[9], Memoirs of the Archdales, by Henry Blackwood Archdale

disposal of the British Crown for the purposes of plantation, including Cavan, which was the “ country ” of the O’Reilleys, and Fermanagh, or “ Maguire’s country. ” It is generally admitted that the settlement thus effected, laid the foundation of Ulster’s economic revival.

According to the Orders and Conditions of the Plantation, the forfeited lands were to be distributed amongst such of King James’s subjects, “ as being of merit and ability shall seek the same, with a mind not only to benefit themselves, but to do service to the Crown and Commonwealth.”¹

The distribution was made by lot, but care was wisely taken to give grants in the same barony or “precinct” to those who were allied by race or kinship, or who came from the same districts in England and Scotland. Thus in Fermanagh, the barony of Lurg was set apart for settlers from Norfolk and Suffolk, whilst Magheraboy was allotted to Scottish families.

Having sold his property at Darsham—apparently to the Bedingfield family, who held it shortly afterwards,—John Archdale went to Ireland, as one of His Majesty’s “undertakers” in the Plantation of Ulster.² By Letters Patent, dated July 13th 1612, he obtained a grant of lands in the barony of Lurg, Co. Fermanagh. These lands were erected into the Manor of Archdale, the following being an abstract of the grant :—

The small proportion of Tallanagh, containing the lands of Coilenure, half-quarter or two tates, viz. Coilenure and Knockakasy ; the half-quarter of Tallanaggh, being two tates, viz. Tallanagh and Carrauny; the half-quarter of Coulcoppocky, being two tates, viz. Coulcoppocky and Dromscoole ; the half-quarter of Dromadderdanagh, two tates, viz. Dromadderdanagh and Dromdronyne ; the quarter of Coylaghmore, being four tates, viz. Coylaghmore, two tates, and Dollypatrick, two tates ; the half-quarter of Coylaghbegg, two tates, viz. Coylaghbegg and Lisharra ; Etadd, one tate ; the island of Crewinshaghy in Lougherne, being one tate ; 1000 acres. The parcel of land of Derryroine, being one part of Etadd, and containing 60 acres, is excepted from this grant, for glebe lands. Free fishing in Lougherne. The premises are created the Manor of Archdale, with 300 acres in demesne ; power to create tenures, and to hold a Court Baron. Rent, £5 6s 8d, English. To hold for ever, as of the Castle of Dublin, in common soccage, subject to the conditions of the Plantation of Ulster.³

It should be remembered that the acreage mentioned in the Plantation grants referred to the amount of arable or "profitable" land, to which were added areas of wood and bog. Hence, in most cases, the grantee actually received a more extensive property than his Patent indicated.

Although the grant of Tallanagh to John Archdale is dated 1612, he must have received these lands at the distribution in 1610; as in the year 1611 it was found that while he had a thousand acres allotted to him, he did not appear, or anyone for him, and that nothing had been done.⁴ In fact, it is improbable that he was resident in Fermanagh before 1614 or 1615.

In the same proportion there was also a parcel of land not included in the original grant, which was conveyed to John Archdale by Patent, June 14th 1617.⁵

On his lands of Tallanagh, he built the old Castle of Archdale in the year 1615, as appears by the inscription on the ruin : data fata seqvvtvs. johannes archdale hoc ædficivm strvxit anno domini millessimo sexcentessimo decimo qvinto. Furthermore, in accordance with the requirements of the time, he erected a “bawne,” or fortified enclosure.

By an Inquisition held subsequently at Enniskillen, it was found that John Archdale had built on the tate of Coilenure, “one fort or bawne of lime and stone, contayninge 3 score and 6 foote square, everie way, and 12 foote in height, with two flankers in two corners of the bawne, contayninge 15 foote square everie way, and 17 foote in height, there is likewise built upon Killenure [Coilenure], one castle or capitall messuage of lime and stone, adjoining to the foresaid bawne or forte, contayninge 3 score and 10 foote in length and 38 foote in height, and

See Harris’s Hibernica, edition 1170, p.123. That work, also contains Pynnar’s Survey.
See Calender of State Papers, James I, 1611-1614, p. 315, No.606, which gives the residences of the undertakers in England. See also p. 201, No. 384. In one of the lists, John Archdale’s income is given as £200 a year.
See Calendar of Patent Rolls, Irish Chancery, 10th James I, p. 233. The Grant is preserved at Castle Archdale. The spelling “Archdale” is used in it.
See Calendar of State Papers, James I, 1611-1614, p. 123
See Calendar of Patent Rolls, Irish Chancery, James I, p. 324