What is recorded here

Mitchelstown stands on the south bank of the Gradoge River where the main Cork-Dublin road cuts through County Cork. Sir William Fenton received a market grant there in 1618, triggering a surge of artisans whose names appear in 1641 depositions. By 1831 the town held 535 well-built houses, transforming a quiet river bend into a respectable provincial centre.

On S bank of Gradoge River, on main Cork-Dublin road. Listed as a market town (called Brigon) in 1299 (O'Brien 1993, 94), but little known of settlement here until early 17th century when it became a possession of Sir William Fenton, who obtained grant for market in 1618 (Power 1996, 10). According to MacCarthy-Morrogh (1986, 169), 'the place thrived, for the depositions (1641) provide the names of thirty residents, the majority of which were artisans'. Location of this settlement probably in vicinity of King's Square (14788) and nearby church (14445) and castle (14317) (pers. comm. B. Power). In 1750 Mitchelstown had 'a pretty market-house, built of hewn stone, and some good houses' (Smith 1750, vol. 1, 346). By 1831 it contained 535 houses, 'most of which are well built and of respectable appearance' (Lewis 1837, vol. 2, 372). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 4: North Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2000). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009

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