Name: The life of James, first duke of Ormonde, 1610-1688; (vol. 1)
Author: Winifred Anne Henrietta Christina Herbert Gardner Burghclere, Baroness (1864–1933)

Colonel Preston lands artillery at Wexford

Wexford · town · Wexford · 1642

Colonel Thomas Preston, returning from the Spanish service in the Netherlands to aid the Irish cause, disembarked artillery and ammunition at Wexford along with a troop of officers. The Supreme Council subsequently awarded him the chief command in Leinster.

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recruit in Lord Gormanstone's brother, Colonel Thomas Preston, a distinguished officer in the Spanish service.^ Married to a Flemish lady, Preston had every prospect of an honourable and lucrative career in the Netherlands. But when he convinced himself that it was a question "whether there should be an Irishman or noe," he felt, as he told Clanricarde, that he could no longer resist his fellow-countrymen's appeal. He did not return emptyhanded or unaccompanied to his native province ; and the artillery and ammunition which he disembarked at Wexford were as welcome as the troop of officers who came to share his fortunes. In the circumstances, the Supreme Council could do no less than award the chief command in Leinster to Preston. At the same time, they confirmed Owen Roe O'Neill in that of Ulster ; Colonel Garret Barry and Colonel Bourke were entrusted with the conduct of operations in Munster and Connaught respectively.
The Supreme Council did not concern itself solely with military commands. The rebellion had now lasted so long that the Confederates had a right to expect the assistance, once lavishly promised from abroad. They felt the need of accredited agents to plead their cause with Romanist princes, and proceeded, therefore, to make sundry diplomatic appointments. Luke Wadding, the Superior of the Irish Franciscans in Rome, was chosen to conduct negotiations with the Vatican, Father Matthew O'Hartigan, and Geoffrey Baron with the French Court. While the Emperor and the Duke of Bavaria, the Bishop of Liege and the Governor of the Low Countries received the representatives of Catholic Ireland.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 39

As the companion tells it

Wexford is the town where Colonel Thomas Preston came ashore in 1642. Preston had been a distinguished officer in the Spanish service, married to a Flemish lady, with every prospect of an honourable and lucrative career in the Netherlands. But he convinced himself that the struggle in Ireland came down to a question of, in his own words, "whether there should be an Irishman or noe." He told Clanricarde he could no longer resist his fellow-countrymen's appeal. He did not return empty-handed or unaccompanied. The artillery and ammunition he disembarked at Wexford were as welcome as the troop of officers who came to share his fortunes. The Supreme Council responded by awarding Preston the chief command in Leinster. At the same time, they confirmed Owen Roe O'Neill in command of Ulster. Colonel Garret Barry was entrusted with operations in Munster, and Colonel Bourke with Connaught. The Council did not concern itself solely with military commands. The rebellion had lasted so long that the Confederates expected the assistance once lavishly promised from abroad. They needed accredited agents to plead their cause with Romanist princes. Luke Wadding, Superior of the Irish Franciscans in Rome, was chosen to conduct negotiations with the Vatican. Father Matthew O'Hartigan and Geoffrey Baron were sent to the French Court. The Emperor and the Duke of Bavaria, the Bishop of Liege and the Governor of the Low Countries all received representatives of Catholic Ireland.

Coote's iron works at Mountrath destroyed by rebellion

Mountrath · town · Laois · 1641

Sir Charles Coote operated iron works at Mountrath employing over six hundred workmen, shipping metal down the river in coracles at a profit of £6 to £7 per ton. The outbreak of the 1641 rebellion was a deathblow to this lucrative industry.

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Amongst the chief losers by the Irish rising was Sir Charles Coote. Originally a soldier of fortune, he had turned to good account the wardships and grants of property, which had fallen to his lot in Connaught and Queen's County. At Mountrath, he had iron works where he employed over six hundred workmen. On every ton of metal he shipped down the river in the rude " cots " or coracles of the country, he made a profit of £6 to £"]? The outbreak of the rebellion was a deathblow to this lucrative industry. Naturally of a sour, rough temper, he needed no incentive to severity ; and now, in his fury, he was disposed to hold every Irishman responsible for the destruction of his estate."* Sir Charles was an able officer, but he had served his apprenticeship to arms in the campaigns of Tyrone and Mountjoy, and had unlearnt none of the evil maxims of that merciless war. Indeed, if we are to credit half the stories told of his delight in carnage, he fully earned his nickname of the " Raven." * Such was the man to whom, at this critical juncture, Parsons entrusted the command of a punitive expedition. At the head of a regiment, recruited from the " poor stripped settlers," all burning to avenge their sufferings, Coote marched to the relief of Wicklow Castle. He executed his task. The rebels fled to the mountains ; and the wretched townsfolk, without distinction of sex, and, as the Irish averred, without distinction of innocence or
^ " Aphorismical Discovery," vol. i. p. 24. ^ Carte, vol. ii. p. 90.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 36

As the companion tells it

Mountrath was once the site of a substantial iron industry. Sir Charles Coote, originally a soldier of fortune, had turned to good account the wardships and grants of property that fell to him in Connaught and Queen's County. Here at Mountrath he established iron works employing over 600 workmen. On every ton of metal shipped down the river in the rude cots or coracles of the country, he made a profit of 6 to 7 pounds. The outbreak of the 1641 rebellion was a deathblow to this lucrative industry. Coote was a man of sour, rough temper who needed no incentive to severity. In his fury he was disposed to hold every Irishman responsible for the destruction of his estate. He was an able officer, but he had served his apprenticeship to arms in the campaigns of Tyrone and Mountjoy, and had unlearnt none of the evil maxims of that merciless war. If half the stories told of his delight in carnage are credited, he fully earned his nickname, the Raven. Parsons entrusted him with command of a punitive expedition. At the head of a regiment recruited from poor stripped settlers, all burning to avenge their sufferings, Coote marched to the relief of Wicklow Castle. He executed his task. The rebels fled to the mountains, and the wretched townsfolk, without distinction of sex, and as the Irish averred, without distinction of innocence, suffered for it.

Lady Thurles welcomes English garrison to Thurles

Thurles · town · Tipperary · 1641–1655

Lady Thurles, despite being a Roman Catholic, welcomed an English force to garrison Thurles during the Rebellion. Her 4,000 fertile acres near Thurles became a prize sought by the Adventurers, who ultimately won their suit despite Cromwell's personal favour and protection of her.

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Lady Thurles had every right to plead constant good affection to the English Government. Her record, indeed, was not merely blameless, it was meritorious. In 164 1 she had rescued divers Enfjlish families from the Irish rebels, maintaining the unhappy creatures for two whole years at her own charge, and supplying them with every necessary at their departure. To the English troops quartered at Archerstown and Beakstown she sent relief; and, while they were besieged, she sheltered some fourteen non-combatants out of their garrison, " maintaining them ever since." When the commander of Archerstown was at last forced to surrender, it was with her that he, his family, and his company sought a refuge to nurse their wounds. At one time she lent ;i^300, at another ;^500 to assist the English army. She had the courage to refuse oxen for transport to Owen Roe O'Neill. She was pillaged by the Irish. She welcomed an English force to garrison Thurles. She employed herself to bring about the capitulation of Cahir Castle. The Commissioners owned that they found her " a very deserving person." But as her residence had been in Irish quarters during the Rebellion, and as, according to law, they had not hitherto "adjudged a constant good affection to any whose constant residence have been in the Irish quarters," they felt themselves obliged to refer the poor lady's case to the consideration of the Lord-Deputy and Council. On the part of the latter, there was no great disposition to show her mercy ; her 4,000 fertile acres was a damning fact. The Adventurers won their suit.'-^ It was a pure
^ Rev. J. Graves, "Early Life and Marriage of James Butler, Duke of Ormonde."

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 59

As the companion tells it

In the town of Thurles, during the Rebellion, Lady Thurles stood out as a Roman Catholic who placed herself squarely on the English side. In 1641 she rescued several English families from the Irish rebels, keeping them for two whole years at her own expense, and giving them everything they needed when they left. She sent relief to English troops quartered at Archerstown and Beakstown, and while those garrisons were besieged she sheltered some fourteen non-combatants from among them. When the commander of Archerstown was finally forced to surrender, it was to her house that he, his family, and his company came to nurse their wounds. She lent 300 pounds at one time and 500 at another to assist the English army. She had the courage to refuse oxen for transport to Owen Roe O'Neill. The Irish pillaged her. She welcomed an English force to garrison Thurles. She worked to bring about the capitulation of Cahir Castle. The Commissioners called her, in their own words, "a very deserving person." But because her residence had been in Irish quarters during the Rebellion, and because the law had not adjudged constant good affection to anyone whose constant residence was in Irish quarters, they felt bound to send her case to the Lord-Deputy and Council. There was little mercy there. Her 4,000 fertile acres near Thurles was a damning fact. The Adventurers won their suit.

Parliamentary force holds Bunratty Castle on the Shannon

near Bunratty · parish · Clare · 1646

A Parliamentary force had established itself at Bunratty Castle on the Shannon. The Confederate Catholics found that the effort to expel them would tax all their resources, preventing them from fulfilling a promise to send troops to England.

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Any truce was desirable for the exhausted country, but there is unmistakable irony in the fact that the promise of the auxiliary troops for which Charles had bartered the confidence of his Protestant subjects, came too late to be of service, as the King himself confessed in a letter — already quoted — and even then travelling to Ireland. In any case, however, the Confederates could not have fulfilled their promise, for they found that the effort to expel the Parliamentary force, which had established itself at Bunratty Castle on the Shannon, would tax all their resources. But they gave evidence of sincerity by despatching reinforcements to Montrose, and, in truth, it is possible that had Lord Digby been able to induce the Prince of Wales to take up his residence in Ireland, the presence of the heir-apparent might have done much to counteract the Nuncio's influence; but although Digby travelled successively to Scilly, Jersey, and Paris with that purpose, he was unsuccessful. The Queen was determined that the Prince should rejoin her in Paris, and a trifling subsidy from Mazarin and a disavowal by Henrietta Maria of Sir Kenelm Digby 's articles were the sole fruits of the Secretary's weary pilgrimage.
During Lord Digby's absence, Charles's flight to the Scots took place, and Ormonde's hard task was not lightened by the fact that the King had taken refuge with the bitterest foe of the Irish Catholics. About the same time also, Sir Charles Coote invaded Connaught, ravaging the country up to the gates of Lord Clanricarde's domain. Nor were domestic troubles wanting to Ormonde. During the fourteen years of his marriage, the blessings invoked by the Psalmist on the God-fearing man had

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 51

As the companion tells it

The road passes through or near Bunratty, in County Clare. In 1646 a Parliamentary force had established itself in Bunratty Castle on the Shannon. The Confederate Catholics found that the effort to expel them would tax all their resources. Any truce was desirable for the exhausted country. But there is irony in the fact that the promise of auxiliary troops for which Charles had bartered the confidence of his Protestant subjects came too late to be of service. The King himself confessed this in a letter. Even had it arrived in time, the Confederates could not have fulfilled it, tied down by the Parliamentary force at the castle. They gave evidence of sincerity by despatching reinforcements to Montrose. Lord Digby tried to induce the Prince of Wales to take up residence in Ireland, thinking the presence of the heir-apparent might counteract the Nuncio's influence. He travelled successively to Scilly, Jersey, and Paris with that purpose, but was unsuccessful. The Queen was determined that the Prince should rejoin her in Paris, and a trifling subsidy from Mazarin and a disavowal by Henrietta Maria of Sir Kenelm Digby's articles were the sole fruits of the Secretary's weary pilgrimage. During Lord Digby's absence, Charles's flight to the Scots took place, and Ormonde's hard task was not lightened by the fact that the King had taken refuge with the bitterest foe of the Irish Catholics. About the same time, Sir Charles Coote invaded Connaught, ravaging the country up to the gates of Lord Clanricarde's domain.

Sir William St Leger besieged in Cork

Cork · city · Cork · 1642

Sir William St Leger was shut up in Cork for five weeks and only owed his deliverance to Ormonde's victory at Kilrush. On being freed he obtained a success over the rebels but, lacking stores, money, and artillery, could not relieve the Castle of Limerick.

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In Munster, Sir William St Leger was likewise paying a heavy penalty for his hasty words and actions. For five long weeks, he was shut up in Cork, and only owed his deliverance to Ormonde's victory at Kilrush. On being set free, he obtained a marked success over the rebels, though, being destitute of stores, money, and artillery, he could neither improve his position nor relieve the Castle of Limerick, which capitulated at the end of June. This final disaster broke Sir William's heart ; he was already ailing, and a week later he died. His son-in-law, Murough O'Brien, Lord Inchiquin, succeeded him as Vice-President of Munster and Commander-in-Chief of the forces in that province.
For sheer ability and courage Inchiquin had few rivals. He possessed the innate quickness of eye and brain of the true cavalry leader, and was intrepid to the verge of temerity. Even in that cruel age he was, however, noted for his indifference to human life and suffering,^ and these faults were not redeemed by steadfast devotion to any one cause or principle. Towards the close of the Civil War, he followed Ormonde's broken fortunes with unexpected loyalty, but this newborn faith was probably dictated by

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 38

As the companion tells it

Cork, in 1642, was where Sir William St Leger found himself shut up for five long weeks, paying what the record calls a heavy penalty for his hasty words and actions. His deliverance came only through Ormonde's victory at Kilrush. Once set free, he obtained a marked success over the rebels, but he was destitute of stores, money, and artillery. He could neither improve his position nor relieve the Castle of Limerick, which capitulated at the end of June. This final disaster broke Sir William's heart. He was already ailing, and a week later he died. His son-in-law, Murrough O'Brien, Lord Inchiquin, succeeded him as Vice-President of Munster and Commander-in-Chief of the forces in that province. Inchiquin had few rivals for sheer ability and courage. He possessed the innate quickness of eye and brain of a true cavalry leader, and was intrepid to the verge of temerity. Even in that cruel age he was noted for his indifference to human life and suffering, faults not redeemed by steadfast devotion to any one cause or principle.

Cromwell disembarks at Dublin with his army

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1649

On 15 August 1649, Cromwell and his army disembarked at Dublin, beginning the campaign that would decide the fate of Ireland. By 2 September he had opened his batteries on Drogheda.

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Meanwhile, the fate of Ireland had already been decided. On August the 15th Cromwell and his army disembarked at Dublin ; and by the 2nd of September Oliver had opened his batteries on Drogheda. Hard pressed, but with his usual tireless patience, Ormonde struggled to stem the course of the inevitable. The Lord-Lieutenant could not shut himself up in a beleaguered town ; but he strained every nerve to provide its commander, Sir Arthur Aston, with men, ammunition, and stores ; and the two thousand foot and three hundred horse he left at Drogheda were the pick of his little army. After he had retired on Trim, Ormonde, likewise, remained in correspondence with Aston, so that almost up to the final catastrophe we are enabled to realise the hopes and fears of the devoted garrison. Aston's difficulties, it seems, were not confined to strategic problems. Before the investment was completed, he was much perturbed to discover a ladies' plot for betraying the town to Cromwell. Nor was the Commander's wrath appeased when the arch-conspirator proved to be his own grandmother, Lady Wilmot. He openly regretted that her young son, the messenger she employed, was " too small to be hanged." But he assured Ormonde, that Lady Wilmot's relationship to himself should avail her naught.
" I beseech your Excellency's express command," wrote the angry grandson, " to turn her and her malignant family out of the towne, for though she be me grandmother I shall make pouther of her, else if she play me sutch foul play."^

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 57

As the companion tells it

Dublin is the city where, on the 15th of August 1649, Cromwell and his army disembarked, beginning the campaign that would decide the fate of Ireland. By the 2nd of September, Oliver had opened his batteries on Drogheda. Hard pressed, but with his usual tireless patience, Ormonde struggled to stem the course of the inevitable. The Lord-Lieutenant could not shut himself up in a beleaguered town, but he strained every nerve to provide its commander, Sir Arthur Aston, with men, ammunition, and stores. The two thousand foot and three hundred horse he left at Drogheda were the pick of his little army. After he had retired on Trim, Ormonde remained in correspondence with Aston, so that almost up to the final catastrophe we are enabled to realise the hopes and fears of the devoted garrison. Aston's difficulties were not confined to strategic problems. Before the investment was completed, he was much perturbed to discover a ladies' plot for betraying the town to Cromwell. Nor was the Commander's wrath appeased when the arch-conspirator proved to be his own grandmother, Lady Wilmot. He openly regretted that her young son, the messenger she employed, was "too small to be hanged." But he assured Ormonde that Lady Wilmot's relationship to himself should avail her naught. "I beseech your Excellency's express command," wrote the angry grandson, "to turn her and her malignant family out of the towne, for though she be me grandmother I shall make pouther of her, else if she play me sutch foul play."

Drogheda besieged by rebels, 1641

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1641

Ormonde reported that Drogheda was beleaguered by at least four or five thousand rebels and daily threatened with assault. The town was well furnished with stores and commanded by Sir Henry Tichbourn. A relief force of 600 foot and 500 horse was sent but the foot were routed by 1,500 of the enemy.

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A MONTH elapsed before Ormonde answered the King's letter of October — and when he did write, the news he sent was far from reassuring. His profession of service and " most humbill thankis " would sooner have been cast at the King's feet, he said, but that he had hoped, at the same time, to furnish an estimate of the rebel strength and the chances of reducing them to obedience.^ Owing, either to the friendships, or the fears the rebels inspired, it was difficult to obtain accurate intelligence; although it was certain that they were numerous, if, for the most part, meanly armed, their weapons showing them to be rather a " toumoultary rable than anei thing leyk an armie." Yet such, said Ormonde, was the want of arms and money on the English side, that he and his men had to look on at the miseries of their fellow countrymen, without any possibility of lending them assistance, being forced to devote their energies to save " His Majesty's principal city Dublin, and another called Drochedach some 20 meylies hens." " Drochedach," i.e. Drogheda, was, he continued, beleagured by at least four thousand or five thousand rebels and daily threatened with assault. But the town was well furnished with stores and commanded, moreover,
" by a verei gallant gentilman cald Sir Henry Tichbourn, thatt I ame confidentt will give a verei good account of the toune, or leiv his bonis in itt. Upon Saterday last wei sent thither to his succour 600 foote and 500 horse who as wee understand laett last nichtt, waer incounterid by 1,500 of the enemie. The foutt were for the most paerte of thos ingleishe thatt had been pilladgid by them

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 36

As the companion tells it

Drogheda, in Louth, was a town under siege in 1641. Ormonde wrote to the King with news that was far from reassuring. It had taken him a month to answer the King's letter of October, and he explained the delay by saying he had hoped to furnish an estimate of rebel strength and the chances of reducing them to obedience. It was difficult to obtain accurate intelligence, owing either to the friendships or the fears the rebels inspired. What was certain was that they were numerous, though for the most part meanly armed, their weapons showing them to be, in his words,

Glamorgan's evening arrival at Kilkenny

Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1646

Glamorgan arrived at Kilkenny on January 24th after his release from custody, deliberately choosing the late hour when winter daylight had already faded. He told Ormonde he did so to avoid being received in triumph by crowds eager to show their affection and joy at his release.

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Glamorgan's passionate assurances that if he was not now " nipt in the Budd, he hoped to produce such a blossome of loyalty and zeale " to the King, his Master's service, and of friendship to Ormonde, as might render his memory considerable in future ages, if not convincing to his correspondent, were not unheeded. On enterinointo his own recognisance of ;^20,ooo, and Lords Clanricarde's and Kildare's of ^10,000, " /^ peece," Glamorgan was enlarged from custody.^ And on January the 24th, when the scanty winter's light had already faded, he arrived at Kilkenny, having expressly chosen that late hour, he assured Ormonde, to avoid the vanity of being received in triumph by crowds of people,
' Gilbert, " Confederation," vol. v. p. 25.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 50

As the companion tells it

Kilkenny, in 1646. Glamorgan had been released from custody after entering into his own recognisance of 20,000, with Lords Clanricarde and Kildare each bound for 10,000 a piece. He arrived at Kilkenny on January the 24th, when the scanty winter's light had already faded. He had expressly chosen that late hour, he assured Ormonde, to avoid the vanity of being received in triumph by crowds of people. Before his release he had given passionate assurances that if he was not, in his words, "nipt in the Budd," he hoped to produce such a "blossome of loyalty and zeale" to the King, his Master's service, and of friendship to Ormonde, as might render his memory considerable in future ages.

Lady Ormonde rescues Englishmen abandoned at Clonmel

Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1641–1642

During the troubles of 1641, Elizabeth Ormonde organized a rescue of about forty Englishmen who had been abandoned at Clonmel and were considered lost without her intervention. This demonstrated her courage and power of organization at a young age.

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some forty Englishmen abandoned at Clonmel,^ "which absolutely were men lost, but for her great care of them," her imperious levy of friends, relatives, and servants to convoy the refugees by river from Carrick to Waterford, had all been conceived and carried out in a manner that recalled the old earl's shrewd and virile spirit. But her brief incursion into the province military never diverted her energies from the more habitual channels of womanly solicitude. In the whole vast feudal pile of Kilkenny, there were not two rooms unappropriated to the housing of the fugitives and their goods. In fact,
" she commanded her own servants out of their own chambers and beds, therewith to accommodate the said distressed English." And ever she bade these servants "to be as observant and careful of them, as of herself and her children." -

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 60

As the companion tells it

Clonmel saw a remarkable rescue in the troubles of 1641. About forty Englishmen had been abandoned there, and they were, in the words of the time, men lost, but for her great care of them. Elizabeth Ormonde was young, but she showed the old earl's shrewd and virile spirit. She levied friends, relatives, and servants, and convoyed the refugees by river from Carrick to Waterford. She never let this brief military turn pull her from womanly solicitude. In the whole vast feudal pile of Kilkenny, there were not two rooms unappropriated to the housing of fugitives and their goods. She commanded her own servants out of their own chambers and beds to accommodate the distressed English, and bade those servants to be as observant and careful of them as of herself and her children.

Lady Ormonde's estate improvements at Dunmore

Dunmore · street · Louth · 1657–1750

In 1657, Lady Ormonde removed to Dunmore with her children and devoted herself to retrieving and improving her estates through tillage and country life. She planted walks of ashes and tufts of trees on green lawns, creating a park that John Wesley later described as the most delightful place he had seen in all his wanderings.

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Thus, in 1657, Elizabeth Ormonde at length found herself free to carry out her original intentions. With all her children she removed to Dunmore and resolutely set herself to the appointed task of retrieving her estates, diligently " applying herself to tillage and country life." ^ To such labours she was bred, and she became increasingly interested in the beautifying and improvement of her lands. It may well have been during this enforced retreat, that she planted the fourfold " walks " of ashes — the tree indigenous to Tipperary — and the " tufts of trees sprinkled up and down on the smoothest of green lawns," which, a century later, excited John Wesley's admiration, when he visited Dunmore. It is surely no small achievement to have laid out a park, which that most travelled of Gospellers described as the " most delightful place " he had seen in all his wanderings, whether in England, Holland, or Germany.^ And it is pleasant to think that during those arduous years Elizabeth Ormonde had at least the solace of a craft, which has never lost its primal grace and charm.
^ Cal. Clarendon Papers, vol. iii. p. 354. Copies by Ossory, 1st and 2nd August, 1657, (l) Cromwell's warrant, (2) Barkstead's certificate. ' Carte, vol. iii. p. 633. ^ Wesley s Journal, edited by A. Birrell, p. 189, 15th June 1750.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 61

As the companion tells it

In 1657, Elizabeth Ormonde removed to Dunmore with all her children, and set herself to retrieving and improving her estates. She had been bred to such labours, and she applied herself, in the words of the record, to "tillage and country life." She became increasingly interested in beautifying and improving her lands. It may have been during this enforced retreat that she planted the fourfold walks of ashes, and the "tufts of trees sprinkled up and down on the smoothest of green lawns," which a century later excited John Wesley's admiration when he visited. On the 15th of June 1750, Wesley described it as the "most delightful place" he had seen in all his wanderings, whether in England, Holland, or Germany. It is no small achievement to have laid out a park that the most travelled of Gospellers so described. And it is pleasant to think that during those arduous years Elizabeth Ormonde had at least the solace of a craft which has never lost its primal grace and charm.

Lord Desmond takes possession of Butler estates in Tipperary

Tipperary · town · Tipperary · 1619

In 1619, Lord Dingwall, advanced to the earldom of Desmond, was dispatched by King James to Tipperary to take possession of the Butler family estates following the sequestration of the Earl of Ormonde's lands. He encountered little resistance, as Ormonde sympathisers were discouraged by the harsh treatment meted out to those who raised legal obstacles.

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It has often proved an enterprise of no small hazard in Ireland to establish titles more flawless than was Dingwall's to the Butler domains. But the days of armed resistance, on a large scale, to the King's writ, were past. And the treatment inflicted on those who ventured to interpose legal obstacles was eminently calculated to discourage Ormonde's sympathisers.^ Consequently, when Lord Dingwall — now advanced to the earldom of Desmond — was despatched by James to Tipperary to take possession of his wife's estate, he seems to have encountered little hindrance in his undertaking.
Although Ormonde was powerless, his heir, Lord Thurles, was at large, and in the beginning of 1619 he repaired to Ireland to attempt some mitigation of the family calamities. It was, however, an unhappy inspiration, since not only were his endeavours entirely fruitless, but on December the 19th, 1619, during the return voyage to England, he was shipwrecked and drowned near the Skerries. Thus, whilst yet a mere child, his eldest son, James Butler, the future Duke of Ormonde, succeeded to his father's title at a moment when it carried a heavy burden of woe and hate. Perhaps, his father's death was a more apparent than real loss to the boy. But at any rate it was not without immediate consequences, for on her husband's death Lady Thurles returned to England, taking her little son with her and placing him at a school at Finchley kept by a Roman Catholic named Conyers.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 13

As the companion tells it

Tipperary is a place your road passes through or near, and in 1619 it was where the Butler family lost their lands. Lord Dingwall had been advanced to the earldom of Desmond and was despatched by King James to take possession of his wife's estate, the Butler domains. The days of armed resistance to the King's writ on a large scale were past, and the treatment inflicted on those who ventured to interpose legal obstacles was calculated to discourage Ormonde's sympathisers. Lord Desmond encountered little hindrance in his undertaking. Ormonde was powerless, but his heir, Lord Thurles, was at large. At the beginning of 1619 he went to Ireland to attempt some mitigation of the family calamities. His endeavours were entirely fruitless. On the 19th of December 1619, during the return voyage to England, he was shipwrecked and drowned near the Skerries. His eldest son, James Butler, the future Duke of Ormonde, succeeded to his father's title whilst yet a child, at a moment when it carried a heavy burden of woe and hate. On her husband's death, Lady Thurles returned to England, taking her little son with her and placing him at a school at Finchley kept by a Roman Catholic named Conyers.

Native inhabitants of Coleraine harshly treated in Plantation

near Coleraine · town · Derry · 1610–1611

In the former County Coleraine, native inhabitants who had adopted reformed habits under Chichester's influence nonetheless received disproportionately small land grants. Chichester complained this senseless harshness discredited him.

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Thus every class of the community was made to taste the bitterness of conquest. " The word of removing and transplanting being to the natives as welcome as the sentence of death" writes the Deputy, when on St James's day, 1610, "the day of that Blessed Saint in Heaven and Great Monarch on earth," he proceeded to inaugurate the enterprise.^ And in truth, Chichester's task was no sinecure, for revolutionary as was the measure on paper, the fashion in which it was interpreted aggravated its effects tenfold. In fact, the Deputy believed that personal enmity to himself could alone account for the senseless harshness displayed in certain cases. He specially bewailed the hard lot of the native inhabitants in Tyrone, Armagh, and Coleraine where, owing to his tact,
"they had reformed themselves in their habits and course of life beyond the others.^ I could," he writes, "have prevailed with them in any reasonable matter, though it were new with them, but, now, I am discredited among them, for they have far less quantities assigned unto them in those counties than in the other three ; in which the

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 19

As the companion tells it

Coleraine is a town the road passes through or near. In the former County Coleraine, the native inhabitants were harshly treated during the Plantation. On St James's Day, 1610, the Deputy Chichester inaugurated the enterprise of removing and transplanting the native people. He wrote that this word was to the natives, as welcome as the sentence of death. Chichester believed that personal enmity to himself alone could account for the senseless harshness displayed in certain cases. He bewailed the hard lot of the native inhabitants in Tyrone, Armagh, and Coleraine. Owing to his tact, he wrote, they had reformed themselves in their habits and course of life beyond the others. He said he could have prevailed with them in any reasonable matter, though it were new with them. But now, he wrote, I am discredited among them, for they have far less quantities assigned unto them in those counties than in the other three. Every class of the community was made to taste the bitterness of conquest.

Parliamentary Commissioners flee Dublin by sea

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1643

Reynolds and Goodwin, whose arrogant manners had displeased the people of Dublin, took fright at the King's order for their arrest and escaped on a royal pinnace. They carried off the vessel as spoils of war to their Parliamentary employers.

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mount influence at the Council Board. Now that he had secured the services of the army, the King was no loneer incHned to connive at this interference. He sternly rebuked the Justices' presumption in admitting Reynolds and Goodwin to the deliberation of the Council, and a few days later followed up the admonition with an order to arrest the Parliamentary Commissioners. Lest the Justices should fail to execute the command, a duplicate warrant was addressed to Ormonde.^ But the pair, whose hectoring, arrogant manners had not endeared them to the good people of Dublin, had taken fright, and were already on the high seas in a royal pinnace, which they carried off as spoils of war to their employers.
On February the 3rd, Ormonde and his fellow Commissioners summoned the Confederate Catholics to a conference at Drogheda. The invitation was not received at Kilkenny with the enthusiasm which might have been anticipated from their former attitude. In fact, the military position of the insurgents had greatly improved since the meeting of the General Assembly. As Ormonde had foretold, arms and discipline were rapidly transforming the raw levies into a formidable force. During January, Birr, Bannogher, and Fort F'alkland surrendered to Preston and Castlehaven ; and the scrupulous observance of the terms of capitulation enforced by the two generals did more perhaps for the Irish cause than their victories. The Confederates, however, did not base their slighting reply to Ormonde on strategical considerations. Imbued as he was with a well-founded distrust of the Roman Catholic priesthood, Ormonde had requested that the negotiations might be exclusively entrusted to laymen. This stipulation, which the Assembly declared limited their choice of agents, caused as many complaints as the proposed rendezvous. But the chief offence lay in the wording of the Justices' safe conduct. The recusants were transported with indignation at being designated as " actors and abettors " in an odious rebellion.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 39

As the companion tells it

Dublin in 1643. The King had secured the services of the army, and he was no longer inclined to connive at interference. He sternly rebuked the Justices for their presumption in admitting Reynolds and Goodwin to the deliberation of the Council. A few days later he followed up the admonition with an order to arrest the Parliamentary Commissioners. Lest the Justices should fail to execute the command, a duplicate warrant was addressed to Ormonde. But the pair had already taken fright. Their hectoring, arrogant manners had not endeared them to the good people of Dublin. They were already on the high seas in a royal pinnace, which they carried off as spoils of war to their employers. On February the 3rd, Ormonde and his fellow Commissioners summoned the Confederate Catholics to a conference at Drogheda. The invitation was not received at Kilkenny with the enthusiasm that might have been anticipated. The military position of the insurgents had greatly improved since the meeting of the General Assembly. As Ormonde had foretold, arms and discipline were rapidly transforming raw levies into a formidable force. During January, Birr, Bannogher, and Fort Falkland surrendered to Preston and Castlehaven. The scrupulous observance of the terms of capitulation enforced by the two generals did more for the Irish cause than their victories. The Confederates did not base their slighting reply on strategical considerations. Ormonde, with a well-founded distrust of the Roman Catholic priesthood, had requested that negotiations be entrusted exclusively to laymen. The Assembly declared this limited their choice of agents, and it caused as many complaints as the proposed rendezvous. But the chief offence lay in the wording of the Justices' safe conduct. The recusants were transported with indignation at being designated as "actors and abettors" in an odious rebellion.

Relief march to besieged Drogheda

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1642

On the day Ormonde wrote a letter to Perceval, he marched to relieve Drogheda, where Sir Henry Tichburne and a small band were holding out against a leaguer of twenty thousand Irishmen. Reinforcements under Sir Richard Grenville and George Monk were arriving in Dublin.

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On the day this letter was written, Ormonde marched to the relief of Drogheda. Sir Henry Tichburne and his valiant little band were still holding their own against a vast leaguer of twenty thousand Irishmen. And since reinforcements under the command of Sir Richard Grenville and George Monk, the future Duke of Albemarle, were arriving in Dublin, the Justices had no longer any excuse to defer the promised succours to Drogheda.
Undoubtedly, on this occasion, Ormonde was better furnished with orders and injunctions than supplies. The stupid system of ravaging the surrounding country had borne its natural fruits. No provisions from England had accompanied the British troopers. Neither rations for the men, nor oats for the horses were available in Dublin. The Government magazine only held another fortnight's stores, and was utterly emptied of the shoes

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 37

As the companion tells it

Drogheda sits along this road. In 1642, Sir Henry Tichburne and his little band were still holding out in the town against a vast leaguer of 20,000 Irishmen. On the day Ormonde wrote a letter to Perceval, he marched to their relief. Reinforcements under Sir Richard Grenville and George Monk, the future Duke of Albemarle, were arriving in Dublin, so the Justices had no excuse left to delay the promised succours. But Ormonde was better furnished with orders than with supplies. The practice of ravaging the surrounding country had borne its natural fruit. No provisions had come from England with the troopers. There were no rations for the men, no oats for the horses to be had in Dublin. The government magazine held only another fortnight's stores, and was utterly emptied of shoes.

Rinuccini's triumphal entry into Kilkenny

Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1645

On November 12, 1645, the Papal Nuncio Rinuccini made a triumphal entry into Kilkenny, the seat of the Confederate government. His arrival was to exercise a great influence on Irish history, as his narrow views and ambition to restore Ireland to obedience to the Holy See would soon clash with the Anglo-Irish gentry.

Read the passage

Unfortunately for Ormonde, and for Ormonde's master, Digby was not the only eminent individual attracted by the Treaty to Ireland in the closing months of 1645. On October the nth the Papal Nuncio disembarked in the Bay of Killmair, and on the 12th of November he made a triumphal entry into Kilkenny.
Innocent X.'s Nuncio, Giovanni Battista Rinuccinf, Archbishop of Fermo, who was to exercise so great an influence on Irish history, was typical rather of the Rome of Hildebrand than of the Latitudinarian city of Olympia Pamphili. The narrowness of his views made him singularly forcible in a society, where the atmosphere was one of compromise. Austere both in morals and doctrine, he was inaccessible to any distraction from the lifelong ambition of restoring Ireland to the obedience of the Holy See. But although cast in the iron mould of bigotry, he did not lack the graces of eloquence and learning. Nor was he tainted with the avarice that has sometimes beset eminent ecclesiastics. If in the Irish chronicle he shares with Parsons and Phelim O'Neill the chief burden of blood-guiltiness, Rinuccini, unlike the Lord Justice, was free from any suspicion of corruption. Unhappily, natures impervious to gross temptations are not always steeled against subtler allurements. The dividing line between private and altruistic considerations is often ill to draw. Regarding himself as the representative of God's Vicegerent, Rinuccini treated any resistance to his decrees as rank sacrilege ; while, the suggestion of an affront, adding intensity to his resentment, gave the aspect of a moral obligation,^ to purely egotistic rancour. In fact, the Nuncio never disentangled his individual from his ghostly personality. Thus, when he learnt that some Irishman had drunk a health to the

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 48

As the companion tells it

Kilkenny was the seat of the Confederate government, and in November of 1645 it received a visitor whose presence would shape the course of Irish affairs. On October 11 the Papal Nuncio had disembarked in the Bay of Killmair, and on the 12th of November he made a triumphal entry into the city. He was Giovanni Battista Rinuccini, Archbishop of Fermo, sent by Innocent the Tenth. The book says he was to exercise so great an influence on Irish history, and describes him as a man typical of the Rome of Hildebrand rather than of the Latitudinarian city of Olympia Pamphili. His views were narrow, and in a society where the atmosphere was one of compromise, that narrowness made him singularly forcible. He was austere both in morals and doctrine, and he was inaccessible to any distraction from his lifelong ambition of restoring Ireland to the obedience of the Holy See. He was cast, the passage says, in the iron mould of bigotry, but he did not lack the graces of eloquence and learning. Nor was he tainted with the avarice that has sometimes beset eminent ecclesiastics. He was free from any suspicion of corruption. But his nature had its own dangers. Regarding himself as the representative of God's Vicegerent, Rinuccini treated any resistance to his decrees as rank sacrilege. The suggestion of an affront added intensity to his resentment and gave the aspect of a moral obligation to what was, in the end, purely egotistic rancour. He never disentangled his individual from his ghostly personality.

Sir Phelim O'Neill planned surprise of Derry in 1641 rising

near Derry · city · Derry · 1641

As part of the 1641 rebellion plot, Sir Phelim O'Neill was tasked with the simultaneous surprise of Derry and other northern strong places. The English settlers, lulled into security by the long peace, were expected to offer little or no resistance.

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It was probably owing to O'More's skilful management that the secret of the rising was preserved, though it ran the greatest risk, that can befall such enterprises in being deferred from the 5th of September to October the 23rd, the day of St Ignatius. In truth, the rebellion was no sudden ebullition of the passing hour. Already, in January 1641, Roger O'More, under an oath of secrecy, had divulged his design to Lord Maguire and the leading spirits amongst the "old Irish"; and if during the following months it underwent some minor alteration, in its main features, it remained unchanged. Briefly stated, its aims were the restoration of Roman Catholicism as the State Religion, and the reinstatement of the original owners on lands] that a century of confiscation and penal statutes had wrested from their possession. The seizure of the seat of administration, Dublin Castle, which not only commanded the capital and the principal harbour, but contained a well - stocked military magazine, was naturally the first object of the conspirators. Nor, as later events showed, were they mistaken in regarding it as the key of the kingdom, although a band of two hundred men drawn for Leinster and Ulster was held sufficient to carry the ill-guarded fortress. Sir Phelim undertook the simultaneous surprise of Derry, Carrickfergus and other strong places in the north, where the English, lulled into security by the long peace, would offer little or no resistance. It was agreed that the Scottish settlers should not
1 Carte, vol. i. pp. 315-16.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 34

As the companion tells it

This is Derry, one of the strong places Sir Phelim O'Neill was tasked to surprise in the 1641 rising. The rebellion was no sudden outbreak. In January 1641, Roger O'More, under an oath of secrecy, had divulged his design to Lord Maguire and the leading spirits among the old Irish. The aims were the restoration of Roman Catholicism as the State Religion, and the reinstatement of the original owners on lands that a century of confiscation and penal statutes had wrested from their possession. The rising was first set for the 5th of September, then deferred to October the 23rd, the day of St Ignatius. The first object of the conspirators was the seizure of Dublin Castle, which commanded the capital and the principal harbour and held a well-stocked military magazine. A band of two hundred men drawn from Leinster and Ulster was thought sufficient to carry the ill-guarded fortress. Sir Phelim was to take Derry, Carrickfergus, and other strong places in the north simultaneously, where the English, lulled into security by the long peace, would offer little or no resistance.

Theobald Butler's imprisonment in Dublin Castle dungeon

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1602–1603

Theobald Butler, sharing his father Sir Edmund Butler's disgrace, endured a long imprisonment in the castle prison of Dublin. Lady Shrewsbury noted that the dungeon afforded him almost no company beyond 'the basest and vilest sort of people,' yet he emerged uncorrupted. His release from the castle dungeon and his betrothal to Elizabeth Butler were nearly simultaneous.

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" unfortunate, long time of imprisonment in so private a place as the castle prison of Dublin, which afforded him almost no other company than the basest and vilest sort of people . . . yet God hath so blessed him as he is no way infected with any of their badness." 2
But whether Theobald was attractive, or the reverse, Elizabeth Butler, described by the same kinswoman, as " a courtier even as it were by birth," with " a sharp conceit and knavish wit," was, nevertheless, too much of her period to cavil at her father's choice of a bridegroom. Consequently, in the year 1603, Ormonde had the satisfaction of seeing his daughter united in wedlock to Theobald, created Viscount Butler of Tulleophelim in the course of the same year by James L

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 12

As the companion tells it

Dublin holds an old story of confinement and fortune restored. Theobald Butler, sharing his father Sir Edmund Butler's disgrace, endured a long imprisonment in the castle prison here. A kinswoman, Lady Shrewsbury, wrote that the dungeon afforded him almost no company beyond, in her words, "the basest and vilest sort of people," yet she said God blessed him so he was "no way infected with any of their badness." His release and his marriage came near together. In 1603, Elizabeth Butler, described by that same kinswoman as "a courtier even as it were by birth" with "a sharp conceit and knavish wit," became his wife. That same year he was created Viscount Butler of Tulleophelim by James the First.

Clonmel capitulation after O'Neill's heroic defence

Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1650

Clonmel capitulated on 10 May 1650, marking Cromwell's last important achievement in Ireland. Hugh O'Neill's heroic but unsuccessful defence of the city against Cromwell should have endeared him to patriotic Irishmen.

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The capitulation of Clonmel on May the loth was Cromwell's last important achievement in Ireland. On the 26th of May he set sail for England, deputing Ireton to complete his task. After Oliver's departure the long tale of surrenders continued. Tecroghan submitted on
^ Carte MSS., vol. xxviii, p. 96. Ormonde to Clanricarde, 7th May 1650.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 58

As the companion tells it

Clonmel fell on 10 May 1650. Hugh O'Neill had defended the town with courage, but the defence was unsuccessful, and Clonmel capitulated. It was Cromwell's last important achievement in Ireland. Sixteen days later, on 26 May, Cromwell sailed for England and left Ireton to finish the work.

Dublin a ruined and poverty-stricken capital, 1647

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1647

In early 1647 Dublin was so devastated that Ormonde could not levy even a small sum of money there, and the surrounding countryside was equally impoverished. The city is described as a 'ruined capital' with no resources left to sustain the garrison or administration.

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Westmeath, but even this pittance could not be levied in the ruined capital, and the countryside was no less poverty-stricken. The ;^2,ooo Ormonde had brought back from his otherwise fruitless expedition to Kilkenny, and the ;^23,ooo he had raised by mortgaging his estates were long since exhausted. Meanwhile the General Assembly had not justified the hopes entertained of its moderation. It is true that the original members of the Supreme Council returned from prison smarting under a keen sense of injury, and burning to be avenged on the Nuncio, but they were swamped by the clerical nominees who represented towns and districts under English occupation. A vote of censure on the Commissioners, who had negotiated the late Peace, was barely avoided, and the Peace itself was utterly condemned. The encroachments of the clergy waxed mightier with every day.^ The priesthood now required that Roman Catholicism should be recognised as the established religion, not only in the Popish quarters, but throughout Ireland. And had it not been for the number of gentlemen who held abbey lands, the Nuncio would have obtained the restitution of these domains to the regulars. Although he did not yet publicly announce his resolve, Rinuccini was also fully determined to suffer none but a Catholic viceroy in Ireland. He was less reticent on the choice of a foreign protector for the nation. He entreated the Pope to assume the office ; and the advisability of inviting the King of Spain or some other secular prince to accept that dignity was freely discussed by the General Assembly. In fact, considering its temper, Ormonde was fortunate to obtain any extension of the truce.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 53

As the companion tells it

Dublin in 1647 was a ruined capital. Ormonde could not levy even a pittance there, and the countryside around it was no less poverty-stricken. The 2,000 he had brought back from his otherwise fruitless expedition to Kilkenny, and the 23,000 he had raised by mortgaging his estates, were long since exhausted. The General Assembly had not justified the hopes entertained of its moderation. The original members of the Supreme Council returned from prison smarting under a keen sense of injury, burning to be avenged on the Nuncio, but they were swamped by clerical nominees who represented towns and districts under English occupation. A vote of censure on the Commissioners who had negotiated the late Peace was barely avoided, and the Peace itself was utterly condemned. The encroachments of the clergy waxed mightier every day. The priesthood now required that Roman Catholicism be recognised as the established religion, not only in the Popish quarters, but throughout Ireland. Had it not been for the number of gentlemen who held abbey lands, the Nuncio would have obtained the restitution of these domains to the regulars. Rinuccini was also fully determined to suffer none but a Catholic viceroy in Ireland, though he had not yet publicly announced it. He was less reticent on the choice of a foreign protector. He entreated the Pope to assume the office, and the advisability of inviting the King of Spain or some other secular prince to accept that dignity was freely discussed by the General Assembly. Considering its temper, Ormonde was fortunate to obtain any extension of the truce.

Noblemen meet at Swords to protest loyalty

Swords · town · Dublin · 1641

On December 9th, 1641, Catholic noblemen who had been summoned to Dublin but feared a trap met instead at Swords and drew up a declaration of loyalty to the Sovereign, while asserting their determination to stand on their guard against potential massacre.

Read the passage

Immediately after these occurrences, on December the 3rd, the Lords Justices summoned the noblemen of the surrounding country to a conference in Dublin, As these very gentlemen had been banished the capital by three successive proclamations, this sudden and inexplicable change of attitude on the part of their rulers filled them with profound suspicion. They knew that their relations with the rebels, however involuntary, might technically be construed as treason, and, fearing a trap, they declined the invitation. Instead, on the 9th of December, they met at Swords, and drew up an explanation of their proceedings. They solemnly affirmed their loyalty to the Sovereign.^ But as they were positively informed that Sir Charles Coote, at the Council Board, had advocated a general massacre of Catholics, they declared themselves determined to " stand on their best guard " till they were insured against such perils. Lords Fingall, Gormanstone, Slane, and Dunsany, who had all recently volunteered their services to the State, affixed their signatures to the protest. The Justices replied with an order to disperse, which their subjects again met with a categorical refusal. Meanwhile, Sir Charles Coote had made another raid, butchering some harmless husbandmen in the village of Santry, The incident did not tend to calm the general disquiet ; the Lords vowed they went in fear of their lives, and saw no safety save in concerted action.
In the circumstances, Lord Gormanstone decided to convoke a larger gathering of Catholic lords and gentlemen on December the 15th at the hill of Crofty. Here they

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 36

As the companion tells it

This is the town of Swords. In December 1641, Catholic noblemen of the surrounding country met here and drew up a declaration of loyalty to the Sovereign. They had been summoned to a conference in Dublin on the 3rd of December by the Lords Justices, but these same gentlemen had been banished from the capital by three successive proclamations. The sudden reversal filled them with suspicion. They knew their relations with the rebels, however involuntary, might be construed as treason. Fearing a trap, they declined the invitation and gathered here instead on the 9th of December. They solemnly affirmed their loyalty, but they had been positively informed that Sir Charles Coote, at the Council Board, had advocated a general massacre of Catholics. They declared themselves determined to "stand on their best guard" until insured against such perils. Lords Fingall, Gormanstone, Slane, and Dunsany, who had all recently volunteered their services to the State, signed the protest. The Justices replied with an order to disperse, which met with a categorical refusal. Sir Charles Coote then made another raid, butchering harmless husbandmen in the village of Santry. The incident did not calm the general disquiet. The Lords vowed they went in fear of their lives and saw no safety save in concerted action. Lord Gormanstone decided to convoke a larger gathering of Catholic lords and gentlemen on the 15th of December at the hill of Crofty.

Transplantation despair in the settlement of Longford

Longford · town · Longford

The passage describes the cruelty of the transplantation, noting that many people in Ulster and in the settlement of Longford were driven to despair by the forced exodus from their birthplaces. An appeal to the Crown records dying people being carried from their deathbeds for a last sight of the hills and fields from which they had been dispossessed.

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" who in their deathbeds were in such a taking that they by earnest persuasion caused some of their family and friends to bring them out of their said beds, to have abroad the last sight of the hills and fields they had (been dispossessed of) in the said Plantation, every one of them dying instantly after,"
From the establishment of the English dominion in Ireland as a living force, two questions, and two only, though complicated by many a side-issue, have absorbed the attention of governors and governed. Allusion has been made to the land problem. In itself charged with calamity, it was further intensified by the religious question.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 20

As the companion tells it

Longford is a town the road passes through. In the settlement here, and across Ulster, the transplantation drove people to despair. They were forced from the places where they were born. An appeal to the Crown recorded what followed. People on their deathbeds were in such distress that they persuaded family and friends to carry them out of their beds, so they could have one last sight of the hills and fields they had been dispossessed of. Every one of them died instantly after.

Armagh Cathedral's ruinous state reported to Pope Leo X

near Armagh · town · Armagh

In pre-Reformation times, a sensational report to Pope Leo X described Armagh Cathedral as destitute of sacristy, bell, belfry and vestments. Within the roofless walls only a single weather-beaten altar remained, where Mass was said at rare intervals.

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It must be owned that the vicarages and churches, which these clerical emigrants were invited to occupy, presented a sad contrast to those of the mother country. Already, in pre-Reformation times, the ruinous state of the sacred fabrics had formed the subject of a sensational report to Leo X. The magnificent Medicean Pontiff must have learnt with amazement that Armagh Cathedral was destitute of sacristy, bell, belfry and vestments, whilst within the roofless walls a single weather-beaten altar alone remained, where, at rare intervals, Mass was said.^ At Clonmacnoise, save that one vestment had survived the depredations of the gallowglasses, decay and destitution equally prevailed. In the capital itself, the crozier of the cathedral had been in pawn for eighty years. If this was the case in the principal cathedral, the condition of rural churches and chapels can be imagined. With the dissolution of the monasteries, the main source of religious ministrations was yet further arrested. As in England, the piety of the past was diverted to enrich great landlords and chieftains. Such donations, it is true, were accompanied by well-defined obligations. But, practically, these saving clauses were disregarded. The abbeys and churches proved convenient quarries of material for the township or individual who acquired them.'^ Schools and universities did not rise on the site of chauntry and cloister. Most grievous of all, no charge on the estates provided for the maintenance of a resident clergy, in place of the dispossessed monks ; and it was estimated that between one-third and one-fourth of the parishes were altogether deprived of the consolations of religion.
The ceaseless warfare, which, throughout the reign of

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 23

As the companion tells it

Armagh is a town the road passes through, and its cathedral once stood in a state that reached the ears of a pope. Before the Reformation, a sensational report was sent to Pope Leo X describing the ruinous condition of Armagh Cathedral. The report told of a building destitute of sacristy, bell, belfry, and vestments. Within the roofless walls, only a single weather-beaten altar remained, and Mass was said there at rare intervals. The Medicean pontiff would have learned that the destitution was not confined to Armagh. At Clonmacnoise, one vestment alone had survived the depredations of the gallowglasses, but decay and poverty prevailed there equally. In the capital, the cathedral's crozier had been in pawn for 80 years. If the principal cathedrals were in such condition, the state of rural churches and chapels was worse still. With the dissolution of the monasteries, the main source of religious ministrations was further reduced. The abbeys and churches proved convenient quarries of building material for the township or individual who acquired them. Schools and universities did not rise on the site of chantry and cloister. No charge on the estates provided for the maintenance of a resident clergy in place of the dispossessed monks. It was estimated that between one-third and one-fourth of the parishes were altogether deprived of the consolations of religion.

Bands of Cavanaghs and Brennans ravage Tipperary to Waterford

Carrick-on-Suir · town · Tipperary · 1641

Irregular bands of Cavanaghs and Brennans ranged through Tipperary, reaching the walls of Carrick and Waterford, laying waste Ormonde's domains. Sir William St Leger and Lord Inchiquin pursued and defeated them, but the rising continually reappeared across the province.

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Affairs in Munster, meanwhile, were not assuming a more favourable aspect for the administration. Bands of Cavanaghs and Brennans went " scabbadging " through Tipperary, up to the walls of Carrick and Waterford, laying waste Ormonde's domains. Sir William St Leger and his son-in-law, Lord Inchiquin, already noted as a skilful cavalry officer, followed and defeated the spoilers. No sooner, however, was the rising quelled in one corner of the province, than it broke forth again in another. Undoubtedly, St Leger made the utmost use of the
^ Carte, vol. ii. p. 127. - Idem, p. 123.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 36

As the companion tells it

Carrick-on-Suir is the town you pass through on this road. In 1641, bands of Cavanaghs and Brennans went, in the book's word,

Catholic priests forcibly eject Protestant clergy in Monaghan

Monaghan · town · Monaghan · 1628

In 1628, Catholic priests and friars in Monaghan were so dominant that they forcibly ejected the Protestant clergy from the churches. The Latin Mass was restored in churches where the Lord's Supper had replaced it.

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The land swarmed with popish priests and friars. In Monaghan, in 1628, they were so much the masters of the situation that they forcibly ejected the Protestant clergy. In the churches, where the Lord's Supper had replaced the Mass, the chant of the Latin ritual was heard once more as the incense rose before the altar. During the following year, even the presence of their governors did not restrain similar demonstrations in Dublin. When the Archbishop and Lord Mayor with a file of musketeers sought to arrest certain seditious preachers, the Carmelites and their congregation routed the soldiers and forced the prelate to flee for his life.^ The house where such an outrage had taken place was promptly razed to the ground. But, shortly after, another riot provoked by the seizure of some priest, the material prosperity of the regulars was disclosed by the fact that the Lords Justices were able to confiscate no less than fifteen religious houses in retribution for the offence. In the country districts the ubiquity of the friar was equally notable. Bishop Bedell complained that there were sixtythree Romish priests in his diocese, as compared to the thirty-three who owed him obedience. The Primate, he wrote, lived in his parish within two miles of his house, the Bishop in another part of the diocese.^ It cannot be said that their conduct showed a chastened or timorous spirit, and the gentle Bedell himself was moved to wrath when he found, " they grow so confident as they excommunicate those that come to our courts, even in matrimonial causes."
The facility for divorce and the looseness of the marriage tie had always — curious as it must sound to modern ears — been one of the reproaches levelled against Ireland.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 28

As the companion tells it

This is Monaghan, the town itself. In 1628, Catholic priests and friars were so much the masters here that they forcibly ejected the Protestant clergy from the churches. Where the Lord's Supper had replaced the Mass, the chant of the Latin ritual was heard once more, and incense rose again before the altar. The land, it was said, swarmed with popish priests and friars. The following year, even the presence of their governors did not restrain similar demonstrations in Dublin. When the Archbishop and Lord Mayor with a file of musketeers sought to arrest certain seditious preachers, the Carmelites and their congregation routed the soldiers and forced the prelate to flee for his life. The house where that outrage took place was promptly razed to the ground. Shortly after, another riot provoked by the seizure of some priest disclosed the prosperity of the regulars: the Lords Justices confiscated no less than fifteen religious houses in retribution. In the country districts the friar was everywhere. Bishop Bedell complained that there were 63 Romish priests in his diocese, compared to the 33 who owed him obedience. He wrote that the Primate lived in his parish within two miles of his house. Their conduct, he said, showed no chastened or timorous spirit. The gentle Bedell himself was moved to wrath when he found, in his words, "they grow so confident as they excommunicate those that come to our courts, even in matrimonial causes."

Colonel Cooke's hawking march to Kilkenny

Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny

Colonel Cooke, Ormonde's Master of the Horse, marched to Kilkenny accompanied by hawks, spaniels, and hounds, confident that his arrival with sporting birds could not be mistimed. He joked that only the Great Fire of London would induce him to halt on the march.

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Ireland had always been as renowned for its breed of falcons as for its incomparable wolf-hounds. The revenue not least prized by the Stuart Kings, were the rents that were paid in goshawks.^ They were also amongst the national products most highly appreciated by Wentworth ; and even when his duties gave him few opportunities of seeing the birds fly, he made it a point of honour to keep the mews filled with fine casts. Ormonde fully shared Wentworth's love of hawking, preferring it to coursing, which he regarded mainly as a means of taking exercise. Indeed, he cannot have been an enthusiastic huntsman ; for though the hare might be actually in view, at the sound of the Castle dinner-bell he would turn his horse's head homewards, dutifully followed by all the hounds, who knew their master's habits too well not to recognise that the day's sport was over. Whether Ormonde would have relinquished the pursuit of heron or partridge with the same alacrity is doubtful. Certainly at the most troublous moments, he still had time and interest to spare to his birds. So confident was Colonel Cooke of a cordial welcome, that nothing short of the " dredful London Alarum " of the Great Fire, would have induced that good man, His Grace's Master of the Horse, to " holt heave till further orders " when on the march to Kilkenny at the head of a " glorious hoast of hawkes, spaniells and hounds." ^ Even then " if the common enemy of partridges and feasants appear anything numerous in the fields," he protests he would rather mutiny and run away from his colours, than delay his attendance and that of his goshawks, falcon and tassell gentell (that " have embued themselves pretty well in blood") on his Master, for, thus accompanied, he knew his arrival at Kilkenny could not be mistimed.
It must be confessed that building, which engrossed so much of Wentworth's thoughts, was an occupation affected rather by Lady Ormonde than by her husband, who indeed, sometimes deplored the costliness of his wife's

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 31

As the companion tells it

Kilkenny was a place where the old sport of hawking still held its ground. Ireland had long been as renowned for its breed of falcons as for its wolf-hounds, and the Stuart Kings prized rents paid in goshawks among the revenues of the island. Wentworth, for his part, made it a point of honour to keep the mews filled with fine casts of birds, even when his duties gave him few chances to see them fly. Ormonde fully shared this love of hawking. He preferred it to coursing, which he regarded mainly as a way to take exercise. He was not, it seems, an enthusiastic huntsman. The hare might be in view and the chase full on, but at the sound of the Castle dinner-bell he would turn his horse's head homewards, and all the hounds would follow, knowing their master's habits well enough to recognise that the day's sport was done. Whether he would have given up the pursuit of heron or partridge with the same readiness is less certain. At the most troublous moments, he still had time and interest to spare for his birds. Colonel Cooke, His Grace's Master of the Horse, was so confident of a warm reception that nothing short of what he called the dredful London Alarum of the Great Fire would have induced him to halt when on the march to Kilkenny at the head of what he termed a glorious host of hawkes, spaniells and hounds. Even then, he protested, if partridges and pheasants appeared anything numerous in the fields, he would rather mutiny and run from his colours than delay his attendance on his Master, bringing his goshawks, his falcon and his tassell gentell, birds that had, in his words, embued themselves pretty well in blood. Thus accompanied, he knew his arrival at Kilkenny could not be mistimed.

Dublin faces starvation under parliamentary blockade

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1644

Parliament's fleet blocked the passage to Dublin, preventing any provisions from being imported from England. The general poverty was so dire that citizens preferred to abandon Dublin rather than pay the heavy rates imposed on them, and Ormonde feared the town would be face to face with starvation if Confederate supply convoys were withheld.

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Many as had been his previous perplexities, it is doubtful whether Ormonde had, as yet, been confronted by so terrible a dilemma as that presented by this offer. In the interval that had elapsed since he wrote to Nicholas, his gloomy prognostications had been amply verified, for since the Parliament's fleet blocked the passage to Dublin, and no provisions could be imported from England, the existence of the British garrison and the population of the capital seemed dependent on the Confederates' good will. So dire, indeed, was the general poverty, that had any goods been smuggled across the Channel it is doubtful whether money for their payment would have been forthcoming, " I mention not the King's revenue," Ormonde laconically remarked, " because I believe it is already understood to be brought to nothing." ^ But other sources from which he had hitherto made shift to meet the " continuell cryes from people, ready to starve
^ Carte, vol. iii. pp. 92-3.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 43

As the companion tells it

Dublin, in 1644, was a city caught between blockade and starvation. Parliament's fleet had blocked the passage to the city, and no provisions could be imported from England. The existence of the British garrison and the population of the capital seemed to depend on the Confederates' good will. The general poverty was so dire that even had goods been smuggled across the Channel, Ormonde doubted money would be forthcoming to pay for them. He laconically remarked, "I mention not the King's revenue, because I believe it is already understood to be brought to nothing." Citizens preferred to abandon Dublin rather than pay the heavy rates imposed on them. Ormonde feared the town would be face to face with starvation if Confederate supply convoys were withheld. He had written to Nicholas of his gloomy prognostications, and those prognostications had been amply verified. He faced continual cries from people ready to starve.

Failed night march to fortify Baggotrath tower

near Baggotrath · townland · Dublin · 1649

Ormonde despatched Lieutenant-General Purcell with fifteen hundred men to fortify the ruined tower at Baggotrath before dawn. Purcell's force was misled by guides for most of the night, reaching Baggotrath only an hour before sunrise, compromising the entire plan.

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The bulk of the army was quartered at Rathmines,^ on the southern side of Dublin, on ground now covered by Palmerston Road and the adjacent streets, and half a mile distant from Baggotrath.^ It should have been child's play, under cover of darkness, to move a detachment from one point to another.^ Ormonde first carefully surveyed the ground, and then, on the night of ist August, despatched Lieutenant-General Purcell with fifteen hundred men to fortify the ruined tower, before the dawn could disclose his intentions to the enemy. Unhappily, " somebody blundered " ; or, as contemporaries freely asserted, Purcell was betrayed. For the greater part of that short night he and his men wandered about, misled by their guides.^ When Baggotrath was reached, only an hour remained before the sun rose. In fact, they had scarcely arrived when Ormonde, who had sat up all night writing despatches, appeared on the scene to judge of the progress the work had made.^ He could not mistake the critical nature of the situation. In the city below, like a wasp's nest rudely disturbed, the garrison was clustering, swarming forth angrily, yet prudently, taking cover as they came. Ormonde saw he must revise his plans. He had to choose between moving his flying column back at once, or bringing the army up to the rescue. A retreat would not only forfeit the post on which the success of the leaguer turned, but would probably prove hazardous. Ormonde therefore decided for the latter course ; and summoning Purcell and Sir Thomas Vaughan, he mapped out the positions which horse and foot should occupy to oppose Jones's sally. Having settled these preliminaries, he rode back to the camp, to prepare for the impending
' " Battle of Rathmines," by F. Elrington Ball, Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, part iii. vol. xxxii. p. 253, September 1902. - Gardiner, vol. i. p. loi. •• Carte, vol. iii. p. 467.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 56

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Baggotrath, a ruined tower was meant to be fortified in a single night, and the attempt failed. The bulk of the army was quartered at Rathmines, on the southern side of Dublin, half a mile from Baggotrath. Ormonde surveyed the ground first. Then, on the night of the 1st of August in 1649, he despatched Lieutenant-General Purcell with fifteen hundred men to fortify the ruined tower before dawn could disclose his intentions to the enemy. It should have been simple to move a detachment from one point to another under cover of darkness. But somebody blundered. Contemporaries freely asserted that Purcell was betrayed. For the greater part of that short night, he and his men wandered about, misled by their guides. When Baggotrath was reached, only an hour remained before the sun rose. They had scarcely arrived when Ormonde, who had sat up all night writing despatches, appeared on the scene to judge the progress of the work. He could not mistake the critical nature of the situation. In the city below, the garrison was clustering, swarming forth angrily yet prudently, taking cover as they came. Ormonde saw he must revise his plans. He had to choose between moving his flying column back at once, or bringing the army up to the rescue. A retreat would forfeit the post on which the success of the leaguer turned, and would probably prove hazardous. Ormonde decided for the latter course. Summoning Purcell and Sir Thomas Vaughan, he mapped out the positions which horse and foot should occupy to oppose Jones's sally. Having settled these preliminaries, he rode back to the camp to prepare for the impending battle.

Forbes's fleet and Galway's refusal to surrender

Galway · city · Galway · 1642

Lord Forbes, dispatched by London Adventurers, plundered the coast of Connaught, burning loyal gentlemen's castles and starving peasants' cabins. In September 1642, the town of Galway refused to surrender at his discretion, and he sailed away, leaving Clanricarde to restore peace.

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Ormonde was not the only eminent loyalist whose action was obstructed by the Justices that summer, Clanricarde's pacification with Galway was as little to their mind as to that of the Puritans at Westminster. The Justices encouraged Captain Willoughby to violate its articles ; and the London Adventurers despatched Lord Forbes with a fleet of filibusters to the coast of Connaught. On his way to the West, his aid was vainly besought by Inchiquin, then confronted with tremendous odds. Plunder at little or no risk was Forbes's objective.^ His progress was marked by the burning of loyal gentlemen's castles, and starving peasants' cabins. When he had ransacked the dwellings of the living, he desecrated the tombs of the dead. Such ghoulish outrages were not remunerative ; and in September, as the town of Galway refused to surrender at discretion, he finally sailed away, leaving Clanricarde to knit together the ravelled threads of peace. P'orbes's departure appeared to bring luck to the English, for, on September the 2nd, Inchiquin, with far inferior forces but strong in the aid of Lord Cork's band of valiant brethren, gained a considerable victory over the rebels at Liscarrol.
The 24th of October 1642 is a momentous date in Irish history. On that day, the lords and gentry of the realm met at Mr Robert Shea's house in Kilkenny to organise the public administration of Ireland. The Confederate Catholics — as they were now called — repudiated any pretension to summon a regular parliament, since this was one of the prerogatives, which they were pledged to defend. They were resolved, however, that during the interval which must elapse before the King could restore peace to Ireland, their Government should not lack dignity and order ; and, inspired by Anglo-Saxon traditions, they

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 39

As the companion tells it

Galway is a city the road passes through or near, and in September 1642 it refused to bend to a fleet that had been burning its way along the coast of Connaught. The London Adventurers sent Lord Forbes with a fleet to the western coast. His object was plunder at little or no risk. On his way west, Inchiquin vainly asked for his help, being confronted with tremendous odds, but Forbes gave none. His progress was marked by the burning of loyal gentlemen's castles and starving peasants' cabins. When he had ransacked the dwellings of the living, he desecrated the tombs of the dead. These were ghoulish outrages, and they were not remunerative. The Justices had encouraged Captain Willoughby to violate the articles of Clanricarde's pacification with Galway, and Clanricarde's efforts were as little to their mind as to the Puritans at Westminster. In September, the town of Galway refused to surrender at Forbes's discretion. He finally sailed away, leaving Clanricarde to knit together the ravelled threads of peace. His departure appeared to bring luck to the English. On the 2nd of September, Inchiquin, with far inferior forces but strong in the aid of Lord Cork's band of valiant brethren, gained a considerable victory over the rebels at Liscarrol.

Fort of Galway victualled by Clanricarde

Galway · city · Galway · 1641

Lord Clanricarde victualled the fort of Galway, induced local gentlemen to raise troops for the countryside's defence, and founded a manufactury of pikes and lances, working largely unassisted by the Lords Justices.

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time for repentance. Until the beginning of December, no peer or gentleman outside Ulster, and only five " old Irish " members of the House of Commons joined the rebels. Another piece of unmerited good luck which befell the executive was the return of Lord Clanricarde to Ireland. Ulick Burke, Earl of St Albans in the peerage of England, Earl of Clanricarde in that of Ireland, chief of the sept Macwilliam, and Governor of the town and county of Galway, was equally beloved at Whitehall and revered in Connaught. A sincere, though enlightened. Catholic, he was on terms of the closest intimacy with his brotherin-law, Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex ; the letters in which Clanricarde implores the Parliamentary General " to draw together his best and bravest thoughts " ^ to withstand the threatened persecution of Irish Catholics, forming not the least pathetic documents of that period. Though his family had been consistently devoted to the English supremacy, Clanricarde, like Ormonde, had cause to complain of the treatment his father had undergone at the hands of Charles's ministers. But Ormonde himself was not more splendidly loyal than this cultivated and noble gentleman, to whose humanity the bitterest Puritans bore abundant testimony. He was indeed a very perfect, gentle knight. And it is not difficult to understand the close friendship and alliance that united two souls so close akin as Ulick Burke and James Butler. On his arrival at Portumna, Lord Clanricarde took every measure that tact and energy could suggest to keep his province obedient to the Crown. He victualled the fort of Galway, induced the gentlemen of the district to raise troops for the defence of the countryside, and founded a manufactory of pikes and lances.^ Unassisted, if not hampered, by the Justices, he persevered ; and by the middle of November he was able to inform Lord Bristol that,
" we begin to recover our wits, scared away by the first reports, and do discern that none appears in this detestable

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 36

As the companion tells it

In 1641, the city of Galway became a stronghold kept loyal to the Crown through the efforts of one man. Lord Clanricarde had returned to Ireland that autumn, arriving at Portumna and taking every measure his tact and energy could suggest to keep his province obedient. He was Ulick Burke, Earl of Clanricarde in the Irish peerage and Earl of St Albans in the English, chief of the sept Macwilliam, and Governor of the town and county. A sincere Catholic, he was beloved at Whitehall and revered in Connaught, and even the bitterest Puritans testified to his humanity. He victualled the fort. He induced the gentlemen of the district to raise troops for the defence of the countryside. He founded a manufactury of pikes and lances. He did this unassisted, if not hampered, by the Lords Justices, and yet he persevered. He was a close friend and ally of James Butler, Ormonde. The source calls them two souls so close akin, and calls Clanricarde a very perfect, gentle knight. Ormonde himself was not more splendidly loyal than this cultivated and noble gentleman. His family had been consistently devoted to the English supremacy, though he had cause to complain of the treatment his father had undergone at the hands of Charles's ministers. He was on terms of closest intimacy with his brother-in-law, Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex. His letters to the Parliamentary General, imploring him to draw together his best and bravest thoughts to withstand the threatened persecution of Irish Catholics, are among the most pathetic documents of that period. By the middle of November, he was able to inform Lord Bristol that they 'begin to recover our wits, scared away by the first reports, and do discern that none appears in this detestable' — so the passage runs.

Ivory horn of St. Thomas Becket preserved at Kilkenny

Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny

An ivory horn, said to have been the drinking-cup of St. Thomas Becket, was long preserved at Kilkenny as proof of the Butler family's claimed descent from Agnes Becket. The legend was credited enough to inspire charitable endowments, though modern scepticism questioned its validity.

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the Geraldines, traced their origin to Richard the Good, Duke of Normandy. Even this brilHant pedigree, however, was surpassed by their claim to lineal descent from Agnes Becket, sister to the martyred Archbishop. Under Henry VI. an Act of Parliament was actually procured in confirmation of the kinship ; and an ivory horn, said to have been the saint's drinking-cup, was long preserved at Kilkenny as proof positive of the hallowed genealogy. Modern scepticism has thrown doubts on the subject, since, assuming the truth of the legend, Agnes must have been a grandmother at the age of eight. But the myth was no otherwise than beneficent, leading certainly to charitable endowments, and possibly to a heightened sense of moral obligation in the favoured race.
With Theobald Walter,^ the first cup-bearer of Ireland, whose office of Le Botiller or Butler furnished the family's patronymic, the domain of myth yields to that of history. The companion at arms of Henry H., he participated in the so-called conquest of Ireland, and in the division of property following that event. The patent of butlership dated 1 177, was succeeded by a grant of prisage on wines, which for centuries remained a lucrative appanage of the hereditary office.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 5

As the companion tells it

Kilkenny kept for a long time an ivory horn, said to have been the drinking-cup of St. Thomas Becket. It was held there as proof positive of a hallowed genealogy. The Butler family, whose name came from the office of Le Botiller, traced their line back through Theobald Walter, the first cup-bearer of Ireland, companion at arms to Henry II, who took part in the conquest of Ireland and the division of property that followed. Their claim ran further still, to Agnes Becket, sister of the martyred Archbishop. Under Henry VI an Act of Parliament was procured to confirm the kinship. Modern scepticism has thrown doubt on the legend, since if it were true Agnes would have been a grandmother at the age of eight. The myth was beneficent in its effects, leading certainly to charitable endowments and possibly to a heightened sense of moral obligation in the favoured race. The horn stood as the tangible sign of a pedigree that the Geraldines themselves could not surpass, for they traced their origin only to Richard the Good, Duke of Normandy.

Kilkenny Castle shelter for fugitives

Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1641–1642

Elizabeth Ormonde turned Kilkenny Castle into a refuge for fugitive and oppressed English settlers, so that not two rooms remained unappropriated. She commanded her own servants out of their chambers and beds to accommodate the distressed English.

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some forty Englishmen abandoned at Clonmel,^ "which absolutely were men lost, but for her great care of them," her imperious levy of friends, relatives, and servants to convoy the refugees by river from Carrick to Waterford, had all been conceived and carried out in a manner that recalled the old earl's shrewd and virile spirit. But her brief incursion into the province military never diverted her energies from the more habitual channels of womanly solicitude. In the whole vast feudal pile of Kilkenny, there were not two rooms unappropriated to the housing of the fugitives and their goods. In fact,
" she commanded her own servants out of their own chambers and beds, therewith to accommodate the said distressed English." And ever she bade these servants "to be as observant and careful of them, as of herself and her children." -

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 60

As the companion tells it

Kilkenny was a refuge in the terrible winter of 1641. Elizabeth Ormonde made it so. She had already saved some 40 Englishmen abandoned at Clonmel, men who were lost but for her great care of them. She levied friends, relatives, and servants to convoy those refugees by river from Carrick to Waterford. Then she turned to Kilkenny Castle itself. In the whole vast feudal pile there were not two rooms unappropriated to the housing of fugitives and their goods. She commanded her own servants out of their own chambers and beds, therewith to accommodate the distressed English. And she bade those servants to be as observant and careful of them as of herself and her children.

Lady Ormonde brings a hundred distressed Protestants to Dublin

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1642

Upon her arrival in Dublin, Lady Ormonde brought with her a hundred distressed Protestants, many of whom remained pensioners on her personal bounty. The reunion with Ormonde marked the end of a long separation while the family had been in the rebels' power.

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Some time elapsed before Ormonde was restored to the enjoyment of his rents ; but, on his return, he found the wife and children, from whom he had been so long parted, awaiting him in Dublin. They did not come alone, for Lady Ormonde, always the most generous of women, insisted on bringing with her a hundred distressed ' Protestants, many of whom remained pensioners on her bounty. Apart from his strong domestic affections, it must have been an untold relief to Ormonde that his family were no longer in the rebels' power. Even the satisfaction afforded by the formal thanks of the House of Commons paled in comparison. Yet, at this juncture, the compliment carried no small weight, and was the more valuable, since a determined effort was made to deprive Ormonde of a public recognition of his services. Already before the victory at Kilrush, the Speaker was commissioned to assure Ormonde of the great esteem the House had conceived for his loyal and faithful endeavours on behalf of the State,^ his ancestors before him had loyally served. The reference to his forefathers touched a responsive chord
^ Clarendon Papers, vol. ii, p. 143. Ormonde to Sir Robert Poyntz, Dublin, 15th May 1642.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 37

As the companion tells it

In 1642, Dublin was where Ormonde found his wife and children waiting for him after a long and anxious separation. They had been in the rebels' power, and the reunion marked the end of that ordeal. But Lady Ormonde did not come alone. She insisted on bringing with her a hundred distressed Protestants, many of whom remained pensioners on her personal bounty. She was, as the record calls her, "always the most generous of women." Ormonde had not yet been restored to the enjoyment of his rents, but the relief of having his family safe outweighed even the formal thanks of the House of Commons. Those thanks carried weight at the time, all the more so because a determined effort had been made to deprive Ormonde of any public recognition of his services. Before the victory at Kilrush, the Speaker was commissioned to assure him of the great esteem the House had conceived for his loyal and faithful endeavours on behalf of the State, and for the loyal service of his ancestors before him. That reference to his forefathers, the record says, touched a responsive chord.

Legal hearing in Dublin confirms Ormonde's title

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1624

A Special Commission appointed under the Great Seal investigated Piers Butler's challenge to Ormonde's right to the earldom. After a legal hearing before the Lord-Deputy and other great officers of the Crown in Dublin, Ormonde was confirmed in the possession of his barren title.

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Grievous as were these successive trials, probably Walter suffered the acutest anxiety in 1624, when a certain Piers Butler claiming to be the son of Lord Tulleophelim's elder brother, and therefore Thomas, Lord Ormonde's, direct heir, challenged Ormonde's right to the earldom. The Desmonds advocated Piers's pretensions, and, strong in their support, his partisans did not hesitate to practise intimidation on adverse witnesses of such social importance as Lord Mountgarret.^ In fact, that nobleman considered their proceedings so suspicious that he besought Ormonde to petition for the withdrawal of Lord Thurles's wardship from Lord Desmond, "as most dangerous and unnatural " to the youth. Happily for Ormonde, the Special Commission appointed under the Great Seal to investigate the case did not prove amenable to these deplorable influences. And after a legal hearing before the Lord-Deputy and other great officers of the Crown in Dublin, Ormonde was confirmed in the possession of his barren title.
Under Charles as under James, Buckingham's ascendancy remained undisputed, and consequently the son's accession to the throne produced no alteration in Ormonde's fortunes ; and with the course of years, there came no diminution in the favourite's severity towards the unhappy object of his former envy. Indeed, that which primarily was mere caprice on the Duke's part, gradually developed into settled purpose. The advancement of his family always being near to George Villiers's heart, he set himself to provide for his nephew, George Feilding, Lady Denbigh's second son, by promoting a match between this young man and Lady Elizabeth Preston, Lord Desmond's sole daughter and heiress.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 14

As the companion tells it

Dublin was where a legal hearing settled a dispute over one of Ireland's great titles. In 1624, Piers Butler claimed to be the son of Lord Tulleophelim's elder brother, and therefore the direct heir of Thomas, Lord Ormonde. He challenged Ormonde's right to the earldom. The Desmonds backed Piers's pretensions, and his partisans did not hesitate to practise intimidation on adverse witnesses of such social importance as Lord Mountgarret. That nobleman considered their proceedings so suspicious that he besought Ormonde to petition for the withdrawal of Lord Thurles's wardship from Lord Desmond, "as most dangerous and unnatural" to the youth. A Special Commission appointed under the Great Seal investigated the case and did not prove amenable to these deplorable influences. After a legal hearing before the Lord-Deputy and other great officers of the Crown, Ormonde was confirmed in the possession of his barren title. Under Charles as under James, Buckingham's ascendancy remained undisputed, and the son's accession to the throne produced no alteration in Ormonde's fortunes. With the course of years there came no diminution in the favourite's severity towards the unhappy object of his former envy. What primarily was mere caprice on the Duke's part gradually developed into settled purpose. The advancement of his family always being near to George Villiers's heart, he set himself to provide for his nephew, George Feilding, Lady Denbigh's second son, by promoting a match between this young man and Lady Elizabeth Preston, Lord Desmond's sole daughter and heiress.

Ormonde fords the river at Kilcullen on retreat to Dublin

Kilcullen · town · Kildare · 1646

The chief obstacle in Ormonde's route was surmounted after Leighlin Bridge, but there could be no slackening of pace until the river at Kilcullen was forded and left in the rear. The English won to Kilcullen amidst the rejoicings of the alarmed population.

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From the hour that Bagnal allowed Ormonde to march past his guns, the chief obstacle in the Lord- Lieutenant's route was surmounted, though there could be no slackening of the pace, until the river at Kilcullen was forded and left in the rear. Nor did it diminish the sense of danger that the powder served out to the soldiers — part of the ;^30,ooo worth of stores paid over by the Confederates at the Cessation — proved worthless. Rapid as were O'Neill's movements, his large army could not equal the speed of Ormonde's slender force.^ The English won to Kilcullen ; and amidst the rejoicings of the population, who had been greatly alarmed by sinister rumours, on the 13th of September, Ormonde re-entered Dublin, with Lord Castlehaven bearing the Sword of State before him. Ormonde's misadventures had taught him the futility of depending on the Supreme Council's pledges. He saw that all power had passed from the
1 Father D'Alton, " History of Ireland," vol, ii. p. 290. ^ Carte, vol. iii. p. 264.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 52

As the companion tells it

Kilcullen is a town the road takes you through. In 1646, Ormonde's army came this way, retreating toward Dublin. Bagnal had let him march past his guns, and the chief obstacle on the route was behind him. But there could be no slackening of pace until the river was forded and left behind. The powder given to the soldiers, part of 30,000 pounds worth of stores handed over by the Confederates at the Cessation, proved worthless. O'Neill moved fast, but his large army could not match the speed of Ormonde's slender force. The English won through to the town, and the people rejoiced. They had been greatly alarmed by sinister rumours. On the 13th of September, Ormonde re-entered Dublin, with Lord Castlehaven bearing the Sword of State before him. His misadventures had taught him the futility of depending on the Supreme Council's pledges.

Peace Commissioners negotiate at Trim

Trim · town · Meath · 1643

While Dublin was in turmoil, the subject of pacification engaged the Commissioners assembled at Trim. On Ormonde's return to Dublin, he received their reports for transmission to the King, including a Confederate Remonstrance of Grievances depicting the oppression of Ireland.

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The subject of a pacification was meanwhile engrossing the attention of the Commissioners at Trim ; and on Ormonde's return to Dublin, he received their reports for transmission to the King. The " Remonstrance of Grievances," presented by the Confederates, gives a sombre picture of the Isle of Saints. Parsons was the villain of the piece. But Parsons could only have waxed fat and kicked in an atmosphere vitiated by bigotry and corruption. A political system, which excluded the majority of gentlemen from the benefits of education and responsibilities of public life stood self-arraigned. More terrible yet was the tale of wrongs inflicted by the Parliament of Westminster, through their creatures the Justices, on the Dominion of Ireland — wrongs that
1 Carte, vol. ii. p. 460. Lords Justices and Councillors to the Speaker of the Houses of Parliament, 22nd April 1643.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 40

As the companion tells it

In 1643, the town of Trim was where Commissioners gathered to negotiate a pacification while Dublin remained in turmoil. When Ormonde returned to Dublin, he received their reports for transmission to the King. The Confederates had presented a Remonstrance of Grievances, giving what the source calls "a sombre picture of the Isle of Saints." Parsons was the villain of the piece. But Parsons could only have waxed fat and kicked in an atmosphere corrupted by bigotry and corruption. A political system that excluded the majority of gentlemen from education and the responsibilities of public life stood self-arraigned. More terrible still was the tale of wrongs inflicted by the Parliament of Westminster, through their creatures the Justices, on the Dominion of Ireland.

Puritan official in Dublin testifies to Lady Ormonde's virtues

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1652

A leading Puritan official writing from Dublin praised Elizabeth Ormonde's eminent virtues and lamented that she, born to a great inheritance, should want bread for her children because of her lord's delinquency. This testimony supported her petition to recover her Irish estates.

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" I did never observe more eminent virtues in any lady than in her are most perspicuous," wrote a leading Puritan official from Dublin. " It is hard that she, that was born to a great inheritance shall want bread for her children, because of her lord's delinquency." -
A shoal of humble admirers added their testimony to Sir Robert King's. Their unstudied narratives tell us how Elizabeth Ormonde had made her house a refuge in time of trouble for the fugitive and oppressed. They also attest the courage, and power of organisation, of this young woman, then only twenty-six, and, at the outbreak of the massacres, barely recovering from a long and dangerous illness. In truth, Tom Ormonde's mantle had fallen on his grand-daughter's shoulders. The rapidity with which she armed and launched her retainers in pursuit of " scabbadgers," who had raided a neighbour's herds and flocks ; the circuitous march she herself executed to rescue

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 60

As the companion tells it

Dublin, 1652. A leading Puritan official wrote from this city with praise for Elizabeth Ormonde. "I did never observe more eminent virtues in any lady than in her are most perspicuous," he wrote. "It is hard that she, that was born to a great inheritance shall want bread for her children, because of her lord's delinquency." Sir Robert King and a shoal of humble admirers added their testimony. Their narratives tell how Elizabeth had made her house a refuge in time of trouble for the fugitive and oppressed. They attest the courage and power of organisation of this young woman, then only 26, and, at the outbreak of the massacres, barely recovering from a long and dangerous illness. Tom Ormonde's mantle had fallen on his grand-daughter's shoulders. She armed and launched her retainers in pursuit of "scabbadgers" who had raided a neighbour's herds and flocks, and executed a circuitous march to rescue.

Rinuccini's costly and disease-ridden stay at Kilkenny

Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1645–1646

On arriving at Kilkenny in 1645, the papal nuncio Rinuccini found lodging and provisions twice as expensive as in France, with beef the only readily available food. Both he and his household soon contracted a disease the French agent Dumoulin euphemistically called 'la maladie du pays.'

Read the passage

" Monsieur le Nonce," writes the French Agent, Dumoulin, " is greatly irritated to find that instead of things being cheap here, as he was told, both lodging and provisions are twice as dear as in France."^
To a man accustomed to the refinements of Italian cookery, it must have been something of a trial that beef — which he abominated — was the only food to be procured easily, and at a moderate price. Before long, also, both he and his household contracted " la maladie du pays," as Dumoulin euphemistically terms a disease, known to our forefathers under a terser and more expressive name, and generally associated with the uncleanly habits of North Britain.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 48

As the companion tells it

Kilkenny, in 1645, was an unwelcoming stop for the papal nuncio Rinuccini. The French agent Dumoulin wrote that the nuncio was greatly irritated to find lodging and provisions twice as dear as in France, contrary to what he had been told. Beef, which Rinuccini abominated, was the only food easily procured at a moderate price, a trial for a man accustomed to Italian cookery. Before long, both he and his household contracted what Dumoulin euphemistically called "la maladie du pays," a disease our forefathers knew by a terser name and generally associated with the uncleanly habits of North Britain.

Spanish garrison put to the sword at Carrigafoyle

Carrigafoyle · townland · Kerry

During the campaigns against Desmond's rebellion, Ormonde assisted without protest at Carrigafoyle when the Spanish garrison was put to the sword. The text notes that burnings, hangings, and famine were methods common to both sides in Ireland.

Read the passage

A description of the campaigns in which Black Tom took a leading part, would far exceed the limits of this sketch, and those who wish to pursue the subject further, can satisfy their curiosity in Mr Bagwell's history. Guerrilla warfare — and the rebellions of Desmond and Tyrone were little else — generally abounds in picturesque incidents, but is seldom a school of chivalry. Burnings, hangings, and famine were methods common to both sides in Ireland, and it is to be feared that Ormonde discovered no new and better means of pacifying his countrymen. We know also that he assisted without protest at Carrickfoyle and Smerwick, when the Spanish garrisons were put to the sword. He was not, however, an ungenerous foe. On the contrary, when the Baron of Lixnaw, who had done him incredible injury, was driven to bay and had recourse to Ormonde's tender mercies, he was not disappointed. The Earl interceded warmly on his behalf, and obtained a full pardon for the man, who in time past had made havoc of his domains. Nor did Ormonde fail to represent the miserable condition of the unfortunate inhabitants of the island. After Desmond's death ^ he
^ Ormonde's announcement of Desmond's death deserves to be quoted for its grim terseness. " I do send," he told Walsingham, " Her Highness profe

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 10

As the companion tells it

Close to Carrigafoyle, a Spanish garrison was put to the sword during the campaigns against Desmond's rebellion. Ormonde, Black Tom, assisted there without protest, and at Smerwick as well, when those Spanish garrisons met the same fate. The rebellions of Desmond and Tyrone were guerrilla warfare, and as the book says, that kind of fighting seldom makes a school of chivalry. Burnings, hangings, and famine were methods common to both sides in Ireland. It is to be feared that Ormonde discovered no new and better means of pacifying his countrymen. Yet he was not an ungenerous foe. When the Baron of Lixnaw, who had done him incredible injury, was driven to bay and had recourse to Ormonde's tender mercies, he was not disappointed. The Earl interceded warmly on his behalf and obtained a full pardon for the man who had made havoc of his domains. Nor did Ormonde fail to represent the miserable condition of the unfortunate inhabitants of the island. After Desmond's death, he sent word to Walsingham, and his announcement was grim in its terseness: "I do send Her Highness profe"

Castle of Limerick capitulates

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1642

The Castle of Limerick capitulated at the end of June, a final disaster that broke the ailing Sir William St Leger's heart. He died a week later, succeeded by his son-in-law Murrough O'Brien, Lord Inchiquin, as Vice-President of Munster.

Read the passage

In Munster, Sir William St Leger was likewise paying a heavy penalty for his hasty words and actions. For five long weeks, he was shut up in Cork, and only owed his deliverance to Ormonde's victory at Kilrush. On being set free, he obtained a marked success over the rebels, though, being destitute of stores, money, and artillery, he could neither improve his position nor relieve the Castle of Limerick, which capitulated at the end of June. This final disaster broke Sir William's heart ; he was already ailing, and a week later he died. His son-in-law, Murough O'Brien, Lord Inchiquin, succeeded him as Vice-President of Munster and Commander-in-Chief of the forces in that province.
For sheer ability and courage Inchiquin had few rivals. He possessed the innate quickness of eye and brain of the true cavalry leader, and was intrepid to the verge of temerity. Even in that cruel age he was, however, noted for his indifference to human life and suffering,^ and these faults were not redeemed by steadfast devotion to any one cause or principle. Towards the close of the Civil War, he followed Ormonde's broken fortunes with unexpected loyalty, but this newborn faith was probably dictated by

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 38

As the companion tells it

Limerick is a city the road passes through, and in 1642 its castle fell. Sir William St Leger, Vice-President of Munster, had been shut up in Cork for five weeks, and only owed his freedom to Ormonde's victory at Kilrush. Once free, he won a marked success over the rebels, but he had no stores, no money, and no artillery. He could not relieve the Castle of Limerick. It capitulated at the end of June. The blow broke his heart. He was already ailing, and a week later he died. His son-in-law, Murrough O'Brien, Lord Inchiquin, succeeded him as Vice-President of Munster and Commander-in-Chief of the forces in the province. Inchiquin had few rivals for ability and courage, with the quickness of eye and brain of a true cavalry leader, intrepid to the verge of temerity. But even in that cruel age he was noted for his indifference to human life and suffering, and these faults were not redeemed by steadfast devotion to any one cause or principle.

Waterford refuses to quarter Confederate troops

Waterford · city · Waterford · 1649

Waterford categorically refused to allow Confederate troops to be quartered in its neighbourhood, forcing Ormonde to leave the town. The city was not alone in rejecting Ormonde's hungry soldiers, as corporation after corporation refused shelter to the very defenders they would later clamour for.

Read the passage

Waterford was not alone in its determination to remain unburdened by the presence of Ormonde's hungry soldiery. The question of winter quarters was hard to resolve. Sir Charles Coote's reconquest of the northern towns had closed large tracts of Ulster to Ormonde's army, and in the Confederates' quarters one corporation after another refused to shelter those very defenders for whom they would most certainly clamour in the coming spring. Ormonde had no choice save to disperse his soldiery hither and thither, with the deplorable results he anticipated. Removed from their officers' supervision, the men quickly lost the little sense of discipline they had acquired. Castlehaven piteously laments - that when they came to their rendezvous after the long winter holiday
" it was like new men, half changed, and for the horse they were so haggled out in riding up and down to see their friends, that they seemed hardly able to draw their legs after, and both horse and foot with rusty arms, not fixed."

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 57

As the companion tells it

In 1649, Waterford refused to let Confederate troops be quartered in its neighbourhood, forcing Ormonde to leave. The city was not alone. One corporation after another turned away the very defenders they would later clamour for when spring came. Sir Charles Coote had reconquered the northern towns, closing large tracts of Ulster to Ormonde's army, and winter quarters became impossible to find. Ormonde had no choice but to disperse his soldiers hither and thither, with the deplorable results he anticipated. Removed from their officers' supervision, the men quickly lost what little discipline they had acquired. Castlehaven lamented that when they came to their rendezvous after the long winter, "it was like new men, half changed, and for the horse they were so haggled out in riding up and down to see their friends, that they seemed hardly able to draw their legs after, and both horse and foot with rusty arms, not fixed."

Battle of Rathmines shatters Ormonde's forces

near Rathmines · population centre · Dublin · 1649

The battle of Rathmines dealt a severe blow to Ormonde's prestige as a general and marked the end of the military conditions that had governed operations in Ireland for nearly a decade. Ormonde lost the pick of his Irish force there, before subsequently losing the flower of his English troops at Drogheda.

Read the passage

Vainly did Ormonde sink every remnant of personal pride, vainly did he strain every nerve to save the country in its own despite. The battle of Rathmines, where he lost the pick of his Irish force, was followed by Drogheda where he lost the flower of his English troops — the true nucleus of an effective army, and thereafter the sinews of authority were gone from him. He could only plead with those he was supposed to govern. It is perhaps not amazing that a people torn by rage and terror, and a priesthood threatened with sacrilege and death had no faith in the representative of an alien nation and a
370

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 57

As the companion tells it

The road passes through Rathmines. In 1649 a battle there broke Ormonde as a general. He had strained every nerve to save the country, sinking every remnant of personal pride, but the country would not be saved in its own despite. He lost the pick of his Irish force, then at Drogheda lost the flower of his English troops, the true nucleus of an effective army. After that, the sinews of authority were gone. He could only plead with those he was supposed to govern. A people torn by rage and terror, and a priesthood threatened with sacrilege and death, had no faith in the representative of an alien nation.

Bibles presented to Dublin cathedrals, 1556

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1556

In 1556 Archbishop Heath presented Bibles to Christchurch and St Patrick's cathedrals in Dublin, which were thronged with eager readers of the Word. A Dublin bookseller found that investing in the sacred volume was a highly profitable speculation.

Read the passage

Yet, had a serious attempt at conversion not been wanting on the part of the State Church, its history would have been less unpleasing. And who can say what changes the effort might have wrought? The Welsh, a race as emotional as the Irish, are now the bulwark of Protestant nonconformity. The Highlander cherishes the sternest precepts of John Knox's iron creed. In 1556, when Archbishop Heath presented Bibles to Christchurch and St Patrick, the cathedrals were thronged with eager readers of the Word, and a Dublin bookseller found a large investment in the sacred volume the most profitable of speculations.^ Possibly, the natural attraction of the best story book this world has ever known may have had something to do with the interest it evoked. But the new teachers should have utilised this awakened interest, whereas the Gospel narrative as given in the " Bishop's Bible" remained unintelligible to the peasantry. It was not until the reign of James L that either the Book of Common Prayer or the New Testament were translated into the Irish tongue, and, meanwhile, they had become irrevocably associated in the native mind with recusancy fines.
In truth, never can a religious revolution have been conducted with less expenditure of spiritual argument. Archbishop Browne, who had been entrusted by Henry VIII. with the task of remodelling the Irish Church, preached Erastianism, naked and unabashed. He told clerks and laity,

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 22

As the companion tells it

Dublin in 1556 saw Archbishop Heath present Bibles to Christchurch and St Patrick's, the two cathedrals. The cathedrals were thronged with eager readers of the Word. A Dublin bookseller found that a large investment in the sacred volume was the most profitable of speculations. The interest may have had something to do with the natural attraction of what the passage calls "the best story book this world has ever known." But the new teachers should have used this awakened interest. Instead, the Gospel narrative as given in the "Bishop's Bible" remained unintelligible to the peasantry. It was not until the reign of James 1 that either the Book of Common Prayer or the New Testament were translated into the Irish tongue. By then they had become irrevocably associated in the native mind with recusancy fines. The passage asks what changes a serious attempt at conversion might have wrought. It notes that the Welsh, a race as emotional as the Irish, became the bulwark of Protestant nonconformity, and the Highlander cherishes the sternest precepts of John Knox's iron creed.

Carrickfergus targeted in O'Neill's 1641 surprise attack plan

near Carrickfergus · town · Antrim · 1641

Carrickfergus was among the northern strong places Sir Phelim O'Neill planned to surprise as part of the 1641 rebellion. The English in these areas, lulled into security by the long peace, were expected to offer little or no resistance.

Read the passage

It was probably owing to O'More's skilful management that the secret of the rising was preserved, though it ran the greatest risk, that can befall such enterprises in being deferred from the 5th of September to October the 23rd, the day of St Ignatius. In truth, the rebellion was no sudden ebullition of the passing hour. Already, in January 1641, Roger O'More, under an oath of secrecy, had divulged his design to Lord Maguire and the leading spirits amongst the "old Irish"; and if during the following months it underwent some minor alteration, in its main features, it remained unchanged. Briefly stated, its aims were the restoration of Roman Catholicism as the State Religion, and the reinstatement of the original owners on lands] that a century of confiscation and penal statutes had wrested from their possession. The seizure of the seat of administration, Dublin Castle, which not only commanded the capital and the principal harbour, but contained a well - stocked military magazine, was naturally the first object of the conspirators. Nor, as later events showed, were they mistaken in regarding it as the key of the kingdom, although a band of two hundred men drawn for Leinster and Ulster was held sufficient to carry the ill-guarded fortress. Sir Phelim undertook the simultaneous surprise of Derry, Carrickfergus and other strong places in the north, where the English, lulled into security by the long peace, would offer little or no resistance. It was agreed that the Scottish settlers should not
1 Carte, vol. i. pp. 315-16.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 34

As the companion tells it

Carrickfergus was a northern strong place that Sir Phelim O'Neill planned to surprise as part of the 1641 rebellion. The conspiracy was no sudden thing. In January 1641, Roger O'More, under an oath of secrecy, disclosed his design to Lord Maguire and the leading spirits among the old Irish. The aims were the restoration of Roman Catholicism as the State Religion, and the reinstatement of the original owners on lands that a century of confiscation and penal statutes had wrested from them. The rising was first set for the 5th of September but deferred to October the 23rd, the day of St Ignatius. O'More's skilful management preserved the secret through that dangerous delay. The first object of the conspirators was Dublin Castle, which commanded the capital and the principal harbour and held a well-stocked military magazine. A band of two hundred men drawn from Leinster and Ulster was held sufficient to carry the ill-guarded fortress. Sir Phelim undertook the simultaneous surprise of Derry, Carrickfergus, and other strong places in the north, where the English, lulled into security by the long peace, would offer little or no resistance.

Famine conditions in Dublin drive Ormonde's army back

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1643

On arriving in Dublin, Ormonde found provisions as scarce as when he had left. He collected five thousand troopers and marched into King's County, but after a month, sheer starvation forced his return to Dublin.

Read the passage

On his arrival in Dublin, Ormonde found that provisions were no more plentiful than when he left the capital ; but he collected five thousand troopers, and, at their head, marched into King's County, where he took some small forts. Preston, however, had profited by his experiences at Ross. He was not to be decoyed into fighting, and at the end of a month, sheer starvation drove Ormonde back to Dublin.
Here, a domestic crisis in the executive engaged his attention. Charles had ordered the Lords Justices to enquire into the misappropriation of moneys and custodiums, the treasonable practices and scandalous

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 40

As the companion tells it

Dublin in 1643 was a city short of food. When Ormonde arrived, he found provisions as scarce as when he had left. He gathered 5,000 troopers and marched into King's County, where he took some small forts. But Preston had learned from his experience at Ross and refused to be drawn into battle. After a month, sheer starvation drove Ormonde back to Dublin. Once back, he faced a domestic crisis: Charles had ordered the Lords Justices to enquire into misappropriated moneys and treasonable practices.

Hamilton of Ballywater disputes kneeling at Communion with Bramhall

Ballywalter · townland · Cork · 1634–1641

Hamilton, the incumbent of Ballywater, challenged Bramhall by asking 'by what Scripture kneeling at the Communion was ordained.' Bramhall dismissively called him 'a prattling Jack' and coarsely replied about giving him Scripture for a peck of oats to his horse.

Read the passage

as that addressed by the famous Master of the Templars, Jacques Molay to Philippe le Bel of evil memory. Pastor Blair replied to a threat of depriva':i'^)rK by "citing" his diocesan before the tribunal of Christ " to answer for his misdeeds,"!!^ Such fierce intcJeranc-e was not coiifined to the clergy of Ulster. The laity were worthy of their teachers. When Bishop Echlin, who had only set the law in force against Blair with extreme reluctance, shortly after expired in "dreadful dumps of conscience," the population of County Down regarded the Bishop's death as a judgment from above. On the other hand, when Hamilton, the excellent incumbent of Ballywater, desired to know " by what Scripture kneeling at the Communion was ordained,"- Bramhall, who styled the disputant "a prattling Jack," coarsely retorted : " Give him Scripture for a peck of oats to his horse." ^
Between men of such kindred intolerance and divergent belief compromise was hopeless.* The very devotion of the ministers made them more vulnerable to Bramhall's attacks. Rather than give cause for scandal, they had renounced the tithes, which were their due. This disinterested practice had the effect of "almost turning their presentative livings into appropriations " ; and Bramhall was not ashamed of suggesting that their self-sacrifice afforded " a notable opportunity to conform them, whilst their benefices lie bleeding at the stakes." It was, however, hardly necessary to invoke such legal quibbles when recourse could be had to an absolute Deputy, in full sympathy with his former chaplain's policy. Ousted from their livings, the dispossessed ministers could only preach by stealth within the barred doors of the faithful, who gave them food and shelter. Neither in Ireland nor in Scotland, where some took refuge during the fiercest persecution, did sustenance fail them. The women of the family saw to it that the men were kept true to their spiritual allegiance, and it must be owned that their

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 32

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, Hamilton served as incumbent of Ballywater in the years before 1641. He was an excellent minister, but he asked a dangerous question. He wanted to know, in his own words, "by what Scripture kneeling at the Communion was ordained." Bramhall, who should have answered him, dismissed the question with contempt. He called Hamilton "a prattling Jack" and gave a coarse retort: "Give him Scripture for a peck of oats to his horse." Hamilton's question was a serious one, rooted in the belief that every practice in worship should be grounded in Scripture. Kneeling at the Communion had been set as a required posture, and Hamilton wanted to know where God's word commanded it. Bramhall's answer was not an answer but an insult, mocking the question and the man who asked it. The dispute was part of a wider conflict. Ministers of this kind had already renounced their tithes rather than give cause for scandal, a sacrifice that left their benefices, as the record says, "bleeding at the stakes." Bramhall saw their self-denial not as devotion but as an opening, a "notable opportunity to conform them." When legal pressure was not enough, an absolute Deputy could be called upon. Ousted from their livings, these ministers preached only by stealth, behind the barred doors of the faithful who sheltered and fed them. Some fled to Scotland during the fiercest persecution. The women of the household made certain the men held to their spiritual allegiance.

Jerome promoted to Christ Church to denounce Ormonde

Christ Church Cathedral · ecclesiastical site · Dublin · 1642

After failing to draw a congregation at St Patrick's crypt, the ranter preacher Stephen Jerome was promoted to Christ Church, Dublin, where he delivered fulminating oratory before high dignitaries, specially singling out Ormonde and the 'idolatress' Henrietta Maria for denunciation.

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Neither officers nor privates would hear of the Lieutenant- General being sacrificed to Lisle, as the English Puritans desired ; and the Commissioners soon discovered that the best means of stirring up strife was to " tune the pulpits." They had a fitting instrument for this purpose in one Stephen Jerome, a preacher of the type immortalised by Samuel Butler. At 7 o'clock on Sunday mornings, therefore, the crypt of St Patrick's duly resounded to Jerome's vociferous elocution ; but despite their avidity for sacred oratory, even our forefathers did not throng the crypt at that early hour, and Jerome preached to empty benches. The Justices were, however, determined to procure him a proper hearing, and he was shortly promoted to Christ Church and an audience of high dignitaries, where he gave full rein to his
^ The oath was one of allegiance to the sovereign, the Irish Parliament, national laws, and the Roman Catholic religion. Associates were pledged to their defence, and were assured alike of protection, in case of need, or condign punishment, should they disregard the decrees of the Confederates.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 39

As the companion tells it

A cathedral, Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin. In 1642, the Commissioners in Ireland found that the best means of stirring up strife was to "tune the pulpits." Their instrument was Stephen Jerome, a preacher of the type immortalised by Samuel Butler. At 7 o'clock on Sunday mornings, the crypt of St Patrick's resounded to his vociferous elocution. But despite the people's avidity for sacred oratory, even those forefathers would not throng the crypt at that early hour, and Jerome preached to empty benches. The Justices were determined to procure him a proper hearing. He was shortly promoted to Christ Church, before an audience of high dignitaries, where he gave full rein to his fulminating oratory, singling out Ormonde and the idolatress Henrietta Maria for denunciation. This came when neither officers nor privates would hear of the Lieutenant-General being sacrificed to Lisle, as the English Puritans desired.

Kilkenny Castle awarded to Lord Dingwall by James I

Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1619

By James I's decree of February 1619, the Castle of Kilkenny and the House of Dunmore were awarded to Lord Dingwall, along with the better half of the Ormonde estates. Lord Ormonde was left facing a ruinous fine or an equally ruinous compromise.

Read the passage

On this occasion, James was unduly modest. The Court followers were credited with insatiable appetites ; but the most grasping could hardly repine at an award, which gave him the Castle of Kilkenny, the House of Dunmore and the better half of the entire estates. "So large a portion" — as James himself described it — might almost reconcile the fortunate suitor to the resignation of Lady Dingwall's jointure. Far otherwise was it with the honest soldier, who, in full assurance of the Sovereign's rectitude, had bestowed on James the disposition of his heritage. Lord Ormonde was confronted with the necessity of paying a fine, which must cripple his children's children unto the fourth generation, or of giving his assent to an equally ruinous, so called, compromise.
There are hideous tales in the annals of English jurisprudence of men, who allowed themselves to be slowly pressed to death, in default of pleading, rather than endanger their son's inheritance. And thus Ormonde resolutely declined to subscribe to the ruin of his house, electing rather to suffer imprisonment for contempt of

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 13

As the companion tells it

Kilkenny is the city around you, and in February 1619 its castle became the prize in a royal dispossession. By James I's decree, the Castle of Kilkenny, the House of Dunmore, and the better half of the entire Ormonde estates were awarded to Lord Dingwall. The king called it, in his own words, "so large a portion." Lord Ormonde, an honest soldier, had placed full trust in the sovereign's sense of right, handing over the disposition of his heritage. He was left with a choice: pay a fine that would cripple his children's children unto the fourth generation, or give assent to an equally ruinous compromise. The record draws a parallel with men in English law who let themselves be pressed to death rather than endanger a son's inheritance. Ormonde followed that path. He refused to subscribe to the ruin of his house, and chose instead to suffer imprisonment for contempt.

Kilkenny magnates use Cessation to renew relations with Ormonde

Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1643

The magnates of Kilkenny, the Confederate capital, regarded the 1643 Cessation as an excellent opportunity for renewing friendly relations with Ormonde, the King's most trusted servant. They sent gifts and gratuities, particularly foodstuffs to restock Lady Ormonde's depleted larder.

Read the passage

Allowing for ecclesiastical hyperbole, it is certain that the magnates of Kilkenny regarded the Cessation as an excellent opportunity for renewing friendly relations with the King's most trusted servant. In the blackest days, Ormonde had never forgotten the dictates of humanity and kinship, and now the Confederates were glad to remember that it was clearly good policy to propitiate the future Chief Governor and his wife. And what gifts could be more welcome to that hospitable lady than the materials for restocking her long depleted larder? While, to Ormonde, the Confederates' gifts and gratuities must have been welcome as a token of goodwill, encouraging him to hope that he might retrieve some fragment of revenue from his opponents' custody. Consequently, towards the end of September he ventured cautiously to sound an old friend, a dweller in the Confederate tents, one Dr Fennell, on the subject.
" I have all this while," he said, " served my Master faithfully and according to his own direction ; which way I intend to pursue to the end. Yet I have not bin neglectful of my country, and the fruits of my care of it may be felt by it when I am gone, if they will not bee their own greatest enemies.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 43

As the companion tells it

Kilkenny was the Confederate capital in 1643, and its magnates saw the Cessation that year as an excellent chance to renew friendly relations with Ormonde, the King's most trusted servant. In the blackest days, Ormonde had never forgotten the dictates of humanity and kinship, and the Confederates now judged it good policy to propitiate the future Chief Governor and his wife. They sent gifts and gratuities, above all foodstuffs to restock Lady Ormonde's long-depleted larder. To Ormonde himself the gifts must have been welcome as a token of goodwill, encouraging him to hope he might retrieve some fragment of revenue from his opponents' custody. Towards the end of September he ventured cautiously to sound an old friend, a dweller in the Confederate tents, one Dr Fennell. Ormonde told him, "I have all this while served my Master faithfully and according to his own direction; which way I intend to pursue to the end. Yet I have not bin neglectful of my country, and the fruits of my care of it may be felt by it when I am gone, if they will not bee their own greatest enemies."

Lady Ormonde secures Muskerry's acquittal in Dublin

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1653–1655

Lady Ormonde arrived in Dublin during a crisis and relied on Sir Gerard Lowther, a judge of the High Court of Justice, who had long revered her. He dictated the answers and defence her kinsman Muskerry should make at his trial, leading to Muskerry's honourable acquittal.

Read the passage

It was in the midst of this crisis that Lady Ormonde arrived in Dublin ; and, much to her relief, found that she could still count on the good offices of Sir Gerard Lowther, one of the judges of the High Court of Justice, who, in earlier days, had " conceived a great reverence " for the Viceroy's wife. When she visited the Judge, he acquainted her with the charges that would be urged
^ Carte, vol. v. p. 182. Ormonde lo Lady Clancarty, Moore Park, 8th August 1665.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 60

As the companion tells it

Dublin in the years 1653 to 1655 was a city in crisis. Lady Ormonde arrived there and found she could still count on Sir Gerard Lowther, one of the judges of the High Court of Justice, who had conceived a great reverence for the Viceroy's wife in earlier days. She visited the judge, and he acquainted her with the charges. He dictated the answers and defence her kinsman Muskerry should make at his trial, leading to Muskerry's honourable acquittal.

Ormonde intercedes for the Baron of Lixnaw

Lixnaw · town · Kerry

When the Baron of Lixnaw, who had done incredible injury to Ormonde's domains, was driven to bay and sought mercy, Ormonde interceded warmly on his behalf and obtained a full pardon.

Read the passage

A description of the campaigns in which Black Tom took a leading part, would far exceed the limits of this sketch, and those who wish to pursue the subject further, can satisfy their curiosity in Mr Bagwell's history. Guerrilla warfare — and the rebellions of Desmond and Tyrone were little else — generally abounds in picturesque incidents, but is seldom a school of chivalry. Burnings, hangings, and famine were methods common to both sides in Ireland, and it is to be feared that Ormonde discovered no new and better means of pacifying his countrymen. We know also that he assisted without protest at Carrickfoyle and Smerwick, when the Spanish garrisons were put to the sword. He was not, however, an ungenerous foe. On the contrary, when the Baron of Lixnaw, who had done him incredible injury, was driven to bay and had recourse to Ormonde's tender mercies, he was not disappointed. The Earl interceded warmly on his behalf, and obtained a full pardon for the man, who in time past had made havoc of his domains. Nor did Ormonde fail to represent the miserable condition of the unfortunate inhabitants of the island. After Desmond's death ^ he
^ Ormonde's announcement of Desmond's death deserves to be quoted for its grim terseness. " I do send," he told Walsingham, " Her Highness profe

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 10

As the companion tells it

Lixnaw is a town you may pass through in Kerry, and its name belongs to an old story of mercy in a harsh time. The Baron of Lixnaw had done incredible injury to Ormonde, James Butler, who would become the first Duke of Ormonde. He had made havoc of Ormonde's domains, burning and destroying what was his. This was the age of the Desmond and Tyrone rebellions, when guerrilla warfare spread across Ireland. Burnings, hangings, and famine were methods common to both sides. Ormonde himself had assisted without protest at Carrickfoyle and Smerwick, when the Spanish garrisons were put to the sword. He was not, however, an ungenerous foe. When the Baron of Lixnaw was driven to bay and had recourse to Ormonde's tender mercies, he was not disappointed. The Earl interceded warmly on his behalf and obtained a full pardon for the very man who had made havoc of his domains. Ormonde did not fail either to represent the miserable condition of the unfortunate inhabitants of the island. His announcement of Desmond's death was noted for its grim terseness. He told Walsingham, 'I do send Her Highness profe.'

Ormonde's army quartered at Rathmines before Dublin

near Rathmines · population centre · Dublin · 1649

Ormonde's royalist army was quartered at Rathmines on the southern side of Dublin, on ground now covered by Palmerston Road and adjacent streets. From this position, half a mile from Baggotrath, Ormonde planned a night movement to fortify the ruined tower there.

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The bulk of the army was quartered at Rathmines,^ on the southern side of Dublin, on ground now covered by Palmerston Road and the adjacent streets, and half a mile distant from Baggotrath.^ It should have been child's play, under cover of darkness, to move a detachment from one point to another.^ Ormonde first carefully surveyed the ground, and then, on the night of ist August, despatched Lieutenant-General Purcell with fifteen hundred men to fortify the ruined tower, before the dawn could disclose his intentions to the enemy. Unhappily, " somebody blundered " ; or, as contemporaries freely asserted, Purcell was betrayed. For the greater part of that short night he and his men wandered about, misled by their guides.^ When Baggotrath was reached, only an hour remained before the sun rose. In fact, they had scarcely arrived when Ormonde, who had sat up all night writing despatches, appeared on the scene to judge of the progress the work had made.^ He could not mistake the critical nature of the situation. In the city below, like a wasp's nest rudely disturbed, the garrison was clustering, swarming forth angrily, yet prudently, taking cover as they came. Ormonde saw he must revise his plans. He had to choose between moving his flying column back at once, or bringing the army up to the rescue. A retreat would not only forfeit the post on which the success of the leaguer turned, but would probably prove hazardous. Ormonde therefore decided for the latter course ; and summoning Purcell and Sir Thomas Vaughan, he mapped out the positions which horse and foot should occupy to oppose Jones's sally. Having settled these preliminaries, he rode back to the camp, to prepare for the impending
' " Battle of Rathmines," by F. Elrington Ball, Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, part iii. vol. xxxii. p. 253, September 1902. - Gardiner, vol. i. p. loi. •• Carte, vol. iii. p. 467.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 56

Ormonde withdraws unpaid troops from Dublin

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1646

Soldiers' weekly pay had fallen to 6d. in coin and 8 lbs. of bread, reflecting the dire financial straits of the royalist army. Hoping the city of Dublin might cover a portion of wages once troops were removed, Ormonde withdrew his forces from the city.

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Inured as he was to hardships, it cannot excite surprise that Ormonde should express an " incredible aversion " for the shifts to which he was now reduced. The private's weekly wage had been progressively diminished until it had reached 6d. in coin and 8 lbs. of bread. Trusting that the city of Dublin, when relieved of their presence, might pay a seventh of this sum, Ormonde withdrew his troops to
' Carte, vol. vi. p. 4S5. Ormonde to Lord Digby, 25th December 1646.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 52

As the companion tells it

Dublin, 1646. The royalist army was in desperate financial straits. A private's weekly pay had been progressively cut until it reached 6 pence in coin and 8 pounds of bread. Ormonde himself expressed an "incredible aversion" for the shifts he was reduced to. He withdrew his troops from the city, trusting that Dublin, once relieved of their presence, might pay a seventh of what was owed. This was December 1646, recorded in a letter to Lord Digby.

Phelim O'Neill withdraws guns to Newry

near Newry · town · Down · 1642

After the rebels scattered from Drogheda, Phelim O'Neill withdrew his heavy guns to Newry. Ormonde urged the Lords Justices to allow him to march on Newry to complete the rout, but the proposition was absolutely disliked by the Council.

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In its original draft this comprehensive order was even less conspicuous for lenity. Ormonde was determined that it should at least be qualified by the word usually, but it cost him a hard struggle to effect the alteration ; and though Parsons was eventually forced to yield the point, he showed his displeasure by endeavouring to transfer the chief command from Ormonde to Simon Harcourt- Sir William did not have his way ; though Ormonde left Dublin hampered by the stipulation that, whatever happened, the troops should return within eight days. Ormonde's approach put an immediate end to the investment of Drogheda. The rebels scattered precipitately, flying towards the Newry where Phelim O'Neill withdrew his heavy guns. Ormonde was anxious they should be given no leisure to recruit men or to regain confidence, and urged the Lords Justices to allow him an extension of time to complete their rout. " Such an opportunity," he argued, " once lost, may never without extreme expense of blood and treasure be recalled." ^ He did not need reinforcements, as Sir Henry Tichburne was able to put a considerable force of horse and foot at his disposal, all he required was some ammunition and biscuits. He also requested further instructions with regard to those Irish noblemen who were now anxious to make their submission. Their names were not included in the proclamation of February the 8th, which set a price on the rebel chiefs, and the Lords Justices were still
^ Carte, vol. v. p. 296. Order of the Lords and Council. ^ Idetti, vol. ii. p. 189.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 37

As the companion tells it

The road passes near Newry, a town in Down. In 1642, this was where the rebellion's trail led after a turning point at Drogheda. Ormonde had left Dublin hampered by a stipulation that, whatever happened, his troops should return within 8 days. His approach put an immediate end to the investment of Drogheda. The rebels scattered precipitately, flying towards the town, where Phelim O'Neill withdrew his heavy guns. Ormonde was anxious they should be given no leisure to recruit men or to regain confidence. He urged the Lords Justices to allow him an extension of time to complete their rout. "Such an opportunity," he argued, "once lost, may never without extreme expense of blood and treasure be recalled." He did not need reinforcements. Sir Henry Tichburne was able to put a considerable force of horse and foot at his disposal. All he required was some ammunition and biscuits. He also requested further instructions regarding those Irish noblemen who were now anxious to make their submission. Their names were not included in the proclamation of February the 8th, which set a price on the rebel chiefs.

Roscommon surrenders to Commonwealth

Roscommon · town · Roscommon · 1652

On 3 April 1652, Roscommon followed Colonel John Fitz Patrick's lead in inaugurating the long roll of Confederate surrenders to the Commonwealth authorities. The capitulation guaranteed life and liberty to combatants, save those implicated in the 1641 massacres.

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Some time elapsed before the Confederates could bring themselves to act on Ormonde's advice. Not until February 1652 did Clanricarde make formal overtures of peace to the Commonwealth authorities, and then Ludlow, who had succeeded to the Chief Command of the English Army on Ireton's death, scornfully rejected the advances. The victors knew that they were in a position to dictate their conditions, nor had they long to wait before they accomplished their purpose. Barely a month later Colonel John Fitz Patrick,- commanding in West Meath, inaugurated the long roll of surrenders. His example was rapidly followed by Roscommon on April the 3rd, and by Jamestown on the 7th of April. The Capitulation of Galway on May the 12th practically marked the conclusion of the war. Life and liberty were guaranteed to all combatants, save those who should be convicted of participation in the massacres of Englishmen and Protestants during 164 1 and 1642, or who had subsequently murdered unarmed persons. Irishmen received leave to transport themselves abroad. For the clergy the terms were more severe, since residence within Parliamentary quarters was denied to all priests, regular or secular. The disposition of property was reserved for the consideration of Parliament. Clanricarde, whose noble spirit evoked sympathy even from his opponents, was allowed to retire to his English estates, but rest and peace came too late to save his life, and he died the following year.
^ Hist. MSS., Ormonde MSS., N.S., vol. i. p. 214. Ormonde to Lord Muskerry. September 1651. ^ Gardiner, vol. ii. pp. 127-8.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 59

As the companion tells it

The town of Roscommon holds a place in the Confederate wars of the 1640s and 1650s. The Confederates had been slow to act on Ormonde's advice. Not until February 1652 did Clanricarde make formal overtures of peace to the Commonwealth authorities. Ludlow, who had succeeded to the chief command of the English army on Ireton's death, scornfully rejected the advances. The victors knew they were in a position to dictate their conditions. Barely a month later, Colonel John Fitz Patrick, commanding in West Meath, inaugurated the long roll of surrenders. His example was rapidly followed by Roscommon on the 3rd of April, and by Jamestown on the 7th. The capitulation of Galway on the 12th of May practically marked the conclusion of the war. Life and liberty were guaranteed to all combatants, save those who should be convicted of participation in the massacres of Englishmen and Protestants during 1641 and 1642, or who had subsequently murdered unarmed persons. Irishmen received leave to transport themselves abroad. For the clergy the terms were more severe, since residence within Parliamentary quarters was denied to all priests, regular or secular. The disposition of property was reserved for the consideration of Parliament. Clanricarde, whose noble spirit evoked sympathy even from his opponents, was allowed to retire to his English estates, but rest and peace came too late to save his life, and he died the following year.

Battle of Rathmines and Ormonde's generalship

near Rathmines · population centre · Dublin · 1649

The battle of Rathmines ended in defeat for Ormonde due to his poorly equipped and inexperienced troops. The event has been debated as a test of his military ability, though it was argued it only showed the unreliability of a mob against a disciplined army.

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Thus ended the eventful day of Rathmines, which has sometimes been held to cancel Ormonde's claims to generalship. Where issues so great were at stake, it must be admitted that a commander, such as Cromwell, for instance, would not have permitted himself to take anything for granted. It is incredible that however swiftly he had advanced Jones would have caught Oliver unawares. Yet that wonderful genius might have been baffled by the Marquis's sorry tools, " new raised men, under expertless officers, accompanied by a general want of all things."' The situation is perhaps best summed up by a Roman Catholic historian who cannot be suspected of partiality to Ormonde.
" The defeat," says Mr Murphy, " did not prove that the troops were deficient in courage, or the Commander in ability ; it only showed how little reliance can be placed in a mob, no matter how eager to fight, when opposed to a well disciplined army." ^

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 56

As the companion tells it

Rathmines saw a battle in 1649 that people have argued about ever since. Some said the defeat there should cancel Ormonde's claims to be a general. A commander like Cromwell, the argument runs, would never have let himself be caught unawares by Jones advancing swiftly. But even that genius might have been beaten by what the Marquis had to work with. His tools were described as new raised men, under expertless officers, accompanied by a general want of all things. A Roman Catholic historian called Mr Murphy gave what is perhaps the fairest judgement. He said the defeat did not prove the troops were deficient in courage, or the Commander in ability. It only showed how little reliance can be placed in a mob, no matter how eager to fight, when opposed to a well disciplined army.

Butler estates at Gowran and Carrick-on-Suir

Gowran · town · Kilkenny

The Butler family's broad lands were skilfully increased through marriage and confiscation. Gowran and Carrick-on-Suir were of such importance to the Butlers that their significance was hardly surpassed even by Kilkenny Castle itself.

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The geographical position of the broad lands which fell to Theobald's portion, skilfully increased in his descendants' hands by marriage and confiscation, had a distinct influence on the policy of the Butlers. Owning the Palatinate rights of Tipperary,- and possessed of vast and profitable estates in Kilkenny, they were indistinguishable, save in name, from sovereign princes. The importance of Gowran and Carrick-on-Suir was hardly surpassed by that of Kilkenny Castle, purchased from the Despencers in 1392. Arklow provided the means of ready access to England ; and across the Channel, their great possessions, including half Lancashire, and elsewhere castles and manors innumerable, kept alive their connection with the mother country.
' Died 1206.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 5

As the companion tells it

Gowran was one of the strongholds of the Butler family, a place whose importance to them was hardly surpassed even by Kilkenny Castle itself. The broad lands that fell to Theobald were skilfully increased by his descendants through marriage and confiscation. Owning the Palatinate rights of Tipperary and vast estates in Kilkenny, the Butlers were, save in name, indistinguishable from sovereign princes. Carrick-on-Suir stood alongside Gowran in significance. Kilkenny Castle itself had been purchased from the Despencers in 1392. Arklow gave them ready access to England, and across the Channel their possessions, including half of Lancashire, kept their connection with the mother country alive.

Chief Justice's circuit welcomed by poor folk in Wicklow

Wicklow · townland · Wicklow · 1606

In 1606, the Chief Justice made his first circuit through Wicklow and received a warm welcome from the common people. The poor folk were not hostile to an administration that promised protection to the weak and impartial justice to all classes.

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In a country, where, to quote so friendly a witness as Francesco de Cuellar, " there is no order or justice, and every one does what is right in his own eyes," the condition of the poor kerne must, at least, have been susceptible of improvement ; and difficult as it was in strict equity to justify the confiscation of the tribal lands on account of the treason of the tanists vet, had the measure been carried out on the lines advised by the Deputy, Sir Arthur Chichester, it might eventually have found its apology in a prosperous and contented Ulster. The substitution of heritable properties for life ownerships, determined by popular election — a choice, which had resolved itself into the right of the strongest — would have reconciled the chiefs to the new rule. The establishment of freeholders would have created a large class interested in the stability of a government to which they owed their existence. The peasantry would speedily have found a reasonable, carefully regulated rent less onerous than the " cosherings " and " cuttings " which they had so long endured. And if the rights of every clansman, however humble, had received acknowledgment in the partition of the spoils, no permanent cause of estrangement need have arisen between the governors and their lieges. The warm welcome bestowed on the Chief Justice during his first circuit through Wicklow in 1606, abundantly proves that the poor folk, at any rate, were not inimical to an administration, which promised protection to the weak, and impartial justice to all classes.
On the flight of the earls, Chichester immediately urged the partition of the forfeited area between the original inhabitants, retaining for the benefit of English or Scottish colonists such portions only as the Irish would not undertake to cultivate or develop.^ Unfortunately, this sage advice did not ultimately commend itself to the King and Council, who favoured a more extensive scheme of British immigration. Nor did this latter plan, it must be confessed, lack eminent advocates, for Bacon

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 18

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, in 1606, the Chief Justice made his first circuit through Wicklow, and the welcome he received tells us something about what ordinary people hoped for from the law. Francesco de Cuellar, a friendly witness, described the country as a place where there was no order or justice, and every one did what was right in his own eyes. The condition of the poor kerne was, at the very least, susceptible of improvement. The confiscation of tribal lands on account of the treason of the tanists was difficult to justify in strict equity. Yet had the measure been carried out on the lines advised by the Deputy, Sir Arthur Chichester, it might eventually have found its apology in a prosperous and contented Ulster. The substitution of heritable properties for life ownerships, determined by popular election, a choice which had resolved itself into the right of the strongest, would have reconciled the chiefs to the new rule. The establishment of freeholders would have created a large class interested in the stability of a government to which they owed their existence. The peasantry would speedily have found a reasonable, carefully regulated rent less onerous than the cosherings and cuttings they had so long endured. And if the rights of every clansman, however humble, had received acknowledgment in the partition of the spoils, no permanent cause of estrangement need have arisen between the governors and their lieges. The warm welcome bestowed on the Chief Justice during his first circuit through Wicklow in 1606 abundantly proves that the poor folk, at any rate, were not inimical to an administration which promised protection to the weak, and impartial justice to all classes.

Confederate Catholics assemble at Kilkenny

Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1642

On 24 October 1642, the lords and gentry of Ireland met at Mr Robert Shea's house in Kilkenny to organise the public administration of the country. The Confederate Catholics, as they came to be called, established a government of dignity and order while disclaiming any pretension to summon a parliament.

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The 24th of October 1642 is a momentous date in Irish history. On that day, the lords and gentry of the realm met at Mr Robert Shea's house in Kilkenny to organise the public administration of Ireland. The Confederate Catholics — as they were now called — repudiated any pretension to summon a regular parliament, since this was one of the prerogatives, which they were pledged to defend. They were resolved, however, that during the interval which must elapse before the King could restore peace to Ireland, their Government should not lack dignity and order ; and, inspired by Anglo-Saxon traditions, they
1 Carte, vol. v. p. 363. Ormonde to Viscount Valentia, 29th September 1642.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 39

As the companion tells it

On 24 October 1642, the lords and gentry of Ireland gathered in Kilkenny, at the house of Mr Robert Shea, to organise the public administration of the country. They came to be called the Confederate Catholics. They repudiated any pretension to summon a regular parliament, since that was a prerogative they were pledged to defend. Yet they resolved that until the King could restore peace to Ireland, their government should not lack dignity and order. They were inspired by Anglo-Saxon traditions.

Cromwell seizes Passage fort commanding approaches to Waterford

Passage East · townland · Waterford · 1649

Cromwell took possession of Passage, the fort commanding the south-western avenues to Waterford, before the siege began. After Cromwell's retreat, the English garrison at Passage continued to inflict great damage on the inhabitants and trade of Waterford.

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O'Neill's death was a crushing blow to Ormonde's newborn hopes, but the exigencies of the situation gave him little leisure to mourn his loss. The tragedy of Wexford had held no lesson, apparently, for the citizens of Waterford. They seemed rather bent on keeping out their friends than their declared enemies ; and when Castlehaven and his reinforcements appeared before the gates, they were curtly denied admission. It was not, in fact, until November the 21st, the day before Cromwell began the investment, that the Mayor and Corporation humbled themselves to ask help of Ormonde. Even then, they insisted that the relief force should consist solely of orthodox warriors, drawn from the division sent southwards by O'Neill under General Ferrall. It was no moment to stand on ceremony, for Cromwell was already in possession of Passage, the fort commanding the south-western avenues to the town. With all possible speed, therefore, Ormonde escorted Ferrall and two thousand Ulstermen to Waterford, and saw them safely lodged within its walls. The Irish climate seconded Ormonde's efforts on behalf of the beleaguered city. Torrential rain made the siege manoeuvres well-nigh impossible, and disease spread apace in the English camp. Cromwell had been already contemplating a retreat. Ormonde's advance now confirmed him in this intention, and, on December the 4th, as the Lord- Lieutenant once more approached the city, bringing to its rescue a fresh body of Celts, he had the satisfaction of seeing the English army march away.
It might have been expected that Ormonde's exertions on their behalf would have reconciled the townspeople to their deliverer, but the invective levelled by the Psalmist on "horse and mule that have no understanding," would not have been inappropriate to the city fathers of

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 57

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, close to Passage East, Cromwell took the fort that commanded the south-western approaches to Waterford. This was in 1649. The citizens of Waterford had learned nothing from the fall of Wexford. When Castlehaven and his reinforcements appeared before the gates, they were refused entry. It was not until November the 21st, the day before Cromwell began the investment of the town, that the Mayor and Corporation finally asked Ormonde for help. They insisted that the relief force consist only of orthodox warriors from the division sent south by O'Neill under General Ferrall. Cromwell was already in possession of Passage. Ormonde brought Ferrall and 2,000 Ulstermen to Waterford and saw them lodged within the walls. Torrential rain made the siege manoeuvres nearly impossible, and disease spread through the English camp. Cromwell had been contemplating retreat, and Ormonde's advance confirmed him. On December the 4th, the English army marched away. But the English garrison left at Passage continued to inflict great damage on the inhabitants and trade of Waterford. The townspeople might have been expected to feel gratitude toward Ormonde for his exertions on their behalf. Instead, their conduct toward him remained what it had been: obstinate and ungrateful.

English defeat at Drogheda emboldens rebels

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1641

The rout of Drogheda left the Pale open to rebel raids and caused panic among the English. Some Roman Catholics interpreted the defeat as divine wrath on a heretic nation, while others feared they would receive no protection from the impotent Government.

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Thus, until the prorogation of Parliament put an end to all hopes of an equitable settlement, the Anglo- Irish evidently showed little desire to join the Ulstermen. Then came the rout of Drogheda, to which reference has been made. And although Sir Henry Tichburne continued to hold out, the moral effect of the English defeat was worse than the practical inconveniences it entailed. Not only did it leave the Pale open to the rebels' raids, but, in the unaccountable panic that had
^ "Clanricarde Mems.," p. 15. Clanricarde to Earl of Bristol, 14th November 1641.

Internet Archive lifeofjamesfirst01burg, Chapter 36

As the companion tells it

Drogheda saw a rout in 1641. Sir Henry Tichburne held out, but the moral effect of the English defeat was worse than anything practical it caused. It left the Pale open to the rebels' raids. An unaccountable panic set in among the English, worse than the inconvenience of the loss itself.

The life of James, first duke of Ormonde, 1610-1688; (vol. 1)

The stories, best first

Colonel Preston lands artillery at Wexford

Coote's iron works at Mountrath destroyed by rebellion

Lady Thurles welcomes English garrison to Thurles

Parliamentary force holds Bunratty Castle on the Shannon

Sir William St Leger besieged in Cork

Cromwell disembarks at Dublin with his army

Drogheda besieged by rebels, 1641

Glamorgan's evening arrival at Kilkenny

Lady Ormonde rescues Englishmen abandoned at Clonmel

Lady Ormonde's estate improvements at Dunmore

Lord Desmond takes possession of Butler estates in Tipperary

Native inhabitants of Coleraine harshly treated in Plantation

Parliamentary Commissioners flee Dublin by sea

Relief march to besieged Drogheda

Rinuccini's triumphal entry into Kilkenny

Sir Phelim O'Neill planned surprise of Derry in 1641 rising

Theobald Butler's imprisonment in Dublin Castle dungeon

Clonmel capitulation after O'Neill's heroic defence

Dublin a ruined and poverty-stricken capital, 1647

Noblemen meet at Swords to protest loyalty

Transplantation despair in the settlement of Longford

Armagh Cathedral's ruinous state reported to Pope Leo X

Bands of Cavanaghs and Brennans ravage Tipperary to Waterford

Catholic priests forcibly eject Protestant clergy in Monaghan

Colonel Cooke's hawking march to Kilkenny

Dublin faces starvation under parliamentary blockade

Failed night march to fortify Baggotrath tower

Forbes's fleet and Galway's refusal to surrender

Fort of Galway victualled by Clanricarde

Ivory horn of St. Thomas Becket preserved at Kilkenny

Kilkenny Castle shelter for fugitives

Lady Ormonde brings a hundred distressed Protestants to Dublin

Legal hearing in Dublin confirms Ormonde's title

Ormonde fords the river at Kilcullen on retreat to Dublin

Peace Commissioners negotiate at Trim

Puritan official in Dublin testifies to Lady Ormonde's virtues

Rinuccini's costly and disease-ridden stay at Kilkenny

Spanish garrison put to the sword at Carrigafoyle

Castle of Limerick capitulates

Waterford refuses to quarter Confederate troops

Battle of Rathmines shatters Ormonde's forces

Bibles presented to Dublin cathedrals, 1556

Carrickfergus targeted in O'Neill's 1641 surprise attack plan

Famine conditions in Dublin drive Ormonde's army back

Hamilton of Ballywater disputes kneeling at Communion with Bramhall

Jerome promoted to Christ Church to denounce Ormonde

Kilkenny Castle awarded to Lord Dingwall by James I

Kilkenny magnates use Cessation to renew relations with Ormonde

Lady Ormonde secures Muskerry's acquittal in Dublin

Ormonde intercedes for the Baron of Lixnaw

Ormonde's army quartered at Rathmines before Dublin

Ormonde withdraws unpaid troops from Dublin

Phelim O'Neill withdraws guns to Newry

Roscommon surrenders to Commonwealth

Battle of Rathmines and Ormonde's generalship

Butler estates at Gowran and Carrick-on-Suir

Chief Justice's circuit welcomed by poor folk in Wicklow

Confederate Catholics assemble at Kilkenny

Cromwell seizes Passage fort commanding approaches to Waterford

English defeat at Drogheda emboldens rebels