The history and antiquities of the county of the town of Carrickfergus, etc

Appendix

. BELFAST : PRINTED BY J. SMYTH, HIGH-ST, 1828. TO THE READER. This Work is divided into Four Parts, or Sections. The First is in the manner of Annals ; the Second relates to the Ancient and Present State of the District • the Third treats of its Corporate Origin and Privileges ; the Fourth of its Trade, Customs, Statistics, and Antiquities. When more than one authority of reference is given to any article, the first reference usually relates to the first part of the article, the second to the next part ; — if more, in a like manner. ffMstorj), &c. of Carricttfersus*

Part I

J. he ancient accounts of Carrickfergus present little but traditionary legends, being involved in at least a common share of that obscurity, which appears inseparable from our national history. It is, however, believed to have been early inhabited ; and an eminent author even supposes it to have been the first place in this kingdom peopled by the Celtes from North Britain,1 near three centuries before the nativity of Christ, and before the Fir-Bolgs, or Belgæ (another branch of the Scythian nation) are said to have arrived in this island3 from South Britain.3 Camden likewise affirms that Ireland was originally peopled by Britons ; and Spencer, in his " View of Ire land," is explicit, that Scythians were the first settlers in the north of this kingdom, and confirms it by an ex amination of their customs and manners.

The assertions of these historians receive some support from the proximity of the western parts of Britain to the « Petty's Political Anatomy. Macpberson's Dissertations. Tran. R. I. A. vol. 1. *Ledwich's Antiquities. 'O'Connor's Dissertations. northern parts of this island, the high land of which could be easily discerned on a clear day ; and when we consider the imperfect state of navigation m the early ages, in boats made of twisted willows and the skins of animals, these assertions are farther confirmed. That snch were anciently the common modes of conveyance, is evident from the works of several learned authors. Cæsar ordered his soldiers to make such boats as' he had seen in Britain, the keels of light timber, the other parts of osiers, covered with hides. Lucan, the Roman poet, who flourished A. D. 65, mentions the like boats as being used by the Britons ; and Solinus Polyhistoiv who flourished about the same time, also says, " the sea between Britain and Ireland is unquiet and tempestuous, and yet they sailed over it in wicker boats, encompassed with a swelling covering of ox hides."

To a people who possessed such slender means for a voyage, a short passage must have been an important object, and equally so a commodious landing-place, which it is probable this bay presented in a greater degree than any part of the adjacent coast ; and perhaps, this place at that time, from tlie wind, cr some other cause, might have presented fewer obstacles to the landing of such navigators, than any part of the circumjacent shore. Concerning the first settlers nothing has reached us : doubtless they followed the same roving habits as the other Scythian tribes, living by their flocks, in woods and caves, without any fixed residence : but until about the beginning of the second century, we have no document that notices this place, when we find it first distinguished by the name of Dumoharky.

In one of the oldest maps of this kingdom, annexed to "O'Connor's Dissertations," entitled, " Scotia Antiqua, or a map of Ire land agreeable to the time of Ptolemy, the geographer," 1 Cæsar's Commentaries. it is laid down by the above name. Also, in a map affixed to "Seward's Hibernian Gazetteer," called, "A map of Ire land previous to the 13th century," it is laid down by the same name, and at the same place, as in that of the second century j1 and in both placed in Dalaradia? an ancient division of the county Antrim, the people of which were commonly called Dalaradians, from the country, but by foreign writers Scots, or Scuits, a name denoting their Scythian or Celtic origin. The above name appears to be a compound of two words purely Celtic; the dun, din, dune, or don, prima rily signifying a mount, hill, high ground, or insulated rock,3 and sobhar, or sobarlcy, strong, powerful, or the like ; which countenances the former account that it was first inhabited by a Celtic people; and the language of a people is generally the best criterion of their origin.

This name is believed to have related merely to the in sulated rock on which the present castle stands ; an opi nion that is in some measure strengthened by its not being noticed by Ptolemy, who has mentioned the bay of Car rickfergus by the name of Vinderius ,■ as he is pretty correct in noting maritime towns, this proves at least its obscurity ; which indeed is easily accounted for, by refer ring to the manners of the Celtes, who were literally ro vinc barbarians; hence we conclude that the ancient name was retained till the arrival of the English, and that ' The general inaccuracy of those maps placo it opposite to the Mull of Cantyre, an error which seems to have heen continued till lately. Peter IJeyhn, a geographer, who wrote so lately as 16 10, describes it by the name of " Rock- Fergus," and adds, that it is opposite to Cantyra.

Iu a map of the county Antrim, lately engraved for a physician of Belfast, possessed of much antiquarian knowledge, in which the ancient names of places arc given, it is laid down in its proper place, by the name of Dtin-sobarcc. a This name is said to have been taken from a chief called Iiheuda, and Dal, a part or portion: and compiehended the S. and S. E. parts of the county Antrim. — lfrare's Antiquities. * Gent. Mag. Vol. XCli. — Hence the names of many of our mounts and raths, both here and in neighbouring parishes, as Dunera, the fort ress of blood ; Dunamocy, i. e. Dun a inaigh, the fortress of the plain ; Dunathery, the middle fortress, &c. there were no buildings here deserving the name of a town, prior to their time. From the settlement of the English we find this place called Crag-fergus, Carig-fergus, Carreg-fergus, Karregfergus, Rock-fergus, Knock-fergus, and Carrickfergus; the former part of which seems derived from the Welch, and signifies a rock or stone ; carrig or kairrig in the Irish language has also the same meaning ; but as many of those employed by Henry II., in the conquest of the kingdom, " were Welchmen, who gave Welch names to places,"1 it is in all likelihood derived from the former language.

Besides, it is highly improbable that an English colony, settled by the right of conquest, would give a name to any settlement of theirs in the language of the conquered country. The latter pajrt of this name is evidently taken from the account of a king called Fergus, who is said to have been lost in a storm, near this place, 320 or 330 years before Christ.2 Tradition says he was the first king of Scotland ; but as the name of Scotland, as applied to that country, was unknown for upwards of a thousand years after Christ,3 the supposition of his being a Scottish prince is doubtless incorrect. We are also informed that he was an Irish chief " famous for his skill in Masoning of armes."4 Having shown as far as possible who the primitive settlers were, also the ancient names of the place, we pro ceed to the remarkable events connected with its general history.

History and tradition are for some time equally silent 1 Hanmer's Chronicle. 2 Har-mer's Chronicle. 3 Usser, Prim. Page 734. Pinkerton's Enquiry into tlie early History of Scotland. 4 Campion's History of Ireland. Tradition says, that the cause of Fergus coming hither was to drink the water of the well, now within the tower of this castle, for the cure of a leprosy — that he was lost during a storm, off the rock on which the castle now stands, and his body, being found on the beach, was interred at Monkstown, alias Monksland, about three miles west of tlie town of Carrickfeigus, .vhere is a burying place, and ruins of a small chapel. as to any event tending to illustrate our present inquiries. For, if we except the romantic tales concerning Fin Eryn1 and Fin Mac Coylle, alias, Mac Comhal, two famous chiefs who are said to have flourished about the latter part of the third century, and their descendants in the fourth, (one of whom, Sperenagh Claw, is said to have governed this place)1 we find nothing worthy of notice till A. D. 697, when this part of Ireland was invaded by the Cruthne, or island Picts, in conjunction with the British Picts.

On this occasion a deperate battle was fought at Lemnka, near Carrickfergus, in which fell Aodh, or Hugh, king of. Dalrieda, also Conquar Mac Echa Mac Maid" win, chief commander of the Picts.3 We are not informed as to the result "of this engagement; but history mentions that Aodh was succeeded by one Duncha in the government of Dalrieda, who in 710 defeated the Britons of Cumberland, who had invaded his dominions ;4 but nothing is recorded that has any re lation to this place, until about 960, when it was plunder ed by the Danes of Lough Cuan, alias Lough Strangford.5 Darkness again pervades our history during several centuries ; for of the proceedings of the Danes and other northern tribes, who arrived in this island from the 8th to the llth century, little is known; which is easily ac counted for by their destroying, during their ravages, all records that related to the country, so that we are seldom enabled to trace any settlement of those barbarians.6 1 Hanmer's Chronicle. comprehended a large tract of the county Antrim, in which was included the Route, or Root, which is said to be merely a corruption of this name. — Ware's Antiquities. 3 Annals of Ulster: vide Anthologia Hibernica. — Tradition affirms that this country was originally inhabited by a people called Pehts, who resided in caves.

They are said to have been very strong, but small in stature. Little pipes resembling our tobacco-pipes, that are sometimes found in digging, are still commonly called Pehl-pipes, from an idea that they belonged to these people. 4 Annals of Ulster: vide Anthologia Hibernica. 5 Keating's History of Ireland. 6 Warner's History of Ireland. The next important event in Irish history is the invasion of the kingdom by the English in 1172 ; and shortly after we find Henry II. granting particular districts to his favourites: among others, the entire province of Ulster to John De Courcy, " to enjoy in that land all that he could conquer with the sword, reserving to the King homage and fealty."1 De Courcy appears to have lost no time in attempting Jo gain possession of his grant ; as, in January 1177, he set out from Dublin with his brother-inlaw, Sir Armorick St. Lawrence, and a band " of volunteers," consisting of 22 knights, 50 esquires, and about 300 foot soldiers, who were afterwards increased to about 700, all chosen men.8 In four days from his departure from Dublin, he reached Down without opposition, where he found ample proyisions and other necessaries for his army ; O'Dpnnell, or, as he is called by some, Dunlenus, the chief of that district, having fled at his approach.3 O'Donnell soon after recovering from his panic, and receiving reinforcements from " Roderick the monarch," attacked the invaders, but was defeated ; and being also worsted in several other engagements, De Courcy was at length enabled to establish himself at Down.

In the summer of 1182, he entered Dalrieda, and defeated Donald O'Loghlin, alias O'Neill, king of that country, who fell in battle ; and soon after began to erect castles and forts to secure his conquests. The same year he established a colony at Carrickfergus, the chief of whom were the Sendalls, Ben sons, Jordans, Copelands, Rus sells, Whites, and Savages.* > Campion's History of Ireland. 'Lodge's Peerage. Cox's History of Ireland. 3 Hanmer's Chronicle. Lodge's Peerage. ♦Hanmcr's Chronicle. Lodge's Peerage. Harris' History of the County Down. Ware's Annals. Gill's MSS At present none of the descendants of the above persons reside here. Jordan's-town, parish of Carnmoney, bordering on Carrickfergus, is alleged to take its name from the above Jor dans. Copcland-watcr, in this parish, is also believed to take its name from the early settlers here.

A tract of land, Middle Division, is still called These colonists appear for some time to have made little progress in building a town. The smallness of their number, and the unsettled state of the country, from the ravages of the natives, and the dissensions that took place between the rival families of De Courcy and De Lacy, and, after the disgrace of the former, between the latter and William Marshall, lord of Leinster,1 were sufficient obstacles to retard the progress of an infant colony. In 1203, Hugh De Lacy the younger was appointed lord justice by King John ; who, in May, 1205, created him earl of Ulster, bestowing on him the estates of the brave John De Courcy, who, through the machinations of the De Lacys, was then a prisoner in the tower of London.* Three years after, we find Hugh De Lacy lord deputy ; and he, with others of the same family, deeming this a proper season to get rid of all their enemies, caused John De Courcy, lord of Rathenny and Kilbarrock, natural son of John De Courcy, late earl of Ulster, to be murdered ;3 the Lacys accusing him of being a spy upon their actions, and of reporting the same to the king.4 This event caused a general discontent and confusion amongst the English settlers ; the Irish chieftains, considering this a fit time to expel the English from their respective dis tricts, revolted, on pretence of oppressive taxation ; and a general commotion took place throughout the kingdom.* In order to suppress the flame of rebellion, and to in quire into the oppressive conduct of the De Lacys, King John landed at Waterford, with an army, on the 8th June, White' s-land, probably from having belonged to the above mentioned White, or descendants ; and that land just outside North-gate, was till lately called Sendall's-park.

Some vestiges of two castles that belonged to this family still remain. The site of the castle of John Savage is still known ; but of this more hereafter. 1 Cox's History of Ireland. Davis's Historical Tracts. i Cox's History of Ireland. 3 Lodge's Peerage. Cox's History of Ireland. Davis's Historical Tracts. * Campion's History of Ireland. I Cox's History of Ireland. Hanmer's Chronicle. 1210; which so intimidated the Irish, that upwards of twenty of their chief's did homage to him in that city, among whom was O'Neill, the powerful potentate of Ulster.1 The De Lacys, conscious of their villanies and oppressions, fled, on the news of the king's arrival, to Carrickfergus ; where Hugh and his brother Walter em barked in a vessel for France.2 Soon after their departure, king John arrived at Carrickfergus, in pursuit of them, accompanied by Cormac O'Connor3 alias Crovederg, King of Connaught, his prisoner,4 who was now in his train, " captived in triumph."5 In the mean time the De Lacys proceeded to France, and entered themselves as gardeners with the Abbot of St. Taurin ; but an unskilful manner in handling their working tools soon discovered them to be no regular workmen.

Being questioned by the abbot, they confess ed their rank, and he became a suitor to the king in their behalf, obtaining their pardons on paying large fines ; Walter 2500 marks for Meath, and Hugh 4000 marks for Ulster.0 Those and numerous other dissensions, which it is not now our office to notice, doubtless retarded the erection of a town : hence, although Sir John De Courcy had placed settlers here, we find the town mentioned as being founded by Hugh De Lacy the younger, in 1230;' from which period it appears to have remained long the chief seat and garrison of the English in Ulster, and con tinued in their possession, when all, or at least the greater part of Ulster, was overrun by the Irish. Maurice Fitz gerald, a Welchman, who came over to Ireland with 1 Cox's History of Ireland. > Keating's History of Ireland. 3 MSS. 4 Cox's History of Ireland.

J Speed's Chronicle. 6 Campion's History of Ireland. Hanmer's Chronicle. ' Anderson's Constitutions of Masonry. Henry II., is also said to have founded the town, whin lord deputy, in 1242;1 but as De Lacy was successor to De Courcy, both in title and estates, as earl of Ulster, and is also said to have founded a monastery here, in 1232,2 he was probably the person to whom, at least chiefly, it owes its foundation. The clashing of these a;. - counts, perhaps, proceed from the fortifying of the town, incorporating of the settlement, or other attentions paid to the town by Fitzgerald, when lord deputy, in which office (save a short interval) he continued from about 1230, to 1245.* This is the more likely, as he was very vigilant while in office, in strengthening the English settlements; causing several castles to be built, among which were those of Sligo and Ley.4 History is again silent as to any event of moment re garding this place, till 1274; in which year the Scots landed on the adjacent coast, to assist the O'Neills against the English, and proceeded, according to the barbarous warfare of those times, to burn " towns and villages, killing man, woman, and child ;" after which they carried off their booty to Scotland, before a sufficient force could be collected to oppose them.

Soon after, an army was raised in Ulster and Connaught, with which Richard De Burgo and Sir Eustace Le Poer invaded Scotland, making ample retaliation. Even those persons who sought refuge in caves, are stated to have been smoked out like foxes, and put to the sword.5 Though Carrickfergus is not specially mentioned as one of the towns burnt by the Scots, it is more than probable that it shared in the ravages of this time, as in the follow- 1 MSS. Countess of Antrim's library. » Haunter's Chronicle. 3 Ware's Antiquities. 4 MSS. Countess of Antrim's library. s Anthologia Hibernica. Cox's History of Ireland. Ware's Annals. — the latter places this event a year earlier. ing year we find the mayor, and other inhabitants, ad dressing a letter to Edward I., respecting a rebellion lately suppressed, which they say "was kindled by some Irish and English :" amongst the chief of the former are notired, " Od. .

O'Neill, king of Renelyon, and Com mon O'Kathran, king of Reach."1 This letter states, that those persons were instigated by "the lords Henry De Maundevill, Robert De Maundevill, Thomas the son of Richard, Thomas De Maundevill, Martin De Maunde vill, and William De Corrs, of the army;" and that they had committed " murders, burnings, robberies, and other transgressions, especially to the lord William of Warrin* seneschal of Ulster, from whom they burned sive towns, three mills, and two thousand crannochs3 of corn, by which they reduced the said seneschal yearly fifty-seven marks rent." They also state, that those persons had rescued some hostages held here by the English; and that the sole cause of this rebellion was the seneschal's having discs trained them for debts due to the crown. It is added, that they were at length subdued by the " help of God" the said seneschal, and Hugh Byset ; many of them being taken prisoners, some of whom were executed here in prison, and others pardoned by his majesty.4 None of the De Lacys appear openly implicated in 1 Leland, in his History of Ireland, presents us with a list of Irish chiefs summoned by Henry III., about 1240, to assist him against the Scots; amongst thum we find " Bren 0'Nel, regide Kinclun, i.e. Kenel eogain sive Tirowcn," and " O'Chalan, i. e. O'Cathan."

The former of those persons was evidently an O'Neill, prince of Tyrone; — the latter as plainly O'Cachan, alias O'Kane, (a sept in alliance with the O'Neills) and both doubtless of the same septs noticed above ; perhaps the same persons. The superior chief of the O'Cachans resided at Benbraden, near Dungi ven : a branch of the same family held the castle of Dunseveric, so late as the time of Cromwell. — London Gentleman's Magazine. 1 This person was in all likelihood William Fitz-Warrin, seneschal of Ulster. Sec Davit's Historical Tracts. 1 Crnnnich or crannog, was a dry measure for holding com, composed of twigs lined with the skin of a beast, and was alleged to contain the grain of seven score sheaves of corn. — Ware's Antiquities. 4 Close Rolls, Tower, London. this rebellion ; yet feuds and jealousies seem to have been still increasing between them and the government, which at length broke forth into open war.

In 1312, the lord justice Mortimer sent a force against them, under the orders of John Birmingham ; on which Walter, Robert, andAumery De Lacy fled into Scotland, where they invited lord Edward Bruce, brother to Robert Bruce, king of Scotland, to invade their country and become their king.1 Alluring as these proposals were, the Scots appear to have been cautious in their acceptation. In the following year they sent out some armed boats to plunder the coasts of Ulster, and to discover the strength of the disaffected. How far they succeeded in the latter, we are not in formed ; but meeting with rather a rough reception, they retired home ; soon after which lord Edward Bruce arrived on the coast of Ulster in person, with a stronger force, and took "the castle of Man, and the lord O'Donnell prisoner ;" and .now, seeing the weakness of the English power, he returned to prepare a more formidable expedition.2 This success of -lord Edward gave additional strength to the Irish malecontents, who kept up a correspondence with ,his brother king Robert Bruce, imploring his aid against the common enemy, and expressing their willing ness to receive a prince frpm Scotland.3 Their wishes on this head were probably complied with as soon as pos sible; for in May 1315, lord Edward Bruce, having now obtained the consent of the Scottish parliament, embarked about 6000 men at Ayr, and, with the three banished De Lacys, landed on the 25th game month at Olderfleet, near Larne, accompanied by the following persons : lord Thomas Randolph, the earl of Moray, Sir Philip Mow bray, Sir John Soulis, Sir John Stewart, lord John 1 Lodge's Peerage.

Leland's History of Ireland. * Cox's History of Ireland. 3 Leland's History of Ireland. Campbell, John Bisset, John Menteith, John De Bosco, Sir Fergus of Ardrossan, Ramsay of Ochterhouse, and other distinguished persons.1 Numerous Irish chiefs now flocked to Bruce's standard, all of whom pledged their utmost assistance, entered in to treaties with him, and gave hostages for their due obser vance of the same.2 Proceeding southward with his new allies, his progress was marked by the destruction of the English settlements, amongst which were the towns of Belfast, Newton, and Greencastle. On the 29th June, he stormed and plundered Dundalk and Ardee, with other places of less note ; but being, about the 22d July, opposed by Sir Edmond Butler, justiciary of Ireland, and Richard earl of Ulster, with his vassals, he precipitately retreated into Ulster, accompanied by his most powerful ally, O'Neill, prince of Tyrone, and halted near Connor.3 In the mean time, the earl, despising the Scots and their adherents, and confiding in the number and valour of his forces, refused the assistance of the justiciary, who immediately retired to Dublin, leaving the entire conduct of the war to the former; who, pursuing the enemy, attacked them in dieir quarters on the 10th September, but was totally defeated.

In this battle, lord William De Burgo, Sir John Maundevill, Sir Allan Fitz-Warrin, John Stan ton, and several other persons of note in the English army, were taken prisoners and sent into Scotland ; while the fugitives, under lord Poer of Dunville, sought safety in the castle of Carrickfergus, where lord William Maun devill, and John, bishop of Connor, had also taken refuge. 4 1 Sir David Dalrymple's Annals of Scotland. Lodge's Peerage. Cam den's Britannia. 1 Sir David Dalrymple's Annals of Scotland. 3 Spencer's View of Ireland. Leland's History of Ireland. Sir David Dalrymple's Annals of Scotland. * Sir David Dalrymple's Annals of Scotland. Cox's History of Ireland. Ware's Annals. Bruce, being now relieved from all apprehensions of an immediate attack from the English, sent lord Ran dolph home for reinforcements, and again resumed war fare by laying siege to the castle of Carrickfergus, which he pressed with vigour.

His utmost efforts were, how ever, unavailing, it being bravely defended by its garrison ; and seeing no hope of his being able to force its submission, about the beginning of December he relin quished the siege. Lord Randolph arriving, same time, with 500 fresh troops, Bruce again proceeded southward, and penetrated into the counties of Meath and Kildare ; but the ravages of the armies the preceding year had rendered the country desolate, and he was obliged to re treat to Dundalk, where he held his court for some time as a sovereign prince ; after which he again resumed the siege of Carrickfergus castle.1 Soon after, Thomas lord Maundevill hastened to its relief with a considerable body of troops, and, on the 10th April succeeded in gaining admission into the castle. Early on the following morning, Maundevill made a desperate sally on the Scots, who appear to have apprehended no danger, their only guard at that time being sixty men, commanded by Neil Fleming, a man of un common intrepidity.

Fleming, perceiving that the Scottish army would be completely surprized, and probably routed, unless they had time to prepare for defence, resolved to sacrifice himself and party for their preservation. He immediately despatched a messenger to inform the army of their dan ger, and placing himself at the head of his little troop, boldly advanced to meet the assailants. " Now, of a truth," cried he, " they shall see how we can die for our Lord." His first onset checked the progress of the enemy ; but he soon received a mortal wound, and • Sir David Dalrymple's Annals of Scotland. his party were «ut to pieces. Maundevill, having divided his forces, in order to surround the Scots, now advanced in person, with his best troops, through the principal street of the town ; and was met by Bruce, with his guards, who had probably been alarmed by the messenger sent to him by Fleming.

In front of Bruce's party was Gilbert Harper, a man renowned in the Scottish army for strength and valour; who, knowing Maundevill by the richness of his armour, rushed forward and felled him to the ground with his battle-axe ; in which situation he was despatched by lord Edward Bruce, with a knife. The English, disheartened by the loss of their commander, (and the Scots continuing to pour in fresh forces, amongst which were 200 Irish horsemen) fled towards the castle, closely pressed by the enemy ; upon which the garrison were obliged to draw up the bridge, lest the Scots should enter with them ; leaving their unfortunate comrades to the mercy of those ruthless as sailants.1 Soon after, the garrison offered to surrender within a limited time, and an agreement to that effect was entered into, by which they were to give up the castle on the 31st May, unless relieved.

The time elapsing without relief, they were required to surrender according to contract, and thirty Scots advanced to take possession of the castle, but were immediately made prisoners ; the garrison de claring they would defend the place to the last extremity. About this time king Robert Bruce embarked at Lochroyan, and soon after landed at Carrickfergus with a reinforcement to his brother.2 The siege was now more closely pressed than ever, yet the garrison held out to the end of August, before * Sir David Dalrymple's Annals of Scotland. Barbour. 1 Sir David Dalrymple's Annals of Scotland. they surrendered. Prior to this event they had endured the utmost horrors of famine, eating hides ; and it is even said that they devoured the thirty Scots who were taken prisoners, as just noticed.1 Securing this place, Bruce " marched southward with a barbarous army, inflamed to madness by the violent cra vings of nature."

On approaching Dublin, he stopped for some time at Castleknock ;2 but finding the citizens prepared for a vigorous defence, he entered the county of Kildare, and advanced near Limerick, laying waste by fire and sword the country through which he passed.3 In the mean time the lord justice, Roger Mortimer, landed in Ireland with fresh forces, which excited Bruce's apprehensions for his safety ; and in May 1317, he again retreated into Ulster, which had been so desolated by the ravages of the preceding years, that his army suffered dreadfully for want of provisions ; and the few wretched inhabitants endured such privations, that the dead are stated to have been raised and eaten by the living.4 At this time the English forces appear to have been equally incapable of offensive warfare, from the famine,5 revolt of the natives, and dissensions among themselves.

In May 1318, Bruce advanced to Fagher, near Dundalk, where he was attacked by Sir John Birmingham, his army totally routed, and himself slain ; and being found amongst the dead, his head was cut off by Birmingham, and presented to Edward II., who for his services created him earl of Louth.6 The fugitive 1 Cox's History of Ireland. Sir David Dalrymple's Annals of Scotland. * Leland's History of Ireland. Mason's History of St. Patrick's Cathedral. 3 Cox's History of Ireland. * Cox's History of Ireland. 5 At this time wheat sold at 23 shillings the cronage, and oats at six shillings ; and all other provisions dear in proportion. — Cox's History of Ireland. 6 Lodge's Peerage. Cox's History of Ireland. — Bruce's grave is still pointed out by a large stone on the hill of Fagher, as that of " the last Scots, broken, dispirited, and pursued by their enemies, made the best of their way northward, destroying all castles, forts and habitations that had been left.