Settlement deserted — medieval in Danesfort

Describing medieval boroughs which have since disappeared, Empey (1990, 80) singles out Danesfort as being a thriving borough in the 13th century, but points out that ‘initial prosperity was no guarantee of longevity’. The town appears to have been enclosed by some form of defences, either an earthen bank or stone wall, as a grant in the Ormond Deeds (Curtis 1935, vol. 3, deed 68, 56-7) on the 10th of February 1426 mentions, ‘John Keppagh gives and grants to Ralph Archer, cleric and his heirs all his claim in one messuage [a house with outbuildings and parcel of land/yard] and five acres in the lordship of Dunfert [Danesfort] which formerly belonged to Henry Fleming of the same town. Which messuage lies outside the south gate of the said town in the corner near the highway which leads towards Waterford’. Another Ormond Deed, dated June 7, 1561, describes an indenture between Thomas Butler, Earl of Ormond and three of his tenants in which the Earl grants, ‘the fourth part of Donfert with all the meases, lands tenements, etc.’, with part of the condition of the lease being that the lessees, ‘shall build a double ditch and gate’ (Curtis 1941, vol. 5, deed 102, 122-3). Another deed, dated September 26, 1564, mentions a Margaret Cottrell of Donfert and David Ryan who are bound to pay Sir Thomas Clery of Donfert, chaplain 10l., ‘the rent due of three meases or houses with the lands and appurtenances of the same in Donfert in which the said Margaret now dwells (ibid. deed 133, 146). There are is visible remains of the medieval settlement of Danesfort and its precise location within the townland is unknown. Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of upload: 8 September 2021