New book launched about Kilkenny's early modern 'magnates and merchants'

A new book of essays has just been published that explores the history of Kilkenny from the medieval to the early modern period, with a focus on the leading families of the time. 

The publication highlights how the city of Kilkenny that we enjoy today was shaped by these magnates and merchants that lived during this period. 

It reminds readers of the pivotal role Kilkenny played at this time and the great network of trade and cultural connections that the city enjoyed with the rest of Europe. 

The book called ‘Magnates and Merchants in early modern Kilkenny’ was launched on Monday, December 4 at Kilkenny Castle. The venue for the launch was carefully chosen as Kilkenny Castle was the principle residence of the Butlers of Ormonde, the most significant family of the region during this time.

The collection of essays cover a period beginning in the 13th century from the founding of the town of New Ross through to the granting of City status to Kilkenny by King James 1 in 1608.

“The concept for this publication originally started in October 2019 with a seminar on the subject, held in The Parade Tower. It was followed up by an exquisite exhibition, Kilkenny Networks in 2022, which is still currently on display here at Kilkenny Castle,” said Rosemary Collier, Head of Heritage Services and Capital Works Delivery in the Office of Public Works.

“The Office of Public Works and Kilkenny Castle are delighted to have been associated with the promotion of these wonderful suites of events that highlight the people, the legacy and the prominence that Kilkenny held across Europe.”

The book was edited by scholars Dr Jane Fenlon and Sarah Maguire.  

It illustrates to the reader the prominence Kilkenny enjoyed in Europe, and how those strong links influenced the cultural, financial and architectural development of the city.

“The period covered in the book dates from 1200-1614 and the aim was to highlight and provide evidence that Kilkenny was part of a European-wide movement that saw the rise of the merchant class that occurred in the early modern period of our history,” said Dr Jane Fenlon. 

“The essays in this collection are derived from academic papers that were delivered at a study day hosted by the Office of Public Works in 2019 on the theme of ‘Networks: Ormond courtiers and Kilkenny merchants in the sixteenth century.  They also complement an exhibition of the same name currently on display in Kilkenny Castle.”

“Collectively, the essays in this volume strive to present new information and new insights into previously examined sources in an effort to paint a clearer picture of the development of Kilkenny and its mercantile class during the period in question”.

Mr Malcolm Noonan T.D., Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform launched the publication at the Picture Gallery of Kilkenny Castle on Monday 4 December 2023 at 7:30pm.