The query “Abbeyknockmoy forsters” refers to the historical association between the Forster (later Blake-Forster) family and the Abbeyknockmoy estate and the Cistercian Abbey of Knockmoy in County Galway, Ireland. The family were significant landowners in the area for centuries.
The Blake-Forster Family and Abbeyknockmoy
- Estate Ownership: The Abbeyknockmoy estate, situated in the baronies of Tiaquin and Athenry, belonged to the Blake-Forster family. In the 1830s, the estate was the property of Francis Blake Forster, Esq., of Ashfield.
- Property in the Parish: Griffith’s Valuation records from the mid-19th century list a Robert Blake Forster leasing property and land in Culliagh North (also known as Knockmoy Abbey). Other townlands within the civil parish of Abbeyknockmoy were also noted as the property of “Mr. Forster of Abbey” at that time.
- Family History: The Forsters were of English origin and acquired property in Galway in the 1640s. A key marriage between Francis Forster and Anastasia Blake of Menlough led to the family becoming known as Blake-Forster.
- Grant of Land: The site and extensive possessions of the ancient Abbey of Knockmoy were granted by King James I to Valentine Blake in 1629, from whom the estate eventually passed to the Forster family through intermarriage.
The Abbeyknockmoy Abbey
The abbey itself is a Cistercian foundation, established circa 1190 by Cathal Croibhdhearg O’Conor, King of Connacht. It is known for its medieval frescoes and being the burial site of its founder. The ruins are now a protected heritage site managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW).
You can find more detailed genealogical and estate information on the University of Galway’s Landed Estates Database and historical details about the abbey on the Heritage Ireland website.
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