Read the copy these stories were drawn from on the Internet Archive.
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- stories drawn from it
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- placed on the map, at 15 points
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- counties: Cavan, Donegal
- 4,224
- words in the passages on this page
The stories, best first
33 in all
Each story keeps the passage it was read from. Open one to read it as the scan has it, and, where the companion has written its own telling, that too. The passages are read off photographs of the page by machine, so a word here and there comes out wrong; they are kept as the reading produced them, so you can check any of them against the scan.
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Discontent of Cavan natives during the Plantation
Cavan · town · Cavan
The native Irish in County Cavan were deeply grieved and discontented to be leaving their long-held possessions to British strangers during the Plantation. They eventually submitted to the Lord Deputy's mixed threats and entreaties, promising to give way to the undertakers.
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they remained in their paffions difcontented, being much grieved to leave their poffeflions to ftrangers, which they had fo long after their manner enjoyed; howbeit my Lord- Deputy did fo jnix threats with entreaty, precibufque minas regaliter addit, as they promifed to give way to the undertakers, if the Sheriff by warrant of the Commiffioners did put them in pofleffion: which they have performed like obedient and loyal fubjeds. Howbeit we do yet doubt that fome of them % will appeal into England, and therefore i have prefumed to trouble your Lordfhip with this rude difcourfe at large, that your Lordfhip may v underftand upon what grounds we have proceeded, efpecially in that county where your Lordfliip's precinft doth lie.
The eyes of all the natives in Ulfter .were turned upon this county: therefore when they faw the difficulty of the bufinefs overcome hejre, their minds were the better prepared to fubmit themfelves to the cofcrfe prefcribed by his Majefty for . the plantation ; and the fervice was afterwards performed in the reft of the counties with lefs contradictions. The Britilh undertakers are preparing their materials for the ere&ion of their buildings the next fpring : the fervitors and natives are taking out their letters patent with as much expedition as is poffible. The agents*
Internet Archive statisticalsurv00cootgoog, Chapter 5
As the companion tells it
Cavan town sits in a county where the native Irish once faced the loss of everything they held. During the Plantation, the people of this county remained in their passions discontented, being much grieved to leave their possessions to strangers, which they had so long after their manner enjoyed. The Lord Deputy mixed threats with entreaty, as the record says, precibusque minas regaliter addit, mingling prayers with menaces in a kingly fashion. Under that pressure they promised to give way to the undertakers, if the Sheriff by warrant of the Commissioners did put them in possession. They performed this like obedient and loyal subjects, though there was doubt that some of them would appeal into England. The eyes of all the natives in Ulster were turned upon this county. When they saw the difficulty of the business overcome here, their minds were the better prepared to submit themselves to the course prescribed for the plantation. The service was afterwards performed in the rest of the counties with less contradiction. The British undertakers were preparing their materials for the erection of their buildings the next spring, and the servitors and natives were taking out their letters patent with as much expedition as was possible.
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Cavan mountaineers' living conditions described
Cavan · town · Cavan
The surveyor observed that the wealthiest of Cavan's mountain peasantry sleep on straw with no bedsteads, herding indiscriminately with hogs and all domestic animals in their hovels. Despite this poverty, they showed hospitality to strangers, anxiety for educating their children, and universal attention to religion.
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weahhieftof thefe mountaineers have no better bed than ttraw, not is a bedAead to be fcen amongft them, but they indifcriminately herd together with the hogs and all the domeftic animals of their* hovel. In more minutely examining the condition of this abandoned peafantry, we have an opportunity offering far into hmpum nature, and we behold the natives happy, even in this favage dime, and abundantly poffefled of thofe qualifications, which endear mankind to each other. In alls of friendship to their neighbours, they are rarely deficient; their getaerous hofpitality to' (hangers is prdvcfbial; for educating their children they are particularly anxious, and a clofe attention to religion is univerfally prevalent; though their ideas may be tinftured ftrongly with ftf- 'plrfthibn, it only argues, their minds have been totally negle&ed, and they (hew a great wifh and anxiety for inftfu&ion, even in religious concerns. What can be more defirable to have extended to them than proper tutors ? nor could their landlords prefent them With mote welcome guefts. — How nearly does this faint pifture apply to alf the wilds of Ireland, and to her uncivilized fons? — Independent of the pleafiire, which muft refult to the feelings of man, in bettering the condition of his fellow ; independent of the fatisfa&ion, which arifes from the change of favage wilds to the fair face of improvements, is it not ilrange, .that felfantereft doth not induce us to feize thofe capabilities,
OFTHECnUKlTpFCAYAH. aj
Internet Archive statisticalsurv00cootgoog, Chapter 16
As the companion tells it
Cavan is a town the road passes through, and the country around it was once described by a surveyor who walked among its mountain people. He found that even the wealthiest of them slept on straw, with no bedstead to be seen, herding indiscriminately with the hogs and all the domestic animals of their hovel. Yet looking closer at this abandoned peasantry, he said, we behold the natives happy, even in this savage clime. They were rarely deficient in friendship to their neighbours. Their generous hospitality to strangers was proverbial. They were particularly anxious for educating their children. A close attention to religion was universally prevalent. Their ideas might be strongly tinged with superstition, but he said it only argued that their minds had been totally neglected. They showed a great wish and anxiety for instruction, even in religious concerns. He asked what could be more desirable than to have proper tutors extended to them, nor could their landlords present them with more welcome guests. He said this picture applies to all the wilds of Ireland, and to her uncivilized sons.
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Emigration of linen weavers from Cavan to America during famine
Cavan · town · Cavan · 1800–1801
Thousands of linen weavers emigrated from the province to America in the spring preceding the survey, driven by two years of unprecedented famine. It was not the poorest who left, since each family needed six guineas for passage alone, meaning substantial capital left the country with the emigrants.
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To refume this account for the difappearance of fpecie, I muft remind my readers of the extraordinary emigration of linen weavers from this province, the laft fpring, to America, feveral thoufands having attually left the 'country, which the too lenient and miftaken •government permitted, in confideration of the calamity of the fcarcenefs of provifions. It is a well authenticated faft, that it was not the pooreft clafs who left the country ; for how could a poor man command fix guineas for each of his family, which was the bare paffage money only? And, although in former years
their
Internet Archive statisticalsurv00cootgoog
As the companion tells it
Cavan town saw a great emptying in the spring of 1801. Several thousand linen weavers left this province for America, driven out by two years of famine unlike anything before. The government let them go, too lenient and mistaken, the survey calls it, out of regard for the calamity of the scarcity. But it was not the poorest who went. A man needed six guineas for each member of his family, just for passage alone. So substantial capital left the country with them.
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Fire destroys 22 houses at Swanlinbar
Swanlinbar · town · Cavan · 1785–1786
A fire ravaged the village of Swanlinbar over fifteen years before the survey, destroying twenty-two houses. By 1801 the damage had still not been repaired, leaving visible scars on the settlement.
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Of Swanlingbar and its relatives a full account tes already been given in the fourth fe&icm of the firft chapter of this work, under the he*d of Mountains; it is to be regretted, that the ravages of the fire, which happened in the village above fifteen years ago, have not yet been repaired, in which twenty-two houfes were deftroyed. A great deal of harmony and fodability prevails in this retired watering place* . The celebrated fpa is in an ornamented inclofure, which is very handfomely unproved with pleafant walks and neat plantations, The bre^kfaA room is contiguous to the well, and here the company generally partake pf this fociable meal, at the lame tabic drink the waters, and ride or walk till dinner, when afi excellent ordinary is provided,
' On the mountains adjoining is an ample field for the enquiries of the natural philosopher, and abounds
Internet Archive statisticalsurv00cootgoog, Chapter 41
As the companion tells it
Swanlinbar was a watering place, a spa town where people came to drink the waters and take their breakfast near the well. But before that, fire had torn through the village. It happened around fifteen years before the survey of 1801, which means the flames came in 1785 or 1786. 22 houses were destroyed. When the surveyor wrote his account, the damage had still not been repaired. The scars of that fire were still visible in the settlement years later. The town carried on around them. People still came for the spa, with its pleasant walks and neat plantations, its breakfast room beside the well where company gathered at the same table to drink the waters together.
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Cavan town described as a poor Irish town
Cavan · town · Cavan
During Sir John Davies' legal circuit, he described the town of Cavan as a "poor Irish town" and pitched tents on its south side. The town was filled with attendees including natives of the county, inhabitants from Westmeath and the pale, debt-seekers, and witnesses against felons.
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" turned the fame 'way,, which we had pafTe4 before, into the county of Mon^ghan, and lodging the fecond night not far from the Abbey of Clonays, we came the third day jo Cavan, and pitched our tents on the fouth fide of , that poor Irifli town. The appearance of this place was very full, for not only the natives of the county of Cavan, but alfo, many inhabitants of Weftmeath and other parts of the pale bordering upon this country, whereof fomc pretended title to land, others came to demand debts, and others to give evidence ag^inft felons,, repaired to this feffions, the chief of which was the Baron of Delvyn, who came attended wi,th many foU jkxwers.
My Lord-Deputy having $ purpofe to purine the fame courfe in the fervice here, vhich bad been holden in the other two counties, H caufcd forthwith a coromiffion to be drawn ?nd paflfed the Seal, whereby the Judges of affize, and others, were authorifed to enquire of all lands cfcheated to the crown in this county by attainder, outlawry, or adual killing in rebellion of any perfon : or by any other means vrhatfoever. For the difpatch of this bufinefc, a jury was irapanneHcd of the beft Knights and Gentlemen that were prefent ; whereof fome were foreign inhabitants of the p#e; and) yet frfjehpl^rs of jthis
Internet Archive statisticalsurv00cootgoog, Chapter 3
As the companion tells it
Cavan is a town the road passes through. Sir John Davies came here on his legal circuit, travelling through Monaghan and lodging near the Abbey of Clonays before reaching Cavan on the third day. He pitched tents on the south side of what he called that poor Irish town. The place was full of people. Natives of the county of Cavan were there, and so were many inhabitants of Westmeath and other parts of the Pale bordering on this country. Some had come with pretended title to land. Others came to demand debts. Others came to give evidence against felons. They all repaired to the sessions, over which the Baron of Delvyn presided, attended by many followers. The Lord Deputy intended to pursue the same course here as had been held in the other two counties. He caused a commission to be drawn and passed the Seal. It authorised the judges of assize and others to enquire of all lands escheated to the crown in this county, by attainder, outlawry, actual killing in rebellion of any person, or by any other means whatsoever. A jury was impanelled of the best knights and gentlemen present, some of whom were foreign inhabitants of the Pale.
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Charitable schools at Farnham for poor children
Farnham · townland · Cavan
The Countess of Farnham clothed and educated twenty-five girls, teaching them useful trades such as straw hat manufacture to ensure their livelihood. Lord Farnham was also erecting a similar school for thirty boys, who would likewise be clothed, educated, and taught useful trades.
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Nor are thofe advancements, which refleft fiich honor on the munificent benefa&ors, negleftedj nor in the difburfements of a princely fortune are the rifing generation forgotten, twenty-five girls being well clothed and educated by the Countefs of Farnham, and taught fuch ufeful works, as will infure to them a maintenance. In the manufa&ure of ftraw hat* they have made a great proficiency, and receive a conderable emolument by their own induftry. Contiguous to this fchool, Lord Farnham is ere&ing one on a fimilar plan for thirty boys, who will be alfo clothed, educated, and taught ufeful trades. Thefc are folid improvements, which, if more attended to by our gentry, would at once yield the happieft confluences and the moft grateful fenfations: thefc will eminently bear the teft of approbation, and unqueftionably infiirQ the approbation of Heaven.
The -antique buildings of this barony have little to s recommend them; at Urney, near Cavan, are the walls of a monaftery, and at Djrumbane churfch,
Internet Archive statisticalsurv00cootgoog, Chapter 36
As the companion tells it
Close to Farnham, charitable schools were established for poor children. The Countess of Farnham clothed and educated twenty-five girls, and taught them such useful works as would insure to them a maintenance. In the manufacture of straw hats they made a great proficiency, and received considerable emolument by their own industry. Contiguous to this school, Lord Farnham was erecting one on a similar plan for thirty boys, who would be also clothed, educated, and taught useful trades. These were called solid improvements, which, if more attended to by the gentry, would at once yield the happiest consequences and the most grateful sensations. The writer says they will eminently bear the test of approbation, and unquestionably insure the approbation of Heaven. The rising generation were not forgotten in the disbursements of a princely fortune.
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Scarcity near Swanlinbar stimulates industry and reclamation
Swanlinbar · town · Cavan · 1799–1801
Rev. John Jebb reports that the scarcity of the last two years had a beneficial effect on the peasantry around Swanlinbar, stimulating industry, forethought, and land reclamation. Formerly barren spots were manured and yielded abundant potatoes, raising hopes that the people would persevere.
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manured with burnt aflies, and have yielded an abundant fupply of excellent potatoes; it may reafonably be expe&ed, that the people feeling the advantage of the extraordinary labour, to which they were incited by the fear of dearth, may be induced to perfevexe from the hope of comfort. The habits of economy too, in . the nfe of provisions, which have been taught by ad-: verfity, will not, perhaps, be relinquished in the hour of plenty;' that gracious providence, which out of evil csin elicit good, may have been pleafed to make temporary want the fource of permanent abundance.
« The great impediment to improvement is want of capital, to drain and clear our grounds j refident gentry or fubftantial farmers we have none*. . To agricultural experiments no encouragement is afforded by abfentee proprietors, and the poverty of our peasantry difables them from engaging in any plan, which does not promife an immediate return If landlords were to propofe a liberal bounty to their tenantry for draining and clearing their ground, \a a few years they would be amply reimburfed. This work once effected, improvement would-be moft rapids for the means of improvement are within our reach, to be ap* plied with Uttle trouble, and at little expence^ Every
Internet Archive statisticalsurv00cootgoog, Chapter 42
As the companion tells it
Around Swanlinbar, the scarcity of the last two years brought something unexpected. Reverend John Jebb reported that want had driven the peasantry to labour harder than they ever had, manuring barren spots with burnt ashes and yielding an abundant supply of excellent potatoes. He believed the people, feeling the advantage of the extraordinary labour to which fear of dearth had driven them, might persevere from the hope of comfort. The habits of economy in the use of provisions, taught by adversity, would not perhaps be relinquished in the hour of plenty. Jebb wrote that gracious providence, which out of evil can elicit good, may have been pleased to make temporary want the source of permanent abundance. But he named the great impediment to improvement as want of capital, to drain and clear the grounds. There were no resident gentry or substantial farmers. Absentee proprietors afforded no encouragement to agricultural experiments, and the poverty of the peasantry disabled them from any plan that did not promise an immediate return. Jebb proposed that landlords offer a liberal bounty to their tenantry for draining and clearing ground, and in a few years they would be amply reimbursed.
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Poverty and poor living conditions in Kinawley
Kinawley · parish · Cavan
The author observes that the cabins in the lower regions present a dreary prospect and are not improved within. He notes that the inhabitants of Kinawley parish are strangely oppressed by poverty and ignorance, a condition he attributes to the church-land tenure system.
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Nor is it a fecondary, but indeed a leading and primary catife for this negleft, that fuch extenfive trails of country are church -lands, or other eftabliftuDents* which are held after the like tenure. ' The laws, which were made for this purpofe, .had fokly in view the interefls of the church, wrthottt any fegard to the reclaiming the face of \ the country, or the civilization of the people, which only can be effe&ed by encouraging and unreftri&ed tenures: fiich laws were enabled in times of feudal barbarity, and have too long drifted, nor do I hefitate to aflert* that they at this, day fland as a total eclipfe between, the country and that wealth, which is its natural right, and' whidr an improved agriculture would doubtkfe afford. On fuch lands we find no proper' mode of. culture, and the inhabitants are frraogely oppreffed, as weil with poverty, as with ignorance, as if civilization was crufited within the deadly grafp of this flume*; fill and impolitic monopoly*
This ma peculiar manner applies to the cxtenfive wilds of Kinawly parifli in this county, andr tfl the neighbouring cobnties of Fermanagh and Moofcgfcao*
Internet Archive statisticalsurv00cootgoog, Chapter 39
As the companion tells it
As the road takes you through or near the parish of Kinawley, you are passing through a place that one observer described in striking terms. The cabins in the lower regions present a dreary prospect, and they are no better within. The people of Kinawley parish are, he wrote, strangely oppressed by poverty and by ignorance, as if civilization itself was crushed within the deadly grasp of a monopoly. He traced this condition to the church-land tenure system. Extensive tracts of country were held as church lands, governed by laws that had, in his view, solely the interests of the church in view, without any regard to the reclaiming of the country or the civilization of the people. Such laws, he said, were enacted in times of feudal barbarity and had drifted too long. They stood, he asserted, as a total eclipse between the country and the wealth that was its natural right, wealth that improved agriculture would doubtless afford. On such lands, he found no proper mode of culture. This, he said, applied in a peculiar manner to the extensive wilds of Kinawley parish, and to the neighboring counties of Fermanagh and Monaghan.
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Captain Culme's town of Virginia
Virginia · townland · Cavan
Captain Culme was tasked with building the town of Virginia, which initially consisted of eight timber houses occupied by English tenants. A minister also resided there and maintained a good school.
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which was a bawne of lime and ftone 180 feet fquare. This bawne flood on a paflage and was able to do good fervice, Captain Culme had conditioned to build a town called Virginia, for which he was allowed 250 acres: at that time, eight timber houfes were built with Engllfh tenants, and there was a minifter who kept a good fchool.
IX. 400 Acres
Internet Archive statisticalsurv00cootgoog, Chapter 8
As the companion tells it
Somewhere close to Virginia, Captain Culme built a town called Virginia. He was allowed 250 acres for it. There was a bawn of lime and stone, 180 feet square, standing on a passage and able to do good service. At that time, eight timber houses were built with English tenants, and there was a minister who kept a good school.
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Hanging gale rent custom and eviction risk in Cavan
Cavan · town · Cavan
In Cavan, half the yearly rents were left with tenants to trade on, as they paid only the last gale when the second became due. This so-called indulgence could be used coercively, since tenants unable to command the pending rent faced dispossession of stock or eviction.
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One half of the yearly rents of Catan are left wkb the tenants to trade on, as they pay only the laft gale, as the Second becomes due. I have in other Reports very fully endeavoured to Shew the impropriety #f this cuftom, which the landlords call an indulgence, but which, doubtlefs, can be mad* the moft arbitrary ufe of, as at all times the tenant muft obey the orders of the landlord, or be driven for the pending gale of rent, which too few can command, without dit pofing of their ftock to their disadvantage, in a bid leafen, or leaving their lands unoccupied.
We have numberlefs inftances of the abufc of this cuftom, the recital of which muft be as well to the national as the individual difcredit, for in too many parts does it Shamefully prevail ; I Should consider him the beft landlord, who would oblige and infift on having his rent paid up punctually : his tenant is much more independant than the man, who has the indulgence of the hanging gale.
Internet Archive statisticalsurv00cootgoog
As the companion tells it
Cavan is a town the road passes through, and it gives its name to a county where rent worked in a particular way. Half the yearly rents here were left with the tenants to trade on. They paid only the last gale of rent as the second became due. The landlords called this an indulgence. But it could be made the most arbitrary use of. At all times the tenant had to obey the orders of the landlord, or be driven for the pending gale of rent, which too few could command without disposing of their stock to their disadvantage, in a bad season, or leaving their lands unoccupied. There were numberless instances of the abuse of this custom, the recital of which must be as well to the national as the individual discredit, for in too many parts did it shamefully prevail. The writer says he would consider him the best landlord who would insist on having his rent paid up punctually. His tenant is much more independent than the man who has the indulgence of the hanging gale.
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Killeshandra: prosperous linen market town
Killashandra · town · Cavan
Killeshandra is described as a neat, clean town where the linen trade flourishes, with weekly coarse linen purchases averaging £1,500. The town's living conditions appear comfortable, with a good market house and brisk trade reflecting visible industry and reward.
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Population is yet very confiderable, and the linen jaanufafture more engaged in, and much encouraged by the market at Killefhandra, where coarfe linens are purchafed every week to the average value of £.1500. The appearance of this town is engaging, being neat and clean, and induftry and its rewards are very conspicuous, every thing appears comfortable; a good market-houfe, and a brifk trade.
Immediately contiguous to the town is Caftle Hamil? ton, the feat of Colonel Southwell; the ^vhole demefne is beautifully wooded and watered, though much tin> ber has been lately cut. The manfiou is newly built and fpacious.
Internet Archive statisticalsurv00cootgoog, Chapter 38
As the companion tells it
Killashandra is a town where the linen trade runs strong. Coarse linens are bought here every week to the average value of 1,500 pounds. The town itself is neat and clean, and industry and its rewards are very conspicuous. Everything appears comfortable. There is a good market house and a brisk trade. Just contiguous to the town stands Castle Hamilton, the seat of Colonel Southwell. The whole demesne is beautifully wooded and watered, though much timber has been lately cut. The mansion is newly built and spacious.
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Diet and living conditions around Cavan town
Cavan · town · Cavan
The diet of Cavan's rural poor consists principally of potatoes and oatmeal, with wholesome vegetables in summer. Bacon, formerly consumed in the cabins, is no longer common due to war-driven price increases. Wages run only seven to eight pence per day.
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Food principally is potatoes and oatmeal, and always good wholefome vegetables in the fummer feafon, of which beany make a principal {hare; formerly much bacon was conftmed in the cabins, but not fo now; fince the war, the price has been (b much encreafed.
The clothing frizes, which are made at hcpne, or thole for fale are had from Connaught ; the general, coft o£ this article from two (hillings and (ixpence, td three (hillings per yard. The price of potatoes. will average about three pence per ftone, and oatmeal ten Shillings and fix pence per cwt. not taking the tw<o fcarce years into account.
Internet Archive statisticalsurv00cootgoog, Chapter 35
As the companion tells it
Around Cavan town, the rural poor live on potatoes and oatmeal, with wholesome vegetables in summer, beans making a principal share. Bacon was once common in the cabins, but since the war its price has risen so much that it is no longer. Wages run only 7 or 8 pence a day. Potatoes average about 3 pence per stone, and oatmeal 10 shillings and sixpence per hundredweight, not counting the 2 scarce years. For clothing, friezes are made at home or bought from Connaught, costing from 2 shillings and sixpence to 3 shillings per yard.
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Poor living conditions near Swanlinbar improving
Swanlinbar · town · Cavan · 1799–1801
Rev. Jebb describes the poor around Swanlinbar as living in wretched hovels with a want of cleanliness, though not as degraded as in southern Ireland. Within recent years, he notes, attention to comforts and a spirit of neatness have been visibly gaining ground.
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"In the fituatibn of our poor, the moft unfavourable mrcumftances, which prefent themfelves, are the wretchednefr of their hovels, and want of cleanlinefs in their mode of living; in thefe refpefts, however, they atfe by no means funk fo low as the fouthern parts of Ireland, and within thefe few years an attention to <;pmforts, and ,a fpirit of neatnefs have been vifibly- gaining ground. An anxiety for education and for religious iriftrucYiori happily prevails. Few even of the pocpeft are without a wifti to fend their children to fchool and during more than two years, that I have had rite care of this parirtt, the demand for prayer books*
teftaments,
Internet Archive statisticalsurv00cootgoog, Chapter 42
As the companion tells it
Swanlinbar is a town the road passes through. Around 1801, Reverend Jebb wrote of the poor here. Their hovels were wretched, and cleanliness was wanting in how they lived. Yet he said they were by no means sunk so low as the southern parts of Ireland. Within those few years, he saw an attention to comforts and a spirit of neatness visibly gaining ground. An anxiety for education and religious instruction happily prevailed. Few even of the poorest were without a wish to send their children to school. For more than two years Jebb had care of the parish, and the demand for prayer books and testaments had grown.
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Poor sharing cabins with livestock on absentee property
Cavan · town · Cavan · 1801
In County Cavan, the lower classes are frequently too poor to build stables or cow-houses, so their cows and horses are given a corner of the family cabin. This is described as a common occurrence on absentee-owned estates.
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Hitherto, there has been little concern paid to offices! or farm yards, nor is their difpofition here to be recommended; they feem to be ere&ed without plan or method, and occafional additions built as they found the want of offices. At Farnham a great extent of ground is covered with good offices, and an inclofed yard apart for every particular ufe *, thofe immediately adjoining the houfe poffefs all that convenience which is neceflary for ip extenfive an eftablifhment. More generally, if the neceflary offices are erefted, they feem to think it quite fufficient, and appear to be ignorant of the importance of an inclofed yard. With the lower clafs, their cow or horfe have a corner of the cabin afligned to them, when they are too poor to ereft a ftable or cow-houfei and this is too frequently the cafe on abfentee property*
The immenfe quantities of manure, which a farm yard would treafure, would foon repay the expenfe'of the wait, and where is the foil, on which fuch manure would better tell, than on the hills of Cavan, or the Tallies when drained ?
Internet Archive statisticalsurv00cootgoog, Chapter 26
As the companion tells it
As the road takes you through Cavan, this was a county where farmyards and outbuildings got little thought in 1801. They were put up without plan or method, added whenever the need arose. The one great exception was at Farnham, where a wide stretch of ground held proper offices and an enclosed yard set aside for each use, with everything needful close to the house. But more generally, people seemed satisfied if the necessary buildings stood at all, and gave no thought to the value of an enclosed yard. Among the lower class, the story was harder. When they were too poor to build a stable or a cow-house, their cow or horse was given a corner of the cabin itself. And this, the survey tells us, was too frequently the case on absentee property. The book noted too that the great quantities of manure a proper farmyard would save would soon repay the cost of the wall, and asked where such manure would tell better than on the hills of Cavan, or the valleys when drained.
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Wretched peasant living conditions near Cavan
Cavan · town · Cavan
The author observes that peasants in the environs of Cavan live in extreme poverty, being almost naked and inhabiting sod hovels. He notes that despite these wretched conditions, they exhibit remarkable hardiness against the severe climate.
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the weaver has a garden to relax from the fatigues of the 1001% he feldom encounters thofe confumptive habits, which the people of the manufacturing towns who cannot enjoy fuch advantages, too often fink under. ' No where is the falubrity of the turf bog more exemplified than in Cavan, where in its environs, though the wretched peafants are almoft naked, and their dwelling but a fodded hovel, yet they kern to disregard the feverity of the feafon, and enjoy a bardinefc and longevity, which the natives of more temperate
countries are ftrangers to; the complaints, which thofe
Internet Archive statisticalsurv00cootgoog, Chapter 12
As the companion tells it
In the environs of Cavan, the turf bog gives the air a salubrious quality. The peasants here are almost naked, and their dwellings are no more than sodded hovels. Yet they disregard the severity of the season, and enjoy a hardiness and longevity that natives of more temperate countries are strangers to. The weaver has a garden to relax from his fatigues, and seldom encounters those consumptive complaints that the people of manufacturing towns, who cannot enjoy such advantages, too often sink under.
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Poor natives of Tyrconnel and precarious tenure
Donegal · town · Donegal
The poor natives of Tyrconnel were unable to speak of freeholds or estates of inheritance. Their only estate was a scrambling and transitory possession at the pleasure of the chief of every sept.
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they have feafeeti to talk of a freehold, and of eftates of inheritance, which the poor natives of Fermanagh and Tyrconnel could not fpeak ' of; although thefe men had no other, nor betted eftate than they ; that is, only a fcambling and tranfitory poffeflion, at the pleafure of the chief of every fept.
When the proclamation was publilhed touching their removal (which was done in the public feflion-houfe, the Lord Deputy and Commiffioners being prefent,) a lawyer of the pale* retained by them, did endeavour to maintain, that? they had eftates of inheritance in their poffeffions, which their chief lords could not forfeit; and therefore, in their name, defired two things: firft, that they might be admitted to traverfe the offices which had been found of ' thofe lands; fecondly, that they might have, the benefit of a proclamation made about five years fince, whereby the perfons, lands, and goods, of all his Majefty's fubjecb, were takea into his royal prote&ion.
Internet Archive statisticalsurv00cootgoog, Chapter 4
As the companion tells it
Near Donegal, the road passes through country that once belonged to the poor natives of Tyrconnel. They could not speak of freeholds or estates of inheritance. Others had no better estate than they did, yet those others made such claims freely. The natives of Tyrconnel had, in the words of the record, "a scrambling and transitory possession at the pleasure of the chief of every sept." When a proclamation was published touching their removal, it was done in the public session-house, with the Lord Deputy and Commissioners present. A lawyer of the pale, retained by them, tried to maintain that they had estates of inheritance in their possessions, which their chief lords could not forfeit. In their name he desired two things. First, that they might be admitted to traverse the offices which had been found of those lands. Second, that they might have the benefit of a proclamation made about five years since, whereby the persons, lands, and goods of all his Majesty's subjects were taken into his royal protection.
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Shercock village described as mean in appearance
Shercock · town · Cavan
The village of Shercock in the barony of Clonchee is situated on high ground but has a mean appearance. It holds a weekly market where only yarn is traded, and it is located on the estate of Ruxton of Ardee.
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The village of Shercock is fituate in the barony of Clonchee, lies high, and is but of mean appearance* it has a weekly market, in which no commodity is ibid
but yarn. This village is on the eftate of — * ^
Internet Archive statisticalsurv00cootgoog, Chapter 47
As the companion tells it
The village of Shercock lies in the barony of Clonchee, on high ground, but has a mean appearance. It has a weekly market where only yarn is traded. The village sits on the estate of Ruxton of Ardee.
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Displacement of native non-freeholders in the Cavan plantation
Cavan · town · Cavan
Under the plantation scheme, Irish natives who were not granted freeholds were to be either relocated within County Cavan or removed altogether by order of the commissioners. This reflects a systemic displacement of the native population to make way for British and Scottish settlers.
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The natives who were not freeholders, they were to be placed within the county, or removed by order of the commiflioners.
Obfervaihns on this Projefl*
Internet Archive statisticalsurv00cootgoog, Chapter 6
As the companion tells it
Cavan was reshaped under the plantation scheme. The natives who were not freeholders were to be placed within the county, or removed by order of the commissioners. That is the record. No detail of where they went, or what became of them.
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Cold mineral waters at Carrickmore
Carrickmore · townland · Cavan
Mineral waters at Carrickmore are impregnated with fixed air, purging air, and fossil alkali, making them both purgative and diuretic. They are noted as being extremely cold.
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At Carrickmore, the waters are impregnated with jExed air, purging air, and foffil alkali, and are both purgative and diuretic They are extremely cold.
Sect.
Internet Archive statisticalsurv00cootgoog, Chapter 17
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Poor farm houses contrasted with new Farnham estate dwellings
Farnham · townland · Cavan
Farm houses throughout the county were generally poor and had little to recommend them. On Lord Farnham's estate, however, neat two-story farm houses with all necessary apartments were being erected at a cost of sixty pounds each, with tenants supplied timber from the estate woods but bearing all other expenses.
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The houfes have little to recommend them, being
poor indeed, except on Lord Farnham's eftate, where
Internet Archive statisticalsurv00cootgoog, Chapter 34
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Bailieborough a neglected village despite market advantages
Bailieborough · town · Cavan
Bailieborough is described as a very mean village with an excellent market, yet deeply neglected. Despite being a principal stage on the northern road, it now lacks even an inn, and the author knows of no town more neglected despite its many internal advantages.
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I know of no town more neglefted, or which has better capabilities than Bailyborough; its diftance from other markets, and many internal advantages, could readily raife it to a ftate of profperity and confequence, were there any encouragement given, and though it
u 2 has
Internet Archive statisticalsurv00cootgoog, Chapter 48
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Cootehill saved from extinction by linen market
Cootehill · town · Cavan
The town of Cootehill was saved from near-depopulation and extinction by its valuable linen market. This was due to the total neglect of the town by its late proprietor, the Earl of Bellamont.
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The town of Cootehill, which is the beft town in the barony, or, in the fale of its markets, the moft coniiderable in the county, ftands nearly on the verge of Monaghan, and is on the eftate of Charles. Coote Efquire, and immediately joins his demefne at BelHmont foreft. This town, but for its valuable linen market, would long fince have been extinguUhed, from the total negleft of its late proprietor, the Earl of JJellamont, though, doubtlefs, for the important reafon I have aflerted, and for combining caufes, it (hould and might be the beft inland town in Ulfter, The advantages, which Cootehill poflefles, feem now to be truly ap T predated by the prefent proprietor, who has already improved k with feveral very handfbme houfes, and the old leafes being extinct, the tenants are obliged to build after an adopted plan, and meet every jreafonable encouragement ; neat fhambles have been laft year erected, an<J a market-houfe is now buildings
The vicinity being entirely deftitute of quarry, and the clay yielding bricks of the beft quality, it becomes
Internet Archive statisticalsurv00cootgoog, Chapter 68
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Decline of Ballinacarig village
Bellanacargy · townland · Cavan
The village of Ballinacarig is described as 'mean' with scarcely a vestige remaining. It once had a castle recorded as a spacious building surrounded by fortifications including a fosse, towers, and bastions.
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The Danifti forts are numerous in this vidnjty; not j&any years ago, when one of them was preparing for plantations, above one thoufand pounds worth of gold coin was found, and alfo a large gold Jlbula buried in an iron pot. The neareft houfe of note, or caftle, at this time was in the mean village of Ballinacarig, of which there is now fcarce a veitige, though it is re*-, corded to have been a fpacious building, and fisrrounded with a fortification, comprifipg a foffe, towers, and baflions.
..The country from Coote-hill to the bounds of the- Barony may be valued at 30/. per acre, fpme of it is, fej much higherj very little, or none of this diftrift has , . . been
Internet Archive statisticalsurv00cootgoog, Chapter 69
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Dispensary at King's Court under Mrs. Pratt's patronage
Kingscourt · town · Cavan · 1801
A dispensary at the town of King's Court (Kingscourt) is described as well attended, operating under the patronage of Mrs. Pratt. This reflects local medical relief infrastructure in a newly founded and growing town.
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frnt pfaprieter has n6w doubled thfcfe te, and new hunfes are couftantly adding— a market hode hat been built, as alfo a very neat church and a haodfime chapel, and a difpenfary is well attended to under the humane and careful patronage of .Mrs. Pratt. . The new roads, which are making, and were Jo ma* fetidly wanted, will coofiderably add to the town, and ferve its very promifing market.
Mr. Pratt's improvements are well decorated with excellent plantations; the houfe, which was lately Mlt for a lodge, ip fituated in a valley, and fbrounded with high grounds, which are quite too near, and entirely (hut out every appearance of profpejt, forming a perfeft amphitheatre. — Through an exteafiv* wood rolls a rapid ftream in a deep and narrow glen ; tb* rocks, which impede the water, forming natural caf- 'cadjes produce a lively and pi&urcfque fcene. The new approach winds through a fertile lawn, and is well fumiflied with young timber. The old caftle of Cabra in ruins, and the many Dinilh forts, which are well planted, are interefting objefts in this pleafit&g leudfcape ; from one of thefe, which bound the demefne, the view is moft cxtenfive and pleafing, comprifing noted, obfeft* in Armagh, Louth, ftfeath. Moriaghan and Cavan counties, commanding alio the fpire of Carricmacrofs, and the extenfive lake of BaUihoe. The neseerf views are moft highly enlivened wiiii the adjoining elegant plantations of Cormy, where Mr- Fofter has. formed a pacadife out of the
Internet Archive statisticalsurv00cootgoog, Chapter 48
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Dromgoon glebe land and absent clergy
Drumgoon · townland · Cavan
The glebe of Dromgoon parish, though naturally not bad soil, accords with miserable reports of glebe lands. No clergyman resides there, nor does a single inhabitant of the established church live in the parish.
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The tithes cannot be faid to be at all oppreffive here, except in the mode of collecting, which paffing through fo many hands, and leaving a profit to each, makes it fevere on the poor man, whom the colle&or too generally extorts from. The glebe of Dromgoon parifli, which is naturally not a bad foil, accords with the miferable reports of glebe lands; no clergyman re* fides in this parifli, nor one inhabitant of the eftabliflw ed church,
The average of the tithe of the oat crop, which i*
Internet Archive statisticalsurv00cootgoog, Chapter 64
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Effects of dearth visible in dress around Cootehill
Cootehill · town · Cavan
The surveyor observes that the recent years of dearth have left the lower orders wretchedly clad, with children almost entirely naked, in the district around Cootehill. Cheap frize and flimsy cottons have replaced better fabrics, reflecting deepened poverty.
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- - The miferableeffe&s of the late years of dearth are very vifible in the drefs of the lower order, who are wretchedly clad, and their children almoft entirely naked ; white and blue frizes are worn by the men, and the women are more commonly clad in /cottons than in fluffs, which have been fo flimfily made ,of latter years, as have almoft entirely ruined that trade throughout the * nation. -. v.: ..'... < . < .; The
OF THE COUNTY OF CAVAN. m
Internet Archive statisticalsurv00cootgoog, Chapter 64
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Fuel scarcity and bog exhaustion near Rakenny
Rakenny · townland · Cavan
In the vicinity of Rakenny, bog land was very scarce, valued at eight guineas per acre, and was expected to be soon exhausted, making fuel very dear for local inhabitants.
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Bog is however very fcarce, and ($ts at eight guineas per acre, and all in this vicinity will foon be exhaufted; fuel, of courie, is very dear.
The parifh of Kill is now divided ; the late divifion is called Aihfield, where a new and very neat church has been lately built by Mr. Clements of Aihfield, and to which are annexed twenty acres of glebe. To the old parifli of Kill three hundred acres of glebe are fubjoined. From Rakenoy to Clones, an excellent bridge crofles the river, and the roads are in tolerable repair.
Internet Archive statisticalsurv00cootgoog, Chapter 69
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Illicit distillation in Cavan during scarcity
Cavan · town · Cavan
Cavan is described as the most notorious county in Ireland for illicit whiskey distillation, using cheap tin stills easily replaced. During the late scarce years, private distillation was checked as people informed on stills, but a plentiful harvest revived the trade.
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In the late fcarce years the private diftillatioa ia theft parts was checked, as every man made, it a point of duty to g>ve information where he knew the flails were* but the laft plentiful harveft has again cwouraged
them;
Internet Archive statisticalsurv00cootgoog, Chapter 64
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Linen looms in households around Cootehill
Cootehill · town · Cavan
Throughout the country around Cootehill, the linen manufacture was carried on in private houses, with few homes lacking two or three working looms, indicating widespread domestic textile production as part of local living conditions.
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In the houfes through all this country, the linen maftufa&ure is carried on, and few of them are without two or three looms employed. -
Bog is however very fcarce, and ($ts at eight guineas per acre, and all in this vicinity will foon be exhaufted; fuel, of courie, is very dear.
Internet Archive statisticalsurv00cootgoog, Chapter 69
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Potato and oatmeal diet in Cavan
Cavan · town · Cavan
The principal food support in Cavan consisted of potatoes and oatmeal, which were cheap and plentifully produced. Nine-tenths of arable land was devoted to their cultivation, while wheat-meal was dear and flour was imported from neighbouring counties.
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The principal fupport being potatoes and oatmeal, of conrfe thcfe tracks are cheap, as they are fo very plentifully produced, and the nine-tenths of arable land is under their culture. Wheat-meal is dear, and flour is imported from Louth, Longford, and Meath. Beef and mutton rates full as high as in Dublin market.
Poultry are feldom feen in fuch perfection as in Dublin market, and could be cheaper fupplled there, if we take the condition of the fowl into account. The Dublin poulterers regularly ftroli through this county, and cbnfiderably tend to encreafe the high ptke of fowl. * Geeli; in very bad order fell for ax. i£. tb is*i\d> per pair$ turkeys in like order, 3/. to 4/^; ducks, 2od<- y barn-door fowl, ad*/.; chickens fr6m 6i. to 1/. Of fife, fuch as pike, eel, and* trout* they* hafe abundance in their own lakes, and hawkers regtriirljr fupfrty C.hem with cod-fife, froi* three halfpence^ot^o pence per -pttrod; fahfadn, herrings* Sec. are brtittg&t here in abundance. •■- *- ~'* :i i ' '* . *'* "
Internet Archive statisticalsurv00cootgoog, Chapter 70
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Squalid cabin poverty on Shercock glebe lands
Shercock · town · Cavan
On about 300 acres of glebe land around Shercock, the cabins present a disgusting appearance of squalid poverty. The land cannot yield a year's subsistence, forcing the inhabitants to purchase corn from neighbouring County Louth.
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The foil around this village is light, and the grounds touch elevateds the hay-grafs is particularly fweet, though it grows on a very light foil. The farms are fmall^ and on about 300 acres of glebe land the cabins give a.diigufting appearance of fqualid poverty. The year's fubfiftence is not attainable from the lands, and they buy much corn in the neighbouring county of Louth.
The leafes hi the vicinity are generally for three lives, and fomewhat better for building ground in the town; the rents are principally made from the loom, and the women contribute much by fpinning. \
Internet Archive statisticalsurv00cootgoog, Chapter 48
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Tax timing burdens the poor in Cootehill district
Cootehill · town · Cavan
The author criticises the Grand Jury for scheduling tax assessments during the summer assizes, when the poor man is at his poorest and is trying to buy provisions and flax. He also mentions the seizure of nine private stills in Cootehill as a common occurrence.
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tbem: I lately law in Coote-htll no lefs than nine private ili}ls, which were feized by one a&ive officer in an evening's ramble, in that vicinity, and which was no un* common thing there. The roads of this diftridk link differ from the general report of the' county, which is bad, very bad indeed; this is accounted for in feme degree by the materials being fo poer for road making} but a confiderable fliare of blame is; I think, attached to the allowing the collectors of the public cefs to run into arrears and confufion, and alio to the mode of a£ fcffinem, as the Grand jury prefents only during the fawner affixes, when the poor man is pooreft, at th# only fcafon when he is probably buying his pfovifio'ns and flax* It would doubtkfs be much better to prefirot at both affizes, and make the largeft afleflineiit, when the peafant cap t*eft fpare the money.
The foil of this diftrift varies from cold deep argil, heavy and ftiff yellow clays, to a light, dry, and rather mountainous tilly ftratum, covering a quarry of ljard blue And green ftone, which is called whin-fkme, and is frequently met with in great blocks. Strong indications of lead are found in this defcription of foil* and on the town-land of Mayo, the eftate of Charles Coote, Eiq. is a mine, which has been proved to have beenexceedingly rich, and was worked : about fifty years ago with good focccfs: but the proprietor at that time, perhaps miftaking it for a gold mine, was too fenguiae of its value, and chofe rather to (hut it up, than
Internet Archive statisticalsurv00cootgoog, Chapter 65
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Weavers' subsistence near Cootehill
Cootehill · town · Cavan
In the villages and market towns near Cootehill, weavers subsist on potatoes, oats, and buttermilk from tiny plots of land. Butter and pork, once consumed at home, are now sent to market and have become luxuries tasted only on festivals.
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market towns, where yarn and webs are the principal, or rather the only commodities. Provifions very fel- 'dony appear f ot fale, as the weavers till juft fenbugh'of land to afford them potatoes, oats, and the flax plot.
- Thefe articles of food are their beft fare, with butter-
Internet Archive statisticalsurv00cootgoog, Chapter 64
This book is in the public domain; how the books' rights are judged. The passages are quoted as the scan has them, spelling and all; a story's place is the gazetteer's best reading of the text and can be wrong.