1589 Forfeit of Land


An Inquisition taken at Maryborough, Queen's County, Ireland on 23 February 1589 reaffirmed the possession for Elizabeth I of England to lands in Leix, Slewmargy, Irry, Glynmarlie and Offaly on an Act of Parliament from the reign of Queen Mary previously.  The jury summoned  found that tenants living near Maryborough had concealed from the Queen what they unjustly held (probably an avoidance of registration to avoid paying rent to the Crown).  It appears the land was annexed to the Crown and then distributed to other colonistsIt is interesting that this is done shortly before a letter from Alexander Cosby, son of Sir Francis Cosby petitioning for the return of his father's lands.

The list of defaulters who possessed a 'messuage' (holding of land) includes

Dermicius Dowley one messuage [in the town of Maryborough].  

It is likely that this individual is English as the remainder of the list are largely names of English or recent English origin.


Page 469, History of The Queen's County compiled from the papers of the late V. Rev. John Canon O'Hanlon PP MRIA by Rev. E O'Leary PP MRIA anf Rev. Matthew Taylor -  Vol.II. History of the Territory from 1556 to 1900.  Published by Sealy, Bryers & Walker, Middle Abbey Street, Dublin 1914.  Reprint: 1981 Roberts Books Limited,  St. Kieran Street, Kilkenny, Ireland  ISBN: 0 907561 01 2.

Oxford Companion to Irish History edited by S J Connolly - Oxford University Press 1998 - ISBN 0-19-866240-8

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