478 Pi-oceedings of the Royal Irish Academy. 



discussed which do not appear to have come before the Assembly, which makes 

 the volume of some importance, as i/hrowing further light on our ciNde 

 history at so remote a period as Elizabeth's reign. I supply a calendar of its 

 contents, and preface it by briefly calling attention to the more interesting 

 subjects with which it deals. 



There are several notices of city property. Its title to Fercullen, which 

 was held under statute 3 Edward IV (c. 77), was called in question in 1581 ; 

 as also that to Taghadoe, co. Kildare, which had formed portion of the 

 possessions of All HaUows' Monastery. In 1597 the committee are found 

 leasing to Edward Loftus, recorder, a large tract in Glendalough, with the 

 tithes of the rectories of "Saucti Salvatoris," Eathdrum, and Killaghe. 

 Henry deLouudres, archbishop of Dublin, had confirmed to All Hallows the 

 church of St. Saviour. In 1609 a cause was depending between the city and 

 Sir John Talbot as to Malahide, which was referred to the arbitration of the 

 Lord Chancellor and the Chief Baron. 



On 27th October, 1597, an examination was made by the mayor as to the 

 city charters, &c., extant. Among the records is enumerated the "White 

 Book," and " an old book of the revenues of All Hallows called Crede Mihi." 

 "With regard to the mayoralty, there are several instances of the office being 

 refused, or of those elected making arrangements by which its duties were 

 handed over to others. The plea for non-acceptance was generally that of 

 inabihty to support the expense of the dignity ; and occasionally sums were 

 voted to enable the holders to bear the charge. In 1583 John Lennan, who 

 had a residence outside the city liberties, was granted £10 for house rent 

 within them during his year of office, together with a proportion of the debts 

 due the city. 



Similar cases of refusal are found among those who were elected to or 

 eligible for the office of sherifi'; and in each instance fines and imprisonment 

 were inflicted as punishment. When one Martin Hussey was made sheriff in 

 1607, and could not be foimdnear at hand, a pursuivant was specially sent to 

 the island of Valencia, with an attachment. Hussey was fined £100 : and 

 later, on his submission and promise to pay, he w-as permitted to hold his place 

 in stations and meetings, and to exercise his trade as before. With regard to 

 the sheriffs' duties, when, on the occasion of a general hosting in 1597, a 

 question arose as to whether one of them should go in person as leader, and, 

 if so, which, it was decided that, following ancient precedent, one of them was 

 bound to go ; but they were allowed to arrange between themselves which it 

 was to be. 



From about 1580, on several occasions, questions arose as to the immunity 

 of aldermen from payment of cess le\-ied for support of soldiers billeted on the 



