1804 Monday 15th October (CJ)
At Ennis Races: Tuesday 11th October.
The Clare Cup,

Mr. Vandeleur's b.m. Sapho rode by Mr. Colpoys 1st.

Committed on Friday last to our Goal by Boyle Vandeleur Esq., John Madden, Mick Ryan and Timothy Neenane charged with having forged notes in their possession, said notes knowing them to be forged.

1805 Monday 1st July (Ennis Chronicle & Clare Advertiser)
Ennis Races.
Are unavoidably postponed until Monday 15th July
John McNamara & Boyle Vandeleur. (Stewards).

1805 Thursday 18th July (Ennis Chronicle & Clare Advertiser)
Grand Jury of the Spring Assizes 1805--------J.O.Vandeleur (Foreman).
Ennis Races: commenced on Monday last week the Clare Gold Cup was walked over for by Col. Vandeleur's Sapho------------.

1805 Monday 22nd July (CJ)
Ennis Races Col Vandeleur's Sapho was 5th -------------.

1805 Tuesday 3rd August (CJ)
Grand Jury------------- John O Vandeleur. Sworn in. -------------.

1805 Monday 21st October (Ennis Chronicle & Clare Advertiser)
At the sessions held at Kilrush on the 14th inst seven persons were summoned before the Rt. Hon. J. O. Vandeleur for breached of the Stamp Laws.
---The strict impartiality and praise-worthy exertions of the Mr. Commissioner Vandeleur- deserve particular notice on the present occasion.

1806 Saturday 26th July (Ennis Chronicle & Clare Advertiser).
Domestic Intelligence -Dublin July 24th.
----Col. J.O. Vandeleur is among the latest arrivals from the East Indies.
(Son of Richard and first cousin of Rt. Hon. J.O. Vandeleur of Kilrush)

1806 Wednesday 30th July (Ennis Chronicle & Clare Advertiser).
Grand Jury sworn in-----Rt. Hon. J.O. Vandeleur and Boyle Vandeleur-------.

1806 Dublin Directory.
The Dublin Society for improving husbandry and other useful Arts-incorporated 1749
----Rt Hon. J.O. Vandeleur (a member)

1807 Thursday 5th March (CJ).
Ennis Grand Jury- Boyle Vandeleur sworn in.

1807 Thursday 27th August (CJ).
Ennis-Ardsollas Races—Col Vandeleur's Honest Tom? and Sapho b.m ?.

1807 Tuesday 20th October. (Freemans Journal)
The Right Hon. John Ormsby Vandeleur has arrived from Dublin at his seat at Kilrush, Co. Clare.

Ennis Chronicle May 21 1808^[20]
Major Collis Brigade Major of the Clare Militia
Doonass Cavary, Capt. Massy.
Kilmore Cavalry, Capt Hickman.
Kilrush Cavalry, The Rt. Hon John O. Vandeleur.
Kilrush Infantry, Capt. Vandeluer.
Tradree Cavalry, Capt J. Creagh.
Kilkishen Cavalry, Capt. Studdert.
Killaloe Cavalry and Infantry, Major Purdon.
Killaloe Garrison Infantry, Capt. Hastings.
Tomgraney Cavalry and Infantry, Capt. Brady.
Kilnoe Cavalry, Capt. O’Callaghan.
Newgrove Cavalry, Capt. Browne.
Cliften Cavalry, Capt. Burton.
Ennis Cavalry, Capt. Studdert.
Ennis Infantry, Capt. Mahon.

1808 Statistical Survey of Clare^[21]
If capital was not wanting, Kilrush would long since have had a very large share of these advantages; and, as Mr. Vandeleur must be sensible of the great benefit of a flourishing town to his adjoining estate, no doubt can be entertained, that liberal encouragement will be held out to improving tenants. When the time lost in working up and down the Shannon, (a distance of 120 miles,) and the expense of shipping and reshipping, (for it will scarcely be believed, that many articles are sent up the Shannon from Kilrush to Limerick, and there shipped,) are considered, it must point out Kilrush as a most favourable situation for trade, and must eventually contribute to the benefit of a part of the county, that is the least improved, and the most improvable in the county The principal markets for the sale of grain are Ennis, Ennistymon, Clare, Skarriff, Six-mile-bridge, and Kilrush. Some are abundantly supplied, as Ennis, Clare and Kilrush, where grain is purchased very much for the Limerick exporters; the others are chiefly supplied with oats and barley, and some wheat. The different flour-mills take off a large quantity of the produce. The greater part of the barley is consumed in the private stills that abound in every part of the county and, however they may have injured the morals and health of the inhabitants, they have certainly tended to encrease the quantity of tillage. The market of Kilrush is rising rapidly into consequence, and, if capital was not wanting, would take still larger strides, as, instead of buying on commission for the Limerick merchants, as practised at present, there would be a direct intercourse with Liverpool and other ports in England, not only for corn, but for beef, butter, pork, and rape-seed, which last is becoming an article of agricultural produce, that deserves every encouragement, because so materially connected with the improvement of the extensive bogs, with which this neighbourhood abounds, there not being less in one tract than four miles square; besides, the additional expense of shipping and reshipping, and loss of time in going up the Shannon, a distance of upwards of forty miles, would be saved. There has been lately a very commodious and handsome market-house built here by Mr. Vandeleur. --.

1808 Saturday May 7th (Ennis Chronicle and Clare Advertiser)
By a gentlemen just returned from Kilrush we are informed that the mansion now building there for the Right Hon. John O. Vandeleur, promises to be the most sumptuous edifice in Munster, uniting elegance of design with the most masterly execution, and adding to the celebrity of character so justly acquired, and so honourably supported by Mr. Lillis, the architect, whose abilities rank him high in his professional work, and cannot fail in a very few years, to place him at the head of it.

1808 Thursday 19th May (CJ)
In consequence of a circular letter from his Grace the Lord Lieutenant, to Major Collis, Brigade Major of the County Clare, the following Yeomanry Corps being the entire in this county, have during the last week offered their services as follows:
Kilmore Cavalry, Captain Hickman, to any part of the County.
Kilrush Cavalry, Captain the Right Hon. John O. Vandeleur, 52 of the troop with their officers to any part of Ireland the remaining 22 in this County.
Kilrush Infantry, Captain Vandeleur, in any part of Ireland.

1809^[22]
Kilrush is a thriving and highly improvable spot, situated on the banks of the Shannon, and exports corn to Scotland. By referring to the subjoined note being the substance of a memorandum which I made in the course of my tour, the reader will perceive the reason why it is not one of the first ports in Ireland, Mr Vandeleur, it is reported, refused a company of Londoners a lease of the Slob, where they offered to build wet docks for the repair of vessels in distress coming in from the west. It is asserted, also, that he proposed such unreasonable terms, and asked so high rent, as entirely deterred these adventurers: who, however have since built hot and cold baths at Miltown Malbay, twelve miles distant. This instance affords a strong practical proof of the mischief which often arises from large territorial grants, particularly when they fall into the hands of men whose mode of reasoning prevents them from ever entertaining an idea of conferring a benefit either on their own posterity, or the public. In such cases, can any one feel the least regret, when he sees an extravagant heir dissipating an inheritance, which becoming divided, and exchanging one master for many, communicates in this state new life to enterprise and industry?

October 28th 1809. Kilrush, -This place, and a tract of country extending ten miles one way along the coast, belong unfortunately to the Right Hon.-Vandeleur, a gentleman of Dutch extraction, whose family obtained a grant of this land from the forfeited estates of Lord Clare. Its peculiar situation and vicinity to good anchorage ground, being the first in that noble river the Shannon, and to the rocky coast of Kerry and Clare, render it a place, which might be made the Liverpool of Ireland. But as the views of its proprietor seem to be directed more to immediate gain, than to the prospect of future advantage, and confined rather to private interest than public benefit, every hope of this kind must for the present be suppressed. Mr. Vandeleur charges six shillings per foot in front for building ground, which extends thirty feet in depth, let upon determinable leases; this is the price in Bond-street. Hearing many complaints on this subject, I remarked to those who were most clamorous, “Well, but Mr. Vandeleur has built you a quay.” “No” replied half a dozen of voices, “he has got a presentment from the county for that.” A Scotsman, the master of a vessel, and another person who married a Scotswoman settled here, began to export corn by the turf boats to Limerick. Succeeding in this enterprise, they built store-houses, and afterwards shipped oats to Scotland: a branch of trade, which, if continued with spirit, would be of great advantage to the county: and I doubt, that under a more liberal-minded landlord the foundation which has thus been laid, might render this a place of very great importance.

1809 Extract from the Political Register 21st January 1809.^[23]
----Mr. John Ormsby Vandeleur (a first cousin of Lord Castlereagh) Commissioner of the excise in Ireland £1,200 a year.

1809 Saturday 1st January (Ennis Chronicle and Clare Advertiser)
JUST ARRIVED (Advertisement)
To Studdert and Gabbett:
And now for sale at their stores at Kilrush. Two cargoes of American Square Timber of the best quality, which they dispose of considerably under Limerick prices. Kilrush 12th January.

1809 Thursday 7th February (CJ)
Limerick- Thursday last the Right Hon. John O Vandeleur arrived in town from Dublin and proceeded for his estate at Kilrush.

1809 Monday 22nd May. (CJ).
Mr Vandeleur's Sapho won the £100 plate at Rathkeale on Friday.

1809 Thursday 20th July (CJ)
Ennis Races- Mr Vandeleur's b.m Sapho and Alarick?

1810 Saturday 10th February (EC & CA).
Port Kilrush: Sailed:
St Andrew, for Greenock: 1000 barrels of oats,140 casks and firkin's butter, by Patterson and Spaight:1800 barrels of oats by Studdert and Gabbett --------- Active for ditto,1800 barrels oats by Studdert and Gabbett-----------Harper for do,1500 barrels oats by Patterson and Spaight-------Concord for do, 1500 barrels oats, 36 Russian Mats by Studdert and Gabbett.

1810 Saturday 7th July (EC & CA)
Last Thursday the Right Hon. J O Vandeleur arrived at Ralahine the seat of Boyle Vandeleur Esq and next morning proceeded to Kilrush where we understand he will pass some time.

Ennis Chronicle Sept 22nd 1810[24] and (EC & CA).
Game Certificates
	E. Greene Mahon,	Snugville.
	Robert Crowe jnr.,	Ennis.
	G. W. Stacpoole,	Edenvale.
	W. Slattery, Clare,	gamekeeper to Sir J. Peacock.
	Henry Brady,	Raheens.
	Cornelius Caulfield,	keeper to same.
	Thomas Crowe,	Ennis.
	Edward Allen, Clare,	Gentleman.
	Gentleman.	Gentleman.
	James Nicholson, Major,	Leitrim Militia.
	Richard Gregg,	Cappagh.
	Thomas Molony,	keeper to E. B. Armstrong.
	Rev. John Armstrong,	Ennis, Clk.
	James P. Crowe,	Ennis.
	J. Scott Vandeleure,	Ralahine.
	By order Michael Canny, Dis. Stamps Co. Clare.

1812 Monday 15th June (CJ)
Friday, the Right Hon. John Ormsby Vandeleur, arrived in Limerick from Dublin on his way to visit his estates at Kilrush in this County.

1812 Monday 29th June (CJ).
On Thursday the Hon. Mrs. Burton and family and Miss Vandeleur arrived at Miltown Malbay.

1813 Sums advanced as loans for building churches.^[25]
£1,500 paid to Right Hon. J O Vandeleur and Rev J Whitty, Parish of Kilrush, Diocese of Killaloe and Kilfenora.

1813 Thursday 5th August (Freemans Journal).
The following highly respectable Grand Jury was sworn: Sir Edward O'Brien, Bart, and MP Foreman -----Right Hon. John Ormsby Vandeleur.

1814-19^[26] Manson’s Parochial Survey.
Trade
In the memory of some persons now living, the inhabitants of Kilrush were under the necessity of resorting to the market of Couraclare, a small decayed village at the distance of a few miles from it, for oatmeal, and the other necessaries of life, which, from the low state of agriculture, were not easily procured in any part of the country. In the year 1797 it was little better, there being but two small shops in it, badly assorted, and the articles sold in them one hundred per cent. dearer than in Limerick. It continued much in this state, till the year 1802, when Mr. James Paterson, a Scotch gentleman of respectable family and connexions, who had been lieutenant of one of the gun-boats, then paid off and discharged here, happily for himself and the neighbourhood, turned his attention to trade, and met with the attention and encouragement from Mr. Vandeleur, which he merited. Mr. Paterson commenced by purchasing oats, and the farmers liking his mode of dealing, flocked into Kilrush with their produce. He likewise stopped the shipping that came into the river, for supplies of provisions, &c. which produced a new circulation of money in the place, and this, combined with the regular market, and improving state of agriculture, soon enabled the shop keepers who had hitherto dealt in Limerick, to look elsewhere for their goods; and they now purchase in Dublin on an extensive scale.

There are in Kilrush ten cloth shops, some of which remit three thousand pounds a year to the manufacturers and importers of cloth to Dublin; this fact has been ascertained by Mr. Paterson, from whom they procure bills for the remittances. Thirty persons hold spirit or grocery licenses, besides huxters and sellers of earthenwares, with tradesmen of every description; and there is very little difference between the retail terms here and in Limerick.

Commerce
In the year 1806, Mr. Vandeleur had Kilrush made a port for export, under the direction of the collector of Limerick, for whose accommodation, or that of his pro-collector, a custom-house and dwelling house have been since built near the quay. In 1807, near Mr. Paterson shipped the first oats ever sent from this place to a foreign market, in the sloop Flora of Greenock. An idea of the progress of agriculture, since that time, may be readily formed from the following statement, extracted from Mr. Patterson's books.

In 1802, when he commenced, the quantity of oats sold in Kilrush market amounted to 12,000 barrels, and cost £6,666. averaging at 11s. 1d. per barrel. In 1807, five years afterwards, it amounted to 26,000 barrels, and cost £18,795. 16s. 8d. averaging at 14s. 5½d. per barrel. In 1812, after a lapse of five years more, it amounted to 34,000 barrels, and cost £33,681. 5s. averaging at 19s. 3¾d. per barrel.

About 1,200 firkins of butter are shipped annually from Kilrush. In 1810, Mr. Paterson shipped the first butter; and in 1812, he began the making up of provisions, chiefly pork, of which, (as has been already stated), there is an abundant supply. In the same year, he fitted out the first packet between Kilrush and Limerick; in 1813 he had a second plying. And such is the increased resort of strangers to this part of the country, for the benefit of sea bathing and other purposes, that the same enterprising person is now engaged in the erection of hot baths, and an extensive hotel, near the creek of Kilrush; and expects, in the course of a year, to have a steam boat plying between this and Limerick. The trade of this place has also been essentially benefited by the exertions of Mr. Studdert, who removed here from Limerick some years ago, and has built a house and extensive stores near the new quay, opposite the custom house.

1814 Wednesday 16th March (Freemans Journal)
The Right Hon. John Ormsby Vandeleur passed through Limerick on Thursday last for his estate at Kilrush

1814 Tuesday 11th October (Freemans Journal).
The Right Hon. John Ormsby Vandeleur and Lady, arrived in Limerick on Thursday last from Kilrush, and next morning proceeded on their route for Dublin.

1815 Dublin Directory: Nobility and Gentry.
Vandeleur (Rt Hon. J O) 13 Rutland Square East and Kilrush Co. Clare.

1815 Monday 6th March (CJ).
Assizes Co Clare -Right Hon. John Ormsby Vandeleur, Foreman of the Grand Jury---------.

1815 Thursday 4th May (CJ).
Mr. Vandeleur is to succeed Lord Castlewood immediately as First Commissioner on the Revenue Board. Mr. O'Brien brother of Sir Edward O'Brien, Bart, is to be the new commissioner.

1815 Monday 23rd October (CJ).
(Extract from Mason's Statistical Survey -on Trade, Navigation, Commerce &c)
In the year 1806 (the proprietor the Right Hon. John Ormsby Vandeleur) got Kilrush made a port for export and had a custom-house erected in it, subject to the Port of Limerick, and under the direction of the pro-collector, for whose accommodation a commodious house has been erected since near the quay.

Clare Game Licenses 1810-1821.^[27]
John Vandeleur, Ralahine 06/09/1819.
John Scott Vandeleur 26/09/1811.

1816 Tuesday 16th January (FJ)
Thursday the Right Hon. John Ormsby Vandeleur, and Lady Frances Vandeleur, arrived in Limerick from Dublin, on their way to his estate at Kilrush.

1816 Monday 11th March (CJ)
Spring Assizes-----Co. Clare. - Grand Jury: Rt Hon. J O Vandeleur—foreman.

1816 Monday 29th July (CJ).
Grand Jury Panel—Sir Edward O’Brien, Bart, M P foreman—Rt Hon. J O Vandeleur. ---

1817 Dublin Almanac Registry Directory.
Nobility and Gentry: Vandeleur Right Hon. J O, 13 Rutland Square East and Kilrush, Clare.

1817 Saturday 18th January (EC)
The Vandeleur, revenue cruiser, Captain Hopkins, sailed from Cork to the Shannon on Saturday.

1817 Wednesday 28th May (EC).
Kilrush, --------The town has a custom house, revenue establishment, sessions house, market house, chapel new and old and an excellent seminary for young gentlemen ably conducted by the Rev Mr. Allen a churchman of the Established Church. ---but wood is wanting –except in the demesne of Mr. Vandeleur who is Lord of the Manor, a commissioner of the revenue and a privy counsellor. His house is perfectly modern: large sums having been expended in its erection, as well as the offices and gardens.

A reading room has been established by the gentlemen of the town who are men of information and politeness ---------

Mr. Paterson an active and intelligent merchant has lately engaged in speculation which does him much credit and will be of infinite service to the public---- a splendid hotel, tepid and vapour baths, near to the river and a highly finished steam packet to ply between Kilrush and Limerick in four to five hours.

1818 Wednesday 14th January (EC).
The Right Hon. John Ormsby Vandeleur and Lady Frances have arrived at Kilrush.

1818 Wednesday 4th March (EC).
The Right Hon. John Ormsby Vandeleur was sworn in as a Grand Juror.

1818 Monday 6th April (CJ).
Thursday the Rt Hon. J Ormsby Vandeleur his Lady and family arrived in Limerick from Kilrush and on Friday proceeded to Dublin.

1818 Wednesday 7th October (EC)
On Saturday morning the Right Hon. John Ormsby Vandeleur and Lady Frances Vandeleur left Limerick for Dublin.

1818 Monday 12th October (EC).
Curragh October Meeting- Kirwan Stakes- Mr Vandeleur's b.c. Turk 3 years old 7st 7lbs was 1st.

Ennis Chronicle Wednesday 19th April 1820^[28]
To Be Let
For Seven Years
From the First Day of May Next
THE HOUSE
In Jail Street, now occupied by the Representatives of Mr. Michael Canny,
Containing ..........
Application to Boyle Vandeleur, Esq., Ennis, or Robert Kean, Esq., Hermitage. ...

1820 Thursday 9th March (CJ)
Clare Assizes: Grand Jury: Rt. Hon. J O Vandeleur-------.

1820 Thursday 18th May (CJ).
Monday the Rt. Hon. J O Vandeleur and family passed through Limerick from Dublin for Kilrush House.

1820 Thursday 27th July (CJ).
On Friday last came on before the Collector of Kilrush and Messrs. Hunt and McCloskey sub-commissioners in Kilrush The trial of the ship lately seized by the Vandeleur revenue cutter: the vessel was condemned. We understand that the seizure will be brought before the Court of Appeals.

1820 Thursday 3rd August.^[29]
(To his wife, Merrion Square, from Daniel O'Connell)
My own darling, ----------The Lord of the Soil at Kilrush is Mr. Vandeleur the Commissioner of the Revenue. He got the place by selling the country at the Union. I hope he will live to be fined for the offence. He is as white-livered and as bigoted a dog as you could wish to see. You will not therefore wonder that he should dislike me. It mortifies him I believe not a little that his people should testify kindness to a popish agitator, and do you know that I think I have consumed too much of my paper in writing to you about him but darling, it was in answer to your question. -------.

1820 Thursday 5th October (CJ).
Mr Vandeleur has advertised three racers: Olympus, Margaret and Woodnymph to be sold at the stand of Newcastle (Limerick) race course.

1820 Monday 27th November (CJ).
Mr. Vandeleur is to be the new Sergeant at Law in room of Mr. Sergeant Burton promoted to the Bench.

1821 Dublin Directory: Nobility and Gentry.
Vandeleur (Rt Hon. J O) 13 Rutland Square East and Kilrush Co. Clare.

1821 Thursday 15th March (CJ)
Grand Jury: Rt. Hon. J O Vandeleur-----.

1821 Tuesday 3rd April (FJ)
Saturday, the Right Hon. J O Vandeleur arrived in Limerick from Kilrush, Co Dublin.

1821 Monday 23rd April (CJ)
Lieut. Charles Napier is appointed to command the Vandeleur revenue cruiser on the Irish station.

1821 Monday 21st May (CJ)
The Lady of the Shannon steamboat between Limerick and Kilrush commenced plying on Friday and arrived there in five hours. (James Patterson owned this boat)

1821 Thursday 28th June (CJ)
The Rt. Hon. J O Vandeleur has arrived at Kilrush House.

1821 Friday 7th September (FJ)
A sharp exchange took place on Tuesday last, off Kerry Head, between the Vandeleur Revenue Cruiser, Lieutenant Napier, and a smuggling lugger, which lasted from seven o'clock until midnight. The action was heard for a considerable time from Ballyheige shore, and an exchange of upwards of forty shots, each distinctly counted accompanied frequently by cheers from each vessel. We are at present unacquainted with the result of the engagement-The smuggler was observed to retire gradually at the commencement. It is reported that the Vandeleur had two of her men killed on the occasion, but this we trust rests upon no satisfactory authority. Southern Reporter.

1822 Monday 4th March (CJ)
Yesterday evening, five men entered the house of the Rt. Hon. J O Vandeleur within a short distance of Kilrush, and having broke opened the room occupied by the steward demanded a brace of pistols they had seen on the window a few days before, but which had been removed: finding they were disappointed the ruffians beat the man in a cruel manner, broke his arm in two places, and cut off some of his fingers and also cut him severely about the head-------.

1822 Thursday 5th September (CJ)
New Road to Kilrush.
The grant of a sum of money by his Excellency the Lord Lieutenant now expending under the direction of Mr. Killaly in opening a new line of communication from this town to Kilrush, giving employment to a great proportion of the peasantry ---- The road is to be made fifty two feet wide.
(Perhaps the start of the laying of the Mail Line / Kilrush to Ennis Road?)

1822 The Edinburgh Annual Register.^[30]
Death Notice: November 1st .At Clifton, Bristol, in the 55th year of his age, John Ormsby Vandeleur, late Colonel in the Army, and Lieut-Colonel of the 5th Dragoon Guards.
(John Ormsby Vandeleur, of Maddenstown, Kildare and of Ballinamona, Co Limerick and brother of Colonel Thomas Pakenham Vandeleur who was killed at the Battle of Laswaree on the 1st Nov 1803)

Connaught Journal February 1823.^[31]
John Scott Vandeleur, Esq., of Ralahine, is to be High Sheriff of the County of Clare for the present year.

1823 Friday 18th July (FJ).
The Right Honourable John Ormsby Vandeleur and family arrived in Limerick on Monday last, from the Continent, and next day proceeded to Kilrush.

1824 Sunday 18th July.^[32]
At a meeting of the Kilrush “Catholic Rent” committee held in the Chapel of that town, on Sunday the 18th July. The Rev. M. Corbett, P P in the Chair. “It was resolved that our chairman be requested to make a respectable communication to the Right Hon. John O. Vandeleur on the subject of threats, held out by the Rev. Mr. ---, to some of Mr. Vandeleur's tenants, to the following effect: That any person who became or becomes a subscriber to the “Catholic Rent” will incur the marked displeasure of Mr. Vandeleur. That this communication is made for the purpose of enabling Mr. V. to wipe off such an imputation, and of declaring himself on the subject.”

July 20th 1824 Dear Sir, --I have received your letter, in which you communicated to me the Resolution of a Meeting of which you were chairman. I have never, in any instance interfered with the personal interests of my tenantry, so long as their conduct was not inconsistent with the laws of their country, I am, Dear Sir, Yours faithfully, J O Vandeleur.

1824 December.^[33]
At Kilrush in Dec 1824 Revd. Gideon Ouseley's attempt to preach in the street, as had been his custom, sparked off a violent incident. A crowd gathered and before long he was he was pelted with stones. The police arrived on the scene very quickly, but they too came under attack. Two days later an investigation was held before the High Sheriff J.O.Vandeleur who was the leading landlord in the area. Matthew Corbett, parish priest of Kilrush vigorously defended the rioters who he said found Mr. Ouseley “reviling and calumniating” their religion and also the Established Church. The atmosphere during the inquiry, which was held in Kilrush, was extremely tense, with a heavy police guard on the courthouse on the second day. The investigation ended when Mr. Vandeleur tried to calm the situation by an adjournment “with a sincere hope that all parties should live in peace and concord with each other, and that they would clearly see the necessity of refraining from all sorts of riot”. (See Appendix 3 Vandeleur Leases for Kilrush 8th August 1812)

1826 Monday 6th March (CJ).
Ennis Grand Jury. -------John Scott Vandeleur (of Ralahine), Rt Hon. John Ormsby Vandeleur.

1826 Thursday 8th June (CJ).
The Lady of the Shannon-steam packet started from Limerick on Thursday for Kilrush.

1826 Monday 10th July (CJ).
The Rt. Hon. John Ormsby Vandeleur left London for the Continent.

1826 Kilrush Bridewell.^[34]
A new bridewell is erecting here on a good plan, to replace the illegal dungeon, which has been so often reported on. I visited it, accompanied by Mr. Vandeleur, the proprietor of the town and the workmanship appears to me to be good so far as it has gone. It is intended eventually to establish it as a district bridewell. The old dungeon has no furniture, but such prisoners as are confined are fed. The keeper should receive at least £10 per annum under the Act: as the trifle he has hitherto received is not sufficient to encourage zeal and attention.

1827 Thursday 26th April (CJ)
The Rev. Mr.Kenny of Tulla is appointed Parish Priest of Kilrush vacant by the death of Rev. Mr. Corbett.

1827 Monday 15th October (CJ)
Ennis- the Right Hon. John Ormsby Vandeleur, Lady Frances and the Misses Vandeleurs arrived in town on Monday evening from Kilrush on their way to Killaloe to spend some days with the Lord Bishop and his family. They proceeded from hence on Tuesday.

1828 Monday 10th March (CJ).
Ennis Assizes- Friday 7th March – Rt Hon. John Ormsby Vandeleur – Foreman.

1828 Tuesday 1st July.^[35]
Ennis: Eight o'clock- Between 300 and 400 of J.O. Vandeleur freeholders are now passing up the street to the court house, preceded by colours, every man with a green leaf in his hat and amidst the loudest cheering from the townspeople. They are western men from Kilrush, and brought in by the clergy to vote for O'Connell. Along the road the general cry of those men are “Here's Kilrush, high for O’Connell, high for our priest”. Mr. O'Leary the priest from Kilrush came with them and the town is full of catholic clergy. There are fifteen boots opened for polling.

1828 New Monthly Magazine.^[36]
The tumult was produced by the arrival of some hundred freeholders from Kilrush, with their landlord, Mr. Vandeleur, at their head. He stood behind a carriage, and with his hat off, was seen vehemently addressing the tenants who followed him. It was impossible to hear a word, which he uttered: but his gesture was sufficiently significant: he stamped, and waved his hat, and shook his clenched hand. While he thus adjured them, the crowd through which they were passing, assailed them with cries,” Vote for your country, boys! Vote for the old religion! -Three cheers for liberty! -Down with Vesey, and hurrah for O’Connell!” These were the exclamations, which rent the air, as they proceeded. They followed their landlord until they had reached a part of the square where Mr. O'Connell lodged, and before which a large platform had been erected which communicated with the window of his apartment, and to which he could advance whenever it was necessary to address the people. When Mr. Vandeleur's freeholders had attained this spot, Mr. O'Connell rushed forward on the platform, and lifted up his arm. A tremendous shout succeeded, and in an instant Mr. Vandeleur was deserted by his tenants-------.

1828 Monday 21st July (CJ)
Ennis Assizes-Rt Hon. John Ormsby Vandeleur – Foreman.

1828 Wednesday 12th November (Ennis Chronicle & Clare Advertiser).
It is with serious concern we this day announce to our readers the death of the Right Hon. John Ormsby Vandeleur at Kilrush in this county. This melancholy event took place early on Monday at the home of his brother the Hon. Judge Vandeleur, near Dublin where a few days previously he had arrived from England, in a very delicate state of health, having been taken suddenly bad at the other side of the water. He was in his seventy-seventh year and for the last four or five years had been declining very fast to the great regret of his acquaintances, but more particularly his justly attached domestic circle.

In the hasty post morning sketch of a newspaper obituary we can scarcely be expected to do justice to the public or private character of such a man: neither is it necessary that we should detail to the people of any rank who knew what Mr Vandeleur was: suffice it to say, he was in public like all that exalted rank, independent fortune, superior talent, and a good education should be- a man of liberality, kindness and uncompromising integrity: while in private like he was much more than we regret to say such men generally are, the most kind affectionate and endearing master, landlord and patron. However it was as a brother, a husband, a father and a friend, those who knew him best formed the truest estimate of the amiable qualifications of this excellent man, whose death is a source of public and private sorrow. (A plaque on the Church of Ireland wall at Kilrush states that he was in the 63rd year of his age born c 1765)

1830 Public Works Ireland.^[37]--------Fisheries of Ireland
An account of all piers built, repaired, improved, or in progress of building on the Coast of Ireland, under the direction of the Commissioners of Irish Fisheries distinguishing those which remain in a perfect state, those which have sustained dilapidations those which are in progress of building.

Clare:
Burrin New Quay: This pier is completed, and continues in a perfect state.
Carrigaholt: This pier is completed, and continues in a perfect state
Dunbeg: This pier is completed, and continues in a perfect state
Kilrush: This work is in progress of building, and executing by contract. (Cappa)
Kilbaha: This work is completed, and continues in a perfect state.
Liscannor: This work is in progress of building, and executing by contract.
Seafield: This pier is finished, and remains in a good state.

(The first 200 feet section of the pier at Cappa was constructed in 1764 by the Board of Customs^[38], with the second section of 168 feet started in 1829 by the Board of Irish Fisheries and Mr Vandeleur at a cost of £1840. See also 1837 Commissioners of Irish Fishery Inquiry, 1844 Commissioners for improving Navigation of the River Shannon and 1885 Select Committee on the Shannon Navigation below.)

1830 George John Lee (Vandeleur) born- -------------died 1886.^[39]
His legal parents were Robert (a corn merchant in Dublin) and Eliza Lee, of Kilrush in Co. Clare, although he claimed to be the natural child of Colonel Crofton Moore Vandeleur, M.P JP DL of Kilrush House, County Clare, and he may have benefited financially, on his maturity, from a Vandeleur settlement. --

Between 1851 and 1853 the Lee family must have found some money-possibly from Colonel Vandeleur on the coming of age of George ---as they moved from 2 Portobello Place which had a rateable valuation of £5-10s to Harrington Street which had a valuation of £34. ------------

Lee was friendly with George Bernard Shaw's mother and she became his principal singer when he presented operas and recitals in Dublin^[40].

He was the illegitimate son of a Clare landowner, Crofton Vandeleur, and would adopt his father's patronymic as his middle name^[41].

No record of the marriage of Robert and Eliza or the baptism of George or his brother William (b 1831) survives in the Kilrush Protestant registers^[42]. I use the word survives advisedly. A curious gap in the dates of the register made me look closer at the volume and to my astonishment I found that four pages recording baptisms and marriages between 1831 and 1833, the vital years of the search, had been carefully removed. That these pages were there at one time is confirmed by the gap in the pagination. The then Rector of Kilrush: the Rev. Canon A. V. Smyth assured me that the registers had certainly not been tampered with in his time (he became rector in 1945). In 1959 the registers were sent for microfilming to the Irish Public Record Office, and I found out that the pages had been missing then as well. ------------------When were the pages cut out? My guess is that they went about 1872. In December 1871 Lee began to advertise his concerts as under the direction of “G. V. Lee”, the first time he had signed himself thus in his press announcements. Perhaps he had diplomatically refrained from the Vandeleur while Colonel Vandeleur's wife was still on the scene.

But at this period Lady Grace Vandeleur (she was an Earl's daughter) had retired to Kilrush House, the victim of the “ovarian disease” which killed her on the 2nd June 1872.Perhaps Colonel Vandeleur out of regard for the feelings for his dying wife destroyed the official evidence that substantiated Lee's claim to be his son: perhaps some member of the Vandeleur family then, or subsequently, felt that the Roman Catholic impresario of Dublin, or the man who was letting his Park Lane house for shady nightclub activities, was no adornment of the family tree and took appropriate action with the registers. There would be no difficulty in gaining access to them. If Colonel Vandeleur, the Squire of Kilrush, asked the rector to loan him the register for an evening's browsing the rector wouldn't have made any bones about doing so. -----------Lee's musical tastes may well have been a Vandeleur inheritance. The Vandeleurs themselves were musical. A set of pipes was specially made for Col. Vandeleur, who was noted for his musical evenings in Kilrush: and Ormsby Vandeleur bequeathed a Stradivarius violin, a Margine violin and £4,000 to the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM). The RIAM had an annual piano, organ and violin competition for the Vandeleur Scholarship.

1831 Monday 24th January (CJ)
Repeal of the Union
The following notice was a few days ago posted in Kilrush. “Mr. Vandeleur requests the inhabitants of Kilrush to pause before they affix their signature to a measure that is looked upon by every person holding the interests of his country at heart, as calculated to blast the prospects of trade and rising prosperity of the country”. --- We wish we had a few such men amongst us as Mr. Vandeleur who has the boldness and honesty to avow and express his opinions-------.

1831 Monday 7th February (CJ)
Meeting of Magistrates
. ---- Resolved: That the atrocious murder of William Blood----we agree to pay the sums annexed to our respective names, to whoever shall within twelve calendar months give such information as shall lead to the conviction of the offenders. ---------J.S. Vandeleur J P ---£5,Crofton Moore Vandeleur £30------------------.

1831 Monday 30th May (CJ).
State of the Country
Extract of a letter from Kilrush, May 27th 1831. ----The partial security we enjoy is to attributed to the exertions of Crofton Moore Vandeleur, Randal Borough and Joseph Lucas Cox Esqs who are indefatigable in their exertions to preserve the peace of this district, and arresting the turbulent and disorderly in which they are succeeding --- On yesterday, Messrs Borough and Vandeleur apprehended eight Terrys (Terry Alts) in the neighbourhood of Kilmihil -------.

1831 Saturday 4th June (EC)
Ennis- Grand Jury
-----C M Vandeleur sworn in

1831 Thursday 16th June (CJ)
Election of a Treasurer. Monday the magistrates of this County assembled called by the Secretary to the Grand Jury-----for the purpose of electing a County Treasurer in the room of the late Giles Daxon Esq------ Crofton Moore Vandeleur Esq of Kilrush House, then proposed Charles Mahon of Cahercalla---- (He lost Mr O'Callaghan got 33 votes Mr Mahon got 24).

1831 Saturday 16th June (CJ)
Ennis Assizes. ---------- Crofton Moore Vandeleur sworn in on the Grand Jury.

1831 Monday 28th November (CJ).
New Irish Sheriffs. Clare – Crofton Moore Vandeleur Esq, of Kilrush House, Kilrush.

1831 Thursday 29th December (CJ).
Crofton Moore Vandeleur Esq son of the late Right Hon. John Ormsby Vandeleur will shortly lead to the hymeneal altar the amicable daughter of the Earl of Norbury.

1832 Monday 30th April (CJ)
Marriage
On Monday last at St. George's Church, Dublin, by the Right Hon. the Lord Bishop of Meath, Crofton Moore Vandeleur Esq., of Kilrush House, to Lady Grace Toler, the lovely and accomplished daughter of the Earl of Norbury.

1832 Thursday 3rd May (CJ).
Arrival of Mr. Vandeleur and his bride at Kilrush
Early on Thursday Kilrush was all bustles in preparation to meet Mr. Vandeleur and his Lady who were expected to dinner on that day. The different trades with their banners &c&c and dressed in their respected colours were marshalled through the town. The surrounding gentry, respected yeomanry and peasantry crowded in and by twelve o'clock the town presented a busy and lively scene. Business of every kind was suspended except at Miss Casey's Fancy Warehouse, where hundreds of ribbons were dispensed to decorate the procession. The spade and plough stood still and “the country came into the town”. Shortly after noon the country had its turn for the town emptied itself except for the ladies who with the sweetest and fairest flowers of the spring themselves decorated the windows on the line through which the procession was to return: And for miles the road to Ennis presented a brilliant array of carriages, horsemen, trades with banners, peasantry, and servants with cockades decorated wands &c&c all proceeded by Mr. Vandeleur's excellent private band in full dress. In this order the procession moved on slowly and regularly to “Piper's Hill” where the cavalcade part of it “shot on” at a canter pace towards Ennis: but the work was soon too hard for men, or horses, and at Fanny O'Dea's the word “halt” (in a voice like Dick O'Donnell's) was simultaneously responded to and the poor horses instantly yielding to Fanny's sign of invitation to “Refreshments for man and horse” needed but little pressure on the bridle to obey the call. ------------------------

----- In Kilrush a congratulatory address was then presented by Mr. William Brew-----

Mr Vandeleur Replied: “Gentlemen it is believe me with feelings of no ordinary nature, that I now return thanks for myself and Lady Grace for the very unexpected and highly flattering manner in which you have expressed the sentiments of such a considerable portion of Kilrush and its vicinity. -------- I trust I shall always merit a continuation of such favours for Lady Grace and myself and it is our firm resolve that whether in tranquillity or in agitation no effort shall be wanting on our part to secure the comforts and promote the interests of so deserving a tenantry”.

1833 Thursday 25th July (CJ).
Clare Assizes: The following Grand Jury were sworn in----- Crofton Moore Vandeleur------.

1833 Thursday 25th July (CJ).
Clare Assizes: The following Grand Jury were sworn in----- Crofton Moore Vandeleur------.

1833 Monday 7th October (CJ).
Died.
At her residence in Rutland Square, Dublin the Lady Frances Vandeleur, widow of the late Right Hon. John Ormsby Vandeleur. The memory of the Lady Vandeleur will be long and cherished by the people of Kilrush--- To the poor she was a munificent benefactress and every wish of her heart seemed to increase the happiness of all around her.

1833 Thursday 21st November (CJ).
Court of the Kings Bench
Bankrupt. -John Scott Vandeleur, Ralahine, Co. Clare.
Provisional Assignee-Mr. William Magrath.

1834 Report from the select Committee on Shannon nagigation.^[43]
--- Is there a pier now at a place called Kilrush? -There is a substantially built pier there, but not sufficiently large, which has been erected partly by a grant from the late Fishery Board, and partly by a contribution from Mr. Vandeleur: but there is no provision for its maintenance. Mr. Vandeleur, as lord of the soil, exercises a salutary controlling power: but I believe that if it was disputed he could not maintain it. The toll, however, he levies is light, and cheerfully paid.

1834 Monday 24th Jaunuary (CJ).
Outlawry of Mr J. S Vandeleur. -------The proclamation read this “John S. Vandeleur come and appear on pain of transportation for life”.

1834 Thursday 27th February (CJ).
Ennis Assizes---Crofton Moore Vandeleur was sworn in on the Grand Jury.

1834 Monday 23rd June (CJ).
Crofton Moore Vandeleur Esq, of Kilrush has in addition to his subscription, liberally given twenty pounds towards the Shannon Regatta, which it is understood, is likely to be attended by the Royal Yacht squadron.

1834 Monday 7th July (CJ).
Clare Assizes. Crofton Moore Vandeleur Esq, sworn in as foreman of the Grand Jury.

1834 Thursday 7th August (CJ)
The following gentlemen were admitted members of the Royal Western Yacht Club during last week viz.; -- Duncan C Patterson Esq of Kilrush---- Nicholas J O'Gorman Esq, of Bellview, Co Clare. ----Randal Borough jnr. Esq, Kilrush-----.

1834 Thursday 7th August (CJ).
To the Editor of the Clare Journal, Kilrush, Tuesday 5th August. Re Regatta--------- The ball on Thursday was numerously and brilliantly attended and the festivities of the week, particularly at Mr. Vandeleur's were on a scale extensive and magnificent. Here I am in justice bound to say Mr Vandeleur and Lady Grace have endeared themselves to the people, beyond what I can well describe, by the urbanity and studious attention to the amusement and convenience of every class of persons, the poorest, as well as the greatest. By their influence was Mr. Spaight's beautiful lawn thrown open to the public. Their Band (a delightful one) was in constant attendance and added much to the hilarity of the scene. --- It is reported that Mr. Vandeleur not only promised a re-occurrence of the amusement annually here, but declared his intention of forming a race course on part of his estate at Moyne. That where their cannot be a more delightful situation for the purpose. Such are the acts by which high-minded young gentlemen ensures the improvement of his own property and a place in the hearts and affections of his tenantry.

1835.^[44]
Kilrush belongs to Crofton Moore Vandeleur, Esq., of Kilrush House, who is lord of the manor. His property extends about twelve miles along, the Shannon side, east of Kilrush, and, westward on the road to Kilkee, about five miles: and his income is said to be about £15,500 per annum. He is a young man, and is an excellent landlord, giving encouragement by granting longer leases, and ground for building on and is ready to join any company that may be established for the benefit of the country. Within the last five years, the town and neighbourhood have undergone an astonishing improvement mainly attributable to the establishment of the steam navigation. The trade of the place is rapidly increasing: several stores are building: branches of the National and Agricultural Banks have been established: a patent slip has been constructed: and the Steam Company are about to extend the pier by 200 feet. These are unequivocal signs of increased prosperity. Nor are advantages resulting from these changes confined to the town. The agricultural interest is benefited to a very considerable extent, by the opening of the trade of Kilrush: the farmers, for instance, who formerly were obliged to take 2d. or 3d. a stone less than the Limerick prices, now sell their grain within a farthing of these prices............

It was highly gratifying to witness the animation that prevailed in Kilrush-the neatness of the little shops, the flagged pathway, and the absence of accumulated dirt, so prominent and offensive a peculiarity of most small towns in Ireland. The people of Kilrush (whose population is 5000) are handsome, and appear considerably more intelligent than in many other places. The whole town, indeed, presented abundant proofs of the advantages that result from a spirited and enlightened policy..............

1835 Conditions of the poorer classes in Ireland.^[45]
Appendix to First Report of Commissioners
The petty sessions are occasionally held during the summer months art Kilkee, and no punishments have been inflicted for vagrancy, neither at Kilrush, where the magistrates sit once a week: neither is it thought that it could be done, unless relief were extended to the really deserving objects. Mr. Vandeleur says, “I do not think vagrancy laws could be enforced unless relief were given to the impotent poor: but it is absolutely necessary that we should soon have some means in our power to repress vagrancy. Mendicancy, as it exists, i.e. injurious to the morals of the poor: and particularly in a town of the size of Kilrush, one cannot but be struck with the bad consequences that result from those who give lodgings to beggars, as they carry about disease, and frequently rob the poor people. Almost all the petty larcenies that have lately been committed there, and brought before us as magistrates, have been clearly traced to strolling mendicancy”. Still it appears that there is a great repugnance to enforcing severe laws at present: “but” says Mr. Studdert, (Mr. Vandeleur fully concurring with him) “if a provision were extended to the poor, the repugnance on the part of those who would be entrusted with the enforcement of a well-digested vagrant law would be removed”--

1835 Thursday 8th January (CJ)
Election (Communication)

--------- Two such individuals have offered themselves Messrs Vandeleur and O'Brien: both possessing hereditary claims to be representatives of the County and it is confidently to be hoped that the people on this occasion will step forward, and by identifying their interests with that of the Landlords, their true friends and protectors heal all old animosities – give them suffrages as common sense would desire and prove to the country, that at least one of their rights is still left them- The Freedom of Election! (Vandeleur later withdrew from this election after coming to an arrangement with O'Brien)

1835 Saturday 28th February (FJ).
Novel Mode of Collecting Tithe
Mr. Vandeleur, of Kilrush, and his agent, Mr. Fitzgerald, of Adelphi, County Clare, have adopted a new and easy mode of settling the tithe question. Having appointed a day last week, for receiving rents, the tenantry came prepared to settle, and on handing the amount to Mr. Fitzgerald, that gentleman deducted the tithe due, and handing back the difference, desired them to make up their rents for him. The rent, or rather second rent, not being so convenient as Mr. Vandeleur or Mr. Fitzgerald expected: the poor people had to submit to the alternative of allowing fifty head of cattle to be sent to the pound, where they were left without even a drink of water, which we believe the law requires. We say no more until we hear again from our intelligent Kilrush correspondent-Limerick Star.

1835 Monday 16th March (CJ).
Royal Western Yacht Club
------The Following noblemen and gentlemen were elected officers of the club for the coming year. Earl of Dunraven, President, Crofton Moore Vandeleur, Esq, Commodore, Thos O’Connell, Esq, Secretary, Fs. Spaight. Esq, Treasurer, -Committee The Knight of Glin, William Pleney, Esq, John Scott, Esq, Poole Hickman, Esq, Francis Spaight, Esq, Francis Kennedy, Esq, Francis Coppinger, Esq, Lieut B. Hyde, R.N, Jonas Studdert, Esq,

1835 Saturday 25th April (Limerick Chronicle).
Crofton Moore Vandeleur has returned to Kilrush from Dublin.

1835 Thursday 18th June (CJ).
Death of Judge Vandeleur
------------------------ His Lordship was called to the bar at Trinity Term 1790, and for many years practised as leading counsel of the Connaught circuit and was admitted a bencher of the King's Inns in 1801. Judge Vandeleur (Thomas Burton) was second brother of the late Right Hon. John Ormsby Vandeleur and uncle of Crofton Moore Vandeleur, Esq., of Kilrush. (Inscription of the Vandeleur mausoleum in Kilrush states that he died in September 1835)

1835 Saturday 17th October (LC).
Registry: ----- As voters for the County and City of Limerick: Vandeleur, Crofton Moore, Esq Kilrush, County Clare £50 freeholder in the lands of Cloughkeating and Liberties said cities.

1836 Thursday 28th January (CJ).
The gratifying intelligence of the birth of twin sons to Lady Grace Vandeleur was received at Kilrush on Friday evening with demonstration of joy and satisfaction. The guns of several yachts laid up in ordinary, rang out a reverie, whilst the various other boats and vessels in the harbour exhibited streamers waving in the wind. At night the town was brilliantly illuminated: an excellent amateur band enlivened the principal square and bonfires blazed in every quarter, the joy-bells striking out a merry peal up to a late hour. (John Toler b18/01/1836 d?? /02/1837 and Hector Stewart b 18/01/1836 d 03/10/1909).

1836 Thursday 21st April (CJ).
Co Clare – Depopulation System, Kilrush, 23/03/1836
Dear Sir, ------ The proprietor of Kilrush and its vicinity is Mr. Vandeleur. Without mentioning the many families ejected from different portions of his estate I shall only confine your attention to the miseries brought upon one townland Carradotia. The families ejected from that one townland are as follows:

Name	Acres	Children
Patrick Markham	18	8
John Slattery	18	4
James Slattery	18	3
Michael Slattery	18	5
Peter Connel	18	7
Timothy Connell	10	8
Anthony Connell	10	4
Widow Keane	10	4
John Keane	10	2
Bryan O'Dea	10	6
Patrick Molony	10	11
Simon Culligan	7	3
John Slattery	10	6
John Keane	8	4
Michael McMahon	7	4
Patrick Moroney	4	0
John Driscoll	6	7
Michael Foran	7	6
Peter Quin	6	5
Patrick Mangan	4	3
Patrick Woulfe (a house)	0	4
James Woulfe (a house)	0	4
Widow Loughlin (a house)	0	4
Matthew Carmody (a house)	0	4

John McMahon, Connor Lean, Brian Connell, Patrick Mangan and Widow McMahon. The number of the families and quantity of land occupied by the five last named I do not know. They have all been ejected since the Clare Election of '28 in consequence of their refusal to vote for the Vesey Fitzgerald. ------------- Rev Jeremiah Vaughan CC. To William Sharman Crawford Esq. M P.

1836 Monday 25th April (CJ).
Editorial Re: Letter of Rev Vaughan

. ----------------- Now the truth is that upon many farms which have since 1828 fallen into Mr Vandeleur's hands he has left scores of tenants on the lands who then voted against his father. He is not a man to be influenced by such like considerations. He gives his land to those of good character who can pay for their holdings------.

1836 Monday 13th Jue (CJ).
Arrival of Crofton Moore Vandeleur Esq at Kilrush.
The cordial reception of Mr Vandeleur and his amiable Lady
by a numerous and respectable portion of the inhabitants of this town and vicinity on Thursday evening is a demonstration of the utter futility of and despicable attempt however artfully devised to create a disunity between this gentleman and his tenantry. ------------------------------.

To the Editor of the Clare Journal, Kilrush, Friday, June 10th
Yesterday was a great day here. It was announced the day before the Mr Vandeleur with his family and suite would be down in his splendid yacht the Caroline, towed by the Garryowen steamer, which was to leave Limerick at one o'clock. ------------.

1836 Monday 15th August (CJ).
The Hon. Laurence Parsons and his bride are at Kilrush House, the seat of his brother-in-law Crofton Moore Vandeleur Esq.
(Laurence Parsons was the son of the 2nd Earl of Rosse and he married Lady Elizabeth Graham-Toler, on the 10th May 1836, sister of Lady Grace Vandeleur)

1836 Monday 3rd October (CJ).
Ennis. The Earl of Norbury passed through this town on Friday from Kilrush, after a visit to Crofton Moore Vandeleur Esq, and his Lordship's relative Lady Grace Vandeleur.

1837 The importance of the Vandeleurs to Kilrush in the 1830s is outlined in Lewis’ Topography
Kilrush: A History and Topography 1837 by Samuel Lewis^[46]

A sea-port, market and post-town, and a parish, in the barony of Moyarta, county of Clare, and province of Munster, 21 miles (S. W.) from Ennis, and 130¼ (S. W.) from Dublin; containing 9732 inhabitants, of which number, 3996 are in the town. This town is pleasantly situated on the northern shore of the estuary of the Shannon, about 15 miles from its mouth, and on the creek to which it gives name, and to the convenience of which for export trade it owes its present importance. It is neatly built, and consists of a market-square intersected from east to west by a spacious street, from which smaller streets branch off; the total number of houses, in 1831, was 712, since which time several others have been added. The principal streets are well paved and flagged; and the roads in the vicinity have been greatly improved within the last few years.

The manufactures of the town and neighbourhood, chiefly for home consumption, are friezes, flannels, stockings, strong sheetings, and a serviceable kind of narrow linen, called bandle cloth. There are works for refining rock salt for domestic use, a tanyard, a soap manufactory, and a manufactory for nails. The chief trade is in corn, butter, cattle, pigs, and agricultural produce; and a considerable number of hides are sold in the market. About 20 small hookers belonging to the port are engaged in fishing and dredging for oysters off the coast, in which about 200 persons are employed. The port is free of dues, except a small charge for keeping the pier in repair. The pier, which is of very solid construction, is protected by a sea wall of great strength, and is very commodious both for commercial and agricultural uses; it affords great facility for landing passengers from the steam-vessels, which regularly ply between this place and Limerick. During the bathing season at Kilkee these vessels ply daily, and at other times only on alternate days; public cars are always in attendance at the pier to convey passengers to Kilkee

The pier extends from the shore towards Hog Island in the Shannon, and was erected partly at the expense of the Board of Customs, and subsequently extended 168 feet by the late Board of Fisheries and Mr. Vandeleur, at an expense of £1800. The custom-house, a neat modern building near the quay, erected in 1806, is under the control of the port collector of Limerick. The harbour is about 9 miles below Tarbert; it is frequented by vessels that trade in grain and other commodities: its peculiar advantage arises from its depth of water, which admits the entrance of vessels of the largest size. Ships of war and Indiamen anchor in the roadstead, and there is a tide harbour with piers and quays; also a patent slip for repairs. Hence it is a good asylum harbour for vessels in distress; its proximity to the mouth of the Shannon renders it easy of access and eligible for vessels to put to sea at any time of the tide; and therefore it must be considered the best position for an American packet station. About one mile south from the shore, and between the island of Inniscattery and the mainland, is Hog Island, comprising about 20 acres of land, and containing only one family. A coast-guard station, forming part of the district of Miltown-Malbay is established at Kilrush, and a revenue cutter is stationed off the shore. Branches of the National and Agricultural banks have been opened in the town.

The market is on Saturday, and by patent may be held daily; the fairs are on May 10th, and Oct. 12th, and there is also a fair at Ballyket on July 4th. The market-house, a commodious and handsome building in the center of the market-square, was erected at the expense of the late Mr. Vandeleur, to whom the town owes much of its prosperity; there are also some meat shambles and a public slaughter-house. Quarter sessions are held here at Easter and Michaelmas; petty sessions are held every Tuesday; and a court for the manor of Kilrush is held on the first Monday in every month by the seneschal of Crofton Moore Vandeleur, Esq., lord of the manor. A chief constabulary police force is stationed in the town. The court-house, a neat and commodious building, was erected in 1831, on a site given by Mr. Vandeleur; and a small Bridewell was built in 1825, and is well adapted to the classification of prisoners

The parish comprises 4310 statute acres, as assessed to the county rate, exclusively of a large extent of bog; the system of agriculture has latterly been much improved, and tillage very considerably extended; with-in the last seven years the quantity of wheat grown has increased tenfold. This improvement is chiefly to be attributed to the facility of communication with Limerick, afforded by the steam navigation company; the quantity of agricultural produce which passed through the market, in 1835,including pigs, amounted in value to £50,000. Great quantities of turf are cut and sent chiefly from Poolnashary harbour, on the western shore of the parish, to Limerick and its neighbourhood, by boats manned by three persons, and each boat is calculated to earn about £200 annually in this trade. At Knockeragh is an excellent quarry of flags, the smaller of which are used for roofing; and flags of superior quality are also quarried at Moneypoint, on the shore of the Shannon, and sent to Cork, Tralee, and other places; good grit-stones, from four to eight feet in length, and from two to four feet wide, are procured at Crag and Tullagower, with sand of a good quality for building. There are also quarries of good building stone and slate; and in several parts of the parish are indications of lead and copper, but no mine of either has been yet explored.

The principal seats are Kilrush House, the residence of Crofton Moore Vandeleur, Esq., of handsome and spacious mansion immediately adjoining the town, and commanding an extensive view of the Shannon, and the Clare and Kerry shores; Mount Pleasant, of Capt. J. L. Cox; Cappa Lodge, of Randal Borough, Esq.; and Oaklands, of W. Henn, Esq. The parish is in the diocese of Killaloe; the rectory is partly impropriate in John Scott, Esq., but chiefly appropriate to the prebend of Inniscattery in the cathedral of Killaloe; the vicarage also forms part of the corps of the same prebend,to which were episcopally united, in 1777,the vicarages of Kilfieragh,Kilballyone,and Moyarta,together constituting the union of Kilrush,in the gift of the Bishop. The tithes amount to £429. 4. 7 ½. of which £36. 18. 5½. is payable to the impropriator, and the remainder to the prebendary; and the visceral tithes of the three other parishes amount to £365. 12. 9¾. The glebe-house, built by a gift of £100 and a loan of £600 from the same Board, is a handsome residence near the church; the glebe comprises about 3 acres.

The church, a large edifice with an embattled tower crowned with pinnacles, towards the erection of which the late Board of First Fruits granted a loan of £1500, was built in 1813, near the site of the ancient church, of which the ruins form an interesting and picturesque appendage: it contains a well-executed mural tablet to the late Mr. Vandeleur, and has been lately repaired by a grant of £121 from the Ecclesiastical Commissioners. In the R. C. divisions the parish is the head of a union or district, comprising also the parish of Killeymur: the parochial chapel is a spacious building, with a well-executed altar-piece; there is also a chapel at Knockeragh, erected in 1833. There is a place of worship for Wesleyan Methodists in the town, recently erected on ground presented by Mr. Vandeleur. About 280 children are taught in three public schools, of which one is supported by the trustees of Erasmus Smith’s charity, who allow the master £30 per annum; the parochial school is chiefly supported by the incumbent, and there is a large school under the superintendence of the R. C. clergyman, who allows the master £12 per annum: the two former are held in the upper part of the market-house, but Mr. Vandeleur has it in contemplation to build a school-house for their use. There are also four private schools, in which are about 360 children; and a school-house has been lately built by subscription at Knockeragh. About two miles from the town, on the road to Miltown, and also near the Ennis road, are chalybeate springs, both considered efficacious in the cure of bilious diseases. At Mullagha are the ruins of an ancient chapel, supposed to have been built by St. Senan, who is said to have been a native of that place; attached to it is a burial-ground still in use and near it a holy well. There are several ancient forts or raths in the parish.

1837 Thursday 23rd February (CJ). Clare Assizes.
The following gentlemen were sworn on the Grand Jury, Cornelius O'Brien M P, Birchfield – Foreman, Andrew Stackpoole, Ballyally, Crofton Moore Vandeleur, and Kilrush.

1837 Thursday 29th June (CJ)
Crofton Moore Vandeleur Esq, of Kilrush will offer himself to the electors of his native county in the coming elections for Clare (Lim. Chron).

1837 Monday 3rd July (CJ).
Grand Jury sworn in-------------Crofton Moore Vandeleur.

1837 Wednesday 23rd August. (FJ) and Monday 21st August (CJ).
Royal Western Yacht Club. The fleet of this club sailed up the river on Thursday from Kilrush under George Courtenay Esq., commodore of the Dolphin yacht and came to anchor in the Pool, where their arrival was announced by the signal gun from various crafts. At Kilrush regatta, the Caroline, Crofton Moore Vandeleur Esq., and Paul Pry, Stafford O'Brien Esq., started for the Dunraven Tureen, which was awarded a second time to the former. The Paul Pry yacht won a prise of £15 and the Midge, S. Creagh Esq., another £10.

1837 Thursday 21st September (CJ).
Crofton Moore Vandeleur has arrived on a tour of pleasure in Dingle.

1837 Commissioners of Irish Fishery Inquiry.^[47]
Name of Pier Sources from which funds were derived for their construction.
Kilrush Co Clare Grant from Government £1340.
(Cappa) Rt. Hon. J.O.Vandeleur £500 Total £1840.

There are 20 small hookers engaged in fishing and dredging for oysters, belonging to this port affording employment to about 200 persons. The pier is of much use in a mercantile and agricultural point of view. A small steam vessel plies between Kilrush and Limerick.

1838 Monday 4th June (CJ).
A Scottish company are building a distillery at Kilrush

1838 Thursday 7th June (CJ).
The Caroline, Crofton Moore Vandeleur's yacht has sailed from the Shannon for Southampton and will attend the regatta of the Royal Yacht Club at Cowes, Isle of Wight.
It is intended to build a draw-bridge over the Creek of Kilrush, near the Customs Department—there could not be a greater acquisition to the town.

1838 Monday 20th July (CJ).
The Shannon Regatta Ball will be held at the assembly Rooms Kilrush under the patronage of Crofton Moore Vandeleur Esq on the night of the 2nd of August next and the following night for the inhabitants of Kilrush.

1838 Monday 20th August (CJ).
Crofton Moore Vandeleur Esq has given the Rev. Mr. Kenny PP of Kilrush a site for a new chapel in the town---------------.

1838 Thursday 27th September (CJ).
The Limerick Shipping Company has purchased the steam ship Dover Castle for £4,500 to ply up and down the river between Kilrush and Limerick.

1838 Thursday 1st November (CJ).
A branch of the Limerick lace factory is about to open at Kilrush.

1839 Thursday 17th January.(CJ)
Funeral of Lord Norbury.
The body was brought into the church and the beautiful burial service of the Church of England read by the Revs. Lever and Toler in a most impressive manner. At the conclusion of which the Rev. Mr. Lever addressed the assembled numbers in substance as follows.” ------ You men of Durrow (Co Offaly) have lost a parent and a friend-----------”.

1839 Tuesday 29th January. (FJ)
Crofton Moore Vandeleur and Lady Grace Vandeleur are leaving Kilrush for some time in consequences of the trouble the family have been plunged into by the assassination of his father-in-law Lord Norbury. Their departure will throw grave damp on many projected improvements in Kilrush and neighbourhood.

1839 Thursday 30th May (CJ)
On Thursday evening, her Majesty's birthday was celebrated by a public dinner at Kilrush: the Rev. John Kenny in the Chair. After the cloth had been moved, the chairman gave the toast to the Queen, the People, the Ministry, the Duchess of Kent, the Duke of Sussex, and the Royal Family, the Lord Lieutenant, and the Irish Government, old Ireland, civil and religious liberty, Daniel O’Connell, the Liberal Protestantism. Vandeleur, trade and commerce of Kilrush, &c &c. To these toasts Mr. Charles O' Connell, Mr. Jackson, Rev Mr. Meehan, Mr. Wm. Brew, Dr Foley, Mr High O’Keeffe, Counsellor Fitzgerald, Rev Mr. Breen, &c severally addressed the meeting and the conviviality’s of the evening were kept up to a late hour.

The new lace factory at Kilrush will be opened by Mr Walker early next week, where 300 girls in that neighbourhood may find the desired employment, upon a most eloquent and fashionable article of dress.

1839 Monday 3rd June (CJ).
Hospital in Kilrush.
Mr Wm. Hunt, has been declared the contractor for erecting this very desirable refuge. The work will be commenced immediately.

1839 Monday 17th June (CJ).
Wednesday morning a fire was discovered to have broken out in Mr. Irwin Patterson's concern at Kilrush it was extinguished without material damage.

1839 Monday 15th July (CJ).
The Lessee of Crofton Moore Vandeleur v. Patterson.
An application is intended to be made to the Court at the ensuing term to set aside the verdict obtained by the defendant in this cause at the last Assizes of Ennis on the grounds of its being contrary to law, evidence and the Judge's charge. (Limerick Chronicle)

1839 Monday 22nd July (CJ).
Kilrush Fever Hospital.
On Saturday 20th inst. the first stone of the Kilrush Fever Hospital was laid by the architect J.B.Kean.Esq on a most eligible site selected for the purposes and given free by the worthy proprietor of the soil, Crofton Moore Vandeleur, Esq. He has also given the site of an extensive chapel now in progress on a new line of street, with several important improvements now being in progress in Kilrush.

1839 Thursday 8th August (CJ).
Kilrush Union.
“--------------- A meeting of magistrates was held in the Court-house Kilrush on Saturday last H.P. Hickmann, Esq in the Chair, where the following magistrates were appointed ex-officio guardians of the Union:
Mr. Vandeleur. Mr. Hickmann, Mr. Scott, Mr. Burton, Mr. O'Grady, Mr. Geo Studdert, Mr. James Studdert, Capt. Studdert, and Mr. Richard Studdert.

1839 Friday 25th October (FJ).
Crofton M. Vandeleur, Esq, is expected to Kilrush this week, when the site for a Union Work-house will be decided on.

1839 Monday 28th October (FJ)
Crofton Vandeleur Esq. has arrived at his house Cavendish-Row, Rutland Square, from London.

1839 Thursday 7th November (CJ).
Crofton Moore Vandeleur, Esq, laid the foundation stone of the new chapel now erecting in Kilrush, on Saturday. About 600 of Mr. Matthew's disciples walked in procession having their medals suspended round their necks by a ribbon, and carrying wands with leaves of laurel on them in their hands. Mr. Vandeleur addressed those assembled. We understand he subscribed £300 towards the erection of the building.

1839 Thursday 28th November (FJ)
West of Ireland Steam Navigation Company.
Capital £250, 000, in 25,000 Shares of £10 each, Deposit, £1 per Share.
Directors: Bernard, Edward Esq. Bourne, Richard Esq, Brown, John Esq, Hartley, James Esq, Mahony, Pierce Esq, Roche, Sir David, Bart, M P, White, John Esq, Wood, Thomas Alderman, Vandeleur, Colonel Crofton Moore Esq D L.
Secretary---James Griffin.

The Directors stand pledged to the Subscribers that no trading shall be commenced nor liability incurred beyond the expense of obtaining a Patent under the act of Victoria, limiting the responsibility of the Shareholders to the amount of their respective subscriptions and other incidental charges until such non-liability Patent shall have been obtained.

The Company is established for the purpose of affording to the West of Ireland the benefits of Steam Communication with England, there not being at present a single Steam Vessel plying from thence to any port in England. It is intended that the first vessels shall ply between Limerick and London, touching at Tarbert and Kilrush, and having a branch Steam Vessel to Tralee. The Company propose subsequently to avail themselves of the trade of Galway, and other places on the Western Coast. ------------.

1839 Monday 9th December (CJ).
We direct the public attention to the new distillery open in Kilrush by Mr. Patterson, a gentleman deserving public support, for his enterprising spirit and anxiety to benefit the County generally.

1839 Tuesday 17th December (FJ).
MR BULLEN'S REGISTRY REPORT.
To the Editor of the Limerick Chronicle.
Sir-My learned friend, Counsellor Bullen, in his report upon the state of the registry in Clare, in the mention of Crofton Moore Vandeleur’s, Esq. says- “This gentleman. It is said, has a design upon the county, so that if he should begin to exert himself, he should be watched, and a corresponding effort made to neutralise him.”

Was Mr, Bullen aware that this gentleman has given an extensive site for one of the largest Catholic churches in Ireland? Was he aware that he laid the foundation stone of that church-which he gave a large subscription, and over £200, worth of lime towards its completion? Was he aware that upon that occasion he made a liberal, fair, and manly speech? Was he aware that Mr. Vandeleur wrought upon that day a greater work than laying the foundation stone of a temple to the Mighty God?

Yes, Sir, Mr. Vandeleur laid the foundation stone of peace, unanimity, and concord, amongst a generous but heretofore disunited people: he, upon that day, cemented a union between Protestants and Catholics which will exist as long even as the foundation of that majestic pile. I am sure my learned friend was not aware of those facts and if he has been, he would not have sounded a war whoop against the laudable ambition of Mr. Vandeleur to represent the county of his birth, with a princely fortune.

If Mr. Vandeleur set up for the county upon fair and liberal principles (not by swallowing pledges, and disgorging every one of them at St. Stephen's after), there is no doubt of his return. There is one thing certain, Mr. Vandeleur is no double dealer, no pretended (yet false) friend-whatever he promises he will perform: and if Mr. Vandeleur does not think fit to adopt the political views of one party, as a step to a seat in parliament, he should be allowed quietly to follow up the happy results of that fellowship he has established amongst the people at home.
Yours very obedient servant,
Charles O'Connell.

1839 Monday 30th December (CJ).
The members of the Temperance Society at Kilrush assembled on St. Stephen's Day, and having been joined by a large number of teetotallers from the parish of Kilmacduane, headed by the Rev. Mr. Kelly formed a procession and marched through the principle streets of the town and round Bellview on the Cappa Road with white sashes and medals attached. ----At Market Square Very Rev. Mr. Kenny addressed them in a forcible and eloquent manner--------- about their emancipation from the degrading and beastly vice of intoxication----------.
Three cheers were then given for the Queen, The Rev. Mr. Matthew, Mr. Vandeleur &c and the multitude (3,500) separated in the most peaceable manner.

1839 Pettigrew & Oulton Almanack and Directory:
Rutland Square East, 13 Colonel Vandeleur. (John of Mannister, Co. Limerick, Lt-Col 10th Hussars married Alice (d 21/12/1884) widow of Rev. Charles Moore Stewart, and youngest daughter of Rt. Hon. John Ormsby Vandeleur, of Kilrush)