Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough
A canon regular of the Augustinian Guisborough Priory, Yorkshire, formerly known as The Chronicle of Walter of Hemingburgh, describes the period from 1066 to 1346. Before 1274 the Chronicle is based on other works. Thereafter, the Chronicle is original, and a remarkable source for the events of the time. This book provides a translation of the Chronicle from that date. The Latin source for our translation is the 1849 work edited by Hans Claude Hamilton. Hamilton, in his preface, says: 'In the present work we behold perhaps one of the finest samples of our early chronicles, both as regards the value of the events recorded, and the correctness with which they are detailed; Nor will the pleasing style of composition be lightly passed over by those capable of seeing reflected from it the tokens of a vigorous and cultivated mind, and a favourable specimen of the learning and taste of the age in which it was framed.'
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County Galway is in Province of Ulster.
On 28th July 1271 Walter Burgh 1st Earl of Ulster [aged 41] died at County Galway. His son Richard [aged 12] succeeded 2nd Earl of Ulster.
On 11th July 1537 Leonard Grey 1st Viscount Grane [aged 58] visited County Galway. This was the first visit of a King's Deputy to the town, and marked the start of closer relations between the town and the Anglo-Irish administration in Dublin. He was lavishly entertained and stayed for seven days.
After July 1569 Edward Fitton [aged 42] was beseiged in County Galway by Connor O'Brien 3rd Earl of Thomond [aged 35] and the sons of Richard Burke 2nd Earl Clanricarde.
Inishbofin. Aka Inis Bó Finne meaning island of the white cow. It lies around 8km off the Connemara coast.
On 18th February 675 Colmán of Lindisfarne [aged 70] died at Inishbofin.
Bede. In the meantime, Colman, the Scottish bishop, departing from Britain, took along with him all the Scots he had assembled in the isle of Lindisfarne, and also about thirty of the English nation, who had been all instructed in the monastic life; and leaving some brothers in his church, he repaired first to the isle of Hii, whence he had been sent to preach the word of God to the English nation. Afterwards he retired to a small island, which is to the west of Ireland, and at some distance from its coast, called, in the language of the Scots, Inisbofinde, the Island of the White Heifer. Arriving there, he built a monastery, and placed in it the monks he had brought of both nations; who not agreeing among themselves, by reason that the Scots, in the summer season, when the harvest was to be brought in, leaving the monastery, wandered about through places with which they were acquainted; but returned again the next winter, and would have what the English had provided to be in common; Colman sought to put an end to this dissension, and travelling about far and near, he found a place in the island of Ireland fit to build a monastery, which, in the language of the Scots, is called Mageo [Note. Probably Mayo Abbey], and bought a small part of it of the earl to whom it belonged, to build his monastery thereon; upon condition, that the monks residing there should pray to our Lord for him who let them have the place. Then building a monastery, with the assistance of the earl and all the neighbours, he placed the English there, leaving the Scots in the aforesaid island. This monastery is to this day possessed by English inhabitants; being the same that, grown up from a small beginning to be very large, is generally called Mageo; and as all things have long since been brought under a better method, it contains an exemplary society of monks, who are gathered there from the province of the English, and live by the labour of their hands, after the example of the venerable fathers, under a rule and a canonical abbot, in much continency and singleness of life.
On 26th June 1920 Rachel Anne Gurney Countess Dudley [aged 52] drowned at Screebe House, Connemara. She had left the house alone to swim in the sea-lake from which her body was later recovered.
On 18th March 1679 Bishop John Vesey [aged 41] was translated to Archbishop of Tuam.
On 24th June 1700 Bishop Thomas Vesey 1st Baronet [aged 32] was ordained as a Priest after which he was appointed Archdeacon of Tuam and chaplain to James Butler 2nd Duke Ormonde [aged 35].
In 1794 Archbishop William Beresford 1st Baron Decies [aged 50] was appointed Archbishop of Tuam.