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The present text covers pages 363–407 of the volume.
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The electronic text was first edited by Edward Hawkins and published for the Chetham Society, vol. 1 (Manchester 1844). It was reprinted in the Illustrations of Irish History by C. Litton Falkiner, from which it is taken. Footnotes are included and tagged note; those by Hawkins are marked with the resp="EH" (attribute within the XML encoding). Non-standard spellings of names of people and places are regularised using the reg attribute within the tags. Encoding is subject to revision.
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Created: By William Brereton (1635)
Beatrix Färber (ed.)
Beatrix Färber (ed.)
Beatrix Färber (ed.)
Beatrix Färber (ed.)
Janet Crawford (ed.)
Beatrix Färber (ed.)
Benjamin Hazard (ed.)
Benjamin Hazard (data capture)
This account of Ireland in 1635 is extracted from the Travels in Holland, the United Provinces, England, Scotland and Ireland, 1634–1635, of Sir Brereton, Bart., the well-known Parliamentary general.1 Brereton's journal of his travels, after remaining for two centuries in manuscript, was printed in 1844 from the original in the possession of Sir Philip de Malpas Grey Egerton, and forms the first volume of the publications of the Chetham Society. The manuscript had previously undergone some curious vicissitudes, and a high testimony to the interest and value of Brereton's narrative of his adventures at home and abroad is supplied in Sir Walter Scott's warm approbation. Scott strongly urged its publication, actually ‘tendering his own services as editor, and offering to supply all the necessary explanatory notes.’ Most people will share the regret of Mr. Hawkins, the editor of the Chetham Society's volume, ‘that this most valuable offer should have been declined.’
Although the existence of the manuscript was known to writers on Irish antiquities for many years prior to its being printed, Brereton's narrative has been little noticed by writers on Ireland. Monck Mason was shown it by Sir William Betham, and in a note at p. 7 of his History of St. Patrick's Cathedral, published in 1820, he printed Brereton's description of the appearance of that edifice in 1635. Dubourdieu in his Statistical Survey of the County of Down, published in 1802, printed the paragraphs of the journal which relate to that county, and the same writer also refers to the narrative in his Survey of the County of Antrim (1812). Dubourdieu mentions, on the authority of Bishop Percy, with whose ownership the Chetham Society's pedigree of the manuscript begins, that the journal belonged to the well-known antiquary, General Vallancey, who had bought it at an auction in 1791. It was doubtless on Vallancey's death in 1812 that Bishop
July 4.—We went from hence3 to the Port Patrick, which is foul winter way over the mossy moors, and there we found only one boat, though yesternight there were fifteen boats here. We hired a boat of about ten ton for five horses of ours, and for five Yorkshiremen and horses; for this we paid 1£ and conditioned that no more horses should come aboard, save only two or three of an Irish laird's, who then stayed for a passage, and carried his wife and three horses. His name is Levinston, laird Dun Draide.4 Here we shipped our horses two hours before we went aboard. It is a most craggy, filthy passage, and very dangerous for horses to go in and out; a horse may easily be lamed, spoiled, and thrust into the sea; and when any horses land here, they are thrown into the sea, and swim out. Here was demanded from us by our host, Thomas Marsh-banke, a custom of 2s. an horse, which I stumbled at, and answered that if he had authority to demand and receive it, I was bound to pay it, otherwise I was free to pay or refuse: herewith he was satisfied, and declined his further demand. Here is a pretty chapel lately built by Sir Hugh Montgomeries,5 laird of Dunskie on this side, where he hath a
The boatman that carried us in a bark of about fifteen ton, his name was David Dickie, who hath a dainty, fine, pretty, nimble boy to his son, who will make a good sailor. The boat is a good sailing vessel, with good expert mariners, but not manned with sufficient number of men. She took in four horses more than we covenanted, and was so much overthronged with passengers as we had not every man his own length allowed to lie in at ease. Our horses were shipped about two hour, the wind being north-west; but turning into the south-west, or rather west-south-west, we went not aboard until after three hour; the wind then being so much averse and so directly against us, as that we could not get out of the haven, so as they were constrained to haul out with a cock-boat a good way. We were got clear out of the haven about four hour, and before we had sailed a league, the wind was more averse; but presently favouring us something more with a full gale of wind, we had so speedy a passage as that by six hour we were within sixteen miles of the coast of Ireland. The wind then failed, and was sometimes very weak and poor, and sometimes due west and directly averse, yet we passed on though slowly, and about eight or nine mile from the coast of Ireland we passed the Strangawre,7 which is a mighty high running channel, where there is a concurrence and confluence of three strong tides, which run about nine or ten mile in length, and about two mile in breadth; these occasioned by the islands and points of land; but when we passed them, the wind was so weak, as it was there more calmed and less troubled than in any other part of our passage. We had no sooner passed the Strangawre, but (although when we went aboard it was very calm and like to be fair weather, which gave encouragement to them to hazard a passage by night) the wind failed us,
'Twixt Erwin in Scotland and Colrane10 in Ireland are the highest running seas about the sound of Raughrick,11 which is an island belonging to the Earl of Antrim. The shortest passage 'twixt Scotland and Ireland is from Mule Kenteir,12 a rock or point of the Highlanders in Scotland, which is
July 5.—Upon the Lord's day in the morning we went ashore the coast of Ireland, in the Isle of Mague, where we were landed upon the rock, whence we found a difficult and tedious passage; and at the top of the hill we were very civilly and courteously entertained by a Scotch gentleman, who lives in a mean, poor house, hath good store of corn, milk, calves, and kine; hence we went to Carrick-Fergus, corruptly called Knock-Fergus, which is four miles, and came thither about two hour. Took up our inn in Mrs. Wharton's house, who is a Chester woman, a neat woman in her house; good lodging and usage, sixpence ordinary, fourpence a night hay and oats, sixpence peck provender.
This town, so called from one Fergus, who built the castle, and from Carrick, which in Irish signifies a rock;15 and indeed the town may well take his denomination from the castle, which is seated upon a rock, and commands both town and haven. Almost all the houses in this town were built castle-wise, so as though the Irish made spoil of and burnt the town, yet were they preserved unburnt. This is but a pretty little town within the walls of a very small extent and capacity; the only grace of this town is the Lord Chichester's house,16 which is a very stately house, or
There is maintained in this town two companies of soldiers, the one a troop of horse, the other of foot, consisting of fifty in either company, under the command of my Lord of Chichester's eldest son.18 The troop of horse were lately sent to attend my Lord Deputy, in this progress very completely furnished, well horsed, and in red coats all suitable.
It is reported of this town that they have been always loyal and faithful to the state of England.19 This is seated
July 6.—This town of Carrickfergus is governed by a mayor, sheriff, and aldermen, endowed with great privileges, and is the shire town. At Belfast my Lord Chichester hath another dainty stately house (which is indeed the glory and beauty of that town also), where he is most resident, and is now building an outer brick wall before his gates. This is not so large and vast as the other, but more convenient and commodious; the very end of the loch toucheth upon his garden and backside; here also are dainty orchards, gardens, and walks planted.20 Near here unto, Mr. Arthur Hill (son and heir to Sir Moyses Hill)21 hath a brave plantation, which he holds by lease, which still is for thirty years to come; the land is my Lord Chichester's, and the lease was made for sixty years to Sir Moyses Hill by the old Lord Chichester. This plantation it is said doth yield him a 1,000£. per annum. Many Lancashire and Cheshire men are here planted; with some of them I conversed. They sit upon a rack rent, and pay 5s. or 6s. an acre for good ploughing land, which now is clothed with excellent good corn. From Belfast to Linsley Garven22 is about seven mile, and is a paradise in comparison of any part of Scotland. Linsley Garven is well seated, but
From Linsley Garven to Dromore is about seven mile. Herein we lodged at Mr. Haven's house, which is directly opposite to the Bishop of Dromore24 his house, which is a little timber house of no state nor receipt. His chaplain's name is Leigh, born in Manchester. This is a very dear house: 8d. ordinary ourselves, 6d. our servants, and we were over-reckoned in beer. This town, as it is the seat of the bishop of this see, so he is lord of it, and it doth wholly belong unto him. In this diocese, as Mr. Leigh his chaplain reported, this is the worst part of the kingdom, mid the poorest land and ground, yet the best church livings, because there are no impropriations.
At my coming to Carrickfergus, and being troubled with an extreme flux, not as yet come to so great height as a bloody flux, my hostess, Miss Wharton, directed me the use of cinnamon in burnt claret wine, or rather red wine, as also the syrup and conserve of sloes well boiled, after they have been strained and mingled according to discretion with sugar, they are to be boiled with sugar until they be cleared, having been first boiled in water until they be softened, and then strained.25
July 7.—We left Dromore and went to the Newrie,26 which is sixteen miles. This is a most difficult way for a stranger to find out. Herein we wandered, being lost amongst the Irish towns. The Irish houses are the poorest cabins I have seen, erected in the middle of the fields and grounds, which they farm and rent. This is a wild country, not inhabited, planted, nor enclosed, yet it would be good corn if it were husbanded. I gave an Irishman to bring us into the way a groat, who led us like a villain directly out of the way and so left us, so as by this deviation it was three hour before we came to the Newrie. Much land there is about this town belonging to Mr. Bagnall,27 nothing well planted. He hath a castle in this town, but is for most part resident at Green Castle; a great part of this town is his, and it is reported that he hath a 1,000£ or 1,500£ per annum in this country. This is but a poor town, and is much Irish, and is navigable for boats to come up unto with the tide. Here we baited at a good inn, the sign of the Prince's Arms. Hence to Dundalk is eight mile; stony, craggy, hilly, and uneven, but a way it is nothing difficult to find. Before you come to Dundalk you may discern four or five towers or castles seated upon the seaside.
This town of Dundalk hath been a town of strength, and is still a walled town, and a company of fifty soldiers were here in garrison under the command of Sir Faithful Fortescue.28 This town is governed by two bailiffs, sheriffs,
July 8.—We left Dundalk and came to Tredaugh,31 which is accounted sixteen mile, but they are as long as twenty-two mile.32 About five mile hence we saw Sir Faithful Fortescue's house or castle,33 wherein for most part he is resident, which he holds by a long lease upon a small rent under my Lord Primate of Armagh. This is a dainty, pleasant, healthful, and commodious seat, and it is worth unto him about [...]. During ten miles riding from this town, much rich corn land, and the country well planted; the other six miles towards Tredaugh, until you come near unto it, not so rich nor so well husbanded.
This town, as it is the largest and best built town I have yet seen in Ireland, so it is most commodiously seated upon a good navigable river, called Boyne, whereinto flows the sea in so deep a channel (though it be very narrow) as their ships may come to their doors.34 This river is built on both sides, and there is on either side a convenient quay; a stone wall built all along the river, so as a ship may lie close unto this quay, and may unload upon her. It is like the quay of Newcastle, and those channels I have seen in Holland in their streets. This town is also commodiously situated for fish and fowl. It is governed by a mayor, sheriffs, and twenty-four aldermen; most of these, as also the other inhabitants of the town, popishly affected, insomuch as those that have been chosen mayors, who for the most part have been recusants, have hired others to discharge that office.35 One man (it is said) hath been hired by deputation to execute that place thirteen times; the present mayor also is but a deputy, and the reason why they make coy to execute that office is because they will avoid being necessitated to go to church.
I observed in this city divers fair, neat, well-built houses, and houses and shops well furnished, so as I did conceive this to be a rich town, the inhabitants more civilised and better apparelled. But this is graced with nothing more than my Lord Primate's palace, which is seated near unto the east gate. This is a neat, handsome, and convenient house, built within this twenty years by Primate Hampton.36 The building is foursquare, of wood, rough-cast and not high; an handsome, plain, though long and narrow hall, two dining-rooms, one little neat gallery which leads into the chapel, which also is a pretty little plain and convenient chapel, whereinto there lead two ways, the one at the great
In this town are two churches, one placed on the one side the river, the other on the other, over which is a wooden bridge. In the great church38 my Lord Primate preacheth every Sabbath. In the body of the church, over against the pulpit, the communion table is placed lengthwise in the aisle; the body of the church is kept in good repair. The chancel, as no use is made of it, so it is wholly neglected and in no good repair; only herein is a fair monument for my Lord Moore,39 his lady, Sir Edward Moore and Sir Thomas Moore, his sons, and their wives and children; amongst these is one erected for the Lady Salisbury,40 now
July 9.— From Tredaugh we came to the Swordes, which is fourteen miles thence, and six from thence to Dublin. Here we lodged at the sign of the Boot, a tavern, and were well used, and found far better accommodation in so mean a village than could be expected. The way from Tredaugh hither as dainty fine a way as I ever rid, and a most pleasant country; greatest part corn upon the very sea-coast, almost Wirrall-like,42 and very good and well-eared corn; the barley now beginning to turn, and will be ripe before the rye. Upon the left hand, about three miles from Tredaugh, my Lord N.43 hath a pleasant-seated house or castle, the prospect whereof commands the sea, and a most plain, rich-champaign corn country towards the land.
About two or three mile from Swordes my Lord Chief Baron44 hath a dainty, pleasant, high-built wood house, and much right and brave land about it, this placed on the right hand; his name is Sir Richard Bolton. On the other hand, about half mile, Sir [...] hath a gallant pleasant
We came to the city of Dublin, July 9, about 10 hour. This is the metropolis of the kingdom of Ireland, and is beyond all exception the fairest, richest, best-built city I have met with in this journey (except York and Newcastle). It is far beyond Edinborough; only one street in Edinborough (the great long street) surpasseth any street here. Here is the Lord Deputy47 resident in the Castle, and the state and council of this kingdom. There is also an Archbishop of Dublin, which is the second in the kingdom. Archbishoprics in Ireland: 1. Armathe; 2. Dublin; 3. Casiell; 4. Tuam. Bishoprics in Ireland about eighteen, as they are now united.48
This city of Dublin so called, it is seated upon the river Liffie, which is not navigable about the bridge, nor far, nor flows not above one mile higher. The river is no good channel, but full of shelves and sands; and here is a very vile barred haven, over which few ships can pass that carry four hundred ton or thereabouts. The harbour here is very naked, plain, and the least shelter and protection from storms that I have found in any haven; the most ships ride by the Ringe's end, which is a point which runs into the sea, but it is so low, as it is very poor and bare shelter, and little defence against the violence of the storms, so the King's ship which lies here to scour the coasts (which is said to be the Ninth
As I came from Dublin to Hacquett's Town,51 I saw the head of the Liffie, where she breaks out of the mountains; this is not above seven miles from Dublin, and yet fetcheth a course of forty mile before it come to Dublin.
There are about thirteen churches in this city. Christ Church, a cathedral, where the Lord Deputy and State frequent; the chancel is only made use of, not the body of the church, wherein are very great strong pillars, though very short; the chancel is but plain and ordinarily kept, the body of the church a more stately building. St. Patrick's Church is a cathedral and prime church in this kingdom. It is denominated from St. Patrick, the tutelar saint and protector of this kingdom. It is in best repair and most neatly whited and kept of any church I have seen in Scotland or Ireland, especially in the chancel, wherein it is curiously and very artificially arched, and whited overhead. The body of the church is a strong ancient structure, wherein are great and strong pillars, but this is not floored overhead. This structure affords two parish churches under one roof, in either of which there is a sermon every Sabbath. In a corner, a small part of the middle aisle, there is a pretty, neat, convenient place framed, wherein there is a sermon every Sabbath at ten hour; and this though it be very little and narrow, yet it is sufficiently enlarged to receive a great congregation, by reason of capacious galleries round about, wherein are abundance of seats placed one above another with great advantage of room. There is also at one hour in the afternoon a sermon in the quire, in the higher end whereof was a very famous, sumptuous and glorious tomb of my Lord of Corke's.52 This by the commandment of the
St. Warburr's is a kind of a cathedral;53 herein preacheth judicious Dr. Hoile,54 about ten in morning and three in afternoon, a most zealous preacher, and general scholar in all manner of learning, a mere cynic. St. Owen's55 is the parish wherein my Lord Primate was born; and here in this church doth he preach every Lord's day at eight hour, whilst he is in town. I heard him upon Sabbath last, the most excellent, able man, and most abundantly holy, gracious man that I have heard. St. Bride's where Mr. Jerom56 preacheth.
July 10.—This day I dined with my Lord Primate of Ireland, Dr. Usher, who is a tall, proper, comely man, about fifty-six years of age; a plain, familiar, courteous man, who spends the whole day at his study, except meal time. He seems to be a man of pregnant parts, who hath good intelligence; he is well read in antiquities. His entertainment
Here was this day at dinner Doctor Richardson,58 bishop of (Ardagh), a Cheshire man born, an able man, and good scholar; he was born near Chester, and married Sir Henry Bunbury's daughter, whom I went to visit after dinner; a tall, handsome, fat woman. This bishop is an intelligent man, and gave me good resolution and satisfaction in many things.
Hence I went to the Castle, wherein my Lord Deputy resides, within which are both the Houses of Parliament, whereof I took a view: much less and meaner than ours. The Lords' house is now furnished with about sixty or seventy armours for horse, which are my Lord Deputy's: this a room of no great state nor receipt. Herein there sat the first session about eighty lords; not so many the latter.
The Commons House is but a mean and ordinary place; a plain, and no very convenient seat for the Speaker, nor officers.59 The Parliament men that sat in this house were about 248. There are about 30 or 32 shires, which send 60 or 64 knights for the shire, the rest are burgesses.
Here in this Castle we saw the council chamber, wherein stands a very long table, furnished with stools at both sides
The command which this Castle hath over this city is from some of the leads and towers above on the top of the Castle, whereupon there is ordnance planted; and one fair brass piece of ordnance is placed in the court before the gate. Parker61 committed a forfeiture herein taking out the stopple, for which he was seized upon, and I paid 6d. to redeem him. Here my Lord Deputy hath lately erected a gallant, stately stable, as any I have seen in the King's dominions; it is a double stable, there being a strong wall in the middle, to either side whereof stand the horses' heads. Thirty horses may stand at ease on either side, the stalls being very large; these are exceeding high, at least five or six yards, and very near the same breadth; no planks made use of, but Holland bricks placed upon the edges, whereon the horses lie and you walk; these as easy to walk upon as to lie upon, and these are made of Holland earth, which is harder and more durable much than our clay; with these the streets are paved in Holland.62
July 11—We went to Sir Thomas Rotheram63 (who is a privy councillor), who used us respectively, and accompanied
We saw also St. Stephen's Hall, wherein are disposed about eighteen scholars, who are also members of the college whereunto this hall is annexed. This sometimes was a cloister for the Capuchins, who said mass, and preached in a pretty little chapel or chamber; this was likewise taken from them about that time, and now there is prayers in it twice a day. My Lord of Cork allowed 40£ per annum to maintain this lecture in the Jesuit's church, but now hath withdrawn this exhibition.66 In this street
I went this day to view the college, which is called Trinity College, and was erected by Queen Elizabeth, and endowed with about 1,400£ per annum. There is a provost hereof, Dr. Chappell,67 a vice-provost, and six senior fellows, whose fellowships are worth 9£ per annum, besides their diet; there are eight junior fellows, whose fellowships are worth, besides their diet, 3£ per annum; poor scholars about sixty, whose scholarships are only worth their diets. There are about sixty poor scholars, and about fifteen fellow commoners. In the chapel is a monument for Dr. Challoner,68 sometimes provost of this college, and father to my Lord Primate's wife. Hereunto belongs a pretty little convenient garden. This house is seated in a good air, out of the city, and near the sea. They glory much in their library, whereof I took a full view, and there were showed unto me many manuscripts: one they highly esteem, which they call Friar Bacon's work, and say the same is not anywhere extant save with them; but he must have a stronger faith to believe it than mine, for it is new bound, a very fair manuscript without any blot or blemish; it treats of all manner of learnings; but that it is Friar Bacon's work doth not appear either in the frontispiece, title, or any part of the book, as also the subject seems unto me, and the style not to be Friar Bacon's work; but here it is so received and reported.69
July 12.— I heard my Lord Primate at eight hour at St. Owen's Church, which is his parish, wherein he was born, where he preacheth every Sabbath whilst he is in Dublin. I never heard a more powerful and convincing sermon, and indeed he is a most holy and heavenly man, and as pregnant witted as any I have heard. He doth most industriously apply his study, which he hath placed at a good distance from his house to prevent distraction and diversion by the access of any company to visit him, who are not admitted to disturb his studies. This his course and order is so public as that few come to him at any time of the day, save at the hours of relaxation, which is from eleven to one, and also about supper time; the rest of the day, from five in the morning until six in the evening, is spent ordinarily in his study.
July 13.—I dined with him also, and then he was much more free and familiar with me. I had much private conference with him, and after dinner he took me into his closet, where although there be not very many books, yet those that are, much used and employed. Herein he shewed me the whole books of the Waldenses, which are very rare; they cost him 22£ sterling; they are in octavo, about ten or twelve vol. The language wherein they are printed is a miscellaneous language, 'twixt French and Spanish; these were sent him from a counsellor in France, as also a copy of the plots and designs and proceedings of the inquisitors in France. He reg shewed me his Articles of Religion, printed 1563; but I left mine with him, which was more ancient and orthodox than his. He did enforce me to take away and read a packet of news (which came unto him there) before himself had cast an eye upon it.70
At ten hour this Lord's day I heard Dr. Hoile preach at St. Warburrs, and at three in afternoon in the same church. He is a most holy man, full of zeal and grace, a general scholar, but not sufficiently furnished with words to express that fulness of matter which aboundeth in him; who is a mere cynic to the world, but doubtless a gracious man in the sight of God. You may with much ease and conveniency hear four sermons every Lord's day, and, as I was informed, six sermons may be heard on one day. This city of Dublin is extending his bounds and limits very far; much additions of building lately, and some of those very fair, stately and complete buildings; every commodity is grown very dear. You must pay also for an horse hire 1s. 6d. a day; here I met with an excellent, judicious, and painful smith. Here are divers commodities cried in Dublin as in London, which it doth more resemble than any town I have seen in the King of England's dominions.
July 14.—Upon Tuesday, July 14, I left Dublin and came to Hacquetts Town, about eleven hour at night. It is accounted twenty-seven miles, but it is as long as thirty-seven. After you pass four miles from Dublin, you travel through the mountains, which are dry land, and some of them good pasture for cattle that are young, and sheep, but these are not sufficiently stocked. Towards evening we passed through troublesome and dangerous ways and woods, and had wandered all night had we not hired an Irish guide, by whose direction we arrived at eleven hour at Hacquetts Town, where we lodged in a little low, poor thatched castle. Here Mr. Watson, a Lancashire man, hath a plantation. As we passed this way I observed the head of the river Liffie, which comes under the bridge at Dublin, whence it is made navigable by the flood, which goeth a mile above the bridge, and little further; I passed also, about
This town, called in Irish Haggers town, is built upon my Lord of Ormond's land, which he holds by lease for about fifty years; this is in the province of Leinster, and in the county of Catherloe.73 It is lately made a market town (a poor one);74 it is most inconveniently seated amongst the mountains, a barren dry soil, and not easily improved and made rich. A branch of the river of the Slane runs below this town, wherein are but a few straggling houses. Some land is here set by Mr.Watson at 2s. and some at 3s. 4d. an acre, as to John Torkinton, and for thirty years. Here is good butter made as in England, and they say good cheese, but I tasted none. This is in the diocese of Loghlein,75 and so is Sir Morgan Kavanagh76 his estate; the bishop hereof was lately Dean of Limbreck, Dr. Andrews.77 Here Mr. Watson hath erected a dainty new church, and maintains a good minister, Mr. Roote's wife's brother. He allows him 40£ pension per annum and his house, and a competent provision of ground. He paid for the purchase of this lease above 500£ fine, and he pays also an 100£ rent. He hath already improved it unto more worth than 400£ per annum, and hath much prejudiced his plantation by insisting upon overhard conditions and demands. Here we were very courteously and kindly entertained all night by Mr. Needham, and [...] who married Mr. Watson's sister.
July 15.—We went hence through Mr. Watson's woods, wherein is very little good timber, the most small, old, and decayed, and those trees which seem best are shaken and unsound at heart. When we went out of his grounds we entered upon Mr. Chambers' land, and saw abundance
Before we passed this wood and river, we passed by Minmoare, a little Irish town, where a brother of Chambers dwelleth. Two miles hence is Carnue,79 the town wherein Mr. Chambers his castle is erected, and which is a neat, rough-cast, and well-contrived, convenient house. Here calling to drink a cup of beer (the weather being extreme hot), Mr. Chambers overruled us to stay all night, where we had very free and courteous entertainment. Two of his daughters, now married, are with my Lord Brabseon's Brabazon's lady, and Mr. Sandeford's wife.80 Here is now Mr. Odell, who doth commend and magnify beyond all measure the park belonging to this house, which is about seven miles in compass, and wherein are both fallow and red deer good store. Here is good butter and cheese made, and they say fair English cattle are here bred, though the ground seems but barren and poor, and moorish hereabouts; but here hath a brave large scope of ground, and it is of the best sort that this county of Wickley yields. Nor far hence, about a quarter of a mile, he hath erected an iron-work, which is called a
July 16.—We left Carnue about seven hour, and went thence into the county of Wexford to Claghaman,82 by Lord of Baltamoare's83 town, where he hath a brave house, but of no great strength, nor built castle-wise. Here I saw lime burnt, wherewith they use to enrich their ground. This town is seated upon the bank of river Slane, which doth hence carry down to Ennerscoffe, and so to Wexford, all pipe-staves, boards and other timber which grows in the woods near adjoining. We passed through Sir Morgan Kavanagh's woods, wherein (we were informed in the morning at Carnew) there were lurking about sixteen stout rebels, well appointed, every of them with his pistols, skene, and darts; they have also four long pieces, but we saw none, only we had one lusty fellow in jealousy84 in the wood. Herein there hath been good store of good timber, though now there remains little timber useful, save to burn, and such as cumbreth the ground, but they say he hath better timber in his more remote woods from the river. This is a commodity which will be much wanting in this kingdom, and is now very dear at Dublin. In this wood there runs a little river which divides the counties of Wexford and Catherloe, over which when we had passed we went to Clenmoullen,85 the castle and seat of Sir Morgan Kavanagh, who seems to be a very honest, fair-dealing man, and his lady86 a good woman, but both recusants. Here we were
Here he showed me a convenient seat for an iron-work, which may be supplied with sufficient water and charcoal; for this respect I do believe he doth set a far higher valuation and price upon his lands, which he doth much overvalue and esteem. In this wood I observed and tasted of the dew which fell upon the oak leaves, which glistened and shined and tasted like honey; doubtless this kingdom is a most fruitful place for bees. This castle and seat of Sir Morgan Kavanagh is an old, high, narrow, and inconvenient building; the stairs leading up into the dining-room mid chambers being narrow and steep, like a steeple stair; this also seated in a most solitary, melancholy place, woods on two sides and plains on the other; these are moors and mountains, whereon they say there are wolves. This also is in the Dufferie,87 which hath always been reputed a thievish place, but Sir Morgan being demanded, said that the sixteen rebels before-named were most conversant about Ross and in the county of Kilkennie.
In the way to Ennescorffie,88 about two miles thence on the other side the Slane, I went to survey (over the river) the manor of the Ollort,89 in the county of Wexford, in the parish and diocese of Fernes and Loghlein, which is to be sold with these parcels following: Taebcurrye, Taenknock, Rahennemonye, Bollincahine, and Sherewelch. Hereunto belongs a court-leet, a court-barron, and one fair. It is mortgaged by one Mr. Darbie Cavenah, in Irish called Dormaunt MacDoullin. This land is now in mortgage to one
This kingdom is now divided into four provinces: I. Linster; 2. Munster; 3. Ulster; 4. Connaught. Linster containeth these counties: 1. Eastmeath; 2. Westmeath; 3. Dublin; 4. Kildare; 5. Louth—these five called within the English Pale; 6. Longford; 7. King's County; 8. Queene; 9. Kilkennie, one of the finest counties in Ireland; 10. Carloe; 11. Wexford; 12. Wickley. Munster divides itself into these shires and counties: 1. Waterford; 2. Tiperarie and Cross Tiperarie; 3. Corke, greatest in Ireland; 4. Kerrie, furthest point of Ireland, south-west; 5. Limbreck, the richest land; 6. Toemond.92 Ulster: 1. Donegall, furthest north-west county; 2. Enneschelyn, or Fermanough; 3. Cavan; 4. Monohain; 5. Tyrone; 6. Londonderie; 7. Armath; 8. Downe-Patrick; 9. Antrim, wherein stands Carick-Fergus. Connaught: 1. Gallaway; 2. Mayeo; 3. Rosscommon; 4. Letrim; 5. Sligoe.93
We lodged on Thursday, July 16, at Ennerscorffie, at one Andrew Plummer, a Scotchman, his wife an Englishwoman, where we paid 1s. ordinary for ourselves and 6d. for our servants. Here is a neat little castle in good repair. This and the town and the lands hereabout belong unto Sir Henry Wallope,94 who hath a very brave command and royalty and revenue hereabout. This town is seated upon
July 17.—Here I bought of John Torkinton a little white mare; the price was 2£ 4s. He said if I returned her to Hacquetts Town when I had finished my journey, I should not abate above 3d. a day. I tried also a grissell gelding, for which I deposited 4£ 2s. 6d. and covenanted in this manner: that if I returned the horse within thirty days I was to receive my money back again, allowing an abatement of 1s. a day for so many days as I had the horse; only by this agreement I was to keep the horse ten days at least, so as if I returned him next day, I must abate 10s. of the 4£ 2s. 6d. This horse was one Mainwareing's,95 steward to Sir Henry Wallope: he descended out of Caringham house, and is uncle to Mr. Mainwareing that now is.96 This money was left with Mr. Andrew Plummer, who undertook the performance of conditions.
Here we parted with Mr. Needham, who appointed with me to meet me on Tuesday morning next at Carick,97 where my Lord of Ormond lives. Hence I sent to Dublin by John Torkinton the two horses there hired, which were
We went hence towards Wexford, which is accounted eight mile, but they are very long miles. We crossed the water at Ennerscoffie on horseback, and at the Carick, a mile from Wexford, we passed over a narrow ferry; all the grass in the country is burnt up, and here they complain of drought, and affirm they never felt such extreme scorching hot weather in Ireland. Here are divers of the Roches, which have much land about Wexford, and who would willingly set or sell; their land lieth very convenient for a Cheshire man.
About a mile hence lies a farm called the Park, which is now leased unto one Mr. Hardye, an Englishman, who lives upon it, and hath an estate in it about thirteen years. The landlord is one Mr. William Synode ? Synnot, of the Lough, a man that needs money. This land is almost 16£ per annum. He saith it contains about three hundred acres, others say two hundred acres, and that it will keep twenty or thirty milch kine, yield sufficient corn for a small family, affords abundance of rabbits, whereof here there are too many, so as they pester the ground, and here may be more fish and fowl provided than to keep a good family, for on three sides it is compassed with great loughs a mile or two broad, so as the flood being in it flows to the very bank sides; when the flood is out, the shore being mud is bare and dry; when the tide is out, the depth of the mud is half a yard or a yard; but I could not find the mud bare, and this was the reason given by Mr. Hardye, that so long as the wind blows west, it clears it of water, but now the wind being at east keeps the tide in; when the flood is in, it is said to be not above one yard deep of water (except at some extraordinary spring tides). I cannot believe but that this mud will much fertilise and enrich the ground. This I do believe is a place of much security to such cattle or goods as are therein kept, and they affirm that they have not lost any since they came thither, which is about eight years.
Here is the best feeding for fowl that I ever saw. This grass which comes from the mud is good food for them, and
Here is the most commodious and convenient seat for a c(oy)98 that ever I saw, but there is no more room whereupon to erect a c(oy) betwixt the water and an high bank of the wood than four or five rood in breadth, but sufficient in length so as you must either make so much of the mud firm land, whereupon to build your c(oy), or else you must only make good one side with two pipes, or you must erect your work upon a point of land which lieth much eastward, and is in view of the town, and much more inconvenient, or you must carry away abundance of earth to make a pond, and pipes in some ground, as yet much too high at the north-west end of the wood. Here grew ollers99 sufficient to plant a coy, and here is sufficient wood to cleave into stakes for all uses; and as I am informed, reed may be provided out of Sir Thomas Esmond's lands which is on the other side the water, and all necessaries may be supplied by water from the Slane. Mr. Hardye demands for his interest, which is for thirteen years, 55£, and will abate nothing.
And herein grow good cherries, and all wood here planted flourisheth well. Mr. Turner, father-in-law to Mr. William Synode, demanded an 100£ fine for a lease of eighty years in reversion after the determination of the thirteen years now in being; of the unreasonableness of which demand being convinced, he sent next day a messenger and letter to his son-in-law, Mr. Synode, who desired to know what I would give. I would offer nothing, but Mr. Mainwaring offered 20£ per lease for eighty (years). Mr. Turner replied that 40£ would not be accepted, and an augmentation of the rent 4£ per annum from 16£ to 20£. Upon this we broke off.
We lodged at Wexford at the sign of the Windmill at the house of Paul Bennett. This town is seated upon a
July 18—This day I went to the court (the assizes being now here held for this county of Washford, which began on Wednesday last, and ended this day), where is their shire hall. The judges that ride this circuit are Sir George Sherley,100 Lord Chief Justice of Ireland, and Sir John Fillpott,101 one of the judges in the Common Pleas, a little, black, temperate man. The one—viz., my Lord Chief Justice —sits upon Isie-prices,102 the other upon matters of misdemeanours and trials for life and death. Here I saw four justices of peace sit upon the bench with Sir John Philpott, amongst which was one Devereux and my cousin Mainwareing, uncle to Mr. Mainwareing of Caringham that now is, a courteous, grave, civil gentleman, who came from the bench and saluted me in the hall, and accompanied me to the tavern, and bestowed wine upon me. He is agent
Beyond the bar also it hath a very safe harbour, and shelter for ships to ride at anchor in, who want tide to bring them into the haven. Sir Adam Cotcliffe105 told me that he had dined at Milford in Wales, and supped in this town, which is about twenty-four hours' sail from Bristoll, and as much to Dublin.106 By reason of the assizes here, the inhabitants of the country resorted hither in greater numbers and better habits (Irish garments I mean) than I have yet seen. Some gentlewomen of good quality here I observed clothed in good handsome gowns, petticoats and hats, who wore Irish rugs which have handsome, comely large fringes, which go about their necks, and serve instead of bands. This
July 19.—The present mayor, Mr. Mark Cheveu, attended the judges to the church door, and so did the sheriff of the shire, both which left them there, and went to mass, which is here tolerated, and publicly resorted unto in two or three houses in this town, wherein are very few Protestants, as appeared by that slender congregation at church where the judges were. This morning I went unto and visited both the judges, and was respectively used by them; the mayor, a well-bred gentleman, an inns-of-court man, who is a counsellor, a gentleman that hath an estate in the country, and was knight of this shire for last Parliament, invited me to dinner as also to supper with the judges.107 He is an Irishman, and his wife Irish, in a strange habit, a threadbare short coat with sleeves, made like my green coat of stuff, reaching to her middle; she knew not how to carve, look, entertain, or demean herself. Here was a kind of beer (which I durst not taste) called charter beer, mighty thick, muddy stuff; the meat nothing well cooked or ordered. Much discourse here, complaint and information given against the rebels, the captain whereof is called Simon Prendergrasse, whose brother also will be brought in trouble for relieving, &c. Three carriers were robbed betwixt Ross and this town on Friday last, and two other travellers, and one in his lodging, by three of these rebels well appointed, who said if they could have taken my Lord of Kildare,108 who passed
July 20.—We left Washford, and the Lord provided a good guide for us, and directed us to a better course than we intended, for instead of going over the passage (which was this day so much troubled and so rough as my Lord of Kildare was in great danger there, and himself and servants constrained to cut the sail ropes and tacklings) we took up our lodging at Tinterden,109 a dissolved abbey, where now Sir Adam Cocliffe lives, and where we were exceedingly kindly and courteously entertained. Now my disease began to increase upon me. This a very fair, large, stately house, and of great receipt. He keeps a good house, and hath a great estate here, and his lady is a dainty, complete, well-bred woman. She is Sir Rob. Rich his daughter. The land on this side Washford about four or five miles, and so to Ballihack, is much better land than that which I saw in any other part of this county. This day we had more rain than upon any day since we came from home. Here they say no rain fallen this two months, all extreme
July 21.—We went home about eight hour, and came to Ballihack, a poor little village on this side the passage over the river of Waterford, which here is the broadest passage said to be in Ireland, and a most rough, troubled passage when the wind is anything high. Here last day the boat, wherein my Lord of Kildare came over, was in danger to be run under water by carrying too much sail, and running foul upon the passage boat. Down this river come all the shipping for Waterford. Here we saw the Ninth Whelp lying at anchor, to guard the fleet which now is ready to go hence to Bristoll fair. Sir Beverley Newcombe is captain of her, and is now at Waterford.110 They say there are about fifty sail to go to St. James fair at Bristoll. The Irish here use a very presumptuous proverb and speech touching this passage. They always say they must be at Bristoll fair, they must have a wind to Bristoll fair, and indeed it is observed they never fail of a wind to Bristoll fair; yea, though the fair be begun, and the wind still averse, yet still do they retain their confident presumption of a wind. It is most safe here to hire a boat to pass over in, not with horses, which is rowed over with four oars. I paid for the hire of it 2s. This is a full mile over. The passage boat which carries your horses will not carry at one time more than two or three horses. Here is far better coming into the boat and landing than at Port Patricke, but less and worse boats. On Munster side is good lodging and accommodation.
This day we passed over the land of a gentleman whose name is [...]. He died about seven days ago of a gangrene; his fingers and hands, toes and feet, rotted off, joint by joint. He was but a young man, of above 1,000£ per annum, and married an old woman, a crabbed piece of flesh, who cheated him with a 1,000£ she brought him, for which he was arrested within three days after his marriage.
We came to Waterford about three hour, and baited at
This city is governed by a mayor, bailiffs, and twelve aldermen. Herein are seven churches; there have been many more. One of these, Christ Church, a cathedral; St. Patrick's, Holy Ghost, St. Stephen's, St. John—but none of these are in good repair, not the cathedral, nor indeed are there any churches almost to be found in good repair. Most of the inhabitants Irish, not above forty English, and not one of these Irish goes to church. This town trades much with England, France, and Spain, and that which gives much encouragement hereunto is the goodness of the haven.
This town double-walled, and the walls maintained in good repair. Here we saw women in a most impudent manner treading clothes with their feet; these were naked to the middle almost, for so high were their clothes tucked up about them. Here the women of better rank and quality wear long, high laced caps, turned up round about; these are mighty high; of this sort I gave William Dale money to buy me one. Here is a good, handsome market-place, and a most convenient prison that I ever saw for the women apart, and this is a great distance from the men's prison. Herein dwells a judicious apothecary, who hath been bred at Antwerpe, and is a traveller; his name is (as I take it) Mr. Jarvis Billiard, by whose directions and good advice I found much good, and through God's mercy recovered from my sickness. After I had dined here, I went about four or five hour towards Caricke, where I stayed at a ferry about a mile from Waterford a whole hour for the boat, wherein we and our six horses were carried over together.
Hence to Caricke is accounted nine miles, good large ones, but very fair way, and very ready to find. We came to Caricke about nine hour. We lodged at the sign of the Three Cuts at Mr. Croummer's, where is a good neat woman. Here my disease increasing, I wanted good accommodation.
July 22.—From this town I returned back to Waterford, fearing indeed lest the country disease should so far prevail upon me as to disable me to endure, whereas indeed immediately after my departure I did begin by degrees to recover, and was within a few days, aid before my departure out of that kingdom, perfectly recovered, and my body rather inclined to be costive, but yet this did not continue with me above two days; and whereas I feared faintings by reason of sea-sickness, I thank God I was nothing subject thereunto, though I was never well at sea. Here, by promise, Mr. Needham of Hacquett's Town stood engaged to meet me, and sends in his stead Mr. Robert Cooke, an English gentleman who lives about one or two miles from this town, upon a
Here I observed a very convenient seat [...]. This was this day overflowed with the tide, by reason of a strong east wind concurring with this high St. James' flood; here abundance of fowl in winter. Here is a very fair, handsome English stone house, new built, and also a castle, to both which there comes up at every tide in a deep lough or channel sufficient water to carry a boat, and when the tide is gone out this is dry; so as if a net be placed in the mouth of it (which is but narrow) you may be thereby furnished with salmon, flookes, and other fish sufficient. There is now an Englishman tenant, who lives in the castle, who keeps a dairy and rents thirty kine from him, who keeps them summer and winter; for every cow he is to pay 1£ 10s. per annum, and half of the calves, all which are to be reared. I tasted of their milk, butter and cheese, and it was excellent good; I never drunk so good buttermilk. Here the milk is so good, as they churn that in the evening which was milked in the morning, so as the buttermilk is much sweeter and wholesomer; they never yet sold any cheese, only butter at 4d. a pound. Here I saw abundances of cheeses. Here is a town hereunto belonging, inhabited by Irish, who have no longer estate than from year to year; they pay neither here nor elsewhere no rent in money, only plough the ground to the parts, and allow the landlord
July 23.—This day I rested at King's Head at Mr.Warde's and prepared barley water, cordials and perfumes to take to sea, to preserve me from fainting, whereunto I was nothing subject (I thank God) at sea or land. Herein I made use of and spent most of the afternoon with Mr. Jarvis Billiard, the apothecary, who showed me the best Mercator that ever I saw in my life; and indeed before my departure hence I was freed from that indisposition.
July 24.—Next morning I went down to the passage, which was so thronged as I could not be furnished with
July 25.—But upon St. James day the wind was sufficiently calmed, and stood fair, and they in The Whelp discharged a piece of ordinance to summon us aboard very early, so I was constrained to go aboard without my breakfast. There I bought half a mutton, cost 3s., and eggs seven a penny, and three pullets at 3d. apiece, but wanted a stomach to make use of any save eggs and pullets. About six hour I went aboard one of the King's ships, called the Ninth Whelp, which is in the King's books 215 ton and tonnage in King's books.119 She carries sixteen pieces of ordinance, two brass sakers, six iron demi-culverin drakes, four iron whole culverin drakes, and four iron demi-cannon drakes. They are called drakes. They are taper-bored in the chamber, and are tempered with extraordinary metal to carry that shot; these are narrower where the powder is put in, and wider where the shot is put in, and with this kind of ordinance his Majesty is much affected. This ship is manned with sixty men; the captain is Sir Beverley Newcomen;120 lieutenant, John Newcomen; master, William Brooke; master's mate, William Purser, who hath lost an arm—a temperate, well-governed, and
Here the captain's cabin was taken up by Alderman Joanes, of Dublin, and Dr. Tilson,122 Dean of Christ Church in Dublin, who came in her by sea from Dublin to Waterford, and so thence for Bristoll; and the captain himself lodged in the master's cabin, so as I could not be accommodated with any more convenient cabin than the master gunner's cabin in the gun-room, but I could not endure under hatches, nor was I any longer in this cabin than about four hours in the night, during which time I could not rest; the ship
The remarkable points, shores, sands, rocks and islands in this passage are these: on Washford side Dunkannon, which is a fort wherein my lord Esmond's company is desposed; and a low point whereon is placed the tower of Waterford, a white eminent conspicuous seamark; hence about four miles are two islands called the Saltes Salteso. On Waterford side is Craydon Head Creaden Head, and the utmost point is called Horseleffes, so called from a shelf of sand. Hence to Lundy is about thirty leagues.