Knocktopher

Knocktopher (historically Knocktofer and Knocktover; from Irish: Cnoc an Tóchair, Hill of the Causeway) is a village in County Kilkenny, Ireland. It is situated on the R713 road (former (N10 route, now bypassed by the nearby M9 between the villages of Stoneyford to the north, and Ballyhale to the south.

It has two pubs, two shops, a petrol station, a three star hotel, a restaurant and a glass gallery.

History

In 1312 it was listed as having four farmers holding between 5 and 74 acres of arable land, 45 free tenants holding from as much as 2,520 acres of arable land all the way down to a one-house plot. Ninety-seven burgesses held 360 acres of arable land, and there was a settlement of betaghs farming 120 acres of arable land. Knocktopher was home to a monastery, built in 1356 by James Butler, 2nd Earl of Ormond for the Carmelite friars. Following the implementation in Ireland of the dissolution of the monasteries in 1542, it was acquired by the Kingsland branch of the Barnewall family, later Viscount Barnewall. Its only remains are part of a residence built upon the site. The Carmelities returned to Knocktopher in 1735, where they remain to this day.

Knocktopher (Parliament of Ireland constituency)

Knocktopher was a constituency represented in the Irish House of Commons until 1800.

History

In the Patriot Parliament of 1689 summoned by King James II, Knocktopher was represented with two members.

Members of Parliament

1689–1801

Notes

References

Bibliography