The True Interest of his Country at Heart


Tucked away down a grassy boreen stands the now-abandoned church of St Helen, Moviddy, County Cork (closed for services 1961, unroofed 1968). The surrounding graveyard contains this early 18th century mausoleum (also now without a roof) constructed by the Bailey family who were then living close by in Castlemore Castle. Inside the little building, the south wall is dominated by a large memorial carrying the following inscription: ‘This monument erected at the cost of Mrs Anne Bayly widow of John Bayly of Castlemore Esquire to preserve his memory, who died the 15th of June Anno Christi, 1719. He was a gent who had the true interest of his country at heart. At the revolution he served in person in the wars of Ireland, till the kingdom was reduced to peace and quietness. Quitting the war he returned to his wife and children and shewed himself as good a husband as indulgent a father as he was a true subject being honored with a commission of the peace. He always administered justice so uprightly that he never blemished his commission and dyed lamented by all good men who did know him.’

8 comments on “The True Interest of his Country at Heart

  1. Patrick says:

    Perhaps this is the same Castlemore castle you wrote about some time back .

  2. Stephen Barker says:

    Charming little building.

  3. Irene Wynne says:

    His wife thought a lot of him.

  4. Emma Richey says:

    What a lovely memorial to a fine man.

  5. Mark Smith says:

    Beautiful to read, during these troubled times…

  6. Tom Crane says:

    Very nice.

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