During Henry IV.’s reign there was only one constable between the castles of Carlingford and Greencastle. It is reported that Stephen Geron received £20 a year for the guardianship of Greencastle and £5 for Carlingford.
In 1403 John Moore, who was then constable, petitioned for a rise of salary, and he was granted £40 a year on condition he spent 10 marks of it on repairs. The amount was to be paid out of the rents of Carlingford, Cooley, and “le Mourne.”
None but Englishmen were permitted to hold the appointment in 1495.
Notwithstanding this, when M’Donell made his submission in 1542 he requested to be granted Greencastle, and the lands lying waste around it, for which favour he promised military service.
The Government did not evidently see their way to accede to his request, and seven years later it is reported that the fortress was in a “wretched condition.”
In 1552 it was granted to Sir Nicholas Bagnall, in whose family’s possession it remained for many years.
Sir Arthur Chichester was granted means to provide ten warders for Greencastle in 1612, but this does not seem to have interfered with the Bagnall possession, as in 1620 Arthur Bagnall held the manors and lordships of Greencastle and Mourne.
Three years later it is recommended that the ward be moved from Culmore to Greencastle, and the stronghold was garrisoned during the rebellion of 1641.
| Authorities Consulted. |
| J. O’Laverty, “Diocese of Down and Connor.” |
| W. Harris, “County of Down.” |
| R. Praeger, “Official Guide to County Down.” |
| State Papers. |
| Marquis of Kildare, “Earls of Kildare.” |
| Carew MSS. |
| Parliamentary Gazetteer. |