GOREY

In 1868, the parish of Gorey contained the following places:

"GOREY, (or Kilmachaelogue), a parish and market town in the baronies of Ballaghkeen and Gorey, county Wexford, province of Leinster, Ireland, 25 miles N.N.E. of Wexford, and 61 from Dublin. The surface is pleasantly hilly, and is watered by the Banoge stream. The living is in the patronage of the crown. It is a union of the parish of Kilmachaelogue, the parish of Kilcavan, and part of the parish of Kilnahue. The rent-charge of the union amounts to £680. There is a good residence for the rector, who is Dean of Ferns. About 3 acres of ornamental ground are tastefully laid out. There is also a glebe farm, valued at £55 a year. After deducting for a curate and ecclesiastical charges, the net value of the rectory and deanery together is about £500. The church was built in 1861. It is a large building, and contains sittings for 700. There are a Roman Catholic chapel, Wesleyan chapel, and several schools. Clonatin, Ramsfort, Marlfield, and Knocmullan are among the principal residences. The town is sometimes called Newborough, and is situated on the road from Dublin to Wexford. It was formerly a parliamentary borough, returning two members before the Union. Its charter of incorporation was obtained by Ram, Bishop of Ferns, in the 17th year of the reign of James I. Its corporation consisted of a sovereign, burgesses and, commons. The town consists chiefly of one wide street a mile in length, containing some good houses and shops, the parish church, Roman Catholic chapel and nunnery, fever hospital, dispensary, workhouse, courthouse, market-houses, flour mills, and a brewery. In 1798 the rebels entered the town, committing much havoc, and destroying the mansions of Ramsfort and Clonatin. The bishop's palace was also partially destroyed by the parliamentarians in 1641. It was afterwards converted into a barrack, and has since been removed. The Gorey Poor-law Union lies wholly within the county of Wexford, and has 10 electoral divisions and 24 guardians. The poorhouse affords shelter for 850 paupers. Saturday is market day. Here is a chief police station, and petty sessions are held on alternate Fridays. Fairs are held on 1st January, 1st February, 15th March, 6th April, 1st June, 10th July, 10th and 31st August, 28th September, 28th October, and 20th November.

"CLONATTIN, a demesne in the barony of Gorey, in the county of Wexford, province of Leinster, Ireland. The original mansion was destroyed during the insurrection of 1798. Here are some interesting church ruins, with a Saxon portal of curious workmanship."

[Transcribed from The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland 1868]
by Colin Hinson ©2018