The Registry of Deeds is located in Henrietta Street, Dublin, Ireland and is a repository of records of wills, land transactions in Ireland and other deeds from 1709. While most of the deeds registered prior to 1800 were related to the Protestant ascendency, Catholic occupiers are sometimes mentioned. The Registry of Deeds is a rich source of genealogical information. Very few of us can afford to spend the requisite amount of time in the Registry of Deeds in order to extract information, but the LDS Church microfilmed a great many of the deeds and I am deeply-indebted to Patrick Parkes, who laboriously read most of these films and extracted pertinent information.
As I write this research paper, I note that there is a new project – http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~registryofdeeds/ the home-page of which states “The purpose of this project is to index all of the names that appear in the memorial books at the registry of deeds”. This may, in years to come, provide a guide to even more genealogical information to assist us in our research.
The information, provided below, is a brief précis of the information extracted by Patrick (minus names of the numerous townlands, etc., that were exchanged) and is shown here to help us allocate persons to the various Park/e/s families
1634 Robert Parke, Sligo was administrator for intestacy of Burchenshan(m)e , Adam , Esq Dublin 26.02.1634
1635 Robert Parke buys Newtowne, the castle, town some land and 2 islands in October 1635
1639 Robert Parke created the Manor of Newtowne
1639 Robert Parke listed at Newtown with fair dates 18 Nov 1628 and 16 Jun 1639
1658 Robert Parke sells/leases Newtowne to various parties to the use of persons to be declared in his last will and testament.
1659 Roger Parke holds land in Barony of Carbry, Sligo
1660/1 Poll Money Ordinance: Appointment to execute enforcements: Roger Parke, Gent., Barony of Carbery,Drumcliffe, Co. Sligo. This could be Roger8, son of William4, although he would have been rather young at the time9~21 yrs) It is also possible that this was the original Roger Parke1 who married Alice Jones.
1663 Cornelius Parke owns a ruined cabin plus garden in Sligo town
1671 Birth of Robert Parke (? Genn3 – son of William Parke10?)
1679 Will of Robert Parke
1686 William Parke High Sherriff of Sligo (William10?)
1688 Intestacy of Robert Parke’s widow Anne
1699 Marriage licence Thomas Parke and Susan Wilson
1710 Will of William Parke, adjutant in Colonel Price’s regiment
1710 Roger Parke leased/released a property in bridge Street Sligo and other land in Lougharrow and Maheraboy.
1712 William of Castlecar grants land in Leitrim (Aghamor, Lantegart, Rahinduff) to William of Dunally. Witnessed by the latter’s sons Roger, Robert both of Dunally and Thomas of Slevanough in Leitrim (presumably, William of Castlecar’s son). So, in 1712, Roger and Robert were sons 1 and 2 of William Parke, Dunally.
1713 William Parke (Castlecar, Leitrim) leases Carrickdarvan, Sevanough, Drumons, Carrickary and Mulkaun in Leitrim to William Parke (Dunally, Sligo). Witnessed by Roger, Robert and Charles of Dunally and Thomas of Sevanough.
1713 William Parke (Castlecar) and wife Jeane settle lands on marriage of their son Edward (under 21 yrs of age) to Anne Atkinson.
1719/25 Memorial of Lease/Release 14/15 June 1725. Sworn at Quarterly Sessions in Sligo on 15 January 1741
A=William Parke, Dunally;B=Robert Parke, his 2nd son;C=Richard Gore and John Fontanier;D=Thomas Osborne
On 21 Sep 1719, A and B received 400stg from C intended to be a marriage settlement for Jean to B. John FontanierC was guardian of Jean De La Fausille. This probably means that her father was deceased and, probably, also means that John de la Fausille was Jean’s brother. A and B had, as part of the settlement, sold land to C that was available for the use of Robert and Jean and their first son and his first son or, in default (the first son died without issue) the same for his 2nd and subsequent sons.
In default the land was available to Charles Parke (brother to Robert) – upon Charles’ death land to revert to C in trust for other sons of WilliamA. Failing this, to revert to heirs of Robert Parke (Dunally) ..brother to WilliamA.
Deed also said that Robert ParkeB could, at any time during his life, make a charge of any sum he thought reasonable (not exceeding 400 stg.) for provisions to his 7 sons by Jean. ??does this mean he had 7 sons at that time (probably not) or does it allow for a maximum of 7 sons??
On 15 Jan 1741, Richard Gore (the only surviving trustee) signed the memorial in the presence of Francis Bill who said that they saw William and Robert (both now deceased) sign the deed and saw the other persons mentioned sign, seal and execute the deed.
Interesting notes about John Fontanier and John de la Fausille:
Rev. John Fontanier was a minister of Huguenot origin, who described himself as “rector of Sligo”. He petitioned for a military pension 9 December 1729, having for many years been a military chaplain in the regiments of Neville, Rich and Stanhope.
René de La Fausille of Anjou, who immigrated first to Switzerland and then to Holland, became a Captain of Grenadiers in LaCaillemotte’s infantry regiment. He was severely wounded at the Battle of the Boyne and, being unfit for further military service, was made Deputy Governor of the town of Sligo in 1702. René de La Fausille had property at Stephen Street, Sligo. In an undated petition to Queen Anne (1702 – 1714) he pleaded for a restoration of his military pension. He married Jane Feltman and had six children. His four daughters were Jeane, Ann, Mary and Susanna, who moved to Templeogue, Co. Dublin. One of his two sons, John, became Major-General and Colonel of the 66th Regiment. John died on board the H.M.S. Marlborough off Cuba in 1762.
1716 Francis Parke dies on 6th November
1720 Thomas Parke (Pasheendarragh, Drumcliffe, Sligo) demised, to Robert Hunter for 1 pound per annum, land formerly belonging to Elizabeth Parke for his sons John and Roger and also for Thomas Parke son of the late William (Dunally)
1721 15th February Deed between Thomas Parke, Baltinglass, Wicklow, chandler and Robert Parke, Baltinglass, Wicklow, Gent. On marriage of Robert to Mary Wilson in which Thomas Parke grants land in Holdingstown, Wicklow. Memorial registered on 22nd August 1772
1721/2 Will of Charles Parke, Magherycarny Cash, Sligo
1726 William Parke (Dunally) has ‘heir apparent’ Robert Parke – this implies that 1st son Roger is either deceased or ‘persona non grata’. They lease land to William’s next son, Charles Parke.
1726 Will of Roger Parke, Dunally (is this the son of William, above?)
1726 Will of John Parke, Ballagan, Louth
1726 William Parke (Dunally) leasing lands to son Charles (Shannon Eighter). Witnessed by William, son of William and brother to Charles.
1733 Will of Charles Park, Laugh, Donegal
1739 In Roscommon, 1739, Robert Parke (Cloonreeve) leases farm to his son Richard. Robert’s wife is Ellinor
1740 In this deed, William Parke (Dunally) receives 250 pounds fromWilliam Parke (Castlecar) for land granted to William (Drumond). This would appear to show that William(Drumonds) is son of William ((Castlecar)
1741 15th February 1741. Both Robert Parke(Rabraghan) and William Parke10 (Dunally) are deceased, but Sir Richard Gethin attests that he witnessed them signing a deed: William Parke sold land (“descended unto him from his ancestors and other Estate of Inheritance”) to Sir Richard Gore. William Parke can use the land – descending to son Robert Parke and failing male issue to his next son Charles, next son William. In default to Edward Parke (Corwillick, Sligo), in default to Francis Parke (Carrickdavan, Leitrim). Annuity to Isabella, the widow of his brother Roger.
1745/7 In Co. Clare in 1747-57 there are Arthur, James and Robert Parke
1750 31st January William Parke, Castlecar, Sligo leased lands to William Parke, Dromond
1751 William Parke (Castlecar) leases farm in Leitrim to son Samuel of Ballyshannon, Donegal. Witnessed by William Parke (Loghans)?brother/cousin of Samuel.
1752 Samuel Parke and brother Thomas Parke (both merchants of Ballyshannon) acquire land from William Connolly of Dublin as ‘tenants in common’ with a Deed of Survivorship. Witness attests(9th March 1753) that he saw Samuel sign the deed – so, perhaps, Samuel is deceased and Thomas is taking over whole lease??
1754 11th April Marriage Licence Robert Parkes (Barnstown, Wicklow)and Riquet Landy (Ballybritter, Queens Co.)
1754 Laurence Cotton attested that, on 10th march 1734, Robert Sandford signed the deed whereby, with certain remaining rights, Robert Parke took possession of Cloonreeve. Robert Parke’s wife is Ellinor and their children are Richard, Ellinor and Hanah.
1754 Memorial of Deed of Lease between William Parke of Castlecar and Patrick Cullen/Thomas Atkinson. The Deed of Release was between i) this William Parke ii) his brother Samuel and iii) Patrick Cullen/Thomas Atkinson. The memorial cites the marriage arrangement (dated 14th August 1735) between Capt. Edward Parke and the Revd. Edward Muns on the marriage, soon after, of this William and Jean Muns. Capt. Edward died before executing the settlement. On 18/19 December 1740, William and Jean transferred certain lands to Edmond Soden (Sligo), John Gooldsmith (Roscommon) and Revd. Muns in settlement of the deed. This William Parke of Castlecar had previously borrowed 690 pounds 7 shills. 4 pence against this land from William Parke of Dromond/Drummons (possibly, his uncle) and there were outstanding court cases in Chancery between William of Castlecar, Samuel Parke (2nd brother of William) and others involved in the marriage settlement. William Parke of Drumond demanded payment or he would institute proceedings. William Parke of Castlecar could not pay this debt, so he borrowed from Samuel Parke and re-leased the lands to Cullen/Atkinson. It appears that Jean (William’s wife) may have been dead or divorced, because the terms to Cullen/Atkinson say what he (William) can do if he finds a wife who can bring a dowry – various actions, depending on the value of that dowry. If this doesn’t happen, then Samuel obtains the land. If the latter has no sons, then his brother Thomas (3rd brother of William) obtains the lands. The release of this memorial is witnessed by William Boyde (Sligo) and John Wolverstone (Dublin). Note* – 690 pounds in 1740 would be roughly equivalent to 80,000 pounds in 2013.
1754 Memorial sworn before Francis Bill appointed by Commission out of his Majesty’s High Court of Chancery in Ireland. William Parke (Loghans, Leitrim) on 12th September 1754, leases a farm, corn mill and house at Shannon in Sligo to John Mitchell, wheelwright. Witnessed by Thomas Parke of Shannon.
1755 Will of Hugh Park, Ballagar, Louth
1757 1st April – The debt from Memorial #114607 – PARKE to CULLEN, whereby Samuel paid debts of his brother William (Castlecar) to William (Drumond), which is fully discharged by transfer of land to Samuel. Witnessed by Roger (Drumond) – most probably the son of William (Drumond).
1757 8th April – in Sligo, William Parke (Castlecar) on payment of 500 pounds from Samuel Parke (plus 830 pounds owing to William of Drumonds and extinguishment of 190 pound debt to Samuel) surrenders land to Samuel. Witnessed by Roger and Edward Parke (where do these two fit into the family – are they from the Dunally branch?)
1758 Obituary of William Parke, at Drummonds, near Sligo, Feb 1758
1758 Will of William Parke, Drummons, Leitrim
1759 There is an Edward Parke alive in Leitrim, Dromahaire
1759 Lucinda Parke marries Robert Duke?
1765 Indenture James Parks, Mucklagh, Louth
1765 Indenture John Parks, Ballagan, Louth
1766 Intestacy of Robert Parke (son Thomas Parke)
1776 Deed of Partition 18 June 1776 Thomas Parke senior to Thomas Clarke and Ann (nee Parke) Thomas’s daughter. Witnessed by Samuel
1780 Samuel Parke, on 22nd March 1780, leased house and land in Cloonree to Robert Roper, junior, and James Walker, apothecaries. Is Samuel a Brother or Father to Philip Parkes?
1783 Late Edward Parke (Leitrim) gave a 100-year lease to his brother Francis Parke. Francis died 6th November 1761. On 29 September 1783, Edward Parke jnr. (Lurganboy, Leitrim), his son William and Roger Parke (Dunally, Sligo) agreed that Roger would re-lease the land from them for 20 pounds per annum.
1785 27th July Samuel Parke, son of Thomas Parke of Stewartstown, Tyrone, William Parke of Donarisk and Robert Holmes of Bray, Tyrone make void a marriage of a 15 years old minor which was set up by Charles McReynolds and Jane Elliott and appears to, possibly, involve Samuel Parke. To avoid ‘further litigation’ conditions and amounts were listed to solemnise the marriage.
1788 10th August in Louth, Hugh Park/e/s assigns to wife Rebecca (nee Long, should she out-live him, his estate as long as she remains single. When she dies all to go to any children they may have. Hugh Park = Rebecca Long
1789 Interesting memorial/deed, dated 1789. The Robert Roper, apothecary, who leased land in Cloonree from Samuel Parke 1780 (Mem # 236733) now buys from or leases to John Roper of Cork, whose wife is Mary (nee Parke) a house in Castlereagh. Could this be his son and daughter-in-law?
1790 Philip Parkes (Woodberry, Roscommon) and his wife Maria (nee Kelly) demise unto their only daughter Lettica Parkesthe lands of Woodberry, Barony of Athlone, Roscommon. Theophilus Parkes (their eldest son) will pay her 150 pounds ren;, if the latter has no heirs then the next son of Philip and Maria, Lewis Griffith Michael Parkes, will rent the land – all to occur after death of the parents.7th September 1790
1793 April/May Ann King (nee Park), Drogheda, widow of Gilbert King, Charlestown, Roscommon. Said Anne King was legally entitled to land (in Carrowmore, Carbury, Sligo) leased in 1734 to Eubal Ormsby. She agreed to sell this to James King. Mentioned are Thomas LD of Southell/will, Edward King, lawyer, Dublin and John King 2nd son of James King, Dublin.
1794 27th March Samuel Park of Stewartstown, Tyrone leases to Samuel Weir (and his wife Elias, nee Park). Also mentioned are Robert Park, son to Samuel, and David Park.
1794 2nd May in this memorial, we learn that Samuel Park’s wife is called Jane and he has a son Robert.
1797 19th April , sworn on 23 April 1806 Marriage settlement between Roger Parke, Dunally, and Robert Duke, Branchfield, on marriage of Anne Parke(only daughter)(obviously, a younger daughter was born since 11797) and Roger Duke. Other parties are Andrew Parke, Sligo, Alexander Duke (Capt. In HM Regiment of Foot), Revd. Philip Percival, Temple, Sligo and Arthur Tusier, Willybrook, Sligo. Witnesses are Rev. Stephen Radcliffe, Lieut. William Parke, John Parke and Robert Weir.
1801 10th December Elizabeth Parke, widow, and John Parke and Alexander Charles Parke (sons of Elizabeth and late Andrew), all of Ballymote, Leitrim, lease land and tenements in Ballyclare from trustees George Augustus, Marquis of Donegal and Dashwood Gothers Parke.
1804 31st August Theophilus Parke and son Richard sell land in Tybolin, Boyle, Roscommon.to Edmond Kelly 1805 15th June Elizabeth Parke, Sligo widow of Andrew Parke and Roger Parke, Dunally, and Robert King Duke sell lands to John Weir for 1,000 pounds.
1805 In August 1805, Jason Parke and Jason Parke jnr. witnessed a memorial to a deed attested in April 1805 between Charles Parke (of Differin on the Sligo/Leitrim border) whose wife was Mary (nee Hamilton) and Andrew Hume + William Hamilton, whereby Charles released land to them that he (Charles) had originally leased from Lord Leitrim (of Dublin). 
1806 Will Andrew Parke, Sligo other names: Povey
1809 29th May, Luke McDermott and wife Anne (nee Parke) sell property in Roscommon to Edmund Kelly, apothecary. Witness Robert Roper.
1810 20th April Theophilus Parkes, Castlerea, Roscommon leases land to Peter Dillon. Witnessed by Richard Parke
Theophilus Parke =
1810 Parke – while serving with his regiment in Portugal as Lieut. Parke of the Royals, son of Col. Parke of Dunally, Sligo, Jun 1810
1819 Will of Roger Parke (Dunally) proved in Prerogative Court. Wife Alicia, sons William, Roger, Jemmett, Charles, John, Henry. Various others – mentioned in will was Mrs Eliza Parke of Sligo Town (an ancestor?) Thomas Parke (his father?) Will witnessed by Louisa Elizabeth Parke who would appear to be his son William’s wife.
Nowhere in this will is there mention of a military title – and he is NOT the Lt Colonel Parke (who enlisted as an ensign on 30th June 1795 into the 113th Foot Regimen. If he were the Roger who died in 1819 he would have been about 75 at enlistment – clearly not possible. Other sources tell us that Lt Colonel Roger was the son of Captain Andrew Parke.
1832 Laurence P Parke (solicitor, Dublin) receives land in Roscommon (and Leitrim?), in extinguishment of debt, from George Taafe and then on-sells to David Cullen(Upper Dominic Street, Dublin)24th May 1832. This David Cullen (or his son David Cullen) was married (1812) to Mary Parke, eldest daughter of John Parke, Castlecar, Leitri. This indicates that Laurence P Parke was related to John Parke.
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