Journal of the County Kildare Archaeological Society (vol. 8)

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. Battle of Belan: King of Leinster slain by Vikings

   Belan · townland · Kildare · 978

   Ughaire mac Tuathail, King of Leinster, was defeated and slain at Belan by the Lochlonnaigh (Norse) of Dublin in 978 AD. Some debate exists as to whether Belan or a similarly named place in Queen's County was the true battle site, but the text argues for Belan in Magh Laighean.

   Read the passage

   land, means a house or church. The word is Irish, but, in its ecclesiastical application, it was borrowed from the Welsh [llan], and was introduced into Ireland at a very early age ; when it means simply “ house,” it is no doubt purely Irish, and not a loan word. It forms part of the terms iotli-lann and lann-iotha, both of which are used to signify a granary or barn, literally house of corn (ith, corn) ; the latter is often used by the Englishspeaking people of some of the Munster counties, who call a barn a linney .” 6 Compare also amharc-lann , a theatre (sighthouse), leabhar-lann , a library (book-house), and beach-lann, an apiary (bee-house). Ughaire mac Tuathail, King of Leinster, was defeated and slain at Belan by the Lochlonnaigh of Dublin in a.d. 978. 7 It has been suggested that this Belan is not the place where the battle was fought, and that the real site of the battle is Belin, in the Parish of Lea, Queen’s County.8 * But the battle was fought “at Bithlann, in Magh Laigheanf 9 and Magh Laighean was the level part of the present County Kildare, and contained Claonadli (Clane), Cill Cliuilinn (Kilcullen), and other places.10 About a.d. 1270 the church of “ Bithelan ” was worth six marks clear.11 The church of “ Bethlane ” was assessed at one mark in the taxation of circa 1294.12

   Castledermot, 7488 acres. Diseart Biarmacla , Diarmaid’s hermitage. Here Diarmaid, son of Aodh Roin, King of Ulster,

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 171

2. Clongowes Wood castle blown up to prevent rebel use

   near Clongoweswood · population centre · Kildare · 1642

   After capture, Clongowes Wood castle was blown up by Colonel Monk's forces to make it uninhabitable for the rebels, while Rathcoffy was garrisoned with one hundred men as a place of strategic importance.

   Read the passage

   “ Since our last dispatch of 7th June ... we afterwards employed Lieutenant Colonel Monk to two other castles, one of them at a place called Rathcoffy, and the other at Clongoweswood, both some fourteen miles from hence and in the County of Kildare, and sent along with him some two pieces of battery, so to batter and take in those two castles, which exceedingly annoyed the adjoining garrisons and much interrupted our markets at Dublin : which services he well performed, having, after a day’s fight at each place, taken in both castles, and slain divers persons therein of those that maintained them against him, and took three score and ten prisoners, and among the rest some priests, whom with the rest he brought hither, to be proceeded with as we should think fit, which was all the quarter he gave them ; and we have appointed them to be executed by martial law ; and those services so performed, he placed one hundred men to keep the castle of Rathcoffy, which is a place of importance to be kept, and blew up the other castle to make it uninhabitable for the rebels, and so returned hither.” 1

   Note on Map of Ikeathy and Oughterany.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun

3. Earl of Castlehaven takes Tullow Castle, 1648

   Tullow · town · Carlow · 1648

   In 1648 the Confederate leader James Touchet, Earl of Castlehaven, sent a party to besiege Tullow before daybreak; he arrived, planted his guns, and had the castle surrendered by Governor Sir George Wentworth on condition the garrison could march out with their baggage.

   Read the passage

   During the year 1648 Tullow Castle appears to have changed hands, as in that year it is recorded in the Memoirs3 of James Touchet, Earl of Castlebaven, the Confederate leader, that after he had assaulted and taken Carlow Castle, he “ despatched a party of horse and foot to invest Tullagh, which they did before daybreak ; in the morning I arrived myself, and having planted my guns, summoned the place, and had it yielded by Sir George Wentworth, then Governor, on condition that both horse and foot might march out with their baggage. Having thus taken this castle, and left a garrison to secure it, and encamped on a heath called the Curragh of Kildare, from whence I summoned all the castles thereabouts, and had them yielded.”

   The further vicissitudes of the castle at this period are very uncertain ; but all authorities dealing with it agree that in 1650 it was attacked by the Cromwellian forces under Colonels Hewson (or Hewitson) and Keynolds, stoutly defended by a Colonel Butler, carried by assault, and the garrison put to the sword.4

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 43

4. Foreign artificers kept at work in Kilkenny Castle

   Kilkenny Castle · castle · Kilkenny

   The Earl and Countess brought artificers from Flanders and other countries to work at Kilkenny Castle, producing diaper, tapestry, Turkey-carpets and cushions, some of which survived to the time of writing.

   Read the passage

   evidences. *' The said Eavle and Countess,’ writes Lawless, * planted greate civilitie in the counties of Tipperary and Kilkenny, and to give good example to the people of that country brought out of Flanders, and other countries devirse artificers, who were dailye kept at w7orke by them in their castle of Kilkenny, where they wrought and made diaper, tapistrey, Turkey-carpets, cushions, and other like workes, whereof some doe remayne as yet with the Earl of Ormonde.’ But large as is the place filled by ‘ the Bed Earle ’ in the history of Ireland, it is a singular fact that in the traditions of the peasantry of Kilkenny his existence is utterly forgotten, whilst his consort stands vividly forth as ‘ the Countess,’ or oftener as plain ‘Mairgread Gearoid ’ (the Irish for her maiden name), forming with Cromwell and the Danes a triad to whom almost everything marvellous, cunning, or cruel is attributed. She is the traditional builder, as Cromwell is the traditional destroyer, of nearly every castle in the district ; and by the peasant’s fireside numberless are the tales told of her power, her wisdom, and — truth compels us to add — her oppressions.”

   In the traditions of the country she is said to have emulated, if not excelled, her lord in feats of arms, having a train of wellaccoutred followers at her command, by whose aid she levied blackmail on all her less powerful neighbours. Tradition a] so tells us that, being seized with a dangerous illness, a clergyman was sent to attend her, who admonished her as to certain duties to be performed before her exit from earth. The admonition was ill-received. She told her spiritual adviser it was better that one old woman should suffer the pains of another world than that the Butlers should be left without an estate.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 348

5. Fund for warm clothing raised by Ballitore children for infirm poor

   Ballitore · town · Kildare · 1812

   Sarah Leadbeater and Dr. Davis's daughters organised a scheme to raise funds through weekly contributions from inhabitants to supply infirm and aged poor of Ballitore with warm clothing before winter, managed by a treasurer and monthly committee.

   Read the passage

   the estate who were in great distress and two of them disabled, each of a hand, the other a widow with children in very poor health. Bat this liberty I take with diffidence, and perhaps shall not have occasion to repeat, for one of my little girls1 and Dr. Davis’ little daughters2 3 planned and carried into execution a scheme to raise a fund for supplying infirm and aged poor with warm clothing against next winter. They raise contributions on the inhabitants of 2d, 3d, 4d or 6d a week which is lodged with a Treasurer, and a Committee held monthly.

   Our school8 goes on well and was approved of by Joseph Lancaster4 who gave us a call lately. Subscriptions are raised to buy oatmeal to sell at a reduced price to the Poor, for it is now a very hard time and the spring business has been much retarded by wet weather. I handed Nurse Hogan the pound note enclosed in thy last. She had since the pleasure of hearing from thee. She was well when I saw her lately.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun

   As the companion tells it

   You are coming through Ballitore in Kildare. In 1812, the children here planned a scheme to raise a fund for supplying infirm and aged poor with warm clothing before winter. One of the Leadbeater girls and Doctor Davis's daughters organised it, collecting weekly contributions from inhabitants of 2d, 3d, 4d or 6d, lodged with a treasurer and overseen by a monthly committee. The need was real, with people on the estate in great distress, some disabled, and a widow with children in poor health. The school in Ballitore was also going well and had lately been approved of by Joseph Lancaster. Subscriptions were raised to buy oatmeal to sell at a reduced price to the poor, for it was a very hard time and the spring work had been much retarded by wet weather.

6. Gaol delivery at Philipstown due to overcrowded prison of poor men

   Philipstown · townland · Kildare · 1598

   In April 1598 Sir George Colley and others were commissioned to hold a gaol delivery at Philipstown under martial law because the gaol was overcrowded with prisoners, mostly poor men without freehold or movable goods, since no Sessions could be held to try them.

   Read the passage

   In April, 1598, Sir George Colley, Kt., Sheriff of the King’s County ; his half-brother, Captain Henry Colley of Castle Carbury ; and others, were commissioned on a gaol delivery at Philipstown under martial law. This was owing to the gaol being overcrowded with prisoners, who, for the most part, were poor men, such as have neither freehold nor movable goods, and because there could be no Sessions held whereby the prisoners might receive their trial by ordinary course of law. About the same time he was commissioned to execute martial law in the King’s County.3

   From this date until his death, sixteen years later, there appears to be no farther mention in the State Papers in reference to Sir George.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 253

7. Hartpole tombstone unearthed at Castle Hill, Carlow

   Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1809

   In 1809 a tombstone bearing the inscription of Robertus Hartpold, dated 1594, was dug up in an old Carlow churchyard on Castle Hill, showing a fully armoured man with a bloodhound at his feet. It lay exposed for onlookers, drawing a great crowd, only about 5 feet below the surface.

   Read the passage

   “ I was in Carlow last week ; the day before I went there there was a tombstone dug up in an old churchyard bearing the inscription — ‘ Bobertus Hartpold ad. 1594’ — 215 years ago. It

   222

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 147

8. Kilteel Castle and Preceptory of the Knights Hospitallers

   Kilteel · parish · Kildare

   The Earl of Mayo read a paper on Kilteel Castle and the neighbouring ruins of the Preceptory or Commandery of Kilteel, once a manor belonging to the Knights Hospitallers of Kilmainham. The castle, one of the best-preserved in County Kildare, has a circular tower staircase leading to the battlements, while the 18th-century dwelling house within the Bawn is more dilapidated than the castle itself.

   Read the passage

   From Hartwell Castle the drive was continued, via Rathmore, to Kilteel Castle. Here, after luncheon, the Earl of Mayo read a Paper on the castle, and on the neighbouring ruins of the Preceptory, or Commandery, of Kilteel, which was a manor belonging to the Order of the Knights Hospitallers of Kilmainham. The castle is one of the few now existing in the County Kildare in a good state of preservation. A staircase in a circular tower attached to the castle enables one to reach the battlements. The eighteenth-century dwellinghouse, offices, and stables, which now occupy a part of the former “ Bawn,” are in a far more dilapidated condition than the castle itself. The present owner of the estate, Mr. Stephen Fennell, very obligingly gave every facility to the party to examine the ruins.

   After inspecting the remains of a mediaeval cross, now prostrate, near the castle, the party resumed their seats on the cars, and proceeded, via Kill, to Palmerstown House, a fine residence built by the nation, in 1877, for the present owner, as a memorial of the eminent services of his father, the 6th Earl of Mayo, who was assassinated in 1872, while Viceroy of India. The choice collection of oil- paintings, and many other treasures in the house, were kindly shown to the party by the Earl and Countess of Mayo, who also entertained the company to tea.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 152

9. Robert Colley slain defending the Fort at Philipstown, 1578

   Philipstown · townland · Kildare · 1578

   Robert Colley, Sheriff of King's County in 1578, was slain on 5 July that year in the defence of the Fort at Philipstown; he died without male issue and his manor of Croghan reverted to the Crown.

   Read the passage

   In 1578 Robert Colley was Sheriff of the King’s County;2 and in the same year he was slain on the 5th of July, in the defence of the Fort at Philipstown.3 By his wife, Thomasina, daughter of William Duke, of Castle Jordan, in the County Meath, he had two daughters ; and as he died without male issue, his manor of Croghan reverted to the Crown.4

   In 1574 the manor was granted to (Sir) Thomas Moore, of Mellifont, who shortly afterwards married Robert’s widow, Thomasina, and had charge of the up-bringing and marriages of the Colley daughters.5

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 249

10. The great rath at Rathangan and slaying of a lord of Ui Failghe, 801

    Rathangan · townland · Kildare · 801

    The rath which gives Rathangan its name lies beside the churchyard, about 180 feet in diameter and encircled by a large ditch. In AD 801 Flaithiusa mac Cinaedha, lord of Ui Failghe, was slain at Rath Imghain.

    Read the passage

    Rathangan, 11,481 acres, of which 50 acres are in the Barony of Offaly West. Bath Iomghdin , lomgan’s Rath.4 “ The rath which gave name to this place lies immediately at Rathangan town in a field adjoining the churchyard and lying to the right of the road leading from Rathangan to Edenderry in King’s County. The mound is at present planted, and is, as well as I could guess, about 180 feet in diameter, and measures from its base to its summit slantwise about 42 feet, which would probably make 28 feet in perpendicular height. It is encircled with a large ditch, which is about 738 feet in circumference, and a foss, which is partly destroyed, existing on the south and east side.”5 In a.d. 801, Flaitliiusa mac Cinaedha, lord of Ui Failghe, was slain at Rath Imghain.6 In the ecclesiastical taxation of 1303, “ Rathemegan, prebend” is valued at 40 marks, and “ vicarage of same ” at 30 shillings.7 In 1523 “Sr Olyver Ewstace ” was “ parson of the Church of the B. Vergyn Mary of Rathangan.”8 The living of the parish was a rectory and vicarage, being the corps of the prebend of Rathangan in Kildare Cathedral.9 On Moll’s map of King’s and Queen’s Counties, Rathangan is called “ Rathangan or Purfoy’s Place.”

    Thomastown, 852 acres. I have not been able to discover anything about this small parish, which comprises the Town-

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 297

11. Town of Tullow burned by the O'Nolans, 1377

    Tullow · town · Carlow · 1377

    In 1377 the town of Tullow, described as being in the marches of County Catherlagh, was burned by the O'Nolans, and John de Wode was compensated by the Crown for the loss of two horses and £20 worth of goods.

    Read the passage

    In 1377 two other money grants were made by the Crown. One to Matthew fitz Raymond de Bermingham, who lately by the Justiciary’s orders went to Tillagh with 120 horsemen to oppose Art Kavanagh, the O’Byrnes, and the O’Nolans. The other grant was to recompense John de Wode for the loss of two horses and £20 wobth of goods on the occasion when the town of “ Tillagh in the marches of the County Catherlagh” was burned by the O’Nolans.3

    Sir Thomas Butler, 7th Earl of Ormonde, who died in 1515, appears to have been the first of his family to whom the Crown granted Tullowphelim and other manors in the County Carlow, probably under the Act of Absentees passed (as before stated) in the year 1494. It will be necessary here, dealing with the history of Tullow, to explain a curious episode in connexion with the Earl of Ormonde title, whereby an old honour long enjoyed by the Butlers was exchanged for a new creation at the particular wish of King Henry VIII.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 37

12. Trinity Well, source of the River Boyne, at Newbury Demesne

    Trinity Well · well · Limerick

    Trinity Well, located half a mile east of the old churchyard in Newbury Demesne, is the source of the River Boyne. Though archaeologically unremarkable with no sculptured stones or votive offerings, large crowds gather there annually on Trinity Sunday.

    Read the passage

    In the hollow between the two eminences was situated the old Parish Church, with a burial-ground used exclusively by Protestants. The new Protestant Parish Church and churchyard stand on the outskirts of the little village of Carbury. The Roman Catholic burial-ground lies in a field, to the south and near the base of Carbury Hill. It is enclosed with a wall ; but it neither contains any trace of an ecclesiastical building, nor any tombstones of a date earlier than the eighteenth century. The name of this churchyard is “ Tampuldoo” (?the Black Church). It was possibly dedicated to the Trinity, as there is a Blessed Well, called Trinity Well, half a mile to the east of it in the Newbury Demesne.1 This well is the source of the River Boyne. It is built around, and covered over with a large flag. From an archaeological point of view this well is insignificant-looking, as there are no sculptured stones at it, nor any of the usual votive offerings, though a large concourse of people assemble there annually on Trinity Sunday.

    The Roman Catholic Parish Church is situated at Derrinturren, a mile and a half to the south-east of the village of Carbury. It is dedicated to the Trinity: it and the burialground attached belong to modern times. Close to the church, on the north side, is a Blessed Well known as “ Father Byrne’s Well,” which is resorted to for cures. Father Edward Byrne was Parish Priest of Carbury. He died on the 18th February, 1869, aged sixty-four, and was buried inside the church.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 244

13. Tyrone Lodge burned by rebels in 1798

    Hollywood · parish · Wicklow · 1798

    Tyrone Lodge, which stood in Hollywood demesne, was burned down by rebels in 1798 and was never rebuilt; it had been named after a junior title of its owner, the Marquis of Waterford.

    Read the passage

    Tyrone Lodge, which stood in Hollywood demesne, was burned down by the rebels in 1798, and never rebuilt; it was so called after a junior title of its proprietor, the Marquis of Waterford, who was also Earl of Tyrone.

    There is no trace now of the castle that stood here, though its site is pointed out ; it stood on a natural ridge a short distance to the south-west of the church ; this ridge is still known as “ the Castle Bank.”

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 130

14. Viceroy Sir John Grey rushes to Naas

    Naas · town · Kildare · 1427

    When Gerald Kavanagh MacMurrough invaded with his forces, the Viceroy Sir John Grey hurried from Dublin and reached Naas on the same day MacMurrough was at Conal, though more cautious counsels prevented him engaging the invader.

    Read the passage

    He had now to take his share in defending the county from one of the most formidable attacks of which we have record. In the summer of 1427 Gerald Kavanagh Mac Murroughhad taken the field and carried war into the heart of the English territory. His object seems to have been the assertion of his right to the rent or fee of 80 marks per annum which the English Government had paid to his ancestors, and of which the payment had for some reason been suspended. His brother, Donough, the legitimate chief of his name, had been a prisoner in the hands of the English since 1419, when he fell into the hands of Sir John Talbot and was sent to the Tower of London.1 In his absence Gerald acted as his Deputy, and was recognized as such in the official documents of the time, which record payments of 80 marks made to Gerald, “ brother of Donough, chief of his nation, in the name of said Donough.”2 The brothers were sons of the famous Art MacMurrough, “ at whose might and puissance,” in the words of Campion, “ all Leinster trembled,” and they seem to have inherited much of the spirit and mettle of their father. Some particulars of Gerald’s campaign have come down to us in a contemporary letter of John Swayne, Archbishop of Armagh, in which he urges the despatch of an army from England to save the English settlement from ruin. It appears from this document that MacMurrough had been joined by the O’Byrnes and O’Tooles. He had thus mustered, according to common report, eight battalions of foot, each battalion numbering 400 men, well armed and equipped in mail, with hauberks, basinets, and gorgets. At first he led them across Kildare into Meath, taking the town of Conal on his way, and burning even the outoffices of the abbey. The Viceroy, Sir John Grey, had hurried forward with the King’s troops from Dublin, and reached Naas on the very day that Mac Murrough was at Conal. Personally he was eager to ride on and throw himself across the invader’s path ; but more cautious counsels prevailed, and no serious opposition was offered to the Irish chief on his way to Meath, or on his return. Wexford then appeased his wrath by payment of 260 marks, on which he withdrew his forces from the English settlement there, and once more advanced to the borders of Kildare. And now Sir Thomas Wogan appears on the scene in his appropriate place as lord of the Barony of Kilkea defending his town of Castledermot. It was then a walled town, and, doubtless, had often beaten back the tide of war. But the rush of the clansmen was irresistible, the

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 324

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming through Naas, a town that found itself on the front line in the summer of 1427. Gerald Kavanagh MacMurrough, acting as deputy for his brother Donough who had been held prisoner in the Tower of London since 1419, took the field and carried war into the heart of English territory. He was asserting his right to 80 marks a year that the English Government had paid his ancestors, and which had been suspended. The O'Byrnes and O'Tooles joined him, and by common report he mustered eight battalions of foot, each 400 men, armed with hauberks, basinets, and gorgets. He led them across Kildare into Meath, taking the town of Conal and burning even the outoffices of the abbey. The Viceroy, Sir John Grey, hurried forward with the King's troops from Dublin and reached Naas on the very day MacMurrough was at Conal. He was eager to ride on and throw himself across the invader's path, but more cautious counsels prevailed, and no serious opposition was offered. Archbishop John Swayne of Armagh wrote to urge the despatch of an army from England to save the settlement from ruin. Gerald and Donough were sons of Art MacMurrough, at whose might and puissance, in the words of Campion, all Leinster trembled. Wexford later appeased him with payment of 260 marks, and he withdrew. The brothers had inherited much of the spirit and mettle of their father.

15. A sporting and political meeting at Burton Hall, County Carlow

    Burton Hall · electoral division · Carlow

    A gathering at Burton Hall, County Carlow, combined foxhunting with a political conference among country gentlemen, attended by W. B. Ponsonby as Master and other notable sportsmen including Denis Bowes Daly.

    Read the passage

    His interest in politics, however, did not prevent him from indulging his taste for sport, and he is said to have kept “ the best hunting establishment in Ireland at Bishopscourt, County Kildare, where he lived in the most hospitable and princely style.” “ The History of the Kildare Hunt” gives an account from the “Sporting Magazine” of a meeting at Burton Hall, County Carlow, which was to afford the country gentlemen an opportunity of enjoying the sport, and at the same time of holding a political conference. The writer of the article in the “ Sporting Magazine ” gives a list of those present, which includes “Willy Burton,” M.P. for the County, and his son, W. B. Ponsonby, the Master, and his brother George, Acting Manager, and “ Denis Bowes Daly,” par excellence the most sporting man in Ireland, and M.P. for the King’s County.

    Willy Burton was probably William Ponsonby’s uncle (his father’s sister, Anne, having married a Burton, of Burton Hall), and Denis Bowes Daly was the husband of his sister Charlotte. The writer then describes his impressions : —

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 12

16. Ruins of Reban Castle on the Barrow

    Castlereban North · townland · Kildare · 1200–1837

    The castle of Reban was built about A.D. 1200 by David de St. Michael, created Baron of Reban. Its ruins stand on the bank of the Barrow in the townland of Castlereban North. In 1837 a moat about 20 feet high with trees on each side stood near the castle, though its west side had been cut away in quarrying limestone gravel. The castle is called Caislen a Rebain in a journal of the 1641 rebellion.

    Read the passage

    This Barony contains 22,185 acres, and two entire parishes, with parts of three others. The name Reban (pronouencd Ribbon) is derived from the castle of Re ban, which was built about a.d. 1200, by David de St. Michael, created Baron of Reban.5 The ruins of the castle are on the bank of the Barrow in the townland of Castlereban North and parish of Churchtown. Not far from the castle there was in 1837 a moat about 20 feet high with trees on each side of it. The west side was cut away in the raising of limestone gravel.6 In a journal of the rebellion of 1641 the castle is called Caislen a Rebain. I do not know the meaning of the word Reban. In the list of Baronies in the County in 1350 this Barony is called the Barony of Ryban. In the same list there is the “ Barony of Dunlost,” which Lord Walter FitzGerald thinks was that part of this Barony which lies on the Queen’s County side of the Barrow, and adjoining which are the Townlands of Dunbrin Upper and Lower in the Parish and Barony of Ballyadams.7 Although that part of the Barony of Narragh and Reban West, which lies on the Queen's County side of the Barrow, and comprising the Parishes of Churchtown and St. John’s, is included in Leix in the sixteenthcentury map of Leix published in “ The Kilkenny Journal,”8 I do not think that I was right in saying9 that it was a part of Laoighis and not of TJi Muireadhaigh . The Parishes of Churchtown and St. John’s are both in the Diocese of Dublin, and it is a remarkable fact that the boundaries of Irish tuatha (and consequently of modern Dioceses) did not always coincide with natural features. For example, the Parish of Lusmhaghf on the King’s

    1 Christ Church Deeds, No. 150.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 289

17. Destruction of Property on Kildare Estates During Rebellion

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 1798

    During the suppression of the 1798 rebellion, the Duke of Leinster's Kildare estates suffered destruction of property, causing him substantial financial loss.

    Read the passage

    During the last years of the century the Duke was harassed both by family misfortunes and political difficulties. He disliked, and attempted to combat, the harsh measures of the Government in suppressing the rebellion, which, owing to destruction of property on his Kildare estates, had caused him substantial loss. He was deprived of the office of Clerk of the Hanaper, conferred upon him in 1795, and in disgust at this treatment threw up the command of the Kildare Militia. At the Union, which he opposed and protested against, his boroughs of Kildare and Athy being disfranchised, he received a total sum of i>28,800 compensation.

    The Duke, who was a Trustee of the Linen Manufacture for the Province of Connaught, a Director of the Royal Canal, and held numerous honorary appointments, married, on 4th November, 1775, Emilia Olivia, only daughter and heiress of St. George Usher, Lord St. George. She died 23rd June, 1798, at Thomas’s Hotel, Berkeley Square, London, and was buried at Taplow, Bucks.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 270

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kildare town, this was the heart of the Duke of Leinster's estates, where the 1798 rebellion left its mark. The Duke, William Fitzgerald, had tried to oppose the government's harsh suppression of the rebellion, but the destruction of property across his Kildare lands still cost him dearly. In retaliation for his stance, he was stripped of the office of Clerk of the Hanaper, given to him in 1795, and in disgust he resigned his command of the Kildare Militia. His wife Emilia Olivia died on the 23rd of June, 1798, in London, and was buried at Taplow in Buckinghamshire, compounding a bitter year. When the Act of Union followed, which he had opposed, his boroughs of Kildare and Athy were disfranchised, and he received 28,800 in compensation.

18. Double wedding celebrated at Castlecarbury, 1411

    Carbury · townland · Kildare · 1411

    On St. Valentine's eve and day 1411, marriages were celebrated between John Wogan and the eldest daughter of Christopher Preston of Gormanston, and Walter de la Hide and her sister, with great ceremony, the celebrations taking place at Castlecarbury.

    Read the passage

    Sir John had married during his father’s lifetime Margaret, the eldest daughter of Christopher Preston, of Gormanston. The contemporary chronicler, Henry Marlburrough, writes : — “Anno 1411, on St. Valentine’s even and day, marriages were celebrated between John Wogan and the daughter of Christopher Preston, and Walter de la Hide and the second daughter of the same Christopher, with a great deal of charges.”4 The celebration of these marriages took place at Castlecarbury according to Lodge.5 Holinshed also chronicles them6 under the same year 1411, and we must infer that they were accompanied by unusual display, and caused a considerable flutter in the Anglo-Irish community.

    Sir John did not long enjoy the estate of his inheritance. He died in 1421, before 17th April of that year,7 leaving no male issue of his marriage, but four daughters, co-heiresses to a portion of the baronies assigned to them by settlement.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 320

19. Founding of Newport Pratt in County Mayo

    Newport · townland · Mayo · 1700

    Thomas Medlicott obtained a 999-year lease of the Manor of Burrishoole, County Mayo, comprising 70,000 acres, which he sub-let to a Mr. Pratt, Clerk of the Treasury, who built the town named after him, Newport Pratt. The venture proved unsuccessful and led to Pratt's eviction from the estate.

    Read the passage

    Burrishoole, County Mayo, comprising no less than 70,000 acres. This vast territory he sub-let to a Mr. Pratt, then Clerk of the Treasury, who built the town called after him Newport Pratt. The project proved unsuccessful, and led to his failure, in consequence of which he was evicted by Mr. Commissioner Medlycott, who, on Lord Arran's death, purchased the reversion of the estate.

    Towards the end of his life the Commissioner resided almost entirely in Dublin, and from two letters, addressed to George Dodington, and published in the Hist. MSS. Commission’s Reports, we have evidence that he was a conscientious and industrious official. All his extensive estates, including houseproperty in London and lands in Monmouth, he devised to his reputed son Thomas John Medlycott, born at Greenwich in 1724, and educated at Athy School under the name of Thomas Muschamp.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 133

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Newport, Thomas Medlicott took a 999-year lease of the Manor of Burrishoole, 70,000 acres, and sub-let it to a Mr. Pratt, who was Clerk of the Treasury. Pratt built a town here and named it after himself, Newport Pratt. The venture failed, and Medlicott evicted him, later buying the reversion of the estate after Lord Arran's death.

20. Fox hunting and life at Bishopscourt described in 1726 letter

    Bishopscourt · street · Clare · 1726

    A letter from Arthur Weldon of Rahin dated February 18th 1726 describes a night of hunting at Bishopscourt, riding eight miles before daybreak, hunting a fox, and coursing until nightfall.

    Read the passage

    I believe my Dearest Life will be surprized, and I fear be angry, when I tell yo’ yt I went to bed last night at one of ye clock, was on horseback this morning at four, rid eight miles before daybreak, hunted a fox afterwards, came back afterwards here to dinner, and rid a coursing this afternoon till nightfall, and I thank God I cannot say I am much the worse for it . . .

    My Ld. and Lady give my mother and you their services. I am inclined to be sleepy, so must bid yo’ good night, with assuring yo’, I am

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun

21. Garrisons strengthened against O'Toole, O'Byrne, and MacMurrough incursions

    Ballymore Eustace · town · Kildare · 1355

    In 1355 the Sheriffs of Kildare were directed to ensure the garrisons of Kilteel, Rathmore, Ballymore, and Graney were kept at full strength to resist incursions by the O'Tooles, O'Byrnes, and MacMurroughes.

    Read the passage

    Penkestown, Sheriffs of Kildare, were directed to see that the garrisons of Kilteel, Rathmore, Ballymore , and Graney were

    all up to their full strength so as to resist the incursions of

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 283

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Ballymore Eustace, you are on ground that was garrisoned in 1355. That year the Sheriffs of Kildare were directed to keep the garrisons of Kilteel, Rathmore, Ballymore, and Graney at full strength to resist incursions by the O'Tooles, the O'Byrnes, and the MacMurroughes.

22. Hugh de Lacy builds castle at Tullow, 1181

    Tullow · town · Carlow · 1181

    In 1181, before his recall to England, Justiciary Hugh de Lacy erected castles across Leinster for its defence, including one at Tullowphelim given to John de Hereford.

    Read the passage

    Reared a castell to Remond in Fothred Onolane ; 1 another to Gryffyn, his brothir ; the thirde in Omurthy2 to Walter de Redelesford at Kylka ; the fourth to John de Herford at Tvllagh Ofelline, and othir many.3

    The above-mentioned “Remond” was the famous Raymond le Gros, to whom large grants of land in Forth O’Nolan, now the Barony of Forth, County Carlow, were made hy Strongbow ; this brother Griffin was of Knocktopher, County Kilkenny, and of Carrick-mac-Griffin (now Carrick-on-Suir) in the County Tipperary. They were the sons of William FitzGerald of Carew, a brother to Maurice FitzGerald, Lord of Maynooth.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 35

23. Manor of Castle Carbury forfeited after Silken Thomas rebellion

    Carbury · townland · Kildare · 1534–1569

    The manor of Castle Carbury, in the Barony of Carbury alias 'Bermingham's Country,' was forfeited to the Crown by Sir Walter Delahyde of Moyglare after he joined the rebellion of Silken Thomas, 10th Earl of Kildare. It had previously been the ancient inheritance of the De Berminghams.

    Read the passage

    This manor lay in the Barony of Carburv alias “ Bremyngham’s Country,” and had been forfeited to the Crown by Sir Walter Delahyde, Kt., of Moyglare, in the County Meath, who was attainted for joining in the Rebellion of the Silken Thomas, 10th Earl of Kildare. Previous to the grant of them to the Delahydes, the castle and lands were the ancient inheritance of the De Berminghams, of Totemoy 1 (Tuath da Mhuigha), who first obtained a lease of them early in the fourteenth century. Captain Henry Colley’s lease for twenty- one years was renewed twice, till he eventually was given a grant of the manor in 1569.

    In 1551 he and a Roger Finglas, of Clonbulloge in the King’s County, had both pressed the Lord Deputy and Council for a twenty-one years’ lease of the manors and lordships of “Moyleigh and Farrynemorghen ” ; their claims for the favour being equally good, the Deputy referred the matter to the King for his decision, and in September in this year he decided in favour of Finglas. These two districts are shown on the hand-drawn map of Leix and Offaly of circa 1568, as lying in the southern portion of the present Barony of Coolestown, King’s County ; on this map they are spelt mviligh and feranomveghan, both of which names are now obsolete.2 3

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 250

24. Measles epidemic strikes Ballitore

    Ballitore · town · Kildare · 1812

    A severe outbreak of measles occurred at Ballitore, killing a child from Dublin who was being nursed there under Mary Leadbeater's care, causing great distress to the household.

    Read the passage

    The measles were very severe here, and a child from Dublin

    at nurse under our care died and one of my brother’s

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 116

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming near Ballitore in Kildare. In 1812 measles struck the town with great severity. A child from Dublin, being nursed in Mary Leadbeater's household, died of the illness, bringing distress to the family there.

25. Our Lady's Well and its pattern day near Tullow

    Tullow · town · Carlow

    A blessed well called Our Lady's Well, located a quarter mile northwest of Tullow between the Slaney and the Ballymurphy road, was the site of patterns formerly held on 8th September, the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and was resorted to for cures.

    Read the passage

    The Protestant Parish Church is dedicated to St. Columbkill; this would prove it to be of an ancient foundation, and yet, strange to relate, there is a blessed well, called “Our Lady’s Well,” a quarter of a mile to the north-west of the town, between the Slaney and the Ballymurphy road, at which “ patterns ” were formerly held on the 8th of September, the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and which was resorted to for cures. In the natural course of events one would have expected to find instead a “ St. Columbkill’s Well ” with a “ pattern ” held on the 9th of June.

    The present church, erected in 1880, replaced a former one built in 1740. The oldest mural monument2 inside the church is dated 1744; it was erected to the memory of “ the Honourable Lieut.-General Clement Nevil,3 who departed this life the fifth day of August, 1744, in the 70tli year of his age, and was here interred.” The inscription goes on to state that he was the oldest commissioned officer in the service of King George II, having entered the army on the 81st December, 1688 ; that he was present at the relief of Derry and at the battle of the Boyne ; that he served in Spain, and ended his public services at the

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 45

26. Royal pardon issued to Sir David Wogan at Kilkenny

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1395

    While Richard II was at Kilkenny during his first military expedition to Ireland, he issued a solemn pardon dated from Kilkenny to Sir David Wogan for treasons, felonies, murders and burnings allegedly committed by him in Ireland, in both the previous and current reigns.

    Read the passage

    “Wishing out of reverence towards God, as becomes our royal clemency, to temper justice with mildness, so that those of our subjects who have behaved badly may the more quickly take an opportunity of bearing themselves better in future, out of our special grace, and in consideration of the fact that our faithful and beloved liegeman, David Wogan, chevalier, being, as he says, of English descent, has submitted himself to our grace, we grant to the same David pardon of our suit of peace, as far as pertains unto us, for treasons, felonies, murders, burnings, &c., perpetrated by him in our land of Ireland against our peace and crown, both in the time of the Lord Edward, our grandfather, late King of England, and in our time, before the feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord last past. Witness myself, at Kilkenny, 1 April, nineteenth year of our reign.”6

    1 Glane, in Memorandum Roll, 19 Richard II, m 11.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 317

27. St. Lorcan O Tuathail as Abbot of Castledermot

    Castledermot · town · Kildare · 1162

    St. Lorcan O Tuathail served as abbot of the monastery at Castledermot until he was made Archbishop of Dublin in 1162 AD.

    Read the passage

    founded a monastery about 828 a.d. His festival was June 21st.1 Cormac mac Cuileannain was buried here after the battle of Bealach Mughna. St. Lorcan O Tuathail was abbot of the monastery until he was made Archbishop of Dublin in a.d. 1162. 2 In the list of churches in the diocese of Glendaloch, given in Pope Alexander Ill’s letter, dated a.d. 1179, the name of Disser diarmada , cum suis pertinenciis, appears.3 About a.d. 1270 ecclesia de Tristildermot , cum capella de Kenmoy , in the Deanery of “ Tristildermot,” is returned as belonging to the Prioress and Nuns of “ Grane.5’4

    In the reign of King John a priory of Crouched Friars, or Trinitarians, was founded here under the invocation of St. John the Baptist by Walter de Ridelesford. It was situated without the town walls, and near the road which leads to Dublin. The Order of Trinitarians for the redemption of Christian captives out of the hands of the infidels was founded by St. John de Matha and St. Felix of Valois in a.d. 1197- They were called Cruciferi (anglice — Crouched or Crutched Friars) from the cross of red and blue which they wore on the breast of their white habit. Besides the work of redeeming captives, they also devoted themselves to the relief of the poor and sick, and consequently the houses of this Order were also for the most part hospitals.5 In the taxation of circa 1294, the “ Church of Trestyldermote, with the rents and mill there,” were assessed at 9 marks, 8s. 4d.6 A monastery for conventual Franciscans was founded here in a.d. 1302 by Thomas, Lord Offaly.7 In mediaeval English documents the name of this place is always Tristledermot. The rectory and church of Tristledermot belonged to Graney Priory, according to an Inquisition taken on 5th August, 1538.8

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 172

28. Wandesford Purchases Former O'Brennan Territory of Castlecomer

    Castlecomer · town · Kilkenny · 1639

    Christopher Wandesford, Master of the Rolls, purchased the Castlecomer estate in the Queen's County in 1639 from Sir Charles Coote for £20,000, land that had formerly been O'Brennan territory.

    Read the passage

    Appointed in 1633 Master of the Rolls, the terms of his Patent were subsequently enlarged, so that he held for life instead of merely during good behaviour. He was sworn a Lord Justice in 1636, and again in 1639 ; in the latter year he purchased the Castlecomer estate, in the Queen’s County, formerly O’Brennan territory, from the grantee, Sir Charles Coote, Bart., for ^620,000. It should be noted that he was the last Master of the Rolls to act judicially prior to the Union, his successors holding a sinecure.

    He died in Ireland on 3rd December, 1640, and was buried in the choir of Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin. According to his Funeral Entry he was “ sometime vise-resident of the County of York.” His death is said to have been hastened by the grief he felt at the fate of his friend Strafford. He m., 1614, Alice, daughter of Sir Hewet Osborne, of Kiveton, Yorks, and by her, who died 10th October, 1659, had issue : —

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 104

29. Burial of Cormac mac Cuileannain at Castledermot

    Castledermot · town · Kildare · 908

    After his death at the battle of Bealach Mughna, Cormac mac Cuileannain, the Bishop-King of Cashel, was buried at Castledermot monastery.

    Read the passage

    founded a monastery about 828 a.d. His festival was June 21st.1 Cormac mac Cuileannain was buried here after the battle of Bealach Mughna. St. Lorcan O Tuathail was abbot of the monastery until he was made Archbishop of Dublin in a.d. 1162. 2 In the list of churches in the diocese of Glendaloch, given in Pope Alexander Ill’s letter, dated a.d. 1179, the name of Disser diarmada , cum suis pertinenciis, appears.3 About a.d. 1270 ecclesia de Tristildermot , cum capella de Kenmoy , in the Deanery of “ Tristildermot,” is returned as belonging to the Prioress and Nuns of “ Grane.5’4

    In the reign of King John a priory of Crouched Friars, or Trinitarians, was founded here under the invocation of St. John the Baptist by Walter de Ridelesford. It was situated without the town walls, and near the road which leads to Dublin. The Order of Trinitarians for the redemption of Christian captives out of the hands of the infidels was founded by St. John de Matha and St. Felix of Valois in a.d. 1197- They were called Cruciferi (anglice — Crouched or Crutched Friars) from the cross of red and blue which they wore on the breast of their white habit. Besides the work of redeeming captives, they also devoted themselves to the relief of the poor and sick, and consequently the houses of this Order were also for the most part hospitals.5 In the taxation of circa 1294, the “ Church of Trestyldermote, with the rents and mill there,” were assessed at 9 marks, 8s. 4d.6 A monastery for conventual Franciscans was founded here in a.d. 1302 by Thomas, Lord Offaly.7 In mediaeval English documents the name of this place is always Tristledermot. The rectory and church of Tristledermot belonged to Graney Priory, according to an Inquisition taken on 5th August, 1538.8

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 172

30. Burial of Moll Anthony at Milltown chapelyard

    Milltown · townland · Kildare · 1878

    The real Moll Anthony lived to be over eighty and died about 1878; she was buried in the chapelyard at Milltown.

    Read the passage

    “The rale ould Moll Anthony” lived to be over eighty, and died about the year 1878. She was buried in the chapelyard at Milltown.

    A man of the name of Christy Hickey, who lived and died close to the Moat of Ardscull, on one occasion related to me a curious tale in connexion with Moll Anthony’s girlhood ; but, as is often the case, he shifted the scene of the story to his own neighbourhood, and, according to his version, Anthony was a surname. According to Hickey, the Widow Anthony lived with her two sons on a small holding at Mullaghmast, and one day she sent her sons to look after some sheep on a field she had taken from a neighbour. After proceeding some way along the road they met a funeral, consisting of four strange men carrying a coffin on a “ bearer.” According to the custom of the country they turned and followed the funeral, and then took a turn in assisting in carrying the coffin. On reaching their mother’s gate, they rested the “ bearer ” on the road, and, wishing the strangers a God- speed, they made for their house. On seeing them the Widow Anthony expressed her surprise on their getting back so soon, and so they explained the cause, and said : “ With the help of God” they would start again for the sheep. To their astonishment on reaching the road they found the coffin where they had laid it down, and the strangers were nowhere to be seen. Then, acting on their mother’s advice, they brought the coffin to the house. The Widow Anthony, noticing that the lid was not screwed down, told them to raise it, and inside they saw “ a

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 55

31. Clonmore Castle recaptured from the Irish and entrusted to Wogan

    Clonmore · townland · Carlow · 1332–1337

    The stronghold of Clonmore Castle in County Carlow had been recaptured from the Irish by the Justiciar, Sir Antony Lucy, in 1332, and was subsequently entrusted to Sir Thomas Wogan as Warden, with an annual fee of £50.

    Read the passage

    It must, however, be recorded that during the long interval of waiting for this tardy satisfaction Sir Thomas was the recipient of some remunerative favours from the king. In 1887 he received the appointment of King’s Escheator in Ireland,2 and, some time previously, the Wardenship of the castle of Clonmore, County Carlow, for which he was granted a fee of £50 per annum. This stronghold had been recaptured from the Irish by the Justiciar, Sir Antony Lucy, in 1832, 3 and seems to have been entrusted to Wogan shortly afterwards, as may be inferred from a letter addressed by the king on 18th April, 1337, to the Dublin Exchequer. In this letter the king states that the arrears of the annual fee of £50 have been a long timeoutstanding, and commands the Treasurer to discharge his obligations.4

    At the same time Sir Thomas was summoned to account for a debt of £100 recorded in the Exchequer against his father, John Wogan, as originally due to Hugh Despenser, the elder, but now escheated to the king, by reason of forfeiture on the part of Despenser. Sir Thomas did not obey the summons, alleging that he had private letters proving that the debt had been discharged, and a decree of execution was sent against him to the Sheriff of the County of Kildare. He then appealed to the king, who, “ in consideration of the good service of Thomas Wogan,” pardoned the debt in a letter of 24th April, 1337. 5

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 260

32. Death of St. Brighid and the last abbess of Kildare

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 528–1171

    St. Brighid died on 1 February 528. The last abbess mentioned in the annals, Sadhbh, daughter of Gluiniarn Mac Murchadha, died in 1171, after which the nunnery sank into insignificance.

    Read the passage

    St. Brighid died on the 1st of February, 528. A monastery was founded here about the same time as the nunnery. The nuns and monks had one church in common, which they entered at different doors. The monastery subsequently came into the possession of the Canons Regular of St. Augustin.2 The last abbess ( Banchomharba Briglide ), mentioned in the annals, is Sadhbh, daughter of Gluiniarn Mac Murchadha, who died in 1171. 3 In a.d. 1220 Archbishop Henri de Loundres put out the fire of St. Brighid, which had been preserved from a very early period by the nuns. It was, however, relighted, and continued to burn until the total suppression of the nunnery.4 After this period the nunnery sank into insignificance. An inquisition taken on the Tuesday next after the Feast of St. Nicholas the Bishop,5 1548, found that the last prioress was seized of the nunnery, a chapel, and steeple, a hall, dormitory, two chambers and a small castle within the precincts, annual value, 3s. 4d. ; two cottages and eight acres of arable in Krallaughton,6 in this county, annual value, besides reprises, 28s. 8d.7 The parish of Kildare was a rectory, appropriate to the Dean and Chapter of the Cathedral.8

    Kilmeague. Vide ante, p. 247, sub the Barony of Connell.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 296

    As the companion tells it

    The road is taking you through Kildare, the town where St. Brighid died on 1 February 528. A monastery was founded here about the same time as the nunnery, and the nuns and monks shared one church, entering by different doors. The last abbess named in the annals was Sadhbh, daughter of Gluiniarn Mac Murchadha, who died in 1171, after which the nunnery sank into insignificance. The monastery later passed to the Canons Regular of St. Augustin. The nuns had kept a fire burning from a very early period, the fire of St. Brighid. In 1220 Archbishop Henri de Loundres put it out, but it was relit and continued to burn until the nunnery was suppressed. An inquisition in 1548 found the last prioress held the nunnery, a chapel, steeple, hall, dormitory, two chambers, and a small castle, worth 3 shillings and 4 pence a year, along with two cottages and eight acres of arable land in Krallaughton worth 28 shillings and 8 pence. The parish of Kildare was a rectory belonging to the Dean and Chapter of the Cathedral.

33. Foundation of Great Connell Priory by Meyler FitzHenry

    Great Connell · street · Kildare · 1202–1543

    In 1202, Meyler FitzHenry founded a Priory at Greatconnell under the invocation of the B.V.M. and St. David, staffed by Regular Canons from Llanthony in Monmouthshire. It was one of six religious houses whose preservation was petitioned for in 1539 due to the education of children there.

    Read the passage

    This Barony contains 34,784 acres, and five entire parishes, with parts of three others. The northern part of the Barony was a portion of TJi Faolain , and the southern of TJt Muireadliaigh. It derives its name from Condail, or Connail ,4 now called Greatconnell, where, in 1202, Meyler FitzHenry founded a Priory, under the invocation of the B.Y.M. and of St. David, in which he placed Regular Canons from the Monastery of Llanthony in Monmouthshire. This Priory was one of the six religious houses on whose behalf the Lord Deputy and Council, on 21st May, 1539, petitioned the king that they might be spared as “ in them young men and childer, both gentlemen childer and others, both men kynd and women kynd, be brought up in vertue, lernyng and in the English tonge and behavior to the grete charges of such houses.”5 On 23rd April, 1543, Robert Wesley, the last Prior of Connell, surrendered the Priory to the Crown.6 The rectories and tithes of all the parishes in this Barony belonged to the Priory of the B.Y.M. at Great Connell.7

    Parishes.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 162

34. James Barry founds Newtown Barry (Bunclody)

    Bunclody · town · Wexford · 1700–1787

    James Barry, MP for Kildare and owner of Kellistown, built or laid out the town of Bunclody, County Wexford, renaming it Newtown Barry after himself. The old name persisted for decades, as noted by John Wesley when he visited in 1787.

    Read the passage

    It was probably towards the end of his life that he built, or at any rate laid out, the little town of Bunclody, County Wexford, to which he gave the name of Newtown Barry. That the old name long lingered appears from the following entry in the Journal of John Wesley, who visited the place in April, 1787, more than sixty years after the death of the founder: — “We went over high and steep mountains, interspersed with lovely valleys, to Bunklody—now called Newtown Barry — one of the pleasantest towns which I have seen in the kingdom.”

    Mr. Barry married, firstly, Elizabeth, daughter of Sir Thomas Boothby, and widow of Hugh Wood, of London ; and secondly, 9th October, 1698, Anne, daughter of Charles Meredith, of Newtown, County Meath, by whom he had issue. He died 16th April, 1725, leaving an only daughter and heiress : —

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 207

35. Monasterevin as Manor and Abode of the Lord Deputies

    Monasterevin · town · Kildare

    The Manor of Monasterevin, then belonging to the Crown and in charge of a constable, served as the abode of the Lord Deputies when engaged in subduing the clans of O'More and O'Connor.

    Read the passage

    It was during Sir Terence O’Dempsey’s minority that the Crown appears to have annexed the County Kildare portion of the Clanmaliere Territory, and appropriated it to the Manor of Monasterevin, then belonging to the Crown, in charge of a constable, and the abode of the Lord Deputies, when engaged in subduing the clans of O’More and O’Connor.

    By an Inquisition1 held at Philipstown in March, 1612, to ascertain how, and from whom, the lands of Harristown, with a mill and mill-race, Ballirickard, alias Rickardstown, and Ballemoyler, alias Mylerstown, with their appurtenances in Coshegowley, were held, it was found that on the 12tli of March, 1576, these lands were granted for ever by the Crown to James FitzGerald of Drinnanstown, in the County Kildare, third son of Redmond oge FitzGerald of Rathangan and Timahoe, in the same county, and his heirs. James FitzGerald, while in occupation, built a thatched house for himself, and a village at Harristown, which were destroyed by the O’Mores and the O’Dempseys, who burned all his houses, goods, and chattels therein, after which he went to reside at Walterstown close by, from whence he superintended the rebuilding of Harristown, and the farming operations there.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 273

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up along Monasterevin now. This was once a Crown manor, held by a constable, and it served as the abode of the Lord Deputies when they were engaged in subduing the clans of O'More and O'Connor. During the minority of Sir Terence O'Dempsey, the Crown annexed the Kildare portion of the Clanmalriere Territory and appropriated it to this manor. An inquisition held at Philipstown in March 1612 examined how lands at Harristown, Ballirickard, and Ballemoyler were held. It found that on the 12th of March, 1576, the Crown granted those lands for ever to James FitzGerald of Drinnanstown, third son of Redmond Oge FitzGerald of Rathangan and Timahoe. James built a thatched house and a village at Harristown, but the O'Mores and the O'Dempseys burned all his houses, goods, and chattels. He moved to Walterstown nearby, and from there oversaw the rebuilding of Harristown and its farming.

36. Pardon of Hollywood tenants after Baltinglass Rebellion

    Hollywood · parish · Wicklow · 1582

    In August 1582 a Fiant of Elizabeth recorded the pardon, at the suit of Robert Piphoe, of many of his retinue and tenants in Hollywood, Tulfarris, and Russellstown, excluding the sept of the O'Connors of Offaly, likely implicated in the rebellion.

    Read the passage

    In August, 1582, a Fiant of Elizabeth records the pardon, at the suit of Robert Piphoe, of several of his retinue and tenants in Hollywood, Tulfarris, and Russellstown, any who might be of the sept of the O’Connors of Offaly being excluded from it. Their occupations are described as husbandmen, yeomen, cottiers, horseboys, and “ cablerts,” (or ? ). Complicity

    in the late rebellion may have been their crime.4

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 128

37. Sepulchral Kist Discovered near Castledermot, 1915

    Halfmiletown · townland · Kildare · 1915

    In April 1915, a plough struck a granite boulder in a field at Halfmiletown between Castledermot and Prumplestown Mill, revealing a slab-lined kist about 3 by 2 feet containing broken stones, with no urn or flint implements found inside.

    Read the passage

    During the month of April, 1915, in a field belonging to a farmer named McDonnell, between Castledermot and the Prumplestown Mill, on the townland of Halfmiletown, his plough struck a granite boulder, which on removal was found to cover a slab-lined kist containing ‘‘ a bucket-full of broken stones.” The kist was described to me as being about 3 ft. by 2 ft., the bottom being also formed of a granite slab ; no urn or flint implements were inside it. Before I was able to visit the spot, the covering slab had been replaced, covered over, and the field sown.

    W. FitzG.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 109

38. Sickness and Disputed Grant of Rathcoffey Barony

    Rathcoffey · townland · Laois · 1299

    Henry, son of Sir Henry de Rupeforti, fell seriously ill in 1299 and conveyed the fee of the barony of Okethy to his relative Henry, son of Simon, with conditions recorded in a deed dated at Rathcoffey. The grant was later disputed after rumours spread that the ill Henry had died.

    Read the passage

    “ Henry, son of Simon de Rupeforti, to all men. He is bound to Henry, son of Sir Henry de Rupeforti, in £100,000, unless he render to Henry, son of Henry, the lands he gave him in Okethy and in County Kildare, to hold to Henry, son of Henry, as long as he shall live, and to his heirs male if he shall lawfully heget any, then to remain to the heirs of Henry, son of Simon. If Henry, son of Henry, die without heir male and have a daughter, Henry, son of Simon, shall give her in dowry to the extent of the value of one year of Ochethy. If Henry, son of Simon, should refuse entry on the lands to Henry, son of Henry, after he shall recover health, the Chief Justiciar of Ireland and the Sheriff of Kildare may put him in seisin, to whom he gives 100 marks of his goods, that they may compel him to observe this covenant ; and he waives all legal points which might be used to impede the arrangement. Witnesses, John le Britte, &c., Dated at Racothy on the morrow of the Invention of the Holy Cross, a.r. xxvii (4 May, 1299).”

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 187

39. Sir John Travers granted the manor of Hollywood, 1545

    Hollywood · parish · Wicklow · 1545

    In 1545 Sir John Travers received grants in tail male of several manors including Rathmore County Kildare, Monkstown County Dublin, and the manor of Hollywood, in reward for his service to the Crown.

    Read the passage

    Master of the Ordnance or Artillery in Ireland, and in the following year he received a grant of St. Mary’s Abbey in Dublin as a residence, and also as a store for parking his guns ; ten years later (he had been knighted in the meanwhile), having spent a large sum of money in “the edyfyeing of an ordynance howse sytuate within the King’s Castell of Dublin, and also on iron and other stuffe requysyd for the furniture of ordynance and munitions for the warres in his charge there,” the vice-treasurer was instructed to repay to him the amount he claimed.1 Sir John saw much active service in Ireland, and, in reward for his devotion to the Crown, he obtained a lease for twenty-one years of Carrickbrennan, alias Monkstown, in the County Dublin, in 1542, a similar lease of the manor of Enniscorthy, County Wexford, in 1548 ; in this latter year he had a grant for ever of the Franciscan Abbey in Arklow ; and in 1545 he had grants in tail male of the manors of Rathmore, County Kildare ; of Monkstown, County Dublin ; of the manor of Hollywood ; and of G-rangeford in the County Carlow.2 In 1550 he obtained a twenty-one years’ lease of Donard and Kilbaylet in the County Wicklow ; and in 1551 a like lease of the lordship of Farran O’Kelly, alias Timogue, in the present Queen’s County.3

    Sir John was further honoured by being made a Privy Councillor of Ireland in 15394 ; and his chief residence was Monkstown Castle ; and there he died on the 25th May, 1562, 5 when in receipt of a Government pension. His Will was dated the 25th of October, 1561 ; it is not now in existence ; but a copy of it is given in a County Dublin Exchequer Inquisition (No. 17 [21] of Elizabeth) which was held in Dublin Castle in the following year. It commences : —

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 125

40. St. Brigit linked to Druim Derg near Kildare

    Kildare · town · Kildare

    An old quatrain ascribed to Berchan describes St. Brigit as 'Dubthach's daughter from Druim Derg', tying her origin to this place near Kildare, within the ancient territory of Life (West Life/Offaly).

    Read the passage

    Returning now to the general interpretation of the stanza, its allusion is to St. Brigit, of Kildare, who is described as being of Druim Derg, in the territory of Life (West Life = Offaly), which agrees closely with Redhills, beside Kildare, and mostly included in its parish. For this interpretation I give four reasons : (1) the evident parallelism between a Life na lerg , “ from Life of the slopes,” and a Druim Derg , “ from Druim Derg ” — as the former is descriptive of St. Brigit, so must the latter be; (2) the revised rendering, “Dubthach’s daughter,” giving idiom for idiom, dovetails nicely with a Druim Derg, “from Druim Derg,” and certainly brings before our mind what Berchan meant in his own idiom when he composed the stanza, whilst Stokes’s slavish rendering breaks all connexion of the true sense ; (3) Druim Derg is probably used through exigency of rhyme for Cill Dam, “ Kildare”; in other words, the one is a poetic variant of the other ; (4) it is quite easy to prove, from external evidence, that a Druim Derg, “from Druim Derg,” can only refer back to ingen, “ daughter,” and not to the father’s name in the gen. form Dubthaig, for the following passage in Stokes’s and Strachan’s Thesaurus II, 336, 337, tells us unmistakably where Dubthach’s residence was : —

    “ic Raith Derthaige i nHuib Failge doronad in firt sa .i. tanic merlech co Brigit fo secht co mbered molt cech uare uadi do chairchaib mna Dubthaig coroaitliferad for Brigit, conerbairt Brigit : 4 Fegaitse for caircha dus in marat ule ’ ; rofegsat iarum

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 242

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kildare, this is the country tied to St. Brigit. An old quatrain ascribed to Berchan describes her as Dubthach's daughter from Druim Derg, in the territory of Life, meaning West Life or Offaly. That place agrees closely with Redhills, beside Kildare, and mostly included in its parish. The scholar behind this interpretation gives four reasons. First, the evident parallelism between Life of the slopes and Druim Derg, both descriptive of St. Brigit. Second, the revised rendering Dubthach's daughter dovetails with from Druim Derg, and brings before the mind what Berchan meant in his own idiom when he composed the stanza, whilst Stokes's slavish rendering breaks all connexion of the true sense. Third, Druim Derg is probably used through exigency of rhyme for Kildare, in other words the one is a poetic variant of the other. Fourth, external evidence proves that from Druim Derg can only refer back to daughter, and not to the father's name Dubthaig. A passage in Stokes's and Strachan's Thesaurus tells where Dubthach's residence was. At Raith Derthaige in Hui Failge, a miracle was done. A robber came to Brigit to take a sheep each time from the flock of Dubthach's wife, so that he would be accused against Brigit. Brigit said, Look at the sheep to see if they all remain. Then they looked.

41. St Patrick's meeting-place and founding of church at Narraghmore

    Narraghmore · townland · Kildare

    The name Narragh derives from a hill called Forrach Patraic, St. Patrick's meeting-place, originally called Bile macc Cruaich, the sacred tree of the sons of Cruach. A church was founded there by St. Patrick, probably where the present Protestant church of Narraghmore stands.

    Read the passage

    This barony contains 21,376 acres, and three entire parishes, with parts of four others. The name Narragh is derived from the hill, called in the “ Tripartite Life,1 Forrach Patraic , St. Patrick’s meeting-place ; the place was originally called Bile macc Cruaich, the [sacred] tree of the sons of Cruach ; it was in Ui Earcain .2 A church was founded there by St. Patrick, probably where the present Protestant church of Narraghmore stands.3 * The name Narraghmore represents An Fhorrach Blhor, to distinguish it from the townland of An Fhorrach Bheag (Narraghbeg), seven miles to the south in the parish of Kill elan, and Barony of Kilkea and Moone. The entry in the list of circa 1220 is “ Ecclesia de Norrach, cum capellis de Crokiston et de Inchmac Withir,” and the note added circa 1270 is “ Priorisse de Taumoling, in proprios usus.” 4 Crokiston is Crookstown townland, in the parish of Narraghmore, “ Bally - crooke ” and “ Ballicrocke ” in the sixteenth century.5 Inch mac Withir is Inchaquire townland in the same parish ; “ Inchemaquir ” in 1566. 6 The name is, probably, Inse mac Uidhiri riverliolm of the sons of Odhar. Cf. Ma gUidhir (or Mac Uidhir) = Maguire. In the ecclesiastical taxation of 1303 “ Norrach ” is valued at £6 13s. 4d.7 * In the “ new taxation ” is the following entry: “ church of Norragh . . . vicarage there not sufficient for the charges.”3

    “ The rectory of Narragh, which extends into the townlands of Narraghe, Glasshele [= Gdassely], Blackrathe [= Blackrath], Inchenequyer [= Inchaquire], Ballecrew [= Crookstown], Mollaghmast [= Mullamast], Skerres [= Skerries North and South], Ballybrane, Ballybarney, Kylbride, Kilmead, Ballyonge [= Youngstown], Oldgrange, Balledrommen [= Ballindrum], and Ballenisprott [= Baile na Spreota, town of the tree-stumps], was appropriate to the abbess [of Timolin], and was of the annual value of £30 3s., besides the altarages of Norraghe, which belong to the vicar.”9 The parish is in the Diocese of Dublin.10

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 287

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Narraghmore, the name goes back to a hill the Tripartite Life calls Forrach Patraic, Saint Patrick's meeting-place. Before that the place was called Bile macc Cruaich, the sacred tree of the sons of Cruach, and it lay in Ui Earcain. Saint Patrick founded a church there, probably where the present Protestant church of Narraghmore stands. The name Narraghmore means An Fhorrach Mor, the big meeting-place, set apart from Narraghbeg, the small one, seven miles south in the parish of Killelan and the barony of Kilkea and Moone. Around 1220 the church was listed as Ecclesia de Norrach, with chapels at Crookstown and Inchaquire. A note added around 1270 records the Prioress of Timolin. In the ecclesiastical taxation of 1303, Norrach was valued at 6 pounds 13 shillings and 4 pence. A later taxation says the vicarage was not sufficient for the charges. The rectory of Narragh reached across many townlands, from Narraghe and Glassely to Blackrath, Inchaquire, Crookstown, Mullamast, Skerries North and South, Ballybrane, Ballybarney, Kylbride, Kilmead, Youngstown, Oldgrange, Ballindrum, and Baile na Spreota, the town of the tree-stumps. It was held by the abbess of Timolin and was worth 30 pounds and 3 shillings a year, besides the altarages belonging to the vicar. The parish is in the Diocese of Dublin.

42. Suppression of Irish woollen trade hits the Falkiners

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1698–1699

    The Falkiners were chief sufferers from the English policy of suppressing woollen manufactures in Ireland in 1698-99, a matter later noted by Dean Swift and Lecky. Richard Falkiner's early death was attributed to disappointment from this policy.

    Read the passage

    The Falkiners were the chief sufferers from the iniquitous English policy of suppressing the woollen manufactures in Ireland in 1698-99. As the late Sir Frederick R. Falkiner, Recorder of Dublin, stated to me in a letter in 1898, Dean Swift drew attention to this matter long ago, and Lecky more recently. It is easy to surmise that the death of Richard, at the early age of forty-two, was hastened by disappointment. His elder brother Daniel survived him for seven years.

    Daniel Falkiner,1 before mentioned, second son of Michael (the first), was baptized 16th December, 1641, at St. John’s, Leeds. He married twice, but had issue only by his first wife Rebecca, w’hose father’s name is not recorded. His second wife was the widow of Henry Hamilton, of Bailieborough, County Cavan. His will, dated 8th March, 1705, was proved 8th April following in Dublin [lj 8> 9] .

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 228

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin, and the country around it, felt the weight of England's suppression of the Irish woollen trade in 1698 and 1699. The Falkiners were the chief sufferers from that policy. Richard Falkiner died at 42, his death likely hastened by disappointment. His elder brother Daniel survived him by seven years. Dean Swift drew attention to the matter long ago, and the historian Lecky more recently. Daniel had been baptized in Leeds in 1641 and married twice, with children only by his first wife Rebecca. His second wife was the widow of Henry Hamilton of Bailieborough in County Cavan. Daniel's will was dated March 1705 and proved the following month in Dublin.

43. The uniform and pageantry of the Bishopscourt Hunt

    Bishopscourt · street · Clare

    A writer in the Sporting Magazine described the Bishopscourt Hunt's distinctive blue coat and velvet cape, buff waistcoat, and buttons embossed with a fox's head bearing the words 'Bishopscourt Hunt', worn under the leadership of William Ponsonby.

    Read the passage

    the blue coat and velvet cape lined with buff, the broad-striped blue and buff waistcoat, yellow buckskins, in fact the dress of the Fox Club, with a large yellow button, in which was embossed a fox’s pate, around which, in large legible characters, “ Bishopscourt Hunt,” appeared quite as aristocratic as anyone need wish. Although the right honourable owner of these hounds seemed to take as much satisfaction and delight in the way he was surrounded, yet nothing I could plainly distinguish was at all to be compared to the marked joy mingled with love and respect which you saw in every member’s countenance when riding up to greet their admitted leader in both the house and the field.

    The same writer describes him as one “ who of all the men I ever met in my younger days possessed more of the keen sportsman in his composition, and understood par excellence as much of the hunting of a pack of foxhounds and crossing a country as he did of quoting Coke upon Littleton, or of expounding the principles of the British Constitution to a united Parliament.”

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 13

44. 1600 Lease Requires Building of Castle at Gorteenvacan

    Gorteenvacan · townland · Kildare · 1600

    In 1600, Richard Eustace was leased the lands of Gorteenvacan and required by covenant to build a castle substantially with lime and stone, with a battlement and slate roof, and to construct a stone wall around the town with a strong oak gate.

    Read the passage

    the said Richard Eustace should “ build the said castle of Gurtinevackan substancially wth lime and stoane, a story height above the vaulte, wth a battlement, and a slate roofe ; and make a stoane walle round about the towne1 ; and also make a stronge gate of oak timber and boords.”

    “Provided, and it is agreed between the said parties, that the said Richard shall keepe and breake a yonge horse for the said Thomas, as often as hee shalbe therunto required.”2

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 109

45. Attack on Daniel Falkiner's house

    Abbotstown · townland · Dublin · 1795–1796

    Daniel Falkiner of Abbotstown was attacked, and shots were fired into his house, in 1795 and 1796, according to Proclamations held in the Public Record Office of Ireland.

    Read the passage

    January, 1761 ; he married Dorothy, one of the daughters and co-heiresses of Henry Faure,1 of Egham Park, Surrey, by his wife Martha, daughter and co-heiress of Daniel Baker, of Penn, Bucks. The marriage took place at St. James’s Church, Westminster, in February, 1761 [*]. The bride is stated to have had a fortune of £20,000 (“ Exshaw’s Magazine ”). Daniel Falkiner was attacked, and shots fired into his house, in 1795 and 1796 (Proclamations, P.R.O., Ireland) [6 *]. His wife died and was buried 28th April, 1796, in Castleknock Churchyard. Daniel’s will, dated 25th June, 1796, proved 29th January, 1799, in Dublin, entailed his estate and leaseholds, plate, furniture, and pictures on his son, with remainder to his daughters, Elizabeth Crosbie, Dorothy Falkiner, and the Hon. Mrs. Moore, the executors being John Geale and Hans Hamilton. He died and was buried 3rd June, 1798, with his wife f1,2,6,9, &c.].

    Daniel and Dorothy left one son and three daughters, of whom presently.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 232

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here was the house of Daniel Falkiner of Abbotstown. He was attacked, and shots were fired into his house, in 1795 and 1796, according to proclamations held in the Public Record Office of Ireland. He had married Dorothy Faure at St James's Church, Westminster, in February 1761, and she brought a fortune of 20,000 pounds. Dorothy died and was buried on 28 April 1796 in Castleknock Churchyard. Daniel's will, dated 25 June 1796 and proved in Dublin on 29 January 1799, entailed his estate and leaseholds, plate, furniture, and pictures on his son, with remainder to his daughters, Elizabeth Crosbie, Dorothy Falkiner, and the Hon. Mrs Moore. He died and was buried on 3 June 1798, with his wife. They left one son and three daughters.

46. Borrowes Houses Pillaged During 1641 Rebellion

    Grangemellon · townland · Kildare · 1641–1646

    Erasmus Borrowes, High Sheriff of Kildare in 1641, suffered great losses when his houses at Grangemellon, Gilltown, and Corbally were pillaged during the Rebellion. He was later created a baronet in 1646 as recompense for these losses.

    Read the passage

    His elder brother Erasmus, High Sheriff of Kildare in 1641, suffered great losses during the Rebellion, wThen his houses Grangemellon, Gilltown, and Corbally were pillaged, and was in consequence, by wray of recompense, created a baronet in 1646. He was ancestor of Sir Kildare Borrowes, Bart.

    [Authorities : — Kildare Journal ; Playfair’s “ British Family Antiquity.”]

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 106

47. Carmelite Priory of White Friars at Kilcormack leased to Colley

    Kilcormac · town · Offaly · 1567

    A twenty-one year lease was granted to Captain Colley of the site of the Carmelite Priory of White Friars of Kilcormack, founded in the fifteenth century by Hugh mac Neill O'Molloy, who died in 1454. The town's name was later changed to Frankford but locals reverted to the old name Kilcormack.

    Read the passage

    In June, 1567, a lease for twenty-one years was granted to Captain Colley, of the site of the Carmelite Priory of White Friars of Kilcormack 1 and its possessions. This Priory was situated in the O’Molloy Country of Fircall, which comprised the King’s County Baronies of Eglish, Bally boy, and Bally - cowan ; it was founded in the fifteenth century by Hugh mac Neill O’Mollo}7, Chief of his sept, who died in 1454. The name Kilcormack was changed to Frankford, in honour of Frank McAwly, on whose estate it was situated ; but of recent years the inhabitants of the town have sensibly gone back to the old name.

    In April, 1569, the Crown made a grant of the manor of “ Castell Carbide,” and a regrant of the manor of Edenderry, upon surrender by Captain Henry Colley, to be held in tail male by the service of one knight’s fee and a certain rent, provided that in four years’ time he shall rebuild in Clonkeen (in the manor of Carbury) a castle and bawn of stone, and in Eskerbeg (in the manor of Edenderry) a watch-tower and bawn, also of lime and stone.2

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 251

48. Children inoculated against smallpox in Dawson Street, Dublin

    Dawson Street · street · Dublin · 1770

    Three of the Weldon children were inoculated against smallpox at the family's new house in Dawson Street, Dublin, and subsequently fell seriously ill with the pox before recovering over several weeks.

    Read the passage

    Friday ye 26 — Ye three Children were Inoclead.3

    Sunday ye 28 — Mr. Weldon and son left town for Rahan,

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 88

    As the companion tells it

    Along this street, in 1770, three of the Weldon children were inoculated against smallpox at the family's new house here. They fell seriously ill with the pox before recovering over several weeks. The diary records: "Ye three Children were Inoclead" on Friday the 26th, and Mr. Weldon left town for Rahan two days later.

49. Confederate defence of Tullow Castle, 1642

    Tullow · town · Carlow · 1642

    In March 1642 Tullow was held by the Confederate Irish, and the Marquis of Ormonde's forces marched from Carlow demanding the surrender of his own house at Tullow, held by rebel Butler forces, who refused to yield the house though offering welcome at the castle.

    Read the passage

    of the Butlers1), desiring them to yeald up his hous to him.” This Butler answered, “ If his Lordship would come to the Castle of Tullie, he should be heartily welcome, but the hous he would holde to the uttermost. From Grangefort the armie marched to Clonigald in the countie of Wexford, where they lodged that night.”2

    During the year 1648 Tullow Castle appears to have changed hands, as in that year it is recorded in the Memoirs3 of James Touchet, Earl of Castlebaven, the Confederate leader, that after he had assaulted and taken Carlow Castle, he “ despatched a party of horse and foot to invest Tullagh, which they did before daybreak ; in the morning I arrived myself, and having planted my guns, summoned the place, and had it yielded by Sir George Wentworth, then Governor, on condition that both horse and foot might march out with their baggage. Having thus taken this castle, and left a garrison to secure it, and encamped on a heath called the Curragh of Kildare, from whence I summoned all the castles thereabouts, and had them yielded.”

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun

50. Crown purchase of the barony of Okethy, 1302

    Rathcoffey · townland · Laois · 1302

    Edward I employed Walter Lenfant and David Mazener to negotiate the purchase of the barony of Okethy from Henry, son of Simon, for 100 marks, with the Exchequer roll recording payments made for the transaction in 1302.

    Read the passage

    Simon’s, title was not absolutely secure, and that he was open to a deal in the peculiar circumstances in which he was placed. Edward I dealt a good deal in Irish land, and now employed two gentlemen of the county, Walter Lenfant and David Mazener, formerly Sheriff of Kildare, to negotiate the purchase of Okethy. In the Exchequer roll of expenses and payments, for Hilary term, 1302, there is an entry entitled “Purchase to the King’s use of land which belonged to Henry de Rochford,”1 and here we find <£108 17s. 8d. paid to Walter Lenfant “for his trouble ” regarding this purchase, and £29 16s. 8d. to David le Mazener, for the same. The account of the Sheriff of Kildare for the same period discloses that he “ delivered to Henry, son of Simon de Rupeforti, £66 13s. 4d. in payment of 100 marks granted to him by the King for the land of 0 Kethy ” — apparently a moderate price when compared with the commission allowed to Lenfant “ for his trouble.”

    The Exchequer roll also shows that the King purchased the interest of some of the tenants in Mainham, as follows “ William and Peter de Yile, granted to them by the King, for a farm of twenty librates of land and rent, which they had in the Manor of Main an for a term of six years, by demise of Henry fitzHenry de Rochford, and which manor fell into the King’s hands, paid to William and Peter £100.” 2 The contrast between this price and that paid for the fee simple of the estate is significant.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 191

51. Death of Ringleader William Butler Fighting for O'Connor of Offaly

    Offaly · county · Offaly · 1456

    After the failed prosecutions following the Rathcoffey raid, the ringleader William Butler took service under O'Connor of Offaly and was killed fighting against the forces of the English Crown.

    Read the passage

    Then the Parliament of 1456 endeavoured by solemn proclamation and enactment to assert the majesty of the law, but its efforts proved ineffectual. The incriminated persons had passed out of the sphere of its jurisdiction, and the ringleader, William Butler, had taken service under O’Connor of Offaly, and met his death on the field fighting against the forces of the English Crown.2

    It is significant that no writ was issued against Nicholas, Richard, or Davy Wogan, and that Parliament by a special proviso protected them against the consequences of their participation in the raid on Rathcoffey, and the ejection therefrom of Anne and her son and heir. The natural inference, that they were asserting their lawful right in a lawless manner, will be borne out by the course of events. It is hardly reasonable to suppose that in the elaborate settlement made by Sir David Wogan for the purpose of creating an estate in tail male, the inheritance of the principal manor of the Barony of Okethy should not be confined to male heirs. Indeed, it seems highly probable that Anne entered into possession of Rathcoffey by the strong hand, no doubt provisionally, with a view to secure her claims to other portions of the estate, and in times when the ordinary process of law could not be easily enforced.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 328

52. Hard times and oatmeal subsidy for the poor of Ballitore

    Ballitore · town · Kildare · 1812

    Mary Leadbeater describes a very hard time in Ballitore with spring business retarded by wet weather, prompting subscriptions to buy oatmeal to sell at a reduced price to the poor.

    Read the passage

    Our school8 goes on well and was approved of by Joseph Lancaster4 who gave us a call lately. Subscriptions are raised to buy oatmeal to sell at a reduced price to the Poor, for it is now a very hard time and the spring business has been much retarded by wet weather. I handed Nurse Hogan the pound note enclosed in thy last. She had since the pleasure of hearing from thee. She was well when I saw her lately.

    I hope I shall have the pleasure of hearing of your welfare and may I add of your return to your native country.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun

    As the companion tells it

    You're coming through Ballitore now. Back in 1812 Mary Leadbeater wrote that it was a very hard time here. The spring business had been much retarded by wet weather, and subscriptions were raised to buy oatmeal to sell at a reduced price to the poor. She noted that the school went on well and had been approved of by Joseph Lancaster, who called lately.

53. Inspection of Kilteel garrison in 1355

    Kilteel · parish · Kildare · 1355

    In 1355 Geoffrey fitz Eustace and Richard de Penkeston, Sheriff of Kildare, were appointed by the Crown to inspect the garrisons of Kilteel, Rathmore, Ballymore Eustace, and Graney, reflecting ongoing military tension in the area.

    Read the passage

    In 1855 Geoffrey fitz Eustace, and Richard de Penkeston, Sheriff of Kildare, were appointed by the Crown to inspect the garrisons of Kilteel, Rathmore, Ballymore (Eustace), and Graney.1

    In 1356 the two above-named persons were further instructed to enforce those landed proprietors whose duty it was to furnish armed men for the garrisons, and who had failed to do so, to fulfil their obligations, or in default to pay 200s. for a fully armed horseman, 100s. for a “hobelar’' or light-armed mounted man, and 40s. for a bowman, under pain of forfeiting their goods and imprisonment. They were also to insist on the landowners paying up their share in the expenses entailed in warding off the attacks of the O’Byrnes, and see that the poor tenants did not suffer ; one of the chief defaulters in this respect being Sir Thomas Wogan, Kt.2

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 181

54. Lady Margaret's school near St. Kenny's Church, Kilkenny

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny

    The Countess of Ormonde built a school house at her own cost near the churchyard of St. Kenny's Church, which sent forth many learned men until it was ruined in the civil war of 1641.

    Read the passage

    Lawless, in his “House of Ormonde,” writes of the Countess: — “The Lady Margaret, Countess of Ormonde and Ossorye, lived a few years after him, and during that small remainder of her life she lived most godly in contemplation and prayer, giving alms bountefully unto poore and needy people, and, at her proper costs and charges, built a scholeliouse neere the churchyard of St. Kenny’s Church/’ This school sent forth many learned men, until the fabric was ruined in the civil war of 1641.

    She died three years after her husband on the 9th August, 1542, intestate. The Lord Deputy, Sir William St. Leger, curtly announced her death to the King — “ The olde Ladie of Ormonde is deceased.”

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 346

55. Manor of Hollywood recovered by Edmund Butler, 1302

    Hollywood · parish · Wicklow · 1302

    In 1302 the Manor of Hollywood (Sancto Bosco) was recovered by Sir Edmund Butler from Archbishop Richard de Feringes by agreement in the King's Bench.

    Read the passage

    mcccii. Edmundus le Botiller recuperavit manerium de Sancto Bosco, cum pertinenciis, de Domino Ricardo de Feringes, Archiepiscopo Dublin, per concordiam factam inter eos in Banco Regis post festum Sancti Hilarii.

    This Sir Edmund Butler was Viceroy when Edward Bruce invaded Ireland from Scotland in 1315 ; and for his services against him Sir Edmund was rewarded with the title of Earl of Carrick4; he was the father of the first Earl of Ormond.5

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 124

56. Rathcoffey assigned as widow's dower, 1302-1306

    Rathcoffey · townland · Laois · 1302–1306

    After Henry de Rochford's death between 1302 and 1304, the Manor of Rathcoffey was assigned as dower to his widow Isabella, a 'king's widow' whose marriage was in the King's custody, while the rest of the barony passed to the Crown.

    Read the passage

    lands, she was a “ king’s widow,” and her marriage in the King’s custody. With the exception of the Manor of Rathcoffey, which was assigned to her as dower, the entire barony of Okethy was now' in the King’s hands. Moreover, from this period he always exercises his rights as chief lord of the fee, and he evidently considered the rights of the Manor of Ballymadden, suggested by the jurors in 1299, 1 as now vested in the Crown. In the sixteenth century the Earl of Kildare seems to have claimed the Chief Lordship, as the “ royal service” of 100s. in Okethy is credited to him in the “ Rental ” compiled for him in 1518, but there is no trace of this claim having been ever acknowledged, though the royal services are continuously demanded bv w7rits of the King’s Exchequer. It is said that the Earl claimed certain regalities in the county, as vested in the manors of William de Vesci, transferred by the Crown to his ancestor, John fitzThomas, first Earl of Kildare; but as William de Vesci never held the Manor of Ballymadden, it is difficult to see the force of this plea. Another explanation has been attempted by contending that the whole estate passed to Gerald, 5th Earl of Kildare, in 1381, by his marriage with Margaret, daughter and heiress of Sir John Rochford,2 whose property was delivered to the heiress and her husband by a writ of Chancery (5 Ric. II). This writ is given in Lodge’s Peerage (i, 81), and contains nothing to connect Sir John Rochford with the barony of Okethy, which was at the time of his daughter’s marriage the property of the Wogans.

    The actual chief lordship of the King will be abundantly proved by the records which it will be necessary to cite in the course of this paper.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 192

57. Robert Kennedy renames Ballygarvey as Mount Kennedy

    Mount Kennedy · site · Waterford · 1643–1667

    Robert Kennedy of Kishoge acquired the estate of Ballygarvey in County Wicklow, where he served as High Sheriff in 1643, and bestowed on it the name Mount Kennedy, which he made his principal residence. This name gave rise to the neighbouring village's combined name, Newtownmountkennedy.

    Read the passage

    Robert Kennedy, of Kishoge, County Dublin, and subsequently of Ballygarvey, otherwise Mount Kennedy, County Wicklow, was the eldest son of Robert Kennedy, concerning whom no particulars have been preserved. On 15th May, 1626, he was admitted a member of the King’s Inns, having in the previous year obtained the office of joint Chief Remembrancer of the Exchequer, which he held till 1684. He was not a keen politician, and is chiefly known for his extensive farming operations carried on at his seat in County Wicklow, for which he served as High Sheriff in 1643, and where he acquired a grant of “ the two Drumbanes and Clanmurtagh,” comprising 262 statute acres. Prior to 1631 he purchased from Sir Richard Browne, for ^6500 English, the lands of “ Kishoke,” situated three miles from Dublin. It was he who bestowed the existing name of Mount Kennedy on his estate of Ballygarvey, which he made his principal residence, and which in its turn gave rise to the combination, Newtownmountkennedy, as the neighbouring village is still called.

    On 25th January, 1664, probably on account of political services rendered by his son, Sir Richard, Mr. Kennedy was created a Baronet.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 131

58. Royal order for wards at Kilteel, Rathmore, Ballymore and Graney against O'Byrne raids

    Kilteel · parish · Kildare · 1356

    In 1356 the King ordained that defensive wards be posted at Kilteel, Rathmore, Ballymore and Graney in County Kildare, to be maintained at the expense of the more powerful local landholders, for defence against O'Byrne incursions.

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    “ The King, to his beloved and faithful Thomas Wogan, greeting. Whereas by the deliberate advice of our whole council we thought well to ordain that wards should be posted at Kilteel, Rathmore, Ballymore, and Graney, in the County of Kildare (as well as in other parts of the Leinster counties), by the nobler and more powerful persons in those counties, at their own charges, and not at the charges of the commonalty, or of the towns of the same county, for the safety and defence of the parts of the said county against the O Byrnes and their accomplices invading those parts in a hostile manner ; and although you, as being more powerful and richer than the others of the same county, are, in

    1 Tresham, p. 44. 2 Pat. Roll. 20 Ed. Ill, Tresham, p. 50.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 262

59. Ruins of Bermingham Castle and Church at Carrick

    Carrick · townland · Kildare

    The ruins of the castle of Sir Piers de Bermingham and of an old church, used as the burying-place of the Berminghams, stand in the townland of Carrick. The name Carrick derives from Carraig Fheorais, Piers' rock.

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    Carrick, 5,181 acres. “ Carraig Fheomis Feoras’ or Piers’ rock, from the castle of Sir Feoras or Piers de Bermingham. The ruins of the castle and of an old church, the burying-place of the Berminghams, are in the townland of Carrick.2

    Dunfierth, 5,553 acres. This place is probably the Druim Fertain i cCairpre TJa gCiardha of the Martyrology of Donegal. Druim = ridge, but whether Fertain is the genitive of a proper name or not I do not know.3 The rectory of this parish was impropriate.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 159

60. Sir Henry Colley to erect free school at Carbury teaching English and Irish

    Carbury · townland · Kildare · 1579

    In January 1579, in consideration that Sir Henry Colley undertook at his own charge to erect a free school in Her Majesty's name with a schoolmaster to teach in both English and Irish, the Queen granted him the advowson of the Vicarage of Carbury.

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    In June, 1576, a Crown grant was made to Sir Henry Colley of the lands of Ardkill and Collinstown, which lie near and to the north-east of the Hill of Carbury ; and at the same time he was granted the Rectories of “ Bally morchir ” (now Ardnurcher), County West Meath, and of Carbury.3 Three years later (January, 1579), in consideration that Sir Henry Colley had undertaken at his own charge to erect a free school in Her Majesty’s name, with a competent schoolmaster to teach in both tongues (English and Irish), Her Majesty, desirous to encourage so good and charitable an act in those parts, directed the Lord Deputy to pass a patent to him of the advowson of the Vicarage of Carbury, and to his heirs male.4

    On the 81st January, 1579, the Queen directed the Lord Deputy, Sir William Drury, to grant to Sir Henry a new patent of his possessions ; this was in consequence of Sir Henry’s petition, as he had represented to her that he had obtained, in

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 251