Knights' Fees in County Kilkenny Ireland
Knights' Fees in County Kilkenny
13th & 14th century


Following the initial Anglo-Norman incursions in Ireland in the late 12th century Richard 'Strongbow' de Clare was created Lord of Leinster by the King of England. As lord, Strongbow began to grant territory to his favorites in exchange for military service (knight service). These grants of land were expressed in terms of knights' fees, with payment due from each tenant-in-chief to their lord who was ultimatel accountable to the King of England. For example the cantred (barony) of Overk, representing most of southern co. Kilkenny, was held of 7 knights' fees, a relatively large area compared to some of the smaller parcels of land which were often held at a fraction of a knight's fee. The granting of lands, and knight's fees, continued under Strongbow's successor, the Earl Marshal, beginning in the 1190's and also through their descendants.

The tables below represents a snapshot of those who were granted lands and held them under knights' fees as recorded in the feodaries of 1247, 1317 and 1327. Sources are given at the bottom of each table. The lists below represent a partial list of these second tier of Anglo-Norman adventurers, holding knights' fees under their lord, and maintaining sub-tenants and military allies for their new territories. The lands they held were those of the Irish who often lived alongside the new tenants, sometimes in opposition but at times in alliance with this Anglo-Norman landed gentry.

The De Clare Purparty (1247)
Tenant's Name Fees Place Name Probable Location
Stephen de Hereford 2 Rathdueny Rathdowney, baronies of Clandonagh and Clarmallagh, Co. Leix
William Hogechin
(de Hogeky) 		1/4 unspecified possibly near Callan; ?Rathduff, Stonecarthy parish
William de Drohull 1 Dumer Dunmore, barony of Fassadinin
Hugh son of David
(Hugh de Drohull) 		3/4 Tiberch unidentified
Robert de Drohull 1 Macill unidentified
Thomas son of Richard Janyn
(Fanyn) 		1/2 Glothementhau unidentified
John de Pyonies
(Pioniis or Pyomes) 		1/8 Glascro Clashnacrow, barony of Crannagh
Fulk son of Warin 1 3/4 Rafhtafli unidentified
Gilbert Smyth 1 1/2 and 1/3 Culcassyn Coolcashin, barony of Galmoy
John de Ebroc'
(de Ebroicis)
Devereux 		2 Acheteyr Achad Togarta, including Aharney, barony of Galmoy, and Donaghmore, barony of Fassadinin
David de Rocheford 1/2 Kilmechar Kilmacar, barony of Fassadinin
William le Gras
(Crassy) 		1/2 Offerkelan Offerlane, barony of Upperwoods
Philip Oumer
(Dumer) 		1/2 and 1/2 Dysert and Closthau Dysart, barony of Fassadinin
Richard de Troye
(Troia) 		1/4 and 1/4 Bablorcan and Drumdelgyn Ballylarkin, barony of Crannagh; Thornback in Troyswood, parish of St. Canice, barony of Crannagh
William de sancto Leodegaro
St. Leger 		1/2 and 1/2 Rosconnyl and Taluchambroc Rosconnell, barony of Fassadinin and also in Co. Leix. Tullaghanbrogue, baronies of Crannagh and Shillelocher.
Richard de Rocheford 1/4 Sewin Sheffin, baronies of Crannagh and Galmoy
Thomas de Rocheford
(Miles de Rocheford) 		1/4 and 1/8 Lavertach and Carrik Killaree and Carrigeen, parish of Odagh, barony of Crannagh
William le Gras
(Crassi) 		1/4 Tulachrothan Tullaroan, barony of Crannagh
Roland Bloet
(Bluet) 		1/4 Rathele presumably Rathealy, parish of Tullaroan, barony of Cranagh
Franco Theutonicus
(de Tyeys) 		1/10 Damach possibly Damma, parish of Ballycallan, barony of Crannagh
William Archid'
(le Archer) 		1/4 Archery Archerstown, parish of St. Patrick's, liberty of Kilkenny
William son of Maurice
Fitzgerald 		1/2 Kiltrafh Burnchurch, barony of Shillelogher
Reimund de Vall[e]
(John de Valle) 		1/2 Theolechan Inchyolaghan or Castleinch, barony of Shillelogher
Henry de Erl[egh]
(de Herlegh) 		1/2 and 1/4 in Nova Villa [et] in Cullak Earlstown, barony of Shillelogher
John son of Geoffrey [FitzRobert] 1 1/2 Kenles Kells, barony of Kells
Matthew son of Griffin [FitzWilliam]
(Reymund son of Griffin) 		1 3/4 Knokechnoker and Nova Villa Knocktopher, barony of Knocktopher; and Newtown-Jerpoint or Jerpoint church, barony of Knocktopher
Thomas de sancto Albino 1/2 Killamery Killamery, barony of Kells
Nicholas Avenell 1/4 Kilfidragfh Kilferagh, barony of Shillelogher
Gerard Ruff
de Rupe
(William de Dene) 		1 1/2 Ogensy Ogenti, the district around Thomastown, barony of Gowran
David Grant
(le Graunt) 		1/2 Rossenan and Logeran Rossinan, baronies of Knocktopher and Ida; Logeran - unidentified
Reginald de Kernet (de Kernek) 1/10 Killemer ? Killarney, barony of Gowran
Theobald le Butiller
(Pincerna) 		4 Baligaveran Gowran, barony of Gowran
Res de Ardern 1/2 Acheneneth and Tirrusk Athnenegh, Tirrusk, in parish of Kilmanagh, barony of Crannagh
William Maillard
(Maylard) 		1/4 Maylard Mallardstown, barony of Kells
William de Cromhall
(Hugh Purcell) 		1/4 Achenirke Urlingford, barony of Galmoy
David son of Miles
(Miles son of David) 		7 Overk Barony of Iverk (and much of the modern barony of Ida)
Henry Malherbe 1/10 unspecified possibly ? Coolbally, parish of Aghaboe, barony of Clarmallagh, Co. Leix
Roger de Penbroc 1/8 Lisdumery Lisdowney, parish of Aharney, barony of Galmoy


Source: Chancery Miscellanea, P.R.O. London (File 88/4, no. 70) collated with the list in the Calendar Patent Rolls, 1366. These, while giving the dimensions of each fee, do not name its location. These are supplied from the Calendar Patent Rolls, 1279. Variants of the tenant's names in this list are shown in brackets. The above table is from "Knights' Fees in Counties Wexford, Carlow and Kilkenny", Dublin Stationery Office, 1950.


Dower of Gilbert de Clare's widow
1314 / 1315
Tenant's Name Fees Probable Location
Wiilliam Kenefeg 1/4 Rathgulby, now Rathculbin
David Chevre
(shared with William Kenefeg?) 		1/4 Rathgulby, now Rathculbin
Maurice son of Maurice [Fitzgerald] 1/2 Kiltramyn, now Burnchurch
William le Blound [le Whyte] 1/4 Mailardeston, now Mallardstown
Thomas de Shakeville 1/4 Raudoff', now Rathduff(?)
William de ... [St. Leger] 1/2; and 1/2 Rosconyl, now Rosconnell; and Tythanbrog, now Tullaghanbrogue
Robert de Carreu 1 Dungarvan & elsewhere (co. Kilkenny)
John de Valle [Wall] 1/2 Inchwoleghan, now Inchyolaghan
Edmund le Gras [Grace] 1/2; and 1/4; and 1/4 Gortynges, now Gorteen (?); Tillarouthan, now Tullaroan; Tyryskelkess & Tyrcollan, now in Offerlane, co. Leix
Theobald Troye 1/2 Ballilorgan, Drumdelgyn & Troyston; now Ballylarkin, Thornback in Troyswood & Troystown
Thomas Fanyn [Fanning] 1/2 Cloghmantagh, now Clomantagh
John de Recheford [Rocheford] 3/4 Kilmeker & Balligauyn, now Kilmacar & Ballygowney(?)
William Druil [Drohull] 1 Dunmore & elsewhere
Geoffrey de Recheford [Rocheford] 1 Methil, now Mothell
Stephen ... [de Exeter] 1/8 Lesdoun, now Lisdowney
heir of John ... [Dumer] 1 Dysert & Closthan(?), now Dysart & ?
John Bygod 1/4 Aghm'cart, now Aghmacart


Reference: The fees assigned in dower to Gilbert de Clare's widow, Matilda. are given in the Pipe Roll of 16 Edward II, an account of lands belonging to him. The above table is derived from "Knights' Fees in Counties Wexford, Carlow and Kilkenny", Dublin Stationery Office, 1950.


Partition of 1317
Share of Hugh le Despenser and Alianora his wife
Tenant's Name Fees Place Name Probable Location
Roger son of Miles
(late of James le Botler) 		7 Nouerk & Obargan (Overk, Obargon) Barony of Iverk and much of the modern barony of Ida
heirs of Davide le Grant
(unnamed) 		1/2 Logheran, Killache, Rosnan
(Lotheran, Kilbannon & Rosnan) 		Logheran - unidentified; Killahy, baronies of Knocktopher and Iverk; Rossinan, baronies of Knocktopher and Ida;
Walter de Cusac
(late of James le Botiller) 		1 3/4 Knottefre & Nova Villa Gerpontes
(Cnoctofre & Nova Villa Jeriponte) 		Knocktopher, barony of Knocktopher; and Newtown-Jerpoint or Jerpoint church, barony of Knocktopher
heir of David de St. Albino
(John son of David de St. Albino) 		1/2 Kylamery
(Kilamerii) 		Killamery, barony of Kells
William larcher
(John le Red)
Archer 		1/4 Archereston
(Archeriston) 		Archerstown, parish of St. Patrick's, liberty of Kilkenny
Roger de Penbrok
(Roger Pembroke) 		1/8 Lisdomtchy
(Lesdounn) 		Lisdowney, parish of Aharney, barony of Galmoy
Nathaniel Avenel
(Andrew Avenel) 		1/4 Kilfeteran
(Kylfethragh) 		Kilferagh, barony of Shillelogher
John de Erlaye (John de Erley) 1/2 and 1/14 Nova Villa de Erlay & Nova Coyllagh
(Nova Villa de Erleii & Nove Villa de Coyllagh) 		Earlstown, barony of Shillelogher
William de Kenfeg
(William Kenfeg) 		1/4 Ragultheby
(Rathgulby) 		Rathculbin, parish of Earlstown, barony of Shillelogher
Maurice son of Maurice
(William son of Maurice) 		1/2 Kiltramyn
(Kyltuyn) 		Burnchurch, barony of Shillelogher
William le Whyte
(John son of David de sancto Albino & Richard Cheivr) 		1/4 Mailardston
(Maylardeston) 		Mallardstown, barony of Kells
Thomas de Sakvill
(William Houtillagh) 		1/4 Rathmeduffe
(Raudoff) 		described as near Callan; ?Rathduff, Stonecarthy parish
John de Valle
(unnamed) 		1/2 Cheleghan
(Inchwoleghan) 		Inchyolaghan or Castleinch, barony of Shillelogher
Edmund le Botiller 4 Balligaveran & elsewhere Gowran, barony of Gowran
Gilbert Smythe
(Smith) 		1 1/2 and 1/3 Coultassyn & elsewhere
(Demassyn & elsewhere) 		Coolcashin, barony of Galmoy
heir of Richard de Retford
(de Rocheford) 		1/4 Sleuyn
(Slewyn) 		Sheffin, baronies of Crannagh and Galmoy
William de Rocheford
(Edmund de Rocheford) 		1/4
1/4 & 1/8 		Laghertac & Carryk
(Latheragh & Cairyg) 		Killaree and Carrigeen, parish of Odagh, barony of Crannagh
heir of Geoffrey de Foresthal
(Geoffrey Forestall) 		1/10 le Damagh
(Damagh) 		possibly Damma, parish of Ballycallan, barony of Crannagh
heir of Henry Malherbe 1/10 Gulbal ..
(Coulbally) 		possibly ? Coolbally, parish of Aghaboe, barony of Clarmallagh, Co. Leix
heir of John son of Geoffrey
(John son of Geoffrey) 		1 1/2 Kenles & Donymegan
(Kenles & Donnymeghe) 		Kells, barony of Kells and Dunnamaggan, barony of Kells
heir of Robert de Carriou
(de Crepen) 		1 Dungarvan & elsewhere Dungarvan, barony of Gowran
Stephen de Oxon
(de Excestr.) 		2 Aghtayr
(Aghtheyre) 		Achad Togarta, including Aharney, barony of Galmoy, and Donaghmore, barony of Fassadinin
heir of John Dounner
(John Duner) 		1 Dysare (?) Cloffkan (?)
(in deserto Lonlard, or Lorlaid) 		Dysart, barony of Fassadinin
Ralph Wigor'
(Bigot) 		1/4 Athemotar (?)
(Aghm' cart) 		Aghmacart, barony of Clarmallgh, Co. Leix
Edward le Gras
(Bras) 		1/2 G.d.yres (?)
(Gortynges) 		possibly ? Gorteen, parish of Aghmacart, barony of Clarmallagh, Co. Leix
Robert de la Lyserne
(William son of William Lercedekne) 		1/10 Killerne
(Kylkerne) 		? Killarney, barony of Gowran
Thomas Anteyn & parceners
(heir of Thomas de Dene & heir of Richard Lercedekne) 		1 1/2 Ogenty & elsewhere Ogenti, the district around Thomastown, barony of Gowran
John de Weston
(Adam de Weston) 		1/4 Rathel
(Rathele) 		presumably Rathealy, parish of Tullaroan, barony of Cranagh
Maurice de Aderne
(David Druhull) 		1 Aghnefegh & Turmysky
(Aghnenegh & Dormysky) 		Athnenegh, Tirrusk, in parish of Kilmanagh, barony of Crannagh
John de Thornebrugge
(Bartholomew Tonbryg, or Tornbryg) 		1/8 Glaskero
(Glascro) 		Clashnacrow, barony of Crannagh
Philip Purcel
(pc'cel) 		1/4 Aghuryl
(Aghnyrle) 		Urlingford, barony of Galmoy
Philip Purcel
(same Philip) 		1/4 Balligauenan
(Ballygennan) 		possibly ? Ballygeehin, parish of Aghaboe, barony of Clarmallagh, Co. Leix
heir of Hugh de Druhall
(Thomas Pembroke) 		3/4 Tiberydbrytayn
(Tybrittann) 		Tubbridbritain, barony of Crannagh
Edmund le Botiller 2 Rathedouny
(Rathdowney) 		Rathdowney
heir of Philip son of Fulk
(Fulk son of Walter) 		1 3/4 Clonemecorkeran, Rathbetagh & elsewhere in Moyar[f]
(Clonmccorkeran, Rathbeagh & elsewhere in Moyarf) 		Rathbeagh, baronies of Galmoy and Fassadinin. Clonmccorkeran - unidentified.
Richard de Cantwell 1/20 Goterayssemy & Aghmetant
(Gorgrussemii & Aghm'cart) 		Acghmacart, barony of Clarmallagh, Co. Leix. Goteratssemy - unidentified
Gilbert Shorth
(Shorthalls) 		1/12 Ballidosgill
(Ballydowyll) 		Ballydowel, parish of Ballinamara, barony of Crannagh
William de St. Leodegario
(heir of William de St. Leodegario)
St. Leger 		1/2 Theloghanbrok
(Tythanbrog) 		Tullaghanbrogue, baronies of Crannagh and Shillelocher.
William de St. Leodegario
(heir of same William) 		1/2 Rosconyl Rosconnell, barony of Fassadinin and also in Co. Leix.
Thomas de Fanyn
(Thomas Fannyn) 		1/2 Cloghmantagh
(Clomantagh) 		Clomantagh, barony of Crannagh
Edmund le Gras
(William le Gras) 		1/4 Tillarouthan
(Tyllaghrothan) 		Tullaroan, barony of Crannagh
Hamo le Gras
(heir of Edmund le Gras) 		1/4 Tyreskes & Tirscolan
(Tyryskelkess & Tyrcollan) 		Offerlane, barony of Upperwoods
Theobald de Troye
(Maurice Troy) 		1/2 Ballilorgan, Drandelgy & Troystan
(Ballikan, Drumdelgyn & Troyeston) 		Ballylarkin, barony of Crannagh; Thornback in Troyswood, parish of St. Canice, barony of Crannagh
John de Rocheford 3/4 Kilmeker & Balligauyn Kilmacar, barony of Fassadinin
William de Druhull
(heir of William Druhull) 		1 Dunmore & elsewhere Dunmore, barony of Fassadinin
Geoffrey de Rocheford
(heir of Walter le Rocheford, William Catmars clerk, & others) 		1 Methil
(Mothul) 		Mothell, barony of Fassadinin


Source: Chancery Miscellanea, P.R.O., London (File 9/24). Variants from British Museum, Addl. MS. 4791, are given in brackets [likely an older version]. The fees are given in the order of the original document. The above table is from "Knights' Fees in Counties Wexford, Carlow and Kilkenny", Dublin Stationery Office, 1950.


Valence Purparty
of 1247 and 1324
Tenant's Name Fees Place Name Probable Location
Geoffrey de Fraxin[eta] 1/2 land of Cumesethy (1247) perhaps Foulksrath, parish of Collcraheen, barony of Fassadinin
Geoffrey de Fraxino
(Odo de la Freyne) 		1/4 Killeynan late of Walter Purcell -1247
(Kylmannan-1324) 		Kilmenan, barony of Fassadinin
Thomas Syward
(Thomas, son of John, Earl of Kildare) 		1 1/4
(1) 		Ercekerrach-1247
(Glessar-1324) 		Glashare, barony of Galmoy
William le Poer
(Roger son of John Pouer of Kyllyn) 		1/2 land of moiset in Moyharf-1247
(unspecified-1324) 		Moiset, or Magh-Sedna; and Moyharf, or Magh-Airbh, now part of the barony of Galmoy
Stephen Archid[ekne]
(Raymund le Erchedekne) 		2 1/2 land of Gauleme-1247
(Gavelmoy-1324) 		barony of Galmoy


Source: Chancery Miscellanea, P.R.O. London (File 88/4, no. 70) for the 1247 Valence Purparty, collated with the list in the Calendar Patent Rolls. The 1324 Valence Purparty is from the Calendar of Inquistions post mordem, collated with the original MS. in P.R.O., London. The above table is from "Knights' Fees in Counties Wexford, Carlow and Kilkenny", Dublin Stationery Office, 1950.


Despenser Purparty
Feodary of 1355
Tenant's Name Fees Place Name Probable Location
Fulco de Den and Walter Waddyn [de Rupe?] 1 unspecified location perhaps 1 of the 7 fees of the barony of Iverk
unnamed 1/2 Logheran, Kyllaghyt and Rossenan Listerlin?, Killahy, Rossinan, baronies of Knocktopher and Ida
heir of John Derley, kt. 3/4 Erleyseton and Nova Coyllagh Earlstown, barony of Shillelogher
heir of Richard Chever 1/4 Rathgulvy Rathculbin, barony of Shillelogher
heir of Richard Chever 1/4 Maylardestoun Mallardstown, barony of Kells
John de sco. Albyno 1/2 Kyllamery Killamery, barony of Kells
Thomas, son and heir of Thomas Flemyng 1/8 Archerstoun, barony of Shillelogher Archerstown, parish of St. Patrick's
Andrew Avenell 1/4 le Fetheragh Kilferagh, barony of Shillelogher
Remund de Vall[e] 1/2 Inchewolghn Inchyolaghan or Castleinch, barony of Shillelogher
John Druyl 1/4 Rathmeduff and Conanestoun perhaps Rathduff, parish of Stonecarthy
Jordany de Exethr' 1/8 Lysdowy Lisdowney, barony of Galmoy


Reference: From a record of the assignment of dower to Juvetta [le Scope], wife of John son of John de Hotum de Bondeby of all the lands which were of the said John in co. Kilkenny, 6 July, 29 Edward III (1355). The source is apparently the Calendar of Patent and Close Rolls, Ireland, p. 57b.
See also: 15th Century Royal Service in Co. Kilkenny
or Administrative Divisions of County Kilkenny


Futher Reference:
Old English Families
New English Families
Timeline of County Kilkenny History
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