Lynch Castle in Galway is a captivating blend of history and legend, nestled within the vibrant streets of this Western Irish city. Its origins are tied to the Lynch family, one of the 14 Tribes of Galway, who played a significant role in the city's economic and political life during medieval and early modern times. We will look at the castle's true history, from its construction to its present-day role, while dispelling the myth of Mayor James Lynch Fitzstephen's alleged hanging of his son, Walter, which has become an enduring legend over the centuries. Notably, the legend of Lynch's hanging finds a place in James Joyce's literary masterpiece, "Finnegans Wake."
The Lynch Family: One of the 14 Tribes of Galway
The Lynch family was among the esteemed 14 Tribes of Galway, influential merchant families shaping the city's destiny. Renowned for their commercial acumen, they accumulated wealth and prestige, contributing to Galway's prosperity.
The Myth of Mayor James Lynch Fitzstephen and Gomez:
The legend of Mayor James Lynch Fitzstephen's hanging of his son, Walter, and the involvement of a young Spaniard named Gomez, originated in a romantic novel written by Reverend Edward Mangin in 1807. Thirteen years later, James Hardiman published "History of Galway," expanding upon Mangin's tale. Despite Mangin's confession of inventing the story and Hardiman's disclaimer regarding the tale's factual basis, the legend took hold and proliferated through literature, plays, and films.
"I deemed the drugtails in my pettycourts and domstered dustyfeets in my husinclose: at Guy's they were swathed, at Foulke's slashed, the game for a Gomez, the loy for a lynch FW. 545. 42
The True Story:
Contrary to the legend, there is no historical evidence to support the claim that Mayor Lynch hanged his son. The tale describes Walter's jealousy or greed leading to Gomez's murder. Walter was indeed tried and found guilty, but execution was not carried out. The mayor, also a magistrate, did not resort to hanging his son from a Lombard Street window.
The Transformation of the House:
The house connected to the myth, where the alleged event occurred, was reconstructed in 1624. It was known as "Deadman's Lane" and featured a black marble plaque with a human skull and crossed bones beneath it, possibly erected as a memorial by the Lynch family.
The Demise of the "Cross-Bones House":
The house's condition deteriorated over time. By 1842, it was described as "tottering," and in 1844, town commissioners recognized its danger and decided to demolish it. Financial constraints during the Great Famine prevented its reconstruction.
The Monument's Resurrection:
In 1853, a proposal emerged to erect a monument for the old Cross-Bones plaque. This monument, attributed to Fr. Peter Daly, was positioned near the church, preserving the memory of the Lynch legend.
The Lynch Legend Unveiled:
The myth of Mayor Lynch's son has been definitively debunked by Father Max Mitchell in his 1971 article, "Mayor Lynch of Galway," published in the Galway Archaeological and Historical Journal. Mitchell's research conclusively demonstrated that the legend was indeed a legend, lacking historical authenticity.
Conclusion:
Lynch Castle in Galway, a testament to the Lynch family's legacy, stands as an emblem of the city's history. While the legend of Mayor Lynch's son has captivated imaginations, it remains a work of fiction. Lynch Castle's true history, its construction, decorative features, and contemporary role deserve appreciation for their genuine contribution to Galway's rich heritage.
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