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. St. Brigid's Well at Hartwell Lower, neglected with votive rag tradition

   Hartwell Lower · townland · Kildare

   In the townland of Hartwell Lower, beside a gripe, lies a well still known as St. Brigid's Well with a strong flow of water, though neglected due to cattle access. A sally-tree formerly stood near it to which votive rags were tied.

   Read the passage

   In the townland of Hartwell Lower, which adjoins that of Kill, there is a well by the side of a gripe still known as “ St. Brigid’s Well ” ; a strong flow of water boils up in it ; but as cattle have free access to it, it is in a sadly neglected condition. In former years a sally-tree stood near it, to which the usual votive rags were tied.

   Archdeacon Sherlock is of the opinion that in Celtic times Kill church was dedicated to St. Brigid alone, and that the Blessed Virgin Mary’s dedication was added by the Anglo-Normans.2 Dr. John O’Donovan, in the Ordnance Survey Letters of the County Westmeath, dealing with the Parish of St. Mary’s, expresses the same opinion ; he wrote : — “ I do not find any evidence

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 147

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here is St. Brigid's Well, sitting beside a gripe with a strong flow of water still boiling up from it. Cattle have free access to it, so it's sadly neglected. A sally-tree once stood near it, and people used to tie the usual votive rags to its branches. Hartwell Lower adjoins Kill, where Archdeacon Sherlock believed the church was originally dedicated to St. Brigid alone in Celtic times, with the Blessed Virgin Mary's dedication added later by the Anglo-Normans.

2. Trespass dispute over stone walls at Rathcoffey, 1310

   Rathcoffey · townland · Laois · 1310

   A 1310 trespass action at Rathcoffey recorded that Henry de Cruys had let unoccupied places with old stone walls to tenants for extra rent, while William Gyfford was accused of carrying away the stones to build himself a stone house, reducing the manor's rent.

   Read the passage

   Henry de Cruys having stated the nature of his tenancy in the Manor of Rathcoffey, declared “ that he had set some unoccupied places containing old stone walls, within the aforesaid Manor, to certain tenants of his in the same place, for a fixed annual rent, whereby he had increased the annual return of the aforesaid Manor by six shillings per annum in excess of what it had hitherto produced, as he might well and lawfully do for the profit of the king, to whom the reversion of the dower belongs, as well as for his own ; that the said William, without licence of the King or of Henry himself, did take and carry away a large quantity of the stones in the aforesaid walls, and of other stones which he found in the demesne lands belonging to the said Manor, and did, with the same, cause a stone house to be constructed for himself, whereby the rent of the said Manor has fallen by the amount of six shillings per annum ; and he demands remedy for his lord the King and for himself.” No doubt this coupling of the King’s interest with his own was calculated to appeal to the sympathy of the Court. But William Gyffard would not allow his adversary to pose as the single-handed champion of the King. In reply he frankly admits

   1Mem. Roll, 2 Ed. II, Transcripts, vol. iv, p. 232, in Public Record Office.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 194

3. Water dispute at Grange of Rosnolvan mill

   Grangerosnolvan · townland · Kildare · 1377

   In 1377, Peter, Abbot of the Monastery of Baltinglass, was awarded damages against certain persons who had diverted the water of the River Greese from the Abbot's mill at the Grange of Rosnolvan, a grange belonging to Baltinglass Abbey.

   Read the passage

   Grangerosnolvan, 1391 acres. ? Grainseacli Buis nAlbhdin , the grange of the wood of Albhan. If this explanation of the name is correct, n is prefixed to the initial vowel of Albhain by the influence of the formerly neuter noun ros.5 A “ grange” was usually an outlying farm or storehouse belonging to a monastery ; this particular grange belonged to the Abbey of Baltinglass (de Valle Salutis). In the “new taxation” of 1294 “the temporality of the Monks of Balkynglass at Rosnalvan ” was assessed at £1.6 In 1377 Peter, Abbot of the Monastery of Baltinglass, was awarded 4R0 damages against certain persons who had diverted the water of the River Greese from the Abbot’s mill at the Grange of Rosnolvan.7 In the Fiants of Elizabeth the name is always spelled Rosnalwan,8 or Rosnalvan.9 In 1837 there was no tradition of any church or graveyard ever having existed in the parish.10

   Kilkea, 3,100 acres. Vide supra.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 174

4. Henry de Cruys charged with levelling houses at Rathcoffey, 1307

   Rathcoffey · townland · Laois · 1307

   In 1307 Henry de Cruys, who held Rathcoffey through his marriage to Henry de Rochford's widow, was charged with demolishing houses and committing waste of timber and growing trees on the manor, to the King's damage.

   Read the passage

   term of that year on the charge “ that the same Henry levelled certain houses, which were the property of Henry de Kochfort in 0 Kethy, and which came to the hands of the same Henry (de Cruys) through Elizabeth, his wife, who was the wife of the aforesaid Henry de Rochford, the reversion of which after the death of said Elizabeth should belong to the Lord the King, and that in the same place he committed waste in timber, and growing trees to the King’s damage, &c.”

   “ The aforesaid Henry comes and denies the charge aforesaid, and demands inquiry, and has a day assigned— the morrow of St. James.” We have no further account of this trial ; but there is clear proof that, some years later, a charge of waste was proved, and that the Manor was, taken into the King’s hand, and only restored upon fine, made in the Exchequer in 1810. 1

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 193

5. Priory of St. John founded in Athy, 1253

   Athy · town · Kildare · 1253

   The parish of St. John's derives its name from the Priory of the Canons Regular of the Holy Cross, founded in Athy in 1253 by Richard de St. Michael, Baron of Reban. Its ruins survive in the town of Athy on the western side of the Barrow near Crom a' Buaidh Bridge.

   Read the passage

   St. John’s, 1,123 acres, of which 101 acres are in the Barony of Ballyadams and Queen’s County. This parish derives its name from the Priory of the Canons Regular of the Holy Cross or Crouched Friars, which was founded in Athy in a.d. 1253, under the invocation of St. John, by Richard de St. Michael, Baron of Reban.8 In Queen Elizabeth’s reign the Priory is referred to as “ the late Hospital of St. John of Athie,” which seems to be a mistake, as the house never belonged to the Hospitallers.9 The ruins of the Priory are in the town of Athy, on the western side of the Barrow to the north of Crom a ’ Buaidh Bridge. The parish, with the exception of four isolated fragments surrounded by St. Michael’s Parish, is on the east side of the Barrow, and is in the Diocese of Dublin.10

   St. Michael’s, 1,881 acres, of which 566 acres are in the Barony of Kilkea and Moone. This parish derives its name from the Dominican Friary, founded by the families of Boiseles

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 292

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Athy, you are in a town with a piece of medieval history. In 1253 Richard de St. Michael, Baron of Reban, founded a priory here under the invocation of St. John, for the Canons Regular of the Holy Cross, also called the Crouched Friars. In Queen Elizabeth's reign the place was referred to as "the late Hospital of St. John of Athie," but that seems to have been a mistake, since the house never belonged to the Hospitallers. The ruins of the priory still stand in Athy, on the western side of the Barrow, to the north of Crom a' Buaidh Bridge.

6. Ruins of the Kilteel preceptory reused in later buildings

   Kilteel · parish · Kildare

   Much of the material used to build the stablings and dwelling-house on the site of the bawn at Kilteel Castle was taken from the ruins of the nearby Preceptory, as shown by fragments of sculptured stones built into the walls, including carved pillars depicting an ecclesiastic, an animal with foliage design, and Adam and Eve.

   Read the passage

   above it. The top story is vaulted, and this vaulting forms the roof — an unusual feature in a castle of this description. Owing to this style of roof, there are no gables. The gateway into the bawn, or fortified court-yard, is attached to the west side of the castle ; of the bawn itself nothing now remains. A row of stablings, out-offices, and a dwelling-house occupy a part of the site of the bawn ; these buildings, probably erected in the eighteenth century, are now in a state of dilapidation. Much of the material they were built of was taken from the ruins of the Preceptory near by, as the fragments of sculptured stones built into the walls show. Some of these carved stones formed pillars to the cloisters ; on one is the figure of an ecclesiastic, on another an animal with a foliage design, and on a third can be identified Adam and Eve, one on either side of an apple-tree.

   The gateway is vaulted, and contains two chambers, one over the other ; as in the case of the castle, the upper chamber is vaulted, and so forms the roof of the gateway.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 183

7. Arbitration Dispute Over Coshegowley Lands Between O'Dempsey and Loftus

   Monasterevin · town · Kildare · 1612–1613

   A controversy arose between Sir Terence O'Dempsey and Sir Adam Loftus, Lord Chancellor of Ireland, over rents for the Coshegowley lands attached to the Manor of Monasterevin. The dispute was settled by arbitration of the Lord Deputy Sir Arthur Chichester in 1613.

   Read the passage

   The above-quoted Inquisition was held, because at this time (1612) there was a controversy concerning Coshegowley between Sir Terence and Sir Adam Loftus, Lord Chancellor of Ireland, who had acquired the Manor of Monasterevin, and who complained that though Coshegowley was a parcel of the Manor of Monasterevin, and for which he paid rent to the Crown, yet he received no rent from it, as it was paid to Sir Terence O’Dempsey. Eventually the parties decided to abide by the arbitration of Sir Arthur Chichester, the Lord Deputy.

   On the 23rd February, 1613, the contending parties agreed to the Lord Deputy’s decision, which was that Sir Terence was to yield and deliver up to Sir Adam Loftus all the lands and parcels thereof, with the exception of such lands in Coshegowley as had in the past been granted by Queen Elizabeth to his uncle Owny mac Hugh

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 273

   As the companion tells it

   Up ahead is Monasterevin, a town on your road through Kildare. In 1612 a dispute broke out here over lands called Coshegowley, attached to the Manor of Monasterevin. Sir Adam Loftus, Lord Chancellor of Ireland, had acquired the manor and paid rent to the Crown for Coshegowley, yet received no rent from it, because those rents were going to Sir Terence O'Dempsey. The two men agreed to let the Lord Deputy, Sir Arthur Chichester, arbitrate. On the 23rd of February, 1613, both sides accepted his decision. Sir Terence was to yield all the disputed lands to Sir Adam Loftus, with one exception: such lands in Coshegowley as Queen Elizabeth had previously granted to his uncle, Owny mac Hugh.

8. Corcullen coin find and failed sixpence trick

   near Corcullen · street · Galway

   A coin from the Roxburgh mint was found near Corcullen, and it is recorded that the finder tried unsuccessfully to pass it for sixpence. The passage questions the naivety of Corcullen's shopkeepers for such a trick to even be attempted.

   Read the passage

   possess this coin, a specimen from the Roxburgh mint. It is recorded too, alas ! that the finder tried to pass it for sixpence — a trick well-nigh impossible of accomplishment unless Corcullen publicans (?) are very simple souls.

   A peculiar coin, called an “Abbey piece/5 by Lindsay, but about which I have been unable to discover anything further, is noted as found in Kilkenny. It is of copper, about one inch in diameter, and of smooth, spread fabric. The obverse bears the inscription : — “ q- Ave Maria Gracia Pl(ena),” and a large crown with one fleur-de-lys and two halved lys. The reverse has a cross moline ending in lys, centre pierced ; all in a tressure fleury with lys : in the outer bays of the tressure are A-V-E. — 4- A somewhat similar piece is also in the collection ; this has the same inscription, but the type of the obverse is a shield with three lys. The reverse varies in small details. I have no information about the latter specimen.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 69

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere about Corcullen, a coin from the Roxburgh mint was found years ago. The finder then tried to pass it off as a sixpence, a trick the record says would scarcely work unless Corcullen publicans are very simple souls.

9. Franciscan Monastery Founded at Clane, 1272

   Clane · town · Kildare · 1272–1287

   Gerald FitzMaurice, 3rd Baron of Offaly, founded a Franciscan Monastery at Clane in 1272 and was buried in the church there upon his death in 1287.

   Read the passage

   As late as the middle of the fourteenth century the name of this Barony was the “ Barony of Otymy,” or Otyny.3 It derives its present name from the village of Claonadh4 or Clane, the sloping place, where, in about a.d. 520, St. Ailbhe founded an abbey. In 1272 Gerald FitzMaurice, 3rd Baron of Offaly, founded a Franciscan Monastery here. He died 18th July, 1287, and was buried in the church.5 The Barony was part of Ui Faoldin. It contains 32,027 acres, and seven parishes. The rectory of Clane belonged to the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem.6

   Parishes.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun

10. Hollywood church founded by St Kevin

    Hollywood · parish · Wicklow

    The plain church at Hollywood stands on an ancient site originally founded by St Kevin, later of Glendalough, who lived in the seventh century and died on 3 June; the old burial ground has no monuments from Celtic times.

    Read the passage

    The church itself is a small, plain structure, standing on an ancient site ; because, as before mentioned, it was originally founded by St. Kevin, afterwards of Gdendalough, who lived in the seventh century, and died and was venerated on the 3rd of June. Old as this burial-ground is, there are no monuments in it belonging to Celtic times ; and though used by Catholic and Protestant alike, it contains no tombstones of a date earlier than the second half of the eighteenth century.

    One little cross of granite, about feet high, in the west end of the burial-ground, catches one’s eye, and though only dated 1835, it is peculiar as containing only the initials of the deceased in the inscription — an unsatisfactory method as far as identification goes, many other examples of which are to be found in the neighbouring chapel-yard. In this case the inscription reads : —

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 130

11. Multiple inquisitions detail friary lands and weirs at Athy

    Athy · town · Kildare · 1543–1544

    Inquisitions of 1543 and 1544 found the priors of the Athy friary seized of churches, cottages, arable land, mills, and two fishing weirs in the Barrow below the friary, along with lands in Grangemellon and other townlands.

    Read the passage

    and Owgan in the year 1253 or 1257. 1 2 It was situated in the town of Athy, on the east side of the Barrow, and on the north of Bothar Buidhe (“ Boherboy ”), the road which leads from the bridge to Ardscull. In 1347 Thomas, the chaplain, William, the son of Thomas Baker, Laurence Cook, John the prior of St. Thomas of Athy, Thomas Haywood, John Miller, and friar Maurice of Athy, were indicted for coming by night to the fishing weir belonging to the said Dominicans, and then and there, by force of arms, taking away a net with fish therein, the property of the said friars, to their loss and damage of upwards of 100s.8 An inquisition taken on the Thursday next after the Feast of St. Nicholas the Bishop, in the year 1543, found that the prior on the 30th of April, 1540, was seized of a church and belfry, chapter house, dormitory, hall, three chambers, and a kitchen, a cemetery, garden and orchard containing one acre ; also six cottages, sixteen acres of arable of great measure, and of a water mill in Clokewory, annual value, besides reprises,3 32s.4 Another inquisition, taken on the Saturday next after the Feast of the Conception of the Blessed Virgin in the year 1544, found that the last prior (Robert Wolf) was seized of a church, &c., six messuages, and ten acres of arable land in the More near Athy, annual value of the whole 27s. 2d. Two fishing weirs in the Barrow, below the Friary, two acres of pasture, and two of meadow, near the Barrow, annual value, 2s. ; six acres of land in the townland of Athy, a mill with a water mill and the custom, and a messuage and an acre of land in Tollogheguorre, annual value, 6s. 8d., and seven acres of arable and meadow in Mellensgreall (Grangemellon), annual value, £20. The said acres are of the great measure, and in the County of Kildare.5 *

    Barony of Offaly East.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun

    As the companion tells it

    Athy was home to a Dominican friary, founded around 1253, on the east side of the Barrow. Inquisitions in 1543 and 1544 recorded what the friary held: a church and belfry, chapter house, dormitory, hall, three chambers, a kitchen, cemetery, garden, and an orchard of one acre, along with six cottages, sixteen acres of arable land, and a water mill. The last prior, Robert Wolf, was found seized of two fishing weirs in the Barrow below the friary, ten acres in the More near Athy, and seven acres in Grangemellon valued at £20. There is an older story attached to those weirs. In 1347, a group including Thomas the chaplain, John the prior of St. Thomas of Athy, and friar Maurice of Athy were indicted for coming by night to the friary's fishing weir and taking a net with fish, causing damage of upwards of 100 shillings.

12. Rev. John Shearman, antiquarian priest of Moone, bequeaths coin collection

    Moone · townland · Kildare · 1830–1885

    Rev. John Shearman, who died in 1885 as parish priest of Moone, was a noted Irish archaeologist and author of 'Loca Patriciana.' Born in Kilkenny in 1830 and entering Clongowes in 1850, his lifelong coin collection formed the bulk of the Clongowes Wood College museum collection.

    Read the passage

    The Irish coins are very simply, yet effectively, displayed. Two large boards were covered with a light red baize. These take the place of “ trays.” The coins were fastened with paper ring-clips to little white cards edged with purple (purple and white are the College colours.) This arrangement leaves room for a written description overhead. These cards were then fastened in rows to the boards. There are two or three coins on every card ; here and there between the coin-cards come catalogue cards with explanatory notes. Duplicates are used to show reverse and obverse ; a large number of copper and brass coins were not displayed, as they were unnecessary duplicates. The bulk of this collection came to the College as the bequest of Rev. John Shearman, who died in 1885 as P.P. of Moone. He was an Irish archaeologist of note, the author of “Loca Patriciana,” and a friend of Graves, Reeves, Ferguson, and the other Irish scholars of the middle nineteenth century. He was born in Kilkenny in 1830, and entered Clongowes in 1850. Even before entering Clongowes he had begun to be interested in Irish coins ; among his MS. notes, preserved in Maynooth,1 is a list of Irish coins with indications of rarity and market price, dated December, 1849. These notes are from all periods of his life, and have been of the greatest service to us in

    1 [ must acknowledge the kindness of the authorities of Maynooth in allowing me to consult these MS. notes freely.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 65

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Moone, a parish priest once built one of the great Irish coin collections. Rev. John Shearman was born in Kilkenny in 1830, entered Clongowes Wood College in 1850, and by the time of his death in 1885 he was parish priest here at Moone. He was a noted Irish archaeologist, the author of "Loca Patriciana," and a friend of Graves, Reeves, Ferguson and other Irish scholars of the mid-nineteenth century. His interest in Irish coins had begun even before Clongowes. Among his manuscript notes, preserved in Maynooth, is a list of Irish coins with indications of rarity and market price, dated December 1849. His lifelong collection formed the bulk of the Clongowes Wood College museum, displayed on boards covered with light red baize, each coin fastened with paper ring-clips to little white cards edged with purple, the college colours, with written descriptions overhead and catalogue cards bearing explanatory notes between them.

13. Ruins of Clogrenan Castle falling into decay by 1891

    Clogrenan · townland · Carlow · 1870–1891

    By the time of writing, Clogrenan Castle belonged to the Rochfort family, who drove a carriage-approach through the building and converted one end into an unoccupied gate lodge; the ivy-clad ruins were said to be rapidly deteriorating for want of repair.

    Read the passage

    Clogrenan now belongs to the Rochfort family. By them a carriage-approach was made right through the building, and one end converted into a gate lodge, since unoccupied. The ruins are heavily ivy-clad, and for want of urgent repairs are rapidly falling into a dangerous condition.

    The date of Sir Edmund’s death is uncertain, but he was still living in 1597.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 41

14. Slab-lined grave found in Rathmore rath, 1894

    Rathmore · townland · Kildare · 1894

    In 1894 a slab-lined grave was exposed about the centre of the rath at Rathmore, twenty feet below the surface. Mr. Orpen noted that there is also a mote at Rathmore, which seems to have been piled over a sepulchral mound.

    Read the passage

    In the year 1894 a slab-lined grave was exposed about the centre of the rath, and twenty feet below the surface.9 Mr. Orpen

    1 R. de Kardif appears as a witness to a deed of circa 1219 (Christ Church Deed, No. 29), and Hosbert de Kerdif to one circa 1230 (Christ Church Deed, No. 39). Probably the same person as the Osbert de Cardif of “ Register of St. Thomas’ Abbey,” p. 382. I do not think that Canon Sherlock (Kildare Journal, ii, 183) is correct in identifying Kerdiffstown with the Balikerdevval, Balikerdeval, Balikaedeual, which Thomas de Hereford, nephew of Adam de Hereford, Strongbow’s companion-in-arms, gave, prior to a.d. 1224, to St. Thomas’ Abbey (Gilbert, “Register of St. Thomas’ Abbey,” pp. 85, 88, 299). Kerdeval could hardly be corrupted into Kerdiff, and Kerdiffstown belonged to the Hospitallers and not to St. Thomas’ Abbey. Baiikerdewal seems to have been in or near the Parish of Kill, Co. Kildare (see Register of St. Thomas’ Abbey, p. 299). It cannot be Swordlestown in the Parish of Kill and Barony of Naas South, the Balisurdeval of “Register of St. Thomas,” p. 302, which is mentioned along with Balikaerdeual in the confirmation of Cornelius MacGealan, Bishop of Kildare, a.d. 1206-1223 (Gilbert, “Register of St. Thomas’ Abbey,” p. 298), under the name of terra Hugonis de Surdeval. The original names of the lands of Balisurdeval were Baile mac Gleirigh (Balimacclerig), and Baile Ui Dhacardin (Baliodacaran) (“ Register of St. Thomas’ Abbey,” pp. 92, 224).

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun

15. St. Brigid's Well neglected at Hartwell Lower

    Hartwell Lower · townland · Kildare

    A Blessed Well known as St. Brigid's Well on Mr. Lyons's farm in Hartwell Lower was associated with the Celtic Church at Kill, of which St. Brigid was patron saint. The well is now neglected, unenclosed and trodden by cattle, though a strong flow of water still boils up in it, and a sally tree nearby once bore votive rags.

    Read the passage

    On the Townland of Hartwell Lower, on Mr. Lyons’s farm, there is a Blessed Well, known as “ St. B rigid’s Well,” which was associated with the Celtic Church at Kill, of which St. Brigid was the Patron Saint. This well is now sadly neglected; it is unenclosed, and trodden around by cattle. Though a strong flow of water boils up in it, yet from its position by the side of a gripe, it would require a native of the locality to point it out. Some years ago a sally tree stood near it, which bore the usual load of votive rags, &c. The old 6-inch Ordnance Survey Map does not mark the well down, though it appears on that of the recent issue (1911).

    1 From information supplied by Mr. T. U. Sadleir.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 339

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Hartwell Lower, there is a well known as St. Brigid's Well, on what was Mr. Lyons's farm. It was associated with the Celtic Church at Kill, where St. Brigid was patron saint. The well is sadly neglected now, unenclosed and trodden around by cattle, though a strong flow of water still boils up in it. It sits by the side of a gripe, so you would need a native of the locality to point it out. Some years ago a sally tree stood near it, bearing the usual load of votive rags. The old 6-inch Ordnance Survey map does not mark the well, though it appears on the 1911 issue.

16. Ward left at Tullowphelim castle against rebel sons, 1596

    Tullow · town · Carlow · 1596

    Thomas, 10th Earl of Ormonde, hearing that his brother Sir Edmund's rebellious sons intended to raze and burn their castles, left a defensive garrison at the castle of Tullowphelim before proceeding to do the same at Clogrenan.

    Read the passage

    In 1596 the Butlers, of Clogrenan, were again in rebellion, as two of Sir Edmund’s sons, Pierce and James, were reported to have joined the standard of Feagh mac Hugh O’Byrne, Chief of the Ranelagh. On the 23rd of September, in this year, Thomas, 10th Earl of Ormonde, wrote to the Lord Deputy that as he had heard that his brother Sir Edmund’s rebellious sons had determined to raze and burn such castles as they had, he had left a ward in the castle of “ Tullovellin ” (Tullowphelim), and was then proceeding to Clothgronain (Clogrenan) to leave a ward there also.1 James and Pierce Butler both came to violent ends. James, who was engaged to a sister of Rory oge O’More, Chief of Leix, was slain in April, 1597 ; and Pierce, of Ballysax, the husband of a daughter of Edmund Butler, Lord Mountgarrett, was executed by the Earl of Ormonde’s order at Thurles in May, 1597, and his head sent to Dublin.

    In 1603, Theobald, the third son of Sir Edmund Butler, of Clogrenan, was by letters patent dated the 4th of August created “ Viscount Butler, of Tulleophelim, in the County of Katherlagh.”2 He married his cousin, Lady Elizabeth, only child and heiress of Thomas, 10th Earl of Ormonde, and died without issue on the 29th December, 1613, when the title became extinct. His widow re-married with Sir Richard Preston, Baron Dingwall, in the following year, ten months after her first husband’s death.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 41

17. Corn seized at Rathcool for the Scottish war, 1308

    Rathcool · townland · Cork · 1308

    In 1308 the Irish Exchequer seized corn from Crown tenants in arrear to supply Edward II's campaign in Scotland; a royal mandate ordered the Sheriff to release to Henry de Cruys his corn that had been seized at Rathcool.

    Read the passage

    defaults they shall have found in arms, &c.” When Henry de Cruys first came to Rathcoffey, “ in the March of Okethy, close to the frontiers of O’Connor’s principality of Offaly, he seems to have shown a sense of his new responsibility, and to have made a good impression on the Central Executive. The new King, Edward II, was pressing for supplies for his campaign in Scotland. The Irish Exchequer was seizing the corn of all Crown tenants in arrear ; and, as we know from the records that in those days practically all tenants were in arrear, this hardship must have been far-reaching. A mandate, however, was despatched to the Sheriff in 1808 “ that, inasmuch as Henry de Cruys is residing in the March of Okethy, the Sheriff cause to be delivered to him his corn that had been seized at Rathcool for the war in Scotland.5’1

    From the Roll,2 however, of the year 1810 we gather that he soon wearied of a borderer’s life, and that he was not very popular with the landholders in the neighbourhood. This Roll contains a record of an action for trespass at Rathcoffey in which a gentleman named William Gyfford is defendant, and Henry Cruys plaintiff. Some extracts from the Record are instructive on the state of the country at the time.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 194

18. Dominican Friary of St. Michael's, Athy, founded 1253/1257

    Athy · town · Kildare · 1253–1257

    St. Michael's parish derives its name from a Dominican Friary founded by the families of Boiseles and Owgan in 1253 or 1257, situated on the east side of the Barrow north of Bothar Buidhe (Boherboy), the road from the bridge to Ardscull.

    Read the passage

    and Owgan in the year 1253 or 1257. 1 2 It was situated in the town of Athy, on the east side of the Barrow, and on the north of Bothar Buidhe (“ Boherboy ”), the road which leads from the bridge to Ardscull. In 1347 Thomas, the chaplain, William, the son of Thomas Baker, Laurence Cook, John the prior of St. Thomas of Athy, Thomas Haywood, John Miller, and friar Maurice of Athy, were indicted for coming by night to the fishing weir belonging to the said Dominicans, and then and there, by force of arms, taking away a net with fish therein, the property of the said friars, to their loss and damage of upwards of 100s.8 An inquisition taken on the Thursday next after the Feast of St. Nicholas the Bishop, in the year 1543, found that the prior on the 30th of April, 1540, was seized of a church and belfry, chapter house, dormitory, hall, three chambers, and a kitchen, a cemetery, garden and orchard containing one acre ; also six cottages, sixteen acres of arable of great measure, and of a water mill in Clokewory, annual value, besides reprises,3 32s.4 Another inquisition, taken on the Saturday next after the Feast of the Conception of the Blessed Virgin in the year 1544, found that the last prior (Robert Wolf) was seized of a church, &c., six messuages, and ten acres of arable land in the More near Athy, annual value of the whole 27s. 2d. Two fishing weirs in the Barrow, below the Friary, two acres of pasture, and two of meadow, near the Barrow, annual value, 2s. ; six acres of land in the townland of Athy, a mill with a water mill and the custom, and a messuage and an acre of land in Tollogheguorre, annual value, 6s. 8d., and seven acres of arable and meadow in Mellensgreall (Grangemellon), annual value, £20. The said acres are of the great measure, and in the County of Kildare.5 *

    Barony of Offaly East.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 293

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Athy, this town carries the name of a Dominican friary founded here in 1253 or 1257 by the families of Boiseles and Owgan. St. Michael's stood on the east side of the Barrow, north of the road called Boherboy that ran from the bridge to Ardscull. In 1347, a group of men came by night to the friars' fishing weir on the river. Thomas the chaplain, William the son of Thomas Baker, Laurence Cook, John the prior of St. Thomas of Athy, Thomas Haywood, John Miller, and friar Maurice of Athy were all indicted for taking a net with fish from the weir by force of arms, causing the friars a loss of upwards of 100 shillings. By 1540 the prior held a church with a belfry, a chapter house, dormitory, hall, three chambers, and a kitchen, plus a cemetery, a garden and orchard of one acre, six cottages, sixteen acres of arable land, and a water mill. An inquisition in 1543 valued these at 32 shillings a year. A second inquisition in 1544 found that the last prior, Robert Wolf, also held messuages and ten acres of arable land near Athy, two fishing weirs in the Barrow below the friary, pasture and meadow, a mill, and land across several townlands, valued at over 20 pounds annually. These were the last records of the friary before its end.

19. Formal seisin and 'attorning' of tenants at Rathcoffey

    Rathcoffey · townland · Laois · 1299

    The jurors described the formal ceremony by which Henry, son of Simon, was put into seisin at Rathcoffey, including the giving of a banner and the attornment of free tenants and farmers, before the dying Henry was carried out never to return.

    Read the passage

    As the King’s Escheator admitted the ejectment, and the retention of the land in the King’s hand, the jurors proceeded to consider the possessory rights of the ejected party : had he been duly put in possession ? was that possession a freehold ? On both points their reply was in the affirmative ; and they give the grounds on which they relied in a statement which brings out the importance attached to detail and formality in the old process of conveyance. “ The jurors say that Henry, son of Henry, gave to Henry, son of Simon, all the said tenements, that he put him in seisin, and gave to him all his goods without reserve, and gave to him his banner ; and that free tenants and farmers attorned ; and that Henry, son of Henry, was compos mentis and sane memorie , though infirm of body ; and that as soon as he had made the gift he caused himself to be carried out of said tenement to the house of Geoffrey de Penkeston, and never after returned to it.”3

    Here it will be noted that to acquire seisin of a barony it was considered essential that the tenants should “ attorn,” that is, acknowledge by some formality the dominion of the new lord ; while in the case of lands and tenements held in demesne, complete evacuation by the previous owner was exacted — a formality which must not be dispensed with even in the case of a dying man. It is recorded4 that a gentleman, styled Henry, in the County of Waterford, wishing on the day before his death to enfeoff his illegitimate son, David, “ caused himself to be carried to the door of his house, saying to him : Son, I give to thee the

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 188

20. Rathmore church granted for pilgrims and the poor, 1319

    Rathmore · townland · Kildare · 1319

    By a deed dated 16th January 1319, the Archbishop of Dublin granted the parish church of Rathmore, with its chapels, tithes, and obventions, to the Hospitallers for the sustentation of pilgrims and the necessities of the poor. The church was dedicated to St. Columba.

    Read the passage

    In the papal taxation of circa a.d. 1294 the vicarage of Rathmore is assessed at four marks.3 By a deed dated at Kilmainham, the 17th December, 1318, the Prior and Brethren of the House of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem in Ireland granted to the Chapter of the Holy Trinity, Dublin, 10 pounds of wax yearly for Rathmore church.4 By another deed, dated at Dublin, the 20th January, 1319, they acknowledged the receipt of a deed dated 16th January, 1319, whereby the Archbishop of Dublin, with the consent of the Chapters of Holy Trinity and St. Patrick’s, granted to them the parish church of Rathmore, with its chapels, tithes, and obventions, for the sustentation of pilgrims and the necessities of the poor.5 The church of Rathmore was dedicated to St. Columba.6

    Sherlockstown, 917 acres. This parish derives its name from the family of Scurlag (in Irish Scorldg ), which in its turn derives its name from the castle of Scurlag, or Scurloke, in Wales.7 In a.d. 1299 the representative of the family at “ Schyrlokestown ” was fined for not attending the inquisitions of the coroner held at Kildare.8 Scurlockstown in Meath is called “ villa Scurlag ” in the Register of St. Thomas’ Abbey.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 179

21. Ruined castle remembered at Gaganstown

    Gaganstown · townland · Kildare · 1837

    An Inquisition of James I mentions a castle at Jagoggston that was almost ruined and prostrate. The castle was remembered by local inhabitants to have existed in Gaganstown townland at a place called the 'back of the church', near the old church, of which a small portion remained in a graveyard in Ann Field Demesne. None of the castle ruins remained by 1837.

    Read the passage

    which are assigned to the Curate, and repair of the chancel, which is performed by the farmer of the tithe ; they are of the yearly value of £10. 5,1 In the Fiants of Elizabeth the name of this parish is spelled “ Jagogeston ”2 and “ Yeagogiston.”3 On Petty’s Map it is “ Yeagoge.” In 1887 the inhabitants said that Yagostown was the old name of Gaganstown townland. An Inquisition of James I mentions “vil’ de Jagoggston contin’ one castr valde ruinos’ et pene prostrat’.” This castle was remembered by the inhabitants to have existed in Gaganstown townland in a place called “ Gul a 9 1'eamjouill ” (back of the church), situated near the old church of Gaganstown, of which a very small portion remained in a graveyard in Ann Field Demesne in the townland of Gaganstown. None of the castle ruins remained in 1837. There were the ruins of a castle in Boleybeg townland.4 The parish was in the Diocese of Dublin, and its rectory was the corps of the Prebend of Yagoe in the patronage of the Duke of Leinster.5

    Brannockstown, 888 acres. Baile na mBreathnach, town of the Welshmen.6 This place seemed to be the Teach na bretnach of Pope Alexander Ill’s letter, dated a.d. 1179, setting out the churches of the Diocese of Glendaloch.7 In the list compiled circa a.d. 1220, the name is villa Brethenoch , in the Deanery of Ballymore ; and the note added, circa 1270, states that it belonged to the common (or Oeconomy) fund of St. Patrick’s Cathedral.8 In the “new taxation of the Diocese of Dublin” the chapel of villa Walensium is set down as “worth nothing because waste.”9 In the similar taxation of 1308 the “ Church of villa Walens’ ” is valued at 66 shillings and 8 pence.10 II The Inquisition taken on the 27th January, 1547, after the suppression of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, sets out : “ Brenaxton tithes. The tithes hereof, issuing from the townlands of Brenaxton and Wasterton, are worth annually, beside stipend of Curate and repair of Chancel, £4.”n The Church was dedicated to St. Sylvester;12 the Parish is in the Diocese of Dublin.13

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 285

22. Ballymore Eustace: Great Town of the Eustaces

    Ballymore Eustace · town · Kildare · 1181–1213

    Ballymore Eustace, meaning 'great town of the Eustaces,' was settled by a Eustace family member at Castlemartin around 1380. Archbishop John Comyn granted the cathedral all tithes of his lordship of Ballymore except wool tithes, later confirmed by Pope Celestine III in 1191.

    Read the passage

    Ballymore Eustace, 8,676 acres. Baile mor na n-Iustasach , great town of the Eustaces.1 The first of the Eustaces to be found in this district is a Eustace who settled at Castlemartin, in the Parish of Kilcullen, about the year 1380.2 In the charter by which he founded St. Patrick’s Cathedral, John Comyn, Archbishop of Dublin (a.d. 1181-1213), granted to the cathedral all the tithes of his lordship of Ballymore, except those of wool.3 In Pope Celestine Ill’s Bull, dated 1st April, 1191, confirming this charter, he granted to the cathedral “ the church of Balimore, with its appurtenances.”4 Prior to 1199 King John, when Count of Moreton and “ Dominus Hiberniaef granted to Archbishop Comyn and his successors a market (mercatum) at Balimor on Sundays.5 In the papal taxation of the prebends of the cathedral made in 1227 Ballymore is valued at twenty marks, and its “ pena ,J is four marks.6 In 1234 Henry III granted to Luke, Archbishop of Dublin (a.d. 1228-1255), and his successors a yearly fair (feriam) at his manor of Balimor to last for eight days, namely, the Vigil and Feast of the Assumption of the B.V.M. and the six following days.7

    Archbishop Luke granted the church of the B.V.M. at Ballymore to the Treasurer of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in exchange for

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 281

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Ballymore Eustace, the name means great town of the Eustaces, though the first Eustace to settle in this district did so at Castlemartin, in the parish of Kilcullen, around 1380. Earlier, John Comyn, Archbishop of Dublin from 1181 to 1213, founded St. Patrick's Cathedral and granted it all the tithes of his lordship of Ballymore, except those of wool. Pope Celestine III confirmed this in a bull dated 1 April 1191, granting to the cathedral "the church of Balimore, with its appurtenances." Before 1199, King John, when Count of Moreton and Lord of Ireland, granted Archbishop Comyn a market at Ballymore on Sundays. In 1234, Henry III granted Archbishop Luke a yearly fair at his manor of Ballymore, lasting eight days around the Feast of the Assumption. In the papal taxation of 1227, Ballymore was valued at 20 marks. Archbishop Luke later granted the church of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Ballymore to the Treasurer of St. Patrick's Cathedral in exchange for other property.

23. Building of Kilkea Castle in 1180

    Kilkea · parish · Kildare · 1180

    A castle was built at Kilkea in 1180 by Hugo de Laci for Walter de Ridelesford, likely giving rise to the name of the Barony of Kilkea and Moone.

    Read the passage

    This Barony contains 46,281 acres, and nine whole Parishes with parts of six others. It derived its name from the church of Kilkea, which is called “ Kilka” in the deanery of “ Tristeldermot” in the list of churches in the Diocese of Dublin in “ Crede Mihi,” written about a.d. 1270, when it was worth twenty-two marks clear of all deductions. The correct form of the name seems to be Cill Cd or Cill Chathaigh, St. Cathach’s Church.3 St. Cathach’s may be the same person as St. Caoide, whose natale was 12th December, identified by Father Shearman with Mochatoc or Catan, who was the greatgrandson of Caelbadh, who was King of Ulster for fifteen years, and of Ireland for one year, a.d. 357. Mochatoc was one of the seven disciples whom St. Patrick left with St. Fiacc at Sleaty.4 Probably the building of a castle at Kilkea in 1180 by Hugo de Laci for Walter de Ridelesford caused the name of “ Kilkea ” to be given to the Barony.5 In the Papal Taxation of circa 1294 “ Kylka ” is assessed at eight marks, “the vicarage of Kylka not sufficient for the charges.”6

    M oone is called Maen Coluim Cille (i.e. MaonCholuimchille), St. Colmchille’s property, in the Martyrology of Donegal and Book of Lismore.7 St. Colmchille founded an abbey here

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 168

24. Crown grants Tullow permission to build defensive town wall, 1356

    Tullow · town · Carlow · 1356

    In 1356 the inhabitants of Tullow were granted permission by the Crown to levy a tax for the purpose of fortifying the town with a surrounding wall.

    Read the passage

    In 1856 the inhabitants of Tullow were granted a permission by the Crown to levy a tax for fortifying the town with a wall around it.1

    In 1359 a money grant from the Crown was allowed to John de Troye in recompense for his service, when, along with Thomas le Botiller, he captured several members of the O’Byrne sept, then in rebellion, in the district of “ Tillagh in Offelmyth.”2

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 37

25. Falkiner homestead at Abbotstown demolished

    Abbotstown · townland · Dublin · 1832–1835

    The Falkiner estate of Abbotstown was sold to the Hamiltons around 1832, and by 1835 the old Falkiner homestead had been torn down and the premises altered. The Hamiltons merged it with their adjoining estate of Sheephill, removing the dividing fences and renaming both properties Abbotstown.

    Read the passage

    Sir Frederick's widow subsequently resided in Brussels. According to a King’s Letter, 28th August, 1807, she was granted a pension of £400 per annum [6]. By a deed, dated 12th October, 1886, Dame Falkiner barred the entail in her late husband’s estates, these including house property in Dublin city and county ; she held a half interest in the lands of Abbotstown [6] . The latter property was sold to the Hamiltons about 1832, and by 1885 the old Falkiner homestead had been torn down, and the premises altered. The Hamiltons, who are related to the Falkiners, owned the adjoining estate of Sheephill ; and when they purchased the Falkiner property they also removed the dividing fences, and re-named the two properties Abbotstown^ The widow of Ian Trant Hamilton, Lord HolmPatrick, who is a sister of the third Duke of Wellington, is the present owner.

    Dame Falkiner left a will, dated 7th August, 1852, proved 26th April, 1853, in Dublin by her nephews and executors, Sackville Bourke and Sackville Lee, who, together with testator’s nephew John Bourke, and nieces Elizabeth Charlotte Bourke and Harriet Lee, were the only legatees.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 236

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Abbotstown, the old Falkiner homestead once stood. The Falkiners held a half interest in the lands here, and after Sir Frederick's widow barred the entail on the estates, she sold the property to the Hamiltons around 1832. The Hamiltons were related to the Falkiners and already owned the adjoining estate of Sheephill. By 1835 the old homestead had been torn down and the premises altered. They removed the dividing fences between the two estates and renamed both properties Abbotstown. Sir Frederick's widow later resided in Brussels and received a pension of £400 per annum, granted by a King's Letter of 28th August 1807. She left a will dated 7th August 1852, proved in Dublin on 26th April 1853 by her nephews and executors, Sackville Bourke and Sackville Lee. Her only legatees were those nephews, along with nephew John Bourke and nieces Elizabeth Charlotte Bourke and Harriet Lee.

26. Lady Anne Conolly lends Castletown to the Viceroy

    Castletown · street · Kildare · 1755

    In 1755, Lady Anne Conolly lent her house at Castletown, Co. Kildare, to the Marquess of Hartington, then Lord Lieutenant, who spent the summer there with Lady Betty and Colonel Ponsonby.

    Read the passage

    Again, Mrs. Bagshawe, writing to Colonel Bagshawe on the 23rd September, 1755, says : “ Lady Anne Conolly has lent him (i.e., Marquess of Hartington, Lord Lieutenant) her house at Castletown (Co. Kildare), where he has spent the summer. Lady Betty and Colonel Ponsonby lived with him there.”

    He and his brother William both married daughters of William, Duke of Devonshire, and one of his own daughters married Lord Shannon. This connexion and the great parliamentary influence of his own family, which at that time commanded no less than fourteen votes in the Irish House of Commons, rendered him an important political factor in a country the Government of which was dominated by three or four families.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 10

    As the companion tells it

    Along here at Castletown, in the summer of 1755, Lady Anne Conolly lent her house to the Marquess of Hartington, then Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. He spent the season there, with Lady Betty and Colonel Ponsonby living in the house with him. The Marquess's family carried considerable political weight in Ireland at the time, commanding no less than 14 votes in the Irish House of Commons, and his connections through marriage to the Duke of Devonshire made him a significant figure in a country whose government was dominated by three or four families.

27. Royal market grant at Ballymore

    Ballymore Eustace · town · Kildare · 1190–1199

    Prior to 1199, King John, as Count of Moreton and Lord of Ireland, granted Archbishop Comyn and his successors the right to hold a Sunday market at Balimor.

    Read the passage

    Ballymore Eustace, 8,676 acres. Baile mor na n-Iustasach , great town of the Eustaces.1 The first of the Eustaces to be found in this district is a Eustace who settled at Castlemartin, in the Parish of Kilcullen, about the year 1380.2 In the charter by which he founded St. Patrick’s Cathedral, John Comyn, Archbishop of Dublin (a.d. 1181-1213), granted to the cathedral all the tithes of his lordship of Ballymore, except those of wool.3 In Pope Celestine Ill’s Bull, dated 1st April, 1191, confirming this charter, he granted to the cathedral “ the church of Balimore, with its appurtenances.”4 Prior to 1199 King John, when Count of Moreton and “ Dominus Hiberniaef granted to Archbishop Comyn and his successors a market (mercatum) at Balimor on Sundays.5 In the papal taxation of the prebends of the cathedral made in 1227 Ballymore is valued at twenty marks, and its “ pena ,J is four marks.6 In 1234 Henry III granted to Luke, Archbishop of Dublin (a.d. 1228-1255), and his successors a yearly fair (feriam) at his manor of Balimor to last for eight days, namely, the Vigil and Feast of the Assumption of the B.V.M. and the six following days.7

    Archbishop Luke granted the church of the B.V.M. at Ballymore to the Treasurer of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in exchange for

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 281

    As the companion tells it

    You're passing through Ballymore Eustace, whose Irish name means great town of the Eustaces. Before 1199, King John, as Count of Moreton and Lord of Ireland, granted Archbishop Comyn and his successors the right to hold a Sunday market at Balimor. Comyn, Archbishop of Dublin from 1181 to 1213, had already granted the tithes of his lordship of Ballymore to St Patrick's Cathedral, except the tithes of wool. In 1234 Henry III granted Archbishop Luke and his successors a yearly fair at the manor, lasting eight days around the Feast of the Assumption.

28. Seneschal called to account for Garrisker lands in Carbury

    Garrisker · townland · Kildare · 1374

    Sir James de la Hyde, as Seneschal of Meath, was summoned to render account before the Barons of the Exchequer for the issues of the lands and tenements of Graneskyr (Garrisker) in the barony of Carbury, held in the King's hand due to the death of John Wogan and the minority of his heir. He failed to appear, being engaged fighting in Ulster.

    Read the passage

    “ A day was given to James de la Hyde, late Seneschal of Meath, to be before the Barons of the Exchequer within four weeks after the feast of St. Michael, by mainprise of Sir Walter Lenfaunt and John Fouler, who in presence of the court undertook to have the body of the aforesaid James, by the aforesaid day, to render to the King an account of the issues of all the lands and tenements of Graneskyr, in Carbry, in the King’s hand by reason of the death of John Wogan, Knt., who held of the King in capite, and by reason of the minority of the aforesaid John’s son and heir David, who is under the King’s own guardianship. And as the aforesaid James, though several times summoned, did not come on the day aforesaid, to the contempt of the King, &c., it is enjoined that the Seneschal of Meath attach him, so that he answer the King within the quinzaine of St. Martin for his contempt, &c.” 3

    The Barons of the Exchequer were apparently unaware of the fact that Sir James de la Hyde was then engaged in fighting the Magennisses of Iveagh in Ulster, where he was killed in battle about this time.4

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 313

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here in 1374, the Barons of the Exchequer were trying to call a man named Sir James de la Hyde to account for the lands of Garrisker in Carbury. The lands were in the King's hand because John Wogan, who held them, had died, and his son and heir David was still a minor under the King's own guardianship. Sir James had been Seneschal of Meath, and two men, Sir Walter Lenfaunt and John Fouler, had stood in court and undertaken to produce him. He was given a day, four weeks after the feast of St. Michael, to render an account of the issues of all the lands and tenements. He was summoned several times but never came. The court treated it as contempt of the King and ordered the Seneschal of Meath to attach him so he would answer by the quinzaine of St. Martin. What the Barons did not know was that Sir James de la Hyde was already in Ulster, fighting the Magennisses of Iveagh. He was killed in battle there about this time, and never answered for Garrisker at all.

29. Trinitarian priory founded at Castledermot by Walter de Ridelesford

    Castledermot · town · Kildare · 1199–1216

    In the reign of King John, a priory of Crouched Friars, or Trinitarians, was founded at Castledermot under the invocation of St. John the Baptist by Walter de Ridelesford. It was situated outside the town walls near the road to Dublin, and the order was dedicated to redeeming Christian captives and caring for the poor and sick.

    Read the passage

    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

    Dunmanoge, 2,991 acres. This name is very corrupt ; in the Fiants of Elizabeth it appears as “ Donmahannoke ”9 or “ DonmahenokeV 10 The correct form, as appears from “The Annals of the Four Masters,”11 is “ Moghna Dloshenoc or, in modern spelling, “ Moghna Mo-sheannog ” Mo-slieannog is the same as Seannan, with the prefix of endearment mo, and the

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 172

30. Weavers' Hall site jointly owned by Falkiner brothers

    The Coombe · street · Dublin · 1688–1699

    Richard and Daniel Falkiner, pioneer woollen manufacturers after 1688, owned property in the Coombe, Pimlico, Spitalfields, and Weavers' Square, and jointly owned the site of Weavers' Hall in the Coombe.

    Read the passage

    History records of the period in which they lived that shortly after 1688 many English manufacturers established themselves at Coombe, Pimlico, Spitalfields, and Weavers5 Square, and we find that the brothers Richard and Daniel, who had been pioneers, owned property in all these places ; jointly they owned the site of Weavers’ Hall in the Coombe [8].

    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.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 228

    As the companion tells it

    Along here in the Coombe stood the site of Weavers' Hall, jointly owned by the brothers Richard and Daniel Falkiner. After 1688 they were pioneer woollen manufacturers, owning property in the Coombe, Pimlico, Spitalfields, and Weavers' Square. The Falkiners were the chief sufferers when England suppressed Irish woollen manufacturing in 1698 and 1699, a wrong that Dean Swift and later Lecky both drew attention to. Richard died at 42, his death likely hastened by disappointment, and Daniel outlived him by seven years.

31. Annual fair granted at Ballymore manor

    Ballymore Eustace · town · Kildare · 1234

    In 1234 Henry III granted Archbishop Luke of Dublin and his successors the right to hold a yearly eight-day fair at his manor of Balimor, spanning the Feast of the Assumption and the following days.

    Read the passage

    Ballymore Eustace, 8,676 acres. Baile mor na n-Iustasach , great town of the Eustaces.1 The first of the Eustaces to be found in this district is a Eustace who settled at Castlemartin, in the Parish of Kilcullen, about the year 1380.2 In the charter by which he founded St. Patrick’s Cathedral, John Comyn, Archbishop of Dublin (a.d. 1181-1213), granted to the cathedral all the tithes of his lordship of Ballymore, except those of wool.3 In Pope Celestine Ill’s Bull, dated 1st April, 1191, confirming this charter, he granted to the cathedral “ the church of Balimore, with its appurtenances.”4 Prior to 1199 King John, when Count of Moreton and “ Dominus Hiberniaef granted to Archbishop Comyn and his successors a market (mercatum) at Balimor on Sundays.5 In the papal taxation of the prebends of the cathedral made in 1227 Ballymore is valued at twenty marks, and its “ pena ,J is four marks.6 In 1234 Henry III granted to Luke, Archbishop of Dublin (a.d. 1228-1255), and his successors a yearly fair (feriam) at his manor of Balimor to last for eight days, namely, the Vigil and Feast of the Assumption of the B.V.M. and the six following days.7

    Archbishop Luke granted the church of the B.V.M. at Ballymore to the Treasurer of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in exchange for

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 281

    As the companion tells it

    You're coming through Ballymore Eustace now, whose Irish name means the great town of the Eustaces. The Eustaces gave the place its name, though the first of them to settle in this district arrived at Castlemartin around 1380, well after the events that matter here. Back in 1191, Pope Celestine III confirmed a grant made by Archbishop John Comyn of Dublin to St. Patrick's Cathedral, giving the church of Ballymore with all its appurtenances. Before 1199, when King John was still Count of Mortain and lord of Ireland, he granted Archbishop Comyn and his successors a market at Ballymore to be held on Sundays. The story you're approaching dates to 1234, when Henry III granted Archbishop Luke of Dublin and his successors the right to hold a yearly fair at his manor of Ballymore. It was to last eight days, beginning with the vigil and feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and running through the six days that followed. Archbishop Luke later granted the church of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Ballymore to the Treasurer of St. Patrick's Cathedral in exchange for other property.

32. Canon ffrench, antiquarian rector of Clonegal, remembered

    Clonegall · town · Carlow

    The Reverend Canon James Frederick Metge ffrench served for almost forty years as Rector of Clonegal and was a keen student of archaeology in his district, contributing papers including 'A Legend of the Wizard Earl of Kildare.'

    Read the passage

    The Reverend Canon James Frederick Metge ffrench, for almost forty years Rector of Clonegal, was a keen student of archaeology, especially as regards the district in which his parish was situated. Considering his undoubted knowledge, his published papers are singularly few, and it is to be regretted that his method of reasoning was so entirely deductive that his writings, so far from supplying us with facts, have usually given rise to controversy. He had contributed to our pages articles entitled : — “ Notes on the Family of Sherlock ” ; “ The Church of Killerrig, County Carlow”; “A Legend of the Wizard Earl of Kildare”; and “Prehistoric Architecture.”

    The Council wish to urge on our members the importance of loyal and increased support, not because archaeological research in an Irish county is a more pressing need than the defence of an empire, but because by continuing our work we are enabling our printers to employ hands whom otherwise they would have had to dismiss. Increase your charity by all means, but let it be real charity — the wages of self-denial — instead of curtailing subscriptions to any society that supports employment.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 59

33. Civil Survey of 1654 describes castle at Bishopscourt

    Bishopscourt · street · Clare · 1640–1654

    The Civil Survey of 1654 records that John (or Edward) Allen, an Irish Papist, possessed Bishopscourt containing 180 acres in 1640, with a castle valued at £1,000 that year, later repaired by Captain Allen and revalued at £800.

    Read the passage

    John (? Edward) Allen, Irish Papist, in 1640 possessed Bishopscourt containing 180 acres, valued for letting purposes at £56. There is a castle and other buildings with an orchard adjoining the said castle, upon the aforesaid lands of Bishopscourt, which said castle and buildings were valued to be worth £1,000 in the year 1640, and being repaired by Captain Allen are now valued to be worth £800.

    In 1666, Bishopscourt was in the possession of Lord Kingston, formerly Sir John King, Kt., who was created Baron Kingston in 1660, and died in 1676.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 4

34. Colley Castle at Edenderry known as Blundell's Castle

    Edenderry · town · Offaly

    A considerable portion of the Colley Castle in Edenderry, now known as 'Blundell's Castle' after Sir George Blundell married the Colley heiress, stands in rear of the Protestant Church, with no vaulting or special features of interest.

    Read the passage

    A considerable portion of the Colley Castle in Edenderry, now known as “ BfundeU’s Castle ” (Sir George Blundell, 2nd Baronet, married the Colley heiress, see the pedigree), stands in rear of the Protestant Church. It does not appear to have been vaulted, nor to contain any special features of interest. The church was built in 1777, to replace the old Parish Church which stood at Monasteroris, alias Castro Peter, and was dedicated to St. John the Baptist (24th June). A Blundell monument, dated 1701, was removed from the ruins of the old church in 1814, and built into the wall of the present Parish Church.

    1 Edward VI Fiants, No. 691.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 257

35. Colley ordered to rebuild castle and bawn at Clonkeen and watch-tower at Eskerbeg

    Clonkeen · townland · Kildare · 1569–1573

    In April 1569 the Crown granted the manor of Castle Carbury on condition that within four years Colley rebuild in Clonkeen a castle and bawn of stone, and in Eskerbeg a watch-tower and bawn of lime and stone.

    Read the passage

    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

    In June, 1570, he (at this time Seneschal of the King’s County) and his nephew, Robert Colley, of “ Castell-Crowghane,” were commissioned to survey and annex to counties, and divide into baronies, the following native territories, viz., O’Dunne’s Country of Iregan (Queen’s County) : O’Molloy’s Country of Fircall ; MacCoghlan’s Country of Delvin-MacCoghlan (King’s County) ; O’Melaghlin’s Country of Clan Colman ; MacCeoghegan’s Country of Kineleagh ; MacAwley’s Country of Calry ; and O’Breen’s Country of Brawny, County West Meath.3

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 251

36. Deed of reconveyance and entail of the barony of Okethy

    Rathcoffey · townland · Laois · 1299

    On 14 September 1299 Henry, son of Simon, executed a deed reconveying the lands of Mainham and the manor of Rathcoffey with the whole barony of Okethy back to Henry, son of Henry, entailing the estate to preserve male succession within the Rochford family.

    Read the passage

    covenant. To satisfy these apprehensions Henry, son of Simon, executed the deed of actual reconveyance alluded to by W. Lynch in his work on Feudal Institutions, above referred to. “ On the day of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (14 Sept.), a.d. 1299, a. r. xxvii, this covenant was made by Henry, son of Simon de Rupeforti, and Henry, son of Sir Henry de Rupeforti. Henry, son of Simon, renders to Henry, son of Henry, all lands of Moynan (Mainham) and of the Manor of Rathcoffey, with the whole barony of Okethy, with his English and Irish men ; which he had of the gift of said Henry, son of Heniy, together with the Manor of the Karryc, or Carrie, and of Culgad, given him by Henry, son of Henry, in County Kildare, notwithstanding seisin bad and inquisition taken by Sir John Wogan, Chief Justiciar, at Kildare, of the gift. To hold to him and his heirs male of his body as freely as Henry, son of Henry, or his father held the barony of Okethy, rendering to the chief lords the accustomed services. If Henry, son of Henry, die without heirs male of his body, then all revert to Henry, son of Simon, and the heirs male of his body. If Henry, son of Henry, leave a daughter or daughters unmarried, Henry, son of Simon, shall give them a marriage portion to the value of one year’s issues of the Manors of Okethy, when they become marriageable, or before, as their nearest friends shall ordain. And if he [Henry, son of Simon], shall not beget an heir male, then the most noble, worthy, strong, and praiseworthy of the pure blood and name of Rochfordeyns, issued from the blood of Sir Walter de Rupeforti and Lady Eva de Herford, shall have the barony of Okethy with all other lands ; unless the four nearest of our blood and name choose to elect one better and more worthy of the Rochfortdeyns, to whom so elected the whole barony of Okethy with all appurtenances indivisible shall remain : so that the inheritance shall never pass to daughters. If this letter be insufficient, the parties will join to correct it. Witnesses, Sir William de Narragh, Sir John Punchardoun, Sir John Calf, Sir Rob. Perceval, Waleran Wodelok, John de Alneto, John le Brit, Nich. Choynir, Walter de Rupe, Ric de Midia, John Giffard.”1

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 190

37. Dineley's 1680 description of Tullow Castle and town

    Tullow · town · Carlow · 1680

    Thomas Dineley, visiting in 1680, described Tullow as a fair town with a good castle, part of the estate of the Earl of Arran, tenanted by William Cruchley who had beautified it, repaired the town bridge, and built several mills. He noted the ruins of an Augustine Friary abbey by the river with remains of monuments.

    Read the passage

    Tullagli is a fair Town in the County of Catherlaugh, with a good Castle, part of the Estate of the Earle of Arran. The tennant to the Castle is William Cruchley, Esq1', one of his Maties Justices of the Peace

    Tullagh Castle.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 44

38. Dispensary for the sick poor established at Ballitore

    Ballitore · town · Kildare · 1812

    A committee of respectable inhabitants determined that Ballitore, as a market town with sufficient population, was the most suitable place for establishing a dispensary funded by Colonel Keatinge's £100 per annum gift for the relief of the sick poor.

    Read the passage

    such an institution would be lost, as to its utility to the country, to be in any other situation than a market town or other place somewhat populous in itself and the residence of several, who might be looked to as additional subscribers and governors, and easily resorted to by any others more remotely situated. They think upon the whole that Ballitore is the most suitable place

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 115

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Ballitore, this is where a dispensary for the sick poor was set up in 1812, funded by Colonel Keatinge's gift of £100 per annum. A committee of respectable inhabitants judged Ballitore the most suitable place for it, being a market town populous enough that several residents might serve as additional subscribers and governors.

39. Dispute over Naas church and tithes between Hospitallers and St. Thomas' Abbey

    Naas · town · Kildare · 1220–1221

    From a document dated 1220-1 AD, a dispute arose between the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem at Kilmainham and the Abbey of St. Thomas, Dublin, as to ownership of the church and tithes of Naas. The Fiants of Elizabeth later show the Rectory of Naas had belonged to the Hospitallers.

    Read the passage

    documents the place is called “ le Naas/’ or “ The Naas,” which shows that in Irish the article was used before the name, i.e. an Nas. From a document dated a.d. 1220-211 it appears that a dispute arose between the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem at Kilmainham and the Abbey of St. Thomas, Dublin, as to the ownership of the church and tithes of Naas. The end of the document is mutilated, and the result of the dispute does not there appear ; but it appears from the Fiants of Queen Elizabeth that the Rectory of Naas had belonged to the Hospitallers.2 The Anglo-Normans dedicated the Church of Naas to St. David of Wales.

    Parishes.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 177

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Naas, the town gives its name to a church dispute from 1220. The Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem at Kilmainham and the Abbey of St. Thomas in Dublin fought over who owned the church and tithes here. The document recording it is damaged, so the outcome is missing. But later records from Queen Elizabeth's reign show the Rectory of Naas had belonged to the Hospitallers. The Irish name used the article, an Nas. The Anglo-Normans dedicated the church to St. David of Wales.

40. Erenagh of Tealach Foirtcheirn dies, 1050

    Tullow · town · Carlow · 1050

    The Annals of the Four Masters record that Dermot O'Kealy, hereditary warden of church lands at 'Tealach Foirtcheirn' (Tullow) and Aghowle, died in 1050. This is one of the earliest historical references to the site later known as Tullow.

    Read the passage

    Another name for Tullow was “ Tealach Foirtcheirn,” meaning “ Foran’s Hill.” In 1050 the Annals of the Four Masters state that Dermot O’Kealy, erenagh (or hereditary warden of church lands) of “ Tealach Foirtcheirn and Achadhabhall” (Aghowle), died.

    In the year 1181 Hugh de Lacy, Justiciary of Ireland, was recalled into England. Previous to his departure, having erected many castles in Meath, he proceeded to do the same for the defence of Leinster. Here, among others, he : —

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 35

41. Hollywood named after St Kevin, patron of the parish

    Hollywood · parish · Wicklow

    St Kevin, pronounced Kavan, is described as the patron saint of the County Wicklow Hollywood, whose ancient Celtic name has long been forgotten, associated also with a possible corruption 'Killeen Kevin' meaning St Kevin's little church.

    Read the passage

    St. Kevin (pronounced Kavan) is the patron saint of the County Wicklow Hollywood, the ancient Celtic name of which has long been forgotten ; there is, however, a statement in, I think, a County Dublin Exchequer Inquisition, that a John O’Connor was, in 1530, Vicar of “ de Sancto Bosco alias Killingkyen ,* juxta Ballimore ” (i.e., Ballymore Eustace), and this name may possibly be a corruption of Killeen Kevin , meaning “ St. Kevin’s little church,” a name, or some such name, as one would have expected to find in a place founded by that saint.

    St. Kevin is best known in connexion with the Seven Churches at Glendalough, where, until about the year 1870, his “ pattern ” was annually held on the 3rd of June. He was the patron saint, too, of Tipperkevin and of Tipper ( alias Kilkevin1 2), both in the County Kildare.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 122

42. Lord Lieutenant visits Bishopscourt in 1748

    Bishopscourt · street · Clare · 1748

    According to Pue's Occurrences of 15th October 1748, the Lord Lieutenant and his family went out of Dublin for a few days to Bishopscourt in County Kildare, one of the seats of the Earl of Bessborough.

    Read the passage

    Yesterday His Grace the Lord Lieutenant and family went out of town for a few days to Bishopscourt, in the County of Kildare, one of the seats of the Rt. Hon. the Earl of Bessborough.

    By his first wife (after whose death he married another rich widow) he had four sons and four daughters, and of the sons two lived to maturity — William, who succeeded him as second Earl of Bessborough, and John.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 8

43. Meeting at the Moat of Ardscull en route to Queen's County

    Ardscull · townland · Kildare · 1762

    Anne Cooke Weldon records meeting her husband Mr. Weldon at the Moat of a Scul (identified as the Moat of Ardscull) while travelling to the Queen's County in 1762, before stopping at Athy and continuing by water to Sportland.

    Read the passage

    Monday ye 24 — Left town with Mrs. Despart5 for ye Queen’s Co. ; meet Mr. Weldon and Jove at ye Moat of a Scul.6 7 Stop at Mr. Headon at Athy ; went by water from that to Sportland. Stead there for a fortnight, see Fallen8 a please of Mr. Weldon’s near there. Dine at Mrs. Bambrack’s.9 Sportland anveryLittel House, but a prety place. Mr. Anthony Weldon & his wife, Mrs. Despart, & Steuart Mr. Weldon’s Son & Mr. Weldon & I all living at Sportland.

    May — Left Sportland for Dublin with Mrs. Despart. Went down to S* Catherine’s with my Mother & Mr. Weldon ; stead there till June.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 78

44. Monasterevin House Renamed Moore Abbey

    Monasterevin · town · Kildare · 1780

    About the year 1780 the name 'Monasterevin House' was changed, in the author's view not for the better, to 'Moore Abbey', following the manor's passage to the Moore family of Mellifont.

    Read the passage

    The Manor of Monasterevin passed to the Moore family of Mellifont, County Louth, in 1725. Edward, 5th Earl of Drogheda, inherited them through his mother, the Hon. Jane Loftus, sole heir to her father Arthur, 8rd Viscount Loftus of Ely, whose death took place in the above-mentioned year. About the year 1780 the name “ Monasterevin House” was changed (not for the better) to “ Moore Abbey.”

    The name Coshegowley probably means “ [the land] adjoining the river fork,” referring possibly to the junction of the Finnery Biver with the Barrow. There is no Townland of the name, unless it appears under the shortened form of “ Cush ” in the Parish of Bally brackan.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 274

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Monasterevin in Kildare, you are near a house whose name changed about 1780. The manor had passed to the Moore family of Mellifont, County Louth, in 1725, when Edward, 5th Earl of Drogheda, inherited it through his mother, the Hon. Jane Loftus. She was sole heir to her father, Arthur, Viscount Loftus of Ely, whose death in that year brought the estate to the Moores. Around 1780 they renamed Monasterevin House as Moore Abbey, a change the author of the record judged, in his words, "not for the better."

45. Nuttall family vault in Narraghmore churchyard

    Narraghmore · townland · Kildare

    The Nuttall family's mortal remains lie in a forgotten vault in the churchyard of Narraghmore, commemorated by a solitary tablet let into the wall of the new church, which was removed when the former church was pulled down.

    Read the passage

    IN a forgotten vault in the churchyard of Narraghmore in County Kildare lie the mortal remains of the Nuttal] family, who are commemorated by a solitary tablet let into the wall of the new church. This tablet was removed when the former church was pulled down.

    Who then were these Nuttalls ? is the question this paper sets out to answer.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 119

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here in Narraghmore, the Nuttall family's remains lie in a forgotten vault in the churchyard. A solitary tablet let into the wall of the new church commemorates them. That tablet was removed when the former church was pulled down. The question of who these Nuttalls were is what the record sets out to answer.

46. Old Parish Church and Protestant burial ground at Carbury

    Carbury · townland · Kildare

    In the hollow between Carbury Hill's two summits stood the old Parish Church with a burial ground used exclusively by Protestants; the new Protestant church and churchyard now stand on the edge of Carbury village.

    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

47. Peculiar 1835 initials-only cross in Hollywood burial ground

    Hollywood · parish · Wicklow · 1835

    A small granite cross dated 1835 in the west end of the Hollywood burial ground is notable for bearing only the initials of the deceased rather than a full inscription, a practice also seen in the neighbouring chapel-yard.

    Read the passage

    One little cross of granite, about feet high, in the west end of the burial-ground, catches one’s eye, and though only dated 1835, it is peculiar as containing only the initials of the deceased in the inscription — an unsatisfactory method as far as identification goes, many other examples of which are to be found in the neighbouring chapel-yard. In this case the inscription reads : —

    Hollywood, County Wicklow. LFrom the Ordnance Survey Map.]

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 130

48. Races of Maryborough attended by the Weldon family

    Portlaoise · municipal district · Laois · 1770

    The diarist records travelling by coach to the Races of Maryborough with her husband and sister, while her brother and Steuart Weldon rode there on horseback. The party stopped to eat cold meat at Mr. Burdett's house at the Heath before returning to Rahan for dinner.

    Read the passage

    Monday ye 16 — Mr. Weldon, my Sister Weldon, and tow Girls and I went in ye Coach to ye Races of Maryborough. My Brother and Steuart Weldon ride there. Molly Taylor and Mrs. Mary and ye Sarven there a Hors Back ; eat Cold meat at Mr. Burded’s at ye Heath.2 Returned to dinner at Rahen ; found Mr. P. Letuch3 at Rahen.

    Tuesday ye 17 — Ye Gentelmen out a Shooting. Dine at tome.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 302

49. Reeves Castle ruins near Straffan and Celbridge

    Reeves · townland · Kildare · 1587

    The townland of Reeves in the parish of Donaghcomper contains a well-preserved castle ruin beside the railway line, with a modern house attached bearing a mural slab from the Alen family of St. Wolstan's. The original doorway is hidden and the bawn's cut-stone gateway arch was removed to allow carts through.

    Read the passage

    The Townland of Reeves is situated in the Parish of Donaglicomper, and contains the ruins of a castle in fair preservation, which lies close to, and on the north side of, the Great Southern and Western Railway, between the stations of Straffan and Celbridge. Attached to the castle is a modern house, the residence of Mr. Broe, over the back entrance of which is built a mural slab removed from the castle ; it bears the arms of the Alens of St. Wolstan’s, viz. : —

    Argent, a chevron gules, between three ogresses (or black roundels), each charged with a Talbot or; on a chief azure, a lion passant enclosed by two crescents argent.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 147

50. Roman coin unearthed on Ireland's Eye during ploughing

    Ireland's Eye · townland · Dublin · 1868

    A Roman coin, later attributed to the Emperor Decentius, was turned up during spring ploughing on Ireland's Eye in 1868. It was found near the south-east of the island and was described before the Royal Irish Academy as heavily eaten away by sea spray.

    Read the passage

    A Roman coin was turned up during the spring ploughing on Ireland’s Eye in 1868. The Maynooth MSS. contain a map showing the precise find-spot in the south-east of the island. A paper read before the Royal Irish Academy on June 8th, 1868, describes the coin as one of the Emperor Constantine showing the sacred monogram, but half eaten away by the sea spray. Just such a coin has long been in our collection of Roman coins. We may safely conclude that it came from Father Shearman. The coin is remarkably eaten away. However, a careful comparison with good specimens enables me to attribute it to Decentius rather than to Constantine. For all its decay it is well worth preserving as one of the few Roman coins found in Ireland. It is, indeed, strange to find on the very edge of a lonely island such a relic of ancient commerce. It may not be out of place to mention here that I was shown last year three

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 67

51. Seisin of Tullow castle granted to Roger le Bigod, 1249

    Tullow · town · Carlow · 1249

    Following a dispute over inheritance, the King ordered his Justiciary Sir Pierce de Bermingham to grant Roger le Bigod seisin of his share of the vill and castle of Tullow in 1249.

    Read the passage

    Owing to some dispute as to the inheritance of Hugh le Bigod’s heir, Roger, the King ordered his Justiciary, Sir Pierce de Bermingham, to cause Roger le Bigod to have seisin for his purparty of the vill and castle of Tulak ; 1 this was in 1249.

    In 1307 an Inquisition was taken in Carlow to ascertain what lands the late Roger le Bigod, Earl of Norfolk, held from the Crown. Among his free tenants Avas Edmond le Botyler (Butler), who held the “ Barony of Tullach Offelmych by the service of £8, as often as it is proclaimed, and does suit at the hundred.”2

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 36

52. Sherlockstown named for the Scurlag family

    Sherlockstown · townland · Kildare · 1299

    The parish of Sherlockstown derives its name from the family of Scurlag, whose name in turn derives from the castle of Scurlag in Wales. In 1299 the representative of the family at Schyrlokestown was fined for not attending the coroner's inquisitions held at Kildare.

    Read the passage

    Sherlockstown, 917 acres. This parish derives its name from the family of Scurlag (in Irish Scorldg ), which in its turn derives its name from the castle of Scurlag, or Scurloke, in Wales.7 In a.d. 1299 the representative of the family at “ Schyrlokestown ” was fined for not attending the inquisitions of the coroner held at Kildare.8 Scurlockstown in Meath is called “ villa Scurlag ” in the Register of St. Thomas’ Abbey.

    Tipper, 3,288 acres. Tobar, or Tiobar , a well. In Pope Innocent Ill’s letter of a.d. 1216, “ Tobir ” is mentioned among the churches of the archdiocese of Dublin.9 In the list of circa a.d. 1270 the “ ecclesia de Tobyr,” in the deanery of Ballymore, is set down as belonging to the Nuns of de Gratia Dei , Gracedieu in the parish of Lusk, County Dublin, “in proprios usus.”10 * In the papal taxation of circa a.d. 1294 “ Tobrid ” is assessed at <£2 0s. 8d.n In 1837 no tradition about any holy well in the parish survived.12

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 179

53. Smallpox recovery of the Weldon children, Dawson Street

    Dawson Street · street · Dublin · 1770

    After inoculation, the Weldon children developed pocks that gradually pustuled and then healed, with the children eating meat again for the first time as they recovered at the Dawson Street house in Dublin.

    Read the passage

    Sunday ye 11th — Children purly, eat Meat this day ye first time. Mr. Weldon and I dine at my Mother.

    Wensday ye 14 — Dine at my Mother ; Steuart Weldon return to town.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 88

    As the companion tells it

    Along here on Dawson Street, in 1770, the Weldon children were recovering from smallpox inoculation in a house on this street. By Sunday the 11th they were well enough to eat meat again, the first time since falling ill. Steuart Weldon returned to town on the 14th.

54. Station Devotions at St. Farannan's Well, Downings

    Downings · parish · Kildare

    A little west of the church at Downings lies St. Farannan's Well, where religious stations were formerly held on June 12th, reflecting local devotional folk practice tied to the site.

    Read the passage

    Downings, 4,730 acres. Na Duinini, the little forts.5 Possibly from a moat in the south of the townland of Downings and a rath in the eastern part.6 A little west of the church is St. Farannan's Well, at which stations were formerly held on June 12th.7 This place is the “ Douning ” or “ Donnyng in Otymy,” mentioned in a document, written circa 1250, as given by Strongbow to his favourite, Adam de Hereford, and by him to his brother Richard.8 As early as 1535 the name appears as “ Downings.” 9

    Killybegs, 2,617 acres. Ccalla Bcaga , little churches.10 The plural form of the name, although as old as Petty’s time,11 is not the original form. In 1543 “ Malachi al. Melaghlen ” was Vicar of “ Kylbegge.”12

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 161

55. St. Brigid dedication of Kill church traced to 13th century grant

    Kill · town · Kildare · 1200–1299

    The Protestant church at Kill, rebuilt around 1824, stands on the site of a former church dedicated to St. Brigid, as does the modern Roman Catholic church there. The earliest record of St. Brigid's church at Kill appears in a thirteenth-century land grant by Thomas de Hereford to St. Thomas's Abbey, Dublin.

    Read the passage

    Though at the present time the Protestant church at Kill, rebuilt in 182i, is dedicated to St. John the Evangelist, yet it stands in the old churchyard in which formerly stood a church dedicated to St. Brigid, as is the modern Roman Catholic church at Kill. The earliest mention now on record of St. Brigid’s church at Kill is to be found in “ the Register of the Abbey of St. Thomas, Dublin,” which contains many land grants of the thirteenth century to the abbey. One of the grantors was a Thomas de Hereford, who, in the thirteenth century, gave to the abbey his churches of “Kil” and “ Thillerdelan ” (now Castledillon, near Straffan), with their appurtenances, “ et preterea totam terram que est inter terram quam dedi Ecclesie Sancte Marie et Sancte Brigide de Kil in dotem, et terram Roberti Arthur super aquam que venit de Radmor (Rathmore), sicut earn diu tenuerunt.”1 The witnesses to this deed were —

    Conor MacGealan, Bishop of Kildare, 1206-1223.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 147

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kill in Kildare, both the Protestant church, rebuilt around 1824, and the modern Roman Catholic church stand in the old churchyard where a church dedicated to St. Brigid once stood. The earliest record of St. Brigid's church here appears in the Register of the Abbey of St. Thomas in Dublin, which holds many land grants from the 1200s. One grantor was Thomas de Hereford, who gave the abbey his churches of Kil and Thillerdelan, now Castledillon near Straffan, with all their appurtenances. The deed was witnessed by Conor MacGealan, Bishop of Kildare, 1206 to 1223.

56. Surrender of Connell Priory to the Crown

    Great Connell · street · Kildare · 1543

    On 23rd April 1543, Robert Wesley, the last Prior of Connell, surrendered the Priory to the Crown. The rectories and tithes of all parishes in the Barony belonged to this Priory.

    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

57. The famous graveyard of Cillin Chormaic at Colbinstown

    Colbinstown · townland · Kildare

    In the detached portion of Davidstown parish south of Usk, in the townland of Colbinstown, is the famous graveyard of Cillin Chormaic.

    Read the passage

    Davidstown, 3,907 acres. In the ecclesiastical taxation of 1303, the “ vicarage of the vill of David ” is mentioned, but not valued.2 So, too, in the “ new taxation, ” Davyston, in the Deanery of Omurthy is mentioned.3 This parish is divided into two parts, separated by the parishes of Narraghmore and Usk, and in the townland of Colbinstown, in the detached portion south of the Parish of Usk, is the famous graveyard of Gillin Chormaic . In the Townland of Davidstown are the old walls of a church, and St. John’s Well.4 Although the parish is in the Diocese of Dublin, the rectory was appropriate to the See of Kildare.5 At one period the three Townlands of Calverstown, Calverstown Little, and Calverstown Demesne, making together 1,417 acres, seem to have constituted a separate parish, the rectory of which was impropriate to the preceptory of Tully, of the Priory of St. John of Jerusalem at Kilmainham.6 An Inquisition, taken in December, 1544, found that the Prior was seized of the “ rectory of Calverston, annual value, besides reprises, 40 shillings, and the advowson of vicarage.”7

    Fontstown, vide post, sub Barony of Offaly West.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 287

58. The great rath of Rathmore and its ancient associations

    Rathmore · townland · Kildare

    Rathmore takes its name from a big rath on the southern boundary of the townland of Rathmore East. The place may be identified with Rath Mor Maighe Laighean, the dwelling-place of Bran mac Echach mentioned in an old manuscript.

    Read the passage

    Rathmore, 7,762 acres. An Rath Mhor , the big rath.4 This place may be the Rath Mor Maighe Laighean , the dwelling-place of BranmacEchacb, mentionedin “Leabhar BuidheLeacain,” 953, 5 so called to distinguish it from Rath mor Maighe Fea , Rathmore in the Barony of Rathvilly and Co. Carlow.6 But this identification cannot be regarded as certain, as Mullaghmast, which is equally in Magh Laighean, is called Rdth mor Mhullaigh Maisden in 44 The Annals of Loch Ce,” ii, 396. 7 The parish derives its name from the rath on the southern boundary of the townlan d of Rathmore East.8

    In the year 1894 a slab-lined grave was exposed about the centre of the rath, and twenty feet below the surface.9 Mr. Orpen

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 178

59. Tullow Castle leased to Captain Thomas Butler

    Clogrenan · townland · Carlow · 1600–1688

    Lord Butler, in a spiteful move against the Earl of Ormonde, granted long leases of the County Carlow estates including the lordship of the Dullough, Clogrenan, Newstown, Kellistown and Tullowphelim to Captain Thomas Butler, an illegitimate brother who lived at Clogrenan. Legal proceedings by later Earls of Ormonde to recover these estates ended in 1688 in Butler's favour.

    Read the passage

    and to the way he treated his (the Earl’s) daughter. This led to a bitter quarrel between the families, and before his death Lord Butler, as if to spite the Earl, granted long leases of the County Carlow estates to an illegitimate brother named Captain Thomas Butler, and to the son of another base brother.1 To Captain Thomas Butler, who lived at Clogrenan, on which he had spent large sums of money, were leased the lands of “ the lordship of the Dullough ” (corresponding with the parish of Cloydagh), Clogrenan, Newstown (alias Cloghnua), Kellistown, Tullowphelim, etc., and for years afterwards legal proceedings were carried on by the 10th and 11th Earls of Ormonde to recover the estates, which appear to have ended in favour of Captain Thomas Butler in 1688.2 In August, 1628, he was created a Baronet, and became the ancestor of the Butlers of Ballintemple, near Tullow.

    The title of Viscount Tullow was conferred upon Lord Richard Butler, the third son of James, 1st Duke of Ormonde, in May, 1662. He was then raised to the Peerage with the titles of Earl of Arran, Baron Butler of Cloghrennan, and Viscount Tullow, with remainder to his brother, Lord John, and his heirs ; the latter died before him without male issue, and, though Lord Arran was twice married, he, too, died without male issue, so that on his death in 1685 his honours expired with him. Mount Wolseley, near Tullow, was formerly called Mount Arran, after Lord Richard’s title, previous to which it formed part of the lands of Crosslow.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 42

60. Ballymore demesne inquisition of 1547

    Ballymore Eustace · town · Kildare · 1547

    An inquisition taken on 27 January 1547 at the dissolution of St. Patrick's Cathedral found that the townland of Ballimore contained a fortress with appurtenances and 24 acres of arable land worth 20 shillings per year, along with tithe details for the rectory.

    Read the passage

    Clonkeen (Kill o’ the Grange, County Dublin) conferred upon the Convent of the Holy Trinity.1 In the notes, added in the time of Archbishop Fulco de Sandford (a.d. 1256-1271), to the list of churches in the Diocese of Dublin, compiled in the time of Archbishop Henri de Loundres, it is stated that the church of Balimor belonged to the Treasurer of St. Patrick’s, the Archbishop being patron.2 In the inquisition taken on January 27th, 1547, at the dissolution of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the jury found as follows : — “ Ballymore demesne. There is in the townland of Ballimore, belonging to the Rector, a fortress with appurtenances, and 24 acres of arable land, worth per annum 20 shillings. The tithes of the Rectory issue from the townlands of Bailimore and Ardynoght [Ardinode], and are worth ^£28 annually ; besides the demesne above mentioned, and besides half the altarages,3 which are assigned to the Curate, and repair of the chancel, to which the farmer 4 is bound.” The parish of Ballymore Eustace was the head of a lordship or manor belonging to the Archbishop of Dublin, which comprised the parishes of Ballymore, Ballybought, Coghlanstown, Jago, Tipperkevin, and Tipper (all of which were until fairly recently in the Barony of Uppercross and County of Dublin), and of the townlands of Iviilltown and Tornant, in the parish of Dunlavin, and of part of Rathsallagh, in the County of Wicklow.5 The rectory of the parish of Ballymore Eustace was partly appropriate to the Oeconomy estate of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and partly united to those of Boystown, County Wicklow, and Lusk, County Dublin, which together constituted the corps of the Treasurer of the cathedral.6

    In mediaeval times the Archbishop’s Castle of Ballymore was one of the chief defences of the Pale against the dispossessed Irish. In a.d. 1873 Thomas, son of Oliver fitzEustace, was appointed

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk08coun, Chapter 282

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Ballymore Eustace, this town was once the head of a lordship belonging to the Archbishop of Dublin. On 27 January 1547, at the dissolution of St. Patrick's Cathedral, a jury held an inquisition here and found that the townland of Ballimore contained a fortress with appurtenances and 24 acres of arable land worth 20 shillings a year. The tithes of the rectory, drawn from Ballimore and Ardinode, were worth 28 pounds annually, with half the altarages assigned to the curate and the repair of the chancel bound to the farmer. The church of Ballymore had belonged to the Treasurer of St. Patrick's, with the Archbishop as patron, going back to the time of Archbishop Fulco de Sandford between 1256 and 1271. The Archbishop's Castle of Ballymore was one of the chief defences of the Pale against the dispossessed Irish.