Carrickfergus was given a grant of murage dated 19/7/1559.
This was in the form of:-
Wording
A memorial of the answers given by the Queen, with the advice of her Council, to sundry of her subjects of Ireland making suits to her; delivered to the Lord Deputy 16 July, anno primo.
...
15. The Mayor and commons of Knockfergus have required to have their charter renewed. We are therewith well pleased. They also desire to have their town walled upon our charges, in consideration whereof they offer to yield to us after two years a yearly rent of 26l. 13s. 4d. You shall signify to them that the season of the year is so far passed that the same cannot be exploited or begun until the next spring. In the mean season you shall consider how the same may be performed, with what charges, within what time, and what provisions shall be meet therefor. We are informed that the same would be to very good purpose for some stay of strength in the north parts. Renovation of the charter of that town shall be granted under the Great Seal of that realm, in "as ample manner as our town of Droghdaa holdeth the same."
...
Signed, both at the beginning and the end: Elizabeth R.
Pp. 6. Endorsed by Cecil.
Granted by Elizabeth I.
Primary Sources
Brewer, J.S. and Bullen, W. (eds), 1867,
Calendar of the Carew manuscripts, 1515-1616 (London) p. 282-4 No. 219.15
online copy
Secondary Sources
Thomas, A., 1992, The Walled Towns of Ireland Vol. 2 (Irish Academic Press) p. 37-43
Comments
A request in 1559 from the mayor etc. for a new charter also stated their 'desire to have their town walled' at the Queen expense, offering 'to yield after 2 years a rent of £26.13.4. A decision on this was put off because it was 'too late in the year', although the charter was granted on the Drogheda model (CCP 283). (Thomas)
Record created by Philip Davis. This record created 29/03/2009. Last updated on 04/06/2012. First published online 5/01/2013.
