Killua Castle
Clonmellon Co. Westmeath

Killua Castle
Sir Walter Raleigh once domiciled in the Castle County Westmeath, currently under renovation

Sir Walter Raleigh Commemoration Obelisk
Erected by Thoman Chapman Bar, A.D. 1810

Sir Walter G. Raleigh Plaque,
Erected by Thoman Chapman Bar, A.D. 1810
The "G" is prpbably vandalism

Killua Castle,^[1] and the nearby Raleigh Obelisk, are situated near Clonmellon town, in north County Westmeath. The castle and the obelisk are separated by some 200 m to 300m, and belonged to the Chapman family more than two centuries ago, beginning with Captain Benjamin Chapman, patriarch of the Chapman Baronets of Killua Castle. From here, the Chapmans administered the surrounding farm lands of some 9,000 acres (36 km²) during the penal law period on behalf of the English crown.

[edit] Raleigh Obelisk

The obelisk marks the position where Sir Walter Raleigh planted some of the first potatoes that he imported to Ireland.^[2] Antoine Parmentier who promoted the cultivation of potatoes for human consumption and the Spanish conquistadores who first imported them from South America along the south and west Irish coast are also associated with Irish potato promotion.^{[citation needed]} However, it is uncertain who is initially responsible of the first potato plantation in Ireland, even though Raleigh is frequently credited with this milestone in Irish history. The obelisk erected by Sir Thomas Chapman in 1810, marks the Raleigh contribution to Ireland in providing stable nourishment to the farming/working class land tenants.

Sir Thomas Chapman, Baronet, in the year 1810 is believed to have sited the Obelisk upon the ground where Sir Walter Raleigh first planted the potato tubers in Ireland.^{[citation needed]}

The inscription on the obelisk currently reads "Sir Walter G. Raleigh," but there is no other evidence that Raliegh had a middle name, and the "G" appears to be vandalism added after the original inscription.

[edit] Restoration

The castle is currently being restored by Brouder, of Athea, Limerick, Ireland. Founder, Cornelius J. Brouder, II is also the father of Irish American notables Christina Brouder and Corina Brouder.

[edit] Other Westmeath Castles

• Ballinlough Castle
• Delvin Castle
• Knockdrin Castle
• Tullynally Castle
• Tyrrellspass Castle

[edit] See also

• Sir Thomas Chapman, 7th Baronet

[edit] External links

• clonmellon.com
• Locals sign petition for Clonmellon name change
• Killua Castle before renovation

[edit] References

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