John Toland (1670-1722) was probably born near Clonmany in Inishowen, County Donegal, into a Catholic Irish-speaking environment. As a child he courted infamy by arguing about theology with the local priest. At fifteen he converted to Anglicanism and a few years later became a Dissenter while studying in Glasgow. A restless maverick, Toland was both … Read more
It was Milo Sweteman’s fate to follow in the footsteps of men more memorable than himself. He came from English settler stock in Kilkenny and was probably still a child in the 1320s when his bishop and future patron, Richard Ledred, ripped local colonial society asunder by instigating the trial of Alice Kytler on charges … Read more
In Ireland as a prelude to a nationwide valuation of land and buildings, the so-called Griffith’s Valuation, the Ordnance Survey was directed to map the whole country at a scale of six inches to one mile. It was originally intended to accompany each map with written topographical descriptions for every civil (Church of Ireland) parish. … Read more
If the Trinity College Schools’ Competition may be taken as any kind of barometer, the future of history seems distinctly bright! First held in 1992 for the college’s quatercentenary year, the competition is organised by the Departments of Medieval and Modern History and the Department of Teacher Education. On 15 May, five medalists and six … Read more
Sir,—I recently bought the Winter issue of HI. I found it bothenlightening and entertaining. I particularly liked the article byChristine Kinealy about revisionism and the Great Irish Famine. Idiscovered what I believe to be an error in the Connemara Railwayarticle. If you will carefully examine both photographs of the stationsat Clifden (p.38) and Recess (p39), … Read more