Helen Skrine No. 3

The Norman castle stands in close proximity to the Skrine home and this recording was compiled while touring the castle, which fell into the hands of the Boxwells in the 1890s. Previously it had been occupied by the Harveys of Bargy Castle, who were cousins. The purpose of the medieval castle was to protect the local people against their raiding neighbours, the McMurrough Kavanaghs. While walking through the lofty rooms and up the steep stairway enclosure, Helen Skrine provided a running account of her ancestors. We had a commanding view at the top of the castle, and she explained how the eight local Norman castles communicated with each other. The final section of this recording was compiled at Lingstown Castle and Helen had many anecdotes to tell about the people there and the village of Tomhaggard.