Castle

Listed in the 1641-53 Survey of Mullingar as James Christell's Castle. Located on the S side of Pearse St. The precise location of this castle within the historic town of Mullingar has not been identified (Andrews and Davies 1992, 10). In the 1641-53 Survey of Mullingar James Christell was described as 'of Mullingar burgess, deceased the 23rd of October 1641 then being of full age, was seized in his demesne as of fee by purchase of an in one castle now garrisoned, a backside and tanyard thereunto belonging, and of and in one stone hall by purchase together with a backside and garden thereunto belonging, lying and being from the street of the said town on the north, the house wherein John Smith sometimes dwelt on the east, the parish church on the south, to the dwelling place where sometimes John Nelan dwelt on the west' (Ibid., 14). In 1682 Sir Henry Piers recorded that in the town of Mullingar (WM019-089----) there were, ‘ancient buildings here [that] were old fashionable castles (WM019-089001-; WM019-089008-; WM019-089010-; WM019-089029-; WM019-089030-; WM019-089032-), some of which remain yet, and some are demolished, and better or at least more commodious houses are built in their room’ (Vallancey 1786, 78). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 1 July 2014

James Christell's Castle in Mullingar was held by James Christell during the mid-17th century, as recorded in the 1641-53 Survey. It is remembered as part of the historical landholding records of the period, reflecting the distribution of property in Ireland before the Cromwellian confiscations.