Prison in Mullingar

In 1542 a county gaol was constructed in the town of Mullingar on the site of the Dominican friary (WM019-089004-) (Andrews and Davies 1992, 10). In 1566, Walter Hope, a merchant in Dublin was granted lands in 'in consideration that he shall build a gaol in the town of Mollingar, county Westmeath, with stocks, locks, bolts, chains, handlocks, and other things necessary for the safe custody of prisoners, at his own expense ; of the office of constable of the said gaol; also of the site of the house of friars preachers (WM019-089004-) of Mollingar with appurtenances, and the rectories of Vastina (WM032-014003-) and Churchetowne (WM025-011----), parcel of the possessions of the priory of Mollingar. To hold for ever in fee-farm, by the service of a twentieth part of a knight's fee, at a rent of 40s. for the friary, and of &8 for the rectories, and maintaining curates in the churches. Grantee and his heirs to reside in the gaol, and to keep it in repair or forfeit £10 after due notice’ (Nicholls 1994, 109). In 1583 there is a reference to Walter Hope who is described as being in 'custody of the gaol of Mullingar, and has repaired over without license' (Cal. S.P. Ire. 1574-85, 454). This 16th century gaol was located on the S side of Blackhall St., however the precise location of the gaol has not been identified. During the second half of the 17th century a new gaol (WM019-089050-) was contstructed elsewhere within the town. In 1682 Sir Henry Piers recorded that in the town of Mullingar (WM019-089----) there ‘is a new gaol (WM019-089050-) built on the county’s cost, for the old one was very weak; the old session house also, being very narrow and inconvenient in all respects, a new one is a framing, very large and spacious according to the modes of modern architecture’ (Vallancey 1786, 78). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 1 July 2014