"The Annals" Tell the Story of Galway

Extracted from The Annals of Connacht

Fourteenth Century

1312. The great gate and the old works adjoining the same were built by Nicholas Lynch, the Black Marshall, or Marshal Dubh.

Fifteenth Century

1442. The west bridge of Galway was built by Edmond Lynch Fitz Thomas (commonly called Eamon a Thuaire) at his own expense. He possessed Newcastle, and was descended from the eldest branch of the family, called in Irish Cran Mór the great tree or head of the Lynches. The great influence they had is shown by the fact that the family had given in 169 years eighty mayors to Galway.

1460. Enacted by William Lynch Dubh, Sovereign, that no houses or lands belonging to the town should be set or let to Irishmen without the consent of the Common Council and officers for the time being. This act was confirmed in 1485 by the then Mayor, Pierce Lynch, and the Common Council.

1462. In the reign of Edward IV money was coined in Galway by Gorman Lynch, who had a patent to coin money in Dublin Castle, Trim and Galway. The coins were four-pence, two-pence, half-pence, and farthings.

1468. Edward IV enacted a law against forestalling and regrating in Galway. It was also enacted that every Irishman shall take as a surname the name of an English town as for example Chester, London, etc.; or a colour, as black, white, borwn, grey, etc.; or an art of science, as carpenter, smith, brewer, baker; or from his occupation, as cook, butler, servant, steward, gardener, etc.; which name their issue shall use on pain of forfeiting his goods yearly until it be done; to be levied twice a year to maintain the king's wars, according to the discretion of the king's lieutenant or his deputy.

1473. The Annals of Connacht and those of the Four Masters record that on Friday, 2nd June, the town of Galway was nearly destroyed by fire, and incalculable damage suffered by the inhabitants.

1485. Dominick Lynch, commonly called Black Dominick, got a grant from Henry VIII. Of letters patent, authorising a yearly election of a Mayor out of the Corporation of the town of Galway. The first mayor was his brother. It is to be noted that much of the property of the Lynchs is derived from intermarriage at an early period with the ancient Irish family of O'Halloran, who were the original owners of the entire district around Galway.

1486. Dominick Lynch Fitz-John, Mayor; and Richard Morris and Jeffry Blake, Bailiffs. This year it was enacted by public assent, that none of the Corporation should be served with any writ or process until the matter had been first tried by the Mayor and Council of the town, under a penalty of £20. The Mayor bequeathed a great deal of money for charitable purposes. He made several additions to the church of St. Nicholas, and left to every convent in Ireland, 13s. 4d.

1487. There were no bailiffs elected for the years 1487 to 1496.

1491. John Skerrett, Mayor.

The Skerretts were of considerable antiquity in Galway. The name was originally Huscared of English origin. Robert Huscared, or Scared, held lands in Connacht under Richard de Burgo in 1242. In the registry of the monastery of Athenry, Walter Huscared and Johanna his wife, are mentioned among the principal benefactors of that foundation, and Richard Scared or Skeret, their son was Provost of Galway in 1378. He owned the estate of Ardfry in Mearuidhe and other lands about Claregalway. He gave a piece of land to the Franciscans on which part of the Abbey of Claregalway was built. Edmund Skerrett, ancestor of the family of Ballinduff, and head of the name, lived in 1641 at Headford Castle. Expelled by Cromwell his castle and lands were granted to Hartley St. George. Skerrett was transplanted to Dountis near Foxford in Mayo, where they remained until 1688. Returning to Galway the family purchased the castle and estate of Ballinduff from one of the Burkes. The property ultimately came into the hands of the St. Georges.

1493. James Lynch Fitzstephen, Mayor.

The Mayor built the choir of St. Nicholas's Church at the west end, and put painted glass in the windows.

"He hanged his own son out of his window for killing and defrauding strangers, without either martial or common law, to shew a good example to posterity, so tender were they of their credit."

The story of this extraordinary act of justice as related by Hardiman will be told in a subsequent issue of The Galway Reader.

1496. Walter Lynch Fitz-Robert, Mayor; and Valentine Blake and Thomas Bodkin, Bailiffs.

The inhabitants were ordered to keep arms, each according to his calling - penalty 12d.

It was enacted that no person shall take part with any lord or gentleman, or uphold any variances in word or deed, such as using the words Crom-abu, Butler-abu, or such other words, but to call only on Saint George or the name of the King. The offenders were to be imprisoned without bail

"until they had made fine at the discretion of the Lord Deputy and Council."

1498. Andrew Lynch-Fitz-Stephen, Mayor; and Peter Martin and Martin Fount, Bailiffs.

The Mayor began the work of linking Lough-a-thalia to Poulavourline which would have opened an easy passage from Lough Corrib to the sea. The work, however, was not completed. A considerable part of the fortifications from Shoemaker's Tower to the quay was built out of the King's Customs. This year the curfew bell was introduced.

Sixteenth Century

1500. Jeffrey Lynch, Mayor; and James Lynch and Stephen Lynch, Bailiffs.

This year a considerable portion of the town was burned accidentally. Richard Begge made free on condition that he keep an inn for strangers. Donell Oge O'Nolloghan (O'Nolan), goldsmith, made free on condition that he maintained Andrew Fallon who is old and impotent.

1505. Stephen Lynch Fitz-Dominick, Mayor; and Edward Athy and Robert Lynch-Fitz-Martin, Bailiffs.

The Mayor built the poor house in High Street, and his wife Margaret Athy, in his absence, built the Augustinian Monastery on Fort Hill, which he finished and endowed with rents of lands. He paved part of the town, and founded an hospital in High Street

"for the relief of such of the respectable citizens as might happen to be reduced by sickness or other misfortune."

"If any outlandish man or enemy of the inhabitants shall take any of them for any discord or words between any brother or neighbour of Galway, so that one neighbour shall procure for evil-will to his neighbour, so be taken as aforesaid; that then he that procureth such taking, shall ransom and restore again that person, rendering to him all his loss and damages, and the remainder of the goods to the prince and officers for the time being. That no householder be an hostler, nor no maintainer of the common horse or harlots, on pain of 6s. 8d."

1508. Stephen Lynch-Fitz-Dominick, Mayor; and Richard Lynch and William Morris, Bailiffs.

It was enacted that every dweller should make clean before his door once a week, and that no dung heaps should be made in the streets, under the penalty of 12 pence.

"Also, that whatsoever man, woman or child be found prouling the streets or walls shall lose 2 pence."

1509. Stephen Lynch-Fitz-James, Mayor; and Edmond French and Adam Faunt, Bailiffs.

"Whatsoever man or woman have any kyne in town shall keep them in their houses both summer and winter; and if they be found on the streets to pay 4d.; and no swine or goat to be kept in town above fourteen days on pain of killing."

1510. James Lynch-Fitz-Stephen, Mayor; and William Kirwan and Valentine French, Bailiffs.

The Mayor built at his own expense the chapel of St. James in the new fort in Galway.

"It was enacted that every cooper shall give two tun hoops for a penny three pipe hoops for a penny, three hogshead and barrel hoops for a penny. That the shoremen, or cottoners shall give five baunlaac (bundles), six, seven baunlac of frize for two pence; eight baunlac, nine baunlac, ten baunlac for three pence, and a shore mantle for 10d.; subpoena 12d."

1596. Oliver Oge French, Mayor; and P. Oge French Fitz-Peter and William Lynch-Fitz-Peter, Bailiffs.

This mayor married Margaret Joyce, daughter of John Joyce, She had been formerly married to Domingo De Rona, a rich Spaniard, who had taken a liking to her on seeing her going to the water bare-legged to wash clothes. He died and left her very rich, and without issue. Margaret Joyce was known as Margaret na Frehide, Margaret of the Bridges, having built the greater part of the bridges of Connacht. Her second husband was the Mayor, Oliver Oge French. Hardiman relates that during the absence of her second husband at sea, during which time she built the bridges, she was sitting before the workmen, when an eagle, flying over her head, let fall into her bosom, a gold ring containing a brilliant stone, the nature of which was unknown to the lapidaries. It was preserved by her descendants, as a mark from Heaven in appreciation of her good works and charity.

The author of the History of Galway adds that all of the name of Joyce have been grateful to the memory of William III. From the following circumstances: On the accession of William to the throne of England one of his first acts was to send an ambassador to Algiers, to demand the immediate release of all British subjects held there as slaves. The demand was acceded to under duress. Among the freed slaves was a young man named Joyce, a native of Galway who fourteen years before had been captured on his way to the West Indies by an Algerine Corsair. Arriving at Algiers he was purchased by a goldsmith. Taking a liking to Joyce the goldsmith taught him the art at which he became an expert craftsman. On his release the goldsmith offered him, should he remain in Algiers, his only daughter in marriage and half his property. Joyce, declined and returned to Galway where he married and carried on the business of a goldsmith with considerable success. Becoming quite a rich man he bought the estate of Rahoon from Colonel Whaley, one of Cromwell's old officers. Having no son he bequeathed his property to his three daughters, two of whom only were married, one to Andrew Roe French, to whom, in addition to their own, the unmarried sister left her third. The second daughter married a Lynch. In gratitude for the act of King William, their descendants for many years honoured the accession of King William by bonfires, and his victories in Ireland by wearing orange lilies on 1st and 12th July. Some examples of Joyces's silver work are still in existence and stamped with his mark which are the initials of his name.

Seventeenth Century

1604. Marcus French Fitz-John, Mayor; and Martin Font and Christopher Blake, Bailiffs.

This year, Andrew French, a native of Galway, with his two sons Edmond and Geoffry, went to Spain, where, through their good breeding and education, his eldest son, Edmond, was made receiver of the King of Spain's estate, and Geoffry made governor of a considerable place in the West Indies. He was much honoured and respected there, knighted in the Order of St. Jago, and made general of the Spanish fleet coming from the West Indies with the King''s plate and treasure. His son Anthony was made a page to his majesty and a captain of horse in the wars with France. He was taken prisoner and ransomed by the king of Spain for £3,000. He had been formerly married in Spain, and died without issue, but left a sister "honourably married in Spain."

This year the Catholics repaired several abbeys and monasteries, among others Kilconnel, Loughrea, Knockmoy and Claregalway.

At this time the circuit for judges of assize commenced in the County of Galway and for many years was held alternately in Galway and Loughrea.

1608. Stephen Kirwan, Mayor; and Martin D'Arcey and James Oge D'Arcey, Baiiffs.

"This year there came to Galway a gentlewoman called the lady Jacob to look for her pedigree, she being repulsed in England. She had a good equipage, well attended, and much made of her. She was the daughter of one Ulick Lynch of Hampton in England, whether she returned with her genealogy."

At this period there was a famous school, containing 1200 scholars, kept in Galway by Alexander Lynch.

The story of this school will appear in the next number of The Galway Reader.

1609. Oliver Browne, Mayor; and Nicholas French and Dominick Browne, Bailiffs.

The Mayor, refusing to take the oath of supremacy was deposed, and Thomas Browne elected in his place. He also refused to take the oath, was also deposed, and fined £100. Ulick Lynch was elected for the remainder of the year.

1610. Richard Bodkin, Mayor; and Patrick Martin and Christopher Bodkin, Sheriffs.

This year Geoffrey French-Fitz-Dominick and Patrick French-Fitz-Robert were sent by the Corporation to England to have the charter renewed and to obtain further privileges from the King, James 1. A new charter was granted. The liberties of the town were extended for four miles east and west. The Corporation was made a county, and the jurisdiction of the High Sheriff of the county in the town and liberties ceased. The Corporation now consisted of a Mayor, two Sheriffs, twelve Aldermen, a Recorder, and Common Council. "This is the first mention of altermen." Up to this year they had been known as Masters, and the term Sheriffs was substituted for Bailiffs. The customs of the town had fallen so low as to amount only to £72 17s. 6d., as compared with Dublin, £1,890 2s. 1d.; Limerick, £141 9s. 6d.; and Carrickfergus, £399 6s. 7d. It seems, however, that the figure presented only the custom of prohibited goods and the 3d. per pound for other goods due by common law.

1611. Valentine Blake Fitz-Walter-Fitz-Thomas, Mayor; and Andrew Lynch-Fitz-John and Thomas Blake, Sheriffs.

The Mayor was deposed for refusing to take the oath of supremacy by Sir Oliver St. John, Vice President of Connacht under the Earl of Clanricarde, in the presence of William O'Donnell, Archbishop of Tuam, and Richard Martin was appointed instead.

Note.-This Archbishop O'Donnell was the translator of the New Testament and the Book of Common Prayer into Irish.

Richard Martin built a chapel in the Abbey of St., Francis, on the south side of the choir, where he and his descendants were buried. This chapel was afterwards converted to a sacristy.

On 2nd October, 1611, the Earl of Thomond, Sir Oliver St. John, Vice-President of Connacht, Sir Thomas Rotheram, Governor of St. Augustine's Fort, and Roger O'Shaughnessy, were elected freemen.

This year the Company of Young Men received a charter from the Mayor and Corporation, constituting them a body corporate and

"empowering them to make bye-laws for the well governing of the Company, and their Captain should sit next the sheriffs of the town at all public meetings, and should be an esquire for that year, and the whole company exempted from the payment of any taxes; in consideration whereof they were bound to watch and ward."

1612. Sir Thomas Rotheram, Mayor; Marcus Lynch-Fitz-Christopher and Adam Fount, Sheriffs.

The family of Fount, Ffont, or De Fuerte, according to Hardiman, settled in Galway in the beginning of the fifteenth century. They sprang from an ancient English family of Leicestershire, and are said to have been established at Athenry as early as the reign of King John. Hardiman continues:

"The name is nearly extinct. Geoffry Ffont, who died near Galway, in 1814, aged 105 years, is supposed to have been the last survivor of the Galway branch of this family."

This year no person eligible to the office of Mayor could be found in the town who would take the oath of supremacy. Sir Thomas Rotheram, Governor of St. Augustine's Fort and Privy Councillor of Connacht, therefore, was appointed.

1615. Pierce Lynch-Fitz-Jonack, Mayor; and Pierce Martin-Fitz-William and Jonack Lynch-Fitz-Pierce, Sheriffs.

Peter French-Fitz-Valentine was elected Mayor but having refused the office was fined £100, and Pierce Lynch elected in his place as no other would take the oath.

"This year upwards of 1,200 tuns of Spanish wine was landed here for the account of the merchants of Galway."

1619. James D'Arcy-Fitz-James, Mayor; and Marcus French-Fitz-Marcus and Peter Martin-Fitz-Walter, Sheriffs.

The town was burned on May day. It took fire on the east side of the town, caused by a shot from a musket,

"being a usual day for the sports of the youth of the town."

1623. Marcus Oge French-Fitz-Marcus, Mayor; James Lynch-Fitz-Arthur and Geoffrey French-Fitz-Arthur, Sheriffs.

Lord Falkland, the Lord Deputy, came to Galway where he knighted Sir Richard Blake-Fitz-Robert and Sir Henry Lynch, baronets. The Lord Deputy made a gift of £300 towards building a college, and £5000 towards the education and apprenticing of the fatherless children of the natives of the town.

1624. Robert Blake-Fitz-Walter-Fitz-Thomas, Mayor; and Geoffrey French and John Blake, Sheriffs.

Before this year the selection of the Mayor was in the hands only of the aldermen and sheriffs of the town. The aldermen were those who had been mayors. None were admitted except Protestants and for thirty years before this all the Mayors were obliged to swear that the king was head of the church. To circumvent this law the Corporation gave every freeman of the town a vote. By this method Robert Blake was the first Catholic Mayor to be elected for over thirty years.

1625. Thomas Lynch-Fitz-Nicholas-Fitz-Stehen-Fitz-Arthur, Mayor; and William Blake-Fitz-Christopher and Walter Browne-Fitz-Thomas, Sheriffs.

This year the port of Ballymanagh at the foot of the bridge was built and new leaves were fitted to the gate at the expense of the Corporation.

"Ordered in Council: that any person who shall scandalize and unmannerly behave himself in speeches to the Mayor, shall forfeit £20. Also, that no howling or shoutings be made in or out of the streets of this town at the burial of any deceased person; but that all such barbarous courses be given over, on pain of five shillings for each abuse; whereby all and every corpse here be carried to his grave in a civil orderly fashion, according to the form in all good places observed."

1628. John Lynch-Fitz-Richard, Mayor; Richard Lynch-Fitz-John and Stephen Martin, Sheriffs.

"May 17. For as much as the grace of God is the best revenue of this town, and his blessing our greatest rents; and that charitable distributions are, according to his divine promise, an hundred fold rewarded, both in this and the other world; it is ordained, that thee collectors of the rents and revenues of this town shall, once ever year, distribute £10 between the poor widows of the birth and blood of the town, in imitation of that good widow, commanded by our Saviour, who cast her two mites into the treasury; and in hope that the supplying the needful exigents of the poor may increase our comings in, and thereby enable us to do works tending to God's glory, and the good of the commonwealth."

It was also enacted, that sturdy beggars and poor scholars be banished; and that such poor and needy men, born in the town as shall be allowed to beg, shall bare leaden tokens fastened to their caps to distinguish them from others.

"And for as much as divers strangers and some of the town do keep blind ale-houses, which are the relievers of idlers and malefactors, who, by cheating, cozening, and villainy, do disturb the quiet and peace of the town, it is ordered that the several constables of the several quarters and franchises do, every quarter session, present the names of such, and of all other persons selling beer, ale, etc., that a certain number of select men may be names and licensed to do the same."

1630. Sir Valentine Blake-Fitz-Walter-Fitz-Thomas, knight and baronet, Mayor; and Francis Blake and Richard Kirwan, Sheriffs.

On 1st August Oliver Martin was chosen Mayor, and Andrew Brown Fitz-Olvier and Edeard French-Fitz-Patrick, Sheriffs, but on 12th September Sir Thomas Rotherman, Deputy Lieutenant of Connacht, entered the Tholsel, produced a letter from the Privy Council ordering that the magistrates should take the oath of supremacy. The Mayor and Sheriffs were allowed until 27th August, to consider the matter. They refused, however, and Oliver Martin was appointed Mayor and Andrew Brown and Edward French, Sheriffs. The Mayor was allowed a salary of £100 a year.

1634. Sir Dominick Browne, Mayor; and George French-Fitz-Patrick and Walter Blake-Fitz-Andrew, Sheriffs.

" This year the street from the great gate to the cross was paved."

"Thomas Wentworth, lord lieutenant of Ireland, came in great state to Galway, where he was honourably entertained in Sir Richard Blake's house, whom he commended for his hospitality. He then knighted Sir Dominick Browne. In the reign, when Lord Wentworth was governor of Ireland, the sheriff and jurors of Galway showed so independent a spirit in opposing his wishes to establish the king's right to some estates, that they were fined £4,000 each, their estates seized, and themselves imprisoned until it was paid, which was the sentence passed in the Castle chamber," at the same time saying " it was fit their pertinacious carriage should be followed with all just severity; they were also to acknowledge their offence on their knees in open court."

1635. Nicholas more-Lynch-Fitz-Marcus, Mayor; and William Lynch-Fitz-Andrew and Christopher Bodkin-Fitz-Thomas, Sheriffs.

Carte, in his Life of Ormond, says, that by the interposition of the Earl of Clanricarde in England, the fines of the sheriff and jury of Galway were afterwards reduced, the plantation laid aside, and the inhabitants confirmed in their estates, upon the like terms as the rest of the kingdom, without suffering the hardships, change of possessions, and other disagreeable circumstances which attended a plantation. Dutton claims that this must be a misstatement, for the sheriff and jury were imprisoned, and on Lord Wentworth's report of his proceedings to the king in council in 1663, the king remarked " that it was no severity, and that if he had served him otherwise, he should not serve him as he expected." It appears that they still continued in prison in 1637. It was in Lord Clanricarde's house that Wentworth held his court of inquisition, and the death of the earl, which happened shortly after, inflamed the people against the deputy. He took possession of Clanricarde's castle, and in his hall held that court which impeached the earl's title to his lands.

1637. Sir Thomas Blake, Mayor; Marcus Lynch-Fitz-William and James Lynch-Fitz-Stephen, Sheriffs.

On 25th November Stephen Lynch-Fitz-Nicholas-Fitz-Jonaken, the Recorder, died, having been in office since 1624.

The Lords Justices, Viscount Ely and Sir Christopher Wandesford received orders to call upon all Corporations for a return of their privileges; to issue money to finish the Fort of Galway; to suspend Lord Courcey's pension; and to hurry on the survey of lands in Connacht.

This year the east gate and the horolege, or hour clock, were built at the expense of the Corporation.

1639. John Bodkin-Fitz-Dominick, Mayor; and John Kirwan and Francis Athy, Sheriffs.

This year the market-house near the churchyard was begun at the charge of the Corporation.

1643. Sir Valentine Blake, junior, Knight and Baronet, Mayor; and Oliver French and John Kirwan, Sheriffs.

This year the Catholics celebrated Mass in the Church of St. Nicholas and continued in possession of it until 1652 when it was taken over by the Cromwellians. In August, the Fort of Galway was surrendered to the Irish, after which they marched to the siege of Castlecoote, to which the town of Galway subscribed £300.

1652. Michael Lynch-Fitz-Stephen-Fitz-Nicholas, Mayor; and Alexander Lynch-Fitz-Andrew and William Martin-FitzStephen, Sheriffs.

On 12th May, Galway surrendered to Sir Charles Coote, "and it was at that time considered so very strong, that the loss of it carried with it the fate of Ireland, and was the determination of the rebellion." Colonel Stubber became Governor of the town. It was a usual practice of the governor and other Cromwellian officers throughout the county to take people out of their beds at night and sell them for slaves to the West Indies. It is estimated that Stubber sold out of the county over 1,000 persons.

1654. Thomas Lynch-Fitz-Ambrose, Mayor; and Richard Lynch and Anthony French-Fitz-Peter, Sheriffs.

On a petition of the Protestant inhabitants of the town on 29th September, it was ordered by the Lord Deputy and Council, on 25th October, that the mayor and chief officers as set forth in the charter, should be English an Protestants. Colonel Peter Stubbers was appointed Mayor, and Paul Dodd and Marcus-Lynch-Fitz-Thomas, Sheriffs. Hardiman writes:

"this individual (Marcus-Lynch-Fitz-Thomas), according to tradition, was the only native of Galway who changed his principles and religion, and joined the common enemy of both; in consequence of which, all communication was denied him by his friends during his life, and he is said to have died of a broken heart, occasioned by remorse and shame for his apostacy."

The old Corporation was disfranchised, "and the English soldiers made free, and also cobblers, butchers, bakers, tinkers, and all sorts of mechanics." The enslaving of the Catholic inhabitants for shipment to the Barbadoes continued. The garrison under Stubber destroyed the monuments throughout the town, and descrated the tombs in search of treasure. The crucifixes in the Church of St. Nicholas and in the Abbey were smashed as also were the marbles with carvings of the Crucifixion.

"Amongst the rest Sir Peter Frenche's tomb, or monument, guilted with gold, and carved in fine marble, which stood in the Abbey, and cost in the building thereof £5,000 in 1653 by Lady Mary Brown, a virtuous woman, wife to the said Sir Peter Frenche, and which monument was converted by the governor of the town into a chimney piece, and the rest of the stones sent beyond seas, and there sold for money by the governor, and the said tomb left open for dogs to drag and eat the dead corpse there interred. They likewise razed down the king's arms, and converted the churches and abbeys to stables, and divine books were broken up, and put under goods, wares, tobacco, etc., etc., they being for the most part illiterate and covetous to hoard money, to the great ruin of the poor inhabitants, without regard to conscience or observance of public faith...In June, Charles Fleetwood, Lord Deputy of Ireland, took his circuit and came to Galway, where he gave a definite sentence for removal of the old inhabitants of Galway; which order was immediately sent from Dublin and executed contrary to their conditions and articles. One Hurd, Deputy Governor of Galway, and Colonel Stubbers, issued an order to prohibit the wearing of the mantle, which he enforced with such severity, that it came to be every where laid aside, and they cut a laughable figure, who having nothing but the mantle to cover their upper parts, ran half naked about the town, shrouded in table cloths, pieces of tapestry and rags of all colours and form, so that they looked as if they had escaped from bedlam."

Galway was divided between twenty-four of Cromwell's officers, but quite a lot of the confiscated property was afterwards bought back by the original owners. Some of the descendants of these officers, however, continued to own considerable property down to the end of the nineteenth century - such families as class="person">Eyre, Whaley, Royce, Stubber, Atkinson, Cottingham, Lawrence. Thomas Deane, one of the tribes, a shop keeper, was the only person entitled to sell tobacco and snuff in Galway. He was granted this right by Stubber, the Governor, who had the greater share in the monopoly. From the profit of this monopoly Deane was able to purchase the estate of Ballyroebuck.

1655. Colonel Humphrey Hurd, Mayor; and John Campbell and John Mathews, Sheriffs.

The Mayor was a joiner and Mathews a weaver. On 30th October Colonel Richard Lawrence and Thomas Richardson were directed to survey and value the houses in Galway. All proprietors were given until 10th November, 1656, to arrange to sell their interests to any Protestant that had not been in arms and had not been disloyal to the Parliament. One-third of the purchase money was to go to the Commonwealth. Any houses not sold by 14th December, 1655, were to be disposed of by the Governor to any Protestant provided that the Governor "do engage such as shall take the same, that no waste or spoil should be committed on the houses that stand empty and undisposed of, or suffer the same to be despoiled or wasted by the soldiers."

1656. Paul Dodd, Mayor; and John Peters and Mathew Forth, Sheriffs.

The year saw the continuation of the enslaving and transportation of the people of the town. Galway for the most part was rapidly decaying, so much so that the majority of the houses were uninhabited.

"The soldiers and Butchers, that would before content themselves with cellars and cottages, had now houses to live in, until they burned all the costly lofts and wainscots and partitions, and then would remove to other houses, until they almost destroyed all the fine houses, and left them so full of excrements and filth, that it was poisoning to enter one of them, though formerly fit to lodge kings and princes, being the best fitted town in the kingdom, and the inhabitants thereof the most gallant merchants in Ireland, for their hospitality, liberality, and charity at home and abroad, and accompanied with good education. In the midst of frost and snow, after being turned out, they were forced to shelter themselves by hedges, and poor miserable smoky huts, and brakes in the country, being all removed but six families, who were forced to quarter the most part of the garrison soldiers, and pay excessive bribes, and at last were all turned out, with the best of the Catholic clergy, about fifty in number, and committed to Arran and Bofin Islands, where they were almost starved to death, being allowed but two pence a day, and that at 1st not paid, and a strict proclamation against the lives and goods of such as would entertain any clergyman. Images of our Blessed Lady and other saints burned, and the chalices made common drinking cups, and priests vestments turned into secular clothes."

1659. John Mathews, Mayor; and Richard Bernard and William Speed, Sheriffs.

"This year Sir Charles Coote and the Protestants seized all the garrisons in Ireland, and amongst the rest Galway, and took and committed all the Anabaptists, who were then and before in the height of their power, and were chief commanders in Ireland."

1671. Richard Ormsby, Mayor; and John Geary and John Vaughan, Sheriffs.

On 27th March, a proclamation was issued restoring the old inhabitants to their freedom.

1677. Colonel Theodore Russell, Mayor; and John Clarke and Richard Browne, Sheriffs.

The Corporation having been granted a new Charter, purchased from Madame Hamilton the grant she had received from Charles II., being part of the revenues and town lands which had been mortgaged by the people of the town in 1647.

1685. Colonel Theodore Russell, Mayor; and Thomas Wilson and Richard Wall, Sheriffs

"Ordered, that no cattle be hereafter slaughtered within this town, nor suffered to come into it; that no milch cows be permitted in it; and that 2s. 6d. fine be imposed on any one throwing garbage into the river. Every inhabitant was ordered to pave before his door in such manner as the Mayor and Sheriffs shall direct."

1686. John Kirwan Fitz-Stephen, Mayor; and George Staunton and Jonathan Parry, Sheriffs.

Galway this year saw the first Catholic Mayor in office for thirty-two years. Kirwan was the first owner of Castle Hackett - the original owner being a Hackett and was transplanted to County Mayo in 1641.

1688. Dominick Browne of Carra Browne, Mayor; and Francis Blake Fitz-Andrew and Dominick Bodkin Fitz-Patrick, Sheriffs.

The town was granted a new Charter by James II. The quay and new pier were erected and repaired by the Corporation. The Church of St. Nicholas was again taken over by the Catholics with Father Henry Browne as Warden. In the summer of the year a vast plague of beetles destroyed the country between Galway and Headford.

1690. Colonel Alexander MacDonal, Mayor; and was succeeded by Arthur French on 9th December; William Clear and Oliver French, Sheriffs.

Galway besieged.

1691. Sir Henry Bellasise, Mayor; and John Gibbs and Richard Wall Sheriffs.

On 26th July, the town surrendered to General de Ginkle.

1693. Thomas Revett, Mayor; and Richard Wall and John Gibbs, Sheriffs.

The treatment of the Catholic inhabitants of Galway by the Williamite troops caused most of them to leave the town. To prevent the exodus of the population the Corporation "ordered that no pass be issued to any person to leave the town; and called on the military authorities to curb the licentiousness of the soldiers."

1696. Thomas Cartwright, Mayor; and James Revett Vigee and Marcus Lynch, Sheriffs.

Among the Corporation enactments was one which allowed no one but a freeman to be a shopkeeper in the town or liberties - the liberties extended to a radius of four miles - or sell or expose for sale any commodity except on market days, and on paying quarterage.

"This oppressive law was entirely directed against the Roman Catholics, none of whom were then free...it continued rigidly in force for many years after, and was one of the principal causes of the decay of the town."

During the winter and spring so great was the catch of cod fish that they were sold at a penny each.

Eighteenth Century

1701. Thomas Staunton, Mayor; and Robert Blakeney and John Broughton, Sheriffs.

There was such a scarcity of money in the town that good mutton sold on market days for four pence to sixpence a quarter. On 15th September 1,000 barrels of herrings were taken by 70 boats and sold at 4s. 6d. a thousand.

1702. Thomas Staunton, Mayor; and John Broughton and John Fouquiere, Sheriffs.

The Mayor made a gift of £100 towards the building of the Exchange. Herrings sold for a halfpenny a hundred.

1703. James Ribett Vigie, Mayor; and John Fouquiere and George Gerry, Sheriffs.

Catches of cod in the bay during summer had never been heard of until this year. The landings were so heavy that the fish sold for a halfpenny each.

1704. John Eyre, Mayor; and George Gerry and William Hinde, Sheriffs.

It was ordered that no Mayor should have more than £150 until the Tholsel should be built, and that the number of aldermen should not exceeded twenty-six. Also, that all Popish shopkeepers do appear before Council and shew cause why they should not pay quarterage.

1707. Richard Wall, Mayor; William and Henry Lardner, Sheriffs.

Alderman Edward Eyre objected to Lardner being Sheriff for having a Popish wife. It was ordered that the Mayor's salary be reduced to £100.

1708. John Gibbs, Mayor; and Henry Lardner and Edward Barrett, Sheriffs.

On the rumour of the landing of the Pretender in Scotland, several gentlemen and merchants were imprisoned and all the other Catholics inhabitants turned out of the town. So great was the fear of the Corporation and the Protestant population generally that the market were held outside the town walls, and no Mass permitted. Shortly after, permission was given to return to their houses, and the markets restored to the town.

1712. Edward Eyre, Mayor; and Charles Morgan and William Moore, Sheriffs.

May 12. The necessity and advantage to the town and Corporation of having a spacious entrance open and unbuilt before William's Gate, leading to the east suburbs, and to Bohermore, having been this day presented in Council, Alderman Edward Eyre (whose father in1670 obtained a lease of part of said ground, with several other parcels), declared that he would agree to grant a piece of ground containing abut thirty perches for that purpose; in consideration of which the Corporation (himself being Mayor) on the 19th May following extended the term of his lease to lives renewable for ever.

1718. Marcus Wall, Mayor; and John Marmion and John Grindleton, Sheriffs.

" That the several persons who in November and December last were elected members of the Common council, having been so elected manifestly with a design to evade the state which on the 25th of said month of December was to be in force, and in order to perpetuate the government of this Corporation in several gentlemen and others in the County of Galway and elsewhere, who have no interest or concern in the town, or pay nay scot, lot, or other contribution therein, by means whereof thereof the Protestnat inhabitants are greatly discouraged to come and dwell in the town, will be frustrated, if not prevented; ordered, Jun 30th, that these persons be no longer members of the Common Council."

1726. Charles Gerry, Mayor; and Robert French and Robert McMullin, Sheriffs.

Two bells were hung in the Church of St. Nicholas. George Dollard gave a certificate that the organ was in tune. £10 was allowed for the judges' lodgings each assizes.

Note:

" The organ must have been at least ninety-four years in the church, and as organs were first introduced into Irish churches in 1641, probably the present organ (1820) is in the church since that period - 179 years."

1727. Charles Rivett, Mayor; and John O'Hara and Robert Cooke, Sheriffs.

20th January. For celebrating the prince's birthday the Mayor ordered that the sum of thirty shillings sand eight pence be expended:

	s.	d.
3 quarts of Rum	5	0
24 Lemons	4	0
Sugar	1	0
6 bottles of Wine	8	0
Bread, Butter, and Cheese	1	8
Pipes	1
5 mugs of Ale	10
5 pints of Rum	4	2
20 Lemons	2	4
2 bottles of Wine	2	8
Sugar	10
Tobacco	1

At this period and afterwards, money was advanced to pay for the funeral of several aldermen and other officers. At the funeral of Alderman Fisher, Sibby Lee received sixpence for rosemary.

1729. John Gibbs, Mayor; and Patrick Blake and Andrew Holmes, Sheriffs.

Oatmeal sold in the town for twelve shillings the bushel.

1730. John Staunton, Mayor; and Richard Fitzpatrick and Neptune Morgan, Sheriffs.

10th February. The Chamberlain, Samuel Simcocks, was ordered to pay, for the encouragement of the new fair at Bohermore, for a shift to be run for as follows:-

	s.	d.
36 yards fine linen	5	10
3 nails of muslin for ruffles	9
Thread	1
Making the Shift	8
1 yard of red ribbon for a knot for the head	10
Tape	1
3/4 yards red ribbon for the sleeves	8
A fine felt hat to be cudgelded for	4	4
A yard of red ribbon for a cockade	10

17th June. Ordered to be paid for the expenses of getting a patent for fairs and market lately granted £7 1s. 5d.

Andrew Lynch and his sons were discharged from gateage, customs, and taxes, for seven years, for keeping the streets clean.

1732. Charles Morgan, Mayor; and Nicholas Staunton and Patrick Blake, junior, Sheriffs.

" At a common Council held in Galway, the Chamberlain was ordered to advance money to the Mayor for prosecuting Simon Lynch and others as Popish inhabitants of the Town of Galway, not being registered, and that Alderman Simcocks, Alderman George Gerry, and Alderman Charles Gerry do inspect the laying out of the money."

1734. John Bird, Mayor; and John Simcocks and Hugh Wilkinson, Sheriffs. (Note: Simcocks died in office and Edmund Staunton was elected Sheriff.)" Ordered that £30 be paid to Alderman Charles Rivett, apothecary, to furnish his shop with drugs, proper for supplying the Protestants and others."

1739. Henry Ellis, Mayor; and Henry Vaughan and Simon Fairservice, Sheriffs.

A fever raged this year that occasioned the judges to hold the assizes in Tuam. Numbers of the merchants of Galway died this year, and multitudes of poor peo0ple, caused partly by fever and by the scarcity, as wheat was twenty-eight shillings one hundred weight.

1745. John Mills, Mayor; and John Johnson and John Shaw, Sheriffs.

" A great fall of snow this year that smothered vast numbers of cattle and sheep, which caused a great many farmers to surrender their lands. The best land in Connaught, after this period, let for five shillings per acre, and numbers who had courage to take lands enriched their families. Wheat rose from six shillings to eighteen shillings per hundred weight. Fourteen sail of East Indiamen anchored in the road of Galway; and in spring following six sail of men of war came to convoy them: they all sailed away together, a glorious sight."

1747. James O'Hara, Mayor; and George Shaw and Edward Shield, Sheriffs. (George Shaw died and Thomas Sherwood was elected).

" Ordered that £900 be granted to Alderman Richard Fitzpatrick, his heirs and assigns, by mortgage of all the Corporation lands and revenues, to reimburse him his expense for several years, in assiduously supporting the rights, privileges and immunities of the Corporation. Also, that no succeeding Mayor be allowed any salary whatever, but by the appointment of the majority of the Common Council."

1748. James Disney, Mayor; and Francis Hopkins and Henry Covey, Sheriffs.

James O''Hara, the former Mayor, held over the office until dispossessed by Captain McKenzee and a party of soldiers.

1758. Edward Shields, Mayor; and Francis Tomkins and George Lewis, Sheriffs.

An Act passed this year to prevent the distillation of spirits from grain for one year.

1761. Charles Rivett, Mayor; and John Mandeville and James Galbraith, Sheriffs.

10th November. A petition was presented to Parliament to prevent Catholic shopkeepers from manufacturing or selling their goods, or employing journeymen for this purpose. It was signed by the Mayor, Sheriffs, Warden, and Protestant inhabitants of Galway.

1763. Henry Ellis, Mayor; and Edward Murphy and James Galbraith, Sheriffs.

Andrew Carroll, spearing salmon at the west bridge, was drowned by the cord getting entangled about his legs.

1767. John Gibson, Mayor; and Charles Davy and Edward Shields, Sheriffs.

" The infirmary outside William's Gate began to be built this year."

1768. Thomas Taylor, Mayor; and Samuel Grace and Robert McMullen, Sheriffs.

Francis Lynch of Rahoon was the first Catholic sworn on a Grand Jury since the Revolution.

1774. Rev. Edmond French, Mayor and Warden; George Thomas and Samuel Grace, Sheriffs.

This year the immense granite rock called the Gregory on the island of Arran, was shattered by lightning.

1779. Hyacinth Daly, Mayor; and James Burke and Samuel Grace, Sheriffs.

31st May. The Galway Volunteers were embodied, and the following officers elected: Richard Martin, Dangan, Colonel; James Shee, Deputy Mayor, Lieutenant Colonel; John Blake, Coolcun, Major; J. O'Hara, Recorder, Captain of Grenadier Company; Mark Lynch, Captain of Battalion Company; Michael Blake, Frenchfort, Captain of Light Infantry; and Jasper Lynch, Adjutant.

1783. Denis Daly, Mayor; and John Lynch and William Frazer, Sheriffs.

" A contested election for the County of Galway took place between Denis Daly of Dunsandle, William Power Trench, Edmond Kirwan of Dalgan, and Richard Martin of Dangan, esqrs. It continued fifty-two days, when Mr. Daly and Mr. Trench were elected. It cost the parties immense sums, and very much injured their properties for many years after."

Mr. Andrew French imported the first cargo of flaxseed into Galway. It amounted to 300 hogsheads of which he sold only 100. In 1789 the importation rose from 1,500 to 2,300 hogsheads; in 1815 to 3,000 hogsheads. Most sold into the Counties of Mayo and Roscommon, but very little in the County of Galway. The greater part was saved at home.

1795. Hyacinth Daly, mayor; and Peter Daly and Edmund Fitzpatrick, Sheriffs.

18 sail of East Indiamen and five men of war anchored in the Bay of Galway.

1798. Denis Bowes Daly, Mayor; and Hyacinth Daly and St. George Daly, Sheriffs. (St. George Daly resigned and John Burke of St. Cleran's served the office for the remainder of the term).

The merchants in an hour collected fifteen hundred guineas which they presented to General Hutchinson, who commanded in the town. Without this supply he could not have joined General Lake to meet the French at Killala. "The Yeomanry of the town joined in this unfortunate expedition."

This year the old Charter School was occupied as an artillery barracks.

Nineteenth Century

1800. Hyacinth Daly, Mayor; and Thomas Browne and John Thomas, Sheriffs.

"The Dominican Chapel, near Galway, was built. A few years ago the late Alderman Patrick Bride, a native of this town, enclosed the cemetery of this Abbey with a wall. Before this it was subject to great abuse by pigs and other animals."

1811. Hyacinth Daly, Mayor; and Charles O'Hara and William Mason, Sheriffs. (Charles O'Hara died, when John Strogen was sworn into office).

This year the extensive burial ground on Fort Hill was enclosed by Mr. Robert Hedges Eyre,

" As a mark of his respect and esteem for the inhabitants of the town of Galway, in August, 1811."

(Note; In this cemetery was buried Thomas Legett, the celebrated landscape gardener).

1812. Denis Bowes Daly, Mayor; and Francis Eager and Thomas Browne, Sheriffs.

This year the foundation of the new Sessions House (the County Court-house) was laid at Newtown Smyth. Richard Morrison, Architect.

1815. Hyacinth Daly, Mayor; and Francis Eager and Jethro Bricknell, Sheriffs.

"The tolls and market set for £655; the kelp, butter and potato cranes not included."

" A light-house, forty-five feet high, was erected on Mutton Island, near Galway, which has been of infinite use to all vessels entering the bay."

" The new Sessions House was opened this year. It stands on the site of the old Franciscan Abbey, and is not included in the county of the town."

1818. James Daly, Mayor; and Michael Dillon and Matthew T Smith,Sheriffs.

" The foundation of the new Catholic Chapel of St. Nicholas was laid on the 1st July by the late Hyacinth Daly, esq., Mayor. It has been lately finished, and is of the ornamented Gothic style."

A List of Authorities

In addition to the works quoted in the text the following books have been consulted:-

Balfour, G. Educational Systems of Great Britain and Ireland.
Barrington, Sir Jonah. Personal Recollections.
Berkeley, George (Bishop of Cloyne). The Querist.
Berry, H. F. A History of the Royal Dublin Society.
Blake, M. J. The Blake Family Records.
Brennan, M. J. An Ecclesiastical History of Ireland.
Bryce, James. Two Centuries of Irish History.
Burke, W. P. Irish Priests in Penal Times.
Callwell, J. M. Old Irish Life.
Carleton, William. Traits and Stories of the Irish Peasantry.
Corcoran, T. Educational Systems in Ireland from the Close of the Middle Ages.
Corcoran, T. State Policy in Irish Education.
Corkery, Daniel. The Hidden Ireland.
Curtis, Edmund and R. B. McDowell. Irish Historical Studies, 1172-l922.
De Latocnaye. A Frenchman's Walk Through Ireland. Dictionary of National Biography.
Drennan, William. The Drennan Letters, 1776-1819.
Dowling, P. J. The Hedge Schools of Ireland. The Dublin Saturday Magazine.
Dutton, Hely. A Statistical and Agricultural Survey of the County of Galway.
Fahey, J. The History and Antiquities of the Diocese of Kilmacduagh.
Falkiner, C. L. Essays Relating to Ireland.
Fitzpatrick, W. J. Life, Times and Correspondence of the Right Rev. Dr. Doyle, Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, 2 vols.
Fitzpatrick, W. J. Ireland Before the Union.
Fitzpatrick, W. J. The life of Charles Lever.
Froude, J. A. The English in Ireland in the Eighteenth Century.
Haire, Robert. Wesley's One and Twenty Visits to Ireland.
Hall, J. A. Tour Through Ireland in l807.
Hall, S. C., and Mrs. Hall. Ireland: Its Scenery, Character, etc.
Hardiman, James. The History of the Town and County of Galway.
Jackson, R. Wyse. Jonathan Swift, Dean and Cleric.
Journal of the Galway Archaeological and Historical Society.
Kelly, Benedict. Poor Scholar: a study of William Carleton.
Landreth, H. The Pursuit of Robert Emmet.
Lecky, W. E. H. A History of Ireland in the Eighteenth Century.
Lewis, S. A Topographical Dictionary of Ireland.
MacCarthy, Mary. Fighting Fitzgerald and other papers.
Maclysaght, E. Irish life in the Seventeenth Centry.
MacManus, M. J. Irish Cavalcade, 1550-1850. MacNevin, Thomas. The History of the Volunteers of 1782.
Madden, Richard, R. The United Irishmen: their lives and times.
Mant, R. History of the Church in Ireland.
Marmion, Anthony. The Ancient and Modern History of the Maritime Ports of Ireland.
Mason, W. Shaw. A Statistical Account or Parochial Survey of Ireland.
Maxwell, C. Country and Town under the Georges.
Maxwell, W. H. Wild Sports of the West.
Maxwell, W. H. History of the Irish Rebellion in 1779.
Morgan, Lady (Sydney Owenson). Memoirs.
O'Brien, George. The Economic History of Ireland in the Eighteenth Century.
O'Brien, W. P. The great Famine.
O'Connell, P. The Diocese of Kilmore, its history and antiquities.
O'Conor Don, Charles. The O'Conors of Connaught.
O'Donovan, John. Ordnance Survey Letters.
O'Donovan, John. The Economic History of Live Stock in Ireland.
O'Loughlin, Colm., Editor. The Irish Book Lover.
O'Sullivan, N. D. Old Galway.
Swift, J. Short View of the State of Ireland, 1727.
Thackeray, William Makepiece. Irish Sketch Book.
Vane, Charles, Marquess of Londonderry. Memoirs an Correspondence of Viscount Castlereagh, Second Marquess of Londondery.
Walker, J. C. Historical Memoirs of the Irish Bards.
Walsh, J. E. Sketches of Ireland Sixty Years Ago (1847).
Wesley, John. Journal.
Wilde, Lady. Ancient Legends, Mystic Charms and Superstitions of Ireland.
Wilde, Sir W. Lough Corrib.
Young, Arthur. A tour in Ireland in the Years 1776, 1777 and 1778.