What is recorded here

Longford prison operated under martial law from 1571 and appeared as a strong stone house by 1641, although Abbeycartron and ordinary Longford town still compete for its exact identity. That uncertainty does not weaken the account; it preserves the risk of a jurisdiction where the gaol could be placed, moved or denied. Donell Omaghery O'Ferrall and Richard Steynes were given power to execute martial law, not merely to keep prisoners alive. The missing site becomes a warning about how much authority could be hidden inside an ordinary town.

In Longford town (L013-026----). In 1571 the English Crown granted a commission to 'Donell Omaghery O'Ferrall, gent., sheriff of Longford, and Richard Steynes, constable of the castle [LF013-026002-] and gaol of Longford, to execute martial law in that county' (Nicholls 1994, vol. 2, 247). In 1641 the prison was described as a 'strong stone house in the towne' (TCD, MS 817, fol. 266v). Its precise location has not been identified. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 31 July 2013

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