ARDBRACCAN

In 1868, the parish of Ardbraccan contained the following places:

"ARDBRACCAN, a parish in the barony of Lower Navan, in the county of Meath, province of Leinster, Ireland, 3 miles to the W. of Navan. It contains the village of Bohermeen. The name of this parish signifies the "hill of Braccan," and is derived from St. Braccan, who was at the head of a monastery here in the 7th century. A bishopric was subsequently established here, which became part of the diocese of Meath in the 12th century. The monastery frequently suffered from the violence of the Danes, and was several times burnt. The country is fertile and well cultivated. Excellent limestone is quarried, and marl and gravel are raised. Some of the inhabitants are employed in weaving linen and cotton cloth. The living is a rectory in the diocese of Meath, value with the vicarage of Martry and several others, £687, in the patronage of the crown. In the church are monuments to the bishops Pococke and Montgomery. In this parish is the episcopal palace of Meath, an elegant structure situated in a fine demesne. Among its noble trees are some singularly handsome horse-chestnut trees, and two cedars of Lebanon planted by Bishop Pococke."

[Transcribed from The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland 1868]
by Colin Hinson ©2018