There is associated evidence for murage, dated 1578, concerning Carrickfergus, Ireland.
Wording
IV. " Certain Points delivered by the Lords to be resolved of by the Lord Deputy," Sir Henry Sydney.
(2.) Whether the building of certain towns, houses, and bridges, undertaken by the Lord Deputy, be performed.
V. " The Answer of the Lord Deputy to the points delivered unto him by the Lords to be resolved."
(2.) He caused certain fortifications to be begun at Knockfergus and elsewhere, but perceiving the excessive charges daily to increase, he thought fit to make stay of them.
Granted by Elizabeth I.
Primary Sources
Brewer, J.S. and Bullen, W. (eds), 1868,
Calendar of the Carew manuscripts, 1575-1588 (London) p. 150-1
online copy
Secondary Sources
Thomas, A., 1992, The Walled Towns of Ireland Vol. 2 (Irish Academic Press) p. 37-43
McNeill, T.E., 1981, Carrickfergus Castle (Belfast) p. 9, 10
Comments
A murage grant followed in 1570 in the form of half the customs. revenue for 7 years, for 'strengthening' (Sidney SP 75), apparently on top of a grant from the fee-farm in the charter of 1569 'until the fortifications are repaired' (MCI 743-6). In addition Capt. Piers, who had also proposed a town wall in 1564 (SP 63/9/83 - McNeill 9), requested in 1571 £1000 for work on the wall and a pier (SP 63/33/1). The fate of this request is unknown but it was probably unsuccessful in view of subsequent events. Sidney was charged in 1578 with 'extravagance' at Carrickfergus (CCP 1578-88, 3; 151; 342 - McNeill 10) although the nature of the wall, with the exception of that along the sea fronts, was hardly commensurate with such a charge (1574-5 above). (Thomas)
Record created by Philip Davis. This record created 30/03/2009. Last updated on 20/01/2013. First published online 9/01/2013.
