LARACOR

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

"LARACOR, a parish in the barony of Lower Moyfenrath, county Meath, province of Leinster, Ireland, containing Summerhill, its post town.' It is 5 miles long by 2½ broad, and extends along the right bank of the river Boyne. The road from Trim to Dublin passes through the parish. The living is a vicarage in the diocese of Meath, value £337, in the patronage of the crown. The church is old. The Roman Catholic chapel is united to that of Agher. Here are four day schools. Dean Swift held the living for some time, and it was here that Esther Johnson, Swift's "Stella," lived. Dangan Castle, now a ruin, was the birth-place of Wellington."

"DANGAN, a demesne, in the parish of Laracor, barony of Moyfenrath, in the county of Meath, province of Leinster, Ireland, 2 miles S.E. of Trim. This once beautiful seat belonged to the Wellesleys. The early days of Richard Marquis Wellesley were spent here, and Arthur Duke of Wellington was born in the mansion, which has since been burnt down. The whole of this property was sold to Mr. Burroughs."

"SUMMERHILL, a small post town in the parish of Laracor, barony of Lower Moyfenrath, county Meath, province of Leinster, Ireland, 6 miles S.S.E. of Trim, and 23 from Dublin. It is on the road from Dublin to Trim, and contains a chief police station, and a Presbyterian meeting-house. Summerhill House is now a ruin. Dangan was the seat of the Wellesley family. Petty sessions are held occasionally. Fairs are held on the 30th April, 9th June, 22nd September, and 25th November."

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