Sunday, 31 March 2013

Donegal break


Writing a blog is a new experience for me, it is an enjoyable exercise, and it seems there are others taking some note, not just my two friends (K & C) in the new world, :). So although I have headed north for a week to Co. Donegal where my other footprint lies I am going to seek the internet and post some more.
I am usually close to Swansea Bay writing but this is being written near the shores of Mulroy bay, I'll post it looking over Lough Swilly those two runs of water enclosing my other ancestors: Kelly's Logue's, McAteer's, Coll's, Friel's et al.
To make a tenuous connection to my other footprint, this is very near to Rathmullan (10k) where in 1607 the ancient Gaelic chieftains of Tir Connell left for France in despair at Elizabeth I and her design for Ireland, plans which of course would need Sir Thomas, I wonder what he would make of the Colclough diaspora. Lough Swilly is also where Wolfe Tone was captured by the British in 1798, a year which came to a head for my namesake, I wonder what he would make of the Colclough diaspora.
I am using my Kindle for this (other well priced tablets are available) so access to my books articles and electronic resources are limited. I will be going back to South Wales next weekend so will put some more primary and secondary sources on here then, I think I have enough for months yet.
As we drove north from Roslare we passed familiar names to Colclough lore and fact, in no particular order: Enniscorthy, Kiltealy, Ferns, Wexford town, Carlow, Rathnure, Killanne, and while I think of it on the other side of the Irish sea, Haverfordwest where a supposed granddaughter of Charles 1 came from whose marriage to a Colclough I do not doubt but whose provenance I am unsure of.
Looking at my family history, many sources are wills and their contentions. They are good places for context and good for hidden truths, but oh dear, tell a story of envy, jealously, primogeniture, but overall do not be born out of the marriage confines!
I, need to know where I am from so I know where to go next not because I want what they had, I am proud of Colclough heritage in its addition to Donegal Ireland which equals music, sport, academia, and craic but which, of course is equal to all your Colclough additions...

Sunday, 24 March 2013

Snippets of Sir Thomas


Sir Thomas enlarged the Colclough lands in Wexford obtaining the Duffry (from Dubh Tir black country because it was covered in oak forests which looked black from distance in summer) from a Henry Darnells.
Below are snippets pertaining to Sir Thomas


Calendar of State Papers Records Dublin.
20 September, 29 Elizabeth, 1588.
Queens Letter to the Lord Deputy.
We are informed our Chancellor (Loftus) in a variance betwixt our servant, Williams (Muster Master of the Army in Ireland) and one Colclough (Sir Thos) married to the Chancellor’s daughter, upon a supposed contempt, in great extremitie and choller, comytted our servant to the Marshelsea, a noysome place, replete with sondry prisoners, and detained him there by the space of 12 days, with commandment that he should not go abroad with his keeper, and that, at a time when the employment of his service for us, was thought to be most needful,” xxx directs the matter to be inquired into and justice satisfied, “And further our pleasure is, that our servant and officer, henceforth be better respected, than to receive any such disgrace, but rather to be supported in our service, and all his honest causes. A thing not impertinent for our better service”.
Note: Sir Thomas Williams, was Sir Thomas Colclough’s Step father.

19th January, 36th Elizabeth 1594.
Grant from the Crown to Robert Bostocke, of amongst other lands, a messuage or tenement in the City of Waterford, parcel of the possessions of the Abbey of Tintern, in her Majesty's hands by the dissolution of that house.

State Paper Office London, Kil. Arch. Jour.1856.p 101.
3 May, 1594. Dated at Tintern, Co. Wexford.
Sir Thomas Colclough to Mr. Nicholas Walsh, 2nd Justice, Queens Bench.
My good Brother.
I heartelie commend me unto you. There is a Spaniard in the Bay of Greenore, which is a spie (as it is here thought) And upon Thursday night last, in the evening, sent XXtie of his men ashoare, and did take Mr. Whitty of Ballytigue as prisoner, and carried him aboard with themselves, and there doe keepe him, and doe saie that they will carrie him with them into Spain; And besides that, they have done many mischiefes hereabouts. And therefore, I though it my duty to signify this much unto you, and doe think very necessary that you would procure the Mayor of Waterford, to man oute a shipp to take him, which would noe doubte be very great service unto her Majesty, and well thought of. I did write to Wexford of it, and have sent their answer herinclosed to you. And thus with my hartie comendations unto you and my sister, I comitt you to God, Tintern the 3 of May 1594.
Your Loving brother, Thomas Colclough.

In another letter, of 1st of June, the manner in which the Spanish pirates, took Mr,
Whitty prisoner is described. The captor would not accept a ransome, merely desiring to
have “the credit in Spain of having taken a great gentleman prisoner,”
The vessel was but of 20 tons burden, and carried 30 musketeers and 2 pieces of brass ordnance, 2nd letter not given.

Manuscripts Book of the Late Caesar Colclough
4th June, 2 James 1. 1603.
Sir Thomas Colclough, had a grant from Sir George Carew Knight, of certain Townslands in the Duffrie (not named) containing 276 acres, more or less.

Calendar of the Rolls, Dublin.
18th September. 1st. James 1st.
Grant from the King to Sir Thomas Colclough, Knight
The Rectory or Parsonage of Kilmore, with all the Churches, Chapels, Manses, Glebes, tithes etc., to the same belonging, parcel of the Estate of the dissolved Monastery of Tintern, to hold for 21 years, at a rent of £13-10-0, Irish, upon his surrender of a former interest therein and for a fine of £30. Irish

Repertory Patent Rolls, Royal Dub. Soc. Library. James I, 1604.
Pardon of intrusion to Adam Archbishop of Dublin, Oliver Baron Louth, Christopher Plunkitt of Dunshoghly Knight. Thomas Colclough of Tintern Knight. William Ussher Knight. Walter Plunkitt, Robert Leycester and Gilbert Purdow.
Granted 22nd January, 2nd James 1st at suit of said Archbishop and in consideration of his services. In and to Rathfarnham, Ballyntyne, Ballycredan otherwise Ballycreagh. Newtown, Kellyning, Stagoni, Ballyrowan, Tymothyn, Old Court, Killcloggan, Templetown, Wexforde, Hooke, Lowertown, Hownesland, Shymill, Palmerstown, and the Naas, for that they did without licence enfeeoff amongst others, Thomas Colclough, son and heir apparent of said Sir Thomas Colclough Knight.

Printed Brief in Colclough v Colclough, 1865.
Michaelmas Term, 1613
Fine levied by Sir Thomas Colclough Knight.
As of the date in margin, Sir Thomas Colclough of Tintern in the County of Wexford Knight, levied a fine of: all that the farm and soil of the late Abbey or Monastery of Tintern, Saltmills, Dunmane, Ranegyrahe, Booley, Scarte, Owenduffe, Cheristown, Tubbernasson, Ballyigaran, Paynestown, Ballytainey, Cormore, Rathdowne, Otherwise Callan, Rathtownry, Clomneine, Arklow, Ballyfleming, Cloughs, Garrictullen St Kerins St,Leonards, Tallaghe, Ballyhackny, Kernegh, Ballycullane, Ballyroane, Coolroe, Dowraght, Priestown, Tihenburk, Banno, with the passage of the bank. Of the Grange of Kilmore, Ballicross, Ballybought, Castletown, Pullinstown, Rosseport, Ballygarret, Moynart, Moneylatis, Keeve, Corgrage, Ballianicks, Ballyowen, Killalegan, Ballyburne, Kilteelie, Moychurry, Coulecarne, Whelagoure, Ramsoch, Coulemearne, Kilcullen, Relanemore, Oulstecourt, Killenne, Clashlackaghe, Monebrane, Bolenmovashrau, Rosard, Moneperson, Ballyloskey, Ballinemerane, Balleclomagh, Tomeshurrye, Monganimoraghae, Clonegardan, Ballida, TomMcMorrish, Askmush, Rathnecullin, Monele, Srachmore, Curraghlime, Tihentobber, Knockduff, Tihamikelly, Ballyillis, Armoyle, and Curraghduff and of the rectories, advowsons, Vicarages, and of all tithes of grain, hay, (and furze) and other fruits coming of the same Abbey of Tintern, and of all Churches, and chapels of Tintern, St. Keeran, St. Leonard, Nashe, Donmaine, Clonmaine, Owenduff, Kirmeaghe, Bannoe and Kilmore, with the appurtenances, and of £40, of chief and annual rent, issuing out of certain lands and tenements in the Barony of Duffrie, with the customs of the same.

Chancery Inquisitions of Leinster.
14 March, 1619
Inq. ap. New Ross.
Thomas Colclough of Tintern, etc., was seized in fee of the manor of Old Ross, and enfeoffed George Bagenal and John Allen and others, said enfeoffment was to the use of Anthony Colclough, nephew of said Thomas Colclough, for the term of his life, and after his death one third of the said Manor to Ismai Browne, wife of said Anthony, for her life, and the other two thirds, after the death of said Anthony, and the said one third after the death of said Ismay, to the daughters of said Anthony, who were not married, and until said daughters were of full age they are to receive £100. As in said deed, bearing date 19th August, 1614 will fully appear, and the tenor follows in the original.

Calendar of the Rolls, Dublin.
17 May, 17 James 1 1619.
Pardon of Alienation in consideration of a fine of £26-13-4, Irish, for Thomas Colclough of Tintern, Knight, and his feoffees George Bagenal of Dunleckney, County Carlow, John Allen of Rathumney in the Co. Wexford, William Furlong of Horetown in the same, and William Walsh of Castlehowle County Kilkenny. Whereby the said Thomas, by deed dated 19th August 1614 granted to the above feoffees, Wexford County, the Manor, Castle and lands of ould Ross 2 carucates, Ballineboy 1 carucate, Killscanlon 1 carucate, and a rent of 20/- per annum out of Rochestown and Broomleymore, and a rent of 13/- out of the lands of Dungulph, to hold to the use of Anthony Colclough, his nephew, during his life, and the then one third, to his wife Ismay Colclough (otherwise Browne) in lieu of her dower or jointure, and two thirds, with the one third, upon the death of the said Ismay, to the unmarried daughters of Anthony and Ismay, until each of them receive the sum of £100, as their portion, Then to the heirs male of said Anthony, and in default, to the heirs male of Thomas, and then in default to the right heirs of Anthony, as appears by said feoffment, and by an inquisition taken at New Ross 14th March 1619.

19th February, 20th James 1st
Kings letter directing a surrender to be taken from Sir Thomas Colclough of Tintern, Knight, County Wexford. Of the late Abbey of Tintern, and the Town and lands of Moynart in the Duffrie, and the chief rent and customs of the Dufferie, and his other lands, tenements and tithes. And to regrant the same, without fine, subject to the usual rents and services.


Equity Exchequer Orders, Dublin.
1626. Hillary Term.
Process against the tenants of the rectory of Ballygarvan lands, St. Leonards. St.Keiran, and one tenement in Wexford, arrears of 27 years £135-9-0, reserved on lease to Thomas Wood for 40 years 5th Oct. 6th Edward vi, and afterwards to Anthony Colclough, 10th February, 11th Elizabeth, for 30 years. Adam Colclough, supposed tenant, appears and pleads a grant in fee farm to his grandfather Sir Anthony Colclough. Auditor to report.

Calendar of the Rolls Dublin.
28 February 2nd Charles 1st 1626.
Pardon of several alienations of lands by Sir Thomas Colclough late of Tintern Abbey, County Wexford, with John Jacbard, James Prendergast, and James Devereux, to Richard Lowe and Patrick Coppinger, with John Colclough and Sir Robert Reid, Sir Alexander Temple, Ralph Swyde, and John Carter the younger.

14th August, 2nd Charles 1st Westminster.
The King to lord Viscount Falkland & the Chancellor.
Reciting letter of James 1st, 25th February, 1621, directing a surrender from Sir Thomas Colclough, and a regrant of all his estates, without fine, “of which letter Sir Thomas Colclough has not received the benefit as we are informed, by reason of our dear father. and Sir Thomas Colclough his death “ and directs a confirmation to Adam Colclough of all his estates including that part of them then enjoyed, “By Dame Elinor late wife of Sir Thomas Colclough, and now wife of the Baron of Killeene,” at an increase of £5, English, yearly rent.

Saturday, 23 March 2013

More on Sir Thomas - including his funeral procession

It seems people are reading so I'll keep going, its a good exercise for me. If I can collate it all into an e-book who knows it might prove a way of people connecting.

On with Sir Thomas, with the Stoke on Trent origins reinforced:






The following is taken from “History of the Borough of Stoke upon Trent”By John Ward, London 1843 page 195.
It appears from our account of the Burslem Family... that the issue of Thomas Burslem, who in 1590 married Mary Ford, were two daughters, one of whom married Gilbert Wedgewood (interesting now that Waterford Crystal is...! JC), and the other, William Colclough. The latter Gentleman was a collateral branch of the ancient family of Colclough, of the Parish of Wolstanton; of which Sir Thomas Colclough, Knight, Lord of the Manor of Hanley, and the owner of considerable property in this neighbourhood, was in 1620 the principal representative. 
William Colclough, who married Catherine Burslem, was for many years seated at the Overhouse, Burslem, part of her paternal property, he was Constable of the manor of Tunstall in 1620, and registered in 1657 as occupier of the Overhouse in the Church wardens Roll of Burslem, and died there in 1662. His Only son John, died in 1665-6,and left by his Will, five pounds per annum, to the poor of Burslem, charged upon part of his estate, called Broadfield, in the Parish of Wolstanton.
Note: Broadfield is contiguous to Colclough Lane. John Colclough of Broadfield,
was amerced for default, at Tunstall Court,4. James 1st. He might be the father of William or his elder brother.
In 1623 Sir Thomas Colclough is inscribed as one of the Church wardens, or rebuilders of part of Wolstanton Church. 
He is first named along with Sir Rowland Cotton, Sir William Bowyer, Knights, Ralphe Sneyd, Thomas Crompton, Junior, John Brett Esquires, and other Copyholders of the Manor of Newcastle under Lyme, as defendants in a suit commenced for King James 1st, by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster of which notice will be taken hereafter. We believe his seat was at ‘Colclough” in Oldcot, a name still preserved in a house and estate of the late Mr. Thomas Tunstall, the approach to which, from the Turnpike Road, is along Colclough Lane. The late Mr. Tunstall, who died in 1838, at the venerable age of 89, was accustomed to talk of Sir Thomas Colclough, and his Coach and six black horses as matters of Tradition, received from his grandfather. Sir Thomas removed to Ireland, and was buried at Tintern Abbey in County Wexford, with great pomp in 1624, aged 60. See below for his funeral procession, well a list anyway! JC
The Manor, or Lordship of Hanley is a Dependency of Newcastle, not being held in capite, but as a subordinate fief by grand sergeanty, as shewn by the extracts from the Testa de Neville, given in a preceding Chapter, and by the presentment at the Court of Survey of the Manor of Newcastle in 1615. The first mention of Hanley occurs in Testa de Neville, when the vill was holden by William de Hanley in fee farm, at the rent of six shillings, payable at the New Castle, and by the service of Castle guard; the same individual likewise held three virgates of land in Hanley, and paid for the same yearly, seven shillings of ancient right; i.e. from the Conquest of England, as the preceding entry expressed.

In 1615 the Lordship of Hanley was holden by Sir Thomas Colclough, Knight, under the honor of Lancaster, at the rent of twelve shillings and four pence, so that we must either suppose the service of Castle Guard, when no longer required to have been commuted for the advanced rent of six shillings and four pence, or that the two ancient rents of six shilling, and seven shillings had been consolidated, and an abatement of eight pence made for some cause. We are unable to trace the title of the Manor down from William de Hanley to Sir Thomas Colclough, but deem it probable that it had been for a long period holden by the Ancestry of Sir Thomas Colclough, who were seated in the neighbouring parish of Wolstanton as far back at least, as to the reign of Edward the Third, and had large possessions there. The spot from which they took their name, was in Oldcot as we have before intimated; and as appears by the survey of 1615. Sir Thomas held a Copyhold estate in Wolstanton, consisting of three messuages and seventy six customary acres, equal to 228 Statute Acres, and comprising nearly a third of the whole Township, lying immediately under the village, commencing at Fowley bridge on the highway leading to Shelton, extending along the brook-course which divides the parish of Wolstanton from Stoke and Burslem as far probably as Longbridge (now Longport) and westwardly up to Wolstanton Marsh and the High fields, for which property, being the largest then holden by any individual copyholder, the ancient customary rent was £2. 8 11 1⁄2 only, or about sevenpence the customary acre.
Of Sir Thomas’s property in Hanley we have no particular account, but as three virgates of land were held in fee farm in ancient times, this and the subsequently appropriated wastes probably constituted the Lords proper Demesne. The Situation of the Manor House is still preserved in the name of the Old Hall, which adheres to a Manufactory erected near its site, now the property of Charles Meigh Esqr. Adjoining the Bucknell Road. The father of Sir Thomas Colclough was Sir Anthony, who settled in Ireland in the reign of Henry viii, and obtained from Queen Elizabeth a grant of the site of the dissolved Abbey of Tintern, in the County of Wexford, part of the buildings of which he converted into a family mansion, where his descendants still remain seated. The dignity of a Baronet was conferred on his grand son, Sir Adam in 1628, but expired with his grandson Sir Caesar on 1687 for want of male descendants. The pedigree of the Colcloughs which follows has been compiled with great care, and we deem it worthy of being introduced here, from the antiquity, high respectability, and local connection of the family. One branch of it remained seated in this County, at Delphe House, in the vicinity of Cheadle, long after the senior line had disposed of their Staffordshire Estates, and became located in Ireland – this branch is traced down to the present time, and is now represented by three co-heiresses of the late Thomas Swinnerton, Esqr, of Butterton Hall. (here follows the Pedigree, which being embodied elsewhere, need not be repeated) The descendants of Sir Thomas Colclough by his second lady, Elinor, daughter of Dudley Bagnall, Esqr., through their son Dudley Colclough, now enjoy the mansion of Tintern Abbey, where are many family portraits, and in the neighbouring Church are several interesting monuments...

Many of which were tragically, in all senses of the word destroyed JC

Funeral Entries, Ulster Office, Dublin Castle. For Sir Thomas Colclough
Sir Thomas Colclough of Tintern, in the County of Wexford Knight deceased the 23rd August 1624 had to his 1st wife Martha, daughter of Adam Loftus, some time Lord Archbishop of Dublin and Lord Chancellor of Ireland, by whom he left issue Adam, John, and Richard, also Anne,1st wife of Nicholas Bagenal, of Idrone, after to Thomas Butler of Cloughgrennan, Martha to John, eldest sonne of Sir John Pigotte of the Diesarte, in Leix, Knight. Jane to John Owgan in Wales, Esqr., Mary to Sir Nicholas Walsh, the younger, Knight, and Elinor to Brian Kavanagh of Poulmonty. Sir Thomas Colclough's second wife was Elinor, daughter of Dudley Bagnall, 2nd sonne of Sir Nicholas Bagenall Knight, sometime Marshall of the Armie in Ireland, by whom he had issue, Dudley, .... and Mable. He was interred in the Church in Tintern the 23rd September 1624.



Funeral Procession.
The Poor.
Two Footmen
Edward Coates, with the Standard.
Nicholas Loftus’s and Patrick Sarsfield men,
Captain Butler, and John Pigotts men,
Sir Thomas Loftus’s and Sir Adam Loftus’s men,
The Lord Bishop of Ferns men,
The Guidon by John Griffin,
Servants of Mr. Adam Colclough )
Servants of Lady Colclough, ) 14 in all.
Servants of the Defunct )
The Pennon, by Anthony Colclough, (nephew)
Walter Roach and John Allen ye Son,
John Allen ye Father and Peter Sarsfield,
John Pigott and Captain Butler,
Dudley Colclough and Anthony Colclough, children,
Mr. Mathew Lee, (Preacher),
Thomas Ramme, Lord Bishop of Ferns,
The Crest by John Colclough,)
Sword by Richard Colclough ) Sons
Target, by Nicholas Loftus,
Albon Leveret, Athlone, with Coate,
Daniel Molyneux, Ulster King at Arms,
-The Corpse-
Sir Adam Loftus, Knight, Rathfarnham, one of the Privy Council, Chief Mourner alone.
Sir Thomas Loftus and Sir Robert Pigott,
Sir Nicholas Walsh,and Adam Colclough heir to the defunct,
Robert Trunstalle and Sir Hugh Douffe, with Staves,
Eleanor, widow of Sir Thomas Colclough, and after Countess of Fingal, died, Nov
1632. Issue by Sir Thomas, Dudley - and Mabel.



Sunday, 17 March 2013

Sir Thomas, some wills, and branching.


First of all happy St. Patrick's day:
Lá Fhéile Pádraig Sona Daoibh.

So back to a family narrative:
Sir Thomas (son of Sir Anthony) married twice, this is where branching begins, also within these documents as I have previously mentioned dying without issue is not necessarily the case because many of these documents have the ulterior motive of proving descent for inheritance – (a good old Irish custom!)
I've also put some wills below.
 

1591 Sir Thomas Colclough of Tintern Abbey, Knight, who was born at Rosegarland, Co Wexford, the 1st of April, 1564. He was knighted by the Lords Justices, the 24th Oct 1591, and had a patent of livery, seized and warden of intrusion in his estates, dated 16th Feby, 6th James I (1609). He was for many years in the commission of the peace for the County Wexford, and married first, Martha 4th daughter of Sir Adam Loftus, Archbishop of Dublin and Lord Chancellor of Ireland. She died 19th March 1609, and was buried in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin, having had issue six sons and
five daughters, viz.
1. Thomas died before 1609, s.p.
2. Sir Adam, who succeeded to the Tintern Estates.
3. John of Pouldairig, (living 1642) who married Katherine daughter of Sir
Walter Sinnott Knight, son and heir of Richard Sinnott of Ballybrittas alias
Rosegarland Co. Wexford, Esq.,(Knight of the Shire in 1559) and died before May
1649 leaving issue two sons and four daughters viz.
  1. Adam, died 1652,s.p. nuncupation Will dated 1652;
  2. Anthony, died young, s.p.
  3. Mary married James Butler of Clough, same Co. Esq., of the Barons Kayers    family.
  4. Martha, married Thomas Cullen of Cullenstown.
  5. Clara, a nun.
  6. Katharine, died unmarried.
4. Richard, (son of Sir Thomas) living 1624 died s.p.
5. Leonard, / died young.
6. Anthony, / died young.
7. Anne (eldest daughter of Sir Thomas) married Nicholas Bagenal Esq.,
Grandson of Sir Nicholas Bagenal of Newry, Knight Marshal, and son of Dudley
Bagenal Esq., who purchased the Barony of Idrone from the Kavanaghs and was
killed by them, and nephew of Sir Henry Bagenal Knight Marshal of Ireland,
mentioned in Sir Walter Scotts “Rokeby”. She wedded again to Sir Thomas Butler,
Bart. of Garryhundon or Clogrennane, Co. Carlow
8. Jane, married John Wogan of Weston Hall Esq., Pembrokeshire, head of
that ancient house, issue.
9. Martha, married John Pigott eldest son of Sir Robert Pigott of the Dysert,
Queens County, Knight, issue.
10. Eleanor, married Bryan Kavanagh of Poulmonty and Borris, Co. Carlow,
Chief of his nation, issue two daughters who died young.
  1. Mary, married Sir Nicholas Walsh of Ballycarrigmore Co. Waterford, issue.


Sir Thomas Colclough espoused secondly 1612, Eleanor 2nd daughter of Dudley
Bagenal of Dunleckney Co. Carlow, Esq., (2nd son of Sir Nicholas Bagenal of Newry,
Knight, Marshal of Queen Elizabeth’s armies in Ireland) by Mabel daughter of George
Fitzgerald of Teeroghan Esq., She married again as third wife to Luke Plunket Baron
Killeen, and first Earl of Fingal, and died November 1632, having had issue by Sir
Thomas Colclough two sons and one daughter, viz.
1. Dudley who succeeded under his father’s will to the Duffry estates, and
of whom hereafter. (JC this is where my bit of the family originates probably)
2. Anthony of Rathlin, Co.Carlow.
1. Mabel who died unmarried.
Sir Thomas Colclough died 23 August 1624, (probate granted to relict 2nd December1624, and letters of administration subsequently granted to his eldest surviving son Sir Adam in the Prerogative Court Dublin 1627). He was buried with great pomp and ceremony in the Church built by himself for Sir Anthony in the Demesne at Tintern on the 23rd September 1624, 

 
Wills of Sir Anthony, then Sir Thomas:

Sir Anthony Colclough of Tintern Abbey in the County Wexford, Knight
In the name etc., Item. I do constitute my wife, the Lady Clare Colclough my true and faithful executor. Item. I do bequeath to my wife, my house of Tintern with the appurtenances for the term of her life, and further unto my said wife, all my household stuffs and goods etc., belonging to said house, and after her decease, I do bequeath the sd house and lands thereof unto my son Thomas Colclough, who I have made my heir, and in case the sd Thomas dies before he comes to lawful years, the like grant I make unto my son Leonard Colclough”. Leaves his son Thomas, his farms in Bannow, Kilturk, and Killcowen, and if sd Thomas should die before his coming of age, then to his son Leonard. Leaves his son Leonard £30 yearly, payable out of Tylkmore besides Stafford, with power to distrain on sd lands in case of non payment. Provided always that his son Thomas shall have the house of Athenry in the Barony of Tintern, and all the lands belonging to the same. “And all the rest of my lands and livings, I bequeath unto my wife the Lady Clare Colclough during her life, within England and Ireland. Item. I do will my Executrix to make up the stone work of the Chancel of Clonmyne higher, and the roof of same, and likewise to make up the Chancel either at Tintern or at-------
Item. If my son Leonard should trouble his brother Thomas by any action or suit at law, for a portion of land now in Hackney, that then I do deny the gift of £30, during his life, off my lands of Tylkemore and I do authorise his brother Thomas to stay it in his own hands, and pay him nothing. Thus I do desire God to forgive me, and have mercy on my soul”.
In witness whereof, I have etc., this ... September 1584
Anthony Colclough.

This below is interesting in itself I am sure that many of these documents were burnt when Tintern was tidied up before being given to the nation! JC
This Will was probably proved in England, as I can find no record in the
Irish Courts. The foregoing extracts were copied by me (Beauchamp Colclough1) 26th
Novr 1854, from a manuscript book in the hand writing of the late Caesar Colclough
of Tintern Abbey.

In the name of God, Amen, I, Sir Thomas Colclough of Tynterne Knight, being thanks be to God in my perfect memorie, doe make this my last will and testament in manner and forme followings - ffirst all my goods and my farme of lande and passage of the Ferry of the Banno, I bequeath unto my eldest son Adam Colcloughe,and to his assignes; all the Rectories and Tiethes of the Killmore,I leave them to my seconde sonn John Colcloughe for and during his natural life, he paying his Majestie the rent referred out of the same.The Rectories and Tithes of St.Molines, being part in the County of Wexford, and part in the County of Catherloghe and the glebe lands thereof woorthe foure poundes sterling issuing by the yeare out of the house and landes of Cowlebacke for the said town and Beggerie,
I do leave and also bequeath unto my third sonne Richard Colcloughe for and during his natural life. The one half of the Rectorie of Inistioge in the Co. of Kilkenny, I bequeath unto my youngest sonn Anthony Colclough for and during his natural life. 
And all my lande in the Duffrey with the tiethe rents thereof, I leave and bequeathe unto my sonn Dudley Colcloughe and to the heirs males of his boddie, and for want of such heirs males, unto my youngest sonn Anthony Colclough and to the heirs males of his boddie and for want of such heirs males, unto my eldest sonn Adam Colcloughe and to the males heirs of his boddie, and in that manner to the rest of my sonns. My wyfe’s jointure, I have already made and assured to her, which I ordain and so declare to be in lieu of her dower of all my landes in Englande and Irelande.
My eldest sonn Adam Colcloughe, I do leave my sole executor of this my last will and testament ,and whereas I have levied a fine, and suffered a recoverie to certain feoffees the intent whereof I do therein declare, that my eldest sonn shall stand seized of all my lands, rents, rectories, with their appurtenances within the realmes of Irelande and Englande, unto him onelie during his naturall life, the remainder to the heir males of his boddie lawfully begotten and to be begotten, and for the want of such heirs males, the remainder to the seconde sonn, John Colcloughe, and to the
heirs males of his boddie, and for want of such heirs males, the reminder to my third sonn Richard Colcloughe and his heirs males, and for the want of such heirs males of his boddie, the remainder to my sonn Dudley Colcloughe, and his heirs males, and for want of such heirs males, the remainder to my sonn Anthony Colcloughe, and his heirs males, and for want of his heirs males, the remainder to my nephew Anthony Colcloughe of Oulde Rosse, and the heirs males of his boddie, and for want of such heirs males, the remainder to my Cousin Caesar Sampson Colclough, and to the heirs males of his boddie, and for want of such heirs males, to the heirs males of my Cussen Bartholemew FitzThomas of the Delph House, and for want of such heirs males, to my Cussen Colcloughe of Broadfield in Staffordshire and his heirs for ever.
Witness mine own hand the 21st daie of February, and therewith I have fixed my
seale in ye year of our Lord 1623.
Tho Colclough.
Present at the signing sealing perfecting hereof those whose names follow,
Edmonde Birne, Joh. Pigott, Thomas Butler,
Edmonde Conraghe, John Griffith, Anthony Proctor.


To all christian people to whom these presents shall come,Sir Thomas Colcloughe of Tynterne in the Co Wexford Knight greetinge, in one Lord God everlasting. Know yee that whereas it doeth appear by a Tripartite Indenture of Covenante and agreement betwixt the sd Sir Thomas Colcloughe Knight on the first part, Sir Robert Riche Knight, and one of the Masters of the Courte of Chancerie in the realme of Englande, and Sir Alexander Temple of Chaldwell in the Co of Essex Knight, on the second parte, Adam Colcloughe sonn and heir apparent of the sd Sir Thomas, and Alice the eldest daughter of the sd Sir Robert Riche on the third part, that the sd Sir Thomas maie by his last will and testament demise to his daughter Mabell Colcloughe, all the landes, tenements, rentes, rectories, farmes, and all others the hereditaments in the several towns called or known by the name of the Nashe, Booley, Ranegeragh, Ballygarvey, Ouldtown, and Ballytarsney in the realm of Irelande, for the terme of four years next ensuing the time that the said Mabell shall arrive at the age of eighteen years, as more at large by the said deed indented tripartite bearing date
the six and twentieth, daie of March in the year of the reign of our soveraign Lord King James, of the Kingdoms of Englande, France and Irelande the twentieth, and of Scotland, the five and fiftieth doeth and may appear. 
Now for as much as the said Mabell is not advanced by me to marriage, and according to the power that is in me, I the said Sir Thomas Colcloughe doe hereby by this my will and testament, demise to my said daughter Mabell Colcloughe all and singular my lands tenements, rentes, rectories and services in the villages and towns and landes of the Nashe, Booley Ranegoragh, Ballygarvey, Ouldtowne and Ballytarsney with their appurtenances in
the Co of Wexford, and the rents and rectories and services of them, and the rents and tiethes and services of them, and were of them, to have and to holde the said recited premises with their appurtenances unto the said Mabell Colcloughe and to her Executors, Administrators and assignes, for and during the term of foure yeares next ensuing the coming of the said Mabell to the age of eighteen years, if she not attain the said age at the tyme of my deathe, but if she shall attain to the said age before my death, then the said foure years shall comence and begin immediately upon my death, and so continue for foure years without fraude or deceit. Provided always and upon condition that if the said Mabell shal be paid of the some of one thousande poundes sterling for her portion at one entire paymente that then this demise shall void. 

In witness that this my will and testament and intent I caused this my last will
concerninge this occasion to be fairlie written and hereunto fixed my seale and
subscribed my name the third daie of Maie Anno Domi one thousand six hundred
twelve and foure, It is my will alsoe that the rest of my younger children shall have such portions as I have agreed, upon the convenant between me and Sir Robert Riche, and also I leave to my wife the third part of all my goods and chattles and the other two parts to my eldest sonn for the payment of all my debt, the rather he himself is the cause of all my debt. I leave those few things at Moynart to my sonn Dudley with this omission, my new suite of hanging I leave to my eldest sonn, and the old suite to my wife that is in the great Chamber. That, with the above written is my last will and testament, witness my hand and seale the year and daie above written, and further my will is that my wife and my sonn Adam shall be my sole executors.
Thomas Colcloughe. 

I, the said Sir Thomas Colcloughe, doe further appoint my well beloved wife Elleanor Colcloughe after my decease, if it please God to call me before my sonn Dudley Colclough come to the adge of xxi years to be Tutrix and Governess and to dispose both of his landes and other goods and Chattels he being to her accountable, or to her Executors and assignes until he come to the adge aforesaid. Item. I do leave by this my last will unto my said wife, the leases of Killturk and Killcowen, Tho:Colcloughe.
This was acknowledged before us the tenth of August 1624, to be the last will
and testament of Sir Thomas Colcloughe Knight, as witness our hands;
Pat: Sarsfield, Peter Sarsfield, being present at the sealing and publishing thereof the undernamed persons Ja: Ronan, Jane Bromley, Ja: Ronan the younger, John Harries.
Probate was granted on the 2nd Decr 1624, by Edward Clarke to Elleanor
Colcloughe, widow and relict of the deceased, and subsequently, administration by  the Prerogative Court Dublin, to Sir Adam Colclough, dated 9th June 1627.
Note: This will here was obtained from the Chancery Inqs. of Leinster. Inquisition

Friday, 15 March 2013

More from legends

Here are some more extracts from Beauchamp Colclough's work in 1879 which Uncle Bernie discovered in a safe in Dublin!
Where the writer says "the present day" it will be 1879 unless stated otherwise.
I'm putting this on here verbatim because it makes interesting reading, there may, indeed probably are historical errors - I am personally sceptical about 'royal' connections- Anyway I hope the following is of interest
John




Robert Leigh in his account of the southern part of Co. Wexford written in 1684 and published in the Kilkenny Arch. Journal for 1859, under the head of “Tintern Peece” thus alludes to Sir Thomas’ Oysters Beds in the Bay of Bannow, “On the west Banks of the which River Bannow (on Tintern side) there is an oyster bed belonging to the said Sir Caesar Colclough, and is extraordinary large and accounted the best Oister in that County (if not in all Ireland). They were brought thither about 70 years ago, in a bark from Milford Haven by order of Sir Thomas Colclough of Tinterne, and sunk there, where the soyle proved soe natural to them that they grewe much bigger and better tasted, than those now had at Milford Haven”. Sir Thomas lived in a style of almost regal grandeur, never appearing in public except in a Coach with six Black Horses, and outriders, vide Wards Stoke upon Trent, and there can be little doubt, that he it was, who gave origin to the saying, still common in the Co. Wexford, and indeed in all over Ireland, “As Grand as Colclough” but which alas, has ceased to be applicable to his descendants of the present day. (1879 JC) He at one time fell into disgrace with Queen Elizabeth, as appears by her letter to the Lord Deputy, extracted from the Calendar of the Rolls, owing ( in conjunction with his father in law Sir Adam Loftus) to some high handed treatment bestowed by them, on Williams, the Muster Master of the Army in Ireland, and who was, it may be remarked Sir Thomas Colclough's step father, so I suppose it was a family squabble.
Sir Thomas headquarters were no doubt Tintern Abbey, but he appears to have resided a part of each year on his English Estates, vide Wards Stoke upon Trent. He however sold his interest, (or part of it) in the Lockwood Estates to Thomas Henshaw, who was the representative of Joanna, the second co-heiress of Richard Lockwood. He vide his will, divided his Estates, leaving the Tintern and English Estates to Adam, his eldest surviving son by his first wife, with remainders over, and
the Duffrie Estate to Dudley his eldest son by the second wife, also with remainders over, and in both cases including his most remote male relatives. He died in Tintern and was buried then, according to local tradition beside his father, though his son and successor had not the grace to leave a record of it. His remains lay in State at Tintern for a whole Month, and were buried with great pomp and circumstance, vide extract from “Funeral Entries” Ulster Office Dublin. Sir Adam Colclough, who succeeded his father at Tintern, was created a Baronet by King Charles I, and it is likely his early death, before the troubles began was the means of preserving the Tintern Estates to his successors, because althow he was a Protestant, it is morally certain, from the intimate relations existing between the Court and family of Charles I and himself, that he would have chosen the side of the King. He was succeeded at Tintern by his only son (child) Sir Caesar the 2nd Baronet, whose youth at the time of the struggle between the King and Parliament prevented his taking a part in it. The Cromwellians however made many attempts to prove his complicity with his uncles and so, to get hold of his Estates also. He was educated in England, and remained there all his early life, and being reported dead at one time, a claim to the Estates was made by the widow of his uncle, John of (Pouldarrig), in favour of her eldest son Adam. There is a family tradition that the marriage relations of Sir Caesar and his wife were not happy, but let that rest with them in their graves. It is probably that the Wexford men are indebted to him for the name that they are still known by viz, “Yellow Bellies”- the legend about which I propose giving hereafter. Robert Leigh of Rosegarland, married to Sir Caesar’s daughter, and eventual successor, gives a very interesting account of Sir Caesar’s possessions in that part of the County, his manuscript is published as I said before in the Kilkenny
Archaeological Journal for 1858 /9, and need not be repeated here. He gives incidentally the inscription verbatim upon Sir Anthony’s Tomb, in the old Church at Tintern. It appears from Sir Caesar’s will that he had some years previous to its date, broken the entail on his property, with a view no doubt, to entailing on his daughter, in case his son should leave no issue and this, he accordingly did, providing, that she and her husband, and issue, should take the name of Colclough with remainders Duffry Hall, and his male issue with remainders over to testator's most remote male relations, and in default of such, the female succeeding to the Estates, to take name of Colclough, Sir Caesar was succeeded by his only son. Sir Caesar the 3rd and last Baronet, of whom I have been able to learn absolutely nothing, except that he died unmarried three years after his father, and succeeded in his Estates by his only sister. Margaret, then the wife of Robert Leigh of Rosegarland which place was had been granted to his ancestor at the Restoration. Margaret who was a woman of mind and who possessed great personal attractions, appears to have been in every way worthy of representing her family. She, in accordance with her father's Will, and immediately after her brother's death, assumed the name of Colclough and managed the affairs of her estate with dignity and foresight. It is said that she invariably presided in person over the Baronial Court held under Charter in the Demesne. I am in possession of a plan of the Court House, the ground floor of which was used as a Market, and am indebted for it to my worthy old friend Richard Gill, now alas no more, and whose retentive memory was a storehouse of events connected with the family and place, and I now quote from one of his many letters to me, relative to past events promising however that I have thought it well to take some liberties with his grammar and spelling, with reference to the Court and Market House he says: “when young, this (the sketch) with many other things was drafted on a slate to commit to memory. The loft floor was of oak, for the Manor Court, and for meetings of all sorts, especially theatricals. The ground floor was the Market, and on this two 8 pounders were kept mounted on carriages, and in front there was a space of 80 by 100 feet, kept clean and open, where bonfires were lit on rejoicing days. The full of that house was great. It occurred on the occasion of a rejoicing for Sir Vesey’s victory over Ram and Flood at an election for that County, which was about 1781. Madam Pigott during her time presided at Court every 21 days to hear cases connected with her tenants. She had a Chair for herself trimmed with crimson and blue. She also established a Funeral Committee of 30 persons, with scarfs and hat bands, black gloves, with a view of the Market House, with a woman to attend and care them. At this time she decorated the little Church in grand style, and gave the present Plate and Chalice. It was she who took down the north boundary wall,(of the Abbey) and did away with the mounted Dragoons that should patrol around the Abbey, which was a principal injunction in Queen Elizabeth last letter to Sir Thomas.
She (Madam P.) was called the Elizabeth of her day. After the destruction of the House, the Clerk of the Church had the care of the mourning cloths till the fatal year of ‘98, when they were included in the general destruction.” A year after the death of her first husband, Margaret Leigh Colclough (better known locally as Madam Pigott) married as second wife to her cousin Councillor John Pigott of Kilfenny Co. Limerick, who also took the name of Colclough. A settlement was executed on the occasion of this marriage, which afterwards caused a great deal of unhappiness to the parties, in as much as, that failing issue, it gave the survivor the power of disposing of the estates, so that if Pigott survived he might, and probably would have, left them to his own issue by his first wife, a contingency that Madam Pigott in no wise approved of, and in case of accidents, as the story was told to me by Richard Gill, she one day in her husband's presence, took the deeds out of the strong box, and put them into the fire, remaining guard over them till they were consumed. This would not have availed her, for the Councillor had taken the precaution to have them registered, but eventually she had her own way, for as she herself was the survivor, she was enabled to carry out the darling wish of her heart by settling her estates on her cousin and male heir, Caesar of Duffry Hall, the grandson of Patrick, who was the first in remainder, under the will of Margaret’s father. The difficulties between husband and wife, however, apparently smoothed over for she erected a handsome Tablet to his memory in Saint Paul’s Church, Dublin, and desired in her Will that in case she died in Dublin she should be placed beside her dear second husband.
A well-known and rather disreputable character in his day, Lord Altham, was a Tenant of Mrs Pigott Colclough’s at Dunmaine, and there the child was born, about whom in after days, there was so much litigation in connection with his claim to the Anglesey Tithe and Estates. The evidence given on the trials was so conflicting that to this day (1879 JC) I am unable to make up my mind whether the boy was Lady Altham’s son or not, but this at least is certain that Mrs. Colclough was his godmother. Having now disposed of the senior branch of the family (the issue of Sir Adam) I must
refer back to the Duffrie Branch which on the death of Madam Pigott Colclough became the head branch of the family, and commence with its originator, viz. Dudley Colclough the eldest son of Sir Thomas Colclough by his second wife, who, for distinction sake I will call ”The Cavalier.” He inherited under his father’s will (which see) the whole of the Duffrie Estate, and lived before the troubles began at a place now known as Oak Hall on the towns land of Moynart or Monart, the southern boundary of his great possessions, which at that time included the whole country from Sir Henry Wallops Estate of Enniscorthy, to the Carlow line at Newtownbarry, (now Bunclody) bounded on the East by the River Slaney, and on the North by Mount Leinster and the Black Stairs Mountain. The Western boundary I have a difficulty in defining, but it at all events included the present Richards property of Grange, Ballyhyland, etc., and of course the woods of Killoughrum. Dudley like his brother, Sir Adam, was a prime favourite at Court, obtained a confirmation from the crown 21 March, 3rd Charles I of the Castle and lands of Moynart etc,.(The Duffrie Estate) and a further grant from the Crown, 29th July, 16 Charles I 1640) of the manor and lands of Ballyhoge, Keeraght, Galbally, and four other townslands near. The Tithes of 16 Rectories, 24 Houses in the Faythe, Wexford; 24 Burgages and 1⁄4 in St. John Street Wexford, 2 Houses in Taghmon, the late Hospitals of St. John and St. Bridget, in or near Wexford, and several Parks and Gardens near Wexford, with power to hold Courts, Baron and Leet3, on said manor and to empark 300 Acres with free warren etc., A large Estate in itself, whether he ever resided at Ballyhoge (the present residence of the Cliff family) or not, I have not ascertained. Dudley, like his brothers John and Anthony, ”took unto himself a wife of the daughters of the land” and unfortunately for himself and his descendants adopted the Catholic Religion and sided with the Confederates in the Rebellion of 1641, (to whom he was so much indebted?) is nothing surprising, but his being an Irish Papist told fearfully against his chance of recovering his Estates at the Restoration. His story is a sad one, and I do not care to dwell much upon it. The extracts from the Public Records of that day, and given in another part of this Book, will be found to throw much light upon it. Having been taken in Arms for the King, the whole of his property was handed over to Cromwellians, and he was given the usual option of being transferred to H. or Connaught, but not being in love, I
presume, with either locality, he made his escape to France, and thus at least was
more fortunate than his cousin, Colonel Walter Bagenal of Dunleckney, who not only lost his Estates but his life also for the little cause. Dudley, the Cavalier, returned to this Country at the Restoration, and was one of 15 Noblemen and Gentlemen included in a special Act of Grace, November 30th 1660, directing a restoration of their Estates, without any further proof. In this Act he is styled Sir Dudley Colclough, and it is quite possible that he may have been Knighted in France by the Young King, but I can find no record of it. The Cromwellians who were in possession of the Estates had sufficient influence to enable them to retain a great part, and that the most valuable, including Monart, Killoughrum, Grange, etc,. and the remainder, with the Rectories, Tithes etc,. was eventually recovered by Dudley and his son Patrick. King Charles 2nd along with his vices, had many redeeming qualities, and I think in spite of the following satirical Epitaph that he should get credit for at least one act of worldly wisdom ;
“Here lies one Mutton eating King
Who’s word no man relied on,
Who never said a foolish thing,
And never did a wise one.”
Circumstances were too much for him, and althow he may fairly be credited with a sincere wish to restore the Loyalists the whole of their possessions there can be little doubt that an attempt to entirely dispossess the Cromwellians would have resulted in another Rebellion, which he might have found it very difficult to put down, and so those Loyalists who recovered a reasonable share of their properties were as fortunate as could well be expected. Dudley gave origin to another saying, which is still common amongst the Wexford people. The story is, that for some cause or other it became his interest to have the timber felled on a certain tract- I suppose of Killoughrum, it being necessary it should be completed by a certain day, and to enable him to do so, the whole countryside assembled, and working the entire of a moonlight night left not a stick standing by morning hence the saying ,”Smack smooth, as Colclough cut the wood.” Anthony of Rathlin, the younger brother of Dudley, also took the Oath of “The Holy Catholic Confederation” and was a member of the Supreme Council of Kilkenny in 1642. He, particularly and his two brothers were very active against the Parliamentarians, a moiety of whom they besieged in Tintern Castle, and took it from them. Anthony was Captain of 200 men in the Confederate force of Wexford that blocked up Lord Ormond in Duncannon Fort in 1642. P.H. Hore in his book the Chronicles of Tintern says there is little to record of Tintern from 1631 till the outbreak of the Great Rebellion, details of which are given under the General History of that County. Tintern was garrisoned in December 1641, by a small force, some 30 soldiers, from Duncannon, under the command of Major Edward Aston, or Ashton, of Kilbarry, in the County of Waterford, and at one time appears to have contained 200 refugees. Major Aston and his party were obliged to surrender to the Rebels, who were at that time in the neighbourhood of Shelbaggan preparatory to the besieging of Duncannon (q.v.) after a fortnight’s siege in the summer of the following year. Lady Colclough retired for protection into the English quarters, and afterwards went over to England. It appears that in her absence a plot was concocted by Dudley Colclough of Monart, and his brothers Anthony and John, who were in league with the rebels, to seize the estate of Tintern, then the property of Sir Caesar Colclough, and for a short period the above John was in actual possession of the Castle and lands. The above-mentioned conspirators, together with Colonel John Devereux, of Mountpill, Tomhaggard, had agreed with the County Council to assault and capture the Castle of Tintern for the sum of £400. (The Castle of Tintern is the square tower attached to the Abbey, at that time the residential portion of the building). The following extracts from the Depositions of the period describe the events of the time and the principal actors in them.
Examinations of Major Edward Aston, of Kilbarry, County Waterford, aged 34, Ect., concerning James Lewes, of the Graigue, Templetown. Upon the whole interrogatories the Deponent said that on the 17th of February 1642, at which time and before and after the same he did garrison the Castle of Tintern (near Duncannon fort) for the defence of thereof against the Irish Rebels, and for preserving thereof, and the goods therein, for the use of the Lady Colclough, a protestant, a party of the Irish Rebels in arms, to the number of 80 or thereabouts, came and laid an ambush near the Castle of Tintern, and about five or six of them went to the plough belonging to the said Castle, and did cut the harness and were driving away the garrans (plough horses) thereof (which was the means to entice the Deponent and his party out of the said Castle ) whereupon about 8 men under this Deponent command issued out suddenly to rescue the said garrans, and the Deponent following them on horseback and mistrusting nothing, was not sensible of any enemy, till riding through a lane and seeking the entrance of a gate fast shut, perceived the said Rebels to the number of about 16 whose rise (i.e., who arose) out of their ambush and fired at this Deponent several pieces which missed the Deponent and he been forced to ride back through the same lane amongst their shot perceived his men engaged and fighting with the Rebels; notwithstanding this Deponent’s men escaped with their lives, and but of them on horseback lightly wounded, besides one killed; and the Deponent further said that the said James Lewes was among and one of the said Rebels then and there in arms, and that the said James did present and endeavour to discharge at this Deponent five several times by cocking of his fire Locke, which nevertheless failed to give fire. The Deponent’s cause of knowledge is for that he being afterwards at the said James Lewes his house, the said James told the Deponent that he was one of the said ambush, and that he did five several times cock and pull down the trigger of his fire Locke aiming at and intending to have shot the Deponent, and the said James did, upon the said relation to this Deponent, in passionate manner curse his fire Locke for that it did not fire and kill this Deponent as the said James desired and wished it had done. He also said that James Lewes, did kill one Gilbert Yorke, an Englishman belonging to the fort of Duncannon. Feb.3 1653.
Signed Edward Aston.
Examination of the same Deponent concerning James Rochford of Taylorstown, (Tintern Parish, Shelburne) and Huge Rochford of Taghmon, son of said James.
Upon ye whole matter of ye Interrogatories the Examinant deposeth that the said James and Huge Rochford were in actual arms with and of the Irish Rebels that in or about the month of July, 1642 besieged, summoned and took the Castle of Tintern which was then garrisoned by the Deponent and a party of English for and on behalf of the English and the Lady Colclough a protestant, the proprietor of the said Castle. The Deponent’s cause of knowledge is for that he did see the said James and Huge, then and there in arms as aforesaid, and said that the said Huge, being at that time High Sheriff of the said County of Wexford, was one of them that contracted with one John Colclough for the sum of £400 for the taking and subduing of the said Castle and investing the said John into the possession thereof, which he with the said Huge and the rest of the Contractors accordingly performed.
Edward Aston.Feb.3.1653
Extracts from the deposition of Nicholas Stafford of Codstown, gent, concerning the above Huge Rochford. The said Huge Rochford did in the first year of the Rebellion with Colonel John Devereux of Mountpill, and others, summon and reduce ye Castle of Tintern to ye obedience of ye Irish, the same being then garrisoned and kept by a party of ye English Interest, for which exploit or service the said Huge with others had a considerable sum of money from John Colclough, as this Deponent credible heard from the said John, and partly to his own knowledge he understood the same.
Nicholas Stafford, 5 January 1653
The Examination of Robert Brown, of Knockingall, yeoman, aged 30 years or thereabouts, taken upon oath on the behalf of the Commonwealth concerning Dudley Colclough of County Wexford, Esquire.
To 1st he deposeth that he well knew the said Dudley and his two brothers Anthony and John Colclough, for that he hath several times seen them in the County of Wexford in the Irish quarters the first year of the Rebellion and sit hence, and that the said Dudley, Anthony, and John did not thence remove into the English quarters as the Lady Colclough of Tintern, to whom they respectively allied, and other protestants of the said County did. To the 3rd and 4th He said that the said Dudley, Anthony and John did in the first year of the Rebellion actually contribute their persons in Arms, and were so in Arms with a party of the Irish consisting of 300 or thereabouts which lay besieging the Castle of Tintern on or about the months of May June and July, 1642; the same being then defended by some English therein, and that the said Dudley, Anthony and John were present when the Castle was surrendered to the Irish. His cause of knowledge is that the Deponent did see them, the said Dudley, Anthony and John, with the Irish party then lying at a place called Kinnegh, distant half a mile from Tintern, and for that the deponent did see them, the said three Colcloughs, at the little Castle within half musket shot to the said Castle of Tintern, which was taken from the English therein by force and Arms, and for that also the deponent did see the said Dudley, Anthony, and John about two or three days after in the possession of the said same Castle of Tintern, when the English therein were thence departed; and the deponent further said that the said Anthony and John had at that time severally the names and commands of Captain’s, but what office or command the foresaid Dudley had this deponent doth not know. And he further deposeth that the foresaid Dudley Colclough did about days after May day in the
said year, 1642 come to the officers that commanded the Irish forces that lay at Shelbaggan blocking in Duncannon, and from the said officers obtained a party of commanded men, consisting of about 24, whereof the deponent was one, which party the said Dudley led, and commanded by night to the Irish Camp at Tintern, from which camp the said Dudley in person with the parties aforesaid forced into a house close to the to the gate of Tintern, of purpose to have brought from thence some sheep which he supposed to be in the house belonging to the English, and being disappointed of the said sheep- being not there at that time - further attempted to break an out gate belonging to the bawne of the said Castle, intending to have brought thence the cows and garrans (horses) therein, but being discovered, the English out of Tintern Castle made shots against the said Dudley and his party, and the said party shot against the English, and departed without attaining any prey; and the deponent further said that he credibly heard that the said three brothers Dudley, Anthony, and John Colclough did for some time maintain the Irish forces that took Tintern, and afterwards the Deponent did see the said John Colclough in the possession of said Castle and lands of Tintern,it being the estate of Sir Caesar Colclough a protestant.
Sworn before us the 8th of February 1653, signed Robert Browne.
The Examination of Major Edward Aston of Kilbarry, in the County of Waterford, concerning a William Sutton, of Ballykeeroge More, Ballybrazil Parish, Shelburne, in the County of Wexford.
Upon the whole matter said he the Deponent, having, in or about December in the year 1641, with 30 men at arms under his command, taken the Castle of Tintern in the County of Wexford for the defending thereof against the Irish then rising and risen in arms, for the use of the English and the proprietor thereof the Lady Colclough a protestant, continued in the said Castle till about July after the rebellion broke forth at which time William Sutton and others of the best ranks in the County of Wexford, came in arms and laid siege to the said Castle and summoned the Deponent to yield the same, which he denied to do, till after some days siege finding no hope to be relieved by the fort of Duncannon, the only garrison then in the County, did surrender the same on condition that he and his men might go securely into Munster, which was granted, and the Deponent further say that the said William Sutton was one of the men that was given and that of himself offered to be one of the hostages for this Deponent’s safe and peaceable conduct to Fethard the place where he was to take shipping, which the said William performed.
Sworn February 3rd 1653.
On the pacification of the County, after the suppression of the Great Rebellion by Cromwell, who reduced this and other disaffected garrisons on his march to Ross from Wexford in the autumn of 1649, the Colcloughs- being protestants- were left in undisturbed possession of their estates, while those who were Roman Catholics and had taken a hand in the rebellion lost their property. Among the latter we find: - Dudley who forfeited in Garryhasten and others lands in Moyacomb Parish, Scarawalsh, 1,612 acres, Monart and other lands in Templeshanbo Parish Scarawalsh 12,168 acres, in St. Johns Parish Shelmalier, 834 acres. But his son Patrick Colclough, who was not involved in the Rebellion, and in the year 1689 was M.P. for the County and afterwards Deputy Lieutenant, obtained 7,736 acres out of the above forfeitures.
Sir Caesar Colclough, the proprietor of the Abbey, a protestant, besides being confirmed in his estate (the acreage of the lands in each Parish are shown below), was granted Kilscanlan, 376 acres, in Old Ross Parish in Bantry, the forfeited property of Owen McMorrish, Irish Papist. The lands confirmed to Sir Caesar Colclough:- In Kinnagh Parish, Shelburne 404 acres, in Clonmines 92 Acres, in Fethard 30 acres, in Tintern Parish, Shelburne Barony 1,339 acres, in Owenduff 2,160 acres, in Kilmore, Bargy Barony, 460 acres, in Mulrankin 60 acres, in Carrick, Bannow Parish, Bargy Barony 460 acres, and in the same Parish 220 acres. Total including Kilscanlan 4,945 acres. Described in Pedigree Ms. books of H.F. Hore, Esq., as Sir Dudley Colclough, of Mocurry and Monart. He was ordered to transplant to Connaught on December 19th 1653, but was granted three months’ time to gather together the remains of his harvest, stock, etc., and allowed to cut down £100 worth of timber, which he did, and sold it to Francis Harvey, a merchant in Wexford. The Inquisition taken February 16th 1653-4, describes him as Dudley Colclough, of Moynart-13 persons in family, with 6 cows, 3 garrans, and 6 swine.
His eldest son Adam (of Greys Inns) following in his father's footsteps, and was in arms with King James II in Ireland in 1689, but the younger son, Caesar of Rosegarland used a wiser discretion, and accumulated a large fortune only, however, to be dissipated in the second generation after. Patrick, the eldest son and successor of Dudley, having lost Monart, was under the necessity of building a residence for himself which he did in 1671 on the towns land of Mohurry, calling the place “Duffry Hall”, still a household name in the family, though its ruins have long since passed into other hands. He, like his father, was destined to suffer heavily for his adherence to the cause of the Stuarts, for being an “Irish Papist ” he was of course a Jacobite, and equally of course, risked life and property in the vain attempt to recover the “Throne for Shamus” and to saddle us with “Popery, Slavery, Brass money ,and Wooden Shoes”. His early life was passed in an almost fruitless struggle to recover portions of his property from those holding under the Cromwellian Settlement, and here, I think I cannot do better than quote from Prendergast’s Cromwellian Plantation of the Barony of Idrone, published in the Kilkenny Arch. Journal of 1860. When dealing with the case of Patrick’s cousin and brother in law, Dudley, son of Colonel Walter Bagenal, he says, “Others of equal loyalty, obtained decrees of the Court of Claims to have back their ancient estates, but as it was provided by the Act of Settlement that the Adventurers and soldiers in possession under the Commonwealth Settlement were not to be removed without being first “reprised” that is provided with another Estate by the Commissioners, and the Government officials were in no hurry to do this, even if they could have found sufficient land to supply them, the dispossessed owners never were restored, this was in part the case of both Bagenal and Colclough,” and he says further on, “Dudley Bagenal therefore like his father, took up arms of King James, even though the King was rejected by his subjects in England. The risks might be desperate, the rightful cause might become at length the wrong, but had he not seen the dynasty restored and found loyalty uncompenced in his own person.” And again speaking of the widow of Col. Walter Bagenal, ”her daughter through the corrupt Acts of her father and mothers murderer, Chief Baron Corbet, married to his nephew, who occupies their Ancestral Halls”. From this it appears that Catherine Bagenal, Patrick Colclough's wife had been first married to John Corbet, and again, “The fate of this family (Bagenal) was a common one to befall the family of the Englishman settling in Ireland during the (16th and) 17th century... more to follow JC.