Some Notices of the Castle and of the Ecclesiastical Buildings of Trim

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. Massacre in cold blood at siege told in Cromwell's account

   Drogheda · town · Louth · 1649

   An account describes the killing of prisoners including Sir Edmund Verney and several colonels in cold blood after the town was taken, with cruelty continuing for five days. This passage relates to the aftermath of a siege associated with Trim and Drogheda.

   Read the passage

   the word no quarter went round, and the soldiers were, many of them, forced against their wills to kill their prisoners. Sir Edmund Veruey, Col. Warren, Col. Wall, and Col. Byrne, were all killed in cold blood, as was also the governor, and, indeed, all the officers, except some few of least consideration, that escaped by miracle. The cruelty exercised there for five days after the town was taken would make as many several pictures of inhumanity as are to be found in the ‘ Book of Martyrs,’ or in the ‘Relation of Amboyna.’

   “ Immediately upon this I ordered the burning and quitting of Trim and Dundalk ; but fear so possessed them in both places, that neither was done, but that the rebels*

   Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 113

   As the companion tells it

   Coming up near Drogheda now. In 1649, after the town was taken, the word went round that there would be no quarter, and soldiers were forced against their wills to kill their prisoners. Sir Edmund Verney, Colonels Warren, Wall, and Byrne were all killed in cold blood, as was the governor and nearly all the officers, except a few of least consideration who escaped by miracle. The cruelty exercised there for five days afterwards would make as many pictures of inhumanity, the account says, as are to be found in the Book of Martyrs or the Relation of Amboyna.

2. William Burgess and the mock excommunication at Scurlockstown

   Scurlockstown · street · Meath · 1300–1330

   William Burgess, chaplain, had his corn seized at his haggard at Scurlockstown for the king's Scottish war provisions. He persuaded chaplains returning from a funeral, dressed in white robes bearing a cross and candles, to pronounce Latin words that frightened the threshers and guards into believing they were excommunicated, causing them to flee.

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   Corkevan of Trim, and John of Kilcooly, chaplains, and John Chauntor of Trim, with Adam Fynchin and Henry Markes, and that they drest in white sacerdotal robes, with cross borne on high, and lighted candles came to this haggard, where, having declared wherefore they were come, they pronounced some Latin words, which the threshers and those who were with them supposed to be a sentence of excommunication, extinguishing the candles and throwing them from them after the manner of excommunication, and saying that they hereby excommunicated the sheriff,^ the sergeant, and all who had threshed or meddled with the corn ; and that the threshers and their guards fled away thereupon in terror : and that on the ensuing Sunday this William Burgess refused to celebrate mass in the parish church while these threshers and their guards were in the church, afiirming them to be under ban of excommunication.

   In answer to which William Burgess pleaded that he was from home when his corn was seized, and that on his return he claimed it, and the sergeant only desired the threshers to thresh it out in all haste : that all he sought was to have it given up to him in peace and quiet ; and that Geoffrey of Trim and the others, when they came, did not pronounce sentence of excommunication, but merely endeavoured to frighten the threshers by calling in these men who, in white canonicals and bearing the cross, were returning from a funeral, and who only uttered some Latin words, such as A dverhia localia sunt^ &c.

   Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl

3. Hugh de Lacy murdered while building castle at Durrow

   Durrow · parish · Offaly · 1186

   In 1186, Hugh de Lacy was treacherously murdered by a labouring man who nearly severed his head with an axe while he was stooping to direct work at a castle he was building at Durrow.

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   1186^ — Hugh de Lacy f was treacherously murdered by a labouring man, who almost cut his head off with an axe, as he stooped to direct him in his work, at a castle he was building at Durrow, in the King’s County. His body was long detained by the Irish, but was, at last, in the year 1195, recovered and buried with great solemnity in the abbey of Bective, by Matthew O’Heney, Archbishop of Cashel, the Pope’s legate, and John Cumin, Archbishop of Dublin ; but his head was carried to Dublin, and buried in the abbey of St. Thomas the Martyr, in the tomb of Rosa de Munemnene,^ his first

   * Mat. Paris says 1185.

   Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 5

4. Burning of Trim and death of 200 in the church, 1108

   Trim · town · Meath · 1108

   Connor O'Melaghlin, assisted by the forces of Ulster, burnt the town of Trim, and more than 200 persons sheltering in the church perished in the flames.

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   1108^ — In this year, Connor O’Melaghlin, assisted by the forces of Ulster, burnt the town of Trim, and above 200 persons, then in the church, perished in the flames — Archdall^ from M^Geoghegan.

   1127 — Connor O’Loughlin, an Ulster prince, having marched with a great army into Meath, amidst other depredations, burned the steeple of the church of Trim, in which a very considerable number of persons were shut up at the time. — Lanigan, from An, of Innisf alien.

   Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 120

   As the companion tells it

   Coming through Trim now. In 1108, Connor O'Melaghlin, with the forces of Ulster, burnt this town. More than 200 people had taken shelter in the church, and they perished in the flames. In 1127, Connor O'Loughlin, another Ulster prince, burned the steeple of the church here, again with a considerable number of people shut inside.

5. Burning of Trim Church with 200 People in 1108

   Trim · town · Meath · 1108

   In 1108, Connor O'Maglaghlin, assisted by the forces of Ulster, burnt the town of Trim, and more than 200 people who had taken refuge in the church perished in the flames.

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   1108 — In this year Connor O’Maglaghlin, assisted by the forces of Ulster, burnt the town of Trim, and above 200 persons, then in the church, perished in the flames.

   1127 — Connor, the son of Feargal O’Lochluin, and the northern forces, burned the church and steeple of this abbey, both of which were filled with unfortunate people who had fled thither for safety.

   Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 127

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Trim, this is a town with a dark entry in its chronicles. In 1108 Connor O'Maglaghlin, with the forces of Ulster, burnt the town, and above 200 people who had taken refuge in the church perished in the flames. Nineteen years later, in 1127, the church and steeple were burned again, filled with people who had fled there for safety.

6. Crosbie's daring climb of the Yellow Steeple in Trim

   Yellow Steeple · man-made feature · Meath

   A schoolfellow recounted that Crosbie, later Sir Edward of balloon fame, climbed to the top of the Yellow Steeple in Trim and threw down his will disposing of his boyish valuables, in case he should be killed coming down. The young Wellington cried when he found nothing had been left to him.

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   It is not, perhaps, strange, that the perfectly simple and unaffected character of the great duke — always equal to the business in hand, whether it were the drilling of a company, or the marshalling of the armies of Europe, or the regulating the destinies of empires ; but never, except to the sympathetic eye of kindred genius, superior to his immediate work, whatever it might be — should have made but little impression upon those who lived with him, before opportunity had developed his greatness. The only fact worth recording, which I have heard, is, that when he was thought to be merely an idle Castle Aide-de-camp, a casual visitor, Mr. Buxton, of Black Castle, on being shown into the room at Dangan which he had left, took up the book he had been reading and found that it was “Locke on the Human Understanding.” When he was a boy, he was for some time at a military college at Angers ; and, when dll the world was ringing from side to side with his renown, the late Dr. Benning, of Bathmolyon, was fond of telling, that when he was travelling with the late Lord Bla5mey, he asked the head of that establishment if he had any English boys of promise under his care, and that he replied he had one Irish lad of great promise, of the name of Wesley, the son of Lord Mornington. When he was at school in Trim he must have been a very little boy, for one of his schoolfellows told me that when Crosbie — afterwards Sir Edward, of balloon notoriety — had climbed to the top of the Yellow Steeple, and had thrown down his will, disposing of his game cocks and other boyish valuables in case he should be killed in coming down, the future Iron Duke began to cry when he found that nothing had been left to him. A gentleman in Trim has a letter from Lord Wellesley, in which he states that the Lord Lieutenant had been for two years under promise to procure a commission for his brother Arthur, and had not been able to fulfil it.

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   Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 49

   As the companion tells it

   Right here beside you stands the Yellow Steeple in Trim. A schoolfellow of the future Duke of Wellington told this story. When Wellington was at school in Trim he must have been a very little boy, for this is what happened. A boy named Crosbie, who would later become Sir Edward Crosbie, known for his balloon exploits, climbed all the way to the top of the Yellow Steeple. Before he came down, he threw down his will, disposing of his game cocks and his other boyish valuables, in case he should be killed in coming down. The future Iron Duke, Arthur Wellesley, the son of Lord Mornington, began to cry when he found that nothing had been left to him. That is all that survives of Wellington's schooldays here. The same boy who cried over a will left him nothing would grow up to be the man who, whether drilling a company or marshalling the armies of Europe, was always equal to the business in hand. A casual visitor at Dangan once picked up the book Wellington had been reading and found it was Locke on the Human Understanding. And when the whole world was ringing with his renown, the late Dr. Benning of Bathmolyon used to tell how he had travelled with the late Lord Blayney and asked the head of the military college at Angers whether he had any English boys of promise under his care. The head replied that he had one Irish lad of great promise, of the name of Wesley, the son of Lord Mornington.

7. Excommunication and mutilation of Master John Stackbolle at Navan

   Navan · town · Meath · 1460

   Bishop Edmond of Meath excommunicated Thomas Bathe at Navan for robbing Master John Stackbolle; Bathe's servants then seized Stackbolle from the church of Our Lady at Navan, took him to Wilkinston, cut out his tongue and blinded him, before casting him again before the image, which allegedly restored his sight and tongue.

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   Edmond [Ouldhal] Bishop of Meath, in execution of the command of our most holy father the pope, at Kovan, on a market day there kept, in solemn procession in the said market, excommunicated Thomas Bathe, knt., pretending himself to be lord of Louth, for contempt in not restoring the goods of which he had robbed and despoiled Master John Stackbolle (doctor of each degree), pronouncing openly against the said Thomas the psalm of David, Deus laudem ; and, moreover declaring, decreeing, and adjudging, that in any town into which the said Thomas should hereafter come, in which there was any church, no baptism or burial should be had, or mass sung or said, within three days after his residence there ; in the which excommunication the said Thomas still remains, continuing in his malicious, inhuman, and diabolical obstinacy against the Church of God ; and not yet content nor satisfied of the intent and gratification of his said malice, caused certain of his servants to go to the abbey of Novan, where the said Master John was, whom, out of the Church of our Blessed Lady, there they took, violently carrying him thence to Wilkinston, holding him in prison there, where they cut out his tongue^ and in their estimation, intention, and purpose, put out Ms eyes ; the which so done he was again carried to the said church and cast there before our said Blessed Lady, by the grace, mediation, and miracidous power of whom he was restored his sight and tongue.

   Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 129

   As the companion tells it

   Coming up through Navan, in County Meath. In 1460, Bishop Edmond Ouldhal of Meath came here on a market day and, in solemn procession through the market, excommunicated Thomas Bathe, a knight who called himself lord of Louth, for refusing to return goods he had robbed from Master John Stackbolle, a doctor of each degree. The bishop pronounced the psalm Deus laudem against him openly, and decreed that wherever Thomas afterwards went, no baptism, burial, or mass could be held for three days. Thomas remained obstinate, and then sent his servants to the abbey here in Navan, where Stackbolle had taken refuge. They dragged him from the Church of Our Blessed Lady, carried him off to Wilkinston, and held him prisoner. There they cut out his tongue and, as they intended, put out his eyes. They then brought him back to the same church and cast him before the image of Our Lady, and by her miraculous power, the story goes, his sight and his tongue were restored to him.

8. Ghostly Vision Drives Out Officer at St. John's Priory

   Trim · town · Meath · 1690

   Tradition holds that Bishop Brown, a Roman Catholic bishop, inhabited the priory before being driven out after the Battle of the Boyne, when it was granted to one of William's officers. That very night the intruder saw a horrid vision and felt the weight of the priory upon his breast, and fled at dawn never to return.

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   granted to one of William’s officers. The intruder was not allowed to enjoy his acquisition; the very night in which he took possession, he saw the most horrid vision, and felt the whole weight of the priory on his breast ; at dawn of day he ordered his horse, and rode away, never to return.

   Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 152

   As the companion tells it

   Coming up on Trim. In 1690, after the Battle of the Boyne, the priory here was granted to one of William's officers. He took possession, but that very night he saw the most horrid vision, and felt the whole weight of the priory on his breast. At dawn he ordered his horse, and rode away, never to return.

9. Death of Sir Charles Coote at Trim

   Trim · town · Meath · 1642

   Sir Charles Coote, having repelled a night attack near Trim with only seventeen troopers, was mortally wounded in the pursuit and died on 7 May 1642, it being unknown whether from his own men's fire or the enemy's.

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   the alarm, and Sir Charles — who in expeditions never went to bed — was instantly on horseback; he could only call seventeen troopers ; however, with these he advanced to the gates, and charged the enemy, whom he threw into disorder, and soon obliged to fly. Pursuing unguardedly in the dark, he received a mortal shot in the body, whether from his own men or the enemy was never known; and expired May 7th, 1642. — Lodge,

   1643^ — March 17th — Four of the king’s commissioners, the Earls of Clanrickarde and Roscommon, the Viscount Moore, and Sir Maurice Eustace, met at Trim, with the Lord Gormanstown, Sir Robert Talbot, Sir Lucas Dillon, and John Walsh, agents for the confederate Roman Catholics; and received from them in writing a remonstrance, containing the particulars of their grievances, and desiring redress of the same Cartels Ormonde^ i., 804.

   Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 108

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Trim, this is where Sir Charles Coote met his end in 1642. He never slept on campaign, and when the alarm came one night he was instantly on horseback. He could only muster seventeen troopers, but with them he charged the enemy at the gates, threw them into disorder, and obliged them to fly. Pursuing unguardedly in the dark, he took a mortal shot in the body. Whether it came from his own men or the enemy was never known. He expired on the 7th of May, 1642.

10. Burning of St. Mary's Abbey Church and Steeple in 1127

    Trim · town · Meath · 1127

    In 1127, Connor son of Feargal O'Lochluin and northern forces burned the church and steeple of St. Mary's Abbey in Trim, both filled with unfortunate refugees who had fled there for safety.

    Read the passage

    1127 — Connor, the son of Feargal O’Lochluin, and the northern forces, burned the church and steeple of this abbey, both of which were filled with unfortunate people who had fled thither for safety.

    1143 — Trim was consumed by fire.

    Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 127

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Trim, you are near the site of St. Mary's Abbey. In 1127, Connor, the son of Feargal O'Lochluin, and the northern forces burned the church and steeple of the abbey. Both were filled with unfortunate people who had fled there for safety. Sixteen years later, in 1143, Trim itself was consumed by fire.

11. Roderick O'Connor destroys and burns Trim Castle

    Trim Castle · monument · Meath · 1173–1174

    Roderick O'Connor, King of Connaught, assembled a large army to destroy the newly built castle at Trim; Hugh Tyrrell, too weak to resist, abandoned the castle and burned it himself rather than let it fall into enemy hands.

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    To destroy this castle, Roderick O’Connor, king^ of Connaught, assembled a large army ; and Tyrrell having despatched messengers to Earl Strongbow, beseeching him to come to his aid, and finding himself too y^ak to resist the multitudes brought against him, abandoned the castle and burned it. The Irish king, having thus obtained his object, returned to his own country : and Earl Strongbow, who was advancing to the relief of Trim, meeting on his way with intelligence that the castle was burned, marched on, and when he came there he found neither castle nor house to lodge in ; wherefore he made no stay, but pursued the enemy and fell upon their rear, of whom 150 were slain ; which done, he returned to Dublin, and Hugh Tyrrell to the ruined Castle of Trim, to re-edify the same, before Hugh de Lacy’s return out of England.- — Began— Carevfs TransL

    Giraldus Cambrensis says, that on hearing of this inroad of Roderick into Meath, Raymond le Gros, — although the news reached him at Wexford the day of his marriage with Basilia, sister of Earl Strongbow, — marched the next day to oppose him — not being overcome either by love or by wine ; that Roderick, who had had previous experience of his valour, retreated at his approach ; and that Raymond repaired the castles of Meath f — that is to say, of Trym and of Duleek — which

    Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 4

    As the companion tells it

    Right here at Trim Castle in Meath, Roderick O'Connor, King of Connaught, gathered a large army in 1173 to destroy this newly built castle. Hugh Tyrrell, holding it, sent messengers begging Earl Strongbow to come to his aid, but finding himself too weak to resist the multitudes brought against him, he abandoned the castle and burned it himself. The Irish king, having thus obtained his object, returned to his own country. Strongbow, advancing to the relief of Trim, met intelligence on the way that the castle was burned. When he came there he found neither castle nor house to lodge in, wherefore he made no stay but pursued the enemy and fell upon their rear, of whom 150 were slain. Which done, he returned to Dublin, and Tyrrell came back to the ruined castle to re-edify it before Hugh de Lacy's return from England. Giraldus Cambrensis adds that Raymond le Gros, hearing the news at Wexford on the very day of his marriage to Basilia, Strongbow's sister, marched the next day, not being overcome by love or by wine. Roderick retreated at his approach, and Raymond repaired the castles of Trim and Duleek.

12. The 'War of Caimen' originating in Trim's court

    Trim · town · Meath · 1443

    In 1443 a confederacy of war was waged by the Birminghams and Calvagh O'Connor against the English after an insult (a 'caimen', a stroke of the finger) was dealt to Mac Mec Feorais's nose in the great court of Trim by the Treasurer of Meath's son. This insult sparked widespread burning and preying across Meath, becoming known as the 'war of caimen'.

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    1443 — A confederacy of war made by the Birminghams, and by Calvagh O’Connor against the English, so that they preyed and burned a great part of Meath ; that war was called the war of caimen, that is, an abuse, that was given to the son of the chief of the Birminghams, in the great court in the town of Trim, by the Treasurer of Meath, the Barnwall’s son, so that he did beat a Caimen (a stroke of his finger), upon the nose of Mac Mec Feorais, or Bermingham’s son, which deed he was not worthy of, and he entering on the Earl of Ormond’s safeguard, so that he stole afterwards out of the town, and went towards O’Connor Offaly and joined together, and it is hard to know, that ever was such abuse better revenged than the said caimen, and thence came the notable word (cogadh an caimen^). — Archeol. Misc. i.

    p. 202.

    Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 60

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Trim, you are in the town where a small insult once lit a great fire. In 1443, in the great court here, the son of the Treasurer of Meath struck a caimen, a flick of the finger, on the nose of Mac Mec Feorais, the son of the chief of the Birminghams. The Birmingham man had been under the safeguard of the Earl of Ormond, and the blow was one he was not worthy of. He slipped out of Trim and went to Calvagh O'Connor Offaly, and together the Birminghams and O'Connor made war against the English. They preyed and burned a great part of Meath. The annalist remarks that it is hard to know if ever an abuse was better revenged than that caimen. The conflict became known by the Irish phrase cogadh an caimen, the war of the stroke.

13. The Yellow Steeple ruin at Trim, blown up by Cromwell

    Trim · town · Meath

    The only remaining part of the noble abbey building is the east side of the tower called the Yellow Steeple, 125 feet high, above one-fourth of which was ruined by an explosion attributed to Cromwell. It remains a landmark visible to emigrants abroad.

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    * Mr. Urban, — I send you an' inelegant, yet tolerably just representation of an old tower, called the yellow steeple, at Trim, in Ireland. Above one-fourth of it is now ruined, having been blown up by Cromwell. The principal curiosity in the present state is the part marked almost at the top of the building, which overhangs several feet, and has done so long before any person now living remembers this edifice. Dangerous as the attempt may be, the boys oftentimes mount unto the top of this tower by ladders, to the place where the stairs begin, and which is about the place marked. This tower is now undermined just at one of the angles, and probably wiU soon fall. But as the inhabitants of the town, as well as those of the adjacent country, give themselves no trouble to repair or preserve this elegant piece of antiquity, I was tempted to trouble you with this coarse view of it, should you please to preserve any appearance of so venerable a monument of our ancestors’ piety.

    Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 131

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Trim, you may see the Yellow Steeple, the last remaining part of the old abbey, rising 125 feet. Above a quarter of it was blown up by Cromwell, leaving a section near the top that overhangs several feet, and has done so for as long as anyone living can remember. The tower is undermined at one angle now and may soon fall, yet the people of Trim and the surrounding country give themselves no trouble to repair or preserve this venerable monument of their ancestors' piety. Boys still climb ladders to the top where the stairs begin, dangerous as that is. The steeple remains a landmark, visible even to emigrants far away.

14. Boys climbing the dangerous overhanging Yellow Steeple

    Trim · town · Meath · 1784–1786

    A letter from 1784/1786 described the Yellow Steeple at Trim as undermined at one angle and likely to fall soon, noting that boys often climbed to the top by ladders despite the danger, while locals made no effort to preserve the ancient monument.

    Read the passage

    * Mr. Urban, — I send you an' inelegant, yet tolerably just representation of an old tower, called the yellow steeple, at Trim, in Ireland. Above one-fourth of it is now ruined, having been blown up by Cromwell. The principal curiosity in the present state is the part marked almost at the top of the building, which overhangs several feet, and has done so long before any person now living remembers this edifice. Dangerous as the attempt may be, the boys oftentimes mount unto the top of this tower by ladders, to the place where the stairs begin, and which is about the place marked. This tower is now undermined just at one of the angles, and probably wiU soon fall. But as the inhabitants of the town, as well as those of the adjacent country, give themselves no trouble to repair or preserve this elegant piece of antiquity, I was tempted to trouble you with this coarse view of it, should you please to preserve any appearance of so venerable a monument of our ancestors’ piety.

    Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 131

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Trim, there is an old tower here called the Yellow Steeple. A letter from 1784 described it in some detail. Above one-fourth of the tower is ruined, having been blown up by Cromwell. What drew the writer's attention was a part near the top that overhangs several feet. It had done so long before any person then living could remember the building. Dangerous as the attempt may be, the boys oftentimes mounted to the top of this tower by ladders, to the place where the stairs began. The tower was undermined at one of its angles, and probably would soon fall. But the inhabitants of the town and the adjacent country gave themselves no trouble to repair or preserve it. The writer called it an elegant piece of antiquity, a venerable monument of our ancestors' piety, and sent his coarse view of it so that some appearance of the monument might at least be preserved.

15. Murder of jailer and pregnant wife in Trim Castle

    Trim Castle · monument · Meath · 1468

    John Haddesore, while imprisoned in the Castle of Trim, murdered the jailer and his wife, who was pregnant, and relied on the fear of his relations to prevent anyone testifying against him.

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    Also, the said John being in custody in the Castle of Trim, murdered the jailer and his wife, being great with child, and afterwards trusted to his influence among his cousins and relations, that no man in the county of Louth durst be so bold as to utter or declare anything' against him ; but, that the said Nicholas Browne, by the king’s authority, arrested him and brought him to the king’s jail, and detains him till justice and execution be done upon him, whereby the said Nicholas must surrender his house and depart out of the service of John, Archbishop of Armagh, to his utter ruin, unless he be redressed by authority of the parliament; whereupon £40 is directed to be given to said Nicholas, as reward, to be levied on the commons of Louth, without any exception or exemption. — Beth. Coll.

    1470 — Statutes made in the parliament at Dublin, on Monday, after the feast of Saint Katherine the Virgin [Nov. 25] 10 Edward lY.

    Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 71

    As the companion tells it

    Right beside the road here is Trim Castle in Meath. In 1468 a man named John Haddesore, held prisoner in the castle, murdered the jailer and the jailer's wife, who was pregnant. He trusted to his influence among his cousins and relations, so that no man in the county of Louth durst be so bold as to utter or declare anything against him. Nicholas Browne, by the king's authority, arrested him and brought him to the king's jail and held him till justice and execution be done upon him. For this Nicholas Browne had to surrender his house and leave the service of John, Archbishop of Armagh, to his utter ruin, unless redressed by authority of parliament. A reward of £40 was directed to be given to him, to be levied on the commons of Louth, without any exception or exemption.

16. Silken Thomas retakes and burns Trim in 1534

    Trim · town · Meath · 1534

    The traitor Silken Thomas retook the castle of Kildare and then Trim within two hours, accompanied by sixty to eighty horsemen and around 300 kerne and galloglas; he robbed the town and burned a great part of it, taking cattle from the surrounding countryside.

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    that lyke a cowardly boy and traitor, he was driven to flye at spurres, and lost divers of his men and horseis, with their harnes, to his shameful rebuke and reproaches.” Trim was then committed to Richard Fitzgerald, with forty horsemen ; and all the gentlemen of the county were commanded to him. From thence the deputy and Brereton returned to Dublin. On the 1st of December they took the Castle of Kildare, and left twenty men to keep it ; but within six days it was retaken by the traitor, who went from thence to Trim, and retook^ it in two hours: he was accompanied with the number of sixty or eighty horsemen at the most, and about 300 kerne and galloglas ; and he ther robbed not only the same (towne of Trim), but also brente a great part thereof, and took all the cataill of the countrie theraboughtes.f

    On January 5, 1535, 700 men were sent by the deputy to keep Trim. — State Papers^ 2 pt. iii., p. 220.

    Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 90

    As the companion tells it

    You're passing through Trim now, the town in Meath. In December 1534, the deputy took the Castle of Kildare on the 1st and left twenty men to guard it, but within six days Silken Thomas retook it. He then rode here with sixty to eighty horsemen and about 300 kerne and galloglas and retook Trim in two hours. He robbed the town, burned a great part of it, and took all the cattle from the surrounding countryside. Trim had been left under Richard Fitzgerald with forty horsemen, all the gentlemen of the county commanded to him, but it fell fast. On January 5, 1535, 700 men were sent by the deputy to hold Trim again.

17. St Fechin's miraculous mill and Hugh de Lacy's army at Fore

    Fore · townland · Westmeath

    Giraldus recounts that the mill St Fechin miraculously cut from rock at Fore was a holy place; when Hugh de Lacy's army stayed the night there, soldiers who had stolen oats from the mill saw one of their horses go mad and dash out its brains, and the other soldier fell dead the next morning.

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    Giraldus (Top. ii. 52, 3), says that the mill which St. Fechin miraculously cut out of a rock with his own hands was considered a holy place ; and that when Hugh de Lacy, with his army, passed a night there, he made his soldiers restore all the corn which they had taken from the churches and the mill, except a small quantity of oats taken from the mill, which two soldiers had privately put before their chargers ; that one of these chargers went mad in the night ; and dashed out his brains ; and that in the morning, when the master of the other

    Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 11

18. Burning of Trim's church steeple with many trapped inside, 1127

    Trim · town · Meath · 1127

    Connor O'Loughlin, an Ulster prince, marched into Meath and among other depredations burned the steeple of the church of Trim, in which a considerable number of persons were shut up at the time.

    Read the passage

    1127 — Connor O’Loughlin, an Ulster prince, having marched with a great army into Meath, amidst other depredations, burned the steeple of the church of Trim, in which a very considerable number of persons were shut up at the time. — Lanigan, from An, of Innisf alien.

    In the Black Bookf of Christ Church, Dublin, is a

    Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 120

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Trim now. In 1127 Connor O'Loughlin, an Ulster prince, marched a great army into Meath and burned the steeple of the church of Trim, with a considerable number of people shut up inside it at the time.

19. Deputy kneels before idol of Trim despite officials' refusal

    Trim · town · Meath · 1538

    In 1538 Thomas Alen described how a bishop and friar were brought to Trim for trial but were not indicted due to sympathetic 'papist' officials; three officials refused to enter the chapel where the idol of Trim stood, while the Lord Deputy devoutly knelt before it and heard several masses.

    Read the passage

    “ There was a bishop and a friar put in the castle of Dublin for their high and notorious offences against the king’s majesty, and at the last sessions were brought to Trim, to have been indicted, arraigned, and suffered according : yet our masters of the law and all other (in good faith, except the Lord Treasurer, and very few beside) being such papist hypocrites and worshippers of idols, that they were not indicted ; at which my Lord of Dublin, Mr. Treasurer, and the Master of the Rolls, were very angry. Howbeit they could not remedy it. They three would not come into the chapel, where the idol of Trim stood, to the intent they would not occasion the people, notwithstanding my Lord Deputy, very devoutly kneeling before her, heard

    192

    Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 129

    As the companion tells it

    You're coming through Trim now, the town in Meath. In 1538 Thomas Alen told how a bishop and a friar, held in Dublin Castle for offences against the king, were brought here to Trim to be indicted and tried. But the officials of the law, whom Alen called papist hypocrites and worshippers of idols, refused to indict them. The Lord of Dublin, the Treasurer, and the Master of the Rolls were angry but could not remedy it. Those three would not even enter the chapel where the idol of Trim stood, so as not to occasion the people. Yet the Lord Deputy, as Alen wrote, very devoutly kneeling before her, heard several masses.

20. Execution of Earl of Desmond at Drogheda

    Drogheda · town · Louth · 1467–1468

    After being sifted and examined for treason by John, Earl of Worcester, the Earl of Desmond was convicted and beheaded as a traitor at Drogheda.

    Read the passage

    * It was this Earl of Desmond who was taken prisoner by the Omelaghelyns of Meath, when he was Lord Deputy, and was released by O’Connor of Ophaly. Having spoken certain disdainful words against the late marriage of King Edward with the lady Elizabeth G-ray, the said lady, being now queen, caused his trade of life, after the Irish manner, contrary to sundry old statutes, enacted in that behalf, to be sifted and examined by John, Earl of Worcester, his successor, of which treasons he was convicted, and for the san^ reason was beheaded as a traitor at Drogheda. — Campion,

    Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 69

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Drogheda now. In 1467 this town was the setting for a political execution. The Earl of Desmond, who had been Lord Deputy, had spoken certain disdainful words against King Edward's marriage to Elizabeth Grey. When she became queen, she had his affairs sifted and examined by John, Earl of Worcester, who had succeeded him. Desmond was convicted of treason and beheaded here as a traitor. He had earlier been taken prisoner by the Omelaghelyns of Meath and released by O'Connor of Ophaly, but his loose talk about the royal marriage proved the deadlier misfortune.

21. Four Irish Kings Submit to Richard II in Dublin

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1394

    Four principal Irish kings—O'Neill of Meath, Brien of Thomond, MacMurrough of Leinster, and O'Conor of Connaught—came to submit to Richard II by love and fairness rather than battle, and were knighted by him during his parliament in Dublin.

    Read the passage

    nobles, by the Earl of March, who had in his retinue one hundred men-at-arms — of whom two were bannerets, and eight knights — two hundred archers on horseback, and four hundred archers on foot. Four of the principal kings, and most puissant after the manner of the country — Anele, King of Mecte [O’Neil of Meath ?] Brien of Thomond, King of Thomond ; Arthur Macquemer [M^Murrough,] King of Leinster ; Conhue, King of Cheveno and Darpe [O’Conor, King of Connaught ?] — came to the obeysance of the King of England, by love and fairness, and not by battle and constraint— and were knighted by the king. Eichard held a parliament in Dublin, and then returned to England the following May, leaving to the Earl of March the management of the Irish war. — Walsingham Froissart,

    1397 — Roger, Earl of March, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, with the aid of the Earl of Ormond, wasted O’Brien’s country ; and, at the winning of this chief’s house, he made seven knights, to wit — Sir Christopher Preston, Sir John Bedlow, Sir Edmund Loundres, Sir John Loundres. Sir William Nugent, W alter de la Hide, and Robert Cadell. — Marlb,

    Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 40

    As the companion tells it

    As you travel through Dublin, you are moving through the setting of a remarkable gathering in 1394. Richard II held a parliament here, and four of the principal Irish kings came to submit to him. They came, the record says, by love and fairness, and not by battle and constraint. Their names were Anele, called King of Meath, Brien of Thomond, Arthur MacMurrough, King of Leinster, and Conhue, King of Connaught. Richard knighted all four of them. He had arrived with a strong force behind him, brought by the Earl of March, who kept a hundred men-at-arms, two hundred archers on horseback, and four hundred archers on foot in his retinue. The following May, Richard returned to England, leaving the Earl of March to manage the Irish war. Three years later, in 1397, Roger, Earl of March, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, joined with the Earl of Ormond and wasted O'Brien's country. At the taking of that chief's house, he made seven knights: Sir Christopher Preston, Sir John Bedlow, Sir Edmund Loundres, Sir John Loundres, Sir William Nugent, Walter de la Hide, and Robert Cadell.

22. John Lacy sentenced to starve to death at Trim

    Trim · town · Meath · 1318

    John Lacy was removed from Dublin Castle to Trim for his trial, where his sentence was to be starved to death 'ad dietam' - a slow and cruel form of execution with minimal food and water rations.

    Read the passage

    • 1318 — On Sunday, in Easter month, John Lacy was removed from Dublin Castle to Trim, for his trial. His sentence was, to be starved to death ad dietam,'^' — Irish Annals^ Camden, Cox says, that Mortimer caused him to be pressed to death, because he would not plead to the indictment against him.

    1323 — Eoger Mortimer proclaimed a traitor, and his ‘ lands seized into the king’s hands. — Rym. Feed,

    Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 24

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Trim, this is where John Lacy was brought for trial in 1318, moved here from Dublin Castle on a Sunday in Easter month. His sentence was to be starved to death, a slow execution with little food or water. Accounts differ on the end: one source says the sentence was carried out, while Cox writes that Mortimer had him pressed to death because he refused to plead to the indictment.

23. Massacre of O'Meloughleyns at church near Athlone

    Athlone · town · Westmeath · 1580

    In January 1580, Thomas Le Strange, in a town of M'Gaul's seven miles from Athlone, killed 19 O'Meloughleyns and captured a 20th within the town's church, condemning them as notorious thieves engaged in the practice of 'taking meat' from ecclesiastics.

    Read the passage

    house towards Athlone, in the night, killed in the church of the said town, 19 of the O’Meloughleyns, and took the 20th, all notorious thieves, and of the consorts of the Occoners ; in which place they were taking meat, as they term it.” — Wright's Elizdbeth/ii. 127. — The “taking meat” here mentioned is the right claimed by the Irish lords of living upon the ecclesiastics within their bounds for certain times every year, a vile custom, reprobated by the council of Cashel in 1172, but continued in the Irish territories.

    In the 17th century three Melaghlins issued tokens in the town of Mullingar.

    Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Athlone now. In January 1580, Thomas Le Strange killed 19 of the O'Meloughleyns inside the church of a town of M'Gaul's seven miles from here, and took a 20th. They were called notorious thieves, consorts of the Occoners. They were, in the source's words, "taking meat" — a practice where Irish lords claimed the right to live off the ecclesiastics within their territory for certain times each year. The council of Cashel had condemned it back in 1172, but it carried on in the Irish territories.

24. Murder of George Taaffe denied Christian burial

    Trim · town · Meath · 1468

    John Haddesore murdered his prisoner George Taaffe while in captivity, refusing him Christian burial and casting his body to be devoured by dogs.

    Read the passage

    Clinton, the younger, his son, William Walton, of Eothestown, gentleman, John Dromgole, gentleman, John White, of Richardstown, esquire, and Hugh Cardon, of Caskele, and carried them off to the king’s enemies, the M‘Mahon3 and the O’Reillys, and compelled them by imprisonment and coercion, to pay large sums for their ransom, save only the said George, whom the said John murdered in prison, not even suffering him to receive Christian burial, but cast him to be devoured by dogs.

    Also, the said John being in custody in the Castle of Trim, murdered the jailer and his wife, being great with child, and afterwards trusted to his influence among his cousins and relations, that no man in the county of Louth durst be so bold as to utter or declare anything' against him ; but, that the said Nicholas Browne, by the king’s authority, arrested him and brought him to the king’s jail, and detains him till justice and execution be done upon him, whereby the said Nicholas must surrender his house and depart out of the service of John, Archbishop of Armagh, to his utter ruin, unless he be redressed by authority of the parliament; whereupon £40 is directed to be given to said Nicholas, as reward, to be levied on the commons of Louth, without any exception or exemption. — Beth. Coll.

    Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 71

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Trim, this town holds a dark record from 1468. A man named John Haddesore carried off several prisoners, Clinton the younger and his son, William Walton of Eothestown, John Dromgole, John White of Richardstown, and Hugh Cardon of Caskele. He delivered them to the king's enemies, the McMahon and the O'Reillys, and held them in prison until they paid large sums for their ransom. But one of them, George Taaffe, he murdered in prison. He would not even let George receive Christian burial. He cast the body to be devoured by dogs. Then John himself was taken and held in the Castle of Trim. There he murdered the jailer and the jailer's wife, who was great with child. He trusted to his influence among his cousins and relations, so that no man in the county of Louth durst speak against him. But Nicholas Browne, by the king's authority, arrested him and brought him to the king's jail and holds him till justice and execution be done. For this Nicholas had to surrender his house and leave the service of John, Archbishop of Armagh, to his utter ruin, unless parliament redressed him. So £40 was directed to be given to Nicholas as reward, to be levied on the commons of Louth, with no exception or exemption.

25. Silken Thomas's ruse burns a village near Trim

    Trim · town · Meath

    According to Stanyhurst, Thomas Fitzgerald fired a village near Trim and tricked English-speaking horsemen disguised as northern soldiers to lure the garrison out of Trim, resulting in many being slain and others forced to take sanctuary in the churchyard.

    Read the passage

    * It is to be hoped that the castle was not taken. Stanyhurst says: — “Another time Thomas Fitzgerald iired a village hard by Trim, and devised such of his horsemen as could speak English, being clad and horsed like northern men, to ride to Trim, where a garrison lay, with hue-and-cry, saying that they were Captain Salisburie’s soldiers; and that the traitor, Thomas Fitzgerald, was burning a village hard by. The soldiers, suspecting no cousenage, issued out of the town, who were by his men charged, and a great number of them slain ; some chased to the town and forced to take sanctuary in the churchyard, which in those days was highly reverenced.— Stanyhurst^ p. 302.

    F Behind a house in Wellington -street was lately found a pot containing coins from the commencement of Edward IV. ’s reign to the last years of Henry VIII. ’s.

    Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 90

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Trim, this is where Thomas Fitzgerald, called Silken Thomas, fired a village and played a ruse. He sent English-speaking horsemen disguised as northern soldiers to draw the garrison out. Many were slain, and the rest were forced to take sanctuary in the churchyard.

26. Strongbow finds ruined Trim and pursues the retreating Irish

    Trim · town · Meath · 1173–1174

    Strongbow, advancing to relieve Trim, arrived to find neither castle nor house standing after its burning, then pursued the retreating forces of Roderick O'Connor and killed 150 of them before returning to Dublin.

    Read the passage

    To destroy this castle, Roderick O’Connor, king^ of Connaught, assembled a large army ; and Tyrrell having despatched messengers to Earl Strongbow, beseeching him to come to his aid, and finding himself too y^ak to resist the multitudes brought against him, abandoned the castle and burned it. The Irish king, having thus obtained his object, returned to his own country : and Earl Strongbow, who was advancing to the relief of Trim, meeting on his way with intelligence that the castle was burned, marched on, and when he came there he found neither castle nor house to lodge in ; wherefore he made no stay, but pursued the enemy and fell upon their rear, of whom 150 were slain ; which done, he returned to Dublin, and Hugh Tyrrell to the ruined Castle of Trim, to re-edify the same, before Hugh de Lacy’s return out of England.- — Began— Carevfs TransL

    Giraldus Cambrensis says, that on hearing of this inroad of Roderick into Meath, Raymond le Gros, — although the news reached him at Wexford the day of his marriage with Basilia, sister of Earl Strongbow, — marched the next day to oppose him — not being overcome either by love or by wine ; that Roderick, who had had previous experience of his valour, retreated at his approach ; and that Raymond repaired the castles of Meath f — that is to say, of Trym and of Duleek — which

    Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 4

    As the companion tells it

    Trim in Meath is a town the road passes through. In 1173 Roderick O'Connor, king of Connaught, brought a large army to destroy the castle here. Hugh Tyrrell, holding Trim, sent messengers begging Earl Strongbow for help, but finding himself too weak to resist, he abandoned the castle and burned it. Roderick withdrew, and Strongbow, marching to relieve Trim, heard the castle was already lost. He arrived to find neither castle nor house standing, so he made no stay. He pursued the retreating Irish, fell on their rear, and 150 were slain. Then he returned to Dublin, and Hugh Tyrrell came back to rebuild the ruined castle before Hugh de Lacy's return from England. Giraldus Cambrensis adds that Raymond le Gros, on hearing of Roderick's inroad into Meath, marched the very next day to oppose him, though the news had reached him at Wexford on the day of his marriage to Basilia, Strongbow's sister. Roderick, who had felt Raymond's valour before, retreated at his approach. Raymond then repaired the castles of Meath, both Trim and Duleek.

27. Trim townsmen supported Lambert Simnel's rebellion

    Trim · town · Meath · 1487

    The townsmen of Trim united with the abbots and lords of Meath in supporting the pretender Lambert Simnel against Henry VII, motivated by loyalty to the house of York and Burgundian intrigue; a coin of Charles the Bold was later dug up in the south commons of Trim.

    Read the passage

    * The townsmen of Trim had united with the great abbots and lords of Meath in supporting Lambert Simnel. Their zeal for the house of York may have been the principal motive for their revolt from Henry VII. ; but was, no doubt, fomented by the intrigues and the money of the Duchess of Burgundy. A gross of Charles the Bold was lately dug up in the south commons of Trim ; from the same cause this coin is sometimes found in the north of England. After Simnel’s solemn coronation at Christ Church, where he was crowned with a crown taken from an image of the virgin, and the coronation sermon was preached by the Bishop of Meath; the “ladd,” as he is called in the act of Poyning’s Parliament, was carried on the shoulders of D’Arcy, of Platten,” to the Castle of Dublin ; “ that, ” says Campion, ‘ ‘ he might be seen and noted ; he was surely an honorable boy to look upon.’’

    t Bective, called in the records Bectiff and Begty, is probably derived from Begteach, and signifies the Little Palace, in contradistinction from the neighbouring Teamor, Tara, or Great Palace. In the hill at Clady (Cletty) there is a bee-hive house, with other Irish remains.

    Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 79

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Trim in Meath. In 1487 the townsmen of Trim joined with the great abbots and lords of Meath in supporting Lambert Simnel against Henry VII. Their zeal for the house of York was likely the principal motive for their revolt, but was no doubt fomented by the intrigues and the money of the Duchess of Burgundy. A coin of Charles the Bold was later dug up in the south commons of Trim, the same cause turning up such coins in the north of England. After Simnel's solemn coronation at Christ Church, where he was crowned with a crown taken from an image of the Virgin, and the coronation sermon was preached by the Bishop of Meath, the ladd, as he is called in the act of Poyning's Parliament, was carried on the shoulders of D'Arcy of Platten to the Castle of Dublin. As Campion put it,

28. Archbishop Brown's letter on Our Lady of Trim pilgrimage site

    Trim · town · Meath · 1538

    In 1538 Archbishop Brown wrote to Cromwell denying rumours he intended to pluck down Our Lady of Trim and other pilgrimage sites like the Holy Cross, though he admitted his conscience would allow him to oppress such idols.

    Read the passage

    My bounden duty unto your honorable Lordship premised, these shall be to advertise you for that I endeavour myself, and also cause others of my clergy, to preach the Gospel of Christ, and set forth the king^s cause, there goeth a common bruit among the Irish men, that I intend to pluck down our Lady of Trim, with other places of pilgrimages, as the Holy Cross, and such like, which, indeed, I never attempted, although my conscience would right well serve me to oppress such idols.” — State Papers, vol. hi. pt. hi. p. 35.

    1538 — Oct. 20th — Thomas Alen writes to Cromwell : —

    Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 129

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Trim in County Meath, you are on ground that once drew pilgrims to a famous image, Our Lady of Trim. In 1538 Archbishop Brown wrote to Cromwell denying what he called a common bruit among the Irishmen, that he intended to pluck down Our Lady of Trim with other pilgrimage places such as the Holy Cross. He said he had never attempted it, though he added that his conscience would right well serve him to oppress such idols.

29. Cromwell's tradition at Castle of Trubly and Trim's yellow steeple and west tower

    Trim Castle · monument · Meath · 1649

    Tradition says Cromwell slept a night at the Castle of Trubly, battered down part of the yellow steeple, and blew up the west tower of Trim Castle; iron and lead balls were later found in the tower's ruins.

    Read the passage

    It is said that Cromwell slept one night in the Castle of Trubly ; that he battered down part of the yellow’ steeple, and that he blew up the west tower of the castle, in the ruins of which, about ten years ago, was found a quantity of

    130

    Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 113

    As the companion tells it

    Right here at Trim Castle in Meath, tradition says Cromwell slept a night at the Castle of Trubly in 1649. He battered down part of the yellow steeple and blew up the west tower of the castle. About ten years before this was written, iron and lead balls were found in the tower's ruins.

30. De Lacy's body buried at Bective Abbey

    Bective · townland · Meath · 1195

    After being long detained by the Irish, Hugh de Lacy's body was recovered in 1195 and buried with great solemnity at Bective Abbey by the Archbishop of Cashel and the Archbishop of Dublin, while his head was taken to Dublin and buried at St. Thomas's Abbey.

    Read the passage

    1186^ — Hugh de Lacy f was treacherously murdered by a labouring man, who almost cut his head off with an axe, as he stooped to direct him in his work, at a castle he was building at Durrow, in the King’s County. His body was long detained by the Irish, but was, at last, in the year 1195, recovered and buried with great solemnity in the abbey of Bective, by Matthew O’Heney, Archbishop of Cashel, the Pope’s legate, and John Cumin, Archbishop of Dublin ; but his head was carried to Dublin, and buried in the abbey of St. Thomas the Martyr, in the tomb of Rosa de Munemnene,^ his first

    * Mat. Paris says 1185.

    Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 5

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Bective, Hugh de Lacy's body found its rest. He was murdered in 1186 at Durrow, where a labouring man nearly cut his head off with an axe as he stooped to direct work on a castle he was building. The Irish held his body for years. In 1195 it was recovered and buried with great solemnity in Bective Abbey, by Matthew O'Heney, Archbishop of Cashel and the Pope's legate, and John Cumin, Archbishop of Dublin. His head was carried to Dublin and buried in the abbey of St. Thomas the Martyr, in the tomb of Rosa de Munemnene, his first wife.

31. Haunted Black Castle at Navan

    Navan · town · Meath

    A ruined house called the Black Castle, lying over the Blackwater near Navan, was said by vulgar tradition to be haunted after two young owners ruined themselves financially and let the property go to destruction.

    Read the passage

    appearance above the earth than as little green hillocks like molehills. The arches seem to have been openings to little cells, rather than continued passages to any place : they are very low — whether it be that they are sunk into the ground, or always were so, I can’t judge, but they are formed of very fine cut stone. The abbey is in the prettiest spot about the house : Tis surrounded with tall trees and a little clear rivulet winds about it. The road from Lismullen to Naver (sic) very pleasant ; passed by Arsalah, which lies upon the Boyne. The house* seems a very antique edifice ; it has fine gardens, but the trees and meadows that lie by the river are extremely beautiful : their domains reach all along the river, and half the way to Naver. Naver stands just where the Boyne and Blackwater meet, high over the river. I walked over the bridge by moonlight, along a walk of tall elms, which leads to a ruined house they call the Black Castle, from a vulgar tradition of its being haunted : it lies over the Blackwater, has a vast number of trees about it, and seems to have been pretty. The spirit ” it was visited by was extravagance : it belonged (to) two young men, who in a few years ruined themselves, and let the seat go to destruction, and ever since they give out it is haunted ; it is now another person’s property and going to be repaired.f

    * Pulled down by the late Duke of Bedford, to whom the property was left by the last Earl of Ludlow, and a iiew house in the Tudor style, built in the same situation : now occupied by Dr. Collins.

    Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 160

    As the companion tells it

    As the road brings you through Navan in Meath, you are passing through a town that stands where the Boyne and the Blackwater meet, high over the river. There is a ruined house here they call the Black Castle, lying over the Blackwater, with a vast number of trees about it. A writer once walked over the bridge by moonlight, along a walk of tall elms, which led him to it. The vulgar tradition is that it is haunted, but the real spirit that visited the place was extravagance. It belonged to two young men, who in a few years ruined themselves, and let the seat go to destruction. Ever since, they give out that it is haunted. It is now another person's property and was going to be repaired. The writer found it a very pretty spot, with fine gardens, and the trees and meadows by the river described as extremely beautiful. The domains reached all along the river, and half the way to Navan. The house seemed a very antique edifice, and the whole approach, the bridge and the elms, must have made the walk to that ruined house something memorable.

32. Head of MacGeogan chieftain displayed at Trim

    Trim · town · Meath · 1452

    In 1452 Fergul Roe Oge MacGeogan was killed by the Baron of Delvin and the sons of Pierce Dalton at Cruach-abhall; his severed head was carried to Trim and Dublin and exultingly exhibited before being returned for burial at Durrow of Columbkill.

    Read the passage

    1452 — Fergul Roe Oge MacGeogan, a chieftain of great fame and renown in his time, was killed by the Baron of Delvin, and by the sons of Pierce Dalton, at Cruach-abhall,^ his head was cut off and carried to Trim and to Dublin, and exultingly exhibited at those places ; it was carried back again and interred with his body, at Durrow of Columbkill — An. Hour Masters^ in Duh. Pen. Jour.

    February, 1460 — ^At a Parliament held at Drogheda, the Friday after the feast of Saint Blaize (February 3), before Richard, Duke of York, Lord Lieutenant :t it is enacted

    Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 63

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Trim, you are in a town where a grim spectacle once took place. In 1452, Fergul Roe Oge MacGeogan, a chieftain of great fame and renown in his time, was killed by the Baron of Delvin and the sons of Pierce Dalton at Cruach-abhall. His head was cut off and carried to Trim and to Dublin, and, as the old record says, "exultingly exhibited at those places." It was then carried back and buried with his body at Durrow of Columbkill.

33. Refusal to say Mass in Trim parish church over alleged excommunication

    Trim · town · Meath · 1300–1330

    William Burgess refused to celebrate mass in the parish church of Trim while the threshers and their guards, whom he claimed were excommunicated, remained present, forcing them to leave the church.

    Read the passage

    Corkevan of Trim, and John of Kilcooly, chaplains, and John Chauntor of Trim, with Adam Fynchin and Henry Markes, and that they drest in white sacerdotal robes, with cross borne on high, and lighted candles came to this haggard, where, having declared wherefore they were come, they pronounced some Latin words, which the threshers and those who were with them supposed to be a sentence of excommunication, extinguishing the candles and throwing them from them after the manner of excommunication, and saying that they hereby excommunicated the sheriff,^ the sergeant, and all who had threshed or meddled with the corn ; and that the threshers and their guards fled away thereupon in terror : and that on the ensuing Sunday this William Burgess refused to celebrate mass in the parish church while these threshers and their guards were in the church, afiirming them to be under ban of excommunication.

    In answer to which William Burgess pleaded that he was from home when his corn was seized, and that on his return he claimed it, and the sergeant only desired the threshers to thresh it out in all haste : that all he sought was to have it given up to him in peace and quiet ; and that Geoffrey of Trim and the others, when they came, did not pronounce sentence of excommunication, but merely endeavoured to frighten the threshers by calling in these men who, in white canonicals and bearing the cross, were returning from a funeral, and who only uttered some Latin words, such as A dverhia localia sunt^ &c.

    Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl

    As the companion tells it

    As the road passes through Trim, here is a story from the early 1300s. William Burgess had his corn seized while he was away from home. When he returned he claimed it, but the sergeant only desired the threshers to thresh it out in all haste. All he sought was to have it given up to him in peace and quiet. Then Corkevan of Trim, John of Kilcooly, and John Chauntor of Trim, with others, came to the haggard. They were dressed in white sacerdotal robes, with a cross borne on high and lighted candles. Having declared wherefore they were come, they pronounced some Latin words, which the threshers supposed to be a sentence of excommunication. The candles were extinguished and thrown from them after the manner of excommunication. They said they hereby excommunicated the sheriff, the sergeant, and all who had threshed or meddled with the corn. The threshers and their guards fled away in terror. On the ensuing Sunday, this William Burgess refused to celebrate mass in the parish church while these threshers and their guards were in the church, affirming them to be under ban of excommunication. But William Burgess pleaded that he had been from home when his corn was seized. He said that Geoffrey of Trim and the others did not pronounce sentence of excommunication, but merely endeavoured to frighten the threshers by calling in these men who, in white canonicals and bearing the cross, were returning from a funeral, and who only uttered some Latin words.

34. Sir Charles Coote's Assault on Trim, 1642

    Trim · town · Meath · 1642

    In 1642, Sir Charles Coote marched on Trim despite reports of 400 defenders and four lords of the Pale garrisoned there; upon his approach the defenders fled, leaving only women, children and the town to his forces, who forced entry through the ruinous town walls.

    Read the passage

    to Philipstown, we bent our course towards Trim, Sir John, with his men, accompanying us five miles. After we had parted with him, we met with a man which Sir Charles (Coote) prest to know how Trim was in strength, which, for fear of hanging, he confest to have no less than 400 in it, and four lords of the pale also (Fingall, Gormanstown, Slane, and Trimblestown) ; andNavan 700; some were thinking this too many to encounter, but Sir Charles’s words were, 30,000 should not keep him from attempting to take the town, and so marched on ; and when those in the town perceived Sir Charles’s resolution by their scouts, when Sir Charles was within a mile of Trim, all these aforesaid mentioned betooke themselves to their heels, leaving only a few women and children and the town to us. — AdmiraUe News from Ireland 1642.

    The fortifications had been allowed to fall into decay, for at this time the town was encompassed with a stone wall so old and ruinous as afforded in some places of it entrance to horse, over heaps of rubbish that lay instead of the wall, through which the bold but savage Sir Charles Coote forced a passage. In the night, the enemy to the amount of 3,000, advanced silently; but the sentinel gave

    Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 107

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Trim, in Meath. In 1642, Sir Charles Coote marched on this town, which was reported to hold 400 defenders and four lords of the Pale: Fingall, Gormanstown, Slane, and Trimblestown. Some of Coote's men thought that was too many to face, but Coote declared that 30,000 should not keep him from attempting to take the town. When the defenders learned of his resolve through their scouts, and he was still a mile away, they fled, leaving only a few women and children behind. The town walls had fallen into decay, so old and ruinous that in places they were just heaps of rubble a horse could walk over, and through those gaps Coote forced his way in. That night, an enemy force of about 3,000 advanced silently, but a sentinel raised the alarm before the passage cuts off. The source for all this is a 1642 pamphlet called Admirable News from Ireland.

35. St. Loman's arrival at the ford of Trim and baptism of Foirtchern

    Trim · town · Meath · 433

    According to Tirechan, St. Loman sailed up the Boyne to the ford of Trim near the fort of Feidilmid, where Foirtchern found him reciting the Gospel, believed, and was baptized at a well opened at that spot.

    Read the passage

    and then he (Loman), waited another 40, out of obedience to Patrick. Then, according to the order of his master, (the Lord being his pilot), he came in his boat, against the stream, as far as the ford of Trim,* near the fort of Feidilmid, son of Loiguire. And when it was morning, Foirtchern, son of Feidilmid, found him reciting the Gospel ; and admiring the Gospel and his doctrine, immediately believed: and a well being opened in that place, he was baptized by Loman, in Christ : and remained with him, until his mother came to look for him ; and she was made glad at his sight, because she was a Britishf woman. But she, likewise, believed, and again returned to her house, and told to her husband all that had happened to her and her son. And then Feidilmid was glad at the coming of the priest, because he had his mother from the Britons — the daughter of the king of the Britons — namely Scothnoesa. And Feidilmid saluted Loman in the British tongue, asking him, in order, of his faith and kindred, and he answered, I am Loman, a Briton, a Christian, a disciple of Bishop Patrick, who is sent from the Lord to baptize the people of the Irish, and to convert them to the faith of Christ ; who sent me here according to the will of God.” And immediately Feidilmid believed, with all his family, and dedicated (immolavitj, to him and St. Patrick his country, J with his possessions, and with all his

    * Ad Vadum Tmim — a translation of the Irish Ath Truim.

    Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 117

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Trim, this is where Tirechan says Saint Loman arrived in 433. He sailed his boat up the Boyne against the stream to the ford of Trim, near the fort of Feidilmid son of Loiguire. In the morning Foirtchern, Feidilmid's son, found him reciting the Gospel, admired the doctrine, and believed. A well was opened in that place, and Loman baptized him in Christ. Foirtchern stayed with Loman until his mother came looking for him. She was a British woman, and she was glad to see him, believed herself, and went home to tell her husband. Feidlmid was glad too, because his mother came from the Britons, the daughter of the king of the Britons, Scothnoesa. Feidlmid saluted Loman in the British tongue and asked about his faith and kindred. Loman answered, "I am Loman, a Briton, a Christian, a disciple of Bishop Patrick, who is sent from the Lord to baptize the people of the Irish." Feidlmid believed, with all his family, and dedicated to Loman and Saint Patrick his country, his possessions, and all his goods.

36. Wretched Poverty Observed at Waterford

    Waterford · city · Waterford · 1399

    Richard II arrived at Waterford, where a French observer described the wretched and filthy inhabitants living in rags or girt with rope, some with only a hole or hut for their dwelling.

    Read the passage

    1399 — Richard II., attended by Humphrey, son of the late Duke of Gloucester, and by Henry, son of the Duke of Lancaster — whom he brought with him as hostages — sailed from Milford Haven, and in less than two days (on June 1) came in sight of the tower of Waterford, “ where,” says the French author of the Deposition of Richard //., the wretched and filthy people — some in rags, others girt with a rope — had the one a hole, the other a hut for their dwelling.” The object of Richard coming into Ireland, was to revenge the death of his cousin, the Earl of March.

    Early on a summer’s morning, the very vigil of St. John, the king marched directly towards MacMore,t who

    Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 41

37. De Lacy's head buried at St Thomas's Abbey, Dublin

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1195

    Hugh de Lacy's head was carried to Dublin and buried in the abbey of St. Thomas the Martyr, in the tomb of Rosa de Munemnene, his first wife.

    Read the passage

    1186^ — Hugh de Lacy f was treacherously murdered by a labouring man, who almost cut his head off with an axe, as he stooped to direct him in his work, at a castle he was building at Durrow, in the King’s County. His body was long detained by the Irish, but was, at last, in the year 1195, recovered and buried with great solemnity in the abbey of Bective, by Matthew O’Heney, Archbishop of Cashel, the Pope’s legate, and John Cumin, Archbishop of Dublin ; but his head was carried to Dublin, and buried in the abbey of St. Thomas the Martyr, in the tomb of Rosa de Munemnene,^ his first

    * Mat. Paris says 1185.

    Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 5

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Dublin, you are near the site of St Thomas's Abbey, where Hugh de Lacy's head was buried in 1195. He had been treacherously murdered in 1186 by a labouring man, who almost cut his head off with an axe as he stooped to direct him in his work, at a castle he was building at Durrow, in the King's County. His body was long detained by the Irish, but was at last recovered and buried with great solemnity in the abbey of Bective, by Matthew O'Heney, Archbishop of Cashel, the Pope's legate, and John Cumin, Archbishop of Dublin. But his head was carried to Dublin and buried here, in the tomb of Rosa de Munemnene, his first wife.

38. Notorious Felon Hanged in Trim Prison

    Trim · town · Meath · 1377

    Sir Simon Cusack captured M'Ierlagh Gedy, a notorious felon responsible for various robberies and burnings across Meath, Leinster, and Fingal, and committed him to prison in Trim, where he was hanged.

    Read the passage

    1377 — Sir Simon Cusack* was allowed 10 marks, from a debt of £525, which his father owed the king, on his petition, stating he had sustained great losses in the service of the king in Munster ; and, that lately he had taken prisoner M^Ierlagh Gedy, a notorious felon who had committed various robberies and burnings in Meath, Leinster, and Fingal, and had committed him to prison in Trim, where he had been hanged ; on which account, divers felons, friends of the said MTerlagh, had made various depredations on his lands. — Rot, CL Ed. ITL

    1381 — Edmund de Mortimer, Earl of March and Ulster, granted the office of constable of the Castle of Trim to his esquire, John Reigne, for life, October 1. — RoU Pat, This Edmund was great grandson of Roger Mortimer and Joan Geneville, and married Phillippa,f only child of Lionel, Duke of Clarence, J by the heiress of the De Burghs, Earls of Ulster, who were the representatives of Hugh de Lacy, the younger ; so that their son Roger Mortimer, Fourth Earl of March, was the representative of both the sons of Hugh de Lacy the elder, to whom Meath originally had been granted. §

    Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 35

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Trim, the town in Meath where the medieval prison once stood. In 1377, a man named M'Ierlagh Gedy was hanged here. He was a notorious felon who had committed robberies and burnings across Meath, Leinster, and Fingal. Sir Simon Cusack took him prisoner and committed him to the prison in Trim, where he was executed. The aftermath fell on Cusack himself. Friends of the hanged man, described as divers felons, made various depredations on his lands in revenge. Cusack had already sustained great losses in the king's service in Munster. He petitioned the crown, and was allowed 10 marks from a debt of £525 that his father owed the king. A few years later, in 1381, Edmund de Mortimer, Earl of March and Ulster, granted the office of constable of Trim Castle to his esquire, John Reigne, for life. This Edmund married Phillippa, only child of Lionel, Duke of Clarence, and through her carried the line of the De Burghs, Earls of Ulster, back to Hugh de Lacy the younger. Their son Roger became the representative of both sons of Hugh de Lacy the elder, to whom Meath had originally been granted.

39. Roger Mortimer hanged at Tyburn

    Trim · town · Meath · 1330

    Roger Mortimer forfeited his lands and was condemned as a traitor, being hanged on the common gallows at Tyburn on November 29th.

    Read the passage

    1330. — Roger Mortimer forfeited : he was condemned as a traitor, and was hanged on the common gallows at Tyburn, Nov. 29. In consequence of his not having been heard In his defence, Roger his grandson, obtained,dn 1354, an act of parliament to reverse the forfeiture.

    1330. — Sir Hugh de Lacy‘S' returned into Ireland, and obtained peace of the king — Marlb.

    Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 26

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Trim, this town connects to a grim chapter. In 1330, Roger Mortimer forfeited his lands here, was condemned as a traitor, and hanged on the common gallows at Tyburn on November 29. Because he was never heard in his own defence, his grandson Roger obtained an act of parliament in 1354 to reverse the forfeiture.

40. Chaplains of Trim sent to enforce excommunication at Scurlockstown haggard

    Scurlockstown · street · Meath · 1300–1330

    The Archdeacon of Meath at Trim sent several named chaplains and clerics of Trim to the haggard at Scurlockstown, where they pronounced Latin words believed to be a sentence of excommunication against the sheriff, sergeant, and threshers, extinguishing candles in the traditional manner of excommunication.

    Read the passage

    Corkevan of Trim, and John of Kilcooly, chaplains, and John Chauntor of Trim, with Adam Fynchin and Henry Markes, and that they drest in white sacerdotal robes, with cross borne on high, and lighted candles came to this haggard, where, having declared wherefore they were come, they pronounced some Latin words, which the threshers and those who were with them supposed to be a sentence of excommunication, extinguishing the candles and throwing them from them after the manner of excommunication, and saying that they hereby excommunicated the sheriff,^ the sergeant, and all who had threshed or meddled with the corn ; and that the threshers and their guards fled away thereupon in terror : and that on the ensuing Sunday this William Burgess refused to celebrate mass in the parish church while these threshers and their guards were in the church, afiirming them to be under ban of excommunication.

    In answer to which William Burgess pleaded that he was from home when his corn was seized, and that on his return he claimed it, and the sergeant only desired the threshers to thresh it out in all haste : that all he sought was to have it given up to him in peace and quiet ; and that Geoffrey of Trim and the others, when they came, did not pronounce sentence of excommunication, but merely endeavoured to frighten the threshers by calling in these men who, in white canonicals and bearing the cross, were returning from a funeral, and who only uttered some Latin words, such as A dverhia localia sunt^ &c.

    Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl

41. Colonel Daniel O'Neal as Governor of Trim Before Drogheda Siege

    Trim · town · Meath · 1649

    Before Cromwell's siege of Drogheda in 1649, forces retired through Trim and on to Tecroghan and Portlester to rally; Colonel Daniel O'Neal was then Governor of Trim, described as the most popular man in Ireland.

    Read the passage

    few days when I was assured of Cromweirs being landed with a formidable army, whereupon it was taken into consideration whether the town should be kept or deserted. It was resolved that it should be kept, and to that end held necessary to place in it a much greater force of men and an experienced governor. Sir Arthur Aston^' was pitched on to command, and above 2,000 of our best foot and 250 horse were put in, 55 barrells of powder, and victuals for a much longer time than it held out. This done I retired to Trym,f thence to Tecroghan, and thence again came forward to Portlester to rally our forces, and to be within distance to relieve those places. At length Cromwell came before it (Drogheda) with all his power, sending his cannon and victuals by sea ; and after a week’s lying still, fell to batter on Sunday (as I take it), September 9th. He continued his battery all Monday and Tuesday, till about four of the clock in the afternoon. Having made a breach which he judged assaultable,J he assaulted it, and being twice beaten off, the third time be carried it, all his officers and soldiers promising quarter to such as would lay down their arms ; and performing it as long as any place held out, which encouraged others to yield ; but when they had once all in their power, and feared no hurt that could be done them, then

    * Sir Arthur Aston, a Eoman Catholic, a soldier of great experience and reputation, one at Reading and Oxford, formerly confided in by his Majesty ; a gentleman of an ancient and flourishing family in Cheshire. — Irish Rebell.

    Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 112

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming through Trim. In 1649, this town was a rallying point before the siege of Drogheda. Colonel Daniel O'Neal was Governor of Trim then, described as the most popular man in Ireland. When Cromwell landed with a formidable army, it was debated whether Drogheda should be kept or deserted. It was resolved to keep it. Sir Arthur Aston was chosen to command. Over 2,000 of the best foot and 250 horse were put in, with 55 barrels of powder, and victuals for a much longer time than it held out. With that done, the writer of this account retired to Trim, then to Tecroghan, and came forward to Portlester to rally the forces and stay within distance to relieve those places. Cromwell came before Drogheda with all his power, sending his cannon and victuals by sea. After a week lying still, he fell to batter on Sunday, September 9th. He continued his battery all Monday and Tuesday, till about four of the clock in the afternoon. Having made a breach he judged assaultable, he assaulted it. Twice beaten off, the third time he carried it. All his officers and soldiers promised quarter to such as would lay down their arms, and performed it as long as any place held out, which encouraged others to yield. But when they had once all in their power, and feared no hurt that could be done them, then.

42. Eighteen lords of Trimleston buried under one stone

    Trimleston · street · Dublin

    Tradition holds that eighteen lords of Trimleston lie buried under one stone in the chapel of Trimleston. The twelfth lord was known as the Doctor Lord, who drove four black horses given to him by Marshal Saxe, of whom many strange stories were told.

    Read the passage

    * It is commonly said that eighteen lords of Trimleston^lie under one stone in the chapel of Trimleston; the present is only the fifteenth lord. Thirty years ago the 12th lord was known as the Doctor Lord, who drove four black horses, given to him by Marshal Saxe, and of whom many strange stories were told.

    ST. mart’s abbey.

    Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 128

43. King John's siege and capture of castle holding Braosa's family

    Meath · county · Meath · 1210

    King John advanced into Meath and besieged and took a castle containing the wife and family of William de Braosa, whom he was said to have later starved to death at Windsor.

    Read the passage

    came to Trim, and spent there the second and third days of July.^ There was then no castle in Trim fit for the , reception of the king — at least he did not lodge in the castle : his writs are dated from the Pratum suhtust Trim. Mat. Paris says that the king took many castles from his enemies, who fled before his face, amongst whom were Hugh and Walter de Lacy ; and that at last, advancing into a province called Meath, (qum Mide nuncupatur,) he besieged and took a castle, in which were the wife of William Braosa and his family, whom he was said to have afterwards starved to death at Windsor.

    In this, as in most of his notices of Irish affairs, Matthew Paris is not correct. In the justification of his conduct towards De Braosa, which King John published, (which is given at length in Rymer^ and which is worthy of observation for many reasons,) he says, — that when he had taken the Castle of Carrickfergus he was informed by his friend and cousin of Galloway, Duncan of Carrick, that he had taken prisoners, Matildis de Hay, wife of William de Braosa, J and her daughter, who was married

    Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 9

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Meath, you are moving through the country where King John, in 1210, advanced against his enemies. Hugh and Walter de Lacy fled before him, and he besieged and took a castle here that held the wife and family of William de Braosa. Matthew Paris says John later starved them to death at Windsor. John came to Trim and spent the second and third days of July there. He did not lodge in the castle, which was not fit for his reception; his writs were dated from the meadow beside Trim. He took many castles from his enemies before pressing into Meath and seizing the one where De Braosa's family sheltered. The source warns that Matthew Paris is not correct in most of his notices of Irish affairs. John himself published a justification of his conduct toward De Braosa, in which he said that after taking Carrickfergus Castle, Duncan of Carrick, his friend and cousin of Galloway, informed him he had captured Matildis de Hay, wife of William de Braosa, and her daughter, who was married.

44. Plague Rages Amid Drought of 1574-5

    Athboy · town · Meath · 1574–1575

    Great heat and extreme drought in 1574-5 led to plague spreading among Irish and English populations in Dublin, Naas, Ardee, Mullingar, and Athboy, leaving castles without guards and corpses without burial.

    Read the passage

    1574-5 — Great heat and extreme drought prevailed in the summer of this year ; it did not rain one hour from Bealtaine to Lammas. In consequence of the heat, the plague* raged amongst the Irish and English in Dublin, Naas, Ardee, Mullingar, and Athboy. Many a castle was left without a guard — many a flock without a shepherd — and many a noble corpse without burial. — An, Four M, 1599 — Sir John Harrington writes — Myself, after I had conducted him (Sir Griffin Markham) in a horse litter, safe beyond danger of the rebels, within eight miles of

    * The plague raged in Ireland also in 1 520. On the 3rd of August in that year, Surrey writes from Dublin to Wolsey — “ I have not a little to do to get sufficient company with me, because of the marvellous death which is in all O’Neil’s country, which is so sore that all the people be fled out of their houses into the fields and woods, where they in likewise die wonderfully, so that the bodies lie dead, like swine unburied. Also in the four shires here of the English, I think are not four towns or villages, but that they die therein. Three of my household folks have sickened in my house, and died in the town, within seven days last past ; notwithstanding, I am fain to keep my wife and children here still, for I know no place in this country where to send them in clean — State Papers, vol. iii., part iii., p. 28-9.

    Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 101

45. Ruinous state of Meath's parish churches described by Sidney

    Meath · county · Meath · 1576

    Sir Henry Sidney's 1576 account to Queen Elizabeth described the diocese of Meath's 224 parish churches, many appropriated and leased for profit, with walls down, windows and doors ruined, and served by poorly educated curates.

    Read the passage

    now of your highness, and all leased out for years, or in fee farm, to several farmers, and great gain reaped out of them above the rent which your majesty receives ; no parson or vicar resident upon any of them, and a very simple or sorry curate appointed to serve them ; among which number of curates only 18 were found able to speak English, the rest Irish priests, or rather Irish rogues, having very little Latin, less learning, or civility ; all these live upon the bare altarages, (as they call them), which God kuoweth, are very small, and were wont to live upon the gain of masses, dirges, shrivings, and such like trumpery, goodly abolished by your majesty ; no one house standing for any of them to dwell in ; in many places the very walls of the churches down ; very few chancels covered : windows or doors ruined or spoiled. There are 52 other parish churches in the same diocese (who have vicars induced upon them), better served and maintained than the other, yet but badly. There are 52 parish churches more, residue of the first numbre of 224, which pertain to divers particular lords, and these, though in better estate than the rest, commonly are yet far from well.”

    Previous to the Reformatiou, there were in the parish of Trim, (exclusive of St. Michael’s of Rathcore), chapels of ease at Trimlestown, Drinidaly, Brannockstown, Clonee, Kiltoome, and the chapel St. M. Magdalen, near Trim. The chapel of Trimlestown was probably served by the lord’s chaplain ; and that of Clonee was probably attended by the priest of Killochonigan, as the glebe at Clonee belongs to the Earl of Darnley, as rector of Killochonigan. The rector of Trim could find no difficulty in obtaining for the other chapels the service of some of the monks or friars of the five religious houses in the immediate neighbourhood. Within the parish there are now only three places of public worship ; the parish church and the Roman Catholic chapel in the town ; and the Roman Catholic chapel at Bord’s mill. Before the building of the Roman Catholic chapel in the town, about 1750, divine service used to be

    Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 122

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Meath, this county was the subject of a bleak report Sir Henry Sidney sent to Queen Elizabeth in 1576. He described the diocese of Meath and its 224 parish churches. Many had been appropriated and leased out to farmers for years or in fee farm, with great gain reaped from them above the rent the Queen received. No parson or vicar was resident on any of them. A very simple or sorry curate was appointed to serve each church. Among all those curates, only 18 were found able to speak English. The rest were Irish priests, or as Sidney called them, Irish rogues, having very little Latin, less learning, or civility. They lived upon the bare altarages, as they called them, which God knoweth were very small. No one house was standing for any of them to dwell in. In many places the very walls of the churches were down. Very few chancels were covered. Windows and doors were ruined or spoiled. There were 52 other parish churches in the same diocese that had vicars, better served and maintained than the rest, yet but badly. And 52 more parish churches, the residue of the 224, pertained to divers particular lords. These, though in better estate than the rest, were commonly yet far from well. Sidney's words paint a picture of a church stripped and broken across this county, its buildings falling and its ministry reduced to a handful of men with scarce learning to serve them.

46. Siege of Trim and Preston's Retreat to Portlester

    Trim · town · Meath · 1647

    General Preston besieged Trim in 1647 with a large army, but retreated to Portlester when Jones marched from Dublin to relieve the siege; Jones then attacked Trimbleston castle to draw Preston into battle.

    Read the passage

    After the Marquess of Ormonde had resigned the sword, General Preston,"^ had by the beginning of August got together an army of the above 7,000 foot and 1,000 horse; with these forces he took the Naas, and some small places thereabouts, and invested Trim. Jones marched out of Dublin with 3,800 foot and two regiments of horse, to raise the siege; and being joined at the hill of Skreene by Sir Harry Tichburne and Colonel Conway, with 1,200 foot and 700 horse, advanced towards the enemy ; who quitting Trim, retired to Portlester.f Jones endeavoured to draw them to a battle ; but not succeeding, he attacked Trimbleston castle, in hopes that the enemy would make some attempt, rather than suffer it to be taken in their sight. Preston having intelligence that there were no forces left in Dublin for its defence, besides the Earl of Kildare’s regiment, composed of the old soldiers who had served under the Marquess of Ormonde, and hated the parliament government, resolved to make an attempt on the city whilst Jones was engaged in the siege of Trimbleston.

    * The fields to the north of Trim, towards Trimbleston, are still called Preston’s fields. They were the site of his camp,

    Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 109

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Trim, you are moving through ground where General Preston laid siege in 1647. By the beginning of August he had gathered an army of above 7,000 foot and 1,000 horse, with which he had already taken the Naas and some small places thereabouts. He invested Trim, but Jones marched out of Dublin with 3,800 foot and two regiments of horse to raise the siege. Jones was joined at the hill of Skreene by Sir Harry Tichburne and Colonel Conway, with 1,200 foot and 700 horse, and advanced towards the enemy. Preston quit Trim and retired to Portlester. Jones tried to draw them to battle, but not succeeding, he attacked Trimbleston castle, hoping the enemy would make some attempt rather than suffer it taken in their sight. Preston had intelligence that no forces were left in Dublin for its defence besides the Earl of Kildare's regiment, old soldiers who had served under the Marquess of Ormonde and hated the parliament government. He resolved to attempt on the city while Jones was engaged at Trimbleston.

47. Steel Spur Found in Trim Castle Yard, Possibly Henry V's

    Trim · town · Meath · 1836–1853

    In 1836, while planting potatoes in the castle yard at Trim, a very small steel spur beautifully inlaid with silver was discovered, speculated to have belonged to the young Henry V who had been held there as a hostage. The spur was later presented to the Royal Irish Academy.

    Read the passage

    J In 1836, in planting potatoes in the castle-yard, there was found a very small steel spur, beautifully inlaid with silver. Was it not the spur of Henry V. ? This spur was presented to the R. I. Academy in the year 1853.

    56

    Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 43

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Trim, back in 1836 someone planting potatoes in the castle yard turned up a very small steel spur, beautifully inlaid with silver. The finder thought it might have belonged to the young Henry V, who had been held there as a hostage. It was presented to the Royal Irish Academy in 1853.

48. The Yellow Steeple built by Richard, Duke of York

    Trim · town · Meath · 1449

    Richard, Duke of York, while Lord Lieutenant in Ireland, resided some time in Trim, where he is supposed to have built the steeple of the present parish church, possibly then the Friary of the Minorites.

    Read the passage

    1449. — Richard, Duke of York, whilst in Ireland, as Lord Lieutenant, resided some time in Trim, where he is supposed to have built the steeple"^ of the present parish church, which was then, as some think, the Friary]- of the Minorites* The Rev. Dr. Elliot, who has given me this information, grounds his opinion upon the coat of

    swerd is there clierly dispised.” — State Papers, vol. ii., pt. iii., 123.

    Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 121

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up now through Trim. In 1449, Richard, Duke of York, then Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, stayed here for some time. He is thought to have built the steeple of the present parish church, which may have been the Friary of the Minorites. The Reverend Doctor Elliot based that view on a coat of arms found there.

49. Tradition of Scurlock's skirmish with Cromwell at Cromwell's Hill

    Grange · townland · Meath · 1649

    Local tradition holds that Scurlock of Scurlockstown, with his brother of the Rock, fought a skirmish with Cromwell's forces at a hill near Grange, which was afterward named Cromwell's Hill.

    Read the passage

    There is a tradition that Scurlock, of Scurlockstown, with his brother of the Rock, had a skirmish with Cromwell at a hill near Grange, since called Cromwell’s hill.

    It is said that Cromwell slept one night in the Castle of Trubly ; that he battered down part of the yellow’ steeple, and that he blew up the west tower of the castle, in the ruins of which, about ten years ago, was found a quantity of

    Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 113

50. Earl of Desmond holds Parliament at Trim

    Trim · town · Meath · 1465

    Thomas, Earl of Desmond, held a Parliament in Trim in 1465. A footnote recounts how this same Earl, after speaking disdainfully of King Edward's marriage, was later beheaded as a traitor at Drogheda.

    Read the passage

    1465 — Thomas, Earl of Desmond,* held a Parliament in Trym. — Act of Parliament^ 1470.

    1466 — An army was led by the English of Meath and Leinster into Offaly; O’Conor Faly, L e.. Con, the Son of Calvagh, assembled his forces to oppose them, and first of all he slew John ma«^ Thomas, the best and most illustrious Captain of the English, whose death was an omen

    Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 69

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Trim, this is the town where Thomas, Earl of Desmond, held a Parliament in 1465. He didn't end well. He spoke disdainfully of King Edward's marriage, and was later beheaded as a traitor at Drogheda.

51. Great famine and plague of 1447 in Trim

    Trim · town · Meath · 1447

    A great famine struck Ireland in spring 1447, causing people to eat herbs for sustenance, followed by a great plague that killed the Prior of Ballyboggan, the Baron of Galtrim, and the abbot of St Mary's in Athtrym, among many others in Meath, Munster, and Leinster.

    Read the passage

    1447 — Great famine in the spring of this year throughout all Ireland, so that men were then wont to eat all manner of hearbes for the most part. Great plague in the summer, harvest, and winter, by which died the Prior of Ballyboggan, and the Prior of Conala, and the Baron of Calatrim [Hussey, Baron of Galtrim], and Gerrott, the son’s son o^ Walront,* and the Listel[?], and many more in Meath, in Munster, and in Leinster died of the plague, and it is difficult to get an account of the innumerable multitudes that died in Dublin by that plague. The abbot of Teaghmurry (St. Mary’s) in Athtrym died by the aforesaid plague. — Annals Misc, Arclioe,^ vol. i. p. 218-19.

    Felim, son of John, son of Philip O’Reilly, worthy heir to the lordship of Breffny, died of this plague after the victory of Unction, and was buried in the Monastery of Trim.f — Four Masters.

    Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 128

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Trim in Meath, you are travelling through a town touched by one of the darkest years in medieval Ireland. In the spring of 1447 a great famine struck all of Ireland, so that people were reduced to eating herbs for sustenance. Then came a great plague through the summer, harvest, and winter. In Meath alone it carried off the Prior of Ballyboggan, the Baron of Galtrim, and the abbot of St Mary's in Athtrym, among many others across Munster and Leinster. Innumerable multitudes died in Dublin, and accounts struggled to capture the scale. Felim O'Reilly, heir to the lordship of Breffny, also died of this plague and was buried in the monastery of Trim. That monastery stood here, in this town, where the road carries you now through the quiet of a place once surrounded by so much loss.

52. Lord Mountjoy's Residence at Trim, 1599

    Trim · town · Meath · 1599

    Lord Mountjoy, the deputy, arrived at Trim on 31 January 1599, finding it a pleasant town through which the Boyne runs, with the ruins of a sumptuous castle, and chose it as his residence.

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    1599 — The 31st January, we came to Trim, eight miles (on the way from Philipstown,) champion ground. This is a pleasent town for a seat, (if the inhabitants were suitable,) through which the Boyne runs, and it hath the ruins of a sumptuous castle ; this place, his lordship (Lord Mountjoy, the deputy,) thought fittest for his present residence. From Trim, in East Meath, his lordship, on the 11th of February, (passing by the Baron of Trimblestowne^s house,) rode to the Lord of Delvin’s house in Westmeath, 1 1 miles distant. — Moryson,

    4th March, his lordship rode five miles to Sir Edward Fitzgerald’s house, (Ticroghan) situate in Meath, in a pleasant and fruitful country. The 5th of March, we rode 10 miles to Moymeere, (Moymett,) a very pleasant house, belonging to Sir James Dillon; and thence the same day, two miles farther to Trim. — Moryson^ 2 v. 209.

    Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 103

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Trim, you are in a town the River Boyne runs through, and one with a history worth a word. On the 31st of January 1599, Lord Mountjoy, the deputy, came here and called it "a pleasant town for a seat," noting the ruins of a sumptuous castle. He thought Trim the fittest place for his residence. From here, on the 11th of February, he rode eleven miles to the Lord of Delvin's house in Westmeath, passing the Baron of Trimblestowne's house along the way. On the 4th of March he rode five miles to Sir Edward Fitzgerald's house at Ticroghan, in a pleasant and fruitful country. The next day he covered ten miles to Moymett, a pleasant house belonging to Sir James Dillon, and then came two miles back to Trim again. The town served as his base while he moved through Meath and beyond.

53. Pykeryn Extorts Bribes for Reprieve at Trim Sessions

    Trim · town · Meath · 1370–1373

    James Pykeryn, Chief Justice at Trim, took bribes from multiple people including 10 marks from John Justice, a convicted felon sentenced to hang, in exchange for a brief respite to obtain a pardon charter.

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    That James Pykeryn, Chief Justice at Trim, received 10 marks to his private use, from John Drake, to obtain a charter to prevent him from being made a knight against his will. That the said James Pykeryn received 10 marks from John Justice — who was tried and convicted before him of sundry felonies, and sentenced to be hanged — for respiting him from Friday to Wednesday, in order that, in the meantime, he might obtain a charter of peace.

    And, that John Northampton, Deputy Marshal of Ireland, at the said session of Trim, extorted 10 marks from Sir John Hussey; and twenty cows from Adam de la Mare ; and many other gifts from other persons. — Eymer.

    Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 33

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Trim in Meath. Back around 1370, the sessions here were run by Chief Justice James Pykeryn, who turned his office into a paying concern. He took 10 marks from John Drake to secure a charter stopping him from being knighted against his will. A convicted felon called John Justice, tried and sentenced to hang for sundry felonies, paid Pykeryn 10 marks for a respite from Friday to Wednesday, so he might obtain a charter of peace. John Northampton, Deputy Marshal of Ireland, worked the same session, extorting 10 marks from Sir John Hussey, 20 cows from Adam de la Mare, and many other gifts from other persons.

54. Secret passage from the castle constable's chamber to Gray Friary church

    Trim · town · Meath

    Wadding recorded a tradition that the constable of Trim Castle had a secret passage running from his bed-chamber directly into the church of the Gray Friary, enabling him to attend divine service unseen.

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    Wadding, who ought to have known better, and who describes it correctly in vol. ix. — having read that this convent was in Diocesi Mindensi, for Midensi, removes it, in vol. vi., from the banks of the Boyne “ ad Visurgem fluvium in Germania.’’ — Annates Minor um^ tom. vi. p. 324. He also says that the constable of the castle had a secret passage from his bed-chamber into this church, where he attended divine service.

    In 1662, the Rev. Richard Plunkett, a poor brother of the Franciscan convent at Trim, wrote a Latin and Irish Dictionary, now in Mark’s Library. There is also a copy in the Library of Trinity College, Dublin. — O'Reilly's hnsh Writers,

    Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 138

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Trim, there is a tradition recorded by Wadding that the constable of the castle had a secret passage running from his bed-chamber directly into the church of the Gray Friary. By this hidden route he was able to attend divine service unseen. Wadding, who described the convent correctly in one volume of his work, mistakenly relocated it to Germany in another, placing it, as he wrote, "ad Visurgem fluvium" instead of on the banks of the Boyne. The friary itself was here in Trim all along.

55. Silken Thomas's rebellion aided by Meath gentlemen

    Dardistown · townland · Meath · 1534

    Several Meath men including Talbot of Dardistown, Feld of Paynstown, Delahide of Moyclare, and Walsh of Ticroghan were attainted for joining Silken Thomas's rebellion against the crown.

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    + The FitzGeralds were assisted in this rebellion by many Meath men — Talbot of Dardistown, Feld of Paynstown, Delahide of Moyclare, Boys of the Calcagh, Leyns of the Knock, Parese of Agher, Walsh of Ticroghan, Reynolds, Archdeacon of Kells, and Walsh, Parson of Loughseudie, were attainted for having joined him (Statutes and St. Papers, i. p. 323). Poor Silken Thomas writes from the Tower : — “I never had any money since I came into prison but a noble, nor have I had either hose, doublet, or shoes, or shirt, but one, nor any other garment, but a single frieze gown, for a velvet furred with buodge (lamb’s fur) ; and so I have gone wolward (clothed in wool) and barefoot and barelegged divers times when it hath not been very warm, and so I should have done still, and now, but the poor prisoners, of their gentleness, have sometimes given me old hose, and shoes, and old shirts.” — St. Papers, i., 403.

    H

    Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 89

56. Sir Christopher Preston captured at Clane with famous parchment

    Clane · town · Kildare · 1418

    Sir Christopher Preston was taken at Clane by the Deputy, Sir John Talbot, and a parchment found in his possession, the famous but questionable Modus Tenendi Parliamenti, was later exhibited in Trim to the deputy and council.

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    Trim, to the deputy and council, a parchment found in the possession of Sir Christopher Preston, when he was taken at Clane by the Deputy, Sir John Talbot, of Hallomshire. This was the famous, but questionable. Modus Tenendi Parliamenti. — Harris^ Ware.

    1422 — Twelve men-at-arms and sixty archers allowed to the Archbishop of Dublin, Richard Talbot, at a parliament at Trym, to oppose the OToole’s and O'Reilly’s

    Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 51

57. Stanyhurst's description of the Hill of Tara

    Tara · parish · Meath

    Stanyhurst described the Hill of Tara as containing a plain called the Kemp-his-hall where the country held meetings and folk-moots, regarded as the ancient high place of the monarch, associated with legendary tales of Fin mac Coole.

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    “There is in Meath a hill called the Hill of Tara, wherein is a plain twelve score long, which was named the Kemp-hishall ; there the country had their meetings and folk-moates, as a place that was accounted the high place of the monarch. The Irish historians hammer many fables in this forge of Fin mac Code and his champions, as the French history doth of King Arthur and the Knights of the Bound Table. But doubtless the place seemeth to bear the show of an ancient and famous monument.”

    Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 80

58. Thomas Agard's dye house and weaving venture in decaying Trim

    Trim · town · Meath · 1538

    In 1538 Thomas Agard wrote to Cromwell describing his broad looms and dye house set up in Trim, hoping to employ 100 workers, while describing Trim as one of the sorriest towns in decay in the English Pale, at risk of the inhabitants fleeing.

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    undow them, and me bowthe. The be the kynges towns, and the sorriste^' in dekey of enye place in the Inglische pale in Irlande, and more lyke to flee owtt of the towne, than to abyde, onles they have ayde the soner. This was past by act of parliament, both the commons and lords, but he would not pass the royal assent thereto. — State Papers^ vol. ii., pt. iii., p. 569.

    session of Bartholomew Dillon, of Biverstown, who pretended to have an exemption from the Bishop’s jurisdiction, and proved wills and granted administrations. — (Visit. Book). At that time, the church and chancel were repaired, and it is probable that the remains of the cloisters of the abbey — which are still to be seen in the romantic and sequestered church-yard at Clady — were brought there at the time of these repairs. For many years there was neither church nor glebe house in this parish. The munificence of Mr. Bolton, the proprietor of this ])arisb, and the representative of Lord Chancellor Bolton, is now (1852) providing both.

    Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 122

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Trim, you're travelling through a town that in 1538 Thomas Agard described to Cromwell as one of the sorriest towns in decay of any place in the English Pale. Agard had set up broad looms and a dye house here, hoping to employ 100 workers, but he warned that the inhabitants were more likely to flee than to stay unless aid came soon. An act of parliament to help had passed both the commons and the lords, but the royal assent was not given. His own words from the State Papers call these the king's towns, 'the sorriste in dekey of enye place in the Inglische pale in Irlande.'

59. Trim besieged during Marshal-De Lacy wars, castle rebuilt 1220

    Trim Castle · monument · Meath · 1220

    In 1220, Meath was wonderfully wasted by civil wars between William, Earl Marshal, and Hugh de Lacy, Earl of Ulster; Trim was besieged and brought to a lamentable state, after which the Castle of Trim was rebuilt that same year by William Peppard, Lord of Tabor.

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    1220 — All Meath was wonderfully wasted by reason of the private quarrels and civil wars between William, Earl Marshal, and Sir Hugh de Lacy, Earl of Ulster and Lord of Connaught. Trim was besieged and brought to a lamentable plight ; and, when the rage and fury of these broils — which had occasioned so much blood — was somewhat mitigated and appeased, to prevent further calamities, the same year the Castle of Trim was built by William Peppard, Lord of Tabor.*'^ — M, S. Lambeth^ quoted in Statistical Survey,

    1224 — 30th March, — The Lord Justice had orders from Henry HL, to allow Walter de Lacy to occupy a hall, rooms (domos,) and chambers in the Castle of Trim, as long as the said Walter remained there for the annoyance of his and the king’s enemies. — Let, Pat, Tur, Lond,

    Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 14

    As the companion tells it

    Trim Castle is right beside the road here. In 1220 all Meath was, as the old record puts it, "wonderfully wasted" by civil wars between William, Earl Marshal, and Hugh de Lacy, Earl of Ulster. Trim was besieged and brought to a lamentable plight. When the fighting died down, the castle was rebuilt that same year by William Peppard, Lord of Tabor. Four years later, in March 1224, Henry III ordered that Walter de Lacy be allowed to occupy a hall and chambers in the castle, for as long as he stayed there to harass the king's enemies.

60. Young Hostages Held in Trim Castle

    Trim · town · Meath · 1399

    On learning of the Duke of Lancaster's arrival in England, Richard II sailed home, leaving the young sons of the Dukes of Lancaster and Gloucester in custody in the Castle of Trim, described as sufficiently strong, being in Ireland.

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    On learning in Dublin (where he was, June 26) the arrival of the Duke of Lancaster at Ravensburg, Richard sailed for England, leaving in custody in the Castle of Trim — quod est in Hibernia satis forte — the young sons of the Dukes of Lancaster J and Gloucester. — Walsingham.

    Richard resigned the crown on Michaelmas day.

    Internet Archive somenoticesofcas00butl, Chapter 43

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Trim, where Richard II left the young sons of the Dukes of Lancaster and Gloucester in custody in the castle in 1399. He had been in Dublin when he learned the Duke of Lancaster had landed in England, and he sailed home at once. The castle was thought safe enough, being in Ireland. Richard gave up the crown that Michaelmas.