The numismatic chronicle and journal of the Royal Numismatic Society

HAVE WE NO IRISH COINS OF EDWARD VI.? 51
before. Sentleger appears to have resumed it with good
intentions, as far as the mint was concerned for " the
mynes to be wrought and tJie mint continued," were among
his " remembrances fore Ireland." These mines were
silver mines at Clonmines, Co. Wexford, and became as
vexatious to all concerned in working them as ever mines
were. The Lord Deputy's first step was to send to
Derbyshire for " miners and smelters," with a view of
trying what ore might be got out of them. This was in
September, 1550. Early in the following year, February,
1551, we find him, like his predecessor, urging that
" he is restrained from receipt of money out of the mint
in Ireland ;
" but there is nothing even as yet to show
that he is speaking of money actually coined there. His
first remonstrance is quickly followed by another (March) :
" he has been ordered to prepare to furnish Cork and
Kinsale, and yet he is restrained from having money from
the mint." Again, in May, a third, signed by part of the
Council as well as the Lord Deputy, notifies " the arrival
of 1,000 soldiers from Bristol and 120 pioneers, but they
are much distressed for money to "
pay them," the
Master is so destitute of bullyon that he has not where-
withal to pay his ordinary charges ;
"
that, " though
there be here presently an honest substance of woore (ore)
drawen in the mynes, which we think wolde make a good
masse of bullyon, yet forasmuch as we be not authorized
for the assay thereof we forbeare to put in use, otherwise
than the labouring for more woore." The much desired
relief is, however, obtained from England. Three months
previously, that is to say in February, there was a report
from Martin Pirri, detailing to the Privy Council the
particulars of his journey from Holyhead to Dublin, in
conveying bullion and treasure; together with a state-