An inquiry into the ancient corporate system of Ireland

the original enrolments. Sir Francis has published so extensively on the baronial and corporate history of England, that it is a matter of equal regret and surprise none but a few unconnected or scattered records respecting Ireland appear in his works. This, however, may rather be attributable to the Record Board under which these publications are produced.

From the works of WILLIAM PRYNNE, and other ancient documentary compilers of the same class, collections were made for this work: the "DESIDERATA CURIOSA HIBERNICA" also of Mr. Lodge, afforded valuable materials, as did other publications of that description. The writings of the author's friend, BUTLER BRYAN, Esq. Barrister at Law, abundant as they are in wise views and patriotic principles, were not left untouched.

But, as every writer must hereafter do when treating of the legal, parliamentary, baronial, or corporate history of Ireland, the author was obliged to take largely from the mass of original evidences which are to be found in the "VIEW OF THE LEGAL INSTITUTIONS, HONORARY HEREDITARY OFFICES, AND FEUDAL BARONIES INTRODUCED INTO IRELAND," and in the "LAW OF ELECTION IN THE ANCIENT CITIES AND TOWNS OF IRELAND," by WILLIAM LYNCH, Esq. F.S. A. To his friendship in other respects also this work owes much, for no sooner were the objects of the work made known, than he gave the most unlimited access to his

extensive manuscript collections from the original

Records to these manuscripts the reader is indebted for the several original cases and decisions which are to be found in this volume; and owing to the absence of ancient reports of law cases heretofore in Ireland, these decisions are now for the first time laid open to the public. The author, hence, is fully aware of the obligations in which he is held to this gentleman, who has done at least as much in several branches of ancient learning (and particularly the legal history of lay and ecclesiastical dignities) for Ireland, as even SELDEN effected by his writings on similar subjects relating to England.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

Origin of Corporations in Ireland,-fixed between 1170 and 1189.-Privileged places,-originated in acts of the Crown, of prelates, or of lords of liberties.-Nature and extent of the liberties originally granted-also granted before the year 1300, -others granted between 1300 and the year 1500.-To whom granted, heirs or successors..—All such privileges only during residency or occupancy-burgage tenure and landgable reserved. Subtenants ordered by Charter to partake of the Liberties.-Ordinances.-No corporate privileges but to those occupying holdings, and couchant and levant, and at scot and lot with resident burgesses-these qualifications and right exemplified by many proofs, particularly by statutory enactments of the fifteenth century-by royal orders and instruments in the State-Paper Office at the Restoration—and also by the right of election, which is still preserved in many places. Page 25

CHAPTER II.

Changes in the original and constitutional principles of Corporations. Charters of Naas, Carlingford, Maryborough, &c. -Robert Colley, Borough-master of Phillipstown. — King James I. and his persecution of the ancient Corporations.— Illegal proceedings of Lord Mountjoy. - Brutality of the Military Presidents.-Sir John Davis-his suppression of the Revenue Laws.-Recorders.-King James's new BoroughsKing Charles I. and his conduct to the Corporations.-Conspiracy of Lords Ormond and Orrery to spoliate the people of

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