Mountain, and forms at Brittas, for a short distance, the boundary between the Counties of Dublin and Wicklow, where it is known as the Brittas River. After passing Saggard, it runs through Corkagh, Baldonnell, Clondalkin, and Drimnagh, and at last joins the Liffey at Kilmainham.2
1 “ History of Tallaght.”

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 8

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Clondalkin, no traces remain of its ancient walls, and the old holy well has lost its repute. The little stream running through the village is the Cammuck, or Cammogue, River. It rises on Seaghane Mountain, joined by another stream from Butter Mountain, and at Brittas it forms the boundary between Dublin and Wicklow for a short distance, known there as the Brittas River. From there it passes through Saggard, Corkagh, Baldonnell, Clondalkin and Drimnagh before joining the Liffey at Kilmainham.

Carbury Excursion visits Bermingham Castles of Carbury and Carrick

Carbury · townland · Kildare · 1907

During the joint 1907 excursion of the Kildare Archaeological Society and the Royal Society of Antiquaries, the route on cars included the Bermingham Castles of Carbury and Carrick, associated with the historic Bermingham family territory known as 'the Berminghams' country'.

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The route, taken on cars, included the Bermingham Castles of Carbury and Carrick; and Trinity Well the source of the Boyne; the ancient territory of Totmoy (now the baronies of Coolestown and Warrenstown) in the King’s County was then entered, and Edenderry reached ; here the Colley Castle was inspected, and after luncheon in Barr’s Hotel the party drove to Monasteroris, a Franciscan Abbey founded in 1325 by Sir John de Bermingham, Earl of Louth ; then the party proceeded on to the Bermingham Castle of Kinnafad, and so back into the County Kildare to Grange Castle, also a Bermingham stronghold; after which Rahan, the residence of Mr. Charles Colley-Palmer, was reached ; and after being most hospitably entertained to tea* by their host and hostess, the party continued their journey, and arrived at Ballyboggan Abbey, just over the borders in the County Meath; after inspecting these ruins, a start was made for the Moy valley railway station, to catch the evening train back to Dublin, which should have been reached by 9.5 p.m., hut was considerably later owing to a faildown the line delaying the running of the train.
* Our member, Mr. Ambrose More O’Ferrall, had most kindly invited the party to tea ; but the organizers of the excursion were not able to arrange it so as to be able to accept his hospitality.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 237

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, in 1907, the Kildare Archaeological Society and the Royal Society of Antiquaries travelled on cars to see the Bermingham Castles of Carbury and Carrick. The route that day also took in Trinity Well, the source of the Boyne, before crossing into the ancient territory of Totmoy in the King's County and reaching Edenderry. There the party inspected Colley Castle and took luncheon at Barr's Hotel. They drove on to Monasteroris, a Franciscan abbey founded in 1325 by Sir John de Bermingham, Earl of Louth. Then came the Bermingham Castle of Kinnafad, and back into County Kildare to Grange Castle, another Bermingham stronghold. The party continued to Rahan, the residence of Mr. Charles Colley-Palmer, where they were most hospitably entertained to tea by their host and hostess. They pressed on to Ballyboggan Abbey, just over the border in County Meath. After inspecting the ruins, they made for Moy valley railway station to catch the evening train back to Dublin, which should have been reached by 9.5 p.m. but was considerably later owing to a fail down the line.

Collapse of Samuel Burton's Bank in Castle Street, Dublin

Castle Street · street · Dublin · 1733

Samuel Burton of Burton Hall, a banker with premises in Castle Street, Dublin, went bankrupt on 23rd June 1733, an event noted by the author upon his return home to settle his affairs.

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Samuel Burton of Burton Hall the Banker in Castle street Dublin broake the 23rd of June 1733. On my arrival at home I immediately set about settling my affairs. My good friend Lewis Moore of Cremorgan Esq. took on him to receive all my rents except a few and to pay interest and manage my whole affairs, and y* without fee or reward, and faithfully kindly and friendly he did it, I did after I came home make him some presents. W* rents (the rents of the poorer sort) y* he did not receive, I put into Will Holdbrooks hands my House Stuard, and I left him in my house to take care of it and to manage my demesne of Stradbally and Knocknecarroll. The Plate which I did not carry with me, about £160 worth I put into a large deal Box and Will Holdbrooke and I that night before we went of buryed it in the Sellar under the Big Stairs next to the Big Parlour, my reasons for hideing it in this manner was that perhaps had I intrusted it with anyone in ye country some accident might have happened to it, nor did I think it much securer had I left it with a banker in Dublin, and by hideing it under ground I was sure to find it as I left it save and unabated. On Monday ye 30th of July we set out for England from Stradbally and got to Dublin the 31st and stayd a few days to take leave of friends, and on Saturday the 4th of August 1733 we went abord, we had a good passage (thank God) we had the great cabbin to ourselves for ten guineas and late a Monday night ye 6th of August we landed at Parkgate and Tuesday we sent to Chester for a coach which came and did carry us to Chester y1 night, we stayd at Chester Wednseday and Thursday ye 8tli and 9th & Friday the 10th we went in a coach we hired for £3. 10. to Shrewesbury and that night hired a Wherry for £3. 10. to carry whom I pleased to Gloster and to bait when and where I pleased

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 174

As the companion tells it

This is Castle Street in Dublin, where Samuel Burton of Burton Hall had his bank. Burton went broke on the 23rd of June 1733. The writer of this journal, on arriving home, immediately set about settling his own affairs. His good friend Lewis Moore of Cremorgan took on himself to receive all his rents except a few, to pay interest, and to manage his whole affairs, without fee or reward, and did it faithfully, kindly, and friendly. The writer later made him some presents. The rents of the poorer sort he put into the hands of Will Holdbrooke, his house steward, and left him in the house to manage the demesne of Stradbally and Knocknecarroll. The plate he did not carry with him, about £160 worth, he put into a large deal box, and he and Holdbrooke that night buried it in the cellar under the big stairs next to the big parlour. His reason was that had he trusted it with anyone in the country, some accident might have happened to it, nor did he think it safer with a banker in Dublin, and by hiding it underground he was sure to find it as he left it, save and unabated. On Monday the 30th of July they set out from Stradbally for England and got to Dublin the 31st, staying a few days to take leave of friends. On Saturday the 4th of August 1733 they went aboard, had a good passage, and took the great cabin to themselves for 10 guineas. Late Monday night the 6th of August they landed at Parkgate, and Tuesday sent to Chester for a coach, which carried them there that night. They stayed at Chester Wednesday and Thursday, and Friday the 10th hired a coach to Shrewsbury for £3 and 10 shillings, where that night they hired a wherry for the same sum to carry them to Gloucester.

Death of Sir Thomas Eustace at New Abbey near Kilcullen

New Abbey · street · Kildare · 1549

Sir Thomas Eustace, first Viscount Baltinglass, died at New Abbey, near Kilcullen, in 1549, and was succeeded by his eldest son Roland.

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Sir Thomas died at New Abbey, near Kilcullen, either on the 27th of June or the 30th July, 1549, 4 and was succeeded by his eldest son, Roland, then thirty-five years of age.
Sir Roland Eustace, 2nd Viscount Baltinglass, before his father’s death resided at “ Gallmoreston ” (? Calverstown), County Kildare.5 His wife was Joan Butler,6 daughter of James,

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 255

As the companion tells it

New Abbey, near Kilcullen, is where Sir Thomas Eustace, first Viscount Baltinglass, died in 1549, either on the 27th of June or the 30th of July. He was succeeded by his eldest son, Roland, then thirty-five years of age. Before his father's death, Roland resided at Gallmoreston, thought to be Calverstown, County Kildare.

Earl of Antrim married at Belan in 1739

Belan · townland · Kildare · 1739

The Castledermot Parish Register records that the Rt. Hon. Alexander (MacDonnell) Earl of Antrim and Anne Plunket were joined in marriage at Belan on 2nd January 1739.

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“ The Rt. Hon, Alexander (MacDonnell) Earl of Antrim, and Mrs. (? Miss) Anne Plunket were joined in marriage at Belan, on Wednesday, 2nd Jan., 1739.”
2ndly, to Penelope, daughter of Maurice Eustace, of Ilarristown, County Kildare, and widow of Robert, eldest son of Sir Henry Echlin, 1st Baronet. By her he had no issue.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 160

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Belan, on the 2nd of January 1739, the Right Honourable Alexander MacDonnell, Earl of Antrim, and Anne Plunket were joined in marriage. The Castledermot parish register records the date as a Wednesday. He later married Penelope Eustace, widow of Robert Echlin, by whom he had no issue.

Execution of David fitzGerald Sutton of Castletown near Celbridge

Castletown · street · Kildare · 1582

David fitzGerald Sutton, of Castleton-Kildroght (Castletown, near Celbridge), was executed circa 1582 for his involvement in the Baltinglass rebellion.

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David fitzGerald Sutton, of Castleton-Kildroght (Castletown, near Celbridge), executed circa 1582.
William fitz Nicholas Wogan, of Rathcoffey, executed in 1582.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 257

As the companion tells it

In 1582, David fitzGerald Sutton, of Castletown near Celbridge, was executed for his part in the Baltinglass rebellion. William fitz Nicholas Wogan, of Rathcoffey, was executed the same year.

Gravestone of John Harriss in Belan churchyard, 1714

Belan · townland · Kildare · 1714

Though rough stones mark interments in the disused Belan burial-ground, only one head-stone bears an inscription, recording the death of John Harriss on 22nd May 1714, aged 40.

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Here Lieth The Body of John Harriss Who Departed This Life May The 22th 1714. Aged 40 Years <2 — ,
The “ Ecclesia de Bithlan ” is mentioned in the Repertorium Viride of 1581. St. Patrick’s Well lies less than half a mile, as the crow flies, to the north-east of the churchyard, and to the right of the Avenue road leading to Moone ; it is situated close to the Greese, and, like St. Columbkill’s Well, at Moone Abbey, is encircled by a low wall and covered over.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 160

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here is Belan churchyard, long disused. Rough stones mark other graves, but only one headstone still bears an inscription. It reads: "Here Lieth The Body of John Harriss Who Departed This Life May The 22th 1714. Aged 40 Years." John Harriss was forty when he died on the 22nd of May, 1714. The church itself is older still, recorded as the Ecclesia de Bithlan in 1581.

Humewood's Origin as Butler's Wood

Humewood · townland · Wicklow

Humewood was originally part of the Ormonde estate and known as Butler's Wood before the Humes leased it and eventually bought out the head-rent, renaming it Humewood.

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Humewood used to belong to the Ormonde estate. It was then known as Butler’s Wood. The Humes got it on lease from the Butlers, and after some time bought out the headrent, and became the absolute owners of the property, and then

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 210

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here was once part of the Ormonde estate, and it was known as Butler's Wood. The Humes took it on lease from the Butlers. After some time they bought out the headrent and became the absolute owners of the property. Then they called it Humewood.

Israel Mitchell builds at the Abbey, Stradbally

Stradbally · town · Laois · 1714

Around 1714, Israel Mitchell built a dwelling at the Abbey in Stradbally, pulling down a great part of the existing structure to do so.

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It was about 1697 or 1698 that Mr. Israel Mitchell came to settle and live at Stradbally, he was a Shearman and Cloatliier in Dublin and kept a sort of a stuff and cloth shop in Meath street, and used to come down (at first by chance) to buy wooll for his trade, and at last became acquainted with my father, and after some time they came to an agreement for some holdings in this town, and he promised to my Fr y* he would set up the woollen manufactory and wt not, but all he did towards it (which was nothing) he built that which is ye porch at Mr. Higgins for a shop and brought down all his own goods that he co’d not sell, and made the Porch his shop and when he had sold all that he at first brought down then he kept no more shop but shut it up and so ended the woollen manufactury that he talked and promised so much to my Father, It was about the year 1714 that the said Israel Mitchell built at the Abby, a great part of which he did pull down to build his dwelling house.
1717. There was a little low Hassel Scrub with some few oak and ash behind, which is west of the gardens called Augnecalleigh, and my Father cut it close to the ground, then marked out the walls, stubbed and levelled them and planted them, and 1718 he made ye walk from ye garden to ye wood, and he made some handsome ditches and planted them very well.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 59

As the companion tells it

Around 1697 or 1698, a man called Israel Mitchell came to settle in Stradbally. He had been a shearman and clothier in Dublin, keeping a stuff and cloth shop in Meath Street. He came down at first by chance, to buy wool for his trade. He became acquainted with the writer's father, and after some time they reached an agreement for holdings in the town. Mitchell promised he would set up a woollen manufactory. All he did towards it was build the porch at Mr. Higgins for a shop, and bring down all his own goods that he could not sell in Dublin. He made the porch his shop, and when he had sold what he first brought down, he kept no more shop but shut it up. And so ended the woollen manufactory he talked and promised so much about. It was about the year 1714 that Israel Mitchell built at the Abbey. A great part of the Abbey he pulled down to build his dwelling house. In 1717 there was a little low hazel scrub with some few oak and ash behind the gardens called Augnecalleigh. The writer's father cut it close to the ground, marked out the walls, stubbed and levelled them, and planted them. In 1718 he made the walk from the garden to the wood, and made some handsome ditches and planted them very well.

Kinsha-loochaun burial ground and rath-like enclosure at Blackhall

Blackhall · townland · Kildare · 1640

A rath-like enclosure named Kilsaintlucan is marked on the Ordnance Survey map in the townland of Blackhall near Punchestown, Parish of Rathmore. Roland Eustace's 1640 will expressed a wish to be buried in 'the chappell of Kylsenlocan', and local car-drivers in Naas pronounce the name 'Kinsha-loochaun'.

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In the will of Roland Eustace, of Blackhall, which is dated 27th January, 1640, he expresses the wish ‘‘to be buryed in the chappell of Kylsenlocan.”
The car-drivers in Naas pronounce it “ Kinsha-loochaun.” Can any of our readers say which is correct, and give the meaning of the

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 191

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Blackhall there's a rath-like enclosure marked on the map as Kilsaintlucan. In 1640, Roland Eustace of Blackhall made his will and asked to be buried in "the chappell of Kylsenlocan." The car-drivers in Naas pronounce it Kinsha-loochaun.

Long Stone discovered at Simonstown West near Killellan

Simonstown West · townland · Kildare

A previously unrecorded Long Stone stands in a field on Mr. Leonard's farm at Simonstown West, less than half a mile northwest of the church ruins of Killellan. Originally upright, it now leans at a sharp angle, measuring 8 feet along the upper side and made of unhammered granite.

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Standing in a field on Mr. Leonard’s farm at Simonstown West, and less than half a mile to the north-west of the church ruins of Killellan, is a Long Stone which has not previously been noticed in our Journal. Originally upright, it now stands at a sharp angle with the ground, and measures 8 feet along the upper side ; a large flake is broken away from the top ; in girth near the butt it measures 7 feet 2 inches. Like all our Long Stones, it consists of unhammered granite. An old man in the village of Moone, now aged seventy-six, named John Brochal, who brought this Long Stone to my notice, also informed me that a similar stone formerly stood “ on Mr. Bagenall’s land in a field forninst MacEvoy’s publichouse in Timolin,” but that it was removed many years ago by a
An ancient Wooden Vessel

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 298

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Simonstown West, there stands a Long Stone that went unnoticed for a long time in the records. It sits in a field on Mr. Leonard's farm, less than half a mile northwest of the church ruins of Killellan. It was originally upright but now leans at a sharp angle with the ground. It measures 8 feet along the upper side, and a large flake is broken away from the top. Near the butt it measures 7 feet 2 inches in girth. Like all the Long Stones in this area, it consists of unhammered granite. It was an old man in the village of Moone who brought this stone to light. His name was John Brochal, aged 76. He also recalled that a similar stone once stood on Mr. Bagenall's land, in a field opposite MacEvoy's publichouse in Timolin, but it was removed many years ago.

Lord Chancellor Eustace's Widow Desires Burial at Castlemartin

Castlemartin · townland · Kildare · 1665–1678

Charrity Eustace, widow of the Lord Chancellor, expressed in her 1678 will a wish to be interred at Castlemartin near her husband, correcting the erroneous record that he was buried in St. Patrick's Cathedral.

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According to a Funeral Entry, the Lord Chancellor died on the 22nd of June, and was buried the 7th of July, 1665, in St. Patrick’s Cathedral. This statement as to the place of his interment is not correct, as his widow in her Will, dated the 26th June, 1678, expressly desires to be interred at Castlemartin, near her husband, if it should happen that her death took place in the country (i.e., at Harristown).
In 1685 the title of Viscount Baltinglass was revived in the person of Colonel Richard Talbot of Carton, who was advanced to the dignity of Duke of Tyrconnell four years later. The career of this great Jacobite leader is sketched in the fourth volume of the Journal. On his death in Limerick in 1691, without male issue, this title became extinct.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 264

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here at Castlemartin lies the Lord Chancellor, who died on the 22nd of June 1665. A Funeral Entry records his burial at St. Patrick's Cathedral on the 7th of July that year, but that record is wrong. His widow Charrity Eustace, in her will dated the 26th of June 1678, expressly desires to be interred at Castlemartin, near her husband, if her death should take place in the country at Harristown.

MacMahon inscribed slab at Kilmore, discovered by Dr. Tighe Gregory

Kilmore · townland · Meath · 1831–1859

The limestone slab at Kilmore bears an Irish inscription commemorating Rory 'Buidhe' MacMahon, a member of the MacMahon clan from Farney in County Monaghan, though not native to this part of Meath. It was discovered by Dr. Tighe Gregory, Rector of Kilmore from 1831 to 1859.

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‘Lewis in his “Topographical Dictionary of Ireland” (1887), under Kilmore, states that this' slab was discovered by Dr. Tiglie Gregory, who was Rector from 1831 to 1859.’
‘ This slab is exactly 883 years old.’

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here at Kilmore, a limestone slab bears an Irish inscription commemorating Rory Buidhe MacMahon of the MacMahon clan from Farney in County Monaghan. Doctor Tighe Gregory, Rector of Kilmore from 1831 to 1859, discovered the slab. The record states that this slab is exactly 883 years old.

Monasterevin Abbey founded by O'Dempsey, 1178

Monasterevin · town · Kildare · 1178

Monasterevin, alias Rossglass, County Kildare, was founded in 1178 by Dermot O'Dempsey, Chief of Clanmaliere, as a daughter monastery of Baltinglass Abbey.

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(8) Monasterevin alias Boss- glass (De Bosea Valle), County Kildare, founded in 1178 by Dermot O’Dempsey, Chief of Clanmaliere, who died in 1198.
(4) Abbey leix alias the Monastery of Leix (De Lege Dei), Queen’s County, founded in 1188 by Cucogry O’More, Chief of Leix.2

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 244

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Monasterevin, you are near the site of an abbey founded in 1178 by Dermot O'Dempsey, Chief of Clanmaliere. It was also known as Rossglass, and was a daughter house of Baltinglass Abbey. O'Dempsey himself died in 1198.

Rathangan church left in ruins after failed rebuilding bequest

Rathangan · townland · Kildare · 1714–1760

Robert, 19th Earl of Kildare, left £200 in his 1714 will for rebuilding the church at Rathangan, but Rocque's 1760 map still shows the church in ruins, indicating the rebuilding did not proceed as planned.

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On the death of Robert, 19th Earl of Kildare, in 1714, he left, by will, the sum of £200 for rebuilding the church.”4 However, Rocque’s map of 1760 marks the church as being still in ruins.
Clergy in the Sixteenth Century.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 107

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here stands what was once the church at Rathangan. Robert, 19th Earl of Kildare, died in 1714 and left by will £200 for rebuilding it. But Rocque's map of 1760 marks the church as still in ruins. Whatever became of that money, the rebuilding never came to anything.

Ruinous state of Stradbally church repaired

Stradbally · town · Laois · 1716

The church at Stradbally was in a dolefully ruinous condition when the family returned in 1716, and the father largely at his own expense improved it considerably.

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in Ireland. He chose the latter, and so gave his commission to my Uncle Thomas and got a Majoraty in Brigadier Yeseys new regiment in Ireland. This was all he ever got for the great dangers he run by sea, seiges, long marches, and many engagements and battles, and many fategues of a hot scorching climate. At about the end of five months he left London and came over to Ireland to his new post and now by his long absence from his own home, and liveing in a manner as an exile in a parsimonious way, and by lands encreasing in value and leases falling and thereby his estate riteing, he was in considerable circumstances, and so resolved to repair and refit his mansion House of Stradbally, in order to bring home his familly and spend his days at home, and so the latter end of 1714, he began to improve Stradbally, he made ye avenue that is, planted the trees, he built the Bridges going to it, added the Drawingroom to the big house next to the Big parlour, he winscoted the second floor entirely, floored the garret, built the Back stairs to the big house, built and finished the road to the Big house, made the big stairs, winscoted and floored the little Parlour and finished in a plain way the second floor of the little house, built a Brew house, walled the garden at the N: E: end of the house, also the Partarre, he laid out the new kitchen garden and planted it all with the choicest fruits, and planted the orchard at the N: W: side of the garden, he did all this and a good dail more in about 18 months time, and in Aprill 1716 he came over to York to bring us over, and on the 30th of Aprill 1716, we left York and arrived in Dublin the 7th of May 1716 and at Stradbally the 13th. At this time my Fathers rent roll of the Ldsps of Stradbally and Timahoe was £1100 per annum and the debts on the estate were £3450 at 428. per cent per annum, yt was £276. per annum y1 he paid interest. The Church at Stradbally at this time was in a most dolefull ruinous condition and my father mostly at his own expense put it in a much better way than it was. When my Grandfather Alexander Cosby dyed the town of Stradbally was no town, no nor even a village, for there were (as before told) but two stone houses in it and those but about six feet high, and a few mud and wattled walled cabins. It was about the year 1698 that William Dod (who was my grandfathers Buttler) built the house that is two stories high on the south east corner of the Market House. In 1700 Mr. Israel Mitchell built the house which Mr. Higgins now (1737) lives in.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 58

As the companion tells it

Stradbally is a town the road passes through. In 1716 a family came back to it after long years in England. The father had been absent from home, living as an exile in a parsimonious way. While he was gone, his lands increased in value and leases fell in, so his estate rose. By the end of 1714 he resolved to repair his mansion house and bring his family home. He set about the work. He planted the avenue, built the bridges, added a drawing room, wainscoted the second floor, floored the garret, and built the road to the big house. He made the big stairs, wainscoted the little parlour, built a brew house, walled the garden, laid out the kitchen garden with choicest fruits, and planted the orchard. He did all this in about 18 months. In April 1716 he went to York to bring the family over. They left York on the 30th of April, arrived in Dublin on the 7th of May, and reached the town on the 13th. His rent roll from the lordships of the town and Timahoe was £1100 a year. The debts were £3450 at four per cent, so he paid £276 in interest. The church here at this time was in a most doleful ruinous condition. The father, mostly at his own expense, put it in a much better way than it was. When his grandfather Alexander Cosby died, the place had been no town, not even a village. There were but two stone houses in it, those only about six feet high, and a few mud and wattled cabins. About the year 1698, William Dod, his grandfather's butler, built a house two stories high on the south east corner of the Market House.

Sculptured Mural Slabs at Ruined Grange Con Castle

near Grange Con · population centre · Wicklow · 1610–1621

Henry Harrington, younger brother of Sir William Harrington, resided at Grange Con; two sculptured mural slabs dated 1610 and 1621, bearing the initials H.H. and the Harrington badge, are built into the walls of the ruined castle there.

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Sir William married Anne, daughter of Sir John Wood, Kt., of Albyns, in Stapleford- Abbott, Essex. Sir Arthur Vicars, who has kindly allowed me to make extracts from his Pedigree of the Harrington Family, has informed me that Sir William had a younger brother, named Henry, who resided at Grange Con. There are now built into the walls of the ruined Castle of Grange Con two sculptured mural slabs, one bearing the date 1610, and the other 1621, and both of them bear the initials H. H., with
1 Elizabeth Fiant, No. 5081.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 261

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Grange Con, there's a ruined castle with two sculptured slabs built into its walls. They bear the initials H.H. and the Harrington badge. One is dated 1610, the other 1621. They belonged to Henry Harrington, younger brother of Sir William Harrington, who resided here at Grange Con. Sir William married Anne, daughter of Sir John Wood of Albyns in Essex. The slabs are all that marks Henry's presence in these walls.

Shanavoola identified as the ancient Gralloch Daphill

Shanavoola · townland · Waterford

The junction of two tributary streams at Shanavoola, near Lullymore, is proposed as the location of the ancient Gralloch Daphill, described as a miry place where cattle roads met the river.

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Daphil the name of Queen Boin’s lap-dog, and says it is now called Clandowl, west of Allen. The two tributaries above mentioned form a Gralloch at Shanavoola : there is a bit of upland at the place of about 50 acres ; and indeed there is a border of grass-land on both banks of the river throughout most of its course across the bog. A glance at the accompanying map will show the course of the Cushaling river, with its two tributaries from Lullymore — one the Crabtree, the other unnamed.
So far, the names of places in the old histories, and on the old maps, have enabled us to make a probable guess at the identity of the Cais and the Gralloch ; but we have no assistance from either map or history, as far as I know, to identify either Eire or Alba.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 137

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, at Shanavoola, two tributary streams come together and form what the old records call a Gralloch. Daphil was the name of Queen Boin's lap-dog, and it is now called Clandowl, west of Allen. The two tributaries that meet here flow from Lullymore. One is called the Crabtree, the other unnamed. They join to form the Cushaling river. At the place where they meet there is a bit of upland of about 50 acres, and a border of grass-land on both banks of the river through most of its course across the bog. The old histories and old maps helped make a probable guess at the identity of the Cais and the Gralloch, but gave no help to identify either Eire or Alba.

Stradbally described as rough uncouth place in 1716

Stradbally · town · Laois · 1716

Pole Cosby's father came to Stradbally, Queen's County in 1716 and found it a rough, uncouth place, subsequently undertaking many improvements there.

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My Father was ever doing some improvement or another, for Stradbally, when he came to it in 1716 was but a rough uncouth place.
It was when he was in Dublin Anno. 1719 that he heard of the great fame of the Unaversaty of Lyaden in Holland, and then it was that I sho’d go there. It was about this time that some leases expired which did advance considerably, particularly Rossnemullane which he set to Mr. Edmd. Ryan May 1719 for 21 years at £58. per annum which before paid but £25 per annum.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 61

As the companion tells it

Stradbally in Queen's County lies along the road. In 1716, Pole Cosby's father came and found, in his son's words, "a rough uncouth place." He was, his son wrote, "ever doing some improvement or another." By 1719 he was in Dublin, where he heard of the great fame of the University of Leiden in Holland, and resolved his son should go there. About that time, leases expired and rents advanced considerably. He set Rossnemullane to Edmund Ryan in May 1719 for 21 years at 58 pounds per annum, where before it paid but 25.

Suppression of the Dominican Black Friary at Athy in 1589

Athy · town · Kildare · 1589

The Dominican or Black Friary (House of Friars Preachers), on the opposite bank of the Barrow from St. John's, was suppressed on the 19th of August, 1589, likely alongside St. John's Priory at the same time.

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In after times, _ the same establishment is described as “ St. John’s Hospital of Athy,” and also as “ the Priory of St. Thomas the Apostle of Athy.” Very little mention of it occurs in the Annals or State Papers ; and the date of its suppression, or normal surrender by its Prior at the time of the Reformation, is uncertain ; but as the Dominican or Black Friary (otherwise House of Friars Preachers), on the opposite bank of the Barrow, was suppressed on the 19th August, 1589, St. John’s, in all probability, suffered the same fate at the same time.
The possessions of the Priory of St. John’s are enumerated in Latin in a County Dublin Chancery Inquisition,1 from the original of which the following list has been made : —

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 71

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Athy, the Barrow river divides the town, and on the opposite bank from St. John's once stood the Dominican Black Friary, the House of Friars Preachers. It was suppressed on the 19th of August, 1589, likely at the same time as the neighbouring St. John's Priory across the river. Little mention of St. John's survives in the annals or state papers, and the date of its own surrender at the Reformation is uncertain, but its fate was probably shared with the Black Friary that August.

Talbot Castle site at Talbotstown

Talbotstown · electoral division · Wicklow · 1600–1650

No castle now exists at Talbotstown, but a large square enclosure surrounded by a water-filled fosse and faced with masonwork marks where the Talbot castle once stood. This site was important enough in the early seventeenth century to give its name to the Barony.

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No Castle exists at Talbotstown,now the residence of Mr. Fenton ; but there is, close to the house, a large square enclosure surrounded by a fosse full of water, and externally faced with masonwork, in which the castle of the Talbots must have stood, and which in the early seventeenth century was of such importance as to be selected to supply a name for the Barony, a district formerly known as Imaih
W. FitzG.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 298

As the companion tells it

Talbotstown in Wicklow takes its name from a castle that no longer stands. Close to the residence of Mr. Fenton, a large square enclosure remains, surrounded by a fosse full of water and externally faced with masonwork. The Talbots' castle must have stood within it. In the early seventeenth century this place was important enough to supply a name for the Barony, a district formerly known as Imaih.

Tallaght Church annexed with subservient chapels in 1223

near Tallaght · town · Dublin · 1223

On the resignation of Lawrence, Rector of Tallaght, in 1223, Archbishop Henry de Londres annexed the Church of Tallaght and its subservient chapels of Killohan and St. Bridget to the Deanery of St. Patrick's.

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the greatest expense, with the consent of the Chapter, annexed to the Deanery the Church of Tallaght and its subservient chapels of Killohan (on the townland of Old Bawn) and St. Bridget, which is situated nearer to the Dodder river. They had been joined to the See of Dublin in 1179, and in 1216 were granted to the then newly established Collegiate Church of St. Patrick’s.
In 1810 the bailiffs of “Tamelag” had a royal grant for three years, in aid of enclosing their town with walls ; and in 1824, Alexander de Bicknor, Archbishop of Dublin, had a remission of money, due by him in consideration of his building Tallaght Castle.1

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 15

As the companion tells it

Somewhere along this road is Tallaght. In 1223, Rector Lawrence resigned, and Archbishop Henry de Londres, with the consent of the Chapter, annexed the Church of Tallaght and its subservient chapels to the Deanery of St. Patrick's. The chapels were Killohan, on Old Bawn townland, and St. Bridget, nearer the Dodder. These churches had been joined to the See of Dublin in 1179, and granted in 1216 to the newly established Collegiate Church of St. Patrick's. In 1810, the bailiffs of Tamelag had a royal grant for three years to enclose their town with walls. In 1824, Archbishop Alexander de Bicknor had a remission of money for building Tallaght Castle.

The Long Stone of Cradockstown

Cradockstown · townland · Meath

The Long Stone of Cradockstown stands in a field on high ground near the boundary with Punchestown, measuring 14.5 feet above ground and 10.5 feet in circumference.

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The Long Stone of Cradockstown stands in the middle of a field on the high ground of that townland, and near the mearin of Punchestown. It measures 14J feet above the ground, and is 10J feet in circumference.
The lands of Cradockstown at the commencement of the fourteenth century belonged to John de Boneville, till he was outlawed in 1817, when his possessions were granted by the King to Master Walter de Istelepe, “ Prebendary of St. Martin of Blakerathe,” and Treasurer of Ireland.1

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 24

As the companion tells it

Close to Cradockstown, the Long Stone stands in a field on high ground near the boundary with Punchestown. It measures 14.5 feet above the ground and 10.5 feet in circumference. At the commencement of the fourteenth century these lands belonged to John de Boneville, until he was outlawed in 1817 and the King granted his possessions to Master Walter de Istelepe, Prebendary of St. Martin of Blakerathe and Treasurer of Ireland.

Timolin Knight's Effigy removed from refuse heap to church porch

Timolin · townland · Kildare · 1908

The Rev. J. S. W. B. Long, Rector of Timolin, brought to the Society's attention the need to shelter an ancient knight's effigy that lay on a refuse heap on the north side of the church. The Society funded its removal in 1908 to a new base inside the church porch, faced with dressed Castledermot granite, carried out by mason William O'Shaughnessy of Kilkea.

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2. Removing the effigy from where it lay, on what was a
refuse heap on the north side of the church, to its new resting-place.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 238

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Timolin, a church porch shelters an ancient knight's effigy. In 1908 the Reverend Long, rector here, raised concern that it lay on a refuse heap on the north side of the church. The Society funded its removal to a new resting-place, a base of dressed Castledermot granite, built by mason William O'Shaughnessy of Kilkea.

Vanished FitzGerald Castle of Belan

Belan · townland · Kildare · 1580–1599

Towards the end of the sixteenth century a family of FitzGerald resided in a castle at Belan, holding the lands of Belan Great and Belan Little from the Earls of Kildare, but no trace of this castle now remains.

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Towards the end of the sixteenth century a family of FitzGerald resided in the Castle (of which there is not now a single trace), and held the lands of Belan Great and Belan Little from the Earls of Kildare (who had been pardoned and restored to their estates by Queen Mary in 1554) as of their Manor of Kilkea.
In 1585 the Manuscript Volume in the Dublin Record Office called “The Calendar of Council Book” mentions a Maurice fitz Piers FitzGerald of Belan, as then living.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 158

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, near Belan, a FitzGerald family lived in a castle towards the end of the sixteenth century. They held the lands of Belan Great and Belan Little from the Earls of Kildare, as of their Manor of Kilkea. The Earls had been pardoned and restored to their estates by Queen Mary in 1554. In 1585 the Calendar of Council Book names Maurice fitz Piers FitzGerald of Belan as then living. Not a single trace of the castle remains now.

Celia Cosby lived in Stradbally town after marriage

Stradbally · town · Laois · 1687–1700

Celia, sixth daughter of Pole Cosby's grandfather, married Robert Welldone of Roscomrow and initially lived in the town of Stradbally for four or five years before settling permanently at Roscomrow, King's County.

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Celia my G: F: Cosby’s 6th Daughter was Born the 30th of May 1687, she was called after her Godmother Celia Weldon alias Kidder alias Loftus a Welsh Neice of my Grandfathers. She was marryed to Robert Welldone of Roscomrow in the King’s Co ; Esquire, at their first Marrying she lived in the town of Stradbally for 4 or 5 years, after y1 they always lived at Roscomrow she had by him 15 children, but those yt lived were William the first child and eldest son, Katherine Elizabeth, Celia and Ann. William the eldest son on the 15th of October 1730 marryed Miss Elizabeth Westenra 2nd sister to Warner Westenra Esq. They made ye Match between themselves so yc not a soul knew of it, and he & she went off togather from Rathleigh unknown to anyone on ye 15th of October 1730 and were marryed that night beyond Mountrath at one Chanders a Quakers. They have a good Many children.
Katherine ye Eldest Daughter marryed 1736 one Sterlin not worth a groat, she was, one would have thought, wise enough not to have thrown herself to wretchedly away. Elizabeth the second daughter threw herself away much worse for she marryed a shoemaker one Fell.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 278

As the companion tells it

Stradbally is a town the road passes through, and for a few years it was home to a woman named Celia. She was born the 30th of May 1687, the sixth daughter of Pole Cosby's grandfather. She was called after her godmother, Celia Weldon, also known as Kidder and Loftus, a Welsh niece of the grandfather. She married Robert Welldone of Roscomrow in King's County, an esquire. At their first marrying she lived in the town of Stradbally for 4 or 5 years. After that they always lived at Roscomrow. She had by him 15 children. Those that lived were William, the first child and eldest son, Katherine, Elizabeth, Celia, and Ann. William, the eldest son, on the 15th of October 1730 married Miss Elizabeth Westenra, second sister to Warner Westenra. They made the match between themselves, so that not a soul knew of it. He and she went off together from Rathleigh unknown to anyone and were married that night beyond Mountrath at one Chandler's, a Quaker's. Katherine, the eldest daughter, married in 1736 one Sterlin, in the source's words, "not worth a groat." Elizabeth, the second daughter, threw herself away much worse, for she married a shoemaker, one Fell.

Christopher Hewetson's desired burial at Mylerstown Church

Mylerstown · townland · Kildare · 1698–1699

Rev. Christopher Hewetson of Clonuff, Co. Kildare, who took his B.A. at Trinity College in 1654, died in March 1698-9 and by his will desired to be buried close to the door of Mylerstown Church.

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Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

2 a. Christopher (Rev.), of Clonuff, Co. Kildare, who took his B.A. Degree at Trinity College, Dublin, 1st May, 1654. His will was dated 4th November, 1698, and proved by his wife, Anne Janns , the 22nd April, 1699. He died 12tli March, 1698-9, and by his will desired to be buried close to the door of Mylerstown Church, Co. Kildare.1
2 b. Moses , of Betaghstown, in the Parish of Clane, Co. Kildare, Esquire, who married Margery , daughter of John Newcome. On the 9th July, 1711, he, “ having occasion to go abroad into other countries, about his lawful affairs, and knowing that all men were mortal,” made his will, to which a codicil, dated 19th June, 1721, was added, both being proved on 24th June following by his widow ; she made her will on the 19th January, 1724, wherein she desired to be buried in the Church of Clane, as near as possible to her husband. The issue of this marriage was : —

Internet Archive journalofcountyk05coun, Chapter 29

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Mylerstown, there was once a church where a man asked to be laid to rest. The Reverend Christopher Hewetson of Clonuff took his Bachelor of Arts at Trinity College in 1654. He died in March of 1698, and in his will he desired to be buried close to the door of Mylerstown Church. That is all that is recorded of his wish. A quiet ending for a clergyman who had lived through most of the seventeenth century, and who, at the last, wanted his resting place kept plain and near the entrance of a small church in Kildare.

Journal of the County Kildare Archaeological Society (vol. 5)

The stories, best first

Origins of the town of Stradbally as a settlement

Owen Roe encamps near Clondalkin during Confederate wars

Pole Cosby's Perilous Journey Home to Stradbally

Rejoicing of Tenants at Cosby's Return to Stradbally

Religious community tradition and rampart remains at Lullymore

Removed Long Stone and slab-lined grave at Timolin

Ruins of the Aldborough mansion at Belan

Saggart attacked and destroyed, 1311

Schooling at Portarlington among French-speaking family

Talbotstown Barony named for the Talbot family of Malahide

The fort at Stradbally taken and neglected by the Merediths

Triple-rampart raths near Punchestown racecourse

Turbary dispute at Gilltown (Inchebrisselan) near Kilcullen Bridge, 1302

Wood on Esker Estate Cut and Sold for £400 in 1731

1560 Lease of Woodstock Castle to Ferragh mac Tirlagh

Bardic poem describes plundering of Kilmoney and Feighcullen

Bulkeley Arms Chimney-piece at Old Bawn House

Father's move to Esker in 1728

James Wills of Irishtown near Clane accompanies son to Leyden

Kennedy Family Vault at Rathcoole Churchyard

Lost castle and burial place of the Eustace family

Prehistoric moat on Slievethoul

Repair and improvement of the Stradbally fort, 1727-1737

Robert Stratford buried at Baltinglass Abbey, tomb-slab rediscovered

Sent to the Latin school at Athy

Sir James Carroll Buried in Ferns Cathedral

Stratfords of Belan Buried in Baltinglass Abbey Graveyard

The Athy Town-Hall Bell, cast 1682 for the parish church

Warner Westenra, schoolfellow at Athy, joins Cosby at Leyden

1569 Lease of Woodstock and Athy to William Shiergold

Ancient Cross-inscribed Pillar-stone at Saggart

Ballymaddock and neighbouring lands leased to Weaver

Brewer's description of Cradockstown before 1825

Cammuck River flows through Clondalkin from Seaghane Mountain

Carbury Excursion visits Bermingham Castles of Carbury and Carrick

Collapse of Samuel Burton's Bank in Castle Street, Dublin

Death of Sir Thomas Eustace at New Abbey near Kilcullen

Earl of Antrim married at Belan in 1739

Execution of David fitzGerald Sutton of Castletown near Celbridge

Gravestone of John Harriss in Belan churchyard, 1714

Humewood's Origin as Butler's Wood

Israel Mitchell builds at the Abbey, Stradbally

Kinsha-loochaun burial ground and rath-like enclosure at Blackhall

Long Stone discovered at Simonstown West near Killellan

Lord Chancellor Eustace's Widow Desires Burial at Castlemartin

MacMahon inscribed slab at Kilmore, discovered by Dr. Tighe Gregory

Monasterevin Abbey founded by O'Dempsey, 1178

Rathangan church left in ruins after failed rebuilding bequest

Ruinous state of Stradbally church repaired

Sculptured Mural Slabs at Ruined Grange Con Castle

Shanavoola identified as the ancient Gralloch Daphill

Stradbally described as rough uncouth place in 1716

Suppression of the Dominican Black Friary at Athy in 1589

Talbot Castle site at Talbotstown

Tallaght Church annexed with subservient chapels in 1223

The Long Stone of Cradockstown

Timolin Knight's Effigy removed from refuse heap to church porch

Vanished FitzGerald Castle of Belan

Celia Cosby lived in Stradbally town after marriage

Christopher Hewetson's desired burial at Mylerstown Church