The Journal of Thomas Wright. Author of Louthiana (1711-1786)

County Louth Archaeological and History Society

The Journal of Thomas Wright. Author of Louthiana (1711-1786)Author(s): James BuckleySource: Journal of the County Louth Archaeological Society, Vol. 2, No. 2 (Sep., 1909), pp.165-185Published by: County Louth Archaeological and History SocietyStable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/27727872 .

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i65

?Jj? journal of <&boma& fright*

&utl|or of goutltmna (1711*1786). Edited by James Buckley, M.R.I.A.

INCE the publication of Molyneux's Case of Ireland Stated, in 1698, historico-literary revivals have passed over Ireland in waves of

nearly equal force and at almost equal distance apart. The middle

of the eighteenth century witnessed the appearance of one of these waves in the remarkable growth of interest then manifested in the

study of our local history. At the close of that century another

such wave came along on whose crest a very useful series of statistical

and agricultural surveys of several counties was published.1 Close

on another fifty years attention was again directed to our history in the Young Ireland movement, but, unfortunately, the leaders of that brilliant struggle, with,

perhaps, the sole exception of Thomas Davis, took the wrong path and unconsciously occasioned a grievous set back to the national mind by adopting the English instead of the Gaelic language as their weapon. Another return of the tide occurred in the

closing decade of the last century?a decade in which the study of 'local history and archaeology has advanced with unprecedented rapidity as evidenced by the number of local antiquarian societies formed during that period and since, and the variety, volume and importance of the work accomplished by them. These

revivals, which have beaten steadfastly, although somewhat faintly until recently, are now at high tide and show no signs of immediately receding.

As a result of the first revival above mentioned the Ancient and Present State

of the County Down, by Walter Harris, appeared in 1744. It was the first formal Irish county history published, and its appearance marked the commencement of a new era of Irish historical investigation.2 The leisured class in Ireland at that time made the country their home to a much greater degree than their immediate descendants did, and interested themselves in its past to such an extent that the

Irish Parliament endowed Harris, in the year 1755, with a pension to assist him in his historical research?a creditable act which stands out in striking contrast to the cheerless indifference extended to such work by the English Parliament from the Act of Separation (miscalled the

" Act of Union ") to the present day. A

society called the Physico-Historical Society was formed in Dublin in the year 1744 for editing and publishing county histories of Ireland, but, judging from the race, the

upbringing and the position of those who took an active part in its conduct as well as from the thinly-veiled antipathy to everything distinctively Irish displayed in some of its publications it could scarcely be said to reflect much more than the

warped views of the later colonists who grotesquely fancied that Irish history only commenced to run from their ancestors' arrival in the country. Smith's Histories

1. Under the auspices of the Royal Dublin Society the following volumes of surveys appeared :

Archer, Co. Dublin ; Coote, King's County, Queen's County, Monaghan ; Frazer, Wicklow, 1801 ;

M4Evoy, Tyrone ; Dutton, Dublin ; Tighe, Kilkenny ; Coote, Cavan ; Sampson, Londonderry ; Thompson, Meath ; M'Parlan, Donegal ; Sligo ; Leitrim and Mayo, 1802 ; Coote, Armagh, 1804 ; Frazer, Wexford ;

Rawson, Kildare, 1807; Dutton, Clare, 1808; Townshend, Ccrk, 1810; Douburdieu, Antrim, 1812;

Dutton, Galway, 1824 ; Weld, Roscornmon, 1832. 2. It was the first published in tfye ordinary sense, but two local histories had been written pre

viously? namely, Piers's Choro graphical Description of the County Westmeath, in 1682 and printed by Vallancey in the first volume of his Collectanea in 1774, and O'Flaherty's Description of West or H-Iar Connaught, in 1684, which was edited by Hardiman, and printed in 1845.

I



166 THE JOURNAL OF THOMAS WRIGHT.

of Waterford (1746) and Cork (1750) were accomplished under its auspicies, and so was Simons History of Irish Coins (1749). A Tour Through Ireland by two English Gentlemen (1746) was dedicated to its members. Smith's History of Kerry (1756) was undertaken with its approbation, as stated in the title-page, although the work was not published for some years after the Society had been discontinued. The first edition of Wright's Louthiana appeared in 1748, the second in 1758, but the Society is referred to in neither. The publication of the histories of other counties was also arranged for, but the Society ceased to exist in 1752.3 This was the position reached in local historical publications when Wright arrived in Ireland in the year 1747.

(

7 ( C

MOIRA FORT AND KEEP.

" Fore two plates represent the Fort and Keep of Moyra, in possession of Tyrone, which was taken by Lord Monjoy in ye reign of Queen Elizabeth. It is strongly situated upon a rock and here the Earl of South Hampton in an attack of it, commanding a detachment under ye Earl of Essex, was wounded."

It is not a little remarkable that the County Louth in particular should have been selected by Wright as the field of his operations whilst in Ireland. His journal, strangely enough, is silent on the subject. He was in all likelihood attracted to it by the number, the magnitude and the importance of its ancient earth works?

artificial remains of a prehistoric time in which he took a special interest. There is, too, a statement in the dedication to Louthiana which may afford some clue why the County Louth was so favoured. The volume was dedicated to the Earl of Clan brassil, Lord Lieutenant of the County, than whom, considering his position, no one could be more appropriately chosen for the purpose, and it may be for some

thing more pleasing to relate that the author has stated that "

it is chiefly to the

friendship and assistance with which your Lordship was pleased to honour me

during my stay at Dundalk, that I am indebted for the opportunity of taking the

original sketches for the following plates." In this connection it may be mentioned that he

" resolved upon a strong invitation," most probably from Lord Limerick, "

to go to Ireland," and it is conjectured that whilst on his visit to Dundalk he was

employed by his patron in the capacity of landscape gardener, an occupation which

3. For further particulars of this Society see Falliner's Illustrations of Irish History and Topo graphy (Lon. : 1904), p. xi., and notes in the Ulster Journal of Archa ology, vol. v., (1898-9), pp. 58, 11 3and 227



COUNTY LOUTH ARCHAEOLOGICAL JOURNAL. 167

it may be gathered from his journal he followed in England.4 Book reviews were few and far between when the first edition of Louthiana

appeared, and it is not easy to conjecture what impression the book made at the time. There is, however, an interesting contemporary allusion made to it in The

Orrery Papers, re-edited by the Countess of Cork and Orrery (London : 1903). Lord

Orrery, a litterateur of some note, writing under date, Sep. 21st, 1748, observes "

A thin quarto named Louthiana, is most delicately printed and the cuts admirably

engraved, and yet we hink the County of Louth the most devoid of antiquities of any County in Ireland. The County of Corke is, I believe, in the press, and I am told it will be well executed. I have seen the County of Waterford, and approve of it very much. These kind of books are owing to an historical society founded at Dublin, and of great use to this kingdom, which is improving in all arts and sciences very fast : tho' I own to you, the cheapness of French claret is not likely to add much at present to the increase of literature."

Louthiana is now of very little historical or antiquarian value except for the views and drawings with which it is so richly embellished. It would be scarcely

just to Wright to view this as a purely historical or antiquarian work. He was a

skilful draughtsman and the letterpress portion of the book is evidently intended to convey less an idea of history than of the nature and extent of the various

objects depicted. He lacked the liberal reading, the grace and polish, the

insight and versatility of his more distinguished contemporary and fellow historian, Dr. Charles Smith ; nevertheless we shall ever remain deeply indebted to him for the

exceedingly valuable illustrations of so much of Louth's architecture and so many

of its antiquities, which were made at a time when these objects were less

conserved (if possible) but in a much better state of preservation than they have been ever since, and when it would have taken months to accomplish what may

now be done in the course of one sunny day with the aid of a camera.

Wright is entitled to a more abiding place in the temple of fame for his specu lations and discoveries in the planetary world than for his excursion in the fallow

field of Irish antiquities. He contributed to the Gentleman's Magazine from 1744 onward, and appears to have been an observer, particularly of comets, a calculator

of their elements, &c. His claims as an astronomer have been examined by Pro

fessor De Morgan from whose account of his speculations published in The London,

Edinburgh and Dublin Philosophical Magazine and Journal of Science, vol. xxxii.,

Jan.-June, 1848, the following extracts are taken :?

vw I should sum up by saying that Wright appears to have been a man of great ingenuity, and of

moderate learning, of a strong turn for the invention of hypothesis, and a great power of appreciating its probability. He had a firm persuasion that astronomical discovery was then very imperfect, both

in quantity and quality?a persuasion which regulated his ordinary expressions.He gave the theory of the milky way which is now considered as established, contended for what is now called

the central sun, inclining strongly to the feeling of an actual central body, though he sometimes qualifies it by stating the alternative of a central body or a central point. He contends for the probability of different creations of the kind of which the milky way is one ; but he does not seem to have known

of more than half-a-dozen nebula?, and does not push his views so far as to conjecture that these "

cloudy spots "

are themselves other than creations : he rather refers them to condensations occurring in the mass of stars to which our sun belongs. His prediction of the ultimate resolution of Saturn's

rings into congeries of small satellites remains to be verified : but it is thought by some to be the most

probable that such is the truth. It is hardly necessary to say that Wright supposes mutual gravitation to be the connecting a?ent between star and star, as well as between stars and their planets. . .

It seems to me that Wright is entitled to have his speculations considered, not as the accident of a

mind which must give the rein to imagination, and sometimes .?ret into a rieht path, but as a justifiable research and successful conclusion of thought founded on both knowledge and observation. And I

submit that his name ought to be enrolled in the list of discoverers."

4. This idea was mentioned to me in a letter from Mr. John R. Garstin, Past Pr?s. R.S.A.. Ireland.

It would be important to know how far it can be supported by local tradition, if no better evidence

is forthcoming.



l68 THE JOURNAL OF THOMAS WRIGHT.

Wright was a prolific writer on astronomical and kindred subjects. The follow

ing are the titles of a few of his more important works :?

The Use of the Globes : or The General Doctrine of the Sphere : explaining and

Demonstrating the most natural Propositions relating to Astronomy, Geography and

Dialing. To which is added A Synopsis of the Doctrine of Eclipses. By Thomas

Wright of the City of Durham. London, 1740. Clavis C lestis : Being the explanation of a diagram entitled a Synopsis of the

Universe : or, The Visible World epitomized. By Thomas Wright, late of the City of Durham. London, 1742. [Prefixed to this volume is a portrait of the author which is here reproduced as a frontispiece to this Journal].

An Original Theory or New Hypothesis of the Universe, Founded upon the Laws

of Nature, and solving by Mathematical Principles The General Ph nomena of the Visible Creation ; and particidarly the Via L?ctea. By Thomas Wright of Durham, London, 1750.

NARROW WATER.

" Is a view of the Castle of ye Narrow Water leading from the Bay of Carlingford to Ne wry, where there is now a ferry. It was a small garrison & looks like a

floating tower, aud has a very pleasing effect. The plan I had no opportunity of

taking, being with company that could not stop."

The original journal, here printed exactly as it now exists, is preserved in the British Museum (Additional MSS., 15627). It measures 9 inches in height by 5| inches in width and contains thirty leaves. On the inside of the front cover and on both sides of the first leaf some memoranda respecting the author's descent and family connections are carelessly written from which it is difficult to gather any thing of a connected nature. The journal was originally written in the first person, but, unfortunately, some misguided individual converted it so as to read in the third person, and erased a few words (instead of which nearly always others were sub

stituted) and also made an occasional interlineation as he went along. The hand

writing throughout is uniform, but so exceedingly slovenly that a word here and there is practically illegible, and the hardship of decipering is increased by the number of contractions used. It is difficult to conceive after perusing the journal that the



COUNTY LOUTH ARCHAEOLOGICAL JOURNAL. 16g

writer was capable of expressing himself so intelligibly and well in book form. His remarks are so crude and stunted, so commonplace and universally drowsy that

the keeping of a diary, which demands a keen sense of observation seasoned

with a judicious play of fancy and combined with a happy descriptive faculty so as to lift it out of the ruts of mediocrity, was not an art in which he shone. Not

withstanding all its shortcomings the journal remains a reflex of the writer's mind and in all likelihood it conveys a truer and more vivid impression of the man than if its entries had been more felicitously expressed. The main objective therefore in printing it is to enable the reader to form an idea of the upbringing, the career and the character of an author of no mean attainments in his proper depart

ment than for anything of independent importance which it may contain.

The journal formed the basis of the earlier portion of an article on Wright's career in the Gentleman's Magazine for 1793. It bears strong evidence of having been written up from earlier memoranda after he had left Ireland, from which

time entries practically cease. We are indebted to the memoir in the Gent. Mag. which was written by a Mr. Allen, of Darlington,5 for the following information

respecting his later years :?

" In 1750 Mr. Wright published his Theory of the Universe, illuminated with a great many plates.

In 1756, began to prepare for his retreat, and build his house at Byer's Green, but continued his

rambling life till the year 1762, when he retired into the country, as he notes it "

to finish his studies.' In this retirement we find Mr. Wright little noticed : his geniu? was not adapted to the humour

of his country neighbours. When Dr. Egerton came to the See of Durham, he, as well as Lady Sophia, paid an honourable attention to their old preceptor, and he was frequent at their hospitable table. He died at his house in Byer's Green, and was interred at the Church of St. Andrew, Auckland, on the 25th of February, 1786, leaving a natural daughter, who survived him only 18 months. By his

will and testament, his mansion-house, and the rest of his real estate, was ordered to be fold, and the

produce distributed to his nearest relations, who were all necessitous people. In his early life, he had contracted a pedantic stiffness of manners, which was not polished down by his frequent inter course with people of fashion ; on the contrary, he rather affected to keep it up, though accompanied with the countenance of good humour. His temper was gentle and affable, and his mind was generous ; but his studies leading him out of the common track of human affairs, left him very little conversant with the ordinary duties of life. There was something flighty and eccentric in his notions, and a

wildness of fancy followed even his ordinary projects ; so that his house was not built or fitted up, upon the model, or in the cider, of other men's buildings. A description of it, found among his MSS.. and which appears to have been written for some particular friend, shall conclude this article."

The description of Wright's residence in the north of England is far too long to reproduce here, and it is moreover beside the purpose of this introduction, but

owing to his abiding connection with the County Louth it may be thought worth

printing in a future issue of this journal. There is a note to the above-mentioned memoir in which it is stated

" a second

volume [of Louthiana], with drawings yet remaining unpublished, together with a volume of antiquities collected in England are both now in Mr. Allan's possession." This second volume is very probably the same that is classified in the manuscripts of the British Museum as

" Add 33771," for there is a note in it to the effect that it

was purchased by Mr. Geo. Allen from Wright's executor. It is quarto size, and

contains carefully executed views and plans for the most part of castles situated

along those places through which he made his tour in Ireland. About seventy objects are depicted in it, some of which belong to the Co. Louth and its vicinity. I am indebted to my young friend, Mr. S. B. Jennings, of Waterford, who kindly copied a few of these drawings to illustrate this article. Accompanying the sketches and plans in the original manuscript are some descriptive and historical obser

vations on them, in the artist's handwriting, which are here subjoined. There

?. See Kant's Cosmogany. (Hastie's Ed.), Glasgow ; 1900, p. 204. Allan's library was sold in London in 1822. Is contained the original copper of several of Wright's plates.



I70 COUNTY LOUTH ARCHAEOLOGICAL JOURNAL.

are plans, amongst others, of Castlemount and Moira Fortresses, but. whilst not

unmindful of their importance it is considered that they may not be so generally interesting as the views?hence the selection of the illustrations for this paper have been confined to the latter. Of the volume of MSS. on English antiquities the whereabouts are unknown to the present writer. J. B.

JMS An A0?1 01*0?e (Stump, near Dundalkj. " This is supposed to be an Arkite Petera or sacred grotto of Hippa, such as Castle Gee. See more

of this in Louthiana. The walls of the foregoing building is above 9 feet thick, and as there is no way into it, it has been

judged by some to [be] a sepulchor. It is said also to have been built all in one night, & if so suddently to secure & preserve the corpes or body undisturb'd.

But it is said that all the Northern nations, such as the Gotts and Germans, represented their god in the form of a ship ; hence a strong indication of their being originally part of ye antediluvian people, miraculusly sav'd in such a vessel at ye flood. This building [is] therefore no improbable commemoration of such an event.*'

CASTLEMOUNT (The Millmount. Drogheda). "

It is an old Danish mount near Drogaday

which the late wars was turn'd into a sort ridoubt or field fort and was made a prison of. It was originaly a sepulchaera1 mount and principally raisd out

of ye ditch as most of the Danish mounts were, and being a very large one, no doubt of some distngusd chief.

' '



THE JOURNAL OF THOMAS WRIGHT. 171

Anno Domi, 1711.

1710.

1719 f Very wild and much

adicted sport, &c

1723.

June ye 29th, 1725.

1729.

Father by ill-advice think him mad. Burn all the books he can

get and endevour to

prevent study.

Septmbr., 1729.

October 20, 1729.

Novembr.

An Early Journal of the Life of Thomas

Wright,* son of Jno. Wright, Yeoman and

Carpenter on his own Estate in ye County Paltill(> of Durham.

Put to a Private School to learn Englesh and afterward j to a Public J one for Latin. But

was oblig'd to leave of being interupted by a

very great impediment of speach.

Apply'd six weeks toward the attainment of arithmetic & writeing, but was chiefly taught by his systers.

Put an aprentice to Bryan Stobart, Clock

and Watch maker, &c, in Bpp. Auckd. Broke

his Collar Bone, which ocationd an illness ; during which sta[ ] with his Father.

Return to his master, & at his lesure hours

apply close to study astronomy and spend all his money in Books. Mother supply him.

Very ill usage || oblige him to quit his Mar.

by running away from him. Travel all night westward, intending for Ireland. Lost his way, the weather being very tempestious and dark

upon a large common full of old cole works and

dangerous pit holes, is preserv'd by a Miller who conducts him home to his house where after

having entertaind ye best he could lodg'd all

night upon a flock bed in his Mill.

Met about sun rise ye honest Miller set two

miles from his house on his way towards White

haven, and at parting fhTd his pockits un

expectedly with bread & chease.

After he left him chang'd his course, but which way to go could not resole till having got within 3 miles of Barnard Castle, and finding he had but seven pence in his pockit, determind to go to a friend of his Father's at Sunderland and according next night inexpressibley weary & fategu'd, (having all his books along with him) and having gone at least 60 miles thro' many hard sufferages got to his journeys end, and next day writ to his father and to my great joy

was sent for Home and releas'd from his Master

by three Justices of ye Peace in the due form of Law.

Now master of his indentors. Send to New

casle and travel in to Yorkshire to seek em

ployment of himself, but can neither here of or find any business.

Leave of all thoughts trade and commence

mathemetition.

* Nat:

September 22 12ho. A.M.

Born at Byers green in ye Parish of Bp.

Auckd. of Margaret, from ye ancent

Fams. of Brabent &

Hergrave. % To Thos. Munday

of Bp. Auckland &

verye good accompt ant & astronomer. Much in love with

mathematics.

Very much given to

ye amusement of

Drawing, Planing of

Maps & Buildings. Spend much time

in Reading & Delight much in Books

Mr. Munday reports I have stole all his

mathematicks from him.

?! A Troop of ye Scotch Greys being quartrd in town, had sufficient reasons to beleive ye Captn.

man had been to famulier with ye

maid and very near him. Soon she came to bed to him upon

which fearing the

consequence of for

feting his indentors.

&c, left her and

complain'd, u p o n which the man swore to be the death of him Great disturbances hapend and his Masr. & Mrs. not behaving as they should was at last fore'd to Bun forth

Reflecting almost

upon every object conseive many fine ideas of ye Death & creation



17'2 THE JOURNAL OF THOMAS WRIGHT.

January? 1730.

March.

Summer, 1730.

Winter.

Study navigation.

Write many things for his own improvment in astronomy, geography, &c.

At last resolves to be a Saylor and upon ye promis of a ship from Father, takes a tryal of the sea in a voage to Amsterdam in ye ship

Fenwick & John of Sunderland. Thos. Potts, Master.

Makes a very bad tedious voage, the sea

disagreeing with him and is very near being cast away (by canting of ballast) in a very great storm.

Arrives at Shelds (yemouth Tyne) and return

ing again to Sunderland is perswaded to set up a mathematicle school.

Falls in love with a Clergiman's daugtr and carrys ye ammour in private being deney'd admittance to her father's house upon ye account

of two rich rivalls.

Obtains her consent and marage is mutualy

agreed on : the day appoint'd and everything provided, but by an intellegence from ye Bpps. office at Durham his maragee was prevented &

Miss lock'd up. The disappointment not siting easy resolves

to traval and embarque for London. Resolve

upon going to West Indies and accordingly agrees with a Cap11 at }^e Royal Exchange for

passage to Barbadose. The Cap1, promis him

his friendship and all my things are order'd on board the same gaily.

But being found out by a friend of my Father's his going is prevented.

Use all his endevours to procure a place &

failing of success apply myself to ye makeing mathematical instriments first with Mr. Heath and then for Mr. Fytton.

His Father sollisits his return, sends him some money and again he arive at Sunderland, set up school and teach mathematicks. Teach

navigation to a great number of seamen.

Four other masters make a party against ;

and the Rector (not having yet seen him) promis them to discharge him from teaching in ye town : but two *

gentlemen standing his friends oppose them and gaind ye f Rector to their intent who

having sent for, on purpos to forbid him ye Town, find him much wrong'd & abus'd and takes him into his protition.

Is extremily de

lighted with ye hori zon at sea

Takes great notice of ye Stat. House, the globe hemis

phere ; astronomical & geographical pave ment, figurs., &c, &c.

Prints a very ro mantic advertizment

Miss E. Ireland.

Exerts ye full power of his genious at

every oppertunity to

gain upon her Father

Finds great difficty in procuring a

Licence; fees a

Council at New castle& obtains them

Makes many obser vations in London of

everything curious.

Prints a new adver tizt. for selling all sorts of mathemati cal instruments, &c, and has a curious

sign of ye Creation

painted ovr. his door

* Dr. Gowland & Mr. R?ssel,

f Mr. Newcome.

Thos.Carter of Bpp. Auckland entercead fcr me.



COUNTY LOUTH ARCHAEOLOGICAL JOURNAL. I73

Teach Navigation with great success in ye Winter.

Leave off school for the Summer season and

spend some time with his Father.

Project a a General Repr?sent?t11 of Euclid &

Elements, in one large sheet : and the Doctrine

of Plain & Spherical Trigonomty all at one view, on an other.

Survey Mr. Aseley's estate at Newfield &

I make a map of it.

Write a Theorical Journal from ye Lizd to ye Island of Bar<ls.

Make an almanack in imitation of ye Oxford for ye year 1732.

Sends it to London ; is to late to be printed, but is encourag'd by ye Company of Stationers to draw an other for ye succeeding year, who

promis him an annual sallary for his labour,

provided his friends can procure them 500 subscribers for ye first impression.

Return again to Sunderland and during ye lying up of ye ship's teach Navigation to a great

number of seamen.

Desine a second Almanack for ye year 1733 and publish printed proposals for a subscription to which 900 gentlemen in less than six week's time vollunteraly subscribe.

Set out a second time for London ; present his Almanack to ye Company of Stationers at their Hall, whof finding it so much encourag'd desire to be excus'd from printing it, being very unwilling to interfere with the Oxford one. But to satisfie his subscribers order their reasons to

poublish'd in ye Durham Papers. Thus greatly disappointed and money very near all spent (notwithstanding had been offer'd a free passage

home by sea) Resolv'd to go home by land and soon after having but 3 or 4 shillings in

pocket and about 200 miles to go. set out on

foot.

In his way home visit Mr. Ireland at Cam

bridg, stay three days with him at Peter House and se all ye Colleges. Near Peterbourough

meets one Townshend a Mathematition who

invite him home to his house, kept all allnight and most part of ye next day and set three miles of his journey also finding him a little short of

money propose to help him a little by way of a

subscription for his almanack to help to bear his expences on ye road.

Printed advertiz ment distributed &

put up in several

parts of ye Town re

fecting upon him by Saml. Twizd very much to his own dis

advantage. Make himself

master of all astrono m i c a 1 calculation

necessary to const, an Ephemis.

Calculated to ye meridian of Durham.

Solve many pro blems in the New castle Curant and become very famous

by proposg. others, and confuting his

antagonists.

f At a general meet

ing.

Is adviz'd to to

change the Title of his almanack & have it printed in Scot land.

Meet with uncom mon sevilites upon ye Road & make

many observations

upon ye country.




Septembr., 1732.

Octob ye 5th.

November.

In Yorkshire find a syster of mother's who

had not been hard of for many years, stay'd with her ?ve days and at parting recrut'd my pocket.

At last arrives safe at his Father's house to

his great joy, &c, and in a little time after, much against his father's will, resolv'd to go to

Edinburgh in order to publish his Almanack and with a small assistance from his Mother &

Syster undertook the journey and from Sunder land set out on foot.

Is benighted & lose his way, meets with a guid by chance who conducts him to Morpeth and

procures a very good lodging, am very much

intreted by ye people to stay all the next day and rest himself.

The day following he set out again and met with two Highway Men who oblige him to sit down by them upon a green hill ; ask many questions relating to ye various states of life

is satisfied with his reasoning & answers ; and makes no attempt to stab him, but directs him

the best way. At ye Post House in Barwick upon Tweed

meet with extreem good usage and arives very safe at Edinburge.

Contracts under articles of agreement with

Mr. Ricd Cooper (wherein he is to pay 15 guineas for ye graving and printing the Alminack.

The. work is begun & is to be finish'd in six weeks.

During his stay meet with many friends. Allen Ramsey as Mas* of ye Play House gave him tickts for ye season to fifteen different plays performd.

Publish with great sucess a Calculation &

Type of the total Eclipse of ye Moon. Novembr ye 20th: 1732 is very fortunate in

riting ye time. Lord Viscount Elphinston sent him 36 sub

scribers to ye Almanack, all of his own pro

curing. The graver being dillatory, work is neglected

and but very few of his Almanacks even in Januy Being now oblig'd to return to Sunderland

&c to collect his subscription money [ ] s?pose to secure his coming back the graver

oblig'd me to take his horse He having come back His money falling short and not being able to discharge the debt in full, the graver agrees to clear his account, provided I make

other Almanack for ye year insueing and rest

the propperty in him, which is agreed on

Mary Hargrave als. North Cave miss of a Bording School & a very great scholer But not Rich.

Not knowing any one person in Scot land. Is recommend to

Allan Ramsey in a letter from Mr.

Boson, of Newcastle.

Foot Pads.

Is recommended by Allan Ramsey to a

lodgings ye" High street.

Send to London for

stamped paper Lodgs with ye graver

Visitd. an Inconnue in. Fife Shire & see

ye Earl of Weem's famous Ingins and in his return was

very near lost bet wixt Kinghorn & Leath being 15 hours in oui passage.

Many of his sub scribers the alminack

coming to late refuse to pay.




February, 1733. Leave Edenburgh and return home by ye way of Reley on foot

The Rector of Sunderland engage him to live with him as his companion.

Calcullates a new Edenburge alminack, sends

it to the graver (expecting a dischargee inful) he acknowledges the receip1 of it in a letter to

[ ], but sends him no discharge or ballance of accounts.*

Invents and completes his Pannauticon ; the

Universal Mariner's Magazine.

Poublish a General Calculation of ye sunns

Eclipse in May & propose a lecture upont at Durham.

Invint a composition of Dials and erect them

upon ye Pear of Sunderland by order of ye Commissioners.

A large printed description and explanation of them publish'd at the expense of ye town.

The Revd Mr. Newcome introduce to ye Earl of Scarbro ; who invites him up to London and

promis's to Patronise and Re[c]omend.

Take leave of ye north, and by sea with great difficulty arive at London, is recomended by letter from Mr. Rakes of Northallerton to Mr.

Gale, Comissoner of ye Excise and Treasurer of

ye Royal Society who becomes his very good friend.

Is introduced by him to ye Royal Society and communicates Pannautican to them.

The Earl of Scarbro' recomends him to ye Lords of ye Admiralty, who give their appro bation for publishing his Pannauticon by sub

scription. Publish his proposals. The Earl* of Scarbro' obtains leave of ye

King him to dedicate it to His Majesty. Pro cures him his Royal Highness the Prince for a subscriber and recomends him to ye Earl* of lia & Pembroke.

Prepare his copper plates for ye press (want of

money) am oblig'd to engrave all ye Mathematical

parts himself ; him self imploy divers other

ingravers to cut ye rest, &c.

Publish and deliver it to his subscribers with a printed key.

Lord Baltimore introduces him to ye Prince of

Wales, his Highness orders him 5 guineas for the Pan11 and his Lordship for one of ye same

gave him a cupple of Moidores.

Is very much wearied, but much

delighted with the Duke of Roxb. seat

by Tweed side, &e.

* Left many small bills in Edinb. for the graver to receve

for him. He proves a rogue.

Project his first de

monstratory of a

solar eclipse.

Is promis' d twenty

guineas for trouble.

Dines with his Lord

ship at L u m b 1 y Castle.

Lodg with Mr. Tho. Wise in Piccadilly.

Receive their thanks & tis ordered to Book in their

Transactions.

Sr. Charles Wager and Sr. Thos- Frank lin subscribe. * Subscribes him

self for 9. Both are subscri

bers. The Earl of Pembroke procure him many subscrib ers.

Send proposal into

ye North.

Filld up more of ye Pannautican himself & receve other prests




Summer. Embarque to se his friends and deliver his

Pannaticons in ye North. But meeting with

very bad weather and a contratry wind is obligd to put in at Scarbro'* and travel'd over land in

company with Mr. Midford, and stopt for a few

days along with him and his brother Burton at Elsinor Hall.

Mr. Burton sends his servant with f ] to Mr. Newcome's at Sunderland from whence

he went to vissit the Earl of Scarbro' and stade all night with him at Lumbly.

Visit his father and all his relations, stay some time at Byers green then set out post again for

London. In his way stay'd for two or three days with Mr. Rakes at Northallerton and stop'd for two or three more with his friend ye Revd Mr.

Dealtary, Rector of Skripenbeck, not far from

York. Then imediatly took post with ye Packet for London.

Perform a course of astronomy at Bretts

Coffee House in Charles Street.

Communicate many things to ye Royal Society.

The Earl of Pembroke become his patron, offer8 him the use of Library. Lend him many books & make him sevrai presents.

Invented his Hemesphereum and make two

different designs of it, one for ye cealing of a room ye other for a grand amphetheater.

Makes a model of it in brass for ye Earl of Pembroke.

Publish a Calculation of ye two total eclipses of ye moon in 1736 grav'd in copper and dedicated to ye Duke of Cumberland.

Is introduced to his Royal Highness & pre sents one of his Pannauticons to him.

Is recomended to ye Honbl Mrs. Townshend

and teache her geometry, &c.

Publishes a calculation and the geometrical construction of ye great eclipse of ye sun in

Feb: 1737 in two larg sheets?Dedicated to ye President and Council of ye Royal Society &

presented by Dr. Desaguliers. Contract with Mr. Senex for writeing him a

book of ye Euse of globes, &c. Sells his Theorical Journal to four proprietors

for 15 guineas. Is recommended to ye Duke of Kent to teach

ye young ladies geometry. &c.

Goes to rest in Bedfordshire and stays there two months.

* Stade here three

days.

Is very much made of.

Delivered all Pan nauticons.

Lodg with Mr. Hamilton in Glou cester Court.

Propose to make a

large model of it by subscription.

Lord Pembroke offers to be at ye whole expence.

j By ye Earl of Pem I broke.

By Mrs. Holt.

Printed for Mr.

Senex, F.R.S.

This was writ in ye north.

By Mr. Senex.



COUNTY LOUTH ARCH/EOLOGICAL JOURNAL. I77

Autumn.

Winter.

1737.

Returning to London, is arested for a second

payment of his debt in Scotland by order of Mr. Cowper, is kept in custody 6 hours ; is bail'd, but oblig'd to pay ye unjust demand.

Compleet his invention of the Theory of Existence and represent ye hypotheses in a section of the creation 16 feet long.

Draw a great many demonstratory schemes

in astronomy & project his Physical & Mat he matical Elements.

Publish proposals for printing them by sub

scription.

Make a Regchester rowle of all his inventions on parchment.

The Earl of Pembroke takes f ] to his seat at Wilton in ye west of England & se's Salsbury.

Invent his Cylendrical Dial and by ye order and direction of the Earl of Pembroke and ye Duke of Richmond publish it in a copper plate (Dedicated to Dr. Desaguliers.)

I spend several days with Mr. Duck at ye Green House at Kew.

The Dutches of Kent sends for me to Bath and both ye Duke and ye Earl of Pembroke bear his expences, am introduced to many

persons of distinction.

Make his astronomical ....

Write many things in ye publique papers. Make his Universal Vicessitude of Sextons in Folio.

Visit ye Honour10 Mr. Cowper at Oxford, stay with him a week. Cross ye Country to

Bedfordshire, is met by ye Duke of Kent's servants at Ailsbury.

Spend six weeks at Rest.

Leave ye Duke of Kent's and visitTthe HonDe

Miss Hervey at ye Earl of Bristols in Suffolk, Stayd three weeks, then Return to Rest again and afterwards to London.

Im introduced to Lord Cornwallis and teach his Daughters geometry, &c. Give private

Lectures to the Earl of Scarbro. Write the euse of ye globes for Mr. Senex

according to a former contract.

Project a large Horizontal Dial for Lord Viscount Middleton. Go with his Lordship to his seat in Surrey ; stay a month with him.

Spend his time extreemly agr?able. Return to London and soon after visit Sr

Thomas Samwell, Bart at Upton, near North

ampton. Stay with him five weeks.

By Mr. Senex & Gowland.

Is at great expenc in copperplates &

prints.

His invention at this time run to fast for execution.

Make his lordship a system of ye plane tary bodies in true

proportn. equal to a radius of 190 feet.

(All brass). The originel pre

sent to ye Earl of Pemb.

Liv'd at Bath and returnd to Lond.

with Lady Portld.

Project a brass dial for Mr. Gale.

Studed an explan ation of the thecry of existence.

Se ye curiosities at

Bury.

Lady Midi et on.

Lady Charlotte &

Lady Mary Capel study ye use of ye globes. Hunt with ye Earl

of Hallifax & visit sevll. men of ye country.




Winter.

January, 1740.

May.

June ye. 16th.

20 Octobr, 1740.

Decembr.

Duke of Kent send his servant for me to go to Rest, spend three months there. Teach the

Ladies to Survey, &c.

Go for a few days into Heartfordshire & so return to London.

vSpend his Chrismas with Lord Midleton at

Pepperharra. Return to London & complet his mathematical schemes. Is vissited by many

people of Qulity : Duke of Portland. Earl of Strafford, Lord Glenochy, &c, &c, &c. Invent ye astronomical Fan. Finish all his Pheno

means, &c. Plan his view of the visible Creation

and complet his representation of ye Universe.

Go for a fortnight to Pepperhara along with Lord Midleton.

Set by sea to se his friends in ye North, is stopt by contrary winds and go ashoar at Yarmouth

for three days.

Arive safe at Sunderland, stay with his sister for a few days. Then set out to se his father.

Stay with him a week, then return to Sunder

land.

Compleat his Planetary Bodies schemes. &c,

and return by sea.

Publish proposals for a cours of natural

philosophy at Durham.

Lodge in Durham all ye Rase week & take all ye D?versions of ye Town.

Return to Sunderland for a few days and again came back to Durham During ye assizes ; then again to Sunderland for a week and

afterwards to Durham to perform his Lecturs which continued ?ve weeks, then again vissited

his relation &c. Took leave of his Frends, Din'd with several gentlemen of ye Conty &c.

Set out on Horsback for for Northalerton, stay'd with Mr. Rakes six days. Then vissited

good friend Mr. Gale at Stornton. Stay'd with him a fortnight. Set out from Seraton to see

Studly Park, stay'd all night at Ripon and went to York.

Vissited his frend Mr. Dealtary at his [ ] of Kilborn, near Black Hambleton (for three

days).

Publis'd proposalls for a course of Natural

Philosophy and set out post for London. Stop1 at Doncaster for 8 days.

Got to London Decem1' ye 9th.

The Dutches survey all ye garden &

makes a plan of it.

Teach ye Honble. Miss Cornwallis, Miss

Hervey, & Miss Tal bot & Lady Sophia Grev.

Dine almost every day with ye Duke & Dutches of Kent.

All my old a c

quantces & people of fashon in Sunder land visit [ ] apparatus.

Had but very few subscribers.

Thos. Allan, Esqre. Raph Goland, Esqr.. Basil Forcer, Esqr.

Mr. Tempest, Mr.

Ailen, Mr. Blake, &c.

WTas very happy rn

good company, his

son being newly mar

ried .

Lodgd. with Mrs.

Crompton in Candy Street. Taught Mr. Robert Jackson.



COUNTY LOUTH ARCHAEOLOGICAL JOURNAL. I79

1741. This winter gave private lectures to ye Dutches

of Kent for four month*, evenings to Lady

Sophia Grey 5 months, To ye Marchioness Grey 5 months, To Lady Mary Grey 5 months, To

Miss Talbot 4 months. To ye Honbl Miss Corn walliss 3 months, for Miss Hervey 1 month.

Went to Pepper Harra and spent 3 weeks

with Lord Mi diet on.

Came to London, and set out for Deal in Kent, stav 3 weeks with ye Revd Dr Carter. Se Dover

&c\

Came home and went to Old Windsor stayed a month with ye Dutches of Kent.

Went to Cashiobury and stay'd 3 weeks with

ye Earl ?f Essex.

Came to London and went again to Old Windsor stayd a month more with ye Dutas

of Kent. Se all ye Seats about Windsor. Came to London, all this winter season scarce

past days together with dining with a nobleman.

Taught ye Marchioness Grey, Lady Sophia Grey, Miss Cornwalis's, Miss Townshend.

Went to Cashiobury for a few days. Went ye Lord Limbricks for a week (Brok

green). Published his Astronomical Elements.

Went Lord Cornwallis's at Culfort 10 days at Broom 5 weeks |.

Went to ye Earl of Bristols at Jekeworth Park for a month (saw Harrow).

Went to Lord Limricks for a fortnight more at B: green.

Went to ye Dutches of Kents at Old Windsor for three weeks.

Went to Lord Midletons for a week at Pepper. Came to town, and was applyd to from ye

Czarina by the Prince Nariskin who offer'd him

300 ? a year with other advantagees to be Chief Professr of Navigation in ye Emperial Acadamy at Petersburge. Refused it.

Went to Old Windsor for a fortnight. (Came home).

This Winter taught Lady Grey, Lord Glen

orchy, and the two Miss Townshends Caroline 6 Abinea.

Went to Pepper Harrow with Lord Midleton for one week. Se Epsom Rases with Lord

Midleton.

Went to Kew for a Week.

Went to Tat nom High Cross for 4 days. Went to Cashiobury for five weeks, was 5

days at Acton Wells with Mr. Evans.

Went into morning for his mother.

Went into mourra

ing on Father. Se Mr. Manards at at

Hoxney. Payd. a

visit of 5 days to Mrs. Townshend at Him

ingham, near Nor

wich, and went to Yarmouth with Lord Cornwallis.

His proposalis oi ?500 were sent to Russia.

St.

Mrs. Holms.



i8o THE JOURNAL OF THOMAS WRIGHT.

2 Decbr.

16.

Went to Lord Limericks at Hamersmith for io days.

From thence to Danson in Kent to Col: Lehoins for one month. Returned to Lord Limericks,

was taken violently ill of a fever, stayed 5 weeks. Went to Cashiobury again for 3 weeks. Returnd to Lord Limerks for 10 days.

Went to Old Windsor with ye Dutches of Kent, stayd 2 months. Came to London with her.

This winter very ill health.

Went to Cashiobury and stayd 5 days with

Lady Essex. Went to Eltham in Kent for 3 days and sur

veyd ye old Pallace of K. Edward. Went to Old Windsor and stayd 3 weeks with

the Dutches of Kent. Vissited Mr. Godolphin &c Crost the country to Pepperhara in Surry

and stay with Lord Midleton 22 days, saw Moor Park &c.

Went to Newt own near Limington in Hants,

stayd 3 weeks with Mr. Mit ford. Saw all the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, Southampton, Sals

bury, Wilton, Amberbury. Stone-Henge, Win

chester &c.

Returned to Peperharra, stay there 16 da}^s & saw Pet worth &c.

Came to London.

Went to Newington for 3 days. Went to Kew and stayd with Mr. Duck 6 days. Went to Muffits in Hertfordshire and stayd 4

days with ye Honbl Mr. Cowper, went to

green, dined with ve Earl Cowp1": saw Hertford,

Hatfie[l]d &c. Set out for Suffolke.

Lay at St. Edmons Bury. Dind a Culfdrd, and stayd with Lord Corn

wallis 10 days. Saw Euston and vissited ye Earl of Bristol at Jekworth.

Went to Rainham in Norfolk and stayd 10 weeks with Lord Townshend, taught his son

Rogr Navigation and his daughter Astronomy. Saw Houghton, Halcom, &c. Dind at Stuckey & Mr. Warners. Went to Mrs. Townshends at

Honingham for 5 days, say Norwich. Lord

Hubbards & Hor: Walpoles. Went to Lynn. Saw ye Regula and drank

out of K. Jhon's Cup. Returned to Culford in Suffolk. Stayd 14

days and vissited Lady Dawes at Rushbroke. Came to Cambridge, saw Lord Godolphins at

Gogmagog stayd 3 days with ye vice Chancelor, vissited Mrs. Townshend & Cornwallis.

Invented & Drew

ye Dutches the two fronts of her new

House.

Taught Lady Grey? Sophy Gey, 2 Miss

Townshends, Mrs.

Phippes& Miss . . .

Dind with an indian

King.

Riches Hall.

Mr. Case.

Dr. Long.



COUNTY LOUTH ARCHAEOLOGICAL JOURNAL, 181

21.

1745.

January.

June.

July.

August.

Sepr.

October.

January, 1746.

1746.

August.

Munday.

Tusday.

Returnd to London.

Taught this Winter Miss Car: & Ann: Towns hend, Miss Abinia Townshend, Lady Sophia Grey, The Marchioness Grey, Miss Cornwallis, Miss Davers, Mr. Egerton. Navigation.

Taught all his qandm scholers &c, Lady Marchioess Grey, Miss Davers, Miss Townshends 3

Invited this year to Jekworth, Rushbroke, Culford, Danson, Honingham, Ranham, Rest,

Cambridge, Kew, Newtown, Peperharra, New

ington, Wilton, Muffit, Cashiobury, Old Windsor & Whitchurch.

Went for a fortnight to Mr. Ducks at Kew. Drank Acton Waters.

Went to Muffits for 5 weeks or six weeks. Recond.

Went to Casiobury for 3 weeks or a month and then to Old Windsor for i^ months.

Went to Peperharra, Sury, for 5 weeks.

Came to town to solicit by Lady Cornwallis advice a small place vacant by ye death of Grey

Longuvill, Esqe. Thought himself ingerd by one of his ... .

and resolved to break off ye acquantance. Went to Cassibury till ye 16th of Novu. Past

his time very agr?able.

Went to the Mote near Canterbury. Past ye Christmas with ye kind and Hobl Mr. Cowper,

Miss Townsd, Miss Mordant, &c. Saw a valuable

friend Miss Caster, &c.

Retur'd to London very low spirited. The reason less was of ffaults than of ye Cony.

Taught this winter 3 Miss Townshends, Miss Davers, Miss Cornwales, Miss Townshend R. and

ye Marchiness Grey.

Went to Cashiobury for 2 weeks & resolvd

upon a strong invitation to go to Ireland & set out for Parkgate, wated 6 days for a wind and at last ariv'd safe at Dublin where he liv^ a

fortnight & saw all cheaf places about it.

ITINERARY TO LOCH EARN, &c.

From Dundalk to Reynaldstown & thence to Louth. Mr. Fortiscue, Junior.

? Carrickmacross.

? Sharcock.

_ Coot Hill Many old Raths upon the

? Knockbeliymoor. %*?? ^in ^ ? Listenaruskea. compass.

Was very ill. Bathd is ye cold Bath at

Rockhampt.

Here I made ....

300 miles.

A fine old Danish mound on ye sumlt of a hill Northwd.



I&2 THE JOURNAL OF THOMAS WRIGHT.

Bell Isle. A beautiful situation by ye tide.

The lake fronting a avenew of islands. Leading to ye Park cal'd Rock Pliny Distance about 3

miles. Wee say a buck hunted from ye water

follow'd by french horn and many neighbouring gentleemen who all din'd on ye* side ye moun

tain under tents with a great ma[n]y ladies.

Went to se ye marble arch near the head of the

Shannon, and din'd with the proprietor Mr. Cole.

Set out to see the cataract of Bally Shannon

& Ballick by ye way of

Enniskilling. An old but ill fortified town in an island.

Castle Hume,

lake.

Here is the finest part of the

Dery-Connel. A most romantick situation on

river &c.

Church Hill. Here a noble prospect of Loch Earn &c.

The Chadar. A range of High rocky mountans

by ye side ve lake which is here 9 miles over. Ballick.

*

Ballyshannon. Return'd this day to Bell

isle to dinne.

Set out with Mr. Maxwell, Junior, on return

home to Dundalk by ye way of Castle Hambel ton, a bold and fine situation like that of Coot

Hill. Farnham. Here are several fine lakes is part

of Loch Earn. Bally Hay. Coot Hill town. Din'd at Dundalk. Set out again with Lord Limerick for Tully

moor park, 30 miles north. Stay'd here 8 days and returd by Ross Trever & ye Narrowater to

Dundalk.

Lord Limerick left Ireland & came to Parlia ment, is resold to stay ye winter at Dundalk.

Collected and drew all the plans of L?uthiana & taught Mr. Hamilton & Miss Fortescue & Mr. Read &c. mathematicks & drawing.

Set out to visit Mr. Phipps &c. at Dublin & Clantorf. Staid with them 1 month & returnd to Dundalk.

?CIRCLE OF, AND ITINERARY OF ULSTER.

Set out from Dundalk with ye Bishop of

Raphoe, &c, by the way of The Fews ( A dismal country scarce Blackbank ) a house to be seen

* in vew of about 80 islands all coverd with greenwood.

A noble natural curiositie.

Took many pro spects.

Saw a poor begger, nothing but skin & bone.

Many old camps, &c.

Dind with Mr. Ross.

500 miles.




Thursday.

Friday.

Saturday.

Sunday.

Munday.

Tusday.

Thursday.

Sunday.

Tusday.

Wednesday.

Thursday.

Friday.

Saturday.

Ardmagh.

Cherlemont. a fine fort of stone.

Dungannon. The famous seat of Tyrone, a

half way house only in wild country. Omagh.

Newtown Steward. A beautiful situation by side a winding river in ye form of an 3.

Strabane.

Lifford.

Raphoe Castle.

Stayd at Raphoe. Set out to se Mac Swines gun at ye North

Cape by ye way of

Letterkenny, Lough Souilly. Kilmacrannon. Din'd upon ye mountans of

Loch Salt with Mr. Swan full in view of Aragle & Muckish.

Castle Doe, an old seat of Mac Swines.

The Ards.

Dunfraneghy. Hoarhead or North Cape. Saw Mac Swines

gun, &c, and returnd to ye Ards to diner, to

Mr. Swan's to super & so to Raphoe. Men

asleep upon ye mountans & heath on fire.

Set out from Raphoe on his return to Dundalk by ye way of Colerain &c.

St. Johns Town.

London Derry. Mr. Noxes. Here was stopt

by sickness for 3 days & hospitably entertaind by Mr. Nox. Saw Derry & Slatmanns glen.

Newtown Limmivady, a fine situation by a beautiful river near ye sea. Saw to left ye vast

rocks Magillagun. Colerain. Mr. Richardson. Here detaind

again by a violent pain in his stomach for 5 days. Dind at Colerain with ye Gnts Club.

Seven fine old mounts.

Went to ye Giants Cawsway. Saw Castle. Went to see Magillagan strand and Soloman

Portets, &c.

Set out for Dundalk (viz.) pr. Ballimony.

Marrahshaveon.

Randalstown, a fine situation like Kelso

super Tweed in Britain. / Saw Loch Neah and Shan

Antrim. ? Oneal's Castle by ye side of L . Massereens. j

a sepulchral mount with \ stones round it.

Templepatrick. Bellfast.

Donnsbridge, a beautiful situation.

Mountans of Done

gall.



l84 THE JOURNAL OF THOMAS WRIGHT.

Munday,May ye 25.

Lisburn, a noble village on a Hill.

Hilsborough, another fine situation.

Dromore, a fine old Danish situation.

Lochbrickland. Newry, a hansom trading town.

Jones borough. Dundalk.

Went with Mr. Fortiscue to see Mr. Sutherley near Dunlear, stayd 3 days.

Finish all ye drawing of Louthiana, &c.

ITINERARY OF YE SOUTH. IN HIS RETURN TO ENGLAND.

Set out from Dundalk by ye way of Atherdee. Mount vSedan a Danish situation to ye right. Castletown, Killpatrick mount &c. to left,

Mount Killbeg, R. Blackwaterfort, R. don.

Fort L. Kells, a Danish town.

Crossy Keel tumulus.

Fort Bellgree distant 5 miles to Right. Cam Bawn, on ye R. 4 stone earns.

Dinner* Mount, & fort h M. to R. Castle Killailin to left, 2 miles. Loch Lain & many forts R. Moat Granard distant to R. 10 miles.

Pass if you Can Castle & Mount 2 miles from

Mullingar, a moldering mount in ye town.

Loch Ennill to R.

Tyrrills Pass, an old Castle or stone keep, a run'd castle 1 furlong to R.

a Dainish mount to left.

Bog Allan to R.

Tullymoor Town.

Lord Tullymores Park a fine flat to R. Frankford.

Bog gleab, and many people cuting turf.

Bog Castle Q. R. Burr. Here a fine done pillar rising for ye

Dukes Statue 50 feet H.

Killalay, a fine wood & garden to R. with a rund Sumer House.

Divils Bit, a mount upon ye mountans to left.

Crage, a fine romantick situation.

Annacarroon, here a find old round ruin.

Two old castls, mountains, &c.

Killalooe, here he expected to see the fall of ye Shannon & was disappoint'd.

Castle Connel, a fine old ruin upon a sort of Dannish mount by ye side of ye Shannon near this he found ye long Break of the Shannon of 200 yards, but no fall such as reported.

One so large as to build a whole park wall 5 or 6 mile round. The 9 or 7

Hills. * Se ye Newry.




Satturdy. Limerick, a fine old fortified town ; many fine old ruins not far from it.

Castle Bally Carrick 1 mile to R.

Six Mile Bridge. Nine Mile Bridge, a fine situation woodded.

Killmallack, a fine old town of ruins & un finished building of ye Gothic stile. This was twice burn't in ye sivill wars 1. by Oliver Crom1 and 2d. by Marsh1 Barwick.

Charlivill 2 mile to R. a small fort,

a barren mountain.

Mallo, a hansom town & spawwell.

Ballinamony.

4 Mile Water.

Cork ; here are some good publick buildings & a good assembly room. A very hansom seat

by ye river side on ye road to

Midleton, here are two fine parks belonging to Lord Viscount Midleton.

Yowhall, a fine old sea port & harbour, here is an old castle belonging to Lord Burlington.

Castle Ferry. A roman tick river & an old ruin'd monastry in an island, a very wild country to.

Dungarvan, a bleak port. Kill Mac Thomas, here an old castle & a

barrack. A very pleasant gentleman seat with

fine gardens to ye R.

Waterford, 2nd June, 1747. Here waited

3 days fore wind. Set sail for England. Stopt at Passage with contrary winds.

Set sail and drove back again. Wated 7 days longer & saild.Port lock Bay.

Landed in England June 16. 10 morning. Returnd to London by ye way of Bristol,

Glocester, Oxford, &c.

PlJBLISHd LOUTHIANNA I748 & THEORY OF Ve

Univerce 1750.

Set out to ye North with Mr. Blake by the

way Lincolin and Scarbro. in Augus1 1748.

A find round hill at a dista[nc]e and old castle in ye town.

Lodgd. in village Bossing ton.

Saw yeDs. of K.?t Ross.

Note.? When the entirety of this journal his been published the editor proposes to supplement it with some notes, and, in the meantime, icould be thankful to any reader for information respecting any person or place referred to in the foregoing instalment of it, or calculated to throw light on its contents?



COUNTY LOUTH ARCHAEOLOGICAL JOURNAL.

PORTRAIT OF THOMAS WRIGHT, Author of

" Louthiana."



The Journal of Thomas Wright. Author of Louthiana (1711-1786)

Documents

Transcript of The Journal of Thomas Wright. Author of Louthiana (1711-1786)