This challenge is set forth by No Story Too Small, and this week’s theme is “Luck of the Irish.”
The early 1500s in Ireland was characterized as “His Majesty’s Irish enemies.” The Irish were repressed by England, yet they managed to maintain their own language, social system, customs, and laws. Undoubtedly, life was hard five hundred years ago as many Irish lived off the land, mostly as shepherds, but if you love the land as much as I do, you might find this the luckiest of lifestyles.
Most of my ancestors hail from England, but there are a few from Ireland. One is my 14th great grandfather, Thomas Weldon, or Veldon as it was originally known. My 4th great grandpa, Jeremiah Crane, married Mary Polly Weldon who was born in Georgia. Her family came from Delaware, via Massachusetts in the early 1600s, and England in the 1500s. The Veldons originally came to Ireland with the Anglo-Normans in the 12th century and settled in “The Pale” which includes the County of Meath, just north of Dublin. Thomas was born in 1480 in Meath and died there at the age of 73 in 1553. I think that’s a considerable age considering the times. Even though his life was undeniably hard, imagine the sites, smells, and sounds he was surrounded by every single day of his life. Below are a few photos of the area as it looks today. I say Thomas Weldon was lucky indeed.
Lori Crane 
I live just below Meath in Co Dublin and can attest 1st hand it would be a nice place to be a shepherd, especially when the weather is kind.
Lori
When I saw the theme for Week #11 I thought I had nothing to contribute insofar as Irish ancestors, but after seeing the beautiful pictures you posted I think I do thanks for the inspiration. Your lucky as well to be able to trace back that many generations.
It was a tough one. The only Irish ancestor I know pretty well was already written about, so this was the best I could do. I look forward to reading yours.
Happy St Patrick’s day. I read with interest your story of Thomas Weldon otherwise Veldon. I wonder how you found out about him? I am tracing the Veldon line in Co. Meath myself, concentrating on the senior line which remained gentry right up to the 19th century through the vicissitudes of many centuries in Ireland. This line was at Gravelmount, near Castletown Kilparick and Drakestown, Co. Meath. It was also called Knock (Knogh), Knocks, or Knockagh, though they were originally of Raffin (Raffine, Rafine, Raf(f)yn(e), Raphin(e), Rathfine). Would your Thomas (d. 1553) have been the head of that family at one time? I have a chap of the same name and death year. All the best, Richard (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada)
Hi Richard, I’ll have to check my records on my conputer when I return home. I’m out of the country for a few months. But Knock and Raffin does sound familiar. I’ll get back with you.
Hi Lori, Thanks for your quick response. I’ll look forward to hearing back from you in due course. Meanwhile enjoy your travels. Richard:)