Statistical survey of the county of Meath : with observations on the means of improvement ; drawn up for the consideration, and under the direction of the Dublin Society

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1. Controversy over Hugh de Lacy's burial between abbeys

   Bective · townland · Meath · 1188

   After his death, Hugh de Lacy's body was buried with great solemnity in the abbey of Bective, but his head was carried to Dublin and buried in the abbey of Thomas-court, sparking a controversy between the abbeys over the rest of his body, decided in favour of Thomas-court by the bishop of Meath.

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   His body was buried with great iblemnity ia the abbey of Beftivej but his head was carried to Dublin^ aud buried in the abbey of Thomas-court This gave rife to a moft ridiculous controverfy between the abbieSf for the reft of his body, wluch was at length dedded in favour of Thomas-court, by Simon Rochfort, the then biihop of Meath, and Pope's legate in Ireland.

   De Lacy left two fons, riz. Walter, Lord of Meath^ and Hugh, Earl of Ulftcr.

   Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 3

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here, in 1188, Hugh de Lacy was laid to rest. His body was buried with great solemnity in the abbey of Bective, but his head was carried to Dublin and buried in the abbey of Thomas-court. This gave rise to a controversy between the abbeys over the rest of his body. It was decided in favour of Thomas-court by Simon Rochfort, bishop of Meath and the Pope's legate in Ireland. De Lacy left two sons: Walter, Lord of Meath, and Hugh, Earl of Ulster.

2. St. Kieran's cell and holy well at Castlekeeran

   Castlekeeran · townland · Meath · 540

   St. Kieran built a cell near Kells at the place now called Castlekeeran around 540, near a remarkable spring said to have been blessed by him. Catholics still resorted to the well on the first Sunday in August, washing in the stream to cure diseases.

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   This St, Kieran, about the year 540, built for himfelf a cell near Kells, at the place now called Caftle- Keran, near which there is a remarkably fine fpriflg, iflumg from a rock, ^hich th^ tradidoiV of the coiintry attributes to a miraculous order of St. Kieran, who blefled it. To this well the more ignorant order of CathoHcs refort, on the firfl Sunday in Auguft, and wafli m the flream iflumg from the fountara, attributmg many remarkable cures, in a variety of difeafes, to its fan^ified influence.

   There

   Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 3

   As the companion tells it

   Close to Castlekeeran, St. Kieran built himself a cell around the year 540. The place was near Kells, and near his cell there is a remarkably fine spring, rising from a rock. The tradition of the country says St. Kieran blessed it by a miraculous order. To this well Catholics resort on the first Sunday in August, and wash in the stream flowing from the fountain, attributing many remarkable cures in a variety of diseases to its sanctified influence.

3. St. Mary's Abbey at Bective built by Murchard O'Melaghlin

   Bective · townland · Meath · 1146–1188

   The abbey of St. Mary at Bective was built by Murchard O'Melaghlin, king of Meath, in 1146 for Cistercian friars. Hugh de Lacy, Lord of Meath, who was killed in 1188, was buried there.

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   During the time the Danes held the reins of government in Ireland, which lafled for the fpace of 350 years, we find no record of any religious foundation in Meath, except that of the abbey of St. Mary at Beotive, which was built by Murchard O'Melaghlin, king of Meath, in the year 1146. The friars were of the order of Ciftertians. In this abbey was buried the body of Hugh de Lacy, Lord of Meath, who was killed in the year 1 188.

   The Danes, having been in pofTeffion of Ireland for about 350 years, were at laft overcome, in the year 1 171, by the Englifli, who came over under Richard Strongbow, Earl of Pembroke, being invited by Dermot, fon of Murchard, to avenge him of his enemies, who had made inroads upon his territories. Henry 11. King of England, granted the Earl liberty to bring what number of followers he could, in order to eftablifli himfelf in Ireland. He, foon after his arrival, married Dermot's daughter, on whom were fettled all her father's pofleffions for ever.

   Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 3

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere close to Bective, the abbey of St. Mary once stood. It was built by Murchard O'Melaghlin, king of Meath, in 1146, for friars of the Cistercian order. The record notes that during the 350 years the Danes held power in Ireland, no other religious foundation in Meath is known besides this one. Hugh de Lacy, Lord of Meath, who was killed in 1188, was buried in this abbey. The same passage goes on to describe how the Danes were at last overcome by the English, who came over under Richard Strongbow, Earl of Pembroke, having been invited by Dermot, son of Murchard, to avenge him against enemies who had made inroads upon his territories. Henry the Second, King of England, granted the Earl liberty to bring what number of followers he could, to establish himself in Ireland. After his arrival, Strongbow married Dermot's daughter, on whom were settled all her father's possessions for ever.

4. Burning of the statue of the Virgin Mary at Trim

   Trim · town · Meath

   The statue of the blessed Virgin Mary, kept at Trim in the abbey of the Canons Regular, was burned by order of Henry VIII, along with the image of Christ on the cross kept at Ballybogan, as pilgrims' gifts and relics were seized.

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   fices to his avarice ; two years after whtcfcy the Utatm of the bkflcd Virgin Mary, kept at Trim in the abbcf of the Caaoas R^ular^ was burned, and the tmagje of our Sariour on the crofs, kept at Ball^bogan, linden* went the like fate. The gifts of the pilgrimst which were numerous and vahiable, and 2^ the pi^dous re* liques were taken away by order of the king, whOy. however, to foften the afperities of religious zeal, and' avert the anathemas, which he muft otherwife.expcft for defpoiliug the fanAuaries <>i their wealth and orna** ments, granted penfions to the abbots and priors, dur««. ing life, out of the revenues referved to the crown*

   Be^^ive Abbey next fuffered the like fate, and Heury, the year following, by an aA of parliament confirmed to himlelf all the abbies in Ireland. By an a^ of this parliament, the thle of King of Ireland was annexed to the crown of England; the Kings of England having been, before that time, ilyled only Lords of Ireland; and Meath, having been considered too large for the jurifdi^on of <me Sheriff, was dividel itfto Eaft and Weftmeath.

   Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 4

   As the companion tells it

   Coming through Trim, in County Meath. This town held a statue of the blessed Virgin Mary in the abbey of the Canons Regular, and pilgrims brought numerous and valuable gifts to it. By order of Henry VIII, the statue was burned. The image of Christ on the cross, kept at Ballybogan, met the same fate. The pilgrims' gifts and pious relics were taken away by order of the king. To soften the anger of religious zeal and avert the anathemas he would otherwise face for despoiling the sanctuaries, Henry granted pensions to the abbots and priors for life, paid from revenues reserved to the crown. The following year, an act of parliament confirmed all the abbeys in Ireland to Henry himself, and the title of King of Ireland was annexed to the crown of England. Until then, English kings had been styled only Lords of Ireland. Meath, considered too large for one sheriff, was divided into East and Westmeath.

5. Danish fort on Tara Hill used by Turgesius

   Tara · parish · Meath · 838–1791

   A remarkable fine Danish fort or rath on the south-east side of Tara Hill, near Mr. Lynch's house, is said to have served as headquarters for the Danish king Turgesius while subduing Meath in 838. It contains about seven acres and was beautifully planted by Sir John Dillon and Mr. Lynch, earning a Dublin Society premium in 1791.

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   In the year 838, Turgefius, king of the Danes, failed up the Boyne, and fubdued Meath, ufing the profeffors of Chriftianity with the greateft cruelty. To him, in this expedition, is afcribed the formation of thofe Danifti forts, or raths, to be met with in various parts of this county, particularly that remarkable fine one on the fouth-eaft fide of Tarah-hill, near Mr. Lynch's houfe. Here he is faid to have taken up hid head-quarters, ^irhilft fubduing Meath. It contains about feven acres, and is now beautifully planted by Sir John Dillon, Bart, and Mr. Lynch,' for which they obtained a premium from the Dublin Society, in the year 1 79 1. In 845, Turgefius plundered Clonmacnoife, and many other places, and is faid to have fallen in love with the daughter of Melaghlin, king of Meath, who, feeming to accede to his propofals, promifed to fend his daughter to a certain place, attended by fifteen beautiful maids. Turgefius came to the place appointed, and found, inftead of his intended bride, fifteen young men, dreffed like women, with arms concealed, which they made ufe of for the tyrant^S de«f ftruftion.

   The fame of this action foon fpread abroad, and the Danes were either cut off by ftratagem, or compelled by open force to return to their own country. In the year 849, however, they again returned to Ireland

   Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 3

   As the companion tells it

   There is a Danish fort in the parish of Tara, a rath of about 7 acres on the south-east side of the hill. In the year 838, Turgesius, king of the Danes, sailed up the Boyne and subdued Meath, using the professors of Christianity with the greatest cruelty. The raths found in various parts of this county are ascribed to him, and this one in particular is said to have been his headquarters whilst subduing Meath. Sir John Dillon and Mr. Lynch later planted it beautifully, and for that they obtained a premium from the Dublin Society in 1791. In 845, Turgesius plundered Clonmacnoise and many other places. He is said to have fallen in love with the daughter of Melaghlin, king of Meath. Melaghlin, seeming to accede to his proposals, promised to send his daughter to a certain place attended by 15 beautiful maids. Turgesius came to the place appointed and found, instead of his intended bride, 15 young men dressed like women, with arms concealed, which they made use of for the tyrant's destruction. The fame of this action soon spread abroad, and the Danes were either cut off by stratagem or compelled by open force to return to their own country. In 849, however, they again returned to Ireland.

6. Danish defeat at Tara in 980

   Tara · parish · Meath · 980

   The Danes, after holding ground with varied success since 849, met a complete overthrow at Tara in 980, with the Irish king's forces slaying one thousand private soldiers along with most of the principal Danish officers.

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   with recruited ftrength^ and gained fome advantages pver the Irifli. They, with varied fuccefs, held their ground until the year 980, at which time they met with a complete overthrow at Tarah ; the Irifli, under^ the command of their king, flaying one thoufand private foldiers, together with moft of the principal Danifli officers.

   During the time the Danes held the reins of government in Ireland, which lafled for the fpace of 350 years, we find no record of any religious foundation in Meath, except that of the abbey of St. Mary at Beotive, which was built by Murchard O'Melaghlin, king of Meath, in the year 1146. The friars were of the order of Ciftertians. In this abbey was buried the body of Hugh de Lacy, Lord of Meath, who was killed in the year 1 188.

   Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 3

   As the companion tells it

   The road takes you through or near Tara in Meath. The Danes had been in Ireland since 849, holding ground with varied success, sometimes gaining advantages over the Irish. That came to an end in 980. At Tara they met a complete overthrow. The Irish, under the command of their king, slew one thousand private soldiers, together with most of the principal Danish officers. It was a decisive defeat, and the long Danish presence in Ireland, which had lasted three hundred and fifty years, left behind no religious foundation in Meath except one. That was the abbey of St. Mary at Beotive, built by Murchard O'Melaghlin, king of Meath, in 1146. The friars there were of the order of Cistercians.

7. Parliament held in Trim's Black Friary

   Trim · town · Meath

   An Irish parliament was called to Dublin and immediately adjourned to Trim, where it sat for ten days. Both parliaments were held in the black friary, where local tradition holds the first Irish parliament to have been held.

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   manner^ called io Dublhi^ and immediately adjourned to Trim, where it fat for ten days. Both thefe werip held in the black friary, where the tradition oi the inhabitants makes the firft Iri(h parliament to have beea held. In 1459, a mint was tftablifhed in the caftle of Trim ; and there not only brafs money, but filver alfo ivas, by the king's order, coined. And, in 1467, mention is made of another parliament having been called^ Richard Duke of York, father to Edward IV. whilft in Ireland as Lord Lieutenant, redded (bme time in Trim, when he is fuppofed to have built the fieepk of the prefent pariih church, which was then^ as fome think, the friary of the Minorites. The Rev. Doftor Elliot, who has given me this information, grounds his opinion upon the coat of arms, cut in ftone, and built into the fteeple, which, upon fearching the Herald's office, he finds to be thofe of York and Mortimer. He quartered the Mortimer arms in right of liis mother Anne, who was filler to the Earl of March and Mortimer. The body and chancel of the church are certainly of much greater antiquity. In 1479, a military fodety, called the fraternity of St. George, was infti^ tuted for the defence of the counties of Dublin, Elildare, Meath, and Louth, and confifted of thirteen principal men, reiident in thefe counties, who all met in Dublin on St. George's day in each year, and chofe from amongft themfelves a captain or leader, who (hould command the reft : each of thefe thisteen mea^

   had

   Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 4

   As the companion tells it

   The town of Trim has an older claim than its castle walls. An Irish parliament was called to Dublin and immediately adjourned here, to Trim, where it sat for ten days. Both the Dublin sitting and the Trim sitting were held in the black friary. The tradition of the inhabitants makes the first Irish parliament to have been held in that same friary. In 1459, a mint was established in the castle of Trim. There, by the king's order, not only brass money but silver also was coined. In 1467, another parliament was called. Richard, Duke of York, father to Edward IV, whilst in Ireland as Lord Lieutenant, resided some time in Trim. 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 Reverend Doctor Elliot gave this information, grounding his opinion upon a coat of arms cut in stone and built into the steeple. Upon searching the Herald's office, he found it to be those of York and Mortimer. Richard quartered the Mortimer arms in right of his mother Anne, who was sister to the Earl of March and Mortimer. The body and chancel of the church are certainly of much greater antiquity. In 1479, a military society called the fraternity of St. George was instituted for the defence of the counties of Dublin, Kildare, Meath, and Louth. It consisted of thirteen principal men resident in these counties, who all met in Dublin on St. George's day each year and chose from amongst themselves a captain or leader to command the rest.

8. St. Luman built St. Mary's Abbey at Trim

   Trim · town · Meath · 482–1180

   St. Luman, nephew of St. Patrick, was made Bishop of Trim and built St. Mary's Abbey there around 482. It was later rebuilt by the Lacies around 1180, and the surviving ruin known as the Yellow Steeple belonged to this abbey.

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   St. Lum^n, nephew to St. Patrick, accompanied hia upon this occafion, and was by him created .Bi(hop oi Trim. He, abput the year 482 built St. Mary's abhey there, and dedicated it to St. Auguftin; the monks were Canons Regular. This abbey was afterwards elegantly rebuilt by the Lacies, about the year 1180. That beautiful ruin, now called the yellow fteeple, be« longed to it. This was the firft fee in Meath.

   About this time, St. Mary's abbey at DuleeH was built by a perfon of the name of Kelly. St. Cianan^ who was the firft biihop of it, died in the year 489, and was buried in the abbey.

   Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 2

   As the companion tells it

   In the town of Trim, St. Luman, nephew of St. Patrick, accompanied Patrick and was made bishop by him. Around the year 482, Luman built St. Mary's Abbey and dedicated it to St. Augustine. The monks were Canons Regular. The Lacies elegantly rebuilt the abbey around 1180. That beautiful ruin now called the Yellow Steeple belonged to it. This was the first see in Meath.

9. St. Columb founds St. Mary's Abbey at Kells

   Kells · town · Meath · 550–806

   St. Columb founded and built St. Mary's Abbey at Kells around 550, famous as the birthplace of St. Cuthbert. It was rebuilt about 806 by Celiac, abbot of Iona, though little trace remains beyond the foundation of an old tower.

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   There is in the church-yard, belong^ to this cell, a fine old ftone croft, with feveral hieroglyphical figures on it, but not any legible charafters. St- Columb flouriftied immediately after St. Kieran, and lived at Kells, wherQ about the year 550 he founded and built St. Mary's abbey, littk or no traces of which are at pre* fent vifible, if we except the foundation of an old tower. This abbey is famous for the birth of St. Cuthbert, and was rebuilt about the year 806 by Celiac, abbot of Jona^ or Hy.

   Columb-kil's houfe is ftiU (hndmgi it is fiooe-roof* ed, and hitherto has withflood the iron han4 of time ; it is faid to be the oldeft ilone-built houfe io Ireland. Near the fite of the abbey, i^ one of tbofeokl roniid towers, in high prefervation, that wc fo frequently meet with in Ireland; which, with one at Donoughmore near Navan, is the only one of the kind in Meatb%

   Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 3

   As the companion tells it

   Kells in Meath has a churchyard with a fine old stone cross bearing several hieroglyphical figures but no legible characters. St. Columb lived at Kells, and about the year 550 he founded and built St. Mary's Abbey. Little or no traces of it are now visible, except the foundation of an old tower. The abbey is famous for the birth of St. Cuthbert. It was rebuilt about the year 806 by Celiac, abbot of Iona. Columb-kil's house still stands, stone-roofed, said to be the oldest stone-built house in Ireland. Near the site of the abbey is a round tower in high preservation, one of only two of its kind in Meath, the other at Donoughmore near Navan.

10. Boyne navigation transforms trade and population of Navan

    Navan · town · Meath

    Since the Boyne canal navigation extended to Navan, the trade and population of the town increased beyond calculation, with grounds along the canal cheaply supplied with manure. The facility of conveying corn to Drogheda spurred industry and enterprise among Navan's inhabitants.

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    The Boyne nav]gatioi}> between Drogh^a aiid Na« Tan, r^uQS along the courfe of this river : the trade OQ this canal h^ iocreaied confiderably of late yeara i «kU though a variety of impediments, both local and gene* ral> have checked its proceeding with as much rapidity as, from the utility and importance of fuch a work, the public had reafon to hppe, yet the eamefl: folidtude, wifh which the principal noblemen and gentlemen of Meath ftem to forward it to Trim, gives roOTa for the inoft flattering expeAadon. Since this line of canal has extended to Navan^ the trade and population of that town have increafed beyond all calculation.' Grounds ^ lh0 verge of the canal are fuppCed with manure with as little espence, at the diflaoce of three mikst as what arifes from conveying it by land carriage to the fields immediately adjoining the town i and traAa of neglefled fwampa, and unprofitable pafture ground^ ar^ now fo confiderably improved, as to produce crops capable of repaying induftry. The facility, with which corn is. conveyed to Drogheda, readers the demand for grain: ha:e confiderabk; hence the ipur to induftry. A ^irit of enterprize betrays itfelf in this town^ with which its inhabitants were unacquainted^ previous ta Hm peripi^ at which a oomauinication by water waa

    opened

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 16

    As the companion tells it

    Navan, in Meath, felt the change when the Boyne navigation reached the town. The canal runs between Drogheda and Navan along the river, and though impediments checked its progress, the principal noblemen and gentlemen of Meath showed earnest solicitude to forward it to Trim. Since the line of canal extended to Navan, the trade and population of that town increased beyond all calculation. Grounds on the verge of the canal are supplied with manure with as little expense, at the distance of three miles, as what arises from conveying it by land carriage to the fields immediately adjoining the town. Tracts of neglected swamps and unprofitable pasture ground are now so considerably improved as to produce crops capable of repaying industry. The facility with which corn is conveyed to Drogheda renders the demand for grain considerable here, hence the spur to industry. A spirit of enterprise betrays itself in this town, with which its inhabitants were unacquainted previous to the period at which a communication by water was opened.

11. Mint established in Trim Castle

    Trim Castle · monument · Meath · 1459

    In 1459, a mint was established in the castle of Trim, where both brass money and silver were coined by the king's order.

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    manner^ called io Dublhi^ and immediately adjourned to Trim, where it fat for ten days. Both thefe werip held in the black friary, where the tradition oi the inhabitants makes the firft Iri(h parliament to have beea held. In 1459, a mint was tftablifhed in the caftle of Trim ; and there not only brafs money, but filver alfo ivas, by the king's order, coined. And, in 1467, mention is made of another parliament having been called^ Richard Duke of York, father to Edward IV. whilft in Ireland as Lord Lieutenant, redded (bme time in Trim, when he is fuppofed to have built the fieepk of the prefent pariih church, which was then^ as fome think, the friary of the Minorites. The Rev. Doftor Elliot, who has given me this information, grounds his opinion upon the coat of arms, cut in ftone, and built into the fteeple, which, upon fearching the Herald's office, he finds to be thofe of York and Mortimer. He quartered the Mortimer arms in right of liis mother Anne, who was filler to the Earl of March and Mortimer. The body and chancel of the church are certainly of much greater antiquity. In 1479, a military fodety, called the fraternity of St. George, was infti^ tuted for the defence of the counties of Dublin, Elildare, Meath, and Louth, and confifted of thirteen principal men, reiident in thefe counties, who all met in Dublin on St. George's day in each year, and chofe from amongft themfelves a captain or leader, who (hould command the reft : each of thefe thisteen mea^

    had

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 4

    As the companion tells it

    In 1459 a mint was established in the castle of Trim, where both brass money and silver were coined by the king's order. A parliament had been called to Dublin and immediately adjourned to Trim, where it sat for ten days in the black friary. The tradition of the inhabitants makes the first Irish parliament to have been held there. In 1467, mention is made of another parliament. Richard, Duke of York, father to Edward IV, resided some time in Trim while in Ireland as Lord Lieutenant, and is supposed to have built the steeple of the present parish church, which was then, as some think, the friary of the Minorites. The Reverend Doctor Elliot grounds this opinion on a coat of arms cut in stone and built into the steeple, which he found, searching the Herald's office, to be those of York and Mortimer. Richard quartered the Mortimer arms in right of his mother Anne, who was sister to the Earl of March and Mortimer. The body and chancel of the church are certainly of much greater antiquity. In 1479, a military society called the fraternity of St. George was instituted for the defence of the counties of Dublin, Kildare, Meath, and Louth, consisting of thirteen principal men resident in these counties, who met in Dublin on St. George's day each year and chose from among themselves a captain to command the rest.

12. Richard Duke of York builds Trim church steeple

    Trim · town · Meath

    Richard Duke of York, father to Edward IV, resided some time in Trim as Lord Lieutenant and is supposed to have built the steeple of the present parish church, then thought to be the friary of the Minorites. The identification rests on a coat of arms of York and Mortimer cut in stone in the steeple.

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    manner^ called io Dublhi^ and immediately adjourned to Trim, where it fat for ten days. Both thefe werip held in the black friary, where the tradition oi the inhabitants makes the firft Iri(h parliament to have beea held. In 1459, a mint was tftablifhed in the caftle of Trim ; and there not only brafs money, but filver alfo ivas, by the king's order, coined. And, in 1467, mention is made of another parliament having been called^ Richard Duke of York, father to Edward IV. whilft in Ireland as Lord Lieutenant, redded (bme time in Trim, when he is fuppofed to have built the fieepk of the prefent pariih church, which was then^ as fome think, the friary of the Minorites. The Rev. Doftor Elliot, who has given me this information, grounds his opinion upon the coat of arms, cut in ftone, and built into the fteeple, which, upon fearching the Herald's office, he finds to be thofe of York and Mortimer. He quartered the Mortimer arms in right of liis mother Anne, who was filler to the Earl of March and Mortimer. The body and chancel of the church are certainly of much greater antiquity. In 1479, a military fodety, called the fraternity of St. George, was infti^ tuted for the defence of the counties of Dublin, Elildare, Meath, and Louth, and confifted of thirteen principal men, reiident in thefe counties, who all met in Dublin on St. George's day in each year, and chofe from amongft themfelves a captain or leader, who (hould command the reft : each of thefe thisteen mea^

    had

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 4

    As the companion tells it

    The town of Trim carries an old connection to Richard, Duke of York, the father of Edward the Fourth. While serving in Ireland as Lord Lieutenant, he resided some time in Trim, and is supposed to have built the steeple of the present parish church. At that time, the church was thought by some to have been the friary of the Minorites. The identification rests on a coat of arms cut in stone and built into the steeple. The Reverend Doctor Elliot, who gave this information, searched the Herald's office and found the arms to be those of York and Mortimer. Richard quartered the Mortimer arms through his mother Anne, who was sister to the Earl of March and Mortimer. The body and chancel of the church are certainly of much greater antiquity than the steeple. The same passage notes that in 1459 a mint was established in the castle of Trim, where both brass and silver were coined by the king's order. In 1467, another parliament was called. Tradition among the inhabitants also held that the first Irish parliament met in the black friary at Trim.

13. Black Friary of Dominicans founded in Trim

    Trim · town · Meath · 1263–1308

    A convent of Dominicans was founded in Trim in 1263, in which Jeffry de Geneville, Lord of Meath, took the habit of the order of Predicants in 1308. It was known as the black friary from the monks' black hoods and was situated near Athboy-gate.

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    In 1263, a convent of Dominicans was founded in Trim ; in it Jeffiry de Geneville, Lord of Meath, took the habit of the order of Predicants, in the year 1308; this is what is now called the black friary, from the monks wearing black hoods, and was fituated near Athboy-gate. John de Dumbleton, archdeacon of Meath, wrote, about this time, on logic, and natural hiftory ; thefe works are ftill extant.

    In 1318, "William de Londres, Lord of Athboy, founded there a conveht of Carmelites; fcarce any traces of it remain at prefent. About this time alfo, Francis Feipo, Lord of Skreeo, founded there (Skreen) a friary, which he dedicated to St. Auguftin.

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 3

    As the companion tells it

    Trim had a convent of Dominicans founded in 1263. In 1308, Jeffry de Geneville, Lord of Meath, took the habit of the order of Predicants within its walls. The place came to be called the black friary, from the monks wearing black hoods, and stood near Athboy-gate. John de Dumbleton, archdeacon of Meath, wrote about this time on logic and natural history. Those works were still extant when the survey recorded them.

14. Castle of Trim built by William Peppard, 1220

    Trim · town · Meath · 1220

    A Lambeth manuscript record states that the castle of Trim in Meath was built by William Peppard, Lord of Tabor, in the year 1220, providing a founding date and builder for the famous castle.

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    . THE cafHe-of Trym, in Methe, built by William Peppard^ Lord x>f Tabor, in awo I2Z0.. CaftlejCarberry, near Trynj, was built by Riqhard Burghe Earl of Ulfter, in K. Heury 5th tyme.

    No. 2. — Ex Codice M&, Lambeth. G. 60^. folio 1 1 8.

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 95

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Trim in Meath, you are near a castle whose founding is recorded in a Lambeth manuscript. It states that the castle of Trim was built by William Peppard, Lord of Tabor, in the year 1220.

15. English-run Cheese Manufactory Established at Slane

    Slane · townland · Meath · 1799–1802

    Lord Conyngham established a cheese manufactory at Slane, staffed by men and women brought from England, producing cheeses in the style of Cheshire, Gloucester, and Stilton. The author notes it appears to be succeeding, unlike the rest of the county where cheese was rarely made.

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    Butter produced from very rich , pafture is not coniiderdi to keep as well, or to be as firm as that produced on poorer land ; it is for this reafbn that the Cavan and Wicklow butter is fo much more prized, than what is made in this county. The butter, not ufed in this diflriA, is all fold in Dublin or Drogheda, and, until thefe laft two years, rated at from 7^. to p^/. per pound for fait, and from lod. to is. for frefli butter. Cheefe is very feldom made in it, and then only for the faihily ufe. A manufaftory of cheefe has been eftabliftied at Slane, by order of Lord Conyngham, carried on by men and women from England^ and, as far as I can judge, bids fair for fuccefs. In it, cheefes of the fame nature as thoft of Chefliire, Glou^ ccfter, Stilton, &c. are at prefent manufaftured.

    Calves are very fubjeft to a diforder called, in this country, the black leg, and in other places^the quarterail. It is fo infe£^ious that, if the difeafed beaft is fuffered to remain amongft the {lock for many hours, after it is feized, it generally communicates the diftempcr to others. If they even fmell the ^pot, where the

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 44

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Slane, Lord Conyngham established a cheese manufactory. He had men and women brought from England to run it, and they are making cheeses in the style of Cheshire, Gloucester, and Stilton. The surveyor says that as far as he can judge, it "bids fair for success." This is unusual for the county. Cheese is very seldom made in Meath, and then only for family use. The author notes butter as well, saying that butter from very rich pasture does not keep as well or set as firm as butter from poorer land, which is why Cavan and Wicklow butter is more prized than what is made in Meath. Butter not used locally is all sold in Dublin or Drogheda. Until these last 2 years, salt butter rated from 7 pence to 9 pence per pound, and fresh butter from 10 pence to a shilling.

16. Navan burned and pillaged by Con O'Neil

    Navan · town · Meath

    The town of Navan was burned and pillaged by Con O'Neil in revenge for depredations committed on his territories by Grey the Lord Deputy; afterward it was walled at the expense of a cess laid on Meath and Westmeath.

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    The town of Navan was about this time burned, and pillaged, by Con O'Neil, in revenge for fome depredations committed on his territories by Grey the Lord Deputy; after which it was walled, and the expence defrayed by a cefe laid on the counties of Meath and Weft Meath, for that purpofe.*

    from * Appendix, No. a.

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 4

    As the companion tells it

    This is the town of Navan. It was burned and pillaged by Con O'Neil, in revenge for depredations committed on his territories by Grey the Lord Deputy. Afterward it was walled, and the expense defrayed by a cess laid on the counties of Meath and Westmeath for that purpose.

17. River Nanny's romantic course through Somerville demesne

    Somerville · site · Meath

    The river Nanny rises near Navan and flows through the romantic glen of the Diamond-rock into the elegant demesne of Somerville, the residence of Sir Marcus Somerville, where it opens into a grand expanse frequented by wild water-fowl.

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    The river Nanny takes its rife near Navan, and running in an eaftarly direftion, ihapes its courfe through the romantic glen of the Diamond-rock, and» meandering at the foot of the extenfive amphitheatre formed by the bending of thofe lofty hills, it enters the elegant and highly beautified demefne of SomcrvHle, the charming and hofpitable refidence of Sir Marcus Somerville^ Bart., where it opens wide into a grand and diverfified expanie^ on whoie furface a variety of wild water-fowl are conftantly feea enjoying M the prhril^d fecurity of domeftic animals ; thence proceeding to the fea, it affiurds fites |o three flour and feveral grift-mills in its courfe,

    It

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 17

    As the companion tells it

    The River Nanny is a watercourse that rises near Navan and runs east through the romantic glen of the Diamond-rock. It meanders at the foot of an extensive amphitheatre formed by the bending of lofty hills, then enters the elegant demesne of Somerville, the residence of Sir Marcus Somerville. There it opens wide into a grand and diversified expanse, where a variety of wild water-fowl are constantly seen enjoying, as the survey puts it, the primeval security of domestic animals. From there the river proceeds to the sea, and along its course affords sites for three flour and several grist-mills.

18. Tenants of ill repair at Athboy under Samuel Waller

    Athboy · town · Meath

    The tenants of Samuel Waller, Esq. at Athboy are described as having a ragged, poor appearance, worse than any other tenants observed by the author in the county.

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    and two ftory W^. Buf the tenfts^s qF Saum^ VfvsL* ter, £%• at Afighery have pore the appeara^e of ragl .icomfpti, tb^ tlKrffe <m aay ^ft#ter Aait I Hv^ i£ca ia tb^ co^pmy, bjf^e ?id4iti(Gja frf a g9pd Jdtchen-gardcQ iQeacbfcioftfr. JoboGe^ard, of <fii)fta!wii^Bftl,.ht8

    ever^ want a fecond. floor. I do i)0K:'uWkpiis^lj re- ..C«^ft j«iy,otbcfs, vfho l^y^ ta^^n par^cfU^r jwfls ta clodge ih?ir iW>r wojf^ QopaiEwr^y: tHw.Ji^i««ttfc^, . al^q^gh. many; endeayour tp makc^ ,:tbfm «oro Hd€»Q|y ^"m. their perfoasi. > . , ; \ . .

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 22

    As the companion tells it

    In Athboy, the tenants of Samuel Waller were noted for their ragged, poor appearance. A surveyor writing for the Dublin Society found them worse than any other tenants he had observed in the county of Meath. Each farmhouse had a good kitchen-garden, but the people themselves presented a picture of poverty and disrepair that stood out even in a region where hardship was common.

19. Dissolution of abbeys near Trim, Duleek and Ballybogan

    Newtown · townland · Meath · 1536

    The abbeys of St. Peter and Paul at Newtown near Trim, along with Duleek and Ballybogan, were the first religious houses seized by Henry VIII in his dissolution of the monasteries in Meath.

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    The abbies of St. P^er and Paul, at Newtown near Trim s Duleek, and Ballybogan, were the firft facri-

    fices

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 4

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in 1536, Henry VIII seized the abbeys of St. Peter and Paul at Newtown near Trim, along with Duleek and Ballybogan. They were the first religious houses taken in the dissolution of the monasteries across Meath.

20. Marquis of Lansdowne's absentee estate of 66,000 acres

    Meath · county · Meath

    The Marquis of Lansdowne holds 66,000 acres of estate in the county of Meath which he has never seen, exemplifying the widespread absentee landlordism affecting the county.

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    * The Marquis of Lab^own has 66,000 acres of eitate in the eouoty, which he ner^r has ieen.

    Digitized by VjOOQ IC

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 19

    As the companion tells it

    The road is carrying you through Meath, a county shaped by absentee landlordism. The Marquis of Lansdowne held 66,000 acres of estate here, land he never once set eyes on. His case was an example of a practice widespread across the county.

21. Destruction of image of Christ at Ballybogan

    Ballybogan · townland · Donegal

    The image of Christ on the cross kept at Ballybogan underwent the same fate as the Trim statue, destroyed under Henry VIII's order as part of the dissolution.

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    fices to his avarice ; two years after whtcfcy the Utatm of the bkflcd Virgin Mary, kept at Trim in the abbcf of the Caaoas R^ular^ was burned, and the tmagje of our Sariour on the crofs, kept at Ball^bogan, linden* went the like fate. The gifts of the pilgrimst which were numerous and vahiable, and 2^ the pi^dous re* liques were taken away by order of the king, whOy. however, to foften the afperities of religious zeal, and' avert the anathemas, which he muft otherwife.expcft for defpoiliug the fanAuaries <>i their wealth and orna** ments, granted penfions to the abbots and priors, dur««. ing life, out of the revenues referved to the crown*

    Be^^ive Abbey next fuffered the like fate, and Heury, the year following, by an aA of parliament confirmed to himlelf all the abbies in Ireland. By an a^ of this parliament, the thle of King of Ireland was annexed to the crown of England; the Kings of England having been, before that time, ilyled only Lords of Ireland; and Meath, having been considered too large for the jurifdi^on of <me Sheriff, was dividel itfto Eaft and Weftmeath.

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 4

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Ballybogan, an image of Christ on the cross was kept. It was destroyed under Henry VIII's order, as part of the dissolution. The statue of the blessed Virgin Mary, kept at Trim in the abbey of the Canons Regular, had been burned. The image of our Saviour on the cross, kept here, underwent the like fate. The gifts of the pilgrims, which were numerous and valuable, and the pious relics, were taken away by order of the king. Henry, to soften the asperities of religious zeal and avert the anathemas he must otherwise expect for despoiling the sanctuaries of their wealth and ornaments, granted pensions to the abbots and priors during life, out of the revenues reserved to the crown. Beive Abbey next suffered the like fate. The year following, by an act of parliament, Henry confirmed to himself all the abbeys in Ireland. The title of King of Ireland was annexed to the crown of England, the kings of England having been, before that time, styled only Lords of Ireland. Meath was divided into East and Westmeath, having been considered too large for one sheriff.

22. Differing weights: Kells vs Navan

    Kells · town · Meath · 1800–1802

    The survey notes the confusing diversity of weights across County Meath towns, citing that a hundredweight in Kells was 120 pounds while in Navan, only eight miles away, it was 112 pounds.

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    Thx. gKSt direriity of wtights aod meaforea, nfed ihroiE^aBt the cosoty, and the different qvao^tiea in tlK faaK dcnoimBaiioOy ta difereiit paitt of it, sre pf o^ doAifc of infioite trouble and perplexity. There i» fiaxdlya. town of any confideradon in the diftrlA, that doe» not, in ibme degree, dlfier from the other in fbme dBC denominadon or other of thdr weights. For h»^ ftaoce^ the hundred weight \xk Kella \s one humfred ind twenty poundl»} and in that of NaTan, a Aftance #f eight Biika, there are oi^y one hundred and twehrc pounds ) in the mtermedtate placet, peribns buymg mnft ftiputate by which weight they porchafe, the negleft of whieb ffipnlation is often produftivc of difpute.

    Cont isf generally fold by the barrel; and meal, flour, &e, by the hundred weight airoirdnpois. Eggs, ^^ples, oyflers, n^s, quicks, jdants, &c. per hundred^ of fix &ore.

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 92

    As the companion tells it

    The town of Kells kept its own weight. A survey of County Meath noted the great diversity of weights and measures throughout the county, and how the same denomination could mean different quantities in different parts. The hundredweight in Kells was 120 pounds. In Navan, eight miles away, it was only 112 pounds. In the places between, persons buying had to stipulate by which weight they were purchasing. Neglect of that stipulation often produced dispute. The survey called the whole system a source of infinite trouble and perplexity. Hardly a town of any consideration in the district did not differ from the others in some denomination of weight or other. Corn was generally sold by the barrel. Meal and flour were sold by the hundredweight. Eggs, fish, oysters, quicks, and plants were sold per hundred of six score.

23. Michael Tisdall's tenant houses at Charlesfort

    near Charlesfort · sub-townland · Meath

    The late Michael Tisdall of Charlesfort gave each tenant a year's rent to build a farm-house to a plan he supplied. The houses were rough-cast and white-washed, kept in fine order during his life but grew neglected after his death.

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    The late Alichafi Tifdall, Elq. of' Charesfort, allowed each of his tenants 6ne year's relit for building a fafm*houfe, the plan of wbich he iupplied them with^ During his life, thole houles were kept in very nice order; but, fincehis death, the ocfcupierS have become- extremely flovenly. They were all fough-cail and white-wafhed, which gave tbeni a chearful appearance, and at a little diflance had a good cfftd} and they were cleaned and white-waihed in the infide

    annually^

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 21

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Charlesfort, the late Michael Tisdall gave each tenant a year's rent to build a farm-house, supplying them with the plan himself. During his life those houses were kept in very nice order. They were rough-cast and white-washed, which gave them a cheerful appearance, and at a little distance had a good effect. They were cleaned and white-washed inside annually. Since his death, the occupiers have become extremely slovenly.

24. Patrick Murphy's Water-Powered Threshing Mill at Ardmulchan

    Ardmulchan · townland · Meath

    Mr. Patrick Murphy of Navan brought his water machinery to the highest perfection of any man in the county, building a water-powered threshing machine on his farm at Ardmulchan, described as the only threshing mill in the county worked by water.

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    Mr. Patrick Murphy, of Navan, hafs brought all his water machinery to the highcfl: perfcflion of any man In the (iounty. On his farm of Ardmukhan he has built a threftiing machine, worked by witer, capable of threfhing and cleaning effeftually mote corn 6f every kind, than any other machine that I have heard o£ ' A water-wheel is always to be preferred to a horfe-wheel for work of any kind, a^ the- motion is fo much more regular, arid regularity in motion is the foul of machinery. This is the only threfliiftg-mili in the county worked by water. Befide thefe, there arc about eight threfiiing-mills already ere^ed, , and many others are in contemplation. Couch-harrows are ufed by many, upon feyeral conftruftions, and a ipike-roUer by Mr. Morris. Land-rollers, both of ftone, woody and metal, are ufed ; the mofi common kind, however, are compofed of one folid block of wood. I laft year made a wooden roller, the excellence of wbkk is, that it can he ufed in light or in heavy grouiKls with equal efFeft. The cylinder is eight feet long, and moves upon its axis, and is divided in two parts for the eaie of turning at the headland ; the diameter of the cylinder is three feet four inches, and each half is compofed of three round pieces of timber, tike the £fhes pf cafwheels, fet perpendicularly parallel to each ot^er, and Iheeted round with phnk of one or two inches icant- Tmg, and hooped with four ftrong hoops* This double

    cylinder

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 26

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Ardmulchan, Patrick Murphy of Navan built a water-powered threshing machine on his farm. The survey called it the only threshing mill in the county worked by water. Murphy, it said, had brought all his water machinery to the highest perfection of any man in the county. The machine was capable of threshing and cleaning effectually more corn of every kind than any other machine the author had heard of. A water-wheel, he wrote, is always to be preferred to a horse-wheel for work of any kind, the motion being so much more regular, and "regularity in motion is the soul of machinery." Besides this one, there were about eight threshing mills already erected in the county, and many more in contemplation. Couch-harrows were used by many, upon several constructions, and a spike-roller by Mr. Morris. Land-rollers of stone, wood, and metal were used, the most common kind composed of one solid block of wood. The author had the year before made a wooden roller, its excellence being that it could be used in light or heavy ground with equal effect. The cylinder was eight feet long, moved upon its axis, and was divided in two parts for ease of turning at the headland. Its diameter was three feet four inches. Each half was composed of three round pieces of timber, like the felloes of cart-wheels, set perpendicularly parallel to each other, sheeted round with plank of one or two inches scantling, and hooped with four strong hoops.

25. Priory of Augustin canons founded at Newtown near Trim

    Newtown · townland · Meath · 1206–1224

    In 1206, Simon Rochfort, first Englishman appointed bishop of Meath, founded a priory of Augustin canons at Newtown near Trim, dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul. He transferred the episcopal seat there from Clonard and was buried there in 1224; parts of the priory walls still stand.

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    traosferi^d die cpifeopal &at from Qooafd to i}M priory, died, and vaa buried there, in tbc year 1224* A great part of the walls of this priory are (till ftand^ ing. The eaft window was almoft entire within thefe few years, and was of exqinfite worlcaianfiiip ; indeed the whole arcHitedhire was of the pnrefi concq^tion* The prior had a n^e in parliament*

    Near this, but on the oppofite fide of the Boyne, fiand the ruins of the priory of St; John .the Baptil^ of the order of Cro6^arers, of which the bifhops of Meath'wfie either the founders m benefaftors^ or^ perhaps, both.

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 3

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Newtown, Simon Rochfort founded a priory of Augustin canons in 1206, dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul. He was the first Englishman appointed bishop of Meath. He transferred the episcopal seat from Clonard, died, and was buried there in 1224. A great part of the walls still stand. The east window was almost entire within these few years, of exquisite workmanship. The prior had a seat in parliament. Across the Boyne stand the ruins of the priory of St. John the Baptist, of the order of Crossbearers, of which the bishops of Meath were either founders or benefactors.

26. Round Tower at Donaghmore near Navan

    Donaghmore · townland · Meath

    A round tower stands at Donaghmore near Navan, noted as the only other example of the kind in Meath besides that at Kells.

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    Columb-kil's houfe is ftiU (hndmgi it is fiooe-roof* ed, and hitherto has withflood the iron han4 of time ; it is faid to be the oldeft ilone-built houfe io Ireland. Near the fite of the abbey, i^ one of tbofeokl roniid towers, in high prefervation, that wc fo frequently meet with in Ireland; which, with one at Donoughmore near Navan, is the only one of the kind in Meatb%

    It is called by the country people, <« Cluga^ Kaa*- dus," which fignifies, « The belfry of Kells. Thi$ name has been handed down by tradition, which ieemd to denote, that they were firft intended for bells. Io Kells arc feveral ftoae crofles, but one Ut particular of beautiful worlunanfhip. This former^ lay proAraio in the ftreet, oppofite to the caftle, but was rwfed.by the defire,. and at the expence of the celebrated Swift, Dean of St. Patrick's. See the plate>

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 3

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Donaghmore, a round tower stands, one of only two of its kind in Meath. The other is at Kells. The survey calls it a tower in high preservation, the sort that are frequently met with in Ireland. At Kells, the country people call their tower the belfry of Kells, a name handed down by tradition, which seemed to denote that these towers were first intended for bells. Beyond noting it as the only other example in the county, the survey tells us nothing more about the tower here.

27. Sterne and Chetwood Apprenticeship Fund Linked to Ardbraccan

    Ardbraccan · townland · Meath

    A charitable fund left by the late Doctor Sterne, Bishop of Clogher, and Doctor Chetwood, Rector of Ardbraccan, provided eighty pounds per annum for apprenticing children of Protestant parents in the county to Protestant masters and mistresses.

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    expreflioris, or more calculated to touch the feelings^ than that of the Iriih ; fo much fb, that it has become a provjcrbial expreffion^ «f Plead for your life in Irifti* Amongft the; eharitable inftitutions, I fhould not omit that fund left by the late DoAor Sterne, Biihop of Clogher, and Doctor Chetwood, Reflor of Ardbraccan^ arifing from 'the iatereft of money, and amounting to eighty pounds per annum, for the purpofe of apprenticing (children of Protcftant parents, inhabitants of this county, to Proteftant mailers and mi& trefles in any county. The children muft be able to read and write, and fay the church catechjfm. Thf fee is (hree pounds to eaclji. Nor the fingu|ar ^qviei): of the late Thomas C^arleton, Efq. who left 900/. pcf apnun? for. ever (two-thicds of which he direfted to b^ diftributed in Meatb, and the other third ip Longfprd) in marriage pprtions of fix guineas, to labouring wetff fons under thirty, marrying labouring^ men's daugbtcri under forty, who have refided one year or more, imiinediately previo^is to their ma|-riage, in the faine parifti, aijd fhall have been married with the confeat of their parepts. I have known a great many perfons^ who have obtained this portion, and yet, except in twQ or three inft.ances, I have not.fecn any good purpofc eifefled by it; it is the charadpriftic qf the lower plaj^ of Irifh, as w^ll as of thofe of other countries, to thinly but little of what they, acquire without difiiculty* «< Eafy come, cafy go," is their ufual maxim; and i5

    does

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 23

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Ardbraccan, a charitable fund was established by the late Doctor Sterne, Bishop of Clogher, and Doctor Chetwood, Rector of Ardbraccan. The fund arose from the interest of money and amounted to eighty pounds per annum. Its purpose was apprenticing children of Protestant parents, inhabitants of this county, to Protestant masters and mistresses in any county. The children had to be able to read and write, and say the church catechism. The fee was three pounds to each child. The same passage records another bequest, that of the late Thomas Carleton, who left nine hundred pounds per annum forever. Two-thirds he directed to be distributed in Meath, and the other third in Longford, in marriage portions of six guineas, to labouring men's sons under thirty marrying labouring men's daughters under forty. They must have resided one year or more, immediately previous to their marriage, in the same parish, and have been married with the consent of their parents. The author writes that he knew a great many persons who obtained this portion, and yet, except in two or three instances, he had not seen any good purpose effected by it. He says it is characteristic of the lower class of Irish, as well as of other countries, to think but little of what they acquire without difficulty. As the source puts it, "Easy come, easy go."

28. Subsidy levied to build the walls of Navan

    Navan · town · Meath

    A Lambeth manuscript record under Sir Anthony St. Leger, Lord Deputy, ordered that every ploughed land in Meath and Westmeath be charged three shillings and four pence for four years toward building the walls of the town of Navan.

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    Every ploughed iand within iJie rouaty of .Methe and Weft Methe^ i^ied to be charged with fubfidie^nd not free from impofitlon, (hall be, during the terjp 4>f fow years, chajrged with thefiwa of ^ree .(hiUioigs and four pence, towards the building the waU3 of the^wva -ofNavan.

    No. S.-^Ex Codice MS. Lambeth.. XX. 63$. folio 69.

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 95

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Navan, it's worth knowing its walls were built by a levy. A Lambeth manuscript records that under Lord Deputy Sir Anthony St. Leger, every ploughed land in Meath and Westmeath was charged three shillings and four pence for four years toward building the walls of Navan.

29. The Earl of Bective's great wall around Headfort demesne

    Headfort · townland · Kerry

    The wall around the demesne of Headfort, built by the late Earl of Bective, enclosed an area of twelve to fifteen hundred Irish acres, stood twelve feet high, and was grouted and neatly coped with small round stones.

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    I ihould not omit mentioning here the wall round the demefne of Headfort, built by the late Earl of BeAive^ enclofing an area^ as I am informed, of from twelve to fifteen hundred Iri(h acres; it is twelve feet high, and built in the beft manner, being grouted throughout, and neatly coped with fmall round ftofnes. The demefne of Summerhill too is enclofed with a very high wall, as is alfo the demefnfe* of Stackallen, the feat of Lord Boyne, and Beauparc the feat of . Guftavus Lambart, Efq. together with a few more.

    Ditches are cheap in their original formation; they afford good flielter for cattle, are eafily repaired, draia ^ the ground, and are a continual fourcc of manure, affording either limeftone gravel or mud; and they fupply the farmer annuaHy with a certain proportion of fuel from the plaftiing, and timber for the purpofes of hufbandry. The hedgerows give an appearance of comfort to the farm, on which they grow, and enrich and beautify the face of the country. The compare* tive expeace of the two fences may be thus ratqd^.

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 30

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here stands the wall that once enclosed the demesne of Headfort, built by the late Earl of Bective. It ran around an area of from 12 to 15 hundred Irish acres, and stood 12 feet high. It was built in the best manner, grouted throughout, and neatly coped with small round stones. The same survey notes that other demesnes were enclosed with very high walls too, including Summerhill, Stackallen, the seat of Lord Boyne, and Beauparc, the seat of Gustavus Lambart, Esquire, together with a few more. The writer then turns to comparing walls like these with ditches, those cheaper fences that afford good shelter for cattle, are easily repaired, drain the ground, and serve as a continual source of manure, providing either limestone gravel or mud. They supply the farmer annually with fuel from the plastering, and timber for the purposes of husbandry. The hedgerows give an appearance of comfort to the farm on which they grow, and enrich and beautify the face of the country.

30. Charter School for Boys at Ardbraccan

    Ardbraccan · townland · Meath · 1802

    A charter school for fifty boys was established at Ardbraccan, operating under the immediate inspection of the Bishop of Meath. It was noted as being kept in the best possible manner given its limited funding from the Incorporated Society.

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    In this county are two chartcr-fchools ; one fot fifty boys, and the oth,er for fifty prls. The boys fchool is at Ardbraccaou under the immediate infpeaion of the Biihop of Meath 5 that of the prls is at Trim, and both are kept In the beft poffible manner, confidcring the film allowed by the Incorporate Society.

    Befide thefe two fchools, there is a diocefan fchool at Trim, and a fchool handfomely endowed at Navanj* and in every parilh the bifliop (whofc care of, and attention to the morals of every the meaneft individual of the diocefe is indefatigable) has infifted, m his vifi-

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 23

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Ardbraccan, a charter school for fifty boys was operating around 1802. It sat under the immediate inspection of the Bishop of Meath, who watched over the morals of the diocese with what the record calls indefatigable care. The school was kept in the best possible manner, considering the small sum allowed by the Incorporated Society. A sister charter school for fifty girls stood at Trim, along with a diocesan school there, and a handsomely endowed school at Navan. The bishop had also insisted on a school in every parish across the diocese.

31. De Lacy's grant and division of Meath into baronies

    Meath · county · Meath

    Meath was granted by King Henry II to De Lacy for the service of fifty men; De Lacy subdivided it into twelve baronies, naming those who received grants as Barons, a division that has held ever since.

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    ' Under this divifion, the county remained uiitil fiib- ^ttcd by the EnglHh, at which time it was granted by King Henry the 2d, to De Lacy, for the fervicc of fifty men. He, to eafe bimielf of this fervice, fab* 4ii^ded it into twelve parts, called baronies, becaufe the perfons, to whom he made thefe grants were after* wards created Barons. This divifion has held good ever fince, and each barony now makes and repairs all the roads, fuppbrts its own police, and makes and repairs what are called gullets, where ftreams are coo* duAed under the high way.

    This expcmcc is defrayed by an acreable charge laid on by the Grand jury, twice a year, at the general affizes held in the county. But fums of money ex«- pended in erecting, and repairing bridges, amoundng to five pounds and upwards, are levied off the county at large.

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 7

    As the companion tells it

    As you travel through Meath, you pass through a county shaped by a single grant. King Henry the 2nd gave Meath to De Lacy, for the service of fifty men. To ease himself of that burden, De Lacy divided the county into twelve parts, called baronies, because the men to whom he made those grants were afterwards created Barons. That division has held good ever since. Each barony now makes and repairs its own roads, supports its own police, and builds and repairs what are called gullets, where streams are conducted under the highway. The expense is met by an acreable charge laid on by the Grand Jury, twice a year, at the general assizes held in the county. But sums spent erecting or repairing bridges, amounting to five pounds and upwards, are levied off the county at large.

32. Doctor Beaufort's Ploughman Wins Premiums at Collon

    Collon · town · Louth · 1801–1802

    At Collon, Doctor Beaufort trained a ploughman in the use of the Scotch plough, offering extra wages to encourage skill, resulting in several premiums won at ploughing matches, including one using a pair of bullocks driven with bits.

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    that perfeftioD, workmg my grouaels, to which I know it has arrived elfewherc. This plan has been purftied by Doftor Beaufort, at Ckdlon, with fuch fuccefs, that his pioughman has obtained ieyeral prenaiums at the different ploughing matches, and one this laft fummer, ' ynth a pair of bullocks, which he drove with bits in their mouths, and which they obeyed as regularly as horles would have done. J. M. Grainger,* of Caufeatown, and Doftor Beaufort, of Collon, are the only gentlemen, as far as I can learn, who have introduced Mr. Cooke's patent drill machine into this county, although feveral have gone fo far in the ufe of the new machines, as the cukivutor, and Muffler ; feveral gen^ tlemeri, however, have agreed as to its utility, who, if the difficulty of procuring them was not fo great, would adopt them.

    Drill machines cannot be had in this country complete for lefs than twenty guineas, including the freight, notwithftanding which I think, in fome time Aey will come more generally into ufe.

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 25

    As the companion tells it

    Collon was a town where something worth noting happened in farming. Doctor Beaufort trained a ploughman in the use of the Scotch plough, offering extra wages to encourage skill. His ploughman had such success that he won several premiums at different ploughing matches. One of those wins came this last summer, with a pair of bullocks, which he drove with bits in their mouths, and which they obeyed as regularly as horses would have done. Doctor Beaufort and Grainger of Causeatown were the only gentlemen, as far as the writer could learn, who had introduced Cooke's patent drill machine into the county, though several had gone as far as using the cultivator and the muffler. Drill machines could not be had complete for less than twenty guineas, including freight, but the writer thought they would come more generally into use in time.

33. Trim consumed by fire from lightning

    Trim · town · Meath · 1496

    Two years after 1494, Trim was consumed by fire, communicated by lightning, shortly after which the Bishop of Meath John Payne died.

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    In 1485, 1490, and 1493, Parliaments were held in Trim caftle, fince which time there has not been any held there, that we caq find a record of. In 1494, the MHitary focicty or fraternity of St. George ceafcd to exifl, not having been found to anfwer the defigned end, or, as fome aflTert, on account of the ftate of the funds of Ireland, which were then too low to admit of fuch an expence, though eftimated only at five hundred pounds fterling yearly. Two years after which. Trim was cbnfumed by fire, communicated by lightmng; fhortly after which, died John Payne, Bifhop of Meath, a n^an eminent for his learning, piety, and political knowlege.

    In the year 15^36, Henry the eighth caft a covetous eye upon the vaft pofTeffions of the church in Meath, and having begun in England to convert the property of monafteries to his own ufe, he was not long in determining tQ dp the like here alfo.

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 4

    As the companion tells it

    The town of Trim carries an old and troubled history. Parliaments were held in the castle in 1485, 1490, and 1493, and no record has been found of any held there since. In 1494, the military society or fraternity of Saint George ceased to exist, not having answered the designed end, or as some assert, on account of the state of the funds of Ireland, which were then too low to admit of such an expense, though estimated only at 500 pounds sterling yearly. Two years after that, the town was consumed by fire, communicated by lightning. Shortly after the fire, John Payne, Bishop of Meath, died, a man eminent for his learning, piety, and political knowledge.

34. Straw-hat manufacture at Dunboyne rivals Dunstable

    Dunboyne · town · Meath

    In the town and neighbourhood of Dunboyne, straw-hat manufacture (both split and whole straw) was carried on to a great extent, thought to equal or surpass the famous work made at Dunstable, thanks to the efforts of Miss Hamilton of Hilltown.

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    There is, upon the Nanny-water, one very cxtenfivc bleach-green, Bekynging to George Amiftrong, iBfq.' witfi a beetling-mMI, and other mathiQefry, reqnifitc for earring on the bnfineis. In the town and neighbonrb6pdof Dunboyne,' the ftraw»hat manufadnre is carficdontovery great extent, and the work, both of ^li^and whole ftfaw, is thdught to equal, if not fnrjn&f that made at Dunftable. It is brought to this great pbrfeSioo, thrbngh the exerdons of Mfs HamiltOQ,of:Hiimwoodi and at Galtrim, in Deece barony, from^die^are and attention of Mrs. Dawfon and Mrs. Flnhyy:it-hag' been, brought to.ftill greater perfeftion. lii'tlus'laft place the- plat is fold, as* the fafhions, for tbeform-of booiKts, hats, Sec. change fo frequently, thatdt is confidered the bleft plan, not to put the plat into (hope.^ Coarfdr kinds of ftraw-work, fuch as bon-^ BistsV &c* are ma<feln maqy parts of the county, but not any to equal thoie mad^ at Dunboyne or Galtrim* The 'manufa€hire of flat and pan-tiles, garden-^pots, crocks^ pans, and all kinds of coarfe ^pottery, is carried on at Knock, in Morgallion barony, which is very conveniently fituated with refpeft to turf, the only fuel ufed, as before mentioned^

    . Clofe to the bog of Garriftown, in Dnieek: barony, there are a grea^ number of nailers, who difpofe of their manufaAure in the retail /hops of Drogheda, &c.

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 84

    As the companion tells it

    Upon the Nanny-water, there was one very extensive bleach-green belonging to George Armstrong, with a beetling-mill and other machinery requisite for carrying on the business. In the town and neighbourhood of Dunboyne, in Meath, straw-hat manufacture was carried on to a very great extent. The work, both of split and whole straw, was thought to equal, if not surpass, that made at Dunstable. This great perfection was brought about through the exertions of Miss Hamilton of Hilltown. At Galtrim, in Deece barony, from the care and attention of Mrs. Dawson and Mrs. Fluffy, the work had been brought to still greater perfection. In that last place the plat was sold, as the fashions for the form of bonnets, hats, and such changed so frequently that it was considered the best plan not to put the plat into shape. Coarser kinds of straw-work, such as bonnets, were made in many parts of the county, but not any to equal those made at Dunboyne or Galtrim.

35. Charter School for Girls at Trim

    Trim · town · Meath · 1802

    A charter school for fifty girls was located at Trim, one of two charter schools in the county alongside the boys' school at Ardbraccan.

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    In this county are two chartcr-fchools ; one fot fifty boys, and the oth,er for fifty prls. The boys fchool is at Ardbraccaou under the immediate infpeaion of the Biihop of Meath 5 that of the prls is at Trim, and both are kept In the beft poffible manner, confidcring the film allowed by the Incorporate Society.

    Befide thefe two fchools, there is a diocefan fchool at Trim, and a fchool handfomely endowed at Navanj* and in every parilh the bifliop (whofc care of, and attention to the morals of every the meaneft individual of the diocefe is indefatigable) has infifted, m his vifi-

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 23

    As the companion tells it

    Through Trim, there was a charter school for fifty girls. The county had two charter schools. The boys' school was at Ardbraccan for fifty boys, under the immediate inspection of the Bishop of Meath. Both were kept in the best possible manner, considering the sum allowed by the Incorporate Society. Trim also had a diocesan school, and Navan had a handsomely endowed school. The bishop's care for the morals of even the meanest individual in the diocese was described as indefatigable.

36. Lord of Killeen and Dunsany musters 24 horsemen

    Killeen · townland · Meath · 1509–1603

    A muster record for the Barony of Skreen lists the Lord of Killeen, the Lord of Dunsany, and the rest of the Plunkets as together providing 24 armed horsemen during the reigns of Elizabeth and Henry VIII.

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    The Lord of Killeen, the Lord of Dunfany, with the reft of the Plunkets, - - - - 24 ditto, Nicoles Nugent, in peribn, - 3 ditto,

    Mr. Draycott, - - • i ditto.

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 95

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere near here, a muster roll for the Barony of Skreen records the Lord of Killeen and the Lord of Dunsany, with the rest of the Plunkets, providing 24 armed horsemen. Nicholas Nugent brought 3 in person, and Mr. Draycott brought 1.

37. Sackcloth weaving industry centred on Navan

    Navan · town · Meath · 1800–1802

    Navan was the chief centre of Meath's sackcloth manufacture, with two to three hundred looms employed in weaving tow into cloth. Each loom produced about forty pieces of sixty yards annually, sold in Dublin.

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    This manufacture is chiefly carried on about Navan, in which town there are from two to three hundred looms employed in weaving iti each loom saaking about forty pieces, of iixty yards each» in the year. The pieces are generally ibid in Dublin, at from lod. ta 14^ per yard. Dowlas, and three-quarters wide cparfe linens, are alfo manufactured for exportation, principally m the baronies of Slane and Duleek, and i(dd in Drogheda, whence they are ihipped to the Weft Indies, to dothe the Negroes. Linen, of fomewhat a finer texture, is made in the lower barony of Kells, apd in Demifore, and fold in the market of Oldcaftle,

    which

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog

    As the companion tells it

    Around 1800, Navan was the chief centre of sackcloth manufacture in Meath. Between two and three hundred looms were employed in the town, weaving tow into cloth. Each loom produced about forty pieces a year, each piece sixty yards long. The pieces were generally sold in Dublin, at from tenpence to fourteen pence per yard. Dowlas and coarse linens, three-quarters wide, were also manufactured for exportation, principally in the baronies of Slane and Duleek, and sold in Drogheda, then shipped to the West Indies to clothe the Negroes. Linen of a finer texture was made in the lower barony of Kells and in Demifore, and sold in the market of Oldcastle.

38. Ardbraccan limestone quarry and the bishop's palace

    Ardbraccan · townland · Meath

    On the bishop's demesne at Ardbraccan is an excellent white-grained limestone quarry capable of being worked into any form for building; Dr. Henry Maxwell, late Bishop of Meath, built a beautiful palace there from this stone.

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    At Ardbraccan, on the dem^fne of the bifhop, is aa excellent limeftone quarry, of a fine white grain, ca«* pable of hang worked into any form for building. The beds lie horizontally, and are of every thicknefs^ from four inches to two feet: columns have beea raifed and worked in it, from fifteen to eighteen inche$ diameter, and nine or tei^ feet long. Of this ilone, the Hon. Dr. Henry Maxwell, late bifliop of Meath, built a beautiful palace at Ardbraccan j a monument of

    tafle

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 11

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here in Ardbraccan, there's a limestone quarry on the bishop's demesne, a fine white grain stone capable of being worked into any form for building. The beds lie horizontally, from 4 inches to 2 feet thick, and columns have been cut from it, 15 to 18 inches across and 9 or 10 feet long. Dr. Henry Maxwell, late Bishop of Meath, built a beautiful palace at Ardbraccan from this stone, "a monument of taste."

39. Bective Abbey suppressed by Henry VIII

    Bective · townland · Meath

    Bective Abbey next suffered the same fate as the other dissolved monasteries, with Henry VIII confirming to himself all the abbeys in Ireland the following year by act of parliament.

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    Be^^ive Abbey next fuffered the like fate, and Heury, the year following, by an aA of parliament confirmed to himlelf all the abbies in Ireland. By an a^ of this parliament, the thle of King of Ireland was annexed to the crown of England; the Kings of England having been, before that time, ilyled only Lords of Ireland; and Meath, having been considered too large for the jurifdi^on of <me Sheriff, was dividel itfto Eaft and Weftmeath.

    The town of Navan was about this time burned, and pillaged, by Con O'Neil, in revenge for fome depredations committed on his territories by Grey the Lord Deputy; after which it was walled, and the expence defrayed by a cefe laid on the counties of Meath and Weft Meath, for that purpofe.*

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 4

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Bective, Bective Abbey suffered the same fate as the other dissolved monasteries. The year following, Henry confirmed to himself all the abbeys in Ireland by act of parliament. By that same act, the title of King of Ireland was annexed to the crown of England; before that time, the Kings of England had been styled only Lords of Ireland. Meath, considered too large for the jurisdiction of one sheriff, was divided into East and Westmeath. Around this same time, the town of Navan was burned and pillaged by Con O'Neil, in revenge for depredations committed on his territories by Grey the Lord Deputy. After that, Navan was walled, and the cost defrayed by a cess laid on the counties of Meath and West Meath.

40. Boyne Canal Doubles Property Values in Navan

    Navan · town · Meath · 1780–1802

    The extension of the Boyne navigation from Drogheda to Navan greatly benefited the town, nearly doubling the value of land and houses in and around Navan compared to fifteen or twenty years earlier. The canal also increased the grain market and facilitated trade with Drogheda.

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    The canals of this county, generally fpeaking, muft be looked upon as in their infancy, nor can the diftrid tinder furvey boaft of more than two running through it, viz. the Boyne, and a imall part of the Royal canal* Xhe former is navigable from Drogheda to Navan, which latter town it has fo greatly benefited, that all property, whether in lands or houfes, either in the town, or immediately in its neighbourhood, is nearly doubled in value from what it was fifteen or twenty years fince.

    The

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 80

    As the companion tells it

    Navan was changed by water. The Boyne navigation runs from Drogheda to this town, and it has so greatly benefited Navan that all property, whether in lands or houses, in the town or immediately in its neighbourhood, is nearly doubled in value from what it was fifteen or twenty years since. The canal brought trade and grain upriver from Drogheda, and the town grew with it.

41. Descent of the Lordship of Meath through Lacy, Geneville, Mortimer

    Meath · county · Meath

    A manuscript traces the descent of the county of Meath: first held by Lacy, then by heir general to Geneville, then by marriage to Mortimer Earl of Marche and Ulster, and finally to the Earl of Cambridge, grandfather to King Edward IV, after which it was absorbed into the crown.

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    The county of Methe was firft in Lacye^ froin hioi by heir general it de£cended to Jenevillei from whoiQ,

    by

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 95

    As the companion tells it

    The county of Meath passed through notable hands. It was first held by Lacy, then descended by heir general to Geneville, then by marriage to Mortimer, Earl of Marche and Ulster. From there it came to the Earl of Cambridge, grandfather to King Edward IV, after which it was absorbed into the crown.

42. Geoffrey de Geneville, lord of Trim, under Edward II

    Trim · town · Meath · 1309

    A Lambeth manuscript records that Geoffrey de Geneville was lord of Trim in the second year of Edward II, and that Roger de Mortimer likewise held the lordship of Trim in the same year, documenting successive medieval lords of the town.

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    Gcofrey de Geneville, dominus de Trym, in anno 2 do. Edvardi fecundi.

    Roger de Mortimer, dominus de Trym, anno 2do»

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 96

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Trim, this was a town held by medieval lords. A Lambeth manuscript records that in 1309, the second year of Edward the Second, Geoffrey de Geneville was lord of Trim. The same record names Roger de Mortimer as holding the lordship of Trim in that same year.

43. New Plough Introduced Near Slane and Navan

    Slane · townland · Meath · 1801–1802

    A plough somewhat resembling the Meath plough, drawn by two or three horses for spring ploughing, was introduced in the neighbourhood of Slane and Navan in the past year and was well liked by those who tried it, being cheap to make.

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    A plough, Ibmewhat refembliag the Meath plougfa^ has been introduced m the neighbourhood of Slane and Navan this iaft year, drawn by two or three ' horfes for Ipring ploughing, which is much liked by* thofe, who have tried it; the beam is (hort, and the an« gle, which the moiild^board makes by its junction to the crofs. Is more acute than m the Meath plough; it is, beddes, made at a very inconfiderable expence^ which is the principal reafon why fo many of them have been made* The mould-board not being of me^ tal, occafions a greater degree of friftion, which renders three horfes generally neceflary*

    Thefe, with iqme trifling alterations, are the only^ ploughs in ufe in the county, although I have been told, that the Leicefter wheel-plough was introduced here by Doftor H. Maxwell, late Bifliop of Meath, fome years iince ; but it was found incapable of going fufficiently deep, and, of courfe, being thought ufelefs was discarded^. The double fhell-board plough, for landing drilled potatoes, rape, &c. is in common ufe wherever drilling is praftifed.

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 25

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in the neighbourhood of Slane and Navan, a new plough was introduced in the past year. It resembled the Meath plough, drawn by two or three horses for spring ploughing, and was much liked by those who tried it. The beam was short, and the angle the mouldboard made at its junction to the cross was more acute than in the Meath plough. It was made at very little expense, which is the principal reason so many of them were made. The mouldboard not being of metal caused a greater degree of friction, which rendered three horses generally necessary. These, with some trifling alterations, were the only ploughs in use in the county. The Leicester wheel-plough had been introduced some years earlier by Doctor H. Maxwell, late Bishop of Meath, but it was found incapable of going sufficiently deep, and being thought useless was discarded. The double shell-board plough, for landing drilled potatoes, rape and other crops, was in common use wherever drilling was practiced.

44. Parliaments held in Trim Castle in the 1480s-90s

    Trim Castle · monument · Meath · 1485–1493

    In 1485, 1490, and 1493, Parliaments were held in Trim castle, after which time no further parliament was held there.

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    In 1485, 1490, and 1493, Parliaments were held in Trim caftle, fince which time there has not been any held there, that we caq find a record of. In 1494, the MHitary focicty or fraternity of St. George ceafcd to exifl, not having been found to anfwer the defigned end, or, as fome aflTert, on account of the ftate of the funds of Ireland, which were then too low to admit of fuch an expence, though eftimated only at five hundred pounds fterling yearly. Two years after which. Trim was cbnfumed by fire, communicated by lightmng; fhortly after which, died John Payne, Bifhop of Meath, a n^an eminent for his learning, piety, and political knowlege.

    In the year 15^36, Henry the eighth caft a covetous eye upon the vaft pofTeffions of the church in Meath, and having begun in England to convert the property of monafteries to his own ufe, he was not long in determining tQ dp the like here alfo.

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 4

    As the companion tells it

    Trim Castle is a castle in Meath. In 1485, 1490, and 1493, parliaments were held in it. Since that time, there has not been any held there, as far as any record shows. In 1494, the Military Society or fraternity of St. George ceased to exist, not having been found to answer its designed end, or, as some assert, on account of the state of the funds of Ireland, which were then too low to admit of such an expense, though estimated at only 500 pounds sterling yearly. Two years later, Trim was consumed by fire, communicated by lightning. Shortly after, John Payne, Bishop of Meath, died, a man eminent for his learning, piety, and political knowledge.

45. Planned canal extension to Trim and Athboy via Kildalkey

    Trim · town · Meath

    There was a fair prospect that the Boyne canal would advance to Trim in the coming summer, with an intended branch to Athboy through Kildalkey, opening trade with a fine tract of country and an extensive bog.

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    opened between the centre of this produAive county and the fea j an eafy» fecure, and cheap communica^ tkm, for the produce of the 'foil, gives powers inde« fcribable to the hufbandman's efforts. In the courie of the enibing fummer there is every fair profpeft of its advancing to Trim, from which, and the intended of& branch to Athboy, through Eildalky, the benefits arifing from opening a trade with fo fine a traft of country, together with the communicadon -mth to confiderable an extent of bog, are innumerable.

    The Blackwater river is next in confideration to the Boync, into which it falls at Navan. It iflues out of Lough Ramor in the county of Cavan, as 1 have already mendoned, and enters Meath in the upper half barony of Eells.

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog

    As the companion tells it

    Trim was to be the next stop for the Boyne canal. The survey says there was every fair prospect of the canal advancing to Trim in the coming summer, with an intended branch to Athboy through Kildalkey. The canal had opened easy, secure, and cheap communication between the centre of this productive county and the sea, giving powers to the husbandman's efforts that the writer calls indescribable. The benefits expected from opening trade with so fine a tract of country, together with communication with so considerable an extent of bog, were said to be innumerable. The Blackwater river, next in consideration to the Boyne, falls into the Boyne at Navan. It issues out of Lough Ramor in the county of Cavan and enters Meath in the upper half barony of Deece.

46. Reilly's Nursery at Ballybeg, One of Ireland's Largest

    Ballybeg · townland · Meath

    A public nursery at Ballybeg near Kells, belonging to Mr. Reilly, is described as perhaps the largest of its kind in Ireland, rivaling even English nurseries. Reilly received premiums from the Dublin Society and trained apprentices who became useful members of society.

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    THE quantity of natural wood within this county is fo very fmalli that it is not worth confideration under a feparate head ; the plantations, however, are very ex« tenCve, about th^ different noblemen and gentlemen's feats ; fome arrived at, others approaching faft to mata« rity, and many in a ftate of infancy. I fhall begin with the public nurferies, which are fix in number, viz. one in Duleek barony, two in Trim, two near Summer-hill^ and one at Ballybeg, near Kells, belonging to Mr. Rdlly, which may be confidered, perhaps, the firft, in pdnt of extent, of any in Ireland. I have been told there are few more extenfirc nurferies even in Eng* land, and he is extending and improving it every year. When it is confidered, that twenty-^four Iriih acres (the extent of Mr. Reilly's nurfery) are equal to thirty-nine Englifli, this affertion will not feem fo very extraordinary as it may at firft fight appear. This, however^ will be feen by the following table of Iriih and Englifli

    flOAafore, viz.

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 47

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, close to Ballybeg, Mr. Reilly ran a public nursery that may have been the largest of its kind in Ireland. The county of Meath had six public nurseries in all, scattered through Duleek, Trim, Summerhill, and this one at Ballybeg, near Kells. What set Reilly's apart was its sheer size. Twenty-four Irish acres made up the nursery, and those acres were equal to thirty-nine English acres, which made the claim that few nurseries in England were more extensive seem less extraordinary than it might at first. Reilly was not standing still either. He was extending and improving the nursery every year. The surveyor who recorded all this noted that he had been told there were few more extensive nurseries even in England, and when you account for the difference between Irish and English acres, the comparison holds. Reilly also received premiums from the Dublin Society, and trained apprentices who went on to become useful members of society.

47. Gustavus Lambart's Tree-Planting Reservation Clause on His Leases

    Meath · county · Meath

    Gustavus Lambart, Esq., reserved in all leases he granted the power to repossess up to four acres of any farm at any time during the lease term for the sole purpose of planting, while compensating the tenant for the value of land so taken.

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    Some tenants are bomid, in heav^ penahtes, to Ucj down a certain pttjipona^ti^ and ibme tfaie whole of their knd^ ^adpr grais-feeds, the laft three years of didr leafe* The late Earl of Be&ure, jad ibme few others in the connly, have dailies of n«)n-alienation in their leafes, teder penalty of forfeiture, without leave ia writing from the p^prietsor. GuftaVus Lambart, Efq. has reierved to himielf, in all leaies granted by lum, the power of repoSeiCng, at any time during ^he.term^ any part of each farm, not exceeding four acres, for the fole purpoTe of planting; he muil, however, allow ^ tenant the valup of the knd fo planted. He has alfo claules of non-alienadon in all his leaies, without cokifeat under his hand and ieal. Clauies of furrender and re^fliimptiioo are to be met with in leaies, but &ot fipequeatly.

    .' Somie few years fince it was an eafy matter to get a lo6g Icafei but the late fiidden rife upoi^ lands has

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 23

    As the companion tells it

    As the road passes through County Meath, you are travelling through land where lease terms once shaped what tenants could and could not do. Some landlords bound tenants, under heavy penalties, to lay down a certain proportion of their land in grass-seeds for the last three years of a lease. The late Earl of Belmore, and a few others in the county, put clauses of non-alienation in their leases, under penalty of forfeiture, meaning a tenant could not sell or transfer the lease without written permission from the proprietor. Gustavus Lambart went further. In every lease he granted, he reserved the power to repossess at any time during the term any part of a farm, not exceeding four acres, for the sole purpose of planting. He was required, however, to allow the tenant the value of the land so taken. He also inserted clauses of non-alienation in all his leases, without consent under his hand and seal. Clauses of surrender and resumption appeared in leases, but not frequently.

48. Kilkenny coal sold by the hundred

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1800–1802

    The passage notes that Kilkenny coal was sold by the hundred, distinguishing it from lime and sea-coal sold by measured barrel, as an example of the county's varied measurement customs.

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    Hour ii:ilb,'.per cwt; oatmeal iialb.io fome places, in others laolb. Bran is geoerally fold by m^afurei and pollard by weight, eight ftone maluDg a barrel. • Beef is fold in fbme. markets by the fcore, an^ ia others by the poudd ; a pound contains %t^n oun^s, and a ftone fourteen pounds of every thing, except vdol, which has fixteen pounds to tb^ ftone, and fevea ftone to the hundred. Lime, fea-coal, and culm, are fold by the meafured barrel; Kiljcenny coal by the. hundred ; hay and ftraw by the ton, or by the load^ containing 4|. cwt,

    Ih the meafurement of lime, there is a fcai^dalpus negleft of obferving, that it be meafured by a ftamped barrel. Lime-burners, who are difpofed for fraudji have ample means, by contriving the meafure, which they call a barrel, to b^ as narrow in dimeniions as they pleafe.

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 93

    As the companion tells it

    As the road takes you through or near Kilkenny, it is worth knowing that around 1800 this was a place where coal carried the city's name and was sold by the hundred. Kilkenny coal stood apart from lime, sea-coal, and culm, which were sold by the measured barrel. A stone meant fourteen pounds of everything except wool, which had sixteen pounds to the stone and seven stone to the hundred. The survey that records this was drawn up for the Dublin Society and notes a careless neglect in how lime was measured. It was supposed to be measured by a stamped barrel. Lime-burners disposed to fraud had ample means to cheat, by contriving what they called a barrel to be as narrow in dimensions as they pleased. Hay and straw went by the ton or by a load of 4 hundredweight. Bran was sold by measure and pollard by weight, eight stone making a barrel.

49. Mr. Gibney's bog reclamation experiment

    Meath · county · Meath · 1801

    The author's neighbour Mr. Gibney conducted an experiment reclaiming sour upland using ashes from a pared and burned bog, producing one of the most luxuriant crops of rape the author had witnessed. Gibney also detailed his method of scarifying the bog before burning and itemised the costs of the operation per acre.

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    I have been told, that there cannot be a better topdrefling for upland, that poflfefles any degree of fournefs, or produces coarfe grafs, than thdfe afhes. My neighbour, Mr. Gibney, is making an experiment upon four upland, >vith aflies taken from a bog, pared and burned by him laft fummer; they are extremely heavy^ poflefling a fertilizing quality in a great proportion^ and the bog thus treated is now bearing one of the mofV luxuriant crops of rape, that I ever remember to have feen; when laid down, it will probably be one o£ the beft meadows on the farm.

    Before Mr. Gibney ploughed up his bog, he fcarU fied it, at leaft nine inches deep, with a plough without a ihell-board» or (hare, in lines about two feet and a half afunder, runnmg crofswife from the way the ridges were to run. The ufe of this fcarifying Is^ that the fods, which are generally tough from the quantity of aquatic roots, with which they^abound, may not be too long, for boys to gather together in heaps with pitchforks, for the purpofe of burning, which, i£ not thus fcarified, would be very unhandy. He values the expence of paring and burning an acre of bog, as follows, viz.

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 54

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Meath, you are moving through country where, in 1801, a neighbour of the author was working out how to bring sour upland back to life. The author records that Mr. Gibney took ashes from a bog he had pared and burned the previous summer and spread them on sour ground. The ashes were extremely heavy and rich in fertilizing quality. The bog itself, treated this way, was bearing one of the most luxuriant crops of rape the author had ever seen, and he expected that when laid down it would become one of the best meadows on the farm. Gibney's method was careful. Before ploughing the bog, he scarified it at least 9 inches deep, using a plough without a board or share, in lines about 2 and a half feet apart, running crosswise to the direction the ridges would run. The purpose was to keep the sods short enough for boys to gather them into heaps with pitchforks for burning. Without scarifying, the tough sods, full of aquatic roots, would be unhandy to manage. Gibney also itemised the cost of paring and burning an acre of bog.

50. Mr. Murphy's malt-house and distillery on the Boyne at Navan

    Navan · town · Meath · 1800–1802

    Mr. Murphy operated a large malt-house and distillery at Navan, paying between £900 and £1,300 monthly in duty. His malt-house was built on the Boyne so that corn could be brought by water from Drogheda directly to the mill.

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    which is« however^ a much better market for yarn thaa for Imen} and fome few weavers^ who make liaen near Nobber and EUmamhamwood, find a ready iak in the market of King's^xmrty in the county of Cavan; a large proportion of the coarie linens of the county ii fold in Droghtda, In the barooiea of Dnnbc^nft and Ratoath there ia hardly any foch thing as fpivung ta be met vAtki the female f^xt of the family ia» of coorlbi bred up in total idlcnef^ ori what U woirf^^ in breaking and deftroyu>g the fences to fupply firing* Some coarie frizes are made here alfo^ but they are only for home conf^a4>tiQii* Whi4^> if }t may. he called a manufaAure^ is diftiUed in large <piaotUfia at Navan^; Mr. Murphy alone pays from iPOQ to 1^300/. per month duty, fpr bis malt-houTe and difttlt lery; his malt-h<M»fe> conftruAed on the b^ pl?o>)s ereAed on the verge pf the Boyne river, which is na^ vigable i^ider ks wallsj by which oieans he conveys all his corn by water-carriagp from Drogbeda, ^d his malt to his mill by the fame cpms^u^ation*

    Mr..M<Donnell has a m^^nufa^bory n^r Navtn^ for the coarser kinds of paper, which fuccec^isd very wcU^ of late he manufaAures writing-paper. Mr. Cpxon, a^ EnglUh gentleman, is now efeAing a co«ton-mill on the Boyne, below Navan, on a fite belonging to th^ Boyne canaly very favourable to its extenfion, which, if it li^cceeds, will give employment to ibme hundreds of poor duldren, at preient brought up in habits of idlenefst

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 84

    As the companion tells it

    Navan had its own kind of industry, and none of it bigger than Mr. Murphy's. He ran a malt-house and distillery here, and the scale of it was striking. He paid between 900 and 1300 pounds every month in duty alone. That gives you a sense of the volume passing through. His malt-house was built right on the Boyne, erected on the river's edge, and the Boyne was navigable under its walls. That was the whole point of the site. He could bring all his corn by water from Drogheda, straight to the door. And he moved his malt to his mill the same way, by water. It was a practical arrangement, built around the river. He was not the only one. Mr. McDonnell had a manufactory at Navan for the coarser kinds of paper, which had done very well, and of late he had begun making writing-paper too. Mr. Coxon, an English gentleman, was erecting a cotton-mill on the Boyne below Navan, on a site belonging to the Boyne canal, favourable to its extension. If it succeeded, it would give employment to some hundreds of poor children, who were at present, as the survey puts it, brought up in habits of idleness.

51. Sir John Meredyth's deep-ploughing experiment at Newtown

    Newtown · townland · Meath · 1780–1802

    At Newtown, the late Sir John Meredyth used two ploughs (one drawn by four bullocks, the other by six) to turn the ground upside down to a depth of twenty to twenty-four inches, but the field never recovered its original quality even twenty years later.

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    * At Newtfywn, a part of this d^d, the late Sir Jdm Meredyth put two ploughs to work (odc drawn by four, and the other by fix bullocks), following each the other in the fame track, by which the ground was completely turned up* fide down, to the depth of from twenty to twenty-four inches: the under part, to dl appcarauce, was as good as the furface, yet that field has not recovered its original quality, though it is now perhaps twenty years fince it was fo treated. But if the iame depth and change had been effedled by little and ht-. tic, «nd worked from the fur&ce by degrees, fuppofe from one to two inches deeper each year, which ftill keeps the ground frefh and frefli, and the foil, by being thus mixed together, retains its vegetative qualities, it might not have had that efFeft,

    I !fome time fince laid out a finall piece of ground for a nurfery, which I trenched two good ^it deep, and turned up from the bottom as good earth, in appearance, as that on the furface; yet feedlings, planted in this ground fo turned, all died; whilft die ftronger plants, that were put down a little

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 9

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Newtown, the late Sir John Meredyth tried an experiment with the ground. He put two ploughs to work, one drawn by four bullocks and the other by six, following each other in the same track. By this means the ground was completely turned upside down, to a depth of from 20 to 24 inches. The under part, to all appearance, was as good as the surface. Yet that field has not recovered its original quality, though it is now perhaps 20 years since it was so treated. The surveyor who recorded this offered a thought on what might have been done instead. If the same depth and change had been effected little by little, worked from the surface by degrees, suppose from one to two inches deeper each year, the ground would still keep fresh, and the soil, being thus mixed together, would retain its vegetative qualities. It might not have had that ruinous effect. He adds a parallel from his own experience. He laid out a small piece of ground for a nursery, trenched a good two feet deep, and turned up from the bottom what looked as good as the surface earth. Yet seedlings planted in that ground all died, whilst the stronger plants survived.

52. Straw-plat manufacture perfected at Galtrim

    Galtrim · townland · Meath

    At Galtrim in Deece barony, straw-plat work was brought to still greater perfection than at Dunboyne through the care of Mrs Dawson and Mrs Finlay, with plat sold unshaped due to changing bonnet fashions.

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    There is, upon the Nanny-water, one very cxtenfivc bleach-green, Bekynging to George Amiftrong, iBfq.' witfi a beetling-mMI, and other mathiQefry, reqnifitc for earring on the bnfineis. In the town and neighbonrb6pdof Dunboyne,' the ftraw»hat manufadnre is carficdontovery great extent, and the work, both of ^li^and whole ftfaw, is thdught to equal, if not fnrjn&f that made at Dunftable. It is brought to this great pbrfeSioo, thrbngh the exerdons of Mfs HamiltOQ,of:Hiimwoodi and at Galtrim, in Deece barony, from^die^are and attention of Mrs. Dawfon and Mrs. Flnhyy:it-hag' been, brought to.ftill greater perfeftion. lii'tlus'laft place the- plat is fold, as* the fafhions, for tbeform-of booiKts, hats, Sec. change fo frequently, thatdt is confidered the bleft plan, not to put the plat into (hope.^ Coarfdr kinds of ftraw-work, fuch as bon-^ BistsV &c* are ma<feln maqy parts of the county, but not any to equal thoie mad^ at Dunboyne or Galtrim* The 'manufa€hire of flat and pan-tiles, garden-^pots, crocks^ pans, and all kinds of coarfe ^pottery, is carried on at Knock, in Morgallion barony, which is very conveniently fituated with refpeft to turf, the only fuel ufed, as before mentioned^

    . Clofe to the bog of Garriftown, in Dnieek: barony, there are a grea^ number of nailers, who difpofe of their manufaAure in the retail /hops of Drogheda, &c.

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 84

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere near here, at Galtrim in Deece barony, straw-plat work was brought to still greater perfection than at Dunboyne. The manufacture of straw hats had been carried on in the town and neighbourhood of Dunboyne to a very great extent, and the work, both of split and whole straw, was thought to equal, if not surpass, that made at Dunstable. That perfection at Dunboyne came about through the efforts of Mrs Hamilton of Hamwood. But at Galtrim, through the care and attention of Mrs Dawson and Mrs Finlay, it was brought to still greater perfection. In this place the plat was sold unshaped, because the fashions for the form of bonnets, hats, and the like changed so frequently that it was considered the best plan not to put the plat into shape. Coarser kinds of straw-work, such as bonnets, were made in many parts of the county, but none were made to equal those made at Dunboyne or Galtrim.

53. Navan market as the corn depot of Meath

    Navan · town · Meath

    Navan's Wednesday market was by far the best in the county for quantity and quality of corn sold, attributed to the Boyne canal linking it easily to the port of Drogheda; it was also strong for cattle, hogs, butter and linen.

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    ^avan, on Wednefday, which is by far the beft market 10 the county, both for the quantity and quality of the corn fold there. This, as may be eafily imagined, muft be attributable to the Boyne canal being finished fo far, which furnifhes an eafy communication with the great corn port of Drogheda. It , is alfo a good market for ftore and fat cows, particularly from the firft of September to Chriftmas, during which time about one hundred head are fold at each market, on an average, exclufive of thofe turned put unfold; and in the fpring and fummer months, fpringers and dry cows are expofed for fale. It is alfo fupplied with vaft numbers of bacon hogs and porkers, butter, in large quantities, fome coarfe linen, yarn, frizes, and c c ' country

    Digitized by VjOOQ IC

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 83

    As the companion tells it

    Navan held the best market in the county on a Wednesday, for the quantity and quality of the corn sold there. This was because the Boyne canal, finished so far, gave easy communication with the great corn port of Drogheda. It was also a good market for store and fat cows, particularly from the first of September to Christmas, when about 100 head were sold at each market on average, and in spring and summer months, springers and dry cows were exposed for sale. It was supplied with vast numbers of bacon hogs and porkers, butter in large quantities, some coarse linen, yarn, and frizes.

54. Ardbraccan stone quarried since the sixteenth century for castles

    Ardbraccan · townland · Meath · 1500–1600

    Stone from the Ardbraccan quarry ridge, extending to the Blackwater, has been taken since the beginning of the sixteenth century, as evidenced by the quoins, door and window cases of neighbouring castles built from this stone.

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    tafte and liberality, whether confidered in refpefl: to the elegant fimplicity of the defign, or accuracy of the execution. This ftone is fufceptibk of a fine polifh^ and makes very neat chimney pieces, of a greyifh colour when poliflied, although ftom the cbifel 4t is white. This rock extends in a ridge from Ardbraccan to the Black-^water, but the quarries opened in different parts of the ridge, though nearly equal in colour, have not turned out blocks of equal fcantling to that on the hill. Tombftones, and door-cafes of this Aone, are fent to very great diftances by land carriage ; but when the pcoje^ed line of naviga^on, from the north of Ireland to Dublin, through Kells, Navan, &c. is executed, which is to run within a very few perches of this quarry, the ftone, from the facility and cheapnefs of carriage, will become of more gene* ral ufe. The quarrying of it is attended with conliderable expence, from the great flow of water conftantly iffuing from Ipringsj yet ftone has been taken from It lince the beginning of the i6th century, as may be concluded from the quoins, door and window (;afes, &c. of the caftles in the neighbourhood, built about that period, being principally of this ftone.

    Acres. Upper Navan, by the docket, contains 8,689

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 12

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, stone has been quarried from a ridge of rock that runs from Ardbraccan to the Blackwater. The stone is white when first cut from the chisel, but takes a fine polish to a greyish colour, and makes neat chimney pieces. Quarries opened in different parts of the ridge yield nearly the same colour, though the blocks are not so large as those on the hill. Tombstones and door-cases of this stone are sent to great distances by land carriage. Quarrying is expensive, because springs constantly send a great flow of water into the workings. Yet stone has been taken from here since the beginning of the 16th century. The castles built in the neighbourhood about that period have their quoins, door and window cases principally of this stone. There was a plan for a navigation line from the north of Ireland to Dublin through Kells and Navan, running within a few perches of the quarry, which would make the stone cheaper to carry and more generally used.

55. Coxon's new cotton-mill on the Boyne below Navan

    Navan · town · Meath · 1800–1802

    An English gentleman, Mr. Coxon, was erecting a cotton-mill on the River Boyne below Navan on land belonging to the Boyne canal, expected to employ hundreds of poor children otherwise idle.

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    Mr..M<Donnell has a m^^nufa^bory n^r Navtn^ for the coarser kinds of paper, which fuccec^isd very wcU^ of late he manufaAures writing-paper. Mr. Cpxon, a^ EnglUh gentleman, is now efeAing a co«ton-mill on the Boyne, below Navan, on a fite belonging to th^ Boyne canaly very favourable to its extenfion, which, if it li^cceeds, will give employment to ibme hundreds of poor duldren, at preient brought up in habits of idlenefst

    for

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 84

    As the companion tells it

    Near Navan, an English gentleman named Mr. Coxon was erecting a cotton-mill on the Boyne, below the town, on a site belonging to the Boyne canal, very favourable to its extension. If it succeeded, it would give employment to some hundreds of poor children, at present, as the survey puts it,

56. Drogheda Market Regulates Meath Grain Prices

    Drogheda · town · Louth · 1795–1801

    The prices of corn in Meath are said to be regulated by Drogheda market, with grain selling cheaper at Navan due to carriage costs. Boat owners on the Boyne canal profitably bought corn at Navan to resell at Drogheda when prices were rising.

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    The prices of corn, in this county, arc regulated by Drogheda market; all kinds of grain felling at Navan, which is the greateft com market in this county, by the amount of the carriage, lower than they fell ifl^ Drogheda; fo that it has become a trade with th^' owners of luggage-boats, plying on the Boyne canal, to buy corn in Natan market, and fend it to Drogheda in their boats, which muft otherwife ply to Drogheda with ballaft. When cora is riixog, this is a profitable trade, but, when £aUiag| it is the contrary.

    Corn generally advances 10 price, fr4Dm the latter <md --of February, until towards the enfuing hanreft.

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 78

    As the companion tells it

    Drogheda set the price of corn for all of Meath. Navan was the great corn market in that county, but grain sold cheaper there by the cost of carriage from Drogheda. So the owners of luggage-boats working the Boyne canal made a trade of buying corn at Navan and sending it to Drogheda in their boats, which would otherwise travel to Drogheda carrying ballast. When corn prices were rising, this was profitable. When they were falling, it was not. Corn generally rose in price from the end of February until the next harvest.

57. High walls enclosing Summerhill, Stackallen and Beauparc demesnes

    Summerhill · street · Meath

    The demesne of Summerhill is enclosed with a very high wall, as is the demesne of Stackallen, the seat of Lord Boyne, and Beauparc, the seat of Gustavus Lambart, Esq.

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    I ihould not omit mentioning here the wall round the demefne of Headfort, built by the late Earl of BeAive^ enclofing an area^ as I am informed, of from twelve to fifteen hundred Iri(h acres; it is twelve feet high, and built in the beft manner, being grouted throughout, and neatly coped with fmall round ftofnes. The demefne of Summerhill too is enclofed with a very high wall, as is alfo the demefnfe* of Stackallen, the feat of Lord Boyne, and Beauparc the feat of . Guftavus Lambart, Efq. together with a few more.

    Ditches are cheap in their original formation; they afford good flielter for cattle, are eafily repaired, draia ^ the ground, and are a continual fourcc of manure, affording either limeftone gravel or mud; and they fupply the farmer annuaHy with a certain proportion of fuel from the plaftiing, and timber for the purpofes of hufbandry. The hedgerows give an appearance of comfort to the farm, on which they grow, and enrich and beautify the face of the country. The compare* tive expeace of the two fences may be thus ratqd^.

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 30

    As the companion tells it

    Summerhill, Stackallen, and Beauparc are demesnes in Meath enclosed by very high walls. The demesne of Summerhill is walled, as is the demesne of Stackallen, the seat of Lord Boyne, and Beauparc, the seat of Gustavus Lambart, Esquire. A few more are similarly enclosed. The survey sets these walls beside another great enclosure: the wall round the demesne of Headfort, built by the late Earl of Bective. That wall encloses an area of from 12 to 15 hundred Irish acres. It is 12 feet high, built in the best manner, grouted throughout, and neatly coped with small round stones. The survey notes these walls before turning to the cheaper fences of the countryside, ditches and hedgerows, which afford shelter for cattle, drain the ground, and supply the farmer with fuel and timber.

58. Roller Made in Kells for Eight Guineas

    Kells · town · Meath

    A wooden double-cylinder roller designed for use in light or heavy ground was made in Kells at a cost of about eight guineas, and could be fitted to a common car for smaller works.

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    cylinder is then fet ia a frame> with three (hafts, for two horfes drawing abreaft, to prevent their track being too much in one [dace; on this frame is a box, to holid any weight of fand, &c. that may be thought neceflfary to add to the weight of the cylinder, according to the nature of the foil to be rolled. This machine was made in Kells, the expence about eight guineas ; a cylinder of this extent might be made to fit a common car occafionally, which, except in exteniive works, would anfwer perfeftly well.

    The principal objeftion to the roller, whofe cylinder is metal, is, that it cannot be made light enough for day grounds. I ufe a harrow, the plan of which I got from Captain Rawfon, of the county of Kildare, which is called by him the flicer ; but inflead of having the pins ftationary, as with him, I let mine turn round in the harrow-buU, the tail, like a rudder, always keeping behind the draught. The frame of it is made of wood, exaftly like the four-horfe harrow already dcfcribed in the plate, No. 5 ; but the pins are made of flat iron, and edged with fteel. Its ufes are for thef purpofe of reducing the fods of a tough lea, or the clods of a ftifF fummer fallow on clay grounds. The common harrow is liable to be lifted up by the ftiff lumps, or tough fods, and joggled off the v/otk ; but the flicer, from the fliarpnefs of the pins on the edge, and oblique direAion^ cuts its way finoothly through-

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 27

    As the companion tells it

    Kells is a town the road takes you through. A roller was made here, written up in the Statistical Survey of the County of Meath. It was a double-cylinder roller, for light or heavy ground. The cylinder sat in a frame with three shafts, for two horses drawing abreast, to prevent their track being too much in one place. On the frame was a box, to hold sand or any weight thought necessary to add to the cylinder, according to the nature of the soil to be rolled. The machine cost about eight guineas to build in Kells. A cylinder of this extent might be made to fit a common car occasionally, which, except in extensive works, would answer perfectly well. The principal objection to the roller whose cylinder is metal is that it cannot be made light enough for clay grounds. The surveyor used a harrow instead, the plan for which he got from Captain Rawson of the county of Kildare, who called it the slicer. Instead of having the pins stationary, as Rawson did, he let his turn round in the harrow-bull, the tail like a rudder always keeping behind the draught. The frame was made of wood, like a four-horse harrow, but the pins were flat iron edged with steel. It was for reducing the sods of a tough lea, or the clods of a stiff summer fallow on clay grounds. The common harrow is liable to be lifted by stiff lumps or tough sods and joggled off the work, but the slicer, from the sharpness of its pins and their oblique direction, cuts its way smoothly through.

59. Ruined castles and abbeys attest Meath's ancient grandeur

    Meath · county · Meath

    The number of ruined castles throughout Meath denotes the grandeur it enjoyed in earliest periods, and the towers, abbeys and monasteries scattered across the county suggest it was once considered 'the land of saints', implying a large ancient population.

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    together with the rapid improvement in the public roads> from the laudable exertions of the Grand jury, contribute, in no fmall degree, to render it a country, alike fit for the cultivator, manufaAurer, and mechanic. . From the level afpeft, which the country prefents^ it is not confidered as affording lb many pifturefquc views as other counties of Ireland, through which the natural advantages of bill and dale are more generally interfperfed; yet, even in this point, it cannot^ confidered as totally deficient, or even uninterefling : whoever is acquainted with the banks of the Boyne, muft acknowledge the truth of this afTertion ; the views of Slane, Beaupark, Farm, Oldbridge, Newtown, Beftive, Rathnally, Balinter, Black-cafUe, Ardf^Uagh, &c. I believe, need not yield in beauty to many in the kingdom. The grand and highly improved manfions of many refideat ' noblemen and gentlemen befpeak its prefent opulence ; whilfl: the number of caflles in ruin denote the pitch of grandeur it enjoyed, even in the oarlieft periods. A flranger, viewing the towers, abbeys, and monafteries difperfed throughout the county, would be inclined to exclaim, " This was the land of femts indeed '" And from the number of thefe religious foundations, and the remains of towns or villages near each, arifes a fair conclufion, that the population of Meath, in ages far remote, was very confiderable indeed!

    Sect.

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 5

    As the companion tells it

    As you travel through Meath, the land opens flat before you. The county does not offer the hill and dale scenery found in other parts of Ireland, but it is far from uninteresting. Whoever has walked the banks of the Boyne would acknowledge that the views of Slane, Beaupark, Farm, Oldbridge, Newtown, Bestive, Rathnally, Balinter, Black-castle, and Ardfillagh need not yield in beauty to many in the kingdom. The grand and highly improved mansions of many resident noblemen and gentlemen speak to its present wealth. But it is the number of ruined castles that tells you what this place once was. They denote the pitch of grandeur Meath enjoyed even in its earliest periods. A stranger viewing the towers, abbeys, and monasteries dispersed throughout the county would be inclined to exclaim, as the survey itself records, "This was the land of saints indeed." And from the number of these religious foundations, and the remains of towns or villages found near each, a fair conclusion arises: the population of Meath, in ages far remote, was very considerable indeed.

60. Tankardstown labourers' houses built by Brabazon Morris

    Tankardstown · townland · Meath

    Brabazon Morris, Esq. built at Tankardstown a very good range of houses for his labouring tenants, noted for their quality.

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    it woald be <3ttremely' wrong in tne to omit mea* tiontog here choft |>erion8, who have been attentive to pro^e comfortable habiiadons for the poor on thdr eftates. Amongft tbeTe, the Right Hon. John Fofter* late Speaker of the Irifli Hoafe of .Commons, ftandi coofpioMoos. On that part of his eftate between Colkm and ^ne, he has baiit feme very neat cottages^ where ike internal comfon of the cottager t^ ftndied with (occeft. Brabaeon Morris, Efq. has built, at Tankardftown, a very good range of labouring tenants houies. The late l^r James SomerviUe, fome time before his death, boKt for hh labourers a range of csfbbitts near Us demeihe, which, for neataefs aad caovenieace, miift be clai9ed' among thofe moft approved of in the ceaaty : each of thefe has a garden, and an outoffice for a pig and cow.

    - The cotders on the Summer-hill property are well lodged. There is alfo a good range of flated cottages belong^ to the Marquis of Headfort, at Kolinainham near Kells. Guftavus Laoibart, Efq. has his laboarlog tenants well lodged; his houfes arobuik in one taogey

    Internet Archive statisticalsurv00thomgoog, Chapter 22

    As the companion tells it

    Near here, Brabazon Morris, Esquire, built a very good range of houses for his labouring tenants. The writer of the Statistical Survey of the County of Meath said it would be wrong to omit those attentive to providing comfortable habitations for the poor on their estates. The same passage named other landlords in the county doing similar work. The Right Honourable John Foster, late Speaker of the Irish House of Commons, had built neat cottages on part of his estate, studying the internal comfort of the cottager with success. The late Sir James Somerville built a range of cabins near his demesne, each with a garden and an out-office for a pig and a cow, counted among the most approved in the county for neatness and convenience. The cottagers on the Summerhill property were well lodged. The Marquis of Headfort had a good range of slated cottages near Kells. Gustavus Lambart had his labouring tenants well lodged, his houses built in one range. For Tankardstown the record is plain: Morris built good houses, noted for it.