Nothing less, perhaps, than the strong language used by the Privy
Council could make us fully aware of what we are spared of unpleasant
sights and rencontres by a good poor-law. In those days, the wretched
and the insane went freely about the highways and thoroughfares, a
constant source of annoyance, disgust, and even terror. Only we of our
day who saw Ireland before 1840 can form any idea of what the country
was in this respect in the seventeenth century.
The Privy Council this day ordained that there should be a school in
every parish in the kingdom, for the advancement of the true religion,
and the training of children ‘in civility, godliness, knowledge,
and learning.’ The school was in each case to be established, and
a fit person appointed to teach the same, upon the expenses of the
parishioners, at the sight and advice of the bishop of the diocese.
Another act on the same day ordained regular catechising of children,
and their being brought before the bishop for confirmation, under
considerable penalties.
The above order for the plantation of schools was not vigorously
carried out, and in 1626, King Charles I. is found making an effort to
remedy the defect.[363]
* * * * *
[Sidenote: 1617.