roache/roach/roche/roch · pdf filewexford is fairly straightforward. it is the rest of...

Roache/Roach/Roche/Roch Cambro-Irish Timeline

Jim Roache

2

Introduction

Of all the Norman-Flemish families, the Roches can

claim the earliest connection with Ireland through

Richard FitzGodebert de Roch. This Flemish Knight -

son of Godebert Flendrensis of Rhos, Pembrokeshire,

Wales - was recruited as a mercenary by Irish King

Dermot MacMurrough to follow him back to Ireland in

AD 1167 to assist in his civil war against the O'Rourkes

and the O'Connors. They came to stay in AD 1169 by

invitation, not invasion!

Richard and Rodebert (not Robert) were the sons of

Godebert [de Roch] of Flanders and were important

figures in helping MacMurrough - by invitation and

treaty - in his Civil War with the O'Rourkes and

O'Connors.

Richard's son may have been the father or

grandfather of Crusader Alexander de Roch who

endowed Selskar Abbey in Wexfordtown. Redebert's

sons were David, Henry and Adam -- all to become

known by the surname de Roch(e); in Latin de Rupe;

in Irish de Roiste; and confused with the Norman de la

Roche in Ireland and England.

This was possibly in imitation of the more socially and

politically elite Normans; because of the marriage of

one of the female de Roch family, Johanna, to David

de la Roche of Langwym, Wales; or simply because of

the usual merging and blurring of similar names which

is familiar to all family historians.

The Chronicle of the Princes (Brut y Tywsogyon)

records that the Normans first arriving in Wales to

defend the March (border) were French speaking. But

in approx AD 1105, King Henry I moved a colony from

Flanders to settle in Rhos and Dauglleddau in Dyfed,

Pembroke(shire). The Flemish-Cambro-Norman

Roches may have been among them, however, there

are other sources that say Godebert was born in Roch

(y Garne) in c AD 1096. There had been Flemish

warriors with the Conqueror in AD 1066, and the

Flemish had most certainly been in the Isles at least a

century before the Conquest for a number of reasons.

Men of rank among them speedily adopted the

language and habits of their Norman allies, but later,

in Ireland, some took on Irish ways - much to the

displeasure of the Crown in London (usually absent on

the continent) - and much to their subsequent

disadvantage as history shows.

Rodebert's sons were considered to have gone on to

found the major branches of the family in southern

Ireland. That is a perception that one can understand

in an historical context. Adam is credited by Sir

Bernard Burke (C.B. LL.D, Ulster King of Arms, 1866)

with founding the Fermoy, North Cork dynasty. By

others, such as the Cork Historical and Archaeological

Society, 1933, a much later David is credited - through

marriage and a series of successfully defended

lawsuits launched by his in-laws. His is merely the

second in a number of variations on this theme and

has de Rupe married to a female of the de Clare line -

de Clare who had been out of favour with both Henry

I & II and only redeemed himself by joining Henry II in

putting down a rebellion by his own sons. The

Fermoy lineage has been a sword in the side of the

English and family historians ever since! There are

clearly other contenders as first Viscount Fermoy and

many other branches of the family/surname

throughout the British Isles and Western Europe.

Adam's brother David was a trusted associate of the

famous Knight William Marschal in Wexford and came

to own a vast estate in Fernegenal, later Rochesland

(now Shelmalier East). The Roch(e) family seat was at

Artramont, today a small civil parish located in the

southeast quadrant of Co. Wexford, about 15 miles

northwest of Wexfordtown. This land, which

stretched north almost to Enniscorthy was later

shared (sub-infeudiated for knight's fees) with David

Sinnott so that part of it became known as Sinnott's

Land.

By process of elimination, one might conclude that

Henry de Roch’s descendants founded the merchant

families in Limerick. Not so - there seems to be no

reliable information on him. There is a story of one of

that name also appearing in Fermoy, of course, but

honestly, I defy anyone to sort out all the conflicting

and overlapping claims - given that there were later

specialists - "antiquarians" - hired specifically by rich

3

and landed families to dress up pedigrees. The family

prospered for a time and integrated with the Gaels,

but lost much by siding with the Catholic Church or

the Irish over time, e.g. the Cromwellian Confiscation

which saw Artramont go to one of Cromwell's officers,

a Le Hunte.

It was Phillip de Pendergast who persuaded

Godebert's sons, Richard and Rodebert, the Fitz

Godeberts (de Roch), to try their luck in Ireland after

MacMurrough struck a deal of sorts with their

bankrupt overlord, Richard Fitz Gilbert de Clare.

Fernegenal (Shelmalier East) was originally granted to

Philip, but passed to the Roch(e)s c AD1180 in

addition to their other holdings. Ui Mealla (Gorey)

also passed from de Pendergast to de Roch(e) a

hundred years later.

This sort of transaction, under the feudal system,

would of course keep the families in arms (knights'

fees) for centuries. Wexford is fairly straightforward.

It is the rest of Ireland that causes me frustration.

Even in Wales, as later in Ireland, decisions could be

based in Brehon or Gaelic law, respectively, or the

more continental FEUDAL system. Even this ignores

Canon Law which was always in the background.

Under the feudal system, everything could revert to

the King, and that is why there were many attempts

to avoid it and conflicting decisions have left an

almost irresolvable mess when it comes to claims.

Since Maurice de Pendergast was number two "on the

ground" in Ireland after FitzStephen, we can safely

assume that the de Rochs were with one or both

during the so-called Invasion. Of course, there was no

"invasion" in the usual sense of the term, as explained

elsewhere. But de Rupe names (Latin variation)

appear as co-signatories to various deeds and other

documents shortly thereafter.

The Cambro-Normans quickly integrated in Ireland

first by conquest and then through marriage and

military alliance, adopting the local language and

culture....something that was looked at with suspicion

from London and Dublin and which would cost them

dearly for centuries.

Already Catholic, they intermarried on a regular basis

with the Irish (Celts/Gaels) and later resisted Anglo-

Saxonization by use of arms during the Cromwell

sorties and the Reformation. They would, however,

pay the price they had earlier exacted of the Anglo-

Saxons in England and the Celts of Ireland and Wales -

- subjugation at the hands of an all-powerful enemy.

But they did not go down easily, and that is what

matters.

4

1131

As outlined above, Godebert of Flanders, was deemed to be

a "Fleming" who settled in Roch Parish, Wales and was

granted lands previously owned by Lambert Echiners (now

Lambton) in Pembroke(shire). While purportedly of Flemish

descent, the family is supposed to have adopted the style

of their Norman allies.

Godebert's overlords were the de Pendergasts, also from

Flanders. Both Roche (Rhoose/Ros) and Pendergast are

placenames in Wales. And both, in turn were under the de

Clares. If the de Clares were Norman, I see no evidence that

either family, both entirely respectable, adopted anything

from them - because they were anything but respectable in

Wales or Ireland.

Land in medieval times was held in return for "knight's

fees" - ownership was reserved in the King. An occupier of

the King's land had in return for the right to enjoy his

estates to provide fighting men on demand to his monarch

or overlord. As in many other matters, the Brehon or Gaelic

traditions were somewhat different, and it often begged

the question of where one's loyalty lay or should lie, if one

were to survive. Over time, some went one way, others

another and some tried to straddle the fence.

Later efforts by the Roches in North Cork to link themselves

to de Rochville who came with the Conqueror in AD 1066 to

England (Roll of Battle Abbey) remain in doubt. De Rochville

was granted a lordship in Pembrokeshire, but any

suggested link to Godebert is tenuous. Even the Fermoy

Roches, at least until the Viscounts were eliminated, must

settle for being of the family deemed "Flemish" in origin

and abandon any further pretension. To my mind,

preceding or following in the wake of the Conquest will

suffice.

1154: Henry II 1154-1189 (first Angevin) - ascended the

English Throne. The same year Adrian IV, (Nicholas

Breakspeare, an Englishman) ascended the Papal Throne.

1155: A Papal Bull to Conquer Ireland was sent to Henry via

John of Salisbury; it was considered by Parliament at

Winchester and set aside.

1167

Richard FitzGodebert de Roch, Knight, accompanied

Dermot McMurrough to Ireland from Pembrokeshire,

Wales - an advance party for the later much larger invasion

in 1169. Richard was in command of a number of Norman,

Flemish and Welsh mercenaries who tasted defeat (25 men

killed) by the O'Rourkes and O'Connors at Kellistown near

Carlowtown.

1169

Rodebert FitzGodebert de Roch, Richard's brother, and

others in the extended family, took part in the full-scale

landing at Bannow Bay under their overlord, Maurice de

Prendergast, and expedition leader, Robert FitzStephen.

Rodebert would gain a large estate in south Wexford (after

the fall of the town that year) for his trouble.

1170-72

de Rochs continued to participate actively in many aspects

of the Cambro-Norman Invasion. By 1171, Strongbow, Earl

of Pembroke, was in control of vast territories including

Dublin, Waterford and Wexford and had granted tracts of

land to his supporters (provided they could take them from

the current owners).

1171: Armed with a second Papal Bull by Alexander III -

Henry II arrives in Ireland austensibly to do penance for the

murder of Archbishop Thomas a Beckett;

In fact, his mission was to keep Strongbow under control;

de Clare submitted (as did all major Irish Clerics). The de

Clares were granted Leinster, but enough was taken and

reassigned to more loyal retainers that Henry felt he had

eliminated the possibility of another Norman Kingdom

might challenge his hegemony. Away he went, never to

return.

1172

Rodebert's Fitz Godebert's three sons - David, Henry and

Adam - accepted the spelling de Roch in Old French or

Saxon and de Rupe/de Rupella in Latin [de Roch/de la

Roche] as appears on a charter by which they gave the

Island of Begerin in Wexford Harbour, with a Chapel

already built - St. Nicholas Exeter - to the Roman Catholic

Church for the soul of their father Rodebert, son of

Godebert. Maurice de Prendergast was one of many

witnesses to the document.

5

Richard I [1189-99] and John [1199-1216]

1199

Adam de Roch founded Pill Priory in Pembrokeshire [date

disputed]. His wife was Blandina, and they had a son Adam

and one named David (for his brother). He gave

considerable lands to the Church before his death. I am

much pleased that this Priory was placed on a new (de

nova) site, as opposed to a Brehon one being destroyed

first. It was also dedicated to the Virgin and a Celtic Saint,

Budoc. It was the first such institution that accepted

Welshmen for admission to the Order. All of this seems

incredibly "enlightened" for the times.

David de Rupe (de Roch) received a King's grant of

Rosselihir (now Rosslare), Co Wexford. Another name

Eustace de Rupe appears in charters and land grants in this

post-invasion period - no more is known of him.

Anglo-Norman, William de la Roche, had lands and

reputation on both the English and French sides of the

Channel and figured largely in the politics of the day. In

1199, during a minor siege at Châlus in Limousin, RICHARD

I, KING OF ENGLAND, was killed by a crossbow bolt and

died there intestate 6 April 1199. He was buried at

Fontevrault Abbey (Maine-et-Loire), France.

In 1204 his widow, Bérengère, ceded all her rights to the

Chateau-du-Loir to Guillaume des Roches [William de la

Roche] (1165-1222), in exchange of the ville of le Mans, its

dependencies and 1,000 marks sterling. William was thus

Seneschal of Anjou from AD 1199 to 1222 and Lord of

Longue-Jumelle and Château-du-loir. During King John's

reign, he was deemed one of the ablest and most powerful

of the Angevin barons and was Seneschal (King's

representative) in Anjou and Touraine.

NOTE: There was considerable movement between England,

Wales, Ireland, Scotland, and most notably, the continent,

at this time for military purposes - land was held by Knight's

Fees under the Feudal system. If you held a land grant, you

had to provide men to fight at the pleasure of the Crown.

Roch Castle remained in our hands until the last of us,

Thomas, died early in the 1400s leaving only two daughters.

One married Lord Ferrers of Chartley and the other Sir

George Longueville of Wolverton. Ultimately by about 1600,

the property was in the hands of the Earls of Essex by

descent from the Ferrers and Longuevilles.

In 1601, it was purchased by William Walter of Essex who

lost possession in the Cromwellian Civil War (1640s). He

died without recompense and the castle sank into decay for

some time thereafter. However, it should be noted that the

family spent most of its time at Benton Castle, when it was

not at Pill. We know for certain that some are in fact buried

at Pill as well.

1200s

1206-

Peter de la Roch(e), Peter de RUPIBUS [Pierre des ROCHES],

Bishop of Winchester, 1206-38 was from Poitou.

Consecrated in Rome, he was a true warrior cleric whose

oppressions and exactions were among the causes of the

uprisings by some nobles. In 1214, after John's submission

to the Pope, and while the barons were preparing for the

struggle which ended in the Great Charter (Magna Carta),

he was made Grand Justiciary of England.

In 1226, Peter, together with William Brewer, Bishop of

Exeter, led Crusaders from England to the Holy Land. Upon

his return after five years, he almost provoked rebellion by

his patronage of foreigners, his countrymen (Poitevins),

giving them the chief Offices of State and Royal revenues.

His relationship with William Mareschal, of such fine

reputation in England and Ireland, was based on their

protection of the boy - King, Henry III. Peter had crowned

young Henry, aged nine and worked closely with

Mareschal, who acted as regent, and later (unwillingly) with

famous Justiciary, Hubert de Burgh, to protect the child and

his Norman dynasty for many years.

1207

David de Rupe (the first to take the name de la Roche) was

granted the cantred of Rosscarberry (Ross) by King John.

This superceded the claims of native chief O'Driscoll, but

the Episcopal manors were left undisturbed. Within a

hundred years, the value of the bishop's dwelling was 26

marks, while the cathedral was valued at 3 marks; and the

tribal revenue of the see was but 45 pounds sterling. The

number of parishes was 29, divided into 3 divisions; and

there was a Cistercian abbey, Carrigilihy (de fonte vivo) plus

a Benedictine Priory at St. Mary's, Ross.

David was closely associated with the famous Sir William

Mareschal, who later acted as regent for the young Henry

III until he reached maturity. About this time, David divided

Shelmalier East between himself and kinsman David

FitzAdam Sinad (Sinnott), also of Flemish descent.

1212

Alexander FitzHugh founded Bridgetown Abbey in north

Cork which later came under the protection of the Roches

and remained intimately connected with the Roches of

Fermoy for centuries.

6

Henry III 1216-72 (the first Plantagenet)

1229

David de Rupe died (maybe shortly before) and is

succeeded by his second son, the "warlike" Gerald, his first,

Reimund, being already dead. Reimund had two daughters,

and by Gaelic custom and law at that time, they could not

inherit their father's estate. Gerald inherited and they sued

their uncle before the court of William Mareschal, Earl of

Pembroke, but failed. Gerald had married a daughter of Sir

Thomas FitzAnthony. At about the same time he gained her

father's lands at death, he was considered Thomas' sole

male heir.

c. 1240

One story that just does not seem to make much sense is

that of Sir Alexander Roche of Artramont, who, after the

one of the Crusades, supposedly returned to find his

beloved in a convent because of rumours he had been

killed in battle.

On the parish website to this day (2009) is the following:

Selskar Abbey is remarkable as the spot where the first

Treaty was signed with the English in 1169 when the town

of Wexford surrendered to Fitz-Stephen [I must insert here

that there were NO English present to sign anything ---

Cambro-Normans, Flemish, Welsh and Irish yes; English

NO!]. This originally Danish foundation was later endowed,

enlarged and given to the Canons Regular of St. Augustine

in AD 1190 by Sir Alexander Roche of Artramont.

Sir Alexander became enamoured of a beautiful girl, the

daughter of a poor burgess of the town.To prevent his

marriage his parents prevailed on him to join the Crusades,

then on foot, for the recovery of the Holy Sepulchre. On his

return from Palestine, he found himself free, his parents

having died, but on visiting the dwelling of his fair lady he

discovered, that having heard he had died in battle, she had

entered a convent. He himself took avow of Celibacy,

endowed the Monastery, dedicated it to the Holy

Sepulchre, relics of which he had placed in its Church, and

became its first Prior. {Yet it seems he did have legitimate

heirs].

Selskar Abbey was suppressed in the thirty-first year of the

reign of Henry VIII, but not destroyed. Cromwell finally

destroyed it in AD 1649. The present Abbey Church

(Protestant) was built in AD 1818 on the east side of the

ancient tower-the ruins of the original Abbey Church being

to the west. Out-Churches of Selskar Abbey were

St.Patrick's and St.Doologue's.

Other sources add a little more and somewhat varied

information:

The name in Danish means Seal's Rock, as in Selskar Rock in

Bannow Bay, site of the main Invasion (make that landing)

in AD 1169. The existing tower is 14th century; surviving

parts of the nave are 15th; and the church you see today

dates from the 19th.

As usual, there is confusion and debate surrounding the

date/s; the third and fourth Crusades were much earlier.

Thus, the date is wrong or he did not immediately act as a

result of a lover having taken to the convent, but waited

some time (into old age in fact) to act. The latter would be

more consistent with Norman tradition (if less romantic);

they often betook themselves to an Abbey to live out their

final days/years after their active lives were at an end. I will

not declare for one version over the others, however.

1250

David Roche (Louth) killed Cairbre O'Maclsechlainn in

Athboye in the territory of ffearkeall (located in Meath?).

1251

John de Roch was Earl of Pembrokeshire. His wife Matilda

was the niece of Thomas Wallensis, Bishop of St. David's (a

Carew).

1255

The Roches and Pendergasts, with others, under Maurice

Fitzgerald (Justiciar), attacked Connacht. The sacristy of

Boyle Abbey was looted. They went into Connemara and up

the west coast of Connacht, plundering and ravaging as

they went. They passed through modern Cos Mayo, Sligo

and Leitrim with special attention to lands under O'Donnell.

Ironically, these descendents of Welsh and Flemish

mercenaries ultimately "went native" having begun the task

of dotting the conquered territories with castles.

1261

Sir Richard de Rupella [de la Roche] Roche, father of

Alexander of Selskar Abbey, was Lord Justice of Ireland

(Journal of the Old Wexford Society, November 2, 1969).

He also had at least one other heir, daughter Eve, to whom

he gave (or bequeathed) Trembleath Manor which

contained Restormel Castle (built circa AD 1100) to her in

AD1255. This is where things become very interesting and

mysterious because that Manor and Castle were and are in

Cornwall, UK and according to the sources quoted on our

history page was descended from the Irish Branch. The

7

Archivium Hibernicum, 1960, V. 23-27 states in fact that the

Roaches in Cornwall and Devon are descended from the

Roche family of Ireland, the same family present in Wales

likely before 1100 AD.

Sir Ralph Arundel, son of Remfrey Arundel, was by AD

1259-60 Sheriff of Cornwall, and he took possession of

Restormel in AD 1265. However, as Sir William Arundel had

married Eve de la Roche (de Rupe) AD 1245 and they were

endowed (as noted above) Trembleath Manor by Eve's

forebear, Sir Richard de la Roche (de Rupe), AD 1255.

Therefore, at least part of this estate passed by marriage to

the Arundells.

Trembleath became the Arundel family's principal

residence in the later thirteenth and the fourteenth

centuries; they also purchased Mitchell Manor. Richard de

la Roche was still alive in AD 1262 (Feet of Fines 183), and

his widow Agnes still alive in 1283 (AR/45)....clearly a

descendant of the original family group/s - but no doubt of

the same line because of the use of recurring names.

A Rodebert de la Roche, son and heir of Sir Richard and

brother of Eve, was knighted between AD1262 and 1283

(AR/1/72 and AR/45), and was still alive c AD 1300

(AR/1/100). Here again a repeat of the non-Norman

spelling of the name.

The Roche family was sometimes called "Tremoddrett,"

based on their residence at Tremoddrett in Roch(e) Parish,

Cornwall - some distance from Roche's Rock at St. Austelle

and from Trembleath. There they remained until they

moved to Lanherne.

The estate also had permanent freehold tenants who sold

in the late 18th century; with the remainder of the manor

going by sale to Francis Cross of Crediton, Devon in the

early 19th century.

The Arundells, of course, can be traced back to the Sir

David de la Roche of Llangwm who married one of the de

Roch females from Pembroke, Wales. They later fled to

England, and the de la Roche name died out there because

of having only female heirs - but yes one married into the

Arundel family. Clearly because of the close family tie

between the Welsh and English plus Irish families through

the female line, Arundel seized the opportunity to

capitalize [More on our Family History page.].

1262

Gerald de Rupe, "the third best knight in Ireland", is killed

in battle at Tuarain Chormaic near Mangartach of Loch Lein

- one of the lakes of Killarney. He was in an army (under

McWilliam Burke) invading McCarthy territory. Cormac, son

of McCarthy, was also killed - there were heavy losses on

both sides.

Aedh O'Connor, King of Connacht, defeats the Normans at

Athankip. -

Norman expansion enters into serious decline (1270); yet in

1278, Irish Lords offered 8,000 marks to come under the

"protection" of English Law - refused by Clerics and Nobles.

Note: England did not gain complete control of Ireland until

c. 1650

1270

John Roch, chantor of Lismore, is Oblate Bishop, Diocese of

Lismore.

Sir Edmund Butler, Justiciar and Governor of Ireland,

Knight, b abt. 1276, Kilkenny Castle, Kildare, Ireland, d. 13

Sep 1321, London, m. Joan Fitz Gerald abt 1302, daughter

of Sir John Fitz Thomas Fitz Gerald, Earl of Kildare, Lord of

Offaly, and Blanche de la Roche.

Note: Modern Killavullen and Annakissa, the former

including most of the Mediaeval or Civil parishes of Carrig

and Monanimy and the latter Clenor and Wallstown-

Ballygriggin, sit astride the River Blackwater in North Cork.

A story that perfectly makes the point about the transition

between the Cambro-Norman "Invasion" and English

control of Ireland - and the difference between the two -

features the Wall and Roche families.

The Wall family came to the area about 1270 as subjects of

Lord of Fermoy who lived at Castletownroche. They

remained in possession of the estate until 1642, when, like

most of the "Old Normans", they fought for the Loyalist

cause in the Parliamentary Wars. Sir William St. Leger,

writing to the Lord Commissioners, 30th May, 1642 states

that Lord Inchiquin and Captain Jephson, two young men

highly commendable for their courage and judgment, with

their troops and two foot company's (sent to divert Lord

Roche fell upon a castle belonging to one Wall, a freeholder

of that county and a good estate.

With the loss of three men, albeit the place of good

strength and much repaired, they used fire and force,

putting the defenders, about 70 in number, either to the

sword or halter. The 'Principal' was Richard Wall who died

in Cork prison soon afterwards. In depositions in 1653,

regarding his involvement in the siege of Wallstown Castle,

he was already dead.

His son William, a minor, attempted to maintain possession,

but it was granted to a Parliamentary officer, Capt. Andrew

Ruddock (whose family grave is still to be seen in the little

church near the Castle). One James Wall tried to recover

this estate in 1690, and also the portion of Robert Wall's of

8

Doonevally (The Fort of the Walls), contiguous with his own

property, but his efforts were frustrated by the defeat of

James II at the Boyne. Thus the Roches became an object

lesson to those who tried to remain loyal to Pope and King,

Church and State when both are in opposition. It's can't be

done!

Edward I --- 1272-1309

1289

David de Rupe dies leaving as his heir - grandson David

FitzAlexander de Rupe - the children of his eldest son

Alexander having died before their father.

1291

Sir Thomas de Rupe was residing at Artramont, Co.

Wexford, the family seat in Rochesland for generations.

Previously, they had been at Newcastle in Shelmalier East

1295

A List from the Index to Volume I of the Justiciary Rolls: The

administration of justice under the control of Dublin in the

Middle Ages was carried out in a network of courts, each

with its own jurisdiction. On a local level, there were county

courts, manorial courts, liberty courts and courts in the

various towns and boroughs. Central justice was

administered in the king's name by the Justiciar's court

(which later became the King's Bench), the Common Bench

and by itinerant justices sent out to different areas of the

country. It is from the records of these courts that these

names were found by a good Dublin Researcher.

E-mail: Sean O'Neill:

The justiciar's court was mobile. Pleas were recorded, but

from about 1280, the itinerant had a profession judge

assisting, and a second judge was appointed on a regular

basis. These courts dealt with both civil and criminal

matters. On the civil side, issues were title to land and

trespass; on the criminal side, offences against the king's

peace such as homicide, rape, arson, highway robbery and

harbouring felons.

It would appear from those listed below that the first

named were OLDER, first generation, with many named

Nicholas, David, Henry, Raymond, Adam, Luke, William,

Godebert, Philip, Eustace, Gerald, Richard, Alexander. John,

Milo, Simon and Griffin are likely 2nd or 3rd generation

Cambro - Hiberno - Normans, sons or grandsons of the

ROCHEs or de RUPEs and de Rupellas who arrived in 1169.

Many in the Justiciary Rolls are referred to as

"bastards"....which can mean bastard within marriage and

without....depending on the "legal" interpretation applied

to the formal parental union. Divorce could mean you

became a bastard retroactively??? Listed are:

DE LA ROCHE --- Adam, seneschal of Weysford; Alexander,

son of David; Andrew; David; Amicia wife of David, son of

Alexander; Elias; Eustace; George; Godebert; Griffin; Griffin,

son of Raymond; Henry (Roch); Henry; Henry, Knight; Henry,

son of John; John; John, son of Eustace; Maurice; Philip;

Rodbert; & Thomas.

DE RUPE --- Adam, son of Nicholas; Alexander, Henry and

Alexander, sons of Alexander, son of David; Alexander,

brother of Andrew; David, Maurice his brother; David,

Knight; David, the younger; David, son of Henry; David, son

of Reimund; Edmund; George; Gerald; Gerald, son of David;

Gerald son of Eustace; Gilbert brother of Gerald son of

Eustace; Godebert, Chief Serjeant of Co.Waterford;

Godebert son of Gerald; Godebert son of Nicholas; Griffin;

Henry; Henry boy; Henry son of David (Nichola his widow);

Henry son of Gerald; Henry son of Griffin; Henry son of John;

Henry son of Nicholas; John; Alexander his brother; John son

of Alexander; John son of Gerald; John son of Griffin; John

son of Luke; John son of Nicholas; John son of Reimund;

John son of William (his wife Nesta); Luke son of John;

Maurice son of Nicholas; Milo; Milo son of Eustace; Nicholas

son of Richard; Peter son of Gerald; Philip, Knight; Philip son

of Alexander; Philip son of David; Philip son of John; Philip

son of William; Reimund son of Milo; Rodbert; Tanckard;

Thomas son of Simon; Walter William son of David

(Margery his widow); William son of John; & William son of

Nicholas.

1297 - Parliament at Dublin passes legislation to prevent

Normans from "going native".

1299

Adam de la Roche was Seneschal (Kings representative) in

Wexford; there is a record of his claim for allowances

(expenses) in Ireland for the period AD 1299-1303. He had

to claim these by Petition and they are extant under

Accounts Various - Miscellaneous at the National Archives

in Kew, UK. Since this is so long (over a century after the

Bannow Landing, it would seem that there was more than

one Adam, as suggested by many historians. We might

assume a father-son or uncle-nephew relationship, but we

could be either right or wrong; nobody knows. 1299-1305.

George de la Roche in Ireland grants the rights to Castle

Maurice in Wales to Sir John Wogan of Pictou - the result,

the founding of the Wogan chantry at St. David's

(Pembrokeshire, Wales).

9

1300s

1300-02

David de Rupe, having wed Amicia de Cauteton (Condon),

heiress of Fermoy, is ordered to deliver to brother in law

Maurice lands and rent in Glennoure, Ardlathe, Rathleglas,

Fegmor, Gortnebolla, Lenagh and Lysdonewyth. After her

death, David held title to these lands in Cork and passed

them in turn to one of their sons, Alexander, whose own

sons predeceased him. Suits and counter-suits continued

for years - great discord followed between the Roches and

Cauntetons. Eventually the cantred was taken into the

King's hands. David did fealty to the King in full court;

Maurice was ordered to cease all further interference; and

this explains how Fermoy came under the Roche domain at

that time.

However it was a short time indeed before this squabble

resulted in murder of a de Rupe and the hanging of a

Condon father and son) - see below.

1301

Grant of grazing rights by David de la Roche, Lord of

Llangwm and Maenclochog, to Whitland Abbey in

1301(Wales). This is Pembroke - but not Roch Parish - and

begs the question of whether David was in any way related,

other than by marriage to the de Roch Flemish family to the

north of him. David's family is linked to Butterhill and their

arms of later date show the lion, not the three roaches

normally associated with the Flemish Roches in Ireland.

David and Johanna (de Roch) had a son John who married

Elizabeth de Bromwich in England That line goes to

Elizabeth and Ellen de la Roche and becomes extinct in

their time (no male de la Roche descendent survived) in

England.

Thomas de la Roche - signatory to a Letter by a group of

Barons to Pope Boniface VIII by Seal - Sir Thomas bore the

arms "Sable, two lyons passant guardant argent". Some

trickery here by the then Archbishop of Canterbury,

Thomas Arundel - a clear attempt to implicate the late

Peter de la Roche by the seal he used (according to some

references) showing the Knights who killed Thomas Becket,

during the reign of Henry II (the three fishes). The killers -

Reginald Fitz-Urse, Hugh de Morville, William de Traci, and

Richard Brito - none a Roche - all felling into disgrace after

the murder....and Henry II with them.

1305-07

David de la Roche frequently mentioned in the Calendar of

Justiciary Rolls for Ireland (name used most often was

David FitzAlexander de Rupe), the most significant being an

intervention on his part to obtain respite for men charged

with the death of others.

1306

Thomas de la Roche has become Lord Roche of Wales, but

none of his descendents were ever called to parliament.

The previous year, he had acknowledged debts in Co

Tipperary, and in 1308-9 he remained in Wales while

appointing attorneys in Ireland. He died in 1313.

Edward II 1307-27

Rebuffed by Church and State, the Irish ask Edward Bruce

to become their King - 1315

1307-1322

Maurice de Rochfort addresses the King, Edward II, to do

what must have seemed in London like yet another

example of the curse of never-ending feuding in Ireland. De

Rochfort had taken issue with succession regarding Castle

Dermot, Kildare & Castle Kyle, Cork. People named: Miles

de Argentin (valet of de Rochfort), Gilbert le Waleis

(Wallace), a retainer of de Rochfort and Thomas de la

Roche. Thomas - if he is the same man named above - could

not have seen this matter to conclusion. It would have been

left to his estate presumably.

[Note: Many of the names mentioned are either de or le;

there are not many de la - certainly the family from Wales

should have been de Roch; I suspect that the other Flemish

families may have gone with one preposition....even the de

Clares (Strongbow). There should not have been many de la

Roches (Norman French in Ireland) and yet somehow,

because of also holding property in England, when not de

Rupe or the later Hibernicized de Roiste, the name is

frequently seen as de la Roche.

I mention elsewhere that the Normans in England would

have heard de Roch as de Rock phonetically, and thought

"de la Roche". In any even the two or three names (le

Rocque) became merged, it would seem, and then

Anglicized after 1600 into Roche, variously spelled. It is only

now with DNA technology available that we know there are

three genetically unrelated people using the surname - this

can't be repeated often enough as hardly a day goes by

when someone does not want a battle of the "proper

spelling of the name". There is no correct spelling for any

name - first or surname!]

But back to de Rochefort - a totally unrelated name - which

is why the above note is there when the same issue is

discussed elsewhere on this site. He requested the King

grant his peace to those who killed his valet, Miles de

10

Argentein, and robbed Gilbert de Waleis (Wallace) in the

town of Castledermot; and he states that Thomas de la

Roche, to whom the King granted a market at his Manor at

Kyle has in turn granted the Manor to him. The King is

asked to confirm the grant, especially the market, a good

source of revenue.

De Rochefort is required to show his charter en dorse, sue

in the Chancery, and the King grants it will be done upon

confirmation under he King's Seal in England. Clearly, they

were not making things easy for de Rochford, likely aware

that de Roch was in Wales and that the whole thing might

be a pretense. Later however, like after Thomas' death,

Maurice de Rochford again addresses the King mentioning

the same places and people and one may assume that -

unless challenged by the estate, the petition may have

been approved - but it took 15 years!

1308

Maurice de Caunteton (Condon) addresses King and Council

mentioning in his petition: Fermoy and other places in Co

Cork. People mentioned included David Fitz Alexander de

Rupe, grandson of David de Rupe, Walter L'enfaunt; Justice

Maurice de Caru (Carew). Clearly the Petition was not well

received and ended (see below) in the murder of Richard

de Rupe, presumably out of frustration.

Richard de Rupe's murder ends the hereditary feud

between the Roches and Condons. Maurice Condon

commits the murder. He and son David Condon were

hanged in Dublin.

David Fitz Alexander de Rupe, grandson of David de Rupe;

Walter Lenfaunt; Justice Maurice de Caruu (Carew); John

Wogan, Chief Justice of Ireland, PROME - Petitions from

Ireland - Unedited (1307-37), Rotuli Parliamentorum I, pp.

273-80, No. 19 (this dates the section) - we can safely

assume it had to do with the above dispute and murder.

1311

William Roche killed in Dublin.

1314

John, son of Lord Thomas Roche dies and in his Will

requests burial at Pill Priory (Wales). Lady Margaret, his

mother, is bequeathed half his farming stock at Pill with the

option of buying the other half at market value. Sisters

Elizabeth, Joanna and Lucia are left 20 marks each as a

marriage portion and his brother Thomas his armor.

Thomas, brother of John, had speedy use for the amour. He

was summoned for service under Sir John Birmingham

against Bruce and his Scots in 1316-17. Those refusing to

defend against Bruce in Ireland were threatened with

excommunication by the Pope. Bruce was killed in battle

and his head taken to England as a trophy by Bermingham.

Alexander Fitz-Hugh Roche founded Abbey of St. Augustine

at Bridgetown (in Irish, Ballindroghed) -- this reference is

debated amongst the experts and remains in question.

David de la Roche is among a group of "great men of

Ireland" written to by Richard II from York.

1315

Thomas de la Roche - Lord till 1324 - obtained a grant for

himself and wife Elizabeth of lands at Wolf's Castle and

Rinaston, Wales.

1316

Roches, two of them, among a group of leading "Anglo-

Irish" magnates, proclaim in writing (by their seal) their

loyalty to Edward II.

1317

Thomas was commanded to return from Ireland for military

action in Wales.

1319

Geoffrey de Rupe held lands at Gibbrick's Ford, Wales (the

Black Book of St. David's)

1325

Thomas de la Roche died and left a son, William, who

succeeded him, and four daughters. William in 1326, 30, 42

and 48 had to name attorneys in Ireland. He died about

1370. His son John predeceased his sister Mary who then

married John Fleming who became the new Baron de

Roche. Their daughter Margaret, a minor, married Sir Roger

de Claryndon, but died still under age in 1382. At this time,

the Pembroke estate was split between co-heirs of her

maternal grandfather, William's four sisters. Within a few

short years, the de Roch lands and properties in Wales had

passed into other hands.

David FitzAlexander de la Roche puts his seal on a

pronouncement of the Parliament at Dublin to delay the

carrying out of sentences on others levied by the Church at

the Council of Kilkenny. George de la Roche of the

Waterford branch was also a signatory.

11

1326

Roche family members and the Barrys, in battle, slay James

FitzRobert Keating, Lord Philip Hodnet (Hodnot) and Hugh

Gordon (History of Cork, Smith, 1893).

Edward III 1327-77

1330

David, son of David de la Roche, slain (by monarchist

forces) having been taken prisoner - this causes some

confusion regarding which David is being spoken of in the

various records of the period.

1332

David de la Roch is included in a group of Knights and

Squires mentioned in a letter from King Edward III to the

Archbishop of Cashel stating that Roger Outlaw, Prior of the

Hospital of St, John of Jerusalem in Ireland, has been given

the power to treat with both the English and Irish about

coming into the King's peace and favour.

1335

Lord Roche obtained from Edward III a reduction in the 200

mark fine levied on his father for not attending parliament

under predecessor Edward II in 1326 -- the Louth Branch?.

1344

David De La Roche, Knt., m. Anna, dau. of Morice

FitzThomas who survived him (ten years earlier, it is

recorded that he m. Blanch Fleming of Dungrow also

Castletownroche, likely the mother of son David killed in

1330.

1347

John Roche, Canon of Cork, ob. Bishop of Waterford and

Lismore. Chosen by Dean and Chapter, ruled 10 years, died

4 July 1358.

Roche family of Kildare founds a House of the Carmelite

Order at Cloncurry, Co. Kildare

1349

John Roche is Bishop of Cork

1350

John Roche is one of burgesses involved in the Charter of

Kinsale.

Alexander, Lord of Rochesland, [I assume from the names,

this was in Wexford], took money and other goods from

one Walter Stafford on "the King's highway"; imprisoned

William Murrough (likely MacMurrough) until a fine of 40s

was paid as he did with Ellen Furlong until she paid her fine

(unstated); he burned a boat belonging to John Lyng

(Lynch?) worth 46s; took a plow horse, sword and money

from Walter Talbot; and with William Sinnott and others

did take Thomas Sinnott's wife and horse worth 40s.

1351 & 56

David de la Roch receives letters from the King, Edward III.

David styles himself Lord of Fermoy in a letter in 1358.

1353

• Maurice Roche holds grist mill at Ballyleve.

• David Roche s/o Alexander holds land in manor of

Kyllenon.

• Maurice Roche holds land at Clenor.

• Thomas Roche holds land in Villa of Clenor.

1355

The Cork Roches and other Norman families, by act of

parliament (Dublin), seceded from the English government

- Source: History of the Viceroys of Ireland, Gilbert, 1865.

David de la Roch and a number of others received a letter

from the King re the guarding of Co.Cork. Possibly to win

David back, he is offered a knighthood. Records in

Birmingham and London confirm that he accepted, being

designated Roche, David Fitz Alexander miles (knight) by

1365, having done homage to the Bishop in Fermoy and

Clenor by service at the first installation of the Bishop to

the office of Marshal.

1358

David de la Roch of Fermoy appointed his Pembrokeshire,

Wales kinsmen his bailiffs to take possession of the Manors

of Manbrier and Penally to which he had succeeded on the

12

death of Avice de Barri through the passing of another

kinsman William Roche de Barri and by intermarriage

between the two families.

1364

• Maurice Roche of Balyleny holds land in Ballybeg,

Barony of Imokilly

• David Roche, holds dwelling and land, Clenor

parish.

• John Roche, son of William, holds Garran Twnld,

Clenor parish.

• David Dominus Roche holds Villa of Rathyn,

residence above, Avermor as Marshall.

• John Roche, son of William holds land in Garran,

Clenor parish.

• David Roche, son of David, holds dwelling and land

in Clenor parish.

• David de la Roche was elected Sheriff, Co. Wexford

• David Roche, Marshall for Bishop of Fermoy and

Cloyne (see above), holds Ballygybelyn curate in

Parish of Brygowne

Parliament at Kilkenny imposes draconian Statutes to

ensure English dominance in Ireland

1366

David Roche, Manor of Rahyn, holds Manor and property at

CasRoch, Person Street in Clenor and of Kylenon.

1371

Maurice Roche, lord Fermoy, holds land at Raheen in

Fermoy.

1374

David de la Rupe is killed in battle against Niall O'Neill and

Anna (FitzThomas) de Rupe (his widow), her heirs and

possessions are taken under the King's protection. She was

the mother of John born to the couple in David's old age.

1375

John, son of David, who succeeds his father as Lord Fermoy,

is charged by Edward III with keeping the peace.

Richard II 1377-99

1380

John Rupe is summoned by the King to parliament at

Tristeldermot and in Dublin in 1380.

Margaret Roche, dau of Nicholas of Newbawn, married

Thomas Wadding of Ballycogley, Sheriff of the Co.

1382

John, son of David, knight, is made Sheriff of Co. Cork

January 30.

1386

John Rupe (Roche) m. dau. of Thomas McCarthy, Lord of

Comangue (Cosnaguy/Cosmangie), listed as tanist (in

charge of kingly succession under Irish tradition) to

McCarthy Mor. This reflects how, against the statute of

Kilkenny, the Roches ignored the requirement not to

intermarry or do business with the Irish, but to remain a

race apart. The couple had two sons.

1387

John Rupe dies and leaves minor heirs. The lands of

Maurice de Rupe of Fermoy were given in custody to

Gerald FitzMaurice, Earl of Desmond. Maurice later married

Gerald's sister Anne.

1389

Dionysius Roche is Chief Magistrate/Mayor of Wexford.

1394 & 99 Richard II send armies to Ireland

1399

Five distinct branches of the Roche family are to be found

at this time in Ireland -- Louth, Kildare, Tipperary, Cork and

Wexford (Cork Historical and Archaeological Society).

13

Henry IV 1399-1413 (first of the House of Lancaster)

1400

1403

Robert Roche, Canon of Cloyne; John Roche s/o - Apr 17

Priory of Villa Pontis, barony of Fermoy: Schoolmaster

William Roche, Alexander Roche, witnesses.

1405

Maurice Fitz John Roch, Lord Roche, Viscount Fermoy

released all interest in vast holding in southern Cork to

Robert and Milo FitzGeoffrey de Cogan - Moretowne,

Mustrymyttin and from the water of Arino to the southern

sea in Cork (6th year of the reign of Henry IV).

1408

John Roche of Drinagh was Seneschal of Wexford.

Henry V 1413-22

1422

Maurice de Rupe was made Sheriff of Co. Cork by the King

in an open letter from Kilkenny on February 18.

Henry VI 1422-71 (overlap with Edward IV - War of the

Roses

1438

John Roche, first Bailiff of Limerick - 1422-71 (overlap with

Edward IV - War of the Roses). This would suggest, they had

been there for some time - supposition - Limerick was

governed as an independent City State under a Charter of

Henry V dated 1415 until about 1603. There were

successive Roches who held office as Aldermen and Mayors

of the City throughout much of this period.

1440

Maurice de Rupe remained benevolent toward Bridgetown

Abbey. In this year, Pope Eugenius IV confirms in writing a

grant by the Lord of Fermoy to the Abbey and Rectory of St.

Lachtain Parish Church in Ballyhea, left vacant by the

resignation of John Walshe.

1443

Maurice is confirmed as having a dau Blanche. This was in a

testimonial letter to James, Earl of Ormond, Lieutenant,

Cork, January 9 signed by Lord Roche. She married the Earl

of Kildare.

Calendar of Ormond Deeds, Volume III (c. 1423): The value

of royal service, given as knights' fees in this case 1/2 -

Royal service belonging to the Earl of Ormond [Butler] in Co

Kilkenny - The Lordship of Roche of Rower was granted the

area surrounding Rower Civil Parish [DE RUPE].

1445

William Roch, 1st & 2nd bailiff, Cork (1445-6).

1448

David Fitz Maurice de la Roche, an only son, succeeded his

father at Fermoy. All genealogies extant give David Mor

(the Great) validation from this point onward. This leaves

no doubt after this time of the names and succession of the

Lords of Fermoy, however confused they may have been

before this time. He married Joan, dau of Walter Burke

MacWilliam Uachter, with whom he had several children.

[Comment: I still wouldn't bet the keys to my house on any

of it - the need to create a later peerage after a dormancy

of over a century is proof that things did not in fact become

much more neat! JFR]

1464

Andrew Roch, 2nd bailiff, Cork

William Roche, Archdeacon of Cloyne, Bishop's coadjutor.

1466

John Roch, 2nd bailiff, Cork

14

Edward IV 1461-83 (first of the House of York - overlap with

predecessor - War of the Roses

1479-90

William Roche succeeded to Bishopric of Cork and Cloyne,

resigned 1490.

1480

Edmond Roch, 2nd bailiff, Cork.

Richard III 1483-5

1483

• Maurice Roch, 2nd bailiff, Cork

• Edward Roche, burgess, Kinsale

• John Roche, burgess, Kinsale

Henry VII 1485-1509 (the first Tudor)

1485 - Battle of Bossworth Field in England - Richard III

killed - Henry VII (Tudor) ascends the Throne

1488

Maurice, son of David Mor, succeeded his father and was

summoned to Greenwich by King Henry VII in 1489. He

married twice - Joan dau of the earl of Desmond and

Margaret dau of Mahon O'Brien. With Joan, there were two

children and with Margaret one, a son, Edmond. Joan's dau

Ellen married her grand uncle Maurice, Earl of Desmond.

Maurice Roch, mayor, Cork - Maurice was from south of

Lough Mahon on the river Ballyroche. He was at times

Mayor of Cork between 1488 and 1523. The family used the

name Carrick for a time, as reflected in a land transaction of

the day, (Source: Gentlemen's Magazine, September,

1855). A constant is the Lion motif in their arms and those

in part of Wales.

1491

Maurice Roch, mayor, Cork *

David Roche first Bailiff of Limerick.

1494-95

John Roche, provost of Kinsale.

1497

Maurice Roch, Mayor of Cork

David Roche, Mayor of Limerick

The burning of Irish records at Four Courts leaves little

information on the next few generations of Roches, but we

do know Maurice was succeeded by son David (Cork), who

married Cathleen dau of Teig McCarthy Mor. This David

lived until abt 1544, but it was in his time that serious

trouble began with the English - seems there was much

"plundering" and "despoiling".

1500

15?? Edward Roche, application for Charter of City of

Kinsale

15?? John Roche, application for Charter of City of Kinsale

1500

Maurice Roch, mayor of Cork*

1501

John Roch Fitz Morris, 1st bailiff, Cork

George Roch, 2nd bailiff, Cork - claiming descent from Lord

Roch and Fermoy, had a son John b. 1507 who became the

father of James Roch the Swimmer, credited with saving

Derry for the British (more below).

1502-03

Andrew Roche, sovereigne of Kinsale

1504-05

George Roche, provost of Kinsale

15

Henry VIII 1509-47 (Reformation begins in the Reign of a

King deemed "Defender of the Faith")

After a lapse in the tradition of Irish scholars attending

English Universities (particularly Oxford & Cambridge), it

began again in about AD 1500. The same restrictions on

their future career prospects that had caused them to go to

institutions on the continent still prevailed. No Irish

graduate was permitted to take an appropriate position,

upon graduation, in Ireland. What this meant in reality is

anyone's guess. First, they had to be considered Loyalist in

order to attend; second, having attended, they might still

be disadvantaged; and third "Irish", by then could be Gaelic

or Old English (not English at all, of course).

The difference was that this time, as opposed to the time of

Henry V, for example, special dispensations were offered as

long as concessions were made by the young scholar. As a

result, some became Bishops and some gained positions in

government - accent on "some". An exception was lawyers.

There was a clear need for people trained in both the

English Feudal Code and Brehon Law.

It was flattering for an Irish Chieftain to be offered an

English knighthood, but little did he realize the true cost.

Once conferred by the Monarch, the Knight's property

could be confiscated at the whim of his Master; his children

could be made wards of the Monarch; and any profit

accruing from his wife's dower similarly could revert to the

Crown. Henry's Acts of Attainder (AD 1535) and his Act of

Absentees could blindside any Irishman and be used to

entangle and confuse any of the old Cambro-Norman;

Flemish or English.

In fact, by stealth, Henry at about AD 1520 was beginning

to plot ways to supercede the Irish by English tenure.

Having witnessed the limitations of force, he used guile - he

hoped young people educated in the ways of the English

would return home Anglicized, the deal sweetened by

offers of membership in the Privy Counsel. He wanted this

done "politically, patiently, and secretly", so that Irish and

Hibernicized outsiders would find themselves drawn

without jealousy or suspicion into the English sphere of

influence. He saw lawyers as central to the ruse.

While some took the bait - hook, line and sinker - others

slowly caught on. By 1577, when Elizabeth was on the

Throne, a group of such lawyers, by then called, within the

Pale, "Irish men", led the gentry there to contest for the

independence of Parliament. The reaction by the Queen

and her deputies can best be described as blistering hatred.

The lawyers involved suffered straight and painful

imprisonment, and that was the end of all pretense. It

seemed that with the exception of Dublin (the Pale),

nobody knew where they stood and so they stood where

they wanted to stand until, they could be brought to heel.

1510


1511

Maurice Roche, Mayor, Cork *

1511-12

Richard Roche, sovereigne of Kinsale

1512

Edmond Roch Fitz Morris, 1st bailiff, Cork.

1513

John Roche fs Morris, mayor of Cork

1514


1515

Phillip Roche, provost of Kinsale.

1516

William Roch fs George, 2nd bailiff, Cork

1520

Edmond Roche, mayor of Cork, Lord Walter Roche, son of

Nicholas, with a band of followers, entered the suburbs of

Wexfordtown by night and burned a boat owned by Robert

Canton (Condon/Cauton) at Ravan Point, then went on to

burn the towne of William Meyler and Thomas Synott,

charging the 20s in order to re-build. Walter also entered

Wexfordtown, with an Irish banner displayed and seized

any animals found. This is again a case of old allies fighting

one another. Walter having taken an Irish wife and

adhering to Brehon Law and thus being in violation of

Feudal/English law.

1522-23

Phillip Roche, sovereigne of Kinsale.

1523

Maurice Roche fs John, mayor of Cork *

1525

Sir Dominick, Vicar of Cork, Bishop of Cork and Cloyne.

16

1528 Migrations of Munster Irish into (back into)

Pembrokeshire (Wales)

Note - this explains much of the confusion around the

latter-day Roch(e) names and estates in Wales, especially

Pembroke(shire). The original de Roch(e)s had died off in

the 1400s at Roch Parish and the de la Roches (further

south) had fled to England - as described on the History

Page - link on this site. Even though locals had adopted the

name after the Roches were no more, I had been at a loss as

to how they could have taken up titles and property later.

This is at least partially explained - absentee Welsh

landlords in Ireland - plus strong links between Cork and

Dublin over the centuries - do (tenuously) provide the

substance for the re-appearance of non-Welsh Roches and

arms bearing lions, not fishes, in Wales at a later date. The

lion/s - sometimes capped with a five pointed Crown - a

Roche - and having been used by some south Cork Roches -

now make sense. So there is some logic and continuity to

what had seemed a muddle.

1528

Richard Roch St John, 1st bailiff, Cork

1529

James Roch St Morris, 1st bailiff, Cork

1530

Edmund Roche fs Maurice, mayor of Cork

George Roch, 1st bailiff, Cork

1533

Dominick Roch fs Edmd., mayor of Cork

David Roche, Mayor of Cork

1534

Nicholas Roch, 2nd bailiff, Cork

1535


1536 - George Browne made Bishop of Dublin; ordered to

reform Irish Church

1537 - Henry VIII declared King of Ireland by Irish

Parliament. All land declared property of the crown to be

re-granted at the King's pleasure.

1537

• Walter Roche ( Roche's Revenge), Rochesland

waxed Irish in his ways and went to the suburbs of

Wexford town on a night raid, burning property,

collecting taxes and taking cattle. He had an Irish

woman as a wife in open contravention of the

Church's Statutes of Kilkenny.

• Robert Roche, son of John Roache of New Ross,

contrary to the King's peace, cut off the hand of

David Duff, mariner of Ross.

• William Edlee Roche took from Thomas Keating of

Graigscor farm animals and other goods.

• William Etle (note difference in spelling) Roche,

with the help of diverse "wild Irish", attached

Coolcotts, a townland near Wexford, and took

from husbandman, Walter McThomas farm

animals and other goods. The group also

murdered McThomas' wife. This seems and was

terrible, but all sides were guilty of such atrocities.

• Nicholas Roche, Seneschal of Co Wexford, with his

allies the Keatings, Suttons, Furlongs, Hores, Hays,

FitzHenrys, Devereaux', Synotts and Nevilles, took

away from the commons and burgesses of New

Ross by force of arms pigs, sheep, cattle and six

men as hostage for ransom.

• Ironically, while these "crimes" were being judged

and reported back to Dublin by Juries within the

Shire, the family names - like Roche and

Prendergast are found both on the docket and as

jurymen - specifically in this year (1537), one John

Roche. In fact, all the names are foreigners' names,

as are the names of those charged. Presumably,

this is the result of people deciding to be Loyalist,

Brehon or to try to be either depending on

circumstance...the deciding factor often being the

taking of Irish wives in violation of the Statutes of

Kilkenny and similar laws.

1539

David de Rupe (alias Lord Roche) had drawn the ire of

Nicholas Comyn, Bishop of Waterford, who requested in a

letter to Henry VIII that the English subdue the rudeness of

Lords Barri, Roche and others. Trying to be politically

astute, he seems to have been successful for a time in

being included among the Anglo-Normans, not the Cambro-

Normans.

17

James fz Morris Roche, mayor of Cork (and again in 1552).

1541


1542

Philip Roche, esq., suffrain of Kinsale

David de Rupe again figures in a letter to the King. This

time, it is from Lord Deputy Sentleger requesting redresse

for the many evil behaviours committed by Lord Roche and

the White Knight who "have long been out of good order

and yet Englishmen" fighting one another. They were

therefore thrown in jail in Dublin where they got along

famously apparently. The plan was to keep them there til

they saw the light and learned to behave.

1544

David de Rupe, Lord of Fermoy, dies.

1545

Maurice "The Mad" de Roch, 2nd bailiff, Cork succeeds his

father David. He married Grace, dau of Cormac MacTeige,

Lord of Muskerry and had 5-6 children.

1546

Dominick Roche, merchant, Cork

James Roche, Mayor, Cork

Marcus Roche, Cork

1547

Robert Roche of Drinagh with Ric Butler intruded into the

King's Castle and lands at Taghmon. The Sheriff reported in

the Plea Rolls of Wexford that they were both now dead.

Edward VI 1547-53 (at age 10)

1548

William Fitz Edmund Roche, reg. In 1578, d. of w., will filed,

Co Cork

Richard Roch, 1st bailiff, Cork

1549

May 3, Pardon of: Robert Roche, gent., of Ballytersane,

Richard Roche of Danystone,

Maurice Duff Roche of Ballyby

1549 Aug 4, Pardon of:

Alexander Roche of Balletasan in the Roche-land,

Robert Roche of Drenargle, parish of Kylepatrick,

Thomas Roche Cork City 1550,

Dominick Roche, mayor of Cork

1552 July 22, Pardon to:

David Roche, son of Lord Roche,

Edward bane Roche,

James Roche M'Barrye of Ballyrichards, horseman,

Peccorde Roche,

Richard M'Libbode Roche,

John oge M'Edmond Roche

1552 James Roch fz Morris, mayor of Cork

Mary I 1553-58 (restored Catholicism in England and

encouraged the first Plantation by the English in Ireland)

1553

Lord Roche is described in a letter from Sir Thomas

Cusacke, Lord Chancellor of Ireland to the Duke of

Northumberland as being among the lords and captains of

the counties Limerick, Cork and Kerry who within a few

years would not hear talk of obeying the law.

1556

John Roch fz Edmd., 1st bailiff, Cork

Lord Roche married the second daughter of Sir Thomas of

Desmond

1557

Patrick Roche, Archdeacon of Cork, recommended to be

Bishop of Cork and Cloyne and by inhabitants of Kinsale.

Signers included John Roche fitz Patrick, John Roche fz.

Phyllyp

1558

The White Knight (Limerick) v Lord Roche (Fermoy) - alleged

spoil of the Plaintiff's country by Donoghe, brother of the

Defendant. Judgment: payment demanded to the Irish

Exchequer (presumably, a fine).

Dominick Roche fz William, mayor of Cork

18

Elizabeth I 1558-1603 (restores the C of E in England)

1561 (or earlier)

David Roche, succeeded Maurice the Mad

1561

Richard Roch, 1st bailiff, Cork

Lord Roche is again the subject of correspondence from

Ireland to England. Thomas Sussex reported that he has

heard that the earl of Desmond has sworn Lord Roche to

him.

1562

Maurice Roch, 1st bailiff, Cork

1563

Lord Roche is reported to Queen Elizabeth I by the Lord

lieutenant as having suffered great hurts at the hands of

the Countess of Desmond, Gerald Earl of Desmond, his late

father, James Fitz John, and their supporters.

Maurice Roche of Trabulgan, Mayor of Cork (suggested by

some as first in the line culminating with Princess Diana).

They were from south Cork - raising doubts about a

Limerick connection to the last dynasty (barons) at Fermoy)

Richard Roch, 2nd bailiff, Cork

1565

Richard Roche, was mayor of Cork

1565 April 10, Pardon to:

Maurice Roche, son and heir of Lord Roche

John fitz Edmond Roche of Ballehyndeny

James fitz Maurice Roche of Croghe

James Roche, alias Machenry, of Corraghmachenry, Co

Cork, gent.

1566

David Roche is knighted by Sir Henry Sidney during his tour

of the south of Ireland following his vindication on a charge

of supineness while in command of cavalry in support of his

English allies. It is difficult, however, to evaluate the

significance afforded this title in Tudor times, especially

since there was obvious distrust of the recipient in

government circles. Military intelligence documents by

Loyalists which still survive indicate that Roche was most

vulnerable at Killmallocke, but that he had under his

command 36 cavalrymen, 100 foot soldiers and 80

gallowglass (mercenaries).

Edmond Roch, 1st bailiff, Cork

1567

Maurice Roch, 1st bailiff, Cork

1568

Roche's loyalty in question and Roche's country raided - in

answer to his complaint, the Lord Justices sent a circular to

a number of Anglo-Norman officials speaking of Roche's

loyalty and asking restitution for the harm wrought by the

Irish. The Earl of Desmond, his father in law, was at this

time confined to the Tower of London.

Lord Roche listed among "all the noble men" summoned to

appear in parliament at Dublin by the pleasure of Queen

Elizabeth I. It notes that the names of these formerly noble

houses have begun to tarnish - some have become mere

Irish, and some partly Irish, thus causing a great decay in a

noble region. Roche, Viscount of Fermoy is ninth on that

list.

1571

• Maurice Roche fz Edmd., mayor of Cork

• Maurice Roche, Mayor of Cork, given a silver collar

by Queen Elizabeth I for services against the Earl of

Desmond.

• Lord David Roche sides with the Queen against

James FitzMaurice in the Geraldine Rebellion, his

second son is wounded and a request sent to the

Privy Council that the young man be taken to

England for surgery.

• 1571 John, son of Edmund Roche of Cork, land -

Aug 20; Richard Roche, land

1572

James Roch fz Dominick, 1st bailiff, Cork

Lord Roche's support deemed ineffective in a letter from

Lord President Perrot to the Lord Deputy describing a small

military action in Munster.

1573 May 4, Pardon to:

Edmond fitz Morishe Roche of Illane ny fynsyn, Cork

John fitz Morishe Roche of Illane ny fynsyn, Cork

William fitz Morish Roche of Kinur, yeoman, Cork

19


Morishe----David Roch, lord of Armoye (Fermoy), Co Cork,

his son and other relatives as follows for having helped the

English Army in Munster and remitting all Crown debts.

Maurice Roche of Castletown, Cork, gent,

Elinor fitz Morishe, his wife, Cork,

James ny gillagh Roche, Cork,

Theobald Roche of Castletown, Cork,

John Roche of Castletown, Cork,

William Roche of Carrigownane, Cork,

William fitz Tibbot Roche of Ballahowly, Cork,

Theobald fitz Philip Roche of Ballahowly, Cork,

David fitz Philip Roche of Ballahowly, gent., Cork,

John moyle fitz Edmond Roche of Ballahowly, Cork,

Edmund fitz David Roche of Carrigownan, Cork,

David fitz Tibbot Roche of Licklase, Cork,

James fitz Tibbot Roche of Licklase, Cork,

John fitz Tibot Roche of Licklase, Cork,

David fitz James fitz Redmond Roche of Ballihenden, gent.,

Cork


David fitz John Roche of Killahally, gent., Cork

John fitz David Roche of Whatlieston, Cork

James fitz James Roche of Shanywallymore, Cork

David row Roche of Tamplerowne, yeoman, Cork

John fitz Ulicke Roch of Kilbyrne, gent., Cork

Eustas fitz Thomas Roch of Croghnykry, yeoman, Cork

James fitz Thomas Roche of Ballyndrohyd, chaplain, Cork

Eustace fitz Thomas Roche of Ballyndrohyd, yeoman, Cork

Maurice fitz John fits Gerot Roch of Ballinleygan, Cork

William rioghe Roche of Casteltown, Cork

Redmund boy Roch of Casteltown, Cork, yeoman

Peter fitz William Roche of Ballyhenden, yeoman, Cork

Redmund Roch, son of lord Roche, gent., of Castletown,

Cork

1573 Philip Roche's lands - his being the under-aged son

and heir of John Roche, late of Kynsall, Cork, merchant -

were granted in wardship to Nicholas Walsh, gent., to hold

during minority, Cork.

1573 May 10 Pardon to:

John Roche fitz William of Curaghrock, gent., Cork

1574

Edmd. Roch fz Dominick, 1st bailiff, Cork


James Roch alias ny geyllaghe of Old Castletown, Co Cork,

gent.

Redmond Roch of Castletown, Cork, gent.

Redmund boy Roche of Croighe, Cork

Edm. Fitz David Roch of Carrigtowne, Cork

James fitz Philip Roch of Ballahowly, Cork

John Roche fitz Richard of Cork

Maurice fitz James Roch of Ballyhenden, Cork

William riough Roch of Castletown, Cork

John begg Roch of Curraghmackhenry, Cork

Edm. y villaine Roch of Kylowragh, Cork

David fitz Philip Roch of Ballahowly, Cork

Tybbott m'Philip Roch of Ballahowly, Cork

Shane lyeh Roch of Ballyndenig, Cork

Peter fitz William Roch of Old Castletown, Cork, yeoman

In the midst of this, we have a buccaneer, a pirate - Philip

Roche - if that in fact was his real name; On record is a

memorandum regarding seizure of concealed money by the

Bristol searcher (custom's officer in modern terms, I

suppose) aboard Roche's ship, laden for Ireland, 28 May

1575


Theobald Roche of Cregg, Cork, gent.

John Roche of Crogh, Cork, gent.

Maurice fitz Gerrot Roche of Ballgingerragh, Cork, gent.

David fitz John Roche of Rathe, Cork, gent.

Philip fitz Redmond Roche of Cariglenlery, Cork, kern

David m'Shane bane Roche of Rathe, Cork, kern

1576 Feb 16, Pardon to:

Eustace Roche of Parke, Cork

1576

William Roche fz Dominick, mayor of Cork

20

1577 - Pope Gregory XIII, despite Rome's self-interested

and full support for the British Monarchy for centuries,

exhorts the Irish to rebel against Queen Elizabeth I of the

Reformed Christian Faith - using as justification that "the

Apostolic See hath ever embraced with singular love and

peculiar affection the nation of the Irish."

1577 Sept 7, Pardon to:

John beg Roche of Carragh-m'Henry, yeoman, Cork.

John duff Roche of Castletowne, Cork


David Roch, Knt., viscount of Fermoy, Co. Cork

Theobald Roch of Cregg, Cork, gent.

1577

David Viscount Roche of Ardmoy (Fermoy) received a grant

under Queen's letter dated 22 May to hold the office of

leader of the inhabitants of Ardmoy, Lord Roche's country -

effective Sept 21

1578

Philip Roche, gent., advisor to Earl of Desmond

John Roche, gent., son of Viscount Roche, grant of wardship

and marriage of Donald or Donnagh O Kellaghan, grandson

and heir of Kelleghan/O Kellaghan, late chief of his nation in

Co. Cork, and custody of his lands during minority.

David Roche, Sept 10 Livery to knight., Viscount Fermoy

alias Ardmoye, son and heir of Maurice late Viscount.

1579

Maurice Roche fz Richard, mayor of Cork

Lord Roche and an illegitimate son James helped the

English (Sir Henry Sidney) against the Geraldines. James

was later killed by the White Knight, Edmond FitzGibbon.

But Roche refused to pay English taxes and levied his own

exorbitant taxes on his subjects.

Lord Roche warned the Duke of Ormond in February about

the coming of Spanish ships.


Patrick Roche fitz Philip., merchant of Kynsale.

1580

James Roche Negelagh having been murdered, Edm. Fitz

John FitzGibbon, gent., of Mitchelstown, Cork, was

pardoned for death.

1581

Maurice Roche of Cahedowgan, esq., son and heir of David

Roche, lord of Ardmoye, who was reconciled with his father

thereafter, having been in open rebellion against the

English - pardoned

1582

Maurice Fitz Edmond Roche, alderman of Cork, will filed,

Co.Cork

Patrick Fitz Philip Roche of Kinsale, will filed, Co Cork

Lady Roche, David's wife - was accused of treason by a

younger branch of the family including Theobold Roche of

Ballyherven. Four of their sons were killed in battle with

their enemies of long standing, the Condons. Not more

than fourteen men survived so that Roche had to bring in

strangers from other territories to inhabit his territory after

these engagements - a disastrous year for the Roche family

1582 Aug 24, Pardon to:

Fermoy William m'Phillip Roche of Castlelions, Cork

Fermoy David m'Phillip Roche of Castlelions, Cork.

1582 Aug 26, Pardon to:

Philip carraugh Roch, horseman, Cork

Patrick Roch fitz Rob., horseman, Cork

Theobald Roche, Cork

John Roche fitz Rob., Cork

Edm. Roch fitz John, Cork

Edm. Roch fitz Rob., Cork

Rob. Carragh Roche, horseman, Cork

Edm. Roch, kern, Cork


Richard Roch fitz John of Kinsale, Cork.

1583

• James Roche, mayor of Cork

• Nov 4 Maurice Roache Fitz Richard, probate, Co

Cork

• Nov 10 Christopher Roche of Wexford, an Irishman

forced by poverty and conscience to study abroad

- at 22 years of age, departed Wexford for

Bordeaux where he worked as a porter in Guinne

College for a year; taught Latin for six months at a

school in Libourne; studied at Toulouse and in

colleges in Paris for a year and a half, Lorraine for

three years; and then in Antwerp, Brussels,

21

Douaine, & St. Quen - eight years in all -

wandering, sometimes serving meals to make a

living and studying when he had money for food.

His fate is unknown.

• Nov 21 Confirmation of Ulicke Roche on manors of

Oldcasteltown and Fermoy, Michellistown, Co.

Cork, held under lease to James Roche, his father,

which had lapsed.

• Nov 26 Lease to Morishe Roche, lord Roche and

viscount Fermoy, site of monastery of Fermoy, Co.

Cork and its possessions for 21 years.

1583 Nov 28, Pardon to:

Maurice Roch, lord Roch of Castleton, Co. Cork

John Roch fitz William of Carrigdowne, Cork, gent.

William m'Theobald Roche of Hall, Cork, gent.

John fitz William Roch of Hall, Cork, gent.

Maurice fitz John Roch, late of Chrahmarie, horseman, Cork

David fitz John Roch of Castelkiflyn, horseman, Cork

Walter Roch of Castellkiffyn, horseman, Cork

Maurice fitz John Roch of Castelkiffyn, Cork

James fitz Morishe Roch of Soneston, gent., Cork

James fitz Philip Roch Conva, Cork

Edmund oge fitz Edm. Roch of Ballynlegan, Cork

David fitz John Roche of Hall ____ Ballynleaynicke, Cork

Theobald fitz David Roche of Ballyhindyny, Cork

Maurice fitz James Roche of Ballyhindyny, Cork

David fitz Tabbot Roche of Glanmor, horseman, Cork

1583

Maurice Roche, Lord Roche, Viscount Fermoy alias

Ardmoye, son and heir of David, late viscount granted

Livery

David and wife Ellen dau of James MacPierce died within a

month of one another in the spring of this year -- not

surprising in light of what had so recently befallen them.

Castletownroche was preyed upon by the Condons.

Margery, sister of David, was left to entertain British

representative, Sir Henry Sidney, on yet another of his

visits.

Eveleen, Countess Roche, dau of Maurice, son of David and

Ellen, wife of the Earl of Thormond (Donoghe, the son of

Conor O'Brien) died that summer at Clonroche and was

buried in the Monastery at Ennis.

Maurice de Rupe succeeded his father as Viscount. He was

married to Ellen, dau of Maurice Atotane, brother of the

15th Earl of Desmond. They had 4-5 children. He had been

amongst the pardoned in 1565 -76-81 for rebellion and

manslaughter, but upon receiving his inheritance, he at first

went back the Queen (very pragmatic). Because he did so,

he gained yet another pardon and his men an amnesty.


John Roche fitz Morice of Cork.

1585

Maurice Roche, probate, Co Cork

Philip Roche, esq., Borough of Kinsale officer

September, 1588 - Spanish Armada - About 25 Spanish

ships wrecked off the Irish coast. Cast-aways were helped

in Ulster and north Connacht, but, elsewhere, many were

put to death.

1588

Theobald Roch of Creg slain. Sept 9 as a result of an

Inquisition at Shandon Castle, which found him guilty of

participation in the Earl of Desmond's Rebellion.

Lord Roch granted parcels of land and an Abbey in

consideration of 200 pounds arrears because Roche and his

ancestors had on all occasions of service, especially in the

late rebellion, shown themselves loyal and serviceable to

the Crown. However, overall, Roche and his kin, after all

was said and done, fared as badly as the rebels. Maurice

proceeded to England to plead his case and returned

indignant at his treatment.

Eustace Roche of Flanders was employed by the crown to

improve the mining of metals, and in 1588, was granted

land at Newhaven to construct 10 pans, in which he was to

make a superior grade of salt. Coal and salt were largely

responsible for the rise in importance of several ports in the

Forth, but Leith, Scotland shared significantly in the trade.

1589

John Roch, 1st bailiff, Cork

1590

Dominick Roche fz Oliver, mayor of Cork

Christopher Roche, l. died, 13 December, under torture,

Newgate, London (Source Catholic Encyclopedia - Irish

Confessors and Martyrs)

22

1591 June 19, Pardon to:

Philip roe Roch of Crookshaven

John Roch of Crookshaven

1591, Pardon to:

Morice fitz John fitz(R)Edmond Roche, Cork

1592

David, son of Maurice the Mad, dies. English undertakers

were abroad in the land at that time and the Roches were

not happy about their demands and decisions.

1593

If Maurice Roche, at the age of 42, became the eighth

Viscount of Fermoy in 1635, he would have been born to

David, the seventh Viscount, about this time.

1594

Francis Roach was Chorister at Corpus Christi in England, an

Irishman studying in England. Source; Fowler's, p 429.

Maurice, Viscount Roch, is imprisoned in Dublin Castle,

charged with crimes of high nature. There he remained

until July 1599 (below), and he remained loyal to the

Queen!

Dominic FitzJordan Roche of Newcastle was mayor of

Limerick in 1597, 1616, 1618 and 1621. He was

Commissioner of Co. Limerick in 1627 and often at odds

with the Church. As Alderman at Limerick in 1629, he was

accused of using "disrespectful words towards the King."

An Irish Rebellion against England began. Spanish help

arrived too late (1601).

1598

David Roche, son of Maurice, joined the rebels (according

to a letter from Sir Thomas Norreys to Sir Robert Cecil from

Cork). The undertakers were promptly ejected from their

holdings shortly thereafter.

1598 Feb 17, Pardon to:

Richard fitz James Roche

Margaret fitz John Roche

Redmund boy Roche

James Roche fitz Philip

Richard Roche fitz Philip

Philip Roche fitz Philip

Redmund fitz Tibbot Roche

1599

Maurice finally had enough and entered the rebellion. He

then married widow Cateline, dau of Gerald, Earl of

Desmond. However, he soon quarreled with Lord Desmond

and was pardoned yet again - along with many kinsmen.


Maurice Roche, Viscount Fermoy

Theobald Roche, his son

William Roche

James Roche

Edward Roche

Theobald fitz David Roche

Redmond fitz Theobald Roche

David fitz Theobald Roche

James fitz Morishe Roche

Ulicke fitz James Roche

John fitz Ulicke Roche

John fitz Morishe Roche

Morishe fitz John Roche

Garrett Roche

Edm. Fitz Redmond Roche

George fitz John Roche

Redmond boy Roche

Richard fitz James Roche


Morishe fitz James fitz Redmond Roche

James fitz Theobald Roche

Rob. Garuffe fitz John Roche

1600

1601

Maurice and John Fitz John Roche are reported to have

marched from Kinsale with Don Juan de Aquila (Spanish

Fleet), but Maurice had died in June, 1600. His place was

taken by son David who turned Protestant and turned away

his brothers. Brother, Theobold died in the same year as his

father. While a rebel in his youth, David becomes a loyalist

once he received his inheritance in full - even that taken

from his father in penalty for rebellion. He married Joan

dau of James Lord Barry, Viscount Buttevant. So, by the

beginning of the 1600s the Fermoy family was represented

by David (1573-1635), a Loyalist. He died at

Castletownroche, west of Glanworth in the area by then

23

known [like several others in Ireland] as Roche's Country

[Crioch Roisteach].

His son Maurice inherited, but met a very different fate.

There was increasing political opposition from Dublin Castle

to Anglo-Irish Gentry who claimed loyalty to the Crown, but

remained Roman Catholic. The Civil War of 1641 and the

Cromwellian intervention in Ireland saw Maurice treated

with suspicion. He was even imprisoned for a short time in

1624.

He chose the Confederacy side in the 1640's and suffered a

major land confiscation, valued at £50,000, in 1642. He was

offered in exchange an obscure piece of land in Co. Mayo,

which was never taken up. He attempted to regain his land

through supplications to Charles II after the Restoration,

but was completely unsuccessful.

Maurice's wife, Catherine (nee Power), was even more

unfortunate. After gallantly defending Castletownroche in

1641, she was hanged by Cromwell for murder of an

"unknown man" on the evidence of a "strumpet". Her

husband later fled to Flanders and joined a continental

army (more below).

1602

Walter Roche, son of John Roche of Rochesland, Co

Wexford, at Trinity (ward - meaning it was likely he has

been made ward of the Queen - not something desirable.)

1603

• Edward Roche, bro. to Dominick Roche, rebels

• John Fitz-David Roche, RC, preached in R.C..

Rebellion

• John Roch fz James, 1st bailiff, Cork

• June 1 Philip Roche Fitz-John, probate, Co Cork

• Lord David Roche, still loyal to the Crown, with

Thornton and 800 soldiers, proclaimed the King

(James I) near Shandon Castle, Cork.

James I 1603-25 (first of the Stuarts)

1604

John Roche., son of Thomas Roche, Athnally, Co Wexford,

at Trinity College, ward.

1605

Patrick Roch, 1st bailiff, Cork

1607 - The Flight of the Gaelic and Cambro-Norman Earls of

Ulster to Spain - Cos Armagh, Cavan, Coleraine, Donegal,

Fermanagh and Tyrone - declared forfeit to the crown.

Ulster was seized and populated by Lowland Scots and

English Protestants....a problem that sustains until today.

1607

David McShane Roche, probate, Oct, City of Cork

Dominick Roche, probate, Oct, Co of Limerick

1608

Edmund Roche, 1st son of Philip Roche, gent., Kinsale, ward

at Trinity.

Edmd. Roch, 1st bailiff, Cork

1609

• Dominick Roche fz William, mayor of Cork

• Dominick Roche named mayor under charter of

King James I.

• John Roche FitzJohn of Ballyerlane appointed to

freeholder panel, Cork - July 13

• Dominick Roche of Ards Rostige, gent., appointed

to freeholder panel, Cork

• Francis Roche of Rathmacullicke, appointed to

freeholder panel, Cork

• John Roche FitzJames of Carrickanavya, gent.,

appointed to freeholder panel, Cork

• David Roche of Fermoy surrendered all lands to

James I and had them re-granted to him so that

there could be no dispute over title as long as the

monarchy endured. Confirmation was received in

1611 along with 150 foot soldiers who were placed

under his command. He had won the King's favour

- by changing his religion!

1610

Edward Roche, Edmond Gallwey, Henry Gould Fitz-Piers

(Mayors and Sheriffs of Cork. Source: " The History of the

Co and City of Cork" by Rev. C.B. Gibson, M.R.I.A., published

London, 1861, Volume II).

1611

David Lord Roche, probate, Sept, Co Cork

24

1612

Nicholas Roche, who died in office and was succeeded by

Ed. Roche Fitz-John Domk. Tyrry Fitz-Edmond, Stephen

Miagh Fitz-Garrett, Patrick Lawallyne Fitz-Richard Dominick

Gallwey - source as above.

Eustatius (Eustace) Roche, probate, Oct, Co Waterford

1613 - Coleraine and Derry renamed Londonderry

1613

David Roche (Fermoy) signs a petition for a group of

Catholics going to parliament to request some redress in

the laws against them.

James Roch fz Philip, Borough of Kinsale officer - April 21

Dominick Roch fs Richard, gent., Borough of Kinsale officer

1614

Edmond Fitz Morish Roche of Ardeclaine, d. of w., will filed,

Co Cork

March John Roche, prior of Lismore

Edward Roche, son of John Cork City

1615

Dominick Roche fz James, dep. Sheriff of Cork

1616

Dominick Roche Fitz-James (Mayor), Maurice Roche Fitz-

James (Sheriff), John Gallwey, James Gold, G.T. Fitz-

Edmond, John C. Fitz-John, Thomas Martell Fitz-Philip -

source as above.

1618 - Herald's Visitation of Co. Wexford.

The Roches of Artramont and Drinagh (Bless them!)

showed contempt for the English Crown by refusing to

register their arms and pedigrees with the Ulster King of

Arms on his visit to Wexford

*** THIS EVENT TRIGGERED THE BEGINNING OF THE END

FOR OUR TITLES, PEERAGES, WEALTH & POWER IN

WEXFORD.

'If the Roches lost their claim to titles and coats of arms in

1618, and their lands and possessions in the Cromwellian

Plantation, later generations showed that they had lost

none of the qualities of leadership and courage which had

distinguished the family in earlier times.' [Richard Roche].

I beg to differ with Richard to a small degree...the British

themselves say they never created or bestowed arms on

the Wexford Roches (See Family History Page). I agree.

They can't take away what they did not give. By force, they

stripped us of wealth and power. But we had it right when

we showed contempt for the Herald. And their little books

about Dormant, Abeyant and Forfeited Arms may give

them comfort, but we didn't care then and we don't care

now. Being Republicans, of course, we now relegate them

to history, while retaining a sentimental attachment.

My problem is that many of the "Irish", like most of the

Welsh before them, never appreciated or acknowledged

our contribution to their societies - even after centuries

lived among them and many a life sacrificed to help protect

them from Anglo predations. But such is Life.

1618

Andrew Fitz Michael Roche, will filed, Co Cork

Theobald Roch, probate at Mallow, Oct, Co Cork (possible

youngest son of David?)*

1620

William Roch, probate, Sept, City of Cork

1623

• Jordan Roch, probate, March, Co Limerick

• William Roche, probate at Theolonium Limerick,

Co Limerick - August

• John Roche fz Patrick, 3 Sept, Mayor of Cork

• Johannis (John) Roch 6 Sept appointed

Commissioner of Cork.

• Dominick Roche fitz Edmond, gent., 13 Sept

appointed Sergeant at Mace, Cork.

• James Roche, provost/sovereigne of Kinsale

• John Fitz Morice Fitz Edmond Roche of Cork, will

filed, Co Cork.

1624

•

• John Fitz Edmond Roche of Ardaloyne, will filed,

Co Cork

• Thomas Roch, probate at Limerick, Co Limerick -

Jan

• James Roche, probate at Cork, Co Cork - 12 Jan

• Thomas Roche, probate, at Cashell, Co Tipperary -

14 Jan

• Edward Roche fitz Edmond, former Commons

Speaker, Cork - 23 Jan

• Milo Roche, probate at Oldcastle, Co Cork - 22 Feb

• David Roch, probate, Feb, Co Cork

25

• Morish Roch fitz Patrick, sworn free, 4 Mar, Cork.

• Stephan Roche, probate at Abbey St. Francis, Co

Limerick - 3 Aug

• John Roche Fitz-Moris, probate, 20 Sept, City of

Cork

• Viscount Fermoy, probate at Milltowne, Co Cork -

3 Oct

• Dominick Roche apptd Serjeant at mace, 4 Oct,

Cork.

• J. Roche, James Lombard, James Kearney (Mayors

and Sheriffs of Cork)

Source: "The History of the Co and City of Cork"; by Rev. C.B.

Gibson, M.R.I.A., pub. London, 1861, Volume II)

Charles I 1625-49

1625

• James Roch fitz Patrick sworn free, 26 April, Cork

• Andrew Roch fitz John sworn free, Cork

• Dominick Roche, juror, Aug, Cork

• Edmond Roche, juror, Cork

• John Roche, juror, Cork

• Stephan Roch, probate, 29 Aug, Co Limerick

• John Roch fitz Morrish, sworn free, 30 Sept, Cork

• Phillip Roch fitz Morrish, sworn free, Cork

• Dominick Roche, sworn Commons Speaker, 24 Oct,

Cork

• Dominick Roch, alderman, 6 Dec, Cork

1626

Dr. John Roche, Bishop of the Diocese of Ferns, Co Wexford

(for the most part) 1626-36. His father was a lawyer in New

Ross and he went to Douai in the Spanish Netherlands to

study for the priesthood (a struggling Irish seminary had

been in existence there since 1594). John was known for his

diplomatic skills, having worked with the Papal Nuncio at

Brussels (1607), as Papal Diplomat to Paris (1616), and

representative of Ireland in Rome (1622), having become a

Cardinal a year earlier.

In Ferns, he had to wrestle with how his own people,

wealthy merchants in the towns and wealthy landowners in

the country, could combine civil obedience with religious

disobedience. He learned it was impossible. He died in

Kilkenny (1636) at age 63 while visiting Bishop Roche of

Ossory. He is "probably" buried in St. Mary's Church

Cemetery there, but no stone marks his grave.

• Edward Fitz Morris Roche of Cork, will filed, Co

Cork

• James Roche fitz Patrick, merchant in wine, Cork

• John Roche fitz Morris & Nicholas Roche, engaged

in wine trade, Cork.

• William Roche, probate, 2 Sept, Co Cork

• David Roche, probate, Co Cork

• Patrick Roche fitz Morris, probate, 2 Sept, Co Cork

• David Dominick Roche, probate, 16 Oct, Co Cork

• David Dominick Roche, probate, City of Cork

1627

• David Fitz-William Roche, probate, 27 July, Co Cork

• John Roch, probate at Abbey St. Francis, Co

Limerick - 29 Aug

• Maurice Roche Fitz-Richard, probate, 6 Sept, Co

Cork

• Jacobus (James) Roche, probate, Co Cork

1628

• Johannes (John) Roche Fitz-Redmond, probate, 26

Aug, Co Cork

• Jacobus (James) Buoy Roche, probate, 23 Sept, Co

Cork

1629

• Edward Roche, Cork, wine trade.

• Morish Roche, Cork

• Maurice Roche fz Patrick, sheriff of Cork

• Daniel Roche, probate at Oldcastle, Co Cork - 30

March

• Johannes (John) McUlicke Roche, probate, Co Cork

• Ricardus (Richard) Roche, probate, Co Cork

• Maurice Roche, probate, Co Cork

• David Viscount Fermoy, probate, Co Cork

• Edward Roche, Cork, wine trade

• Richard Roche, probate, 1 Sept, Co Cork

• Jacobus (James) Roche, probate, Co Cork

• David Roche, probate, Co Cork

• Johannes (John) Roche Fitz-Ulicke, probate, Co

Cork

• David Roche Fitz-Richard, probate, Co Cork

• Richard Roche, probate, Co Cork

• Patrick Roche fitz James, apptd waterbailiff, 6 Oct,

Cork

• Dominick Roche fitz Edmond apptd serjeant at

mace, Cork

26

1630

• Morrish Roche, mayor, Cork - 24 Feb

• John Roche fitz Edmond, juror, Cork - 29 April

• Edmund Roche Fitz-Phillipp, probate, 28 Oct, Co

Cork

• John Roche fitz Moorish of Cork, merchant,

elected a Councillor (John paid 10 pounds for the

appointment) - 6 Nov

• Morrish Roche, mayor, Cork

• Dominick Roche, alderman, Cork

• George Roche sworn free, 10 Dec, Cork. Edmond

Roche of Kinsale, Burgess, prerogative will filed

• 1630 Edmond Roche of Kinsale, will filed, Co Cork

• 1630 Edmond Roche of Kinsale, will proved in Cork

1631

• Maurice Roche, mayor of Cork

• John Roche fitz John, juror, Cork

• Dominick Roche, alderman, Cork

• Edward Roche fitz Edmond nominated for mayor,

Cork (Not Elected)

• William Roche fitz Dominick elected Mayor of Cork

- for ensuing year.

• Dominick Roche apptd Chief Sergeant at Mace,

Cork

• John Roche apptd Overseer for City, Cork

• Morris Roch, wine trading, Cork

• Philip Roch fitz Morris, wine trade, Cork

1632

• Morrish Roche, alderman, former mayor

• John Roche fitz Edward, eldest son of a mayor,

sworn free, 16 April, Cork

• William Roche, probate, Co Cork, Aug 20

• Dominus (Dominick) Viscount Fermoy, probate, Co

Cork

• William Roche fitz Dominick sworn in as mayor - 1

Oct

• Dominick Roche appt sergeant of mace, Cork

1633

• William Roche fz Dominick, mayor, elected

councillor of Cork

• Dominick Roche, alderman, elected councillor of

Cork

• Morish Roche, alderman, elected councillor of

Cork

• Richard Roche fitz John, elected councillor of Cork

• Patrick Roche Fitz-Morris, probate at

Bandonbridge, Co Cork - 2 May

• James Roche, probate at Old Castle, Co Cork - 17

Sept

• Johannes (John) McWilliam Roche, probate, Co

Cork

• William Roch, probate at Theolonium, City of Cork

• Dominick Roch, probate, City of Cork

• Richard Roche, mayor, City of Cork

• Dominick Roche apptd sergeant of mace, 7 Oct,

Cork

• Morris Roche fitz James, alderman, named

Commons Speaker - 21 Oct

• Anstace Roch of Christchurch, Admin. Bond Cork

• Francis Fitz Dominick Roche, will filed, Co Cork

1634

• Richard Roche, Mayor of Cork

• Edmund Fitzwilliam Roche, merchant Cork

• Morris (Maurice?) Roche, Mayor of Cork

• John Roche, constable, Cork

• James Roche esq. Borough of Kinsale, officer

• Richard Roche, witness, proved will, Cork - 7 Nov

• Thomas Roche, witness, proved will, Cork

• Richard Roche, mayor of Cork

1635

• James Roche fz Patrick, sheriff of Cork

• David Roache, provost/sovereigne of Kinsale

• David Roche (Fermoy) dies at Castletownroche and

is buried at the family's beloved Bridgetown

Abbey. He is succeeded by son Maurice at the age

of 42, the eighth Viscount. He had married Ellen,

dau of John Power, son and heir to Richard Lord

Power of Carrigmore. They had three daughters

and two sons (some say four - see below). He was

a supporter of the Catholics, was considered "a

popular man" amongst the papists in Munster and

was even imprisoned for a time. Poor Ellen is the

women who ended her days at the end of

Cromwell's rope - hanged for her spirited stand

against his incursions (see below) - just a few short

years later.

27

1635

Theobald Roche died.

Ulicke Roche, probate, Co Cork

Morris Fitz-James oge Roche, probate at Old Castle, Co Cork

William Roach, probate, Co of Limerick

1636

Redmond Roche, probate, Co Cork

Maurice receives a writ from Charles I via the Sheriff of

Cork to appear before the Chancellor of Ireland to show

cause why certain Letters Patent from James I should not

be annulled. Lord Roche was censured in the Star Chamber

and was threatened with fines and imprisonment if he

returned to his country (Munster). Source: a letter from

Geo Rawdon to Lord Conway and Killultagh.

SHOULD THIS HAVE NOT BEEN THE END - especially given

the 1661 decision below?

Presbyterian worship is suppressed by the Church of Ireland

1637

Viscount Fermoy, probate, Co Cork

William Roch, probate, 22 Aug, Co Limerick

1638

• David Fitz Richard Roche of Kinsale, Will filed, Co

Cork

• David Roche of Kinsale, will proved in Cork

• David Roch Fitz-Gerald, probate, 9 April, Co Cork

• Theobald Roch, probate, 14 Aug, Co Cork

• Richard Roch of Poulenelog, Cork - died 9 Sept

• Richard Roch of Poulenelong, Co. Cork, sovereign

of Kinsale and J. P., eldest s/o Philip Roch of

Kinsale, descended from house of Lord Fermoy -

funeral certificate issued.

1639

• Jordan onge Roche of Newcastle, Mayor and

Alderman of Limerick - forfeited property to the

Crown in 1641 --- Charles I (1625-1649) --- and

took exception when it was not restored under the

terms of the capitulation in 1651 under Oliver

Cromwell (The Commonwealth Period), not a good

time to take exception to anything. Predictably, he

was hanged in August [1651]. His wife, Mourna

Trawla (More) Brien Arra remarried - James Butler

of Kilmackaugh, Co Limerick. She died in 1656

leaving as orphans John, Christian, Anstace, and

Katherine. They petitioned the Commonwealth for

support and were awarded 40 pounds a year.

• David Fitz John Roche of Ardcloyne, will filed, Co

Cork


• Patrick Roch fs Richard esq. Borough of Kinsale,

officer

• Philip Roch fs Richard esq. Borough of Kinsale,

officer

• David Roch Fitz-John, probate, 3 April, Co Cork

• Edmond Roch Fitz-Philip, probate, Co Cork

• David Roch, probate, Co Cork

• Thomas Roch, probate, 11 Sept, Co Cork

• James Roch, probate, Co Cork

• David Viscount Fermoy, probate, Co Cork

• Ulicke Roch Fitz-James, probate, 4 Oct, Co Cork.

1640 - Oliver Cromwell imposed British rule on Ireland. He

paid soldiers and investors with land confiscated from

Anglo-Irish Catholics of the midlands.

1640

Maurice de Rupe of Fermoy, having been summoned to

Parliament while being banished to England, assigns a

proxy from his address in London (St. Martin's Tavern near

Sharing Cross) in a letter to his cousin, the Duke of Ormond

(March 15).

• John fz Maurice Roche, dep. Sheriff of Cork

• Ulicke Roch, probate, 25 Aug, Co Cork

• Theobald Fitz George RochGoold, John Fits-

Maurice Roche, Stephen Coppinger -- Sheriffs of

Cork

1641

David Roch, probate, 28 April, Old Castle, Co Cork

28

1641

A Petition by Mary Roch, widow, prays that counsel may be

assigned to her in her case against Thomas Roche and

others. The rebellion of the Gaels and old English

(Normans) against the Scots settlers in Ulster triggered an

English Civil War and put an end to the attempt by Charles I

to establish an English absolutist state in Ireland under

Thomas Wentworth, the first Earl of Strafford.

Parliamentarians were victorious in the Civil War in 1646;

Charles I was executed in January, 1649 and Cromwell was

appointed commander-in-chief in Ireland by the English

Parliament (March 30). He landed in Dublin August 15 and

set upon the Loyalists.

On Nov 20 Carrick-on-Suir was taken by Cromwellian

forces. On February 3, 1650 Fethard surrendered to

Cromwell; Feb. 24 Cahir surrenders; May 10 Clonmel

surrenders and on May 26 Cromwell leaves Ireland.

1641

Maurice, Lord Viscount Roch of Fermoy, having earlier (17

Feb) entered a Petition of silkmen of London (the House of

Commons) to commissioners of the Prince's Revenue

during the Reign of Chales I was unsuccessful (See

HL/PO/JO/10/4/2), Later, (1646) he was outlawed in King's

Bench on account of the Rebellion (23 Oct). The 8th

Viscount was one of the leaders of the rebellion. His wife,

Lady Ellen Roche (nee Power), was hanged at Blackwater

Castle for trying to defend Castletownroche. Her husband

fled to the Continent and joined the Flemish army. Other

property Lord Roche also lost by attainder included at that

time:

----Castlekifflin

----Castletownroche

----Castle of Cahirdowgan

----Castle at Cariglemleary

At the same time (1641) John Roche of Castletownroche,

had his estate confiscated and was exiled to Kilrush in West

Clare because he was a member of the Catholic council of

Killkenny.

• Robert Roche son of John m. Juliana O'Moore,

Stephen Roche (Dov or Black) son of Robert,

forced to Limerick, and took up abode at Pallas.

(Source: M. Anastasia Lysaght)

• Ulicke Roch, property Ballydangan, Killcullane

parish.

• Ulicke Roch, proprietor, Barony of

Armagh/Fermoy.

• John Roch, proprietor, Barony of Armagh/Fermoy.

• Lord Roch, proprietor, Barony of Armagh/Fermoy.

• Theobald fitz John Roch, proprietor, Barony of

Armagh/Fermoy

• John Roch fitz Ulicke, proprietor, Barony of

Armagh/Fermoy.

• James Roch fitz William , proprietor, Barony of

Armagh/Fermoy.

• Edmond Roch, proprietor, Barony of

Armagh/Fermoy.

• Redmond Roch, proprietor, Barony of

Armagh/Fermoy.

• Theobald Roch, proprietor, Barony of

Armagh/Fermoy.

• William Roch, proprietor, Barony of

Armagh/Fermoy.

• Pierce Roch, proprietor, Barony of

Armagh/Fermoy.

• Morris Roch, proprietor, Barony of

Armagh/Fermoy.

• Edmond Roch, proprietor, Barony of

Armagh/Fermoy.

• James Roch fitz Dominick, proprietor, Barony of

Armagh/Fermoy.

• James Roch fitz Henry, proprietor, Barony of

Armagh/Fermoy.

• Patrick John Roch, gent. of Kinsale, Admin. Bond,

Cork

• Walter Roche and others took an active part in the

rebellion and are dubbed "Rebels"

1642

Walter Roche (the Rebel), Provost Marshall, hanged

Lieutenant John Esmonde of Duncannon Fort (August 20),

taken prisoner in an attack on Redmond's Hall, now Loftus

Hall) in July of that year. The Lieutenant was the nephew of

Lord Esmonde, Governor of Duncannon Fort and

commander of the English Garrison there during the

Rebellion.

• William Roch of Cork, alderman, Admin. Bond

• Margaret Roch, Admin. Bond Cork

• Maurice Roche fz Patrick, mayor of Cork

• Francis Roche, sheriff of Cork

• Edmond Roche, dep. Sheriff of Cork

• Dominick Roche of Cork, Will filed, Co Cork

• Philip Fitz Maurice Roche of Cork, Will filed, Co

Cork.

29

1642 - Lord Roche and Lord Moscry were the principle men

in Munster. By July 4th, the two had cut the food supply to

Cork. A letter to Monsr. Dwyer, a Franciscan in Rome, says

most of the nobles of Ireland are up in arms against the

heretics. By February 15, Ireland was universally revolted.

The Lord of Incycoyne (Inchiquin) whose father-in-law

retired to Limerick having lost his troops to Lord Roche and

Donnogh McCarthy, was unaccounted for at that time, but

would soon appear with a vengeance.

Lord Maurice Roche and the Condons by year's end had

tasted defeat at the hands of the English - losing 2-3

hundred men to Lord Inchiquin's army. Roche's Castle was

besieged. The greater part of his estates were confiscated,

and he was outlawed. The Earl of Cork and his sons indicted

Lord Roche and other Irish noblemen of treason.

Aug 2 --- Indicted of treason in Co. Cork and outlawed in

the King's Bench:

----Patrick Roch of Poulenelong, gent.

----Richard Roch of Glyn, gent.

----David Roch of Ballynologhy, gent.

----David Roch of the Island, gent.

----Richard Roch of Knockinhingin, gent.

----James Roch of Kimore, gent.

----John Roch of Ballanvallagh, gent.

----William Roch of Ringarrane, gent.

----Adam Roch of Ringarrane, gent.

----McEdmond Roch of Birne, gent.

----Rory McJames Roch of Birne, gent.

----David Roch of Cartnecource, gent.

----Thomas Roch of Aghelenane, gent.

----Ulicke Roch of Ballindangin, gent.

----John Roch of Castlekevine, gent.

----Edmond Roch of Ballenlegune, gent.

----James Roch of Keppach, gent.

----Theobald Roch of Killagh, gent.

----Thomas Roch of Ballincargeagh, gent.

----Redmond Roch of Carranadrolane, gent.

----Thomas Roch of Costoigge, gent.

----William Roch of Killeagh, gent.

----John Roch of Castletowne, gent.

----Miles Roch of Castletowne, gent.

----John Roch of Ballynemony, gent.

----Edward Roch of Castletowne, gent.

----Fs. John Theobald Roch of Castletowne, gent.

----John Roch of Ballindargin, gent.

----Fs. John Ulicke Roch of Castlekine, gent.

----William Roch of Ballinlargane, gent.

----William fs. Thomas Roch of Clostoige, gent.

----James Roche of Bullymckonikine, gent.

----David Roch of Killeigh, gent.

Philip Roche fitz Morris, elected sheriff, 13 Oct, died before

taking oath, Cork

Dominick Roche fitz Richard of Kinsale, admitted free

Nov 3 Richard Roche, alderman, sworn in as justice of

peace, Cork.

1643

• Edward Fitz Edmond Roche of Cork, will filed, Co

Cork

• Morris Roche fitz Patrick, alderman, Cork

• Francis Roche, previously sheriff and chamberlain,

Cork

• John Roche fz Maurice, esq., mayor, Cork

• Philip Roche, having died before he was sworn,

R.T. Fitz-Robert was elected dep sheriff of Cork on

the 13th day of October in his stead.

1645

Captain Thomas Roche of Furlongstown, Co Wexford was

appointed temporary Governor, Duncannon Fort in March

following its surrender to Catholic Confederates. He held

this position in rotation with others until he died of the

plague in the summer of 1650, just before the fort

surrendered to Cromwell's forces.

1646

Richard Roch, gent., of Dunderowe, Admin. Bond Cork

Dominick Roche of Kinsale, will filed, Co Cork

1646

Dominick Roche of Kinsale, will proved in Cork

1647

James Roche of Curecanway, will filed, Co Cork

1648

David Roch of Cortuygonroe, Admin. Bond Cork.

1649

Mouirish Patrick Roch of Cork, Admin. Bond

Morris Roche, witness, proved will, 21 March, Cork

30

1650

Old landowners exiled to Connaught - some scholars argue

that England did not have full control until all of Ireland had

been conquered in 1650-3...thus letting the Cambro-

Norman allies of King Dermait (1167/1169-72) emerge from

under a cloud....so one would think (if they didn't know the

Gaels).

Even the Fermoy Roches - at least the Dynasty or Family, in

power at that time - seems to have come to an end

(confirmed in 1661). It is at such critical points that

pretenders and perhaps even people with legitimate claims

appear. Proving that the blood line is in tact and that there

is an heir someplace in the world is always a difficult

business. I record the most viable, but I simply cannot

determine their validity, if any.

Joane Fitz James Roche, will filed, Co Cork

Joane Fitz James Roche, will filed, Co Cork

Joan Roche of Kinsale, will proved in Cork

1652

Maurice, Lord of Fermoy, saw his estates by Act of

Parliament August 12 divided among Cromwell's followers

and himself excluded from pardon.

Thereafter, that branch of the family, their title

meaningless, their power lost and themselves dispersed

from Munster, dwindled and died. Members of the family

become beggars, living on the bounty of others, a state

described by one Irish writer as "ignominious diminuendo,

dwindling to silence." BUT HE MAY HAVE BEEN WRONG -

How else explain Ulrich and the official demise of the line in

1733!

Dr Morrish Roche, Irish Papist, Gentleman, Kilcoman, Co.

Tipperary (near Fethard, Co. Tipperary) - Lands (175 Acres)

forfeit to the Crown under the DECREE OF BANISHMENT

October 11,1652 - listed in the Civil Survey at Fethard, Co.

Tipperary on July 28th, 1654.

James Roch of Cork, merch., Admin. Bond

1653

• Andrew Fitz John Roche of d. of w., will filed, Co

Cork

• Philip Roche of Kinsale, will filed, Co Cork

• Philip Roche of Kinsale, will proved in Cork

• Dominican: David Roche, priest, sold into slavery,

St. Kitts, (Source: Irish Confessors & Martyrs -

Catholic Encyclopedia)

Co. Wexford Civil Survey 1654 [''ip" = Irish Papist]

1654-1656 Civil Survey, Co. Wexford (assumption –

duplicate names mean more than one property?)

Barony of Gory [Gorey]

--- Redmond Roche ip

--- Walter Roche of Clonogh [Clonough] townland ip

Barony of Balakeen [Ballaghkeen]

---Redmond Roche ip

---Redmond Roche ip

Barony of Shilmaleer [Shelmaliere]

---Robert Roche ip

---Robert Roche ip

---John Roche ip

---Nicholas Roche ip

---Robert Roche ip

---Phillip Roche ip

---Robert Roche ip

---Walter Roche ip

Barony of Forth

---Alexander Roche, Assaly townland ip

---John Roche ip

Barony of Bargy

---Thomas Roch ip

---Theo Roch ip

1654

Mary Roche, self-proclaimed Viscountess Fermoy, died in

jail in Cork. (Source: Irish Confessors & Martyrs - Catholic

Encyclopedia).

1655

Morrish FitzEdward Roche of Cork, merchant, prerogative

will filed.

1656

Edward Roche (Roach), son of Brian Roche, Minister, Surrey

- born. Graduated Trinity 1679.

1656

Maurice Fitz Richard Roche of Dunderrow, will proved in

Cork

Charged with trading in merchandise at retail without

permission - in violation of a 1655 court order that no Irish

papist within the town of Kinsale should keep open shop or

sell goods by retail - March 9:

----John Roche

----Phillip Roche

31

1657

• Richard Roche, probate at Kings Old Castle, Co

Cork - 29 Sept.

• James Roche, probate, Co Cork

• John Roche, probate, Co Cork

• Richard Roche, probate, Co Cork

• Morrish Lord Viscounte Roche, probate, Co Cork -

27 Oct.

1659

James Roch (James the Swimmer) born at Kinsale, only son

of George Roch of Tourin and Glyn, 29 Sept. 1659.

Charles II 1660-85 (Monarchy Restored) - May 14, 1660 -

proclaimed king in Dublin. May 29, Charles makes his

formal entry into London. Nov. 30 - he makes a declaration

confirming Cromwellian soldiers and adventurers in

ownership of lands in their possession and also providing

for 'innocent papists' and those who have supported the

monarchy.

1661 December - a Group of Catholics draw up

'remonstrance' declaring unqualified allegiance to the king

and disclaiming pope's authority to absolve them from such

allegiance.

July 31, 1662 - Act of Settlement designed to give effect to

Charles II's declaration of Nov 30, 1660 and to resolve

conflicting claims of Cromwellians and former proprietors.

Aug. 21,1663 - Closure of first court of claims, after issuing

566 decrees of innocence to Catholics, but leaving many

claims unheard.

1661-2

Maurice of Fermoy petitioned the Lords Justice of Ireland

for help, citing the poor condition of himself and his family,

one daughter having died from want of requisite

accommodation and diet. No help was forthcoming, but a

grant of some land in godforsaken Connaught or remote

Thomond. He is said instead to have gone to Flanders

where he commanded a regiment, but other reports say

this was done by his son David as Maurice was simply too

old at the time of the confiscation. He could have gone and

returned? Why does nobody know - they likely don't want

to know!

• John Roche of Farranpierse m. Catherine Gun of

Rattow

• Andrew FitzJohn Roch, Admin. Bond Cork

• James Roch of Cork, merch., Admin. Bond

• Ulicke Roche of Ballymagolley, d. of w. 1642, will

filed, Co Cork

• Richard Roch Fitz-John, probate, Co Cork - 2 July

• Richard Roche, probate at Tholsel, City of Cork - 6

July

1661 Decrees of Innocence granted after Restoration of

Charles II:

----Maurice Roche (but no restoration of lands or titles)

----John Roche of London, secretary in ordinary to the

Queen; he and his wife Mary claimed several lands in Co

Cork in right of Philip Roche of Kinsale, his uncle, and

brother to Patrick.

----Francis Roche Fitz Edward, native of Cork, claiming

Pravolgan and several other lands, Barony of Imokelly.

----Maurice Roche, late of Cork

----Ulicke Roche and wife

----Ulicke Fitz James Roche of Ballylogh, Co of Cork, settled

lands of Balldydally Parish, of Clanmor, Barony of Fermoy,

on his son and heir, John Roche.

----Edward Roche and mother

----Richard FitzGeorge Roche of Kinsale, father of Edward

Roche, claimant, lands at Kinsale.

----Maurice Fitz John Roche of Cork, alderman, claimant of

tenements in Cork.

----Patrick Fitz Maurice Roche, native of City of Cork, son of

Maurice Roche, alderman of Cork

----Edward Roche son of Maurice Roche MD, Co Tipperary.

Richard FitzGeorge Roch of Inishonane, Admin. Bond

Edmund Roch of Cork, merch., Admin. Bond

Stephen Roch of Cork, Admin. Bond

Morris Fitz Edmd. Roche of Cork, will filed, Co Cork

The Seige of London)Derry is well known and is still a

contributing cause of "the troubles" in NI until the present

attempt to finally make peace and share power. One key

figure in the success of the seige is often over-looked - I

suspect he was a papist and loyalist - was one James Roche,

"The Swimmer". Wounded severals times swimming

dispatches from the city to the British fleet, blocked by

barricade at the mouth of the River Foyle, he was initially

given considerable rewards. Some of these were later

withdrawn and he spent much of his life in Court and

Petitioning London in this regard.

As early as 27 Jan 1663, the King of Ormond was writing

from Whitehall [MS Carte 43, fol(s) 94], while throughout

the period Oct 1662-Aug 1699, the Monarch was busy

appointing people to office and making grants in Ireland

[MS. Carte 43]. One sees Ormond pleading with the Lord

Lieutenant in respect to certain lands, for Captain James

Roche, about to go into Ireland. So this Captain Roche,

volunteering to go into the city of Derry, an act of bravery

by then, as it was starved and disease was rampant, was

considered worthy of reward.

But his heroism while there added to his awards. Quite

frankly, I'm sure, after the fact, there were many times

when he must have wondered what had possessed him to

32

become involved. After the battle for Derry was won, he

spent the rest of his life battling for what he considered

fulfillment of promises made - properties in Co Waterford

and fees from ferries throughout Ireland. Ironically, I

suspect, his experience turned many a "taig" loyalist into a

republican Freedom Fighter. As late as 1703, we see an Act

making good the provision intended for Roche out of the

Estates in Ireland promised him including the Bishopric of

Cloyne and the manor and lands of Donomore. By then, he

would have been old and would not have lad much longer

to live.

1663

Edward Roch of Cork, merch., Admin. Bond

1663 Decree of Innocence:

----Stephen Roche and Christian Roche, son of James Roche,

2nd son of Dominick Roche, Cork alderman.

----Catherine (Donovan) Roche, widow of William Roche of

Ballyanleton, Knileenagenels, parish of Glanor, Barony of

Fermoy, son/heir of Edward Roche, dec'd.

1663

• Edmd. Francis Roach, property Ballolagane,

Glanmor parish

• Theobald Roch, property Donneene, Killcrumper

parish

• William Roch, property Ballynclowry, Killathy

parish

• Lord Roch, property Ballingareagh, Gleabe Land,

Carriglemleary parish

• Maurice Lord Roch, property Crogh, Lishelly,

Ballincloane, Killnashar, Clonstage, Ballyharry,

Carkimore, Parke, Donne Bayle parish (Kildare - go

figure???)

• John Roche of Castle Kyvine, will filed, Co Cork

• Maurice Fitzpatrick Roche, Cork alderman, admin.

grant.

1664

Philip Roche of Kinsale, esq., prerogative will filed, Cork.

1665

Nicholas Roch of Ballynemony, gent., Admin. Bond Cork

Edmund Roch of Cork, merch., Admin. Bond

Maurice Roche fitz Richard of Downederow, esq., makes

last will 30 March - bequests to Mary Roche, his wife; John

Roche, brother; Patrick Roche fitz Maurice; Edward Roche

fitz Morrish, brother; Maurice Roche, brother; Edmund

Roche fitz Dominick of Kinsale; John Roche fitz John.

1666

John Roch, "Irish Papist," property Ballinloghy, Ballinloghly

parish Fermoy Lord Roch, Irish Papist, property North

Glannor, Arleagh, South Glannor, Knockaneerbally,

Roharch, in Glanmor parish - very large "family" - difficult

for even the Brits to break that bloodline? Much of the

above supposedly went to the Earle of Ormond by Patent in

1654??? An analogy....

Note: Like Hydra - the Monster which lived in the swamps

near the ancient city of Lerna in Argolis of the Peloponnese

in classical antiquity (The Iliad), the offspring of Echidna

(half maiden - half serpent), and Typhon 100 heads); in

other versions (there are always other versions) Hydra was

the offspring of Styx and the Titan Pallas.

Hydra had the body of a serpent and many heads (generally

nine is accepted as a rule), of which one could never be hurt

by any weapon. If other heads were severed, another

(sometimes two) would grow in their place. The stench of

Hydra's breath was enough to kill man or beast (or there

was a deadly venom). But, like Hydra, the Roches of Fermoy

met their Hercules.

With help from Iolaus and his flaming torch, Heracles, as he

cut off the heads from the Hydra, had Iolaus cauterize the

wounds with a flaming torch to stop them growing back.

Heracles removed all but one. It was THE head that could

not be harmed by any weapon, but, picking up a heavy club,

Heracles crushed it with a mighty blow. Then he tore it off

by hand and buried it deep in the ground, putting a huge

boulder on top. Later he dipped the tips of his arrows in the

Hydras' blood, extremely poisonous, making them

completely deadly.

Other legends say that a stray arrow set fire to the forest,

and it was burning tree trunks Heracles ripped up and used

to cauterize the open wounds. Whatever - it worked -

metaphorically speaking of course - but aren't metaphors

all about life???

1733 Ulicke Roche, commonly called Lord Viscount Fermoy,

prerogative Will filed, Cork ---- the main line at Fermoy

became extinct when Ulicke Roche died. He was certainly

not like the other heads and may not have been a valid one.

What does "commonly called" imply? It took Hercules

(England) and friends a long time to get that last head. Even

then, after a century or more had past, they created a new,

more manageable one (Trabolgan), of lesser status. And

even it bit them in the end!

33

1666 - cont'd.

GARRETT ROCH, living in Carentobarmore, the Barony of

Middle Third (later Co Tipperary), Parish of Knockgrapfford

and Outerath Ends, [Source:1666 Hearth Records].

• FitzJohn Roch, property Scrubboe, Glanmor parish

• Theobald Roch, property Killathy, Killathy parish.

• Theobald Roch, minor heir of Ulicke Roch, Irish

papist, property Rohan, Ballymcleely, Raghan

parish

• Theobald Roch, property Feedonsheedon,

Ballygarrett, Raghan Parish

• Theobald Roch, minor, property Knockbracke,

Monny, Raghan Parish

• Lord Roch, Pierce Roch, Irish papist, property

Ballyheene and Ballinvogher, Castletown;

Ballinterma, Bridgeroone, Park I Cunna, Killhomer,

Clanmore, Ballinglogh, Ballydoghe and Ballyhorin,

Ballomalteberg, Lisnagormine and Killestaline,

Ballchimacke, Ardkittihine, Killballilogan,

Ballinelick, Killiroderry, Garreskalo, Grange,

Balledagh, all Castletowne parish.

• Lord Roch, Irish papist, property Carrighnane,

Raghan parish

• Lord Roch, property Carrighonane, Mclaro parish

• Lord Roch, Irish papist, property Ballinhallick,

Ballynovlan, Carrigdonoman parish

• Lord Roch, property Ballytrasnagh, Wallstowne

parish

• Lord Roch, property GortonConsty, Clenor parish

• Lord Roch, Irish papist, property Ballonebrylabogg,

Ballostskell, Rathmarycony, Ballthey parish.

• Morris Roch, Irish papist, property Ballovosky,

Raghan parish

• Morris Roch, property Ballyellish, Ballydahin,

Carriganshoneene, Mclaro parish

• Maurice Lord Roch, property Balladonall,

KarraghTherry, Cahirdougan parish.

• Maurice Lord Roch, property Drumdier, Clenor

parish.

• Maurice Roch, property Killure, Ballygowne,

Ballygrany, Kippagh, Clenor parish.

• Edmond Roch, Irish papist, property Cahirdougan,

Cahirdougan parish

• Edmond Roch, property Killure, Clenor parish

• Edmond Roch, property East Dromagh, West

Dromagh, Templerrenty parish.

• James Roch fitz Dominick, Mallow, property

Richardstowne, Glencomore, Carraghashonsy,

Cahirdougan parish.

• James Roch McHenry, property Ballydunyne,

Cahirdougan parish.

• Redmond Roch, Irish papist, property Killnacone,

Cahirdougan Parish.

• Redmond Roch fitz James, Irish papist, property

Carrandrolan, Lackbrack, Carrigdononan parish.

• Ulicke Roch of Ballydangan, property

Carrigdononan, Carrigdononan parish.

• Ulicke Roch fitz John, property CastleKiffin,

Ballingrane, Rahduffe, Clenor parish.

• Ulicke Roch, property Killure, Ballygowne, Clenor

parish.

• Maurice Fitz Richard Roche of Dunderrow, will

filed, Co Cork

• Edmund Fitz Ed. Roche, Cork, merchant, admin.

grant

• Maurice Fitz Ed. Roche, gent., Cork, admin. grant.

1667

• Redmond Roch, property Drumgrath and The Inch

of Fermoy Laskee, Killord/Killworth parish

• Maurice Roch, property Monerabane, Pharthy

parish

• James Roch of Cork, gent., Admin. Bond

• James Fitz John Roche, will filed, Co Cork

1668

• John Roch fitz Ulicke, property Curragh Igalls,

Glanmor parish

• James Roach fitzWilliam, property Killough,

Glanmor parish

• Redmond Roch, property Ballyhinden, Killcrumper

parish

• Redmond Roch, property Kilberine, Cahirdougan

parish

• Lord Roch, Irish Papist, property Cregg, Templance,

Knockanig, Cregg O Lampry, Clough, Clondale

Parish

• Lord Roch, Irish papist, property Ballyhay Castle,

Ballyhay parish

• Theobald Roch, heir of Ulicke Roch, Irish papist,

property

• Shaneballymore, Castlercan, Templeman parish

• John Roche of Ballannowne, property Shonagh,

Ballomone, Ballyhanroache, Killelagarnsany,

Graige, Templeruan, Gleabe Lead, Clagher,

Caringhloagh, Templerman parish

• John Roche of Ballyvoskie, d. of w., will filed, Co

Cork

34

• John Roche of Ballinluge, Bar. Kinsale, died 12

May. John was son of Philip, brother Edm. Roche,

nephew Michael Roche Last will to Clara

Coppinger, wife, left lands in Ballinluge,

Ballinnulage, Killeney, Farranteelane, and the grist

mill at Ballihifaird, in barony of Kinsale, leases of

Curmuraghue, Ballinconane and Killigreny, then to

son, Philip Roche three parkes at Aradeacon's

mills, and property at Clogh Leagh,

Parkicackskybag, Partinicaunton, house and

garden in north suburbs of Cork. Also bequests to

daughters, Brother Edmund Roche, nephew

Michael Roche, Mary Roche, Edmund Roche, also

his claim to the succession of Edmund Roche

against Patrick and Edward Roche, according to

the two awards of the Earle of Clancarty and Capt.

Daniel Dongan. Masses for self and wife, uncle

Philip Roche. Bequest also to sister Margaret

Meade. [2nd son of family of Poulanelong

anciently given ploughland of Ballinluge,

Ballinnulluge, Killeney, Farrantellane, the Grist mill

of Bealthifield, plowland of Bellingrass and 8 acres

of Nahilleagh, 40 acres of Brownstone in barony of

Keerricurrihy, left to John by his father, Patrick

Roche, plus Houses and gardens in Kinsale; when

lands recovered, to revert to son, Philip.

• Richard Roche, son of George Roche, esq.,

Limerick. Born. Graduated Trinity 1691

• Francis FitzEdward Roche esq. Cork, prerogative

will filed

• Francis Fitz Edward Roche of Trabolgan, Cork, will

filed, Co Cork.

1669

Maurice Fitz Ed. Roche of Cork, esq., prerog. will Edmond

Fitz Ed. Roche of Cork, esq., admin grant

1670

Maurice Roche of Fermoy (rebel) dies.

Edmund Roche of Cork, merch., Admin. Bond

1671

Francis Fitz Ed. Roche of Cork, esq., prerog. will

1672

James Roch of Cork, merch., Admin. Bond

1674

Colonel David Roche, Viscount Fermoy, petitions seeking

restoration of lands in Carriglemleary, castle of

Derryvillane, Does-castle, castle of Ballygogan, castle of

Rathgogan, as well as the abbey of Bridgetown in

Glanworth.

1675

Amy Roche of Cloyne, widow, Admin. Bond Cork

John Roch of Ballindangin, Admin. Bond Cork

Ulicke Roch of Ballindangin, Admin. Bond Cork

1676

Ed. Fitz Maurice Roche of Cork, merchant, admin. grant

1677

All post-secondary national education in Ireland had been

destroyed, except for those of the Protestant Ascendancy.

Every Irish student had to seek it in exile - with or without

resources. One can imagine the impact - every ambitious

and gifted Irishman or those called the Old English had to

scatter all over Europe, which in turn benefitted from their

current and especially future contributions, while Ireland

foundered. Only those who sought the monastery could

ever later contribute to their country of origin - and some

would debate that.

1678

Alderman Dominic, b. 1630 - d, 1701, (descendent of

Jordan onge Roche --- Jordan hanged in 1651, Newcastle,

Co Limerick) after forfeiting much land and property in

1656-7, again holding property in 1678.

1679

Martha Roche m. Robert Lundie, Cloyne

1680

• At Michaelmas Mathew La Roch, goldsmith -

Huguenot - Admitted as Freeman of Dublin using

an Act of Parliament passed in 1661 to 'encourage

Protestant strangers and others to inhabit and

plant in the Kingdom of Ireland.

• Joane Roch and James Candy, marriage license

bond, Cork

• Margaret Roch and Pierse Goold, marriage license

bond, Cork

• John Roch of Ballynicanon, trustee, executor,

proved will, 20 March, Cork

• Daniel Roche, witness, proved will, 23 March,

Kerry

35

1681

Lord David Roche of Fermoy was thrown in prison in

London, a great object of charity to quote the Earl of Arran

in a letter to the Duke of Ormond in Dublin. David died that

same year, without offspring, and having served in the

army of Charles II. His offense is not recorded.

John, brother of David was next in line for a worthless title,

Viscount of Fermoy (the 9th). But, in 1674, Charles had

given him and his two sisters, Amye and Blanche, a pension

of 200 pounds a year until some vacancy become available

in the establishment. He married Catherine Condon, and

they had two sons and a daughter Eleanor.

1682

James Roach, gent., of Kilworth, Co. Cork, com. grant.

1683

Elizabeth Roch of Cork, widow, Admin. Bond

Elizabeth Roch and James Blanchflower, marriage license

bond, Cork

Redmond Roch, esq., of Ballyhinden, Co. Cork, prerog. will.

1684

James Roche of Kinsale, will filed, Co Cork

James Roche of Kinsale, will proved in Cork

James II 1685-88

1685-1705 French Huguenots seek asylum in Ireland - some

of the Roche name (and its Continental variants) among

them. For more on the Roche-Huguenot connection, see:

Descendants of Huguenots of La Rochelle, France

1686

Anne Roch m. Morgan Higgins, in Cloyne

John Roch of Kineigh, Admin. Bond Cork.

1687

• John Roach of Kinegh, gent., Admin. Bond Cork

• Philip Roche, merch., apptd bailiff, Middletown

• Thomas Roche apptd warden, Kinsale

• Dominick Roche, sworn free, Kinsale

• John Roche petitioned for collectors place at

Moyallo.

1688

• Patrick Roche, mayor of Cork

• John Roche fz Patrick, esq., sworn a burgess,

Kinsale, March 30

• Edward Roche and Patrick Roche to repair

guardhouse, Kinsale

• Patrick Roche and 3 others to audit chamberlain's

accts, Kinsale

• Thomas Roche sworn constable, 8 Oct, Low Fisher

St., Kinsale

• Edward Roche apptd examiner of petition (1 of 4),

Kinsale.

James II deposed -- William III 1688-1702 & Mary 1688-94

declared Joint Monarchs

1689

James Roch (James the Swimmer) born at Kinsale, only son

of George Roch of Tourin and Glyn (Glen), Colonel in the

Williamite army, swam to fame in the Catholic siege of

Londonderry. He swam between the town and the fleet of

General Kirke, barred from entry by a boom placed in

Lough Foyle. He carried dispatches and was wounded in

action four times by Catholics shooting at him from the

river bank. Originally rewarded by William III with fifteen

estates and toll collections from certain ferries in Ireland,

he later lost the estates by the Act of Resumption and many

lawsuits against him.

In lieu, he requested of the Crown an estate in Co

Waterford (forfeited lands - 1425 acres - of James Everard)

and a sum of money. There are several variations of this

story - including Roch's burial in Churchtown graveyard at

which a scathing eulogy in Gaelic was supposed to have

caused his headstone to split in two - fanciful but

colorful???

Patrick Roche named overseer, Kinsale

Patrick Roche, one of auditors of chamberlain's accts.,

Kinsale

Thomas Roche sworn constable of Lower Fysher St.,

Kinsale.

36

1690-1 --- William of Orange/Battle of the Boyne --- William

defeats King James II & the Treaty of Limerick penalizes

public worship by RCs and Presbyterians

1690 "Outlaws"

----David Roche of Agharne, esq., Cork, outlawed for high

treason:

----Philip Roch of Brickfieldstone, esq., Cork, outlawed

----James Roch of Farta, gent., Cork, outlawed

----Michael Roch of Powlenelong, esq., Cork, outlawed

----James Roch of Ballymisig, gent., Cork, outlawed

----James Roch of Fartagh, gent., Cork, outlawed

----Richard Roch of Kinsale, gent., Cork, outlawed

----Maurice Roch of Kinsale, gent., Cork, outlawed

----John Roch of Kinsale, esq., Cork, outlawed

----James Roch of Kinsale, esq., Cork, outlawed

----David Roch of Eniskean, esq., Cork, outlawed

----John Roch of Baltymore, esq., Cork, outlawed

----Joasus Roch of Knocknamanna, gent., Cork, outlawed

----James Roch of Kinneary, gent., Cork, outlawed

----Maurice Roch of Kinsale, gent., Cork, outlawed

----Stephen Roch of Curnarnahy, gent., Cork, outlawed

----Stephen Roch, merch., Cork City, outlawed

----Dominick Roch, vintner, Cork City, outlawed

----Andrew Roch, gent., Cork City, outlawed

----Theobald Roch of Ballydahin, esq., Co Cork, outlawed

1690

• Edward Roche, provost/sovereigne of Kinsale

Philip Roch of Cork, merch., Admin. Bond.

• John Roch FitzEdward, gent., Kilkenny City

• Patrick Roch of Keirane, gent., Co Wexford

• John Roch of Ballyardin, gent., Co Wexford

• Edward Roch of Ballyardin, gent., Co Wexford

• David Roch of Wexford, gent., Co Wexford

• Edmund Roch of Killahally, gent., Co Waterford

• Edward Roch of Curragheene, gent., Co Waterford

• David Roch of Curragheene, gent., Co Waterford

• Edward Roch of Curragheene, gent., Co Waterford

• John Roch of Hussabegg, gent., Co Clare

• 1690 Edward Roche sworn sovereigne for ensuing

year, Kinsale - 29 Sept.

1691

Catherine (Heyman) Roch and Thomas Meade, marriage

license bond, Cork.

1691-98 "Outlaws"

----James Roch of Island Finch, gent., Co Cork, outlawed

----Maurice Roch of Kinsale, gent., Co Cork, outlawed

----John Roch, son of John of Gallylooge, gent., Co Cork,

outlawed

----Philip Roch of Peinbelong, gent., Co Cork, outlawed

----James Roch of Island Finch, gent., Co Cork, outlawed

----Patrick Roch, called Roch of Fountainestown, gent., Co

Cork, outlawed

----Philip Roch of Ballinthes, gent., Co Cork, outlawed

----David Roch of Ardlinbridge, gent., Co Cork, outlawed

1692

John Roch, Wexford, gent., pardoned

Patrick Roche of Nohevall, farmer, Admin. Bond Cork

Major James Roch of Kilgany, Co Waterford - pardoned 6

May.

1693

George Roche, born, son of Richard Roche, clergyman,

Limerick. At Trinity in 1709.

1693

Elizabeth Roch and Thomas Thompson, marriage license

bond, Cork

Richard Roch and Isabella Busby, marriage license bond,

Cork

James Roch (Colonel - the Swimmer) married Elizabeth, dau

of William Gough, g. dau of Dr. Francis Gough, C of I Bishop

of Limerick. They later had a daughter, Mary, b. 1694 and a

son, William, b. 1695.

1694

John, brother of David, son of Maurice of Fermoy dies.

O'Hart has him killed fighting for James II in the Battle of

Aughrim, 1691, but The Complete Peerage disagrees - a

genealogist's delight!

David Roche succeeds his father. He was an officer in the

Royal Navy, but drowned at Plymouth in a great storm in

1703

Phillip Roche, probate, 15 Aug, Co Cork

Dominick Roch of Cahirvagha, Co Limerick, pardoned - 23

Nov

Edmund Roch of Dunderrow, Co Cork, outlawry, pardoned -

8 June.

37

1695 - 1728 Penal Laws against Catholics were enacted to

strip the "backward" Catholic population of remaining land,

positions of influence and civil rights.

Catholics could no longer practice law, run for elected

office, purchase land, or own property (such as horses)

valued at more than 5 pounds. By 1778, Irish Catholics

would own a mere 5% of Irish land. The Catholic

educational system was outlawed, and priests who did not

conform to the laws could be branded on the face or

castrated. Catholic clergy were banished and forbidden to

keep registers (a modern genealogists worst nightmare). As

a result, Catholic services and education were forced

underground.

Professor Lecky a British Protestant and ardent British

sympathizer outlined the Penal Laws as follows:

• The Irish Catholic was forbidden the exercise of his

religion.

• He was forbidden to receive education.

• He was forbidden to enter a profession.

• He was forbidden to hold public office.

• He was forbidden to engage in trade or commerce.

• He was forbidden to live in a corporate town or

within five miles thereof.

• He was forbidden to own a horse of greater value

than five pounds.

• He was forbidden to own land.

• He was forbidden to lease land.

• He was forbidden to accept a mortgage on land in

security for a loan.

• He was forbidden to vote.

• He was forbidden to keep any arms for his

protection.

• He was forbidden to hold a life annuity.

• He was forbidden to buy land from a Protestant.

• He was forbidden to receive a gift of land from a

Protestant.

• He was forbidden to inherit land from a

Protestant.

• He was forbidden to inherit anything from a

Protestant.

• He was forbidden to rent any land that was worth

more than 30 shillings a year.

• He was forbidden to reap from his land any profit

exceeding a third of the rent.

• He could not be guardian to a child.

• He could not, when dying, leave his infant children

under Catholic guardianship.

• He could not attend Catholic worship.

• He was compelled by law to attend Protestant

worship.

• He could not himself educate his child.

• He could not send his child to a Catholic teacher.

• He could not employ a Catholic teacher to come to

his child.

• He could not send his child abroad to receive

education.

Lecky said in his "History of Ireland in the 18th Century"

that the object of the Penal Laws was threefold: "To

deprive Catholics of all civil life; to reduce them to a

condition of extreme, brutal ignorance; and, to disassociate

them from the soil." Lecky said, "He might, with absolute

justice, substitute Irish for Catholic," and added a fourth

objective: "To expatriate the race."

1697

Joseph Roche (Roach), born, son of George Roche,

alderman, Limerick. At Trinity 1717

1697 Thomas Roch of Ringcurrane, mariner, Admin. Bond

Cork.

1699

Francis Roch of Limerick, Co Limerick, pardoned 3 June.

Irish follower of King James II, 1685-1699, outlawed and

pardoned by King William III, 1689-99.

Julian Roch m. Edmund Cudmore, Cloyne

William Roche, born, son of George Roche, Alderman,

Limerick. Grad Trinity 1721.

1700

Charles De La Roche, Huguenot, having previously been an

assistant to Rev. Balaguier in Portarlington and having

served at Clonmel in 1699, was a minister of the French

Church from 1700-1702 at St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin -

sharing space with their hosts. By 1706, he was chaplain to

Col. Fontjulian of Lord River's Brigade.

Col. James Roch, the Swimmer, second marriage to

Elizabeth, dau of Benjamin Hammerton. They had a son,

James, b. 1702

38

1701

Act of Settlement: Toward the end of 1700 William III was

ill and childless; his sister-in-law, the prospective queen,

Anne, had just lost her only surviving child; and abroad the

supporters of the exiled king, James II, were active. It was

therefore decreed that, in default of issue to either William

or Anne, the crown was to pass to Sophia, electress of

Hanover, granddaughter of James I, and to "the heirs of her

body being Protestants." The act thus paved the way for

the accession of the House of Hanover in 1714 after the

reign of Queen Anne (1702-1714).

Honor Roch and Daniel Kenelly, marriage license bond, Cork

Anne I - 1702-14

1702-41

James Roch, as above, born at Glyn Castle, near Carrick on

Suir, later of Dungarvan, twice married.

1702

George Roche [Protestant] was Mayor and became an MP

for Limerick. A practical family, where land and property

were concerned, they hedged their bets (some RC and

some C of I), and burnt or 'lost' records, a great shame for

present historians, but extremely pragmatic.

Catherine Roch and James Galway, marriage license bond,

Cork

Catherine Roche and Edmund Allen, marriage license bond,

Cork

Maurice Roche and Mary Meskell, marriage license bond,

Cork.

1703

Ulicke Roche succeeds to the dormant title Viscount of

Fermoy on the drowning death of his brother David at

Plymouth. He was a poor man occasionally receiving some

financial aid from the English establishment. He married a

widow, Anne Purcell of Northumberland and died childless

in 1733. His widow outlived him by thirty years, but still

styled herself the Viscountess of Fermoy in her Will.

Ellinor Roch m. David Cooshine, Cloyne

Luke Roche of St. Finbarry, mariner, Admin. Bond Cork

Richard Roche and Catherine Archdeacon, marriage license

bond, Cork.

1704 - Penal Code Addendum - RCs denied vote and right to

military service

1704

David Roch and Mary Hughes, marriage license bond, Cork

Annstas Roche and Henry Meskill, marriage license bond,

Cork

Catherine Roche and Gilbert Harper, marriage lic. bond,

Cork

Luke Roche and Jane Whitford, marriage lic. bond, Cork.

1705

Mary Roche and Thomas MacNamara, marriage license

bond, Cork.

1706

Anne Roche and William Tensley, marriage lic. bond, Cork

Edward Roche and Elizabeth Browne, marriage license

bond, Cork

Mary Roche and Isaac Harding, marriage lic. bond, Cork

1707

Phillip Roche of Kilbrogan, Admin. Bond Cork

Phillip Roche of St. Finbarr, mariner, Admin. Bond Cork

James Roche and Joan/Jane Roche, marriage license bond,

Cork

1708

Alexander Roche m. Bridget Synnott, Cloyne

Ellen Roch and William Power, marriage license bond, Cork

Mary Roche and Nicholas Cook, marriage lic. bond, Cork.

1709 - Over 6500 German Palatines settle in Ireland; 200

families leave for Britain the following year, 1710

1709

Jon. Roche esq. of Ballyfiarde, Admin. Bond Cork

Bridget Roche and John Rice, marriage license bond, Cork

Phillip Roche and Mary Hungerford, marriage lic.bond, Cork

1710

Andrew Roch and Mary Lovekin, marriage lic. bond, Cork

39

1711

Edward Roche esq. of Trabolgan and his wife, Mrs. Mary

Archdeacon, of Monkstown, both died in the same hour 23

Jan. Castle on the Bandon River, owned by Roches who also

owned its village, Dunderrowe.

1712

Patrick Roche and Mary Ray, marriage license bond, Cork

Sibill Roche and Thomas Price, marriage license bond, Cork

1713

Elizabeth Roche m. John Meade, Cloyne

George Roche MP (and in 1715). He was Mayor of Limerick

in 1702 and again in 1721

John Roche, born, son of Richard Roche, gent., Dublin. At

Trinity, 1729

Jane Roche and John Gwykin, marriage license bond, Cork.

1714

Roche v. Roche: Ireland; Court of the Chancery; Six Clerks

Office: Pleadings 1678, Bridges, National Archives, Kew, UK

- Ruling 1714

Danan v Roche; Ireland; Court of the Chancery; Six Clerks

Office: Pleadings 1678, Bridges, National Archives, Kew, UK

- Ruling 1714

Thomas Roche of St. Peters, painter, Admin. Bond Cork

Anne Roche and Robert Mason, marriage lic. bond, Cork

Edmond Roche esq. of Ringabelly, Co Cork, prerogative Will

filed.

George I (1714-27 --- first of the House of Hanover)

1715

Margaret Roche and John Lane, marriage lic. bond, Cork.

1716

Mary Roche and Francis Flaherty, marriage lic.bond, Cork

Edward Roche of Kinsale, will filed, Co Cork

Edward Roche of Kinsale, will proved in Cork.

1717

Phillip Roche of Tullagh, gent., Admin. Bond Cork

Andrew Roche of Carrune, Will filed, Co Cork.

1719

John Roache, father of Redmond and William, born. Died

1794

George Roche and Mary Wood, marriage lic. bond, Cork

John Roche of Skibbereen, will filed, Co Cork.

1720

Thomas Roche of St. Mary Shandon, Admin. Bond Cork

George Roche and Mary Manton, marriage lic. bond, Cork

James Roche and Honor Barry, marriage license bond, Cork

Richard Roche and Joanna Allin, marriage lic. bond, Cork

Theobald Roche and Honora Callaghans, marriage license

bond, Cork

1721

Garret Roche m. Catherine McAllister, Cloyne

James Roche and Catherine Cowrcey, marriage license

bond, Cork

1722

Col. James Roch, the Swimmer, died that December, aged

65 years

Jane Roche and John Bickford, marriage license bond, Cork

Luke Roche and Joana Vickery, marriage lic. bond, Cork

Margaret Roche and John Searls, marriage lic. bond, Cork.

1723

Mary Roche m. Clement Skiddy, Cloyne

Maurice Roch of Ardnegeehy, Admin. Bond Cork

1724

• Rev Paul Roche PP Wexford founds the Roche

Bourse (seminary) at Louvain - it remained in

operation until WWI

• David Roche m. Margaret Plunkett, Cloyne

• Thomas Roche of Britway, farmer, Admin. Bond

Cloyne Diocese

• Elinor Roch and John Hartt, marriage license bond,

Cork

• John Roche of Kinsale, d. of w., will filed, Co Cork

• John Roche of Kinsale, will proved in Cork

• July 25 Richard Roch, witness, proved will, Cork

1726

Catherine Roche m. Thomas Power, Cloyne

Maurice Roche of Ballytibbitt, will filed, Cloyne Diocese, C

of I, Cork

40

1727

Andrew Roche of Cork, merch., Admin. Bond

Mary Roch and Frances Kearney, marriage lic. bond, Cork

Toxteth Roch, Limerick, alderman - died 4 Jan.

Toxteth Roch, will proved 21 March. Wife, Ann. Children -

Ann, Elizabeth, Catherine, Richard, Francis, & Thomas.

George II ---1727-60

1728

Catherine Roche of Cacturk, will filed, Cloyne Diocese, C of

I, Cork

Luke Roche, mariner: Executor of William Holland, Kinsale,

Ireland - Bundle 27, Part II, Prerogative Court of Canterbury

- Filed Engrossed Eighteenth Century Inventories.

1729

Philip Roche of Cork, Admin. Bond

Catherine Roche and John Watts, marriage lic. bond, Cork.

1730

James Roch and Melian Holmes, marriage lic. bond, Cork

Catherine Roche and Patrick Galwy, marriage lic. bond,

Cork.

1731

Maurice Roche of Cork, gent., Admin. Bond

Jane Roche and George Chapman, marriage lic. bond, Cork

David Roche of d. of w., will filed, Cloyne Diocese, C of I,

Cork.

1732

David Roche of Cork, will filed, Co Cork

Martha Roch and Abraham Chatterton, marriage license

bond, Cork

1733

Ulicke Roche, commonly called Lord Viscount Fermoy,

prerogative will filed, Cork ---- the main line at Fermoy

became extinct when Ulicke Roche died without offspring.

Given the flight of Maurice to Flanders and the hanging of

his wife (Ellen Power Roche) at Castletownroche, a century

earlier, I can't explain much of what happened in the

interim - at least not in any rational way. The extended

family is said to have declined into genteel poverty with the

occasional handout from wealthy sympathizers. But there is

a body of opinion which claims that the main line at Fermoy

became extinct when Ulicke Roche died in 1733. Various

reputed cousins appear around this time, as must have

been the case previously, and there is evidence that other

branches of the family (like Ulicke's - below) held land in

the area late into the 1700s.

William Roche of Ballylegane, will filed, Cloyne Diocese, C of

I, Cork.

1734

Arthur Roche second Bailiff of Limerick - Mayor in 1743,

1756 and 1760

George Roche, born, son of Arthur Roche, gent., Limerick.

1735

John Roche, born, brother of Patrick and Michael

Mary Roch and George Thompson, marriage lic. bond, Cork

John Roche, gent., of Thibbereen, Co. Cork, admin. grant.

1736

Philip Roche and Elizabeth Norris, marriage lic. bond, Cork

Theobald Roche and Joan Copinger, marriage license bond,

Cork.

1737

James Roche of Cork, merch., Admin. Bond

William Roch and Catherine Cogan, marriage lic.bond, Cork

John Roche of Carrignagrough, will filed, Cloyne Diocese, C

of I, Cork.

1738

Alice Roche and John Swetnam, marriage lic. bond, Cork

Francis Roche and Ann Dodge, marriage license bond, Cork

Margaret Roche and Sylvester Nunan, marriage license

bond, Cork

David, son of George, Alderman and second Bailiff of

Limerick - Mayor the next year, 1739.

1739

Rev. Henry Roche, Dean of Ferns; PP Nicholas Roche and

Paul Roche PP, Co Wexford.

1740-1

James Roch, son of James the Swimmer, succeeded by his

eldest son James of Odell Hall and Woodbine Lodge. He too

married twice and had two children, a dau Melian (1st

marriage) who later married Sampson Roch and had three

sons, and George Butler (2nd marriage) 1784-1859. George

of Woodbine Hill, Co. Waterford in turn was succeeded by

eldest son George of Woodbine Hill and Rochestown, Co.

Cork 1819-1894.

41

1740

John Roche, born, father of David. Died 1816

John Roche of Douglas, Cork, Admin. Bond

George Roche, Limerick, Esq. 13 June 1740. Codicil 4 Dec.

1740. Narrate, 1 p., 14 May 1741. His wife Mary Roche,

extx. Francis Bindon and David Bindon, both of Dublin,

Esqrs., trustees. His sons David and Joseph Roche. Towns

and lands of Ballybigg, Co. Cork. Faranfierish [Farranferris]

in the city of Cork. Several houses and tenements in city of

Cork, and all other lands etc. in the city, the county of the

city and the county of Cork. Will and codicil witnessed by:

Samuel Bindon, Templemongreld of the city of Limerick,

Esq., Ann Bindon, spinster, daughter of said Samuel Bindon,

Francis Mold, then of said city of Limerick and now of

Dublin, spinster. Memorial witnessed by: Frances Mold,

Thos. Gloster, Limerick, gent. & Thos. Caffery, Dublin,

yeoman.

1741

Philip Roche of Cork, gent., Admin. Bond

Mary Roche and Dennis McCarthy, marriage lic. bond, Cork.

1742

John Roche of Cork, gent., Admin. Bond

John Roche of Cork, will filed, Co Cork

Elen Roche and Edward Smith, marriage license bond, Cork.

1743

Thomas Roche and Ann Evanson, marriage lic. bond, Cork

Martha Roche and Francis Townsend, marriage license

bond, Cork.

1744

Edmd. Roche of Cork, shopkeeper, Admin. Bond

Ellinor Roche of Cork (d. Of w.), will filed, Co Cork

Benjamin Roche of Limerick died 13 Feb

Benjamin Roche of Limerick, will proved 24 April; executor

brother, Arthur Roche of Limerick.

1745

Sarah Roche and Robert Stevelly, marriage lic. bond, Cork

James Roche of Dublin, esq., admin. grant.

1746

John Roche of Glin, Co Limerick, yeoman, witness in suit.

1747

George Roch of Bandon, merch., Admin. Bond Cork

Eliz. Roche, widow, prerog. will, Cork

John Roche of Ballindangan, cousin to Ulicke, who had

assumed title of Lord Roche, a general officer in King of

Sardinia's Service, was sent several times to prevent French

and Spaniards passing the Alps into Italy. He was honored

for his "brave defence" at Augusta, Exiles and Casal where

with 600 men he was besieged for 32 days against an army

of 25,000. He was a prisoner of war, but returned to the

King of Sardinia's army in June 1747. Some reports have

him dying that year and other in 1777 (without mention of

a Christian name - surname only). Burke's Dormant

Peerages, 1866, say that following his death, the title was

not assumed until Edmund Burke Roche of Trabolgan was

elevated to the Peerage almost a hundred years later as

Baron Fermoy (10 September 1856). Yet see 1788 - Jordan

Roche. [The Trabolgan Peerage was Baron - and created -

not an assumption of the rank of Viscount]. At this point,

the whole matter begins to verge on the ridiculous!

1748

Edmond Roche and Barbara Hennessy, marriage license

bond, Cork

Margaret Roche, spinster, admin. grant, Cork

James Roche, esq., admin. grant, Cork.

1749

• Thos. Roche, merchant of Limerick, m. in Dublin,

Miss F. Archbold, dau. of Jas. Archbold, merchant,

Bride St., Limerick 24 June

• Ellen Roche of Cork, shopkeeper, Admin. Bond

• James Roche and Cassandra Parker, marriage

license bond, Cork

• Mary Roche and Thomas Harris, marriage lic.

bond, Cork

• John Roche of Dromskeny, land suit, Barony of

Dunhallow, Cork

• James Roch of Killarney, will filed, Cork

• Joseph Ulicke Roche, admin. grant, Cork

• James Roche of Dublin, esq., admin. grant

• James Roch of Co. Cork, com. grant.

1750

Ann Roche and John Hales, marriage license bond, Cork

Edmond Roch of Cork, esq., prerogative will filed

James Roche, admin. grant, Cork.

42

1751

Michael Roche, born, brother of Patrick and John, died

1807

Walter Roche of Dublin, admin. grant.

1752

Maurice Roche of Cork, will filed, Co Cork

Thomas Roche and Susanna Benfield, marriage license

bond, Cork

Frances Roch (Roche) and Butler Townsend, marriage

license bond, Cork. Townsend at Trinity College, 1723;

priest at Cork, 1743. Frances dau. of John Roche, West

Carberry. No issue

John Roche and Ellen Duvane, marriage license bond, Cork.

1753

Richard Roch, Colemanna, Co Carlow - Leighlin Wills 1652-

1800

James Roche, born, son of Edmund Roche, soldier, Cork.

Trinity 1769

Francis Roche of Hollyhill, will filed, Co Cork

Edmond Roche of Cork, esq., prerog. will.

1754

• Barbara Roche m. Thomas Allen, Cloyne

• Francis Roche, coach maker of Cork, prerogative

will filed.

• Francis Roche of Cork, will filed, Co Cork

• Kerry William Roche, gent., of Lissahane, Co. Kerry,

prerog. will

• Francis Roche of Trabolgan, Co. Cork, admin grant.

1755

William Roache, son of John Roache, born. Died 1802.

1756

John Roche of Timoleague, will filed, Co Cork

John Roche of Timoleague, will proved, Cork

Hellen orw Roche, White, Glin, Co. Limerick, admin. grant.

1757

John Ward, (tax) collector for Ross, Co Wexford, petitions

the Commissioner of Revenue for Ireland in Dublin

requesting instructions on how to account for money

belonging to the Crown but stolen from his mansion by

Thomas Roche, William Cleary and others [27 Jan 1757].

David Roch of Lisduff, farmer, Admin. Bond Cork

Ellen orw Roche, White, of Ballynotty, Co. Limerick, admin.

grant.

1758

Patrick Roche of Ballywenus, will filed, Cloyne Diocese, C of

I, Cork

Catherine Roche of Kinsale, will filed, Co Cork

Catherine Roche of Kinsale, will proved in Cork

William Roche of Lissahane, Co. Cork, gent., prerog. will.

1759

• Catherine Roche, dau. of John Roche of Limerick

m. James Lombard Nov 22

• Andrew Roche of Bandon, will proved, Cork.

• Philip Roche, gent., of Ballinluge, Co Cork,

prerogative will filed

• Andrew Roche of Bandon, will filed, Co Cork

• Philip Roche of Cork, merchant, prerog. will.

1760

• Edmond Roche of Cork, shopkeeper, Admin. Bond

• Mary Roche of Kinsale, spinster, Admin. Bond Cork

• Richard Roche of Castleisland, Kerry, will filed,

Cork

• David Roche or Roch of Carroughgorrum, will filed,

Cloyne Diocese, C of I, Cork

• James Roche of Cork, will filed, Co Cork.

Roche's Mint, King Street, Dublin - By 1760 small coppers

were scarce in Ireland. No royal Irish farthings had been

issued since 1744 and no royal Irish halfpence since 1755.

Both were to be minted in 1760, but did not arrive in

Ireland until 1762. So underweight Voce Populi farthings

and halfpence appeared in Dublin, all with the date 1760.

They have been attributed to a man named Roche, a button

maker and may have been produced through 1761 using

the same dies. Production seems to have stopped by 1762

when the regal 1760 coppers finally arrived, but both the

regal and Voce coppers continued to circulate. Over time,

they were replaced by regal George III Irish halfpence, but

there were also many lightweight counterfeit and imitation

Irish coppers in use.

43

George III 1760-1820

1761

• William Roche of Shanballymore

• Thomas Roche of Ballyhiniak

• Francis Roche of Cork, clothier, Admin. Bond

• David Roche of Kinsale, will filed, Co Cork


• Catherine Roach m. last week at St. Peter's Church,

Cork to Mr. Henry Sanders of Charleville, Gent.

(Faulkner's Dublin Journal...22 Dec 1761 - Misc.

Newspaper Notices Ireland)

1762

William Roche of Cork City

Thomas Roche of Kinsale

John Roche of HMS Torbay, will filed, Co Cork

Margaret Roche of Cork, will filed, Co Cork.

1763

James Roche listed at Trinity College

George Roche of Bandon, clothier, Admin. Bond Cork

Ellen Roche, Admin. Bond Cork

Anna Maria (Purcell) Roche, Viscountess Fermoy,

prerogative will filed, Cork.

1764

Francis Roche of Cork, coach maker, prerog. will

Mary Roche of Cork, widow, admin. grant.

1765

Died -- Wife of Thomas Roche of Limerick.

1766

Patrick Roche, Garristowne, Co Carlow - Leighlin Wills 1652-

1800

1767

Edmund Roche appointed Justice of Peace for Cork, 28 Dec

Thomas Roach, Gerrenleen, Co Carlow - Prerogative Wills

1536-1810

1768

John Roche Jr. of Cork m. Peggy Ellis of Brown St., Cork - 14

March.

1769

Mary Roche orw. Byrne, admin. grant, Cork.

1770

Mary Roche of Cork, will filed, Co Cork

Wife of John Roche, Clerk of St. Paul's Church, Cork - died

May 11.

James Roche born (1770-1853) author of "Essays of an

Octogenarian" pursued a career in business and politics in

Paris, Bordeaux and Cork.

1771

Edward Roche, born, son of Edmund Roche, gent., Cork.

Trinity 1789.

Captain David Roche, 1770s (English or Irish) - wrote a book

about the duel he had with a Lieut. Ferguson on his way to

India in 1771 at the Cape of Good Hope. The book was, "A

Plain And Circumstantial Account of the Transactions

Between Capt. Roche and Lieut. Ferguson from their First

Meeting to the Death of Lieut. Ferguson: The Trial and

Depositions at the Cape of Good Hope" London; Sold by G.

Allen, No. 59, Pater Noster Row, MDCCLXXV.

David Roche, Esq. obtained a Captain's command in the

service of the HEIC (Honourable East India Company) in

May 1772. He and his wife embarked on board the

Vansittart for Bombay. During the voyage, Ferguson

repeatedly tried to provoke Roche and once asked him to

duel. Ashore at the Cape, September 4, 1773, Roche was

taking a walk around 5 pm when he was attacked by

Ferguson. In the fight that ensued, Ferguson was killed.

Capt. Roche later took a French ship to Bombay, provided

by the Dutch Governor at the Cape of Good Hope. He had

been imprisoned in Bombay but was later acquitted. By

1775 he was back in England.

1772-95 Catholic Relief Acts gradually restore rights taken

away under the Penal Laws - it would be another decade

before they could own land.

1772

John Roache - died March 27 - Castletownroche

Margaret Roche of St. Finbarrys, widow, Admin. Bond Cork

William Roche of Cork, will filed, Co Cork

Rev. George Roche Mayor of Limerick.

1774

John Roach born in Tintern Parish, Co Wexford. He married

there and was among the first Roaches of Avalon in

Newfoundland without a wife but with Irish-born son,

Nicholas. John died in NF in 1841 aged 67 years.

Francis Roche esq. - seat recorded as Holly-hill

44

1775

John Roche, witness, proved will, Cork - Aug 19.

1776

John Roche esq., only son of Philip Roche esq. of Limerick

City m. Miss Whyte, dau. of Chas. Whyte esq. of Granby

Row, Cork - Oct 14

Mary Roch m. Joseph King, Cloyne

Thomas Roche of Dublin, esq., Prerogative Wills 1536-1810.

1777

Nicholas Roch, Colemanna, Co Carlow - Leighlin Wills 1652-

1800

Grace Roch m. John Atkinson, Cloyne

Joan ROCHE wife of John DUANE - he died 1777 age 44 -

Mologga Cemetery, Templemologga/Kildorrery area, North-

East Co Cork.

1778

James Roche (otherwise WOULFE) executed for the theft of

14 sheep from Derby SULLIVAN of Glasheen. All such

executions took place at Gallows Green (present-day Lough

Road), Co Cork.

Nicholas Roche, born, son of Benjamin Roche, gent., Co

Carlow. At Trinity 1792.

1779

Francis Roche, d age 55, Mologga Cemetery, Co Cork

John Roche m. Catherine Sandys, Cloyne

Thomas Roche, footman, Kenmare Estate

John Roche, son to Nicholas Roche, property Coollicky

(Kenmare Estate records).

1780

David Roche m. Mary Rea, Cloyne

David Roche, mariner HMS Ambuscade, will filed, Cork.

1781

Ann Roche m. George Broadbrook, Cloyne

John Roche Jr. of Cove m. Miss Collins, dau. of Capt. Collins

of Cove (Cobh) - 30 Apr

John Roche, born - later husband of Johanna Walsh. Died

1809.

1782 May 4 - Catholic Relief Act - allows Catholics to

acquire land.

1783

Stephen Roche Jr. of Limerick

John Roche esq., Limerick

John Roche, witness, proved will, 27 March, Cork.

1784

Tobias Roach, of Carriganes, born. Died June 1864.

1785

John Roche of Killarney, Co Kerry

Cassandra Roche of Carhue, will filed, Co Cork

Widow of Philip Roche d. March 3 at Clougheen nr.

Clonskilty aged 100 years

Miss Roche, niece of Philip Roche, Limerick m. John Meade,

son of Thomas Meade, linen draper, 10 Sept.

1786

Gerard Roache of Killarney, Co Kerry

Thomas Roche, ship chandler on the Quay, Limerick died 26

March.

1787

• Melian Roch m. Sampson Roch, Cloyne

• William Roche, merch. and cooper, Sand St., Cork

• James Roche, grocer, Barrack St., Cork

• Francis Roche, shopkeeper, N. Main St., Cork

• William Roche, mercer, 11 Grand Parade, Cork

• William Roche, cooper, Dominick St., Cork

• Andrew Roche, perfumer, George's St., Cork

• William Roche, coast surveyor, Youghall.

• David Roche, tanner, Youghall

• Julian Roche, apothecary, Youghall

• James Roche, gent., of Droumanaragill, Co Cork,

prerogative will filed.

• Elizabeth Roche of Cork, will filed, Co Cork

• Lawrence Roche of Cork, will filed, Co Cork

• James Roche of Droumanaragill, Co. Cork, gent.,

prerog. will.

1788

• Jordan Roche dies (Walker's Hibernian Magazine,

September Issue). They try to link Sir Boyle Roche

(1743-1807), the politician it said intended to lay

claim. But the title was allowed to (yet again)

lapse. He died without male issue.

• James Roche m. Anne Allen, Cloyne

45

• Thomas Roche Jr. of Beakfield, Co Tipperary, m.

Miss O'Brien, dau. of Col. Jas. O'Brien at

Ennistymon, seat of Edw. O'Brien esq. - 8 Oct

• Died Thomas Roche, living in Rotterdam,

purchased an estate in Co Kilkenny in 1787, leaving

Stephen Roche of Limerick as heir at law (Oct)

• Philip Roche; merchant; Rutland-place office;

Mary-Street, Limerick

• Stephen John Roche; merchant; George's-quay,

Limerick

• Stephen Roche esq., son of John, m. dau. of Dr.

Ankettle, Limerick, Oct 1

• David Roche Jr; grocer and spirit-merchant; Mary-

street, Limerick

• Thomas Roche; ship-chandler; Merchant's-quay,

Limerick

• Philip Roche; merchant/haberdasher; Mary-street,

Limerick

1789

Master Philip Roche, son of Stephen Roche, grandson of

John, died 22 May

Miss Roche, dau. of Stephen Roche, granddaughter of John

m. Francis French of Port Carrow, Co Galway

Patrick Roche, father of James, died

Thomas Roche of Rotterdam, Holland, merchant, admin.

grant.

1790

John Roche, born, son of John Roche, esq., Cork. At Trinity

Sir Boyle Roche was M.P. for Tralee ---1790-98

1791 - United Irishmen founded (Belfast) by Theobald

Wolfe Tone

1791

Ellen Roche of Tralee, will filed, Cork.

1792

Ulicke Roche m. Ruth Philpott, Cloyne

Mrs. Thomas Roche, d. near Skibbereen, 28 June

Miss Roche, dau of John of Cobh, m John Thomas Keane

esq. of Cloyne

Michael Roche b., Carriganes; d. 1879

Thomas Roche of Moyge, Admin. Bond Cloyne Diocese.

1793 - RCs given the Vote

1793

• John Roche, born, son of John Roche, gent., Kerry.

At Trinity 1811

• Rev. James Roche of Kinsale, Admin. Bond Cork

• James Roche of Chamballymore, d. of w., probate

not date, will filed, Cloyne Diocese, C of I, Cork

• James Roche of P. P. Kinsale, will filed, Co Cork

• James Roche , P. P., of Kinsale, will proved in Cork

1793 Thomas Roche, Thomas married Farrel,

Eleanor; Nov 3rd both of Camphire, P. of Lismore,

Lismore Cathedral in Waterford.

1794

James Roche, born, son of Patrick Roche, gent., Co

Monaghan. Trinity 1814

James Roche of Three Bridges, Co. Kilkenny, admin. grant

Philip Roche, son of John, merch. March 8 (provision store),

Ennis

Edward Roach (grandfather of future Archbishop Roche of

NL) born Borris, Co Carlow, migrated to NL in 1823. After 11

years in NL began work as a servant of the government for

45 (56 total) years there - obit. Edward was also paid for

clearing snow around Government House (Journal of the

House of Assembly 1837), but his main duties were as

Gateman to the Colonial Governors. He married Catherine

Meagher (Maher) of Borrisoleigh, Co Tipp. in NL 7 Feb 1829.

They had six children: Mary 1830, Catherine 1831, Bridget

1834, Margaret 1837, Patrick 1842 and Edward J. 1845.

Edward J and his future wife Mary O'Reilly of Placentia

became the parents of anti-Confederate Archbishop

Edward Patrick Roche (1874-1950) and brother John T. who

died while working as a newspaper reporter in St. John's.

Edward from Carlow died at Kings Rd, St. John's 18 Feb

1879 at age 85.

1795

• Miss Blanche Roche - Died - Jan 8 in Fras. St., Ennis

• John Roche, brother of Patrick and Michael, died

• George Tierney Roche, born, son of George Roche,

gent., England. Trinity 1812

• 1795 Francis Roche of Carhue, gent., Admin. Bond

Cork

• 1795 Hugh Roche, mariner, town of Cove, prerog.

will filed, Cork

46

• 1795 John Roche of Lyrainne, will filed, Cloyne

Diocese, C of I, Cork

• 1796 Edmond Roche of Milebush, will filed, Cloyne

Diocese, C of I, Cork.

1797

Stephen Roche m. Eliza Large, Cloyne

Ulicke Roche of Scartaglenny, Kerry, will filed, Cork

Thomas Roche and James Hickey killed yeoman Thomas

Scammadon of Cappoquin, Co Waterford on the road

between Agliss & Clashmore (Nov. 12). They coerced John

Keane, blacksmith, of Dromore to help remove the body

and keep the matter secret. He didn't.

1798 - TROUBLE!

1798

William Roche of Youghal, Co Cork, prerog. will filed

Capt. James Roche, a local farmer, led the attack on Carlow

- a total catastrophe for the rebel forces on 25 May. Of two

thousand who marched on the town, about a third were

lost. Some sought shelter in houses on Tullow Street when

the loyalist army appeared. The houses were set alight and

those who fled were shot or bayoneted; those who stayed

inside, burned. Others were shot in flight on the roads or in

the fields and were buried in shallow graves covered with

quicklime.

Father Philip Roche of Tincurry (Ballycarney) who served as

Parish Priest at Gorey in North Wexford, led the

Wexfordmen in many a battle in '98. Philip was born in

Monagrena near Boolavogue in the parish of Monageer abt

1760 and was ordained in Wexford by Bishop Caulfield on

17th May, 1785. His first appointment as curate was in

Ballyfad near Gorey. There he came into contact with the

United Irishmen in the early 1790s. When the rebellion

broke out, Roche immediately joined the insurgents, held

the rank of colonel and served on a committee of twelve

that controlled the affairs of the insurgent camp on Vinegar

Hill (not our finest hour - too much prisoners' blood

spilled).

Roche replaced Protestant Baganel Harvey 7 June 1798 as

Commander-in-Chief (after Harvey became distraught over

the excesses of the rebels). On hearing of the insurgent

defeat at Vinegar Hill on 21st June, Roche decided to

surrender in Wexford town and to try to obtain favourable

terms for the insurgents. However, he was pulled from his

horse and dragged through the streets to jail. He was court-

martialled on 24th June, convicted and sentenced to be

hanged. The following morning at 11 o'clock Roche and

eight others were executed on Wexford town bridge.

There were several other Roche priests in Co Wexford at

the time of the rebellion:

----Redmond Roche in Crossabeg (brother of Colonel

Edward Roche - below)

----James Roche in Wexford town, Chaplin to Bishop Dr.

James Caulfield, both apparently complicit in the slaughter

of Protestant prisoners on Wexford Bridge in mid-June.

----Edward Roche who was at Borris, Co Carlow and later

killed in battle at Scullagh-gap on the Wexford-Carlow

border.

Colonel Edward Roche of Garrylough (Shelmalier East),

supposedly directly descended from the Roches of

Artramont, farmer and malster, also played a large and

almost forgotten role in '98. He and his followers took

poison in Newgate prison rather than give the enemy the

satisfaction of hanging them or worse. (Other reports say

he had been sentenced to transportation, but I suspect

they understate the matter. Rebels were often lashed first,

up to a thousand times, and of course, died in agony). Not

for nothing did these brave men decide to die at their own

hands.

Rev Colonel LeHunte, who had sworn to change his religion

to RC before Father James Roche in Wexford town, slipped

through the killing field on Wexford bridge after only a

roughing up. He owned Artramont at the time (near

Wexford town). Artramont was the Roche family seat until

Cromwell threw them out and gave it to the Hunts in the

1640s. When the Hunte family later sold off in modern

times, the Roches took them to the British High Court

contesting their right to sell. The decision was that the

Roche claim had failed "due to the passage of time".

1799

Francis James Roche, born, son of Francis Roche, gent.,

Cork. Trinity 1815

James Roche of Trelong, gent., Admin. Bond Cork

James Roche of Tralong, Will filed, Co Cork.

47

1800

Act of Union - Great Britain/Ireland passed

1800

Thomas Roche of Moher died 6 Sept

Thomas Roche of Cork, gent., Admin. Bond

John Roche the elder, Town of Cove, prerogative will filed.

1801 - The Act of Union eliminated the Irish Parliament and

created the United Kingdom

1801

Sir William Roche, RC MP Limerick, founded Roche's

Limerick Bank; it survived the banking crash of 1820 and

later merged with the highly successful Provincial Bank of

Ireland. He remained active in politics until retirement in

1841. Never married. Died 1850.

George Roche, born, son of William Roche, merch., Cork.

Trinity 1819

Benjamin Roche, Fonthill, Co.Carlow - Prerogative Wills

1536-1810.

1802

James Roche of Killcloushy, will filed, Cloyne Diocese, C of I,

Cork

Mary Roche born Barnahasken, Co Carlow, Ireland. Died 24

Oct 1890 in Holy Angels Cemetery, St. Thomas, Ont.

Children were: William Breen, Patrick (Paterick) Breen, John

Breen, James Breen.

1803

Philip Roche of Lush's Hotel in Kildare St., Limerick, son of

Philip Roche Jr.

E. Roche esq., d. 7 May at Lyons, France, eldest son and

heir of Edw. Roche of Trabolgan

Philip Roche esq., son of late John Roche of Limerick, m.

Hon. Anne Plunkett, dau. of Rt. Hon. Lord Dunsany, at

Cheltenham 11 Aug.

1804

Stephen Roche Jr., esq., oldest merch. city of Limerick, Feb

12 died -- aged 80. He had helped establish ROCHE'S BANK.

James Roche, Naval officer, m. Mary Kelly, dau. of late

Michael Kelly of Glambrack, Co Galway, at Ennis - 13 Feb.

1805

James Roche of Cork, will filed, Co Cork

Philip Roche of Kinsale, will filed, Co Cork

William Roache of Cork, admin. grant

1806

Alexander James Roche of Dublin, admin. grant

1808

Roche banking family in Limerick opened their famous

"hanging gardens" to the public.

Philip Roche of Limerick, esq., admin. grant

1809

Anne Roche of Cork, widow, Admin. Bond

Francis Roche of Cork, clothier, Admin. Bond

1810

Benjamin Roche, born, son of Nicholas Roche, of Carlow.

Grad Trinity 1826.

1811

James Roche of Cork, will filed, Co Cork.

1812

John Roche m. Catherine Riordan - 10 May

John Roche married Lydia Abbott in Cork City, Cork, Ireland.

Known children are: Dr. John Roche b. 1815; Mary b. 1826;

Samuel Edward b. 1826; James Walter Douglas b. 1831;

Edward b. 1834; Eleanore b. 1838. The children all moved

to England where they married and raised families.

1813

John Roach, born Christmas Day in Mitchellstown, Cork.

Son of Patrick Roche and Abigail Meany. Later m. (1836)

Emeline Johnson. Naturalized US 1842. Shipbuilder. Died 10

Jan 1887.

48

1813 Edmond Roche of Ballynarsha, will filed, Cloyne

Diocese, CofI, Cork.

1814

John Roche DESERTED from the Garrison at Placentia, NF,

age 35, 5 ft. 7 ins., long visage, unable to speak English.

Arrived on the Brig "Mary" from Cove, Cork - 9 June.

Edmund Roche DESERTED from the service of Dennis

Noonan. Roche, native of Waterford, Ireland, Labourer,

came to Trinity, NF in the Brig "Benjamin", 5 ft. 7 ins., pale

complexion (sic), thin features, wears Beaver hat - Apr. 28

Richard Roche of Knockaclorig, will filed, Cork.

1816

John Roche of Glenville, Admin. Bond Cork

Joannem Roach b 27 May Adamstown Parish, Co Wexford

to Michaelis Roach and Maria Delaney of Ballvergin,

Countril. This couple also had Henricum 29 April 1813,

Michael 26 November 1814 and Mary 2 April 1818 (male

baby names in Latin, female in English).

Joannum Roach b 17 August Adamstown Parish, Co

Wexford to Gulielmio Roach and Magreireto Roach of

Ballvergin, Countril.

1817

John Roach born to Patrick and Mary Roach, 30 March,

Ballon, Co Carlow - sponsors James Heedon & Catherine

Fitzpatrick (possible NF connection through Edward - the

Archbishop's grandfather).

1818

• Edward Roach, born to Patrick and Mary Roach, 13

August, Ballon, Co. Carlow - sponsors James Tallon

& Catherine Nolan - see brother John above

• John Roach born to John Roach and Catherine

Flemmin(g) of Old Court, Co Wexford (Adamstown

Parish), barony of Bantry, PLU New Ross. This

couple also had Thomas b 14 April 1814

• John Roche of Castletownroche, Admin. Bond

Cloyne Diocese

• David Roche of Lismealcanals, will filed, Cloyne


• Michael Roche of Doneraile, will filed, Cloyne

Diocese, C of I, Cork.

1819

Samuel Roche of Youghal, will filed, Cloyne Diocese, CofI,

Cork.

George IV 1820-30

1819-1829...St. Patrick's College...Carlow Student Toll

----James Roche, Dublin 28 Sept 1818 - 1 July 1820

----H. Roche, Ferns Garrynisk, Blackwater Oct 1818 -1 July

1822.

----Rev. Nicholas Roche, (O.S.A.) 31 Oct 1821 - 1 July 1824

----Roche, Rev. M (Galway) 28 Sept 1824 -1 July 1825.

1820

Failure of Roche's Bank (and stoppage of Leslie's Bank at

Cork) causes banking crisis which spreads throughout

Munster and then to Dublin - May 25.

John Roche of Glandora, esq., Admin. Bond Cork

William Roche of Derryvilane, d. of. W., will filed, Cloyne


Rev. George Roche, Vicar of Templemichael, married

Sparrow Sarah, Miss (of Belmont, Lismore Parish) April 26th

1821, Waterford

1821

• John Roche of Carrigharla, farmer, Admin. Bond

Cloyne Diocese

• John Roche of Sandville, lived in that year

• William Roche of Killarney lived Kenmare

• Edward Roche of Killarney lived Kenmare

• J. H. Roche of Killarney lived Cloyne 1822 March 10

Died -- Mar, wife of John Roche esq. of Aghada

House, Co Cork.

1823

William Ahern - executed for robbery at ROCHE'S of

Aghada. Some years previously, he had been transported

for life when another death sentence for sheep stealing had

been commuted.

Richard Roche LIMERICK, SEPT. 27- A man named Daniel

Mahony was cutting rushes on the Commons in the Parish

of Killeedy. An altercation occurred between him and

Roche respecting a right of boundary when Mahony, armed

49

with a scythe, struck and laid open the bowels of his

unfortunate opponent, killing him. An Inquest was held by

John Cox, Esq. Coroner, and a verdict given accordingly. The

delinquent escaped justice.

1824

David Roche of The Brickfields, Will filed, Co. Cork

1824 Pigot's Directory

• O.M. Roche, North Main Street - listed under

Nobility, Gentry & Clergy

• Thomas Roche, Deputy Governor, County Goal,

Cork Road, Limerick

• Thomas and William Roche, esqrs., Treasurers,

Savings' Bank, Linen Hall, Limerick

• Roche, David, Wholesaler, Brusnwick Street,

Limerick

• Roche Thomas and William, Bankers, George's

Street, Limerick

• Roche Martin, Wine Merchant, 2 George's Street,

Limerick

• Roche, Stephen and John, Merchants -- Newtown-

Mahon

• Roche David, Brunswick Street, Miller

Peter Roach: TO BE LET~CO GALWAY ~ From the First Day

of May next, for such Term, and in such Divisions, as may

be agreed on, THE LANDS OF KILCURRIFF, Estate of MARTIN

J. LYNCH, Esq. ABOUT 400 Acres, now let in Divisions, as

follows: PARKALOMTOUGH, held by Mr. Peter Roach;

ANBALLYPARK, held by Pierre Blake, Esq; BARNPARK, held

by John F. Browne, Esq; COURSEPARK, held by Mr. Tim Silk.

The above Lands are situate in the Barony of Clare, mid-

way between Tuam and Galway. Proposals to be received

by Mr. James Barrett, Athenry, (if by letter post paid) who

will close with the Tenant or Tenants when the value is

offered.

1825

George Roche, esq. later of Granagh Castle, Co Kilkenny,

inherited the estates and representation of the Roches of

Limerick when his brother died in 1825. This gentleman

claimed the ancient Irish Peerage of Fermoy.

Source: A Genealogical and Heraldic History of The

Commoners of Great Britain And Ireland Enjoying Territorial

Possessions or High Official Rank: But Uninvested With

Heritable Honours, History of the Commoners of Great

Britain and Ireland.

Note: He certainly had no monopoly on laying claim to the

Fermoy Peerages.

1826

Anne Roche of Odorney, Kerry, will filed, Cork

1828

Garrett Roche of Knocknahorgan, Admin. Bond Cork

Ellen Roche, widow, of Loneraile, will filed, Cloyne Diocese,

C of I, Cork

Garrett Roche of Knockhorgan, will filed, Co Cork

1829

Michael Roche - St.James Cemetery, Co Cork. Erected by

Edmond Roche of Churchtown to the memory of his father

Michael Roche, died 29 March 1829 aged 48. Also his

mother Charlotte G. Carpenter Roche died 4 Sept. 1875

aged 95 years. His daughter, Charlotte Roche, died 28

March 1870 aged 49 years.

1829 Michael Roche of Cork, butter merch., Admin. Bond.

William IV 1830-37

1829 - Catholic Emancipation Act lifts penalties on RCs and

Presbyterians

1831

Rev. Patrick Roche of P. P. of Odorney, will filed, Cork

1832

The great personal popularity in Limerick of DANIEL

O'CONNELL (1775-1847), his positions in the 1832 election

campaign on Repeal of the Union with England and the

abolition of the tithe tax ensured the election of his political

candidates, David and William Roche.

1833

Lewis' Topographical Dictionary of Wales reported that at

Butter Hill, formerly a grange belonging to Pill Priory, there

was again a family named Roch, said to be descended from

Adam de Rupe [this would have been through the marriage

of a daughter - is at all]. The Manor House at Butter Hill was

built in the early 19th Century by a George Roch and later

extended by his son William Francis (Roch). Consistent with

the above, in 1830, the local population included:

GENTRY AND CLERGY

• Roch George, esq. Butter hill

• Roch Rev. William, Butter hill

50

• Rev. John Roche of Abinagh P. P., Admin. Bond

Cloyne Diocese

• Redmond Roche of Mountleader, Cork, will filed,

Cork

• Edmond Roche of Killuntin, will filed, Cloyne

Diocese, C of I, Cork (Memorial of will) will dated

1822.

1835

John Roche of Moullane, Smith, Admin. Bond Cloyne

Diocese.

Victoria 1837-1901

1837

James Roche of Moneen, Castletownroche, will filed,

Cloyne Diocese, C of I, Cork

1838

Mary Roche of Cork, widow, Admin. Bond.

1838 - Poor relief for Ireland enacted

1838

Protestant, David Roche, MP (1791-1865) a member of the

Limerick milling family that lived at Carass, Croom was

elevated to the Peerage (Baron), as was William - unrelated

- in 1838. He served as Limerick MP until his resignation in

1844.

George Roche (Mayor and MP for Limerick in the early

1700s) had a son and grandson, both called David, who

represented Limerick in parliaments in Dublin and, after the

Union, in London. David was a supporter, with the Duke of

Wellington, of Catholic Emancipation and became the close

parliamentary supporter of Daniel O'Connell.

Sir David Roche of Carass, Co Limerick and Barnetick, Co.

Clare succeeded his father as Magistrate for the County and

MP for Limerick. His wife was Frances, dau of John Ormsley

Vandeleur of Maddinstown, Co Kildare, Colonel of the 5th

Dragoon Guards. Their children were - David (b 1833),

Frances (deceased), Alice and Elizabeth.

In 1838, the ROCHE Arms were "CREATED", read "re-

created", in slightly modified form, having been long

dormant. David was know for his opposition to the Corn

Laws in relation to the Famine after he had left parliament.

In 1846, Prime Minister Robert Peel quoted from a letter of

his at length in the House of Commons in London which

swayed the vote for abolition. David Sr lived till April, 1865

and was succeeded his son as second Baronet - Rosetts.

1839

Thomas Roche, farmer, of Killmarrihur, Brosna, will filed,

Cork

William Roche of Derrylahan, will filed, Cloyne Diocese, Co

Cork.

1840-50 The Great Famine

1841

Thomas Roche of Killmanihan, Kerry, will filed, Cork.

1842

John Roche, farmer of Kilmarrihan, will filed, Cork.

1844

Maurice Roche of Ahane, Brosna, Kerry, will filed, Cork.

1845

Michael Roche m. Libby Kelly 11-2-1845, Ruchane at

Ballintober

Patrick Roche, aged 65 , brother Francis Roche died 1847

aged 63. Mologga Cemetery, Co. Cork.

1847

James Jeffrey Roche born (1847-1908). He was a journalist

and poet, went to the US as a child, wrote for and became

editor of The Boston Pilot, and became American Minister

to Switzerland shortly before his death.

1848

Captain ROCHE, a relative of the Liberator, Daniel

O'CONNELL collected his body at Birkenhead (near

Liverpool, England). The O'CONNELL family had every

confidence in Roche who met Rev. Dr. MILEY to arrange the

funeral 5 August 1848. In 1845, O'Connell had been unable

to persuade Parliament to deal with the Irish Famine. A sick

man by March 1847, he decided on a pilgrimage to Rome.

In Paris, he was hailed as the "most successful champion of

liberty and democracy in Europe". O'Connell never

completed his journey and died in Genoa 15 May 1847. His

heart was buried in Rome and his body in Dublin - as he had

wanted.

David Roche of Legg, will filed, Cloyne Diocese, C of I, Cork

Patrick Roche, will filed, Cloyne Diocese, C of I, Cork.

51

1849

Thomas Roche of Lackbane, Castleisland, will filed, Cork

William Vale married Mary Roche 6 March at Fermoy - her

Father was James Roche. They later sailed to Australia

1850

Canon James Roche became PP of Wexford where he

ministered until his death on March 14th, 1883. He is

credited with leading the effort to build two of the city's

churches...the Church of the Assumption and the Church of

the Immaculate Conception. During a visit to Rome in 1854,

he obtained from Pope Pius IX an Apostolic Blessing for

those who had made, or would make, donations to support

the project.

1850 Dublin City Directory:

Roache

• Brothers, Northumberland buildings (emigration

agents)

Roach

• Miss Anne, 7 Mountjoy place Upper (occupancy

not listed)

• D. James, 1 Percy place (Esq.)

• Henry, 9 Haddington terrace (occup not listed)-

spelt Roche in general listing

• John Edmond, 5 Mespil, Upper Leeson St and 34

College green (solicitor)

Mrs., 34 Merchant's quay (occup not listed)

• Nicholas, 29 Bridgefoot St (huxter)-spelt Roche in

general listing

• Thomas, 6 Linenhall St (slater and builder)

• Thomas, 27 Braithwaite St (provision dealer)

• William, 5 Mespil place (solicitor)

• William, 7 Upper Pembroke St (solicitor)-spelt

Roche in general listing

Roche

• Brothers and Co., 30 Eden quay (American

merchants)

• Alexander, 14 Beresford St (slater)

• Henry, 7 Anglesea St (solicitor)

• Henry, 9 Haddington terrace (occup not listed)-

spelt Roach in street listing

• James, 116 Townsend St (provision dealer)

• Jordan, 11 Hardwicke place (Esq.)

• Michael, 1 Castle St (licensed tobacconist)

• Mrs., 17 Jervis St (occup not listed)

• Nicholas, 29 Bridgefoot St (huxter)-spelt Roach in

street listing

• Patrick, 10 Castle St (merchant and military tailor)

• Sarah, 69 Grafton St (baby linen warehouse)

• Thomas, 6 Thomas St (green grocer)

• William, 7 Upper Pembroke St (solicitor)-spelt

Roach in street listing

• William and Co., 60 Upper Abbey St (wine

merchants and insurance agents)

1851

Alice Roach/Roche m Patrick Sutton, Scartnamoe March 25.

Witnessed by Anastatia Roche & William Cooke Parish of

Glenmore, Kilkenny. Children were all born in Slieverue,

Drumdowney.

1852

Although Limerick Mayor, William Lane Joynt, was credited

with founding the Limerick Athenaeum, a literary, scientific,

artistic and educational institution, 1852, among it's co-

founders were Thomas Roche, brother of MP, William

(above), and Thomas' son William.

Martin Roche of Kingwilliamstown, will filed, Cork.

1854

Mary Roche of Castleisland, will filed, Cork.

1856

Edmund Burke Roche of Trabolgan, Co Cork is elevated to

the Peerage of Ireland (created Baron Fermoy) again using

the traditional arms, modified, but essentially the same as

those adopted by David Roche of Carass, Co Limerick and

Barnetick, Co Clare in 1838.

Lady Diana was the direct descendant of Edmund Burke

Roche on her mother's side. Burke's Peerage reports that

these Roches descend from merchant Philip of Trabolgan,

Co Cork who (1554) purchased a portion of the old Fermoy

estate from Gerald, Lord Kinsale. Gentlemen's Magazine,

September 1855, has it that reference should be made to

Maurice Roche of Trabolgan, Mayor of Cork in the reign of

Elizabeth I (1563).

This branch may be linked to one with different arms (and

they called themselves "Carrigh" for rock in Gaelic). In

"Ancient Armorial Carving at Cork", September, 1855,

Richard Caulfield writes that a complete account of this

family's pedigree may only be available by examining the

52

MSS presented by Queen Elizabeth I to Maurice Roche,

Mayor of Cork in the 16th century. But they were never

associated historically with Fermoy until modern times. In

fact, a "new" peerage was created - as baron, not viscount -

and it was not considered an extension of the previous one.

Charles ROCHE, Esq., appointed a captain in the Cavan

Militia.

1857

Note: Until 1857, there were two types of 'Courts' dealing

with wills and administrations, the Consistorial and the

Prerogative. The Consistorial Court dealt with 'local' wills

and deeds - those relating to property/land within the

boundary of a diocese only.

The Prerogative Court dealt with wills or administration

bonds if they involved property worth more than £5 in a

second diocese. So - it would have been used by people who

were relatively wealthy and who owned property in two or

more Dioceses

These courts also had the power to grant letters of

Administration to next of kin or the main creditor on the

estates of those who died intestate (without a will).The

Prerogative Court was the responsibility of the Archbishop

of Armagh.

In 1857, the Probate Act took away the testamentary

authority of the Church of Ireland. Afterwards,there was a

Principal Registry in Dublin and eleven District Registries.

The rules and administration remained much the same. The

Principal Registry was equivalent to the Prerogative Court

(but it also covered Dublin and a large area around it).

Source: Irish Researcher, Jane Lyons

David Roche, farmer, Dulague, will filed, Cork.

1861

Nicholas Roche, a tenant farmer, died - a member of the

Catholic or Land Leagues - he sat on one of the League

Branches resulting from the introduction of the Poor Law

Union System in 1838.

53

Acknowledgements

Much of the Co Cork material on this page is taken

from "O'Kief, Coshe Mang, Slieve Lougher and the

Upper Blackwater in Ireland by Albert E. Casey, MD,

Published and Bound Privately for the Amite and

Knocknagree Historical Fund, 1966" and is an

amalgamation of a variety of sources. The

Roach(e)/Roch(e) entries are taken from volumes 5, 6,

7, 8, 11,14, and 15.

The original sources varied: "Abstracts from the

Council Books of Cork, Youghal and Kinsale, as

Published by Richard Caulfield, 1876-1878, by Nell

Frances Lowery;"The Presidency Court of the Province

of Munster;" "Index to Wills, Diocese of Ardfert and

Achadoe, Counties of Cork and Kerry, filed in the Cork

District Registry, 1690-1858;" "Church Lands South of

the Blackwater River in Barony of Muskerry and in

Kilshannig and Clonmeen Parishes in Barony of

Duhallow," "A Register of the Students, Graduates,

Professors and Provosts of Trinity College in the

University of Dublin, 1593-1860, from "Alumni

Dublinenses," etc.

They represent a variety of county, city and parish

records, wills filed, tombstone inscriptions, lists of

mayors and bailiffs, Kenmare Estate Records and

extracts from local newspapers. Casey did not group

or sort the information, however, the copies reviewed

here (on loan from the New England Genealogical and

Historical Society Library in Boston) did have an index

of sorts.

Much of the foundational information is courtesy of

Bill Roach of Florida. He emphasizes that the people

and events noted are from a large unorganized mass

of sources, including over 200 pages of the Casey

Volumes. To this, I have added extensively. I would,

however, like to express my sincere appreciation to

Bill for a tremendous effort on our behalf.

I have augmented Bill's sources with information

including the publications of the Cork Historical and

Archaeological Society, Vol XXXVIII, 1933 and widened

the focus outside Co. Cork. The Cambro-Normans and

Flemish (assuming that most Welsh returned home)

held for about a century to some extent. Once their

decline began, some were Loyalist, some came under

the influence of the Gaels and Brehon Law and one

would almost need a scorecard to keep track of all the

battles, real and in law, that makes an accurate record

of what transpired problematic. It might well be

argued that with the ascension of King John to the

British Throne with the death of his brother, Richard

the Lionheart in 1199, the ground began to shift

unpredictably.

The material in this article was originally on Jim

Roache’s website which is now inactive:

http://www3.sympatico.ca/jfroache/

This article was edited by Peter Roche and can be

found on Roche Lineages:

http://rochelineages.wordpress.com/

July 2011

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