Ballymore and Roslare, unto whom the Copyholders by theyre Tenures' performed homage, divers customary dutyes and services not elsewhere used, many of which were servile; none could marry in his Lordships without his previous Licence, nor build a howse, or suffer it to be demolished or to fall or decay. If a Copyholder married a maide, a certain fine was payable to the Lord; if a widow double as much, a woman whose virginity had been violated more; which fine or duty was termed Lotherwite. All Tenants deceasing were lyable to Heriots. Transgressors of such and many other strange customs incurred forfeiture of theyre respective interest by Coppyhold. There are many distinct families of Sinnots in the said county in number exceeding any other ancient name within its limits; whose Estates were valuable before the late tyrannicall usurpacons; amongst which the howse of Ballybrenan, in Forte, was esteemed the most eminent: whose possessors frequentlie were intrusted with greatest Authority in affaires of publique Concerne in that County, from whose progeny descended several men remarkable for schoole learning and persons indowed with heroicke spirits and martially disposed minds, vigorously active in theyre constant Loyall affection to the Crowne of England, during all Combustions and Rebellious Insurrections in Ireland, wherein they resolutelie demeaned themselves, exposing what was most deare unto them and theyre ter of James Devereux, and left a son, Aristotle, of Roslare, who resided at Carigmenan in 1592, and gave information respecting the escape of Lord Baltinglas. Aristotle Scurlock ma. Elenor, da. of Thomas Fitz Harris, of Kilkevan, and had issue Roland, Thomas, and Richard. The eldest son lived at Roslare, and m. a da. of Synnott, of Ballybrennan. 1 These tenants were, perhaps, the only copyholders in this kingdom. They doubtless descended from the Ostmen of this district, for whom see an article, entitled "The Scandinavians in Leinster" in a previous volume of this "Journal." If the droit de marriage continued in use to the year 1558 (see previous note), it was in force here at a later date than probably anywhere else. The original design of this custom was, doubtless, to prevent settlement of aliens or enemies among denizens. Lotherwite may mean Lother's law; wite is a fine or penalty. Heriots were the best beast or piece of furniture, due to the lord on the death of his tenant, who, being originally a slave, was supposed to have no property. 2 There is an enrolment of a deed of John, son of Richard Synod, of Ballybrennan, temp. Edw. II., in the Close Rolls. Walter S., of Ballybrennan, died 20th May, 1530, leaving issue Richard, Walter (of Farrelston or Ballytramont, sheriff in 1591), and other children. Richard S., of Ballybrennan, Esq., the eldest son, performed eminent services to the crown during Elizabeth's reign. He was Knight of the shire in 1559: was one of the commissioners for mustering the array of the county in 1579; purchased the grant of Enniscorthy abbey and lands from Spenser, the poet, and sold it to Sir Henry Wallop is frequently mentioned with eulogy in the state papers; the viceroy, in a letter dated 19 Aug. 1582, greatly praises "Richard Synot, a man of good birth, living, and credit." Was granted the manor of Rosgarland: died 9th Sept. 1591. His eldest son having been slain in battle, his grandson, Martin, succeeded to Ballybrennan, who married Anistace, daughter of Robert Esmonde, Esq., of Johnstown, and left his heir Richard, born in 1621, who had livery of his Estate7 Aug. 1640, and was deprived by Cromwell. : Lives in opposing, repelling and suppressing Common Enemyes invading the said County, as also elsewhere especially during the 15 yeares warrs in Q. Elizabeth's Reigne, when Rich". Sinnot of Ballibrenan afors, commanding and haveing the conduct of Forces raised in the said County (attended by his sonns and many other Sinnots his Relations and dependants) affoorded signal testimony of theire valour and loyalty to theire prince and country in several violent and fierce conflicts returning with theyre party victorious; wherein Walter Sinnot, eldest sonne of the s Rich. was slaine (then Sheriff of the said County) neere Iniscorthy. For which numerous demonstracons of Fidelity and noble services, the said Rich. Sinnot became her Majestie's favourite, on whom as a Royal Gratuity, her Majesty vouchsafed gratiouslie to conferre a considerable Estate of forfeited lands (which after the death of his eldest sonne as aforesaid) he distributed and settled on the yonger. 2. To James Sinnot, the Manor or Barony of Rosgarland. 3. To John Sinnot, Cooledyne, with 1200 acres. 4. To Nicholas Sinnot, Parke, Logh, and other villages, with several howses in Wexford. 5. To Sir W. Sinnot, Knight, Balifarnocke, with 24 plowlands intire in the Murrowes. 6. To Edmond Sinnot, Lingstowne, with other villages. 1. Leaving onely to his Grandchild, Martin Sinnot, the Ancient Mannor of Ballicaran and Ballibrenan aforesaid. The present proprietor whereof persevering in his predecessors' zealous Loyalty to his King, was by the late Regicide usurper expulsed and Exiled, his Estate, anno 1653, being as a gratuity given unto General Monke, and since detained by his Grace the Duke of Albemarle, 'This Nicholas Synnot's son and heir is mentioned by Sir William Brereton, in 1634, as "Mr. William Synod of the Lough, landlord" of the Park of Wexford, and as having leased this latter place to Mr. Hardey, (Harvey?) an Englishman. The knight, who was in search of a farm, says the rent of this was £16 a year, for between 200 and 300 acres, and he gives a curious account of the place. Sir William Synnott governed the country of the O'Murroughoes (Murphys), by lease from the Queen. By letter dated 15 July, 1600, the privy council speak highly of his "qualytye and services." (Council Office Register.) He was knighted on the 22nd June, 1660 (Carew MS. 619). He was one of the justices of peace, and resided at Ballyfernock. His son, Walter, had his estate created into a manor, in 1617, and was Knight of the shire in 1613. His L son, William, married a daughter of Sir James Carroll, mayor of Dublin. 2 General Monk, having been the principal power which effected the Restoration, retained all that had been granted him during the interregnum, as did Sir Charles Coote, lord Broghill, Arthur Annesley, and other chief men of the restoring party. In fact, the Restoration was planned in Ireland, by Coote and others, on condition that the soldiery of Cromwell's army, and the Adventurers who had been settled on Irish land under the English act of 1642, should not be deprived of their allotments. Broadly viewed, the cause of the Confederates in Ireland was similar in principle to that of the Covenanters in Scotland and the Independents in England. The former, being the weaker party, paid for the civil war by the loss of their lands. ** the said proprietor, though distressed, preferring an Existence in some forraigne Region before transplantacion into Connaught, especially his dear and dread Sovereign being exiled, he neither desiring nor accepting (when officiously procured) any compensation in lieu of his ancient inheritance (as most other proprietors in Ireland), depending on divine providence and his Majestie's Charles 2 unparaled [sic] Clemency and Bounty. Sinnot of Ballibrenan beares in his Escutcheon or Coate of Armes a Swan or Cignet sable, the field argent (Elementa Coloris). Besides the fores familyes and howses of Sinnots, the ensuing severall Branches and familys originally descended from the howse of Ballebrenan, gentlemen enjoying good Estates for many descents, from whom also several persons famous for learning and chivalry, in Germany,' France, Spaine,2 and Muscovie, &c., were extracted. In the Barony of Fort, Sinnot of Balligery ;3 Sinnot of Rathdowny. Sinnot of Stonehowse of Wexford. 1 Colonel David S. is mentioned in Carte's Life of Ormonde, i. 367, as being brought to Wexford in Sept. 1642, by Colonel Preston, and in vol. ii. 90, as lieut.-colonel of Preston's regiment and governor of Wexford. His Colonel and he had commanded the famous Anglo-Irish regiment in the Austrian service, first known as Butler's, and then as Devereux's. (Carve's “Itin.") He was son of Michael S. of the Rahine, by Mary, d. of Edmond Hore of Harperston. His son, Timothy, was brought up in Derry as a protestant. Colonel Oliver S. was in the service of the Duke of Lorraine, and was sent to the Marquis of Clanricarde in 1651 on the king's service. (Clanricarde's "Memoirs," append. 30.) It is observed in a remarkable state paper of 1614, printed in "Desid. Curiosa Hib.," that many of the Irish Gael had, as officers in Continental service, and as ecclesiastics educated abroad, acquired extraordinary endowments, rendering them formidable. The same afterwards applied to many of the Anglo-Irish of similar edu cation. 2 The Synnots in Spain may have descended from John Synnot, who is mentioned in the Life of Sir Peter Carew as having been employed as an "honest lawyer;" but who, having lent money to Gerald, 16th Earl of Desmond, and being otherwise implicated in this noble man's rebellion, exiled himself.-Maclean's "Life of Carew," pp. 80, 250. Of 3 Simon Sinnot of Ballygery, was one of the gentlemen of this barony in 1608. (Carew MS. 600.) As was also Jasper S. of Rathdowny, one of the small ancient freeholders of the district. Henry S. of Greatkyrock is similarly recorded in the same MS. Synnott's "Stone howse" in Wexford is of record. this branch was Colonel David S., governor of the town, who was killed in 1649. James S. had a grant of the castle of the Owleord, and 920 acres, in soccage, and died in 1618, leaving Edmund, who was expulsed. Jasper S. of Ballymore had a son, Arthur, who held 859 acres, and was at the battle of Ballinvegga, or Ross, 17th March, 1643. (Printed Inquisitions.) Edmond S. is mentioned as of Garrynisk, in the parish of Castle-Ellis. Mathew S. is mentioned às of Tinraheen, in the parish of Killisk. Richard S. is mentioned as of Ballinvacky, in the parish of Kilnemanagh. Besides the above there were others of the name proprietors in Ballaghkeen, as appears by the Book of Survey: as Piers Synnott owning 755 *. in Ardemine; Edward, 421. in Ballyhuskart; Arthur, in Garryvadden, and another Arthur in Killily. David S. of Ballyroe, in Edermine, had a grant of lands, 15. Jac. I: by his wife Alison Roche, he had an heir Richard. Walter S. son of Richard In Ballaghene Barony. Sinnot of Balymore. Sinnot of Garrymusky. Sinnot of Ballin killy. Sinnot of Monyvilleog. These Gentlemen compleatlie armed, and mounted on horsbacke, in Q. Eliz. warrs, adhearing and unanimous in theyre resolutions, vigorouslie opposed such as appeared Rebellious or disaffected to the Crowne of England; they enjoyed their freeholds and ancient Inheritance untill the late usurped Government, being then as proprietors transplantable. How innocent soever, Loyalty to theire King seemed Criminal. The Barony of Fort contains within its limits Wexford, a very ancient Corporat Towne the description of whose pleasant and profitable situation, Beauty, Strength, pious Monuments, and Structure, may be delineated by a more dextrous pen and more amplie acquainted and better informed judgement. A slender Elogie of the eminently deserving things doth but detract from their reall and due Estimat. The Towne is governed by a Major and Balives. There are two Burgesses sent from thence to all parliaments in Ireland. It is in the Diocese of Fernes. To render an exact accompt of the numerous Commodityes that towne is constantlie supplied with all, the frequentation of Merchants and Strangers from almost all parts of Europe, the sending from thence to all parts of the knowne world, the Exquisite knowledge of the Natives in the art of Navigation, very many of them familiarlie having traversed the ocean to the most remote regions and coasts discovered by Americus Megellanus Vespusius [sic], and Drake, capable to Navigate and in a martial manner to command the greatest ship, and best provided with offensive and defensive arms, from the Gallion to the Galliot, whose valiant resolution activity and Strength of Body, in (son of Walter of Farrelston or Balintroman) by "Amy, dau. of Rosse M'David, of the familie of M'Davidmore," lived at Ballykayle, and by his wife, Amy, daughter of Cahir O'Doran, had an heir, Melchior Sinnot, who was deprived of his property by the Parliamentary Government. many late engagements at sea, is remarkablie knowne to all Admirals in Europe. Theyre inviolate fidelity and loyal affection to theyre dread and deare Sovereigne Charles 2 King of England, and theyre zealous and incessant services for his Majesty and inseparable attendance on him during his Exile, would require a grand volume: not to mention the abundance of all sorts of Corne, flesh, butter, Tallow, Hides, Wool, Timber, incredible quantity of fish and its variety, the market is supplied with all. The Barony of Fort had many ancient Gent. resident therein proprietors of Lands now possessed by very few, given as compensation for service in the Usurper's Government performed; unto whom for the Character by him given of the Extraction of his army (as it was frequentlie related, after his Arrivall in Ireland,) they were not much obliged, affirming that it consisted of very few Noblemen, wherein, and in the like Assertions there may appear manifest injurious Errors, for there is much distinction to be made twixt Nobility of virtue and Nobility by birth. There being sometimes nobility of descent in him who is destitute of virtue; soe there may be virtuous qualities in a plebeian. Nobilitas sola est atque unica virtus. The philosopher avers. Nobilitas est majorum splendor et Claritas. 2 Rhet., c. 15: and distinguishing Nobilis from Generosus affirms and defines Nobilis est qui a bono prodiit Genere, Generosus vero est qui non degeneravit a sua Natura. L. 1, Animal. But virtue is honourable though not ennobled with magnificent titles or by some not applauded, yet by nature is laudable. Aristotles his assertion (Politic. 5, 1) is remarkable and often verifyed. Nobilitatem quidem in verbis fere omnes usurpant, sed qui revera Nobiles sint nusquam reperiuntur, Divites autem reperiuntur in multis Locis." PARTICULARS RELATIVE TO WEXFORD AND THE BARONY OF FORTH: BY COLONEL SOLOMON RICHARDS, 1682. EDITED BY HERBERT F. HORE, ESQ. SOLOMON RICHARDS, the author of the following short chorographic tract, was of a Welsh family, and of Presbyterian tenets. After serving in the Parliamentary army until the overthrow of the Royal cause, he came to Ireland, and received from the Parliamentary Government a grant of several thousand acres of land in the county of Wexford. He continued in command in the Republican army till 1656, being latterly governor of Wexford. After the Restoration, he was concerned in the plot of 1663, organized by the infamous Blood, with the design of seizing Dublin Castle, and restoring |