It was considered necessary to have English captains in the castles of the districts to hold the Kavanaghs in subjection, so that a list of constables to Ferns Castle is recorded, the most remarkable being the Mastersons, father and son, the former being accused of conspiring against the Queen in 1569.
Thrilling traditions are related regarding his wife, Catherien de Clare, who was said to decoy the neighbouring chiefs and Irish gentlemen within the fortress under the guise of hospitality and murder them by pushing them down a trapdoor.
In 1588 Masterson entered a petition for land, as recompense for thirty-four years’ service.
His son spent large sums on rebuilding the castle; nevertheless it was granted to Lord Andley in 1608.
Sir Charles Coote occupied the stronghold in 1641, but finding he was unable to hold it against the insurgents, he dismantled the outworks, blew up part of the building, and left the neighbourhood.
It must, however, have been partly repaired, for eight years later, when Cromwell’s commander, Colonel Reynolds, appeared before it, the garrison fled, leaving their arms, ammunition, and provisions behind them.
In 1669 Charles II. granted the castle to Arthur Parsons; while in 1689 it seems to have been in the possession of Alderman Thomas Keiran, who gave it to his brother-in-law, Richard Donovan, in 1694, from whom it descended to its present owner, Richard Donovan, Esq., D.L., of Ballymore House, Camolin.
| Authorities Consulted. |
| Calendar of State Papers. |
| Calendar of Carew MSS. |
| Parliamentary Gazetteer. |
| W. G. Flood, “History of Enniscorthy.” |
| G. Bassett, “Wexford.” |
| G. Stokes, “Ireland and Anglo-Norman Church.” |
| G. Griffiths, “Chronicles of County Wexford.” |
| Savage, “Picturesque Ireland.” |
| Proceedings of Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland. |