A short History of the Parish of KilbegBelow is a short synopsis of the history of each townland in the Parish of Kilbeg. If you feel that information is incomplete please do not hesitate to contact us.
The Parish of Kilbeg comprises of three civil parishes Emlagh, Kilbeg and Staholmog as well as the townland of Ardmabreague which formerly belonged to the civil parish of Nobber and the townlands of Clonagara and Deerpark which were part of the civil parish of Newtown. There are 26 townlands; Ardmaghbreague, Ballintillan, Mullaghreagh, Moat, Robertstown. Horath, Newrath, Clonagara, Kilbeg Lower, Kilbeg upper, Ardlonan, Thomastown, Marvelstown, Farranalcock, Glebe, Glenrath, Staholmog, Deerpark, Carlanstown, Reask, Gravelstown, Castletownmoor, St Johns rath, Drakerath, Balreask & Emlagh (Fitzsimons, 1974, 1-6). Ardlonan
ARD LONAIN altitudo Lonani is defined as Lonans height or hill (Fitzsimons, 1974, 12). The Ordnance Survey Namebook records that near the centre of this townland in the northeast corner of a field to south of the cross roads are three stones with hyperbolic holes of 5 inches by 3 inches and 4 inches deep, supposed by the locals to have been holy water troughs. Another stone nearby has a cross on it (Fitzsimons, 1974, 85). These are the only remains now to be seen of Ardlonan abbey or church which once stood here. Human bones are often turned up in this area because there was a graveyard around Ardlonan old Church where Christians were buried for many hundred years (Moore, B). The Civil Survey of 1654 states that Walter Cruice of Ardtonan, Irish Papist was the proprietor of 96 acres of land in Ardtonan. There was a new castle not yet quite finished and some few cabins in Ardlonan (Fitzsimons, 1974, 91). A detailed terrier accompanying the map for the townland of Ardlonan in the Down Survey of Ireland (1656-1658) states it is “a very strong castle with four turrets encompassed with a double trench or work drawn according to the late practice in fortification the castle being too low that the rampiers of earth defend most of it from cannon shott: Some fiew cabins within the fort the castle was never finished” (Fitzsimons, 1974, 98). The Book of Survey and Distribution suggests that Coll. Redmond became proprietor of this townland (Fitzsimons, 1974, 102). “The Bridge field” at Ardlonan bridge was the famed location of football matches for the old Kilbeg Volunteers football team (Fitzsimons, 1974, 216). In the beginning there were twenty one players per side and the ball was twice as big as nowadays (Fitzsimons, 1974, pg 201). All the big games in the parish would be played in the Bridge field. There used to be three games on the one day and barrels of porter were customary refreshments for the six teams after the games (Fitzsimons, 1974, 216). Ardmabreague
ARDA MACHA BREIGE is defined as the false or pretended Armagh (Fitzsimons, 1974, 14). Another theory behind this name is that Ardamagh, or "Árd-dá-Maha-na Bréaga" is supposed to mean "The rise of the two mounds of the Liars". The country around there is high and there are two mounds near one another. Long years ago it is said by the old people that there used to dwell some notorious liars in that district (http://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/5008986/4974118). There are several archaeological features in this townland including 3 ringforts and an enclosure. The names of these forts are recorded as being ME005-042 Lisdhu (Lisdoo), an oval area (dims. 48m NW-SE, 36m NE-SW) defined by earthen bank with slight traces of fosse E-SE. Original entrance may have been at SE. ; ME005-038 Dungunnion, a raised subcircular area defined by earthen bank best preserved N-NE (dims. 43m NNE-SSW, 38m WNW-ESE). Slight traces of fosse NW-NE. Original entrance cannot be determined ; and ME005-040 Corskeltiagh fort, a raised subcircular area defined by slight bank (dims. 30m N-S, 32m E-W) with slight traces of fosse SW-NW. Original entrance cannot be determined (Moore, 1987, 56). Lisbawn or Lisbane is the name of the enclosure (dims. 98m EW 80m NS), a subcircular area defined by a modern field fence with a wide shallow depression within (Moore, 1987, 94). According the Civil Survey (1654-6) Christopher Plunkett of Ardmagh owned 250 acres and the ‘old Castle’ there in 1640 (Simington 1940, 334), and the castle is also depicted as a tower in roughly this location on the Down Survey (1656-8) barony map of Kells and a parish map (see this web-site accessed on 23/08/2016: http://downsurvey.tcd.ie/history.html), although Ardmagh was part of Nobber parish. The forfeited Plunkett land was acquired by Thomas Taylor, who had come from England in 1653 and settled at Kells, and in 1680 he leased the ‘four Poles of Ardmagh, alias Ardmaghbregagh’ with other land to Francis Plunkett, whose graveslab is in Robertstown church (ME011-005). The lease was bequeathed to Francis’ son, Thomas, who died intestate in 1691, leaving two daughters, but his mother, Catherine, who had married again to Edward Dowdall, a captain in King James’ army, took over the lease. After the Battle of the Boyne in 1690 Taylor evicted Catherine from Castlecam and repossessed Ardmagh. In 1692 Thomas’ widow, Bridget, leased 150 acres at Ardmagh and in 1695 Catherine leased a cottage at Castlecam. In 1720 the original lease of Francis Plunkett was discovered and his granddaughters, Elinor Cahill and William Donnellan, sought to recover the full extent of the lands and premises. Although they won the case it was not made absolute, and in 1728 it was dismissed by the House of Lords. (Ní Shúilliobháin, 1987).The castle is described as ‘Castlecome in ruins’ in gothic script on the 1836 and 1908 eds of the OS 6-inch map, but it is known as ‘Castlecam’. It is situated on a hilltop with wide views in every direction. This is a circular grass-covered area (diam. 30m NW-SE; 28m NE-SW) defined SW-N-E by low scarp (H 0.5m-1m). There are quarry holes to the SW and faint scarps outside to the S and SE. This is probably a rath and the castle of Ardmagh is probably unlocated in the vicinity (Moore, 1987, 166). The Book of Survey & Distribution suggests that John Narry, Eliz Delline and Peter Dinane became the proprietors of Ardmarth townland (Fitzsimons, 1974, 103). There is also a “Blessed well” mentioned in this townland where patrun days took place (Fitzsimons, 1974, 45). Ardmabreague was a well known location for Fairs. These fair days were held on the 19th May, 19th July, 24th Oct and 7th Dec (Moore, B). Ballintillan
BAILE AN TSILEAIN means town of the runnel (Fitzsimons, 1974, 13). The greater part of “Ardemagh Fair green” was in the townland of Ballintillan where 4 fairs were held annually for the sale of horses, black cattle, sheep & pigs. Fair days included the 19th May, 19th July, 24th Oct and 7th Dec. The Headfort estate was rewarded the tolls and enforced payment on them. (Moore, B). The Civil Survey of (1654-6) says there is a “motte of Ballintillan”, located where the fair green now is, it is thought that these were previously Pattern Greens and originally Pagan sports arenas (Moore, B). The Book of Survey & Distribution suggest that James Stopford (79 acres), Tho. Lawrence (5 acres) and Tho. Taylor (5 acres) became the proprietors of Ballintillan townland (Fitzsimons, 1974, 102) The Blessed Well or St Johns Well is supposed to have a cure for warts. The well is on the side of the road at Ballintillan. “There is a stone dish in this field called a Sreun or could be Sruaghan. Children were brought to it when sick for a cure. There are thought to be only a few of these stones known in Ireland” (Tallon, 2013). Balreask Rathreask BAILE AN REISG, town of the morass, known locally as Balreask not Rathreask (Fitzsimons, 1974, 31). The Civil Survey of (1654-6) states that William Betah of Donowre was the landowner of 290 acres of land in Balreiske (Fitzsimons, 1974, 89). The Book of Survey & Distribution suggests that Richard Stephens became the proprietor of Ballreask townland (Fitzsimons, 1974, 103). The Balreask steps provided a pedestrian way across the river between Balreask and Gravelstown as there were no intermediate bridges. These are shown on the Ordnance Survey maps, 1836 (Fitzsimons, 1974, 39). A recognised fieldname in the area of Balreask is Marsha na Brickaig, meaning the marsh land of the badger set (Tallon, 2013). |
Glossary of Terms Barrow/mound is an earthen construction that can range in date from the Neolithic to the late Iron Age. They range in form from low mounds to steep sided mounds and can sometimes be defined by a ditch or bank. Some barrows were reused by the Normans for mottes and baileys and later castle sites. Civil Survey was ordered by the Civil Authority, was taken from 1654-6 in order to value the lands in Leinster, Munster, Ulster and Connaught assigned to satisfy the claims of soldiers for their arrears of pay during the Civil War, and of those Adventurers who made cash available in the 1640’s to pay for the war and were promised land in Ireland in return. Down Survey of Ireland (1656-1658) sought to measure all the land to be confiscated from the Catholic Irish in order to facilitate its redistribution to Merchant Adventurers and English soldiers. The Book of Survey & Distribution comprises of lists of all landowners in Ireland in 1641 and 1670, and a list of the townlands which they owned. Enclosure Is one of the most common types ofarchaeological site. It is any area of land separated from surrounding land by earthworks, walls or fencing. Fulacht Fiadh are generally dated to the Bronze Age right through to the medieval period. They have most commonly been interpreted as open air cooking places and usually consist of water filled pit into which heated stones would have been placed to aid the possible cooking of meat. Over a long period of use these hot stones result in a mound of heat shattered stone forming. Motte & Bailey is a fortification with a wooden or stone keep situated on a raised earthwork called a motte, accompanied by an enclosed courtyard, or bailey, surrounded by a protective ditch and palisade.The Norman introduced the design into Ireland following their invasion in 1164. Ringfort are circular fortified settlements that were mostly built up to about the year 1000 AD. Ringforts come in many sizes and may be made of stone or earth. Earthen ringforts would have been marked by a bank and ditch sometimes with a stakewall. The ráth and lios was an earthen ringfort; the ráth being the enclosing bank and the lios being the open space within. The caiseal and cathair was a stone ringfort. Souterrain Underground passages or souterrains leading from forts to neighbouring castles, houses or other forts were quite common in times past. Often constructed in the form of underground beehive shaped chambers they would have had a variety of uses from storage facilities for foodstuffs to safe deposit of treasures and people during turbulent times Standing Stone were thought to be boundary markers however they may also represent burial sites as cists and urn burials are sometimes found in association with them. They range in date from the Bronze Age (c, 2200- 1550 BC) to Early Christian. There is also a category of standing stones from the modern era which were erected as cattle scratchers. |
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Carlanstown
Carlanstown (DROICEAD CARTALAIN) is believed to mean Carlan’s bridge (Fitzsimons, 1974, 14). Another interpretation of the name is Droichead Chearbhallain meaning bridge of the ford of Chearbhallain (www.logainm.ie). It is unsure who Chearbhallain was. It is believed that the area may be the ancestral seat of the Head of the O Carolan’s, a popular name in the area and therefore has links to Turlough O Carolan, the bard and harper, whose birthplace was in Nobber in 1670 and who died on 25th March 1738. It is thought that this land was taken from the O’ Carolans by the Nugent’s following their arrival in Ireland in 1171 during the reign of Henry II. It is believed that 30 acres of land was given to the Bard Turlough O’Carolan by the father of the Earl Nugent (Walker, Joseph C “Historical Memoirs of the Irish Bards”, 1786).
The Civil Survey of (1654-6) states that Margaritt Barnewall, a widow and Irish Papist was the proprietor of 135 acres of land in Carlanstowne, “an old castle and a bridge thereon” (Fitzsimons, 1974, 91). The detailed terrier accompanying the Down Survey map depicts that in “Carlanstowne is a bridge of five arches over the River Rororagh and a castle waste within four perches of the bridge” (Fitzsimons, 1974, 98). Present whereabouts of this castle are unknown. The Books of Survey & Distribution state that the lands of Carlanstowne were reassigned to Henry Morton and Tho. & Ann Everard (Fitzsimons, 1974, 102).
Carlandstowne patent was granted to Thomas Meredith Esq on 19th March 1729 (www.logainm.ie). The Merediths (Meredyth) were an eminent family living in the area during the 1700’s and they provided patronage to the village of Carlanstown. It appears that they lived in Newtown. They included Charles Meredyth of Moretown in Co Meath, a major in the army- by his first wife he possessed himself of a considerable estate in the County of Meath at Newtown. He was MP for Co. Meath, died 1710; Henry Meredyth of Newtown- captain in army and MP for Kells; Thomas Meredyth of Newtown- MP for Navan, died 1731: Catherine- married first James Taylor, uncle to the earl of Bective, and secondly Alexander, 5th Earl of Antrim: and Sir John Meredyth of Carlandstown in Co Meath. (Fitzsimons, 1974, 112). A Baronetcy was created for Sir John Meredyth of Carlandstown in Co Meath, in July 26th,1795, he was High Sheriff of Meath for 1783 and knighted the same year. The Meredyth baronets, of Carlandstown, County Meath were Sir John Meredyth, 1st Baronet (late 1740 – 27 October 1799) died age 58 yrs old; Sir Thomas Meredyth, 2nd Baronet (July 1770 – c. February 1815) died age 44 yrs old; Sir Henry Meredyth, 3rd Baronet (June 1775 – 2 May 1859) died age 83 yrs old; Sir Henry Meredyth, 4th Baronet (1802 – 4 August 1889) died age 87 yrs old and Sir Henry Bayly Meredyth, 5th Baronet (14 January 1863 – 30 September 1923) died age 60 yrs. The fifth Baronet was High Sheriff of County Kilkenny for 1888 and the baronetcy became extinct on his death in 1923. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meredyth_baronets). The Meredyth coat of arms is described as: Argent, a lion rampant Sable, armed and Langued Gules, gorged with a Ducal Coronet and Chained Or. The crest is described as a demi Lion rampant as in the field (Fitzsimons, 1974, 112).
In 1833 Carlanstown comprised of 53 houses. The Ordnance Survey Namebooks of 1836 state that Carlanstown was the property of Mr H Meredyth. In the 1800’s four fairs were held annually along the main street and on the “Green” on the right hand side where the lough is, three of which were reputed for the sale of black cattle. Fairs were held on March 12th, May 1st, Aug. 6th, and Nov. 19th; the last fair was for fat cattle, and was considered the largest and best of the kind in the county. Mr Meredyth had the custom let for £40 per year. The Jenkins family were one family that had responsibility through the years for collecting this “few coppers” from farmers selling their livestock. There were three public houses but on fair days drink was sold in several private houses. The introduction of the railway line in Kells is credited with the demise of the fairs in Carlanstown (Fitzsimons, 1974, 202).
The following is a verse of a poem composed by Peggy O Brien and published in the "Meath Chronicle"
"Twas the nineteenth of November and the fair of Carlanstown
When the street was red with cattle and asses black and brown
That Tommy Joe MacCarthy with a grin upon his brow
Set out in high elation to sell the speckled cow".
"The remainder of the poem I cannot remember nor can I find a copy anywhere. Anyway, the fair of Carlanstown was a wonderful event. There was everything there: apple-cart, banana-stands, merry-go-rounds, roulette tables, hobby-horses, shooting-galleries, hurdy-gurdies and a man with a monkey for collecting the coppers, and plenty of beer in Kelly's at two-pence a bottle, hurrah! But that was in "the good old times"; there's no fair held in Carlanstown nowadays. Ah, well, times have changed and people too" Peggy O Brien (http://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/5008986/4974132)
The Black and Tans, officially the Royal Irish Constabulary Special Reserve, was a force of Temporary Constables recruited to assist the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) during the Irish War of Independence from 1920-1921. During this period one of the tactics employed by the opposing Irish rebels was to blow up bridges in towns and villages to hinder the movements of the RIC. The bridge at Carlanstown appears to have been damaged twice. “However, at our first divisional conference great stress was laid on the importance of our engineering arm, so the brigade officers were asked to concentrate on bridge demolitions, road blocks etc. There were several big operations of this kind carried out. Among them, as far as I can remember, were: Carlanstown Bridge, completely wrecked by explosive, under Col. Comdt. Cullen” (http://www.bureauofmilitaryhistory.ie/reels/bmh/BMH.WS1060.pdf#page=41).
“We carried out the breaking of Carlanstown Bridge. It was broken twice, poorly the first time, only the surface was hacked up and a trench cut across” (Fitzsimons, 1974, 219). The cost of repairing damage caused to Carlanstown bridge is reported at £30 18 s (Meath Chronicle 1897-current, Saturday, February 05, 1921). “The second time we blew a hole in the middle of it sky high. People were still able to walk over the bridge along the sides. The military wouldn’t satisfy them so they came out from Kells the next day and blew the two side walls out of it” (Fitzsimons, 1974 , 219). “It is reported that Carlanstown Bridge which had been repaired has been damaged again” (Anglo-Celt 1846-current, Saturday, February 19, 1921). “At Carlanstown where the volunteers had blown up the bridge which is over the river to prevent the Black and Tans from crossing in their lorries. It was a Kerryman named Brady who left down the fuse to blow up the bridge and he was helped by Brian Hammill of Staholmog” (http://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/5008989/4974628)
There was unfortunately a fatal casualty of the tactical destruction of the bridge at Carlanstown. Mr John McMahon, ex County Councillor, Newtown House, Kilmainhamwood, while returning by motor bike from Kells Fair on 12th March 1921 where he had being doing some business, when he ran into a hole on the damaged bridge at Carlanstown. He was taken out of the bridge and taken to Kells hospital and later Richmond hospital, Dublin but died from serious head injuries. (Anglo-Celt 1846-current, Saturday, March 19, 1921) (Meath Chronicle 1897-current, Saturday, June 11, 1921). The action taken by Crown Forces was for two stone walls to be built at the approaches to the bridge rendering it impossible for traffic to pass through (Meath Chronicle 1897-current, Saturday, April 16, 1921).
Although there is little known archaeology in the area there are several buildings of architectural merit dating from the early 1820’s and even a 1950’s Filling Pump Station sign in the village (see photos above). Carlanstown Bridge was thought to date from the 1780’s and it was a single-arch road bridge of well executed dressed limestone blocks until recent road improvements in 2016 saw it knocked and rebuilt. There is evidence of two earlier arches to the north suggesting that the river may have been wider at one time (www.buildingsofireland.ie).
The only known archaeological site is located in the north end of the area called “the Green” where there is a spring known by the name of St Patricks well. ME011-045 is a ritual site and was covered with chiselled blocks of granite forming a dome and the stones are placed so as to form a cross at the centre. The granite blocks and stones in the form of a cross now seem to be gone, but the well is very clean and roofed over completely by stones. Folklore about St Patrick’s well states that St Patrick passed through Carlanstown and the locals wouldn’t give him any water so he struck the ground with whatever he had in his hand and the water gushed up. Inside the well there is a worn red flagstone, its colour is attributed to St Patrick reputedly having hurt his toe on this stone resulting in his blood staining the stone for forever more. There used to be a pilgrimage to it in days gone by, there was a hole there where you put your pin, the hole is still in the rock. It was thought the waters of this well when used with proper faith possessed a miraculous power of curing diseases (http://irelandsholywells.blogspot.ie/2014/03/saint-patricks-well-carlanstown-county).
Castletownmoor
Castletown-Moor BAILE CAISLEAN NA MONA meaning town of the castle of the bog (Fitzsimons, 1974, 26).
The only recorded archaeology for this townland is a ringfort or rath, (ME011-036), a raised circular area defined by scarp (diam. 25m) with slight indications of a fosse (ditch) E-ESE. The entrance may be at ESE (Moore, 1987, 64).
The Civil Survey of (1654-6) states that Sir Thomas Newgent, Irish papist was the proprietor of 128 acres of land in Castletowne the Moore (Fitzsimons, 1974, 93). The Book of Survey & Distribution suggests that Col. Redmond became the proprietor of Castletowne ye Moore townland (Fitzsimons, 1974, 103)
There was a limestone quarry in the west side of the townland and large limestones appear in the subsoil throughout (Fitzsimons, 1974, 27).
The Bradleys of Castletownmoor were associated with the building of a house at Castletownmoor Cross for a police barracks. They were known to have evicted many tenants of their lands and the police gave them protection. The road was known locally by the name of Barrack road as a result (Fitzsimons, 1974, 218).
Part of a stone slab with the Fleming coat of arms used to be in the possession of Mr Michael Carpenter, Castletownmoor (Fitzsimons, 1974, 103).
This extract from the Schools folklore collection by Ted Smyth explains what the townland was like in 1938. “Our house is situated in the townland of Castletownmoor. In the townland of Kilbeg and in the barony of Morgallion. There are about 15 families in it, and about fifty people. Mooney is the family name most common. The houses are mostly all slated. The townland got its name from a great big moor all covered with heather and trees. There is an old woman over seventy living it. She can speak no Irish but can tell many stories in English. There is many ruins of old houses through the district. There's ruins of an old grave yard and an old church in the district. There is a lovely house in it, and at first it was a police barracks. There are many sells?? around it. There is a bog in it, and there was a whole colony of houses along side it, of which are all now in ruins. The people who lived in them emigrated to America because the times were too hard in Ireland” (http://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/5008985/4974025/5111387).
Another recollection of the area from Mr Luke Kearney, Castletownmoor further suggests that the area suffered greatly from emigration, “There was a place down there called the Lowtown field, below Castletownmoor Cross. There were three hundred families living in it and they (Dyas’s) evicted every one of them. All of them went to America” (Fitzsimons, 1974, 212).
Castletown-Moor BAILE CAISLEAN NA MONA meaning town of the castle of the bog (Fitzsimons, 1974, 26).
The only recorded archaeology for this townland is a ringfort or rath, (ME011-036), a raised circular area defined by scarp (diam. 25m) with slight indications of a fosse (ditch) E-ESE. The entrance may be at ESE (Moore, 1987, 64).
The Civil Survey of (1654-6) states that Sir Thomas Newgent, Irish papist was the proprietor of 128 acres of land in Castletowne the Moore (Fitzsimons, 1974, 93). The Book of Survey & Distribution suggests that Col. Redmond became the proprietor of Castletowne ye Moore townland (Fitzsimons, 1974, 103)
There was a limestone quarry in the west side of the townland and large limestones appear in the subsoil throughout (Fitzsimons, 1974, 27).
The Bradleys of Castletownmoor were associated with the building of a house at Castletownmoor Cross for a police barracks. They were known to have evicted many tenants of their lands and the police gave them protection. The road was known locally by the name of Barrack road as a result (Fitzsimons, 1974, 218).
Part of a stone slab with the Fleming coat of arms used to be in the possession of Mr Michael Carpenter, Castletownmoor (Fitzsimons, 1974, 103).
This extract from the Schools folklore collection by Ted Smyth explains what the townland was like in 1938. “Our house is situated in the townland of Castletownmoor. In the townland of Kilbeg and in the barony of Morgallion. There are about 15 families in it, and about fifty people. Mooney is the family name most common. The houses are mostly all slated. The townland got its name from a great big moor all covered with heather and trees. There is an old woman over seventy living it. She can speak no Irish but can tell many stories in English. There is many ruins of old houses through the district. There's ruins of an old grave yard and an old church in the district. There is a lovely house in it, and at first it was a police barracks. There are many sells?? around it. There is a bog in it, and there was a whole colony of houses along side it, of which are all now in ruins. The people who lived in them emigrated to America because the times were too hard in Ireland” (http://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/5008985/4974025/5111387).
Another recollection of the area from Mr Luke Kearney, Castletownmoor further suggests that the area suffered greatly from emigration, “There was a place down there called the Lowtown field, below Castletownmoor Cross. There were three hundred families living in it and they (Dyas’s) evicted every one of them. All of them went to America” (Fitzsimons, 1974, 212).
Clonagara
Clonagara or Cluiain na g-carta means lawn of the rocks (Fitzsimons, 1974, 35). It is in the Parish of Newtown, Barony of Lower Kells and bounded on the north by Moynalty parish and on the east and south by Kilbeg Parish and on the West by Peru townland.
The Civil Survey of (1654-6) states that Patrick Betagh of Newtowne, Irish papist, was the proprietor of 64 acres of land in Clonegarrah (Fitzsimons, 1974, p 90). The Down Survey of Ireland (1656-1658) sought to measure all the land to be confiscated from the Catholic Irish in order to facilitate its redistribution to Merchant Adventurers and English soldiers. The Book of Survey & Distribution suggests that Hen. Morton and Hen. Betagh became the proprietors Clongarrah townland (Fitzsimons, 1974, 103)
The Ordnance Survey Namebook, 1836 states that Mr Charles Reilly Esq resides in the Parish of Kilbeg and holds all the townland at £1.1.0 per Irish acre and nearly all in grazing and soil of the best quality and stocked with sheep. Cess 1s 8d per acre. There are no roads in this townland and only one house for Mr Reilys herd and no hills of any note (Fitzsimons, 1974, 36)
Clonagara or Cluiain na g-carta means lawn of the rocks (Fitzsimons, 1974, 35). It is in the Parish of Newtown, Barony of Lower Kells and bounded on the north by Moynalty parish and on the east and south by Kilbeg Parish and on the West by Peru townland.
The Civil Survey of (1654-6) states that Patrick Betagh of Newtowne, Irish papist, was the proprietor of 64 acres of land in Clonegarrah (Fitzsimons, 1974, p 90). The Down Survey of Ireland (1656-1658) sought to measure all the land to be confiscated from the Catholic Irish in order to facilitate its redistribution to Merchant Adventurers and English soldiers. The Book of Survey & Distribution suggests that Hen. Morton and Hen. Betagh became the proprietors Clongarrah townland (Fitzsimons, 1974, 103)
The Ordnance Survey Namebook, 1836 states that Mr Charles Reilly Esq resides in the Parish of Kilbeg and holds all the townland at £1.1.0 per Irish acre and nearly all in grazing and soil of the best quality and stocked with sheep. Cess 1s 8d per acre. There are no roads in this townland and only one house for Mr Reilys herd and no hills of any note (Fitzsimons, 1974, 36)
Deerpark
Deerpark is Páirc na bhFianna in Irish (https://www.townlands.ie/meath/lower-kells/newtown/newtown/deerpark/). It is difficult to determine when this Deerpark outside Carlanstown was established. Some parks are medieval in date. The place name “Deerpark is quite common in post medieval Ireland however townlands or areas of land called “Park” can be of high medieval or later origin (https://pilgrimagemedievalireland.com/tag/deerpark-in-medieval-ireland/). Deerparks were a common feature of landed estates. The townland Deerpark at Carlanstown, Co Meath is not depicted in the Down Survey Map of 1654 and so probably didn’t exist before this date.
A medieval deer park was an enclosed area of land surrounded by a wall hedge, ditch or palings (a wooden fence) or by a combination of these. The word park means “enclosure” (https://pilgrimagemedievalireland.com/tag/deerpark-in-medieval-ireland/). A ditch was sometimes created on the inside of the enclosure increasing the effective height. Some parks had deer "leaps", where there was an external ramp and the inner ditch was constructed on a grander scale, thus allowing deer to enter the park but preventing them from leaving (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deer_park_(England). Some still have high deerpark walls. There were often holes in the walls to allow hunters to shoot the deer through the wall (Tallon, 2013). There are examples of medieval parks between 4 and 913 acres in Ireland although the majority would have ranged from twenty to two hundred acres. The main purpose of Deerparks was to herd fallow deer but they were also used for growing large trees and protecting them for future construction projects. Cattle and other animals were also let pasture in some of these parks (https://pilgrimagemedievalireland.com/tag/deerpark-in-medieval-ireland/).
The Ordnance Survey 6” Map, 1829-1841 of Deerpark townland, Co Meath shows a mill race running along western boundary orientated in a NE SW direction towards Plubber mill in Newtown townland. There are indications of a weir outside the southwest perimeter corner of the boundary of Deerpark townland. There a few houses also along the southern and eastern perimeters.
Deerpark is Páirc na bhFianna in Irish (https://www.townlands.ie/meath/lower-kells/newtown/newtown/deerpark/). It is difficult to determine when this Deerpark outside Carlanstown was established. Some parks are medieval in date. The place name “Deerpark is quite common in post medieval Ireland however townlands or areas of land called “Park” can be of high medieval or later origin (https://pilgrimagemedievalireland.com/tag/deerpark-in-medieval-ireland/). Deerparks were a common feature of landed estates. The townland Deerpark at Carlanstown, Co Meath is not depicted in the Down Survey Map of 1654 and so probably didn’t exist before this date.
A medieval deer park was an enclosed area of land surrounded by a wall hedge, ditch or palings (a wooden fence) or by a combination of these. The word park means “enclosure” (https://pilgrimagemedievalireland.com/tag/deerpark-in-medieval-ireland/). A ditch was sometimes created on the inside of the enclosure increasing the effective height. Some parks had deer "leaps", where there was an external ramp and the inner ditch was constructed on a grander scale, thus allowing deer to enter the park but preventing them from leaving (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deer_park_(England). Some still have high deerpark walls. There were often holes in the walls to allow hunters to shoot the deer through the wall (Tallon, 2013). There are examples of medieval parks between 4 and 913 acres in Ireland although the majority would have ranged from twenty to two hundred acres. The main purpose of Deerparks was to herd fallow deer but they were also used for growing large trees and protecting them for future construction projects. Cattle and other animals were also let pasture in some of these parks (https://pilgrimagemedievalireland.com/tag/deerpark-in-medieval-ireland/).
The Ordnance Survey 6” Map, 1829-1841 of Deerpark townland, Co Meath shows a mill race running along western boundary orientated in a NE SW direction towards Plubber mill in Newtown townland. There are indications of a weir outside the southwest perimeter corner of the boundary of Deerpark townland. There a few houses also along the southern and eastern perimeters.
Drakerath
Drakerath is Baile an Dracaigh in Irish. Drake rath is thought to mean the rath of Drake, a family name (http://www.logainm.ie/en/38313).
The Drake family were early Norman planters settled in what is now the parish of Kilbeg and they gave their name to various townlands-Drakerath and Drakestown in Meath another Drakestown near Ardee. During the reign of Richard II (1367-1400), Richard Drake of Drakestown was conceded the office of High Sherriff of the county (Burke, 1836, 192). When, at the beginning of the penal laws, all parish priests were required to register, Rev. John Drake was “Popish priest of Staholmog, Kilbeg, Robertstown and Emlagh.” These were small ancient parishes that had become united under one pastor, and owing to the scarcity of priests further “Unions” were formed as time went on. It was, possibly, a brother of this Rev. John Drake who had been an Officer at the seige of Limerick, and his son, Peter, was among the thousands of young men in the first flight of the wild geese to France (Fitzsimons, 1974, 275). The mansion of Drakerath was situated in the Barony of Kells in the County of Meath and was erected by a member of the family of Ashe, from the county of Devon, who acquired large estates in this part of Ireland and settled here. Those estates continued vested in their descendents until the rebellion of 1641, when they were forfeited, for they took the Catholic side, but a small portion was subsequently reclaimed by the Court of Claims in the beginning of Charles the II reign. A cadet of the family, Captain Peter Drake, a soldier of fortune, who followed the wars through all the fields of Europe... published a very amusing detail of his adventures... “I was born” he says “12th Oct 1671, my father’s name was George; he was the eldest son of William Drake of Drakerath and mother Elizabeth was the eldest daughter of Patrick Stanley Esq of Marlstown, in the Co. of Louth” (Burke, 1836, 192).
A castle at Drakerath, ME011-026, in Staholmog parish and Kells barony is depicted on the Down Survey (1656-8) barony and parish maps (http://downsurvey.tcd.ie/). According to the Civil Survey John Drake of Drakerath owned 360 acres there in 1640 and ‘an old castle’ was on the property (Fitzsimons, 1974, 93). The castle is depicted as one structure in a farm complex on the 1836 ed. of the OS 6-inch map. It is on a slight rise in a fairly level landscape but is not visible at ground level in pasture. The Ordnance Survey Namebooks of 1836 state that Drakerath Castle, a small tower about 30 feet high is overgrown with ivy... the inhabitants cannot tell what family it belonged to or when levelled (Fitzsimons,1974, 33). The castle has deteriorated to a fragment of wall on the 1908 ed map.
In 1836 there was a small low mound known as The Fort, in the west corner of the Fort field, Drakerath. This appears to no longer exist.
The Book of Survey & Distribution suggests that Col. Redmond became the proprietor of Drakerath townland (Fitzsimons, 1974, 103). The Drakes were forced to forfeit their claim to the land following their allegience to
The Schools Folklore Collection, 1938 records the presence of a Holy well in Drakerath “There is a field in Drakerath owned by Mr O Carroll which is named “Tobar Maire” and it is believed there was one a holy well in this field until Mr Drake, a former owner of Drakerath ordered the well to be closed. This well got its name from a woman named Mary Reilly who got a cure of a bad disease called paralysis by drinking the water of this well” (http://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/5008987/4974311).
The National Museum of Ireland, Kildare St, Dublin has one artefact from Drakerath townland, a lozenge shaped flint arrowhead, found 20ft deep in a bog dating from the Neolithic period (3000-2000BC). A tub of what appeared to be butter was found by Frank Connolly and Phillip Collins on Drakerath bog but there was no record in the National Museum of the find being notified “When we were working on the bog we came across a tub of butter. I took possession of it and sent it to the County Council Office. They sent it to Dublin. It was a wooden tub about 1 1/2 inches thick chiselled out of the trunk of a tree, about 18 inches in diameter and the same height, in the shape of a bucket. It had a wooden lid too. The man cutting the turf, Frank Connolly I think it was, put the spade through the lid. It was in perfect condition and several tasted the butter. It was over between Drakesrath and Mountainstown. There was supposed to have been a little colony there on the tail of Drakerath over from Katie Red Paddys. People in those days used to preserve the butter by burying it. The butter went to Navan and I never heard tell of it anymore. It was supposed to be sent to Dublin. There was a bit of a spif in the paper about it at the time” (Fitzsimons, 1974, 86 & 207,208).
Drakerath is Baile an Dracaigh in Irish. Drake rath is thought to mean the rath of Drake, a family name (http://www.logainm.ie/en/38313).
The Drake family were early Norman planters settled in what is now the parish of Kilbeg and they gave their name to various townlands-Drakerath and Drakestown in Meath another Drakestown near Ardee. During the reign of Richard II (1367-1400), Richard Drake of Drakestown was conceded the office of High Sherriff of the county (Burke, 1836, 192). When, at the beginning of the penal laws, all parish priests were required to register, Rev. John Drake was “Popish priest of Staholmog, Kilbeg, Robertstown and Emlagh.” These were small ancient parishes that had become united under one pastor, and owing to the scarcity of priests further “Unions” were formed as time went on. It was, possibly, a brother of this Rev. John Drake who had been an Officer at the seige of Limerick, and his son, Peter, was among the thousands of young men in the first flight of the wild geese to France (Fitzsimons, 1974, 275). The mansion of Drakerath was situated in the Barony of Kells in the County of Meath and was erected by a member of the family of Ashe, from the county of Devon, who acquired large estates in this part of Ireland and settled here. Those estates continued vested in their descendents until the rebellion of 1641, when they were forfeited, for they took the Catholic side, but a small portion was subsequently reclaimed by the Court of Claims in the beginning of Charles the II reign. A cadet of the family, Captain Peter Drake, a soldier of fortune, who followed the wars through all the fields of Europe... published a very amusing detail of his adventures... “I was born” he says “12th Oct 1671, my father’s name was George; he was the eldest son of William Drake of Drakerath and mother Elizabeth was the eldest daughter of Patrick Stanley Esq of Marlstown, in the Co. of Louth” (Burke, 1836, 192).
A castle at Drakerath, ME011-026, in Staholmog parish and Kells barony is depicted on the Down Survey (1656-8) barony and parish maps (http://downsurvey.tcd.ie/). According to the Civil Survey John Drake of Drakerath owned 360 acres there in 1640 and ‘an old castle’ was on the property (Fitzsimons, 1974, 93). The castle is depicted as one structure in a farm complex on the 1836 ed. of the OS 6-inch map. It is on a slight rise in a fairly level landscape but is not visible at ground level in pasture. The Ordnance Survey Namebooks of 1836 state that Drakerath Castle, a small tower about 30 feet high is overgrown with ivy... the inhabitants cannot tell what family it belonged to or when levelled (Fitzsimons,1974, 33). The castle has deteriorated to a fragment of wall on the 1908 ed map.
In 1836 there was a small low mound known as The Fort, in the west corner of the Fort field, Drakerath. This appears to no longer exist.
The Book of Survey & Distribution suggests that Col. Redmond became the proprietor of Drakerath townland (Fitzsimons, 1974, 103). The Drakes were forced to forfeit their claim to the land following their allegience to
The Schools Folklore Collection, 1938 records the presence of a Holy well in Drakerath “There is a field in Drakerath owned by Mr O Carroll which is named “Tobar Maire” and it is believed there was one a holy well in this field until Mr Drake, a former owner of Drakerath ordered the well to be closed. This well got its name from a woman named Mary Reilly who got a cure of a bad disease called paralysis by drinking the water of this well” (http://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/5008987/4974311).
The National Museum of Ireland, Kildare St, Dublin has one artefact from Drakerath townland, a lozenge shaped flint arrowhead, found 20ft deep in a bog dating from the Neolithic period (3000-2000BC). A tub of what appeared to be butter was found by Frank Connolly and Phillip Collins on Drakerath bog but there was no record in the National Museum of the find being notified “When we were working on the bog we came across a tub of butter. I took possession of it and sent it to the County Council Office. They sent it to Dublin. It was a wooden tub about 1 1/2 inches thick chiselled out of the trunk of a tree, about 18 inches in diameter and the same height, in the shape of a bucket. It had a wooden lid too. The man cutting the turf, Frank Connolly I think it was, put the spade through the lid. It was in perfect condition and several tasted the butter. It was over between Drakesrath and Mountainstown. There was supposed to have been a little colony there on the tail of Drakerath over from Katie Red Paddys. People in those days used to preserve the butter by burying it. The butter went to Navan and I never heard tell of it anymore. It was supposed to be sent to Dublin. There was a bit of a spif in the paper about it at the time” (Fitzsimons, 1974, 86 & 207,208).
Emlagh
IMLEAC means a marsh or morass or lands on the bank of a lake (Fitzsimons, 1974, 29).
Emlagh is a fine flat Parish having about 180 acres of bog in the SE and the Borora river runs through it and it affords excellent crops and pasture. The large bog is a well known source of fuel for the surrounding area. Emlagh or Imlagh is a parish in the barony of Lower Kells. An abbey was founded here at an early period, called Imleach-Fia and Imleach- Beccain, the patron saint of which was St Beccan. The dedication was later changed to that of the Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Mother of God (Fitzsimons, 1974, 37).
Proper archaeological research has not yet been carried at Emlagh. Around 600AD, a monastery was founded in Emlagh and then in 688 it was the scene of a significant battle which led to the division of the kingdom of Brega. This kingdom covered roughly what is now County Meath. The Brega dynasty was descended from Aed Slaine, King of Tara, who was killed in 604, and Emlagh may have been the burial place of its early kings (Fitzsimons, 1974, 259).
The church at Emlagh (ME011-039) was founded by St. Beccan at Imbleach Beccain or Imbleadh Fiae and it is believed that seven bishops were buried there. The Annals of the 4 Masters notes, the deaths of Abbot Graiphnech (737), Abbot Abel (747), Forinnan (798), Abbot Suibhne mac Forannan (843), Reachtabhra, (948) Chief priest of Clonmacnoise, Abbot of Imleach Fia, and Abbot Ceallach (990). The saint is Beagán, whose only exploit seems to have been the raising of the son of a king of Tara from the dead (Ó Riain, 2011, 92). O’Ciretha, the erenach of Imleach, is recorded on a late 11th century charter in the Book of Kells (O’Connell 1959, 34). After the Anglo Norman settlement Emlagh became a parish, and a church at Emlagh is listed in the ecclesiastical taxation (1302-06) of Pope Nicholas IV. Ussher (1622) describes the church and chancel at Emlaghbeggan as ruined (Erlington 1847-64, 1, xc). Dopping (1682-5) also describes the church of Emlagh as ruined and it was not enclosed (Ellison 1973, 9). The parish church of Emlagh is situated on the South side of what was once an island in Emlagh bog. According to the Dopping and Royal Visitations (1682-93) the church had been in ruins since 1641 and it was not enclosed (Ellison 1973, 9). The early monastery and parish church is within a subrectangular graveyard (ME011-039001) (dims c. 45-65m N-S; c. 30-40m E-W) defined by earthen banks and hedges and has the remains of a mortuary enclosure (ext. dims 7m E-W; 5m N-S) with some 20th century headstones. About 60m from this enclosure and at base of knoll on which it is situated is a slight scarp or ditch (Wth c. 5m; D 0.2-0.4m) N-E-S, which may form part of an ecclesiastical enclosure (ME011-039002-) (Moore, 2014). The Ordnance Survey Namebook records “Part of an ancient circular granite cross about 2 feet diameter is still in the graveyard” (Fitzsimons, 1974, 30).
The Civil Survey of (1654-6) states that Gerrald Fleming of Cubrah (Cabrah) was the landowner of 238 acres of land in Emlough. There was also on the “premises a wast chappell & weare” (Fitzsimons, 1974, 89). The detailed terrier accompanying the map for the Parish of Emlogh in the Down Survey of Ireland (1656-1658) states that “the Island of Emlogh hath on it an old stone house a waste chappell a great deepe passé between the mainland and it in which pass was heretofore a stone causey part whereof is yet to be seen at the bottom of the water this pass is at the least 40 perches. Long the dwellers pass with a cott into the island” (Fitzsimons, 1974, 96). The causeway (ME011-039003) mentioned in the Down Survey extending NW towards Cravelltonne (Gravelstown) from the island in the Red moor of Emlogh, is probably now occupied by the road. (Moore, 1987, 135) (Moore, 2014) (http://downsurvey.tcd.ie/down-survey-maps.php#bm=Kells&c=Meath). The Book of Survey & Distribution suggests that Col. Redmond became the proprietor of Emlough townland following the redistribution of land after the 1641 rebellion (Fitzsimons, 1974, 103).
Local folklore indicates that in a corner of the Priests Field in Emlagh there is a clump of elder bushes and Thomas Cowley wouldn’t let them be cut because that’s where mass used to be said when the priests were on the run (Fitzsimons, 1974, 212). The Schools folklore Collection, 1938, records that “Emlagh churchyard is very ancient, and there are old very old crosses and also the ruins of an old monastery to be found there. It is situated on the road leading to Emlagh bog. This road is called by the locals the "Bog Road" and branches off the Ardee road about half a mile from the village of Carlanstown. (You must pass the "Geatha Geama", or the "Blind gate" on your way to Emlagh)” http://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/5008986/4974140.
In June 2016 a prehistoric, possibly 2000 year old 10kg lump of bog butter thought to possibly have been a gift to the gods was found by turf cutters. It was recovered by Jack Conway from Maghera, Co Cavan, while he worked on Emlagh bog in Co Meath. The find has been sent to the National Museum, where it will be preserved (http://www.irishtimes.com/culture/heritage/2-000-year-old-bog-butter-unearthed-in-co-meath-1.2678854).
IMLEAC means a marsh or morass or lands on the bank of a lake (Fitzsimons, 1974, 29).
Emlagh is a fine flat Parish having about 180 acres of bog in the SE and the Borora river runs through it and it affords excellent crops and pasture. The large bog is a well known source of fuel for the surrounding area. Emlagh or Imlagh is a parish in the barony of Lower Kells. An abbey was founded here at an early period, called Imleach-Fia and Imleach- Beccain, the patron saint of which was St Beccan. The dedication was later changed to that of the Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Mother of God (Fitzsimons, 1974, 37).
Proper archaeological research has not yet been carried at Emlagh. Around 600AD, a monastery was founded in Emlagh and then in 688 it was the scene of a significant battle which led to the division of the kingdom of Brega. This kingdom covered roughly what is now County Meath. The Brega dynasty was descended from Aed Slaine, King of Tara, who was killed in 604, and Emlagh may have been the burial place of its early kings (Fitzsimons, 1974, 259).
The church at Emlagh (ME011-039) was founded by St. Beccan at Imbleach Beccain or Imbleadh Fiae and it is believed that seven bishops were buried there. The Annals of the 4 Masters notes, the deaths of Abbot Graiphnech (737), Abbot Abel (747), Forinnan (798), Abbot Suibhne mac Forannan (843), Reachtabhra, (948) Chief priest of Clonmacnoise, Abbot of Imleach Fia, and Abbot Ceallach (990). The saint is Beagán, whose only exploit seems to have been the raising of the son of a king of Tara from the dead (Ó Riain, 2011, 92). O’Ciretha, the erenach of Imleach, is recorded on a late 11th century charter in the Book of Kells (O’Connell 1959, 34). After the Anglo Norman settlement Emlagh became a parish, and a church at Emlagh is listed in the ecclesiastical taxation (1302-06) of Pope Nicholas IV. Ussher (1622) describes the church and chancel at Emlaghbeggan as ruined (Erlington 1847-64, 1, xc). Dopping (1682-5) also describes the church of Emlagh as ruined and it was not enclosed (Ellison 1973, 9). The parish church of Emlagh is situated on the South side of what was once an island in Emlagh bog. According to the Dopping and Royal Visitations (1682-93) the church had been in ruins since 1641 and it was not enclosed (Ellison 1973, 9). The early monastery and parish church is within a subrectangular graveyard (ME011-039001) (dims c. 45-65m N-S; c. 30-40m E-W) defined by earthen banks and hedges and has the remains of a mortuary enclosure (ext. dims 7m E-W; 5m N-S) with some 20th century headstones. About 60m from this enclosure and at base of knoll on which it is situated is a slight scarp or ditch (Wth c. 5m; D 0.2-0.4m) N-E-S, which may form part of an ecclesiastical enclosure (ME011-039002-) (Moore, 2014). The Ordnance Survey Namebook records “Part of an ancient circular granite cross about 2 feet diameter is still in the graveyard” (Fitzsimons, 1974, 30).
The Civil Survey of (1654-6) states that Gerrald Fleming of Cubrah (Cabrah) was the landowner of 238 acres of land in Emlough. There was also on the “premises a wast chappell & weare” (Fitzsimons, 1974, 89). The detailed terrier accompanying the map for the Parish of Emlogh in the Down Survey of Ireland (1656-1658) states that “the Island of Emlogh hath on it an old stone house a waste chappell a great deepe passé between the mainland and it in which pass was heretofore a stone causey part whereof is yet to be seen at the bottom of the water this pass is at the least 40 perches. Long the dwellers pass with a cott into the island” (Fitzsimons, 1974, 96). The causeway (ME011-039003) mentioned in the Down Survey extending NW towards Cravelltonne (Gravelstown) from the island in the Red moor of Emlogh, is probably now occupied by the road. (Moore, 1987, 135) (Moore, 2014) (http://downsurvey.tcd.ie/down-survey-maps.php#bm=Kells&c=Meath). The Book of Survey & Distribution suggests that Col. Redmond became the proprietor of Emlough townland following the redistribution of land after the 1641 rebellion (Fitzsimons, 1974, 103).
Local folklore indicates that in a corner of the Priests Field in Emlagh there is a clump of elder bushes and Thomas Cowley wouldn’t let them be cut because that’s where mass used to be said when the priests were on the run (Fitzsimons, 1974, 212). The Schools folklore Collection, 1938, records that “Emlagh churchyard is very ancient, and there are old very old crosses and also the ruins of an old monastery to be found there. It is situated on the road leading to Emlagh bog. This road is called by the locals the "Bog Road" and branches off the Ardee road about half a mile from the village of Carlanstown. (You must pass the "Geatha Geama", or the "Blind gate" on your way to Emlagh)” http://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/5008986/4974140.
In June 2016 a prehistoric, possibly 2000 year old 10kg lump of bog butter thought to possibly have been a gift to the gods was found by turf cutters. It was recovered by Jack Conway from Maghera, Co Cavan, while he worked on Emlagh bog in Co Meath. The find has been sent to the National Museum, where it will be preserved (http://www.irishtimes.com/culture/heritage/2-000-year-old-bog-butter-unearthed-in-co-meath-1.2678854).
Farranalcock
Farranalcock FEARAN ALCOCK meaning Alcocks land (Fitzsimons, 1974, 15).
The Ordnance Survey Namebook, 1836 states that the townland was the property of Mr Taaffe who has it all let to Mr Reilly of Kilbeg at £1.10s per acre, it is all grazing land and stocked by Mr Reilly, there is not a house in this townland except one where a herd and a caretaker live in the south end (Fitzsimons, 1974, 16).
Farranalcock FEARAN ALCOCK meaning Alcocks land (Fitzsimons, 1974, 15).
The Ordnance Survey Namebook, 1836 states that the townland was the property of Mr Taaffe who has it all let to Mr Reilly of Kilbeg at £1.10s per acre, it is all grazing land and stocked by Mr Reilly, there is not a house in this townland except one where a herd and a caretaker live in the south end (Fitzsimons, 1974, 16).
Glenrath
The Irish Gleann a raith means 'glen of the fort' (Fitzsimons, 1974, 16). There is no sign of a fort here now but there is a small one a little to the west of it in Gravelstown.
The Civil Survey of (1654-6) states that James Fleming, Irish Papist was the proprietor of 22 acres of “arrable land in Gleninrath” (Fitzsimons, 1974, 91). The Book of Survey & Distribution suggests that John ffleming and Col Dan Redmond became the proprietors of Glenrath townland following the confiscation of lands after the 1641 rebellion (Fitzsimons, 1974, 102).
The Ordnance Survey Namebook, 1836 states that the area was the property of Mr Nathl Lowe (Agent Mr Dyas of Belfast let to 3 or 4 tenants at 27s. per Irish acre) (Fitzsimons, 1974, 16).
There was once a schoolhouse in this townland as evidenced by the Ordnance survey maps of 1836 (Fitzsimons, 1974, 39)
The Irish Gleann a raith means 'glen of the fort' (Fitzsimons, 1974, 16). There is no sign of a fort here now but there is a small one a little to the west of it in Gravelstown.
The Civil Survey of (1654-6) states that James Fleming, Irish Papist was the proprietor of 22 acres of “arrable land in Gleninrath” (Fitzsimons, 1974, 91). The Book of Survey & Distribution suggests that John ffleming and Col Dan Redmond became the proprietors of Glenrath townland following the confiscation of lands after the 1641 rebellion (Fitzsimons, 1974, 102).
The Ordnance Survey Namebook, 1836 states that the area was the property of Mr Nathl Lowe (Agent Mr Dyas of Belfast let to 3 or 4 tenants at 27s. per Irish acre) (Fitzsimons, 1974, 16).
There was once a schoolhouse in this townland as evidenced by the Ordnance survey maps of 1836 (Fitzsimons, 1974, 39)
Gravelstown
There have been various ways of spelling Gravelstown. It appears a Cravelstowne in the Down Survey, 1656-1658 and as Gravelstown in the Ordnance Survey Namebooks of 1836 (Fitzsimons, 1974, 31). The exact meaning of this townland name is unclear.
It is a townland with a long settlement history indicated by the presence of several archaeological features. There are three known standing stones in the townland ME011-046001, ME011-046002 and ME011-047. Standing stones were thought to be boundary markers however they may also represent burial sites as cists and urn burials are sometimes found in association with them. They range in date from the Bronze Age (c, 2200- 1550 BC) to Early Christian. There is also a category of standing stones from the modern era which were erected as cattle scratchers.
There are also two known Mounds/ Barrows in Gravelstown. A Barrow is an earthen construction that can range in date from the Neolithic to the late Iron Age. They range in form from low mounds to steep sided mounds and can sometimes be defined by a ditch or bank. Some barrows were reused by the Normans for mottes and baileys and later castle sites. The first of the Barrows in Gravelstown (ME011-022) is oval in shape (dims. 22m N-S, 17m E-W, max. present H 2.5m) and badly quarried in the centre (Moore, 1987, 29). The second mound/ barrow is (ME011-027) a circular mound (diam. 30m, H 6m) surrounded by modern drystone-built revetment and planted with trees (Moore, 1987, 29).
A Fulacht fia ME011-038 (buried burnt stones and a hearth) was found in removing an old field fence and is located beside an old stream bed in the townland (Moore, 1987, 45) (RMAHS 1985-6, 62-5). Fulachta Fiadhs are generally dated to the Bronze Age right through to the medieval period. They have most commonly been interpreted as open air cooking places and usually consist of water filled pit into which heated stones would have been placed to aid the possible cooking of meat. Over a long period of use these hot stones result in a mound of heat shattered stone forming.
A castle at Crauelstowne (ME011-028) in Emlogh parish and Kells barony is depicted on the Down Survey (1656-8) barony and parish maps (http://downsurvey.tcd.ie/). According to the Civil Survey (1641) the Baron of Howth owned 350 acres there in 1640 and ‘a waste castle’ was on the property (Fitzsimons, 1974, 89). The castle is depicted as one structure in a farm complex on the 1836 ed. of the OS 6-inch map and as a shell (dims c. 10m NE-SW; c. 5m NE-SW) with a projection at the E end of the NW wall on the 1908 ed. Only a featureless portion of the NE wall of this building remains (Moore, 1987, 171). It was supposed to have once been in the possession of the Martin family and although overgrown with ivy its walls still stood at about 24 feet high in 1835 (Fitzsimons,1974, 35).
The Civil Survey of (1654-6) states that the Lord of Hoth, Protestant was the landowner of 350 acres of land in Cravelstown on which stood a wast castle (Fitzsimons, 1974, 89). The Book of Survey & Distribution suggests that Lord Hoth remained the proprietor of Cravelstowne townland (Fitzsimons, 1974, 103).
The Schools Folklore Collection, 1938 records the presence of a Holy well in Gravelstown. “There is a well in Gravelstown in a field owned by John Hand which is called the “Holy Well” and many people were stopped vomiting by drinking sups of water three times out of the well. This well is situated in a field called the “Crocan Ban” which means the white hill and people who wanted a cure would have to leave a remembrance behind them, and if they would not leave something behind them then a cure would not be performed” (http://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/5008987/4974310).
The townland of Gravelstown has had some interesting political scenarios. In 1880 Lord Howth raised the rent for Gravelstown to £3 per acre. The tenants of the area with the help of their great friend Alec Walker of the Glebe, a Protestant, appealed to the courts against the increase in one of the first appeals of this kind in Ireland, and won their case. It remained for many years to be the cheapest rented land in all Meath. The lawyer who contested the appeal for the people was a friend of Mr Walker and Parnell and gave his services free of charge. Lord Howth bore no ill feelings against his tenants and as a gesture of goodwill he afterwards invited them with Mr Walker and the priest of the time for a day to Howth Castle and he paid the return fares from Kells railway station (Fitzsimons, 1974, 214).
This interesting extract from “The Parish of Kilbeg” gives a brief account of Gravelstown House. “My great grandfather bought Gravelstown House from Nathaniel Manning of Drakestown, Ardee. Before that time a Protestant family called Loundes lived there. They were there in 1798 and were reputed to have shot the croppies from the top gable windows that Paddy Farrelly, the present owner has since built up. After my grand father came to live there mass would be celebrated every Christmas day in a barn in the yard as a relic of the penal days. The yard would be swept clean and covered with straw. All the local people would attend. This arrangement continued into my father’s time. Lord Howth used visit Gravelstown for a month every year and in my grandfathers time he would stay in Gravelstown house. My aunt, used do all the cooking for him. On 6th January 1839 the roof was blown off Gravelstown house. That was the night of the Big Wind. There were no Bangor slates available at the time to re-roof it so it was thatched and remained that way for a few years. When slates became available the thatch was removed and the building reslated. Regarding the building of Gravelstown House plans were drawn for a site further down the Bog Road, along the lane. A mare foaled on a May morning and as this was considered a lucky omen the house was built on the spot instead.
It is haunted we have reason to believe, not the house itself but outside about the yard. My grandfather was a great man in public life; he was chairman of the Board of Guardians in Kells for many years, until he was unable to go out any longer. There was one particular night he was driving out and was pretty late coming home. They had a workman called Johnty Kane who would have his tea with them and afterwards feed the stall-feds for the night. At that stage my grandfather had not returned so Johnty decided he would wait for him to put up the horse and feed him. He went in and sat at the kitchen fire joining in the conversation. Then they all heard a horse and vehicle coming trotting the avenue and across the yard. So Johnty went out to take charge of the horse but when he got to the yard nobody was there. They had another man working and when he was going out one night he met a lady on the avenue dressed in white. He greeted her but got no reply.
The family had a low back car in Gravelstown around 1845 or ’46. It was the Rolls Royce of the period but went out of fashion because the British Government imposed a five shilling tax. The only way to avoid the tax was to use the car to cart farmyard manure on a day when the Inspector would call. It went out of service and the back to back trap developed (Fitzsimons, 1974, 221-223).
There have been various ways of spelling Gravelstown. It appears a Cravelstowne in the Down Survey, 1656-1658 and as Gravelstown in the Ordnance Survey Namebooks of 1836 (Fitzsimons, 1974, 31). The exact meaning of this townland name is unclear.
It is a townland with a long settlement history indicated by the presence of several archaeological features. There are three known standing stones in the townland ME011-046001, ME011-046002 and ME011-047. Standing stones were thought to be boundary markers however they may also represent burial sites as cists and urn burials are sometimes found in association with them. They range in date from the Bronze Age (c, 2200- 1550 BC) to Early Christian. There is also a category of standing stones from the modern era which were erected as cattle scratchers.
There are also two known Mounds/ Barrows in Gravelstown. A Barrow is an earthen construction that can range in date from the Neolithic to the late Iron Age. They range in form from low mounds to steep sided mounds and can sometimes be defined by a ditch or bank. Some barrows were reused by the Normans for mottes and baileys and later castle sites. The first of the Barrows in Gravelstown (ME011-022) is oval in shape (dims. 22m N-S, 17m E-W, max. present H 2.5m) and badly quarried in the centre (Moore, 1987, 29). The second mound/ barrow is (ME011-027) a circular mound (diam. 30m, H 6m) surrounded by modern drystone-built revetment and planted with trees (Moore, 1987, 29).
A Fulacht fia ME011-038 (buried burnt stones and a hearth) was found in removing an old field fence and is located beside an old stream bed in the townland (Moore, 1987, 45) (RMAHS 1985-6, 62-5). Fulachta Fiadhs are generally dated to the Bronze Age right through to the medieval period. They have most commonly been interpreted as open air cooking places and usually consist of water filled pit into which heated stones would have been placed to aid the possible cooking of meat. Over a long period of use these hot stones result in a mound of heat shattered stone forming.
A castle at Crauelstowne (ME011-028) in Emlogh parish and Kells barony is depicted on the Down Survey (1656-8) barony and parish maps (http://downsurvey.tcd.ie/). According to the Civil Survey (1641) the Baron of Howth owned 350 acres there in 1640 and ‘a waste castle’ was on the property (Fitzsimons, 1974, 89). The castle is depicted as one structure in a farm complex on the 1836 ed. of the OS 6-inch map and as a shell (dims c. 10m NE-SW; c. 5m NE-SW) with a projection at the E end of the NW wall on the 1908 ed. Only a featureless portion of the NE wall of this building remains (Moore, 1987, 171). It was supposed to have once been in the possession of the Martin family and although overgrown with ivy its walls still stood at about 24 feet high in 1835 (Fitzsimons,1974, 35).
The Civil Survey of (1654-6) states that the Lord of Hoth, Protestant was the landowner of 350 acres of land in Cravelstown on which stood a wast castle (Fitzsimons, 1974, 89). The Book of Survey & Distribution suggests that Lord Hoth remained the proprietor of Cravelstowne townland (Fitzsimons, 1974, 103).
The Schools Folklore Collection, 1938 records the presence of a Holy well in Gravelstown. “There is a well in Gravelstown in a field owned by John Hand which is called the “Holy Well” and many people were stopped vomiting by drinking sups of water three times out of the well. This well is situated in a field called the “Crocan Ban” which means the white hill and people who wanted a cure would have to leave a remembrance behind them, and if they would not leave something behind them then a cure would not be performed” (http://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/5008987/4974310).
The townland of Gravelstown has had some interesting political scenarios. In 1880 Lord Howth raised the rent for Gravelstown to £3 per acre. The tenants of the area with the help of their great friend Alec Walker of the Glebe, a Protestant, appealed to the courts against the increase in one of the first appeals of this kind in Ireland, and won their case. It remained for many years to be the cheapest rented land in all Meath. The lawyer who contested the appeal for the people was a friend of Mr Walker and Parnell and gave his services free of charge. Lord Howth bore no ill feelings against his tenants and as a gesture of goodwill he afterwards invited them with Mr Walker and the priest of the time for a day to Howth Castle and he paid the return fares from Kells railway station (Fitzsimons, 1974, 214).
This interesting extract from “The Parish of Kilbeg” gives a brief account of Gravelstown House. “My great grandfather bought Gravelstown House from Nathaniel Manning of Drakestown, Ardee. Before that time a Protestant family called Loundes lived there. They were there in 1798 and were reputed to have shot the croppies from the top gable windows that Paddy Farrelly, the present owner has since built up. After my grand father came to live there mass would be celebrated every Christmas day in a barn in the yard as a relic of the penal days. The yard would be swept clean and covered with straw. All the local people would attend. This arrangement continued into my father’s time. Lord Howth used visit Gravelstown for a month every year and in my grandfathers time he would stay in Gravelstown house. My aunt, used do all the cooking for him. On 6th January 1839 the roof was blown off Gravelstown house. That was the night of the Big Wind. There were no Bangor slates available at the time to re-roof it so it was thatched and remained that way for a few years. When slates became available the thatch was removed and the building reslated. Regarding the building of Gravelstown House plans were drawn for a site further down the Bog Road, along the lane. A mare foaled on a May morning and as this was considered a lucky omen the house was built on the spot instead.
It is haunted we have reason to believe, not the house itself but outside about the yard. My grandfather was a great man in public life; he was chairman of the Board of Guardians in Kells for many years, until he was unable to go out any longer. There was one particular night he was driving out and was pretty late coming home. They had a workman called Johnty Kane who would have his tea with them and afterwards feed the stall-feds for the night. At that stage my grandfather had not returned so Johnty decided he would wait for him to put up the horse and feed him. He went in and sat at the kitchen fire joining in the conversation. Then they all heard a horse and vehicle coming trotting the avenue and across the yard. So Johnty went out to take charge of the horse but when he got to the yard nobody was there. They had another man working and when he was going out one night he met a lady on the avenue dressed in white. He greeted her but got no reply.
The family had a low back car in Gravelstown around 1845 or ’46. It was the Rolls Royce of the period but went out of fashion because the British Government imposed a five shilling tax. The only way to avoid the tax was to use the car to cart farmyard manure on a day when the Inspector would call. It went out of service and the back to back trap developed (Fitzsimons, 1974, 221-223).
Horath
There are two possible interpretations of the townland name of Horath. The first is RAT O DRA, Hores rath or earthern fort (Fitzsimons, 1974, 17) and the second is Odhars fort (Moore, B). The whereabouts of this rath are unknown.
There is one known archaeological feature in the townland and this is ME011-008 a Fulacht fia, a horseshoe shaped mound (max dims. 9m by 7m) situated beside a stream (Moore, 1987, 45).
The Civil Survey of (1654-6) states that the Patr. Metagh Irish Papist was the landowner of 286 acres of land in Horath on which stood a wast castle (Fitzsimons, 1974, 102). The Book of Survey & Distribution suggests that Tho. Taylor and Hen. Betagh became the proprietors of dispossessed lands in Horath townland (Fitzsimons, 1974, 102).
The Ordnance Survey Name book, 1836 states that Horath House is at about the centre of the townland on high ground and on the east of the road from Kells to Ardemagh. It is a fine farm house 2 story high, well glazed, slated and good accommodation of out houses. The Tevlin Family were responsible for the building of the old school at Horath Cross and for the appointment of the teachers. The first school master was a Mr Farrell and he was so good that students were sent from as far away as Slane (Fitzsimons, 1974, 262).
There are two possible interpretations of the townland name of Horath. The first is RAT O DRA, Hores rath or earthern fort (Fitzsimons, 1974, 17) and the second is Odhars fort (Moore, B). The whereabouts of this rath are unknown.
There is one known archaeological feature in the townland and this is ME011-008 a Fulacht fia, a horseshoe shaped mound (max dims. 9m by 7m) situated beside a stream (Moore, 1987, 45).
The Civil Survey of (1654-6) states that the Patr. Metagh Irish Papist was the landowner of 286 acres of land in Horath on which stood a wast castle (Fitzsimons, 1974, 102). The Book of Survey & Distribution suggests that Tho. Taylor and Hen. Betagh became the proprietors of dispossessed lands in Horath townland (Fitzsimons, 1974, 102).
The Ordnance Survey Name book, 1836 states that Horath House is at about the centre of the townland on high ground and on the east of the road from Kells to Ardemagh. It is a fine farm house 2 story high, well glazed, slated and good accommodation of out houses. The Tevlin Family were responsible for the building of the old school at Horath Cross and for the appointment of the teachers. The first school master was a Mr Farrell and he was so good that students were sent from as far away as Slane (Fitzsimons, 1974, 262).
Kilbeg
Kilbeg CILL A BIG, CILL BEAG is believed to be translated as a small or little church Cill Beag (Fitzsimons, 1974, 10).
KILBEG, or KILMAINHAMBEG, a parish, in the barony of LOWER KELLS, county of MEATH, and province of LEINSTER, 4 miles (N. by E.) from Kells, on the road to Nobber; containing, with the parish of Robertstown, 1478 inhabitants. This parish takes its name from a commandery of Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, founded by Walter de Lacy in the reign of Richard I, which was a cell to that of Kilmainham, near Dublin, but of which no vestige can be traced (Lewis, 1837). It is recorded that in 1292 Friar John of St Bottulph was preceptor of Kilmainham-beg. In 1326 Friar Roger Utlawe was preceptor of Kilmainham-beg (Pat 2 Edward the second) and in 1381 King Richard the second appointed Friar Richard White preceptor of Kilmainham-beg, the Archdeacon of Meath, Andrew Daundon and Thomas Fleming, Baron of Slane to supervise the guardians of the peace for the baronies of Kells, Morgallion, Slane and Navan (Cogan, 1867). Dr Philip O’Connell thinks that Kilmainhambeg and Kilmainhamwood are two ends of a portion of land under the control of the Kells Kilmainham Hospitallers; certainly in the old maps, Newtown, Cruicetown etc are all marked in brackets “Earlier designation Kilmainham.” The monastic map of Ireland marks Kilmainhambeg and Kilmainhamwood as two separate Class B Hospitals of the Order of St John and Kells as a Class A hospital of the same order (Fitzsimons, 1974, 271-272).
In the reign of Henry the VIII (1491-1547) the possessions of Kilmainhambeg were confiscated and the friars ejected from the hospital. April 20th 1568 Queen Elizabeth instructed that “Alexander Barnwall of Robertowne shall have a lease in reversion of the commandery of Kylmaynhambeg, lying near O Reyleys country, for twenty one years more than he had, paying the accustomed and usual rent, and upon condition that he build such fortification as shall be thought meete by our deputy and council for the strengthening of those borders of the country against O Reilly and Mc Mahon within the space of two years” (Fitzsimons, 1974, 42). The State Paper of 1588 states that “Kilmainhambeg friary lies a heap of ruins due to Thos. Barnwalls devastation, also his son Alex. and Sir Thos. Cusacks devastations”. In her notes on Robertstown Dr Beryl Moore explains how Alex Barnwall was given certain perquisites by Queen Elizabeth I if he built a castle (Robertstown present castle) and took certain other precautions to keep out the two clans of O'Reillys and Mc Mahons. It would appear that he and his family earned their reward, and part of their perquisites was Kilmainhambeg Friary and its gardens and lands, hence the driving out of the monks and devastating of their property. An Inquisition of 1640 Kilbeg and Robertstown parishes, tithes and Glebes “the inappropriate Rectory consisting of all the freate tythes of ye sayd parish of Kilbeg and Robertstown were in ye orresayd yeare in the possession of Margaret Barnewall alias Dongan, widow, by lease from Captayne Allexander Enons of Dublin whoe held the same from the Crowne the yearly vallew of the sayde tythes were £40 sterling” (Moore,B FE ).
There are some considerable archaeological features in the townland of Kilbeg. ME011-018 is a ringfort/rath in Kilbeg lower. It has a raised subcircular area defined by high scarp (dims. 68m E-W, 62m N-S) with traces of fosse NNE-E. There is no visible entrance (Moore, 1987, 77).
The most substantial of these archaeological monuments is a motte and bailey (ME011-019) in Kilbeg Upper. It is situated on part of an esker ridge. The motte is a subcircular, flat-topped and grass-covered earthen mound with a fosse. The motte is connected by a causeway to a raised circular bailey (Moore, 1987, 159). The motte of Kilbeg is said to have an underground passage 20 perches in length from Kilbeg bridge to the bottom of the motte. Underground passages or souterrains leading from forts to neighbouring castles, houses or other forts were quite common in times past. Often constructed in the form of underground beehive shaped chambers they would have had a variety of uses from storage facilities for foodstuffs to safe deposit of treasures and people during turbulent times (Moore, B). Folklore records that “there is a cave which starts at Tevlins, Newrath and continues under O’Reillys gardens toward the Hill of Lios. Another branch of it crosses the road between the old forge and the entrance gates to O Reillys coming from Skellys field towards the Lios. Yet another branch from the Hill of the Lios to the Moate of Kilbeg crosses the road opposite the entrance gates to Joe O Reillys house at the Glebe. I actually discovered the cave accidentally while digging in O Reillys garden and I repaired it on the back avenue several times where a flagstone used to fall in occasionally. There is no doubt whatever in my mind about the existence of this cave” (Fitzsimons, 1974, 219).
Located to the east of the motte is the parish church of Kilbeg (ME011-020). It is situated on a slight rise in a fairly level landscape with a small NW SE stream c. 50m to the north. A church at Kilbeg is listed in the ecclesiastical taxation (1302-06) of Pope Nicholas IV (Cal. doc. Ire. 5, 260). Ussher (1622) describes the church and chancel at Kilbegge as ruinous (Erlington 1847-64, 1, xc). According to Dopping’s Visitation (1682-3) the church of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Kilbeg had been in disrepair since 1641, although it was enclosed (Ellison 1973, 8) (Moore, 2014). The church is represented by the foundations of an undivided nave and chancel structure (ext. dims 15m E-W; 7.97m N-S; int. dims 12.84m E-W; 5.7m N-S) reduced to the foundations (Wth 0.9-1.25m; H 0.2-0.4m) of clay-bonded walls. The E end of the S wall is re-built inside its original line creating a narrower E end (int. dim. 4.5m at E). No features are visible, not even an entrance although it was possibly to the North. The motte and bailey (ME011-019) is c. 70m to the WSW (Moore, 2014). Archaeological testing NW of the graveyard produced some trenches (Wth of base 0.4-0.6m) cut into the subsoil overlain by a substantial wall with a shallow ditch on its N side. A large amount of slag and medieval pottery was recovered (Meenan, 1991).
The medieval parish church is within a D-shaped graveyard (ME011-020001) defined by a slight bank that is retained by an external stone-cladding NW-E-SW. The original perimeter is absent SW-NW where the graveyard has been extended (dims c. 40 45m E-W; c. 30m N-S) to a N-S public road. There is a sandstone cross-slab (ME011-020003) with a ringed cross in relief occupying its E face in the graveyard. The design is composed of raised double lines (Wth of shaft, arms 11-12cm) with the double lines of the ring (ext. diam. 0.26m; int. diam. 0.16m) connecting the arms and shaft (Moore, 2014). The Ordnance Survey Name book, 1836 mentions that there was also a second cross and a water trough (Fitzsimons, 1974, 85). George Du Noyer in the 1860’s recorded through drawings the presence of a sundial in Kilbeg graveyard. The medieval style dial is in the centre of the slab and the inscription “{Pr}ay for Terrence Bennet 1746” was added at a later time. The hour lines in the upper left quadrant appear to be missing. It is not known if this was deliberate or if the stone was damaged (http://www.sundials-ireland.com/amedieval/kilbeg.htm).
In Kilbeg Upper there is also an Earthwork (ME011-021), a circular area, defined by scarp SE-N (diam. 26m) and an enclosure (ME011-023) which was discovered during the digging of foundations of house (Moore, 1987, 111 & 102).
There was a well named Tobar Brighde 100 perches from the old church of Kilbeg to the south (Ordnance Survey Ireland, 1836). There is no memory nowadays of this well being a holy well though all the old maps show 6 or 7 footpaths (right of ways) leading to this well. Wells dedicated to this saint were formerly springs where fertility rites were performed in Pagan days at the commencement of Spring i.e. Feb 1st. After the introduction of Christianity the adoration of St Brigid also on 1st of Feb was substituted (Moore, B).
The Civil Survey of (1654-6) states that William Allin of St Wolstans, Irish Papist was the proprietor of 331 acres of land in Kilbeg. “A castle and a waste mill theron” (Fitzsimons, 1974, 92). In 1640 the Archdeacon of the County of Meath, Robert Usher held land in the Barrony of Kells this included “a house roome & a backside & ten acres” in Kilbeg (Fitzsimons, 1974, 94). The Down Survey of Ireland (1656-1658) sought to measure all the land to be confiscated from the Catholic Irish in order to facilitate its redistribution to Merchant Adventurers and English soldiers. The detailed terrier accompanying the map for the townland of Kilbeg mentions that there is “a waste castle a Mount some cabins a waste mill and a Rath or Danish Fort” (Fitzsimons, 1974, 98). The Book of Survey & Distribution suggests that the land in Kilbegg townland was divided among James Ffleming (40 acres), Hen. Morton (70 acres), John Fleming (15 acres), Ja. & Mary Allen (500 acres) John Ffleming (70 acres) Hen. Betagh (10 acres) (Fitzsimons, 1974, 102).
Kilbeg CILL A BIG, CILL BEAG is believed to be translated as a small or little church Cill Beag (Fitzsimons, 1974, 10).
KILBEG, or KILMAINHAMBEG, a parish, in the barony of LOWER KELLS, county of MEATH, and province of LEINSTER, 4 miles (N. by E.) from Kells, on the road to Nobber; containing, with the parish of Robertstown, 1478 inhabitants. This parish takes its name from a commandery of Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, founded by Walter de Lacy in the reign of Richard I, which was a cell to that of Kilmainham, near Dublin, but of which no vestige can be traced (Lewis, 1837). It is recorded that in 1292 Friar John of St Bottulph was preceptor of Kilmainham-beg. In 1326 Friar Roger Utlawe was preceptor of Kilmainham-beg (Pat 2 Edward the second) and in 1381 King Richard the second appointed Friar Richard White preceptor of Kilmainham-beg, the Archdeacon of Meath, Andrew Daundon and Thomas Fleming, Baron of Slane to supervise the guardians of the peace for the baronies of Kells, Morgallion, Slane and Navan (Cogan, 1867). Dr Philip O’Connell thinks that Kilmainhambeg and Kilmainhamwood are two ends of a portion of land under the control of the Kells Kilmainham Hospitallers; certainly in the old maps, Newtown, Cruicetown etc are all marked in brackets “Earlier designation Kilmainham.” The monastic map of Ireland marks Kilmainhambeg and Kilmainhamwood as two separate Class B Hospitals of the Order of St John and Kells as a Class A hospital of the same order (Fitzsimons, 1974, 271-272).
In the reign of Henry the VIII (1491-1547) the possessions of Kilmainhambeg were confiscated and the friars ejected from the hospital. April 20th 1568 Queen Elizabeth instructed that “Alexander Barnwall of Robertowne shall have a lease in reversion of the commandery of Kylmaynhambeg, lying near O Reyleys country, for twenty one years more than he had, paying the accustomed and usual rent, and upon condition that he build such fortification as shall be thought meete by our deputy and council for the strengthening of those borders of the country against O Reilly and Mc Mahon within the space of two years” (Fitzsimons, 1974, 42). The State Paper of 1588 states that “Kilmainhambeg friary lies a heap of ruins due to Thos. Barnwalls devastation, also his son Alex. and Sir Thos. Cusacks devastations”. In her notes on Robertstown Dr Beryl Moore explains how Alex Barnwall was given certain perquisites by Queen Elizabeth I if he built a castle (Robertstown present castle) and took certain other precautions to keep out the two clans of O'Reillys and Mc Mahons. It would appear that he and his family earned their reward, and part of their perquisites was Kilmainhambeg Friary and its gardens and lands, hence the driving out of the monks and devastating of their property. An Inquisition of 1640 Kilbeg and Robertstown parishes, tithes and Glebes “the inappropriate Rectory consisting of all the freate tythes of ye sayd parish of Kilbeg and Robertstown were in ye orresayd yeare in the possession of Margaret Barnewall alias Dongan, widow, by lease from Captayne Allexander Enons of Dublin whoe held the same from the Crowne the yearly vallew of the sayde tythes were £40 sterling” (Moore,B FE ).
There are some considerable archaeological features in the townland of Kilbeg. ME011-018 is a ringfort/rath in Kilbeg lower. It has a raised subcircular area defined by high scarp (dims. 68m E-W, 62m N-S) with traces of fosse NNE-E. There is no visible entrance (Moore, 1987, 77).
The most substantial of these archaeological monuments is a motte and bailey (ME011-019) in Kilbeg Upper. It is situated on part of an esker ridge. The motte is a subcircular, flat-topped and grass-covered earthen mound with a fosse. The motte is connected by a causeway to a raised circular bailey (Moore, 1987, 159). The motte of Kilbeg is said to have an underground passage 20 perches in length from Kilbeg bridge to the bottom of the motte. Underground passages or souterrains leading from forts to neighbouring castles, houses or other forts were quite common in times past. Often constructed in the form of underground beehive shaped chambers they would have had a variety of uses from storage facilities for foodstuffs to safe deposit of treasures and people during turbulent times (Moore, B). Folklore records that “there is a cave which starts at Tevlins, Newrath and continues under O’Reillys gardens toward the Hill of Lios. Another branch of it crosses the road between the old forge and the entrance gates to O Reillys coming from Skellys field towards the Lios. Yet another branch from the Hill of the Lios to the Moate of Kilbeg crosses the road opposite the entrance gates to Joe O Reillys house at the Glebe. I actually discovered the cave accidentally while digging in O Reillys garden and I repaired it on the back avenue several times where a flagstone used to fall in occasionally. There is no doubt whatever in my mind about the existence of this cave” (Fitzsimons, 1974, 219).
Located to the east of the motte is the parish church of Kilbeg (ME011-020). It is situated on a slight rise in a fairly level landscape with a small NW SE stream c. 50m to the north. A church at Kilbeg is listed in the ecclesiastical taxation (1302-06) of Pope Nicholas IV (Cal. doc. Ire. 5, 260). Ussher (1622) describes the church and chancel at Kilbegge as ruinous (Erlington 1847-64, 1, xc). According to Dopping’s Visitation (1682-3) the church of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Kilbeg had been in disrepair since 1641, although it was enclosed (Ellison 1973, 8) (Moore, 2014). The church is represented by the foundations of an undivided nave and chancel structure (ext. dims 15m E-W; 7.97m N-S; int. dims 12.84m E-W; 5.7m N-S) reduced to the foundations (Wth 0.9-1.25m; H 0.2-0.4m) of clay-bonded walls. The E end of the S wall is re-built inside its original line creating a narrower E end (int. dim. 4.5m at E). No features are visible, not even an entrance although it was possibly to the North. The motte and bailey (ME011-019) is c. 70m to the WSW (Moore, 2014). Archaeological testing NW of the graveyard produced some trenches (Wth of base 0.4-0.6m) cut into the subsoil overlain by a substantial wall with a shallow ditch on its N side. A large amount of slag and medieval pottery was recovered (Meenan, 1991).
The medieval parish church is within a D-shaped graveyard (ME011-020001) defined by a slight bank that is retained by an external stone-cladding NW-E-SW. The original perimeter is absent SW-NW where the graveyard has been extended (dims c. 40 45m E-W; c. 30m N-S) to a N-S public road. There is a sandstone cross-slab (ME011-020003) with a ringed cross in relief occupying its E face in the graveyard. The design is composed of raised double lines (Wth of shaft, arms 11-12cm) with the double lines of the ring (ext. diam. 0.26m; int. diam. 0.16m) connecting the arms and shaft (Moore, 2014). The Ordnance Survey Name book, 1836 mentions that there was also a second cross and a water trough (Fitzsimons, 1974, 85). George Du Noyer in the 1860’s recorded through drawings the presence of a sundial in Kilbeg graveyard. The medieval style dial is in the centre of the slab and the inscription “{Pr}ay for Terrence Bennet 1746” was added at a later time. The hour lines in the upper left quadrant appear to be missing. It is not known if this was deliberate or if the stone was damaged (http://www.sundials-ireland.com/amedieval/kilbeg.htm).
In Kilbeg Upper there is also an Earthwork (ME011-021), a circular area, defined by scarp SE-N (diam. 26m) and an enclosure (ME011-023) which was discovered during the digging of foundations of house (Moore, 1987, 111 & 102).
There was a well named Tobar Brighde 100 perches from the old church of Kilbeg to the south (Ordnance Survey Ireland, 1836). There is no memory nowadays of this well being a holy well though all the old maps show 6 or 7 footpaths (right of ways) leading to this well. Wells dedicated to this saint were formerly springs where fertility rites were performed in Pagan days at the commencement of Spring i.e. Feb 1st. After the introduction of Christianity the adoration of St Brigid also on 1st of Feb was substituted (Moore, B).
The Civil Survey of (1654-6) states that William Allin of St Wolstans, Irish Papist was the proprietor of 331 acres of land in Kilbeg. “A castle and a waste mill theron” (Fitzsimons, 1974, 92). In 1640 the Archdeacon of the County of Meath, Robert Usher held land in the Barrony of Kells this included “a house roome & a backside & ten acres” in Kilbeg (Fitzsimons, 1974, 94). The Down Survey of Ireland (1656-1658) sought to measure all the land to be confiscated from the Catholic Irish in order to facilitate its redistribution to Merchant Adventurers and English soldiers. The detailed terrier accompanying the map for the townland of Kilbeg mentions that there is “a waste castle a Mount some cabins a waste mill and a Rath or Danish Fort” (Fitzsimons, 1974, 98). The Book of Survey & Distribution suggests that the land in Kilbegg townland was divided among James Ffleming (40 acres), Hen. Morton (70 acres), John Fleming (15 acres), Ja. & Mary Allen (500 acres) John Ffleming (70 acres) Hen. Betagh (10 acres) (Fitzsimons, 1974, 102).
Marvelstown
Marvelstown BAILE MARBAIL, Mavals town (Ordnance Survey Ireland, 1836) (Fitzsimons, 1974, 19). Locally called Marvellstown; Marval is a very old family name, now rarely or ever met with (Moore, B).
The Civil Survey of (1654-6) states that James Plunkett of Marvelstowne, Irish Papist was the proprietor of 99 acres of land in Marvelstown. “A small waste castle hereon” (Fitzsimons, 1974, 91). The Down Survey of Ireland (1656-1658) sought to measure all the land to be confiscated from the Catholic Irish in order to facilitate its redistribution to Merchant Adventurers and English soldiers. The detailed terrier accompanying the map for the townland of Marvilstowne suggests there was “a Waste Castle”, the location of which is now unknown (Fitzsimons, 1974, 98). The Book of Survey & Distribution suggest that Philip Harris became the proprietor of this townland (Fitzsimons, 1974, 102).
The Ordnance Survey Namebook, 1836 states that Marvelstown House, near the centre of the townland, is a beautiful farm house 2 story high slates and in good repair with offices and sheltered from North and west storms by stripes of plantation and 5 acres of orchard (Fitzsimons, 1974, 19).
The Schools Collection 1938, testifies to a tailor living in the district of Marvelstown http://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/5008987/4974344).
Marvelstown BAILE MARBAIL, Mavals town (Ordnance Survey Ireland, 1836) (Fitzsimons, 1974, 19). Locally called Marvellstown; Marval is a very old family name, now rarely or ever met with (Moore, B).
The Civil Survey of (1654-6) states that James Plunkett of Marvelstowne, Irish Papist was the proprietor of 99 acres of land in Marvelstown. “A small waste castle hereon” (Fitzsimons, 1974, 91). The Down Survey of Ireland (1656-1658) sought to measure all the land to be confiscated from the Catholic Irish in order to facilitate its redistribution to Merchant Adventurers and English soldiers. The detailed terrier accompanying the map for the townland of Marvilstowne suggests there was “a Waste Castle”, the location of which is now unknown (Fitzsimons, 1974, 98). The Book of Survey & Distribution suggest that Philip Harris became the proprietor of this townland (Fitzsimons, 1974, 102).
The Ordnance Survey Namebook, 1836 states that Marvelstown House, near the centre of the townland, is a beautiful farm house 2 story high slates and in good repair with offices and sheltered from North and west storms by stripes of plantation and 5 acres of orchard (Fitzsimons, 1974, 19).
The Schools Collection 1938, testifies to a tailor living in the district of Marvelstown http://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/5008987/4974344).
Moat
The meaning of Moat or MOTA possibly refers to a large Motte in the townland. The motte possibly referred to in the identification of this townland is ME005-080 a flat-topped, grass-covered earthen mound (diam. of top 23.5m NE-SW; 22m N-S; diam. of base 37m N-S; c. 42m NE-SW; H 3.3m at N to 4.2m at SW) defined by wide V-shaped fosse The foundations of a large building ME005-080001 are visible as a sunken area (int. dims 7m E-W; c. 4.5m N-S) on the summit (Moore, 1987,160).
There is also a bivallate ringfort in this townland ME005-081 which is a circular area defined by an earthen bank (diam. 56m NNW-SSE) with external fosse and outer bank. The external ditch may be entirely modern (max. ext. diam. 80m) The original entrance to this ringfort may have been at the SE or SSE (Moore, 1987, 81).
The Civil Survey of (1654-6) states that Christo: Plunkett of Ardmah, Irish papist was the landowner of 238 acres of land in The Mote & Ballintylan (Fitzsimons, 1974, 92). The Book of Survey & Distribution suggest that several including James Stopford (125 acres), Ralph Rochford (120 acres), Tho. Lawrence (64 acres), Tho. Taylor (30 acres) became the proprietors of lands in the townland of Mote (Fitzsimons, 1974, 102).
The Schools Collection, 1838 records that “there is a well in Moat along the road from Ardamagh to the Moat of Kilbeg and it is known locally as the Blessed well. People go to it on the 29th of June. If a person had a wart on him if he washed it in the well and tied a piece of cloth on the bush beside it, as soon as the cloth would be withered away the wart would be gone. The well is built of stone and there is a flag of stone which covers part of it. The well is square and the people pray at every corner of it. Some people say, that it was St Patrick discovered it when he was in this district” (http://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/5008987/4974314). Another well is also mentioned as being a place of pilgrimage on 15th of August. I was called Our Ladys Well andwas located on the side of the road below Moate. People with sores go there still and hang up something on the bush that is over it (Fitzsimons, 1974, 202).
Mullaghreagh
The highest point of the Parish of Kilbeg is in the townland of Mullaghreagh. At 520ft high above sea level, MULLACH RIACH meaning “Grey summit” gives its name to this townland. It is nearly all grazing land (poor cold and wet) with bad subsoil (Fitzsimons, 1974, 20).
The highest point of the Parish of Kilbeg is in the townland of Mullaghreagh. At 520ft high above sea level, MULLACH RIACH meaning “Grey summit” gives its name to this townland. It is nearly all grazing land (poor cold and wet) with bad subsoil (Fitzsimons, 1974, 20).
Newrath
Newrath RAT NUA translates as new rath (Fitzsimons, 1974, 20). There are no longer any traces of a rath in this townland.
The Civil Survey of (1654-6) states that Sir Thomas Newgent & James Fitz Jones of Fyanstowne, Irish Papists were the proprietors of 88 acres of land in Newrath and Balliniskeah (Fitzsimons, 1974, 92). The Book of Survey & Distribution suggest that Tho Taylor (82 acres) and Sr Theop Jones (6 acres) became the proprietors of disposed lands in Newrath townland (Fitzsimons, 1974, 102).
Miss Maureen Tevlin of Newrath was the keeper of many historical objects including the following items; a head of a pike which was made in a forge in the Rock Field; a penal mass stone on which a small cross is etched, an anvil, a cauldron, a blunderbuss and an old weighing machine. The cauldron was used for boiling red Indian meal for tenants and other locals during the famine. The blunderbuss is thought to have belonged to a Capt Geraghty, and Miss Tevlin is also accredited with having a small pistol which is also reputedly belonged to the Captain, who was a friend of the family and was hanged in 1798 (Fitzsimons, 1974, 262-263).
The Tevlin family were responsible for the building of the old school at Horath Cross and for the appointment of the teachers. The first schoolmaster was a Mr Farrell and was so good that student’s were sent from as far away as Slane, one of those was Mackin who probably stayed at Newrath House (Fitzsimons, 1974, 262).
The area has some interesting folklore. Marriages used to take place at Mass stations. At a station’s in Tevlins house, during Maureen Tevlins great great grandfather’s time, a couple were married with a key of a door instead of a ring (Fitzsimons, 1974, 263). An account given by Mr Richard Cassidy, 60 years of age, 19th of July 1972 indicates the presence of a souterrain at Newrath. “There is a cave which starts at Tevlins, Newrath and continues under O’ Reillys gardens toward the Hill of Lios. Another branch of it crosses the road between the old forge and the entrance gates to O Reillys coming from Skellys field towards the Lios. Yet another branch from the Hill of the Lios to the Moate of Kilbeg crosses the road opposite the entrance gates to Joe O Reillys house at the Glebe. I actually discovered the cave accidentally while digging in O Reillys garden and I repaired it on the back avenue several times where a flagstone used to fall in occasionally. There is no doubt whatever in my mind about the existence of this cave; I could still point out those places where, as I have already said, I saw it. Michael Tevlin, Newrath, was supposed to have the key for the cave entrance at Newrath yard; all the old people used to say so anyway. With regard to the other two caves if you walk the road any frosty night you will hear the echo of footsteps in the distance, as you will also hear when walking the road at O Reillys where I have seen the cave” (Fitzsimons, 1974, 220) .
Newrath RAT NUA translates as new rath (Fitzsimons, 1974, 20). There are no longer any traces of a rath in this townland.
The Civil Survey of (1654-6) states that Sir Thomas Newgent & James Fitz Jones of Fyanstowne, Irish Papists were the proprietors of 88 acres of land in Newrath and Balliniskeah (Fitzsimons, 1974, 92). The Book of Survey & Distribution suggest that Tho Taylor (82 acres) and Sr Theop Jones (6 acres) became the proprietors of disposed lands in Newrath townland (Fitzsimons, 1974, 102).
Miss Maureen Tevlin of Newrath was the keeper of many historical objects including the following items; a head of a pike which was made in a forge in the Rock Field; a penal mass stone on which a small cross is etched, an anvil, a cauldron, a blunderbuss and an old weighing machine. The cauldron was used for boiling red Indian meal for tenants and other locals during the famine. The blunderbuss is thought to have belonged to a Capt Geraghty, and Miss Tevlin is also accredited with having a small pistol which is also reputedly belonged to the Captain, who was a friend of the family and was hanged in 1798 (Fitzsimons, 1974, 262-263).
The Tevlin family were responsible for the building of the old school at Horath Cross and for the appointment of the teachers. The first schoolmaster was a Mr Farrell and was so good that student’s were sent from as far away as Slane, one of those was Mackin who probably stayed at Newrath House (Fitzsimons, 1974, 262).
The area has some interesting folklore. Marriages used to take place at Mass stations. At a station’s in Tevlins house, during Maureen Tevlins great great grandfather’s time, a couple were married with a key of a door instead of a ring (Fitzsimons, 1974, 263). An account given by Mr Richard Cassidy, 60 years of age, 19th of July 1972 indicates the presence of a souterrain at Newrath. “There is a cave which starts at Tevlins, Newrath and continues under O’ Reillys gardens toward the Hill of Lios. Another branch of it crosses the road between the old forge and the entrance gates to O Reillys coming from Skellys field towards the Lios. Yet another branch from the Hill of the Lios to the Moate of Kilbeg crosses the road opposite the entrance gates to Joe O Reillys house at the Glebe. I actually discovered the cave accidentally while digging in O Reillys garden and I repaired it on the back avenue several times where a flagstone used to fall in occasionally. There is no doubt whatever in my mind about the existence of this cave; I could still point out those places where, as I have already said, I saw it. Michael Tevlin, Newrath, was supposed to have the key for the cave entrance at Newrath yard; all the old people used to say so anyway. With regard to the other two caves if you walk the road any frosty night you will hear the echo of footsteps in the distance, as you will also hear when walking the road at O Reillys where I have seen the cave” (Fitzsimons, 1974, 220) .
Newtown
There was a small village at Newtown, in Drakerath townland (Fitzsimons, 1974, 39). There is no trace of it now. A landowner named Smith is credited with removing the last of these houses while he lived in Drakerath. It is believed that approx twenty one families lived in this townland. A fellow by the name of Lame Charlie, his surname was Reilly, was a hedge schoolmaster there. He taught lessons at night. (Fitzsimons, 1974, 218).
There was a small village at Newtown, in Drakerath townland (Fitzsimons, 1974, 39). There is no trace of it now. A landowner named Smith is credited with removing the last of these houses while he lived in Drakerath. It is believed that approx twenty one families lived in this townland. A fellow by the name of Lame Charlie, his surname was Reilly, was a hedge schoolmaster there. He taught lessons at night. (Fitzsimons, 1974, 218).
Reask
The Irish name for Balreask is Baile Réisc (www.Logainm.ie). The word Reask RIASG means a morass or an area of muddy or boggy land (Fitzsimons, 1974, 31).
The Civil Survey of (1654-6) states that William Betah of Donowre was the landowner of 56 acres of land in Reisk (Fitzsimons, 1974, 89). The Down Survey of Ireland (1656-1658) sought to measure all the land to be confiscated from the Catholic Irish in order to facilitate its redistribution to Merchant Adventurers and English soldiers. The Book of Survey & Distribution suggests that Col. Redmond became the proprietor of Ballreask townland (Fitzsimons, 1974, 103)
The Irish name for Balreask is Baile Réisc (www.Logainm.ie). The word Reask RIASG means a morass or an area of muddy or boggy land (Fitzsimons, 1974, 31).
The Civil Survey of (1654-6) states that William Betah of Donowre was the landowner of 56 acres of land in Reisk (Fitzsimons, 1974, 89). The Down Survey of Ireland (1656-1658) sought to measure all the land to be confiscated from the Catholic Irish in order to facilitate its redistribution to Merchant Adventurers and English soldiers. The Book of Survey & Distribution suggests that Col. Redmond became the proprietor of Ballreask townland (Fitzsimons, 1974, 103)
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Robertstown
The Irish name for Robertstown is Balribadh (Moore, B FE). The townland of Robertstown has a long history of settlement as indicated by three ringforts ME005-061, ME005-082, ME011-009 and an enclosure ME011-010. There are also the remains of a motte (ME011-004), a church (ME011-005) which is located within a rectangular graveyard (ME011-005004) and ME011-006 an early seventeenth century stone built house.
ME005-061 is a bi-vallette ringfort meaning it has two enclosing banks. It is a subcircular area defined by earthen bank (dims. 45m NW-SE, 38m NE-SW) with external fosse and outer bank (max. ext. diam. 80m). Field fence with ditches on either side has been built on the outer bank. The original entrance with causeway is in SE (Moore, 1987, 88). ME005-082 is a subcircular area defined by remains of earthen bank and scarps (diam. 26m). A fosse is visible E-S-NW. The original entrance in SE (Moore, 1987, 89). ME011-009 is a raised circular area defined by scarp (diam. 33m) with external fosse and counterscarp S-NNW. No visible entrance (Moore, 1987, 89). A cropmark ME011-010 indicates a double-ditched enclosure (max. ext. diam. c. 40m) (Moore, 1987, 106). The majority of ringforts were enclosed settlements or farmsteads often found on or near hilltops that date from the Iron Age to medieval times. The houses enclosed were often of stone or wood and were circular or rectangular in plan (Fitzsimons, 1974, 74).
Robertstown also has the remains of a motte (ME011-004) a circular, flat-topped, grass-covered mound of earth with no visible bailey (Moore, 1987, 161). A wooden outpost/ castle may once have stood on this mound. A motte-and-bailey castle is a fortification with a wooden or stone keep situated on a raised earthwork called a motte, accompanied by an enclosed courtyard, or bailey, surrounded by a protective ditch and palisade (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motte-and-bailey_castle). Quite close to the Motte and c.250m to the NE there was a church (ME011-005) located within a rectangular graveyard (ME011-005004) defined by earthen banks and hedges. This church once stood on the edge of Robertstown lake which was later drained during land improvement (Fitzsimons, 1974, 81). There is a narrow path connecting it with a public road c. 30m to the west. On the north side of the lane entering the graveyard an incomplete Latin cross (ME011-005001) still exists. It is decorated with a crucifixion, angel’s head, an equal-armed cross set in a circle and an inscription. The inscription dates the piece to 1685 and proclaims that it was erected in the reign of the SOVERAIN LORD KING JAMES THE SECOND BY THE GRACE OF GOD (Moore, 2014).
The church would have served the Barnwall manor of Robertstown, and is probably a late foundation associated with the late 16th or early 17th century castle (ME011-006) c. 250m to the SSW. Ussher (1622) describes the church and chancel as ruinous (Erlington 1847-64, 1, xc). The church is depicted on the Down Survey (1656-8) barony map of Kells where Robertstown is a part of Kilbeg parish, and the terrier or commentary of the Kilbeg parish map describes it as a church out of repair. According to Dopping’s Visitation Book (1682-5) St. Bridget’s church had been ruined since 1641 and it was not enclosed. The church (int. dims 12.8m E-W; 6.1m N-S) is defined by a spread of cairn material and no features or walls can be identified (Moore, 2014).
Two graveslabs are exposed in pits (D 0.2-0.7m) at the NE (dated 1618) and SE (dated 1688) angles of the church. The tombstones although now sunken into what would have been the crypt level of the church are of great interest. The first tomb effigial (ME011-005002) is dedicated to Alexander Barnewall and Alison Nettervil. The centre of the slab is filled with the arms of these two families, below which there is an Irish inscription: GAN GAN EAGLE (meaning “without fear”), (Fitzsimons, 1974, 81). Underneath there are two Maltese crosses and a skull and crossed bones with the words RESPICE FINEM encircling the skull. A marginal inscription in relief in Roman capitals is as follows: HERE LYETH THE CO / RPS OF ALEXANDER BARNEWAL SOMETYM / (damage) TSTOWNE WH / O DECEASEED THE 3 OF NOVEMBER 1596 ALSON NET / TIRVIL HIS WIFE WHO / CAVSED THIS MON / VMENT TO BE MADE / ANNO 1618. A nineteenth century repair of the monument is recorded in incised lettering between the shield and the crossed bones: YS MONUMENT RENEWED BY ROBR MCMAHON FOR HIS POSTERITY 1813. Dimensions: L 2.16m;Wth0.92m (Smith,1889) (Fitzsimons,1974, 81).
The second graveslab (ME011-005005) is dedicated to the memory of Francis and Catherine Plunkett of Castlecome, Ardmagh. On a slab of sandstone, 7 feet long by 4 feet wide carved in high relief are a male and female figures (Fitzsimons,1974, 83) The carving is in high relief and apart from the two effigies, there is an angel’s head on the upper part of the slab, a skull in the lower right corner and a dog at the feet of each effigy. The dog on the left is turned on his back under his mistress’s feet while the larger dog sleeps on his stomach – his tail trailing over the edge of the slab. The smaller female figure is carved almost in the round and is set in a round-headed recess. Her husband brandishes a sword above his head and holds a shield with the Plunkett arms in his left hand. There is also a three-line inscription in Roman capitals running vertically and horizontally around the top of the slab. It is extremely worn, but was read in 1865 by Du Noyer: THIS MONVMENT / WAS ERECTED FOR FRANCIS PLUNKET of / ardm…e in the / a year 1688 / who deceased THE tre of may / 1682 and for / cathrin plvn / ket his wife who erected / this monvment / whose sovl / GOD have mercy / amen (Letters in lower case are from Du Noyer). Above the skull are some letters, unnoticed by Du Noyer, but which may read MEMTO MORI (Moore, 2014).
ME011-006 is an early seventeenth century stone built house which is partly fortified. It has three storeys and an attic with turrets, equipped with musket loops and supported on corbels at diagonally opposed corners on the first floor. The North wing was attached at a later date (Moore, 1987, 179). The NW turret of the fortified house (ME011-006) is built partly on the W wall of a bawn ME011-006001 that extended to the N and E of the original house. Gun-loops in this turret covered the W walls of the house and the bawn. Only this W wall of the bawn is partly preserved in the N wing added to the house, with a single light at the ground floor (Moore, 2014). It was occupied by Barnewall during the Elizabethan period and Gudders during the time of Cromwell. Gudders was known locally as a British tyrant. He was supposed to have fired at people going to mass. He was shot and buried in Upper Mullavalley. His grave is discernible as a low mound caused by the locals occasionally throwing a stone over the grave “to keep him from rising”. It is also believed that he used to hang people at Kilmainhamwood, not at Robertstown. Captain Meredyth rode from Bellair and cut down the scaffold. He threatened that if it were erected again he himself would hang Gudders on it. Eventually Gudders was shot by Plunket of Ardamagh (Fitzsimons, 1974, 263).
The Civil Survey of (1654-6) states that Margarett Barnewall, a widow and Irish Papist was the proprietor of 530 acres of land in Robertstowne. “Theire being on the premises a castle a church out of reparie a Mill a fishing weare and some cabins” (Fitzsimons, 1974, 90).
The detailed terrier accompanying the Down Survey map for the townland of Robertstown states that there was “In Robertstowne a faire Stone House with Gardens and orchards with a Church out of repair a Mill a Weire and Some Cabins” (Fitzsimons, 1974, p 90). Margaret Barnwall appears to have remained as a proprietor as her name is listed along with that of Ald John Preston and Tho & Ann Everard as being in receipt of disposed lands in Carlanstowne townland (Fitzsimons, 1974, 102).
In 1835 there were believed to be two hedge schools in Robertstown, one opened in 1833 and the other in 1834. Children were taught reading, writing, arithmetic and catechism (Fitzsimons, 1974, 55). The 1836 Ordnance Survey maps show that there was a schoolhouse in the townland of Robertstown about 90 perches from Ballinwar crossroads (Fitzsimons, 1974, 39).
The Schools Folklore Collection (1938) has recorded the presence of a tannery in Robertstown castle. “In the end of the seventeenth century and the beginning of the eighteenth century there was a tannery in Robertstown owned by a man named Charles O Reilly, an ancestor of the present Charles O Reilly, Kilbeg. He was known locally as "Charles na muc" because he used to feed many pigs. He bought cattle and all sorts of horses, ones that were sick and dying, and good healthy ones. He tanned the hides into leather and fed them on the carcasses. He had mock bottoms in the tannery pits made of oak planks. By this means he succeeded in deceiving the gaugers. When they measured the length of the pits as far as the planks, they thought that the planks were the bottom, but it was only half the length so Charles Reilly had only to pay tax on the half of what he was tanning but the gaugers did not think that the pits were so deep. A few months ago as two working men of the present Charles O Reilly, Kilbeg, named Dick Cassidy and Pat Galligan were digging in the plantation where the pits were they found the planks that were used for bottoms in the pits, they tried to dig them up but they could not get under to do so. A man named John Clinton, Waterstown, Moynalty, has a big trunk which was made in the tannery. These accounts were given to me by Jim Madden, Robertstown.” (http://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/5008989/4974551). The Ordnance Survey Namebooks record that in Robertstown there was a good farmhouse about 40 years ago and also a tannery but that by 1836 it was in ruins (Fitzsimons,1974, 21).
The Irish name for Robertstown is Balribadh (Moore, B FE). The townland of Robertstown has a long history of settlement as indicated by three ringforts ME005-061, ME005-082, ME011-009 and an enclosure ME011-010. There are also the remains of a motte (ME011-004), a church (ME011-005) which is located within a rectangular graveyard (ME011-005004) and ME011-006 an early seventeenth century stone built house.
ME005-061 is a bi-vallette ringfort meaning it has two enclosing banks. It is a subcircular area defined by earthen bank (dims. 45m NW-SE, 38m NE-SW) with external fosse and outer bank (max. ext. diam. 80m). Field fence with ditches on either side has been built on the outer bank. The original entrance with causeway is in SE (Moore, 1987, 88). ME005-082 is a subcircular area defined by remains of earthen bank and scarps (diam. 26m). A fosse is visible E-S-NW. The original entrance in SE (Moore, 1987, 89). ME011-009 is a raised circular area defined by scarp (diam. 33m) with external fosse and counterscarp S-NNW. No visible entrance (Moore, 1987, 89). A cropmark ME011-010 indicates a double-ditched enclosure (max. ext. diam. c. 40m) (Moore, 1987, 106). The majority of ringforts were enclosed settlements or farmsteads often found on or near hilltops that date from the Iron Age to medieval times. The houses enclosed were often of stone or wood and were circular or rectangular in plan (Fitzsimons, 1974, 74).
Robertstown also has the remains of a motte (ME011-004) a circular, flat-topped, grass-covered mound of earth with no visible bailey (Moore, 1987, 161). A wooden outpost/ castle may once have stood on this mound. A motte-and-bailey castle is a fortification with a wooden or stone keep situated on a raised earthwork called a motte, accompanied by an enclosed courtyard, or bailey, surrounded by a protective ditch and palisade (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motte-and-bailey_castle). Quite close to the Motte and c.250m to the NE there was a church (ME011-005) located within a rectangular graveyard (ME011-005004) defined by earthen banks and hedges. This church once stood on the edge of Robertstown lake which was later drained during land improvement (Fitzsimons, 1974, 81). There is a narrow path connecting it with a public road c. 30m to the west. On the north side of the lane entering the graveyard an incomplete Latin cross (ME011-005001) still exists. It is decorated with a crucifixion, angel’s head, an equal-armed cross set in a circle and an inscription. The inscription dates the piece to 1685 and proclaims that it was erected in the reign of the SOVERAIN LORD KING JAMES THE SECOND BY THE GRACE OF GOD (Moore, 2014).
The church would have served the Barnwall manor of Robertstown, and is probably a late foundation associated with the late 16th or early 17th century castle (ME011-006) c. 250m to the SSW. Ussher (1622) describes the church and chancel as ruinous (Erlington 1847-64, 1, xc). The church is depicted on the Down Survey (1656-8) barony map of Kells where Robertstown is a part of Kilbeg parish, and the terrier or commentary of the Kilbeg parish map describes it as a church out of repair. According to Dopping’s Visitation Book (1682-5) St. Bridget’s church had been ruined since 1641 and it was not enclosed. The church (int. dims 12.8m E-W; 6.1m N-S) is defined by a spread of cairn material and no features or walls can be identified (Moore, 2014).
Two graveslabs are exposed in pits (D 0.2-0.7m) at the NE (dated 1618) and SE (dated 1688) angles of the church. The tombstones although now sunken into what would have been the crypt level of the church are of great interest. The first tomb effigial (ME011-005002) is dedicated to Alexander Barnewall and Alison Nettervil. The centre of the slab is filled with the arms of these two families, below which there is an Irish inscription: GAN GAN EAGLE (meaning “without fear”), (Fitzsimons, 1974, 81). Underneath there are two Maltese crosses and a skull and crossed bones with the words RESPICE FINEM encircling the skull. A marginal inscription in relief in Roman capitals is as follows: HERE LYETH THE CO / RPS OF ALEXANDER BARNEWAL SOMETYM / (damage) TSTOWNE WH / O DECEASEED THE 3 OF NOVEMBER 1596 ALSON NET / TIRVIL HIS WIFE WHO / CAVSED THIS MON / VMENT TO BE MADE / ANNO 1618. A nineteenth century repair of the monument is recorded in incised lettering between the shield and the crossed bones: YS MONUMENT RENEWED BY ROBR MCMAHON FOR HIS POSTERITY 1813. Dimensions: L 2.16m;Wth0.92m (Smith,1889) (Fitzsimons,1974, 81).
The second graveslab (ME011-005005) is dedicated to the memory of Francis and Catherine Plunkett of Castlecome, Ardmagh. On a slab of sandstone, 7 feet long by 4 feet wide carved in high relief are a male and female figures (Fitzsimons,1974, 83) The carving is in high relief and apart from the two effigies, there is an angel’s head on the upper part of the slab, a skull in the lower right corner and a dog at the feet of each effigy. The dog on the left is turned on his back under his mistress’s feet while the larger dog sleeps on his stomach – his tail trailing over the edge of the slab. The smaller female figure is carved almost in the round and is set in a round-headed recess. Her husband brandishes a sword above his head and holds a shield with the Plunkett arms in his left hand. There is also a three-line inscription in Roman capitals running vertically and horizontally around the top of the slab. It is extremely worn, but was read in 1865 by Du Noyer: THIS MONVMENT / WAS ERECTED FOR FRANCIS PLUNKET of / ardm…e in the / a year 1688 / who deceased THE tre of may / 1682 and for / cathrin plvn / ket his wife who erected / this monvment / whose sovl / GOD have mercy / amen (Letters in lower case are from Du Noyer). Above the skull are some letters, unnoticed by Du Noyer, but which may read MEMTO MORI (Moore, 2014).
ME011-006 is an early seventeenth century stone built house which is partly fortified. It has three storeys and an attic with turrets, equipped with musket loops and supported on corbels at diagonally opposed corners on the first floor. The North wing was attached at a later date (Moore, 1987, 179). The NW turret of the fortified house (ME011-006) is built partly on the W wall of a bawn ME011-006001 that extended to the N and E of the original house. Gun-loops in this turret covered the W walls of the house and the bawn. Only this W wall of the bawn is partly preserved in the N wing added to the house, with a single light at the ground floor (Moore, 2014). It was occupied by Barnewall during the Elizabethan period and Gudders during the time of Cromwell. Gudders was known locally as a British tyrant. He was supposed to have fired at people going to mass. He was shot and buried in Upper Mullavalley. His grave is discernible as a low mound caused by the locals occasionally throwing a stone over the grave “to keep him from rising”. It is also believed that he used to hang people at Kilmainhamwood, not at Robertstown. Captain Meredyth rode from Bellair and cut down the scaffold. He threatened that if it were erected again he himself would hang Gudders on it. Eventually Gudders was shot by Plunket of Ardamagh (Fitzsimons, 1974, 263).
The Civil Survey of (1654-6) states that Margarett Barnewall, a widow and Irish Papist was the proprietor of 530 acres of land in Robertstowne. “Theire being on the premises a castle a church out of reparie a Mill a fishing weare and some cabins” (Fitzsimons, 1974, 90).
The detailed terrier accompanying the Down Survey map for the townland of Robertstown states that there was “In Robertstowne a faire Stone House with Gardens and orchards with a Church out of repair a Mill a Weire and Some Cabins” (Fitzsimons, 1974, p 90). Margaret Barnwall appears to have remained as a proprietor as her name is listed along with that of Ald John Preston and Tho & Ann Everard as being in receipt of disposed lands in Carlanstowne townland (Fitzsimons, 1974, 102).
In 1835 there were believed to be two hedge schools in Robertstown, one opened in 1833 and the other in 1834. Children were taught reading, writing, arithmetic and catechism (Fitzsimons, 1974, 55). The 1836 Ordnance Survey maps show that there was a schoolhouse in the townland of Robertstown about 90 perches from Ballinwar crossroads (Fitzsimons, 1974, 39).
The Schools Folklore Collection (1938) has recorded the presence of a tannery in Robertstown castle. “In the end of the seventeenth century and the beginning of the eighteenth century there was a tannery in Robertstown owned by a man named Charles O Reilly, an ancestor of the present Charles O Reilly, Kilbeg. He was known locally as "Charles na muc" because he used to feed many pigs. He bought cattle and all sorts of horses, ones that were sick and dying, and good healthy ones. He tanned the hides into leather and fed them on the carcasses. He had mock bottoms in the tannery pits made of oak planks. By this means he succeeded in deceiving the gaugers. When they measured the length of the pits as far as the planks, they thought that the planks were the bottom, but it was only half the length so Charles Reilly had only to pay tax on the half of what he was tanning but the gaugers did not think that the pits were so deep. A few months ago as two working men of the present Charles O Reilly, Kilbeg, named Dick Cassidy and Pat Galligan were digging in the plantation where the pits were they found the planks that were used for bottoms in the pits, they tried to dig them up but they could not get under to do so. A man named John Clinton, Waterstown, Moynalty, has a big trunk which was made in the tannery. These accounts were given to me by Jim Madden, Robertstown.” (http://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/5008989/4974551). The Ordnance Survey Namebooks record that in Robertstown there was a good farmhouse about 40 years ago and also a tannery but that by 1836 it was in ruins (Fitzsimons,1974, 21).
St Johns Rath
St John Rath RAT SAN SEON means Rath or fort of St John. This is a long crooked and very narrow townland, it is in general good pasture, excepting a large portion of bog in the south end of it (Fitzsimons,1974, 28-29).
The Civil Survey of (1654-6) states that James Fleming of Stahalmocke was the proprietor of 62 acres of land in St Johns Rath (Fitzsimons, 1974, 93). The Book of Survey & Distribution suggests that Coll Redmond, James Ffleming and John Ffleming became the proprietors of St John Rath townland (Fitzsimons, 1974, 103).
“There was a mudwall thatched chapel during the penal days, on the townland of Kilbeg and another in the townland of Johns Rath, near the Castle of Drakerath (Fitzsimons, 1974, 45).
St John Rath RAT SAN SEON means Rath or fort of St John. This is a long crooked and very narrow townland, it is in general good pasture, excepting a large portion of bog in the south end of it (Fitzsimons,1974, 28-29).
The Civil Survey of (1654-6) states that James Fleming of Stahalmocke was the proprietor of 62 acres of land in St Johns Rath (Fitzsimons, 1974, 93). The Book of Survey & Distribution suggests that Coll Redmond, James Ffleming and John Ffleming became the proprietors of St John Rath townland (Fitzsimons, 1974, 103).
“There was a mudwall thatched chapel during the penal days, on the townland of Kilbeg and another in the townland of Johns Rath, near the Castle of Drakerath (Fitzsimons, 1974, 45).
Staholmog
The townland of Staholmog bears the markings of centuries of habitation as indicated by the presence of two standing stones ME011-048001 and ME011-048002 and a ringfort ME011-024 (Raised circular area (diam. 48m) defined by scarp. Entrance may be at SE. No visible fosse).
It appears that the area gained prominence during the early Christian period when a religious settlement was formed here. The name Staholmock is derived from TOIG MOCOLMOG or Tigh Mo Cholmog, the house or church of St Mo Cholmog (Fitzsimons, 1974, 26). Throughout time it has been called by the name Easthalmog and Histy by locals (https://www.logainm.ie/en/38315). The Normans often changed church dedications and the church dedication later became associated with the Archangel Michael, which still continues to present (Fitzsimons, 1974, 38). There was a religious house called Teach Mo Cholmog in which the shrine of St Mocholmog was preserved. The old church measured 56ft 4 in by 18ft (Fitzsimons, 1974, 44-45). The name Staholmock is mentioned in the Annals of the 4 masters under the year 1027- “Scrin Moholmoc was plundered by Amhlaoibh and Dunchadh Lord of Breagh” (Fitzsimons, 1974, 79).
The Church (ME011-025) is listed at Stamullin alias Stamoling in the ecclesiastical taxation (1302-06) of Pope Nicholas IV (Cal. doc. Ire. 5, 260). Ussher (1622) describes the church and chancel at Slahalnucke as ruined (Erlington 1847-64, 1, lxxxix). According to Dopping’s Visitation (1682-3) the medieval parish church of St. Michael at Staholmog was in ruins since 1641 and it was not enclosed (Ellison 1973, 8). The church survives almost complete as an ivy covered nave (int. dims 8.4m E-W; c. 5.2m N-S) and chancel (int. dims 7.7m E-W; 5.1m N-S) structure, although few original features are evident and the N wall of the nave is absent. The E window is robbed and there are two robbed windows in the S wall of the chancel, which is separated from the nave by a complete chancel arch, but it is likely that the arch wall is inserted. A pointed doorway towards the E end of the S wall is the only recognisable feature of the nave. It was probably inserted in order to access a mortuary enclosure defined by wrought iron railings just S of the church. The church is in a sub-triangular D-shaped graveyard (ME011-025002) (dims c. 48m NW-SE; c. 38m NE-SW) defined by masonry walls with the apex at SE where the original entrance is. The graveyard has been extended to the NW. Ordnance Survey Name Book, 1836 states there are the ruins of an old chapel in the centre of an ancient graveyard, near which a new chapel is built by subscrn. to accommodate 250. The new chapel is thought to date to 1805-06 (Fitzsimons, 1974, 55).
ME011-025001 is a stone sculpture or tomb-chest possibly dating to c. 1690 (King, 1987, 302). Four fragments of a table tomb lie scattered around the older part of Staholmock graveyard and a fifth is mounted on the northeast wall of the modern cemetery. The stone (Wth 0.67m; H 0.62m) has a carving in relief of a man with arms raised in a praying pose (‘orans’ position), naked except for a loin cloth but the head is damaged (Roe 1970, 213; Ní Shúilliobháin 1970, 222). Three other pieces are the remains of a panel with an elaborated achievement of arms, (Fleming impaling, cross or chetwode), and the remaining piece is a support for a table tomb. The two decorated pieces probably formed the end panels of a chest tomb (King, 1987, 302; Moore, 2014).
The Schools Folklore Collection, 1938 records “In this graveyard are buried two very important families Drake and Dyas, the landlords of Drakerath and Staholmog respectively. The Drake family is buried inside the ruins of the old chapel and over their graves is a large flagstone eight feet square on which the inscription is blotted out. The Dyas's are buried within an iron railing along the walls of the chapel” (http://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/5008987/4974378). The Collection also has this account of an inscription on a flag-stone in the wall of the old chapel in Staholmog graveyard: “Erected by Alexander Somers Drake of Rathrake, Co Meath to the memory of his father Christopher Drake of Roristown, Co Meath who departed this life 25th February, 1854 and of his beloved mother Mary Margaret Drake otherwise Somers who died 1st February, 1865. Here also repose the bodies of his brother and sister Christopher?? and Mary Drake. On another stone in the ruins of the chapel was written: Sacred to the memory of Christopher Drake of Drakerath (http://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/5008987/4974379).
The lands of Staholmog have passed through the diverse variety of landlords throughout the generations. One of these landlords were the Flemings, possibly a branch of the Flemings that settled in Slane , following their arrival in Ireland with Henry II in 1171 as participants in Hugh De Lacey’s plantation of the Meath. “Within two miles and a half of Carlanstown and above a mile on the right is Screebege, the seat of Mr Crosby and within two miles of Carlanstown on the left is Staholmuck, the seat of Mr Fleming and on the R close to the road is Spandaw, the seat of Mr Kellet” (Wilson, 1786). There once stood a castle or fortified house belonging to Flemings. The Civil Survey of (1654-6) states that James Fleming, Irish Papist was the proprietor of 27 acres of land in Mullaghmoor, Clogher and parcels of Stahalmock. James Fleming together with Sir Thomas Newgent, Patrick Hussey of Galtrym & Walter Drake, Irish Papists were proprietors of 350 acres in Stahalmocke. “A ruinous castle & church a stone house with outhouses a lymestone quarry many cabbins” were stated to be present in the townland (Fitzsimons, 1974, 93). The detailed terrier accompanying the Down Survey map for the Parish of Stahalmock states that “on Staholmocke is an old church a castle and fine stone house and other edifices in repair with many young trees about it and several cabins and a lymestone quarry (Fitzsimons, 1974, 99). No trace of these buildings remain but the location is still possible to see in field and ditch demarcations SE of the graveyard (See OS maps). There was a James Fleming living in Staholmog in 1625-70 (Calendar of the State Papers Relating to Ireland Preserved in the Public Record Office: 1625-[1670], Vol 8). The Book of Survey & Distribution suggests that Col. Redmond, Thomasin Smali, James Fleming and John Fleming are listed as proprietors of Stahalmock townland.
The Ordnance Survey Namebook, 1836 records that “the property of the Fleming family, whose mansion house, offices, garden are now a ruins about the middle of the townland. This part has lately been purchased from chancery by Mr Dioce of Belrath near Kells, 3 or 4 farmers are at present in possession of this part at a yearly rent of 20 to 30 s. per Irish acre (Fitzsimons, 1974, 28). Part of a stone slab with the Fleming coat of arms is in the possession of Mr Michael Carpenter, Castletownmoor. Another slab with the same coat of arms belongs to Mr Noel Finegan, Milltown, Cortown, Kells. In Staholmog graveyard there is also a portion of another stone slab with the Fleming coat of arms According to Mr Terence Morris, Stahalmog these coats-of arms were erected at the main entrance to Flemings castle; the entrance was on the Barrack road between the Lawn and the northern Coolgar Field. The driveway to the ruined castle is shown on O.S map 11 of the 1836 survey (Fitzsimons, 1974, 80).
John (Sean Rua) Dyas followed the Flemings as landlords in Staholmog and his tenure brought many evictions in a time of turbulence in Irish history. It appears he was an absentee landlord as he lived at Athboy lodge. Sean Rua’s son, Nat Dyas inherited the estate following his sudden death. He was a fairer and more liberal minded man than his father and he gave leases of land to some of those evicted. He also gave employment to a considerable number of men building the big stone walls around the orchard in Histy. Nat’s son Harry Dyas, was the famous racehorse owner who owned Manifesto and Man O War (Fitzsimons, 1974, 213-214). Harry Dyas was one of the first to drive a motor car through the parish. He would hire a horse and side car to follow him in the event of the motorcar braking down (Fitzsimons, 1974, 217).
The RIC had a Protection Post in Staholmog. It started in 1908 as a tented camp housing labourers (under the name of the Property Defence Association) working on the land of Major Dyas at Spandaw Estate (between Carlanstown and Staholmog). Dyas appears to have been an absentee landlord and his property was under boycott. At one time around 30 police (mostly from the Depot Reserve) were on site protecting the labourers from intimidation. Later, around Sep 1909 a police 'hut' was established and in 1911 it was a brick built building with slate roof, of 2 rooms only. The number of police present had decreased to one Acting Sergeant assisted by two Constables. The protection post had disappeared certainly by 1915 and probably sooner (www.irish constabulary.ie). There is a poem written about this period of parish history by Peggy O’ Brien.
In 1824 a school at Staholmoc was attended by 19 children (Fitzsimons, 1974, 55).
The Schools Folklore Collection records this extract for Staholmog dated 23rd September 1938 by Jane O Connell, Drakerath, Carlanstown, Ceannus Mor, Co Meath: “There are four graveyards in my parish namely, Emlagh, Kilbeg, Staholmog and Robertstown. Staholmog graveyard is situated in a field owned by Thomas Reilly of Staholmog and this graveyard is round in shape sloping towards the west. In the centre of the graveyard are the ruins of an old chapel in which are buried the Drakes of Drakerath. It is believed that there is a tunnel running under this graveyard and it was seen by men who were opening a grave for Anne Ball of Staholmog. There are people buried in this graveyard by the name of Dyas who owned Staholmog. When one of the Dyas' was buried there was a man who lived near by named John O Reilly who was nicknamed "the Gripper". He did not like Dyas because he had evicted him from his house four times, and he went into the graveyard and danced on the grave saying "You are there now and the devil, thank you." (http://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/5008989/4974604)
The following extract was recorded by Matthew O Connell, 22nd Sept 1938. “Staholmog is situated in a field in Staholmog about a hundred yards off the Kells- Ardee road. In this graveyard are buried two very important families Drake and Dyas, the landlords of Drakerath and Staholmog respectively. The Drake family is buried inside the ruins of the old chapel and over their graves is a large flagstone eight feet square on which the inscription is blotted out. The Dyas's are buried within an iron railing along the walls of the chapel. Some of the dates on the tomb-stones are 1784, 1752, 1681. When one of the Dyas's was being buried a man named Thomas Reilly called the "gripper" who heard the minister say" I hear a voice from heaven" went up in a tree and shouted down "You're a liar, I'm higher up and I cant' hear it". This tree is there yet and was pruned two years ago. There is a graveyard within a mile of my house called Drakestown and there are many croppies buried in this graveyard. A leader of the croppies named Father Murphy met his death near this place and was buried in a field where the graveyard is situated. There lived a man in Drakestown who was a lamb dealer and when he was being buried the figure of a lamb carved out on a stone was dug up and then placed on his grave where it can be seen yet” (http://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/5008987/4974378).
The townland of Staholmog bears the markings of centuries of habitation as indicated by the presence of two standing stones ME011-048001 and ME011-048002 and a ringfort ME011-024 (Raised circular area (diam. 48m) defined by scarp. Entrance may be at SE. No visible fosse).
It appears that the area gained prominence during the early Christian period when a religious settlement was formed here. The name Staholmock is derived from TOIG MOCOLMOG or Tigh Mo Cholmog, the house or church of St Mo Cholmog (Fitzsimons, 1974, 26). Throughout time it has been called by the name Easthalmog and Histy by locals (https://www.logainm.ie/en/38315). The Normans often changed church dedications and the church dedication later became associated with the Archangel Michael, which still continues to present (Fitzsimons, 1974, 38). There was a religious house called Teach Mo Cholmog in which the shrine of St Mocholmog was preserved. The old church measured 56ft 4 in by 18ft (Fitzsimons, 1974, 44-45). The name Staholmock is mentioned in the Annals of the 4 masters under the year 1027- “Scrin Moholmoc was plundered by Amhlaoibh and Dunchadh Lord of Breagh” (Fitzsimons, 1974, 79).
The Church (ME011-025) is listed at Stamullin alias Stamoling in the ecclesiastical taxation (1302-06) of Pope Nicholas IV (Cal. doc. Ire. 5, 260). Ussher (1622) describes the church and chancel at Slahalnucke as ruined (Erlington 1847-64, 1, lxxxix). According to Dopping’s Visitation (1682-3) the medieval parish church of St. Michael at Staholmog was in ruins since 1641 and it was not enclosed (Ellison 1973, 8). The church survives almost complete as an ivy covered nave (int. dims 8.4m E-W; c. 5.2m N-S) and chancel (int. dims 7.7m E-W; 5.1m N-S) structure, although few original features are evident and the N wall of the nave is absent. The E window is robbed and there are two robbed windows in the S wall of the chancel, which is separated from the nave by a complete chancel arch, but it is likely that the arch wall is inserted. A pointed doorway towards the E end of the S wall is the only recognisable feature of the nave. It was probably inserted in order to access a mortuary enclosure defined by wrought iron railings just S of the church. The church is in a sub-triangular D-shaped graveyard (ME011-025002) (dims c. 48m NW-SE; c. 38m NE-SW) defined by masonry walls with the apex at SE where the original entrance is. The graveyard has been extended to the NW. Ordnance Survey Name Book, 1836 states there are the ruins of an old chapel in the centre of an ancient graveyard, near which a new chapel is built by subscrn. to accommodate 250. The new chapel is thought to date to 1805-06 (Fitzsimons, 1974, 55).
ME011-025001 is a stone sculpture or tomb-chest possibly dating to c. 1690 (King, 1987, 302). Four fragments of a table tomb lie scattered around the older part of Staholmock graveyard and a fifth is mounted on the northeast wall of the modern cemetery. The stone (Wth 0.67m; H 0.62m) has a carving in relief of a man with arms raised in a praying pose (‘orans’ position), naked except for a loin cloth but the head is damaged (Roe 1970, 213; Ní Shúilliobháin 1970, 222). Three other pieces are the remains of a panel with an elaborated achievement of arms, (Fleming impaling, cross or chetwode), and the remaining piece is a support for a table tomb. The two decorated pieces probably formed the end panels of a chest tomb (King, 1987, 302; Moore, 2014).
The Schools Folklore Collection, 1938 records “In this graveyard are buried two very important families Drake and Dyas, the landlords of Drakerath and Staholmog respectively. The Drake family is buried inside the ruins of the old chapel and over their graves is a large flagstone eight feet square on which the inscription is blotted out. The Dyas's are buried within an iron railing along the walls of the chapel” (http://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/5008987/4974378). The Collection also has this account of an inscription on a flag-stone in the wall of the old chapel in Staholmog graveyard: “Erected by Alexander Somers Drake of Rathrake, Co Meath to the memory of his father Christopher Drake of Roristown, Co Meath who departed this life 25th February, 1854 and of his beloved mother Mary Margaret Drake otherwise Somers who died 1st February, 1865. Here also repose the bodies of his brother and sister Christopher?? and Mary Drake. On another stone in the ruins of the chapel was written: Sacred to the memory of Christopher Drake of Drakerath (http://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/5008987/4974379).
The lands of Staholmog have passed through the diverse variety of landlords throughout the generations. One of these landlords were the Flemings, possibly a branch of the Flemings that settled in Slane , following their arrival in Ireland with Henry II in 1171 as participants in Hugh De Lacey’s plantation of the Meath. “Within two miles and a half of Carlanstown and above a mile on the right is Screebege, the seat of Mr Crosby and within two miles of Carlanstown on the left is Staholmuck, the seat of Mr Fleming and on the R close to the road is Spandaw, the seat of Mr Kellet” (Wilson, 1786). There once stood a castle or fortified house belonging to Flemings. The Civil Survey of (1654-6) states that James Fleming, Irish Papist was the proprietor of 27 acres of land in Mullaghmoor, Clogher and parcels of Stahalmock. James Fleming together with Sir Thomas Newgent, Patrick Hussey of Galtrym & Walter Drake, Irish Papists were proprietors of 350 acres in Stahalmocke. “A ruinous castle & church a stone house with outhouses a lymestone quarry many cabbins” were stated to be present in the townland (Fitzsimons, 1974, 93). The detailed terrier accompanying the Down Survey map for the Parish of Stahalmock states that “on Staholmocke is an old church a castle and fine stone house and other edifices in repair with many young trees about it and several cabins and a lymestone quarry (Fitzsimons, 1974, 99). No trace of these buildings remain but the location is still possible to see in field and ditch demarcations SE of the graveyard (See OS maps). There was a James Fleming living in Staholmog in 1625-70 (Calendar of the State Papers Relating to Ireland Preserved in the Public Record Office: 1625-[1670], Vol 8). The Book of Survey & Distribution suggests that Col. Redmond, Thomasin Smali, James Fleming and John Fleming are listed as proprietors of Stahalmock townland.
The Ordnance Survey Namebook, 1836 records that “the property of the Fleming family, whose mansion house, offices, garden are now a ruins about the middle of the townland. This part has lately been purchased from chancery by Mr Dioce of Belrath near Kells, 3 or 4 farmers are at present in possession of this part at a yearly rent of 20 to 30 s. per Irish acre (Fitzsimons, 1974, 28). Part of a stone slab with the Fleming coat of arms is in the possession of Mr Michael Carpenter, Castletownmoor. Another slab with the same coat of arms belongs to Mr Noel Finegan, Milltown, Cortown, Kells. In Staholmog graveyard there is also a portion of another stone slab with the Fleming coat of arms According to Mr Terence Morris, Stahalmog these coats-of arms were erected at the main entrance to Flemings castle; the entrance was on the Barrack road between the Lawn and the northern Coolgar Field. The driveway to the ruined castle is shown on O.S map 11 of the 1836 survey (Fitzsimons, 1974, 80).
John (Sean Rua) Dyas followed the Flemings as landlords in Staholmog and his tenure brought many evictions in a time of turbulence in Irish history. It appears he was an absentee landlord as he lived at Athboy lodge. Sean Rua’s son, Nat Dyas inherited the estate following his sudden death. He was a fairer and more liberal minded man than his father and he gave leases of land to some of those evicted. He also gave employment to a considerable number of men building the big stone walls around the orchard in Histy. Nat’s son Harry Dyas, was the famous racehorse owner who owned Manifesto and Man O War (Fitzsimons, 1974, 213-214). Harry Dyas was one of the first to drive a motor car through the parish. He would hire a horse and side car to follow him in the event of the motorcar braking down (Fitzsimons, 1974, 217).
The RIC had a Protection Post in Staholmog. It started in 1908 as a tented camp housing labourers (under the name of the Property Defence Association) working on the land of Major Dyas at Spandaw Estate (between Carlanstown and Staholmog). Dyas appears to have been an absentee landlord and his property was under boycott. At one time around 30 police (mostly from the Depot Reserve) were on site protecting the labourers from intimidation. Later, around Sep 1909 a police 'hut' was established and in 1911 it was a brick built building with slate roof, of 2 rooms only. The number of police present had decreased to one Acting Sergeant assisted by two Constables. The protection post had disappeared certainly by 1915 and probably sooner (www.irish constabulary.ie). There is a poem written about this period of parish history by Peggy O’ Brien.
In 1824 a school at Staholmoc was attended by 19 children (Fitzsimons, 1974, 55).
The Schools Folklore Collection records this extract for Staholmog dated 23rd September 1938 by Jane O Connell, Drakerath, Carlanstown, Ceannus Mor, Co Meath: “There are four graveyards in my parish namely, Emlagh, Kilbeg, Staholmog and Robertstown. Staholmog graveyard is situated in a field owned by Thomas Reilly of Staholmog and this graveyard is round in shape sloping towards the west. In the centre of the graveyard are the ruins of an old chapel in which are buried the Drakes of Drakerath. It is believed that there is a tunnel running under this graveyard and it was seen by men who were opening a grave for Anne Ball of Staholmog. There are people buried in this graveyard by the name of Dyas who owned Staholmog. When one of the Dyas' was buried there was a man who lived near by named John O Reilly who was nicknamed "the Gripper". He did not like Dyas because he had evicted him from his house four times, and he went into the graveyard and danced on the grave saying "You are there now and the devil, thank you." (http://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/5008989/4974604)
The following extract was recorded by Matthew O Connell, 22nd Sept 1938. “Staholmog is situated in a field in Staholmog about a hundred yards off the Kells- Ardee road. In this graveyard are buried two very important families Drake and Dyas, the landlords of Drakerath and Staholmog respectively. The Drake family is buried inside the ruins of the old chapel and over their graves is a large flagstone eight feet square on which the inscription is blotted out. The Dyas's are buried within an iron railing along the walls of the chapel. Some of the dates on the tomb-stones are 1784, 1752, 1681. When one of the Dyas's was being buried a man named Thomas Reilly called the "gripper" who heard the minister say" I hear a voice from heaven" went up in a tree and shouted down "You're a liar, I'm higher up and I cant' hear it". This tree is there yet and was pruned two years ago. There is a graveyard within a mile of my house called Drakestown and there are many croppies buried in this graveyard. A leader of the croppies named Father Murphy met his death near this place and was buried in a field where the graveyard is situated. There lived a man in Drakestown who was a lamb dealer and when he was being buried the figure of a lamb carved out on a stone was dug up and then placed on his grave where it can be seen yet” (http://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/5008987/4974378).
Thomastown
The townland of Thomastowne is mentioned in the Civil Survey of (1654-6) stating that James Ffleming, Irish Papist was the proprietor of 130 acres of land in Thomastowne (Fitzsimons, 1974, 102). The Book of Survey & Distribution suggests that Philip Harris became the proprietor of dispossessed lands in Thomastowne townland (Fitzsimons, 1974, 102).
In 1824 there was a school at Thomastown with 52 pupils (Fitzsimons, 1974, 55). The Ordnance Survey Name Book Survey, 1836 states that in Thomastown, north of the road from Kells to Nobber on the south end of this road there is a neat RC chapel capable of accommodating 500-600 persons. It was built by subscriptions from the parishioners in 1807 for about £600 (Fitzsimons, 1974, 22).
The townland of Thomastowne is mentioned in the Civil Survey of (1654-6) stating that James Ffleming, Irish Papist was the proprietor of 130 acres of land in Thomastowne (Fitzsimons, 1974, 102). The Book of Survey & Distribution suggests that Philip Harris became the proprietor of dispossessed lands in Thomastowne townland (Fitzsimons, 1974, 102).
In 1824 there was a school at Thomastown with 52 pupils (Fitzsimons, 1974, 55). The Ordnance Survey Name Book Survey, 1836 states that in Thomastown, north of the road from Kells to Nobber on the south end of this road there is a neat RC chapel capable of accommodating 500-600 persons. It was built by subscriptions from the parishioners in 1807 for about £600 (Fitzsimons, 1974, 22).
,Spandau Farm
Local folklore sometimes stated that Spandau was a townland but in fact it was the name of a farm in the townland of Kilbeg Upper. The origins of this name are thought to be German as there is a famous prison fortress in western Berlin with the same name (German war criminals were incarcerated in a huge old fashioned prison following the last war). The name is mostly found to be spelled with a u but sometimes a w is used as its end letter. Local knowledge reports that a German mercenary from Spandau in Germany got this division of land and gave it this name. This is a quite possible theory as the armies of the Anglo Normans, Cromellian and Williamite Forces all had great numbers of continental mercenaries who were professional soldiers ready to fight in any army and pay was often in the form of land (FE Moore, B).
Its location is described by William Wilson in his “Travellers directory through Ireland”. “Within two miles and a half of Carlanstown and above a mile on the right is Screebege, the seat of Mr Crosby and within two miles of Carlanstown on the left is Staholmuck, the seat of Mr Fleming and on the R close to the road is Spandaw, the seat of Mr Kellet (Wilson, 1786). The Ordnance Survey Namebooks, 1836 record that Spandaw farm contains a neat house and offices in possession of Mr Kellet but that it is not inhabited (Fitzsimons, 1974, 23).
The mansion is most remembered for the period during the famine when it was rented as an auxiliary workhouse. A letter from the Central Board of Health dated 27th Nov, 1847 accompanied with a Requisition with a view to provide additional hospital accommodation for fifty patients in Spandaw and Moynalty fever hospitals (Fitzsimons, 1974, 157). It was used when Kells workhouse was full to capacity. Reports from workhouses all over the country describe people lying huddled together on dirty straw on the stone floors with one rug serving as a cover for 6 or 7 people, some dying of fever while others were still healthy. In the auxiliary workhouses conditions were far worse than in the normal workhouse. There were no beds or bedding and clothing was passed from the dead to the living without often even being washed. Tradition describes the basement on Spandau as being overrun with rats (Fitzsimons, 1974, 136). The Minutes Books of Kells Union workhouse records on the 8th of July 1848 that due to the reduction in the number of fever cases in the country and there being room enough in Kells Fever Hospital, that the fever hospital at Spandau is now unnecessary and steps should be taken to discontinue it (Fitzsimons, 1974, 160). There was much debate about the expenses in operating the Kells Hospital in contrast to the Spandau Fever hospital. Findings suggested that the daily cost of each patient in the former was 71/2 d and in the latter 61/2 d per day. The difference of the expense was heightened when it was considered that during the period of the Spandau Hospital was in existence the principal articles of consumption, such as meat, bread, meal, milk and soap were nearly double the price the Kells Hospital was charged by the Board for them. There was also a rent of £25 per annum paid for Spandau hospital, an item that does not appear at all in the expenses of the Kells hospital, for no rent was paid for it (Fitzsimons, 1974,170).
The doctor in Spandaw Hospital was a Protestant named Kellet and it is believed locally that he made no effort to cure the sufferers and that his ghost haunted the building for many years afterwards (Fitzsimons, 1974, 214)
Thomas Carpenter, Kells was born in Glenrath on 10th April 1887. He remembers seeing the walls of Spandaw Hospital with the roof gone here and there. The “dead house” was in good condition; it had an arched stone roof and would hold two or three corpses. He dug up a human skull a yard or two from the dead house while out ferreting. He saw the Emergency men and about 42 policemen camped beside the hospital during the fight for the land when local labour was withheld (Fitzsimons, 1974, 265).
No trace of the mansion now remains but its location is still possible to see in field and ditch demarcations (See OS maps).
Local folklore sometimes stated that Spandau was a townland but in fact it was the name of a farm in the townland of Kilbeg Upper. The origins of this name are thought to be German as there is a famous prison fortress in western Berlin with the same name (German war criminals were incarcerated in a huge old fashioned prison following the last war). The name is mostly found to be spelled with a u but sometimes a w is used as its end letter. Local knowledge reports that a German mercenary from Spandau in Germany got this division of land and gave it this name. This is a quite possible theory as the armies of the Anglo Normans, Cromellian and Williamite Forces all had great numbers of continental mercenaries who were professional soldiers ready to fight in any army and pay was often in the form of land (FE Moore, B).
Its location is described by William Wilson in his “Travellers directory through Ireland”. “Within two miles and a half of Carlanstown and above a mile on the right is Screebege, the seat of Mr Crosby and within two miles of Carlanstown on the left is Staholmuck, the seat of Mr Fleming and on the R close to the road is Spandaw, the seat of Mr Kellet (Wilson, 1786). The Ordnance Survey Namebooks, 1836 record that Spandaw farm contains a neat house and offices in possession of Mr Kellet but that it is not inhabited (Fitzsimons, 1974, 23).
The mansion is most remembered for the period during the famine when it was rented as an auxiliary workhouse. A letter from the Central Board of Health dated 27th Nov, 1847 accompanied with a Requisition with a view to provide additional hospital accommodation for fifty patients in Spandaw and Moynalty fever hospitals (Fitzsimons, 1974, 157). It was used when Kells workhouse was full to capacity. Reports from workhouses all over the country describe people lying huddled together on dirty straw on the stone floors with one rug serving as a cover for 6 or 7 people, some dying of fever while others were still healthy. In the auxiliary workhouses conditions were far worse than in the normal workhouse. There were no beds or bedding and clothing was passed from the dead to the living without often even being washed. Tradition describes the basement on Spandau as being overrun with rats (Fitzsimons, 1974, 136). The Minutes Books of Kells Union workhouse records on the 8th of July 1848 that due to the reduction in the number of fever cases in the country and there being room enough in Kells Fever Hospital, that the fever hospital at Spandau is now unnecessary and steps should be taken to discontinue it (Fitzsimons, 1974, 160). There was much debate about the expenses in operating the Kells Hospital in contrast to the Spandau Fever hospital. Findings suggested that the daily cost of each patient in the former was 71/2 d and in the latter 61/2 d per day. The difference of the expense was heightened when it was considered that during the period of the Spandau Hospital was in existence the principal articles of consumption, such as meat, bread, meal, milk and soap were nearly double the price the Kells Hospital was charged by the Board for them. There was also a rent of £25 per annum paid for Spandau hospital, an item that does not appear at all in the expenses of the Kells hospital, for no rent was paid for it (Fitzsimons, 1974,170).
The doctor in Spandaw Hospital was a Protestant named Kellet and it is believed locally that he made no effort to cure the sufferers and that his ghost haunted the building for many years afterwards (Fitzsimons, 1974, 214)
Thomas Carpenter, Kells was born in Glenrath on 10th April 1887. He remembers seeing the walls of Spandaw Hospital with the roof gone here and there. The “dead house” was in good condition; it had an arched stone roof and would hold two or three corpses. He dug up a human skull a yard or two from the dead house while out ferreting. He saw the Emergency men and about 42 policemen camped beside the hospital during the fight for the land when local labour was withheld (Fitzsimons, 1974, 265).
No trace of the mansion now remains but its location is still possible to see in field and ditch demarcations (See OS maps).
Famous people of the Parish
- Captain Peter Drake: Mrs Margaret Conway in her series “Towards a History of Meath” published in the Meath Chronicle devoted 5 instalments to Captain Peter Drake of Drakerath known as the An amiable renegade (Fitzsimons, 1974, 275-285).
- Seamus O’Brien: Many of the events which took place in the parish have been recounted in verse by the late Seamus O’ Brien (1882-1956).
- Peggy O’Brien: Peggy O’ Brien, daughter of Seamus was a writer of songs and stories. The “Drogheda Independent” published some of her stories including one entitled “The Haughty Miss Drake,” from Miss O’Brien’s series, “Romances of long ago”. She contributed many poems to the 1930s school collection on Duchas.ie.
- Paddy Geraghty: One of the greatest athletes from the parish, a long distance runner. He was in his prime in the early part of this century. At one time while working at Bellair he used run to Kells and back for the daily paper during his lunch hour. To cover that distance in less than an hour would be quite an achievement on a bicycle, and as he was employed by the County Council there were no minutes of grace. He used run behind the jaunting cars to football matches rather than take a seat. As an old man he trotted rather than walked and I remember seeing him wheeling turf on the bog jogging along with the heavy barrow.
- James Tully, TD: The most illustrious native of the parish must be our distinguished present Minister for Local Government, James Tully, son of John Tully and Ann Flood both natives of Carlanstown, Kells, Co Meath: Born at Deerpark, Carlanstown, Kells, on the 18th September 1915, second youngest of a family of ten children. He was educated at Carlanstown National School and St Patricks Classical School, Navan.
- Bibliography
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Websites
- http://www.antaisce.org/sites/antaisce.org/files/23312132.pdf
- http://www.archaeology.ie/
- https://archive.org/stream/peerageofireland05lodg/peerageofireland05lodg_djvu.txthttp://www.askaboutireland.ie/griffith-valuation/index.xml?action=placeSearch
- https://books.google.ie/books?id=MPlaAAAAcAAJ&pg=PA281&lpg=PA281&dq=Richard+Flemming+de+Stoholmuck&source=bl&ots=xGeqQnGuQb&sig=wA60taNhwK7WXo6FHeVCvFYC-dY&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwicuOqoxqHSAhVHCsAKHQfHDgsQ6AEIHzAB#v=onepage&q=Richard%20Flemming%20de%20Stoholmuck&f=false
- http://www.buildingsofireland.ie/
- http://catalogue.nli.ie/
- http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/
- http://downsurvey.tcd.ie/down-survey-maps.php#bm=Kells&c=Meath&indexOfObjectValue=-1&indexOfObjectValueSubstring=-1&p=Kilbegg
- http://downsurvey.tcd.ie/down-survey-maps.php#bm=Kells&c=Meath
- http://www.duchas.ie
- http://www.from-ireland.net/catholic-parish-records-microfilm-meath/
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- http://irelandsholywells.blogspot.ie/2014/03/saint-patricks-well-carlanstown-county.html
- http://irisharchaeology.ie/2012/07/the-enigmatic-fulacht-fiadhburnt-mound/
- http://irishconstabulary.ie
- http://irishgenealogyqueries.yuku.com/topic/1641/Meath?page=2#.V_TfpfkrLIUStaholmog Hut, Navan District
- http://www.libraryireland.com/Pedigrees1/new-settlers-meath.php
- http://www.logainm.ie/
- http://maps.osi.ie/publicviewer/#V2,678826,780442,8,10
- http://www.meath.ie/CountyCouncil/Publications/PlanningPublications/MeathPublicationsArchive/CountyMeathDevelopmentPlan2007-2013/CountyMeathDevelopmentPlanAmendments/File,41721,en.pdf
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- http://www.townlands.ie/meath/lower-kells/kilbeg/carlanstown/
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- http://www.1641.tcd.ie/index.php