John Knightly

Track 1: Callinafercy is the birthplace of John Knightly who gives a brief account of his background, and his passion for history, and in particular, the Godfrey Estate. Track 2: John Knightly explains the reasons why the Godfreys came to Kerry, and the building of Kilcolman Abbey. Track 3: The settling in of the Godfrey family and the family marriages and connections are explained. Track 4: The Callinafercy estate was part of the Godfrey estate, and was leased to the Leeson Marshalls. Track 5: The planned village of Miltown, and the improvement and management of the estate by John Godfrey is described by John Knightly. Track 6: The 18th century in Kerry is explored and fruit growing and the production of cider and its great importance is explained. Track 7: The working staff and the work conditions at the Godfrey estate is recalled. Track 8: Phyllis Godfrey and her time at Kilcolman is recalled and described. Track 9: May and George Ruth of Callinafercy are remembered and their fine personalities are recalled. Track 10: The fact of the absentee landlord in Kerry in the early 20th century and the benefit of this to the Land Commission is discussed by John Knightly. Track 11: Letters written by Sir William Godfrey in 1910, illustrating his great involvement in the locality, are read by John Knightly.