Charters of Edward VI

During the short reigns of Edward VI and his successor, Mary, and the beginning of the reign of Elizabeth, Galway, far distant from those scenes of turbulent fanaticism which disgraced these unhappy times, continued for a while to enjoy peace and tranquility; but it was, however, destined soon to experience its reverses, and, though so remotely situated, to feel its share of the concussion which shook and agitated the great body of the kingdom. The spirit of reformation, though it proceeded slowly, at length found its way to the hitherto peaceable abodes of the town, and marked for destruction the possessions of those who were consecrated to their religion and their God. Edward VI. in the third year of his reign, granted a charter of confirmation to, the town, but conferred no new privileges.x The collegiate church of St. Nicholas was soon afterwards seized into the king's hands; the catholic warden and vicars were dispossessed; and by letters patent, dated 29th April, 1551, the erection of the church into a collegiate, by the bull of Innocent VIII was declared void, but it was, at the same time, re-established by virtue of the king's power. as supreme head of the church. Patrick Kirwan, a layman, was appointed warden, eight vicars were nominated, and several other alterations took place, which were but introductory to more important changes.

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