Chapter XXXI (Page 2)

Present State of the Antiquities of the County of Carlow.

KELLYSTOWN. — Of Kellystown, Seward writes thus: Here is a large ruined church dedicated to St Patrick, and said to have been built by lim. It formerly belonged to the ancient family of Cummins, a name still surviving and numerous in this part of the country. There are several of that name interred in the church whose vaults are still remaining, tho' there is but one whose inscription is intelligible; it is as follow: Hoc jacet sub lapide Hugo Mae Cummins 1603 On the above, I have to observe, that the ruined church does not seem to have been large; the name of Cummins is not now numerous, and there are but few inscriptions of this family. The Latin epitaph is not correctly given. The words so far as legible run thus:

HIC

(missing text) JACET? DE HUG0 MAC CVMVN QUO (Missing text) DAM
DE KELLISTOWN CUM (MISSING TEXT)

This inscription is in raised Roman capitals, and runs along the margin of the stone, in the way usual in the early part of the seventeenth century. On the left side the words are completely obliterated, apparently by the feet of people standing on the stone. The tomb is for the most part worn quite smooth. An arch of the old church, in perfect preservation, still remains. Anew church was erected, adjacent to the former one, about the year 1807; when we regret to say, that one of those singular structures, the round towers, was pulled down to make way for the belfry. This act of inexcusable barbarism, much, and justly, annoyed Mr. Doyne, the proprietor of the estate. In the church-yard is the tomb of a Cummins, aged 108, who died in 1795. Kellystown lies about five miles east of Carlow. The ground being here elevated, a considerable prospect is obtained of the surrounding country. Mr.Brewer tells us that, the more ancient name of this place is Cill-mna-ur.iosal-na-moen “The church of the poor mourning Munster women”; allusion to a Sanguinary battle fought here, in or about the year 478, in which the Munster warriors -were defeated and slaughtered by those of Leinster." This battle is mentioned.

KILEBMUND.— The church of Kiledmund which was built by one of the Bagenal family, stands at the foot of Mount Leinster, and in the barony of Idrone East. The scenery here is of a superior order, from the contiguous mountains and extensive plantation of trees. The Black Stairs and the celebrated pass called Scullogh-gap are prominent objects. The church is a neat building, fifty- feet by twenty-two. On a monument inside a walled enclosure, handsomely over shaded by laurel, is the following inscription :

Robert Edward Carroll departed this life August the 11th 1806, aged 30 years.

This gentleman's widow, Mrs. Amelia Carroll was buried here about the year 1825 She was a daughter of the late Beauchamp Bagenal, Esq., of Dunleckny, and lived in a plain house which stands near the church. Mr. Carroll was a member of the respectable county Wicklow family of that name. Near the preceding mausoleum, is a monument with these words :

Here lieth the remains of Doctor John Minchin of Bagenalstown who departed this life the 7lh of January 1823 aged 25 years. In sure and certain hope of a Glorious resurrection Hark from the tomb a doleful sound, My ears attend the cry, Ye living men come view the ground, Where you shall shortly lie. This tomb was erected by his afflicted widow Catherine Minchin, alias Little, as a small tribute of her affection and love. On the townland of Lacken, near Kiledmund, is a granite cross, about three feet in height, on which the following inscription is legible O.K.L. DEC. 1737. A.C.

Near the stone is a cairn or heap of stones. The cross is mutilated, the peasantry say the damage was done by some soldiers, who used it as a target.

KILTENNEL — One mile from Kiledmund is the ruined church of Kiltennel; situate in a rude and wild district. Two gables and one side wall of the coarsest architecture are standing. There is an arched entrance in the wall, about six and a half feet high, by twelve in breadth. Ivy covers the walls, and inside is a receptacle for “holy water," of about eighteen inches in diameter. An enclosure, or continuation of the church, stands at the east end, inside which a large ash tree is growing. The following inscription (with a coat of arms at top), on a slab indented in the wall, informs us of the history of this subjoined edifice:

CAPTIN. EDMUND . BYRNE. ERECTED . THIS . CHAPEL . AND. DOCTOR . EDMUND . BYRNE . ARCHBISHOP . OF . DUBLIN . CONSECRATED . YE. SAME. IN. YE. YEAR. 1709.

On a flat stone are these words : Underneath this stoat doth lie As much Vertue as Could Die Which when Alive did Vigour give to as much Beauty as Could live. Her age was four years old and died last Michaelmas day, 1742. Name. Ann Warren.

Near the preceding :

HERE LYETH THE BODY OF TERENCE BYRNE WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE THE 86TH YEAR OF HIS AGE. 1711.

In the burial ground may be found the following inscriptions:

Erected by Lieutenant John Stone in memory of his father the late Lieutenant Thomas Stone who was killed by the rebels on the 26th day of June, 1798, aged 76 years.

Erected by John Sinnott of Kiledmond in memory of his beloved father John Sinnott, Lieutenant of Mount Leinster Infantry, who departed this life January the 7th 1828, aged 76 years.

KILLINANE. — The ruins of the church of Killinane, and its burial ground, lie halfway between the Royal Oak and Leighlin bridge. One gable and a side wall (sixty-three feet in length) are standing, and the ruin is bisected by another wall. A window in a ruinous state is observable in the east end. The whole is covered by a profusion of ivy. Inside the western end of the ruins is a tomb — with the following inscription:

Underneath are deposited the remains of Harriet C. Smyth second daughter of Patrick Smyth late of Baillieborow in the county of Cavan, Esq. she died the 22nd of October, 1808.

In the burial ground is this inscription, amongst others:

HERE LIETH THE BODY OF JOHN ROBERTS WHO
DEPARTED* THE 25th OF JCLY, 1710, AGED 99 YEARS.
The forty-sixth milestone, (Irish measure), from Dublin, stands at this place.

OLD LEIGHLIN. — The cathedral church of the diocese of Leighlin stands at the distance of two English miles west of Leighlin Bridge. The site is admirably adapted for a structure dedicated to religious purposes. A nook is formed by the adjacent hills, and here, quite removed from any thorough-fare, far away from the busy haunts of men, this relic of antiquity raises its venerable Lead. The history of Old Leighlin may be learned in the foregoing pages; we shall here render a minute account of its present state and circumstances. The cathedral (which is of the plainest Gothic architecture) consists of a nave and chancel. The length of the nave is eighty- four feet; that of the chancel, sixty-feet; breadth, twenty -one feet. There are a door and window in the west end, and two side entrances. Ancient reservoirs for “holy water," are fixed in the wall to the right hand, on entrance, of the south door, and on the left of the western. In the nave is a large stone baptismal font, sustained by a pedestal which rests upon a raised foundation six feet square. The font is at the height of about five feet from the floor of the nave. A very curiously worked arch of atone may be observed over part of the nave. The entire inside is, with die usual bad taste, whitewashed. The belfry tower is about sixty feet in height, and has a mean sort of slated spire on top ; which from its pigmy size, and general unsuitableness to the building on which it is erected, has the worst possible effect. Winding stone steps are continued to the summit of the belfry; forty steps lead to the first landing place, after which twenty-two more, of very narrow construction, conduct to the top. The date on the bell is 1787. From the north side of the cathedral project two structures in a ruinous state. The dimensions of that toward the west, are, twenty- seven feet by twenty-four, on the inside; with windows closed up and roofless. The other runs on a line with the east end, projects from the cathedral twenty-two feet, and is fifty-two feet in length. It is about thirty feet in height, and is roofless. A Gothic window of superior workmanship, and in good preservation, is to be seen in the eastern extremity of this latter ruin. In the chancel are stalls for the dean and chapter. To the right, on entrance, we find them thus lettered:

DEAN— CHANCELLOR — TULLOOYMAH — TECOLM — READER — to the left thus:
PRECENTOR — TREASURER— ARCHDEA- CON — ULLARD — AGHOLD.

Having thus depicted the general features of the cathedral, let us now proceed to the monuments. These are well worthy of notice. Inscriptions may be observed on five flags in the aisle of the chancel "Commencing at the communion table, they are in order as follows, in black letter, with carious figuring in centre.

HIC FACET SANDERS E DEUS PROPIRI ET AMEN OB 1567

Part of this stone is improperly covered by the wooden steps of the communion table. This is the tomb of Matthew Sanders, bishop of Leighlin. Near the preceding, also in obscure black letter, of whichthe following are a few words:

ET HIE JOBANNES MUTAS FILIUS

In the middle of the aisle, with a cross in the centre, and the following words round the margin:

B1C . JACET. CORPVS. MURTAGH . OGB . CAVENAGH . QVI . OBIIT. XXIX . DIE. JULII. ANNO. DM| . 1581. JOANNIE . BIRNE . UXORIS . EJUS . OBIIT. XV. MARTII . ANNO. DNI . 1590.

Near the preceding : HERE . LYETH . THE . BODY . OF . MARY . VIGORS . WIFE . OF . RICHARD. D. VIGORS. WHO. DECEASED . THE . SECOND. DAY. OF. MARCH . 1703. THOV. DUST. AND. CLAY. , • TELL . ME . I . SAY WHERE . IS . THY. BEAUTY. FLED WAS . IT . IN . VAIN. OR. DOTH. IT . GAIN . , , . THE . FAVOUR . WITH . THK . DEAD.

Adjoining the above, also in Roman capitals : HERE. LYETH . THE. BODY; OF, SAMUELL . GREEN . WHO. DECEASED. THE. 25. DAY. OF. JULY. 1695. AND. ALSO. THE . BODY . OF . - GREEN . WIFE . OF . SAMUELL . GREEN . AND. GRANDMOTHER. TO. MARY. VIGORS. WHO. DYED YE 11TH - OF. NOVEMBER. 1706. BEING. EIGHTY-FOUR. YEARS. OF. AGE.

On a small black marble slab indented in wall of chancel :

Beneath this place lyeth ye body of Mrs. CHRISTIAN NICHOLSON, late wife to ye. Honourable Colonel JAMES NICHOLSON, who departed this life ye, 2nd of February, Anno Domini, 1706 — 7, in the 31ST year of her age. True piety & unafected goodness joyned With all ye. graces of a vertuous mind Fitted her early for a blest remove To Saints and Angells in ye. Realmes above. Quam vivam omnes Colebant Imitenier Defunctam.

The inscriptions in the nave, next claim our attention ; and first in attraction is a raised tomb, (two feet in height, seven in length and three in breadth), which stands opposite the south entrance. It is generally reputed, even by men of education, that this. is the tomb of a bishop Kavanagh; but, I think a very slight degree of scrutiny will prove, that such is not the fact. The characters are in black letter, relief, and would certainly puzzle most persons. We confess our inability to decipher the entire, but the following words are certainly to be found on the stone:

HIC

JACET WILLELHIMI O’BRIEN WINNA KABANAGH FILIA (missing text) CORRALOSKI.
BALLENEBREN LEAGHLENIE (missing text)

Thus it would seem that it belonged to a person named O'Brin or O'Byrne. The three townlands last mentioned are in this immediate neighbourhood. I could not discover the exact year inscribed on the tomb; but it is certainly subsequent to 1500. There is a coat of arms on one side of the tomb, with the initial B. at top. This monument was pulled in pieces by the deluded rebels of 1798; but has been since restored to its original state, with the exception of an addition very improperly made at the foot, where the fragment of another tomb has been used to repair this. Nothing could be more injudicious, as it may mislead and confuse the future inquirer. We, however, do our duty in pointing out the circumstance. There are inscriptions on two flags of the nave, which run as follows:

HEAR LIETH THE BODY OF HENRY RYDKINS WHO DEFARTED THIS LIFE IN MAY THE 20. 1726 AGED 101 YEARS. Also the body of his son Henery Rudkins who departed this life April the 6th 1738, aged 53 years.

This has a coat of arms and crest at top. Near it is the other, with death's head and crossed bones, after which are the following words:

HERE LYETH INTERRED YE BODY OF MRS JANE BUTLER LATE OF RATHELLINE IN YE COUNTY OF CATHERLOUGH WIDOW WHO DEFARTED THIS LIFE THE 20 OF JANUARY, 1719, IN THE SIXTY FIRST YEAR OF HER AGE AND HER YOUNGEST SON DER. BUTLER WHO DIED SOME YEARS BEFORE.

Here lieth the body of Mrs. Jane Edwards daughter to ye above named Jane Butler who departed this life ye 4th day of May 1750 aged 72 years. Her life was Faith Hope Charity and Love a Fit companion for the blest above.

The burial ground now claims our notice. In an enclosure under the east window of the cathedral are three monuments of the Vigors family. The following inscriptions are to be found in various parts of the burial ground.

Sacred to the memory of Lieutenant Robert Henry Boughton of the 85TH Regiment of Foot, late of Corsham county of Wilts England. Died the 30TH of October 1827.

Sacred to the memory of Mrs. Anne Rudkin wife of Gilbert Pickering Rudkin, Esq. This stone was erected in order to perpetuate the virtues of the best of wives, the fondest of parents. Her life was short and Hot unchequered by pain and affliction ; but she bore with Christian resignation, the dispensations of Heaven ; And, knowing that this earth was not her place, she sought her abode above all sublunary things,- on the 18th day of February, 1818, aged 38 years.

Beneath this tomb is interred the remains of Mary Phillips wife to Richard J. Phillips Esq., of Ballingate in the county of Wexford, and third sister to Cornet Roche, late of Font Hill in this county. She departed this life, October the 29lh 1823, aged35 years.

J.H.S.

HERE . LIES . THE . BODY . OF. DANIEL . LYON . WHO. DESESED.
MEAY THE (missing text) 1731 . AGED . 33 . YEARS.

Tombs of the names of Nowlan, Kavanagh and Murphy, are very numerous. The fence (it can be scarcely called a wall) round the burial-ground is in the worst possible repair. When the writer visited this scene, some pigs were industriously rooting over the graves. Of the state of the cathedral we have little better to report; as part of the ceiling of the interior has fallen down, the roof in general is in a state of decay, and the entire edifice carries an appearance of decline. In the burial-ground is a large square cut stone, somewhat similar in shape to one at Wells, and another standing near Killinane. Probably this was the third stone which marked the boundaries of the ancient borough of Old Leighlin. The well of St Laserian (the founder of the church and Episcopal see of Leighlin) is situate near a stream which rises in the adjoining hills, and at a distance of about one hundred yards west of the cathedral church. Seward in his Topographia Hiber- nica, thus writes: " It is situate at the east end of the church of Old Leighlin. It is covered with great ash trees and much frequented by the Irish, who come to it from all parts of the kingdom." The well is not at the east end, but at the west, as already mentioned, and at present the visitors of this scene are but very few; the patron being prohibited since the year 1812, in cons sequence of the death of a man who was killed in a fray here. This was a very commendable act on the part of the parish priest of Leighlin, as the greater part of the multitude who visited this place on the 18th of April (the patron day) under pretence of religious purposes, rendered it a scene of drunkenness, gambling, and debauchery. Two very old ash trees and a white thorn, which formerly overshadowed the well, were cut down (about 1823) by the late Captain Vigors, of Erindale, who leased a considerable tract of land here from the see of Leighlin. The white thorn was formerly hung with all sorts of rags by the devotees, pilgrims, or visitors of this holy spot. At present the well is almost choaked up with mud, and is hardly distinguishable from the marsh by which it is encompassed. About ten yards from the well stands a rude stone cross, five feet in height. The whole is surrounded by a low strangling ditch. Near the cathedral is a plain house, formerly occupied by Dean Vigors. This entire scene has one uniform appearance of desertion and desolation. There is, however, a fine prospect of the country, with Mount Leinster in the distance.

LEIGHLIN-BRIDGE — The ruins of the ancient black castle stand here, at the foot of a bridge of nine arches, on the east bank of the Barrow. It is in shape, an oblong square, and of perhaps fifty feet in height. The summit is completely covered over with ivy, planted by the present possessors of the castle. One floor of the structure resting on an arch remains; to which there is an ascent by stone stops, as there is to the top. This castle seems to have stood at one of the angles (N. W.) of a square formed by wall seven-feet thick and partly by other structures. At the south east angle may be observed the remains of a tower of rotund form and great strength. Its ruins are now about twenty- four feet high, the walls are ten feet thick, and a flight of twelve stone steps are to be found in the interior. From the castle, the wall runs two hundred and thirty-four feet south along the bank of the river; from thence it formerly proceeded to the circular tower just mentioned, then towards the town, and from thence again to the castle, thus forming nearly a square. The space within the wall was three hundred and fifteen feet (the length from the tower to the river) by two hundred and thirty-four, as already mentioned. The entire was surrounded by a fosse. The western wall is the only one now in existence. At its south end is a building evidently ancient, as loop holes and a stone cased door are visible in it. The outer wall of this latter structure forms part of the boundary leading from the S.W. angle to the tower. It was here that the ancient religious house of Leighlin-bridge was placed, and probably this very building formed part of it. The burial ground of the monks lay near it, inside the great wall ; which burial-ground is now a kitchen garden, where several human bones have been dug up. When dispossessed of their tenement here, the monks removed to a house on the same side the river, about two hundred yards from the castle. The Fast of them disappeared five years since, and with him the establishment ceased to exist. It is stated that the bridge here was originally much narrower than at present ; but I can scarcely think that were this the fact, it could possess sufficient strength to encounter the floods of such a river as the Barrow. However, a mark is pointed out under one of the arches, which is stated to exhibit the former breadth of the bridge. The history of the bridge, the castle and other objects of interest will be collected in this work. A reference to the index will add facility to the inquiry. The lower or fort and surrounding wall are probably those constructed by Bellingham in the reign of Edward VI.

LORUM. — Or Lowran as Seward calls it. Of this place, he thus writes in 1795, situate within one mile of Ballylaughan Castle, it is but a poor place with as poor a church. However the 18th of April being a patron day of St. Lazarianus (Laserian) is highly celebrated, who was one of the first founders of the cathedral of Old Leighlin and was buried here." There is now no patron held, nor is there any memorial whatever of St. Laserian, in the church-yard. Indeed, there can be no doubt that he was not buried here but at Old Leighlin. The only objects worthy any notice are two handsome modern tombs of the Rudkin family.

ST. MULLINS. — This very ancient and interesting place is situate twenty-one miles south of Carlow, in the barony of the same name and on the borders, of the county. The scenery of the place is beautiful, indeed ; the river Barrow rolling majestically along, its banks nobly elevated, and on the Kilkenny side handsomely planted, together with a smaller stream, which here forms a junction with the nobler estuary, altogether render this region highly picturesque. The little stream just mentioned, passes through a deep defile from the village of Glyn, and the walk of one mile from the latter place to St. Mullins would well repay the visitor, independently of any attraction of an antiquarian nature. Not less than twelve centuries have passed since St. Mullin founded an abbey here. The particulars of its history will be found arranged under their proper dates. Of the present state of the place, the following is a comprehensive detail. And first as regards the modern church, it is a structure of the plainest possible character. Within it are some chaste and elegant monuments and inscriptions of the Kavanagh family. With regard to the ancient buildings; there are five in ruins within the burial ground, together with two walls forming part of another; and outside the enclosure to the south, there are the dilapidated remains of an additional structure. None of these possess any architectural beauty whatever. The five ruined buildings just mentioned, lie south of the church; they are of an oblong shape and run from east to west. We shall now state the inscriptions in each, commencing with that farthest from the present church. On a flat stone are the following words :

I.H.S.

Here lieth the body of Simon Kavanagh who deceased the 1 day of November in the year of our Lord God 1724 and in the 33 year of his age. Lord have mercy on his soule Amen.

At foot are crossed bones and skull, with the words momenta mori.

The second ruin is three feet from preceding, with door in gable window over it, and a window at each side. Three marble slabs are indented on east end, with inscriptions as follows.

I.H.S.

Underneath Lyeth the body of Bryan Kavanagh Esq., who departed this life April, 22nd 1740. Aged 41 years. He marry’d Mary, daughter to Colonel Thomas Butler of Kilcash, by whom he had 5 sons, of whom 4 dy’d infants, and six daughters. Requiescat in pace.

I.H.S,

Underneath lyeth interr’d ye. body of Morgan Kavanagh. Esq., who departed this life Feby. 22d., 1720. aged 51 years. He marry’d Frances, daughter to Sir Laurence Esmond, Bart. by whom he had three sons, and two daughters. To his second wife, he marry' d Margaret, daughter to Harvey Morres Esq , of Castlemorres, by whom he had one son. Reqitiescat in pace.

I.H.S.

Underneath lyeth the body of Harvey Kavanagh Esq, who departed this life April 17, 1740, aged 32 years. He marry' d Mary daughter to John Meade Esq of Ballyhail, by whom he had one son and one daughter. Requiescat in pace. '

A third ruin stands about twelve feet from the last mentioned, and of the same construction, but no gables remaining. There are no tombs or inscriptions inside. At eighteen feet from this latter structure are two ancient walls of considerable height, clothed in ivy ; between which and the present church is a ruined chapel, seventy-two feet in length by twenty- four in breath. Part of the north side is down, and the building is intersected by a wall which, ran to the roof. Two apertures for bells at top. On entering a pointed arched doorway in west end, a stone reservoir for water is found in the wall to the left hand. The top of the ruin is covered with ivy, Within the east end is a large flag lying flat on which (partly defaced) is the following inscription in raised letters:

SVB HOC LAPIDE LAET CORPVS DANIELLIS KINSELLAGH OLIM DE (missing text)
QV (missing text) OBIIT 8 DIE MENSIS NO ANNO DO 1646 ETIAMQUI HINC IN MEMORIA SUI ((missing text) L.K.

On the same stone: Also are here deposited the remains of Doctor James Kinsellagh who departed this life in November, 1781 aged 81 years. Also his wife Mary Kinsellagh alias Doyle who departed this life in April 1.794 aged 74 years. Rest in pace. Amen.

The figure of a cross occupies the centre of this tomh, and towards the lower part are a death's head and crossed bones, with the motto momenta mori. The above Latin inscription runs round the margin of the stone, as usual in the seventeenth century. Indented in the wall of the east end, and erected in 1822, is a black slab with these words.

Here are deposited the remains of Patrick Doyle and his wife Catherine who lived to the age of 126 years,

 At the exterior of the east end of the second of the ruins already alluded to, is a flat stone with the following inscription:

I.H.S. Here lieth the body of James Kavanagh of Inch who died Sept. 6, 1764. Aged 79 years, also the body of Honour Kavanagh alias Eustace who died Octo((missing text) Requiescant in pace.

In the centre of the church yard is an inclosures, with a wall about four feet high, intersected by another, having a stone cross at top. The bisecting wall has a black marble slab indented on it, with the following inscription:

Here lieth the body of Bryan Kavanaugh of Drummin of the family of Ballyleaugh. A man remarkably known to the nobility and gentry of Ireland by the name of Bryan Nestroake. from his noble actions and valour in King James's troops in the battle of the Boyne and Aughrim. He died February the 8th 1735. Aged' 74 years. Also the body of his wife Mary Kavanagh alias Murphy with foure of their children. R.I. P. This monument is erected by his son Mr. James Kavanaugh of Dranagh departed this life June the 23rd 1790, aged 70 years. Also his wife Mary Kavanaugh departed this life April the 3rd, 1753 aged 32 years, and also his daughter Elenor Motley alias Kavanaugh departed this life March the 10th 1797, aged 50 years. Lord have mercy on their souls. Amen.

I have been informed, that the Bryan Nestroake, above mentioned, got the appellation, from a mark or stroke, which he carried on his face, in consequence of a wound received in a duel with an English officer, about the time of the battle of the Boyne. On a flat flag, inside the inclosure, and near the preceding, are inscribed the following words:

Here lieth the body of Mr. Edmond Kavanagh late of Turrah dep’d this life Feb. the 8th 1804, aged 49 years. Also his wife Catherine Kavanagh granddaughter to the renown champion Bryan Nestroake dep’d. July 21, 1821, aged 71years.

The Roches of Conogue have tombs inside. At the east end of the largest of the ruins, are the remains of a stone cross, with die socket in which it stood; also, a small roofless walled inclosure with a descent of two steps into it, and one window. There are numerous tombs of the Kavanaghs, Brenans, Murphys, Doyles, Ryans, and Whelans, but I have given all that is remarkable, St. Mullins was anciently, and continues still the burial place of the family of Kavanagh of Borris. There is a holy well here, inclosed by a stone wall, round which the deluded peasantry do "penance" on the eve of the fair days of the year.

MYSHAL. — This village is situate eleven miles from Carlow, in the barony of Forth. A church in ruins is the only remnant of antiquity observable here. Part of one end and of the side walls are standing. There is an arched door in the gable, about three feet in breadth. The walls are covered with ivy. In the burial ground are the following:

 I.H.S. Here lieth the body of the Reverend Edward Eustace, of Myshall, Capuchin, who departed January, 1783, aged 66 years. Requiescant in pace. Amen.

Here lieth the body of Rowland Eustace, who departed this life September the 11th 1799, aged 54 years. May the Lord have mercy on his soul. Amen

NURNEY. — This church and burial ground lie about six miles from Carlow, near the road leading to Bagnalstown. Within the church yard are the remnants of a rude stone cross, and outside the wall .to the north is a perfect one six feet in height. The church is built of cut stone. The spire remains unfinished. Within a railed inclosure is a raised tomb, with the following inscription:

Here lieth the body of Henry Bruen of Oak Park in the county of Carlow Esquire who departed this life on the 14th day of December in the year of our Lord 1795 in the 55th year of his age.

In another part of the burial ground is a curious inscription, as follows:

Here lieth the bodys of James M'Cormack and his wife Dinah late of Clonneen Quarter master and agitant 44 years and cornner 40 years. Aged between 90 and 100. Died July 29,1762.

There is a splendid view of the western part of the county, with the river Barrow, from Nurney church yard.

RAHILL, — The ruins of the church of Rahill stand on' the town land of the same name, about one mile from Rathvilly, and ten from Carlow. There is but a gable end and the mere foundations of the rest of the walls remaining. The church was bisected by a wall, and its dimensions seem to have been, sixty three feet in length by twenty-seven in breadth. The situation is pretty; the Wicklow Mountains, Cadeen and Lugnaquilla add grandeur to the prospect. There are but three or four tomb-stones. Within the remains of the former church are the two following:

Hear Lyeth The Body Of Elisabeth Beasley Alias Chidley Alias Enraght. She Dyed On The 11th Day Of April 1 753. She Was A Sinceare Christian In Principle And Action. Her Life Was Exemplary And Her Death Pious, aged 60.

Near this place lyeth the body of Wm. Pendred, Esq., who departed this life the 8th of June 1759 in the 48th year of his age, This stone is erected by his son Wm, Pendred of Baradery Esq, to perpetuate the memory of hit many virtues.

This William Pendred lived at the large house situate on the neighbouring townland of Broghillstown, and over the river Slaney. He was succeeded in it by the grand-father of the author, who now inherits it. In 1 752, Mr. Pendred was allotted seat No. 4 in the church of Rathvilly, as will be seen by reference to the Appendix. (20) It would seem that the walls of Rahill were pulled down for the stones, as many of them lie scattered at some yards distance.

RAHINGEERAH, or Rathnegiragh. — At Rahingeerah, near Garryhill, are the ruins of an ancient castle. RATHVILLY. — The church and burial ground of Rathvilly are situate at the village of the same name, over the river Slaney, and at a distance of ten miles from Carlow. The church was built in 1751, and has been lately ornamented with, a spire. Among the inscriptions are the two following:

I.H.S. The prayers of all who views this monument are required for the soul of
George Mulloy who departed this life March the 17th 1765
TO THE MEMORY OF MRS. ANNS WHITTY.

Here lie beneath this marble stone consign'd, Wife, mother, sister, Christian, all combiu'd^ Each station gently filfd by God approv'd, She died lamented as she lived beloved. The shaft by which the fatal blow was given, No sting inflicting sent her soul to Heaven. Died 22nd Feb. 1826.

The Bunbury family have a monument here. Further particulars relating to this parish may be found in the Appendix. (20) Near Rathvilly is one of the ancient moats and on the adjacent town land of Waterstown is a rude stone cross, embedded in a socket of like material, and; about seven feet in height. It is supposed, that the parish church formerly stood at this place.

ROYAL OAK. — This place is situate eight miles south of Carlow, on the townland of Clorouske, late the estate of Major Boyle Hewson of Kilkenny ; who on his demise, left it to the family of Way, who now possess it. The well known inn was established here probably a century ago ; and if we may judge from the signboard that ornaments the front of the house, is named in commemoration of the famous escape of King Charles the second, by concealment in an oak tree. Some twenty or thirty houses and cabins form a sort of street here. Three hundred yards east of the Royal Oak, is Bagenal bridge, over the Barrow built by Walter Bagenal, Esq., who died in 1745. The ancient ford is forty yards below the bridge. SLYGUFF. — The ruins of this church with a bnrial ground stand on a site beautifully elevated over the river Barrow, about two miles south of Bagnalstown. The parish of Slyguff is very contracted in breadth, but in length it extends from the ruins to the summit of Mount Leinster, a distance of seven miles. Two side walls of the old church are standing. The structure was originally seventy-eight feet in length and twenty-one in breadth ; but now only fifty-one feet of the side walls remaining. The following is the most ancient inscription :

THE BODY OF GEORGE BURROUGHS LYETH HERE
 WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE IN HIS 20TH YEAR, 18 DECK. 1762.

In 1806, a fine gold ancient clasp for a cloak was found near Slyguff ruins, by Mr. Mathew Murphy of this place. It weighed four ounces, and was beautifully carved. Mr. Murphy sold it to the Royal Dublin Society for the sum of twenty pounds. The name of Slyguff in the Irish language was Sliev guv.

STAPLESTOWN CHURCH.— Two miles east of Carlow stands this very handsome modern church. On white marble in the interior may be read the following inscription:

Sacred to the memory of Waller Bagenal, Esq., of Dunleckney, in this county, who departed this life on the 18th of June, 1814, in the 52nd year of his age. This monument is erected by Elizabeth and Maria Bagenal, his disconsolate widow and daughter, to perpetuate the memory of a husband and parent, beloved, honoured and respected. His mortal remains lie entombed beneath the adjoining stone.

The above mentioned gentleman was the last male of the ancient family of Bagenal. The burial ground contains nothing worthy of observation.

TOBIN'S-TOWN. — The following account of a cromleac at Tobin's-town, is taken from Grose's Antiquities : " On the west end is a portico, formed by two upright pillars, somewhat round but irregular, each eight feet high, terminated behind by a broad flat stone set on the edge, eight feet high and nine feet broad, making a portico of six feet wide and four deep. This is covered by the cromlech, or large sloping stone. This stone is twenty-three feet long, eight broad at the upper end over the portico, and six at the lower or back part, where it rests on small stones about a foot high. Its thickness on the upper end is four feet, ' and at the lower two. The under surface is plain and even, but the upper convex. The upper part has a large channel, from which branches a number of smaller ones: to some they appear natural, to others artificial, for sacrificial purposes. The sides are enclosed and supported by several upright anomalous stones from three to six feet high, making a room eighteen feet long ; eight at the upper or west end, and five broad at the opposite one, and from two to eight feet high, perfectly secure against every inconvenience of weather. From the portico west ward is a sort of avenue about forty yards long, formed of small irregular artificial hillocks. This avenue leads to the portico. The cromlech is situated in a low, plain field, near a rivulet, on the road from Tullow to Hacketstown.

TULLOW, anciently Tullagh or Tulle Phelim.( Tullagh, in Irish, signifies a gentle hill.) The only remains or rather appendage of the abbey of St. Austin now observable, is the upper part of a stone cross of large dimensions. It is broken from its shaft, and lies on the site of the former abbey, near the bridge, and south of the river. A burial ground is to be found in the same place, but no inscription of the least interest. There is a well here, enclosed by mason work, and a Gothic window, lately erected, and intended to represent part of the ancient abbey. This latter was in bad taste and less propriety; for whatever might be said in palliation of the erection of counterfeit ruins on new sites, nothing can be advanced in apology for the constructing of a spurious, illegitimate piece of imitation on ground where it looks like profane intrusion, and might possibly mislead or deceive future inquirers. Full sure are we, that were St. Austin himself in the flesh, he would not sanction such doings. The history of the abbey will be found in the preceding pages. About three years since the old church (erected in 1740) was pulled down, and a new one erected. The inscriptions are well worthy of notice. In the interior on white marble, with a coat of arms at top, may be read the following words

Underneath lieth the body of the Honourable Lieut. General Clement Nevil, who departed this life the fifth day of August, 1744, in the 70th year of Ms age.

He was the eldest commissioned officer in his present Majesty King George the Second's service, and had the honour to receive his just commission, from the ever glorious King William The third, when Prince of Orange, which bore date the 3lst December, 1688: as he set out in military service, under that great patron of Liberty, so he had the happiness to be first employed under General Kirk in the relief of London Derry ; and soon after carried the colours at the battle of the Boyne, both memorable events by which this kingdom in particular was delivered from impending slavery. He afterwards served as Lieutenant Colonel in Spain and acquitted himself with great honour, when Paymaster to the unhappy persons who were left prisoners in that country. His public services ended as they began in the defence of his country at the battle of Preston, where his treatment of those deceived men, when in his care as prisoners, will always be mentioned as an example, that true courage, and the tenderest humanity, ever go together. He was descended by hi? father '* side, from a younger branch of Lord Abergaveny’s family, and his mother was sister. to Sir Charles Wolseley, of Wolseley, in the kingdom of England, and county of Stafford, Baronet. The notification at foot, "David. Sheehan, Fecil, 1745," indicates the period at which the monument was prepared, and by whom It does the artist or rather his memory (for I suppose he is gathered to his father’s) very considerable credit. The family of Wolseley have large landed property near Tullow. The following inscription may be read on a monument, within a railed enclosure, in the church yard .

Here lieth the body of John Rogerson, late of Bettyville, in. the county of Carlow, Esq., who departed this life on Sunday, May the 8th, anno Domini, 1785, aged 66 years.

Possessed of a noble fortune he did not dissipate it in luxury or extravagance, but during his lifetime expended the greatest part of his income in acts of most extensive charity and munificence; dying unmarried, and not having any near relations who had a, natural claim upon him, he bequeathed 4,000. to the different charitable foundations in the city of Dublin, and the residue of his estates to that very patriotick and extended charily, the Protestant charter-schools of Ireland. Resolved, that in his death, the orphan and the poor should not feel the loss of so liberal a benefactor.

There are well-constructed tombs of the families of BUNBURY,' WHELAN, SHEPARD, BREWSTER, GETHINGS, &c., in the burial ground, In raised letters, on an old stone, are to be found these words:

HIC. JACET. WALTERUS. MOTTLY . ET. UXOR . EJUS . JOANNA . WYSE. TERRA. FUI . QUONDAM. RURSUS . SUM. TERRA. NIHIL . SUM . TERRA . VALE. (missing text) 1626.

The following inscription may be read on the bridge of Tullow: This bridge was built by Mr. Thomas Nowlan of Rathvarah farmer, in the year 1767, Sir Richard Butler, Bart., Thomas Bunbury, Robert Eustace, Esqrs., Messrs. Robert Leckey and John Brewster, overseers. A barrack formerly stood on the ground now occupied by the court-house. It was erected, we understand, in the reign of Queen Anne ; the materials of the building being composed of the walls of the old abbey, which were pulled down for the purpose. There are no remains of the castle extant. It stood, we believe, near the site of the present church.

("Spelling are as seen in the book")

End of the History and Antiquities of the County of Carlow. By John Ryan's 1833

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