History: Trim, County Meath

                                Trim 1841 print by CT Dixon published in "Ireland, its scenery and character by Hall"


It was only four miles- about an hour and a half walk north- from the Allen farm in Great Umberstown/Dangan to the castle town of Trim. Situated along the river Boyne, the great castle and cathedrals were magnificent pieces of history for this part of Ireland. Agricultural markets and village shops were likely to have drawn our ancestors to the historic town.

The history of Trim far outdated our Norman ancestors likely arrival in Ireland.

A nephew of Saint Patrick, Saint Loman, built a monastery there during the fifth century, becoming the first Bishop of Trim. His successors were titled the Bishop of Trim and Abbot of Saint Mary's Abbey, where the "Yellow Steeple" can be seen today.

It wasn't until the twelfth century (1172) that King Henry II of England granted Meath to Norman Hugh de Lacy, who built the original structure on the banks of the River Boyne, leaving his nephew Hugh Tyrell in charge. Rather than surrendering the structure to the attempted invasion by the Irish King of Connacht, Tyrell burned it down and built a stone castle in its place. Hugh de Lacy died in 1186 and his son Walter became Lord of Meath. It was Walter who in 1204, founded an annual fair at Trim during the final week in February but by the 15th century, the fair was held in June or July.

The next attempted invasion came in 1210, when King John of England camped in a meadow outside the castle, giving the nickname "King John's Castle" to the edifice although he never stepped inside. His target, Walter de Lacy, locked up the castle, and then escaped. Afterwards, de Lacy further fortified the stone castle, creating what is now the largest Norman castle in Ireland. 

By the 13th century, Trim was one of the most important market towns in Meath. The walled medieval town had seven monasteries and three hospitals. Market day was usually held on Thursdays on Market Street. Goods available here included salted fish and meats, flour, oats, vegetables, butter, cheese and salt. Barrels of honey and wine were also sold. Live animals were traded, as were animal skins, leather, and wool. Various cloths were available- both simple linen or wool and finer silks. Some goods came by boat along the River Boyne, others were transported by horse and cart. Besides the market, regular tradesmen and craftsmen had shops in the town. There was a baker, and a wheelwright who made carts. Trim was a hub of trade.

The town was nearly invaded by the Scot Edward Bruce in 1315. At that time a Famine and the Black Death ravaged the countryside.

In 1399 King Richard II of England visited the castle, leaving behind two wards. One of the boys, Prince Hal, later became Henry V of England.

By 1600 the castle had been unoccupied for years and was in ruins. Cromwell's invaders captured the city in 1649 and his English followers were given estates and manors throughout the countryside. By the end of the 17th century, the town had lost its status as a center of Catholic wealth and power. 

(See Places to visit- Trim, County Meath)

Sources:

Richard Butler- History of Trim

http://irishwalledtownsnetwork.ie/page/trim/trim-info

http://www.irishidentity.com/extras/places/stories/trim.htm

http://mural.maynoothuniversity.ie/5121/1/Michael_Potterton_Vol-2_20140624131030.pdf

http://www.docbrown.info/docspics/irishscenes/ispage81b.htm

http://www.navanhistory.ie/index.php?page=navan-and-meath-2