Tullykelter Castle
| Tullykelter Castle | |
|
Fermanagh | |
|---|---|
| Type: | Plantation castle |
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | H15514826 |
| Location: | 54°22’58"N, 7°45’43"W |
| History | |
| Built 1616 | |
| Information | |
| Condition: | Overgrown ruins |
Tullykelter Castle is a castle in Fermanagh, on a hilltop about a mile south-west of Monea Castle. It takes its name from the townland, Tullykelter, which is from the Irish Tulaigh Chealtchair.
In 1616 Archbishop Malcolm Hamilton, of Monea Castle, granted land for the castle to James Somerville, and his wife Elizabeth (who is understood to have been the daughter of Thomas Hamilton of Brimhill). The Somervilles had a daughter who married the Archbishop's third son; Captain John Hamilton.[1]
Structure
Tullykelter Castle now lies in ruins with heavy overgrowth which makes inspection very difficult. Has two main floors 60 by 20 feet on the inside.[2]
James and Elizabeth (Hamilton) Somerville
James Somerville came to Ulster from Cambusnethan in Ayrshire. James and Elizabeth, by leasing land to native Irishmen, broke the agreements as to land ownership which were made part of the Plantation settlement, and for this the land which they held on lease was forfeit.
James and Elizabeth are recorded as having duly taken the Oath of Supremacy, but a lessee named Daniel Elliot who was given the position of caulter (purchaser-accountant), did not take the Oath of Allegiance for his position of caulter.