Strafford's Survey of county Mayo took place between 1635 and 1637, years before Cromwell came to Ireland (in 1649). In his introduction to the Strafford Inquisition of County Mayo William O'Sullivan writes: "It reflects the medieval pattern of ownership of land as it grew out of the Norman invasion, tempered by a considerable amount of recent speculation in land. Foremost among the speculators were the Galway merchants grown rich on foreign trade, who had taken up mortgages on the lands of the smaller proprietors to a surprising extent. other new arrivals in Mayo included the ubiquitous Richard Boyle, first Earl of Cork."
The speculation reached as far as Tyrawley. The most important seems to have been Sir Valentine Blake. Others who figure prominently were Martin Darcy and Sir Richard Blake. There is evidence, too, of considerable transactions in land, some of them quite complicated, among the descendants of the Cambro-Normans and the Gallowglasses.
The following extracts are as in the text of "The Strafford Inquisition of County Mayo."
Sir Valentine Blake, knt.* and bart., deceased did, on 4 June 1631, purchase of Patrick Cusack, esq. the castle, town and lands of Rosse commonly called Rosse mc Padin, containing 2 qrs and 3 cartrons, viz. the qr of Slutshane; the qr of Killeene; the 1/2 qr of Ballynatome; and the cartron of Killibron; the town and lands of Rareogh, alias Cusackstowne containing 2 qrs and 3 cartrons, viz. the qr of Atty-Arte; 1 qr wanting 1/5 qr in Rathnerry; the 1/2 cartron of Drisheghane in the half qr of Dromryne; the qr (25lV) of Carne alias Camekilyhaghy wanting 3/5 part of half a qr; the town and lands of Russiny and Laghbowly containing 2 qrs of land, viz. the 1/2 qr of Russiney; the 1/2 qr of Mullaghnacappagh; the 1/2 qr of Knockmurry; and the 1/2 qr of Lecarrowkeele; the town and lands of Dromord containing 1 1/2 qrs, viz. the qr of Derrine; and the 1/2 qr of Cogagh; and the town and lands of Rathreen containing 1 1/2 qrs of land; for the consideration of £1000 st.
As some of the transactions are priced in shillings we can hardly imagine the value of a thousand pounds in today's values.
Sir Richard Blake, knt., did in January 1633(4), purchase of Evelin Moore, alias Richards, and her husband, amongst divers other lands, the late dissolved abbey of Errew, with the scite, circuite and precinct thereof and 2 qrs of land thereunto belonging, viz. 1 qr of Kilmurry and I qr of Ballynemraher, in consideration of £84 and a lease for three lives unto them of the qr of Lisserricken; and the qr of Ballinasmalle for £3 st. yearly rent.
Said Sir Richard did, on 10 December 1634, purchase of Sir Robert Cressey, knt., 1 qr of Knockedangen for £80 st.
Said Sir Richard did, on the last day of November 1630, purchase of the said Robert Cressey the moiety of the lands of Crossmolina with the bawn, barbican, village and hamlet thereunto adjoining the 1 third part excepted, and 10 acres of land thereunto belonging and adjoining for the consideration of £40 st.
In comparison with the Blakes the dealings of Martin Darcy seem to have been in smaller parcels but much more widespread.
Turlogh mc Donnell mc Padyn and Donnell oge mc Padyn - one-third part of a fourth-part of a cartron called Cartronmanagh until January 1632(3), at which time they contracted with Martin Darcy, esq. to pass him the fee simple thereof for £40 st., which the said Martin hath ever since possessed.
Murrogh mc Padyn and Tibbott mc Padyn - one-third part of a fourth part of half a cartron in the cartron of Knockfreaghane in the qr of Gortduffmolae until April, 1633(4), at which time they did contract with the said Martin Darcy to pass him the fee simple thereof for £20 st., who hath since then possessed the same.
Said Martin Darcy did, on 6 May 1631, purchase of Rickard Duffe Brannagh and Gillepatrick Grannogh the 1/2 qr of Ballynatona Sraghnecunegane for the consideration of £61-1s-0d.
Said Martin Darcy did, on the 2 May 1632, purchase of Hubert Padyn the 1/2 qr in the qr of Gortmoyla, part of the lands of Cumagh, being mountain land, for £30 st.
Said Martin did, on 1 May 1632, purchase of Edmond Lynott the qr called Canownesasie for £100 st.
Said Martin Darcy did, on I November 1634, purchase of William Duffe o Kearvell, Owen o Carvell and William o Kearvell the one-third part of the half qr of Ballynaleck; and the one-third part of the half qr of Cloonalaghin for £40 st.
Said Martin did, on the 25 August 1632, purchase of Murrough o Padyn the one-twelfth part of a cartron called Cartronmangh in the qr of Gortnehir; and the one-ninth part of the sixth part of the mountain land of Camagh aforesaid, for the sum of £3-6s-8d st.
Said Martin did, on 14 September 1632, purchase of Henry Joyce, Christopher Bodkin and Martin Joyce the parcel of land containing 1/2 qt called Owenbristie for £27 st.
Said Martin did, on 3 June 1631, purchase of Hubert mc padyn the moiety of the half qr of Ranehowne with the appurtenances for £18 st.
Said Martin did, on I october 1633, purchase of Rickard Crone mc Padyn and Connor oge mc padyn the 1/2 carrron of Tobbermoremaloe; the one-tenth cartron of Gortnanowne in the qr of Gortduffemaloe for the consideration of £40 st.
Said Martin did, on I May 1635, purchase of Edmond Lynett the 1/2 qr of Bealadowane for £50 st., being in March last recovered from Rickard Roe Bourck of Rathroe, by course of a law.
Bryen Dorrogh mc Padyn - 1 cartron in the qr of Gortduff from the last day of June 1625, until that about 3 years since he did mortgage the same unto Martin Darcy and his heirs for £15 st.
Moyler Barrett - 3 cartrons of the qr of Skerdagh, from the last day of June 1625, until that about 7 years since he did mortgage the same unto Martin Darcy and his heirs for £86 st.
Ulick Bourck Fitz Edmond the qr of Carrowtrossie, and 1 cartron in the qr of Castlenegigh from the last day of Jun 1965, until the 29 october 1634, at which time he did mortgage the same unto Martin Darcy and his heirs for a certain sum of money.
Said Ulick - the qr of Rathriegh and the 1/2 qr Tuoroe from the last day of June 1625, until 8 July 1634, at which time he did mortgage the same unto Martin Darcy and his heirs for £80 st. And Una ny Connell, widow, is living and endowed.
Thomas Bourck - one-third qr of Barnendacrie until 20 May 1620, at which time he did mortgage the same unto the aforementioned Martin Darcy and his heirs for £25 st.
Rickard oge Bourck - the other three cartrons of the said 3 1/2 qr (Garranmore, Cloontikilly and Carrane), from the last day of June 1625, until 8 September 1632, at which time he did mortgage the same unto Martin Darcy, esq. and his heirs for £60 st.
Edmond Bourck - one qr of Ballenane, and, 1/2, the qr of Finully from the last day of June 1625, until that about 5 years since he did mortgage the same unto Martin Darcy and his heirs for £120 st.
Said Edmond - the th qr of Ballycunegan, and the 1/2 qr of Carrowclogha from the last day of June 1625, until 5 February 1627(8), at which time he did mortgage the same unto Martin Darcy and his heirs for £57 st.
Sir Robert Cressy - one cartron of the half qr of BallymcMaha from the last day of June 1625, until the year 1630, at which time he did mortgage the same unto Martin Darcy and his heirs for £20 st.
That list shows that Martin Darcy must have been a busy man, and his purchases may well have exceeded £1000 st. as one or two of his largest purchases are left unpriced.
The following is the most involved transaction of Sir Richard Blake: Thomas Roe Bourck (of Inishcoe) - two-third parts of the castle of Inishcoe, and two-third qr of Inishcoe thereunto belonging; 1 qr of Cloonkally, 1 qr of Mullenmore, 1 qr of Carrowmorecrossmollyne; 1/2 qr of Longfort, 1/2 qr of Kildaveroge, 1/2 qr of Ardagh, 1/2 qr of Fortresse and 1/2 qr of Laghmore, which said last two half qrs are in the possession of Una Bourck, alias Connor, as her dower.
There is a yearly rent reserved unto Sir Richard Blake and his heirs out of the said premises, the reversion whereof, after the said Sir Thomas his death for want of heirs males out of his body lawfully begotten, is to the said Sir Richard and his heirs forever as appears by articles of agreement made between the said Sir Thomas Roe and the said Sir Richard, dated 20 August, 1634 for the consideration of £150 st.
Sir Richard's other dealings which have already been given are more straightforward.
Among other dealings involving merchants we find the following: Andrew Kirowen did, by mortgage in anno 1622 and by release 16 July 1627, purchase of Hubert Dexter 1 qr and 1 cartron Rothbran viz. the 1/2 qr Lecarrowtwolyn; the 1/2 qr of Lecarrowcorbedbegg, and the cartron of Kilcoban for the consideration of £135 st.
Andrew Browne did, on 17 April 1626, purchase of Alexander Lynch of Gallway, to the use of his son, Francis Browne, the village, hamlet and lands called Grange, alias Gransallaghballyme, containing by estimation 4 qrs land, called by the names of Crellaghbeg and the Ranes alias the Ranne for the consideration of £210 st.
Moyler Barrett ffitz Piers - 1/2 qr of Downaghmore from the last day of June 1625, until May 1631, at which time he did mortgage the same unto Walter Blake and his heirs for £50 st.
Said Moyler - 1/2 qr of Lissillynane from the last day of June 1625, until June 1629, at which time he did mortgage the same unto Walter Blake and his heirs for £40 st.
Said Moyler - 1/2 qr of and castle of Farrow from the last day of June 1625, until May 1631, at which time he did mortgage the same unto Martin Darcy who assigned it unto Walter Blake for £50 st.
William Barrett - 1 cartron in the qr of Knockavally in Raroyne from the last day of June 1625, until 12 March 1631(2) at which time the same was mortgaged to Roberte Garenton and his heirs for £25 st.
John Gardiner did, in anno 1631, purchase of Richard Bourck mc Ulick and Margaret Bourck Fitz Richard 1/2 qr of Dunnenarrowe and 1/2 qr more of Ballingowine for the consideration of £75 st. Gilleboy mac Everryn - 1/4 cartron in the three half qrs of Castley.
Said Gillebov - a cartron in the 3 half qrs of Ballygone from the last day of June 1625, until the year 1631, at which time he did mortgage the same unto John Gardiner and his heirs for ever £10 st. and afterwards £5 more, 1 June 1634.
In the Book of Survey and Distribution John Gardiner is described as an English Protestant.
William Lynott mc Walter did, on 6 December 1630(1) purchase of Hubert Lynott a cartron called cartronanSighanmore for the consideration of £44 st., and did afterwards mortgage the same to Philip Fleming and his heirs for £35 st.
Patrick Darcy, about 3 years since purchased of Genott Comerford, amongst divers other lands, I qr of land called Carrowstylagh, and,1/2 qr called Knockullin for the consideration of £790 st. (The divers lands must have been considerable).
Edmund Bourck - 1 cartron in Mullaghffarye, until that he did mortgage the same unto James Lynch of Ardnery and his heirs for £10 st.
The Right Honourable Myles, Lord Viscount Bourck of Mayo - the moiety of the castle and bawn of Carna; the 1/2 qr of Rouskie; the 1/2 qr of Garranard; the1/2 qr of Ballymack and the l1/2 qr of Ardnegorrie Lecanowenfoill, from the last day of June 1625, until that about 8 years since he did mortgage the same unto Theobald Brother, esq. and his heirs for £100 st., who assigned the same unto Richard Fisher, esq. his majesty's attorney of Munster, 4 years since.
The attorney of Munster was there, and so was the ubiquitous Earl of cork, a long list of whose possessions is given but there is no indication of how he acquired them.
Thibbott Bourck - 1/2 qr of cluny, a cartron of the half qr of Cloumharra, and a cartron of the 1/2 qr of Lecarrowenkittie from the last day of June 1625, until 1 November 1633, at which time he did mortgage the same unto John Bourck of Castleackin, esq. and his heirs for £150 st.
Walter mc Edmond - t1/2 cartron in the 3 cartrons and town of Ballygowen from the last day of June 1625, until the year 1629, at which time he stated the same unto Thibbott Bourck for no consideration. Said Walter on 29 July 1627, purchased 1/2 cartron in the half qr of Carrowanyn for the consideration of £5-12s-0d st.
Said Thibbott did, on 29 July 1622, about 6 years since purchase of John and Edmond Merick 3/4 cartron in the qr of Ballyteige.
Said Thibbott did, about 4 years since mortgage the same unto John Merrick and his heirs for £14 st.
Rickard Roe Bourck - 1 cartron of the qr of Ballynacloghie from the last day of June 1625, until 2 January 1631, at which time he did mortgage the same unto Henry mc David and his heirs for £20 st.
Said Rickard - the cartron called Cartroneheragh Gortnehirry from the last day of June 1625, until 10 October 1634, at which time he did mortgage the same unto Henry mc David mc Philbin and his heirs for £32 st.
John Bourck mc William did, in anno 1627, purchase of Rickard Bartett 1/2 cartron in the qr of Carrowbhainin for the consideration of 13 marks st.
Andrew mc Andrew - 1/2 cartron, part of the half qr of Gortefad from the last day of June 1625, until about 6 years since he did mortgage the same unto Thomas Reogh mc Jordan and his heirs for £5 st.
Teige mc Padyn - 1/2 cartron in the qr of Gortnahirre, until that he did mortgage the same unto Connor and Tibbott Kelly and their heirs for £4 st., and afterwards viz. 2 years since he did contract with John Bourck for £6 more which he paid and redeemed.
There was much buying and selling of land among the Sea-n-Ghaill, though the parcels were generally rather small. Thomas Bourck - the cartron of Rawbane until April 1623, at which time he did mortgage the same unto the late Lord Mayo and his heirs for £10 st., who assigned the same to his son, Tibbott Reogh.
Said Thomas - the cartron of Mullaghfarry from the last day of June 1625, until 20 November 1629, at which time he did mortgage the same by lease for 99 years unto James Lynch of Ardnerry and his heirs for £29 st.
Said Thomas - the cartron of Forhew from the last day of June 1625, until 3 May 1631, at which time he did mortgage the same unto Tibbott Bourck and his heirs for £20 st.
Said Thomas - 1/2 cartron in the half qr of Ballynkillyne from the last day of June 1625, until 13 February 1629, at which time he did mortgage the same unto Sir Thomas Bourck and his heirs for £10 st.
Rickard oge Bourck - Killeniver containing 1/2 qr from the last day of June 1625, until 22 April 1631, at which time he did mortgage the same unto Rickard Bourck and his heirs for £35 st.
Said Rickard oge Bourck - one-third in the qr of Attishane from the last day of June 1625, until 7 April 1631, at which time he did mortage the same unto James Cusack for £16 st.
James Carron - two-third parts in 3 divided of the half qr of Leighcarrownyack.
James carron - the cartron called Knocknecourte in the qr of Rathmore from the last day of June 1625,until that about 5 years since he did mortgage the same unto John Philbin and his heirs for £16 st.
William Carron - one-third part of the 1/2 qt of Lecarrowdeck from the last day of June 1625, until 20 May 1630, at which time he did mortgage the same unto Richard mc Philbin and his heirs for £8-10s-0d. st. redeemed the said mortgage and hath been in possession thereof these two years and a year since he mortgaged the same unto Eneas oge mc Donnell and his heirs for £l3 st.
Donnogh mc Teige mc Padyn and Teige mc Donagh mc padin - 1/2 qr in the qr of Gortnahirre, until that they did mortgage the same unto Goghry oge mc Donnell for £4 st. and afterwards, viz. 15 April 1631, they did contract with JohnbBourck, of Castleackin, esq. to redeem the said lands for six pounds more to pass him the fee simple thereof, which six pounds he paid and the said £4 st. also, and hath been in possession thereof these three years and 1 year since mortgaged the same to Eneas oge mc Donnell and his heirs for £l3 st.
Moyler mc Andrew - 1/4 part of half a cartron in the qr of Gortfadda from the last day of June 1625, until 25 January 1630(l), at which time he did mortgage the same unto Henry mc Jordan and his heirs for 4 milch cows, 1 garron and 20s. st.
The said John (six) did, on 20 August 1616, demise unto Robert and James Curan, their executors and assignes 1 cartron of Langedoire in the qr of Gortnersby, and I cartron of the 1/2 qr of Ballengrogie for term of 100 years, for the yearly rent of 30s.
Rickard oge mc Andrew - 1/2 cartron in the said of Treely from the last day of June 1625, until that about 3 years since he did mortgage the same unto Matthew mc Andrew and his heirs for £8.
Edmond mc Andrew - a cartron in the qr of Ballybegge from the last day of June 1625, until that about 6 years since he did mortgage the same unto Richard mc Andrew and his heirs for £20 st.
Walter mc Thomely - One-third cartron in Gortnedre from the last day of June 1625, until that about 2 years since he did mortgage the same unto William mc Andrew and his heirs for £6-1s-2d.
Edmond Bourck - I cartron ofthe half qr of Ovenkeel; and part of the castle of Portnehally until that about 16 years since he did mortgage the same unto Farreigh mc Donnell and his heirs for £l0 and 4 cows.
Said Edmond - the 1/2 qr of Momegreagh from the last day of June 1625 until that about a year since he did mortgage the same unto the said Farreigh mc Donnell and his heirs for £10 st.
Ever oge mc Phillippe - 1/2 cartron in the qr of Portnehely from the last day of June 1625, until that about 7 years since he did mortgage the same unto Farreigh mc Donnel and his heirs for £4 st.
Oliverus Bourck of Roppagh - 1/2 qr of Carrowcorre, until that he did mortgage the same unto William Merrick and his heirs for how much appears not unto us.
The following, though not a sale or a mortgage, seem to deserve mention as it involves both Gaeil and Sean-Ghaill.
Teige Roe o Flannell and the rest of the feoffaees of Farriagh mc Donnell of Ballincashell, deceased, were seized of the half qr of Leighcanowcoilkmcon and so found the office and that they did surrender the same on the general surrender of Connoght, and did obtain new letters patent thereof, at which time William Lynott, the new possessor, was present.
Said Farriegh did mortgage the said 1/2 qr to David oge mc David Duffe, in the lifetime of the said William's father, which was enjoyed accordingly.
The castle, bawn and barbican of Ballincashell; the qr of cashell with the appurtenances; the 1/2 qr of Killhiny; the 1/2, qt of Sihane Breghney; the qr of Annaghbeg; the qr of Ruaghane; the qr of Carowkeele; the qr of Attycloghy; the parcel of mountain called Rahetostane containing by estimation 10 acres; the one-third qr of Carrownembalt called Cunaghmally, and the cartron of Killincrevagh, alias Leaghterilly, being late the lands of said Farriegh, deceased, have been withheld by Oliverus Bourck, esq. ever since the death of the said Farriegh, which is about 13 years since, claiming it as his own, until by an order of the court of wards and an inquisition finding a dyems(?) seized of the late Farriagh, as well of the said 1/2 qr of Lecarrowcoylemcan as of all the rest of the premises, possession was awarded against the said Oliverius for the rest of the lands to Michaell Jones, guardian of the lands and body of Farriegh oge mc Donnell, now his majesty's ward, grandchild and heir of the said Farriegh, deceased, and order given for staying off the said office as to the said half qr for want of notice given to the said William Lynott; and that the said William Lynott hath ever since the death of the said Farriegh been possessed of the said half qr of Lecarrowillkincon claiming it as his own. The scribe seemed to have difficulty with Irish place names giving three different renderings for the last 1/2 qr.
Among all the mass of transactions names of descendants of the Gaeil appear just about half a score times and then in small deals.
Richard Roe Bourck - 1/2 cartron of the half qr of Breghny from the last day of June 1625, until about 6 years since he did mortgage the same unto Cormack mc Ella and his heirs for 14 barren cows.
Said Rickard - 1 cartron in the said 1/2 qr of Breaghny from the last day of June 1625, until about 6 years since he did mortgage the same unto Bryen o Fuody and his heirs for £22 st.
Rory mc Kelly - 1/2 qr in Rathbane, alias Downemona, until that at about 12 years since he did mortgage the same unto Cormack o Loughra and his heirs for £5 st.
Oliverus Bourck of Roppagh - two-third qr of Bobrick called Clonkee from the last day of June 1625, at which time he did mortgage the same unto Phelim o Harty and his heirs for £40 st., the condition of redemption whereof is still in the said Oliverus.
David Bourck mc Edmond - one-third part of half a qr of Cleidiagh from the last day of June 1625, until about 6 years since he did mortgage the same unto James mc Jordan and Murrogh o Benane and their heirs for £l0 st.
Ever oge mc Phillippe - 1/2 qr in the qr of carrowcorre, until that about 10 years since he did mortgage the same unto Bryen mc Gillero and his heirs for £l0 st.
William Bourck - one-third part of the 1/2 qr of Cloydagh, until that he did mortgage the same unto Cormack o Hara and his heirs for £8 st. and 4 milch cows.
References:
* Sir Thomas Blake (Harleian MS 2048, f. 426
"The Strafford Inquisition of County Mayo", by William O'Sullivan.
"The Mayo Book of Survey and Distribution."
by Tom Langan (1909 - 2002)
. Glossary: qr = quarter = 120 acres (= 4 cartrons)
cartron = 30 acres (= one fourth of a quarter)
£5 st. = 5 pounds sterling (British currency)
£6-1s-2d = 6 pounds (£) &1 shilling (s) & 2 pence (d), (£1 = 20 shillings = 240 pence)
Copyright Maureen Langan-Egan
This article is reproduced here by kind permission of Maureen Langan-Egan
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