Notes and records of the ancient religious foundations, at Youghal Co. Cork, and its vicinity

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

1. Desmond's sack of St. Mary's Church, 1579

   Youghal · town · Cork · 1579

   During Desmond's sack of Youghal in 1579, the church suffered significant damage, likely including the sepulchral arch and window in the north aisle, which were described as greatly injured at a remote period.

   Read the passage

   This Aisle is of peculiar interest, from the evidences it aflbrds of a fornier Church, which stood nearly on this site. A sepulchral Arch of this oldt r bnildiug" is preserved in its North wall ; and numerous portions of the ta^jered tomb-stones of (he eleventh, twelfth, and thirteenth centuries have b< en discovered here. The Aisle is lig-lited by a sing-le, handsome, window in the North wall. Beneath the window, and partly occupying its base, is the monumental Arch alluded to. It is semi-circular and moulded, the supporting- cohnnns being- moulded likewise. Both Avindow and tomb were g-rearly injured at a remote period, probably during- Des^iond's sack of the Church in I57i) ; tor a larg-e mural monument, to the memory of Wili,[A?»i L!:wellin, was erected within the Arch in 1628, and the window was partly built up to support his clHg:y. These incumbrances and dilapidations were removed in Nov., 1852, and the Arch was restored by Mr. Edward FitzGerald, at the expens.- and under the superintendence of the Rev. P. W. Drew.

   In the flooring' of tlie Aisle, next the Sepulchral Arch, are two flat slabs. One, to the memory of Patrick Ronane of the D'Loug-htanc family, has a rich fleureed Cross in relief, with the followhig- inscription round the manjin :

   Internet Archive notesrecordsofan00haym, Chapter 5

2. Field intrenchments between Rhincrew and Temple-Michael

   Templemichael · townland · Waterford

   On the hill between Rhincrew and Temple-Michael there are traces of field intrenchments of considerable extent, but tradition and history are silent as to their nature or object.

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   spacious apartments, now choked with rubbish, were excavated by the Knig-hts in the rock on which the Preceptory stands, and that from them subterranean jMissag-es led to secret sally-ports at difterent parts of the river. The ruins were too dilapidated to admit of such researches ivs would test the tnith of this tale, and we fear there is not enough of anticjuarian enterprise and enthusiasm in the neighbourhood to stimulate to so toilsome and expensive an investigation. On the liill between Rliincrew and Temple-Michael there are traces of some field intrenchments of considerable extent; but tradition and history are silent as to their nature or object." [O'Flanagan, pp. 31, 32.]

   A further step to secure themselves in the f uU possesssion of their sea-port at the mouth of the Rlackwater, was tlie new-])C()pling of the town by the Anglo- Normans with inhabitants from England. A colony, consisting of men-at-anns, traftickers and other adventurers, was now introtlnced from JJristol ; while to promote trade, and ensure the safety of mariners frequenting the harbour, a Light- House was erected and was ingeniously placed under the manag^ement of the inmates of

   Internet Archive notesrecordsofan00haym, Chapter 6

3. Grave of Elizabeth Scroope (Blagden), Regicide's daughter

   Youghal · town · Cork · 1738

   Beneath the east window of St. Mary's, Youghal, lies the grave of Elizabeth Blagden, youngest daughter of Colonel Adrian Scroope, one of the regicides who signed Charles I's death-warrant. She was buried on 4 August 1738, aged 83, having been only five when her father was executed on 17 October 1660.

   Read the passage

   Mks. BLAcnANK was buried 4 August 1738, ( Yonfjhol liajistcr.) She was but five years old when, 17 Oct. IGGO, her father was exeeuted. Alon^- with him suiiered IlAniMSON, Caui:\v, Clkmi:nt, Jonks and Scot, who also had sat in judg'ment on the lati- King", iind had sip'ned his death-warrant. Scot had held the rank of Colonel in the Parlianientnry nrniy, and he met his doom with the sauu! intrepidity whieh marked his life. lie desired that it mifrht be written upon his tombstone, "7/r/T liis I'liomns Scot, ivho atljinhjid to iUoth tin- Intt Kinfj." His dau;,^hter Maiiv was married to QriNTiN Ot^I!0Ii^K K>q., M.D. ; their son was QriNTiN Osuorm: Esq., whose daufrhter, Klizauktii, married CiiAiiLKS SmvAiii) Esq. One of the daujjrhters of this union, Martha SmvAUi), married TllOMAS Ouvj:u Esq., and their only daug-hter and heir, ELIZAnmii, married the Rev. P. W. Hnmv, now iJector of Youphal.

   As we pass on towards the Collep-e, we fnid the g-rave of DaMF.L AdaM-s, who died o Jan. 1714, at the i)atriurchal ag'e of 120 years; and now followingthe broad g-ravel walk beneath the boinidary wall, we reaeh a eireular flankingturret, built in 1041 by the Eaul of Cohk*. Here stood the old lieh-gnte. Its site is now oeeupied by a flip"ht of ste]»s, ereeted in 1814 ; and at the left hand as you ascend them, inserted in the wall at the base of the turret, is a slab of common red-stone thus quaintly inscribed :

   Internet Archive notesrecordsofan00haym, Chapter 5

4. Human Skeletons Found in Ardmore Round Tower, 1841

   near Ardmore · street · Cork · 1841

   Excavations in 1841 within the base of the Round Tower at Ardmore uncovered two imperfect human skeletons at considerable depth. The remains had been disturbed during the tower's original construction, with a foundation stone occupying the place of one cranium, indicating the skeleton was decapitated by workmen cutting the foundation trench.

   Read the passage

   Excavations were made, in the year 1841, within the base of this Tower, under the superintendence of Messrs. Odell, Wixdele, Hackett and Abell, and led to the discovery of two imperfect human skeletons at a considerable depth of earth. This circumstance induced some to think that the interments took place at a period subsequent to the erection of the ToAver, and was advanced as an argument for the Pagan origin of these structures. But there Avas no little misconception here. Instead of having been interred, with care, Avithin the basement of the ToAver, these human remains had been interfered with at the time of its erection. A foundation-stone occupied the place of one of the crania, and the skeleton evidently had been decapitated and otherAvise injured by the workmen who cut the circular trench for the foundations of the ToAver. VVe have no hesitation in assigning this noble structure to the ninth or tenth century, A.D. ; for the mouldings of the doorAvay, the grotes<jue corbel heads in the interior, and the s^juare trefoil-heads of the AvindoAvs of the upper story, all belong to this penod. And, ])erhaps, avc may find the reason for the erectiun of the Cloifj-thcach at this time, in the unsettled stJite of the country OAving to the predatory landings of tiie Uubh-Galh, Fin-Galls, and otlier sea-rovers.

   FeAV situations could be inon- romantically chosen for a ])lace of worshij), than that of the Tcampul iJcifcart, or (.'hurcii of The South, at Ardmore. A steep, j)refii)itous clilf, overhanging llie Ocean, is its nestliiig-ijlaee; and just on the verge ot the frightful chasm stand the grey, Aveather-bleiiehed ruins of th( old Church. The eccleKJunfical details l)elong to the thirte<'nth century, and we a^k. May not the Founder have been MoKL-KTTiii.M O'D'iim i:-itATHirv, Ilishop of Ardmorr*, who, an we have before seen (])au-e 7.), died in 1203, hiiving <'ree(«'(l a r'hiirch in thin place ? There are now stiinding th<' Went gable Avitli portions of tlie South side-wall. The Ea«t gable Avaa blown down by a Htonn about thirty

   Internet Archive notesrecordsofan00haym, Chapter 1

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere about Ardmore, excavations were made in 1841 within the base of the round tower, under the superintendence of Messrs. Odell, Wixdele, Hackett and Abell. They led to the discovery of two imperfect human skeletons at a considerable depth of earth. This led some to think the interments took place after the tower was built, and it was put forward as an argument for the Pagan origin of these structures. But there was misconception in that. The human remains had not been interred with care in the basement of the tower. They had been interfered with at the time of its erection. A foundation stone occupied the place of one of the crania, and the skeleton had evidently been decapitated and otherwise injured by the workmen who cut the circular trench for the foundations of the tower. The tower is assigned to the ninth or tenth century. The mouldings of the doorway, the grotesque corbel heads in the interior, and the square trefoil-heads of the windows of the upper story all belong to that period. The reason for erecting the cloigtheach at that time may be found in the unsettled state of the country owing to the predatory landings of the Dubh-Gaill, Fin-Gaill, and other sea-rovers. Few situations could be more romantically chosen for a place of worship than the Temple Declart, the Church of The South, at Ardmore. A steep precipitous cliff overhanging the ocean is its nesting place, and just on the verge of the frightful chasm stand the grey, weather-bleached ruins of the old church. The ecclesiastical details belong to the thirteenth century. The founder may have been a bishop of Ardmore who died in 1203, having erected a church in this place. There are now standing the west gable with portions of the south side-wall. The east gable was blown down by a storm about thirty years ago.

5. Nunnery or Chapel of St. Anne with Light Tower, Youghal

   Youghal · town · Cork · 1100

   Around 1100, the Anglo-Norman occupiers of Youghal founded the Nunnery or Chapel of St. Anne's on the cliffs at the west side of the harbour's mouth, with a connected Light Tower. The nuns were charged with maintaining the light to guide ships into the harbour.

   Read the passage

   1100.— About this year the Nunnery or Chapel of St. Anne's, with which was connected a Light Tower, wa.H founded by the .\nglo-Nonnan occupiers of Yonghal, on the clitfat the West side of the harbour's mouth. The house was richly endowed by the Fotinders, " under the condition that the nuns should see that the light was ngularly maintained. This condition of tenure was instituted as an ap|>eal to the religion and gallantry of the native Irish, who were

   deterred from injuring" the lig-ht whieh g-uided reinforcements to the invaders by a reluctance to oifer violence to consecrated females." [0'Fla>aga>', p. 10. J

   Internet Archive notesrecordsofan00haym, Chapter 6

6. Old Fort cannons placed at Youghal churchyard

   Youghal · town · Cork · 1853

   Five cannons from the Old Fort of Youghal were placed on the sloping ascent of the churchyard in 1853. They had previously been used as mooring posts on the Pier Head after the bastion was dismantled.

   Read the passage

   Piissing upward we climb the hill. The old ranjparts have turned to the south, and still form the enclosure of the burying-ground. \\here the more ancient portions remain, the wall is from six to .Neven feet thick, 'i'he .sentinel's walk behind the battlements, and the loopholes throug'h which he peered with eager eye, are in good preservation. Along the wall at intervals were flanking towers, built so near that a person might call from one to another, and the cry thus raised could be conveyed in a few moments the whole circuit of the fortifications. The Infirjnary and Fever Hospital are built on a niece of the wall, at the N.W. angle. The pcsition was unhn])pily chosen, botii lus regards visitors of the Churchyard and tne .sick inmates. Ailjoining them is a small castellated To.ver, erected, in the early ])art of 185.'J, at the expen.'^e of the Hector, the Rev. P. W. Drew. It stands on the site of the Observatory, u.sed by the late Roger Dartnell, M.D. On the sloping ascent are five cannon, formerly in the Old Fort of Youghal. When this bastion was dismantled, the guns were fixed on the Pier Head, with their breeches down, as mooring posts for the shipj ing ; and, in 1853, with the consent of the Town Commissioners they were disint« rred and placed here, looking out through embrasures as in days of old. Over the pointed doorway of the Tower is a stone, containing the Founder's shield. A winding flight of stone-steps conducts to the sunnnit, the view from which, across the harbour, of the opposite sljores of Waterford, with the long-stretching timber bridge in the distance to the north, the opening of the Blackwater behind it, and the chain of mountain .scenery for a back-ground, is extremely fine. On a still day, with a full tide, the harbour has all the semblance of a land-locked lake. Some new and striking views mig'ht be obtained, by oj^ening vistas through the trees, which in their wild growth are fast shutting out the prospect.

   Internet Archive notesrecordsofan00haym, Chapter 6

7. Patrick Ronane memorial slab, Youghal

   Youghal · town · Cork · 1621

   A flat slab in the aisle flooring commemorates Patrick Ronane of the D'Loughtane family, who died 30 April 1621. It bears a rich fleured cross in relief with a Latin inscription, placed by his wife Joan Avas.

   Read the passage

   " Hie iacct Patricivs Ronan villa? de Yoghil,qvi obiit 30 Aprilis, An. Dm. 1021. Orate pro anima hvivs viri defvncti et lOAXN^ Anvas vxoris eivs (jvae banc tumbam fieri fecit."

   The second was orig-inally raised to TilOMAS HOULDSHIIT, Mayor of Youg'hal in 1021, the year RoNANE died :

   Internet Archive notesrecordsofan00haym, Chapter 5

8. Pest-coffin tradition in Youghal town walls

   Youghal · town · Cork

   A deep recess in the town walls of Youghal was traditionally believed to hold the pest-coffin used for the poor in times of plague. The coffin was customarily sent to houses where someone had died of pestilence.

   Read the passage

   Tlie town-walls rise steeply above. A deep recess in them, nt this place, tradition affirms to have been the receptacle, in olden days of mortality, of the pest-coffin for the poor. This coffin (it is said) was customarily sent to the

   • In 1814, when tlic flay and rubbish, which lay beneath this tombstone as it stood near the pab|<! of the South Aisle, were Ixinff reinoverl, a very interesting rcllque wiVn found, lying anions tlie boni-» and earth at flie Ijottoui of the vault. It was a Pectoral Cross of l)roii/e, retaininR traces of having been originally u'ilt. The CrosH wan very Hiuiilar to thoM! worn by Itoinan Catholic liithop<<, and opened on a hinpe at the back for the admission of relics, fdP which ]tmiKjnt; its interior wan divided into several compartments or chambers. It was fl| inchcM in !en((th, innludin;; the »u(«i)ensi(»n-rinc, and had iijiiicr and biwer arms, of 'J.J and ."Ij inche» regpectively. The obverse liad a H({ure of the crucirterj Redeemer, with llie cuHtonw nry Inri over hiit head. On the lower crossintr and under-portion of tlie tiliaft was encraven, ill Roman lettiT, the prayer of the" penitent thief: IJOMINK mkmksto iiiHcrlbed iijton the lower croftMiiiK, and mki jferjiendli ularly dowiiwardu, beKiiininK about half an inch below the fe.?t of the flfpire. Ileneath thin ajjain, lit the base, wan a «kull. The reverse wu» «.rniimented with florid chOMinK* of the late period of (iotliic; whicli, taken in connexion with the Itoiuaii characters of the inHcription, enable uh to aM-.iKri the CroH» to the rei^n of Hknuv VIII,, but will not Hiifl'iT IIS to Ko to any earlier jieriy*!.

   Internet Archive notesrecordsofan00haym, Chapter 6

9. Sepulchral Arch and evidence of former church

   Youghal · town · Cork · 1579

   A sepulchral arch of an older building is preserved in the north wall of an aisle at St. Mary's, with portions of tapered tombstones from the eleventh, twelfth, and thirteenth centuries discovered there. The arch and window were likely damaged during Desmond's sack of the church in 1579.

   Read the passage

   This Aisle is of peculiar interest, from the evidences it aflbrds of a fornier Church, which stood nearly on this site. A sepulchral Arch of this oldt r bnildiug" is preserved in its North wall ; and numerous portions of the ta^jered tomb-stones of (he eleventh, twelfth, and thirteenth centuries have b< en discovered here. The Aisle is lig-lited by a sing-le, handsome, window in the North wall. Beneath the window, and partly occupying its base, is the monumental Arch alluded to. It is semi-circular and moulded, the supporting- cohnnns being- moulded likewise. Both Avindow and tomb were g-rearly injured at a remote period, probably during- Des^iond's sack of the Church in I57i) ; tor a larg-e mural monument, to the memory of Wili,[A?»i L!:wellin, was erected within the Arch in 1628, and the window was partly built up to support his clHg:y. These incumbrances and dilapidations were removed in Nov., 1852, and the Arch was restored by Mr. Edward FitzGerald, at the expens.- and under the superintendence of the Rev. P. W. Drew.

   In the flooring' of tlie Aisle, next the Sepulchral Arch, are two flat slabs. One, to the memory of Patrick Ronane of the D'Loug-htanc family, has a rich fleureed Cross in relief, with the followhig- inscription round the manjin :

   Internet Archive notesrecordsofan00haym, Chapter 5

10. Stone coffin-lids with Norman-French inscriptions, St. Mary's

    Youghal · town · Cork

    During research at St. Mary's, nearly a dozen stone coffin-lids were discovered, some plain, some with fleured crosses, and about six bearing Norman-French inscriptions in Lombardic capital letters, more or less perfect.

    Read the passage

    In the progress ot research at St. Mary's we have collected, chiefly at this place, portions of nearly a dozen interesting* stone coffin-lids. Some are very plain, having- only a deep chamfer. Some have fleureed crosses, hut otherwise are uninscribed. About six have Norman- French inscriptions, more or less perfect, in the Lombardic capital. In the arched recess of the Sepulcliral Arch before us is laid one of the most interesting- of our tapered slabs. A tinely sculptured Cross fleury, the arms forming- a kind of Runic knot, runs down its whole leng-th. The only words to be traced, and they are pathetic ones, are :

    Dr£V : aiC : faiEK(CE "God have mercy r

    Internet Archive notesrecordsofan00haym, Chapter 5

11. Tapered slab with 'God have mercy' inscription

    Youghal · town · Cork

    In the arched recess of the sepulchral arch lies a tapered slab with a finely sculptured cross fleury, the arms forming a kind of Runic knot. The only legible words are the pathetic inscription 'God have mercy.'

    Read the passage

    Dr£V : aiC : faiEK(CE "God have mercy r

    Xot far from this is a slab, the solitary unbroken one at St. Mary's. It has a human head in high relief, over a tieureed Cross on its upper sTU-face. Three of its sides have been barbaroUsl}' chiselled away ; on that whicii remains is the following- inscription :

    Internet Archive notesrecordsofan00haym, Chapter 5

12. The Choir of St. Mary's Church, Youghal

    Youghal · town · Cork · 1300–1399

    The Choir of St. Mary's Church, Youghal, is a fine specimen of the decorated English style of the fourteenth century, now roofless and ruined. It is used as a burial-place for the Hayman, Giles, Parker, and M'Carthy families, with graves and tombstones throughout the interior.

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    The entrance to the Choir is at the South side, through a deeply recessed and picturesque Porch, formed within the base of a wide projecting* buttress which, with offsets receding' at different stag'es, rises nearly to the eaves. The doorway is moulded and enriched, and the hood terminates in a cinque-foil and rose. Within the Porch are three steps ; and, at the right hand, is a stoup in a moulded og'ee-arched niche, which rests on au Ang-el's head as a corbel. The Interior (of which our illustration furnishes an excellent idea) is used as a burialplace, and is now nearly filled with graves. Mounds rise here and there, beneath which weary hearts are still. A low wall marks oft" a portion near the Nave, and beneath the East window is an aspiring" tomb-Stone, indicating* the gathering- together in slow but sure succession of kindred dust. The Hayman, Giles, Parkek, and M'Carthy families have their place of interment here. At each side of the East window are moulded corbels, intended no doubt for images of the Virgin Mary, the patron Saint of the Church, and of CoLMAN, Saint of the diocese. At the South side of the altar are four moulded arched niches g'l'ouped in one design, but now much decayed and broken. Three had columns originally, and foi*med sedilia for the otiiciating' priests. The fourth niche, to the east, was a piscina, in which the shelf across the back for resting the sacred vessels on yet remains.

    In the North wall opposite is a richly recessed Altar Tomb, of whicli we furnish an illustration. It is wrought of fine hard sandstone, in the Perpendicular style of the fifteenth century. The sides are formed by two light buttresses, from which springs a moulded ogee arch crocketted to the top and terminating in a finial. The centre is occupied bv the principal arch, mouldea and cusped. The base and recess are ))anelled and finished in trefoils, with their spandrils delicately

    Internet Archive notesrecordsofan00haym, Chapter 5

13. Thomas Houldshirt mayor memorial, Youghal

    Youghal · town · Cork · 1624–1713

    A memorial slab originally raised to Thomas Houldshirt, Mayor of Youghal in 1621, who died 23 March 1624. Ninety years later, an epitaph for William Shepard, who died 14 October 1713, was added to the same stone.

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    " Ileerc lyeth the boddy of TilOMAS lIovLDsiiirp, sometimes Mayor of Yovg-hall, wlioe dyed the three and twentith of March, Anno Domini 1024."

    In the middle of this stone, another epitaph was added, ninety years after :

    Internet Archive notesrecordsofan00haym, Chapter 5

14. William Lewellin mural monument, Youghal

    Youghal · town · Cork · 1628

    A large mural monument against the west wall commemorates William Lewellin, Mayor of Youghal in 1620 and 1623, who died 4 May 1628. His friends placed it within the sepulchral arch, destroying the arch crown and reusing a thirteenth-century tomb-flag for the epitaph. The monument is surmounted by a mayor's effigy in civic costume of James I.

    Read the passage

    "Here lyeth the body of WILLIAM Lewellin Esijvyre, sometymes Alderman of this town of Yovg:hall, having- twyce beene Mnior of the same, who dejiarteth this life the Fowrth day of May, m the yeare of ovr Lord Ciod 1028:"

    Above this are Lewellin's nrmorinl hcaring-s carved in marble and once colored, as particles of Vermillion ami golil may yet be obst^rved in the crevices of the sculpture, viz. Oules, three lions pa^^sout or. Crest : A lion's jamb.

    Internet Archive notesrecordsofan00haym, Chapter 5