Bawn in Drakeland Lower

A bawn associated with Drakeland Lower tower house (KK019-020002-). According to the OS Letters (1839) this castle is, 'supposed to have belonged to the Grace family' (O'Flanagan ed. 1930, vol. 2, 83 (27)). The Down Survey (1655-6) barony map of ‘The Liberties of the Citty of Kilkenny’ and parish map of ‘St Patricks Parish’ (Hibernia Regnum, courtesy of Trinity College Dublin), depicts a substantial castle in the E portion of the townland near the N townland boundary. The terrier accompanying the parish map notes, ‘In Drackland is a Castle well repaired a strong Bawn and a good mill’. The proprietors in 1640 are listed as ‘David & Jo. Rooth’. According to Carrigan (1905, vol. 3, 216-17), ‘With portion of the other confiscated possessions of St. John’s Abbey, Drackisland, or Drakeland, was handed over by Henry VIII to the Corporation of Kilkenny. The townland was afterwards leased to members of the Rothe family…In 1628 David Rothe fitz Robert paid £9 rent, to the Corporation for his share of the townland, and John Rothe fitz Edward paid £3 for his own share. In 1653 Drakeland was forfeited by David Rothe (grandson of David Rothe fitz Robert) and by the above John Rothe fitz Edward’. See attached extract from the Down Survey (1655-6) terrier accompanying the parish map of ‘St Patricks Parish’ (Hib. Reg., courtesy of Trinity College Dublin) Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of upload: 22 September 2020

The Bawn in Drakeland Lower was associated with the Grace family in the 19th century and is linked to the nearby Drakeland Lower tower house. It is remembered as part of a defensive estate system in Ulster during the early modern period.