Journal of the County Kildare Archaeological Society (vol. 7)

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

1. 1538 Inquisition records Priory's extensive lands and rectories

   Graney · parish · Kildare · 1538

   An inquisition held on 5 August 1538 found that Egidia Wale, late Prioress of Graney, held the site of the Priory, church, graveyard, orchards, 100 messuages, and 20 carucates of land across numerous named townlands, plus rectories in several counties.

   Read the passage

   They found that Egidia Wale, “ late Prioress of the Priory of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Grane in the County of Catherloghe,” was in right of her Priory seised of the site of the Priory, Church, graveyard, fields, gardens, orchards, 100 messuages, and 20 carucates (ploughlands) in

   Grane, and Little Grane, alias Granevegg.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 222

2. Alexander Graydon settles at Killashee, leases Greenhills

   Killashee · townland · Kildare · 1711–1739

   Alexander Graydon settled at Killashee in 1711 after leasing lands containing 826 acres from Sir Richard Bellings for 46 years. In 1718 he obtained a further lease of the lands of Greenhills from the Earl of Mountrath.

   Read the passage

   He appears to have settled at Killashee in 1711, when he leased those lands, containing 826 acres, from Sir Richard Bellings for 46 years; subsequently, in 1718, he obtained a lease of the lands of Greenliills, County Kildare, from the Earl of Mountrath. Mr. Graydon represented this borough till the dissolution consequent on the death of Queen Anne, and being re-elected, sat throughout the reign of George I. (1715-27). He m 1688 Avis, daughter of Richard Eustace, of Forenaughts, and died in 1739, leaving issue : —

   I. Richard, vivens 1730, d.v.p.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 235

3. Capture of Moridagh at Noragh (1275)

   Narraghmore · townland · Kildare · 1275

   In 1275, Moridagh, possibly Murtagh MacMurrough, was taken prisoner at Noragh by Walter le Faunt (L'Enfant). This event reflects the ongoing conflict between Anglo-Norman lords and native Irish chieftains in the area.

   Read the passage

   In 1275, Moridagh (? Murtagh MacMurrough) was taken at Noragh by Walter le Faunt (L’Enfant).4

   In 1286, Le Norragh was burned, and Ardscoll and other neighbouring towns, by Philip de Staunton, on the 16th of November.5

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 147

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere close to Narraghmore, in 1275, a man named Moridagh, possibly Murtagh MacMurrough, was taken prisoner by Walter le Faunt. It was one more flash in the struggle between Anglo-Norman lords and native Irish chieftains in this part of Kildare. Eleven years later, in 1286, Le Norragh itself was burned by Philip de Staunton on the 16th of November.

4. Death of James McManus at Maynooth

   Maynooth · town · Kildare · 1761

   James McManus, MP for Athy and Sovereign of Kildare, died at his seat at Maynooth, County Kildare, shortly after his election, as recorded in Pue's 'Occurrences' in 1761.

   Read the passage

   “ At his seat at Manooth, County Kildare, greatly lamented by all his acquaintances, James McManus, one of the Representatives in Parliament for Athy.”

   [Authorities : — Information from George Dames Burtchaell, Athlone Pursuivant ; Todd’s “ Dublin Graduates ” ; Howell’s “State Trials”; King’s Inns Records (MS.); Kildare Journal.]

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 103

   As the companion tells it

   Coming up through Maynooth now. In 1761, James McManus, Member of Parliament for Athy, died at his seat here. The notice in Pue's Occurrences said he was, in their words, "greatly lamented by all his acquaintances."

5. Erection of Dunlavin Market House by James Worth-Tynte

   Dunlavin · town · Wicklow

   The Hon. James Worth-Tynte, a Privy Councillor and prominent politician, is credited with erecting the solid cut-granite Market House which stands in the main street of Dunlavin.

   Read the passage

   The Hon. James Worth-Tynte was a Privy Councillor and prominent politician. To him is ascribed the erection of the solid cut-granite Market House, which stands in the main street of Dunlavin, and which will be referred to further on (see p. 226). After the death of his first wife Hester, by whom he had two sons who died young, he married again, his second wife being Elizabeth Kelly of Dublin (who survived him only a short time), and by her he had another son named Robert.

   This Robert Tynte, Councillor at Law, succeeded to Old

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 137

6. Eustace family home in Skinner Row and Eustace Street

   Eustace Street · street · Dublin

   Sir Maurice Eustace long lived in Skinner Row, then the home of Dublin's legal fraternity, and subsequently in a large mansion with gardens sloping to the river, the site of which is marked by Eustace Street.

   Read the passage

   Eustace long lived in Skinner Row, then the home of the legal fraternity in Dublin, and subsequently in a large mansion, with gardens sloping down to the river, the site of which is marked by Eustace Street.

   His castle at Harristown, of which no trace now exists,1 was battered by the Parliamentary forces under Colonels Hewson and Reynolds in 1650. When Sir Maurice returned after the Restoration, he either remodelled it or, more probably, erected a new structure. The mansion, which was certainly in existence

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 80

   As the companion tells it

   Along here, Sir Maurice Eustace lived first in Skinner Row, where Dublin's legal fraternity had their homes. He later moved to a large mansion with gardens sloping down to the river, and this street marks the site of that house.

7. Fontstown Church window memorial, 1859

   Fontstown · parish · Kildare · 1859

   Eleven surviving children of the Rev. John Bagot and his wife Olivia put a window in Fontstown Church in 1859 in memory of their father, mother, and grandfather.

   Read the passage

   By Olivia, his wife, the Rev. John Bagot, who built the Rectory at Fontstown, had a very large family of twenty-two children. Of these some died in childhood, and some when they were just grown up ; but eleven survived their parents, and in 1859 put a window in Fontstown Church in memory of their father, mother, and grandfather. It was somewhat remarkable that although the Rev. John Bagot reached the age of eighty, he never saw any of his grandchildren.

   Of the Rev. John Bagot’s children, Mary Martha, born in 1814, married in 1837 her cousin, the Rev. William Stack, of Kesh,

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 190

8. Hathorne's Bequest for Church Repair and the Poor of Dunlavin

   Dunlavin · town · Wicklow · 1679–1680

   Cornet Anthony Hathorne of Rathsallagh, in his will dated 1679, requested burial in the chancel of the parish church of Dunlavin, left £10 to the poor of the parish, and bequeathed £10 sterling for repair of the chancel part of the church.

   Read the passage

   Among other legacies, he leaves d£10 to the poor of the Parish ; £2 to Mr. Rowland Bulkeley to buy himself a mourning ring ; and “ I bequeath for the repayre of the Chauncell part of the church of Dunlavin ten pounds ster.” Finally he appoints as Executor to his Will, his nephew, Philip Hathorne.

   Nothing further is known of this family.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 139

9. King John confirms Priory's rectories and tithes, 1207

   Graney · parish · Kildare · 1207

   In November 1207, King John confirmed to the Priory of Graney all the rectories, tithes, tolls, mills, lands, and tenths of meat and drink belonging to his tables, granted by Walter de Riddlesford. The deed was witnessed at Tewkesbury by several notable earls and the Justiciary of Ireland.

   Read the passage

   In the same year (1207), on November the 12th, King John confirmed to the Priory all the rectories, tithes, tolls, mills, lands, and tenths of meat and drink belonging to his tables, which had been granted to it by Walter de Riddlesford. This Deed was witnessed at Tewkesbury by Godfrey Fitz Peter, Earl of Essex : Ranulph des Mescliines, Earl of Chester ; Saier de Quency, Earl

   Unidentified. 2 i.e. the River Derr. 3 Tolls. 4 Castledermot.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 221

10. Toll-keeper appointed at Rusheen with free passage exemptions

    Rusheen · street · Sligo · 1753

    At a meeting at Mountrath on 10 October 1753, Andrew Jackson was appointed toll-keeper at Rusheen at £5 a year, and twenty-two local contributors were granted free passage through the gate for their livestock and carriages.

    Read the passage

    meeting held on the 21st of September, 1758, the toll-house and gate at Derry bratt were ordered to be removed to the intersection of the new road with the old ; and debentures for £197 were ordered to be paid to Contractor Mullins for the part of the road he had made at Lumcloone, debentures for £38 11s. 6d. to D. Kelly of Liscloney for the portion made through the lands of Clohill, and debentures for £58 7s. to A. Hamilton for the portion made through the lands of Gulbush and Clononce. The next meeting was held at Mountrath on the 10th of October, 1753. Andrew Jackson was appointed toll-keeper at Kusheen at £5 a year, and he was ordered to remove said gate from its present site to the forge of John Jackson, and he was to get the list of tolls from Daniel Rogers, the clerk. Twenty-two persons whose names are given had contributed £1 16s. 5^d., and they were to be allowed from this date to the 1st of May next free passage through the gate for “ milch cows, horse, mare, gelding, ass, mule, or any cheas, chair, chart, waggon or any other carriage.” At a meeting held at Mountrath it was ordered that the gate at Rusheen was not to be removed, but that a house be built there by Mr. Jonathan Pirn, and the chairman was ordered to pay Daniel Rogers, the clerk and surveyor of the said turnpike road, the sum of £1 2s. 9d. out of the tolls of Rusheen as part payment of his salary. At another meeting three trustees were ordered to inspect and report on that part of the new road beginning at Francis McGawley's house and leading through Kileboher, also to inspect and report on the new road and gate at Cloghan, the new road at Frankford, and to say what damage Samuel Doyse had sustained from the new road passing through his land. The following orders were made from time to time at other meetings : — That the trustees point out to their surveyor, D. Rogers, where to strike the new road from the high road leading from Ballyboy to Birr, and then continue the line through the lands of Ballycolgan, Derenboy, the bog of Derenboy, and on to the lands of Pidgeontown. At a meeting held on the 21st December, 1754, it was decided that the tenants of Lumclone were to pay 8d. each for the right of way through the Rusheen gate up to the 21st of June, 1755. At the previous meeting advertisements were ordered for new contractors to make that part of the road which former contractors had failed to complete ; and at this meeting the new proposals for carrying out this portion of the work were accepted. The proposal of Thomas Holmes to build a two-arch bridge over the river Brosna near Mr. Staunton's land for £100 was accepted. The contract of making the road from the ditch between Barnabue and Broughall to the Lumcloone river was given to Leister

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 85

    As the companion tells it

    Along here at Rusheen, a toll gate stood on the turnpike road in the 1750s. At a meeting in Mountrath on the 10th of October 1753, Andrew Jackson was appointed toll-keeper at five pounds a year, and was told to move the gate to the forge of John Jackson and collect the list of tolls from Daniel Rogers, the clerk. Twenty-two local people had contributed one pound sixteen shillings and fivepence, and in return they were granted free passage through the gate for their milch cows, horses, mares, geldings, asses, mules, and any chair, waggon or other carriage, from that date to the 1st of May the following year. Later the trustees decided the gate should not be removed after all, and Jonathan Pirn was to build a house there. The tenants of Lumclone were also charged eightpence each for the right of way through the Rusheen gate in 1754.

11. Twelfth-Century Castle at Narraghmore, Now Vanished

    Narraghmore · townland · Kildare · 1170–1200

    A castle was erected at Narraghmore at the end of the twelfth century, but not one stone of it now stands above another, showing the total disappearance of this Anglo-Norman structure.

    Read the passage

    A castle, too, as will be mentioned further on, was erected here at the end of the twelfth century, but of it not one stone now stands above another. About the only relic of the ancient times not entirely swept away is a trebly entrenched Rath a quarter of a mile to the east of the village of Narraghmore, which may have been St. Patrick’s “ Forrac”; but it, too, is fast disappearing under the shovel of the road-contractors, who have for many years converted it into a gravel-pit.

    Previous to the arrival of the Anglo-Normans, towards the end of the twelfth century, the Irish Annalists do not mention

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 145

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, a castle was built at the end of the twelfth century, when the Anglo-Normans arrived. Not one stone of it now stands above another. The only relic of ancient times not entirely swept away is a rath east of Narraghmore village, which may have been Saint Patrick's, but even that is fast disappearing under the shovels of road-contractors who have used it as a gravel-pit for years.

12. Wattle-work centering impressions at Kilkenny Castle

    Kilkenny Castle · castle · Kilkenny

    At Kilkenny Castle, mortar used by Norman builders retains the impressed pattern of wattle-work that was used as centering during construction.

    Read the passage

    work, strong and well made, which was preserved by the peat that had gathered around it, and the wattles when first uncovered were as good to all appearances as the day they were made. The houses were all oval or circular ; one of them covers 450 square feet, and a larger one still remains to be opened. All had a circular area of white stones in the middle for a hearth, and all had been destroyed by fire, but the fire that burned the wattlework had baked the clay mortar with which they were covered, so that every line of the wattle-work could be distinguished in it, just as you can see in the old Crypt in Waterford Cathedral the impress of the wattle-work which the old Danish builders used as scaffolding on which to erect the Crypt, and the wattle- work impressed in the mortar used as centering by the old Norman builders who erected Kilkenny Castle. Let us bear in mind that they did not use wattles, because they were unacquainted with the use of timber, for in other parts of this old Celtic fortress carpentry work of extreme neatness of fit and finish is found in use. In the MS. Registry of Lanercrost Priory mention is made of a chapel of wattle-work at Triermain, in which Divine Service was celebrated by consent of Egelwin, the last Anglo-Saxon Bishop of Durham.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 54

13. Bray (Brea), residence of Capt. John Lethieulier near Athy

    Bray · town · Wicklow · 1732

    John Loveday travelled through Kildare in 1732 chiefly to visit his uncle, Capt. John Lethieulier, who resided at Brea (now Bray) in the neighbourhood of Athy.

    Read the passage

    But it must be remembered that he took this route through our county, not, unfortunately, in search of archaeological remains or historic places, but in order to visit his uncle, Capt. John Lethieulier, of Brea (now Bray), in the neighbourhood of Athy, a circumstance which considerably lessens the interest of the narrative. Perhaps it is with regard to the animal world that he tells us least, and, save for an isolated reference to the great numbers of frogs about Athy, which does not come within the Kildare portion of his tour, he has nothing on this subject which need be quoted.

    The simplicity of his character is everywhere apparent : he disliked the pretensions which dubbed the squires colonels,1 and their houses castles. Sometimes, generally from want of knowledge, as in the case of Castle Martin, his observations are beside the mark ; but on the whole his criticism is just, and reveals a hatred of sham greatly to the credit of the young Englishman.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 104

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Bray, you are tracing the route of a young Englishman named John Loveday, who travelled this way in 1732. He came not to seek out historic places or archaeological remains, but to visit his uncle, Captain John Lethieulier, who lived here at Brea, as it was then called, in the neighbourhood of Athy. Loveday was a plain-spoken man who disliked pretension. He had no patience for squires styling themselves colonels or calling their houses castles, and the journal he kept reveals what the source calls a hatred of sham. His observations were not always accurate, and he tells us little about the natural world, save for a note on the great numbers of frogs about Athy.

14. Broken high cross shaft standing in Clonmore churchyard

    Clonmore · townland · Carlow

    A broken shaft of a high cross stands on a square base in the middle of Clonmore churchyard, with its separated head lying embedded nearby, ringed but not perforated similar to St Mogue's Cross.

    Read the passage

    About the middle of the churchyard stands the broken shaft of a high cross standing on a square base. The shaft is neither ornamented nor divided into panels ; in its present state it stands 6 feet 2 inches in height, with faces measuring 18 inches and 12 inches. About a perch from it, to the south, lies the head, embedded in the ground on its side. The head and arms are ringed, but not perforated, in a similar fashion to “ St. Mogue’s Cross,” described further on, which, however, is not so massive.

    There are several granite boulders and slabs, some recumbent, others upright, dotted over the churchyard, which belong to an early period, and bear on them in relief either a plain or a ringed cross. One large slab in the south-east corner, near a sycamore tree, is remarkable in having an oblong hole (9 inches by 6 inches) cut through it. This slab is sunk in the earth on its side, and measures 4 feet in length, with an average thickness of 7 inches. It is puzzling to understand the object of the square perforation, unless it served for a socket in which a cross-shaft originally stood.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 91

15. Catholic Chapel Ground Donated by Lady Tynte at Dunlavin

    Dunlavin · town · Wicklow · 1815

    A mural slab was erected at the Roman Catholic church at Dunlavin in 1815 by the grateful Catholics of the parish, commemorating Lady Tynte Caldwell and Miss Elizabeth Tynte's donation of the chapel ground and its precincts.

    Read the passage

    The Catholics of this Parish in grateful acknowledgement to Lady Tynte Caldwel and Miss Eliza. H.3 * Tynte for their liberal Donation of this Chapel Ground and that of its precincts,

    Have erected this Stone as a perpetual monument of their Muniticence.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 137

16. Edward Blount required to repair Bolton Castle

    Bolton · townland · Kildare · 1682

    Edward Blount held a 61-year lease from 1682 of lands including Bolton, on condition he repair Bolton Castle and maintain armed horsemen and footmen for its defence.

    Read the passage

    1682, the lands of Narraghbegge, Boultowne, Newtown, etc., at £100, and “ two couple of fat capons” per annum, on condition that he should repair Bolton Castle, and maintain two horsemen and four footmen fully armed.

    He m. Eleanor, dau. of Ensign Henry Borrowes, of Giltown, County Kildare, by whom he had issue : —

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 81

17. Graney estate sold to tenants under the Wyndham Act, 1903

    Graney · parish · Kildare · 1903

    The Manor of Graney, known as 'Lord William's Estate,' passed through the FitzGerald and Butler families before being sold by the Butlers to the tenants under the Wyndham Act of 1903.

    Read the passage

    By the Butlers the Graney estate was sold to the tenants under the Wyndham Act of 1903.

    The Manor consisted of the townlands of

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 224

18. Harristown Castle's Site Near the Railway Station

    Harristown · townland · Kildare

    The old castle at Harristown, since demolished, once occupied by the Eustace and Chetwood families, stood in the field opposite the railway station.

    Read the passage

    The old castle at Harristown, now demolished, occupied by the Eustaces and their successors, the Chetwoods, stood in the field opposite the railway station. According to a writer in

    400 KILDARE MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT, 1559-1800.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun

19. Nurney Castle modernized into Nurney House

    Nurney · town · Kildare

    The Bagot family lived in the old castle at Nurney, which they modernized and called Nurney House, eventually removing about eighty years before this writing to a smaller residence in the same neighbourhood.

    Read the passage

    2 The family lived in the old castle, which they modernized and called Nurney House, eventually removing, some eighty years ago, to a smaller residence in the same neighbourhood.

    322

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 189

20. Papal Bull confirms Graney Priory possessions, 1207

    Graney · parish · Kildare · 1207

    Pope Innocent III issued a Bull in April 1207 taking the Priory of Graney under his protection and confirming the grant of lands made to it by Walter de Riddlesford.

    Read the passage

    Bulla confirmationis possessionum ejusdem Domus per Innocentium III Papam, a.d. 1207.

    Innocentius Episcopus dilectis in Christo filiabus Priorissae et Conventui de Grane, Salutem et Apostolicam benedictionem. Justis petentium desideriis dignum est nos facilem praebere concensum ; et vota, quae a rationis tramite non discordant, effectu prosequente, complere. Qua propter dilectae in Christo filiae, vestris justis postulationibus grato concurrentes assensu, personas vestras et Monasterium de Grane, in quo divino estis servicio mancipatae, cum omnibus bonis, quae impraesentiarum rationabiliter possideris, aut in futurum justis modis, Deo propitio, poterit adipisci, sub B. Petri et nostra protectione suscipimus ; specialiter autem Bona quae dilectus filius Walterus de Rideleford vobis pro redemptione animae suae suorumque parentum concessit ; scil : —

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 220

21. Protestant Church of Dunlavin Built 1816

    Dunlavin · town · Wicklow · 1816

    The Protestant church at Dunlavin was built in 1816, replacing a former structure that stood in the middle of the town, and it contains a seventeenth-century mural tablet brought from the old building.

    Read the passage

    At the opposite end of the horizontal stroke of the T stands the Protestant church, built in 1816, and which replaced the former structure, which stood in the middle of the town. It contains one seventeenth-century mural tablet, brought from the old building, and which is now built into the wall over the chimney-piece in the vestry. The inscription,1 in raised letters, reads as follows : —

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 138

22. Punchestown pillar-stones compared to the Furness monolith

    Punchestown · townland · Kildare

    The author notes that similar granite pillar-stones of comparable dimensions to the Furness standing stone stand a few miles away near Punchestown, though granite erratic blocks are otherwise rare in the district.

    Read the passage

    The pillar-stone, which forms the most striking feature of the monument, we believe to have been a glacial erratic, although its slenderness relative to its length is unusual in erratic blocks. All its edges are much rounded, and its faces equally weathered. The site of the monument was perhaps chosen owing to the proximity of the beautiful stranded block to the crest of a commanding eminence. Erratic blocks of granite appear to be rare in the neighbourhood ; but two pillar-stones of similar dimensions, also of granite, stand only a few miles away, in the neighbourhood of Punchestown.

    Of the history of the district there is not much known revelant to our present purpose. The name ‘‘Furness” is a quite modern corruption of Fornochta, a name better preserved by the adjacent townland of “ Forenaughts. ” Here there seems to have been a royal residence in early times, as a personage called Dunlang, of Fornochta, “a generous prince who routed battles against the sons of Niall,” is referred to in the old Irish

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 170

23. Ruinous castle at the Manor of Clonogan, Moyacomb, in 1540

    Moyacomb · parish · Carlow · 1540

    A 1540 valuation of the Manor of Clonogan in the parish of Moyacomb found that its chief dwelling had formerly been a castle built for defence but was by then ruinous, waste and uninhabited, with uncultivated land.

    Read the passage

    who found that the chief dwelling of the Manor of “ Cloneogan” was formerly a Castle, built for the defence of the country, but now ruinous, waste, and uninhabited, and the land uncultivated ; and that the Manor was granted to James, Earl of Ormond, in 1587.

    W. FitzG.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 87

24. Standing Stones and Monoliths near Naas and Punchestown

    Punchestown · townland · Kildare · 1654

    Sir James Ware, writing in 1654, referenced great stones near Naas in County Kildare, which the author suggests likely refers to monuments such as the Long Stone Rath and the imposing monoliths at Punchestown.

    Read the passage

    1 De Hibernia et Antiquitatibus ejus, 1654, pp. 103, 104. The imposing monoliths at Punchestown are probably referred to also.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 165

25. St Peter's Well at the foot of the Green Hill, Dunmurraghill

    Dunmurraghill · townland · Kildare

    A Blessed Well known as St Peter's Well is located at the very foot of the Green Hill at Dunmurraghill, a detail not mentioned by Father Hogan's earlier account.

    Read the passage

    In the Ecclesiastical Taxation of Ireland of 1802 (Cal. of Docs., Ireland, p. 247) this place is called “ Drummerhill,” which is nearer in pronunciation to the Irish word than its present form. So far Father Hogan, who, however, does not mention that there is a Blessed Well at the very foot of the “ Green Hill,” known as “ St. Peter’s Well.”

    Historical references to Dunmurraghili are very scarce. In 1405, the King granted a custodiam of “ [ ] kneston and

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 87

26. Bishop le Yeele buried in Kildare Cathedral

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 1300–1332

    Bishop le Yeele, whose name was anglicised to Wall, was buried in Kildare Cathedral. His seal survives attached to a deed dated 1300-32, illustrated in the Novum Registrum.

    Read the passage

    Bishop le Yeele was buried in Kildare Cathedral. The name le Yeele has been anglicised to Wall. Attached to a deed of

    Fig. 1. — Seal of Walter le Yeele, bishop of Kildare, 1300-32.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 212

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is the town of Kildare. A bishop named le Yeele, whose name was later anglicised to Wall, was buried in Kildare Cathedral. His seal survives, attached to a deed dated between 1300 and 1332, illustrated in the Novum Registrum.

27. Bishop's Court, Lord Duncannon's seat near Naas

    near Bishop's Court · street · Clare · 1732

    Two miles beyond Naas, the travellers passed Bishop's Court, the seat of Lord Duncannon, on their way toward Celbridge.

    Read the passage

    “ Tuesday, 27. — From Brea to Kilcullen, 10 miles; to the Naas, 5 ; to Kildroghan4 at ye White Hart, 7 miles. Mr. Carter’s5 seat at Kilcullen is a large square house of stone, new and handsome ; ye Liffy runs by it ; ’tis admired for its situation, according to ye grand way in Ireland, they call it Castle Martin , ye general affectation to call their houses Castles6 ( v . Swift xvi., 408.) Two miles beyond ye Naas, we turned out of ye Dublin road, passing by Bishop’s Court, Lord Duncannon’s.7 Just out of Kildroghan is much ye grandest house we have seen in Ireland — Castletown, Mrs. Conolly’s,8 built in 1725, of a bastard marble dug up about 15 miles hence, but being unpolished it looks like a fair white stone ; this very lofty and deep house, taking up a great deal of ground, stands upon arches, has no less than 18 windows in front, too many either for beauty or strength ; on each side wind in a circular manner stone cloisters supported on columns of ye Ionic order ; butting ye extremities of ye cloisters are built of a darker stone, and something higher than ye cloisters, on one side ye kitchen and offices, on t’other ye stabling. The rooms are large and wellproportioned, and as well furnished, though ye inside be not

    1 The Rev. William Nesbitt, Rector of Athy, died in 1740. He belonged to the family of Tubberdaly, in the King’s Co., now represented by Edward J. Beaumont Nesbitt, d.l.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 108

28. Bridge built at Frankford replacing wooden bridge

    Frankford or Ballykieran · townland · Kilkenny · 1750–1799

    A stone-and-lime bridge was contracted to be built at Frankford where a wooden bridge previously stood, as part of the Slievebloom turnpike road scheme.

    Read the passage

    FitzGerald and Thomas Hobbes at 3s. a perch. They were to make it according to the provisions of the Act of Parliament, with three water-courses across the road. They obtained the following important contracts also, viz. : To build a bridge over the river Lumcloone, 88 feet long, 20 feet broad, 24 feet high, with three arches 20 feet broad, for £400— the breastwork to be of hewn stone and lime. Also another bridge at Frankford, where the wooden bridge now stands, 64 feet long, 21 feet broad, and 14 feet high, of hewn stone and lime, for £120. The last recorded meeting was held at Edward M‘Donald’s, of Mountrath, when it was ordered that the sum of £887 16s. 6d., the cost of the Act of Parliament, and advanced by the Earl of Wandes worth, be paid back to him out of the first moneys received ; that John Kilkenny be retained as gate-keeper at Derrybratt gate, and that the gate at Cloghan be set to Edward Coghlan. The proposals of Darby Conrahey were also under consideration, viz. : To make the pike road from Mountrath to the top of “ Wooll trap ” mountain, according to the Act of Parliament at 15s. a perch, and to continue the road to the top of Ballykelly mountain ; to build a bridge of lime and stone over the river Delour for £600 ; and to build as many mountain bridges as are necessary at £10 a bridge.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 86

29. Dismantling of Ballyadams Church

    Ballyadams · townland · Laois · 1826

    The church at Ballyadams was dismantled during the first half of the nineteenth century; the last clergyman to officiate there was the Rev. Arthur Jocelyn Weldon of Rahinderry, Rector of Killabban, who died in 1826.

    Read the passage

    The church was dismantled during the first half of the nineteenth century, the last clergyman to officiate there being the Rev. Arthur Jocelyn Weldon of Rahinderry, Rector of Killabban, who died in 1826.

    The Bowen Monument of 1631.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 20

30. Dollardstown, seat of Col. Nevil near Brea

    Dollardstown · townland · Kildare · 1732

    Dollardstown, half a mile from Brea in the Union of Athy, was the seat of Colonel Clement Nevill, held on a term of years from the Earl of Kildare; Lieut. Forth lived with him there.

    Read the passage

    “ Su?iday, Monday , Tuesday , Wednesday , and Thursday, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. — There is only a Chappel in Athy, tho’ ’tis said there have been 2 churches [r. ‘ Nugae Antiquae, II., p. 155]. It is a compact town, and not large, upon ye river Barrow. We were more than once in Col. Nevil’s 4 company ; his seat (only for a term of years from ye Earl of Kildare) is Dollardstown,5

    1 Brea, now spelt Bray, is a townland near Athy. The house is in ruins. The place appears to have subsequently passed into the possession of Boyle Spencer, who died there in September, 1790, aged fifty.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 106

31. Dower of Clonmore Castle assigned to Anastacia Wogan, 1417

    Clonmore · townland · Carlow · 1417

    On 24 February 1417, Anastacia, widow of Sir David Wogan of Rathcoffy, was assigned her dower which included one-third of the Castle or Manor of Clonmore in its east part, along with rights of entry and exit.

    Read the passage

    “ further there is asssigned to the said Anastacia the third part of the Castle or Manor of Clonmor, in the east part, with free entry and exit to the parcels aforesaid ; further the third part of the Manor of Kylpype and Kylpole,2 in the west part/5 etc.

    For how long the Wogan family were in possession of Clonmore is not known, but probably they had obtained a lease for twenty-one years.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 94

32. Elizabethan spelling of Birchballagh as Byrtesballagh

    Blackhall · townland · Kildare · 1585

    An Elizabethan Fiant of about 1585 gives an older form of the townland name Birchballagh as Byrtesballagh, likely meaning 'Byrts' road or pass.' The original proprietor, William FitzGerald, resided at Blackhall near Clane.

    Read the passage

    An older form of Birehballagh is given in an Elizabethan Fiant of about 1585, where it is written Byrtesballagh. This may be nearer the original form of the name, and probably means ‘ Byrts’ road or pass.”

    The William FitzGerald, mentioned above by Father Devitt, resided at Blackhall near Clane.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 249

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Blackhall, an Elizabethan record from about 1585 spells this place Byrtesballagh, probably meaning Byrts' road or pass. William FitzGerald, the original proprietor, resided here at Blackhall near Clane.

33. Grant of Rosrehil lands to Prioress of Timolin

    Timolin · townland · Kildare · 1209–1222

    Between 1209 and 1222, the Abbot of St. Mary's Abbey granted the lands of Rosrehil, or Rosrayl, to Lucia, Prioress of the Convent of Timolin. This documents an early ecclesiastical land transfer connected to Timolin.

    Read the passage

    At some date between 1209 and 1222 the lands of Rosrehil, or Rosrayl, were granted by the Abbot of St. Mary’s to Lucia, Prioress of the Convent of Timolin.2

    Narraghmore does not appear to have remained long in the possession of Robert fitz Richard’s family, as prior to 1241 two parts of the Barony were granted by Gilbert le Marshal, 4th Earl of Pembroke (who died in that year), to one Geoffrey fitz Peter de Norragh,3 who in his turn conveyed the same to Walter fitz Michael Calfe, by the name of the Manor of Norragh and Skerries, to hold for ever by the service of two knights’ fees ; and in the Calfe family this Manor remained till the death of the heiress, Elizabeth Calfe, Baroness of Norragh, which occurred in 1445.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 147

34. Poem of 1742 celebrating Harristown mansion

    Harristown · townland · Kildare · 1742–1777

    A 1742 poem by Winstanley describes the Harristown mansion, noting its old lofty rooms and spacious halls, praising it as a retreat for 'a wise man distinguishably great.' The mansion was still occupied as late as 1777 by a Mr. Lynch.

    Read the passage

    “ How Nature strives to beautify in dress The many charms that Harristown possess :

    By art designed, a noble old retreat For a wise man distinguishably great.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 81

35. St Mogue's Cross standing beside the road at Clonmore

    Clonmore · townland · Carlow

    St Mogue's Cross, a granite cross of a single piece 7 feet 8 inches high, stands on a square base to the west of the Protestant church at Clonmore, close to the road-ditch, with its head ringed but not perforated.

    Read the passage

    “ St. Mogue’s Cross ” stands to the west of the Protestant church on the same side of the road, and close to the roadditch. It is set on a square base. The shaft and head are composed of a single piece of granite, 7 feet 8 inches high, and

    “St. Mogue’s Cross,” Clonmore. [From a Photograph by W. FitzG-.]

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 92

36. Land dispute over Inchaquire (Inchemwyther)

    Inchaquire · townland · Kildare · 1358

    In June 1358, the Escheator was ordered to seize a messuage and carucate of land belonging to Henry Calf in Inchemwyther, now Inchaquire in the parish of Narraghmore, due to a minority succession dispute in the Calfe family. The lands had been held by Thomas Calf until his death, then reverted to the Crown during the heir's minority.

    Read the passage

    In June, 1358, Thomas Mynot, the Escheator, received orders to take into the King’s hands 1 messuage and 1 carucate of land belonging to Henry Calf in “ Inchem0 Wyther ” (now Inchaquire, in the parish of Narraghmore). It appears that a certain Thomas Calf, up to the day of his death, held these premises in fee from the heir of John Calf, late Baron of Norragh, then a minor, and in the custody of the Crown. After Thomas’s death, and owing to the minority of the heir of the said Baron, the said lands were taken into the King’s hands.

    However, the said Henry Calf informed him (the Escheator) that by a certain Deed of feoffment made by William de Caldewell, chaplain, to Sir Thomas fitz William Calf, Knt., and to Joan, daughter to Arnold le Poer, his wife, in fee tail, the said tenements descended in remainder to Henry, after the death of Richard fitz John Calf, Baron of Norragh, as an Inquisition then taken clearly proves.2

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 148

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Inchaquire, a dispute over land played out in 1358. In June that year, the Escheator, Thomas Mynot, was ordered to take into the King's hands a messuage and a carucate of land belonging to Henry Calf here in what was then called Inchem Wyther. Thomas Calf had held these lands in fee from the heir of John Calf, late Baron of Norragh, who was a minor in the Crown's custody. After Thomas's death, the lands reverted to the King. Henry Calf challenged this, claiming that by a deed of feoffment from William de Caldwell, a chaplain, the tenements had descended to him in remainder after the death of Richard fitz John Calf, Baron of Norragh. An inquisition was taken to prove it. So what you have here is a family fighting over inheritance while the Crown sits on the property, waiting to see who has the stronger claim.

37. Proposed pike road from Mountrath to Wooll trap mountain

    Mountrath · town · Laois · 1750–1799

    Darby Conrahey proposed to build a pike road from Mountrath to the top of Wooll trap mountain and continue it to Ballykelly mountain, along with a stone bridge over the river Delour.

    Read the passage

    FitzGerald and Thomas Hobbes at 3s. a perch. They were to make it according to the provisions of the Act of Parliament, with three water-courses across the road. They obtained the following important contracts also, viz. : To build a bridge over the river Lumcloone, 88 feet long, 20 feet broad, 24 feet high, with three arches 20 feet broad, for £400— the breastwork to be of hewn stone and lime. Also another bridge at Frankford, where the wooden bridge now stands, 64 feet long, 21 feet broad, and 14 feet high, of hewn stone and lime, for £120. The last recorded meeting was held at Edward M‘Donald’s, of Mountrath, when it was ordered that the sum of £887 16s. 6d., the cost of the Act of Parliament, and advanced by the Earl of Wandes worth, be paid back to him out of the first moneys received ; that John Kilkenny be retained as gate-keeper at Derrybratt gate, and that the gate at Cloghan be set to Edward Coghlan. The proposals of Darby Conrahey were also under consideration, viz. : To make the pike road from Mountrath to the top of “ Wooll trap ” mountain, according to the Act of Parliament at 15s. a perch, and to continue the road to the top of Ballykelly mountain ; to build a bridge of lime and stone over the river Delour for £600 ; and to build as many mountain bridges as are necessary at £10 a bridge.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 86

38. Bridge proposed over the Brosna near Staunton's land

    near River Brosna · river · Westmeath

    Thomas Holmes's proposal to build a two-arch bridge over the river Brosna near Mr. Staunton's land for £100 was accepted by the turnpike trustees.

    Read the passage

    meeting held on the 21st of September, 1758, the toll-house and gate at Derry bratt were ordered to be removed to the intersection of the new road with the old ; and debentures for £197 were ordered to be paid to Contractor Mullins for the part of the road he had made at Lumcloone, debentures for £38 11s. 6d. to D. Kelly of Liscloney for the portion made through the lands of Clohill, and debentures for £58 7s. to A. Hamilton for the portion made through the lands of Gulbush and Clononce. The next meeting was held at Mountrath on the 10th of October, 1753. Andrew Jackson was appointed toll-keeper at Kusheen at £5 a year, and he was ordered to remove said gate from its present site to the forge of John Jackson, and he was to get the list of tolls from Daniel Rogers, the clerk. Twenty-two persons whose names are given had contributed £1 16s. 5^d., and they were to be allowed from this date to the 1st of May next free passage through the gate for “ milch cows, horse, mare, gelding, ass, mule, or any cheas, chair, chart, waggon or any other carriage.” At a meeting held at Mountrath it was ordered that the gate at Rusheen was not to be removed, but that a house be built there by Mr. Jonathan Pirn, and the chairman was ordered to pay Daniel Rogers, the clerk and surveyor of the said turnpike road, the sum of £1 2s. 9d. out of the tolls of Rusheen as part payment of his salary. At another meeting three trustees were ordered to inspect and report on that part of the new road beginning at Francis McGawley's house and leading through Kileboher, also to inspect and report on the new road and gate at Cloghan, the new road at Frankford, and to say what damage Samuel Doyse had sustained from the new road passing through his land. The following orders were made from time to time at other meetings : — That the trustees point out to their surveyor, D. Rogers, where to strike the new road from the high road leading from Ballyboy to Birr, and then continue the line through the lands of Ballycolgan, Derenboy, the bog of Derenboy, and on to the lands of Pidgeontown. At a meeting held on the 21st December, 1754, it was decided that the tenants of Lumclone were to pay 8d. each for the right of way through the Rusheen gate up to the 21st of June, 1755. At the previous meeting advertisements were ordered for new contractors to make that part of the road which former contractors had failed to complete ; and at this meeting the new proposals for carrying out this portion of the work were accepted. The proposal of Thomas Holmes to build a two-arch bridge over the river Brosna near Mr. Staunton's land for £100 was accepted. The contract of making the road from the ditch between Barnabue and Broughall to the Lumcloone river was given to Leister

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 85

39. Demolition of Harristown Castle in 1884

    Harristown · townland · Kildare · 1884

    A footnote records that Harristown Castle, except for a small fragment, was demolished by the late Mr. John La Touche in 1884.

    Read the passage

    1 Harristown Castle, except for a small fragment, was demolished by the late Mr. John La Touche in 1884.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 80

40. Edmond Wellesley buried in Narraghmore parish church

    Narraghmore · townland · Kildare · 1634

    Edmond Wellesley of Narraghmore died on 3 November 1634 and was buried in the parish church of Narraghmore, as recorded in a Funeral Entry in Ulster's Office.

    Read the passage

    Edmond Wellesley, of Narraghmore, in the County of Kildare, Esquier, deceased the third of November, 1634, and was buryed in the parish church of the aforesaid Naraghmore.

    He had to wife Alsone, Daughter of Captain Fleming of the Cabaragh, in the County of Cavan, by wliome he had issue : —

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 155

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Narraghmore, Edmond Wellesley, an esquire of this place, was buried in the parish church after his death on 3 November 1634. He had married Alsone, daughter of Captain Fleming of the Cabaragh in County Cavan.

41. Flooding on the bog road between Monasterevan and Kildare

    Monasterevin · town · Kildare · 1772

    The turnpike road running through low, flat country between Monasterevan and Kildare had become flooded with water, prompting trustees to order the drains near Mr. Medlicott's land to be scoured by adjacent occupiers.

    Read the passage

    again made a setting of the tolls. On this occasion they split up the contract amongst several toll-keepers, but the term was in all cases for two years. The gates at Jigginstown and Newbridge were leased to Henry Moyle at £840 per annum ; the gates at Kildare and Monasterevan to John Long at £250 per annum ; the gate at Maryborough to William Gray at £78 per annum ; and the gate at Ballyroan to Loughlin M‘Daniel at £60 per annum. Repairs were ordered to be made on the road between Maryborough and Ballyroan, and on the two wooden bridges in the neighbourhood of Maryborough, between the sand-pit and the townland of Cashell. In these days wooden bridges were frequently to be met with in Ireland. The last recorded meeting was held at the Admiralty Court, on the 18th of May, 1772, and that portion of the road running through the low, flat country between Monasterevan and Kildare was under discussion, as it had become flooded with water.1 It was ordered that the drains of the “ bog road from Monasterevan to Mr. Medlicott’s ” be opened and scoured by the adjacent occupiers, and should these fail to do so, then the work was to be done at their expense by the trustees. This seems very highhanded action under the law, but we must remember that these were the days of the Penal Laws. The following list of the trustees of the road has been made out from the attendances at the above meetings : — Lord Drogheda, Sir John Parnell, W. H. Dawson, Col. Richard FitzGerald, Alex. Saunderson, Stephen Cassan, James Spenser, Samuel Spenser, Lewis Moore, Edwd. Medlicott, Theobald Medlicott, Mark Halpin, George Carr, Thomas Kelly, Arthur Burdett, John Barrington, Alex. Carroll, Richard Evans, Richard Nelson, Henry White, Jonathan Clarke, David Clarke, Wm. Henry Clarke, Warren Henderson, Thomas Drought, William Drought, Maurice Keating, Rev. Canon Keating, Rev. Dr. Thos. Carr, William Despard, James Dexter, William Atkinson, John Whitley, Thomas Burrows, William Pigott, Hon. Ponsonby Moore, Lawrence Steele, Richard Wilson, Wentworth Thewles, Euseby Stratford, Alex. FitzGerald, Henry Palmer.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 87

    As the companion tells it

    You're passing through Monasterevin now, and back in 1772 this stretch of road was giving trouble. On the 18th of May that year, the trustees of the turnpike road met at the Admiralty Court to discuss the section running through the low, flat country between here and Kildare, which had become flooded with water. They ordered that the drains of the bog road from Monasterevan to Mr. Medlicott's land be opened and scoured by the adjacent occupiers, and if those occupiers failed to do the work, the trustees would carry it out at their expense. It sounds high-handed, but the record reminds us these were the days of the Penal Laws. The trustees responsible included Lord Drogheda, Sir John Parnell, and the Medlicotts themselves, among dozens of others named in the surviving records.

42. Grant of Dunmurraghill lands to Sir Jenico Dartas in 1405

    Dunmurraghill · townland · Kildare · 1405

    In 1405 the King granted custody of lands including Dornmorghyll (Dunmurraghill) to Sir Jenico Dartas following the death of Sir Christopher de Preston.

    Read the passage

    Historical references to Dunmurraghili are very scarce. In 1405, the King granted a custodiam of “ [ ] kneston and

    two parts of the lands and tenements in Dornmorghyll, Howeteston,

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 87

43. Jigginstown lands held by Sir Robert FitzEustace

    Jigginstown · townland · Kildare · 1470–1534

    The lands of Sigginstown (Jigginstown, near Naas) containing 2 castles, 4 messuages, a water-mill, and 260 acres, were held by Sir Robert FitzEustace from the Lord of the Manor of Naas.

    Read the passage

    The lands of Sigginstown (Jigginstown near Naas), containing 2 castles, 4 messuages, a water-mill, and 260 acres, held from the Lord of the Manor of Naas.

    The lands of Jagoeston (Gaganstown, Parish of Ballymore- Eustace) and “Bardore,” containing a castle, a court baron, and 72 acres in “ Jagogeston.”

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 174

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, Sir Robert FitzEustace held the lands of Sigginstown, near Naas, between 1470 and 1534. They contained 2 castles, 4 messuages, a water-mill, and 260 acres, all held from the Lord of the Manor of Naas.

44. John Bowen and wife buried at Kilmohydy church, Ballyadams

    Ballyadams · townland · Laois

    John Bowen and his wife Anne, daughter of Myler Fay, were both buried in the church of Kilmohydy at Ballyadams.

    Read the passage

    Kildare. They were both buried in the church of Kilmohydy1 (Ballyadams), leaving the following male issue : —

    I. Robert, who succeeded to Ballyadams.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun

45. Pagan Sepulchral Moat Sighted near Clonmore Churchyard

    Clonmore · townland · Carlow · 1912

    While examining the ancient churchyard at Clonmore, the excursion party observed a distant view of the Pagan Sepulchral Moat before beginning their return journey to Tullow.

    Read the passage

    At 2.45, after examining the ancient churchyard, from which a distant view of the Pagan Sepulchral Moat was obtained, the return journey was commenced, and by 4 o’clock, the party having arrived at Mrs. Maher’s Hotel, in Tullow, there was just time to partake of tea, before again leaving to catch the 4.80 train homewards. The day’s outing was a most enjoyable one, the only drawback being that time did not allow for a longer stay, so as to thoroughly explore the antiquities of “ Clonmore Mogue.”

    Among those who were present were : —

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 121

46. Repairs to Monasterevan Bridge battlements ordered

    Monasterevin · town · Kildare · 1767

    Trustees of the Kildare-Queen's County road decided to spend £20 repairing the battlements of Monasterevan Bridge, near Lord Drogheda's gate, opposite the nursery.

    Read the passage

    commences after the road had been constructed and opened for traffic. The first recorded meeting of the trustees of the road was held at Monasterevan, on the 2nd of May, 1767, William H. Dawson, Esq., in the chair. The principal business done was to appoint inspectors of the road. Lord Drogheda was appointed inspector from Naas to the county bounds outside Monasterevan ; from this point to the Heath, Wm. Henry Dawson, of Dawson’s Grove, now Emo Park, was appointed inspector. From the Heath to Maryborough Colonel FitzGerald was appointed ; Sir John Parnell was inspector from there to the bridge at Rathbrennan Hill, and Stephen Cassan from there to Ballyroan. The meeting decided to spend £20 in repairing the battlements of Monasterevan Bridge. The bridge referred to was that at Lord Drogheda’s gate, and not the upper or Pass bridge, which is on another road. The repairs were to be done on the left side of the bridge, and opposite the nursery. All the owners of property at that time were interested in planting timber on their estates, and all had nurseries, as we learn from Sir Charles Coote. The next meeting was held at the House of Commons, Dublin, on the 21st November, 1767, and the business done was to set or farm out the tolls of the turnpike gates to the highest bidder. There were six of them on the road, and most of them are shown on Taylor’s and Skinner’s road maps of Ireland. The first gate was at Jigginstown, near the ruins, at the Newbridge side. The second was outside Newbridge at the Curragh side. The third was just outside Kildare at the Monasterevan side where the three roads meet. The fourth at Monasterevan, and the fifth at Maryborough, are not marked on the map, but the sixth at Ballyroan, is marked outside that town to the north, at the junction of Timahoe road. The letting of the toll gates resulted in Timothy Mahon being the highest bidder, and he was declared farmer of the gates on the said road for two years at £850 per annum. A lease was ordered to be given him for that term, and he was bound to make payments by monthly instalments. The next recorded meeting of the trustees was two years later, and was held at the House of Commons, on the 28th November, 1769, when the gates were farmed out to Henry Moyle at £850 per annum ; and on the 4th February, 1771, the trustees met again at the House of Commons. Henry Moyle had got the contract for repairing the road as well as farming the tolls, and he had evidently now got into trouble, for the road was reported to be in very bad repair, and the trustees enacted that no money should be paid to Henry Moyle till he had put the road in a satisfactory condition. The next meeting was held at the House of Commons, on 25th November, 1771, when the trustees

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 86

    As the companion tells it

    Monasterevin, in County Kildare, was where the trustees of the Kildare-Queen's County road held their first recorded meeting on the 2nd of May, 1767, with William H. Dawson in the chair. They appointed inspectors along the road, including Lord Drogheda from Naas to the county bounds outside the town. The meeting also decided to spend £20 repairing the battlements of Monasterevan Bridge. This was the bridge at Lord Drogheda's gate, not the upper or Pass bridge, which was on another road. The repairs were to be done on the left side of the bridge, opposite the nursery. Later that year, in November 1767, the trustees met at the House of Commons in Dublin and farmed out the tolls of six turnpike gates on the road to Timothy Mahon for two years at £850 per annum. Two years later Henry Moyle took the tolls at the same rate, but by 1771 the road was reported in very bad repair, and the trustees refused to pay him until he had put it in satisfactory condition.

47. Toll gate established at Jigginstown near the ruins

    Jigginstown · townland · Kildare · 1767

    A turnpike toll gate was set up at Jigginstown near the ruins on the Newbridge side, as part of the Kildare-Queen's County road tolls farmed out in 1767.

    Read the passage

    commences after the road had been constructed and opened for traffic. The first recorded meeting of the trustees of the road was held at Monasterevan, on the 2nd of May, 1767, William H. Dawson, Esq., in the chair. The principal business done was to appoint inspectors of the road. Lord Drogheda was appointed inspector from Naas to the county bounds outside Monasterevan ; from this point to the Heath, Wm. Henry Dawson, of Dawson’s Grove, now Emo Park, was appointed inspector. From the Heath to Maryborough Colonel FitzGerald was appointed ; Sir John Parnell was inspector from there to the bridge at Rathbrennan Hill, and Stephen Cassan from there to Ballyroan. The meeting decided to spend £20 in repairing the battlements of Monasterevan Bridge. The bridge referred to was that at Lord Drogheda’s gate, and not the upper or Pass bridge, which is on another road. The repairs were to be done on the left side of the bridge, and opposite the nursery. All the owners of property at that time were interested in planting timber on their estates, and all had nurseries, as we learn from Sir Charles Coote. The next meeting was held at the House of Commons, Dublin, on the 21st November, 1767, and the business done was to set or farm out the tolls of the turnpike gates to the highest bidder. There were six of them on the road, and most of them are shown on Taylor’s and Skinner’s road maps of Ireland. The first gate was at Jigginstown, near the ruins, at the Newbridge side. The second was outside Newbridge at the Curragh side. The third was just outside Kildare at the Monasterevan side where the three roads meet. The fourth at Monasterevan, and the fifth at Maryborough, are not marked on the map, but the sixth at Ballyroan, is marked outside that town to the north, at the junction of Timahoe road. The letting of the toll gates resulted in Timothy Mahon being the highest bidder, and he was declared farmer of the gates on the said road for two years at £850 per annum. A lease was ordered to be given him for that term, and he was bound to make payments by monthly instalments. The next recorded meeting of the trustees was two years later, and was held at the House of Commons, on the 28th November, 1769, when the gates were farmed out to Henry Moyle at £850 per annum ; and on the 4th February, 1771, the trustees met again at the House of Commons. Henry Moyle had got the contract for repairing the road as well as farming the tolls, and he had evidently now got into trouble, for the road was reported to be in very bad repair, and the trustees enacted that no money should be paid to Henry Moyle till he had put the road in a satisfactory condition. The next meeting was held at the House of Commons, on 25th November, 1771, when the trustees

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 86

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Jigginstown, somewhere around here, there was a turnpike toll gate set up near the ruins on the Newbridge side. It was the first of six gates on the Kildare to Queen's County road, and it came after the trustees held their first meeting in Monasterevan in May 1767 to appoint inspectors along the route. In November of that year, the trustees met in Dublin and farmed out the tolls to the highest bidder. Timothy Mahon won the contract for all six gates at 850 pounds a year, paid monthly, for a two-year lease. In 1769 Henry Moyle took over at the same rate, and he also got the contract for repairing the road. That did not go well. The trustees reported the road was in very bad repair and ordered that no money be paid to Moyle until he put it in a satisfactory condition.

48. Inclined jamb doorway at Clonamery Church Ruins

    Clonamery · townland · Kilkenny · 1897

    A photograph taken by Lord Walter FitzGerald in 1897 shows the west doorway of the Clonamery Church Ruins in County Kilkenny, illustrating the early Celtic church style of inclined jambs.

    Read the passage

    [From a photograph, taken by Lord Walter FitzGerald in 1897, of the west Doorway of the Clonamery Church Ruins. Co. Kilkenny.]

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 56

49. Old church ruins at Laraghbryan, Maynooth's parish

    Laraghbryan · parish · Kildare · 1694–1918

    Maynooth is in the parish of Laraghbryan, where the ruins of the old church still stand; a church bell taken down for repair in 1918 bore an inscription referencing a vicar of the parish dated 1694.

    Read the passage

    Maynooth is in the Parish of Laraghbryan, where the ruins of the old church still stand.

    F. FitzGerald.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 200

    As the companion tells it

    You're passing through the parish of Laraghbryan. Maynooth sits within this parish, and the ruins of the old church still stand here.

50. Wellesley grant of lands in Timolin and Old Grange

    Timolin · townland · Kildare · 1580

    James Wellesley, Baron of Norragh, made a grant in 1580 to the 9th Earl of Kildare including 15 carucates of land in Timolin and 20 acres in Old Grange, along with the advocation of the Church of St. Patrick of Norragh.

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    15 carucates of land in Teaghmolyn (Timolin).

    20 acres in Antiqua Grangia (Old Grange).

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 153

51. Bermingham Castle of Kinnafad in county council care

    Kinnafad · townland · Kildare

    The Bermingham Castle of Kinnafad is listed among the ruins now placed in the charge of the Kildare County Council.

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    1. The Bermingham Castle of Kinnafad.

    2. The Carbury church ruins.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 199