In 1715 he was accused falsely of conspiring against the Crown, and in anger at the charge he crossed to France, and joined the Stuarts.
His estates, valued at £80,000 a year, were forfeited and he died at Avignon, supported by a pension from the Court of Spain.
The Irish House of Lords restored part of the estates and the Irish Earldom to another branch of the Ormonds, and John Butler became 17th Earl of Ormond.
Walter, the 18th Earl, was created Marquess in 1816, and from him the present representative is descended, who in 1904 entertained King Edward VII. and Queen Alexandra at the castle.
| Authorities Consulted. |
| J. Hogan, “Kilkenny.” |
| Brewer, “Beauties of Ireland.” |
| J. Robertson, “Antiquities and Scenery of Kilkenny.” |
| P. Egan, “Kilkenny Guide.” |
| E. Ledwidge, “History of Irishtown and Kilkenny” in “Collectanea de Rebus Hibernices.” |
| J. Graves, “Journey to Kilkenny, 1799” (Journal of Kilkenny Archæological Society). |
| MacMahon, “Kilkenny Castle” in “Historic Houses.” |
| Calendar of State Documents. |
| Calendar of Carew MSS. |
KILLIANE CASTLE
This fortress is situated in a parish of the same name in the Barony of Forth, about three miles south-east of Wexford. The name, which is written Killyan in the Liber Regalis visitations, signifies “The Church of St. Liedania.”
The building consists of a castellated rectangular keep, to which a modern house has been attached. There is also an enclosed bawn with most excellently preserved walls. Near the castle stand the ruins of its chapel.
In the notes attached to the Down Survey Maps, dating from about 1657, it is stated that at Great Killiane is “a Castle with a slate house adjoining, a decayed windmill, and seven cabbins.”