Catalogue description Submissions of the Irish, 18 Ric. II.

I. Notarial instrument certifying that on 16 Feb. 1394, the sixth year of Pope Boniface IXth, in a field called Ballygory near Cathlagh, on the side of Clemargy, in the diocese ef Leighlin, Thomas Earl of Nottingham, Marshal of England, being present with his retinue, in the hearing of Gerald O'Bryn and Donald O'Nolon, captain of his nation, and of many other Irishmen, coming to the Earl from a woody place distant two furlongs, where there were many armed Irishmen assembled together, caused certain letters patent of King Richard II. dated 12 Feb. 18 Ric. II. to be read by John Melton, clerk, of Lincoln diocese, empowering the said Earl to receive Arthur McMourgh and others to the King's fealty and obedience, and to distribute lands and habitations to the captains and leaders of men of war who quitted Leinster; and charging the Earls of Ormond and Desmond to aid the said Earl in this matter. This was expounded in Irish by Edmund Vale, Master of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem in Ireland. Then Gerald O'Bryn, removing his girdle, sword, and cap, on bended knees, with lifted hands, took an oath (in Irish) of allegiance to the King, and an oath to observe the covenants in an indenture between the King and himself and other Irishmen, or in default to pay 20,000 marks to the Papal Chamber. The same was done by Donald O'Nolan, Malachias O'Morth, Rory Oge and Shane, son (sons ?) of Maurice Booy of Slemergy, Arthur McMoroughe (who rode a black horse), and Murgh O'Connogher de Faly; all doing homage, and binding themselves in certain sums of money.

On the morrow, 17 Feb., in a house within the castle of Cathlagh, said Edw. Vale took oath faithfully to expound in English the liege homages of the above-named, and did so. Then David O'Murarghe McManus and E. MacGerold of Kensele did liege homage in the same manner. Then came Geoffrey O'Brennan, Fennyn McGillpatrick, Henry Tallon (an English rebel), Thomas Karragh, and Shan son of O'Nolane, and did not do homage, but swore to submit to the King's ordinance and disposition.

On the 18th, in the church of the Friars' Minors near Thristel-Dermond, in presence of said Earl Thomas, Guy L'Enfant took oath to faithful.y expound the said homages in English; which done, Lysagh Ferison and O'Connor, of the nation of Hyrth and O'Tothill, did homage as above.

On the 19th, in a chamber in Dublin Castle, in presence of Richard King of England, John Malachie, clerk of Dublin diocese, [interpreted] in English, the sayings of Donogh O'Bryn, who, kneeling before the King, swore to observe the said covenants, on pain of paying 1,000l. ster. to the Apastolic Chamber.

Then follows a copy of an indenture, dated 7 Jan., 18 Ric. II., in the field between Tyllagh and the said castle, between Thomas Earl of Nottingham and Arthur McMoroghe, receiving the latter and his followers to the King's peace, on his taking the oath of fealty and promising to deliver to the King all his possessions in Leinster, and to obey the laws. He swore that before the first Sunday in Lent he would quit Leinster, saving to him his moveable goods, and give the son of Thomas Carraghe Cavenaghe as a hostage. The King to treat said Arthur as his liege man, and to provide him and his heirs with 80 marks a year, together with his wife's inheritance of the barony of Norragh. He and his men to make war upon the King's rebels, and to have all the lands they may acquire, holding them of the King. In the same indenture there were also covenants between the said Earl Marshal and O'Bryn, O'More, O'Nollan, and others, and all those of Kensley, to deliver all their possessions in Leinster to the King, as above, to receive wages from the King, to make war on his rebels, and to deliver hostages. If they broke these covenants said Arthur swore to make war on them. The names of witnesses to this indenture are given.

The notary, Thomas Sparkford, made this instrument, at the request of all the said Irishmen.

(No reference given.) [The reference given below probably applies to this document also.]

Memoranda of the Exchequer, 18 Ric. 2. Trinity term, on the side of the King's Remembrancer.

Memorandum, that John Bishop of Salisbury, Treasurer of England, delivered to the court on the 25th of June two hampers, of which one contained 39 public instruments touching Ireland, and the other letters sent to the King, indentures, and other records, to the number of 36; of which letters 23 were written on paper.

The bishop stated that the King delivered them to him, and commanded him to cause them to be enrolled in the Exchequer, and to be safely kept in his Treasury. Thereupon the barons ordered them to be enrolled as follows.

III. Notarial instrument, certifying that on 16 March 1394, in a chamber in the cloister of the Friars' Preachers in Drogheda, in the presence of King Richard, Shane McDonnel, of the diocese of Ardagh, divested himself of his girdle, dagger, and cap, knelt at the King's feet, and holding his hands between the King's hands, took oath in the Irish tongue, (which was expounded in English by Thomas Talbot, interpreter,) to be faithful and obedient, and to come to the King at his Parliament and Council whenever he should be sent for. The King then admitted him as his liege man, and Shane requested the notary to make him a public instrument. Witnesses: Thomas Archbishop of York, Robert and Richard Bishops of London and Chichester, Thomas Moubray Earl of Nottingham, Marshal, Thomas Percy, the King's steward, and William Scrope, the King's chamberlain. Notary: Thomas Sparkeford, clerk, of the diocese of Bath and Wells.

[Similar] submission of Catholius McMoryertowgh O'Hanlon.

Submission of Donogh O'Byrne.

Submission of Arth O'Demesey in Leinster, with a rope tied about his neck.

Submission of Arthur MakMurghe Melachye Canerawgh, and John Glasmorghe, tenants of part of Leinster, by William Beg and others their substitutes (proepositos).

Submission of Tady O'More, of Leinster.

Letters of Tegge McKarthy, Prince of the Irishmen of Desmond, sent to the King, to excuse him from coming to the King's presence, are enrolled.

IV. Notarial instrument, certifying that on 16 March 1394, in Drogheda, as above, in the presence of the King, the Lord Nellan Juvenis O'Nel, captain of his nation, took oath in Irish, which was interpreted by Thomas O'Locheran, to the same effect as before, binding himself to pay 20,000 marks sterling to the Apostolic Chamber should he break his oath. Witnesses: Thomas Archbishop of York, John Archbishop of Armagh, Primate of Ireland, Robert, Richard, and Tydeman, Bishops of London, Chichester, and Landaff; Thomas Moubray, Earl of Nottingham, Thomas Percye, master of the King's household, and William Scrope. Notary, Thomas Sparkeford, clerk.

[Similar] submission of Maurice MacGenisse.

Submission of Nelan O'Hanleyn.

Submission of Adam Richard Fyn Tobyn.

Submission of Moris FitzMoris de Geraldus, knight.

Submission of William Barret and Magu Barett Carraghe.

Submission of Desmond O'Brien, Prince of Thomond.

Submission of Gerald O'Byrne, Donald O'Nolan, Malachy O'Morho, Rowry Oge, and Schane, son of Maurice Booy of Slemargy, Arthur MacMourghe, Murghe O'Conor of Faly, Brother of Edward (Edmond ?), Master of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem in Ireland, David Murghe MacMannus, E. MacGerold of O'Kenshelawghe, Geoffrey O'Brenan, Fergenamyn Makkilfatryke, Henry Talon, Thomas Karraghe, Shan, son of O'Nolane.

Submission of Guy Lenfant, Leynagh Ferisson O'Connour, of the nation of Hyrthe and O'Tohill.

Submission of Donogh O'Byrne. [This seems to be an abstract of No. 1., but the writer is wrong in including Edmund Vale and Guy L'Enfant in the list of submissions. They were merely interpreters.]

V. Patent of Nellan O'Neyll, junior, captain of his nation, appointing his father, Nellan O'Neyll, senior, as his procurator to appear before Richard King of England and France and Lord of Ireland, and before the Lord Roger Mortimer, Earl of March and Ulster; to treat for the peace of them and each of them for himself, his nation and subjects; to restore all the lands which he has unjustly seized, together with liberties, services, and customs, and especially with the bonathtagh of the Irishmen of Ulster; to offer amends and satisfaction for the injuries and excesses done to the King and the Earl, their lands and subjects; and to seal or sign indentures and other writings with his seal. He will undergo temporal and spiritual penalties or ecclesiastical censures in the event of his breaking any agreement.

Also to take the oath of allegiance, homage, fealty, and obedience. Dated at Madoyn, 6th of January 1394.

[Similar] submissions of Terrelagh O'Conor of Connaught, William De Burgh, Bernard, son of Tadey O'Brien, Dermot, son of O'Brien of Thomond, Odo O'Keinedie, Fenicius and Thomas O'Kenedy, Lord (Don), of Munster, Theobald Fitz Walter, Davy Galle De Burgh of Munster, and the venerable fathers in Christ, Patrick and Gregory, bishops by the grace of God of "Fynaborensis" and "Uwacensis," of Connaught.

Submission of Bernard O'Brien and Taddey O'Kerwll of Munster, Tadey O'Kelly of Connaught.

Submission of Arthur McMurgh, of Terrelaghe O'Concour Lord (Don), of Connaught.

William De Burgh and Walter Birmingham, created knights by the King.

Submission of Malachie O'Morho, Conohore O'Cally, Philip O'Cally, O'Tohyle.

Submission of O'Ferroll Bane, O'Ferroll Boy, O'Molaghlyn, Magaghgan, Nell. A'Molmoy.

Submission of Schane McMahon, Dermot O'Conhour of Faly, Cormac O'Molaghlyn of Meath, Thomas Karragh Cavenaghe, David More O'Morghe, Gillpatrick, Reoghe O'More, Donald O'Nolan.

VI. Notarial instrument, certifying that on 19 January, 1394., in a chamber within the cloister of the House of Friars Preachers at Drogheda, Nellan O'Neyll, senior, did liege homage to King Richard, for himself, his sons, nation, and subjects, in the Irish tongue. (The words of his oath are here given.) The said Nellan presented a proxy to the King in the name of his son to the effect previously mentioned; by virtue of which proxy Nellan O'Neyll, junior, became the liege man of the King. (The words of his oath are here given.) Then the said Nellan, senior, made an agreement with Roger De Mortimer, Earl of March and Ulster, before the King, concerning all lands wrongfully detained of long time from the said Roger; the damages to be restored. He then took an oath to perform the above on the gospels, on the missal, and on the cross of the Archbishop of Armagh. Thereupon King Richard and Nellan requested the notary to make them public instruments.

Witnesses, John, Richard, Tydeman, and Robert, bishops of Armagh (Primate), Chicester, Llandaff, Waterford, and Lismore.

[Similar] submission of Tegg MacKarthy, Murgh O'Conghire of Faly, Malachy O'Keally, Terrelaugh, FitzMaurice O'Brien, of Munster, Teotric O'Conor, Lord of Connaught, Cormac, son of Dermot MacKarthy, Donald Morgh his son, the Lord Magaule, Moriertagh Magoghan, Conhore O'Molaghlyn, Giles O'Rayle, Thomas O'Ferrell.

VII. Letter of the Lord Nellan O'Neyll to King Richard II.

The last time he was with the King at Tresteldermoth the King conferred many honours upon him, and commanded him immediately after Easter to repair to the King. Is unable to come to the King's presence this time, owing to great and troublesome affairs and grievances, because the King's grant to him is not observed that he should have buying and selling in the King's markets and towns.

According to the King's license he sent his men and servants to Ballymorire to buy divers necessaries for this feast, and the men of that town rose up against his men, despoiled them, and detained them. Moreover, the Irishmen of Kinusley came to him, and made preys of thirty head of mares of his stable, and also took his son, and detained him as a hostage. He therefore prays the King to excuse his absence this time, and not to listen to any complaint against him until the truth be enquired into before the King. Cannot subsist without buying and selling. Desires the King's letters patent that he may obtain the same in the King's markets and towns for the future.

(No date).

VIII. Letter from Nellan O'Neyll, Prince of the Irishmen of Ulster, to King Richard II.

When he heard of the King's joyous advent to Ireland, he rejoiced greatly, and rejoices now, hoping to obtain justice for the many injuries done to him and his people by the Englishmen of the Marches. If he has excessively injured the King's subjects, he has not done so to deny the King's Lordship, but has always acknowledged his authority. If he could have obtained justice from any of the King's ministers he would not have done what he did. Is willing to make satisfaction for any offence against his Royal Majesty. Desires to be received into protection, and that the King will be to him a helmet and shield of justice between his Lord the Earl of Ulster and himself, in case the Earl should exact from him more than he ought of right. Is ready to render all duties, and to make amends for things committed. Was informed by his spiritual father, the Lord Primate of Ireland, that the King was offended because he came with his men too near to the King's Marches of Dundalke. Did not do so with any bad intent, but out of reverence and respect to the Crown.

IX. A writing, (scriptura) witnessing that on 20 January 1394, in the presence of King Richard, in the King's Parliament Chamber, in the cloister of the Friars Preachers of Drogheda, Nellan O'Neyll, senior, Procurator of Nellan O'Neyll, junior, on bended knees, by words uttered in the Irish tongue, became the King's liege man for himself and his son, and took oath on the gospels and the cross of St. Patrick. Also he surrendered to the Earl of March and Ulster the bonaght of all the Irishmen of Ulster, and all other services which the said Nellans and their ancestors were wont to render to the Earl's ancestors. There being a dispute beteen the said Earl and Nellan as to the immediate subjection of certain Irishmen of Ulster, the King took the arbitration of it into his own hand before the feast of St. John the Baptist, giving fifteen days' warning to both parties; provided that the same Irishmen of Ulster do come personally to the presence of the King or the Earl, to take the oath of allegiance and fealty to the King, and the oath of fealty to the Earl. The King also wills that the said Nellan shall come to the presence of the King and the Earl before the second Sunday in Lent next, at Drogheda or Dublin, to make oaths and recognizances of allegiance and homage to the King, and fealty to the Earl; otherwise neither the said Nellan nor the other Irishmen of Ulster shall be secure of the peace of the King and Earl. Also the King took into his own hands the ordination, taxation, or limitation of the amends or satisfaction [to be done] by the said Nellans for the burnings, homicides, preys, depopulations, and other injuries done by them to the King and his lieges, and to the Earl or his subjects; to be determined before the said feast of St. John the Baptist.

To this writing the said Nellan, senior, affixed his seal.

Examinatur, et concordat cum recordo, per me, Henricum Fanshawe." (In a different hand).