PERENHIRLEGAST

This name is generally supposed to be synonymous with Prendergast, which family, soon after the Conquest, held possessions in the county of Pembroke, and at Akild, in Northumberland, which last estate its owners forfeited in 1327, by their adherence to the Scottish party. Maurice, Lord of Prendergast, near Pembroke, was one of the most eminent of Strongbow's companions in the conquest of Ireland.

Although, by Henry the Second's orders he returned to England in 1175, and carried thence the rebellious Rohert, Earl of Essex, captive into Normandy, yet, in 1177, he again landed in Ireland, and in that country his descendants have ever since remained. One branch held Ferns and Enniscorthy, with the Garteens and other large estates in Wexford, forfeited in 1641. The elder line held Newcastle Prendergast, in Tipperary, from the conquest of Ireland, until the death of Thomas Prendergast, at the beginning of the 17th century. He had married, Eleanor, sister to Walter, eleventh Earl of Ormonde, and aunt of the celebrated Duke of Ormonde. His children were deprived of their vast possessions by Cromwell, which were restored to them by a Decree of Innocency in 1660, to be again lost in 1689.

The present Viscount Gort, who uses the additional surname of Prendergast, is heir general of this ancient family, whilst the male still flourishes in the persons of the gallant Major General Sir Jeffrey Prendergast, and Thomas G. Prendergast, of Johnstown Park, in Tip. perary, Esq.

--(This name appears on the Battle Abbey Roll).