CHAPTER VII
Reign of Edward I. A.D. 1272 to A.D. 1307.
EDWARD I., (from the shape of his person, styled Long-Shanks),
succeeded his father. We find two persons named William le Gras (or
Grace) governors of Carlow, in the years 1268 and 1275. They served as
deputies to the earls of Norfolk, Lords palatine of the district.
Thomas, bishop of Leighlin, died on the 25th of April, 1275, being
twenty-three years since the period of his election.
He was followed by Nicholas Chevers, a Franciscan friar and
archdeacon of Leighlin, who was duly elected by the chapter, and
obtained the royal assent on the 16th November, 1275. He was not,
however, restored to the temporalities until the year 1277; the reason
of which delay is not exactly known. The circumstance is conjectured to
have arisen from the fact, that the see of Dublin was then vacant and
continued so for several years; so that the bishop elect could not apply
to his metropolitan for confirmation.
This cause is in some degree implied in a bull of pope John XXII.,
dated 28th of October, 1276, and directed to John, bishop of Clonfert,
the pope's nuncio, and others: in which having noticed the election, the
vacant state of the see of Dublin, and the application of bishop Chevers
to the court of Rome for confirmation, he authorizes his commissioners
to make inquiry into the said election, and the merits of the person
elected, and to confirm him, if no objection existed. His confirmation
immediately ensued. A.D. 1281. The Irish were very turbulent at this
period. Mortagh MacMorrough Kavanagh and his brother Art, two of their
leaders, were beheaded at Arklow,
In the year 1296, William de Ross, prior of Kilmainhanr, Was
appointed deputy on the departure of Sir John Wogan, late governor. The
rule of a priest had no terrors in the eyes of the Irish
who, finding a favourable opportunity, arising from this cause, as
well as the absence of most of the nobility and gentry, who were in
attendance on the king in Scotland, forthwith broke out into rebellion
in various parts of the country. The insurgents of Slieumargy burnt Old
Leighlin and other towns. This deed led to a charter from the succeeding
king, Edward II, empowering the peaceable and well-disposed inhabitants
of Leighlin to take effectual steps for their protection against these
marauders. This document will be found in its proper place.
About the year 1300,* a preceptory was built at Ballymoon, in our
county, by the Knights Templers; who, 'however, did not long enjoy the
possession of it. A.D.
1301. The Irish of Leinster were in a state of open insurrection at
this period, Felix was prior of St. Stephen's at Leighlin, but the time
is not known. In 1304, Philip was prior, and the year succeeding John
held the office.
On the 1st of April, 1307, Morrough Ballagh (probably one of the
Kavanaghs) was beheaded at Merton, by Sir David Caunton. Knt.; who was
afterwards hanged for it in Dublin, anno 1309.
King Edward I. died on the 7th of July, 1307, in the thirty-fifth
year of his reign, and sixty-eighth of his age. During the period he
held the sceptre, the condition of Ireland was most deplorable. Being
himself actively engaged in the affairs of Great Britain, it necessarily
followed, that the government of Ireland should be entrusted to other
hands. And unfortunately, the wise or benevolent measures of the deputy
of the day, met with little support from the barons or clergy; who seem
to have indulged in the gratification of their selfish passions, rather
than in attachment to the course which duty dictated.
("Spelling are as seen in the book")
CHAPTER VIII
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