What tales do these old boundaries hold? The Ratoath Registrars District 1885 once stood as a vital administrative area. It shaped the lives of many in County Meath.
Ratoath is a village steeped in history. It was once known as Rathtotoath. The name came from a mount near the church. Malachy, the first monarch of all Ireland, supposedly held a convention there.
In the reign of Henry VI, Ratoath gained importance. It was classed among the borough towns of Meath. It even lent its name to the hundred in which it was situated. Ratoath had an abbey dedicated to St. Mary Magdalene. It sent members to the Irish parliament until the Union. Then, the borough was disfranchised.
The Ratoath parish united with others in 1682. These included Greenoge, Killegland, Cookstown and Donaghmore. Bishop Lewis O’Beirne noted issues with non-resident clergymen. He mentioned a Rector of Ratoath concealing his English residence.
The Ratoath church was built in 1817. The Glebe House was erected in 1813. There has been no resident vicar in Ratoath since 1920. Services stopped in 1958. The church building was dismantled in 1964. Only the belfry remained as a landmark.
The barony of Ratoath was formed around 1196. It might have been the first barony in Ireland. Walter de Lacy granted “the whole land of Rathtowth” to his younger brother, Hugh. This created the subdivision of County Meath named the Barony of Ratoath.
Hugh de Lacy likely built the large moat near the Catholic Church. The summit offered a view of most of the barony. It had features of a typical Norman fort. Normans established courts to keep peace. Ratoath was well inside Norman territory.
Ratoath village was chartered for fairs and markets. It had a “portreeve” or local magistrate. Courts were held here. The Manor House hosted manorial courts until 1830. Today, it is a Nursing Home.
Ratoath’s prominence isn’t new. The village has seen significant growth. Between 1996 and 2006, its population grew by 683%. It recorded 3,064 and 7,249 residents, respectively. Now, the population stands at around 8,800.
Many businesses have operated in Ratoath for a long time. Tony’s Butchers and Katy’s takeaway are examples. They have remained at the same site since their founding.
Ratoath, a place of ancient gatherings and Norman strongholds, continues to evolve. It has grown from a small village to a thriving community. The Ratoath Registrars District 1885 is a testament to its rich history. The stories of its people echo through the ages.