The Kilkenny 400

The year 2009 marked the 400th Anniversary of the granting to Kilkenny City of its main Charter confirming its City Status by King James 1.

To mark this important occasion, Kilkenny Local Authoritities in conjunction with a variety of agencies including the County Library organised a wide variety of events in the City throughout the year. Events are aimed at all ages , interests and tastes. The main areas covered were:

• Art, Design and Film
• Dance and Theatre
• Food and Culinary
• Literature, Heritage and Culture
• Music and Comedy

Details can be accessed at the Kilkenny 400 web-site.

King James 1

King James 1 of England, James V1 of Scotland

property of Kilkenny County Library

King James 1
property of Kilkenny County Library

King James 1

King James 1 of England, James V1 of Scotland

property of Kilkenny County Library

Enlarge image

Kilkenny 400 Emblem

Kilkenny 400 Emblem incorporating details of seal on the Charter of 2009

Copyright of Kilkenny Local Authorities

Kilkenny 400 Emblem
Copyright of Kilkenny Local Authorities

Kilkenny 400 Emblem

Kilkenny 400 Emblem incorporating details of seal on the Charter of 2009

Copyright of Kilkenny Local Authorities

Enlarge image

The Charter itself consists of five skins written in black ink in Latin. The Charter allowed the combining of the old city boroughs of Irishtown and Kilkenny together with the parishes of St. Canice's, St. Mary's, St. Patrick's and St. John's. This new entity was to be known as the County and City of Kilkenny as distinct from the County itself.

The City had a Mayor - Thomas Ley assisted by no less than six and no more than eighteen Aldermen. Two sheriffs were also appointed. The Mayor and citizens also were to appoint a town clerk who was known as clerk of the Tholsel.

The Charter allowed the City to hold three weekly markets on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Three annual fairs could also be held around the feasts of St. Canice, 11th October, St. Patrick, 17th March and St. John the Baptist, 24th June.