Name: Limerick, its history and antiquities; ecclesiastical, civil, and military,from the earliest ages, with copious historical, archaeological, topographical, and genealogical notes
Author: Maurice Lenihan (1811–1895)

Sheriff Webb's death in a Limerick gutter

Limerick · city · Limerick

Sheriff Webb, who had been involved in the conspiracy against Mr. Arthur, was found dead in a gutter one morning after falling and breaking his neck while reeling homeward from a debauch. He had eaten oysters to repletion and washed them down with whiskey punch the night before.

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There never yet was a fouler, a baser, a more iniquitous conspiracy concocted than that to rob Mr. Arthur not only of property but of life ; and the aim would be attained were it not for the accidents referred to in the course of the trial, there can be no doubt whatever. Mr. Ward did his duty well ; the confession of Maume showed the diabolical nature of the plot of which he was the instrument. Mr. Hare* acted admirably ; the immediate family of Mr. Arthur manifested thorough readiness and the most energetic devotion. An innocent man was saved from the ignominious fate that awaited him at the hands of Mr. Sheriff Lloyd and Mr. Sheriff Webb. Lloyd lived to see a termination of his schemes. Webb was found dead in the gutter one morning, into which he fell and broke his neck the night before, as reeling homeward from a debauch, he missed his footing and stumbled, and was suffocated in the channel, from which there was no sympathising hand to raise him, until the coroner came, and had him brought a black and noisome corpse to his grave. He ate oysters to repletion, washed them down with whiskey punch — it was an awful fate ! Lloyd's common language in 1798, to the poor sufferers
* Mr Hare was father of the late Major Hare, uncle of Mathew Hare de Courcey, Esq. Treasurer of the Limerick Corporation.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 232

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Limerick, the city holds a grim tale from the end of the 1700s. A conspiracy was hatched against a man called Mr. Arthur, meant to rob him not only of property but of life. The plot was described as one of the foulest and basest ever concocted. A man named Maume confessed and showed the diabolical nature of the scheme. Mr. Ward did his duty well at the trial, and Mr. Hare acted admirably. Mr. Arthur's own family showed thorough readiness and energetic devotion. An innocent man was saved from the ignominious fate that awaited him at the hands of Sheriff Lloyd and Sheriff Webb. Lloyd lived to see a termination of his schemes. Webb met a different end. He was found dead in a gutter one morning. The night before, reeling homeward from a debauch, he missed his footing and stumbled, fell, and broke his neck. He was suffocated in the channel, with no sympathising hand to raise him. The coroner came and had him brought, a black and noisome corpse, to his grave. He had eaten oysters to repletion and washed them down with whiskey punch. It was an awful fate.

Siege of Loch Gur castle by James, son of Maurice (1516)

near Lough Gur · lake or lakes · Limerick · 1516

In 1516, James, son of Maurice Fitzgerald, laid siege to Loch Gur in the barony of Small County, near Bruff. The ruins of a great castle and other military works erected by the Earls of Desmond may yet be seen there.

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It is not our business to follow the fighting Earl through his successive campaigns against the Irish in Connaught and Leinster — thi'ough his crossings and re-crossmgs of the Shannon — the annals for many years teeming with relations of his warlike excursions ; suffice it to say that he worked Tvith a vengeance in the interest of his Royal master. In the year 1516, a war broke out among the Fitzgeralds, and James, the son of Maurice, laid siege to Loch Gur, in the barony of Small County, near Bruff, where the rums of a great castle, and other military works, erected by the Earls of Desmond, may yet be seen. The O'Briens of Thomond, joined by Pierce
' Annals of the Four Masters, vol. v. pp. 304-5-6. _ 2 Ware gives another account of this battle ; but all tlie annalists agree in stating that the victory over the Earl was decisive— that night having decided the battle, he withdrew, the army (says Ware) still retaining their ranks, and the energy displayed by the Dalgais on the occasion inspired the Lord Justice with so much respect for the military genius of their prince, that he turned his arms to another quarter, and laid siege to the castle of Leira-ui-bhanain (the Leap) m Ely O'Carroll, belonging to the prince of that territory.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 44

Silver and ornaments seized from Limerick's Black Friars, 1539

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1539

In the 30th year of Henry VIII, Archbishop Edmond of Cashel and Walter Cowley, acting as royal commissioners, stripped silver shoes, stones, wax, and iron from the Black Friars (Dominican friary) of Limerick on Sanct Sunday. The commissioners also seized silver images, crosses, and beads from a church associated with the friary.

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Item, wee finde that John Comyns house in the Key lane, do beare yearly to the house of Keilmanani, twoe shillings of yeaily rent and noe most. Item, wee finde that Patrick Fanning's house lynge in Creagh lane, doe bearre to the house of Keilmanam twelf pence of yearly rent. And of Patrick Lange's house, next unto the same of yearly rent twelf pence, and a gardine lyeing by the spitle twelf pence of yearly rent. Item, wee doe find that in the 30th yeare of King Henry the Eighth, Edmond, Archbishop of Cassell, and Walter Cowley, the king's solicitor taking uppon them to be the king's commissioners, did take of the image of the holly roods, shoes of silver, wheing twentie seaven unces troy weight wherein weare divers stones the value whereof wee cannot tell. And alsoe did take the image of our Ladj-e of the said church showes of silver weighing six unces with divers stones, and lifteene buthons of silver, valued at three shilling, 9d. str. And neyne crosses of silver, valued at neyne shillings. And a peare of beades of silver, weighing six unces. Item, the said commissioners did take of the black fryers of Lymerick the day and yeare above said Sanict Sunday, his showes of silver weighing tenn unces, with divers stones, the value whereof wee cannot tell. And 4 stones of cristall bound with silver to our estimation weighing 2 unces. And foure score pound of wax as wee doe think rather more than less, being in the said chappele then. And iron being in the said chappell to the sum of twentie stones, And above. Item, the 22nd day of Januarii, in the 32 yeare of our sovereigns Lord King Henry the Eighth, Mr. Eobert Saintlager did take both the greate bell and the small bell out of the same place. Item, we find that David Michell of Lymerick, marchant, have a challice of silver, of the grey fryars in his keeping, delivered unto him, by one John O'Linge, at that tyme fryer of the said house, which challice was delivered to Humphrey Sexten. Item, wee find that John Skeolan of Lymerick, merchant, have two candlesticks of brass, of the said abbey in gage they doe say. Item, wee find that John M'Skyddiy of Lymerick, taylor, have a booke of the said fryars in gage for eight pence. Item, wee find that Stephen Crevagh, hath certain glasses of the said fryars which he hath delivered to Humphray Sexten. Item, George Sexten hath a vestment of chamlet red with a cross of velvet thereon. Item, John P.j'ce hath a vestment of Ameistock of the said fryers. Item, Humphrey Sexten have received of Leonard Crevagh, one challice of silver of the grey fryers. Item, wee finde that Stephen Harrold have a gardine of the said fryers by lease for years, paying therefor yearly sixteene pounds which is within the churchyard of the said fryers. Item, Steephen Crevagh hath a particle of the same churchyard, and in lease for yeares paying therefor, yearlj', sixpence. And Christopher Crevagh hath the rest of the said churchyard by lease for years, paying yearly therefor, 2s. 8d. Item, Steephen Crevagh hath a garden of the said fryers, within the moore of the said fryers by lease, paying yearly therefor, 2s. Item, James Harrold hath a garden of the said fryers, by lease, paying therefor, yearly, 3s. 4d. Item, John Nagle hath a gardine within the precincts of the said freeres, by lease paying therefor, yearly, 3s. 4d. Item, John Nagle hath a little medowe of the said freeres, paying therefor, yearly, 3s. Item, more wee find that John Skoylane hath another gardine in the said moore, by lease, paying therefor, yearly, 23. Item, Nicholas Stretch hath a gardine by the little Hand by lease, paying yearly therefor, 8s. sterling. Item, Andrew Harrold hath a gardine in the said moore by lease, paying yearly therefor, 2. 4d. James Fox hath a garden hy lease and within the precincts of the freeres church, paying yearly therefor 8s. Item, Leonard Creagh hath another gardine payeing yearly therefor Is. Item, Dominick Comyn hath one stone house of the said freeres, named the fish house, by lease, paying therefor yearly sixteen pence. Item, John Nagle hath one other gardine within the said precinct by lease, payeing therefor j'earlie IGd. Item, John Stretch Fitzgeorge hath one other gardine by lease without the moore, paying yearly therefor 2s, More, the said John hath one house which did appertayne to the said freeres, by lease, payinge therefor 2s. Item, Christopher Crevagh hath one tenement or voj-de place by lease, payeing therefor yearley 4s. and another voyde place, payeing therefore yearly 8s. 4d. Item, wee fjTid that there are tenn acres of land in Luithagh, more the two parts of the teythe of the same in Theobot Boorke's country, and three acres in Brarnblock and twoe parts of the teythe of the same, and twoe acres in the great croft and the twoe parts of the teythe of the same, and tenn acres in Claishcuigilly with the 2 partes of the same, whych lands and teythes appertayne to the same freeres. Item, wee fynd that the church of ScaintePeter and the churchyarde of the same is a chappell in Keilrone,inO'Bryens countrye,and all lands and tenements within the cittie of Lymerick, appertayning to the saide Sainct Peters hereafter followe. Item, wee find that Christopher Harrold hath one gardine and orchard by lease for certaine yeares paying therefor yearly 2s. And one house by lease which lease doth mansion that all rent thereof is payed before hand. Item, Elian Whyte widdowe hath one orcharde by lease payeing therefor yearly, 2s. And Elinor Arthur widdowe hath one gardine and one house

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 55

As the companion tells it

As the road brings you through Limerick, this is the city where, in 1539, the 30th year of Henry VIII, Archbishop Edmond of Cashel and Walter Cowley, the king's solicitor, took it upon themselves to be the king's commissioners. On Sanct Sunday they came to the Black Friars of Limerick and stripped the place. From the image of the holy rood they took silver shoes weighing 27 ounces troy, with divers stones whose value the record cannot tell. From the image of Our Lady of the same church they took silver shoes weighing 6 ounces with divers stones, 15 silver buttons valued at 3 shillings and 9 pence, 9 silver crosses valued at 9 shillings, and a pair of silver beads weighing 6 ounces. From the Black Friars chapel itself they took silver shoes weighing 10 ounces with divers stones, 4 crystal stones bound with silver weighing 2 ounces, about 80 pounds of wax, and iron to the sum of 20 stones. Two years later, on the 22nd of January in the 32nd year of Henry VIII, Robert Saintlager took both the great bell and the small bell out of the same place. After that the friary's goods scattered among the townspeople. David Michell, merchant of Limerick, had a silver chalice of the Grey Friars in his keeping, delivered to him by John O'Linge, a friar of that house, and the chalice was then delivered to Humphrey Sexten. John Skeolan, merchant, had two brass candlesticks of the said abbey in gage. John M'Skyddiy, taylor, had a book of the friars in gage for 8 pence. Stephen Crevagh had certain glasses of the friars, which he delivered to Humphrey Sexten. George Sexten had a vestment of red chamlet with a cross of velvet. John Pierce had a vestment of Ameistock.

Sir Hardress Waller appointed governor of Limerick

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1651

Following the surrender of Limerick to Cromwellian forces under Ireton, Sir Hardress Waller was installed as governor of the city. This marked the establishment of Cromwellian control over Limerick after the siege.

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Again O'Neil was tried, and again sentence of death was passed upon him; but Ireton seeing the dissatisfaction of the officers more unequivocally expressed, he no longer adhered to his own opinion, and the matter being referred again to the consideration of the Court, they, by their third vote consented to save his life. Geoffrey Barron, having the same questions put to him, he stated that it was not just to exclude him from mercy, because he had been engaged in the same cause that Ireton pretended to fight for, which was for the liberty and religion of his country. Ireton rephed that Ireland being a conquered country, England might with justice assert her rights of conquest— that they had been treated by the late government far beyond their merit or the rules of reason, notwithstanding which they had barbarously murdered all the English who fell into their hands, robbed them of their goods, which they had gained by their industry, and taken away the lands which they had purchased with their money — that touching the point of religion there was a wide difference also between them, they contending for their right without imposing their opinions on others — whereas Geoffry Barron^'s party were not, as Ireton fiercely alleged, content without compelKng aU others to submit to their impositions upon pain of death ! The council of war, hearing these statements, adjudged death against Barron, and he was sentenced and died ; Fennel also, and four and twenty better men were led to the scaffold. 1 Ireton^s death was an acknowledged divine vengeance.^ Sir Hardress Waller was now made governor of the city of Limerick.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 101

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Limerick, this is the city Sir Hardress Waller was made governor of in 1651, after the Cromwellian siege. In the aftermath of the city's surrender, the trials began. O'Neil was tried and sentenced to death, not once but twice. The officers made their dissatisfaction known, and Ireton, who had pressed for execution, gave way. The court voted a third time and consented to spare his life. Geoffrey Barron faced the same questions. He argued that he deserved mercy because he had been engaged in the same cause Ireton claimed to fight for, the liberty and religion of his country. Ireton replied that Ireland being a conquered country, England might with justice assert her rights of conquest. He said they had been treated by the late government far beyond their merit, yet they had murdered all the English who fell into their hands, robbed them of their goods, and taken away the lands they had purchased. On religion, he said his side contended for their right without imposing their opinions on others, whereas Barron's party compelled all others to submit on pain of death. The council of war heard these statements and adjudged death against Barron. He was sentenced and died. Fennel also, and four and twenty better men, were led to the scaffold. Ireton's death followed, described as an acknowledged divine vengeance. And then Sir Hardress Waller was made governor of the city of Limerick.

Sir William Drury dies at Waterford after sentencing bishop

Waterford · city · Waterford · 1579

Sir William Drury, the Lord Justice who passed sentence on Bishop O'Hely at Kilmallock, died at Waterford shortly after. He had been summoned from Cork to Kilmallock to suppress a Geraldine insurrection following the landing of James, son of Maurice, from France.

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nor did he refuse a death which was attended by any advantage to religion^ or even avoidance of disadvantage. The Deputy fui-ther called upon liim to reveal the plan formed by the Pontiff and king Phihp of Spain for the invasion of Ireland, which he absolutely refused to do, although his silence was the cause of grievous tortures to him.' For, placing small iron bars across his fingers, they struck them so violently with a hammer, that his fingers were cut to pieces, and as he still refused to reveal anything, they immediately led him to the gallows. WhUe he was being conducted to the place of execution he asked permission to read the litanies and to receive absolution from his companion, and to give it in turn ; both of which he was permitted to do. He then exhorted his companion, who was affected by a natural horror of death, to be of good cheer, for that though the feast was a bitter one, the triumph would be noble. Having restored his companion's courage by this exhortation, and made a most impressive address to the people, in which he spoke at length of the necessity of preserving an unswer\ang faith, and of his professional duties, for asserting which he, together with his companion, cheerfully met a happy death for the love of Christ, both were immediately hanged. But Bourchier observes, that the Deputy who passed sentence on the bishop, was immediately after seized with an incurable disease of which he died at Waterford, '' though struck by no wound, as one who undoubtedly fell under the vengeance of God.'' Be the cause of his death what it may, certain it is that Sir WilKam Drury, the Deputy or Lord Justice, who had been simimoned from Cork to Kilmalloch, to suppress the insurrection which had suddenly burst forth on the arrival of James, the son of Maurice, formerly temporary leader of the Geraldines, who had recently landed from France with a supply of men and arms, to raise the standard of the Pope amongst the disaffected Irish and EngHsh, did die at Waterford, whither he had returned, and was succeeded in his office by Sir William Pelham. Dr. Patrick O'Hely, who thus suffered with Father Cornelius OTuourke, and another whose name is not mentioned, was, as I have stated, bishop of Mayo ; both martyrs were of the Franciscan order. They were hanged upon a tree, and their bodies remained suspended for fourteen days, to be used as targets by the soldiery.^

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 62

St. Gubbinet's well and shrine at West Watergate

Limerick · city · Limerick

Near the West Watergate bakery, stations in honour of St. Gubbinet were performed round a well now shut up. The saint, traditionally beautiful, prayed to become deformed to avoid temptation and was struck by smallpox; a small stone bust bearing traces of the disease remains but was recently blackened with tar.

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The names of the gates of Limerick sufficiently indicate their position. John's Gate, nearly opposite the site of the Black Battery, is the most celebrated. The position of the West Watergate was near the bakery still called after it, in a yard belonging to which stations in honour of St. Gubbinet are said to have been performed round a well, which is at present shut up. This saint, who was very beautiful, is said to have prayed that she might become deformed in order to prevent temptation ; when she is traditionally recorded to have been attacked by the small pox, traces of which are still marked on her image, of which a small stone bust still remains. Some person blackened it lately with tar. In the year 1760 there were 17 gates still standing; but in 1787 only the Watergate of King John's Castle remained. The names of these we gave in a former chapter.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 446

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Limerick, the West Watergate once stood near a bakery still called after it. In a yard belonging to that bakery, stations in honour of St. Gubbinet were said to have been performed round a well, which is now shut up. The saint was very beautiful, and she is said to have prayed that she might become deformed in order to prevent temptation. She was then, according to tradition, attacked by smallpox, and traces of the disease are still marked on her image. A small stone bust of her still remains. Some person blackened it lately with tar. By 1760 there were 17 gates still standing in Limerick, but by 1787 only the Watergate of King John's Castle remained.

Synod at Jamestown withdraws fealty from Ormond

Jamestown · townland · Limerick · 1650

A provincial synod was held at Jamestown alongside the one at Clonmacnoise, where clergy resolved to withdraw orthodox subjects from obedience to Ormond, signing a public edict enforced by threat of excommunication.

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• " The clergy of Ireland (says Dr. Arthur) being weary of the unlucky administration of Lord James Marquis of Ormond, Viceroy of Charles II. in Ireland ; and suspecting him of being too favourable to the party of their enemies, whom by his supine neglect he permitted to invade three provinces of the kingdom, and to take all the strongest cities, towns, and fortresses, and to overrun the country at pleasure with impunity ; at last, having assembled a genuine provincial synod, one held at Clonmacnoise, the other at James' town, they determined to withdraw forthwith, all the orthodox subjects from their fealty and obedience to him having signed a public edict [to this effect] enforced by the threat of excommunication. Whereupon the Marquis, being thereby filled with indignation, having caught the Lord Bishop of Killaloe, John O'Molouna, an economical and thrifty man, who had signed that edict, and who, he had heard, had a largo treasure at home ; while staying in a certain castle in the neighbourhood, he dispatched some English spies, followers of his own, who seized upon him and upon £1400 sterling, which he had wrapped up in large woolsacks, and placed him before his judgment seat ; after committing him to custody, and thus making him pay the penalty of his own rashness and that of others, at last, after one or two months upon his asking pardon he let him go ; having in the meantime allocated all the money to the King's army. In reference to which I wrote the following verses." — Which verses we may add, with every respect for the worthy Doctor's memory, by no means reflect credit upon his muse, as will appear from the following translation, in which it will be seen we rigidly observe the critical canon of rising and falling with the original : —
" A cool fourteen hundred the bishop had hoarded,

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 95

Three days of massacre in Limerick after surrender to Ireton

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1651

After Limerick's surrender to Ireton, soldiers searched grottos, cellars, prisons, churches and tombs for three days and nights, killing all they found except exempted traitors. Hugh O'Neill surrendered and was protected by Ireton's personal guard.

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In a previous chapter of this work we have dwelt on the horrors connected with Ireton's siege, on the cruelties perpetrated after the surrender to the merciless general of Cromwell, and on the awful death of Ireton a few days after being summoned to his last account by the illust]-ious martyr bishop of Emly. In a manuscript,' to which Ave have had access since the printing of that chapter, we find with some surprise, that when Major-Oeneral Hugh O'Neill rode on and offered the jDommel of his sword to Ireton, and. desired the benefit of the law of arms, " in behalfe of a souldier of fortune voluntarily yielding himself and the lives of siicli other souldiers as served under his command, ;to his lordshipp's mercy and favour", — Ireton gently embraced O'JNeill, bade him be of good cheer, told him he would receive no prejudice, and commanding his men to ride forward, held alone a serious private discourse with him, and " Earthon (Ireton) was so tender of Major Neyle's (O'Neill's) safetie that before he parted with him he did commando his propper guarde tippon perrill of deathe to attend only that gentleman and retire him to a place of safetie, where at their said perrill he did not receive the least prejudice, which Avas exactly performed. His ennemies running here and there massacreing and killing everie mother's child they mett other than the exempted traitors. . Three days and so many nights were they in this bloody execution. No grotto, seller, (cellar) prison, cliurcli, or tombe was unsearched, all there found made pea mealls, hanged and quartered". The writer proceeds to give an account of the execution of the Bishop of Emly, of Mr. Barron of Clonmel, " Avho dresses
' Apliorismical discovery of treasonable fiictioii, by N. S., styling himself secretary to General Owen Koe U'Keill.— MSS. T.C.D.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 341

As the companion tells it

Coming through Limerick now. In 1651 this city surrendered to Ireton, Cromwell's general, and what followed was three days and three nights of killing. When Major-General Hugh O'Neill rode forward and offered the hilt of his sword to Ireton, he asked for the benefit of the law of arms, in his own words, in behalf of a soldier of fortune voluntarily yielding himself and the lives of such other soldiers as served under his command, to his lordship's mercy and favour. Ireton gently embraced O'Neill, told him to be of good cheer, and said he would receive no prejudice. He commanded his men to ride forward and held a private discourse with O'Neill alone. Ireton was so tender of O'Neill's safety that before they parted, he commanded his proper guard, on peril of death, to attend only that gentleman and retire him to a place of safety, where at their peril he did not receive the least prejudice. And this was exactly performed. But O'Neill's enemies were running here and there, massacring and killing every mother's child they met, other than the exempted traitors. No grotto, cellar, prison, church, or tomb was left unsearched. All found there were put to death, hanged and quartered. The same source goes on to give an account of the execution of the Bishop of Emly and of Mr. Barron of Clonmel.

Tornado strikes Limerick killing one man

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1851

On Sunday 5 October 1851, an extraordinary tornado hit Limerick, resembling a West Indian hurricane, causing singular accidents and considerable property damage. Thomas Ryan was blown down and killed.

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Sunday, 5th October. — A most extraordinary tornado, which caused several singular accidents, p,nd considerable damage to property, took place in Limerick. One man, Thomas Ryan, was blown down and killed. It was exactly like a West Indian hurricane, and had been preiudicated by a small cloud.
in command of that regiment, at the brilliant action of Colooney. At the early age of 13, young Gough was appointed by Colonel Vereker to a commission in the City of Limerick Regiment, whence he was transferred by the influence of his kind patron to the line. After a short time he joined the 87th Regiment, with which he proceeded to the West Indies, and was present at the attack upon Port Rico and the taking of Surinam. But events of greater importance were occurring elsewhere, and Gough, with the gallant 87th, were ordered to the Peninsula.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 291

As the companion tells it

On Sunday the 5th of October 1851, a most extraordinary tornado struck Limerick. It had been predicted by a small cloud, and when it came it was exactly like a West Indian hurricane. It caused several singular accidents and considerable damage to property. One man, Thomas Ryan, was blown down and killed.

Traitor Fennel seizes John's Gate in Limerick

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1651

As Ireton's forces made a breach in the walls and beat a parley, the traitor Fennel seized John's Gate and, supplied with powder, threatened to surrender the post to the enemy unless the garrison consented to capitulate.

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So strong an impression was made, by the earnest party inside, that the treaty proposed by Ireton in which so many of the princijjal persons were excepted as to life, was rejected; and force was again put in requisition. The great guns were landed from the ships — other guns were brought from adjoining garrisons — a battery was erected against that part of the wall which had no earth lining within, no counterscarp, no protection, and that weak defence had been also shown to Ireton by some hidden traitor. The battery being in order, and the storming regiments told off to their several posts, a fire was opened — a breach was soon made — and a parley was beaten. The traitor Fennel had already seized on John's gate, and having been supplied with powder,* he threatened to give up the post to the enemy unless the garrison would consent to capitulate ! When the breach was made, and the parley beat, the resolution to surrender the city was taken in the treason for which preparations had been made — tlie East gate was delivered up.^ Ludlow states that this was the gate of the out-town or Irish-town, which was separated by a river,
' It is said by Cox that the powder was supplied by Creagh, the Mayor, and that he (Creagh) was aware of Fennell's intentions ; but this is not generally credited.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 99

As the companion tells it

As you come through Limerick, you pass through a city that in 1651 was under siege by Ireton's forces. Ireton had proposed a treaty, but it rejected so many principal persons as to their lives that it was refused, and force was turned to again. The great guns were landed from the ships, and other guns were brought from adjoining garrisons. A battery was erected against that part of the wall which had no earth lining within, no counterscarp, no protection. That weak defence had been shown to Ireton by some hidden traitor. The battery in order, and the storming regiments told off to their several posts, a fire was opened. A breach was soon made, and a parley was beaten. Before that, the traitor Fennel had already seized John's Gate. Supplied with powder, he threatened to give up the post to the enemy unless the garrison would consent to capitulate. It is said by Cox that the powder was supplied by Creagh, the Mayor, and that Creagh was aware of Fennel's intentions, though this is not generally credited. When the breach was made and the parley beat, the resolution to surrender the city was taken in the treason for which preparations had been made. The East Gate was delivered up. Ludlow states that this was the gate of the out-town or Irish-town, which was separated by a river.

Treaty of Limerick signed and rapidly violated

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1691

The Treaty of Limerick was signed on 3rd October 1691, ending King James's hold on Ireland, but was rapidly violated by the English Parliament. On 22nd October, Parliament excluded Catholics from the Irish Houses of Lords and Commons.

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Such was the termination of King James's hold on Ireland. Such was the end of the eventful struggle which Limerick made to secure freedom for Irish Cathohcs. The 'treaty was signed ! The capitulation was made. The articles were agreed to ! Alas ! that it should be told how soon the treaty was broken ! — How speedily faith was violated ! — How rapidly English perfidy exhibited the cloven foot when Ireland was again in her power ! On the 3rd of October the Treaty was signed I On the 22nd of the same month, the English Parliament excluded Cathohcs from the Irish Houses of Lords and Commons, by compelling them to take the oaths of supremacy before admission.
' Desiderata Curiosa Hibemica.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 151

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is Limerick, a city that ended a war and paid for it in broken faith. On the 3rd of October 1691, the Treaty of Limerick was signed here. It marked the end of King James's hold on Ireland and the end of Limerick's struggle to secure freedom for Irish Catholics. The capitulation was made, the articles were agreed to. But within days the treaty was broken. On the 22nd of the same month, the English Parliament excluded Catholics from the Irish Houses of Lords and Commons, compelling them to take the oaths of supremacy before admission. The words of the source say it plainly:

Trial, execution, and burial of Lord Brittas at Limerick

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1607

Lord Brittas was removed from Carrick to Limerick for trial, where he refused to conform to Protestantism and was sentenced to death for high treason by Dominick Sarswell. He was hanged outside the city and buried in St. John's church, Limerick, on the 20th of December, 1607.

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in. The two Lord Justices, whose office it was to try him, having remorse of conscience, evaded it, whereupon the President, with despotic authority, ordered Dominick Sarswell, the King's attorney, to try him, which he did, contrary to the dictates of his conscience. He asked the Lord Brittas if he would conform, as it was tlie King's pleasure, but was answered by him that he knew no king or queen who renounced the law and faith of the King of kings ; thereupon Sarswill declared him guilty of high treason, and pronounced sentence of death against him, that he should be hanged, beheaded, and quartered, which sentence the said Brittas received with a joyful and cheerful countenance. When he was brought to the place of execution outside of the city, he behaved with the greatest devotion and composure, as if going to feast. When he was hanged, Sir Thomas Brown, and many other gentlemen, interceded with the President, that he should not be quartered, and their request was granted ; his friends conveyed his body into town, and he was buried in St. John's church, Limerick, the 20th of December, in the year 1607. So far Eothe, who gives the date two years earlier than Carve.
His daughter, Eleanor Bourke, became a Dominican Nun, and died in 1646 in the Irish Dominican Nunnery of Lisbon, in the odour of sanctity.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 73

As the companion tells it

As you come through Limerick, this is where Lord Brittas was brought for trial in 1607, after being removed from Carrick. The two Lord Justices whose office it was to try him had remorse of conscience and evaded it. The President, with despotic authority, ordered Dominick Sarswell, the King's attorney, to try him, which he did, contrary to the dictates of his own conscience. Sarswell asked Lord Brittas if he would conform, as it was the King's pleasure. Brittas answered that he knew no king or queen who renounced the law and faith of the King of kings. Sarswell declared him guilty of high treason and pronounced sentence of death, that he should be hanged, beheaded, and quartered. Brittas received the sentence with a joyful and cheerful countenance. When he was brought to the place of execution outside the city, he behaved with the greatest devotion and composure, as if going to a feast. When he was hanged, Sir Thomas Brown and many other gentlemen interceded with the President that he should not be quartered, and their request was granted. His friends conveyed his body into town, and he was buried in St. John's church, Limerick, on the 20th of December, 1607. The source, Eothe, gives the date two years earlier than Carve. His daughter, Eleanor Bourke, became a Dominican nun. She died in 1646 in the Irish Dominican Nunnery of Lisbon, in the odour of sanctity.

Tyrconnell's grave discovered beneath St. Mary's Cathedral

Limerick · city · Limerick

The coffin of Tyrconnell was concealed beneath the pavement of St. Mary's Cathedral in Limerick until repairs revealed it a few years before publication. Neither Harris nor Macaulay could identify the grave's position despite writing about the siege.

Read the passage

I have shown what has been said by English writers of our countrymen at this extraordinary crisis of their fortunes ; ancientand modern Limerick have suffered equally in their description, yet neither Harris, the biographer of "William, nor Lord Macaulay who dilates upon the "glaring red brick of the houses,^^ and the " showy shops with their shawls and china,'''' could tell the position of the grave of Tyrconnell, whose coffin was concealed beneath the pavement of St. Mary^s until certain repairs of the Cathedral which were executed a few years ago revealed it.^
' I Lave one of those enormous shells in my possession — it is IS inches in diameter weighs

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 135

White House near Thomond Bridge as refuge for Irish government

Thomond Bridge · street · Limerick · 1691

A small white house about half a mile from the town on the Thomond side sheltered the Lords Justices, records, chief ladies, and treasure of the Irish government during the siege. An attempt to seize them failed as they departed in confusion before the Williamite party could capture them.

Read the passage

' " There is a small White House about half a mile from the town on the Tkmmond side, nigh •which two squadrons of the Enemies horse were drawn up, and about a Regiment of Foot posted in the hedges, to secure their Lords Justices, the Records, all their chief Ladies and Treasure, which all were there, and had been, as then, no difficult, though a very good Prize. But after some of our Parties had seen them go off in the greatest confusion that could be, we set two or three houses on fire ; and staying on that side till about Two o'clock in the afternoon, we had orders to return, leaving a guard in the Fort newly cast up on the other side to secure the Bridge ; whereas it's not improbable, had we pursued our good Fortune, the Irish Horse had been routed, and the Town delivered upon our own Terms." — Storey's Continuation, Sfc. Storey.
» It is said in popular tradition, that it was a gun fired by Burke, a clever artillerist, from the towrs of the Cathedral, which was so near being the death of William in 1690.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 142

As the companion tells it

Along this street near Thomond Bridge, a small white house stood on the Thomond side, and in 1691 it sheltered the Lords Justices, the records, the chief ladies, and the treasure of the Irish government during the siege of Limerick. Two squadrons of horse and about a regiment of foot were drawn up around it to secure them. It would have been a very good prize, and no difficult one to take. But some of the Williamite party saw the Irish go off in the greatest confusion that could be. They set two or three houses on fire and stayed on that side until about two o'clock in the afternoon, when orders came to return. A guard was left in a fort newly cast up on the other side to secure the bridge. The account is from Storey, who wrote that had they pursued their good fortune, the Irish horse had been routed and the town delivered upon their own terms.

Windmill on the Shannon banks built and twice burnt

Shannon · town · Clare · 1786–1813

A windmill was built on the banks of the Shannon near Limerick in 1786 by Lant. Hill, Esq. It was burnt down on January 29, 1803, and again on November 19, 1813, the second fire presenting a spectacular sight with machinery in motion amid a brisk gale. The Globe Insurance paid £1339 19s. 5d. for the last burning.

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In 1786, a windmill was built on the banks of the Shannon, near Limerick, by Lant. Hill, Esq., it was burnt down January 29, 1803 ; again burnt down November 19, 1813, in this last fire the machinery was all in motion, though on fire, a brisk gale of wind blowing, the night dark, and the spectacle awfully and sublimely grand. The Globe Insurance lost by the last burning £1339 19s. 5d., which was paid February 10th, 1815, to Laurence Durack.
In 1793, the King's County Regiment of Militia, commanded by Sir Laurence Parsons (afterwards Earl of Ross) consisting of 612 men, was the first newly raised Militia Regiment that did garrison duty in Limerick. In June this year (1793) the City of Limerick Regiment of Militia was raised, consisting of 469 men, J. P. Smyth, Esq. commandant. The County of Limerick raised, consisting of 612 men. Lord Muskerry commandant ; the other regiment, that of the King's County raised about the same time. 1 798, June 1 — Precedence of yeomanry corps drawn by lot at the Castle of Dublin, by counties ; Limerick drawn No. 12. In a few weeks after there were raised in the county and the city, &c., 16 troops of yeomanry cavalry, and 8 companies of yeomanry infantry. The Merchants' Companj' commanded by Thomas Maunsell, Esq., and the Revenue Company commanded by George Maunsell, Esq. raised in August, 1803, were particular!}' respectable. In 1793 Sir. John Ferrar, burgess, and author of the History of Limerick, gave jt^l a year for ever to the Blue School.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 225

Women drowned and mutilated at Jacobite embarkation points

Kerry · county · Kerry · 1691

At embarkation points including Kerry, Cork, and Limerick, women trying to board ships with departing Jacobite soldiers were dragged off and drowned, or had their fingers cut off in the sight of their husbands and relations. These scenes are confirmed by contemporary Williamite publications.

Read the passage

while the private soldiers and others who came out of Limerick^ and other of James's quarters, were shot down, and hung up in many cases without the ceremony of a trial, under the pretence of being Rapparees. In these barbarous outrages, which were repeated with singular coincidence, on perhaps a larger scale in 1798, the Anglo-Irish militia, or Protestant yeomanry, which acted in aid of the regidar Williamite army, and numbered at least 25000 men, won for themselves an unenviable distinction. By the deportation' of the Jacobite army, the Irish aristocracy if not destroyed, as an eminent modern Irish historian' expresses it, was at least seriously diminished. That army was officered out of all the Irish septs, native and of English descent, and Lord Macaulay is totally in error when he described so many of these officers of plebeian origin: any one who runs his eye over the index of D'Alton's Kiug James's Army List, will see that we are borne out in this statement ; for there is not one Catholic family in Ireland of eminence which is not represented among that brave, but unfortunate host, who, after fighting against vastly superior numbers, and the resources of England and Holland, besides Protestant Ireland, " buried the Synagogae with honour," at last, as one of their gallant countrymen, the chevalier Charles Wogau, expresses it, and when they could no longer defend their country, went into honourable exile rather than submit to the rule of one whom they believed to be a usurper. We cannot but deplore with Colonel O'Kelly, that there was no stipulation made in the treaty in favour of prisoners, or of the orphans of those who were slain in the service of their prince and the defence of their country ; that those who left their native soil might never, without the special permission of the King, ever visit it again without being liable to be executed ; and that those who made the unfortunate choice to remain in Ireland, had nothing in prospect but contempt, poverty, imprisonment, and every misery that a conquered nation might expect from the power and malice of implacable enemies. As a pendent to the horrors and agony which attended this war — a war of which an English authority, Hooke,^ sets down the cost incurred by England at £18,000,000 sterling, exclusive of arrears due to the army, it must not be omitted the pathetic scenes which took place on the separation of King James's soldiers from those whom they left behind. On this subject, besides the authority of Colonel O^Kelly and others, we have the reliable statements of contemporary Williamite publications,^ from which it appears to be a positive fact, that many of the women were dragged ofT and drowned, or had their fingers cut off, as we have already stated, in the sight of their husbands and relations, while trying to get on board with them, or holding on by the boats. This is stated to have occurred at Kerry, but the same is told of the embarkation at Cork, where as well as at Limerick, similar scenes most probably occurred. But, there can be no doubt, that the Irish were in many cases* attended by their wives and families ; and the French admiral who arrived too late with the French supplies at Limerick, brought back — according to the contemporary historian Pere Daniel — all the French, 16,000 Irish soldiers, and several famihes.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 162

As the companion tells it

You are travelling through Kerry, a county where one of the darker scenes of 1691 took place. After the Jacobite war was lost, King James's soldiers were being transported out of Ireland, and the parting from those they left behind became terrible. Contemporary Williamite publications record what happened, and they are our source. At the embarkation points, women tried to get on board the ships with the soldiers, or held on to the boats. They were dragged off and drowned. Others had their fingers cut off, in the sight of their husbands and relations. This is stated to have occurred here in Kerry. The same is told of the embarkation at Cork, and similar scenes most probably occurred at Limerick as well. There is no doubt that the Irish soldiers were in many cases attended by their wives and families. The French admiral who arrived too late with supplies at Limerick brought back, according to the historian Pere Daniel, all the French and 16000 Irish soldiers, and several families. Colonel O'Kelly lamented that no stipulation was made in the treaty for prisoners or for the orphans of those slain. Those who left might never visit their native soil again without special permission of the King, on pain of execution. Those who chose to remain had before them, as the material puts it, contempt, poverty, imprisonment, and every misery a conquered nation might expect. The war cost England, by the account of the English authority Hooke, 18000000 pounds sterling, exclusive of arrears due to the army. The private soldiers who came out of Limerick and other quarters were shot down and hung up without trial, under the pretence of being Rapparees. The Anglo-Irish militia and Protestant yeomanry, numbering at least 25000 men, acted in aid of the regular Williamite army.

Father O'Donnell imprisoned in Limerick

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1575

Father Edmond O'Donnell, a Jesuit and native of Limerick, was imprisoned in his native city, loaded with irons, insults, and blows. He was then dragged to Cork where he was executed on the eve of St. Patrick's Day, 1575, becoming the first martyr of the Society of Jesus in the British Isles.

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The next member of the illustrious order, a native of Limerick, was Father Edmond O'Donnell, S.J., who was sent to Ireland by Gregory XIII., and Father General Everard Mercarian. He was imprisoned in his native city, loaded with irons, insults, and blows. ^ He was thence dragged and driven to Cork, with his hands bound behind his back, by hrutal troopers, and there being found guilty of being a priest and a Jesuit, and of refusing to take the oath of supremacy, he was " torn, hanged, drawn, and quartered", on the eve of St. Patrick's Day, 1575.
He was calm in all his sufferings, and after his sentence he was overwhelmed with unbounded joy. Father O'Donnell was the first martyr of the Society of Jesus in the British Isles ; he was the first of the ten Irish fathers who suffered death for the faith, and Father Wolf was the first of the forty who were imprisoned and tortured for the same faith.^

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 379

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Limerick, this is the city where Father Edmond O'Donnell, a Jesuit, was imprisoned in 1575. He was a native of Limerick, sent to Ireland by Gregory the Thirteenth and Father General Everard Mercarian. In his own city they loaded him with irons, insults, and blows. Then brutal troopers dragged him to Cork, his hands bound behind his back. There he was found guilty of being a priest and a Jesuit, and of refusing to take the oath of supremacy. On the eve of Saint Patrick's Day, 1575, he was, in the words of the record, "torn, hanged, drawn, and quartered." He was calm through all his sufferings, and after his sentence he was overwhelmed with unbounded joy. Father O'Donnell was the first martyr of the Society of Jesus in the British Isles, and the first of ten Irish fathers who suffered death for the faith.

King William's headquarters at New Castle near Limerick

Newcastle · town · Limerick · 1690–1691

William is said to have lived during part of the siege at New Castle, whose ruins stood within two miles of Limerick, where he kept up constant drinking parties including Irish usquebaugh.

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French fleet, which commanded the seas, shonld have brought, was not appearing. A dry crust, a Httle oatmeal, a few beans, were luxuries which at this crisis were all that could be looked for by soldiers who had pledged their lives on the issue. Londonderry has had the annalists of its bitter days of trial; but Limerick, on its own side, has never before had one to tell the story of the daily sufferings of its inhabitants, while they withstood the might of William^s power. The soul of the defenders was Patrick Sarsfield ; he cheered the faint-hearted, infused spirit into, and gave hope to all. His object at this juncture was to give orders to his engineers to have masked batteries placed and mines prepared near wherever a breach might be made in the walls, in order if an entry were attempted, that the most destructive agencies should be ready to repel the attack. WhUe the thunders of the Williamite guns Avere thus directed from Singland against the citadel, knocking splinters off the toivers, tearing away the stones, or burying themselves in the circumjacent ground, the sappers within were at their silent and certain work. William it is said lived for some part of the time at New Castle, the ruins of which may be seen within tvro miles of the city, where he kept up a constant succession of drinking parties — a notorious lover of spirits, even the Irish usquebaugh was not an unwelcome beverage to him ! Sarsfield was every where giving further evidence of his mditary genius.'
Sacred to every lover of national honor and religion is the spot from which the picked soldiers of William were hurled by the intrepidity of the soldiers and citizens of Limerick. The outside wall of the citadel bears at this moment unmistakeable evidence of a fierce cannonade ; splinters are off, indentations are visible, stones displaced ; everything indicates even at this

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 136

Storm damage at St. Mary's Cathedral flag-staff and City gaol gallery

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1815

The flag-staff erected on St. Mary's Cathedral at the close of 1800 was broken and carried away by the December hurricane. The new wooden gallery erected in July on the west side of the City gaol over the river was totally destroyed, and leads on the Custom House were rolled up and partly carried off.

Read the passage

December 16th — At a verj' early hour this morning, a tremendous storm arose from the S.W. quarter, and blew a hurricane more furious than any remembered by the oldest person living here ; it threw down several chimneys, and unroofed houses — it threw down a new house in Glentworth-street. About 7 o'clock, a Norway ship of about 200 tons, drifted from her fastenings at Shannon-quay, and was driven up to the lower end of Newgate-lane, abreast of the old Golden Mills ; a brig and a sloop, both laden, were driven completely over the weir of Curragower, and grounded under the S.W. tower of the Castle Barrack. The tide rose up to the houses on Merchants'-quay ; the lanes and passages were strewn with bricks, tiles and slates, which had fallen from the houses ; the flag-staff, erected on St. Mary's Cathedral at the close of A.D. 1800, was broken and carried away ; and the new wooden gallery erected in July last, on the west side of the City gaol, over the river, was totally destroyed. A new Scotch sloop, with rock salt, thrown on her beam ends, at O'NeiU's-quay, and sunk. Great damage on the Northstrand, and most of a new parapet wall, erected only last summer, swept clear away. Many of the river craft totally lost, together with many lives. The leads on the Custom House rolled up, and partly carried off. This storm very general throughout the kingdom ; upwards of 530 large trees torn up from the roots at Adare ; 130 gross trees at Tervoe ; 200 ditto at Castletown waller ; 150 ditto at Hollypark (Mr. Taylor's) ; twenty farmers' houses were levelled to the ground on Kilgenny common, about 3 miles beyond Adare. An over grown elm tree at Clonmacken, in the N. Liberties, blown down — it had stood upwards of 150 years ; at Kilballyowen, 130 trees — all in this county. The damage at sea was dreadful. At Liverpool, 4 vessels were
436 HISTORY OF LLMElllCK.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 249

As the companion tells it

Limerick. December the 16th, 1815. Before dawn a storm rose from the southwest, and the oldest people living here could not remember one worse. Chimneys came down and houses lost their roofs. A new house in Glentworth Street was thrown flat. Around seven o'clock a Norway ship of about 200 tons broke from her moorings at Shannon quay and was driven up to the lower end of Newgate Lane, abreast of the old Golden Mills. A brig and a sloop, both laden, were driven right over the weir of Curragower and grounded under the southwest tower of the Castle Barrack. The tide rose to the houses on Merchants' Quay. Lanes and passages were strewn with bricks and tiles and slates. The flag-staff that had stood on St Mary's Cathedral since the close of 1800 was broken and carried away. The new wooden gallery put up only in July on the west side of the City gaol, over the river, was totally destroyed. A new Scotch sloop loaded with rock salt was thrown on her beam ends at O'Neill's Quay and sunk. The North Strand took great damage. Most of a new parapet wall, built only the summer before, was swept clear away. River craft were lost, and many lives with them. The leads on the Custom House were rolled up and partly carried off. The storm was general across the kingdom. At Adare, upwards of 530 large trees were torn up by the roots. At Tervoe, 130 trees. At Castletown Waller, 200. At Hollypark, Mr Taylor's place, 150. On Kilgenny Common, about 3 miles beyond Adare, twenty farmers' houses were levelled to the ground. An elm at Clonmacken in the North Liberties, that had stood over 150 years, was blown down. At Kilballyowen, 130 more trees. The damage at sea was dreadful.

Archbishop of Cashel publishes excommunication in Clonmel streets

Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1346

In 1346, after a parliament at Kilkenny granted a subsidy to King Edward III, Archbishop Ralph Kelly of Cashel and suffragan bishops of Limerick, Emly, and Lismore excommunicated all who contributed. The Archbishop appeared robed in the public streets of Clonmel to publish the decree against the king's commissioner.

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Maurice de Rupe Forte, or Rochfort, succeeded to the episcopacy in the same year, and was consecrated on the 6th of April in Limerick. An information was exhibited against him for opposing the levying of a subsidy granted to the king, of which he was found guilty. It appears that, in 1346, a parhament was held at Kilkenny, which granted the subsidy to the king (Edward IIL), to support the exigencies of the state. Ralph Kelly, Archbishop of Cashel, opposed the levying of it within his province, and for that end summoned a meeting of his suffragan bishops at Tipperary, at which Maurice, Bishop of Limerick, Richard, Bishop of Emly, and John, Bishop of Lismore, appeared. They fulminated excommunication against all who should contribute to the subsidy; and at Clonmel the Archbishop appeared in the public streets, robed, and boldly published the decree of excommunication, particularly against William Epworth, the king's commissioner in the county of Tipperary, for gathering in the subsidy from the collectors. Maurice Rochfort was for some time deputy to Sir Thomas Rokeby, Lord Justice of L-eland, and according to Eriar Hogan's Annals ofNenagh (preserved in the Brundusian Library, Brussels), Maurice was " a man of good life and honest conversation". The mortmain laws were so strictly enforced during his episcopacy, that whereas Gerald le Marescal, above mentioned, in a.d. 127-| had purchased some lands for the see, without having previously obtained his license of mortmain, Edward HI. obliged Maurice Rochfort, in 1337, to pay a fine of twenty marks. An ancient rental of the Diocese of Limerick is attributed to Maurice Rochfort.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 326

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Clonmel in Tipperary, you are on the ground of a confrontation between church and crown in 1346. That year, a parliament at Kilkenny granted a subsidy to King Edward III to support the state. Ralph Kelly, Archbishop of Cashel, opposed the levying of it within his province. He summoned a meeting of his suffragan bishops at Tipperary, and Maurice, Bishop of Limerick, Richard, Bishop of Emly, and John, Bishop of Lismore, all appeared. Together they fulminated excommunication against all who should contribute to the subsidy. At Clonmel, the Archbishop appeared in the public streets, robed, and boldly published the decree of excommunication, particularly against William Epworth, the king's commissioner in the county of Tipperary, who was gathering in the subsidy from the collectors. Maurice Rochfort, the Bishop of Limerick, had been consecrated on the 6th of April in Limerick. An information was exhibited against him for opposing the levying of the subsidy, and he was found guilty. He had served as deputy to Sir Thomas Rokeby, Lord Justice of Ireland. According to Friar Hogan's Annals of Nenagh, preserved in the Brundusian Library in Brussels, Maurice was "a man of good life and honest conversation." The mortmain laws were strictly enforced during his episcopacy. Gerald le Marescal had purchased lands for the see without obtaining his license of mortmain, and Edward III obliged Maurice Rochfort in 1337 to pay a fine of twenty marks. An ancient rental of the Diocese of Limerick is attributed to him.

Bishop Hugh Lacy of Limerick dies in gaol

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1581

Hugh Lacy, Bishop of Limerick, died in gaol having been deprived of his see by Queen Elizabeth. His death marked the loss of another ecclesiastical figure connected to the Desmond cause.

Read the passage

In this year^ the two sons of MacMaurice of Kerry made their escape from the King's court in Limerick, the Council having resolved to put them to death. They soon found themselves supported by hundreds of kerne, and they spent the remainder of the year in acts of piUage and insurrection. In the winter of this year Dr. Saunders, the Pope's legate, died in a miserable hovel in the woods of Claenglass, worn out by cold, hunger, and fatigue. The government had offered to pardon Desmond if he would give up this eminent ecclesiastic to them, but tliis he steadily refused. His companion in misfortune, the Bishop of Killaloe, who attended him in his last moment, escaped to Spain and died in Lisbon, A.D, 1617. It was to the fastnesses of Caenglass, which is situate in the south of the county of Limerick, and to the adjacent woods of Kilmore, that John Desmond, who still protracted this wretched stmggle, was in the habit of carrying his spoil. In this year Hugh Lacy, Bishop of Limerick, died in gaol. He had been deprived by Queen Elizabeth.
In 1582^ died Teige O'Brien (founder of the Ballycorick family) " a hero in prowess.'" He had been for some time Tanist of Thomond, but was expelled together with his brother by Donnell. He afterwards went to Spain and France, and thence to England, where he obtained his pardon and his entire share of the territory, except the tanistry alone. He was interred m the monastery of Ennis. Donogh O'Brien (son of Morrogh), who had joined the rebellious De Burgh the year before, having repented, returned back under protection ;* but the Queen's officers detected a flaw in the protection, and hanged him in the gateway of Limerick ; he was buried in the monastery of Ennis. His castles and lands of Lemenagh, Dromoland, Ballyconnelly, and other places, descended to his son Connor and his heirs, amongst whom is the present Lord Inchiquin, who established his right to that title in virtue of his descent from this Donagh, the founder of the family of Dromoland. There was no forfeiture, because Donagh fell a victim to martial l^w, which recognises no forfeitures.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 64

Bishop John O'Moloney of Kiltanon family, County Clare

Kiltanon · townland · Clare · 1690–1702

Bishop John O'Moloney, of the Kiltanon family in County Clare, served as Bishop of Limerick and administrator of Killaloe. He was in Paris in 1690 as envoy to the court of Louis XIV and later contributed to the Irish College there.

Read the passage

Tyrconnell had already sent away his wife (Frances Jennings, elder sister of the famous Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough) to France, and his own wealth as well as the King's treasure. Among those who shared the fortune of James, was the Puight Rev. Dr. John ]\Ioloney (of the Kiltanon family, in the County of Clare) Bishop of Limerick and administrator of Killaloe. He was in Paris at this period (1690), an envoy to the Court of Louis, to negociate assistance for Ireland. His remains were interred in the College of the Lombards, where his tomb bears the following inscription : —
Illustris et Reverendissimus Ecclesise presul, JoHvVnxes O'Maloxy, Ex antiquissima familia inter Hibernos ortus, Parisi ab adolescentia educatus, et SacriE facultatis Parisi Doctor, ex Canonico Rothotnagensi, factus primum Episeopus Laonensis, sui nominis et f amiliaj tertius ; deinde Episcopus Limericensis et Administrator Laonensis, Catholicaj religionis et patrise ardens ZeLator, propterea ab Ilereticis sepe ad necem QiuBsitus, Tandem Parisi redux exul et collegio in usum Sacerdotum Hibernorum trecentas libellas, Tuorensis anui reditus donavit, preter mille ducentas libellas in constructionera hujus Sacelli semel donatas obiit die tertia Septembris anno sute aetatis 78, et in anno Domini 1702.<

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 124

Bishop John Quin of Limerick sworn to royal supremacy

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1537

During Grey's 1537 visit to Limerick, Bishop John Coyn (Quin) was summoned and sworn to the Act of Supremacy. This is considered surprising and doubtful, as Quin had been promoted against King Henry's wishes and had shown zeal for Catholic interests, including assisting at a synod in Limerick in 1524.

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On the 28th of June, 1537, Lord Leonard Grey arrived in Limerick, where he remained a week, and of his doings here he gives a detailed account to his royal master. He had already received the submission of O'Carroll of Ely, of O'Kennedy of Ormond, of Maclbrien of Arra, of O'jMulryan of Owney, as well as of MacWilliam of Clanrickarde. He summoned the Mayor and his " brothern" before him, and acting in the spirit of the instructions which he had received from the Councd of" Dublin, he had the Mayor and members of the Corporation sworn, according to the tenor of the act of suj)remacy, and further to abjm-e the power of the Poj)e. He moreover commanded the Mayor to have all the commonalty of the city likewise sworn and to certify the fact to the Court of Chancery. He states that " without stopp or gruge the confirmed them sylves.'''' After this he adds, he called before him the Bishop of Limerick, not Bishop William Casey, who was, after apostatising, appointed Bishop of Limerick, but John Coyn^ or Quin, and had him sworn in like manner, a fact which appears the more singular, and of which very grave doubt exists, because Quin had been promoted to the see against the wishes of King Hemy, who laboured earnestly in favor of Walter WaUesley who was afterwards appointed to Kildare.2 Coyn or Quin had assisted at a synod which was held in Limerick by Edmund Butler, Archbishop of Cashel, in 1524, and his zeal for the interests of his religion had been manifested on various important occasions. Gray further states that he commanded him to have all his clergy sworn. On this occasion Connor O'Brien, Prince of Thomond, was present, and promised to serve against Morrough, the Tanist^ who owned the country around O'Brien's
> State papers. 2 Ware's Bishops.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 49

Bishop's body discovered in stone coffin at Christ Church Dublin

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1545

In 1545, during demolition work at Christ Church Dublin, a stone coffin was discovered containing the body of a bishop in episcopal dress with ten gold rings and a gold chalice. The body was regarded as a great sign of sanctity as no part of the dress had faded or rotted.

Read the passage

3 In breaking down a part of Christ Church, Dublin, in the year 1545, a stone coflSn was discovered in which the body of a bishop, in his episcopal dress, with ten gold rings on his ten lingers and a gold meys chalice standing beside his neck. The body lay in a hollow, so cut by a chisel, in the stone as to fit its shape ; it was taken up, all parts adhering together, and placed in a standing position, supported against the altar, and left there for some time ; no part of the dress had faded or rotted, and this was regarded as a great sign of sanctity. — Annah of Hit Four Masters.
* Cox remarks of the state of education at this time, that "most of the letters of the great Irish lords (even some of English extraction) are subscribed with a mark, very few of them being able to write their names. Most of the Irish chieftains neither understood nor sought to understand the English language, and carried on their correspondence in Latin, supplied by the Catholic clergy." Cox errs in some respects, as O'Neill and other Irish lords unquestionably wrote their names.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 55

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Dublin, a story belongs to Christ Church, and it comes from 1545. In that year, a part of the church was being broken down. In the course of that work, a stone coffin was discovered. Inside the coffin lay the body of a bishop, in his episcopal dress, with ten gold rings on his ten fingers and a gold chalice standing beside his neck. The body lay in a hollow. It was so cut by a chisel into the stone as to fit its shape. It was taken up, all parts adhering together. Then it was placed in a standing position, supported against the altar, and left there for some time. No part of the dress had faded or rotted, and this was regarded as a great sign of sanctity. This account is recorded in the Annals of the Four Masters.

Bishops excommunicate subsidy supporters at Clonmel, 1340

Clonmel · town · Tipperary · 1340

After a Parliament at Kilkenny in 1340 granted a subsidy to the King, the Archbishop of Cashel and suffragan bishops including the Bishop of Limerick went to Clonmel and in pontifical robes in the public streets excommunicated all who granted or levied the subsidy.

Read the passage

Emly, and Lismore ; and at an assembly held at Tipperary, they decreed that all beneficed clergymen, contributing to the said subsidy, should lose their benefices, and that the laity who were their tenants, should be excommunicated, and their children to the third generation held incapable of holding any church Hving within that province. In execution of this decree the Archbishop and his suffragan Bishops were charged with ha\dng gone to Clonmel, and in their pontifical robes, in the pubhc streets, excommunicated all those Avho granted or ordained the said subsidy, or who Avere concerned in levying the same, and for this offence an information was exhibited against them, the King's damages being laid at one thousand pounds. The Archbishop pleaded that neither he nor his suffragans had granted subsidy in the said Parliament — that by Magna Charta the Church was to remain free, and all were to be excommunicated who should infringe the liberties granted thereby. He confessed that he had excommunicated all who were enemies to the King's peace, who should uifringe the said statute, or levy any subsidy without the King's consent — but he denied havuig excommunicated any person on account of the said subsidy. They were, however, found g-uilty, but we are not informed that any punishment was inflicted on them.
A charter was granted in aid of building a bridge at Limerick, and the election of a city coroner took place. ^ In the year after the city returned its first members to Parhament ; and absenteeism^ was prohibited ; whilst the fisheries still filLed the public mind with proceedings connected with them.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 38

As the companion tells it

Coming up now is Clonmel, the town in Tipperary. In 1340, a Parliament at Kilkenny granted a subsidy to the King. The Archbishop of Cashel and his suffragan bishops, including the Bishop of Limerick, would not stand for it. At an assembly held at Tipperary, they decreed that all beneficed clergymen who contributed to the subsidy should lose their benefices, and that the laity who were their tenants should be excommunicated, and their children to the third generation held incapable of holding any church living within that province. Then they went to Clonmel itself. In their pontifical robes, in the public streets, they excommunicated all those who granted or ordained the subsidy, or who were concerned in levying it. For this, an information was exhibited against them. The King's damages were laid at one thousand pounds. The Archbishop pleaded that neither he nor his suffragans had granted the subsidy in that Parliament. He said that by Magna Charta the Church was to remain free, and all were to be excommunicated who should infringe the liberties granted thereby. He confessed that he had excommunicated all who were enemies to the King's peace, but denied having excommunicated any person on account of the subsidy. They were found guilty, but no punishment was inflicted on them.

Brian Boroimhe besieges and burns Limerick

Limerick · city · Limerick · 969–980

Brian Boroimhe, son of Kennedy, King of Munster, besieged Limerick which was still inhabited by the Danes. His troops were victorious and he set fire to the city, continuing his relentless campaign against Danish power in Ireland.

Read the passage

In A.D. 969, says the Annahst, "The Foreigners of Limerick were driven from Inis-Sibtond,*5 (now the King^s Island), by the son of Ceinneidigh /^* he adds in a separate paragraph that in this year " two suns of equal size were seen at high noon.''' Undoubtedly this was one of those optical illusions or mirages, which science now clearly explains. Some years subsequently, according to the Four Masters, (Keating makes the event ten years earher), O'Brien, the son of Kennedy, King of Munster, besieged Limerick, which continued to be inhabited by the Danes ; his troops were victorious ; he set fire to the city. He also engaged the Danes of Inis-Cailthe, whom he defeated with the loss of eight hundred killed, and Imohair (Humpiry), and Dubhgeann, their principal commanders, were taken prisoners. 3 In this latter year " an army, which was led by DomnhaU, son of Dubhdabhoireann, to Lunerick, the two sons of Brian, namely, Donchda and Fadgli, met them, and a battle was fought, wherein the people of the south of Ireland were defeated, and Domhnall fell and numbers along with him.''* The Danes, during a portion of this time, were reduced to the greatest extremities ; but at intervals they recruited their strength and retaliated severely on the Irish. There was no Prince in the Island who opposed their insults more than Brian Boroimhe.
"The Glories of Brian the Brave," must be ever heard throughout the island ^vith thrilling sensations of delight and satisfaction. This glorious monarch, whose wisdom and energy are famed in history, and whose career

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 13

As the companion tells it

As you come through Limerick, the city carries a story that reaches back to the tenth century. In 969, the Annals say the Foreigners of Limerick were driven from Inis-Sibtond, now King's Island, by the son of Ceinneidigh. The same chronicle notes that year two suns of equal size were seen at high noon, an optical illusion or mirage, as science now explains it. Some years after that, according to the Four Masters, Brian Boroimhe, son of Kennedy, King of Munster, besieged Limerick, which continued to be inhabited by the Danes. His troops were victorious and he set fire to the city. He also engaged the Danes of Inis-Cailthe and defeated them with the loss of 800 killed. Their principal commanders, Imohair, called Humpiry, and Dubhgeann, were taken prisoners. In another year, an army led by Domhnall, son of Dubhdabhoireann, came to Limerick. Brian's two sons, Donchada and Fadgli, met them, and a battle was fought where the people of the south of Ireland were defeated. Domhnall fell, and numbers along with him. The Danes during this time were reduced to the greatest extremities, but at intervals they recruited their strength and retaliated severely on the Irish. There was no prince in the island who opposed their insults more than Brian Boroimhe.

Brian Boru besieges Limerick

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1000–1014

Brian Boru besieged Limerick as part of his wars with the Danes. He later achieved victory at Clontarf and was buried at Armagh.

Read the passage

Brian Borhnime, his achievements, 10; wars with Danes, 10; besieges Limerick, 10; his pedigree. 11 ; death, m 1014 or 941, 12; crowned at Tara 13invades Ulster, 13; defeated at Ballysadare ' n' defeats Kinel Connel, 13; aids Malnchi against
INDEX,

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 457

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Limerick, this is the city Brian Boru besieged in his wars with the Danes. The record lists that among his achievements. He died in 1014. The entry is only an index line, so there is no more story here than that.

Burning of Glenasheen village, trial at Bruff

Bruff · town · Limerick · 1823

Sessions were held in Bruff on 16 May 1823, at which two men were sentenced to seven years transportation for setting fire to the village of Glenasheen in the preceding April.

Read the passage

emigrated. Sessions were held in Braff on tlie 16th of the same month, at which two men were sentenced to seven years transportation for setting fire to the village of Glenasheen in the preceding April, On the 20th of the month, an adjourned sessions were held at Eathkeale, at which thirty men were charged with being absent from their dwellings on two nights previously. Their defence was, that they had been at the wake of a deceased friend ; nine of them were relatives of the deceased ; these were acquitted, twenty-one were committed and received sentence of transportation for seven years. Such was the severity of the times. On the 20th of June following, a sessions was also held in the County of Limerick Court House, under the Insurrection Act, when two men were sent off from the dock for Cork, to be transported for seven years. Early in July another sessions was held at Rathkeale and in Limerick with similar result ; and a few nights after — viz. on the 9th, Gerald Blenerhasset, Esq. and Chief Constable Keilly of the Constabulary, discovered sixty-eight pike-heads concealed in a wall on the most remote part of Knockfierna Hill, in the County of Limerick.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 262

City of Limerick Militia routs rebels near Edenderry

Edenderry · town · Offaly · 1798

An officer of the City of Limerick Militia stationed at Edenderry marched with 60 infantry against 300 rebels posted on a hill. The rebels were routed, with upwards of 300 reportedly killed; a priest and Captain Casey were among the dead.

Read the passage

I am just returned in after giving the rebels a good drubbing. I marched against 300 of them with 60 men (infantry) ; I sent some cavalry to surround the hill where they were posted, but the moment I appeared they fled, keeping up a hot fire on us in every direction ; however, we routed and drove them to the cavalry who gave them a warm reception. I am certain upwards of 300 of them were killed. There was a Priest and a Captain Casey at their head, who were both killed ; the latter being this townsman we brought him back where he now remains hanging.
Sentences passed by the General Court-Martial — William Ryan Stephen taking arms, and swearing people, to be hanged at Caherconlish, his body to be brought back and thrown into Croppies' Hole in the New Jail.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 236

Common Speaker election at Tholsel Court, Limerick

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1815

Freemen of Limerick assembled in the Tholsel Court to elect a Common Speaker for the Court of D'Oyer Hundred. John Barclay Westropp was elected with 122 votes against Hughes Russell's 20, the first such election since 1680.

Read the passage

September 29th.— Pursuant to Act 4th Geo. IV. the Freemen of the City assembled in the Tolsel Court, to elect a Common Speaker for the Court of D'Oyer Hundred ; John Barclay Westropp, Esq. was elected. There is no mention in the existing books of the Corporation of a Common Speaker being chosen since the 3rd of April, 1680, when Robert Smyth, Burgess, was chosen to that oifice. Mr. Westropp and Mr. Hughes Russell were the only Candidates for the ofiice of Common Speaker, the former on the Corporation interest, the latter on the independent interest. The Rev. Henry Ivers Ingram, the oldest resident freeman, presided in the Chair. Numbers for Westropp, 122 ; for Russell, 20.
In this summer Rutland-street, George's- street, and Patrick-street, were newly paved.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 252

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Limerick, this city once held a rare election. On September 29th, 1815, the Freemen of the City assembled in the Tholsel Court to elect a Common Speaker for the Court of D'Oyer Hundred. The Reverend Henry Ivers Ingram, the oldest resident freeman, presided in the chair. John Barclay Westropp stood on the Corporation interest, and Hughes Russell on the independent interest. Westropp won with 122 votes to Russell's 20. The records showed no Common Speaker chosen since April 3rd, 1680, when Robert Smyth, a Burgess, was picked for the office. That summer, Rutland Street, George's Street, and Patrick Street were newly paved.

Connaught army plunders Kincora and Killaloe

Killaloe · town · Clare

An army from Connaught invaded Thomond and plundered and destroyed both Kincora, Brian Boru's royal seat, and Killaloe. The invasion was likely encouraged by the ambition of the King of Connaught, taking advantage of the feud between Brian's sons.

Read the passage

The country of Thomond, wdiich extended from the Shannon to the Slieve Bloom mountains, had been subjected"* to two invasions before the assassination of Teige ; on the first occasion by the Desmonians under Donald, the father of the Prince of Desmond, who had also been slain by Donogh, and who were defeated by the brave Dalcassians the year after the battle of Clontarf; on the second occasion by the army of Connaught, which plundered and destroyed both Kincora and KHlaloe. This was also doubtless occasioned by the ambition of the King of Connaught, encouraged by the unnatural quarrel which had so fatal a termination. Donogh prospered so much that he obtained hostages three years after his brother's death from various chiefs of Leinster; he exacteds the homage of the Danes of Dublin, was now recognized as monarch of Death Moglia or the southern half of Ireland, when he was defeated by the Ossorians and had a formidable antagonist to his claims in his nephew Turlough, the son of the assassinated Prince, Teigh, who was supported by Diarmid Maelnambo afterwards King of Leinster, at the instigation of Diarmid whose territory of Hy-Kinsella,* l^onogh had invaded, burning Perns and committing other devastations in Wexford. Several sacrilegious robberies were perpetrated at this time at Clonmacnoise, &c. It is to the credit of Donogh that he made satisfaction to the clergy of Clonmacnoise for a most revolting sacrilegious robbery, on which occasion the robbers stole a model of Solomon^s temple, probably a taberiiacli^, and a gold plated silver chahce, the former a gift of a Prince of wealth, the latter tastefully engraved by a sister of King Turlough O^Connor. In 1129, some of the Danes of Limerick were executed for
' Ann;.ls of the Four Masters, and Innisfail. * Annals of Four Masters.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 17

Convent of the Good Shepherd, Clare Street, Limerick

Clare Street · street · Limerick · 1810–1849

The Convent of the Good Shepherd on Clare Street, originally a Magdalen Asylum established around 1810 on the site of Walker's Lace Factory, housed 25 nuns, 75 penitents, and 45 reformatory girls. The nuns arrived from Angers, France in 1849 and made fine lace and vestments.

Read the passage

Near St. Patrick's Church, but on the opposite side of Clare Street, and occupying the position which was originally the site of Walker's Lace Factory, is the noble institution known as the Convent of the Good Shepherd, originally established as a Magdalen Asylum (which it still is), about the year 181^, the funds of which were raised from public subscription, charity sermons, the interest of £1,000 given by Miss White (who, at the same time, subscribed £1,000 towards the Lying-in Hospital then situate in Nelson Street, now in Henry Street), and by washing. Miss Reddan had long presided over the Asylum, until it was placed under the care of the nuns of the Good Shepherd. The convent, which has been greatly augmented in latter years, is a spacious, airy building, but without any special character, and containing, besides an extremely neat chapel and ample dwelling apartments, a large dormitory, very neatly kept; a reformatory, a wash-house or laundry of great extent, having clothes airing and drying rooms. The chapel has recently been fitted up with beautiful stalls and altars carved in wood from designs of G. Goldie, Esq., architect. The nuns of the Good Shepherd arrived "in Limerick from Angers, in France, in 1849. Mrs. Smith was the first Superioress, Madame de Balligand, a native of France, was the second, and Madame Lockhart is the third and present superioress. Very fine Brussels and Valenciennes lace and vestments are made here by the nuns, who are twenty-five in number; as also by the penitents, who are seventy-five in number, and who are constantly employed in industrial occupations. In connection with the convent, but separated from that part of the building appointed for the penitents, is the reformatory, in which there are forty-five girls, who are thus preserved from the contamination of prisons, and fitted for honest occupations. In chapter lii. we have given an account of the Present-T^tion Convent, the convent of the Sisters of Mercy, and Orphanage of Mount St. Vincent (attached to this orphanage has been built an asylum for widows); and we have given also elsewhere, in the course of this work, an account of the grand educational convent of Laurel Hill, etc., and of the other noble Catholic educational and charitable foundations of the city. Indeed few cities of its rank can boast of so many Catholic religious and charitable institutions as. Limerick.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 392

As the companion tells it

Along here on Clare Street, opposite St. Patrick's Church, stands the Convent of the Good Shepherd. It occupies the old site of Walker's Lace Factory. It began as a Magdalen Asylum around 1810, funded by public subscription, charity sermons, the interest of 1,000 pounds given by Miss White, and by washing. Miss White also gave 1,000 pounds towards the Lying-in Hospital, then in Nelson Street. Miss Reddan presided over the asylum for a long time, until the nuns of the Good Shepherd took charge. The nuns arrived in Limerick from Angers in France in 1849. Mrs. Smith was the first Superioress. Madame de Balligand, a native of France, was the second. Madame Lockhart is the third. The convent is a spacious, airy building, without any special character, but it has a neat chapel, dwelling apartments, a large dormitory, a reformatory, and a laundry of great extent with clothes airing and drying rooms. The chapel has recently been fitted with beautiful carved wood stalls and altars from designs by the architect G. Goldie. Twenty-five nuns and seventy-five penitents are constantly employed in industrial occupations. They make very fine Brussels and Valenciennes lace and vestments here. The reformatory, connected to the convent but separated from the part appointed for the penitents, holds forty-five girls, preserved from the contamination of prisons and fitted for honest occupations.

Cowley's plan to win Nenagh, Bunratty and O'Brien's Bridge

near Bunratty · parish · Clare · 1536

Cowley, writing to Cromwell in 1536, outlined a plan to establish the king's dominion by winning castles from O'Dwyer, capturing the castle and town of Nenagh, pursuing the Irishry to the Shannon, winning O'Brien's Bridge, and taking Bunratty Castle, described as a strong castle eight miles from Limerick on the river.

Read the passage

" Then a thousand to arive at Lymyrilc, and the Erl of Ossery, and his son, and power to joyne with them, and first to wyn the pyles and Casteles from O'Dwyer (chief of Kilnemanna, west of Owney), and next that to w}ti the Castele and toA\Tie of the Enagh (Nenagh, in Tipperary), and to builde and enhabite the towne, and so to pursue all the Irishry at this side of the water of the Sheynan, and to wyn O'Bryn^s Bridge that standeth upon the same water. Then to peruse all Clancullen (the ancient barony of Clancullen was situated between Limerick and Killaloe, now formuig part of the barony of Tidlagh) in OTbryne^s comitree, and to win the pyles and holdes, and specelly the strong castele called Bon Raytte (Bum*atty), eight myles fi-om Lymerick, on the river of Lymerick — consequently to make a strougholde of Clare, and to enhabit accordingly ; and to make two other baronies in the midst of O^Brien's couutreey. There are piles enough in that count eray alread}^ so that there needeth no more than to enhabite.''^
Thomas Allen, in the same year, writes a long letter to Cromwell on the subject of the Lord Deputy's expedition for the fortifying and re-edifymg of Woodstock and the bridge of Athy. After giving an account of the expedition, he says, " And his Lordship went to Kilkenny, where he met the Erl of Ossorye and MacGdphatrick, where he and Omore were contendid to remayne, and goo to Dublin with my Lord, and ther to abide his and his counsaLle''s order, and to put in pledgis for performance thereof, and to attend upon my Lord in this joumaie. And from thens departed the Chief Justice, and the Maiour of Limerick (Edmond Sexten) to sj)eke Avith O^Brene and the Erie of Dcsmonde, who have confethered togeder.""^

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 48

Creagh receives nuncio's letters secretly in Limerick

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1560–1565

Richard Creagh, Primate of Armagh, stated under questioning that the papal nuncio had secretly come to Limerick and that letters were delivered to Creagh there in the presence of a priest named Sir Thomas Molam. The nuncio had also been with Shane O'Neill in Tyrone the previous summer.

Read the passage

While our illustrious Archbishop lay a prisoner in the Tower of London, he underwent a series of interrogations at the hands of Sir William Cecil, as to his going to Rome, and as to the English and Irish subjects who were acquainted with his movements. In Shirley's Original Letters there is a copy of the examination taken from the holograph of Sir William Cecil. The Archbishop gave an account of those with whom he was acquainted, and whom he met in Rome, including Murtough and Donough O'Brien, scholars, Dermod O'Thady, Conor og, Owen Myers, &c. Whilst he was in Korae he was succored by the Pope, both in meat, drink, and house rent, because he was sent thither by the Pope's command, which he was bound to obey by an oath taken when a student in Louvain. On being questioned as to how many English, Irish, and others, he made privy to the cause of his return into Ireland, he replied, that with the exception of an English Jesuit, who was at Dellingen, near Augsburgh, and two friars of St. Francis, an English and an Irishman, whom he met at Antwerp, and one Doctor Clement, who lived in that city, no one knew of the circumstance. Some j'oung Irish scholars had heard in Louvain, perhaps from persons who had come from Rome, of his appointment to the Archbishopric of Armagh. He said that he had spent a portion of his time in merchandise, which was true, — that he carried a letter from the Pope to Shane O'Neil, — that he did not endeavour to procure the Bishopric of Down and Connor for Shane's brother, a young man of twenty-three years of age, and unlearned, — that he was aware the Queen only could found a university, — that he was anxious to convert those who were given to all kinds of iniquities, to murders, &c. He stated that he lost part of a ship, esteemed to be worth nine thousand ducats, by the French gallies in the war in King Henry's time, and that a sum of £32 was taken from his brother by the searcher of Dover -when he was going with the monej' to Louvain, to pay for his (the Archbishop's) school expenses, &c. &c. This examination was taken on the 22nd of February, 1564-'5, and on the 17th of March in the same year, another examination was taken by Richard Ousley, Recorder of London, and Thomas Wilson, Master of St. Katharine's Hospital, which is also given in Shirley's Original Letters. In this examination he stated that David Wolfe, a fellow citizen of Limerick, was the Pope's nuncio — that Wolfe was a professed Jesuit — that he had lived in Rome about eight years — that he was sent from Rome, by obedience, to Ireland, to see what Bishops did duties in this country, what sees were void, and that he himself had been most commonly in the Bishopric of Limerick, and had taught children there. His introduction to the nuncio arose from the fact that the nuncio had heard he was learned — that he so required him to go to Rome, and take upon him the Archbishopric of Cashel, and afterwards the Archbishopric of Armagh being void before his departure, the nuncio charged him to go to Rome for the Archbishopric of Cashel or Armagh, which he could not refuse, because when a bachelor of divinity in Louvain he swore obedience to the Pope, and therefore durst not disobey the nuncio. He stated that the nuncio gave him a letter to Cardinal Morone — that on his coming to Korae he delivered his letters to the superior of the Jesuits, he desiring to enter religion, but he was commanded shortly after by Cardinal Gonzage, who was acting in the place of Cardinal Morone, then at the Council of Trent, that he should not enter into religion till he had known the Pope's pleasure. In answer to further questions, he stated that when he was leaving Ireland the nuncio gave him forty crowns — that the Bishop of Limerick (Hugh Lacy) gave him twelve marks, " the which 12 markes he had as an exibion for his fyndy'g there," and twenty crowns he had of his own, and more he had not by credit or otherwise. On being questioned where the nuncio most commonly kept in Ireland, he stated that he had secretly come to Limerick, and had been the last summer with Shane O'Ncil in TjTone, as he heard, and that the letters he received were delivered to him in Limerick, in the presence of a Priest called Sir Thomas Molam. He stated further that he went out of Ireland two years before — that he came to Rome in January — that in February he was commanded not to enter into religion, and that afterwards be was charged upon the Pope's curse, not to refuse the Archbishopric of Armagh, and about Easter, twelve months after, he was consecrated by Lomelinus (Beneditto Lomellino of Genoa, born 1517, Clerk of the Apostolic Chamber, Bishop successivel}- of Anagui, Vintimiglia, Luni, and Sarzana, and afterwards Cardinal, died in 1579), and another Bishop, in the I'ope's chapel, and so came from Rome in July last past. He repeated that while in Rome the Pope bore all his expenses after he had warning not to enter religion, and had daily meat, drink, and wine, for himself and his servant at the Pope's cost — paying for his house room six crowns by the month, having had at various times from the Pope 700 crowns, of which he had 300 crowns from the Pope when leaving Rome, and 100 crowns from the nuncio — he had apparel of three

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 68

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Limerick, this city holds a story from the 1560s. Richard Creagh, Primate of Armagh, was held prisoner in the Tower of London and underwent interrogations by Sir William Cecil. On the 17th of March 1565, Richard Ousley, Recorder of London, and Thomas Wilson, Master of St. Katharine's Hospital, took another examination from him. Creagh stated that David Wolfe, a fellow citizen of Limerick, was the Pope's nuncio. Wolfe was a professed Jesuit who had lived in Rome about eight years and was sent from Rome to Ireland to see what bishops did their duties and what sees were void. Creagh himself had been most commonly in the Bishopric of Limerick and had taught children there. The nuncio had heard that Creagh was learned and required him to go to Rome, first for the Archbishopric of Cashel and then for the Archbishopric of Armagh. Creagh said he could not refuse because when a bachelor of divinity in Louvain he had sworn obedience to the Pope. When questioned where the nuncio most commonly kept in Ireland, Creagh stated that the nuncio had secretly come to Limerick, and that he had been the previous summer with Shane O'Neill in Tyrone, as he heard. The letters he received from the nuncio were delivered to him in Limerick, in the presence of a priest called Sir Thomas Molam.

Donation of Cashel to the Church

Cashel · town · Tipperary · 1101

In 1101 Murtagh convoked a great assembly at Cashel and granted it to the religious of Ireland, dedicating the seat of the Munster kings to God and St. Patrick.

Read the passage

In the year 1101 Murtagh convoked a great assembly at Cashel, and made a donation to the church, such as " no king had ever made before,''^ granting Cashel to the " rehgious of Ireland in general without any claim of layman or clergyman upon it,'' as the annalists express it, thus dedicating the seat of the Munster kings to God and to St. Patrick,^ who had there preached the Gospel to ^ngus, king of ]\Iunster and his court.
It was about the time of this splendid donation to the church that IMurtagh made his famous expedition into Ulster, and, having led a large body of troops into Innis-owen, devastated the peninsula, destroyed the churches, and, in revenge for the destruction of Kincora, utterly demolished the venerable palace of the Hy-niells, called Adeach or the Eagle's Nest, ordering his soldiers to carry away the very stones to Limerick in their provision bags.*

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 21

As the companion tells it

As you come through Cashel, this town was once the seat of the Munster kings. In 1101, Murtagh convoked a great assembly here and made a donation to the church, as the annalists put it, "no king had ever made before." He granted it to the religious of Ireland in general, without any claim of layman or clergyman upon it, dedicating the seat of the Munster kings to God and to Saint Patrick, who had there preached the Gospel to Aengus, king of Munster, and his court. About this time, Murtagh made his famous expedition into Ulster. He led a large body of troops into Innis-owen, devastated the peninsula, and destroyed the churches. In revenge for the destruction of Kincora, he utterly demolished the venerable palace of the Hy-niells, called Adeach, or the Eagle's Nest, ordering his soldiers to carry away the very stones to Limerick in their provision bags.

Dr. Arthur's stone house on Mongret Street

Mungret Street · street · Limerick · 1620–1651

Dr. Arthur built a great stone house on Mongret Street in the south suburb of Limerick city, beginning in 1620. He had scarcely finished it when Ireton was besieging the city gates. His manuscripts record detailed accounts of provisioning workmen with bread, malt, herrings, and butter during the lengthy construction.

Read the passage

To increase tlie extreme rigor and misery of these terrible times of suffering, com and provisions of every description were scarce and higli priced. The great market for com in particular, was ' Nenagh in Ormond/ to which such of the citizens of Limerick as possessed the means, were accustomed to go or to send their messengers, to purchase supphes for their household and their workmen. At this time corn was about £3 a bushel in Ormond. It may be observed that in these times and before them, it was usual not only to pay the artisan and the labourer in cash, not quite so much, indeed as they are now paid, but to bake bread, to brew malt, to lay in store barrels of herrings and quantities of butter for their consumption, a long account of which we find set forth in the MSS. of Dr. Arthur during the comparatively lengthened period he was building a great " stone howse in Mongret- street, in the south suburb of the city of Limerick," which stone house he began in 1620, but which he had scarcely finished when Ireton was thundering at the gates.' Previous to the surrender, the impositions, though not so heavy, were severe. The levies were monthly. In addition, horse and foot were quartered on such of the citizens as could or could not bear the burden.^ There were levies and applotments also for the ditches, outworks and fortifications, previous to the siege and sur-
Warding the gate whyles the new gate was a making at several nights to Owelane 1653, payed for the savengers, town maior, & for fyre & candlelight 1653, payed for that moneth's contribution to Wm. Meroney

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 103

As the companion tells it

Along here on Mungret Street, Dr. Arthur built a great stone house in the south suburb of Limerick. He began it in 1620, and his manuscripts give a long account of the years he spent raising it. Those were hard years. Corn and provisions of every kind were scarce and high priced. The great market for corn was Nenagh in Ormond, where citizens of Limerick who had the means would go or send their messengers to buy supplies for their households and their workmen. Corn was about £3 a bushel in Ormond at that time. Dr. Arthur's manuscripts set out in detail how he fed the men who built his house. It was usual then, and had been for some time before, not only to pay the artisan and the labourer in cash, though not quite so much as they are paid now, but also to bake bread for them, to brew malt, to lay in store barrels of herrings and quantities of butter for their consumption. His accounts run through the whole lengthened period of the building. He had scarcely finished the house when Ireton was thundering at the gates of the city. Before the surrender, the burdens on the citizens were severe. The levies were monthly. Horse and foot were quartered on such of the citizens as could or could not bear it. There were levies and applotments also for the ditches, outworks and fortifications, before and during the siege.

Ennis house of correction nails used for siege engine

Ennis · town · Clare · 1642

During the 1642 siege of Ballyally Castle, the O'Gradys built a large armoured 'sow' siege engine using nails valued at £5 that had been collected to build a house of correction in Ennis.

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The O'Gradys were not intimidated by it. Having no cannon, they first made two " sows," a small one to clear the way, and a large one to follow ; the latter being 35 feet long, 9 feet broad, and mounted on four wheels. It was double planked ; nailed with nails to the value of £5, which had been collected to build the house of correction in Ennis, and covered with two rows of hides, and two rows of sheep skins, which made it bullet proof. They likewise made a leathern gun five feet long and 5 inches in diameter, with which they tried to batter the castle, but " shee only gave a great report, having 31bs. of powthar in bar, but lett fly backwarde, the bnllet
€0 HISTORY OF LIMERICK.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 38

Firbolg stone sepulchres in Phoenix Park

Phoenix Park · electoral division · Dublin

Two specimens of Firbolg-era stone sepulchres, each covered with a huge monolith, survive in Phoenix Park — one inside the Zoological Gardens and another behind the Military School. These pre-metallic burial monuments are distinguished from Tuatha de Danaan cromlechs and are estimated to be at least two thousand years old.

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Sir W. Wilde, in his interesting lecture on "Ireland, Past and Present", remarks that if the Danes had erected these curious mounds, the popular belief would not ascribe tliera to the Fairies or "Good People"; more probably they were constructed by the Tuatha de Danaans, whose name they preserve. These were " globular-headed, intellectual, and refined specimens of humanity", as compared with the "long-headed, thicli-skulled "Firbolgs". The latter or " early pre-metallic Irish", buried their dead lying at full length in a stone sepulchre, covered with a huge monolith, of which there are two specimens in the Phoenix Park — one in the Zoological Gardens, and the other behind the Military School ; the Tuatha de Danaans buried their dead in the "Kistvaen" or stone chamber, sometimes small and sunk beneath the level of the soil, sometimes rising into the great cromlech, miscalled Druid's altars, and consisting of one large superincumbent stone supported by four otliers. These latter have been denuded of their tumuli, and rifled of their contents at the beginning of tlie Christian era. The body must have been placed in a doubled up or crouching attitude. Mortuary urns containing fragments of burnt bones have been found in some of the latter tombs. Two thousand years at least, according to Sir W. Wilde, have elapsed since the construction of these earthen raths, stone circles, great forts, and sepulchral monuments. The sarcophagi of the Firbolgs and their contemporaries contain flint weapons and shell ornaments, but no metal, and were originally covered by mounds of earth. We suppose many of these raths were fortified in the wars of Strongbow and Cromwell.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 443

As the companion tells it

As the road carries you through Phoenix Park in Dublin, there are two ancient stone sepulchres here that go back to the Firbolgs, the early pre-metallic people of Ireland. One stands inside the Zoological Gardens, the other behind the Military School. Each is a stone sepulchre covered with a huge monolith, and the dead were buried lying at full length inside. Sir William Wilde, in his lecture on Ireland, Past and Present, drew a line between these Firbolg burials and those of the Tuatha de Danaans. He described the Tuatha de Danaans as globular-headed, intellectual, and refined specimens of humanity, compared with the long-headed, thick-skulled Firbolgs. The Tuatha de Danaans buried their dead in a Kistvaen, a stone chamber sometimes small and sunk beneath the soil, sometimes rising into the great cromlech. Those cromlechs, miscalled Druid's altars, consist of one large superincumbent stone supported by four others. They were denuded of their tumuli and rifled of their contents at the beginning of the Christian era. The body in them must have been placed in a doubled up or crouching attitude. Mortuary urns containing fragments of burnt bones have been found in some of those tombs. The Firbolg sarcophagi contain flint weapons and shell ornaments, but no metal, and were originally covered by mounds of earth. Two thousand years at least, according to Sir William Wilde, have elapsed since the construction of these earthen raths, stone circles, great forts, and sepulchral monuments.

Francis Arthur equips artillery corps, later accused of treason

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1782–1798

Francis Arthur, son of Patrick Arthur, equipped a corps of artillery at his own expense during the volunteer movement. Despite this, he fell under Government suspicion and was charged with overt acts of high treason in 1798 based on a perjured informer named Maum.

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X. Rathkeale Volmitcers. XI. German Fusiliers, James Darcy, Esq. XII. Inchiquin Fusiliers, Sir Hugh Dillon Massy, Bart. XIII. Limerick Independents, John Frendergast Smyth, Esq. XIV. Sixmilebridge Independents, Francis Macnamara, Esq. We have thus given the fullest details of the grand volunteer movement in city and county at this eventful period. Not only in Limerick, but in Tipperary and Clare, many Catholics ■were enrolled among the defenders of their native land. Mr. Francis Arthur, the son of Mr. Patrick Arthur, equipped a corps of artillery at his own expense; but the fact did not prevent him from falling under the ban of Government a few years afterwards ; his life was sought throixgh the infamous agency of a perjured informer of the name of Maum when he was charged with overt acts of high treason in 1798.
1 This title, lately become extinct, had been held by Edmond Burke's father-in-law. Lord Clare thought to give a prestige and appearance of antiquity to his title by selecting that of an elder member of the Peerage — of whom, indeed, the public know little, save that he once gave Goldsmith a haunch of venison — but as Robert Burns has it :

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 225

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Limerick, this city was once at the heart of a grand volunteer movement. Catholics were enrolled among the defenders of their native land, not only here but across Tipperary and Clare. Among those who stepped forward was Francis Arthur, the son of Patrick Arthur. He equipped a corps of artillery at his own expense. That fact did not protect him. A few years afterwards he fell under the ban of Government. His life was sought through the infamous agency of a perjured informer of the name of Maum. In 1798 he was charged with overt acts of high treason. A man who had armed a corps for the defence of the land was hunted by the very authority he had served.

Glin Castle siege by Sir George Carew, 1600

Glin · town · Limerick · 1600

The old castle of Glin was celebrated for its siege by Sir George Carew in 1600 during Desmond's rebellion. After a desperate fight, the Knight of Glin and his gallant band were either killed or drowned.

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The old castle of Glin, still extant, was celebrated for its siege by Sir George Carew in 1600, during Desmond's rebellion. Durmg this siege, after a desperate fight, the Knight of Glin and his gallant band were either killed or drowned. We have alluded to this siege before.
The ruins of the castle are very extensive ; two of the towers are extant, as are the tower and banqueting hall, near the church. Many parts of its extensive range of vaults are also perfect. In the castle demesne is a chalybeate spring.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 431

Grey takes Ballyconnell Castle and burns Morrogh O'Brien's country

Ballyconnell · town · Cavan · 1537

On 8 July 1537, Grey advanced with James of Desmond and O'Brien into Morrogh O'Brien's territory in Clare, capturing his castle of Ballyconuel (Ballyconnell). He then invaded, burnt, and destroyed Morrogh's country that same day.

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On the next day, James of Desmond, and O'Brien with their retinue came to him, and on the ' 8th of July, he removed with them into Morrogh O'Brien's country, and there took his castle of Ballyconuel,^ and Clare [Clare More], invaded, burnt and destroyed Morrogh's country that day. On the morrow, because he Avould not conform to good order or reformation towards the king. Gray encamped that night at Clare castle,'* and upon the next day James of Desmonde and O'Brien departed ; and then he proceeded to Clanrickarde, where he encamped that night, and the 10th of July, repaired to a castle called Bally Clare, which he rifled and not chalice or cross left in it belonging to Eichard Oge Burgh, which " did much hurt to your towne of Galway," " and the same dyd take and deliver to Ullyck Oborgh, now lately made Capitayn of that comitre" [and knighted by Gray] . He remained eight days in Galway, where he was entertained by the Mayor, and Ulick Burke gave all the "Iryshe retinue," that was with him in his countrey, " frelye mete, drynk, and lodging. Lyck order, as I toke with the Mayor of Lymyryck, hys brothern, and the Busshop as touching theyr othes to your Majestic, and the refusall of the usurped jaower of the Busshopp of Eome, lyck order toke with the Mayor of Galway, and his brothern and the Busshop." About this time, it would appear a serious dispute arose between the Deputy and Edmond Sexten, who had hitherto been very good friends. We take from the Arthur MSS. an important item of intelligence, which goes to show hov/ matters stood in this instance, and Avhich gives an account of the achievements of Sexten on a very memorable occasion : —

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 49

Inchiquin's cavalry threatens Kilkenny city

Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1647

After taking Callan and making baronies in County Kilkenny tributary, Inchiquin's cavalry rode within musket shot of Kilkenny city, paralysing the Confederate council that had relocated there from Limerick.

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wide their gates, repaired to the cathedral for protection — where, under the shadow of the temple, venerable with the hoar of ages, and consecrated bj the hoHest memories to the highest services of patriotism and religion, Murrough O'Brien, debasing a name hitherto so highly honored, perpetrated the savage atrocity which will be for ever associated with his memory. In a portion of the building, which is to be seen at this day, a monument of his refined cruelty, Murrough " of the burnings,'''' after having shaken the waUs^ with the thunder of his guns, in despair of obtaining an entrance, had recourse to the horrible expedient of piling up a quantity of turf against the outward wall, and to this he applied fire, by the action of which the rehgious and other people who were crowded inside, were absolutely baked to death.^ Upwards of thirty priests and friars fell victims to the atrocious Inchiquin on this ever-memorable occasion- Flushed with these victories, as no doubt he called them, he defeated the Irish army under Lord Taaflfe at Knockinglass, near Kanturk, where there was also a terrible slaughter. Inchiquin then led his army into the county of Limerick. In a short time he brought the whole province of Munster, the cities of Limerick and Waterford, the towns of Clonmel and Kilmallock, under contribution. He proceeded to the county of Killcenny, where he took Callan, and having some of the baronies in that county made tributary, a part of his cavalry marched within musket shot of the city of Kilkenny, where he succeeded so far that he paralysed the council of the Confederates. It is not surprisuig that the Nuncio should feel intensely this state of affairs, which was principally brought about by the jealousies, the disimions, the envy, it may be added the treasons, of certain of the Catholic party, and that he should express himself in terms of extreme bitterness and reproach, to the Holy Eather.^ These losses, fearful in extent and significance, would be sufficient to make aU parties in the Confederation, including the most Irish and inflexible, to seek for peace, if it could be had with honour; but the Parhamentarians had now so far succeeded in England that the King had become a prisoner in the Isle of Wight, and there was no access to him. The Confederate council, which had already removed from Limerick to Kilkenny, sent Lord Antrim, Lord Muskerry, and Geofirey Browne, Esq., to France, to see the Queen of England and the Prince, in order to make them acquainted with the gloomy state of affairs. Dr. Ersnch, Bishop of Perns, and Nicholas Plunkett, Esq., were sent to Eome to negociate for assistance. An ambassador was sent to Spain for the same object. Meantime, whilst these active negociations were proceeding, the citizens of Limerick were improving and strengthening the city, fortifying the out works,

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 91

James's speech in Dublin after Boyne defeat

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1690

After his defeat at the Boyne, King James arrived in Dublin and made a speech disparaging his Irish army, saying they basely fled the field, and declared he would never again head an Irish army.

Read the passage

" Gentlemen, I had a very good army in England, and when I had the greatest occasion for them, they deserted me, and went to the enemy ; and finding a total defection against me there, I retired and went to France, where I was kindly received by that King, and had aU the assurances imaginable from him to re-establish me on my Throne. In some time after I came to this kmgdom, and found my Eoman Catholic subjects here as well equiped and prepared to defend my cause as their abilities could bear; and though I have often been told, that when it came to the touch they would never bear the brunt of a battle, I never could credit the same ; till now ; when having a good army and all preparations fit to engage any foreign invader, I found the total truth, of which I have been so often cautioned. And though the army did not desert me here as they did in England, yet when it came to a tryal, they basely fled the field, and left the spoil to my enemies ; nor could they be prevailed upon to rally, though the loss in the whole defeat was but inconsiderable : So that henceforward I never more determine to head an Irish army, and do now resolve to shift for myself, and so, gentlemen, must you. It has been often debated, in case such a revolution should happen, whether upon deserting the city of Dubhn, the same ought to be fired? I therefore charge you, on your allegiance, that you neither rifle the city by plunder, nor destroy it by fire, which in all kingdoms win be judged very barbarous, and must be believed to be done by my orders ; and if done there will be but little mercy expected from an enemy thus enraged. He told them, though he quitted Dublin, he did not quit his interest in it. He told his menial servants that he should noAv have no farther occasion to keep such a court, as he had done ; and that therefore
' Storej*. ' Leslie's Answer to King.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 121

As the companion tells it

Dublin ahead. In 1690, after his defeat at the Boyne, King James came to this city and addressed the people gathered there. He told them he had a good army in England, and when he had greatest occasion for them, they deserted him and went to the enemy. Finding a total defection against him there, he retired and went to France, where he was kindly received by that King and had all the assurances imaginable from him to re-establish him on his throne. He said that in some time after, he came to this kingdom, and found his Roman Catholic subjects here as well equipped and prepared to defend his cause as their abilities could bear. He had often been told that when it came to the touch they would never bear the brunt of a battle, and he never could credit it, till now. Having a good army and all preparations fit to engage any foreign invader, he found the total truth of what he had been so often cautioned against. He said that though the army did not desert him here as they did in England, yet when it came to a trial, "they basely fled the field, and left the spoil to my enemies," nor could they be prevailed upon to rally, though the loss in the whole defeat was inconsiderable. He declared that henceforward he never more determined to head an Irish army, and resolved to shift for himself, and so the gentlemen must you. He charged them, on their allegiance, that they neither rifle the city by plunder nor destroy it by fire. He said that if done, there would be little mercy expected from an enemy thus enraged. He told them that though he quit Dublin, he did not quit his interest in it.

Joseph Gabbett disputes market toll exactions in Limerick

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1749

Joseph Gabbett of Doonstowne wrote to Ambrose Wilson at Cahirconlish on June 22, 1749, describing his dispute over illegal market tolls in Limerick, where extorters took three times the lawful amount. He had them indicted but faced obstruction in obtaining the original docket from the clerk of the House of Commons.

Read the passage

These exactions continued to the destruction of trade, the persecution of the farmers, and the injury of the city. On the 22nd of June, 1 749, Joseph Gabbett, Esq., of Doonstowne, in a letter addressed to Ambrose Wilson, Esq., at Cahirconlish, gives an account of the dispute he had in Limerick about these exactions, by which they took market toll, " just three times aa much as they had a right to " He gave information of it, and had the extorters indicted, but "was obliged to postpone the trial that assizes, because he had not the original docket, for Avhich he applied against the assizes following, but could not obtain it without the expense of bringing down the clerk of the House of Commons, in whose hands it was ! He also had the people who took illegal toll at John's Gate convicted before the Mayor, of extorting one penny for each horseload of potatoes, but had no other satisfaction given than making them return a halfpenny to each person who had so resisted them. It appears that Mr. Wilson had a law-suit at the same time, as Mr. Gabbett wishes him every success in his undertaking.
To show the enormous extent of the oppression caused by these corporate exactions at this period, William Monsell, Esq., on the 5th of November, 1749, in a letter addressed to " the Kev. Charles Mas.sy, A.M., Dean of St. Mary's, Limerick," complains in bitter terms of the " robbery." The " oppression, practised by the freemen on the public in this citty, is but too well known to town and country, the latter being mostly sufferers in having exorbitant tolls taken off their corn b}' the iniquitous toll-men of this citty, and no remedy by applving to the magistrates." He goes on to show how he suffered, and he adds that " those violent proceedings made me and several others drop tillage, though our country wants cultivating." He expressed a hope that the Common Council of the city would take the matter into consideration iu order to a redress of the infliction.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 190

As the companion tells it

As the road brings you through Limerick, this city carries an old grievance about market tolls. In 1749, those exactions had reached the point of destroying trade and persecuting farmers. On the 22nd of June, 1749, Joseph Gabbett of Doonstowne wrote to Ambrose Wilson at Cahirconlish about a dispute he had in Limerick over these tolls. The extorters were taking, in his words, "just three times as much as they had a right to." He gave information and had them indicted, but had to postpone the trial at that assizes because he could not get the original docket. He applied for it before the next assizes, but could not obtain it without the expense of bringing down the clerk of the House of Commons, in whose hands it was. He also had the people who took illegal toll at John's Gate convicted before the Mayor, for extorting one penny for each horseload of potatoes. The only satisfaction was making them return a halfpenny to each person who had resisted them. Gabbett wished Wilson success in his own lawsuit at the same time. Later that year, on the 5th of November, 1749, William Monsell wrote to the Reverend Charles Massy, Dean of St. Mary's, Limerick, complaining of what he called "robbery." He wrote that "the oppression practised by the freemen on the public in this city is but too well known to town and country," with country people mostly suffering exorbitant tolls taken off their corn by the toll-men, and no remedy from the magistrates. He said those "violent proceedings" made him and several others drop tillage, though the country wanted cultivating. He hoped the Common Council would take the matter into consideration for redress.

King's Island refuge during siege of Limerick

King's Island · townland · Limerick · 1691

As shot and shell uprooted the streets of Limerick, multitudes of women and children were given refuge on King's Island, which remained in the hands of the defenders despite repeated attacks. Tents were pitched where Ireton had camped forty years earlier.

Read the passage

As the shot and shell of the enemy poured in and uprooted the pavement of the streets, multitudes of women and children were provided with a refuge in the Kiug^s Island, which remained in the hands of the defenders, though many fruitless attacks had been made upon it. Tents made up of whatever was available, were pitched where Ireton had been forty years before ; many too found refuge beyond Thomond Bridge. It was here that many of the state records were kept, that the principal judges of the land, including Sir Stephen Eice, Chief Baron of the Exchequer, and one of the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury, dwelt during the occasion;^ as well as the Archbishop of Cashel, and several of the highest personages, civil and ecclesiastical.
" Swine herds,'^ " cow boys,'''' " Irish cut throats,''^^ was the common name by which the native Irish were designated; but the epithets were far more applicable to those who so freely used them than to the natives.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 135

Limerick citizens petition Parliament against Corporation abuses

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1762

A petition in the name of John O'Donnell, independent secretary, was signed by upwards of five hundred persons of all ranks but no Catholics, and presented to Parliament by city representative Counsellor Edmond Sexton Pery. It detailed grievances including quartering soldiers on Catholics without payment, dirty streets, excessive customs and tolls, partial justice, and misapplication of city revenues.

Read the passage

to the free citizens enters into many subjects, and particularly recommends him to use his influence with Lord Bute and the members of the Privy Council to have justice done to the aggrieved and plundered citizens of Limerick.^ It should be stated that previously to this correspondence, they had framed a petition to Parliament, in the name of John O^Donnell, their independent secretary, containing all their complaints, and signed by upwards of five hundred persons of all ranks of city and country, but not signed by any Catholics. The petition was presented to Parliament on the first day of its sitting by the city representative. Counsellor Edmond Sexton Pery, and was backed by other representatives of Limerick and Clare. A committee was appointed by Parliament to examine into the causes of compkint, and Mr. E. Sexton Pery was appointed chairman of the committee. Many members of the Corporation were summoned to Parliament for the sixth of November, that being the day the committee was to sit, as were also many of the other inhabitants of all ranks and stations. The grievances wdrich the citizens suffered from the Corporation, and on which they were chiefly examined, were the unreasonable practice of quartering the soldiery on Catholics, and on those whom the Corporation did not like, without ever paying for such quarterage, though the Government allowed payment ; the dirty manner in which the streets and city were kept ; the exactmg of customs at the gates, double what the law allowed, and for articles which were not liable to custom ; and for exacting tolls in the market, treble what the laws and Parhamentary schedule allowed; the partial administration of justice between party and party, and the neglect of magistrates in the administration of justice, and visiting and regulating the markets ; the demanding and misapplication of the revenues of the city for over thhty years previously, and the Corporation farming to each other for ever the city lands for a crown or twenty shillings a year, which were worth to each individual £200 or £300 per annum ; the depriving the freemen and free citizens of their rights in the electing of Mayors, Sheriffs, &c., and not granting them a common speaker, or calling a court of D^Oyer Hundred ; the selling for life, in some particulars, employments in the Corporation, w^hich w^ere to be elected for every year — these and many other charges against the Corporation were evidently proved before the committee, and the consequence was a new law for the better regulation of the City of Limerick was enacted on the 21st of December, the committee unanimously agreeing to 31 resolutions, which, on the 23rd of December were reported to the whole House, and on the 24th, the House, a xording to order, took into consideration the report made on the 23rd relative to the petitions of John O^DonneU and others, and the resolutions of the committee ■were read and agreed to by the whole House.^ The injurious power

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 198

As the companion tells it

In 1762, the citizens of this city sent a petition to Parliament in the name of John O'Donnell, their independent secretary, signed by upwards of five hundred persons of all ranks, though no Catholics signed it. Counsellor Edmond Sexton Pery, the city representative, presented it on the first day Parliament sat, backed by other representatives of Limerick and Clare. Parliament appointed a committee to examine the complaints, with Pery as chairman. Corporation members and other inhabitants were summoned for the sixth of November. The grievances were many. The Corporation quartered soldiers on Catholics and on those it did not like, without ever paying, though the Government allowed payment. The streets were kept in a dirty manner. Customs at the gates were double what the law allowed, and charged on articles not liable to custom. Market tolls were treble what Parliament's schedule allowed. Justice was partial between parties, and magistrates neglected their duties in the markets. City revenues had been misapplied for over thirty years. The Corporation farmed city lands to each other for a crown or twenty shillings a year, lands worth to each individual £200 or £300 per annum. Freemen were deprived of their rights in electing mayors and sheriffs, denied a common speaker, and employments meant to be elected yearly were sold for life. These charges were proved before the committee, which agreed to 31 resolutions. A new law for the better regulation of the city was enacted on the 21st of December. On the 23rd the resolutions were reported to the whole House, and on the 24th the House read and agreed to them.

Limerick Theatre converted into Catholic Church

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1815

In 1815 the Theatre of Limerick was converted into an admirable Catholic Church, reflecting the decadence of theatricals throughout Ireland. Theatres at Kilkenny, Cork, and Wexford were similarly repurposed.

Read the passage

The decadence of theatricals throughout Ireland is instanced this year, not only by the change of the Theatre of Limerick into an admirable Catholic Church, but that at Kilkenny, so famous some years ago for its theatricals, has been changed into a hay market and corn store. The Patrick-street theatre, Cork, is appropriated to the fine arts, and the Wexford theatre converted into a dissenting meeting house.
October 29th. — At a special sessions in the City Court House, under the Insurrection Act, a man sentenced to seven years' transportation, and sent out of the dock.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 252

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Limerick, this is where the Theatre of Limerick stood. In 1815 it was converted into a Catholic Church. The change was part of a wider decline of theatricals across Ireland that year. At Kilkenny, a theatre once famous for its theatricals became a hay market and corn store. The Patrick-street theatre in Cork was appropriated to the fine arts. And the Wexford theatre was converted into a dissenting meeting house. Limerick's conversion was called admirable, but it marked the fading of the stage in towns that once supported it.

Lord Brittas execution and trial in Limerick

Brittas · townland · Limerick · 1607–1610

Lord Burke of Brittas refused to conform, was tried and sentenced, and executed in 1607 for his Catholic faith. His daughter became a nun.

Read the passage

Burke, Lord Brittas, performance of divine service, 133 ; refuses to conform, 134 ; trial of. and sentence, 134; execution in 1607, 134; his daughter a nun, 134; his execution in 1610, 133; offer to proselyte rejected, 133 ; granddaughter married to Sarsfield, 133 ; memoir of him. 133.
Burke, Eleanor, daughter of Lord Brittas in 1C48, 134.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 457

Mayor Christopher Creagh fined in Star Chamber

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1616

Christopher Creagh, who had conformed when sheriff in 1611 but later refused the oaths as mayor in 1616, was brought before the Star Chamber, fined £100, and confined.

Read the passage

The Mayor and Rochfort were deposed for refusing the oaths, then chosen Christopher Creagh, (con- Patrick Leyseaght, James Stretch, formed), This Mayor, for now refusing the oaths which he tooli in 1611, when Sheriff, was brought to the Star Chamber, was fined £100, and was confined ; none, of these five Mayors or Sher.ffs, in 1616, would take the oaths or go to church, except Patrick Lyeseagb, who was a i'rotestant.
1616 Dominick Roche, (second John Fitz-John Stretch (conformed), Richard Lawless,

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 406

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Limerick city, there is a story from 1616. The mayor and Rochfort were deposed for refusing the oaths. Christopher Creagh was chosen as mayor in their place. He had conformed when sheriff in 1611, but now refused the oaths too. He was brought before the Star Chamber, fined £100, and confined. None of the five mayors or sheriffs that year would take the oaths or go to church, except Patrick Lyeseaght, who was a Protestant.

Munster towns restore Mass on Elizabeth's death

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1603

On the death of Queen Elizabeth, all the cities and towns of Munster entered into arms and put up masses in their churches, though this did not continue long. The citizens of Limerick showed the utmost joy at the removal of the persecuting queen.

Read the passage

From this period till the days of the Confederation, a.d. 1<i41, etc., the cathedral appears to have been for the greater part of the time in the hands of the Protestant bishops and clergy ; nor can we find that any improvement had been made in it during the troubled and anxious days they held possession. It is true that on the death of Queen Elizabeth " all the cittyes and towns of Munster entered into arms and put upp masses in their churches",' which our authority adds, " did not continue lonfr". We are informed also,^ that the utmost joy pervaded the citizens of Limerick at the removal of the persecuting queen, who had purpled the scaffold with the blood of so many martyrs on account of the faith, and who was succeeded by a monarch whose tendencies were thought to be entirely in favour of the utmost toleration to the religion which had been suffering for over half a century at the hands of an unrelenting despotism. Among the " English by descent"^ who inhabited the county of Limerick, at the end of the sixteenth century, there were none who sympathised with the change in religion; they were ijysis Hibernis Hibemiores; for the mere Irish were true as steel to their religion ; they could not be subdued ; and for Edmund Sexten and his followers to conquer so bold and resolute a band as then existed thoughout the diocese or to confront them, was impossible. As the record of the names and districts of the old possessors is of very great interest, we give it, containing, as it does, the names of those who at the time held the highest positions in county and city, and who never swerved from the assertion of principle at any cost.
No. 635, Carew MSS., Lamheth Palace.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 335

As the companion tells it

As the road brings you through Limerick, this is a city whose people, in 1603, answered the death of Queen Elizabeth with open relief. The book says that on her death, all the cities and towns of Munster entered into arms and put up masses in their churches. The citizens of Limerick showed the utmost joy at the removal of what the source calls the persecuting queen, who had purpled the scaffold with the blood of so many martyrs on account of the faith. She was succeeded by a monarch whose tendencies were thought to be entirely in favour of the utmost toleration to the religion which had been suffering for over half a century at the hands of an unrelenting despotism. But the masses did not continue long. The cathedral had been for the greater part of the time in the hands of Protestant bishops and clergy, and no improvement had been made in it during the troubled and anxious days they held possession. Among the English by descent who inhabited the county of Limerick at the end of the sixteenth century, there were none who sympathised with the change in religion. They were, in the words of the source, more Irish than the Irish themselves. The mere Irish were true as steel to their religion and could not be subdued. For Edmund Sexten and his followers to conquer so bold and resolute a band as then existed throughout the diocese, or to confront them, was impossible. The authority for this is a manuscript among the Carew papers at Lambeth Palace.

Normans besieged in Dublin negotiate with Irish

Dublin · city · Dublin

Prendergast served as ambassador, jointly with the Archbishop of Dublin, from the Normans besieged in Dublin to their Irish besiegers. The negotiation failed when the Irish refused to let the Normans hold Leinster, and the Irish were subsequently defeated.

Read the passage

We next read of Prendergast as ambassador, jointly with the Archbishop of Dublin, from the Normans besieged in that city to their Irish besiegers. But as the latter would not agree to permit the Norman lords to hold Leinster, even as a fief of Roderick O'Connor, the king of Connaught, the negociation had no result, and eventually the Irish were defeated. " E plus de mil e cine cent
L ont ossis de cele gent

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 28

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Dublin, the city carries an old siege story. The Normans were besieged here, and they sent Prendergast as ambassador, jointly with the Archbishop of Dublin, to their Irish besiegers. The Irish would not agree to let the Norman lords hold Leinster, even as a fief of Roderick O'Connor, the king of Connaught. The negotiation had no result, and eventually the Irish were defeated.

O'Connell public meeting in Limerick

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1837

In July 1837, Daniel O'Connell arrived from Dublin on his way to Cork and held a public meeting in Limerick, with John O'Brien of Elm Vale in the chair. O'Connell denounced the Corporation and extolled the Roche brothers as friends of the people.

Read the passage

Queen — and Limerick^ county and city, became again the vortex of the political excitement. In the month of July O^'Connell arrived from Dublin, on his way to Cork, and held a public meeting, John O'Brien. Esq. of Elm Yale, afterwards M.P. for the city, in the chair ; when O'Connell delivered with characteristic freedom his opinion of certain members of the aristocracy, who happened at the time, or whom he believed to be opposed to the popular cause, denouncing as usual the Corporation in the most unmeasured terms of reproach. He extolled the Messrs. Eoche as friends of the people, and adherents of a liberal Government.
The election for the city commenced on the 1st of August, it was marked by the utmost excitement. The windows and doors of the houses in Francisstreet of the anti-popular candidates had been smashed the night before. The candidates were William and David Eoche, Esqrs. on the popular interest; and William Monsell, Esq. and Mr. Wilson on the Tory interest. The following was the result of the gross poll : — W. Eoche, 563 ; David Eoche, 555; W. Monsell, 176. The Court rung with acclamations from the friends of Messrs. Eoche, who having returned thanks, the Sheriff adjourned to next morning. There was no chairmg of the City members,'

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 279

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Limerick, this is where Daniel O'Connell held a public meeting in July 1837. He had arrived from Dublin on his way to Cork, and John O'Brien of Elm Vale, afterwards member of parliament for the city, took the chair. O'Connell delivered what the record calls his opinion of certain members of the aristocracy with characteristic freedom, denouncing the Corporation in unmeasured terms of reproach. He extolled the Messrs. Roche as friends of the people and adherents of a liberal government. The election for the city commenced on the 1st of August and was marked by the utmost excitement. The night before, the windows and doors of houses in Francis Street belonging to the anti-popular candidates had been smashed. The candidates were William and David Roche on the popular interest, and William Monsell and a Mr. Wilson on the Tory interest. The gross poll gave W. Roche 563, David Roche 555, and W. Monsell 176. The court rang with acclamations from the friends of the Roches, who returned thanks, and the sheriff adjourned to the next morning.

Penal Laws: Sir Stephen Rice estate litigation

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1714–1720

Sir Stephen Rice, a Papist, devised land to his son Edward for life, but under the acts against the Growth of Popery the estate descended to three sons in gavel-kind. Edward turned Protestant to claim the fee, then reconverted to Catholicism on his deathbed, sparking further litigation involving his daughter Mary Rice.

Read the passage

Sir Stephen Rice died in 1714; he had three sons, Edward, James and Thomas. i3y his will he devised Land to Edward for life ; but Sir Stephen being a Papist, the Estate, notwithstanding the will, by the acts against the Growth of Popery, descended to the three sons in gavel-kind. Edward, his eldest son, turned Protestant, and thereby became entitled to the fee of the Estate, and died in May, 1720, and by his wiU devised his estate to the defendant, a Papist, in fee. The Plaintiff filed his Bill the 29th of October following, before the six months allowed by 2 Anne, c. 6, for conforming, had elapsed. The defendant demurred, for this, and that this was not a purchase by a Papist, within the meaning of the second act, which gave the benefit of conveyances to Papists to a Protestant discoverer. There was much argument on both sides ; the court being of opinion that this case did not fall within the clause of the first act, which makes a purchase by a Papist void or within the clause of the second act, which gives lands conveyed to a Papist to a Protestant discoverer ; that a desire here was not to be considered as a purchase in the legal sense, in opposition to descent, but that it fell within the clause of the first act, which gives the benefit of it to the next Protestant relation ; and the demurrer was allowed, but without costs. Edward became a Catholic again on his deathbed, which gave rise to further litigation, on a case in which Mary Rice, his daughter, appeared.
In the case of Evans against Quin, in Chancery, 26th of June, 1725, where Quin, who was of Popish parents, but became a Protestant m 1709, and was then called to the bar, but never filed any certificate of his conformity, bat purchased an estate; and a bill of discovery being filed against him for this purchase, he pleaded that he was a Protestant; and on solemn argument the plea was allowed ; the court being clearly of opinion that he was a good Protestant to purchase, notwithstanding he never filed any certificate of his conformity. Similar cases can be produced ad infinitum.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 171

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Limerick, this city holds a story from the penal law years. Sir Stephen Rice died in 1714. He was a Papist, and he had three sons, Edward, James, and Thomas. By his will he devised his land to Edward for life. But because Sir Stephen was Catholic, the estate did not follow his will. Under the acts against the Growth of Popery, it descended to all three sons in gavel-kind instead. Edward, the eldest, turned Protestant. By that act he became entitled to the fee of the estate. He died in May 1720, and by his will he devised the estate to the defendant, a Papist, in fee. The plaintiff filed his bill on the 29th of October that year, before the 6 months allowed by the statute of the second year of Queen Anne for conforming had elapsed. The defendant demurred, arguing that this was not a purchase by a Papist within the meaning of the second act, which gave the benefit of conveyances to Papists to a Protestant discoverer. There was much argument on both sides. The court held that this case did not fall within the clause making a purchase by a Papist void, nor within the clause giving lands conveyed to a Papist to a Protestant discoverer. A devise here was not a purchase in the legal sense, opposed to descent, but fell within the clause of the first act, which gave the benefit to the next Protestant relation. The demurrer was allowed, but without costs. Edward had become a Catholic again on his deathbed. That gave rise to further litigation, in which Mary Rice, his daughter, appeared.

Protestant aldermen of Limerick petition against Catholic traders

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1697–1698

The mayor, sheriffs, and Protestant aldermen of Limerick petitioned Parliament complaining they were damaged in trade by the great numbers of Catholics residing in Limerick. A clause was inserted in the Act to prevent the further growth of Popery requiring Catholic inhabitants to give security or depart the city and suburbs.

Read the passage

imprisonment till transported ; and if they returned after transportation^ to suffer as in cases of treason. Concealers of such were for the first offence to forfeit £20j for the second £40, and for the third the whole of their lauds and goods. The burying also in any suppressed abbey, monastery, or convent, not made use of for celebrating divine service according to the Liturgy of the Church of England, was prohibited under the forfeiture of £10, and neglect in a magistrate was made punishable by that of £100. Curry denounces in powerful words the treachery that was shown towards the citizens of Limerick.' '' Upon a petition of the mayor, sheriffs, and Protestant aldermen of Limerick, complaining (like the Protestant coal-porters of Dublin before mentioned) that they were greatly damaged in their trade by the great numbers of papists residing in Limerick, and praying to be relieved ; a clause was ordered to be inserted in the Act 'to prevent the further growth of Popery,^ that every person of the Popish religion, then inhabiting wiihin the said city, or its suburbs, should give in sufficient bail or security, before the chief magistrate of the said city, that they would bear themselves faithfully towards her Majesty ; or in default of giving such security, should depart out of the said city and suburbs."
During a visit of the Duke of Ormonde, who had arrived in Dublin as Lord Lieutenant in May, 1703, to Limerick, in July following, the Catholic citizens entertained a hope that even he might do something to mitigate the asperity of their cruel lot ; but alas ! they were deceived. A so-called " Cathohc" faction existed and opposed the legitimate interests of the great body of the citizens. An Act of Parliament was passed, that not more than twenty Catholics should be suffered to live in the city, and these twenty were to undergo the humiliation of obtaining Hcenses for their good behaviour from an Orange Mayor. White^ denounces in these terms the monstrous state of things at this time. We give the facts in his own language : —

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 164

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Limerick, this is a city whose Protestant leaders turned on their Catholic neighbours in trade. In 1697 and 1698, the mayor, sheriffs, and Protestant aldermen of Limerick petitioned Parliament, complaining that they were greatly damaged in their trade by the great numbers of what they called papists residing in Limerick. They prayed to be relieved. Parliament responded. A clause was ordered to be inserted in the Act to prevent the further growth of Popery. It required every person of the Popish religion then inhabiting within the city or its suburbs to give in sufficient bail or security before the chief magistrate of the city, that they would, in the words of the source, "bear themselves faithfully towards her Majesty." In default of giving such security, they were to, again in the source's words, "depart out of the said city and suburbs." A writer called Curry denounced what he described as the treachery shown towards the citizens of Limerick. The petition echoed an earlier complaint from the Protestant coal-porters of Dublin, who had raised a similar objection to Catholic competition. The consequences hardened in the years that followed. In July 1703, the Duke of Ormonde arrived in Limerick, having come to Dublin as Lord Lieutenant in May of that year. The Catholic citizens entertained a hope that even he might do something to mitigate the asperity of their cruel lot. They were deceived. A so-called Catholic faction existed and opposed the legitimate interests of the great body of the citizens. An Act of Parliament was passed that not more than 20 Catholics should be suffered to live in the city, and these 20 were to undergo the humiliation of obtaining licenses for their good behaviour from an Orange Mayor.

Thomas Spring Rice born in Mungret Street

Mungret Street · street · Limerick

Thomas Spring Rice, a Protestant who identified with the popular struggles against the Limerick Corporation, was born in Mungret Street in the house occupied by Mr. Parker, No. 1. He threw himself into the ranks of the independents and advanced citizens' interests against the Corporation.

Read the passage

The battle of independence was nobly fought in Limerick, nor could it ever have been fought so well, were it not for the wanton plunder of the Corporation, which, stimulated by the apprehension that its days were numbered, left no stone unturned to make the most of the time of respite, from a doom which all honest men heartily desired to see it receive. Daniel O^Connell had already denounced the misdeeds of the Corporation, the annals of which, at this time, were nothing more than malversation of the public funds, outrageous infringements on public liberty, corruption of the worst character, manufacture of freemen, &c. For some time Thomas Spring Eice, Esq., who had attained a prominent place in the public eye, by energy and attention to public business, had identified himself with the popular struggles. This gentleman, connected with the city by family ties of ancient duration, and born in Mungret-street,^ threw himself heart and soul into the ranks of the independents ; and well did he advance his own interests by the part he took, in promoting those of the citizens against the conspiracies of an un-
' Papers Read before the British Association Meeting at Cork 1813. Before the same at Dublin 1857, and before the Social Science Congress in Dublin ISGl.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 254

As the companion tells it

Along this street in Limerick, Thomas Spring Rice was born, in the house occupied by Mr. Parker, number 1. He was a Protestant who identified with the popular struggles against the Limerick Corporation. The battle of independence was fought in Limerick, and it was fought well, driven by the wanton plunder of the Corporation. The Corporation, knowing its days were numbered, left no stone unturned to make the most of the time it had left. Daniel O'Connell had already denounced its misdeeds. The annals of the Corporation at this time were nothing more than malversation of public funds, outrageous infringements on public liberty, corruption of the worst character, and the manufacture of freemen. Thomas Spring Rice had attained a prominent place in the public eye through his energy and attention to public business. He was connected with the city by family ties of ancient duration. He threw himself heart and soul into the ranks of the independents, and advanced the interests of the citizens against the conspiracies of the Corporation.

Treachery at Killaloe — Fennel sells the pass

Killaloe · town · Clare · 1651

Colonel Fennel, entrusted with defending the pass at Killaloe against Ireton's crossing, treacherously deserted it and fled into Limerick with his soldiery. The pass had been sold, enabling Ireton to advance.

Read the passage

Ireton, soon after this correspondence, by the treachery of Captain Kelly, made himseK master of O'Brien's Bridge ; and whilst Castlehaven was hastening to oppose him. Colonel Fennel, to whom the pass at Killaloe had been entrusted, treacherously deserted it, and fled into the city of Limerick with his soldiery — he had sold the pass. Just before this event, as if he had intended to divert the course of the river, Ireton had set the soldiers and pioneers at work to take the ground lower on his (Ireton's) side, that the water venting itseK into the passage, the river might become fordable. This so alarmed the Confederate forces that the most of them were drawn out to oppose them. The ways were almost impassable from bogs and morasses, hither neither man nor horse could pass without peril, so that they were obHged to lay hurdles and great pieces of timber across, in order to bear the carriages, waggons, &c., of the Parliamentary forces, which they effected under pretence of making a passable road between their camp and Castle Connel, where, as we have seen, provisions had been already laid up for the

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 96

Treaty of Limerick articles signed at Ginkle's quarters

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1691

After protracted debate, articles were agreed to for the city of Limerick and all forts and castles in Irish possession, including Ross and Clare. Sarsfield, Wauchop, and other commissioners proceeded to Ginkle's quarters for the signing.

Read the passage

These proposals were all rejected, though strongly pressed on Ginkle's attention by the Archbishop of Cashel and others. So difficult was it to come to an arrangement, that at one time it was considered probable that the battle should be fought over again ; even the batteries were making ready for that purpose, but the treaty was at length determined on; and on the 28th, Sarsfield, Wauchop, Baron Purcell of Loughmore, the Archbishop of Cashel, Su' Garret Dillon, Sir Theobald Butler, and Colonel Brown, (the three last mentioned counsellors-at-law), with several officers and Commissioners, proceeded to Ginkle^s quarters ; where after aprotracted debate, articles were agreed to, not only for the city of Limerick, but for all the forts and castles of the kingdom, then in possession of the Irish, such as Eoss, Clare, &c. &c. On the same evening an order was signed, directing a portion of the transport ships to sail from Cork to the Shannon, in order to take some of the Irish forces on board ; and Ginkle despatched a letter to Sir Ealph Delavall, who, he understood, was upon the coast, with a squadron of English ships of war, cautioning him not to prevent the transport ships of France from arriving in the Shannon, nor the remainder of the French fleet from entering the bay of Dingle. On the following day (the 29th) the horse and dragoons, commanded by the Marquis de Ruvigny, proceeded to encamp beyond Six-Mile- Bridge, for the convenience of forage. On this occasion the soldiers of both armies became on friendly terms, and mutually visited each other's camps. On the 30th, the Duke of Wirtemberg entertained nearly all the Irish general officers at dinner, no other movement having been contemplated until the expected arrival of the Lords Justices, who were sent for to confirm the civil and mihtary articles. Sarsfield next day complained that certain of the English began to plunder and strip his soldiers according as they had the opportunity. Ginkle thereupon gave orders that none of his men should go beyond their own works. The Irish made huts in the King's Island, to which several regiments were drawn. The gates were kept fast locked, as it was apprehended that many would endeavour to escape on the intelHgence of their having to go to France — a service for which, according to Storey, they entertained no particular affection, but which they preferred after all, as the result soon proved, to the English service.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 146

As the companion tells it

As you travel through Limerick, you are moving through the city where the treaty articles were signed in 1691. The negotiations had nearly broken down. Proposals were rejected, though pressed on Ginkle's attention by the Archbishop of Cashel and others. It was so difficult to reach an arrangement that at one time it seemed the battle would be fought over again. The batteries were even making ready for that purpose. But the treaty was at length determined on. On the 28th, Sarsfield, Wauchop, Baron Purcell of Loughmore, the Archbishop of Cashel, Sir Garret Dillon, Sir Theobald Butler, and Colonel Brown, the three last being counsellors-at-law, with several officers and commissioners, proceeded to Ginkle's quarters. There, after a protracted debate, articles were agreed to, not only for the city of Limerick but for all the forts and castles in the kingdom then in possession of the Irish, such as Ross, Clare, and others. On the same evening an order was signed directing transport ships to sail from Cork to the Shannon to take Irish forces on board. Ginkle despatched a letter to Sir Ralph Delavall, who was upon the coast with a squadron of English ships of war, cautioning him not to prevent the transport ships of France from arriving in the Shannon, nor the remainder of the French fleet from entering the bay of Dingle. On the 29th the horse and dragoons, commanded by the Marquis de Ruvigny, encamped beyond Six-Mile-Bridge. Soldiers of both armies became friendly and visited each other's camps. On the 30th the Duke of Wirtemberg entertained nearly all the Irish general officers at dinner. Sarsfield complained that certain English began to plunder and strip his soldiers. Ginkle gave orders that none of his men should go beyond their own works.

Treaty of Limerick privileges and subsequent violations

Limerick · city · Limerick

The Treaty of Limerick secured religious privileges for Irish Roman Catholics, requiring only an oath of allegiance to William and Mary. These stipulations were subsequently violated by the imposition of oaths of abjuration and supremacy.

Read the passage

To understand the great importance of the privileges secured by the Treaty of Limerick, we should remember that no oath but the oath of allegiance to WUKam and Mary was exacted from Irish Roman Catholics submitting to their government, anxious to preserve their property or looking for office. This stipulation was violated by the subsequent introduction of the oaths of abjuration and supremacy, and the required subscription to declarations against the principal tenets of their faith. By the principal of the articles of Limerick the Ptoman Catholics of this kingdom were to enjoy such privileges in the exercise of their religion as were consistent with the laws of Ireland ; or as they did enjoy in the reign of Charles 11.^ Now how stood the laws of Ireland in that reign? The Irish Statute book, to use the words of Lord Macaulay, " though afterwards polluted by intolerance as barbarous as that of the dark ages, then contained scarcely a single enactment, and not a single stringent enactment imposing any penalty on papists as such." In England the case was very different. There priests receiving neophytes into the Church of Rome were liable to be hanged, drawn, and quartered. Jesuits held " their Hves in their hands/^ intending barristers or schoolmasters were obliged to take the oath of supremacy, which was required of every man taking office. In Ireland, on the contrary, the Jesuit was safe. The oath of supremacy was not required unless formally tendered to public functionaries, and therefore, did not exclude from office those whom the government wished to promote ; the sacramental test and declarations against Transubstantiation were unknown; nor was either house of parhament closed against any religious sect. liord Macaulay has thus concentrated, in a few sentences, the exact relative and comparative positions of Catholics in England and Ireland before and after the signing of the Treaty of Limerick. Like those Ultra- Protest ants of the present time, who talk of getting the Catholic Emancipation Act repealed, there were not wanting persons in those days, who, repining at the working of any favourable articles with the Irish, openly declared, as the Protestant Jacobite, Dr. Leslie informs us, "that they would have them reversed in parliament ;" as indeed they afterwards were in effect, though not all in form. As for WilHam himself, though during the congress at Reswick he passed a new law for the rooting out of popery ; it does not appear that he differed in opinion from the moderate Protestants, Avho, as Plarris says, thought it for his majesty's honour and interest abroad and at home that the articles should be strictly observed. Unfortunately these moderate Protestants constituted the minority,^ as the army had been remodelled in such a way by the Duke of Tyrconnell that Protestant officers were generally displaced in favour of Catholics. The sufferings of James's military followers fell almost entirely on the members of that profession,

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 161

As the companion tells it

Coming through Limerick, you are passing through the city where the Treaty of Limerick secured religious privileges for Irish Roman Catholics. Under the treaty, only an oath of allegiance to William and Mary was exacted from Irish Catholics submitting to their government, whether they wished to preserve their property or sought office. By the principal articles of Limerick, Roman Catholics were to enjoy such privileges in the exercise of their religion as were consistent with the laws of Ireland, or as they did enjoy in the reign of Charles the Second. Lord Macaulay noted that the Irish Statute book, though afterwards polluted by intolerance as barbarous as that of the dark ages, then contained scarcely a single enactment imposing any penalty on papists as such. In England the case was very different. Priests receiving converts into the Church of Rome were liable to be hanged, drawn, and quartered. In Ireland, on the contrary, the Jesuit was safe. The oath of supremacy was not required unless formally tendered to public functionaries, and the sacramental test and declarations against Transubstantiation were unknown. Neither house of parliament was closed against any religious sect. This stipulation was then violated by the subsequent introduction of the oaths of abjuration and supremacy, and the required subscription to declarations against the principal tenets of the Catholic faith. There were persons who openly declared, as the Protestant Jacobite Dr. Leslie informs us, that they would have the articles reversed in parliament, and so they afterwards were in effect. William himself passed a new law for the rooting out of popery during the congress at Ryswick. Moderate Protestants, as Harris says, thought it for his majesty's honour that the articles should be strictly observed, but they constituted the minority.

Treaty Stone pedestal erected in Limerick

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1691–1865

A limestone pedestal and enclosure was erected in May 1865 to protect the Treaty Stone, the traditional site where the Treaty of Limerick was signed in 1691. The text notes the uninterrupted local tradition, while questioning how the treaty could have been physically signed upon the stone.

Read the passage

' The last public monument erected in Limerick is the pediment and enclosure placed for the protection of the " Treaty Stone". It is about 12 feet high, of plain limestone, and bears upon its eastern and western sides, respectively, the inscriptions; " This pedestal was erected May, 1865, John Rickard Tinsley, Mayor"; and "The Treaty of Limerick, signed a.d. 1691". The north and south sides bear the castle, the city arms, with the Virgilian legend: " Urbs antiqua fuit studiisque asperima belli". Of the Treaty Stone itself wo speak with some hesitation, for it is mentioned in none of the old historical documents, and yet the uninterrupted local tradition is that the treaty was signed upon it. But how ? No one could write on it as it existed, and it was still lower in situation before the erection of the present bridge. Possibly the stone served as a rest for a board, or for a chair for those who signed that celebrated document ; for it is not to ba imagined that there was no table available for the purpose. In fact, a table was advertised years ago for sale in Cork, which, it was_^.stated, was tlie identical table on which the Treaty was signed. I have heard, but not on rehable authority, tliat the Treaty Stone was removed from the county Clare. O'Connell, during his references to the Treaty, always seemed to recognize the truth of the tradition. History says the treaty was signed in the camp.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 387

As the companion tells it

The road through Limerick passes near the Treaty Stone, the traditional site where the Treaty of Limerick was signed in 1691. The last public monument erected in the city is the pedestal and enclosure placed for the protection of the Treaty Stone. It is about 12 feet high, of plain limestone, and bears on its eastern and western sides the inscriptions: "This pedestal was erected May, 1865, John Rickard Tinsley, Mayor" and "The Treaty of Limerick, signed a.d. 1691." The north and south sides bear the castle and the city arms, with the Virgilian legend: "Urbs antiqua fuit studiisque asperima belli." Of the Treaty Stone itself there is some hesitation. It is mentioned in none of the old historical documents, and yet the uninterrupted local tradition is that the treaty was signed upon it. How that could have happened is unclear. No one could write on it as it existed, and it was still lower in situation before the erection of the present bridge. Possibly the stone served as a rest for a board, or for a chair for those who signed that celebrated document. A table was advertised years ago for sale in Cork, which, it was stated, was the identical table on which the Treaty was signed. There is a claim, though not on reliable authority, that the Treaty Stone was removed from County Clare. O'Connell, during his references to the Treaty, always seemed to recognize the truth of the tradition. History says the treaty was signed in the camp.

Wentworth writes from Boyle Abbey on Connaught progress, 1635

Boyle · town · Roscommon · 1635

Writing from the abbey of Boyle on 13 June 1635, Wentworth described his 'progress' through Connaught to establish the King's title to counties Roscommon, Sligo, Mayo and Galway. He noted finding the King's title to Roscommon and praised the local drink 'honey clabber.'

Read the passage

' Writing from the abbey of Bojde, 13th of June, 1635, Weutworth says to Lord Cottington, "It's true I am in a thing they call progress, but yet in no great pleasure for all that, all the comfort I have is a little Boney Clabber ; upon my faith I am of opinion it would like you at one measure, would you had j'our belly full of it, I warrant you, you should not repent it ; it is the bravest freshest drink you ever tasted — your Spanish Don would in the heats of Madrid hang his nose and shake his beard an hour over every sup he took of it, and take it to be the drink of the gods all the while. The best is, we have found his majesty's title to Roscommon, and shall do the like I am confident for all the other three counties, for the title is so good there, there can be nothing said against it." — Strafford's Letters and Despatches, vol i. p. 441. [lioney Clabber ia the Irish hnine cluba for " thick (sour) milk.]" 11
146 HISTORY OF LIMERICK.

Internet Archive limerickitshisto00leni, Chapter 80

Limerick, its history and antiquities; ecclesiastical, civil, and military,from the earliest ages, with copious historical, archaeological, topographical, and genealogical notes

The stories, best first

Sheriff Webb's death in a Limerick gutter

Siege of Loch Gur castle by James, son of Maurice (1516)

Silver and ornaments seized from Limerick's Black Friars, 1539

Sir Hardress Waller appointed governor of Limerick

Sir William Drury dies at Waterford after sentencing bishop

St. Gubbinet's well and shrine at West Watergate

Synod at Jamestown withdraws fealty from Ormond

Three days of massacre in Limerick after surrender to Ireton

Tornado strikes Limerick killing one man

Traitor Fennel seizes John's Gate in Limerick

Treaty of Limerick signed and rapidly violated

Trial, execution, and burial of Lord Brittas at Limerick

Tyrconnell's grave discovered beneath St. Mary's Cathedral

White House near Thomond Bridge as refuge for Irish government

Windmill on the Shannon banks built and twice burnt

Women drowned and mutilated at Jacobite embarkation points

Father O'Donnell imprisoned in Limerick

King William's headquarters at New Castle near Limerick

Storm damage at St. Mary's Cathedral flag-staff and City gaol gallery

Archbishop of Cashel publishes excommunication in Clonmel streets

Bishop Hugh Lacy of Limerick dies in gaol

Bishop John O'Moloney of Kiltanon family, County Clare

Bishop John Quin of Limerick sworn to royal supremacy

Bishop's body discovered in stone coffin at Christ Church Dublin

Bishops excommunicate subsidy supporters at Clonmel, 1340

Brian Boroimhe besieges and burns Limerick

Brian Boru besieges Limerick

Burning of Glenasheen village, trial at Bruff

City of Limerick Militia routs rebels near Edenderry

Common Speaker election at Tholsel Court, Limerick

Connaught army plunders Kincora and Killaloe

Convent of the Good Shepherd, Clare Street, Limerick

Cowley's plan to win Nenagh, Bunratty and O'Brien's Bridge

Creagh receives nuncio's letters secretly in Limerick

Donation of Cashel to the Church

Dr. Arthur's stone house on Mongret Street

Ennis house of correction nails used for siege engine

Firbolg stone sepulchres in Phoenix Park

Francis Arthur equips artillery corps, later accused of treason

Glin Castle siege by Sir George Carew, 1600

Grey takes Ballyconnell Castle and burns Morrogh O'Brien's country

Inchiquin's cavalry threatens Kilkenny city

James's speech in Dublin after Boyne defeat

Joseph Gabbett disputes market toll exactions in Limerick

King's Island refuge during siege of Limerick

Limerick citizens petition Parliament against Corporation abuses

Limerick Theatre converted into Catholic Church

Lord Brittas execution and trial in Limerick

Mayor Christopher Creagh fined in Star Chamber

Munster towns restore Mass on Elizabeth's death

Normans besieged in Dublin negotiate with Irish

O'Connell public meeting in Limerick

Penal Laws: Sir Stephen Rice estate litigation

Protestant aldermen of Limerick petition against Catholic traders

Thomas Spring Rice born in Mungret Street

Treachery at Killaloe — Fennel sells the pass

Treaty of Limerick articles signed at Ginkle's quarters

Treaty of Limerick privileges and subsequent violations

Treaty Stone pedestal erected in Limerick

Wentworth writes from Boyle Abbey on Connaught progress, 1635