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ancient

HISTORIE

OF

IRELAND,

Written in the Yeare
1571.

BY

EDMUND CAMPION,

SOMETIME FELLOW OP ST. JOHN'S COLLEDGE, IN OXFORD.

SDubitm

Printed by the Society of Stationers,

M.DCXXXIII.
REPRINTED AT THE HIBERNIA PRESS,

FOB THE PROPRIETOKS,

By John Morrisson.

180.9.

DEC 1 3 1949

CAMPION'S

HISTORIE OF IRELAND.

THE FIRST BOOKE,

CAP. I.

The Site and speciall parts of Jr eland.

IRELAND lieth a-loofe in the West Ocean, and is
deemed by the later Survey, to be in length well-nigh
three hundred miles north & south : broad from East
to West one hundred and twentie. In proportion it
resembleth an egge, blunt and plaine on the sides, not
reaching forth to Sea, in nookes and elbowes of Land,
as Brittaine doth.

/ *

Long since, it was devided into foure regions, Leins-
ter East, Connaght West, Vlster North, Mounster
South, and into a fift plot defalked from every fourth
part, lying together in the heart of the Realme, called
thereof Media, Meath.

B

2 CAMPION'S HISTOIUE

Each of these five (where they are framable to eivi-
litv, and ariswere the writts of the Crowne,) be sundred
into shires and counties, after this manner.

In Leinster lye the counties of Dublin, Kildare,
Weixford, Caterlagh, Kilkenny, King & Queenes
counties, these two lately so named by Parliament in
the raignes of Philip and Mary, having Shire-townes
accordant, Philipstown and Marry borrow*

Septes, Irish of name planted in these quarters >
they reckon, the Birnes, Tooles, Cauanaghes, which
is the nation of Macmurrow, O mores, Oconnores,
Odempsyes, Odun.

Citties of best account, Dyvelin: the beauty and eye
of Ireland, fast by a goodly river, w^hich Cambrensis
calleth Avenlifius. Ptolomy Libnms, they call the
Lyffie. The seat hereof is in many respects comfort-
able, but less frequented of marchant strangers, be-
cause of the bard haven. Kildare hath Kildare and
the Naass. Weixford hath Weixford and Ross. Kil-
kenny hath Kilkenny the best dry towne in Ireland on
the Southside of the river Suirus, also Callan and
Thomastowne.

Meath is devided into East and West Meath, and
the counties of Longford. Here dwelleth ancient
Irish families (sometime Princes & Potentates) Oma-
laghlen, Mac-Coghlan Obrien, Omulloy, Omadden,

OP IRELAND.

Macgoghigan, the Fox. This whole part, and the
veyne of Finegale in Leinster, are best imployed with
husbandry, and taken to he the richest soyles in Ireland.

Connaght hath as yet but the county Clare, the
town of Athenry : & Galway, a proper neat city at the
sea side. Herein Turlogh More Oconner was a peere,
& parted the whole betwixt his two Sonries, Cahal, and
Bryen Oconnor. In it are now cheife Irish, Breni
Oreli,Breni Oruarke, Oconnor Sligo, Odoude, O liar a,
Macphilippin, Mac-dermot, Oconnor donn, Oconnor-
Jtoe^ the O-kellies, Mac-glomore, of Langues, L.
Bermingkam, Omaly, Mac-william Euter, Oflaherty,
ClctAiricarde.

Vlster wherein Oneale & Odonil are cheife Irish,
contayneth the counties, Louth, Down, Antrim, one
moity of Droghdah (for the rest is in Meath) cheife
town of Louth Dundalk, of Dow T n, Down, & Carling-
ford, of Droghdagh, Droghdaghe, of Antrim, Cnock-
fergus, called also Cragfergus,

This part is dissevered from Meath and Leinster by
the river Boandus, which breaketh out beside Logh-
foyle, a hogg betweene Ardmagh, and S. Patrickes
Purgatorie. Cambrensis reputeth the bogge at 30.
miles in length, and halfe so much in breadth, and the
same once firme Land, to have beene suddenly ouer-
flowen, for the bestiall incest committed there, unfit
to be told.

PA
305

4 CAMPION'S H/STORIE '

In Mounster lye the counties of Waterford, Lime-
ricke, Cork, counties Pallatine of Tipperary, Kerry,
and exempt from priviledge the Crosse of Tipperarie.

Waterford hath Dongarvon, and Waterford full of
traffique with England, France, and Spaine, by meanes
of their excellent good Haven.

Limericke hath Kilmallocke lately sackt by lames
Fitz Morice, and the Citie Limiricum, coasting on
the sea, hard upon the river Shannon, whereby are
most notably severed Mounster and Connaght.

Corke hath Kinsale, Yowghall, and the Cittie Corke,
Tipperary hath Tipperary, Clonmell, Fidderstown,
Cassell. Mounster was of old time devided into East-
Mounster, Ormond, West-Mounster, Desmond, South-
Mounster, Thomond. Here dwell Obrenes, Macnemar-
raes, Mack-mahownes, and one sept of the Offlherties.

In these quarters lyeth the Countryes of O- Car-
roll, O-Magher 9 the white Knight, Mac-Ibrine,
O-Gaunaghe.

Waterford contayneth the Powers, and Deces.

i

Corke the Barries Lands, Imokillie, Carbarrie,
Maccarty-more, Maccarty-reagh, L. Roches lands,
Osulivan, Muscry, L. Courcy, and diverse more, some
of Irish blood, some degenerate and become Irish.

OF IRELAND.

Limericke hath in it the Knight of the valley, Wil-
liamBurcke, Mac-Ibrine Ara, part of the white Knights
Lands, Cosmay, Obrenes, and upon the edge of Kerrie
the greene Knight, alias the knight of Kerrie.

Leinster hutteth upon England, Mounsterand Con-
naght upon France and Spairie, Vlster upon the Scottish
Hands (which face with Hebrides) scattered between
both realmes ; wherein at this day, the Irish Scot Suc-
cessour of the old Scythian Pict or Redshancke
dwelleth.

i

The spirituall lurisdiction a is ordered into 4. Pro-
vinces whereof the primacy was euer given (in reve-
rence toward Saint Patricke their Apostle) to the
Archbishoppe of Ardmagha, now called Ardmagh,
which custome was since confirmed \>yEugenius the 3,
who sent withall 3. other prelates to be placed, one at
Dublin, one at Cashell, & the last at Tuam. To
these are suffraganes in right 29. and all they inferiour
to the Primate of Ardmaghe : under his province are
the Bishopprickes of Meath, Derry, Ardagh, Kilmore,
Clogher, Downe, Coner, Clonmacknoes, Rapho, and
Dromore.

j

Vnder Dublin b (whereunto Innocentius 3. united
Glandelagh) are the Bishop of Elphine, Kildare,
Femes, Ossorie and Laighlein.

* Bishops in Ireland. Bern, in vita Malach. An. 1148.
b Dublin, an. 1212. S. Pat. booke of Recordes.

6 CAMPION S HISTORIE

Vnder Cashell are B. of Waterford, Lysmore, Corke,
& Clone, Rosse, Ardigh, Limericke, Emely, Killalo,
Ardferte.

Vnder Tuam the B. of Kilmaco, Olfine, Anagh-
doune, Clonfert, Mayo. In this recount some diver-
sities have happened by reason of personall and reall
union of the Seas and for other alterations.

An old distinction there is of Ireland into Irish &
English pales, for when the Irish had raised continual
tumults against the English planted heere with the
Conquest. At last they coursed them into a narrow
circuite of certaine shires in Leinster, which the
English did choose, as the fattest soyle, most defen-
sible, their proper right, and most open to receive
helpe from England. Hereupon it was termed their
pale, as whereout they durst not peepe. But now
both within this pale, uncivill Irish and some rebells
doe dwell, and without it, Countreyes and cities English
are well governed.

CAP. II.

X

The temporall Nobility.

JoY conference with certaine gentlemen, attendants
upon Sir Henry Sidney, Lord Deputie, (who excel-
leth in that knowledge) I tooke notice of the most

OP IRELAND. /

noble English families in Ireland, which heere ensue
with their surnames as they stand at this present.

Gerald Fitz Gerald Earle of Kildare, this house
was of the nobilitie of Florence, came thence to Nor-
mandie, and so with earle Strangbow his kinsman,
(whose Armes hee giveth) into Wales, neere of bloud
to Rice ap Griffin Prince of Wales, by fiesta the
mother of Morice Fitz Gerald, and Robert Fitz Ste-
phens: with the said Earle it removed into Ireland,
one of the special 1 conquerours thereof. One record
that I have scene, nameth a Geraldine the first Earle
of Kildare, in anno 1289. But another saith, there
dyed a Geraldine the fourth Earle of Kildare in anno
1316, the family is touched in the sonnet of Surrey,
made upon Kildares sister, now Lady Clinton.

From Tuscane came my Ladyes worthy race,
Faire Florence ivas sometime her ancient seate,
The western Isle whose pleasant shore doth face,
Wilde Cambres cliffes did give her lively heate,

His eldest sonne Lord Gerald, Baron of Ophalye,
I reade the Geraldine Lord of Ophalye, in anno 1270.

Sir Thomas Butler, Earle of Ormond and Ossorye :
the Butlers were ancient English Gentlemen, preferred
to the Earldome of Ormond in the first of Edward the
3. Anno 1327- which fell upon heires generall, lastly
upon Sir Thomas Butler Earle of Wilshire, after

CAMPION'S HISTORIC

whose disfavour it reversed to the name of Pierce
Butler, whom little before King H. 8. had created
Earle of Ossorye. Theo. Butler was Lord of the Car-
ricke. An. 1205. And Earle of Tipperarie 1300. or
sooner : The Latine History calleth him Dominum de
Pincerna, the English Le Bottiller, whereby it ap-
peareth that hee had some such honour about the
Prince, his very surname is Becket, who was advanced
by H. le 2. in recompence of the injurie done to Tho-
mas of Canterburie their kinsman.

His eldest sonne Lord Butler, Viscount Thurles.

Gerald Fitz Gerald, Earle of Desmond, Morice
Fitz Thomas, a Geraldine, was created Earle of Des-
mond the same yeare : soone after that the Butler be-
came Earle of Ormond. The Irish say, that the elder
house of the Geraldines was made Earle of Desmond,
though Kildare be the more ancient Earle.

His eldest sonne L. Fitz Gerald of Desmond, Ba-
ron of Inshycoin.

Sir Richard Bur eke, Earle of Clanriccard, a braunch
of the English family, de Surge Lord Burgh, who
were noble men before their arrivall into Ireland.

His eldest sonne Vlioke Surge Baron of Donkeline.

Conegher Obrene, Earle of Tumond : the name of
Earle given to MurrougheObrme for terme of life, and

OF IRELAND. 9

after to Donoghe Obrene, An, 5. Edw. 6. now con-

o

finned to the heires male.

His eldest sonne Lo. Obrene, Baron of Ibrecane.
Mac Cartimore, Earle of Clarcar, created An. 1565.
His eldest sonne Lo: Baron of J^alentia.
Viscount Barrie.
Viscount Roche.

Preston^ Viscount of Gormanston, whereunto is
lately annexed the Barony of Lounders, their aunces-
tour Preston, then cheife ( Baron of the Exchequer,
was made Knight in the field by LioneU Duke of Cla-
rence, Lieutenant of Ireland.

i

Eustace alias Powere, Viscount of Baltinglasse,
Lord of Kilkullen, to him and his heires male An. H.
8. 33. Their ancestour Robert le Powere was sent into
Ireland with commission, and in his Off-spring hath
rested heere since An. 1175. Poivere alias Eustace is
written Baron of Domvile An. 1317-

i

Sir Richard Butler, Viscount Mongaret, to him and
his heires males An. Edw. 6. 5.

Viscount Deces*

Lord Bermingham, Baron of Athenrye, now dege-
nerate and become meere Irish, against whom his nun-
cestors served valiantly in An. 1300.

c

10 CAMPION'S HISTORIC

Sir Richard Bermingham was Lord of Athenrye.
1316.

lohn Bermingham Baron de Atrio del, Anno 1318.
Mac Morice alias Fitz Gerald, Baron of Kerye.

4

/
, f

Lord Courcye a poore man, not very Irish, the aun-
cient descent of the Courcyes planted in Ireland with
the Conquest.

.

Lord Flemmynge Baron of Slane, Simon Flemmynge
was Baron of Slane in Anno IS/O.

PlonJcet, Baron of Killyne: this family came in with
the Danes, whereof they have as yet speciall monu-
ments.

Nugent, Baron of Delvin.
Saint Laurence, Baron of Hothe,
Plonket, Baron of Doonesa\vny.

Barnewall, Baron of Trimleston : they came from
little Brittaine, where they are at this day a great sur-
name, upon their first arrivall they wonne great pos-
sessions at Beirnhaven, where at length by conspiracie
of the Irish, they were all slaine, except one yong man,
who then studied the common Lawes in England, who
returning, dwelt at Dromnaghe beside Divelin, and
his heires are there at this day : from thence a second
brother remooved to Sirestone, and so to Trimlestone,

OF IRELAND. 11

and married the Lady Brims, who caused him to be
made Baron.

This writeth the Lord of Donsany.

Edward Butler, Baron of Donboyne, given to Ed-
mond Sutler esquire, and his heires males, An. 33. H. 8.

Fitz PatricJce, Baron of upper Ossory, given to Bar-
nabie Mac Gilpatricke, and his heires males, An. 33,
H. 8.

Donnate Clonnaghe Mac Gilpatricke } was a peere-
lesse warriour in Anno 1219.

Plonket Baron of Louthe, to Sir Christopher Plonket
and his heires males, An. 33. H. 8. This Barony was
an Earldome in An. 1316. appertaining to JSer-
mingham.

Oneale, Baron of Pongarmon, to whom the Earle-
dome of Terone was entayled by gift of H. 8.

Powere, Baron of Curraghmore.

Mac Suretan Lord Deseret, whom Sir Henry Sidney
called lordan de Exeter. This was Lord in the time
of jLzoneZ/Duke of Clarence, An. 136L now very wilde
Irish.

12 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

Murroghe Obrene, Baron of Insickeyne, to him and
his heires males, An. 35. H. 8.

Mac Costilaghe, L. Nangle, whom Sir Henry Sid-
ney called de Angulo^ now very Irish.

Mac William Burcke, Lord of eighter Connaght,
now very Irish.

Baronets.

Seintleger, Baronet of Slemarge, meere Irish.
Den, Baronet of Por man ston, waxing Irish.
Fitz Gerald, Baronet of Burnchurch.
Welleslye, Baronet of Narraghe.
Husee, Baronet of Galtrim.
S. Michell, Baronet of Reban.
Marwarde, Baronet of Scryne.
Nangle, Baronet of tlie Navan.

\

English gentlemen of longest continuance in Ire-
land are the race of those which at this day, either in
great povertie, or perill, doe keepe the properties of
their auncestors lands in Vlster, being then compa-
nions to Courcy the conquerour and Earle of that
part. These are the Savages, lordanes, Fitz Sy~
monds, Chamberlaines, Russels, Bensons, Audleycs,
Whites, Fitz Vrsidyes, now degenerate, & called iii
Irish, Mac Mahon the Beares sonne.

OP IRELAND. 13

CAP. III.

Nature of the soyle, and other incidents.

THE soyle is low and waterish, & includeth diverse
little Hands, invironed with bogges and marishes :
Highest hilles have standing pooles in their toppe,
Inhabitants (especially new come) are subiect to dis-
tillations, rhumes and flixes, for remedy whereof they
use an ordinary drinke of Aquavitae, so qualified in
the making, that it dryeth more, and inflameth lesse,
then other hote confections. The aire is wholsome,

i

not altogether so cleare and subtle as ours of Eng-
land. Of Bees good store, no vineyards, contrary
to the opinion of some writers, who both in this and
other errours touching the land, may easily be ex-
cused, as those that wrote of hearesay.

Cambrensis in his time, complaineth that Ireland
had excesse of wood, and very little champaigne
ground, but now the English pale is too naked :
Turffe and Sea-coales is their most fuell : it is stored
of kyne, of excellent horses, & hawkes, of fish and
fowle. They are not without wolves, and grey-
hounds to hunt them, bigger of bone and limme then
a colt. Their kyne, as also their cattle, and com-
monly what els soever the Countrey ingendreth (ex-
cept man) is much lesse in quantity then ours of Eng-
land. Sheepe few, and those bearing course fleeces,

14 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

whereof they spinne notable rugge mantle. The
country is very fruitefull both of corne and grasse,
the grasse for default of Husbandrie (not for the
cause alleaged in Polychronicon^) groweth so ranke
in the north parts, that oft times it rotteth their
Kyne. Eagles are well knowne to breed heere, but
neither so bigge nor so many as Bookes tell. Cam-
brensis reporteth of his owne knowledge, and I heare
it averred by credible persons, that Barnacles, thou-
sands at once, are noted along the shoares to hang by
the beakes, about the edges of putrified timber,
shippes, oares, anchor-holdes, and such like : which
in processe taking lively heate of the Sunne, become
water-foules, and at their time of ripenesse either fall
into the sea, or fly abroad into the ayre. &neas
Sylvius (that after was Pope Pius the second) writeth
himselfe, to have perceaved the like experiment in
Scotland, where he learned the truth hereof, to be
found in the Hands Orchades. Horses they have of
pace easie, in running wonderfull swift. Therefore
they make of them great store, as wherein at times
of need they repose a great peice of safetie. This
broode, Raphael Volateranus saith, to have come at
first from Arturia the country of Spaine, betweene
Gallicea and Portugall, whereof they were called As-
turcones a name now properly applyed to the Spanish
lennet.

I heard it verified by Honourable to Honourable,
that a Nobleman (offered and was refused) for one

OF IRELAND. 15

such horse, an hundred kyne, five pound Lands, &
an Airy of Hawks yearely during seven yeares. In
the plaine of Kildare stood that monstrous heape of
stones brought thither by Gyants from Affrique and
removed thence to the plaine of Sarisbury at the in-
stance of Aurel. Ambrose King of Brittaine. No
venemous creping beast is brought forth or nourished,
or can live here, being sent in, and therefore the
spider of Ireland is well knowne, not to be ve-
nemous.

Onely because a frogge was found living, in the
Meadowes of Waterford, somewhat before the con-
quest, they construed it to import their overthrowe.
S. Bede writeth that Serpents conveyed hither did
presently die being touched with smell of the land ;
and that whatsoever came hence was then of Sove-
raigne vertue against poyson. He exemplifieth in
certaine men stung with Adders, who dranke in
water the scrapings of Bookes that had beene of
Ireland, and were cured.

Generally it is observed, the further West the lesse
annoyance of pestilent creatures/ The want whereof
is to Ireland so peculiar, that whereas it lay long in
question, to whether Realme, (Brittaine or Ireland)
the lie of Man should pertaine, the said controversie
was decided, that forsomuch as venemous beasts were
knowne to breed therein, it could not be counted a
naturall peice of Ireland.

16 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

Neither is this propertie to be ascribed to S. Pa-
trickes blessing (as they commonly hold) but to the
originall blessing of God who gave such nature to
the situation and soyle from the beginning. And
though I doubt not, but it fared the better in many
respects for that holy mans prayer, yet had it this
condition notified hundred of yeares ere he was borne.

CAP. IIII.

Of the Jrish tongue and the name Hibei*nia, Jreland.

v

JL FINDE it solemnely avouched in some of their
pamphlets, that Gathelus, and after him Simon
Erecke, divised their language out of all other
tongues then extant in the world. But considering
the course of enterchanging and blending speeches
together, not by invention of Arte, but by use of
talke, I am rather led to beleeve (seeing Ireland was
inhabited within one yeare after the de vision of the
tongues) that Bastolenus a braunch of lapheth who
first seased upon Ireland, brought hither the same
kinde of Speech, some one of the seventie two Lan-
guages, that to his family befell at the dissolution of
Babell, unto whom succeeded the Scithians, Gre-
cians, Egyptians, Spaniards, Danes : of all which
this tongue must needes have borrowed part, but
specially retaining the steps of Spanish then spoken

OF IRELAND. V]

in Granado, as from their mightiest auncestors. c Since
then to Henry Fitz Empresse the Conquerour, no
such invasion happened them, as whereby they might
be driven to infect their native language, untouched
in manner for the space of 1/00. yeares after the ar-
rivall of ffiberius. The tongue is sharpe and sen-
tentious, offereth great occasion to quicke apothegmes
and proper allusions, wherefore their common les-
ters, Bards, and Rymers, are said to delight pas-
singly those that conceive the grace and propriety of
the tongue. But the true Irish indeede differeth so-
much from that they commonly speake, that scarce
one among five score, can either write, read, or un-
derstand it. Therefore it is prescribed among certaine
their Poets, and other Students of Antiquitie.

Touching the name Ibernia, the learned are not yet
agreed. Some write it Hibernia, and suppose that the
strangers finding it in an odde end of the world, wet
and frosty, tooke it at the first for a very cold coun-
try, and accordingly named it, as to say, the winter
land : Another bringeth a guesse of Irlamal, a of whom
because I read nothing, I neither build upon that
conjecture, nor control! it. Thirdly, they fetch it
from Hiberus the Spaniard. Most credibly it is held
that the Spaniards their founders for devotion toward
Spaine, called then Iberia, and the rather for that

i

c Munst. 1. 2.

* Irlamale Fab. part 2. cap. 32.
D

18 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

themselves had dwelled besides the famous river
Iberus, named this land Iberia, (for so lohn Leland,
and many forraine Chroniclers write it,) or Ibernia,
adding the letter n. for difference sake, there being a
rich Citty which Ptolome recounteth called then
Ibernis, e & from Ibernia proceedeth Iberland or luer-
land, from luerland by contraction Ireland, for so
much as in corruption of common talke, wee finde
that v, with his vowell, are easily lost and suppressed.
So wee say ere for ever> ore for over, ene for even,
here for never, shoole for shovell, dile for divell. At
the same time it was also named Scotia in reverence
of Scota, the wife of Gathelus, auncient Capitaine
of those Iberians, that flitted from Spaine into Ire-
land. And the said Scota was olde grandame to
Hiberus and Hirimon, after the Scottish Chronicles, f
who in any wise will have their Countrymen derived
from the Irish, and not from the Brittaines.

CAP. V.

Dispositions of the People.

JL HE People are thus inclined ; religious, franke f
amorous, irefull, sufferable, of paines infinite, very
glorious, many sorcerers, excellent horsemen, de-

Pliny writeth it luuernia. Ibernis. luerland. Imland,
f lo. Ma, Sco. I. I. c, 9.

OF IRELAND. 19

lighted with Warres, great almes-givers, passing in
hospitalitie : the lewder sort both Clarkes and Lay-
men, are sensuall and loose to leachery above mea-
sure. The same being vertuously bred up or reformed,
are such mirrours of holinesse and austeritie, that
other Nations retaine but a shewe or shadow of de-
votion in comparison of them. As for abstinence and
fasting which these dayes make so dangerous, this is
to them a familiar kinde of chastisement : In which

vertue and diverse other, how farre the best excell, so

\

farre in gluttonie and other hatefull crimes the vi-
tious they are worse then too badde. They follow the
dead corpes to the grave with bowlings and barbarous
out-eryes, pittyfull in apparance, whereof grew (as I
suppose) the Proverbe, to weepe Irish. The up-
landish are lightly abused to believe and avouche idle
miracles and revelations vaine and childish, greedy of
prayse they bee, and fearefull of dishonour. And to
this end they esteeme their Poets who write Irish
learnedly, and penne their sonnetts heroicall, for the
which they are bountifully rewarded. But if they
send out libells in disprayse, thereof the Gentlemen,
especially the meere Irish, stand in great awe. They
love tenderly their foster children, and bequeathe to
them a childes portion, whereby they nourish sure
friendshippe, so beneficiall every way, that commonly
five hundredth kyne and better are given in reward to
winne a noble mans childe to foster. They are sharpe-
witted, lovers of learning, capable of any studie

20 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

whereunto they bend themselves, constant in travaile,
adventerous, intractable, kinde-hearted, secret in dis-

^*

pleasure.

Hitherto the Irish of both sortes meere, and Eng-
lish, are affected much indifferently, saving that in
these, by good order, and breaking the same, vertues
are farre more pregnant. In those others, by licen-
tious and evill custome, the same faults are more
extreame and odious, I say, by licentious and evill
custome , for that there is daylie try all of good na-
tures among them. How soone they bee reclaymed,
and to what rare gifts of grace and wisedome, they
doe and have aspired. Againe, the very English of
birth, conversant with the brutish sort of that people,
become degenerate in short space, and are quite al-
tered into the worst ranke of Irish Rogues, such a
force hath education to make or marre. It is further
to bee knowne, that the simple Irish are utterly an-
other people then our Englishe in Ireland, whome they
call despitefully boddai Sassoni's, and boddai G/ialt,
that is, English and Saxon churles, because of their
English auncestors planted heere with the Conquest,
and sithence with descent hath lasted now 400. yeares.
Of this people therefore severally by themselves I must
intreate. Yet none otherwise then as they stand un-
filed, and serve their accustomed humours, with whom
I joyne all such as either by living neere them, or by
liking their trade are transformed info them.

OF IRELAND. 21

CAP. VI.

Of the meere Jrish.

JL OUCHING the meere Irish, I am to advertise my
Reader, that hee impute not to them the faults of
their Auncestors, which heere I have noted for two
causes. First, that when the same are reade in Cam-
brensis, SoUnus, or others, he confounds not the times,
but may be able distinctly to consider their manners,
then different from these dayes. Secondly, that it
may appeare how much Ireland is beholding to God
for suffering them to be conquered, whereby many of
these enormities were cured, and more might be,
would themselves be plyable.

In some corners of the land they used a damnable
superstition, leaving the right armes of their Infants
males unchristened (as they tearmed it) to the intent
it might give a more ungracious and deadly blow.

I found a fragment of an Epistle, wherein a ver-
tuous Monke declareth, that to him (travailing in
Vlster) came a grave Gentleman about Easter, de-
sirous to be confessed and howseled, who in all his
life time had never yet received the blessed Sacrament.
When he had said his minde, the Priest demaunded
him, whether he were faultlesse in the sinne of Ho-
micide ? Hee answered, that hee never wist the mat*
ter to bee haynous before, but being instructed there-

22 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

of, hee confessed the murther of five, the rest hee
left wounded, so as he knew not whether they lived
or no. Then was he taught that both the one, and
the other were execrable, and verie meek el ie hum-
bled himselfe to repentance.

Solinus writeth that they woonted (because they
would seeme Terrible and Martiall,) to embrue their
faces in the bloude of their Enemyes slaine. Strabo
the famous Geographer, who flourished under Au-
gustus and Tiberius Ccesar, more then fifteene hun-
dred yeares agoe, telleth (without asseveration) that
the Irish were great Gluttons, eaters of mans flesh :
and counted it Honourable for Parents deceased, to
bee eaten up of their Children, and that in open
sight they medled with their Wiues, Mothers, arid
Daughters : which is the lesse incredible, considering
what Saint Hierome avoucheth of the Scots their Of-
spring and Allies, and what all Histories doe wit-
nesse of the Scithians their auncient founders. See
Strabo lib. 4. Geograph.

Although since the time of Saint Patricke, Chris-
tianitie was never extinct in Ireland, yet the governe-
ment being hayled into contrarie factions, the No-
bilitie lawlesse, the multitude willfull, it came to passe
that Religion waxed with the temporal! common sort
cold and feeble, untill the Conquest did settle it,
especiallie in cases of restrain te and Discipline. The
Honourable state of Marriage they much abused,

OF IRELAND. 23

either in contracts, unlawfull meetings, the Leviti-
call and Canonicall degrees of prohibition, or in di-
vorcementes at pleasure, or in ommitting Sacramen-
tall solemnities, or in retayning either Concubines or
Harlots for Wiues. Yea even at this day, where the
Cleargie is fainte, they can bee content to Marrie for
a yeare and a day of probation, and at the yeares
end, to returne her home uppon any light quarrells,
if the Gentle womans friendes bee weake and unable
to avenge the injurie. Never heard I of so many dis-
pensations for Marriage, as those men shewe, I pray
God graunt they bee all authentique and buylded
uppon sufficient warrant.

Covenant and Indent with them never so warilie,
never so preciselie, yet they have beene founde faith-
lesse and periured. Where they are joyned in colour
of surest Amitie, there they intended to kill. This
ceremonie reporteth Cambrensis. The parties to bee
coupled in League, meete at Church, become God-
septes, or Allies, beare each other on his backe cer-
taine paces in a Ring, kisse together holy reliquees,
take blessing of the Bishoppe, offer each to other a
droppe of his owne bloude, and drinke it up betweene
them : Even in the doing hereof, they practise mu-
tuall destruction.

i

They have beene used in solemne controversies, to
protest and sweare by Saint PatricJces Staffe, called
JBachal esu, which oath, because upon breach thereof

24 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

heavy plagues ensued them, they feared more to
breake, then if they had sworne by the holy Evan-
gelist.

In Vlster thus they used to Crown e their King, a
white cow was brought forth, which the King must
kill, and seeth in water whole, and bathe himselfe
therein starke naked, then sitting in the same Cal-
dron, his people about him, together with them, he
must eat the flesh, and drinke the broath, wherein
he sitteth, without cuppe or dish or use of his hand.

So much of their old Customes. Now a few words of

/

their trade at this present.

Cleare men they are of Skinne and hue, but of
themselves carelesse and bestiall. Their Women are
well fauoured, cleare coloured, faire handed, bigge
and large, suffered from their infancie to grow at will,
nothing curious of their feature and proportion of
body.

Their infants of the meaner sort, are neither s wad-
led, nor lapped in Linnen, but foulded up starke
naked into a Blankett till they can goe, and then if
they get a piece of rugge to cover them, they are well
sped. Linnen shirts the rich doe weare for wanton -
nes and bravery, with wide hanging sleeves play ted,
thirtie yards are little enough for one of them. They
have now left their Saffron, and learne to wash their
shirts, foure or five times in a yeare. Proud they are

OF IRELAND. 25

of long crisped glibbes, and doe nourish the same
with all their cunning : to crop the front thereof they
take it for a notable peece of villany. Shamrotes,
Water-cresses, Rootes, and other hearbes they feede
upon : Oatemale and Butter they cramme together.
They drinke Whey, Milke, and Beefe broth, Flesh
they devoure without bread, corne such as they have
they keepe for their horses. In haste and hunger
they squese out the blood of raw flesh, and aske no
more dressing thereto, the rest boyleth in their sto-
mackes with Aquavitae, which they swill in after such
a surfeite, by quarts & pottles. Their kyne they let
blood which growen to a jelly they bake and over-
spread with Butter, and so eate it in lumpes.

One office in the house of great men is a tale-
teller, who bringeth his Lord on sleepe, with tales
vaine and frivolous, whereunto the number give sooth
and credence. So light they are in beleeving what-
soever is with any countenance of gravitie affirmed by
their Superiours, whom they esteeme and honour,
that a lewd Prelate within these few yeares needy of
money, was able to perswade his parish : That S.
Patricke in striving with S. Peter to let an Irish
Galloglass into Heaven, had his head broken with
the keyes, for whose releife he obtained a Collation.

Without either precepts or observation of congruity
they speake Latine like a vulgar language, learned
in their common Schooles of Leach-craft and Law,

E

26 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

whereat they hegin Children, and hold on sixteene or
twentie yeares conning by roate the Aphorismes of
Hypocrates, and the Civill Institutions, and a few
other parings of those two faculties. I have scene
them where they kept Schoole, ten in some one
Chamber, groveling upon couches of straw, their
Bookes at their noses, themselves lying flatte pros-
tate, and so to chaunte out their lessons by peece-
meale, being the most part lustie fellowes of twenty
five yeares and upwards.

Other Lawyers they have, liable to certaine fami-
lies which after the custome of the country determine
and judge causes. These consider of wrongs offered
and received among their neighbours, be it murder,
or fellony, or trespasse, all is redeemed by composi-
tion, (except the grudge of parties seeke revenge :)
and the time they have to spare from spoyling and
proyning, they lightly bestow in parling about such
matters. The Breighoon (so they call this kind of
Lawyer) sitteth him downe on a banke, the Lords and
Gentlemen at variance round about him, and then
they proceede.

*

They honour devoute Fryars and Pilgrimes, suffer
them to passe quietly, spare them and their mansions,
whatsoever outrage they shew to the country besides
them. To robbe and prey their enemies, they deeme
it none offence, nor seeke any meanes to recover their
losse, but even to watch them the like turne. But if

OF IRELAND. 27

neighbours and friends send their Gators to purloyne
one another, such Actions are judged by the Breigh-
oones aforesaid.

Toward the living they are noysome and malicious,
the same being dead they labour to avenge eagerly
and fiercely. They love and trust their Foster Bre-
thren more then their owne. Turlogh Leinagh Qneale
that now usurpeth, is said to repose in them his greatest
surety.

Strumpets are there too vile and abominable to
write of, which not onely without feare, but also
without remorse doe advance themselves in numbring
what noblemen have had liking to their bodies. Hee
that can bring most of his name into the field, base or
other, triumpheth exceedingly. For increase of which
name, they allow themselves not oriely whoores, but
also choise & store of whoores. One I heard named
which hath (as he calleth them) more then ten wiues,
in twentie places.

There is among them a brother-hood of Carrowes
that professe to play at Cards all the yeare long, and
make it their onely occupation. They play away
Mantle and all to the bare skinne, and then trusse
themselves in strawe or in leaves, they waite for pas-
sengers in the high way, invite them to a game upon
the greene, and aske no more but companions to hold
them sport, for default of other stuffe they pawne

28 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

portions of their glibbe, the nailes of their fingers
and toes, their privie members; which they lose or
redeeme at the curtesie of the winner.

Where they fancie and favour, they are wonderfull
kinde, they exchange by commutation of wares for
the most part, and have utterly no coyne stirring in
any great Lords houses. Some of them be richly
plated : their Ladies are trimmed rather with massie
Jewels, then with garish apparell, it is counted a
beautie in them to be tall, round and fat.

The inheritance descendeth not to the Sonne, but
to the Brother, Nephew, or Cousin germaine eldest
and most valiant : for the Childe being oftentimes left
in nonage or otherwise young and unskillfull, were
never able to defend his patrimonie, being his no
longer then he can hold it by force of armes. But
by that time he grow to a competent age, and have
buryed an Vncle or two, lie also taketh his turne,
and leaveth it in like order to his Posterity. This
custome breedeth among them continuall Warres and
treasons.

CAP. VII.

/

The most auncient Inhabitants of Jreland.

JLHE honourable Historian Titus Livius, yeeldeth
certaine priviledge to antiquitie, and will have it

OF IRELAND. 29

\

held excused, if percase for advancement of their
Citties, they straine a point of truth, and derive
a first foundation from one or other, of their sup-
posed Gods : wherefore though I can no lesse doe
then reject a fable concerning the arrivall of JNbes
Neece into this Island, yet this kinde of forgery being
somewhat universal!, seeing every Chronicler paineth
himselfe, to fetch his reckoning with the farthest let
him hardly be pardoned, who led by relation of his
elders, committed first to writing so dull a tale. As for
the multitude of writers that agree thereon, they are
in effect but one writer, seeing the latest ever borrowed
of the former, and they all of Cambrensis, who affirm-
eth it not, but onely alleadgeth the received opinion of
Irish Histories, yea rather in the foote of that Chap-
ter, he seemeth to mistrust it, and posteth it over to
the credit of his authors: so then if the greatest
weight hereof doe consist in Irish antiquities, which
the learned here confesse to be stuffed with such im-
plements, notoriously felt to be vaine and frivolous, I
trust I shall not seeme contentious, nor singular in
damning such a fable, not onely false, but also impos-
sible. Thus they say, In the yeare of the world,
1536. The Patriarch Noe began to preach vengeance
upon the people for their accursed lives, to builde his
Arke, to enforme his kindred and speciall friends seve-
rally, that within few yeares the earth should be sunke
in waters, if they amended not. This did he before
the generall flood one hundred and twentie yeares,
when every man foreslept the monition, onely a Neece

30 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

of his named Cesara misdoubting the worst, and hear-
ing her Vricle prophesie that all should be drowned for
sinne, determined with her adherents, to seeke adven-
tures into some forraine Island, perswaded that if shee
might happely finde a Countrie never yet inhabited,
and so with sinne undefiled, the generall sentence of
Gods anger should there take no place. Whereupon
she furnished a navy, and fled into Ireland, with three
men,Bithi,Laigria, Fintan, and fifty women, left unto
her after many shipwrackes. The shore where she
landed, & where she lyeth entombed, is at this day
called Navicularum littus. The very stones wherein
the memorie hereof hath beene preserved from the
violence of waters, were said to be scene of some.
Within forty dayes after her footing in Ireland, the
deluge prevailed universally, and all this coast was cast
away, g Now to ommit that part of this device, which
is too flat, and ridiculous, if we consider that before
the flood, no part of the Earth was knowen, nor
touched beside Syria, h where the first age dwelled, that
sailing was then utterly unheard of in the world, the
first vessell being by Gods owne direction wrought, that
she might have sped at home, would she repent with
more ease and surety, that lapheth with the Hebrewes,
and lason with the Greekes, were the first pilots : that
the Records hereof graven in stone, is but a borrowed
invention from losephus. These things I say consi-

An. Dom. 1656.
h Rab. Isaac, in Gen. 5.

OF IRELAND. 31

dered, it wilbe no hard matter to descry the falshood,
wherin I would be more exquisite, were it worth my
labour. We need not so ambitiously runne to Cesara,
to begge a forged evidence, seeing without her helpe,
Ireland must be confessed to have been knowne and
peopled with the same kinred, even with the first
Hands of the world. For within three hundred yeares
after the generall Floud, immediately after the con-
fusion of tongues, when lapheth and his posterity,
imboldened by the example of Noe, adventured by
ship into divers West Hands, * there was in his retinew
one of his progeny, Bastolenus^ who conceiving sto-
mack and courage at the late successe of Nemrodus^
Ninus his kinsman (then newly intruded upon the Mo-
narch of Assyria) & wandred so farre West, intending
to rule without compeeres, till Fortune cast him and
his people upon the coast of Ireland. k There he settled
with his three sonnes, Languinus, Salanus, Ruthurgus,
active and stout gentlemen, who searching the Land
through & through, left their owne names by three
notable places, Languini stagnum, mons Salangi,
since named S. Dominicks hill, audRuthurgi stagnum.
Of Bastolenus is little remembred, save that in short
space with many hands working at once, he plained a
great part of the Country, then overgrown with woods
and thickets. This posterity kept the Land under the

1 Anno mundi 1957. after the best authors, which make 300. yeares, and
not 100. between Noes floud and Babell.

k Bastolenus. Clem, recogn. L 4.

32 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

government of these three sonnes & their off-spring
about 30Q. yeares. Together with Bastolenus, arrived
in Ireland certaine godlesse people of the stocke of
Nemrod, worthily tearmed a gyant, as one that in bo-
dily shape exceeded proportion, & used his strength to
winne soveraigntie, & to oppresse the weake with ra-
pine and violence: That linage (Chams breed) grew
to great numbers, & alvvay bethought them of getting
mastery, wheresoever they tarry ed. One cause was
their bodily force answerable to their hugenesse of
quantity: 1 another the example of Cham Zoroastes,
that magitian, and Nemrodus, Ninus his Nephew,
which two in themselves and their progenies, were re-
nowned throughout the world, as victorious Princes
over two mighty Kingdomes ^Egypt and Assyria.
Thirdly they maligned the blessings bestowed upon
Semandlapheth, counting it necessary for themselves,
to stirre, and prevent Dominions, lest the curse of
slavery prophesied by Noe should light upon them, as
notwithstanding it did at last.

Thus irked, they began to kicke at their Governours,
and taking head, set up a King of their owne faction,
nourishing the same, and annoying the Subjects inces-
santlie, the successe on both sides was variable, quar-
rels increased, the enemie caught handfast, & every
day bred a new skirmish. It seemed intolerable, &
very necessity compelled them to try their whole force

1 Clem, recognit. 1. 4.

OF IRELAND 35

i

in one Battle, either utterly to weede out the Gyants,
or to die free. Peace therefore concluded among them-
selves, for any private grudge hitherto maintayned, all
sorts brake truce and amity with the Gyants, and
straited them up so, that from all corners of the land,
they must needes assemble into one field and fight for
the better, maynelie they tugged certaine houres, but
in conclusion the lawfull Kings prevayled, the mis-
creants done to death. See now the mockery of For-
tune, Victors they were, and promised themselves a
security. Anger & insolencie over-turned all, for what
with spoiling the dead carcases, what with murthering
the remaynder of that generation, man, woman, and
childe, in all parts of the Realme, vouchsafing them
no buryall, but casting them out like a sort of dead
dogges, m there ensued through the stench of those car-
ryons such a mortall pestilence, infecting not onely the
places where they lay, but the ayre round about by
contagion, that beside those few which by sea returned
homeward, few escaped alive, and heereby hangeth a
tale, From this plague (say the Irish) was preserved
Ruanus the Gyant, who from time to time kept true
record of theii histories, else utterly done away by sun-
dry casualties of death, warre, spoyle, fire, forraine
victories, and he (forsooth) continued till the yeare of
Christ 430. and told S. Patrick all the newes of the
country requiring of him to bee baptized, and so died,
when he had lived no more but two thousand and forty

m Anno mundi 2257.
F

34 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

one yeares : which is above twice the age of Methu-
salem. Had it beene my chaunce in Ireland, to meete
& conferre with this noble Antiquarie, hee might have
eased me of much travell. These things I note for no
other purpose, but that the simple stumbling upon

such blinde legends should be warned to esteeme them
as they are, idle fantasies, wherewith some of their

Poets, dallyed at the first, and after through error and
r udenes it was taken up for a sad matter.

CAP. VIII.

The sevwalUnhabitctnts of Jr eland from Bastolenus.

an infinite number of Gyants slaine, certaine hid
families lurked and escaped the common mischiefe,
whom at length penury constrayned to forsake their
dennes, and to pilfer for meate, when they perceived
the murraine of men and beasts, and that none gave
them resistance, they waxed bardie, & searching the
land, found it wel-nigh desolate, wherefore they har-'
boured themselves in the clearest coast : and easily sub-
duing the poore soules remaining, revived their blood,
and became Lords of the whole Hand 60. yeares.

Among the Sonnes of lapheth, Genesis recounteth
Magog who had now planted his people in Scithia
within Tanaris, from whom at this day the Turkes are
descended. They hearing the hard happe of their

OF IRELAND. O,>

fathers lyne, cast out by the collateral! braunches of
Cham, the late King of the Bactrians, n their odious

7 o y

neighbours, sent into Ireland Nemodus with his foure
sonnes, Starins, Gerbavel, Amimus, Fergusius, cap-
taines over a faire company, who passing by Greece
and there taking up such as would seeke fortunes,
finally landed here, held the country, multiplyed, but
not without continuall warre upon the Gyants aforesaid,
who in th'end vanquished and chased them thence
againe into Greece, after 2 16. yeares, from Anno muiidi
2533. from which time untill the comming of Dela
his sonnes, the Gyants possessed it peaceably without
forreine invasion. But themselves being disordered,
and measuring all things by might, seditiously vexed
each other, nor were they ever able to frame a common*
wealth.

That espyed five brethren, sonnes to Dela the Gre-
cian, notorious Pilots, named Gaudius, Genandius,
Sagandius, Rutheragius, Slanius^ the posterity of
Nemodus expulsed successors, who fortified their na-
vyes, and finding the Countrey but weake, wanne it
entirely, rooted out the old enemy, divided the Hand
into five parts, & in each of them severally raigned,
for better contentation of all sides, they agreed to fixe
a meare stone in the middle point of Ireland, to which
tone every of their Kingdomes should extend, and be

Ann. mundi 1714.

36 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

partakers of the com modi ties then chiefly found in that
soile. These are also supposed to have invented the
distribution of shires into Cantredes, every Cantrede
or Barony, conteining an hundred Towneships, where-
with the name and use of hundreds, well knowrie in
England, might seeme to accord.

Variance for the chiefty set the foure brethren at a
lovve ebbe, and then Slanius perched over them all,
encroached every way round about the middle stone
certaine miles for provision and furniture of his owne
houshold, which plot in time obtained the name of one
generall part, and now maketh up the fift, Media.
Meth it was called either for moytie of Cantredes,
t>eing but sixteene, whereas the rest comprised thirty
two apeece, or for the site thereof in the navell of Ire-
land. This hee assigned to the Monarch a surplus over
and above his Inheritance, which notwithstanding
grew to a severall Kingdome, and allowed thereof cer-
taine parts by composition. Not long after dyed Sla-
nius, & was buried in a mountaine of Meth that car-
rieth his name. Thirty yeares the Monarchy was pos-
sessed in this order, but shortly the Princes owing
fealty, beganne to stomack the Intrusion of Slanius,
& when he was once rid, they disdained his successour,
whereupon ensued everlasting Battels. The Monarchy
was laide downe, then fell they at debate for the land
of Meth, which strife could never be appeased. In
the necke of those troubles came over a new army of
Scithians, who claymed also from Nemodus their fore-

or IRELAND. S/

father, and they tooke parts, and made parts, set all in
uproare with sword, and havocke. P To be short, they
spent themselves one upon another so fiercely and fu-
riously, that now they reckoned not what nation or
what souldiour they received in, to keepe up or beate
downe a side. By which occasion the Britaines also
put in a foot, who discovering the state of the land to
their Princes, opened a gappe for Brennus the brother
of Belinus, to direct his course thither with the same
Navy which he had furnished to serve Signimius then
King of Lyons amid the Galles in France. But Bren-
nus took small effect. Before him also divers Kings
of Brittaine had scope in Ireland. Insomuch that
Gurguntius the sonne of Beline, reputed the same by
lineall descent among his ovvne Dominions. Notwith-
standing they never injoyed it longer then they could
keepe possession perforce, and often were they repelled
and wearyed with seeking after it, as wherein they
found small fruite, and blowes enough. Lastly came
the Spaniards from Biscaye, conducted by foure Cap-
taines, of whose arryvall before I speake, I must re-
peate their originall somewhat farther, and so give a
light to the assoyling of a controversie, that is, whe-
ther the Irish came from ^Egypt, or from Spaine. It
shall appeare they came from both.

* Ann. mundi 2800.

3j8 CAMPION'S HISTORIC

CAP. IX.

The arrivall of the Spaniards, then called Jberians,

into Ireland.

AN the yeare of the World 2436. q after the univer-
sall floud 780. while the children of Israeli served in
.ZEgypt, Gathelus the sonne of Neale, a great Lord
in Greece, was upon disfavour exiled the Country
with a number of his faction, adherents, and friends.
The young Greeke being very wise, valiant and well
spoken, r got honourable entertainement with Pharao
surnamed Amcenophis king of -SEgypt, and in short
space reached to such a credit that he espoused the
Kings base Daughter Scota, whereof the Scotts are
thought to be named. This match bred to the King
some tumult, and to the young Gentle -man much
envy, wherefore assoone as the foresaid Amcenophis*
was drowned in the Red Sea, the Princes of ^Egypt
so vexed Gathelus and his wife, that they were faine
to buske them, withall their traine into Europe, and
cime first to Lusitania, where diverse of his people
tyred with travaile, would needs abide, he builded
there the city of Brigantia, called afterwards Novium,

Hoctor Boeth. 1. 1. Hist. Scot.
f loh. Major, de gestis Scot. lib. I. cap. 9.
6 Exod. 14.

OF IRELAND 39

now Compostella. t The remnant passed with him into
Ireland, where the Barbarians highly honoured him,
for his cunning in all languages, who also greatly
perfected and beautified the Irish tongue, taught them
letters, sought up their antiquities, practised their
youth in martiall feates, after his Greeke and ^Egyp-
tian manner. Finally so well he pleased them that
to gratifie such a Benefactour, they were content to
name the Hand after him Gathelia, and after his wife
Scotia. Truely that Scotia is the auncient appellation
of Ireland, all Chroniclers agree, as it shalbe more
plaine, when wee touch the Scottish pedigree. A
brute there is in Ireland but uncertainelie fathered,
that in remembrance of Pharao, their good lord, the
Kerne pitching his Dart, cryeth of courage faro,
faro ; but the learned thinke that to bee taken from
the Spaniard, who in his loco dzcano exclaymeth
fabo, fabo.

The people left in the coast of Spaine, founded the
city of Bayon, now part of Gascoigne, and reple-
nished all the shore towards Africk, u and the edges of
Portugall, Castile, Galeecia, towardes the sea Can-
tabricum, well nigh 200. yeares, after which time
some of them began to minde another travaile, be-
cause they were pestered with Inhabitants, and whe-
ther they ever sped to Ireland, it is unknowne, at the

* Hector. Boeth. lib. 1.
v Aim. mundi 2642.

40 CAMPION'S HISTORLE

leastwise in the ralgne of Gurguntius the Brittaine,
then chiefe Lord of Bayon, foure brethren Spaniards,
whereof two are noted, Hiberus and Hirimon^ not
the sormes of Gathelus (as writeth Boethius) but his
off-spring, understanding that divers Western Hands
were empty, desirous to live in ease and elbow-room,
sayled Westward with a great retinue of men, v wo-
men and babes, hovering long about the Hands Or-
chades in 60. great ships, untill by good hap they
met with Gurguntius 9 then returning from the con-
quest of Denmarke, w who had refused to pay him the
tribute, which Belinus his father wan, him they be-
sought x (considering their want of victuals, unable
any longer to dwell in their ships, accumbred with
carriage of women & children) to direct & further
them to some place of habitation, proffering to be-
come his liege people to hold the same of him & his
heires for ever. The King advising himselfe, remem-
bred with what difficultie he kept the Irish in sub-
jection, & conceived hope that these strangers would
endeavor either to stub out that unruly generation, or
to nurture them, & so taking their oathes and hos-
tages, Y he mann'd their ships, stored them with vic-
tuall & munition, & seated them in Ireland. Thus

* The head Captaine was Bartholomew, as many Authors affirme.

* Fab. part. 2.

* Grafton. p. 60.

y Ann. muncU3592.

OF IRELAND. 41

i

had the Brittaines an elder right to the Realme of
Ireland, then by the conquest of Henry the 2. which
title they never surceased to claime, & somtimes pre-
vailed, as in the dayes of King Arthur, to whom
the Irish Princes agnized their tribute and apparance,
made at his Parliament in urbe Legionum, which I
take to be Westchester, called of old Carleon, as
divers other citties were, wherein the Romanes
placed the legions. Again the Kings of Britain were
then Lords of the place whence this people came, so
as their winnings must have beene the Kings Do-
minion.
\

To all this when their owne free assent, the dedition
of other Princes, lawfull conquest and prescription is
adjoyned, it forceth an invincible title. But to pro-
secute our purpose. Those Iberians being substantially
ayded of Gurguntius, enjoyed the Lands, bestowed
themselves foure brethren into foure parts thereof, un-
till their pride and ambition armed two against other
two, Hiberus and his brother against Hirimon and
his. In this conflict Hirimon slew Hiberus 9 and
raigned quietly. At this time the countrey was first
named Ibernia, as I have declared in the third Chap-
ter. The King to avoyde obloquie and slaurider,
purged himselfe to his subjects, that neither malici-
ously nor contentiously, but for his necessary defence
and safeguard he had borne armes against his brother.
And to witnesse how farre he was from desire to rule

alone, he nominated speciall Captaines to be Kings

i

G

42 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

v

under him of their severall Countryes, reserving to
himselfe but one fourth part, and the portion of Meth
allotted to the Monarchic for the better maintenance
of his part.

These Afterward clambered into five Kingdomes in-

o

compatible, Leinster, Connaght, Vlster, Mounster
in two portions, and sometimes to more by usurpa-
tions and compositions, but ever one was elected the
Monarch over all.

An hundred and thirtie chiefe Kings are reckoned
of this Nation from Hirimon to Laigirus the sonne
of Nealus magnus, in whose time the blessed Bishop
Patricius converted them to Christianity.

CAP. X.

\

The camming of the Picts into Ireland. z

JN! OW lived the Irish in tollerable order under their
sundry Kings, a and apply ed themselves to peace and
gathering of wealth, when suddainely RodericJce a
Red-shank of Scythia fled thither with a small com-
pany of Galleyes, and winde-driven in compassing
round about the British coast, were happely blowne

2 An. Dom. 120.
* Bed. 1. 1. c. 1.

OP IRELAND. 43

ashore into Ireland. These are the Picts, a people
from their cradle dissentious, land-leapers, mercilesse,
sowre and hardy, being presented to the King, they
craved Interpreters, b which granted, Roderick their
Chief tai tie uttered for him and his, the request in this
manner.

Not as degenerate from the courage of our aun-
cestors, hut inclining our selves to the bent and swaye
of fortune, we are become suppliants to Ireland, that
never before have humbled our selves to any, Looke
Sir King, eye us well, It is not light prowesse that
hath caused these valiant bodies to stoop. Scithians
we are, and the Picts of Scithia, great substance of
glory lodgeth in these two names, what shall I tell of
the civill Tumult that hath made us leave our home ?
or rippe up old Historyes to make strangers bemoane
us ? Let our vassailes and children discourse it at large
and ley sure, if perhaps you vouchsafe us any ley sure
in the Land : To which effect and purpose your infi-
nite necessities pray your favours. A King of a King,
Men of Men, Princes can consider how neere it con-
cerneth their honour and surety to proppe up the state
of a King defaced by Treason, and men will remem-
ber nothing better beseemeth the nature of man, then
to feele by compassion the griefes of men. Admit we
beseech you these scattered reliques of Scithia, If
your Realmes bee narrow, we are not many. If the

h loh. Maior. de gest. Scot. 1. 1. c. 10.

44 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

x -*

soyle be barren, we are born to hardnesse. If you live
in peace, we are your subjects. If you warre, we are
your Souldiours. We aske no kingdome, no wealth,
no triumph in Ireland. We have brought our selves,
and left these casualtyes with the enemie. Howsoever
it like you to esteeme of us, we shall easily learne to
like it, when we call to minde, not what we have
beene, but what w r e are.

Great consultations was had upon this request, and
many things debated too and fro. In the end they
were answered, that their antiquities layde forcible
arguments, wherefore it could not be expedient to ac-
cept the Scithians into Ireland, that mingling of na-
tions in a Realrne breedeth quarrels remedilesse, that
Ireland finding scarcity rather of roome then of people,
that those few inferred amongst a many might quickly
disturbe and put the whole out of joynt. But quoth
they, though wee may not dwell together yet shall
you finde us your very good neighbours and friends.
Not farre hence lyeth the Hand of Brittaine, in the
north thereof : your manhood and polycies shall winne
you scope enough, our Capitaines shall conduct you
the way, our strength shall helpe to settle you ; addresse
your shippes and bye you thither. With this perswa-
sion they shaped course towards the north of Brittaine,
now called Scotland, where contrary to all expectation
Mqrius the King .awayted their comming, and gave

' c John Stow.'.

OF IRELAND. 45

them there a sharpe battle, wherein Rodericke was
slaine, with diverse of his band. Them which remained
and appealed to mercy, he licensed to inhabite the ut-
termost borders of Scotland : Wives they wanted to
encrease their Issue, and because the Brittaines scorned
to match their daughters with such a froward and beg-
gerly people, the Picts continued their first acquaint-
ance with the Irish and by entreaty obtained wives
from them, conditionally that if the Crowne should
happe to fall in question they should then yeeld thus
much prerogative to the woman as of the female blood
royall, rather then of the male to choose their Prince,
which Covenant, saith S. Eede, d the Picts are well
knowne to keepe at this day.

./

/ ,

But long afore this time the Scottish Chronicles
mention the arrivall of Almaine Picts into the marches
now of England and Scotland, with whom certaine
Irish called then also Scotts joyned against the Brit-
taines, e devising to erect a kingdome there, aswell to
fortify themselves, as to gratifie the Irish, who detract-
ing their obedience lately promised to Gurguntius,
practised all they might to abridge the kingdome of
the Brittaines. First therefore came from Ireland, Fer-
gusius the sonne of Ferchardus, a man very famous
for his skill in blasoning of armes. f Himselfe bare the

d Bede lived an. Dom. 730.

e Anno Mundi 5757. ante Christum 330.

f loh. Major, lib. < 2. cap. 1.

46 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

Red Lyon rampant in a golden field. There was in
Ireland a monument of Marble fashioned like a Throne,
which Simon Brecke a companion to Hiberus and his
brethren found in the journey, & because he deemed
the finding thereof to be ominous to some Kingdome,
he brought it along with him, and layde it up in the
country for a lewell. This marble Fergusius obtained
towards the prospering of his voyage, and in Scotland
he left it, which they used many yeares after in Coro-
nation of their King at Scona. But Fergusius though
he be scored in the row of Kings, for one, and the
first, yet he held himselfe there obscurely, sundry
times beat backe into Ireland, where he was finallie
drowned by misfortune within the Creeke of Knock-
fergus. That Fergusius encountred with Coilus the
Brittaine and slew him, as writeth the Scotts, it is
impossible except they mistake the name of Coilus for
CaliuSy with whom indeede the age of Fergusius might

well meete, and the rather for that in the first yeare

' >

of his raigne, the Picts entred, and then Fergusius
immediately after them, 330. yeares ere Christ was
borne. Now Coilus raigned in the yeare of our Lord,
124. about which time befell the second arrivall of the
Picts in Brittaine, so it seemeth they mistake by a
slight error, Coilus for Calius, and the second arrivall
of the Picts, for the former. This confusion of His-
tories is learnedly noted by Cooper in his general! col-
lection of Chronicles.

OF IRELAND,

CAP. XI.

How the Jrish setlcd themselves in Scotland.

f

AvETURNE wee now to the course of our Historic,
while the Picts were bestowed in the north of Brittaine
and waxed populous, the Irish made sundry arrands
over to visite their Daughters, Nephewes, and kindred.
In often comming and going, they noted waste places,
and little Hands not replenished, but rather neglected
and suffered to grow wilde. Hereof in Ireland they
advertised their Prince, namely Reuther or Rheuda,
who being the Issue of Fergusius, bethought himselfe
of his interest to certaine peeces of land beside the na-
tion of the Picts. Hee therefore well appointed, partly
by composition, and some deale perforce stepped into
those hamlets which no man occupied, & proceeded
handsomely to reare his kingdome. By little and little
he edged forward, and got betweene the Picts and
Brittaines on this side the Scottish banke, which he
possessed but a season. The place was thereof named
Rheudisdale, now Riddesdale, (asmuch to say, as the
part of Rheudci) for dahal in their language, sig-
nifieth part. In those quarters after sundry conflicts
with the borderers, hee was by them slaine, but the
kingdome lasted in his successours still, and the two
nations the Picts and the Irish lovingly suffered each
other to thrive. The Scotts caught up the Islands &

An. Dora. 160. loh. Major. 1. 1. cap. 11. Bed. 1. 1. c. 1*

48 CAMPION'S HISTOIUE

the Frontiers. The Picts dwelt in the middle : Soone
after the peace betweene them, went suspitions & the
diversities of people, place, custome, language, with
the memorie of old grudges stirred up such inward
jealousies and hate, that it seemed they were easie to
kindle, & as in such factions, there never wanted drifte
to drive a tumult, so it happened that certaine of the
Nobilitie of the Scotts resciant next them had with
some difficultie, received out of Greece a Molossian
Hound, h which breede both in swiftnesse of foote, and
and in sweetnesse of opening, was reputed peerelesse.

This Hound, a willfull Gentleman, a Pict, stole
home, and therewith gratified his Prince, glad of the
novelty, and little thoughtfull of the displeasure. 1
Contrary wise the Irish, wood for anger at this disho-
nour, and injury, assembled in poste haste under
Eugenius their King, and after brawling, fell to
spoyle, and so to blowes ; whereof parts and stomackes
being even, the fortune was variable k In this division
they scambled out a few yeares, untill the malice of
Carassus a Brittaine forced a quietnesse betweene them
to abuse their helpe against th' Empire. But hee
was shortly slairie by Alectus the Romane Captaine,
and hereupon the old sore waxed rawe : To heape the
mischiefe, a Brittish Lord named Maximus^ aspiring

v

b loh. Major, de gest. Scot. 1. 5. c. 15.

' Lucan. li. 5.
* An. Dom. 218.

OF IRELAND. 49

to the kingdome, sent an ambassadge to Ethodius king
of Picts, pleading with him a league of friendship,
utterly to expulse the Irish Scot: conditioning withall
their assistance to chase the Romanes out of Brittaine,
which was concluded, and by this confederate, after
many lamentable skirmishes, the Irish were betrayed,
Eugenius the King, Ethai his brother, and Ericus
his nephew, and also the residue, such as could escape
the enemies sword, fled thence, some into Norway,
some into Ireland their first home.

Maximus 1 watching his time, despairing of the
Brittish Kingdome, and espying the Picts tyred with
continuall vvarres, turned his power upon them, and
brought them to such an exigent, that they had no
readier shift then to crave helpe from Ireland, 111 arid so
by degrees when some private persons, nourishers of
the quarrell, were out-vvorne, the matter of malice
was qualified^ and the remnant of the Irish Scots, with
their friends and off-spring called home to their dwel-
ling, after their first banishment, 43. yeares expired.

From this time 11 forward the amity waxed steddy,
and the Irish under Fergus ius the second their King
wan such credit, that finally the nation of Picts were
afflicted by the Brittaines, then the Scots incroclied

1 An. Dom. 353.

m lo. Maior. li. 2. c. 3.

/

n An. Dom. 39S.
H

50 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

into the heart of the Realme, and became the mightier
and more populous, of whom the Countrey was ever
since under one Generall name called Scotland.

Thus you see the Scotts a lively, stirring, ancient, &
victorious people, are mixed first of Brittaines, (though
the Chronicles dissemble it) whom Bmtus planted
there with Albanactus: Secondly 5 of Picts : Thirdly
and chiefly, of the Irish, which after this time left the
name of Scott, for those in Brittaine, and delighted
rather to be called Irish. Then came up the distinc-
tion of Scotia major for Ireland, and Scotia minor for

the Scotts in Brittaine.

*

/

But most effectually (as saith Cambrensis) the Scotts
prevayled under the guiding of six valiant Gentlemen,
Sonnes to Muridus King of Vlster, who in the time
that Neale the great enjoyed the monarchy of Ireland,
going to succour their countrymen there, at last also
tooke up for themselves no little portions of ground,
which their posterity kept in Cambrensis time, the
yeare of Christ 1 200. who treateth their exploits more
largely in his Topography of Ireland. Ever since
then, they were utterly named and esteemed Scotts : P
The nation of the Picts driven into corners, albeit the
most parts & the out Isles retaine at this day a people H

An. Dom. 4<23.
loh Major. 1. 1. cap. 10.

* Pol. 1. 1. Ansfl hist.

OF IRELAND. 53

mungrell betwixt both, called Redshanks. The Scotts
write that their King Gregarious, in an. Dom. 875. in-
vaded Ireland as his lawfull inheritance, and the same
conquered, who lieth buried in one of their out-Iles,
called lona, beautified with the Sepultures of Scottish
Kings, where the Irish tongue is their native lan-
guage, & therefore they call the submission of the
Irish to Henry the 2. a defection from Scotland, wliich
rieverthelesse they recke, ne regard not, but willfully
did forgoe it, as reaping lesse then they expended, and
unable to defray the growing charge, which cost con-
sidered little better then nothing, say they, the King
of England winneth by keeping of Ireland. Yet in
the late governement of S. Henry Sidney, Vlster being
conveyed by discent, & act of Parliament to the
Crowne, which Earledome was in the time of Edward
the third reckoned at thirty one thousand markes
yearely, the same being but one fift part of Ireland, It
seemeth that if this right be well prosecuted that Ire-
land might pay it selfe of necessaries, and yeeld suffi-
cient benefit to the Princes Coffers.

CAP. XII.

The conversion of the Jrish to Christianity.

\

ABOUT this time, r Holy Church being stayed in
peace, enriched with possessions, supported with autho-

' An. Dom. 426.

52 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

rity, many noble Clearkes flourishing in diverse
Realmes, the Holy Doctor Augustine yet in life :
Tlieodosius the second, suppressing Idols in all the
Empyre: 8 Celestinus 1. Bishop of Rome, conferred
with his cleargy touching the instruction specially of
the western parts, wherein the faith of Christ was
hitherto, either not planted, or by persecution extinct 3
or by corruption of Hereticks defaced : of them all,
no country was more lamented then Ireland, which
partly for distance from the heart of Christendorne,
partly for their infinite rudenesse, had yet received no
fruit of true Religion. In that assembly was Palladius
Arch-Deacon of Rome, a good Priest and well learned,
who profered his charitable travaile towards the con-
version of any of those lands, whither he should be
by them directed and appointed. The Pope knowing
the sufficiency of the man, did consecrate Palladius a
Bishop, t authorized his journey, furnished his wants,
associated to him, diverse religious persons, delivered
him the Holy Bible, with great solemnities, and cer-
taine monuments of Peter and Paul) whereat diverse
miracles had beene shewed. He arryved in the North
of Ireland, whence he escaped hardly with his life,
into the Hands adjoyning, there preaching and con-
verting many, erecting monasteries, and ensueing his
vocation so painefully, that the onely report of his
holynesse and cunning, excited the Scotts (late christ-

^ "

8 Nicephor. 1. 14. cap. 40. Plat in Cselestin. 1.
* Vita 5. Patricij.

OF IRELAND. 13

ened, but abiding in scisme, and committing the func-
tion of Bishoppes to single Preists,) to call him thither,
whereunto he assented, upon the Popes answere, and
leaving his Disciples in the Isle, became the speciall
apostle of Scotland, where he spent the residue of his
time, with more fruite then among the Irish. u Here-
unto Celestinus v condiscended the easier, for that in
the very point of Palladius his departure, Patricius
attended at Rome to bee sent with leave and benedic-
tion into Ireland. In which attempt hee found such
joy full successe, so farre different from their accus-
tomed frowardnesse, that a man would weene the
Realme had beene reserved for him. And because it
pleased God to w r orke to the Land such an univer-
sall benefite by the meanes of this holy Patriarch, I
take it convenient to set downe briefly here his course
of life, after the most approoved Chronicles that I
could finde.

\

Patricms w was borne in the marches of England and
Scotland, in a sea towne called then Taburnia, whose
father Calphrune (as writeth loseline) was a Deacon
and a Priests sonne, his mother Conches was sister to
S. Martin, the famous Bishoppe of Toures in France.
The childe was from his cradle brought up in the Faith,
and much given to devotion,

loh. Major. 1. 2. cap. 2. N

T Prosp. Aquit. in Chroni.

*

The life of S. Patrick.

54 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

Now were the Irish through the helpe of the Scots
and Picts, arch-pirats of the narrow seas, and used to
sacke litle weake villages scattered along the shore,
and for want of other prey, to bring the Inhabitants
home Captives, with others also was taken this Patri-
cias, x a ladde of sixteene yeares olde, being then a
student of secular learning, y and became the Villaine
of an Irish Lord called Mackbiam, from whom after
sixe yeares hee redeemed himselfe with a peece of gold
which hee found in a clod of earth, newly turned up by
the swyne hee kept the time of his Banishment (as
affliction commonly maketh men religious.) This with
the regard of his former education, printed in him such
remorse and humility, that being from thenceforth ut-
terly weaned from the world, hee betooke himselfe to
contemplation, ever lamenting the lacke of grace and
truth in that Land, wherefore not despairing, but that
in continuance, some good might bee wrought upon
them, hee learned their tongue perfectly, and alluring
one companion with him for his excercises, he departed
thence into France, ever casting backe his eye to the
conversion of Ireland, whose babes yet unborn, seemed
to him in his dream (from out their mothers vvombes)
to call for Christendome. In this purpose he sought
out Martinus his Vncle, by whose meanes the yong
man entred under the government of Germanics then
Bishop of Antisiodore, whose scholler and familiar he

* Ex Epist. Patricij.
y An. Dom. 386.

OF IRELAND. 55

was forty yeares, bestowing all that time in prayer and
study of eloquence and holy Scriptures. Then at the
age of threescore and two yeares, being renowned
through the Latine Church for his wisdome, vertue,
and skill, hee came home to Rome, recommended with
letters from the French Bishops, to Pope Celestine, z to
whom he uttered his full mind, and the secret vow
which long since he had conceived touching Ireland.
The Pope invested him Archbishop and Primate of the
whole Hand, blessed him, commaunded publique prayer
and fasting, brought him and his disciples onward on
the voyage. Therefore in the tvventie third yeare of
Theodosius the younger, which was the yeare of our
Lord 430. Patricke landed in Ireland: and because he
spake the tongue plentifully, being a reverent person-
age, he tooke holy Bible, adding thereto diverse mira-
cles in the Name & vertue of IESUS whom he preached :
many listened unto him, namely such as in the late
entertainement of Palladius and Albius the Irish
Bishops his Disciples, had some little feeling in the
Gospell. In continuance, hee wanne the better part
of that Kingdome, except Laigirus himselfe sonne of
Neale the great Monarch, who (notwithstanding hee
relyed nothing to the Gospell yet) because hee stopped
not the course thereof, nor forbid any that list to em-
brace it, the Bishop denounced to him a curse from
God, accordingly tempered with mercy and judge-
ment, that during his life hee should bee victorious,
but after him, neither the Kingdome should stand, nor

* An. Dom. 430.

56 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

his linage inherite. Thence hee journeyed with a
great number of his Disciples and friends to Conill
Lord of Connaght, (who honourably reputed him, and
with all his people was converted) and then sent him
to Logan his Brother, King of Leinster, whom hee
likewise perswaded. In Mounster he was highly
honoured of the Earle of Daris, who gave him a dwel-
ling in the East angle of Ardmagh, called Secta, where
hee erected many Celles and Monasteries, replenished
with votarious men and women. Thirty yeares conti-
nually hee travailed in preaching through the Land,
ever leaving behinde him Bishops and Priests, whose
learning and holinesse by the speciall grace of God
shortly repaired the faith so begunne, other thirty yeares
hee spent in his Province of Ardmagh among his
ghostly brethren, in visitation of those religious Houses,
which by his meanes were founded, a so hee lived in
the whole one hundred twentie two yeares, and lyeth
buried in Downe.

CAP. XIII.

i \

Of Saint Patrickes Purgatory.

JjjVERY History of Ireland that I have scene, maketh
one severall title De mirabilibus Hibernite, and therein
with long processe treateth of severall Hands, some

a An. Dom. 492,

OF IRELAND.

full of Angels, some full of devils, some for male only,
some for female, some where poore may live, some
where none can dye: finally such effects of waters,
stones, trees, and trinkets, that a man would vveene
them to be but heedlesse and uncertaine tales by their
complexion.

Verily, being inquisitive of these matters, I could
finde no one of them soothed by such persons upon
whose relation I am disposed to venture. Onely the
place behiride Ardmagh called S. Patricks Purgatory,
because it is knovvne and confessed, and because I
would be discharged of my Readers expectation, who
perhaps with the name of S. Patricke looketh to bee
informed thereof, I can bee content to put so much in
writing, as Bookes and reports affirme with most like-
lyhood.

Two things I muse at, that neither the time nor the
author of so strange erection was preserved. Concern-
ing the time one Record putteth it in Anno Domini
302. which is 128. yeares before S. Patricke converted
Ireland, and sixty sixe yeares before his birth. Agairie
Cambrensis who maketh curious recitall of wonders
in the land, never uttereth word of this Purgatory;
& though a negative authority be not invincible, yet
considering the propertie of that man, and what a sort
of trifles he taketh paine to justifie, it may serve for a
vehement suspition, that the place was then either not
found, or not miraculous. Concerning the Author,

58 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

very few there are that referre it to this Patricke their
Apostle, but rather to an Abbot of the same name,
whom I marvaile I finde not in the mighty bigge vo-
lume of their Saints : Notwithstanding these Originalls
might bee either lost or altered, but the thing it selfe
being extant, must fieedes have had a beginning,
whereof possibly there are monuments in that Church,
or in the Irish tongue to me unwitting*

Therefore I hold him unwise that will utterly mis-

trust the principall, because the circumstances vary; or
condemne the whole, because he could not reach to
the undoubted truth of some part. If any man bee so
delicate, that not a jote thereof will sinke into his
head, who shall controule him ? neither hee nor wee
are bound to believe any story besides that which is
delivered us from the Scriptures, and the consent of
Gods Church. Let the discreet Reader judge of it.

JT This I learne, that the holy Abbot Patricius secun*

dus, not the Bishop their Apostle, laboured the con-
version of the people of Vlster, which being now
Christians, could yet at no hand be worme to renounce
their olde sensuality, cruelty, murthers, extortion. b
And when he much inforced the life to come, they
replyed unto him with contempt, that unlesse they
saw proofes of these loyes and paines hee preached,
they would never leese possession of the pleasures in
hand, for hope or dread of things to come they wist

k Polichro. I 1. ca. 35,

OF IRELAND. 59

pot when. At their importunacie hee besought God,
were it his good pleasure to give out some evident
token of the maters they required : finally by the spe-
cial direction pf God he found in the north edge of
Vlster a desolate angle hemmed in round, & in the
mids thereof a pit, where he reared a Church, closed
the same with a wall, bestowed therein Canons regular,
at the East end of this Church yarde, a doore leadeth
into a closet of stone, which they call the Purgatory,
because devout people have resorted thither for pen-
nance, and reported at their returne, strange visions of
paine and blisse appearing to them. They used to
continue therein foure & twenty houres, which doing
one while with ghostly meditations, and another while
a dreadfull conscience of their deserts, they saw as
they say, a plaine resembling of their owne faults and
vertues, with the horror and comfort thereto belonging,
that one so terrible, the other so joyous, that they ve-
rily deeme themselves for the time to have sight of
heaven and hell. The revelations of men that went
in (Saint Patricke yet living) are kept written within
the saide Abbey. When any person is disposed to
enter (for the doore is ever sparred) he repaireth first
for advice to the Archbishop, who casteth all perils,
and dissvvadeth him, because they say diverse never
came backe againe, but if the party be resolute, he
recommendeth him to the Pryor, who in like manner
favourably exhorteth him not to hazard such a danger,
if notwithstanding he finde the party fully bent, he
conducteth him to this Church,, enjoyned him to begin

60 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

with prayer, fast and vigill of 15. dayes, so long toge-
ther tis in discretion can he endured. This time expir-
ed, if he yet persevere in his former purpose, the whole
Convent accompanieth him with solemne procession
and benediction to the mouth of the cave, where they
let him in, & so barre up the doore till the morrow, &
then with like ceremonies they awaite his returne, &
reduce him to the Church. If he be scene no more,
they fast & pray 15. dayes after. Touching the credit
of those matters, I see no cause but a Christian man
assuring himself that there is both hel & heaven, may
without vanity upon sufficient information, be per-
suaded that it might please God at somtime for consi-
derations to his infinit vvisdome known to reveale
by miracles the vision of loyes & paines eternal, but
that altogether in such sort, & so ordinarily, & to such
persons, and by such meanes as the common fame &
some records therof doe utter, I neither believe, nor
wish to be regarded. It appeares by Trevisa in his
additions to Polichronicon, that a superstitious opinion
of this Purgatory was then conceived, which he dis-
proveth. And a man of indifferent judgement may
soone suspect that in the drift and strength of Imagi-
nation, a contemplative person would happely suppose
the sight of many strange things which he never saw.
Since writing hereof 1 met with a Priest, who told mee
that he had gone the same pilgrimage, and affirmed
the order of the premisses : But that he for his owne
part saw no sight in the w r orld, save onely fearefull
dreames when he chanced to nod, and those he saith

OF IRELAND. 61

were exceeding horrible: further he added, that the
faste is rated more or lesse, according to the quality of
the penitent, and that the place seemed to him scarcely
able to receive sixe persons.

CAP. XIIIL

The Jrish Saints

Ji HOUGH my search thereof in this my haste out
of the land be very cumbersome, yet being loath
to neglect the memory of Gods friends, more glorious
to a Realme then all the victories and triumphs of the
world, I thinke it good to furnish out this chapter
with some extracts touching the Saints of Ireland,
namely those that are most notable, mentioned by
authors of good credit. Cambrensis telleth, that in
S. Patricks time flourished S. Bride the virgin, and S.
Columbe in Doune, where their bodies soone after the
conquest, and also S. Patrickes body were found, Sir
lohn Courcye being then President of Vlster. In
viewing of the sepulture hee testifieth to have scene
three principall Jewells, which were then translated
as honourable monuments worthie to be preserved.

-

Of S. Columbe c it is doubted, whether he lived in
that age. Brigide was base Daughter of Dubtachus

c Ex Vitis sanctorum Hiberniae.

62 CAMPION'S HISTORIC

a Captain e in Leinster, who perceiving the Mother
with child, sold her secretly, fearing the jealousy of
his wife, to a Irish Poet, reserving to himselfe, the
fruite of her wombe, she was there delivered of this
Brigide, whom the Poet trained up in letters, and so
conveyed tier home to her father. d The Damosell was
schooled in the faith by S. Patricke, preaching then
in those parts, she became so religious, and so ripe in
judgement, that not onely the multitude, but a whole
synode of Bishoppes assembled by Dublin, 6 used her
advice in weighty causes, and highly esteemed her.
One fact of hers being yet a childe, made her famous.
The King of Leinster had given to Dubtachus in
token of singular affection, for his good service, a rich
sword. Now it befell, that the maiden visiting her
sicke neighbours, diversly distressed for hunger, (her
father being a sterne man, his Lady a shrewe) she saw
none other helpe to releive these wretched people, but
to part the Jewels of that idle sword among them.
This matter was haynously taken, and came to the
Kings eares, who (comming shortly after to a Banquet
in lier fathers house) demaunded the Girle, not yet
nine yeares old, how she durst presume to deface the
gift of a King, shee answered, that it was bestowed
upon a better King, then hee was, whom (quoth she)
finding in such extremity, I would have given all my
father hath, and all that thou hast, yea your selves and

i

' An. Dom. 489.
* An. Dom. 448.

OF IRELAND. 63

all, were yee in my power to give, rather then Christ
should starve.

At convenient age she professed virginity, and al-
lured other noble Virgins to her fellowship, with whom
she lived in her owne Monastery, Until! the yeare of
our Lord 500. and was buried at Downe, in the
Tombe of S. Patricke, what Cambrensis reporteth of
his own knowledge and sight, I will be bold to add
hereunto.

Among her reliques, was found a concordance of the
4. Evangelists, seeming to bee written with no mortal!
hand, beautified with mysticall pictures in the mar-<
gent, whose colours and workemanship, at the first
blush were darke and unpleasant, but in the view won-
derful liuely and artificiall. Senanus first a Souldiour,
succeeded S. Patricke f in the See of Ardmagh, when
he had beene certaine yeares a minor and doctour to
the Campe. Brendan Abbot at the age of ten yeares,
was of such incomparable holinesse, and thereto so
wise and lettered, that his parents thinking themselves
to have wonne the most notable fruite, that could
ensue their marriage, by mutual! consent professed
continencie. Hee flourished in the time of S. Bride,
lived familiarly with Ercus the Bishop, and Finan the
Abbot.

Madoc alias Edan of noble parentage, taken pri-

f Aa. Born. 493.

CAMPION'S HISTORIE

soner with the King of Temore,g and kept in his
court with diverse yong-men his schoole-fellowes,
openly adjured the King to suffer him and them to
depart and serve God as they were accustomed, which
being now sundred and distrayned of libertie they had
partly discontinued, immediately they were dismissed:
he died Bishop of Femes, and laide the foundation of
that Burrogh. Molingus the successor of S. Madoc
being Bishop tooke himselfe to voluntary labour, &
with his owne hands, drived a running spring to his
Monastery, enduring that travaile dayly after prayer
and study, eight yeares together. Fintan the Abbot
was had in such veneration, that whereas Colm King
of Leinster, kept prisoner Cormak the Kings sonne of
Kensill: He went boldly with 12. of his Disciples
through the presse of the Souldiours, and in sight of
the King, rescued the young Prince, for the Irish in
no wayes are outragious against holy men. I re-
member, Cambrensis writeth himselfe, merrily to have
objected to Morris then Archbishop of Cashell, that
Ireland in so many hundred yeares had not brought
forth one Martyr. The Bishop answered pleasantly,
(but alluding to the late murther of Thomas of Can-
terbury,) Our people (quoth he) notwithstanding their
other enormities yet have ever more spared the bloode
of Saints, marry now we are delivered to such a na-
tion, that is well acquainted with making Martyrs,
henceforwards I trust this complaint shall cease,

An. Dom. 496,

OF IRELAND. 65

Malachias was borne in Ardmagh of noble parents, 1 *
cherished in vertue by example of his Mother, and
trayned up in learning, even yet a very babe, he was
oft times espied to steale from his companions to pray
in secret, so grave & modest, that of himselfe he
choosed alwayes the most severe and rigorous Schoole-
masters, and refused an excellent Clerke, only because
he saw him, somewhat lightly demeaned at game. In
the beginning of his youth hee yeelded himselfe the
Disciple of Imar ius^ an old recluse, whose austerity
of conversation, the whole towne admired. There he
became a Deacon, and at twenty five yeares a Priest.
The Archbishop for the fame and opinion of his wor-
thinesse, made him his Coadjutor, in the which office
he reformed superstitions and revived the strength of
religion, specially the uniformitie of their Church
service, wherein before time they jarred. The famous
monastery of Banchor he reedified, of the patrimony
& legacies by his Vncle left him. The same Monas-
tery w r as of old time, first governed by Congellos, and
then proceeded Columbanus, the father of many reli-
gious houses in France, Banchor had beene so stored
with Moncks, that no houre of day nor night they
ceased, but some company or other was in continuall
succession at divine service. Of which brethren there
were in one day murthred 900. and the place spoyled,
whose possessions conveyed to Malachias by his Vncle,

h An. Dom. 1094,

* Bernard in vita Malacb.

K

66 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

i

hee restored forthwith, and bettered the foundation.
At the age of thirtie yeares, he was by Canonicall
election forced to accept the Bishopricke of Conereth,
a people of all the Irish then most savage and bestiall,
whom he with inestimable toyle reclaymed.

In the meane while died Celsus Archbishop of Ard-
magh, to whom succeeded Malachias, at the age of
thirty eight years. But ere this w r el-nigh the space
of 200. yeares together, a pestilent custome had crept
into the country, that the Metropolitanes See, was in-
ferred upon meere lay persons of the blood royall in
manner by inheritance, wherefore Nigellus the next
of kindred animated by the partiality of some Princes,
& getting into his custody the Bible and Staffe, and
other Ornaments of S. Patricke (whereunto the eares
of the common people tyed the prelacy) came to the
Pallace, with a bande of Souldiours to have slaine the
Bishop. When all the people wept and howled, for
his peril!, he alone stepped into the bosome of his
enemies, demaunding their purpose. The very Tyrants
letting fall their weapons in stead of the murder con-
spired, fell to reverence him, and departed friends.
Three yeares he sate in the primacy, rather to discon-
tinue the horrible corruption before used, then with
intent to abide there: and their error having dis-
anulled the abuse, he procured Gelasim to be his Sue*
cessor, and returned to his former Bishopricke of
Downe. For to Downe was then annexed Coner. But
Malachias understanding that in times past, they were

OF IRELAND. 67

severall, sundred them againe, and preferred another
to the Diocesse of Coner, desirous rather to discharge
his cure, then to enlarge the fruites, while he preached,
a woman fell at his feete, and besought his prayer, for
that she had now gone with childe fiifteene moneths
and twenty dayes, nor could by any meanes be deli-
vered, which done, the newes of her delivery was re-
ported before the assembly brake up. Hee threatned
vengeance to a Captaine, unlesse he would turne away
the Concubine he kept, the same being also his bro-
thers Concubine. The Captaine tooke it disdainefully,
and within one houre, was slaine by a conspiracy of
women, whose Daughters and servants he had defiled.
There dwelt in Lismore a notable Clerke, of conver-
sation upright, but corrupt in judgement of religion,
this fellow advancing his doctrine, offered disputation
to the Bishop, before the multitude, when he was
forced to silence with the waight of truth, yet he
cavilled maliciously, that not the cause nor learning,
but the countenance and credit of Malachias had
wonne the victory. To whom the Bishop answered,
our Lord compell thee, even maugre thine owne will-
fullnesse to acknowledge thine errors. At these w r ords
the Clerke and intending to fly the sight of men, was
prevented with a mortall infirmity, and beseeching
the Bishop of his peace and communion, died imme-
diately, reconciled to God and holy Church. Being
demaunded of his Brethren, the Moncks of Banchor,
where and when hee would wish to dye, and be
buryed, if it lay in his choyse, hee answered : If ia

6*8 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

,

Ireland, beside the body of S. Patricke: If beyond
tbe seas, at Clarivall, where S. Bernard was then
famous and in the feast of ^411 Soules. He cast in his
minde, within a few dayes to sue to Eugenius the third,
for the increase of the number of Me tropolitanes, which
request, was shortly after sped, and in this voyage he
rested at Clarivall, and there diverse times, openly
foretold that his yeare of departing was come : accord-
ingly when he had taken leave of S. Bernard and the
brethren, descended from his chamber to Church, and
received the rites of a Christian man, he returned to
his lodging, and dyed on All Soules day, k in the yeare
of his age fifty foure, so mildely and peaceably, that
it seemed rather a sleepe, then a death. There his
obsequies w r as solemnized and miracles wrought at his
tombe, and from thence his body was translated to
Ardmagh in the yeare 1192.

fifalchus, though borne Irish, yet he spent most
part of his time in the monastery of Winchester, in
England, from thence assumpted Bishop of Lismore f
him also remembreth S. Bernard upon occasion. A
lunaticke childe he cured in Bishopping him. This
miracle was through the world scene and confessed of
many hundreds. There happened the same time, a
discord betweene the King of Mounster, and his Bro-
ther, wherein the King was overmatched and fled into
England, visited Malchus in his Abbey, arid would at
hand be said nay, but so long as it should please

k !148.

OP IRELAND. 69

God to afflict him, he would live there under his go-
vernement, and ensue his conversation, he contented
himselfe with a poore Cell, used dayly a cold bathe
to represse the wantonnesse of his flesh, dieted him-
selfe with none other fare, then bread, water and salt,
passed dayes and nights in sobbing and remorse of
sinne. At length the Kings and Nobles of Ireland
began to stomacke the usurper, vanquished him, called
home the good King to his right, who with many per-
swasions of Malchas and Malachias could scarcely be
gotten to forsake ghostly company, & trade of life.

CAP. XV.

The most notable events in Jreland, betweene the time
of Saint Patriclce, and the conquest under Henry
the 2.

the yeare of Christ 586. the people of Norway
were Lordes and victours of the Ilandes in the West
Ocean called Orchades, and great scowrers of the seas :
A nation desperate in attempting the conquest of other
Realmes : as being sure to finde warmer dwelling any
where, then at their owne home. These fellowes
lighted into Ireland by this meanes, Careticus King
of Brittaine (odious to his subjects) fell with them at
civill warre. loyfull was the newes hereof to the
Saxons, who then in the six severall kingdomes, pos~

70 CAMPION'S HISTORIC

X

sessed the Hand sundry wayes, so they laide together
their force, & associated to them Gurmondus, a Rover
out of Norway, who having a navy still in a readinesse,
and an army thereafter furnished, holpe the Saxons, to
hunt the Brittaines into the marshes of Wales, builded
the towne of Gormond-chester, and then having holpen
the Saxons, made a voyage into Ireland where he sped
but meanely, and therefore the Irish account not this
for any of their conquests, as some of their antiqui-
ties have informed me. The same Gurmondus finding
hard successe, did but build a few slight castles and
trenches in the frontiers, and then leaving the land,
got him home into France, where he was finally slaine,
him our Chonicles name King of Ireland. But the
Irish affirme that before Turgesius no Easterlings ob-
tained a Kingdome. Here Cambrensis to salve the
contradiction, thinketh Gurmundus to have conquered
the land by Turgesius his Deputy, sent thither at his
provision, which answere breedeth a contrariety more
incurable, for himself numbreth betweene Laigirius
King of Ireland, in an. 430. and Fedlemidius whom
Turgesius vanquished, Monarches 33. and yeares 400.
so that Turgesius lived in an 830. and could not pos-
sibly deale with Gurmondus, who joyned with the
Saxons against Careticus in Anno 586. This knot
might be untwyned with more facility. Gurmondus
made much of that little he caught, and wrote him-
selfe King, which Title our Histories doe allow him,
because he opened a gappe, enjoyed it for a while, and
brake a way for his Countreymen. Turgesius brought

OF IRELAND. 71

this attempt to perfection, and in these respects each
of them may he called first King and Conqueror.

Secondly therefore Turgesius with his Normans, as-
saulted Ireland, 1 sustained losse and many overthrowes,
but in the end fastening his power to the sea coasts,
and receiving in his friends at will, he subdued the land
through and through, ever as he went building up Cas-
tles and fortresses, wherewith the Irish had not beene
yet acquainted, for hitherto they knew no fence, but
woods or bogges, or strokes. Turgesius bridled the
Kings, and awed them so, that without interruption
he raigned thirty yeares, cryed havocke & spoile where
any wealth vvas heaped, spared neither Lay nor Clergy,
nor Church, nor Chappell, but very insolently abused
his victory. O-malaghlien king of Meth, was in
some trust with the Tyrant, his onely Daughter Tur-
gesius craved for his concubine. The father having a
present witt, and watching some subtle oportunities,
Saving your fancie, my Lord, quoth hee, there are di-
verse Ladies of my bloud sweeter bed-fellowes for a
king., then that browne girle ; and then he began to
count neeces and cousins a number forsooth, endowed
with angell-like beauties, painted so lively with his
Tale, that the Tyrant doted already upon them ere hee
saw them: But ever he doubted, lest O-malaghlien
extolled them to exempt his owne, and the wise father
cloaked his drift with modestie in answeres, and lin-
gering his graunt to enflame the leachers folly, as

CAMPION'S HISTORIE

that would any thing to bee suspected rather then his
thought indeed. And at the last when the other tooke
his delay somewhat unkindely, and bade his Queene
speake to him. If I said (quoth hee) that with my
very goodwill my sole daughter should bee sent to you
to bee deflowred, your high wisedome would guesse
I did but faine and flatter, and yet if ten daughters were
deerer unto me then your good pleasure and contenta-
tion, by whose bounty, both she & I, and we all are
supported, I were unworthie the secret friendship,
wherein it lyeth in you to use mee. As for the wench,
it will in part seeme honourable to bee asked to the bed
of such a Prince, seeing Queenes have not sticked to
come from farre, and prostrate their bodies to noble
Conquerours, in hope of issue by them, and howsoever
it bee taken, time will redeeme it. But such a friend
as you are to mee and mine, neither I nor mine shall
live to see, and I purpose not to offend yoxir amity with
saving a greater mater then twenty maiden-heads,
seeing fathers have not sticked to yeeld their owne
ivives to quench the loves and lustes of their sonnes.

Therefore I am thus agreed, name you the day and
place, sever your selfe from the open eye of your Court,
conferre with those that have a curious insight and
skill in beauties, I will send you my daughter, and with
her the choice of twelve or sixteene gentlewomen, the
meanest whereof may bee an Empresse in comparison,
when all are before you, make your game at will, and
then if my childe shall please your fancie, shee is not

OF IRELAND. 73

<

too good to be at your commandement : Onely my re-
quest is, that if any other presume upon your leavings,
your Majestic will remember whose fathers childe shee
is. This liberall proffer was accepted of him, whose
desire was insatiable, with many faire promises and
thankes. To bee short, the same day O-malaghlien
attired Princelike his owne Daughter, and with her
sixteene beautifull striplings, which presented to the
King in his privy Chamber, accompanied onely with
certaine wantons of the Nobility, drew foorth from
under their w r oman-like garments, their skeanes, and
valiantly bestirred themselves, stabbing first the Tyrant,
next the youth present that prepared but small resist-
ance, surely fitt mates to supply the office they tooke
in hand, of Paris, not of Hector.

Out flew the fame thereof into all quarters of Ireland,
and the Princes nothing dull to catche holde of such
advantage, with one assent, rose ready to pursue their
liberty. All Meth and Leinster were soone gathered
to O~malaghlien, the father of this practise, who
lightly leapt to horse, and commauriding their forward -
nesse in so naturall a quarrell, sayde, Lordings and
frierides, this case neither admitteth delay, nor asketh
policie, heart and haste is all in all, while the feate is
young and strong, that of our enemies some sleepe,
some sorrow, some curse, some consult, all dismayed,
let us anticipate their furye, dismember their force, cut off
their flight, occupie their places of refuge and succour.
It is no mastery to plucke their feathers, but their

JL

74 CAMPION'S HISTORIC

neckes, nor to chase them in, but to rovvse them
tovveede them, not to rake them; nor to treade them
dovvne, but to digge them up. This lesson the Tyrant
himselfe hath taught mee, I once dernaunded him in a
parable, by what good husbandry the Land might bee
ridde of certaine Crowes that annoyed it, hee advised
to watche where they bred, and to fire the nestes about
their eares. Goe wee then upon these Cormorants that
shrowde themselves in our possessions, and let us
destroy them so, that neither nest, norroote, norseede,
nor stalke, nor stubbe may remaine of this ungracious
generation.

Scarce had < he spoken the word, but with great
shovvtes and clamours, they extolled the King as pa-
tron of their lives and families, assured both courage
and expedition, joyned their confederates, and with a
running campe, swept every corner of the Land, razed
the castles to the ground, & chased the strangers be-
fore them, slew all that abode the battaile, recovered
each man his owne precinct and former state of govern-
ment. The Irish delivered of slavery, fell to their old
vomit in persecuting one another, & having lately de-
faced their fortified castles & towns, as coverts to the
enemy; al sides lay now more open in harmes way.
This considered, the Princes that in the late rule of
Turgesius espied some towardnesse to wealth and ease,
began to discourse the madnesse of their fathers, who
could not see the use of that which their enemies
abused, they began to loathe their unquietnesse, to wish

OF IRELAND

either lesse discord, or more strength in every mans
dominion to cast out the danger of naked Territoryes,
as ready to call in the enemy, as the contrary was to
shrovvd them, faine would they mend, and they wist
not how. The former subjection though it seemed
intolerable, yet they felt therein a growing to peace,
fruits of merchandize, rest c surety ; for it fared di-
versly twixt those Easterlings, & these Irish: they
knew how to thrive, might they get some commodious
soyle. These had all the commodities of the soyle, &
reckoned them riot. While the Princes and Potentates
pavvsed in this good mood, certain marchants out of
Norway, called Ostomanni, Easterlings, because they
lay East in respect of us, though they are indeede pro-
perly Normans, & partly Saxons, obtained licence
safely to land & utter their wares. By exchanging
of wares & money, finding the Normans civill and
tractable, delighted also with gay conceipts, which
they never esteemed needfull untill they saw them,
they entred into a desire of traffique with other na-
tions, to allure marchants, they licenced the strangers
aforesaid to build, if they were disposed, Haven -
Townes, which was done. Amellanus founded Wa-
terford; Sitaricus, Limericke; Inorus, Dublin, more
at leisure by others. Then were repaired by helpe arid
counsell of these men, castles, forts, steeples, and
Churches every-where. Thus are the Irish blended
also in the blood of the Normans, who from thence-
forth continually flocked hither, did the Inhabitants
great pleasure, lived obediently, till wealth made them

76 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

wanton and rebellious. But they could not possibly
have held out, had not the conquest ensuing determined
both their contentions. The meane while they waxed
Lords of Havens and Bur-Townes, housed their soul-
diours, and oftentimes skirmished tooke their fortune,
6rept no higher, onely a memory is left of their field
in Clantarfe, m where diverse noble Irish men were
slayne, that lye buryed before the Crosse of Kil-
maynam.

And it is to be noted, that these are the Danes, which
people (then Pagans) wasted England, and after that,
France. From whence they came againe into England
with William the Conquerour. n So that Ostomani,
Normans, Easterlings, Danes, and Norway-men are in
effect the same, and as it appeareth by conference of
times and Chronicles, much about one time or season,
vexed the French men, subdued the Er^lish, and mul-
tiplyed in Ireland. But in the yeare of CHRIST 1095*
perceiving great envy to lurke in the distinction of
Easterlings and Irishe utterly west, and because they
were simply Northerne, not Easterne, and because they
magnified themselves in the late conquest of their
Countreymen, who from Normandy flourished now in
the Realme of England, they would in any wise bee
called and counted Normans.

ln 1050. al. 1014.

i

n Guil de Nangiac. Polid 1, 8. Angl. hist.
* An. Pom. 900.

OF IRELAND. 77

Long before this time, P as ye have heard, Ireland
was bestowed into two principall Kingdomes, and
sometime into more, whereof one was ever elected Mo-
narch, whom they tearme in their Histories, maximum
regem, or without addition, regem Hibernite. The
rest were written JReguli or lieges by limitation, as the
King of Leinster, of Connaght, of Vlster, of Moun-
ster, of Meth. To the Monarch besides his allowance
of ground, and titles of Honours, and other priviledges
in Jurisdiction, was graunted a negative in the nomi-
nation of Bishops at every vacation. The Cleargy and
Laity of the Diocesse, recommended him to their King,
the King to their Monarch, the Monarch to the Arch-
bishop of Canterbury, for that as yet the Metropolitanes
of Ireland had not receaved their palles : In this sort
was nominated to the Bishopricke of Divelin, then
voide Anno 1074. (at the petition of Godericus King
of Leinster, by sufferance of the cleargy & people there,
with the consent of Tei^dilvachus the Monarch) a
learned prelate called Patricius: who the blessed arch-
bishop Lanfrancus consecrated at S. Pauls Church in
London, & swore him to the obedience after the maner
of his antecessors. q Christian Bishop of Lismore
Legate to Eugenius 3. summoned a Provinciall Coun-
cell in Ireland, wherein were authorized foure Metro-
politan Sees, Ardmagh, Dublin, Cashell, & Tuam:
Bishops thereof being Gelasius, Gregarious , Donatus,

An, Dom. 948,

(

* 1152.

78 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

Edanus ; for hitherto, though they yeelded a primacy
to the Bishop of Ardmagh, in reverence of Saint jPa-
tricke, yet was it partly voluntary, and ratified rather by
custome, then by sufficient decree : neither did that
Arch-Bishop take upon him to invest other Bishops,
but sent them to Canterbury (as I said before) which
henceforth they did not. Namely the next Bishop of
S. Laurence, sometimes Abbot of S. Kevynes in Glan-

ti

dilagh, r was ordered and installed at home by Gelasius
Primate of Ardmagh.

' 1162.

THE

SECOND BOOKE

OF

CAMPION'S

HISTORY OF IRELAND.

CAP. I.

The conquest of Jreland by Henry the second, King
of England, commonly called Henry FitzEmpresse.

DERMOTMACMURROUGH,*

ster, halt and leacherous, vowed dishonestly to serve his
lust on thebeautifullQueene of Meath, and in the absence
of her husband, allured the woman so farre, that she con-
discended to be stolne away. This dishonourable wrong
to avenge, O-Rorick the King her husband, besought
assistance of RodericJce Oconor, King of Connaght,
at that season the generall Monarch of all Ireland,
The subjects of Leinster detesting the quarrell, and
long ere this time hating their Prince, left him desolate

1 1167. This Chapter concludeth the 1. and 2. booke Cambrens de con-
quest Hiberniae : delivered unto me by Francis Agard.

80 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

,

in his greatest neede, so as with much difficulty he
caught his boate, and fled over for succour to Henry
the 2. King of England, then warring upon theFrench
men, within his Dukedome of Aquitaine. Somewhat
before this season sate in the See of Rome, Adrianus *
4. an English man borne, who having in his youth
taken a painefull pilgrimage into Norway, and reduced
the whole Hand unto Christianity, learned distinctly
the state of Ireland, and how their countrymen which
dayly repaired thither, being themselves the most part
infidels, meeting with a people there, wilde and furious,
were like very shortly (but if God found remedy) to
deface religion : for though Christ were beleeved and
taught, yet the multitude eft soone, grew to a shame-
lesse kinde of liberty, making no more of necessary
points of Doctrine, then served their loose humour.
Besides these occasions Henry the 2. builded upon the
Popes favour, his borne subject, had sent Ambassadours
to Rome, in the first yeare of his raigne, asking leaue
to attempt the conquest of Ireland. Adrian trusting
and requiring a diligent reformation of the premisses,
graunted his Bull, which Alexander his Successour
confirmed, and ratified upon the same conditions. Now
when Dermot was come in the very necke of these con-
sultations, and put up his complaint, wherein he pre-
ferred the interest of his Crowne, and craved a restitu-
tion of some peece of his lands, the matter did seeme
not all untowardly broached, Henry having his hands
full with the French, because Mac Murrough urged

1 Pottehron. Plat, in Adr. 4. lo. Stell inChr.

OP IRELAND. 81

all possible haste, could not personally intend that offer,
but sent him honourably garded into England, with
letters patents bearing this Tenour.

HENRY the second, King of England, Duke of
Normandy and Aquitaine, Earle of Angiow. To all
our true subjects, English, Normans, Welchmen,
Scotts, and to all nations within our Dominions what-
soever. Greeting. Witt yee that the Bearer hereof,
Dermot Mac Murrovgh King of Leinster, we have
received into the soveraigne protection of our Grace
and bounty, wherefore who so of you all our loving
subjects will extend towards him, your ayde for his re-
storing, as to our trusty and welbeloved, know yee
that he is thereto authorized by these presents, and
shall deserve at our hands high favour in so doing.

With these letters and many gay additions of his
owrie, he arrived at Bristow, where he fell at confe-
rence w r ith Richard Strongbow, Earle of Pembroke,
with whom he covenanted, the delivery of his onely
daughter and heire unto marriage, and so the re-
mainder of his King-dome : If the said Earle would

o

recover him his home. That day were planted in Wales
two gentlemen, Robert Fitz Stephens and Maurice
Fitz Gerald, brethren of a Mother, allyed to 'Rice ap
Griffin, then Prince of Wales, whose Grand-father
was surnamed Rice the great. Fitz 'Stephens had
beene high Cofistable there under the King, and for
executing rigour upon the Princes servants, was with

82 CAMl'ION's HISTORIE

him detained prisoner three yeares, ne would in any
wise pay ransome or accept the liberty promised him,
but if the conditions were loyall to the Crowne, and
to his person no dis-vvorship. Lastly by the mediation
of David Bishop of S. Davids, the third brother; and
of Fitz Gerald, and at the instance of Mac Murrough

whom the Prince entertained in that distresse, Fitz

+ f

Stephens was conditionaly delivered, that he and his
brother Maurice, should the next spring, while
Strongbow provided his army, assist the Irish out-cast,
who in consideration thereof assured them an estate
for ever in the towne of Weixford, and two Cantreds
adjoyning.

Thus much firmely concluded on all sides, the King
stale secretly home, and wintered closely among the
Cleargie of Femes.

>

According to covenant came Fit* Stephens, with 30.
Knights of his blood, 60. Squiers, & 300. footemen
Archers, to whom at his landing, Dermot sent in aid
his base sonne Duvelnaldus, and five hundred speares.
The towne and suburbes of Weixford marched forth
against him : But when they saw Souldiours in array,
diversly dighted and weaponed, furnished with artil-
lery, barbed horses and harnesse, they retyred to their
walles and strengthned them, burning the villages
thereabouts, and all the provision they could not carry.
The assault lasted 3. dayes, in the 4. certaine Bishops
resciaiit there, tooke up the variance, pacified the

OF IRELAND. 83

Townesmen to their King, and procured the rendring
of the Towne. Dermot having tryed the valiantnes
of the Welchmen, immediately kept his touch, and
gave possession of Weixford with the appurtenances
aforesaid, to Fitz Stephens and his brother. After suc-
cesse of these matters, they leavyed to the number of
3000. Souldiours, and devised to vexe the Lords of
Vpper Ossory, who had beene to the King of all other
most cruell and injurious. Them they compelled to
deliver Trewage and sweare fealty.

Rodericke the monarch appalled at these newes,
reared up all the Kings, in defence of the land, verily
supposing that all would to wrecke, were it not pre-
vented. And first they directed courteous messages
and gifts to Fitz Stephens, moving him to depart the
,land quietly, and not to molest them without cause.
To whom he answered, that much he wondred at the
folly of those Princes, who to satisfie their choller had
opened such a gappe to their owne prejudice, as though
the subjects whom they had schooled, to breake
allyance towards the King of Leinster, would not be
as ready by this example to learne to withstand the
King of Connaght, for his owne part, though hee
might with better reason invade strangers, then they
could expell their neighbours and their peere, yet
would they suffer the King to reenter his right, they
should not finde him stiffe, nor un tractable, otherwise
they should well feele that the Bryttons wanted neither
abilitie, nor truth, to maintains their word.

84 CAMPION'S HISTORIC

i

Rodericke perceived it was no boote to spurne, and
therefore bethought himselfe of composition upon
agreement, they resolved thus.

i

Inprimis, that Mac Murrough swearing afresh his
obedience to the Monarch, should quietly, repossesse
the parts of Leinster, which Roderick? with-held by
suspensation.

Secondly, that for ensurance thereof, he should
pledge his dearest base sonne Cnotharn, to whom
Rodericke promised his daughter, if this peace were
found effectuall.

/ \

Thirdly, that being rested in his kingdome, he
should discharge the Welch army, nor should hence-
forwards call them over in defence.

About this time, Donatus the good King of Ergall,
founded the Abbey of Mellyfont, which is the eldest
that I finde recorded since the Danes arrival!, except
S. Mary Abbey, besides Divelin, erected in an. 948.

The meane while was landed at Weixford, Maurice
JFitz Gerald with his provision, ten Knights, thirty
Squiers, and an hundred Bowmen, hereupon Dermot
and the two Brethren, set their force against Divelin,
which being the cheife Citty of his Realme, refused
to yeeld, when Divelin and the country about it was
recover' dj there befell hostility between Roderick?,

OF IRELAND. 85

and Duvenaldus Prince of Limericke, whom Dermot
his father holpe in field, foyled the enemy, and then
withdrew his ohedience from the Monarch. Shame-
full was Roderickes flight, and Dermot insinuated
into the favour of his people, began to recount the
confederates of his first misfortune, and consulted with
the two Captaines for the invasion of Connaght, find-
ing them prest, he wrote over to the Earle Strongbow,
renewed their covenants, prayed his helpe. Richard
Earle Strongbow (whose auncestors came in with the
Conquest, but commonly of the King and his succes-
sors disfavoured) having read the letters, he passed to
King Henry, besought him either to answere him his
rightfull heritage, which other men occupied, or to
licence him else where in uncouth lands, to seeke his
fortune. The King halfe in derision bad him on in
the name of God, even as farre as his feete could beare
him. The Earle dissembling to perceive the hollovv-
nes of the king, furnished his Cousin Reymond It
Grose, Nephew to the brethren aforesaid, with ten
Knights, and 70. Bowmen, himselfe ensued with
about 200. Knights, and 1000. lusty Welchmen, tryed
Souldiours, shortly they vvanne the Citty of Water-
ford, and then immediately Mac Murrough accom-
plished his convention, gave to the Earle in marriage
his daughter Eve, with the succession of his King-
dome. When Waterford was gotten, and Leinstei*
pacified, and the Princes of Ossory tamed, and a
chosen band ever in garrison, Mac Murrough became
so terrible, that none durst encounter him. The

Uf

86 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

Cleargy assembled themselves at Ardmagh, and with
one accord did protest that for all their sinnes, and
especially for the Turkish kinde of Tyrany which they
used in buying and selling, and with vile slaveries
oppressing the bodies of the English, (whom their
pyrats tooke) their land was like to be translated to
that nation, whose captives they handled so cruelly.
To appease in part, the indignation of God, they de-
creed, that all English, wheresoever in hold within
the realme, should forthwith be loosed, Further, if it
pleased God to scourge them, it should be meekely
suffered, as farre beneath the debt of their deserts.
King Henry 9 though he was well apayed that the
Earle should be from him, yet he liked no deale, his
growing in Ireland to such power, as percase in time
to come, with his faction in Wales, then living under
a Prince of their owne, he might be able to face the
Crowne of England. An edict was therefore drawne,
whereby all subjects were charged upon their perill, to
reverte into England by a day, and a caveat annexed,
that upon paine of death, none should presume to
passe over without a new warrant, nor ship over any
wares, money, munition, or victuals into Ireland.

\
f

Thus had the Irish a breathing space, and would
perhaps have picked greater benefits thereby, had not
the Normans beene in their top immediately after. u
Great force they laide to Divelin, but were valiantly
repelled, and their Captaine Hasculphus taken pri-

H70.

OP IRELAND. 87

soner, who being calmely intreated, began to overview
himselfe, and to imagine that the Citizens durst not
use him extreamely, & once in open audience brake
forth his unseasonable courage, in these wordes. Take
this (quoth he) but for hansell, the game is to come :
which heard they delayed him no longer, but pusht
him downe on a blocke, and swapped off his head.

Strongbow perceiving the Kings jealously not yet
allayed, having \vel-nigh spent his army in defence of
diverse good townes, impugned by Rodericke and the
Irish, left sufficient warde till his returne : and met the
King at Gloucester. v To whom he writeth, declaring
the envy that lurked in his preferment, yeelded the
tittle of all his winning, craved good countenance
with his grace, contented himselfe with any portion
whatsoever his Majesty should relinquish : a firiall
quietnesse was driven betweene them, Dublin with th'
appurtenances, and all port townes of Leinster, & all
fortresses reserved to the King. The Earle should
enjoy with good leave whatsoever he had gotten beside.
This yeare dyed Mac Murrow y and the Abbey de

Castro Dei was founded.

Soone after the King with five hundred Knights
with archers and horsemen many more tooke shore at
Waterford, w and was such a terrour to the Irish, that

" 1171.

" 1172. Regni sui 17- ^Etatis 41.

88 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

incontinently all Mounster submitted themselves to
his peace. There the men of Wexford to feede the
surmises of Henry conceived against the gentlemen,
betrayed their Lord Fitz Stephens, and him delivered
to the King. The King to gratifie them, for a Awhile
tremely chained and hampered the prisoner, quarrel-
ling with him, notwithstanding the inhibition he had
proceeded in atchieving the conquest of Ireland, but
shortly hee enlarged him, and ratified the grants of
Wexfojd above-mentioned.

These Princes of the South sware fidelity and tribute
to Henry. Dermot Cartye King of Corke, Donald
Obrene king of Limericke, Donald and Omalaghlien,
puissant Lords of Ossory, and in briefe, all the states
of Mounster, from thence hee journeyed to Dublin,
where in like manner all the Captaines of Leinster,
and Ororicke king of Meth, and JRodericke Oconor,
king of Connaght, and of all Ireland for himselfe,
and the whole Hand, humbly recognized his sove-
raignety : finally, no man there was of name in the
land (except them of Vlster) but they to him bowed
and sware obeysance. All which he feasted royally
with a dinner of Cranes flesh, a fowle till then utterly
abhorred of the Irish.

Merlin had prophesied., that five should meete, and
the sixt should scourge them. This sixt they now
construed to be Henry, in whom the five pettie King-
domes were united. Of the same conquest prophesied

OF IRELAND, 89

their foure notable Saints, Patricke, Brachon, Colme,
and Moling.*

\

The King not unmindfull of his charge, enjoyned
by the Popes Adrian and Alexander, entred into a re-
formation of the Church : and mooved the famous
Bishop of Lismore, Saint Christian, their Legate, to
call a Synode at Cashell, wherein they defined Eight
Articles, y

1. First, that their people should abandon unlawful!
contracts of their cousins and allyes, and observe the
Canons of Matrimonie.

2. That their Infants should be primestened of the
Priests hand at the Church dore, and then baptized in
the font of their mother Church.

i

3. That all faithfull duely pay their Tithes.

4. That holy Church be for ever quit of those cursed
exactions of diet and harborow whereunto they had
beene accustomably strayned foure seasons in the
yeare, and else against right.

5. That the fine levyed for manslaughter, be* not
borne by the Clearkes, and kinsmen to the malefac-

* Fab. pars. 7- c. 137.
' Pol. Virg. lib. 13. Angl. Hist.
N

90 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

tour, but if he were accessary or faulty to the deed

doing.

/

6. That the sicke doe his Testament to be made or

read in the presence of credible persons.

^

7- That the funerals of the dead be devoutly and
solemnly kept.

8. That forasmuch as GOD hath universally deli-
vered them into the government of the English, they
should in all points, rights, and ceremonies, accord
with the Church of England.

To these things Gelosius Primate of Ardmagh, be-
cause he was old and impotent, gave his consent at
Divelin in the presence of the King, he died two yeares
after, so aged, that his sustenance was the milke of a
white Cow, which he carried with him wheresoever he
travelled. Thisyeere the Abbey de font e vivo was founded.

While all went well in Ireland, newes came that
Henry the sonne (whom his father had for good
purpose crowned King of England) was misledde to in*-
trude upon the actuall possession of the Crowne in his
fathers life-time, which stirre to appease, the King left
the custody of Ireland with Hugh de Lacy, to whom
he gave Meth in fee, with Fitz Stephens, Fitz Ge-
rald, and Philip de Bruise, and diverse others, and
sayled into England.

OP IRELAND. 91

In absence of King Henry , Ororick King of Meth,
surnamed Monoculus, required conference and parley
with Hugh de Lacy, in which communication the
King had trayterously murdered Lacy, had not Fits
Gerald rescued him. Then stept out an amhushment
of the Irish, but Griffin a Gentleman of the bloud
royall in Wales, flighted the Kyrneghes, and slew
Ororick.

%

The English perceived such practices daylie sought
and attempted, tooke from the Irish as farre as they
durst, all trust of government, fenced themselves with
garrisons, made Captaines, Keepers and Constables,
wheresoever they vvanne the better. But King Henry
was so affrighted with his sonnes rebellion, and grew
into such envye both at home and abroad for the death
of Thomas late Archbishop of Canterbury, that he had
no will to mind his proceedings in Ireland. Ever his
jealousie increased tovvardes the Earle Strongboiv,
whom he supposed easie to bee carryed away with
any light occasion of tumult. The Earle was a man
of great birth, but not of great port until this good
marriage befell him, & knowing himselfe neither to
be brooked in sight, nor trusted out of sight, kept
still one certaine rate in all his doings, bare but lowe
saile, fed no quarrells, shunned all suspicious con-
ference.

While they stood thus in a mammaring, and Letters
came daylie over, how faintly the States and Princes

92 CAMPION'S HISTORIC

of Ireland performed obedience; for except inLeinster,
all other parts retayned still their auncient kinde of
government, and did onely acknowledge Tribute. It
was thought expedient by Henryes Counsellours, to
discharge his minde of that care, and seeing there
was trouble on all sides, and all could not bee intended
one way, they determined to venture the custody of
Ireland to Strongbow, being likely for his owne
wealth and assurance, to procure all possible meanes
of bridling and annoying the Irish.

No sooner was the Earle landed with his Commis-
sion Lord Warden of Ireland, but Donald King of
Limericke met him at the vantage, and coursed him
within the walls of Waterford, whereof hearing the
residue their mates were animated, so that up they start
in every corner, tagge and ragge to expell the English.

It went hardly, then the Earle remembred himselfe
of his cousin Lord Reymond, left behinde him in Wales
a suitor to Basil his sister, whose marriage nothing stop-
ped but the Earles consent. Now therefore hee wri-
teth lovingly to the Wooer, and upon condition that
hee came speedily to succour him, hee yelded the Lady
and all else at pleasure. Reymond in his first entry
brake into Divelin, marryed his Wife in compleate Ar-
mour, and the very next daye sprang foorth, whipped
the Rebells, quieted Leinster.

Also the Cleargy having lately perused the Popes

OP IRELAND. 93

Bull, z wherein hee entitleth Henry Lord of Ireland,
and under straight paynes commaundeth alleagiance
unto him, busily repressed the fury of their Countrey-
men. And forsomuch as immediately after Christianity
planted there, the whole Hand had with one consent
given themselves not only into the spirituall, but also
into the temporall jurisdiction of the See of Rome,
which temporall right the two Bishops Adrian and
Alexander had freely derived into King Henry , as by
their publique instruments read in their counsell at
Cashell appeareth, they denounced curse and excom-
munication to any that would maliciously gainsay or
frustrate the same.

When these broyles were rocked asleepe and hushl
for a time, the familiars of Strongbow greatly fore-
thought them of the credit and rule committed to Rey-
mond, whom in conclusion they procured home againe
when he had served their turne at neede. The meane
while dyed Strongbow, as some say, a betrayed and
wounded, he lyeth buried in the Body of Christ Church
in Divelin, leaving behinde him one onely daughter
Isabel, marryed after 14. yeares to William Earle
marshall. Closely they concealed Strongboiues death,
untill they had compassed from the King another Go-
vernour after their owne tooth. For ever they dreaded,

that Beymond being in the Princes eye, and friended

.

* Pol. Virg. lib. 13 Angl. Hist,
M175.

94 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

in the Court, would catch his opportunity, and wynde
himselfe (might he get an inkling in time of the Earles
death) into the succession of his office, which even
then waxed sweet and savoury. Coodgellers of this
drift, stopped messengers, intercepted letters, hasted
on their owne course. Basil the wife of Reymond,
more dutiful to her hushand, then naturall to her bro-
ther, continued still in Ireland sicke, but having privy
knowledge of those newes, ere the breath was quite out
of the Earles body, payned her selfe to disturbe this
whole array. And whereas shee knew well her letters
should bee searched, and her owne servants stayed,
shee let it be delivered at all a very venture to one of
the maryners, and therein draweth a long processe of
her affayres and household, but in the middle shuffles
in a few lines of her meaning, under these tearmes : To
all my afflictions is added now lately the tooth -ake, so
that except that one master-tooth had fallen (which I
send you for a token) I weene I were better out of my
life. Now was the tooth tipped with golde, and bur-
nished feately like a present, which Reymond wist well
to bee none of hers, and therefore quickly smelled the
construction, lingred not for Letters Pattents, but stept
over presently, and made his packe, and was elected by
the Kings Agents there, Lord Protectour of Ireland,
till the Kings pleasure were further knowne : During
liis authority flourished the Geraldines, but shortly after
they quayled againe, under the government of William
Fltz Aldelin, with him was joyned in commission
the valiant Knight lohn de Courcy, conquerour, and

OF IRELAND. 95

Earle of Vlster, which hitherto the King had not
obtained.

That yeare b was founded the Abhey of Crockesden,
by Bertrdmus de Verdon*

To establish the conquest of Vlster, and other vic-
tories of the parts of Ireland before enjoyed, c Alex-
ander the third sent his Cardinal! Vivianus, who de-
clareth the Title that Henry held of the Pope, the re-
servation of the jPefer-pence, the indignation of GOD
and holy Church against the rebells, who beeing them-
selves contemners and breakers of Canons Ecclesiasti-
call, yet for maintenance of their unruly stomackes, had
found the meanes to make Churches their harries, be-
stowing therein both corne and pulse, that the victual-
lers and purveyors of the Princes campe should not
dare to require the sale thereof for perill of sacriledge.
Therefore hee licenseth Officers in this behalfe soberly
and discreetely to convent such persons, as made the
Church a Sanctuary for their Corne, and in neede to

take thereof at reasonable prices.

i

Little good did Fitz jildelin, and lesse was like to
doe, because hee delighted to crosse his Peeres, and
was of them stopped in his course of government.

Hugh de Lacye was made Protector generall over

k !176.
C il77.

96 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

the Land. But Miles Cogan, Philip de Bruise, Fitz
Stephens, Power, and diverse other more preferred to
severall countreyes under him.

This Lacye builded a sort of castles and forts through-
out all Leinster and Meth, and the next sixe yeares
continually devout gentlemen erected sundry Abbeyes,
as the Abbey of Roseglasse, d of Donbrothy by Hervy
a Welch-man, e one of the speciall conquerours of Ire-
land, who himself after that, entred into religion in
Trinity Priory at Canterbury, f The Abbeyes of Geri-
pont, and Choro Benedicti, the Abbey de lege Dei,
with repayring of many Chappels, Chauncells, Bell-
houses, High-vvayes, and Bridges. 8 Then dyed Saint
Laurence Archbishop of Divelin, to whom succeeded
lohn Corny n an Englishman, brought up in the Abbey
of Evesham, Founder of Saint Patrickes in Divelin,
which was before that time a Parish Church, & now
by the said Archbishop endowed with Prebends, Vic-
cars, Clearkes, Chorists, and many notable possessions
for their maintenance, vvhereout from time to time
have proceeded Clergy-men of greatest learning & re-
putation in the Diocese Divers contentions were raised
betwixt Christs Church and it, fpr antiquity, wherein
they of S. Patrickes, are (no doubt) inferiour, as shall

M178.

/

e l!79.
f l!80.

OF IRELAND.

appeare. h They are both written Cathedrall Churches,
and both are the Bishops Chapiter, in whose election
they both ought to convent within the Church of the
blessed Trinity, called Christs Church, which in all re-
cords hath the preheminency of place. The party that
disturbeth this order of election, forfeiteth by deede to
th' Archbishop of Divelin, 200. pounds. This foun-
dation was much enriched by King lo/in.

The same yeare died the yong King Henry, recon-
ciled to his father, but preparing warre against his bro-
ther Richard Duke of Aquitain : soon after also de-
ceased leffry his other son, Duke of Brittaine. Thus
were left Richard, his inheritour, and lohn afterwards
Earle of Glocester, heretofore surnamed without land,
to whom the father conveyed all his interest and Lord-
ship of Ireland, sent him thither honourably accompa-
nied, being then but tvvelue yeares old, and with him in
speciall trust, Giraldus Cambrensis Clerke, a diligent
searcher of the antiquities of Ireland, surely well learned,
and in those dayes counted Eloquent.

About the young Earle were servants and counsel-
lours, three sorts, first Normans, great quaffers, lour-
dens, proud, belly swaines, fed with extortion and bri-
bery ; to whom hee most relyed : secondly, the English
brought with him, meetly bold : Thirdly, the English
found in the land, whom being best worthy and most
forward in all good services, hee least regarded, hereof

h Infra cap. 48.
O

98 CAMPION'S I-ISTORIE

sprang parties and disdaine, and to the knights that
hardiest were and readiest of courage no small discom-

o

fort, to the enemies a spurre.

With the brute of his arrivall at Waterford, the
Kings of Thomond, Desmond and Connaght, put
themselves in the bravest manner they could, to meete
him and to submit their countries to his Grace, before
them came the Irish Franklyris with rich presents, (and
as they are very kind hearted where they list to shew
obedience,) made unto the Childe, their Lord, the
most joy and gladnesse that might be, and though
rudely, yet lovingly, and after the custome of their
country, offred to kisse him, with such familiarity as
they used towards their Princes at home. Tw r o of the
Guard, Normans, pickthankes, shooke and tare the
dowries by the gtibs & beards unmannerly, and
churlishly thrust them out of the presence, whom they
should have instructed curteously, & born with. The
Irish thus rejected, went against the fore- named Kings,
opened the rebukes and villanyes done to them, for
their meekenes, that their Lord whom they thought to
honour, was but a Boy, peevish and insolent, governed
by a sort of flatterers, younglings and prowlers : That
sithence to them that buxome were and tractable, such
despite and dishonour (that terme they have borrowed
of the Spaniards) was proffered so soone, little good
should the states of Ireland looke for in continuance,
when the English had once yoked and penned them ia
their douches.

OF IRELAND. 99

\

This report lightly alienated the mindes of those
JPrinces, not yet very resolute, and turned them home
with great oathes and leagues, entred among them-
selves, caused also the mightiest Captaines elsewhere
to stick e together, while their lives lasted, and for no
manner earthly thing to slacke the defence of their
auncient liberties.

Immediately walked abroad mutiny es of broyle &
commotion, so that the young Earle and his army, were
content to commit the tryall thereof, to Lacy, Bruise,
Courcy, Fitz Gerald, and the rest, himselfe departing
away the same yeare he came, and leaving the Realme
a great deale worse bestedde then he found it.

From the Conquest hitherto Giraldus Camhrensis,
and from hence to the yeare 1370. I am specially
holpen by certaine briefe extracts, 1 whose author is
namelesse, and therefore I quote him by the name of
Philip Flatsbury who wrote them, and enriched them
with collections of his owne, for Gerald the father of
the Earle of Kildare then being. An. 151/.

Lacy the rather for these whisperings, did erect and
edifie a number of Castles, well and substantially, pro-
vided in convenient places, one at Derwath, where di-
verse Irish prayed to be set on worke, for hyre. Sundry

1 In these notes I used the conference of 3. coppies, much different, sent
me, the one^by my Lord of Trimlestone, another from M. Agard, the third
from M. Stanyhurst:

100 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

times came Lacy to quicken his labourers, full glad
to see them fall in ure with any such exercise, wherein,
might they once be grounded & taste the svveetenesse
of a true mans life, he thought it no small token of
reformation to be hoped, for which cause he visited them
often, and merrily would command his Gentlemen to
give the labourers example in taking paines, to take
their instruments in hand, and to worke a season, the
poore soules looking on and resting. But this game
ended Tragically, while each man was busie to try his
cunning: some lading, some plaistering, some heaving,
some carving ; the Generall also himselfe, digging with
a pykeaxe, a desperate villaine of them, he whose toole
the Generall used, espying both his hands occupied and
his body, with all force inclining to the blo\v, watched
his stoope, and clove his head with an axe, little es-
teeming the torments that ensued. k This Lacy was
conquerour of Meth, his body the two Archbishops,
lohn of Divelin and Mathew of Cashell, buryed in the
monastery of Becktye, his head in S. Thomas abbey at
Divelin. l The next yeare, was builded the abbey of
Ines in Vlster, m and soone after, the abbeyes of lugo
Dei, and of Comer, n and then the abbey of Knock-
moy, or de Colle victories, by Cathel Cronderg King
of Connaght.

* 1189.
1 1187.

1199.
1200.

OP IRELAND. 101

CAP. II.

\

The Titles of the Crowne of England to every part
of Jreland) and to the whole diverse wayes.

WILL begin with the pedigree of William Earle
marshall, for thereupon depend many recordes in Ire-
land, and the Queenes right to Leinster. Walter
Fitz Richard, who came from Normandy, with Wil-
liam Conquerour, died Lord Strongbow of Strigule
alias Chepstow without issue, to whom succeeded his
sisters sonne Gilbert, who was created the first Earle
of Pembroke, & had issue Richard the inheritour of
Leinster, by a covenant and marriage of Eva the sole
daughter of Mac Muwough King of Leinster. This
Richard conveyed to Henry the second all his title,
and held of him the Lordship of Leinster in foure
counties, Weixford, Catherlagh, Ossory, and Kildare..
Richardleft issue, a daughter Isabel, married to Wil-
liam Earle marshall of England, now Earle of Pem-
broke, Lord Strongbow, and Lord of Leinster. Wil-
liam had issue five sonnes, who died without issue,
when every of them, except the youngest, had succes-
sively possessed their fathers lands, and five (laughters,
Maude, loane, Isabel, Sibil, and Eve, among whom
the patrimony was parted in an. 31, EL 3. Of these
daughters bestowed in marriage, are descended many
noble houses, as the Mortimers, Bruises, Clares, &c.

102 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

borne subjects to the Crowne of England, paying ever
to the King his dutyes reserved.

;

Hugh de Lacy Conquerour of Meth, had issue
VValter de Lacy, who held the same of King lohn,
paying a fine of foure thousand marks sterling, and
hence beganne all the severall claimes there at this
day, with allegiance sworne and done by their aunces-
tours.

At the very, first arrivall of Henry the second, the
Princes of Mounster came universally, and did homage
voluntarily, and acknowledged to him and his heires,
duties and payes for ever.

lohn de Courcy Conquerour and Earle of Vlster,
dyed without issue, King lohn Lord of Ireland, gave
theEarledome to Hugh deLacy, who had issue, Wal-
ter and Hugh, dead without issue, and one daughter
married to Reymond Burke Conquerour and Lord of
Connaght.

Connaght descended to diverse heires, owing service
to the Prince, but Vlster is returned by devolution to
the special] inheritance and revenues of the Crowne of
England, in this manner The said De Burgo, had
issue, Richard, who had issue lohn, who had issue
William, who was slaine without issue, and a Daugh-
ter, Elizabeth intytled to thirty thousand marks
yearely, by the Earledome of Vlster, whom Edward

OF IRELAND. 103

the 3, gave in marriage to Leonel his second sonne,
Duke of Clarence, who had issue a daughter Philippe,
marryed to Edmund Mortymer, who had issue Ed-
mund, j4nne, Elinor. Edmund and Elinor died
without issue, A.nm was married to Richard, Earle
of Cambridge, sonne to Edmund of Laugley Duke
of Yorke, fift sonne to Edward the third, which said
Richard had issue Richard Plantagenet, father to
Edward the fourth, father to Elizabeth wife to Henry
the seventh, and mother to Henry the eight, father to
Mary, Edward the sixt, and Elizabeth.

Severall claimes to the Land of Ireland,

**.

1. First that the Irish (for of the rest tliere is no
question) were subjects to the Crowne of Brittaine,
before they set foote in Ireland. Thus it appeareth.
They dwelt on that side of Spaine, whereof Bayon was
then cheife imperiall Citie> and the same then in posses-
sion and obedience to Gurguntius 376. yeares ere Christ
was borne, as it was to his successours many a day
after, namely to Henry, the which as I finde noted in
certaine precepts of governement, dedicated to lames
Young, to lames Butler Earle of Ormond, then Lieu-
tenant of Ireland an. 1416.

From this coast and Citty, now part of Gascoigne
came the fleete of those Iberians, who in 60. ships
met Gurguntius on the sea, returning from the con-
quest of Denmarke, to whom they yeelded oath and

104 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

\

service, sued for dwelling, were by him conducted
and planted in Ireland, and became his leige people.

i

2. Mac Gil-murrow King of Ireland, with all his
petty Princes, Lordes, and Captaines, summoned to
King Arthurs court held in Carlion, an. 519. did
accordingly their homage, and attended all the while
his great feast and assembly lasted.

\

3. The Monarch of Ireland and all other, both
reges and reguli for them and for theirs for ever,
betooke themelves to Henry the second in an. Dom.
1172. namely those of the south, whiles he lay at
Waterford, Dermot King of Corke, which is the
nation of Mac Cartyes, at Cashell, Donald King of
Limericke, which is the nation of the Obrenes,
Donald King of Ossory, Mac Shaghlen King of
Ophaly, at Divelin did the like, Okeruell king of
Vriell, Ororicke king of Meth, Rodericke King of
all Ireland, and of Connaght. This did they with
consents and shoutes of their people : and king Henry
returned without any Battle given. Only Vlster re-
mained which lohn de Courcy soone after conquered,
and Oneale Captaine of all the Irish there, came to
Dublin to Richard the 2. in an. 1399. And freely
bound himselfe by oath and great summes of money,
to be true to the crowne of England.

4. The same time Obrene of Thomond, Oconor
of Connaght, Arthur Mac Murrow of Leinster, and

OF IRELAND. 105

all the Irish Lords which had been somewhat disor-
dered, renewed their obedience.

5. When Ireland first received Christendome they
gave themselves into the jurisdiction both spirituall &
temporall, of the See of Rome. The temporall Lord-
ship, Pope Adrian conferred upon Henri/ the second,
and hee gave the same to lohn his younger sonne,
afterwards King of England, and so it returned home
to the Crowne.

6. Alexander the 3. confirmed the gift of Adrian
as in both their Charters is expressed at large.

7- Vivian the legate on the Popes behalfe doth ac-
curse and excommunicate all those that flitte from the
obeysance of the Kings of England.

8. The cleargy twice assembled, once at Cashell,
secondly at Ardmagh, plainely determined the con-
quest to be lawfull, and threatned all people, under
paine of Gods, and holy Churches indignation, to ac-
cept the English kings for their Lords, from time to
time.

9. It would aske a volume to recite the names of
such Irish Princes, \vho since the conquest have con-
tinually occasions, revolts or petitions, sworne truth
and faith to the kings of England, from time to time,
received honours, wages, fees, pardons, and petitions.

106 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

*

Arid thus I thinke no reasonable man will doubt of a
right so old, so continued, so ratified, so many wayes
confessed.

CAR III.

Richard the first, and King John.

^ JtSY occasion of Lacyes mishap, lohn Courcye, and
Hugh de Lacye the younger, with all their assistants,
did streight execution upon the Rebells, and prevent-
ing every mischiefe ere it fell, stayed the Realrae from
uproares. P Thus they continued lovingly, and lived in
wealth and honour all the dayes of Richard the first,
untill the first yeare of King lohns raigne,

Henry the second had issue male, William, Henry,
Richard, Jeffrey, and lohn. <1 William, Henry, and
Richard dyed without issue. leffrey Earle of Brittaine
dyed before his father, and left issue two daughters,
and an after-borne son called Arthur, whose title to
the Crowne, as being the undoubted lyne of the elder
brother, Philip King of France, and certaine Lords of
England and Ireland stoutly justified: lim had King
lohn taken prisoner in Normandy, and dispatched, if

I 189.

OF IRELAND. 10/

the fame be true, with his owne hands at Roane, Of
this barbarous cruelty all mens eares were full, and
Courcye either of zeale or partiality, spake bloudy
words against it, which meane his undermyners caught,
and did not onely heave him out of credit, but also
got commission to attach his body, and to send him
into England.

The Earle mistrusted his part, and kept aloofe, till
Hugh de Lacye Lord Justice, was faine to levye men
in armes, and to invade Vlster. r Thence hee was
often put to flight, whereupon hee proclaymed
Courcye Traytour, and hyred sundry gentlemen with
rewards, to bring him in quicke or dead, so long hee
wooed the matter, that Courcyes owne Captairies
were inveygled to betray their Lord. Therefore upon
good Friday, when the Earle did off his armour, and
in secret meditations visited religious places bare-footed,
they layde for him, tooke him as a retell, and shipped
him into England the next way, where he was adjudged
to perpetuall prison. 3 Sentleger addeth in his collec-
tions that Lacy payd the Tray tors their money, and
then immediatly hanged them.

\

This Courcye translated the Church and Preben-
daryes of the Trinity in Downe, to an Abbey of
black Monks brought thither from Chester, and the

r 1202.

8 1204.

108 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

same did hallow to S. Patricke, for which alteration
of the name of God to his servant, hee deemed him-
selfe justly punished.

V

Not long after (as say the Irish) certaine French
knights came to King lohns Court, and one of them
asked the comhat for tryal of the Dutchy of Nor-
mandy. It was not thought expedient to jeopard the
title upon one mans lucke, yet the challenge they de-
termined to answere : some friend put them in minde
of the Earle imprisoned, a Warriour of noble courage,
and in pitch of hody like a gyant. King lohn de-
maunded Courcye whether hee would bee content to
fight in his quarrell : Not for thee (said the Earle)
whose person I esteem e not worthy the adventure of
my bloud, but for the Crowne and dignity of the
Realme, wherein many a good man liveth against thy
will. The words were haply taken without dudgen,
as proceeding from stomack, and from one counted
more plaine then wise.

Courcye therefore being cherished to the field, and
refreshed with dyet, fed so wonderfully after his hard
keeping, that the French Challenger tooke him for
a monster, and privily stale into Spaine. Then was
the Earle inlarged, and crossed the seas tovvardes
Ireland, fifteene times, evermore beaten back to the
shoare, went thence into France to change the
coast, and there dyed: after whose decease with-
out heires of his body, the Earldome of Vlster was

OF IRELAND. 109

x -^

/

entirely bestowed upon Hugh de Lacyc for his good
service.

In Ireland remained one of the Courcyes, Lord of
Rathenny and Kilbarrock, whom as a spye of all their
practises, and an informer thereof to the King, Walter
and Hugh the sonnes of Hugh had slaine, and great
seditions raysed, bearing themselves after the decease

of their father for Governours out of checke. To

t

settle the Realme of Ireland, King lohn brought
thither a maine Arrnye, banished the Lacyes, subdued
the remanents, tooke pledges, punished malefactours,
established the execution of English Lawes, coyned
money of like value currant sterling in both Realmes. t
The two Lacyes repentant of their follyes and tyran-
nies, fled into France, dispoyled of sumptuous appa-
rell, and uiiknowne, meekely they served in Saint
Taurines Abbey, as gardners, untill the Abbot by
their countenance and behaviour, beganne to smell
their estates, and pressed them so farre, that they de-
tected their offences, and the due desert of much harder
chastisement, eft-soone beseeching the Abbot to keepe
their coun sells, who commending their humilities, yet
advising them to laye holde upon their Princes favour,
if it might be had, laboured the King his familiar
and godsip earnestly for their pardons and obtained it.

Each of them were fined, Walter at 4000. and
Hugh at 2500. markes, and restored him to the Lord-

* Anno 1<210. Stow.

110 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

ship of Meth, this to the Earldome of Vlster : King
lohn made his Vice-gerent, arid returned home,
subdued the Welchmen, met with Pandulphus the
Legate of Innocentius the third, who came to release
him of the sentence wherein he stood excommunicate
for his spoyle and extortion of Church goods, to whom
being the Popes Atturney, hee made a personall sur-
render of both his Realmes in way of submission, and
after his assoylement, received them again e : some adde
that he gave away his Kingdome to the See of Rome,
for him and his successours, recognizing, to holde the
same of the Popes in fee, paying yearely therefore one
thousand markes, and in them three hundred for Ire-
land. u Blundus sayth, Centum pro utroq; auri mar-
chas. Sir Thomas Moore, a man in that calling &
office likely to sound the matter to the depth, writeth
precisely, that neither any such writing the Pope can
shew, nor were it effectuall if he could. How farre
foorth, and with what limitation a Prince may or may
not addict his Realme feodary to another, lohn Maior
a Scottish Chronicler, and a Sorbonist, not unlearned,
partly scanneth, who thinketh 300. marks for Ireland
a very hard pennyworth. The instrument which our
English Chronicle v rehearseth, might haply be mo-
tioned and drawne, and then dye unratified, although
the copy of that record continue : But certaine it is,
that his successours never payde it, and thereto
assenteth lohn 13ale in his Apology against vowes.

Polid. lib. 15.
y Fabian.

OF IRELAND. Ill

To lohn Comin Founder of S. Patrickes Church,
succeeded Henry Lounders in the Archbishops See of
Divelin, w who builded the kings Castle there, being
Lord Chiefe Justice of Ireland, him they nicknamed
(as the Irish doe commonly give additions to their
Governours in respect of some fact or qualitie) Scorch-
villaine, and Burnebill, because hee required to peruse
the writings of his Tenants, colourably pretending to
learne the kinde of each mans severall tenure, and
burned the same before their faces, causing them either
to renew their estates, or to holde at will. In the fourth
yeare of King lohns raigne, was founded the Abbey
of Dowske, in the sixt, the Abbey of Wethny in the
Countie of Limericke, by Theobald le Butler, Lord of
the Carricke, and in the twefth, Richard Tide builded
the Monastery of Granard.

CAP. IIII.

Henry the third, and Edward the first.

\

AFTER the death of Loivnders,* Henry the third
(informed of the Truth and good service done by the
Geraldines ever since their first arryvall in the Coun-
trey) made Morrice Fitz Gerald the sonne of Mor-
rice aforesaid Lord lustice.

1212,

112 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

To him sent Edward the Prince, surnamed Long*
shanke, for assistance and power of men against the
Welch Rehells, who leaving; Warders in the Castle

* o

of Sligaghe, by him lately founded, together with
Phelim Oconnor, and a lusty band of souldiours met
the king at Chepstovv, returned victoriously, and by
this meanes increased favour, & streightway they two
joyning with Cormack mac Dermot, Mac Rory 9
made a noble hosting upon Odonill the Irish enemy
that invaded and grieved the Kings subjects of Vlster,
when Lacy was once dead.

Odonill being vanquished, the Lord Justice forced
pledges and Trowages of Oneale, to keepe the Kings
peace 5 and diverse other exploytes did hee during his
time of government, which in particular rehearseth
Flatsbury in his notes collected for Gerald Fitz Gerald,
Earle of Kildare, Anno 1517-

/

To him succeeded in office Sir lolm Fitz Geffrey
knight, Y Geffrey Allan de la Zowche, z whom Earle
Warren slew, a to Zowch, Stephen de longa spata,
who slew Oneale in the streets of Down, b and there
dyed. Him followed William JDen^in whose time
Mac Car ti/e played the devill in Desmond, and to Den,
Richard Capell, who envyed the Geraldines, and was
of them taken prisoner, together with Tkeobald le

' 1248.
* 12GO.

OF IRELAND. 113

Butler, and. Miles Cogan. c The king tooke up the va-
riance, and discharged Den^ d preferring David Barry e
to his roome, who tamed the insolence of Morrice
Fitz Morrice, e cousin germane to Fitz Gerald : upon
Barrye came Fffbrd, upon Vfford, lames Audeley,
who dyed of a fall from his horse in Thomond: and
then for the time Fitz Morrice governed, till the king
sent over Sir leffrey de Genevill, newly returned in
pilgrimage from the Holy Sepulture : Him called home
againe Edward the first, in the fourth yeare of his
raigne, and sent in his stead Robert Vfford the second
time, who made his Vice-gerent, Fryar Fidborne,
Bishop of Waterford, and resumed his charge at his
next arryvall into Ireland.

At this time f the citty of Divelin was miserably
wasted with fire, and the Bell-house of Christs Church
utterly defaced, which the citizens before they repayred
their private harmes jointly came to succor, & collec-
tions made to redresse the ruines of that ancient building
first begun by the Danes, as I finde in a monument of
that foundation, continued bySitricus; Prince of Dive-
lin, at the motion of Donate, then Bishop, & dedicated
to the Blessed Trinity, finished by Richard Earle
Strangbow, Fitz Stephens, and S. Laurence the Arch-
bishop, and his foure successors, lohn of Evesham,
Henry Scorchbill, Lord Justice, & Lucas, arid lastly
by lohn de S. Paul, which worke at the decay by fire,

c 1267- d 1^68.

f 1280.

114 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

and since, many devout citizens of Divelin have
beautified.^

The same StrongbowesTombespoyledky fall of the
rooffe, Sir Henry Sidney Lord Deputy, restoreth at
this present, who hath also given a sightly countenance
to the Quire, hy doing cost upon the Earle of Kildares
Chappell, over against the which he hath left a monu-
ment of Captain Randolfe, late Colonell of Vlster,
Valiantly dead in that service, lohn Samford Arch-
bishop of Divelin Lord Justice, William J^escy Lord
Justice, who pursued Omalaghlien king of Meth, that
soone after was slaine.

The Souldan of Babylon* 1 determined to vexe the
Christians cities of the East. Tripblis, Tyrus, Beriri-
thus> Sidon, Ptolemais, now parts of Turky, whom to
redeeme, & with their helpes to get againe the Holy
Land, Edward the first had foure yeeres past obtained
by licence of Martin the fourth, J arid by confirmation
of Honorius, his successor, the whole tenth of all
ecclesiastical revenues in Ireland for 7- yeares, where-
after followed a fifteene of the Temporalty : And the
same yeere lohn Baliol Earle of Gal way, founded
Baliol Col ledge in Oxford, made his homage to King
Edward for his Kingdome of Scotland, and to the
Lord Justice for his Earledome of Ireland.

* It was first a Priory and Canons, now Deane and Chapiter.

h 1287.
* Blundus lib, 3.

OF IRELAND. 115

i/ was a sterne man, and full of courage, but
rashe and impudent of his tongue : he convented before
him, k lolm Earle of Kildare, & charged him with riots
& vagaryes unseasonable, for that he ranged with his
men abroad, & preyed upon privat enemies inordinatly,
for malice & grudge, not for advancement of the pub-
lique weale: whom the Earle as impatient as the
other, answered thus : ! By your honour and mine, my ,
Lord, & by king Edwards hand, you would if you
durst, appeach me in plaine tearmes of felony: for
whereas I have the title, and you the fleece of Kildare,
I wot well how great an eye sore I am in your sight,
who if I could bee handsomely trussed up for a felon,
then might my young Master your sonne, become a
Gentleman : Justice, Gentleman (quoth he) thou proud
Earle, the Vescyes were gentlemen, before Kildare
was an Earldome, and before the Welch bankrupt thy
Cousin feathered his Nest in Leinster. But seeing thou
darest me, I will surely breake thy heart, and with that
word he called the Earle a notorious theefe & mur-

#

derer. Then followed clattering of swords by Soul-
diours on both parties, untill either side appeased his
owne, and the Lord Justice leaving his Lieutenant
William Hay, sped over the King, whom immedi-
ately followed the Earle, & as fast as Vescey charged
Kildare with fellony, no lesse did Kildare appeach the
Justice of high treason, and in tryall thereof he asked
the Comljate. But when the listes royall were pro-
vided, Vescey was slipt away into France, and so dis

1-291. ! 1294.

116 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

herited of all his lands in the county of Kildare, which
were hes towed upon the Earle of Kildare and his heires
for ever.

The Earle waxed insolent upon this successe, and
squared with diverse Nobles English and Irish of the
Land, hee took prisoner, Ricfwrd Earle of Vlster, and
him detained untill the Parliament then assembled at
Kilkenny, commanded his delivery, and forthat unruli-
nesse, disseised the Geraldines of the Castle of Sli-
gagh, and of all his lands in Connaght.

.

William Doddingsale Lord lustice. m This yere
for the defence of Wales, and commodity of Passen-
gers, to and from Ireland, the King did coast upon the
Isle of Anglisey, called the mother of Wales, and
builded there the castle de betto marisco, or Bewma-
rishe. Thomas Fitz Morice Lord lustice.

lohn Wogan Lord lustice pacified the former
strife, n betweene Vlster and Kildare, and all the Ge-
raldines, with their associats, together with Theobald
Lord Butler, gathered strength of men, and met the
kings army before Edinburgh, wan the Citty, slew
25. thousand Scots, hampred lohn Baliol king of the
Scots, in such sort, that glad and faine was he to re-
new his homage.

* 1294. 1296. 1299.

OF IRELAND. 117

1

CAP. V.

Edward the second.
THOMAS FITZ MORICE Lord Justice. P

I will begin this Chapter with the modestie of a
good Clerke, Richard Havmng who five yeares by
dispensation had received the fruites and revenues of
the Bishopricke of Divelin, and long might have done,
had he beene so disposed. But now feeling in sleep a
waight upon his stomacke, heavyer to his weening then
any masse of mettall, whereof to be released he vowed
in his dreame, all that ever he could make in this
world : Suddainely the next morne, resigned the custo-
dium of the Bishopricke, and contented himselfe with
other ecclesiasticall cures incident to his vocation. The
same yeare was the bane of the Templers in Ireland,
to whom succeeded the Knights of the Rhodes. This
profession began at Jerusalem, by certaine Gentlemen
that kept their abode next to the Temple there, who
till the Councell of Creetz increased not above the
number of nine, <1 But thenceforth in little more
then fiftie yeares, being enriched by contribution of
all Christian Realmes, every where their houses were
erected and endowed bountifully : they grew to 300.
Knights of the order and into inferiour brethren in-
numerable. But with ease and wealth they declined

P 130J.
Tyr. 1. 12. c. 7-

1 18 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

,

now to such intolerable deformities of life and other
superstitious errors, nothing lesse regarding then the
purpose of this their foundation, that the generall
Councell assembled at Vienna, disannulled the same
for ever. And thereupon as in other countries so
in Ireland, they confessed the publicke fame of their
enormities, and themselves culpable, their persons
they yeelded to perpetuall peimarice, their lands were
given (though with some difficulty) to the Knights
of S. lohns hospitall at Jerusalem, who since tfcen
for recovering the Hand of Rhodes from the Saracens,
became famous, and multiplied much more honouraby
then did the . Templers. Of this latter foundation
was the priory of S. lohns at Kijmaynam besides
Divelin. *

lohn Decer Major of Divelin builded the high
Pype there, and the Bridge over the Liffy, toward
S. Wolstans, and a chapell of our Lady at the Fryar
minors, where he lyeth buried, repaired the Church of
the Fryars preachers, and every friday tabled the

Frvars at his owne cqsts.

In absence of Wogan, Sir William Surcke was
Lord Warden of Ireland, to whom King Edward
recommended Pierce of Gavestone the disquieter of all
the nobility in England, a companion to the King in
vice, bolstered up by the King so peremptorily against
the will of his Councell, that whereas the said Pierce

' 1309.

OF IRELAND. 119

was by them exiled, Edward sent him now into Ireland
with much honour and many Jewels, assigning him
the commmodities royall of that Realme, which bred
some bickering betweene the Earle of Vlster Sir
Richard Burke, and Gavestone, who notwithstanding
bought the hearts of the Souldiours with his libe-
rality, subdued Obrene, edified sundry Castles, caws-
wayes, and bridges, but within three yeares he retyred
from Flaunders, into England, where the nobles
besieged him at Scarborough and smit off his head.

lohn Wogan Lord lustice* s summoned a Parlia-

o 7

ment at Kilkenny, where wholesome lawes were
ordained, but never executed; There fell the Bishops
in argument about their lurisdictions and in espe-
ciall the Archbishop of Divelin forbad the Primate
of Ardmagh to lift up his crosyer within the province
of Leinster. In ratifying of which priviledge I have
scene the coppy of Pope Honorius Bull exemplified
among the recordes of S. Patricks Church, shortly
after Rowland loyce^ then Primate, stale by night
in his pontificals from Howth to the priory of Grace-
dieu, where the Archbishops servants met him, and
violently chased him out of all the diocesse. This
Archbishop was named lohn *dleeke, after whose
death were elected in scisme & division of sides, two
successours, Thorneburgh Lord Chancellor, and
Bignore Treasurer of Ireland. The Chancellor to
strengthen his election, hastily went to sea, and

1311.

120 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

perished by shipwracke, the other submitting his
cause to the processe of law tarryed at home, and
sped.

i

Theobald de Verdon Lord Justice. Sixe thousand
Scots fighting men, under the conduct of Edward
Bruise i brother to Robert King of Scotland, also the
Eaiie Murray, lohn Menteith, lohn Steward, and
others landed in the north of Ireland, u ioyned with the
Irish, and conquered Vlster, gave the Englishmen
three notable overthrowes, crowned the said Bruise
King of Ireland, burned Churches and Abbeyes, with
all the people found therein, men, women, and children.
Then was Sir Edmund Butler chosen Lord lustice, v
who combined the Earle of Vlster, and the Geraldines
in friendship, himselfe with Sir lohn Mandevill, and
preserved the rest of the Realme.

In the necke of these troubles, arose foure Princes
of Connaght, to impaire and scatter the English
force. But then the BurcJces and the Berninghams
discomfited and slew the number of eleaven thousand
besides Athenry. To Sir Richard Berningham be-
longed a lusty young swayne, lohn Hussee, whom his
Lord commanded to take a view of the dead carcasses
about the walles, and bring him word whether Okelly
his mortall foe were slaine among them. Hussee
passed forth with one man to turne up and peruse the
bodies. All this marked Okelly, who lurking in a

* 1313. u 1314. T 1315.

OF IRELAND. 121

^

bush thereby, being of old time well acquainted with
the valiantnes & truth of Hussee, sore longed to trains
him from his Captaine, and presuming now upon this
opportunity, disclosed himself & said. ' Hussee, thou
* seest I am at all points armed, and have my Esquire,
f a manly man, besides me, thou art thin and thy
' page a youngling so that if I loved not thee for
' thine owne sake, I might betray thee for thy Mas-
' ters. But come and serve me at my request, & I
( promise thee by S. Patrickes staffe, to make thee a
' Lord in Connaght, of more ground, then thy Master
4 hath in Ireland/ When these wordes waighed him
nothing, his owne man (a stout lubber) began to re-
prove him, for not relenting to so rich a proffer,
assured him with an oath, whereupon hee proffered to
gage his soule for performance. Now had Hussee
three enemies, and first he turned to his owne knave,
and him he slew, next hee raught to Okellyes Squire
a great rappe under the pit of his eare, which over-
threw him: Thirdly he bestirred himselfe so nimbly
that ere any helpe could be hoped for, he had also
slaine OJcelly, and perceiving breath in the Squire, he
drawed him up againe, & forced him, upon a truncheon
to beare his Lords head into the high towne, which
presented to Bermingham, arid the circumstances
declared, he dubbed Hussee Knight and him advanced
to many preferments, whose family became afterwards
Barons of Galtrime. While the Scots were thus
matched, Robert de Bruise King of Scots, tooke
$hore at Cragfergus, to assist his brother, whose Soul*

CAMPION'S HISTORIE

diours committed sacriledge and impiety, against Mo-
nasteries, Tombes, Altars, Virgins, robbed Churches
of all their plate and ornaments. They of Vlster, sent
to the Lord Justice pittifull supplication, for aide in
this misery, who delivered them the Kings power and
standard, wherewith under pretence to expell the
Scots, they raunged through the country with more
grievance and vexation to the subjects, then did the
strangers. Le Bruise proceeded and spoyled Cashell,
and wheresoever he lighted upon the Butlers lands,
those hee burned and destroyed unmercifully. By this
time w had the Lord Justice, and Thomas Fitz lohn
Earle of Kildare, Richard de Clare, and Arnold de
Powere, Baron of Donoile, furnished and armed thirty
thousand men ready to set forward. Then came newes
that William de Burgo the Earles brother was taken
by the Scots, whereof the Irish of Vlster imboldened
with the presence of the Scotish Army, and with the
late discomfiture which Earle Richard Bur eke sus-
tained at Coynes, denyed their alleagance openly, and
conspired in the behalfe of Edward le Bruise, whom
they proclaimed King. The Lord Justice had assem-
bled such force against them, under the leading of the
Geraldines and Poweres, that each of them was
thought sufficient, by himself, to winne the field. But
suddainely the two Captaines, and their adherents
squared, so as no good conclusion might be inferred :
Roger Mortimer 9 trusting by their discention to im-

beazell a victory, culled out fifteene thousand Soul-

^

w 1317-

OF IRELAND. 123

(Hours, and met the Scots at Kenles, where he was
shamefully foyled, his men {as folke supposed) wilfully
forsaking him, and bearing false hearts. Vp start the
Irish of Mounster at these newes, the Ocooles, Obrines,
and Omores, and wasted with fire and sword from
Arkloe to Leix; with them coped the Lord Justice and
made a great slaughter, fourescore of their heads were
set upon Divelin Castle.

The mean while Edward Bruise raigned in Vlster,
held his courts, pronounced his enemies traytors,
abandoned the English blood, exhorted the Irish of
Leinster to doe the like, whereupon Donald the sonne
of Arthur Mac Morrow, a slip of the royall family,
displayed his banner within two miles of Divelin, but
him Traherone tooke prisoner, sent him to the castle
of Dublin, whence he escaped, slyding downe from
the Turret, by a cord that one Adam Mangle brought
him. The said Mangle was drawne and hanged.

Roger Mortimer* Lord lustice pacified the displea-
sure, betweene Richard Earle of Vlster, and the No-
bles that had put the said Earle under surety, mis-
deeming him of certaine riots committed against the
kings subjects, wherby the Scots caught strength and
courage, whose ravening, caused such horrible scarcity
in Vlster, that the Souldiours which in the yeare before
abused the Kings authority, to purvey themselves of
wanton fare, surfeited with flesh and aquavitae all the,

M317

124 CAMPION'S HISTORIC

Lent long, prolled and pilled insatiably without neede,
and without regard of poore people, whose onely pro-
vision they devoured : Those (I say) now living in
slavery under Le Bruise, starved for hunger, when
they had first experienced many lamentable shifts, as
in scratching the dead bodyes out of their graves, in
whose skulls they boyled the same flesh, and fed
thereof. Mortymer went over to the King indebted
to the Citizens of Divelin for his viands, a thousand
poundes, whereof he payde not one smulkin, and many
a bitter curse carried with him to the sea.

William Archbishop of Cashell Lord Chancellor
tvas left Lord Warden of Ireland, in whose timey Ber-
niingham aforesaid being generall of the field, and
under him Captains, TlUe, Verdon, Tripton, Sutton,
CusacJce and Manpas, led forth the Kings power
against Edward Bruise, pitching by Dundalke, the
Primate of Ardmagh personally accompanying ouf
fcouldiours, blessing their enterprise, and assoyling them
all, ere ever they began to encounter. In this conflict
the Scots were vanquished full & whole, 2000. slaine,
& Manpas that pressed into the throng to meet with
Bruise, was found in the search, dead, covering the
dead body of Bruise. Thus dissolved the Scottish
Kirigdome in Ireland, and B&*mingham sending his
head to the King, received in recompence the Earle-
dome of Lowth, and to his heires for ever the Barony
of Ardee and Athenry.

OF IRELAND. 125

Alexander Bigmore, z Archbishop of Divelin, sued
to Pope lohn the 21. (so 1 reckon, omitting the scis-
maticke and dame loane) for priviledge of an Vniver-
sitie to bee ordained in Divelin, which tooke effect, and
the first three Doctors of Divinity the said Bishop did
create, William Hardit a Fryar preacher, Henry
Coggy a Fryar minor, Fryar Edmund Kermerdin, &
one Doctor of the Canon law, William Rodiard
Deane of S. Patricks, Chancellour of the said Vni-
versity, who kept their termes & commencements
solemnely, neither was the same ever disfranchised,
but onely through variety of time discontinued, and
now since the subversion of monasteries utterly extinct,
wherein the Divines were cherished, and open exer-
cise maintained. A motion was made in this last Par-
liament to erect it againe, contributions layde together,
Sir Henry Sidney then Lord Deputy, proffered 20.
pound lands, & one hundred pounds in money, others
followed after their abilities & devotions, the name
devised Master Acworth, Plantolium of Plantaganet
and Buttyne. But while they disputed of a convenient
place for it, and of other circumstances, they let fall
the principal!,

Thomas Fitz lohn, Earle of Kildare, Lord Justice,
-to whom succeeded Bermingham Earle of Louth, and
to him Sir lohn Darcy. At this time a lived in the
Diocesse of Ossorye, the Lady Alice Kettle, whom
ihe Bishop ascited to purge the same of inchaunting

*. An. 1320.

128 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

and Witch-craft objected to her, and to Petronilla,
and Basill her complices. They charged her mightily
to have carnall conference with a spirit called Robin
Artison, to whom shee sacrifized in the high way nine
redde Cockes, and nine Peacockes eyes, shee swept the
streetes of Kilkenny hetweene compleere and twilight,
raking all the filth towards the doores of her sonne
William Outlaive, murmuring these wordes. To the
house of William my sonne, hye all the wealth of
Kilkenny towne. At the first conviction they abjured
and accepted pennance, but were very shortly found in
relapse, and then Petronilla was burned at Kilkenny,
the other twayne could not be had : shee at the houre of
her death, accused the said William as privy to their
gorceyres, whom the Bishop helde in durance nine
weekes, forbidding his keepers to eate or drink with
him, or to speake with him more then once in the day,
by procurement of Arnold le Power, then Senischall
of Kilkenny hee was delivered, & corrupted the Senis-
chall to vexe the Bishop, which he did, thrusting him
into prison for three moneths. In ryfling the closet of
Alice, they found a wafer of Sacramentall bread, hav-
ing the devils name stamped thereon, instead of IESUS,
and a pype of oyntment, wherewith shee greased a
stafFe, whereon shee ambled through thicke and thinne,
when and how shee listed. This businesse troubled all
the Cleargy of Ireland, the rather for that the Lady
was supported by Noblemen : and lastly, conveyed into
England, since which time no man wotteth what be-
came of her.

OF IRELAND. 127

CAP. VI.

Edward the third, and Richard the second.

SCARCELY was this businesse ended, b but another
devill possessed another franticke gentleman of the na-
tion of the O-tooles in Leinster, named u4dam Divffe^
who denyed obstinately the Incarnation of Christ, the
Trinity of persons in unity of the God-head, the re-
surrection of the flesh. Hee called the Holy Scrip-
ture, a fable; the blessed Virgin, a whore; the See
Apostolick, erroneous ; for which assertions hee was
burned in Hogging greene besides Divelin.

Roger Outlaw, Prior of S. lohns of Jerusalem at
Kilmainham, c became Lord Justice. Great variance
arising betweene the Geraldines, Butlers, and Ber-
minghams on the one side, and the Powers and Burkes
on the other side, for tearming the Earle of Kildare a
Rymer. The Lord Justice summoned a Parliament to
accord them, wherein he himselfe was faine to cleare
the slaunder of heresie fathered upon him by Richard
Ledredj Bishop of Ossory. The Bishoppe had given
a declaration against Arnold le Power, convented and
Convict in his consistory of certaine hereticall opinions ;
but because the beginning of Poivers accusations con-
cerned the Justices kinsman, and the Bishop was mis-
trusted to prosecute his ow r ne wrong, and the person

1387- * 1328.

128 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

of the man, rather then the fault, a day was limited
for the justifying of the bill, the party being appre-*
hended and respited thereunto. This dealing, the
Bishop (who durst not stirre out of Kilkenny, to pro-
secute his accusation) reputed partiall; and when by
meanes thereof the matter hanged in suspence, hee
infamed the said Prior, as an abbettour and favourer of
Arnolds heresie. The Prior submitted himselfe to the
tryall, and three several Proclamations were cryed in
Court, that any man might lawfully come in and in*
diet, accuse or say evidence against the Justice : non*
came : then passed the Councell a decree, commanding
to appeare atDivelin, all Bishops, Abbots, Pryors, the
Majors of Divelin, Corke, Limericke, Waterford,
Droghedah, the Sheriffes, Knights, and Senischalls of
every shire. Out of them all they sorted sixe Inqui-
sitours, which in secrecie examined the Bishoppes and
persons aforesaid one by one, who with universall con-
sent deposed for the Pry or, that to their judgements hee
was a zealous and faithfull childe of the Catjiolique
Church. The meane while deceased le Pouter prisoner
in the Castle, and because he stood unpurged, long; lit
laye unburyed.

Sir lohn Dareye Lord Justice. d

The Irish of Leinster made insurrections, so did Ma-
goghigan in Meth, and Obrien in Mounster, whom
William Earle of VJster, and lames of Ormond van-

OF IRELAND. 129

quished. In which sturre, William Bermingham, a
warriour incomparable, was found halting, and was
condemned to dye by Roger Outlawe, Pry or of Kil-
mainam, then Lieutenant to the Lord lustice, and so
hanged was hee, a Knight among thousands odde and
singular. So outragious were the Leinster Irish that
in one Church they burned 80. innocent soules, asking
no more but the life of their Priest then at Masc3, whom
they notwithstanding sticked with their lavelins,
spurned the blessed Sacrament, and wasted all with
fire, neither forced they the Popes interdiction, nor any
censures ecclesiasticall denounced against them: But
maliciously persevered in that fury, till the Citizens of
Weixford tamed them, slew foure hundred in one
skirmish, the rest flying, were all drenched in the
water of Slane,

Thomas Burgh e Treasurer and Lieutenant of Ire-
land, while Darcy Lord lustice pursued the murtherers
of William Bourk Earle of Vlster, a young gentleman
of twenty yeares olde, whom the seditions of Maun-
devill murdered besides Cragfergus. And when hee
had scourged those Tray tours, he entred Scotland with
an army and might have possessed the Hands besides,
had they bene worth the keeping, into which Hands
besides him and Sussex the late Lieutenant of Ireland
no Governour ever yet adventured.

Sir John Carleton Lord lustice, f with whom came

1335, { 133T,

130 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

his brother Thomas Bishop of Hereford, Lord Chaun-
cellor, and lohn Rice Treasurer, and two hundred
Welchmen souldiours. The Bishop became Lord Jus-
tice, in whose time g all the Irish of Ireland were at
defiance with the English, but were shortly calmed
by the Earles of Kildare and Desmond.

Sir lohn Darcy by the Kings Letters Patents Lord
lustice of Ireland during life, in the fourteenth yeare
of JSdward the third, which king abused by some cor-
rupt informers, h called in under his signet royal! , fraun-
chises, and liberties, and graunts whatsoever his pre-
decessours had ratified to the Realm e of Ireland, and
to every person thereof. This revocation was taken
very displeasantly.

The English of birth, and the English of bloud
falling to words, and divided in factions about it. The
Irish laye way ting for the contention, so as the Realme
was even upon point to give over all and rebell. For
remedy the lustice began a Parliament at Divelin,
whereto the nobles refused to make apparance, & as-
sembled themselves quietly without disturbance at Kil-
kenny, where they with the Commons agreed upon
certaine questions to be demaunded of the King by
way of supplication, by which questions they partly
signified their griefes : Those in effect were,

i. How a Realme of warre might be governed

1338. k 1340.

OP IRELAND. 131

by one, both unskilfull and unable in all warlike ser-
vices.

2. How an officer under the king that entred very
poore, might in one yeare grow to more excessive
wealth, then men of great patrimony in many yeares.

3. How it happened seeing they all were called
Lords of their owne, that the Lord of them all was
not a penny the richer for them.

The Prince of this repining was Morice Earle of
Desmond, i whom Pfford the now Lord lustice in paine
of forfeiture of all his lands commaunded to the Par-
liament at Dublin, and there put him under arrest, de-
livered him by main prise of the tvvoEarles Twister &
Ormond, & of 28. knights & squiers : All which, ex-
cept the Earles & two knights, lost their inheritance
by rigour of the said Vfford^ because Desmond had
escaped.

Therefore at the decease of the Lords lustice, which
ensued the next yeare, Bonfires and gavvdes were so-
lemnized in all the Land : his Lady was a miserable
sott, and led him to extortion and bribery, much he
clipped the prerogatives of the Church, and was so
hated, that even in the sight of the country, he was
robbed without rescue, by Mac Carty, notwithstanding

* 1345-

132 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

he gathered power, and dispersed the rebellions of
Vlster.

Robert Darcy Lord lustice, k chosen by the Coun-
cell, untill the Kings charter came to Sir lohn Fit*
Morrice, who inlarged Fitz Thomas Earle of Kildare,
left in holde by Vfford, Fitz Morrice was deposed,
and Sir Walter Bermingham elected, who procured
safe conduct for Desmond to pleade his right before the
King, where he was liberally intreated & allowed to-
wards his expences there twenty shillings a day at the
Princes charge, in consideration of which curtesie to
his kinsman, the Earle of Kildare, accompanyed with
diverse Lords, Knights, and chosen horsemen, served
the King at Callice, a towne thought impregnable,
and returned after the winning thereof in great pompe
and jollity.

lohn Archer of Kilmainam, Lieutenant to the Lord
Justice, ! to whom succeeded Baron Carew, after Carew
followed Sir Thomas Rokesby knight.

This yeare m dyed Kemvricke Shereman, sometimes
Major of Divelin, a Benefactour to every Church and
religious house twenty miles round about the citty : his
legacies to poore and others, besides the liberality
shewed in his life time, amounted to 3000. marks : with
such plenty were our fathers blessed, that cheerefully

k 1346, 1348. m 1350.

OF IRELAND ] 33

gave of their true winnings to needfull purposes,
whereas our time that gaineth excessively, and whineth
at every farthing to be spent on the poore, is yet op-
pressed with scarcity and beggery.

The same time dwelled in Vlster Sir Robwt Savage,
a wealthie Knight, who the rather to preserve his
owne, beganneto wall& fortifie hisMannour houses,
with castles and plyes against the Irish enemy, ex-
horting his heire Sir Henry Savage, to intend that
Worke so beneficiall for himselfe and his posterity.
Father (quoth he) I remember the Proverbe, better a
Castle of bones, then of stones, where strength and
courage of valiant men are to helpe us. Never will I,
by the grace of God, cumber my selfe with dead walls,
my fort shall be wheresoever young blouds be stirring,
and where I finde roome to fight. The father in a fume
let lye the building, and forswore it. But yet the
want thereof, and such like, hath beene the decayc
aswell of the Savages, as of all the Englishe Gentle-
men in Vlster, as the lacke of walled townes is also
the principall occasion of the rudenesse and wildenesse
in other partes of Ireland. This Savage having pre-
pared an army against the Irish, all owed to every Soul-
diour before he buckled with the enemy, a mighty
draught of Aquavitse, Wine, or old Ale, and killed in
provision for their returne, beeffes, venison, and foule
great plenty, which diverse of his Captains misliked,
& considering the successe of warre to be uncertaine,
esteemed it better pollicy to poyson the cates or to doe

134 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

them away, then to cherish a sort of Catives with
princely foode : If ought should happen to themselves
in this adventure of so few, against so many. Hereat
smyled the Gentleman and said : Tush yee are too full
of envy, this world is but an Inne whereunto you have
no speciall interest, but are onely tennantsat the will of
the Lord. If it please him to commaund us from it,
as it were from our lodging, & to set other good fel-
lowes in our roomes, what hurt shall it be for us to
leave them some meate for their suppers, let them
hardly winne it, and weare it, If they enter our dwel-
lings, good manners would no lesse but to welcome
them, with such fare as the country breedeth, arid with
all my heart much good may it doe them : Notwith-
standing I presume so farre upon your noble courage,
that verily my minde giveth me, that wee shall returne
at night, and banquet our selves with our owne store,

and so they did, having slaine 3000. Irishmen.

/

Morrice Fttz Thomas Earle of Desmond, n Lord
lustice during life, whom followed Sir Thomas Rokesbye
a knight, sincere and upright of conscience, who being
controlled for suffering himselfe to be served in wooden
Cuppes ; Answered, these homely Cuppes and dishes
pay truely for what they containe, I had rather drinke
out of wood, and pay gold and silver, then drinke out
of gold, and make wooden payment.

jllmericus de Sancto Amando, lames Butler Earle

1356.

OF IRELAND. ' 135

of Qrmond, and Morrice Fitz Thomas Earle of Kil-
dare, P Justices of Ireland by turnes. <l To this last,
the Kings letters appointed in yearely fee, for his
office 500. pounds, with promise that the said go-
vernour should finde twenty great horse to the
field, and should bee the twentieth man in going
out against the enemy, which allowance and con-
ditions at these days, I thinke were ordinary.

Leonell the third sonne of Edward the third Duke
of Clarence, r and in the right of his wife, Earle of
Vlster, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. He published
an inhibition, to all of Irish birth, that none of
them should approach his army, nor be imployed
in service of the warres, Obrene he vanquished sud-
dainely, but no man wist how, an hundred of his prin-
cipall Souldiours in garrison were missed, whose dis-
patch, that seditious decree was thought to have pro-
cured, wherefore hee advised himselfe and united the
people, shewing alike fatherly care towards them all,
and ever after prospered, Knights he created these
Gentlemen, the worthiest then in Chivalry, and at
this day continuing in great worship, Preston, now
the house of Gormanstowne, Holywood, Talbot, Cu-
sacke, Delahide, Patricke, Robert and lohn de
Fraxinis. The exchequer he removed to Catherlagh,
and bestowed in furnishing that towne 500. pounds.

Gerald Fitz Morrice Earle of Desmond, Lord

-

< 1357, * 1359.

1360.

\

136 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

Justice, s untill the comming of William de Wind
sore, t Lieutenant to the King, then in the last yeare of
Edward the third u ruling the realme, under the name
of Lord Governour, and keeper of Ireland.

At the yeare 1370. all the Notes written by
Flatsbury doe end, and from hence to this day,
nothing is extant orderly gathered, the rest I
have collected out of sundry monuments, autho-
rityes, and pamphlets.

#

During the raigne of Richard v the second, Lieute-
nants and Justices of Ireland, are specially recorded,
the two Mortimers, Edmund and Roger Earles of
March, Phillip Courtney the kings cousin, lames
Earle of Ormond, and Robert Vere Earle of Oxford,
Marquesse of Divelin, and Lord Chamherlaine, who
was created Duke of Ireland by Parliament, and was
credited with the whole Dominion of the Realme w by
graunt for tearme of life, nothing paying therefore,
passing all writs, all offices, as Chancellor, Treasurer,
Chiefe lustice, Admirall, his owne Lieutenant, and
other inferiour charges under his own Teste.

The mean while King Richard* afflicted impa-
tiently with the decease of Queene Anne his wife,

1367. * 1369. u 1377.

y Recordes of th' exchequer sought up by M. lohn Thomas remembrancer,
lohn Stow. Records of excheq. an. 9. Rich. 1.

* 1385, * 1394.

OP IRELAND. 137

nor able without many teares to behold his pallaces,
and chambers of Estate, which represented unto him
the solace past, and doubled his sorrow, sought sdme
occasion of businesse and visited Ireland, where di-
verse Lords and Princes of Vlster renewed their
homage, and he placing Roger Mortimer his Lieute-
nant, returned quietly, but within foure yeares after,
informed of the trayterous death of Mortimer, whom
he loved entirely, and being wonderfull eager in
hastening the revenge thereof upon the Irish, he
journeyed thither the second time, y levied infinite sub-
sidies of money, by penall exactions, and with his
absence as also with those injuries, fed the hatred
and opportunity of the conspiratours at home, for
Henry Duke of Lancaster, intercepted the Kingdome,
whose sonne with the Duke of Glocesters sonne,
King Richard shut up in the Castle of Trim, and
then shipped course into England, tooke land at
Milford Haven, found his defence so weake and un-
sure, that to avoide further inconvenience and perill
of himselfe and his friends, he condiscended to resigne
the Crowne.

1399.

138 CAMPION 'S HISTORIE

CAP. VII.

The House of Lancaster, Henry the Fourth, Henry

the Jiffy Henry the sixt:

ALEXANDER Bishop of Meth, * Lieutenant of
Ireland, under Thomas Lancaster the King's brother,
so was also the worshipfull Knight Sir Stephen Scroope,
whom for his violence and extortion before used, in
the same office under King Richard, the common
voyce and out-cry of poore people damned. a This
report hearing the Lady his wife, she would in no
wise assent to live in his company there, but if he
sware a solemne oath on the Bible, that wittingly he
should wrong no Christian creature in the land,
that duely and truely he should see payment made
for all expences, and hereof, she said, she had made

s

a vow to Christ so deliberately, that unlesse it w r ere
on his part firmly promised, she could not without
perill of her soule goe with him: her husband as-
sented, and accomplished her boone effectually, re-
covered a good opinion, schooled his Caters, enriched
the country, continued a plentifull house, remissions
of great fines, remedyes for persons endamaged to
the Prince, pardons of lands and lives he granted so
charitably and discreetely, that his name was never

z 1329.

lames Young in precepts of governement to the, Earle of Onnond
cap. 5.

OP IRELAND* 139

uttered among them, without many blessings and
prayers, and so cheerefully they served him against
the Irish, that in one day he spoyled Arthur Mao
Murrough, brent his country, restored O-Carrol to
the towne of Callane, with-held by Walter Burke,
slew a multitude of Kerneghes, and quieted Leinster.
Not long before, the Major of Divelin lohn Drake, b
with his band out of the Citty, had slaine of the same

Irish Outlawes 400.

i . /

In this Kings raigne the inhabitants of the county
and towne of Corke, c being tyred with perpetuall
oppressions of their Irish borderers, complained them-
selves in a generall writing, directed to the Lord of
Rutheland and Corke, the Kings Deputy, and to
the Councell of the Realme, then assembled at Divelin,
which Letter because it openeth the decay of those
partes, and the state of the Realme in times past, I
have thought good to enter here as it was delivered
me, by Francis Agard Esquire, one of her Majesties
privy Councell in Ireland.

It may please your wisedomes, <* to have pittie of us
the Kings poore subjects, within the county of Corke,
or else we be cast away for ever, for where there was
in this countie these Lords by name 3 besides Knights,

b 1402.

c Records of Christ Church in Divelin.
* A letter from Corke coppied out of an old Record bearing no date.

. 140 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

Esquiers, Gentlemen, and Yeoman, to a great num-
ber, that might dispend yearelie 800. pounds, 600.
pounds, 400. pounds, 200. pounds, 100. pounds, 100.
markes, 20. pounds, 20. markes, 10. pounds, some
more, some lesse, to a gveat number, besides these
Lords following. ,

First the Lord Marquesse Caro his yearely revenues
was, besides Dorzey Hauen and other Creekes, 2200.
pounds sterling.

/

The Lord JBarnevale of Bearehaven, his yearely
revenues was, beside Bearehaven and other Creekes,
1600. pounds sterling.

The Lord Vggan of the great Castle, his yearely
revenues was, besides havens andcreekes, 1300. pounds
sterling.

X

The Lord Balram of Emforte, his yearly revenues
was, besides havens and creekes, 1300. pounds
sterling.

The Lord Courcy of Kilbretton his yearely re-
venues, besides havens and creekes, 1500. pounds
sterling.

The Lord Mandevil of Barrenstelly his yearely
revenues, besides havens and creekes, 1500. pounds
sterling.

OP IRELAND. 141

The Lord Arundell of the strand his yearely
revenues, besides havens and creekes, 1500. pound*
sterling.

The Lord Baron of the Guard his yearely re-
venues, besides havens and creekes, 1100. pounds
sterling.

The Lord Sleynie of Baltimore his yearely revenue,
besides havens and creeks, 800. pounds sterling.

The Lord Roche of Poole-castle his yearely revenue,
besides havens and creekes, 1000. pounds sterling.

\

The Kings Majesty hath the Lands of the late young
Barry by forfeiture, the yearely revenue whereof, be-
sides two rivers and creekes, and all other casualties is,
1800. pounds sterling.

And at the end of this Parliament Your Lordship
with the Kings most noble Councell may come to
Corke, and call before you all these Lords and other
Irish men, and binde them in paine of losse of life,
lands and goods, that never any of them doe make
warre upon another, without licence or commandement
of you my Lord Deputy, & the Kings Councell, for
the utter destruction of these parts, is that onely cause,
and once all the Irish men, and the King's enemies
were driven into a great valley, called Glanehought,
betwixt two great mountaines, called Maccorte or the

142 CAMPION'S HSTORIE

leprous Hand, and their they lived long and many
yeares, with their white meat till at the last
these English Lords fell at variance among them-
selves, and then the weakest part tooke certaine
Irish men to take his part, and so vanquished his
enemy, and thus fell the English Lords at variance
among themselves, till the Irish men were stronger
then they, and drave them away and now have the
whole country under them, but that the Lord Roche,
the Lord Courcy, and the Lord Barry onely remaine,
with the least part of their auncestors possessions, and
young Barry is there upon the Kings portion, paying
his Grace never a penny Rent. Wherefore we the
Kings poore subjects, of the Citty of Corke, Kinsale,
and Yowghall, desire your Lordship to send hither two
good lustices, to see this matter ordered, and some
English Captaines, with twenty English men that
may be Captaines over us all, and we will rise with
them to redresse those enormities, all at our owne
costs. And if you doe not, we be all cast away,
and then farewell Mounster for ever. And if you
will not come nor send, we will send over to our Liege
Lord, the King, and complaine on you all. Thus farre
the letter.

And at this day the Citty of Corke is so encumbred
with unquiet neighbours of great power, that they are
forced to watch their gates continually, to keepe them
shut at service times, at meales, from sunne set, to
viunne arising; nor suffer any stranger to enter there

OP IRELAND. 143

with his weapon, but to leave the same at a lodge ap-
pointed. They walke out for recreation at seasons,
with strength of men furnished, they match in wed-
locke among themselves, so that welnigh the whole
citty is allyed together. It is to be hoped that the
late sent over Lord President of Mounster, Sir lohn
Parrot, who hath chosen the same place to abide
in, as having greatest neede of a Governour resident,
would ease the inhabitants of this feare, and scourge
the Irish Outlawes that annoy the whole region of
Mounster.

Henry the 4. e in the 10. yeare of his raigne, gave
the Sword to the Citty of Divelin, which Citty was
first governed, as appeareth by their auncient scale,
called, Signum propositurce, by a Provost, and in the
14. yeare of H. the 3. by a Major, & two Bayliffes,
which Bayliffes were changed into Sheriffes, by Char-
ter of Edward the 6. an. 1547 This mayorality
both for state and charge of that office, and for th$
bountifull hospitality exceedeth any Citty in England,
except London.

While Henry the 5. reigned, I finde lieutenants
and deputy es of Ireland specially remembred, lohn
Talbott of Hollamshire Lord of Furnyvall. Thomas,
de Lancaster, Senischa of England, and Stephen le
Scroope his Deputy, lohn Duke of Bedford then also
LordKeeperof England, and the noble Earle of Ormond.

' An, 1408,

144 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

Sir lames Butler,* whose grandsire was lames sur~
named the chast, for that of all vices hee most abhorred
the sinne of the flesh, and in subduing of the same
gave notable example- In the red Moore of Athye
(the sun almost lodged in the West, and miraculously
standing still in his epicycle the space of three houres
till the feat was accomplished, and no pit in that bogge
annoying either horse or man on his part) he van-
quished Omore and his terrible Army with a few of his
owne, and with the like number Arthur Mac Mur-
rough, at whose might and puissance, all Leinster
trembled. To the imitation of this mans worthinesse,
the compiler of certaine precepts touching the rule of
a Common-wealth, exciteth his Lord the said Earle in
diverse places of that Worke h incidently, eftsoones
putting him in minde that the Irish beene false by
kinde, that it were expedient, and a worke of Charity
to execute upon them (willfull and malicious transgres-
sours) the Kings Lawes somewhat sharpely, if That
Odempsye being winked at a while, abused that small
time of sufferance, to the injury of the Earle of Kil-
dare, intruding unjustly upon the Castle of Ley, from
whence the said Deputy had justly expelled him, and
put the Earle in possession thereof, that notwithstand-
ing their oathes and pledges, yet they are no longer
true then they feele themselves the weaker.

This Deputye tamed the Obriens^ the Bur ekes,

? 1421. In the translation of Cambrensis c. 57.

h Free, of government, c. 27. * ca, 28. k ca. 43.

OP IRELAND. 145

Macbanons, Ogaghnraghte, Manus Mac Mahowne,
all the Captaines of Thomond, and all this in three
moneths. The Cleargye of Divelin twice every vveeke
in solemne procession praying for his good successe
against these disordered persons, which now in every
quarter of Ireland, had degenerated to their olde trade
of life, and repyned at the English.

Lieutenants to Henry the sixt over the Realme of
Ireland were Edmund 1 Earle of Marche, and lames
Earle of Ormond his Deputy m lohn Sutton Knight,
Lord Dudley, and Sir Thomas Strange, his Deputy n
Sir TJiomas Standley, and Sir Christopher Plonket his
Deputy Lyon Lord Welles, and the Earle of Or-
mond his Deputy, P lames Earle of Ormond 5 the Kings
Lieutenant by himselfe, lohn Earle of Shrewesbury,
and the Archbishop of Divelin, Lord lustice in his
absence.

Richard Plantaginet^ Duke of Yorke, father of
Edward the fourth, and Earle of Vlster, had the office
of Lieutenant by letters Patents, during the space of
ten yeares, who deputed under him at severall times,
the Baron of Delvin, Roland Fitz Eustace knight,
lames Earle of Ormond, and Thomas Fitz Morrice
Earle of Kildare. To this Richard then resciant in
Divelin, was borne within the castle there, his second

l An. 7. m An.l2. - An. 10.

t

An. 22. *An. 2G. <An. 27.

U

146 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

son George, Duke of Clarence, afterwards drowned in
a butt of Malmsey : his god fathers at the front were
the Earles of ^ Ormond and Desmond. r

Whether the commotion of lacke Cade an Irish-
man borne, naming himself e Mortimer 9 and so clayming
cousinage to diverse noble houses, proceeded from this
crew, it is uncertaine : s surely the Duke was thereof
vehemently mistrusted, & immediately began his tu-
mults, which because our English histories discourse
at large, I omit as impertinent.

4

\

Those broyles being couched for a time, Richard
held himselfe in Ireland, being lately by Parliament
ordained Protector of the Realme of England, leaving
his agent in the Court his brother the Earle of Salis-
bury 1 Lord Chauncellour, to whom he declared by
letters, the trouble then toward in Ireland, which letter
exemplified by Sir Henry Sidney, Lord Deputy, a
great searcher arid preserver of Antiquities, as it came

to my hands, I thinke it convenient here to set downe.

i

i

To the right worshipfull and with all my heart entirely
beloved brother, the Earle of Shrew esbury.

.

Right worshipfull and with all my heart entirely

beloved Brother, I commend mee unto vou as heartily

7 > *

as I can.

* Records of Christ church. 1450. lo, Ma'. L 6. c.

1 1458;

OF IRELAND.

And like it you to wit, that sith I wrote last unto
the King our soveraigrie Lord his Highnes, the Irish
enemy, that is to say, Magoghigan, and with him
three or foure Irish Captain es, associate with a great
fellowship of English rebells, notwithstanding, that
they were within the King our Soveraigne Lord his
power, of great malice, and against all truth, have
maligned against their legiance, and vengeably have
brent a great towne of mine inheritance, in Meth,
called Ramore, arid other villages thereabouts, and
murdered and brent both men, women, and children,
without mercy. The which enemies be yet assembled
in woods and forts, wayting to doe the hurt and
grievance to the Kings subjects that they can thinke
or imagine, for which cause I write at this time unto
the Kings Highnes, and beseech his good grace for to
hasten my payment for this land, according to his let-
ters of warrant, now late directed unto the Treasurer
of England, to the intent I may wage men in sufficient
number, for to resist the malice of the same enemyes,
and punish them in such wyse, that other which
would doe the same, for lacke of resistance in time,
may take example ; for doubtlesse, but if my payment
bee had in all haste, for to have men of warre in de-
fence and safe-guard of this Land, my power cannot
stretch to keepe it in the Kings obeysance. And very
necessity will compell mee to come into England to
live there, upon my poore livelode, for I had lever bee
dead, theu any inconvenience should fall thereunto in
my default ; for it shall never bee chronicled, nor re-

148 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

maine in scripture, by the grace of God, that Ireland
was lost by my negligence. Arid therefore I beseech
you right vvorshipfull brother, that you will hold to
your hands instantly, that my payment may bee had
at this time, in eschuing all inconveniences, for I have
example in other places, more pitty it is for to dread
shame; and for to acquite my truth unto the Kings
Highnes, as my dutie is. And this I pray and exhort
you good brother, to shew unto his good grace, and
that you willbe so good, that this language may be
enacted at this present Parliament for my excuse in
time to come, and that you will bee good to my servant
Roger Roe the bearer hereof, and to mine other ser-
vants in such things as they shall pursue unto the
kings Highnes : And to give full faith and credence
unto the report of the said Roger, touching the said
maters Right worshipfull, and with all my heart
entirely beloved brother, our blessed Lord God pre-
serve and keepe you in all honour, prosperous estate
and felicity, and graunt you right good life and long.
Written at Divelin the 15. of lune.

Your faithfull true brother,

\

Richard Yorke.

Of such power w r as Ma,goghigan in those dayes,
who as he wan and kept it by the sword, so now he
liveth but a meane Captaine, yeelding his winnings to
the stronger. This is the miserv of lawlesse people,
resembling the wydenesse of the rude world, wherein

OF IRELAND. 149

every man was richer or poorer then other, as he was
in might and violence more or lesse enabled.

i

Heere beganne factions of the nobility in Ireland,
favouring diverse sides that strived for the Crowne of
England, for Richard in those tenne yeares of govern-
ment, exceedingly tyed unto him the hearts of the
noblemen and gentlemen in this land, whereof diverse
were scattered and slaine with him at Waterford, u as
the contrary part was also the next yeare by Edward
Earle of Marche, the Dukes brother, at Mortimers
crosse in Wales, in which meane time the Irish waxed
hardye, v and usurped the English Countreyes insuffi-
ciently defended, as they had done by like opportunity
in the latter end of Richard the second. These two
seasons did set them so a-floate, that henceforwards
they could never be cast out from their forcible posses-
sions, holding by plaine wrong all Vlster, and by cer-
taine Irish Tenures, no little portions of Mounster and
Connaght, left in Meth and Leinster, where the civill
subjects of English bloud did ever most prevaile

%

/

" 1459, * 1460.

ISO CAMPION'S HISTORIC

CAP. VIII.

Edward the fourth , and Edward his sonne. Richard
the third, * Henry the seventh.

THOMAS FITZ MOEICE Earle of Kildare, *
Lord lustice untill the third yeare of Edward the
fourth, since which time the Duke of Clarence afore-
said, brother to the King, had the office of Lieute-
nant, while he lived, and made his Deputies in sundry
courses, Thomas Earle of Desmond, y lohn Tiptoft,
Earle of Worcester 2 the Kings cozen, Thomas Earle
of Kildare, a Hetwy Lord Graye. b Great was the
credit of the Geraldines, ever when the house of Yorke
prospered, and likewise the Sutlers thryved under
the bloud of Lancaster, for which cause the Earle
of Desmond remained many yeares Deputy to George
Duke of Clarence his god-brother, but when he had
spoken eertaine disdainfull words against the late
marryage of King Edward with the Lady Elizabeth
Gray, the said Lady being now Queene, caused his
trade of life, (after the Irish manner, contrary to
sundry old statutes enacted in that behalfe) to be sifted
and examined by lohn Earle of Worcester his sue-

/

cessour. Of which treasons he was attaint and con-

*

w Ann. Reg. 1: * Ann. D. 1460.

An Reg; 3. * An. Reg. fr

OF IRELAND. 151

demned, and for the same beheaded at Droghedah. c
lames the father of this Thomas of Desmond, being
suffered and not controuled, during the government
of Richard Duke of Yorke his godsip : and of Thomas
Earle of Kildare his kinsman put upon the Kings
subjects within the Countyes of Waterford, Corke,
Kerry, and Limericke, the Irish impositions of Coyne
and Liverie, Cartings, carriages, loadings, cosherings,
bonnaght, and such like, which customes are the
very nurse and teat of all Irish enormities, and extort
from the poore tennants everlasting Sesse, allowance
of meate and money, their bodies and goods in service,
so that their horses and their Galloglashes lye still upon
the Farmers, eate them out, begger the Countrey, foster
a sort of idle vagabonds, ready to rebell if their Lord
commaund them, ever nusseled in stealth and robberyes.
These evill presidents given by the Father, the sonne
did exercise being Lord Deputy, to whome the re-
formation of that disorder especially belonged, not-
withstanding the same fault being \\inked at in others,
and with such rigour avenged in him, it was manifestly
taken for a quarrell sought and picked.

Two yeares after, the said Earle of Worcester d lost
his head, while Henry the 6. taken out of the towre,
was set up againe, and King Edward proclaymed
Vsurper, and then was Kildare enlarged, whom bein
likewise attainte, they thought also to have ridde, and

' 14C7. * 1469.

152 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

shortly both the Earles of Kildare and Desmond were
restored to their bloud by Parliament.

Sir Rowland Eustace, e Knight, sometimes Trea-
surer, and Lord Chauncellour, and lastly, Lord Deputye
of Ireland, founded Saint Frauncis Abbey besides Kil-
cullen bridge.

Edward, f a yeare before his death, honoured his
younger son Richard the infant, Duke of Yorke, with
the title of Lieutenant over this Land. But his un-
natural Vncle Richard the Third, when he had mur-
dered the childe, and the elder brother called Edward
the 5. He then preferred to that Office his ovvne
sonne Edward, whose Deputy was Gerald Earle of
Kildare, and bare that office a while in Henry the 7
his dayes. To whom came the wylie Priest, Sir
Richard Symonds, & presented a lad his scholler,
named Lambert, whom he fained to be the son of
George Duke of Clarence, lately escaped the towre
of London. And the child could his pedegree so rea-
dily, and had learned of the Priest such princely
behaviour, that he lightly moved the said Earle, and
many Nobles of Ireland tendering the Seed Royall
of Richard Plantagenet, and George his sonne, as
also maligning the advancement of the house of Lan-
caster, in Henry the seventh, either to thinke or make
the world weene, they thought verily this childe to bee

14701 f 1481

OF IRELAND. 153

Edward Earle of Warwicke, the Duke of Clarences
lawfull Sonne.

And although King Henry more then halfe marred
their sport, in shewing the right Earle through all the
streetes of London, yet the Lady Margaret Duchesee
of Burgoine, sister to Edward the fourth, lohn de la
Poole her Nephew, the Lord Lovel, Sir Thomas
Broughton Knight, and diverse other Captaines of this
conspiracy devised to abuse the colour of this young
Earles name, for preferring their purpose, which if it
came to good, they agreed to depose Lambert, and to
erect the very Earle indeed now prisoner in the towre,
for whose quarrell had they pretended to fight, they
deemed it likely hee should have beene made away :
Wherefore it was blazed in Ireland, that the King to
inocke his subjects, had schooled a Boy to take upon
him the Earle of Warwickes name, and had shewed
him about London to blinde the eyes of simple folkes,
and to defeate the lawfull Inheritour of the good Duke
of Clarence, their countryman and Protectour during
his life, to whose linage they also derived a title of the
Crowne. In all haste they assembled at Divelin, and
there in Christ-Church they Crowned this Idoll, ho-
nouring him with titles imperiall, feasting and tri-
umphing, rearing mighty shoutes and cryes, carrying
him from thence, to the Kings Castle upon tall mens
shoulders, that he might be scene and noted, as he was
surely an honourable Boy to looke upon. Thereupon
ensued the Battle of Stoke, wherein Lambert and his

X

154 CAMriON's HISTORIE

Master were taken, but never executed, the Earle of
Lincolne, the Lord Lovel, Marline Swarte, the Al-
maigne Captaine, and Morice fitz Thomas Captaine of
the Irish, were slaine, and all their power discomfited.

lasper Duke of Bedford and Earle of Penbroke, S
Lieutenant, and Walter Archbishop of Divelin his
Deputy. In this time befell another like illusion of
Ireland, procured from the Dutchesse aforesaid, and
certaine Nobles of England, whereby was exalted as
rightfull King of England, and undoubted Earle of
Vlster, the counterfeit Richard Duke of Yorke preser-
ved from King Richards cruelty, as his adherents faced
the matter downe, and with this maygame lord, named
indeede Peter (in scorne Perkin) War})ecke^ flattered
themselves many yeares.

Then was Sir Edward Poj/rawg-s h Knight, sent over
Lord Deputy, with commission to apprehend his prin-
cipall partners in Ireland, amongst whom was named
Gerald Fitz Gerald Earle of Kildare, whose purgation
the King (notwithstanding diverse avouching the con-
trary) did accept. After much adoe Per kin taken,
confessed under his owne hand-writing the course of
all his proceedings, whereof so much as concerneth
Ireland, * I have heere borrowed out of Ha lies Chro-
nicles.

.

I being borne in Flaunders, in the towne of Turney,

1490. * 1494. * an. Hen. 7. 14.

OF IRELAND. 155

put my selfe in service with a Britton, called Pregent
Meno, the which brought me with him into Ireland,
and when wee were there arrived in the towne of Corke,
they of the towne (because I was arrayed with some
cloathes of silke of my said Masters) threeped upon
me, that I should be the Duke of Clarences sonne,
that was before time at Divelin, and forasmuch as I
denyed it ? there was brought unto me the Holy Evan-
gelists and the Crosse, by the Major of the towne, cal-
led lohn Lewellin, and there I tooke my oath that I
was not the said Dukes sonne, nor none of his blood.
After this came to me an English man whose name
was Stephen Poytoive, with one lohn Walter, and
svvare to me, that they knew well that I was King
Richards Bastard sonne, to whom I answered with
like oathes that I was not. And then they advised
me not to be affraide, but that I should take it upon
me boldly : And if I would so doe, they would assist
me with all their power, against the King of England,
and not onely they, but they were assured that the
Earles of Desmond and Kildare, should doe the same,
for they passed not what part they tooke, so they
might be avenged upon the King of England. And
so against my will they made me to learne English, and
taught me what I should doe and say : and after this,
they called me Richard Duke of Yorke, second sonne
to Edward the fourth, because King Richards Bastard
sonne was in the hands of the King of England : And
upon this, the said lohn VF'alter, and Stephen Poy-
tnwe, lohn Tyler ', PInbbert Burgh, with many others,

156 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

as the foresaid Earles, entred into this false quarrell,
and within short time after the French King' sent am-
bassadours into Ireland, whose names were Lyotj
Lucas, and Stephen Frayn, and thence I went into
Fraunce, and from thence into Flanders, and from Flan-
ders againe into Ireland, and from Ireland into Scot-
land, and so into England.

Thus was Perkins k bragge twighted, from a milpost
to a pudding pricke, and hanged was he the next yeare
after.

Then in the yeare 1501. King Henry made Lieu-
tenant of Ireland, his second sonne Henry as then
Duke of Yorke, who afterwards raigned. To him was
appointed Deputy, the aforesaid GerafcfEarle of Kil-
dare, l who accompanied with lohn Blacke Major of
Divelin, warred upon William de Burgo, O-Brien,
and Mac Nemarra, Ocarroll, and the greatest power
of Irish men, that had beene seene together since the
conquest, under the hill of Knoctoe, in English the
hill of Axes, sixe miles from Galway, and two miles
from Ballinclare, de Burgees mannor towne. Mac
Williamax\& his Complices were there taken, his Soul-
diours that escaped the sword were pursued, flying five
miles, great slaughter done, and many Captaines got-
ten, not one English man killed. The Earle at his
returne was created knight of the Noble Order, and

k 1499.
'liecordes of Christ- Church 1504,

OF IRELAND.

flourished all his life long, of whom I shall bee occa-
sioned to say somewhat in the next Chapter.

CAP. IX.

Henry the eight.

GERALD FITZ GERALD^^*** Kiidare a

mighty made man, full of honour and courage, who
had beene Lord Deputy and Lord lustice of Ireland
thirtie foure yeares, deceased the third of September.,
and lyeth buried in Christs Church in Divelin. Be-
tweene him and lames Butler Earle of Ormond, their
owne jealousies fed with envy and ambition, kindled
with certaine lewd factions, abbettors of either side:
ever since the ninth yeare of Henry the seventh, when
lames of Ormond with a great army of Irish men,
camping in S. Thomas Court at Divelin, n seemed to
face the countenance and power of the Deputy : these
occasions I say fostered a mallice betwixt them and their
posterityes, many yeares after incurable, causes of much
ruffle and unquietnes in the Realme, untill the confu-
sion of the one house, and nonage of the other, dis-
continued their quarrels, which except their Inheritours

have the grace to put up, and to love unfainedly, as

. /

1 1513. From henceforward I have followed the relation of the wisest
and most indifferent persons that I could acquaint myselfe withall in
Ireland. CAMPION.

Register of Majors,

158 CAMPION'S HISTORIC

Gerald and Thomas doe now, may hap to turne their
countryes to little good, and themselves to lesse.

Ormond was nothing inferiour to the other in sto-
macke, and in reach of pollicy farre beyond him ; Kil-
dare was in governement a milde man, to his enemies
intractable, to the Irish such a scourge, that rather for
despite of him then for favour of any part, they relyed
upon the Butlers, came in under his protection, served
at his call, performed by starts, as their manner is, the
duty of good subjects.

.

Ormond was secret and drifty, of much moderation
in speech, dangerous of every little wrinkle that touched
his reputation. Kildare was open and passionable, in
his moode desperate, both of word and deede, of the
English welbeloved, a good lusticier, a warriour in-
comparable, towards the Nobles that he favoured not
somewhat headlong and unrulie, being charged before
Henry the seventh, for burning the Church at Cashell,
and many witnesses prepared to avouch against him,
the truth of that article, he suddainly confessed the
fact, to the great wondering and detestation of the
Councell, when it was looked how he would justifie the
matter, By lesus (quoth he) I would never have done
it, had it not beene told me that the Archbishop was
within. And because the Archbishop was one of his
busiest accusers there present, merrily laught the King
at the plainenesse of the man, to see him alleadge that
intent for excuse, which most of all did aggravate his

OF IRELAND.

i

fault. The last article against him they conceived in
these tearmes, finally all Ireland cannot rule this
Earle: No (quoth the King) then in good faith shall
this Earle rule all Ireland. Thus was the accusation
turned to a jest, the Earle returned Lord Deputy,
shortly after created Knight of the Garter and so died.
Marvell not if this successe were a corrosive to the ad-

>.

verse party, which the longer it held aloofeand bit the
bridle, the more eagerly it followed his course, having
once the sway and roome at will, as you may perceive
hereafter.

Gerald Fitz Gerald sonne of the aforesaid Earle of
Kildare, and Lord Deputy, who chased the nation of
the Tooles, battered Ocarrolls Castles, awed all the
Irish of the land more & more. A Gentleman valiant
and well spoken, yet in his latter time overtaken with
vehement suspition of sundry Treasons. He of good
meaning to unite the families, matched his Sister Mar-
garet Fitz Gerald, with Pierce Butler Earle of Os*
sory, whom he also holpe to recover the Earledome of
Ormond, whereinto after the decease of lames, a Bas-
tard brother had intruded.

t

Seven yeares together Kildare kept in credit and
authority, notwithstanding the pushes given against
him by secret heavers, enviers of his fortune, and nou-
rishers of the old grudge, who sett him up to the Court
of England by commission, and caused him there to be

1516.

160

CAMPIONS HISTORIE

opposed with diverse interrogatories, touching the Earle
of Desmond his Cousin, a notorious tray tor, as they
said. He left in his roome Morice Fitz Thomas Lord
Justice. After whom came over Lord Lieutenant,
Thomas Howard? Earle of Surrey, Grandfather to this
Duke of Norfolke, accompanied with 200. of the Kings
guarde. While he sate at Dinner in the Castle of
Divelin, hee heard newes that Oneale with a mighty
army was even in the mouth of the borders, ready to
invade : Immediately men were levyed by the Major,
and the next morrow joyning them to his band, the
Lieutenant marched as farre as the water of Sline,
where having intelligence of Oneales recoyle, hee dis-
missed the footemen, and pursued Omore with his horse-

men, which Omore was said to lurke within certaine

^^

miles That espied a Gunner of Omore , and watching
by a wood side discharged his peece at the very face of
the Deputy, strake the visard of his helmet, and pierced
no further (as God would.) This did he in manner
recklesse what became of himselfe, so he might amaze
them for a time, breake the swiftnesse of their follow-
ing, and advantage the flight of his Captaine, which
thing he wanne with the price of his owne blood, for
the Souldiours would no further, till they had searched
all the corners of that wood, verily suspecting some
ambush thereabout, and in severall knots ferretted out
this Gunner, whom Fitz Williams and Bedloive of the
Roche were faine to mangle and hewe in peeces; be-
cause the wretch would never yeeld.

OF IRELAND. 161

.

In the meane while defiance proclaimed with Fraunce
& Scotland both at once, moved the King to returne
Surrey q out of Ireland, that he might employ him in
those services, his prowesse, integrity, goodnature and
course of governement, the country much commendeth,
and honoureth the name and family to this day.

Pierce Butler r Earle of Ossory Lord Deputy, Kil-
dare attending the Kings pleasure for his dispatch, re-
covered favour at the instance of the Duke of Suffolke
whose daughter, Dame Elizabeth Graye he espoused
royally, and so departed home. Now there was a great
partaker of all the Deputies Councell, one Robert
Talbot of Belgard whom the Geraldines hated deadly,
him they surmized to keepe a Kalender of all their
doings and to stirre the coales that incensed brother
against brother. In which fury, lames Fitz Gerald
meeting the said Gentleman besides Baltimore, slew
him even there, journeying to keepe his Christmasse
with the Deputy. With this despitefull murder both
sides brake out into open rage, and especially the Coun-
tesse of Ossory, Kildares sister, a rare woman, and
able for wisedome to rule a Realme, had not her sto-
macke over-rul'd her selfe. Heere beganne intimation
of new Treasons passing to and fro, with complaints
and replyes. But Suffolke had wrought the canvas so
fast in his sonne in lawesbehalfe, that hee was suffered
to rest at home, and onely Commissioners directed thi-
ther with Authority to examine the roote of their

* 1514..

16*2 CAMPION'S HISTORIC

griefes, wherein if they found Kildare but even tolle-
rably purged, their instructions was to depose the plain -
tiffe, and to sweare the other Lord Deputy. The
Commissioners were, Sir Raphe Egerton, a Cheshire
Knight, Anthony Fitzhwbert, second Justice of the
Common-pleas, and lames Denton, Deane of Lich-
field, who huddeled up those accusations as they thought
good, and suddenly tooke the sword from the Eaiie of
Ossory, sware the Geraldine Lord Deputy, before
whom Con Oneale bare the sword that day. Con-
cerning the murtherer whom they might have hanged,
they brought him prisoner into England, presented him
to Cardinall Wolsey, who was said to hate Kildares
bloud : And the Cardinall intending his execution with
more dishonour to the name , caused him to be ledde
about London streetes manacled and haltered, which
asked so long time, that the Deane of Lichfield step-
ped to the King, and got the Gentleman his pardon.

\

This untimely shift inflamed the Cardinall, and
ripened the malice hitherto not so ranke, and there-
fore hereafter Ossory brought evident proofes of the
Deputies disorder, that hee willfully winked at the
Earle of Desmond, whom hee should have attached
by the Kings letters, that he curryed acquaintance
and friendship with meere Irish enemyes, that he had
armed them against him being the Kings Deputy, that
he hanged and hewed rashly good subiects, whom hee
mistrusted to leane to the Butlers friendship. Yet
againe therefore was Kildare commanded to appeare,

OF IRELAND. 163

which he did, leaving in his roome Fitz Gerald of
jLeixlip, s whom they shortly deprived, and chose the
Baron of Del vin, whom O-Connor tooke prisoner, and
there the Earle of Ossory to shew his ability of service,
brought to Divelin an army of Irish-men, having
Captaines over them Oconnor, Omore and O- Carroll,
and at S. Mary Abbey, was chosen Deputie by the
Kings Councell.

\

In which office (being himselfe, save onely in feates
of Armes, a simple gentleman) he bare out his honour,
and the charge of governeraent, very worthily, through
the singular wisedome of his Countesse, a Lady of such
port, that all Estates of the Realme couched unto her,
so politique, that nothing was thought substantially
debated without her advice, manlike and tall of stature,
very rich and bountiful], a bitter enemy, the onely
meane at those dayes whereby her Husbands Countrey
was reclaymed from the sluttish and uncleane Irish ,
custome to the English habite, bedding, house-keep-
ing, and civility.

But to those vertues was yoked such a selfe -liking,
and such a Majesty above the tenure of a subiect,
that for insurance thereof shee sticked not to abuse
her husbands honour against her brothers follye. Not-
withstanding I learne not that shee practised his un-.
doing, (which ensued, and was to her undoubtedly,
great heavinesse, as upon whom both the blemish

' 1527-

164 CAMPION S HISTORIE

thereof, and the sustenance of that whole family
depended after,) but that shee by indirect meanes
wrought her Brother out of credite to advance her
husband, the common voyce, and the thing it selfe
speaketh.

All this while abode the Earle of Kildare at the
Court, and with much adoe found shift to be called
before the Lords, to answere solemnly. They sate
upon him diversely affectioned, and especially the
Cardinall, Lord Chauncellour, disliked his cause,
comforted his accusers, and enforced the Articles ob-
iected, and what else soever could be gathered there-
of in these words.

I wot well, my Lord, that I am not the meetest man
at this Board to charge you with these treasons, because
it hath pleased some of your pew-fellowes to report,
that I am a professed enemie to all Nobilitie, and
namely to the Geraldines, but seeing every curst boy
can say asrnuch when he is controled, and seeing these
points are so weightie, that they should not be dis-
sembled of us, and so apparent, that they cannot be
denyed of you. I must have leave, notwithstanding
your stale slaunder, to be the mouth of these honor-
able persons at this time, and to trumpe your Treasons
in your way, howsoever you take me.

i
First, you remember how the lewde Earle your

kinsman, who passeth not whom he serve, might he

OF IRELAND. 165

change his Master, sent his confederates with letters
of credence to Frauncis the French King, and having
but cold comfort there, to Charles the Emperour, prof-
fering the helpe of Mounster and Connaght towards
the conquest of Ireland, if either of them would
helpe to wine it from our King. How many letters ?
what precepts ? what messages ? what threats have
been sent you to apprehend him ? and yet not done :
why so ? forsooth I could not catch him : Nay nay,
Earle, forsooth you would not nighly watch him. If
he be justly suspected, why are you partial! in so
great a charge ? If not, why are you fearefull to
have him tryed ? Yea Sir, it wil be sworne & deposed
to your face, that for feare of meeting him, you have
winked, wilfully shunned his sight, altered your
course, warned his friends, stopped both eyes and
eares against his detectors, and when soever you
tooke upon you to hunt him out, then was he sure
before-hand to bee out of your walke : surely this
juggling and false-play, little became either an honest
man, called to such honour, or a Nobleman put in
such trust. Had you lost but a Cow, or a Garron of
your ovvne, two hundred Kyrneghes would have come
at your whistle, to rescue the prey from the uttermost
edge of Vlster : All the Irish in Ireland must have
given you the way. But in pursuing so vveightie a
matter as this, mercifull God, how nice, how dan-
gerous, how wayward have you bin ? One while he is
from home, another while he keepeth home, some-
times fled, sometimes in the borders where you dare

CAMPION'S HISTORIE.

not venture : I wish, my Lord, there be shrewde bugges
in the borders for the Earle of Kildare to feare : The
Earle, nay, the King of Kildare, for when you are
disposed, you reigne more like then rule the Land :
where you are malicious, the truest subjects stand
for Irish enemies ; where you are pleased, the Irish
enemie stands for a dutifull subject : hearts and
hands, lives and lands are all at your courtesie, who
fawneth not thereon, hee cannot rest within your smell,
and your smell is so ranke, that you tracke them out at
pleasure.

Whilest the Cardinall was speaking, the Earle
chafed and changed colour, & sundry proffers made to
answer every sentence as it came, at last he broke
out, and interrupted them thus,

My Lord Chancellour, I beseech you pardon me
I am short witted, and you I perceive intend a long
tale. If you proceede in this order, halfe my pur-
gation wil be lost for lacke of carryage : I have no
schoole trickes, nor art of memory, except you heare
me while I remember your words, your second processe
will hammer out the former.

The Lords associate, who for the most part ten-
derly loved him, and knew the Cardinals manner
of termes so lothsome, as wherewith they were
tyred many yeares agoe, humbly besought his grace

charge him directly with particulars, and to dwell

OF IRELAND.

in some one matter, till it were examined through.
That granted.

It is good reason (quoth the Earle) that your Grace
beare the mouth of this chamber. But my Lord,
those mouthes that put this tale into your mouth,
are very wide mouths, such indeed as have gaped
long for my wreck, & now at length for want of
better stuff, are fain to fill their mouths with smoak.
What my cousin Desmond hath compassed, as I
know not, so I beshrevv his naked heart for hold-
ing out so long. If hee can bee taken by my agents
that presently wayte for him, then have my adver-
saryes betrayed their malice, and this heape of haynous
wordes shall resemble a man of strawe, that seemeth
at a blush to carry some proportion, but when it
is felt and poysed, discovereth a vanity, serving onely
to fray crowes, and I trust your Honours will see the
proofe hereof and mine innocencie testified in this
behalfe by the thing it selfe within these few dayes,
But goe to, suppose hee never bee had, what is Kildare
to blame for it, more then my good brother of Os-
sory, notwithstanding his high promises, having also
the Kings power, is glad to take egges for his money,
and bring him in at leysure. Cannot the Earle of
Desmond shift, but I must be of counsell? cannot hee
bee hid, except I winke ? If hee bee close, am I his
mate ? If he be friended, am I a Tray tour ? This is a,
doughty kinde of accusation, which they urge against
, wherein they are stabled and myred at my first

168 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

denyall ; You would not see him, say they, who made
them so familiar with mine eye-sight ? or when*
was the Earle within my Equinas ? or who stood by
when I let him slip, or where are the tokens of my
willfull hood- winking ? Oh, but you sent him word
to bevvarre of you; Who was the messenger? where
are the letters ? convince my negative : See how
loosely this idle reason hangeth, Desmond is not
taken, well, we are in fault : why? because you are :
who proves it ? no body. What conjectures ? so it
seemeth. To whom ? to your enemies who tolde it
them ? What other ground ? none. Will they sweare
it ? they will sweare it. My Lords, then belike they
know it, if they know it, either they have my hand
to shew, or can bring forth the messenger, or were
present at a conference, or privy to Desmond, or some
body bewrayed it to them, or themselves were my
carry ers or vice-gerents therein, which of these parts
will they choose, I know them too well to reckon
my selfe convict by their bare words or headlesse heare-
sayes, or franticke oathes, my letter were soone read,
were any such writing extant, my servaunts and
friends are ready to bee sifted. Of my cousin Desmond
they may lye lewdly, since no man can heere well
tell the contrary. Touching my selfe, I never noted
in them either so much wit, or so much faith, that I
could have gaged upon their silence the life of a good
hound, much lesse mine owne, I doubt not may it
please your Honours to oppose them, how they came
to knowledge of these matters which they are so ready

OF IRELAND.

to depose, but you shall finde their tongues chayned
to another mans trencher, and as it were, Knights of
the Post, suborned to say, sw^eare and stare the ut-
termost they can, as those that passe not what they
say, nor with what face they say it, so they say no
truth. But of another thing it grieveth me, that your
good grace, whom 1 take to bee wise and sharpe,
and who of your owne blessed disposition wish me
well, should bee so farre gone in crediting those
corrupt informers, that abuse the ignorance of their
state and, countrey to my perill. Little know you
my Lord, how necessary it is not onely for the go-
vernour, but also for every Nobleman in Ireland, to
hamper his vincible neighbors at discretion, wherein
if they vvayted for processe of Law, and had not these
lives and lands you speake of within their reach, they
might hap to loose their owne lives and lands with-
out Law. You heare of a case as it were , in a
dreame, and feele not the smart that vexeth us. In
England there is not a meane subject that dare extend
his hand to fillip a Peere of the Realme. In Ireland,
except the Lord have cunning to his strength, and
strength to save his owne, and sufficient authoritie to
racke theeves and varletts when they stirre, hee shall
fiude them svvarme so fast, that it will bee too late to
cal 1 for lustice. If you will have our service take effect,
you must not tye us alvvayes to the ludicial proceedings,
wherewith your Realme, thanked bee God, is inured.

i

As touching my Kingdome (my Lord) I would

CAMPION'S HISTORIE

you and I had exchanged Kingdomes but for one
moneth, I would trust to gather up more crummes in
that space, then twice the revenues of my poore
Earledome ; but you are well and warme, and so hold
you, and upbraide not me with such an odious storme.
I sleepe on a cabbin, when you lye soft in your bed
of dovvne, I serve under the cope of heaven, when you
are served under a Canopy, ]* drinke water out of a
skull, when you drinke out of golden Cuppes; my
courser is trained to the field, when your lennet is
taught to amble, when you are begraced and belorded,
and crowched and kneeled unto, then I finde small
grace with our Irish borderers, except I cut them off by
the knees.

At these <nrds the Councell would have smiled

o

if they durst, but each man bitt his lippe, and held
his countenance, for howsoever some of them inclined
to the Butler, they all hated the Cardinall : A
man undoubtedly borne to honour, I thinke some
Princes Bastard, no Butchers sonne, exceeding wise,
faire spoken, high minded, full of revenge, vicious of
his body, lofty to his enemies, were they never so
bigge, to those that accepted and sought his friend-
ship wonderfull courteous, a ripe Schooleman, thrall
to affections, brought a bed with flattery, insatiable to
get, & more princelike in bestowing : as appeareth by
his two Colledges at Ipswich, and at Oxenford, th r
one suppressed with his fall, th/ other unfinished and
yet as it lieth an house of Students (considering all

OF IRELAND.

appurtenances) incomparable, through Christendome,
whereof Henry the eight is now called Founder, he-
cause hee let it stand. He held and enjoyed at once
the Bishopricks of Yorke, Durham, and Winchester,
the dignities of Lord Cardinal!, Legate, arid Chan-
cellour : the Abbey of S. Albans, diverse Prioryes,
sundry fat Benefices in Commendam: A great preferrer
of his servants, advauncer of learning, stoute in every
quarrell, never happy till his overthrow. Therein he
shewed such moderation, and ended so patiently, that
the houre of his death did him more honour then all
the pompe of life passed.

The Cardinall perceived that Kildare was no Babe,
and rose in a fume from the Councell table, com-
mitted the Earle, deferred the matter till more direct
probations came out of Ireland.

\
After many meetinges and objections wittily refelled,

they pressed him sore with a trayterous errant, sent
by his daughter the Lady of Slane, to all his brethren,
to Oneale, Qconnor, and their adherents, wherein he
exhorted them to warre upon the Earle of Ossory then
Deputy, which they accomplished, making a wretched
conspiracy against the English of Ireland, and many a
bloody skirmish.

Of this Treason he was found guilty, and reprived
in the Towre a long time, the Gentleman betooke
himselfe to God and the King, was heartily loved of

CAMPION'S HISTORIC

tlie Lieutenant, pittied in all the Court, and standing
in so hard a case altered little his accustomed hue,
comforted other noblemen, prisoners with him, dis-
sembling his owne sorrow, i One night when the
Lieutenant ajid he, for disport were playing at slide-
groat, suddainely commeth from the Cardiaalla mandat
to execute Kildare on the morrow. The Earle marking
the Lieutenants deepe sigh, in reading the hill ; By
Saint Bride, quoth he, there is some mad game in that
scrolle, but fall how it will, this throw is for a huddle;
when the worst was told him, now I pray thee, quoth
he, doe no more but learne assuredly from the Kings
owne mouth, whether his Grace be witting thereto or
not. Sore doubted the Lieutenant to displease the Car-
dinall, yet of very pure devotion to his friend, lie posteth
to the King at midnight, and said his errant, (for
all houres of the day or night, the Lieutenant hath
accesse to the Prince upon occasions.) King Henry
controwling the sawcynesse of the Priest, those were
his tearmes, gave him his Signet in token of counter-
mand, w^hich when the Cardinall had scene, he begun
to breake into unseasonable \vords with the Lieutenant,
which he was loath to heare, and so he left him fret-
ting: Thus broke up the storme for a time, and the
next yeare t Wolsey \vas cast out of favour, & within
few yeares Sir William Skevington n sent over De-
puty, Avho brought with him the Earle pardoned, and
rid from all his troubles. Who would not thinke
but these lessons should have schooled so wise a man,

15<28. * 1530.

OF IRELAN1>.<

i

and warned him rather by experience of adversities
past, to cure old sores, then for joy of this present for-
tune, to minde seditious drifts to come. The second
yeare of Skevingtom governement, there chaunced an
uproare among the Merchants and their Apprentices,
in Divelin, which hard and scant the Deputy and
Major hoth, could appease. v Then was also great
stirre about the Kings divorce, who hearing the frow-
ardnes of Ireland under Skevington, and thinking it
expedient in so fickle a world td have a sure poste there,
made Kildare his Deputy, w the Primate of Ardmagh
Lord Chancellor, and Sir lames Butler Lord Treasurer,
But Kildare reviving the old quarrels, fell to prosecute
the Earle of Ossory, excited Oneale to invade his
country, his brother lohn Fitz Gerald to spoyle the
country of Vriell and Kilkenny, being himselfe at the
doing of part, namely in robbing the towne, and
killing the Kings subjects. The next yeare x going
against O- Carrol he was pittifull hurt with a Gun in
the thigh, so that he never after enjoyed his limmes,
nor delivered his wordes in good plight, otherwise
like enough to have beene longer forborne, in conside-
ration of his many noble qualities, great good service,
and the state of those times. Straight way es com-
plaints were addressed to the King of these enormities,
& that in the most haynous manner could be devised,
whereupon hewasagainecommuandedbysharpe letters
to repaire into England, y & to leave such a substitute,

v 1532. w 1533.

"J534* > 1535.

174 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

for whose goverment he would undertake at his
perill to answere : He left his heire the Lord Thomas
Fitz Gerald, and ere he went, furnished his owne
pyles, forts, and castles, with the Kings artillery
and munition, taken forth of Divelin. Being ex-
amined before the 'Councell, he staggered in his-
answer, either for conscience of the fact, or for the
infirmity of his late mayme : Wherefore a false mut-
tering flew ahroad that his execution was intended.
That rumour helped forward Skevingtom friends and
servants, who slicked not to write into Ireland secret
letters, that the Earle their Masters enemy (so they
tooke him, because he got the governement over his
head,) was cut shorter, and now they trusted to see
their Master againe in his Lordship, whereafter they
sore longed as crowes doe for carryon* Such a letter
came to the hands of a simple Priest, no perfect
English man, who for haste hurled it among other
papers in the Chimneyes end of his chamber, mean-
ing to peruse it better at more leisure. The same
very night a Gentleman retaining to Lord Thomas
(then Lord Deputy under his father) tooke up his
lodging, with the Priest, and raught in the morning
for some paper to drawe on his straite hosen, and as
the clevill would he hit upon the letter, bare it away
in the heele of his hose, BO earthly thing misdeeming,
at night againe he found the paper unfretted, and
musing thereof began to pore on the writing, which
notified the Earles death. To horsbacke got he in
all haste, and spreading about thy country these un-

OF IRELAND. 175

thrifty tydings, Lord Thomas the Deputy rash and
youthfull, immediately confedered himselfe with
Oneale, and O- Connor, with his Vnkles and Fathers
friends, namely, lohn, Oliver, Edward Fitz Gerald,
lames and lohn Delahide, Welch parson of Lough-
seudy, Burnel of BalgrifFen, Rorcks a pirat of the
seas, Bath of Dullardston, Field of Buske, with
others, and their adherents guarded, he rideth
on S. Barnabyes day to S. Mary Abbey where the
Councell sate, and when they looked he should take
his place, and rose to give it him, hee charged them to
sit still, and stood before them and then spake.

Howsoever injuriously we be handled and forced to
defend our selves in armes, when neither our service
nor our good meaning towards our Princes crowne
availeth, yet say not hereafter but in this open hostility,
which wee professe heere and proclaime, we have
shewed our selves no villaines nor churles, but war-
riours and Gentlemen. This Sword of estate is yours
and not mine, 1 received it with an oath, and have
used it to your benefit, I should offend mine honour, if
I turned the same to your annoyance, now have I
neede of mine owne sword, which I dare trust, as for
this common sword, it flattereth me with a golden
scabberd, but hath in it a pestilent edge, already
bathed in the Geraldines blood, and whetted it selfe
in hope of a destruction : save your selves from us, as
from your open enemies. I am none of Heniyes De-
puty, I am his foe ? I have more minde to conquere,

176 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

i

then to governe, to meete him in the field, then to serve
him in office, If all the hearts of England and Ireland
that have cause thereto, vvouldjoyneinthisquarrell(as
I trust they will) then should he be a by-word (as I
trust he shall) for his heresie, lechery, and tyranny,
wherein the age to come may skore him among the
auncient Princes, of most abhominable and hatefull
memorie. With that he rendred up the sword, and
flang away like a Bedlam, adding to his shamefull
Oration many other slanderous and foule termes, which
for regard of the Kings posteritie, I have no minde to
utter.

They concluded, first to murther all of the English
birth in Ireland, and sent an ambassador to Paulus
the 3, called Mac Granell, archdeacon of Kelles,
and rejected thence to Charles the fift, whose Aunt
Queene Katherine the Kino* had latelv cast off, with

O J

much indignation of all the Spaniards, him hee thought
eith to be kindled, and craved assistance to conquer the
land, which he promised to hold under him, & his
heires for ever. The meane while he forced an oath
upon Gentlemen of every shire to ayde him, camped
within the pale, reared a great army of English,
Irish, and Scots, invaded the Earle of Ossory, and
lames his sonne Lord Butler, who having intelli-
gence thereof, prevented his fury and kept those
parts in order.

/

When the Butlers had stopped his rage in Moun-

OF IRELAND. 177

ster, he fell to parlyes and treatyes with them, sent
them diverse messengers and letters, whereby he co-
venanted to devide with them halfe the Kingdome,
would they assist his enterprise, lames Lord Treasurer,
in whom for their youth and acquaintance he most
affied, arid often accumbred with such temptations,
finally returned his brokers with letters.

Taking pen in hand to write you my resolute an-
swere, I muse in the very first line, by what name to
call you, my Lord, or my Cousin, seeing your notorious
treason hath distayned your honour, and your desperate
lewdnes shamed your kindred, you are so liberall in
parting stakes with mee, that a man would weene you
had no right to the game, so importunate in craving
my company, as if you would perswade me to hang
with you for good fellowship. And thinke you that
lames is so mad to gape for gudgens, or so ungratioua
to sell his truth for a peece of Ireland, were it so, (as
it cannot be) that the Chickens you reckon were both
hatched and feathered, yet be thou sure I had rather
in this quarrell die thine enemy, then live thy partner :
for the kindnes you proffer mee, and good love in the
end of your letter, the best way I can I purpose to re-
quite, that is, in advising you though you have fetched
your feaze, yet to looke well ere you leape over. Ig-
norance and error, and a certaine opinion of duty hath
carried you unawares to this folly, not yet so ranke, but
it may be cured. The King is a vessell of bounty and

CAMPION'S

mercy, your words against his Majesty shall not bee
counted malicious, but rather balked out for heat
and rmpotency, except your selfe by heaping offences,
discover a mischievous and willfull meaning Farewell.

Nettled with this round answere, forth he passed
to increase his power, offered violence to very few, ex-
cept that one despitous murther at Tartaine, the
twenty five of luly, where in a morning earely he
caused to be brought before him, the honourable Pre-
late Doctour Allen, Archbishop of Divelin, and Lord
Chancellor, who being a reverent personage, feeble
for age and sicknesse, kneeling at his feete in his
shirte and mantle, bequeathing his soule to God, his
body to the Traytors mercy, the wretched young man
commaunded there to be brained like an oxe. The
place is ever since hedged in, overgrowne and unfre-
quented, in detestation of the fact. The people have
Observed that all the accessaries thereof, being after
pardoned for rebellion, ended miserably. Allen had
beene in service with Cardinal! Wolsey- y of deepejudge^
ment; in the Cannon law, the onely match of Stephen
Gardener another of Wolseyes Chaplaines, for avoyd-
ing of which emulation he was preferred in Ireland,
rough and rigorous in iustice, hated of the Geraldines
for his Masters sake, & his owne, as that he crossed
them diverse times, and much troubled both the father
and sonne in their governements, nor unlike to have
promoted their accusations.

OF IRELAND. 179

All this while the Kings army was looked for, and
no succour came to the rebels, which greatly quayled
them, being of themselves, though stored with soul-
diours, yet unfurnished with any sufficient munition to
stand in a maine bat tell. Moreover the number of
wise Gentlemen did not greatly incline to his purpose.
And therefore when he besieged the City of Divelin,
the most part of those arrovves which were shot over
the walles, w r ere unheaded, and little or nothing af
frayed them. That espied the citizens, and gathering
the faintnes of his souldiours thereby, blazed abroad
upon the walles triumphant newes, that the King's
Army was arryved, and as it had beene so indeed, sud-
denly rushed out of their gates upon the Rebels, who
at the first sight of armed men, weening no lesse but the
truth was so, otherwise assured that the Citty would
never dare to encounter them, gave ground, forsooke
their Captaines, dispersed and scattered into diverse
corners, and never after met together.

A little before this time dyed the Earle of Kildare
in the towre of London for thought and paine. 2 Sir
William Skevington (whom the Irish men call the
gunner, because hee was preferred from that office of
the Kings Master-gunner to governe them, and that
they can full evill brooke to be ruled of any that is but
meanely borne) brought over an Army, and with him
Leonard Gray, a younger sonne to the Marquesse

* John Stow,

180 CAMPION'S HISTORIC

Dorset, Lord Marshall. To whom Fitz Gerald yeelded, .
and was sent into England, where hee with his
Vncles, and other principalls of the conspiracy, were
afterwards dravvne, hanged and quartered at Tiburne.
Soone after was the house of the Geraldines attaynted
by Parliament, and all of the name busily trayned out
for feare of new commotions. But Thomas Leurus,
late Bishop of Kildare, schoole -master to a younger
brother, Gerald Fitz Gerald, the Earle that now
liveth, secretly stale away with the childe, first
into Scotland, then into France, and misdoubting the
French, into Italy, where Cardinal! Pole his neere
kinsman preserved him, till the raigne of Edward
the sixt, with whom hee entred into high favour,
and obtayned of him his olde inheritance of Meinothe.

Lastly, by meanes of the said Cardiriall, and Sir
Anthony Broivne, Lord Mountague, whose sister hee
marryed (a woman worthy of such a brother) Queene
Mary (Founder and restorer of many noble houses)
repealed his attainder, and set him in his fathers
Earledome, wherein since that time he hath shewed
himselfe sundry wayes officious and serviceable towards
his Common-wealth, and the Crowne of England,
beside other good qualities of honour and curtesie,
they repute him heere for the best horseman in
these parts of Christendome. With this escape of
yong Fitz Gerald, the Lord Leonard Gray his Vncle
on the mothers side was held suspect, & the same was

OF IRELAND. 181

one special] article urged against him when hee lost his
head, Anno. 1542. a

*

Sir William Skevington, a worthy Governour,
and among all vertues very just of his word, deceased
Lord Deputy at Kilmaynam, and the Lord Leonard
Gray succeeded him. b Oneale and Odonill colourably
required a parley with the Deput, but in the way as
they rode, they burned the Navan, and the towne of
Ardee. Wherefore the Deputy with the helpe of the
Maior of Divelin lames Fitz Symonds, and the Maior
of Droghedagh, and the English pale met them,
flighted them, slew 400. of their trayne, and there the
Maior of Divelin for notable service in that journey,
was knighted.

Sir Anthony Seintleger Knight of the Garter, Lord
Deputy. He summoned a Parliament, wherein the
Geraldines were attainted, Abbeyes suppressed, the
King named supreme head and King of Ireland, be-
cause he recognized no longer to hold it of the
Pope. c At this Parliament appeared Irish Lords Mac
Gilpatricke, Lord Barry 9 Mac Cartimore, O-brene,
and diverse more, whom followed Con Oneale, sub-
mitting hirnselfe to the ^Kings Deputy, and after to
the King himselfe, who returned him richly plated,
created him Earle of Tyrone, his base sonne Matthew
Oneale Baron of Donganon. As for Shane Oneale

Hall. An. H. 3.32 & 34.
k 1547- C 1548.

182 CAMPION'S HISTORIC

the onely sonne of his body mulier begotten, hee was
then little esteemed and of no proofe. The same time
lames Earle of Desmond came to the King, and was
of him both Princely entertained and rewarded.

CAP. X.

Edward the 6. Mary, and Elizabeth.

J5EFORE the decease of Henry the 8. Seintleger
was twice in England, leaving at both times Sir Wil-
liam Brabason Lord Justice. In his second returne
An. 1546. Sir Edward BeUingham y Captaine generall,
landed at Waterford, and skowred the coast, where
Omore and Ocomore used to prey.

This yeare d the city of Divelin obtained a Charter
for two Sheriffes in stead of Bayliffes.

The Geraldines Out-lawes were taken and executed,
Bellingham appointed Lord Deputye, erected a Mint
within the Castle of Divelin, which quickely wearyed
them for want of fuell. Andrew Brereton with 300.
horsemen, and 40. footemen, inhabited the North as
farre as Lecale, where hee with 35. horsemen gave
the charge upon 240. Scotts, that from the out Islandes
came to succour the Irish, and wasted the Countrey.

1548.

OF IRELAND 183

In one yeare hee cleered those quarters, that the Kings
subiects might passe in peace.

r

Sir Frauncis Bryan the Kings Mynion was left Lord
Justice, while Bellingham repayred into England,
where he dyed a man made up hy service in the
vvarres, by continuall toyle therein diseased and feebled,
but of courage a lyon to his dying day, true as steele,
as farre from flattery as from hearing flatterers, an ex-
ceeding fervent Protestant, very zealous and carefull in
tendring the wealth of Ireland, wherein the countrey
giveth him the praise over all his predecessours and
successours within memory, he spent his whole
allowance in hospitality, calling the same, his deare
Masters meate, none of his ovvne cost. Letters com-
mendatory offered him by the Councell, when Brian
had wrought his trouble before the Nobility of Eng-
land hee rejected as vaine and superfluous, professing,
that if of his owne innocencie he could not uphold him,
hee would never seeke other shift, then Credo resur-

*

rectionem mortuorum, for (quoth he) well they may
kill mee, but they shall never conquer mee. Sowre
he was, and thundering in words, indeed very tempe-
rate, applyed himselfe altogether to severity, Lordli-
nesse, and terrour, Brian dyed within sixe weekes, and
Brabason became Lord lustice, till Saintleger the
fourth time was sent over Deputye. To him crept
Mac Cartye, that had lately roved and denyed his
obedience, with an halter about his necke, and got
his pardon.

184 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

Vpon Saintleger came Sir lames Crqftes, of whose
bounty and honourable dealing towards them, they
yeeld at this day a generall good report. Crofts tar-
ryed in office two yeares, and left Sir Thomas Cusack
(who dyed five houres before the writing heereof,) and
Gerald ^lilmer, while they both were coursing Oneale
from Dundalke.

Queene Mary established in her Crowne, committed
her government once more to Saintleger, whom sundry
Noblemen pelted and lifted at, till they shouldered
him quite out of all credite. e He to be counted forward
and plyable to the taste of King Edward the sixt his
raigne, rymed against the Reall Presence for his pas-
time, and let the papers fall where Courtiers might
light thereon, who greatly magnified the pith and
conveyance of that noble sonnet. But the originall of
his own hand-writing, had the same firmely (though
contrary to his owne Judgement) wandering in so
many hands, that his adversary caught it, and tripped
it in his way : the spot whereof he could never wipe
out. Thus was he removed, a discreete Gentleman,
very studious of the State of Ireland, enriched, stout
enough, without gall.

While the Deputy staggered uncertaine of conti-
nuance, the Tooles, and the Cavenaghes waxed cockish
in the Countie of Divelin, rangeing in flockes of seven
or eight score, on whom set forth the Marshall and

1553.

OF IRELAND. 18.>

the Sheriftes of Divelin, Buckley and Gtygen, with
the cittics helpe, and over-layde them in sudden skir-
mishes, of which, threescore were executed for example.

Thomas Eaiie of Sussex, Lord Deputy, with whom
came his Brother in law Sir Henry Sidney, Trea-
surer^ This Deputy, to the inestimable benefite of
the Realme, brought under obedience the disordered
countreyes of Leix, Slewmarge, Ofalie, Irrye, and
Glinmalire, then late possessed by the Oconnores,
Omores, Odempsyes, and other Irish rebells. Hee
molested lames Mac Conell the Scottish Islander, that
in those dayes joyned with the Irish, and disquieted
Vlster. In which voyage Divelin assisted the Gover-
nour with a faire company, conducted by lohn Vsher,
Sheriffe, and Patrick Buckley. He held a Parlia-
ment, wherein it w r as made high Treason to retaine
Scots for souldiours, and fellony to contract with them
matrimony. At his returne from England g (in which
time Sir Henry Sidney was Lord lustice) hee pursued
the Scots to their Hands, and there entred, did them
much skathe, vvanrie himselfe full great commenda-
tion of hardinesse, sayled backe with the glory of that
adventure, wherein (I trow) two more of his matches
are riot remembred, nor read. With the nevves of
Maryes death, hee crossed the seas againe into Eng-
land, leaving Sir Henry Sidney, Lord lustice, and
yet againe the next yeare leaving Sir William Fitz-
williams Lord lustice, then returned he Lord Lieute-

r !554..

SB

186 CAMPION'S HISTORIC

nant of Ireland, by Proclamation reformed and abated
their base Coyne, being as yet perfect in all the pro-
portions, measures, allayes and values \ thereof, as by
mintanor, tooke with him souldiours out of Divelin,
victualled for sixe vveekes at that citties charge, under
the leading of Petaboghe Sheriffe, and joyning him
to his power, went upon Shane Oneale, the Irish
enemy of greatest force then living. h Thereupon Shane
hyed him into England, the Lieutenant after him,
fitz VVilvia'mjs Lord lustice, till Sussex sped his
businesse, and came backe the next and last time of
his departure. Sir Nicholas slrnold directed thither
with Commission, tarry ed behinde him Lord lustice,
and too short a while as the country speaketh, who
testifieth his upright and reasonable provision of house-
hold cates, the abuses whereof with sesse and soul-
diours, doe so impoverish and alienate the needie Far-
mers from us, that they say they might as easily beare
the Irish oppressions of Coines & Cuddies, from which
we pretend to deliver them.

Arnold for his better successe in government, linked
himselle entirely with Gerald E^irle of Kildare, who
likewise endeavoured to support the same with all dili-
gence, being authorized to straine the rebells at his
discretion, wherefore hee disposed himselfe to serve,
and presented the Governour many times with a num-
ber of principal 1 Out-la wes heades.

* 1560.

OF IRELAND. ISJ

In the meane while Sussex hecame Lord President
of the North of England, a spare man of body, but
sound & healthfull, brought up with Stephen Gardiner,
passing valiant, a deep readier, very zealous in friend-
ship, quicke in resolution of extremities in the field,
wonderfull patient, able to tyre ten souldiours, learned
and languaged, ever doing with his perine, of utterance
sharpe and sententious, wary, busie, painefull, and

epeedie, meeter to rule, then to be over-ruled. ,

<

Sir Henry Sidney, Knight of the Garter, Lord Pre-
sident of Wales, and Lord Deputie of Ireland. Hee
found theRealme distempered with Oneales rebellion,
and the same did extinguish, whereof before I speake,
I must looke backe a little into certaine yeares past,
and lay together the circumstance of this lamentable
tumult.

Of all the Irish Princes, though none was then com-
parable to Onealefor antiquity and noblenesse of bloud,
yet had the same endured sundry varieties and vexa-
tions, untill the division began in England of the two
royall families, Yorke and Lancaster, at which time
the English Lords of Ireland, either for zeale, or for
kinred and affection transporting their force thither to
vpholdaside, the meere Irish waxed insolent, and
chiefly Oneale incroched upon the full possession of
Vlster, abiding so uncontrolled, till Shane Oneale
fearing the puissance of Henry 8. exhibited to him a
voluntary submission^, surrendred all titles of honour*

188 - CAMPION'S HISTOUIE

received at his hands the Earledome of Ter-owen,
commonly called Tirone, to be held of the King of
English forme and tenure : Arines he gave the bloody
hand a terrible cognizance* This Oneale had two
sonnes, Matthew a bastard, and Shane legitimate, but
because Matthew was a lusty horseman, welbeloved,
and a tryed Souldiour, Shane but a Boy, and not of
much hope, the father obtained the Barony of Don-
ganon, and the remainder of his Earledome to Mat-
thew. When Shane and his foster brethren grew to
yeares, they considered of the injury and tyranny, done
by policie of the base Oneale 3 & with rearing hue and
cry at the side of a Castle where he lay that night,
when the Gentleman ran suddainely forth to answere
the cry, as the custome is, they betrayed and murdered
him. The father riot utterly discontent with his dis-
patch, when he saw the proofe of his lawfull sonne and
heire, thenceforward fancied Shane Oneale, put him in
trust with all, himselfe being but a Cripple, notwith-
standing that Matthew left issue male which liveth, to
whom the inheritance appertained, yet after his fathers
decease, Shane was reputed for the rightfull Oneale,
tooke it, kept it, challenged superiority over the Irish
Lords of Vlster, warred also upon the English part,
subdued Greyly, imprisoned Odonil, his wife, and his
sonne, enriched himselfe \vith all Odonils forts, cas-
tles, and plate, by way of ransome, detained pledges
of obedience, the wife (whom he carnally abused) and
the Childe, fortified a strong Hand in Tyrone, which
named spitefully, Foogh-ni-Gall, that is, the hate

OF IRELAND. 189

of English men, whom he so detested, that he hanged
a Souldiour for eating English bisket, another by the
feete mistrusted for a spy. another Captaine of the
Galloglaghes he slew with torture. After this usur-
pation and tyranny, hee was yet perswaded by Melchior
Husse sent unto him from Gerald Ear\Q of Kildare, to
reconcile himselfe to good order, and to remember the
honourable estate wherein King Henry placed his fa-
ther, which monition he accepted, besought his pro-
tection, and made a voyage into England, where the
Courtiers noting his haughtines and barbarity, devised
his stile thus. Oneale the great, Cousin to S. JPa-
tricke, friend to the Queene of England, enemy to all
the world besides. Thence he sped home againe, gra-
tiously dealt with, used Civility, expelled the Scots out
of all Vlster, where they intended a conquest, wounded
and tooke prisoner, Captaine lames Mac Conill their
Chieftaine, whereof the said lames deceased: ordered
the North so properly, that if any subject could approve
the losse of money or goods within his precinct, he
would assuredly either force the robber to restitution,
or of his owne cost redeeme the harme to the loosers
conteritation. Sitting at meate, before he put one mor-
sell into his mouth, he used to slice a portion above
the dayly almes, and send it namely to some begger
at his gate, saying, it was meete to serve Christ first :
But the Lords of Vlster, and elsewhere, whom he
yoked and spoiled at pleasure, abhorring his pride and
extortion, craved assistance of the Deputy, for re-
dresse thereof: Oneale advertised, increase th his rap-e,

' O

190 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

cUsturbeth and driveth out Mac Gwire, the plaintiffe,
burneth tbe Metropolitane Church of Ardmagh, be-
cause no English army might lodge therein, for which
sacriledge the Primate accursed him, besiegeth Dun-
dalke, practiseth to call strangers into the land for ayde,
as appeareth by those letters which Sir Henry Sidney
Lord Deputy intercepted, occupieth all the North of
Ireland, being 100. myles broad, 120. long. Then ad-
dressed he plausible letters to the Potentates of Moun-
ster, exhorting them to rebell, that the force of Eng-
land at once might bee dismembred. This message
the Deputy prevented, stayed the country, abridged
him of that hope, and then proclaimed him Tray tor.
An Irish lester standing by, and hearing Oneale de-
nounced with addition of a new name, traytor : Except
(quoth he) traytor be a more honourable title then
Oneale , he shall never take it upon him, by my consent

While the Deputy was absent in England, the towne
of Droghedagh was in hazard to be taken by the Rebels,
which to preserve, at the motion of the Lady Sidney >
then abiding in Droghedagh, came Master Sarsfield
then Major of Divelin, with a chosen band of goodly
young men Citizens, and brake the rage of the ene-
mies. * The Deputy returning made him Knight, and
finding it now high time utterly to weede and roote out
the Tray tor, he furnished a substantiall army, and with
the readines thereof hartened the Irish, whom Oneale
had impoverished, cut off his adherents, and all accesse

OF IRELAND. 191

of succour, chased him and his into corners, spent him,
cast him into such despaire, that he consulted with his
Secretary Neale Mac Connor, to present himselfe un-
knowne and disguised to the Deputy, with an halter
about his necke, begging his pardon. Ere you doe so
(quoth his Clarke) let us prove an extreame shift, and
there he perswaded him to joy ne with the Scots, whom
he had lately banished: of \vhom, should he be refused
or finde inconvenience, at any time, submission to the
Deputy might then be used, when all faileth. Shane
knew himselfe odious to the Scots, especially to them
whom he thought to lincke with the brother and kin-
dred of lames Mac Conill, yet in those hard oddes hee
devised rather to assay their friendship, then to grate
upon mercy, which so oft and so intollerably he had
abused.

Mac Conill whom Shane overthrew left two brethren,
and a Sister, whereof one Snarly Torwy remained with
Oneale, entertayned after his brothers death. The
other was Alexander Oge, who with 600. Scots iii-
camped now in Claneboy. The woman was Agnes
llye, whose husband Shane slew in the said discomfi-
ture, Agnes had a sonne Mac Gillye Aspucke, who
betrayed Oneale to avenge his Fathers and Vncles quar-
rel 1. At the first meeting, (for thither he came accom-
panied with Torwy and his Secretary, and 50. horse-
men) the Captaines made him great cheere, and fell to
quaffing, but Aspucke minding to enter into his pur-
pose, there openly challenged his Secretary, as the

192 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

Author of a dishonourable report, that Mac Conils wife
did offer to forsake her country and friends, and to
marry with Sliane Oneale her husbands destruction ;
Mary (quoth the Secretary) if thine Aunt were Queen
of Scotland, it might beseeme her full well, to seeke
such a marriage. To this brawle Oneale gave eare,
upheld his man, advauncedhis owne degree : The com-
parison bred a fray betweene their Souldiours; Out
sprang Aspucke, and beat Oneales man, and then sud-
dainely brought his band upon them in the tent, where
the Souldiours with their slaughter-knives, killed the
Secretary and Shane Oneale, mangled him cruelly,
lapped him in an old Irish shirte, and tumbled him
into a pit, within an old Chappell hard by : whose head
foure dayes after, Captaine Pierce cut off and met
therewith the Deputy, who sent it before him staked on
a pole, to the Castle of Divelin, where it now standeth,
It is thought that Tirlagh who nowusurpeth the name
of Oneale , practised this devise with Agnes, Alex-
ander, and Torwy, when he perceived Shane discou-
raged, and not able to hold out.

Thus the wretched man ended, who might have lived
like a Prince, had he not quenched the sparkes of grace
that appeared in him, with arrogancy and contempt
against his Prince.

The next Tumult in Ireland proceeded of the folly,
especially of Sir Edmund Butler, Pierce and Edward
his Brethren, who being unable in law, to maintaine

OP IRELAND. 193.

liis title to eertaine landes, whereof he held possession,
whereunto Sir Peter Carew laide very direct and mani-
fest claime, (for Carew is an ancient Barons house in
Ireland) confedered with lames Fitz Morrice of the
south, and others, began commotion, more dangerous
to the Realme then the late stirre of Oneale, such was
their opportunity of place, the rebels so friended, their
number so furnished, that the Deputy passing forth
against them in haste, requisite with such shift as the
suddaine mischiefe asked, was thought to have put his
person in great adventure, but in conclusion he wanne
by that journey, great martiall honour, started them
from hole to hole, and ransackt every veine of the land,
so as the Butlers craving protection, shortly recoyled,
and stand now at the Queenes mercy. To appease
the country, & reforme the lewdnes of his Brethren,
Thomas Earle of Ormond came from the Court of Eng-
land home, and in quieting the said broyles, shewed
also for his part, a right good peece of service, worthy
to be remembred. After this ensued a Parliament, the
particulars whereof, are expressed in the acts lately
drawne, to be published in Print, somewhat before the
last session, a seditious libell intituled, Tom Troth*
(let fall in the streetes of Divelin) nipped by name di-
verse honourable and worshipfull of the Realme, &
eertaine officers of the Deputyes houshold, for greeving
the land with impositions of Cesse, whereupon followed
a proclamation, bearing date the twenty-eight of la-
fiuary, which if it may bee executed in all points, would
cut off many such murmures, and leave a blessed

2 C

194 CAMPION'S HISTORIC

/

memory of the Governour that devised it. The day of
prorogation k when the Knights and Burgesses of the
Cominalty resorted to the Lordes of the upper house,
much good matter was there uttered betweene the De-
puty and the Speaker, whereof comming home to my
lodging I tooke notes, and here I will deliver them, as
neere as I can call them to minde, in the same words
and sentences, that I heard them. First the Speaker
lames Stanihurst an Esquire of worship, Recorder of
Divelin, and for the Citty Burgesse at that present,
began thus.

-

Rather of custome arid dutyfull humility, then for
doubt of your honourable disposition, (so well knowne
to us all, and to every of us in private, that it little
needeth my praise) we are to request your Lordship in
the behalfe of our selves, and our countryes, whom
we represent in this Parliament, to accept our service
and endeavour in driving these conclusions, where by
to the uttermost of our skill we have intended without
injury, the Crowne to enrich, treasons to chastise, to
better the state, traffique to further, learning to
cherish, and in briefe, to maintaine with our best
advice those benefits, which the Prince hath inferred
upon this Realme by you, and you with your sword
and wisedome have performed. An ordinary suite it is,
in the end of such assemblies to crave executions of
law, for it sufficeth not, to keepe a statute tanquam in-
clusum in tabulis, as a thing shut up in parchment

k 12. Decembris 1570.

OF IRELAND. 195

rolles, but law must speake and walke abroad, to the
comfort arid behoofe of good subjects: Otherwise, we
shall resemble the folly of him, that once in every
houre saluted his gold, never using it, but onely bad
it lye still and couch. Of the necessity thereof, I
cannot say so much as your Lordship conceiveth, and
I desire not to discourse a matter generally felt and
confessed. In particular the zeale which I have to the
reformation of this Realme, and to breede in the rudest
of our people, resolute English hearts, moveth me to
pray your Lordships helping hand for the practice,
namely of one statute which is for the erecting of
Grammer Schooles, within every diocesse, the stipends
to be levied in such proportion, as in the late act hath
beene devised, whereunto the royall assent is already
granted, and yet the point in no forw r ardnes, nor in
none is like to be, except by some good meanes, the
onset be given & freshly followed, surely might one
generation sippe a little of this liquor, and so bee in-
duced to long for more, both our countrymen that
live obeysant, would ensue with a courage the fruites
of peace, whereby good learning is supported, and our
unquiet neighbours would finde such sweetnesse in the
taste thereof, as it should bee a ready way to reclaim
them. In mine experience, who have not yet seene
much more then forty yeares, I am able to say that our
Realme is at this day an halfe deale more civill then it
was, since noble men and worshipfull, with others of
ability, have used to send their sonnes into England to
the Law, to Vniversities, or to Schooles. Now when

106 CAMPION'S HISTORIB

the same Schooles shall bee brought home to thelf
doores, that all that will may /repaire unto them, I
doubt not, considering the numbers brought up beyond
the Seas, and the good already done in those few
places, where learning is professed, but this addition
discreetly made, will foster a young frye, likely to prove
good members of this common wealth, and desirous to
train e their children the same way. Neither were it a
small helpe to the assurance of the Crowne of Eng-
land, when Babes from their Craddles should be inured
under learned Schoole-masters, with a pure English
tongue, habite, fashion, discipline ; and in time utterly
forget the affinity of their unbroken borderers, who
possibly might be wonne by this example, or at the
least wise loose the opportunity, which now they
have, to infect others : And seeing our hap is not yet,
to plant an Vniversity here at home, which attempt
can never bee remembred without many thankes to
your good Lordship for your bountifull offer, me
seemeth it is the more expedient to enter so farre forth
as our commission reacheth and to hope for the rest :
I have said enough, especially to a learned governour,
to whom an inckling were sufficient in such a plausible
and needfull motion. It resteth that wee pray your
Lordship to folde up whatsoever squarings or diversi-
ties of ludgements, wise men have heere uttered in
our often meetings, and by the sequele of all our doings
to measure the good meaning of every severall person.

When the Speaker had done, the Deputy having, a

OP IRELAND.

rich and plentifull kinde of utterance, meere naturall,
but not without judgement, answered at length, as he
that knew no end of his good, the points whereof, as
I can remember, were these.

In good faith, M. Speaker, I cannot lesse doe, but
recorde and testifie the readines, travaile and good ser-
vice of you all, and namely of your selfe, who in the
whole course of this Parliament, & now lastly in this
charitable request for trayning your youth, have con-
firmed the opinion which my selfe and the generall
voyce long since retained of your rare vertues, devotion,
wisedome, learning, and modestie, so as the case can-
not be misdoubted that is preferred by such a Proctor,
the substance whereof toucheth you my Lords spirituall
and temporall, & you the knights and worshipfull of
every Shire, to you belongeth the quickening of this
godly statute, which heere againe I recommend unto
you, & will not let to enquire after your diligence
therein from time to time, & the most effectuall order
that may be for this purpose, shall assuredly be taken
in place convenient. Shew your selves forward and
franke in advancing the honour, wealth, ease and
credit of your countryes, envy not to your posterity
the same path that your selves have troden, and
namely you that flourish at this day in the light & eye
of your common -wealth. Had your opinions matched
with mine, concerning the Vniversity which M. Speaker
remembreth, no doubt the name and reputation thereof
would have bin a spurre to these erections, as nurses

198 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

\

for babes to suck in, till they might repaire thither to
be vvained : But I trust your consents therein are only
suspended for a time, and that so much good labour
shall not be utterly lost and frustrate : What though
certaine imperfections cannot as yet be salved ? What
though the summe arise not to make a muster of Col-
ledges at the first day? What though the place be not
also commodious ? What though other circumstances
inferre a feeble and rawe foundation ? These are in-
deede objections of the multitude, whose backeward-
nesse breedeth an unnecessary stoppe in this our pur-
pose. But your wisedomes can easily consider that
time must ripen a weake beginning, that other Vni-
versities began with lesse, that all experience telleth
us so, shall wee be so curious or so testy that nothing
will please us, but all in all, all absolute, all excel-
lent, all furnished, all beautified, all fortified in the
prime and infancie thereof. I remember a tale of
Apuleius asse, who being indifferently placed betweene
two bottles of haye, because he could not reach them
both at once, forbare them both. Let us not so doe,
but content our selves by little arid little to bee fedde
as the case requireth. The rest of your Bills debated
and passed by your wisedomes in this Parliament, I
must confesse, they are as you say, beneficiall to the
Queene my Mistris, and to her Crowne, but how?
Verily as the Husband -man soweth his seede, and
reapeth much more then he layde downe, so whatso-
ever this benefite amounteth unto, it returrieth to your
selves in a circle, heere it groweth^ heere it is eaten,

OF IRELAND. 199

heere it multiplyeth, heere it is spent, they have their
due, the Prince is bettered, you are quieted, Justice
executed, malefactours terrifyed. Were they never so
deare collopps of your owne flesh and bloud, I see not
how you could either have coloured their offence, or
qualifyed their punishment, the one so notorious, that
it cannot be dissembled, the other so ordinary, that
course of law prescribeth it. Therefore as you have
well done, so you have done but your duties, allowed
an inch to receive an ell, abridged your owne foes,
avenged your own . injuryes, condemned your owne
oppressors. And yet this duty being on your parts,
so cheerefully and painfully, so lovingly and advisedly
performed, deserveth great thankes, and shall finde it
too, If I bee the man, either in office able to consider
you, or out of office in place to friend you. I am to
depart into England shortly, lay your heads together,
and article the points, whereby this Realme may be
furthered, use mee either as a mouth to speake for you,
or an eye to direct you, or as a hand to under-prop
you, aut consilio, aut auxilio. Besides, the generall
which I ought to have for you all, as your governour,
and yoked together under one obedience, English
blouds, and English hearts, I am linked to you as to
my continuall acquaintance these many yeares, hither
I came in my spring, heere I have spent my summer,
I returne in the fall of the leafe, now is the time, in-
timate your defects in demaunds, or what else soever
may content you, and see whether I will tender your
common-wealth. I mearie not the pretended common-

200 CAMPION'S HISTORIC

wealth, seditiously promoted in Tom Loodles ryme,
but some good and substantial! matter worth the
hearing, which upright and equall men will indeede
esteeme. As for his complaint of Cesse and Imposi-
tion, it favoureth either hatefull malice, or childish
folly, malice if he would decay the garrison that pre-
serveth the Realme, folly if he thinke the Realme can
be preserved without a garrison, vvherin I will shew
you my fancie by the way, perhaps out of all order,
but I pray beare with mee, I take matters as they
come next to hand, I can not skill of written tales.
Many a good-fellow talkes of Robin Hoode, that
never drew in his Bow, and many an idle head is
full of Proclamations, and conceiveth certaine farre
fetches, able in his weening to wield a Realme. But
let me see which of them all can justifie, that Ireland
may spare the Army they kicke so much against. Are
your enemyes more tractable then they have beene ?
Are they fewer? Are you by your selves of force to
.match them ? If vou bee, then were England starke

/ ' t-7

madde, to disburse twentie or thirtie thousand pounds
.a yeare, for none other purpose but to vexe and grieve
you : that were like the husband who gelded himselfe
to anger his wife. You must not thinke wee love you
?o evill, nay rather thinke truely wee tender your
quietnesse and preservation, as a nation derived from
pur auncestours, ingraffed and incorporate into one
body with us, disturbed with a sort of barbarous
people, odious to God and man, that lappe your bloud
as greedily as ours. The abuse of souldiours, their

OF IRELAND. 201

horse, boyes, and harlots, the Legerdemain e of Cap-
taines, chequerelles, the purloyning of Cessors & Con-
stables, the number of freedomes holding onely by
concordatum, the annoyance and hurt which the poore
farmer endureth, as I know them to be intolerable, so
I know them to be redressed with the first detection,
whose complaint hath not been heard ? whose enormity
winked at ? what can you aske more ? would you have
souldiours nothing insolent, nothing sensuall, nothing
greedy, no quarrellers ? so wish I, but scarce hope for
it, would you hazard a misery certaine, extreame, and
incurable, to avoyde a trouble casuall, transitory, and
remedilesse ? so would not I, if you can prove a gar-
rison needlesse, I undertake to ease you thereof, If you
neede it, they must bee fedde, finde another way then
this, to provide for them victuall, that carryeth asmuch

readinesse to service, and more contentatiori to vour *

* j

selves, and I assure you mine assistance to set it for-
ward. But the Brokers of this libell are wont to
reason, Why should not wee live without an Army as
.well as in England? Why cannot our Noble-men of
might in every border, our tenants and servaunts with-
stand the Irish next them, as well as the Northern e
Lordes and Inhabitants of Kiddesdale and Tiddesdale,
and those about the Scottish banke resist the Scotts,
facing and pilfering as fast as our enemyes. Very
good, what saye they then to Fraunce, which is no
vvorser governed then England, and hath an Armye.
Italy notwithstanding as well ordered as Fraunce
without an Army ? Spaine aswell as either of them

2 D

202 CAMPION'S HISTORIE

both, and continually keepes an Armye ? I tell you,
these are daungerous and hollo we kindes of Argu-
ments, which are deduced a b exemplo, by example of
other Realmes. Many subtile diversities, many va-
rieties of circumstance, many exceptions alter the
case, and make it utterly desperate. Touching Scot-
land it is well knowne, they were never the men whom
England neede to feare: They are but a corner cut out,
and easily tamed when they waxe outragious. Your
foes lie in the bosome of your Countryes; more in
number, richer of ground, desperate theeves, ever at
an inch, unpossible to be severed from you without
any fence, beside your owne valiantnes, and the helpe
of our Souldiours. England is quiet within it selfe,
thoroughly peopled on that side of Scotland, which
most requireth it, guarded with an army, otherwise
the Lords and Gentlemen, and lusty Yeoman, that
dwell on a row are ready to maister their private vaga-
ries. From all forraine invasions w r alled with the wide
Ocean. Were there such a Sea betwixt you and the
Irish, or were they shut up in an odde end of the land,
or had they no such opportunityes of bogges and
woods as they have, or were they Lords of the lesser
part of Ireland, or were they severed into handfuls,
not able to annoy whole towneships and Baronies as
they doe, the comparison were somewhat like, but
alacke it fareth not so with you, you are beset round,
your townes be feeble, the land empty, the commons
bare, every county by it selfe cannot save it selfe. Take
away the terrour and feare of our Bande, which in-

OF IRELAND. 203

creaseth your strength, many an Irish Lord would be
set agog that now is full lowly, and holdeth in his
homes, and the open enemy would scovvre your quar-
ters that now dares not venture lest he pay for his
passage. Consider me the effect of an Army wrought
in these few yeares, for doubt whereof you are
nothing so oft nor so lamentably pelted at, as your
auncestors were, which of them durst be stored with
coyne, knowing the rebells teeth watered thereat, and
himselfe not able to hold him out? which of them
had leisure to build, to lye soft and warme, to take
his ease in his owne home ? which of them were
plated, or jewelled, or attyred themselves, their
vivves and children sumptuously, after their calling, as
you doe now ? If your bagges bee full where theirs
were Ian eke, if you dwell neatly where they dwelled
homely, if you sleep on featherbeds where they slept
on couches, if you be sumptuous where they were
skant, you have the more cause to honour that Scepter,
that so directeth you, and to love the warrant that pro-
cureth you this quietnes, the mother of all your wealth
and prosperity.

Therefore to conclude where I began, weigh well
the sicke and wounded parts of your common wealth,
cure the roote, regard the foundation, the principall
pillars, the summer posts, the stone walles, as for the
roofe and the tyles, if yee repaire them onely, and
suffer the ground worke to perish, a tempest of wea-
ther, a flovve will shake your building. Of some such
good and substantiall reformation I would advise you

204 CAMPION'S HISTORIE, &c.

friendly to consult, and you shall finde me as willing
to preferre the generall welfare of you all, as I have
beene desirous to benefit every singular person of you,
that hath in any lawfull suite attempted me.

^f These last words gave Sidney to the Realme, as
it were for a farewell, and thenceforvvards looked for
Sir William Fitz Williams his brother in law, a
politicke and stout gentleman, now Lord Justice, and
for Sir lolm Per rot Lord president of Mounster, to
be settled there, before his departure. He was honored
at the point of his going, with such recourse, pompe,
musicke, shewes & enterludes, as no man remembreth
the like. He tooke ship towards England at the key
of Divelin, in Lent following, 1 accompanied to sea
with the Estates & Worshipfull of Ireland, with in-
numerable harty prayers, & with that wish of his
returne, whereof but few Governours in these last
60. yeares, have held possession. The man was surely
much loved of them, from his first office of Treasurer
in the 2. yeare of Queen Mary^ stately without dis-
daine, familiar without contempt, very continent &
chast of body, no more then enough liberall, learned
in many languages, & a great lover of learning perfect
in blazoning of armes, skilful! of antiquities, of wit
fresh and lively, in consultations very Temperate, in ut-
terance happy, which his experience and vvisedome hath
made artificiall, a preferrer of many, a father to his ser-
vants, both in warre and peace of commendable courage

'25. Mar. 1571..
FINIS.

ancient jfltisf) !j?fetorte8<

THE

CHRONICLE

OP

IRELAND.

BY

HENRY MARLEBVKBOVGH ;

CONTINUED FROM THE COLLECTION OF

DOCTOR MEREDITH HANMER,

In the Yeare
1571.

IDu&lm t

Printed by the Society of Stationers,

M.DCXXXIII.
REPRINTED AT THE HIBERNIA PRESS,

FOR THE PROPRIETORS,

By John Morrisson.

1809.

HENRY MAKLEBVRROVGH'S

CHRONICLE

OF

IRELAND.

ANNO 1285, the Lord Theobald Butler fled from
Dublin, and died shortly after ; and the Lord Theobald
J^erdon lost his men and horses, going towards Ophali,
and the next morning, Girald Fix Maurice was taken
prisoner, and lohn Samforde was consecrated Arch-
bishop of Dublin, and the Lord leffery Genuill
fled, and Sir Gerard Doget, and Ralph Petit were
slaine.

Anno 1287 deceased Richard Decetir, Gira
Maurice, Thomas de Clare, Richard Toff, and

cholas Telinge Knights*

i

Anno 1288. In England a bushell of Wheate was
at foure pence. And Fryer Stephen Fulburne Lord
Justice of Ireland dyed. And lohn Saniford Arch-
bishop of Dublin was made Lord lustice. And the
Lord Richard Burgh, Earle of Vlster, besieged

HENRY MARLEBURROUGH'S CHRONICLE

Theobald Per don in the Castle of Aloan, and came to
Trymm with a great power by the working of Walter
Lacy.

Anno 1290. Was the chase or discomfiture of
Ophaly, and divers Englishmen were slaine. And
Mac CoghlansluQ Omolaghlin. And William Bourgh
was discomfited at Delvin by Mac Coghlan. And
Gilbert Earle of Glocester, married the daughter of
King lohn le Bayloll, King of Scotland. And Sir
IVilliam Vescy was made lustice of Ireland :

*

Anno 1294. Deceased lohn de Samford, Arch-
bishop of Dublin, and lohn Fitz Thomas, and lohn
de la Mare took prisoners, Richard Bourgh Earle
of Vlster, and William Bourgh in Meath. And the
Castle of Kildare was taken, and by the English and
Irish, the whole countrie was wasted. And Calwagh
burnt all the rolles and tallyes of that countie. And
Richard was delivered out of the Castle of Leye for his
two sonnes. And lohn Fitz Thomas with a great
armie, came into Meath.

Anno 1295. William Dodihsell Lord lustice of
Ireland dyed, and the Lord Thomas Fitz Maurice was
made Lord lustice.

\

Anno 1296. Fryer William deHothum was conse-
crated Archbishop of Dublin.

X

OF IRELAND. 3

Anno 1298. The Lord Thomas Fitz Maurice dyed,
and an agreement was made betwixt the Earle of VI-
ster, and the Lord lohn Fitz Thomas : and Sir lohn
Wogan was made Lord Justice of Ireland.

Anno 199. William, Archbishop of Dublin dyed:
and Richard de Feringes was consecrated Archbishop
of Dublin.

Anno 1302. The King of England (Edward the
first) went into Scotland, and there Sir lohn Wogan,
Lord Justice of Ireland, and the Lord lohn Fitz Tho-
mas with many others met with him.

Anno 1305. King Edivard made the inquisitions of
Treylbaston. The same yeere lor dan Comin slue Con-
thir de Ophaly : and Calwagh his brother was slaine
in the court of Pier's de Birmingham at Carricke : and
Balimor was burnt :

Anno 1306. Edward the second succeeded his father
being dead, in the kingdome. In the beginning of
his raigne, he called back from beyond the seas, Peirs
de Gaveston, whose company in the presence of his
father he abjured : and being wholly taken up with
him, he neglected Isabell his Queene, and his Nobles ;
for which cause the Nobles being offended, they ba-
nished the said Peirs into Ireland, where also the
Kings treasure that was sent over thither, was wan-
tonly consumed. Then Peirs was called back againe,

4 HENRY MARLEBURROUGH'S CHRONICLE

but in regard the Kings treasure was spent as aforesaid,
the Nobles make an insurrection, and put away Peirs

from the King.

\

Anno 1308. And in the second of King Edward
the second, Peirs de Gaveston, by the Lords of Eng-
land, but contrary to the Kings minde, was banished
into Ireland, about the nativitie of our Lady : but the
next yeere hee was called backe againe, and the King
met him at Chester.

Anno 1309. The Lord leffery Genvill became a
Fryer at Trym, of the order of the Preachers : and the
Lord Peirs de Birmingham dyed.

Anno 1311. Was the consecration of lohn Leelce,
Archbishop of Dublin : and Richard Bourgh Earle of
Vlster, with a great armie went to Bourath in Tho-
mound, and there he was taken prisoner by Sir Robert
de Clare, and lohn Fitz Walter, Lacy, and many
others were slaine : and there dyed Sir TValter la
Faint, and Sir Eustace Power. And the next yeere,
Maurice Fitz Thomas, and Thomas Fitz lohn, married
two daughters of the Earle of Vlster. And Saint
Fingay was translated ; and William de Lowndresi
the first, and lohn the son of Sir Richard Bourgh
Knight deceased, and the Lord Edmund Butler made,
30. Knights.

Anno 1313. Died lohnLeeTc, Archbishop of Dublin,

OF IRELAND. 5

and Tlieobald Vernonc&mQ over Lord lustice of Ireland,

/ J

and Willam de Montency and Richard Laundries died.

Anno 1315. The Lord Edward Bruse brother of
the King of Scots, entred the north part of Vlster
with a great Army, upon Saint Augustines day, in the
month of May ; and afterward hee burned Dundalke,
and a great part of Vrgile : and the church ofAthirde,
was burned by the Irish : and in the warre of Comeram
in Vlster, Richard Earle of Vlster was put to flight :
and Sir William Bourgh, and Sir lohn Mandevill, and
Sir Alan Fitz Warren were taken prisoners, and the
Castle of Norburgh was taken. Moreover at Kenlis
in Meath, the Lord Roger Mortimer in the warre to-
gether with the said Edward were put to flight, and
many of the men men of the said Roger were slaine and
taken prisoners, and he burnt the Towne : and afte?
this he went as farre as Finnagh and the Skerries in
Leinster ;' and there incountred him Edmund Butler
Lord lustice of Ireland, the Lord lohn Fitz Thomas ,
afterward Earle of Kildare, and the Lord Arnold
Power; and every one of them had a great army to
war against him : and upon the sodaine there arose a
dissention amongst them, and so they left the field ;
and this dissention hapned upon the 26. day of /-
nuary ; after this hee burnt the Castle of Leye, and
afterward hee returned into Vlster, and besieged the
Castle of Knockfergus, and slue Thomas Mandevill
and lohn his brother at Downe, comming out of Eng-
land ; and then returned into Scotland >

6 HENRY MARLEBURROITGH'S CHRONICLE

.

Anno 1316. Edward Bruse before Easter, came into
Ireland with the Earle of Murry and other armies, and
besieged the Castle of Knockfergus ; afterward they
went to Castle Knock, and there tooke the Baron pri-
soner, and Edward Bruse lay there : and Richard
Earle of Vlster lay in Saint Maries Abbey neere Dublin.
Then the Major and the Commonalty of the City of
Dublin, tooke the Earle of Vlster prisoner, and put
him in the Castle of Dublin and slew his men and
spoiled the Abbey. Then the said Bruse went as far
as Lymmerick after the feast of Saint Matthew the
Apostle, and staied there until after Easter ; and in the
meane time Roger Mortimer the Kings Lievteriant,
landed at Waterford w r ith a great Army, and for feare
of him, Ediuard Bruse made haste to goe into the
parts of Vlster > arid lohn Fitz Thomas was created
Earle of Kildare : also Oconthir of Conaght and many
other of the Irish of Conaght and Meath were slaine,
neere Athenry by the English there : also there was a
great slaughter made by Edmond Butler , neere Tes-
tilldermot upon the Irish : and another slaughter by
the same Edmund upon Omorthe at Balitcham.

V

Anno. 1317. The Lievtenant delivered the Earle of
Vlster out of the Castle of Dublin, and after Whit-
suntide, hee banished out of Meath Sir Walter and
Sir Hugh de Lacy, and gave their lands unto his soul-
diers, and they together with Edward Bruse went back
into Scotland : and Alexander Bignor was consecrated
Archbishop of Dublin.

OF IRELAND.

1318. The Lord Roger Mortimer went againe
into England, and Alexander Bignor was made Lord
Justice, and Edward Bruse and the said TValter and
Hugh de Lacy with a great Army, landed at Dundalke
upon Saint Calixtus the Popes day ; and there the Lord
lohn Brimingham, Richard Tute and Miles Verdoii)
with one thousand three hundred twenty foure men
incountred them, and slew the said Edward Bruse,
with eight thousand two hundred seventie foure of his
men ; and the said lohn Birmingham did cary the
head of the said Edward into England, and gave it to
King Edward, and the King gave unto the said lohn
and his heires males, the Earledome of Lowth, and the
Barony of Athirdee to him and his heires ; also Sir
Richard de Clare, with foure Knights and many others,,
were slaine in Thomond,

\

Anno 1319. The said Lord Roger Mortimer came
over againe Lord Justice of Ireland. And the Towne
of Athessell and Plebs, were burned by the Lord lohn
Fitz Thomas, brother to the Lord Maurice Fitz
Thomas. And the Bridge of Kilcolin was built by
Maurice lakis.

Anno 1320. The Lord lohn Fitz lohn, Earle of
Kildare, w r as made Lord Justice. And the bridge oj
Leiglin was built by Maurice lakis.

Anno 1321. There was a very great slaughter made
of the Qqonhurs at Balibagan, by the English of Lein-

8 HENRY MARLEBURROUGH'S CHRONICLE

ster and Meath. And the said Earle of Lowth was
made Lord Justice.

Anno 1322. Died the Lord Richard Birmingham,
Lord of Athenry, the Lord Edmund Butler, and the
Lord Thomas Persivall. Moreover the Lord Andrew
Birmingham, and Sir Richard de la Londe, were slaine
by Onolan.

Anno 1323. lohn Darcy came over Lord lustice of
Ireland.

Anno 1325. Deceased Nicholas Fitz Simon
Gonvill.

Anno 1326. The Lord Richard Burgh Earle of
Vlster died : Edward the third, sonne to Edward the

t

second, after the Conquest, at the age of fifteen eyeeres,
in his fathers life time ; Jupon Candlemas day was crowned
King at Westminster. In the beginning of whose
raigrie there was great likelyhood of good successe to
follow : For then also the Earth received fruitfulnesse,
the Ayre temperature and, Sea calmenesse.

Anno 1327- Donald sonne to Art, Mac Morch, and
Sir Henry Traharne were taken prisoners.

' ' p

Anno 1328. Deceased the Lord Thomas Fitz lohn
Earle of Kildare, and the Lord Arnold Power, and
William Earle of Vlster came into Ireland.,

OF IRELAND. J)

Anno 1329. lohn Brimingham Earle of Lowth,
and Peter his brother with many other, were slaine on
Whitsun, even at Balibragan by the men of the Coun-
try : Also the Lord Thomas Sutler y and divers other
Noble men were slaine by Macgohegan and other
Irishmen, neere

7

Anno 1330. There died Sir Richard Deicetir : Also
the Earle of Vlster went with a great Army into Moun-
ster upon Obren: Also the Prior of the Hospitall, then
Lord Justice, put the Lord Maurice Fitz T/iomas
Earle of Desmond, into the custody of the Marshall,
out of the which hee freely escaped. And Sir Hugh
de Lacy returned into Ireland, and obteined peace of
the King.

Anno 1 33 1 . The Earle of Vlster went into England,
and great slaugherwas made upon the Irish in Okenslie;
also the Castle of Arclow was taken by the Irish, and
great slaughter made of the English ni the Cowlagh
by O tot hell, where Sir Philip Bryt and many others
were slaine ; and the Lord Anthony Lacy came over
Lord lustice of Ireland, and great slaugter was made
of the Irish at Thurles, by the men of the Country,
and at Finnath in Meath ; there were many of them
slaine by the English : also the Castle of Fernis was
taken and burned by the Irish: also Maurice Fitz
Thomas Earle of Desmond was apprehended at Lime-
rick by the Lord lustice, upon the day of the Assump-
tion, and sent unto the Castle of Dublin. Moreover,

] HENRY MARLEBURROUGH'S CHRONICLE

the Lord lustice tooke Sir William Birmingham and
Walter his sonne at Clomell by a wile, whilest hee was
sick in his bed, and sent them likewise unto the Castle
of Dublin on the 19. day of Aprill.

Anno 1332. Sir William Birmingham was hanged
at Dublin, but Walter his sonne was delivered, by
reason hee was within orders. Also the Castle of
Clonmore was taken by the English, and the Castle
of Bonrath was destroyed by the Irish of Thomond :
also Henry Mandevill was sent prisoner to Dublin ;
likewise Walter Burgh with two of his brethren were
taken in Conaght, by the Earle of Vlster, and sent to
the Castle of Norburgh : also the said Lord lustice was
deposed by the King, and went into England with his
wife and children ; and lohn Darcy was made Lord
lustice, and great slaughter was made upon Bren
Obren and Mao Carthy in Munster, by the English of
that Country.

t

Anno 1333, The Earle of Desmond by the Parlia-
ment held at Dublin, was sent over into England unto
the King ; and William Earle of Vlster, in going to-
ward Knockfergus, upon the seventh day of lune was
treacherously slaine, neere to the foords in Vlster by
his o\*Tie people; but his wife with his daughter and
heire, escaped into England ; which daughter was mar-
ried unto the Lord Lionell, the Kings sonne, and af-
terward died at Dublin ; and had a daughter and heire,
which was afterward married unto Roger Mortimer *

OF IRELAND. 11

Earle of March, and Lord of Trim : And to revenge
the death of the said Earle, the Lord lustice of Ireland
with a great Army, went into Vlster- But before that
hee came thither, the men of that Country had done
the revenge : and the Lord lustice with his Army, went
into Scotland to the King of England ; because at that
time hee was there in warre ; and hee left the Lord
Thomas Burgh his Lievtenant in Ireland : also on
Saint Margarets Eve, great slaughter was made in
Scotland by the Irish ; and so what by the King in one
part, and the Lord lustice in another, Scotland was
Conquered, and Edward Balioll was established King
of Scotland ; and lohn Darcy came back Lord lustice
of Ireland, and delivered Walter Birmingham out of

the Castle of Dublin.

i

Anno 1336. On Saint Laurence day, the Irish of
Conaght were discomfited and put to flight by the
English of the Country there, and there were slaine
tenne thousand and one Englishman.

>

/

Anno 1342. And in the sixteenth of King Edward
the 3. Pope Benedict deceased; Clement the sixth
succeeded, a man truly of great learning, but exceed-
ing prodigall, so that hee would bestow upon his Car-
dinals Church livings in England when they were va-
cant, and would goe about to impose new titles for
them. For which cause the King of England about
the yeere 1344, disannulled the provisions so made by

12 HENRY MARLEBURROUGH'S CHRONICLE

i

the Pope, interdicting upon paine of imprisonment, and

death, that none should bring any of them.

i

Anno 1348. There was great mortality in all places,
especially in and about the Court of Rome, Avinion,
and about the sea coastes of England and Ireland.

Anno 1349. Deceased Alexander Bignor, upon the
foureteenth day of luly, and the same yeere was lohn
de Saint Paul consecrated Archbishop of Dublin.

Anno 1355. Died Maurice Fitz Thomas^ Earle of
Desmond, L : lustice of Ireland.

Anno 1536. Deceased the Lord Thomas de Rokes-
bie, it. lustice of Ireland.

Anno 1357. Began great variance betwixt Master
Richard Fitz Ralphe Primat of Ardmagh, and the
foure Orders of begging Fryers.

Anno 1360. Deceaded Richard Archbishop of Ard-
magh, upon the seventeenth day of the Kalends of
December in the Popes Court, arid Richard Kilminton
dyed in England, therefore the controversie ceased
betwixt the Clergie and the orders of begging
Fryers.

Anno 1361 : and in the thirty fourth yeere of K.

Or IRELAND. 13

Edward the third, about Easter, began a great mor-
talitie of men, consuming many men, but few women,
in England and Ireland. Also the same yeere, the
Lord Lionell, Sonne to King Edward the third,
Duke of Clarence, came over the Kings lievetenant
into Ireland.

. Anno 1362. deceased lohn de Saint Paule, Arch-
bishop of Dublin, on the fift day before the Ides of
September.

, Anno 1363 : Thomas Minot was consecrated Arch-
bishop of Dublin.

i
\ ..

Anno 1369. the Lord William Windsor came over

i

the Kings Lievtenant in Ireland.

Anno 1370. there was a third great Pestilence in
Ireland. And the Lord Gerald Fitz Maurice, Earle
of Desmond, and the Lord lohn Fitz Richard, and
the Lord lohn Fitz lohn, and many other Noble men,
were taken prisoners, and many others were slaine
by Ohren and Maccoinnard of Thomond, in the

moneth of luly.

/

Anno 1372. Sir Robert Asheton came over Lord
lustice of Ireland.

Anno 1373. there was great warre betwixt the

14 HENRY MARLEBURROUGH'S CHRONICLE

English of Meth, and OfFerolle ; in which warre, many
upon both sides were slaine,

Anno 1375. Thomas, Archbishop of Dublin departed
this life, and the same yeere was Richard de JFikeford
consecrated Archbishop there.

\

Anno 1381, Edmund Mortimer the Kings Lieve-
tenant in Ireland, Earle of March and Vlster, dyet at
Corke.

/

r

Anno 1383. the fourth great pestilence was in
Ireland.

\

Anno 1385. Dublin Bridge fell.

* - *

Anno 1387- about Martilmas, the Peeres of Eng-
land rose against those that were of the side of Richard
the second : but Robert Veer, Duke of Ireland, came
over to Chester, and got together many men, and put
them in array to march backe toward the King: whom
the said Peeres met at Rotcotebridge, and slue Thomas
Molleners, and spoyled the rest: iieverthelesse, the
Duke of Ireland escaped. But in the same yeere on
the morrow after Candlemas day, a Parliament beganne
at London : in which were adjudged the Archbishop of
Yorke, the Duke of Ireland, the Earle of Suffolke, &c.

Anno 1388. foure Lord lustices of England, were.

OF IRELAND. 15

banished Into Ireland, by a decree of the Parliament:
and it was not lawfull for them either to makes lawes,
or to give counsel], upon paine of the sentence of death.

Anno 1390. Robert de Wikeford Archbishop of
Dublin, departed this life, and the same yeere was
Robert Waldebie translated unto the Archbishopricke
of Dublin, being an Augustine Fryer.

Anno 1394. and in the seaventeenth yeere of King
Richard the second, died Anne, Queene of England :
arid the same yeere about Michaelmas, the King crossed
the seas over into Ireland, and landed at Waterford the
second day of the moneth of October, and went back
about Shrovetide.

Anno 1397- Fryer Richard de Northalis, of the
order of the Carmelites, was translated to the Arch-
bishopricke of Dublin and died the same yeere. Also the
same yeere, Thomas de Craulie, was consecrated Arch-
bishop of Dublin. And Sir Thomas Burgh, and Sir
Walter Birmingham slue sixe hundred Irish men with
their Captaine Macdowne. Moreover, Edmund Earle of
March, Lord lievetenant of Ireland, with the aide of the
Earle of Ormond, wasted Obren's country, and at the
winning ofhischiefe house, bee made seaven Knights,
to wit, Sir 11^0^ Preston, $\Y lohnBedlow, Sir
Edmund Loundres, Sir lohn Loundres, Sir William
Nugent, Walter de la Hide, and Robert CadelL

16 HENRY MARLSBURROUGH'S CHRONICLE

Anno 1398. and in the two and twentieth of King
Richard the second, on Ascention day, the Tothillis
slue forty English men. Among whom these were
accounted as principal! , lohn Fitz Williams, Thomas
Talbot^ and Thomas Comyn. The same yeere upon
Saint Margarets day, Edmund, Earle of March, the
Kings lievetenant, was slaine, with divers other by
Obren, and other Irishmen of Leinster, at Kenlis in
Leinster. Then was Roger Greye elected Lord Justice
of Ireland. The same yeere on the feast day of Saint
Marke, the Pope and Confessor came to Dublin,
the noble Duke of Surrey, the Kings lievetenant in
Ireland, and with him came Thomas Crauly, Arch-
bishop of Dublin.

4
\

Anno 1399. and of King Richard the three and
twentieth, on Sunday being the morrow after Saint
Petronilla the Virgins day,- the illustrious King
Richard landed at Waterford with two hundred
shippes : and the Friday after, at Ford in Kenlis, in the
Countie of Kildare, there were slaine, two hundred
Irish men by leniclio and other English men, and the
morrow after, the Citizens of Dublin brake into Obrens
country, slue three and thirty of the Irish, and tooke
fourescore men, women, and children. The same
yeere King Richard came to Dublin upon the fourth
Kalends of luly, where hee was advertized of the com-
ming of Henry, Duke of Lancaster into England;
whereupon he alsa speedily went over into England :

OP IRELAND. 17

and a little while after, the same King was taken pri-
soner by the said Henry, and brought to London, and
there a Parliament was holden the morrow after Mi-
chaelmas day, in which King Richard was deposed
from his kingdome, and the said Henry, Duke of
Lancaster, was crowned King of England, on the feast
day of Saint Edward the Confessor.

Anno 1400. and in the first yeere of the raigne of
King Henry the fourth, at Whitsontide, the Constable
of Dublin Castle, and divers others at Strariford in
Vlster, fought at Sea with the Scots, where many En-
glishmen were slaine and drowned. The same yeere
on the feast of the Assumption of the blessed Virgin
Mary, King Henry, with a great army, entred Scot-
land, and there he was advertized that Owen Glendor,
with the Welsh men, had taken armes against him:
for which cause he hastened his iourney into Wales.

Anno 1401. in the second yeere of King Henry thd
fourth, Sir lolin Stanley the kings Lie ve tenant, in the
moneth of May, went over into England, leaving in his
roome Sir William Stanley. The same yeere on Bar-
tholomew Eeven, arrived in Ireland, Stephen Scroope,
Lievetenant unto the Lord Thomas of Lancaster, the
kings Lievetenant of Ireland. The same yeere on
Saint Brices day, the Lord Thomas of Lancaster, the
kings Sonne, and Lord Lievetenant of Ireland, arrived
at Dublin.

18 HENRY MARLEBURROUGH'S CHRONICLE

t

Anno 1402. on the fift Ides of luly, was the dedi-
cation of the Church of the Fryers Preachers in Dub-
lin, by the Archbishop of Dublin. And the same day
the Maior of Dublin, namely, lohn Drake, with the
citizens and townesmen, neere to Bre, slue of the Irish,
foure hundred ninety three, being all men of warre.
The same yeere in September a Parliament was held at
Dublin; during the which, inVrgile, Sir Bartholomew
Verdon, knight, lames White, Stephen Gernond, and
their complies, slue lo/m Bow doll Sheriffe of Lowth.

V

Anno 1403. in the fourth yeere of King Henry, in
the moneth of May, Sir Valter Bett&rley, Steward of
Vlster, a right valiant knight, was slaine, and to the
number of thirty other with him. The same yeere or$
Saint Maudlins Eeven, neere unto Shrewesbury, a bat-
tell was fought betweene king Henry, and Henry
Percy, and Thomas Penney then Earle of Worcester ;
which Percy es were slaine, and on both sides there were
sixe thousand and more slaine in the battaile. The
game yeere about Martlemas, the Lord Thomas of Lan-
caster, the kings Sonne, went over into England,
leaving Stephen Scroope his Deputy there : who also
in the beginning of Lent, sayled over into England,
and then the Lords of the land chose the Earle of Or-
jnond to be Lord lustice of Ireland.

Anno 1404. in the fift yeere of king Henry, lohn
Cotton, Archbishop of Armagh, departed this life upon

OF IRELAND. 19

the fift of May, unto whom Nicholas Flemming suc-
ceeded. The same yeere on the day of Saint Vitall
the Martyr, the Parliament hegan at Dublin, before
the Earle of Ormond, then Lord lustice of Ireland,
where the Statutes of Kilkenny and Dublin were con-
firmed, and likewise the Charter of Ireland. The same
yeere PatricJce Savage was treacherously slaine in VI-
ster, by Mac Kilmori, and his brother Richard was
given for a pledge, who was murthered in the prison,
after hee had paid two thousand markes. The same
yeere upon Martilmas day, deceased Nic/tolas Houth*
Lord of Houth, a man of singular honesty.

,

Anno 1405. in the sixt yeere of King Henry, in the
moneth of May, three Scottish Barkes were taken, two
at Greenecastle, and one^ at Dalkay, with Captaine
Thomas Macgolagh. The same yeere the Merchants
of Droghedah entred Scotland, and tooke pledges and
preyes. The same yeere on the Eeven of the feast day
of the seaven brethren, Oghgard was burnt by the Irish*
The same yeere in the moneth of lune, Stephen Scroope
crossed the seas over into England, leaving the Earle
of Ormond, Lord lustice of Ireland. The same yeere
in the moneth of lune, they of Dublin entred Scotland
at Saint Ninian, and valiantly behaved themselves:
and afterward they entred Wales, and there did much
hurt to the Welch men, and brought away the shrine
of Saint Cubing, and placed it in the Church of the
holy Trinitie in Dublin. The same yeere on the Eeven
of the feast of the blessed Virgin, lames Butler* Earle

20 HENRY MARLEBURROITGH'S CHRONICLE

of Ormond, dyed at Raligauran, (whose death was
much lamented) whilest hee was Lord Justice of Ire-
land, unto whom succeeded Girald, Earle of Kildare.

Anno 1406. in the seaventh yeere of King Henry,
on Corpus Christi day, the citizens of Dublin, with the
country people about them, manfully vanquished the
Irish enemies, and slue divers of them, and tooke two
Ensignes, bringing with them to Dublin, the heads of
those whom they had slaine. The same yeere the Prior
of Conall, in the Plaine of Kildare, fought valiantly,
and vanquished two hundred of the Irish that were well
armed, slaying some of them, and chasing others ; and
the Pryor had not with him, but twenty Englishmen :
and thus God assisteth those that put their trust in him.
The same veere after Michaelmas, came into Ireland,
Swoope, Dcputie lustice to the Lord Thomas of Lan-
caster, the Kings Sonne, Lord Lievetenant of Ireland.
The same yeere dyed Innocent the seaventh, to whom
succeeded Gregorie in the Popedome. The same yeere
a Parliament was holden at Dublin, on the feast of
Saint Hillary, which in Lent after was ended at Try m,
and Meiler JBermingham slue Cat hole O Conghir, in
the end of Frehruary ; and there dyed Sir leffery Vaulx,
a Noble Knight in the Countie of Carlogh.

/ ^

Anno 1407- a certaine most false fellow, an Irish
man, named Mac Adam Mac Gilmori, that had caused
forty Churches to be destroyed, who was never bap-
tized^ and therefore hee was called Corbi; tooke pri-

OP IRELAND. 21

soner Patricke Savage, and received for his ransome,
two thousand markes, and afterwards slue him, toge-
ther with his Brother Richard.

The same yeere, in the feast of the exaltation of the
holy Crosse, Stephen Scroope, Deputy to the Lord
Thomas of Lancaster, the Kings Sonne, Lord Lievte-
nant of Ireland, with the Earles of Onnond and Des-
mond, and the Prior of Kilmainan and divers other
Captaines, and men of warre of Meath, set from Dub-
lin, and invaded the land of Mac Murch, where the
Irish had the better part of the field for the former part
of the day, but afterwards they were valiantly rescued
by the said Captaines, so that Onolad with his sonne
and divers others, were taken prisoners. But then and
there being advertised that the Burkens and O keroll,
in the County of Kilkenny, had for the space of two
dayes together done mischiefe, they rode with all speed
unto the Towne of Callan, and there entfountring with
the adversaries, manfully put them to flight, slue
Okeroll and eight hundred others; and it was averred
by many, that the Sunrie stoodstill for a space that
day, till the Englishmen had ridden 6. miles, which
was much to be wondred at.

The same yeere, Stephen Scrope went over into
England, and lames Butler Earle of Oraiond, was
elected by the Country L. I. of Ireland.

The name yeere, in England neere unto Yorke 3 was

E

22 HENRY MARLEBURROUGH'S CHRONICLE

slaine Henry Percy Earle of Northumberland, and the
Lord Bardolf, and the Bishop of Bangor, were taken
prisoners.

^

Anno 1408. The said Lord Justice held a Parlia-
ment at Dublin, in which the Statutes of Kilkenny and
Dublin were established, and the Charter granted under
the great Scale of England against Purveiors.

The same yeere, the morrow after Lammas day, the
Lord Thomas of Lancaster the Kings sonne, Lord
Lievtenant of Ireland, landed at Carlingford, and in
theweeke following, he came unto Dublin and arrested
the Earle of Kildare, comming to him with three of
his familie ; hee lost all his goods, being spoiled and
rifled by the Lord Lievtenant his servants, andhimselfe
kept still in the Castle of Dublin, till he had paid three
hundred markes fine.

The same yeere on the day of Saint Marcell the
Martyr, the L. Stephen Scrope died at Tristleder-
mot.

i

The same yeere, the said L. Thomas of Lancaster, at
Kilmainan was wounded, and hardly escaped death;
and after caused summons to be given by Proclama-
tion, that all such as ought by their tenures to serve
the King, should assemble at Rosse : and after the
Feast of Saint Hillary, he held a Parliament at Kil-
kenny, for a tallage to be granted; and after the 13. of

OF IRELAND. 23

March he went over into England, leaving the Prior
of Kilmainan his Deputy in Ireland.

This yeere, Hugh Mac Gilmore was slaine in Crag-
fergus within the Church of the Fryers Minors, which
Church hee had before destroyed, and broken downe
the Glasse-windowes, to have the Iron barres, through
which his enemies the Savages entred upon him.

i

Anno 1409. Of King Henry the fourth in Iune 9
lanico de Artois, with the Englishmen slue fourescore
of the Irish in Vlster.

The same yeere, on the day of Saint lo/m and Paul,
Alexander the fifth of the Order of Fryers Minors was
consecrated Pope, and Pope Gregory and Antipope
Clemens were condemned for heretickes : and by these
meanes unity was made in the Church.

The same yeere a heretick or Lollard of London was
burned, becsuse he did not beleeve in the sacrament of
the altar. .

Anno 1410. Pope Alexander died on the day of the
Apostles Philippe and lacob, at Bononia; to whom
succeeded lohn the XXIII.

Anno 1411. On Thursday before Septuagesima,
marriage was celebrated betwixt William Preston and
the daughter of Edward Paris; and on Saint Valen-

24 HENRY MARLEBURROUGH'S CHRONICLE

tines even and day, marriages were celebrated between
lohn TFogan and the daughter of Christopher Preston
and Walter de la Hide, and the second daughter o
the same Christopher, with a great deale of charges.

x

Anno 1412. About the feast of Tiburtius and Va-
Icrianus, Oconthird did much mischiefe in Meath, and
tooke a hundred and three score Englishmen.

The same veere Odoles a Knight and Thomas Fitz

>

Maurice Sherife of Limerick slue each other.

The same yeere, on the nineth Kalends of Iune 9
there died Robert Mountaine Bishop of Meath, to
whom succeeded Edward Dandisey sometimes Arch-
deacon of Corn ward.

, /

The same yeere in Harvest, the Lord Thomas of
Lancester Duke of Clarence, went over into France,
and with him went the Duke of Yorke, the Earle of
Ormond and Green -Corn wall with many others.

The same yeere, on Saint Cutberts day, King Henry
the fourth departed this life. To whom succeeded
Henry the fifth his eldest sonne.

Anno 1413. On the fifth Ides of April I, namely, the
first Sunday of the Passion of our Lord, A. being the
Dominicall letter, Henry the fifth, was crowned King
England at Westminster. '

OF IRELAND. 25

The same yeere, on the first of October, there landed
in Ireland at Clontarf, lohn Stanley the Kings Liev-
tenant in Ireland; he departed this life the 18. of
lanuary.

The same yeere, after the death of lohnStanly Liev-
tenant, Thomas Crawly Archbishop of Dublin, was
chosen Lord lustice of Ireland, on the 11. Kalends of
February; the morrow after Saint Mathias day, a Par-
liament began at Dublin, and continued for the space
of 15. dales. In which time the Irish burned all that
stood in their way, as their usuall custome was in times
of other Parliaments : whereupon a tallage was de-
maunded but not granted.

Anno 1414. The English slue of the Irish of the
Omordris and Odemsis, neer to Kilka, Thomas Crawly
Archbishop of Dublin, then Lord lustice of Ireland,
in Tristledermot, praying in Procession with his
Clergy, and his men, with the helpe of those of the
Country, slue one hundred of the Irish enemies. In
the feast of Saint Gordian andEpimachus, the English
of Meath were discomfited, and there Thomas Man-
revard Baron of Skrine was slaine, and Christopher
Flemnig and lohn Dardis taken prisoners, and many
others were slaine by Oconthir and the Irish. On
Saint Martins Eve, Sir lohn Talbot, Lord Furnivall,
the Kings Lievtenant in Ireland landed at Dalkey.

ufnno 1415: In the moneth of November aright

26 HENRY MARJLEBURROUGH'S CHRONICE

noble man that walled the suburbs of Kilkenny de-
parted this life ; and after Hallontide Fryer Patricke
Baret Bishop of Femes a Canon of Kenlis dyed, and
was buried there.

Anno 1416. On the feast day of Saint Gervasius and
Prothasius the Lord Furnivall Lord lustice of Ireland,
had a sonrie borne at Finglasse ; about this time Ste-
phen Flemming Archbishop of Armagh, a venerable
man died, after whom succeeded lohn Suaing : And
the same time dyed the Lord and Fryer Adam Leins,
of the Order of the Preaching Fryers, Bishop of Ard-
magh. On the day of Saint Laurence the Martyr,
the Lord Furnivals sonne Thomas Talbot, that was
borne at Finglasse departed this life, and was buried
in the Quire of the Fryers Preachers Church in Dub-
lin. About the same time the Irish fell upon the
Englishmen and slue many of them, among whom
Thomas Balimore of Baliquelan was one The Par-
liament which the last yeere had beene called and
holden at Dublin ; was this yeere removed to Trim,
and there began the 11. of May, where it continued
for the space of 11. dayes, in the which \vas granted
unto the L. L. a subsidy of foure hundred markes.

* f

Anno 1417 Vpon May Eve Thomas Granly Arch-
bishop of Dublin, went over into England, and de-
ceased at Faringdon, but his body was buried in the
New Colledge at Oxford. This man is greatly praise^
for his liberality, he was a good almes-man, a great

OF IRELAND. 2?

Clerk, a Doctor of Divinity, an excellent Preacher, a
great builder, beautifull, courteous, of a sanguine com-
plexion, and of a tall stature, insomuch as in his time
it might be said unto him ; Thou art fairer then the
sons of men, grace and eloquence proceeded from thy
lips: He was 80. yeeres of age when he died, and had
governed the Church of Dublin almost 20. yeeres in

great quiet.

\

Anno 1418. The Annunciation of our Lady was in
Easter weeke, and shortly after, the Lord Deputy
spoiled the tenants of Henry Cms and Henry Bethat;
also at Slane upon the feast day of S. lohn and S. Paul,
the Earle of Kildare, Sir Christopher Preston, and Sir
lohn JBedlow were arrested and committed to ward,
within the Castle of Trim, because they sought to
commune with the Prior of Kilmaynan. Vpon the
29. of lune, Mathew Husseil Baron of Galtrim de-
ceased, and was buried in the Covent of the Fryers

i

Preaqhers of Trim.

Anno 1419. upon the eleventh of May, dayed Ed-
mund Brel sometime Major of Dublin, and was buried
at the Fryers Preachers of the same City. A Royall
Councell was holden at the Naas, where were granted
unto the Lord Lievtenant 300. markes. At the same
time died Sir lohn Loundres Knight.

The same yeere upon Cene thursday, Othoill tooke

to

28 HENRY MARLEBURROUGH'S CHRONICLE

fowre hundred Cowes belonging unto Balimorc,
breaking the peace, contrary to his oath. The fourth
Ides of May, Mac Morthe, chiefe Captaine of his
Nation, and of all the Irish in Leinster, was taken
prisoner. And the same day, was Sir Hugh Cokesey
made Knight The last of May, the Lord Lievtenant
and the Archbishop of Dublin, \vith the Major, rased

the Castle of Kenini. The morrow after the feast of

p

Processus and Martinianus, the Lord William de
Bugh and other Euglishmen, slue five hundred of the
Irish, and tooke Okelly. On the feast day of Mary
Magdalen* the Lord Lievtenant lohn Talbot went

o

over into England; leaving his Deputy there the
Archbishop of Dublin, carrying along with him the
curses of many, because hee being runne much in debt
for victual! and divers other things, would pay little or
nothing at all About Saint Laurence day, divers
dyed in Normandy, as Fryer Thomas Butler, that was
Prior of Kilmainan, and many others. Whom Fryer
lohn Fitz Henry succeeded in the Priory. The Arch-
bishop of Dublin, being Lord Deputy, made an
assault upon Scohies, and slue thirtie of the Irish,
neere unto Rodiston. Also the thirteenth of February,
lohn Fitz Henry, Prior of Kilmainan departed this
life ; and William Fitz Thomas was chosen to succeed
in his place, & was confirmed the morrow after Saint
Velentines day. Also the morrow after*
the Lord lohn Talbot Lord Farnivall delivered up his

* A blank in the original copy. EDITOR.

OF IRELAND 29

place into the hands of the Lord Richard Talbot
Archbishop of Dublin, who was afterward chosen to
be Lord Justice of Ireland.

Anno 1420. about the fourth Ides of Aprill, lames
Butler, Eaiie of Ormond, Lord Lievetenant of Ire-
land, landed at Waterford, and shortly after he caused
a combat to be fought betwixt two of his cousins: of
whom one was slaine in the place, and the other was
carried away sore wounded unto Kilkenny.

On Saint Georges day, the same Lord Lievetenant
held a Councell at Dublin, and there summoned a
Parliament, and after the midst thereof, he made great
preyes upon O Rely Mac Mahon, Mac Gynoys. And
the seventh of lune, the Parliament began at Dublin,
arid there were granted to the Lord Lievetenant, seaven
hundred rriarkes. And that Parliament continued for
sixteene dayes, and was adjourned againe to Dublin
untill Munday after Saint Andrewes day. And in the
said Parliament were reckoned up the debts of the
Lord lohn Talbot, late Lord Lievetenant, which
amounted to a great summe. Also on the morrow after
Michaelmas day, Michael Bodley departed this life.
Vpon Saint Francis Eeve, dyed Fryer Nicholas Talbot ,
Abbot of the Monastery of Saint Thomas the Martyr
at Dublin, whom Fryer John Iffliiting succeeded. The
morrow after the feast day of the Apostles Simon and
Inde, the Castle of Colmolin was taken by Thomas
Fitz Girald And on Saint jF*aMmYte Eeven, But tier 9

F

30 HENRY MARLEBURROUGH'S CHRONICLE

Sonne and heire unto the Earle of Ormond,
borne: and the Munday after Saint Andrewes day, the
Parliament was begun at Dublin, and continued for
thirteene dayes; and there were granted unto the Lord
Lievetenant, three hundred markes, and then againe
the Parliament was adjourned untill Muriday after
Saint Ambrose day. Then rumours were spread abroad,
that the Lord Thomas Fltz lohn, Earle of Desmond,
was departed this life at Paris, upon Saint Laurence
day, and that he was buried in the Covent of the Fryers
Preachers there, the King of England being there
present. After whom succeeded his Vncle lames Fitz
Girald, whom he had three severall times renounced,
all edging that he was an un thrift, and had wasted his
Patrimony both in Ireland and England, and that hee
gave or would give lands unto the Monastery of Saint

fames of Keyriisham.

/

Anno 1421. Our Lady day fell out to be upon Mun-
day in Easter weeke. Also the Parliament began the
third time at Dublin, the Munday after Saint Am-
broses day; and there it was ordained that agents
should be sent over unto the King for reformation of
matters touching the state of the land; namely, the
Archbishop of Armagh, and Sir Christopher Preston,
Knight. At the same time Richard Ottdian, Bishop
of Casshell, was accused of John Gese, Bishop of Lis-
more and Waterford, upon thirty articles: among
other, one was, that he made very much of the IriH*,
and that he loved none of the English Cation, and

OF IRELAND. 31

that he bestowed no Benefice upon any English man,
and that he counselled other Bishops not to give the
least Benefice to any of them : that he counterfeited
the Kings Scale and letters Patents : that he went
about to make himselfe King of Munster: and that
hee had taken a Ring from the image of Saint Patricke,
(which the. Earle of Desmond had offered) and be-
stowed it upon his Concubine. And he exhibited
many other enormious matters against him in writing,
by whom the Lords and Commons were troubled. Also
in the same Parliament, there arose a contention be-
twixt ^Ldam Payn, Bishop of Clone, because the said
Adam would have united unto his See, the Church of
another Prelate, and the other would not give way
unto it; and so they were dismissed unto the Court of
Rome, & the Parliament continued eighteene dayes.
Then newes were stirring, that the Lord Thomas of
Lancaster, Duke of Clarence, was slaine in France,
and many other with him. Vpon the seventh of May
there was slaughter made upon the Earle of Ormonds,
the Lord Lievetenants men, by Omordris, neere unto
the Monastery of Leys, and there were seaven and
twenty English men slaine ; the chiefe whereof were
Pur cell and Grant, tenne Noble men were taken pri-
soners, and two hundred fled unto the said Abbey, and
so saved themselves. About the Ides of May, dyed
Sir lohn Bedloe, knight, and leffery Galon, sometime
Maior of Dublin, who was buried in the house of the
Fryers Preachers of the same City. About the same
time, Mac Mahon an Irish J^ord, did much hurt in

32 HENRY MARLEBLTRROUGH'S CHRONICLE, c.

Vrgile, by wasting and burning all before him VpoH
the seaventh of lune, the Lord Lievetenant entred into
the Country, about Leys, upon Omordris, leading a
very great army, and for the space of foure dayes, to-
gether, slaying the people, till the Irish were glad to
sue for peace. On the feast of Saint Michael th*>
Arch-angell, Thomas Stanley, with all the Knights
and Esquires of Meath and Irel, tooke Meyle O Don-
nell prisoner, and slue the rest, in the fourteenth yeere
of the raigne of King Henry the sixt.

Here endeth the Chronicle of Henry Marleburrough-

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